In this episode of Conversations with Neighbours, host Myles Doak sits down with Mike Smith, co-founder of the Newmarket/Aurora chapter of 100 Men Who Give a Damn!.

Launched in 2016, the group brings men together on a quarterly basis to support local charities through a simple but powerful model, giving back with minimal time commitment and maximum impact. Since its inception, the organization has raised thousands of dollars for community initiatives across Newmarket and Aurora.

Mike shares how the idea came to life, the impact it has had on local organizations, and why community-driven giving continues to matter. The conversation highlights how small commitments can lead to meaningful change, and how anyone can play a role in strengthening their community.

In this episode of Conversations with Neighbours, host Myles Doak sits down with Umair Malik, owner of Equation Hub, a math tutoring centre dedicated to helping students build confidence and succeed.

Umair shares his approach to teaching math in a way that’s clear, engaging, and tailored to each student’s needs. The conversation explores the importance of strong foundational skills, overcoming math anxiety, and how the right support can change a student’s entire academic trajectory.

Focused on students in Aurora and surrounding communities, Equation Hub is helping young learners not only improve their grades, but develop lasting confidence in their abilities.

In this episode of Ancestral Voices: We Belong, host Kim Wheatley sits down with Jesse Wente, a storyteller, broadcaster, and longtime advocate for Indigenous rights.

Born and raised in Toronto, Jesse shares his journey as a writer and speaker, and reflects on his identity as a member of the Serpent River First Nation and Bear Clan. With family roots in Chicago and Genaabaajing Anishinaabek, his perspective is grounded in both community and lived experience.

The conversation explores the power of storytelling, representation in media, and the role of Indigenous voices in shaping culture and understanding. Drawing from his work with CBC, Jesse speaks to the importance of advocacy, truth, and creating space for authentic narratives.

Through insight and reflection, this episode highlights how storytelling can connect generations, preserve culture, and help us better understand what it truly means to belong.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jesse.wente/