Happiness of the Commons

Epizode

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  Episode 9: When your city's infrastructure fails you. 31.08.2026 26min

  Alanna shares her story of a biking accident that flipped her summer upside down. She shares what happened, how she has leaned on her community, and a few infrastructure considerations to improve safe transportationReferencesWhat is 5A?What are Bird and Lime Scooters
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  Episode 8: Is Introversion a Scapegoat? 03.08.2026 30min

  In this solo episode, Katie explores the ways the term "Introvert" gets scapegoated as a way to excuse the habit of declining invites and staying home for the sake of ease and comfort. She brings in her Psychology lens, with discussions about habit formation, social anxiety, avoidance, and the benefits of showing up.ReferencesChristabel Mintah-Galloway https://www.instagram.com/p/DZX6InHGoYA/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
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  Episode 7: Community for Teens and Parents of Teens 13.07.2026 58min

  Alanna and Katie chat about community building for teens. They chat about the benefits of volunteering for teens, opportunities like youth groups and guides, and how adults can be positive mentors to teens.ReferencesSurvey published in 2020The Anxious GenerationWait until 8thMusic produced by Mason Jay
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  Episode 6: Community for School-Aged Kids and their Parents 29.06.2026 49min

  Alanna and Katie chat about safetyism, some of the potential reasons "kids don't go outside anymore", and explore the benefits of fostering independence so kids can forge their own community spaces.Music produced by Mason Jay
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  Episode 5: Community in the Postpartum Period 15.06.2026 55min

  Have you ever thought about where you go for support first? Is it your real life network, or is it your online network?In this episode we explore the ways support is needed in the postpartum period, the way our culture tells us to seek expertise over community care, and chat about the concept of "paying for the village".Mentions @thisfamilytree@kidswhoexplore Music by Mason Jay
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  Episode 4: The Sidewalk Ballet & Fostering Community in the Suburbs 01.06.2026 23min

  Katie and Alanna explore the concept of "The Sidewalk Ballet" in neighbourhoods like Brooklyn, NY and the very famous neighbourhood of their dreams: Sesame Street.They explore building community in the suburbs, and share some creators to check out to learn more on this topic.99% Invisible U is for Urbanism episodeMusic Produced by Mason Jay
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  Episode 3: The Impact of Housing on Community 18.05.2026 32min

  In this episode, Alanna and Katie discuss how housing structures impact community. Using Katie’s recent move and Calgary’s contentious rezoning public hearing, they explore how car dependency adds major hidden costs, limits access to schools, groceries, coffee shops, and transit, and contributes to loneliness. They connect housing to transit investment, safety for kids, and walkable design, and highlight testimony from seniors and disability advocates who want to downsize or access care without losing the community connections they have in their neighborhoods.Link to Alanna's presentation at council.Link to Stephanie's (disability advocate) presentation at council hearing on repealing rezoning for housing.Loneliness Health Impactshttps://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5831910/Music produced by Mason Jay
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  Episode 2: Exploring Community Leadership 04.05.2026 56min

  What do community leaders look like? What do they do for us? How can we support them?Katie and Alanna explore these questions and more in this episode. They discuss community builders, activists, artists, and disability advocates as a few examples, and discuss practical ways we can all support leaders who make things happen.Music Produced by Mason Jay
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  Episode 1: The Antithesis of Tragedy of the Commons 20.04.2026 50min

  Alanna and Katie explore some ways you can build community and be in networks of support. They explore the difference between friendships and community, and touch on a few systemic factors that either foster or limit community connection.Instagram@HappyCommonsPodTragedy of the commons https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tragedy_of_the_commonsMicro interactions https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/micro-relationships-and-talking-to-strangers-1.7636486The little book of Lykkehttps://www.indigo.ca/en-ca/the-little-book-of-lykke-the-danish-search-for-the-worlds-happiest-people/9780735234895.htmlhttps://calgary.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S95C1176428Katie's Quiche recipe1 frozen pie shell4 large eggs3/4 cup (120ml) milk or cream1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper1 cup shredded or crumbled cheese (feta or cheddar are my go-tos)up to 2 cups veggies or protein (spinach, tomato, broccoli, asparagus, ham, green onion, bacon etc)Fill the pie shell with your add-ins and cheese. Mix the egg and milk in a bowl, and pour into the pie shell until full. Give it a gentle stir to mix in the shell. Bake at 350 for 45 minutes - check that the centre is set. Fits perfectly in a freezer bag to freeze for a friend - make 2 at a time for maximum sharing potential!Music produced by Mason Jay
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  Introduction: The Inconvenience of Community 06.04.2026 25min

  Who are we and what do we care about? In this intro, we give a peek into these questions and explore some of the topics we want to dive into deeper in future episodes. Parenting, the inconvenience of community, connecting with neighbours, and some of the health benefits of community are addressed.Instagram@HappyCommonsPod---The Power of Connection | Alzheimer Society of Ontario https://share.google/1IZEaq87hCKt7vsjrMusic produced by Mason JayMentioned in this episode:Music Produced by Mason Jay
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  Trailer: Introducing, Happiness of the Commons 02.04.2026

  Katie McLean, Registered Provisional Psychologist and Alanna deBoer, Urban development nerd explore the intersections between psychology, well-being, and our built environments, and how community touches every aspect of our lives.Instagram: @HappyCommonsPod