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/

In this episode of Conversations with Neighbours, host Myles Doak sits down with Dr. Sabrina Crossley from Align Health Centre to talk about family-focused chiropractic care.

As a Webster Certified practitioner, Dr. Crossley specializes in supporting patients through every stage of life, from newborns and growing children to expectant mothers and adults. The conversation explores the importance of spinal health, early care, and how alignment can support overall wellness for the entire family.

Dr. Crossley shares her approach to caring for “tiny spines, growing bellies, and everything in between,” offering insight into how chiropractic care can help families stay healthy, active, and aligned at every stage.

In this episode of Conversations with Neighbours, host Myles Doak sits down with Brittany Steptoe Wright, Founder & Principal of BSW Design and COO of Steptoe Carpentry.

With over 15 years in the construction industry and nearly a decade in design, Brittany shares her approach to creating thoughtfully crafted, timeless spaces rooted in quality, functionality, and lasting value. Her work focuses on building “legacy homes”: spaces designed to stand the test of time both structurally and aesthetically.

Drawing inspiration from the English countryside and the world of equestrian sport, Brittany brings a unique perspective to design, emphasizing the importance of how people live within and experience their homes. The conversation explores sustainability, intentional design choices, and the balance between beauty and practicality.

Serving clients across Toronto, King, Ontario, Newmarket, Aurora, Caledon, Ontario, Collingwood, Georgian Bay, and Muskoka, with select projects in the U.S. and U.K., Brittany works with clients who value refined design and trust a proven, seamless process from concept to completion.

In this episode of Ancestral Voices: We Belong, host Kim Wheatley sits down with acclaimed Canadian singer-songwriter Julian Taylor to explore a remarkable musical journey spanning more than 25 years.

From his early days co-founding the alt-rock band Staggered Crossing, to the genre-blending success of the Julian Taylor Band, and now his celebrated work as a solo artist, Taylor reflects on the experiences that shaped his career and creative voice. He shares stories of navigating the music industry, embracing a do-it-yourself spirit, and ultimately reclaiming ownership of his catalogue and legacy.

The conversation also dives into the inspiration behind Taylor’s critically acclaimed solo albums, including The Ridge and Beyond the Reservoir, which earned widespread recognition and award nominations including the Juno Awards, Canadian Folk Music Awards, and the Polaris Music Prize.

Growing up in Toronto surrounded by soul, hip-hop, blues, and alternative rock, Taylor developed a sound that blends roots, folk, and Americana with deeply personal storytelling. In this thoughtful conversation, he reflects on resilience, identity, and the power of music to connect people and communities.

Through honesty, warmth, and decades of artistic growth, Julian Taylor continues to create music that resonates across generations — opening doors for others while staying true to his own voice.


Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/juliantaylormusic/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juliantaylormusic/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCmfxzMZkp5SfsQ5_PqPUlSA

Host Myles Doak sits down with Caroline Mulroney, MPP for York–Simcoe and Ontario’s President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Francophone Affairs.

In this special episode marking International Women’s Day, Mulroney discusses the importance of women’s empowerment, leadership, and creating opportunities for women in politics, business, and communities across Ontario.

The conversation explores the progress that has been made toward gender equality, the challenges that remain, and how individuals and communities can help support and uplift the next generation of women leaders.

Mulroney also shares her personal perspective on leadership, public service, and the importance of encouraging women to step forward, speak up, and pursue opportunities to make a difference.

Host Myles Doak sits down with Marco Di Girolamo, Canadian rugby standout, community builder, and Aurora Sports Hall of Fame inductee, for a powerful conversation about sport, perseverance, and legacy.

From discovering rugby in high school to representing Canada on the world stage, Marco shares the journey that took him from local fields to international competition, including the Rugby World Cup, Commonwealth Games, and World Sevens Series. Named Canada’s Player of the Year and a longtime captain of the National Sevens team, Marco reflects on the dedication, resilience, and passion required to compete at the highest level.

Beyond international success, Marco also talks about helping grow rugby right here in Aurora, building a strong local program and giving back to the community that became his home.

A story of commitment, leadership, and hometown pride.

Listen now and join the conversation.