People Of Durham

Avsnitt

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  People of Durham #47 - DeMario Knowles: Poet, Speaker, Pre-Med Student 15.09.2026 1h 9min

  **People of Durham #47 – DeMario Knowles, Poet, Speaker, Pre-Med Student**DeMario Knowles was born and raised in Durham. Sinclair Secondary. Student trustee at the Durham District School Board. Now premed at U of T Scarborough, aiming at psychiatry.He was bullied for his voice. COVID took the last two years of high school online. A Bell Let’s Talk poem on Instagram reached Pakistan, Uganda, Afghanistan. A stranger said it saved her life. Then came Frenchman’s Bay Public School, more stages, a mentor in Durham, a tour that includes Newfoundland, and a book he has already decided to finish.This conversation is poems, perfect pitch, ADHD told out loud, and the line he lives by: a rough start does not mean a rough finish.---00:00 🎙️ Mic check, DJI Mic 2, and why audio is not just for media people 05:00 ✨ Ikigai, and DeMario takes the floor 06:23 📖 Voice, Super Mario, Sinclair, and two years of virtual school 13:04 ✍️ Dax, A Teen Perspective, and a poem he did not want to write 18:02 🌍 Messages from around the world, and one DM from Pakistan 21:01 🎤 Frenchman’s Bay, and learning to reframe the room 24:42 🏫 Student trustee, from a laptop 26:40 🎓 Scarborough, Sam Dema, and staying rooted in Durham 29:46 🎼 Second tour, perfect pitch, poetry into music 32:48 🤝 Change your thoughts, change the world 38:52 🚀 Tour, book, ADHD, depression, anxiety, said plainly 44:24 🎵 Logic Pro by hand, and a careful word on AI 50:04 🌱 Close the door, dim the light, write how it feels 57:55 🧠 Frisson, memory, and what every person can unlock 01:00:16 💛 How you made people feel 01:06:23 🌟 Embrace the unfamiliar 01:08:30 🤗 Bestie Pascal, Bestie DeMario ---Watch or listen on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Instagram: @de_marioknowles
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  People of Durham #46 - Cindy Davis, CEO Lakeridge Health 14.09.2026 44min

  **People of Durham – Cindy Davis, President and CEO of Lakeridge Health**Cindy Davis started as a nurse in a small Newfoundland community, worked in Nova Scotia and the United States, spent 13 years in Ontario, then walked into Lakeridge Health in January 2021, in the middle of COVID. She now leads about 9,000 staff, physicians, and volunteers across hospitals, long-term care, a standalone surgical centre, and more than 30 community sites.This conversation is the 2026 to 2031 strategic plan: a region whose population is expected to double, equity that is not a side project, technology only when it improves care, four foundations that buy the equipment government does not, and a master plan that includes Bowmanville, a post-acute centre in North Pickering, and a new hospital on the Whitby–Ajax–Pickering line.She also rides a dirt bike when she can get to the trails.---00:00 🎙️ Welcome, 9,000 people, and a nurse from Newfoundland 00:38 👩‍⚕️ Nursing school to Ontario to Lakeridge 02:34 😷 January 2021, virtual rooms, and a common cause 05:24 📈 Why a plan now: growth, diversity, aging, chronic disease 07:32 🏥 More than a hospital: sites, primary care, one system 09:34 🤝 The board took the plan to the community 11:15 ⚖️ Equity is not a project 17:01 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Culture: hire them, keep them, care stays in Durham 19:23 💡 Innovation only if it makes care better 22:20 💰 Operations from government. Equipment from the four foundations. 25:45 🎓 Ontario Tech, Durham College, Trent, and a Queen’s family-medicine MD 32:51 🗺️ Master plan: Bowmanville, North Pickering, Whitby Hospital 36:36 🏍️ Dirt bikes, Uxbridge trails, and a quiet road 39:59 💖 Anything is possible. Keep the values. 42:07 🌐 Website, social, work, volunteer, donate ---Watch or listen on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
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  People of Durham #45 - Ashmeed Khan, Ajax Mayoral Candidate 12.09.2026 1h 12min

  **People of Durham – Ashmeed Khan, Ajax Mayoral Candidate**Ashmeed Khan came to Canada in 2000 with young kids, looked past Markham and Scarborough, and bought a house in Nottingham because Ajax still felt like a small town. He spent four years hunting for a business, then bought Minuteman Press, went to Long Island, learned he was the salesman not the pressman, and was the only one of 14 classmates still standing.Door-knocking built the shop, the Board of Trade, cricket in Ajax, and Men Too Matter, now a registered charity. He chaired the 2021 budget, pushed on the 412 and 418 tolls, and is running for mayor on a two-year tax freeze and a review of what the town actually needs.This conversation is origin story, ink, brothers in the sauna, and why he still answers the same phone number.---00:00 🎙️ Welcome 00:07 ☕ Coffee, creatine, and showing up 02:21 🇨🇦 Canada in 2000, five kids, Nottingham 06:20 🖨️ Ink, paper, and Minuteman Press 12:48 🚪 Fourteen classmates. He was the one who kept knocking. 15:38 🫂 Men Too Matter, and why three of four suicides are men 26:01 🤝 Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade 30:18 🏏 Cricket, fields, and a sport that builds a town 34:47 🏛️ Running for mayor, on the ground 39:12 🛣️ 412 and 418, tolls off 44:09 🗣️ Hate at the door, and staying in the race 50:05 💡 Leverage: do the $100 hour, pay for the $20 hour 56:46 💰 No tax increase for two years, then not above inflation 01:00:07 🏘️ Homelessness as Ajax people, not a file 01:04:15 🥊 Coffee, family, food, a sanctioned fight 01:11:43 💖 Men Too Matter was born from women who had already lost someone ---Watch or listen on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
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  People of Durham #44 - Judith Tait 10.09.2026 1h 2min

  **People of Durham #44 – Judith Tait, Whitby West Town Councillor Candidate**Judith Tait wanted to be a police officer from grade three, after Officer Bill and Elmer the Safety Elephant walked into class. She got hired at 24 as a single mother, stayed 25 years, and made sergeant. When the canine unit did not work out, she built a dog-walking company anyway, took it to six figures, and sold it.She has coached women in business, hosts *At the Heart of Business*, and now runs Tate AI Tech, teaching shops how to use AI without dumping it on a messy process. She is running for town councillor in Whitby West.This conversation covers the badge, the business, the hard exit from policing, and why she is knocking on doors again.---00:00 🎙️ Welcome, and five years hosting *At the Heart of Business* 01:36 👮‍♀️ Hired at 24, 25 years in, 11 as sergeant 03:08 🐾 Grade three dream, then dogs when K9 did not happen 07:17 📈 Google, word of mouth, and what social media was actually for 09:48 🤝 Hiring walkers you would send into someone’s house 13:55 🔑 Systems and people, so the owner can leave 14:31 💰 Selling the company, then finding real estate was not the spark 18:29 🧠 Leaving the service in 2022, and choosing her health 21:59 💡 The dog business as a sandbox, and options when an employer says jump 29:32 🎯 Purpose after the uniform 30:06 👩‍🏫 Coaching women to six figures 33:33 📚 Curiosity as the work habit 36:05 🙏 Service, community, and faith 38:31 🤖 Tate AI Tech: literacy before tools 40:59 🛠️ Do not put AI on a messy process 43:07 🔒 Safe use: paid models, no sensitive data, check the settings 47:01 📞 How to find her 55:27 🗳️ Running for Whitby West town councillor 57:34 🏃‍♀️ Door-knocking is familiar. Asking for the vote is new. 59:55 ⏳ What she would prepare for next time she leaves an identity ---Watch or listen on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
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  People of Durham #43 - Lynn MacDonald 07.09.2026 56min

  Lynn MacDonald went from paper maps and a drive off Prince Edward Island to 20 years inside federal and provincial government. She learned IT after an English degree, ran an international tech conference, then trained as a high-performance coach so other people would not burn out the way so many public servants do.She now lives in South Ajax. In this conversation she talks about that path, why she is running for regional councillor in Ward 3, how a regional seat differs from a local one, and what “perform better” means when residents are tired of budgets they cannot follow.Voting in Ajax is October 19 to 26.00:00 🎙️ Welcome00:31 🗺️ PEI to Ottawa with paper maps02:41 💼 Twenty years in government, transformation and budgets04:35 🎓 English degree, then IT, then Softworld11:39 🧘‍♀️ High-performance coaching and burnout15:42 💡 Do not open email first. Time-block. Take the break.28:17 🏡 Downtown Toronto contract, then home in South Ajax36:10 🗳️ Running for regional councillor, Ward 340:07 🎤 Why run after years of listening44:43 📈 Cost, essentials, and talking to residents in W5 plus H50:36 💖 Foster parents, lemonade, and pizza on the campaign trail
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  People of Durham #42 – John Meloche, Melo Technology & Pickering Ward 2 Candidate 02.09.2026 52min

  **People of Durham #42 – John Meloche, Melo Technology & Pickering Ward 2 Candidate**John Meloche is the founder of Melo Technology, the person behind Eyes on Durham, and a candidate for Pickering Ward 2 council. Host Mark Lorray sits down with him for a conversation that starts in call centres in 2009 and ends at the door of municipal politics.John bootstrapped a hosted phone company, watched it become a full tech shop for small businesses, and spent years giving websites, phones, and time away to people who needed a lift. He talks about hiring as a responsibility, working from a folding table in the basement during COVID, starting the Lyn Heights Neighbourhood Association after tragedy on his street, and why running Eyes on Durham gave him a front-row seat to Durham that he could not ignore.Hosted by Mark Lorray.---00:00 🤝 John is glad to be here, and has been watching the host’s videos 01:20 💼 Melo Technology, formerly Melotell, from phones to full tech solutions 04:29 💡 2009: after three failed PBX rollouts, he built his own 06:22 💰 Bootstrapped, no loan, first hire four years in 08:37 💻 Fully virtual since COVID, family time vs the water cooler 15:49 💖 Humble beginnings and why relationship building is the real product 18:08 🎁 Tech philanthropy, including a weekend website for Tub Bros Plumbing 25:47 🏙️ From Niagara to the GTA in 2005, Pickering in 2010 33:26 🗳️ Why he is running for council, and the Lyn Heights Neighbourhood Association 36:54 🗣️ Eyes on Durham: 38,000 members, Business Promo Monday, and a front-row seat 48:32 ⚖️ Why candidates and elected officials get to post without a filter 50:49 🕰️ Advice to little John: he would not change the journey ---Watch or listen on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
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  People of Durham #41 - Rob Munro, Munro Plumbing 31.08.2026 58min

  **People of Durham #41 – Rob Munro, Munro Plumbing**Rob Munro built Munro Plumbing from a pickup truck and a New Year’s Eve dare into a four-tech, two-van Durham shop in three and a half years. After years as a union plumber in Toronto, a friend in Haliburton called him out: stop talking about it and jump. He did, in January 2023.In this conversation he talks about hiring before he felt ready, putting integrity on the wall as a core value, the Fiverr logo that stuck, why most of the work now stays in Durham, and the mentorship program that helped him collapse time. He also walks homeowners through the unglamorous stuff that actually saves houses: main shut-off valves, flushing a tank, descaling tankless, and not ignoring a drip.Hosted by Pascal Zois.---00:00 🗣️ Welcome — Rob after a busy day in the field and the office 00:54 🚀 The New Year’s Eve call-out that started Munro Plumbing 01:44 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family support, and why plumbing had fewer naysayers 03:30 👍 Professionalism, quotes, the pool line, and the laundry-room RO 05:58 💡 The eureka: reverse osmosis does not only belong in the kitchen 07:08 🤝 Integrity as a core value, and hats off to the team 08:25 🎨 The logo: Fiverr, a pipe that makes the P, and a lighter blue 11:44 📅 January 2023 launch after years of union work in Toronto 12:47 📍 About 80% of the work is now in Durham Region 15:09 📈 From one truck to four guys and two vans 16:55 🧠 Paying for mentorship: Profitable Trady and collapsing time 19:21 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Next hire: his wife Erica on admin 22:20 🏢 Residential, commercial, and growing with property managers 23:52 💧 Canadian heat cycles and why maintenance matters 25:26 🧪 Water treatment, softeners, and testing before guessing 28:53 🤖 Using AI for quotes and a simple CRM 39:01 🏡 Know your shut-off, fix drips, flush the tank once a year 40:34 🛠️ Tankless heaters and a yearly descale 44:55 💡 Garage sinks, backyard spouts, and winterizing unheated space 46:28 🏗️ Custom homes and plumbing without bulkheads 48:24 🦇 A Forest Hill “Batman” house with a car elevator 49:59 🔬 Copper vs PEX, premium PEX A, PVC vs ABS 55:20 🧘 Advice to his younger self: keep doing what you’re doing ---Watch or listen on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
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  People of Durham #40 – Laura Erasmus, Founder of Moose Cookies 27.08.2026 59min

  People of Durham #40 – Laura Erasmus, Founder of Moose CookiesLaura Erasmus is a 28-year-old wife, mom, and founder of Moose Cookies. Born in Romania and raised across Korea, Abu Dhabi, and Canada, she started the brand postpartum as a creative outlet after too many nights spent watching TV. What began as late-night recipe experiments while her son slept is now a handmade stuffed-cookie company with premium packaging, a growing market presence, and a name borrowed from her little boy’s nickname.In this conversation she shares the six-month grind of perfecting recipes with almost no baking background, the family story behind the logo, her vision for healthier three-bite cookies, and why she’d rather stay handmade and premium than chase Walmart shelves.Hosted by Pascal Zois.---00:00 🗣️ Introducing Laura Erasmus, founder of Moose Cookies 00:26 🌍 Wife, mom, psychology grad, and an international upbringing 01:11 ✈️ Growing up across Romania, Korea, the UAE, and Canada 03:34 🇨🇦 Coming to Canada for university and reuniting with her husband 05:42 🍪 How Moose Cookies started postpartum as a creative outlet 07:49 🧪 Six months of failed batches before the recipes clicked 09:28 🦌 The name “Moose” came from her son’s park nickname 10:43 🎨 The logo her husband designed, with their son’s blue eyes and a Canadian hat 12:01 🧘‍♀️ Postpartum and needing something that was just for her 13:32 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Floor mattresses, co-sleeping, and the peace it brought 17:58 ➕ Three-year-old Moose, the math prodigy who loves helping bake 20:25 💡 Healthier cookies, no-sugar and keto ideas, and three-bite portions 21:42 📦 Premium packaging meant to feel like opening an iPhone 23:53 🤝 Partnering with Goi Goi Korean in Trenton 26:36 🛍️ Where to find them: vendor markets, Trenton, and limited shipping 29:00 ✈️ Dreams of taking Moose Cookies back to Abu Dhabi, Korea, and Romania 33:53 🌟 Customer service lessons from real estate photography 40:04 📈 What’s next, including Brighton’s Apple Fest, and staying handmade 43:36 📜 Registering, trademarking, insurance, and Ontario cookie labelling 50:57 📱 Instagram, the website, and passing 1,000 organic followers 53:19 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The dream of her husband joining Moose Cookies full-time 53:48 🚀 Advice to her five-months-ago self: buckle up 55:00 💰 Humorous advice to her teenage self: buy Bitcoin 56:05 💖 A message to her younger self: hang on, life gets incredibly good 57:10 👨‍👧 The host’s message to his younger self about fatherhood ---Watch or listen on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
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  People of Durham #39 - Quentin DSouza, Durham REI Founder & Real Estate Educator 25.08.2026 1h 18min

  **People of Durham #39 – Quentin D’Souza, Durham REI Founder & Real Estate Educator**Quentin D’Souza went from elementary school teacher to building a 550-unit real estate portfolio across Ontario and founding the Durham Real Estate Investors Club in 2008. In this conversation he shares how health transformed his business, the value of taking his sons on mountain treks around the world, how the club actually underwrites deals together, and the practical tools he uses today — from property management software to AI and covered call ETFs.He also talks about house hacking, short-term rentals, investing in Tampa as a hedge, and the advice he’d give his 20-years-ago self.Hosted by Pascal Zois.---00:00 🗣️ Welcome and conversation opener 00:38 🌍 Recent travels — Italian Alps, West Coast Trail, and Costa Rica 02:16 🏋️ Losing 120 lbs and how health 10x’d his business 03:52 🧠 Tony Robbins’ Wheel of Life and putting health first 05:16 👨👦 Adventures with his sons — Everest Base Camp, Inca Trail, and more 07:13 ⛰️ The Three Peaks Challenge and lessons from not finishing 09:48 💡 Climbing Mont Blanc and the mantra “If it were easy, everyone would do it” 14:06 🏘️ Founding the Durham Real Estate Investors Club in 2008 15:12 🏢 Building a 550-unit portfolio across Ontario 20:21 📈 From teacher to full-time investor 23:44 📊 Underwriting deals together as a club 26:03 🏘️ Creative strategies — infill, multi-unit conversions, and flipping 30:06 🏡 Multi-unit properties as a stepping stone into ownership 32:24 💰 Own assets that beat inflation 36:08 🤝 Free pass to a Durham REI meeting for podcast listeners 38:27 🏡 House hacking success story 41:23 🏠 Short-term rentals, bylaws, and tax caution 43:19 ✈️ Investing in Tampa as a hedge and travel base 45:21 🗺️ Future trips — Vietnam caves and more 49:29 👨🏫 Leaving teaching behind 52:20 🌊 A vision for Clarington’s waterfront 56:08 🏙️ South Oshawa, the new GO station, and long-term plays 01:04:14 💻 Property management software and building with AI 01:07:52 🤖 Using AI for tenant screening and the “golden hour” 01:11:01 📈 Covered call ETFs for income 01:16:06 🕵️ CanLII and tenant background checks 01:16:59 🕰️ Advice to his 20-years-ago self: hold more real estate and persevere ---Watch or listen on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
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  People of Durham #38 – Stephanie Ashton 20.08.2026 47min

  People of Durham #38 – Stephanie Ashton, Feed Ontario Leader & Ajax Regional Ward 3 Candidate. Stephanie Ashton has spent 25 years in the nonprofit sector — including 12 years in international development and her current work at Feed Ontario on food insecurity. A longtime Ajax resident and mom of three, she’s now running for Regional Councillor in Ward 3.In this conversation she shares why the timing finally feels right, the biggest issues she’s hearing at the doors, the difference between local and regional responsibilities, and how her global problem-solving experience translates to serving Durham.Hosted by Pascal Zois.00:35 🗣️ Stephanie introduces herself as a candidate for Ajax Regional Ward 3 and shares her 25 years in nonprofit work02:40 🏡 Falling in love with Ajax’s waterfront and the strong sense of community in Ward 305:10 💖 A lifelong commitment to giving back and her current role at Feed Ontario10:16 🏘️ Key concerns from residents: homelessness, property taxes, and the pace of growth17:25 🏠 Advocating for a “Housing First” approach to homelessness18:00 🏛️ Local vs. regional responsibilities and why she chose the regional level26:05 💪 Resilience and problem-solving skills shaped by international development work31:01 🌐 How to reach Stephanie and support her campaign38:29 🏖️ A perfect day in Ward 3 – waterfront walks, neighbours, and community45:57 🌟 Advice to her younger self: “Keep at it”
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  People of Durham #37 - Karey Ann Large, CEO Whitby Chamber of Commerce 17.08.2026 34min

  Welcome to People of Durham! In this episode, Mark Lorray sits down with Karey Ann Large, CEO of the Whitby Chamber of Commerce, for a conversation about community, leadership, and the heartbeat of local business.From running her own bakery downtown to leading a nearly 700-member Chamber, Karey Ann shares her journey of resilience — including the downtown fire that sparked the rebirth of Whitby's BIA — and pulls back the curtain on what a Chamber of Commerce actually does for business owners.Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur, just starting out, or simply curious about the people shaping Durham Region, this episode is packed with wisdom, laughs, and a few surprises (yes, someone tried to get married at the Chamber office 💍).📌 Chapters:00:00 — Welcome & Meet Karey Ann Large00:42 — From Bakery Owner to CEO: Cake Creations01:32 — How It All Started: "I Wanted to Be a Cool Mom"03:24 — The Downtown Fire & Rebuilding the BIA05:04 — Her Leadership Style: Leading Laterally06:10 — What Is a Chamber of Commerce, Really?07:28 — Chamber vs. Board of Trade08:01 — Why Join? Networking & Relationship Building08:27 — The Biggest Limiting Belief: "The Chamber Does Nothing for Me"10:25 — Retiree Memberships: Keeping the Community Connected11:46 — Advocacy Explained (Recycling, Tariffs & More)16:02 — Strange Things That Come Through the Door17:59 — The Hardest Part of the Job: Learning to Delegate21:50 — What's Coming Up: Events & Growth22:42 — The Whitby Job Fair: Inside the Numbers28:34 — Awards, Public Events & Rotary Club31:37 — Advice to Her Younger Self: "Take the Risk"32:24 — Rapid Fire Questions33:46 — Her Message to Business Owners--About the Whitby Chamber of Commerce:The Whitby Chamber is an independent non-profit supporting local businesses through networking, events, and advocacy — because your success is everything.📍 Stay Connected:Follow People of Durham for more stories spotlighting the everyday legends, hidden gems, and unforgettable personalities that make the Durham Region feel like [email protected]
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  People of Durham #36 - Lisa Patel, TREB Past President & Ajax Ward 3 Candidate 15.08.2026 48min

  **People of Durham #36 – Lisa Patel, Ajax Ward 3 Candidate**Lisa Patel has spent nearly 20 years in real estate, served as the 100th President of the Toronto Real Estate Board (one of only a handful of women and people of colour to hold the role), led the industry through COVID, mentored youth as a Big Sister, and has given decades of service to Ajax and Durham. In this conversation she shares the full journey — the wins, the losses, the meditation that guided her biggest decisions, and why the timing finally feels right to run for Ajax Ward 3 Councillor.Hosted by Mark Lorray.---00:00 🗣️ Mark and Lisa reconnect — they’ve known each other for about 10–12 years through the Board of Trade 02:49 🎓 Lisa’s background: almost 20 years in real estate plus degrees and certificates in public administration, governance, project management, PR, communications and adult teaching 08:02 🤝 Her entrepreneurial path: event planning and banking → mortgage industry → real estate at Royal LePage, where she threw herself into fundraising and community work 13:59 🗳️ The first presidential campaign for the Toronto Real Estate Board — the loss, the harsh criticism, and the spiritual reset that followed 23:18 🏆 She runs again, wins, and becomes the 100th president of TREB — only the fifth person of colour and tenth woman to hold the role 28:51 🦠 Leading TREB through COVID and fighting to keep real estate classified as an essential service 33:00 👧 Becoming a Big Sister through Big Brothers Big Sisters and the lasting bond with her little sister Emma 37:09 🏛️ Why she’s finally running for Ward 3 Councillor in Ajax after carrying the idea in her heart for more than 20 years 42:25 💡 Platform priorities: communication, tourism, property taxes and sustainability 46:49 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Closing with her father’s advice: “Go in the world and be kind and help every way you can.” ---Watch or listen on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
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  People of Durham #35 Neil Gonsalves - Professor, Host of The Lens, Author 10.08.2026 1h 24min

  Neil Gonsalves joins People of Durham for a thoughtful conversation about purpose, manhood, education, and building a better future for the next generation.Neil is a Durham College professor of 20 years, author, TEDx speaker, and host of The Lens on Revo TV. In this episode we explore the challenges facing boys and young men today, the weight of constant negative messaging, and what it takes to develop real direction and resilience.We unpack Neil’s “FaceTime” framework: Financial literacy as future orientation, Academic proficiency as true mastery, Communication that builds relationships, and Engagement that gives back to community.This conversation covers housing and the “next boonies,” living at home with intention, the rise of online gambling, credentials vs real competence, AI in education, identity labels, citizenship before politics, the value of failing forward, and how family legacy shapes who we become.Chapters:00:00 Introduction00:04 Neil Gonsalves is introduced00:54 Neil introduces himself02:44 Why he focuses on issues facing young people05:42 Real estate, affordability, and the next “boonies”11:01 Living at home and investing in your future self13:28 Purpose, Nietzsche, and financial literacy as future orientation14:29 Ikigai and finding your why15:39 Canadian identity and the flag pin17:34 The watch, the ring, and family legacy22:09 The eye disease story and parents’ sacrifice25:27 Introducing the FaceTime framework29:40 Online gambling and its impact on young people37:27 Credentials vs mastery and AI in education40:42 21st century literacy and the decline of reading45:28 Revo TV, The Lens, and dialogue across difference49:34 TEDx talk and the problem with identity labels53:25 Citizenship before politics55:23 The importance of local elections01:01:13 Long-term policy and shared solutions01:03:17 Less education, fewer credentials, more meaningful outcomes01:07:51 Critical thinking, failure, and credit recovery week01:12:12 Fail early and fail often01:15:18 Social media harms and attention fragmentation01:20:36 Collaboration and building community together01:22:41 “If you want to go far, go together”01:23:05 Where to find Neil’s workFind Neil:Revo TV app (free on Apple, Android, Roku)Substack: sgproductions.substack.comInstagram: @NeilGonalves_CAIf this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who needs to hear it.#PeopleOfDurham #NeilGonsalves #DurhamRegion #Purpose #YoungMen #Education
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  People of Durham #34 - Malcolm Barrington: Military Veteran, Social Housing Leader & Ajax Candidate 07.08.2026 45min

  People of Durham #34 – Malcolm BarringtonHosted by Mark LorrayIn his first episode as host, Mark Lorray sits down with Malcolm Barrington — longtime Ajax resident, former military officer, small business owner, life coach, and candidate for Ward 1 Councillor. Malcolm shares his journey from Guyana to the UK to Canada, the lessons he learned running a sporting goods store that suffered four break-ins, his work helping nearly 1,000 people leave an encampment and move into homes, and why community safety and supporting small businesses are at the heart of his campaign.00:00 🗣️ Mark Lorray introduces himself as host and welcomes his first guest, Malcolm Barrington01:01 👤 Malcolm introduces himself — running for Ajax Ward 1, background from Guyana via the UK, education in economics and international finance03:53 💼 Professional journey in Canada, Deloitte, and closing MSB Sports after four break-ins06:52 🗺️ Boundaries of Ward 1 in Ajax and the rapid development in the area09:19 🤝 Commitment to community service, life coaching, and helping people thrive12:41 🏡 Helping nearly 1,000 people leave a Vancouver encampment and move into homes during the pandemic17:33 🗳️ Long-standing interest in politics, military background, and chairing the Ajax Anti-Racism Task Force23:58 🚨 Community safety as the top issue in Ward 1 — property crime and road safety31:07 🏘️ Vision for Pickering Village as a thriving local business hub36:55 🏛️ Support for the Save the Hartwick House campaign and preserving local history42:23 🎤 Call to action: vote in Ward 1 and across Ajax43:29 ⚽ Personal side — favourite colour, Guyanese cook-up rice, and lifelong love of soccer and Manchester United
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  People of Durham #33 - Mark Lorray: Entrepreneur, Business Coach & Author 07.08.2026 1h 2min

  0:00 🗣️ Mark describes a busy Saturday with speaking, a workshop, and panel discussions.00:42 🎙️ The Black Leaders Summit and his role as keynote speaker and panelist.01:10 👩‍🏫 Training lead generation for “Meet the Motivators,” a women’s organization.01:50 💬 Why quick replies to leads matter — and the cost of waiting two days.02:48 🤝 Mark is introduced as a co-host for People of Durham.03:32 🎤 From $22 window cleaning to business coach and podcast host.07:31 🎬 How The Pursuit of Happyness inspired him during tough times.10:05 🏡 Learning home maintenance from a client and moving into renovations.14:35 🎯 Why niching down to homes-for-sale renovations improved results.16:16 🦠 Adapting his renovation business during COVID-19.20:24 ⛏️ The value of being a supplementary service in real estate.23:03 🧠 Mark opens up about past mental health struggles and how they shape his coaching.25:09 🫂 Pascal shares his own experience and the message that “it gets better.”29:31 👥 Mark’s community-based “Inner Circle” coaching model.32:12 🎙️ Launching the Mark Lorray podcast.38:03 🤖 How a real estate agent found Pascal’s company through ChatGPT.44:28 📈 Coaching service-based businesses that have hit a growth ceiling.48:17 🗣️ Helping clients work through networking fears.54:50 📚 Continuous learning and using resources like BDC.56:01 🤝 His three pillars: Connect, Collaborate, and Contribute.58:26 🌐 Where to find Mark online.59:03 🙏 Advice to his younger self: don’t be afraid to ask for help.01:00:42 📜 His life motto on impact, learning, and accountability.
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  People of Durham #32 – Randy Nickerson: Photographer, Author & Storyteller 06.08.2026 2h 43min

  00:00 🗣️ Dropbox vs Google Drive and expensive AI tools01:29 🎬 Why Final Cut Pro over Premiere03:49 🎙️ Preferring organic podcast conversations05:44 🌍 Looking at all sides + Scott Galloway08:41 🇺🇸 Reluctance to travel to the U.S.10:19 📚 Yuval Noah Harari’s Nexus and AI11:23 🏥 Honest reflections on COVID13:58 🤝 Clients hire the person, not just the photos14:57 🛡️ Always asking permission before photographing people16:33 👋 Official introduction of Randy Nickerson17:50 🎸 Concert photography tips and looking for “tells”19:11 📸 The Judas Priest foot shot and why you shouldn’t chimp20:32 🔬 Always research before you shoot22:15 🤖 Using AI for book covers and as a ghostwriter23:28 🚗 AI will create new jobs (horse carriage analogy)28:18 📖 How Inside the Photo Judging Room started29:45 🧑‍⚖️ The 10-point judging system explained31:23 🔄 When great images become clichés34:24 🚶 What makes strong street photography35:29 💖 Capturing real human moments36:44 🌍 Different judging styles around the world39:47 🌟 Local standout photographers41:16 📸 Humbling zoo photo contest experience43:08 📐 Composition, technical skill, and impact47:42 🚫 Don’t shoot just to please judges52:00 💼 Political campaign video packages and pricing56:00 🤝 Guest hosting and collaboration ideas1:00:00 💡 Randy’s old “Hidden Gems” concept1:03:00 🏢 Studio rental and camera club opportunities1:06:00 📷 Bringing models in for camera club shoots1:09:00 🎬 Vision for a Durham Entertainment Network1:12:00 🧠 Staying in your lane and delegating1:15:00 📖 Why “Storyteller” is on his business card1:18:00 🎯 Helping politicians tell one clear story1:22:00 🗣️ Live example of extracting a client’s real message1:26:00 💬 Being authentic and following through on connections1:30:00 🤝 Acting on real relationships1:35:00 📸 Planning the drum photo/video shoot1:45:00 📷 Depth of field lessons (f/2.8 vs f/8)1:52:00 🎸 Concert photography aperture and hyperfocal distance2:00:00 📷 Why he prefers certain cameras and sensors for low light2:05:00 💾 RAW vs JPEG and data2:08:00 🎥 Camera systems (Sony, Nikon, Canon) and file sizes2:12:00 💾 Storage costs, Backblaze, and backup strategies2:20:00 📈 Struggles with self-marketing2:28:00 🤝 Final collaboration ideas and next steps
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  People of Durham #31 Maleeha Shahid, Author, Real Estate Agent, Whitby Regional Councillor East Ward 01.08.2026 1h 46min

  00:24 🗣️ Maleeha Shahid introduces herself as Whitby's Regional Councillor, former Deputy Mayor (2023), author, podcast host, and mother of three.02:45 🚫 Maleeha doesn't do real estate in Whitby due to conflict of interest, but her real estate experience helps her understand residents' needs and desires.03:05 🏟️ Maleeha highlights new Whitby amenities: the Fieldgate Sports Centre with an Olympic-sized pool and indoor walking track, plus a sports complex with cricket pitches and basketball diamonds.05:16 🎤 Maleeha's TED Talk was amazing but stressful — months of preparation and memorization, presenting without notes.09:25 🎙️ Her podcast started from a love of reading and evolved into spotlighting inspiring community members, including local politicians.12:42 ✍️ Her book took three years to write, inspired by losing an election, winning another, her husband's heart attack, and giving back to Canada.17:21 📖 The book, launched in April, focuses on three pillars: self-love, self-trust, and self-worth.28:28 🏘️ Her origin story: advocating for a sidewalk in her Whitby neighbourhood in 2006 after safety concerns with a young child.34:09 🎨 She initiated the "Flutter" public art installation at Thickson and Dundas in 2019 — metal butterflies beautifying the corridor.36:26 🤝 On homelessness, addiction, and mental health, she calls for wraparound services and collaboration across all levels of government.46:24 😇 Neighbours John and Marty helped her family as new immigrants and became like grandparents to her kids — a story of community kindness.54:04 🏡 Real estate: Whitby plans 18,000 new units, balancing growth with infrastructure around the GO station developments.01:04:50 🤖 Mixed feelings on AI — efficient, but she questions its impact on human thinking and job displacement.01:15:12 🎨 Painting helped her through emotional turmoil; her Whitby lighthouse painting became her book cover and was donated to Ontario Shores Foundation.01:31:38 🏖️ Her perfect Whitby day: time with her kids, local cafes, downtown shops, the lakefront, and food trucks like Grandma's chip truck.01:41:15 🌟 Advice to young women and men: pursue your passions, embrace challenges, don't limit yourself — life is a gift.
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  People of Durham #30 - Whitby Mayor Elizabeth Roy 29.07.2026 1h 9min

  01:06 🏫 Mayor of Whitby shares background: 9 years as school board trustee and 34-year career as medical radiation therapist.02:02 🏙️ Transitioned to full-time mayor 4 years ago after retiring from medicine; has 3 children and 2 grandchildren.03:42 🏥 Praises Cobourg Hospital and smaller facilities for offering Toronto-level services without the travel.05:24 🏗️ Whitby is getting a new hospital; land transfer pending for 50-acre site at Hwy 7/412 and Lakeridge.08:04 🏆 Nearly all 62 action items in Whitby’s community strategic plan have been activated, created with strong community input.09:45 🍻 Pump House waterfront success with Town Brewery has expanded to Ajax and opened doors for other businesses.12:34 🏟️ New rec facility opens Sept 12 with 14 pickleball courts, walking track, and community-designed pump/skate park.14:56 🏨 Whitby is pursuing a hotel + conference centre strategy amid high room demand and multiple interested applicants.18:22 🤝 Stresses collaboration across municipal, provincial, and federal levels, citing support for legions’ 100th anniversary.21:58 🏘️ As part of Ontario Big City Mayors, she leans on peers for mentorship on homelessness and development charges.23:14 🤝 Whitby’s homelessness response is highly collaborative—police, fire, parks, bylaw, and senior leadership working together.26:21 🌊 Lessons from Halifax’s mayor on waterfront connectivity and green space shaped Whitby’s Pump House approach.29:43 🍽️ Former first mayor’s waterfront house is becoming a French bistro and chef training facility.32:11 🍔 Growing food scene includes Tuscan Wolf, Rosetta, Lowlands, and Ghost Taco, boosted by the town’s food guide and tours.34:10 💖 Praises young Cohen Coco for raising six figures for SickKids via his hot chocolate stand; highlights youth leadership.38:11 🏢 TOC developments are provincial; the town’s influence is limited but they still advocate for community needs.44:05 📉 Housing market is slow; limited new subdivisions partly due to electricity infrastructure constraints.48:51 🐺 Coyote response includes public education, a sightings dashboard, and coordination with animal services and police.55:53 🚪 “Million-dollar door” is actually a full front-entrance modernization (HVAC, accessibility, security), not a single door.59:16 📈 Whitby’s growth is the result of years of work, making it one of Canada’s fastest-growing communities.01:00:50 ⛵ Personal story of learning to sail at Whitby Yacht Club; waterfront holds big potential for recreation and small business.01:03:42 🗺️ Perfect day in Whitby: food, Thermëa Spa, golf, both downtowns, Trafalgar Castle, and the public library.01:05:18 🎨 Public art push includes downtown alley murals and the story behind Station Three’s Dalmatian mural.01:07:32 🐶 Humorous visit from the “Undercover Dachshund” to Town Hall became a memorable staff moment.
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  People of Durham #29 - Sid Goyal, Oshawa City Councillor Ward 5 Candidate 27.07.2026 2h 14min

  03:44 💡 Sid explains his motivation for running for office, stating that he realized living for the community would give his life meaning, leading him to seek ways to make life better for himself and those around him.05:51 🏛️ Sid emphasizes that positive impact can be made at the municipal level, as it's where individuals can have the most direct influence, rather than focusing on high-level geopolitical issues.07:45 📊 Sid discusses the importance of data-driven decision-making, combined with intuition and experience, highlighting that data can help optimize and focus efforts, but also noting the need to generate correct and comprehensive data.10:07 📈 Sid explains how community engagement in reporting incidents, even minor ones, can create trends that are harder for authorities to ignore, leading to better resource allocation and safer neighborhoods in the long term, despite potential short-term negative impacts on property values.13:41 🏘️ Sid outlines key issues in Ward 5, including safety concerns, homelessness, and road closures due to development, emphasizing the need for better communication and coordination among agencies to minimize disruption for residents.18:04 🤝 Sid proposes a strategy for addressing community safety and homelessness by bringing all stakeholders to the table, including police, housing advocates, mental health professionals, and affected individuals, to find common ground and solutions.29:34 🤖 Sid discusses the integration of his tech and data background with politics, emphasizing that while data is crucial for decision-making, human connection and understanding the stories behind the data are equally important.39:35 💰 Sid addresses the issue of high property taxes in Oshawa, explaining that while they are high compared to other GTA areas, it's due to lower home prices and the desire for similar service levels, advocating for efficiencies and exploring options like a property tax freeze.44:00 💡 Sid suggests leveraging new technologies like AI to improve efficiency in city services, citing Burlington's use of AI for plan approvals, which cut approval times by half, and advocating for Oshawa to explore similar solutions despite potential initial criticism.01:07:31 💖 Sid shares a profound insight from a volunteer, stating that the worst day for a homeless person is "your worst day, times 100," emphasizing the importance of empathy and understanding their struggles.01:14:46 ☕ Sid emphasizes the importance of direct engagement with residents through initiatives like "coffee with the councillor" sessions, believing that in-person interactions foster better understanding and connection than social media alone.01:35:11 🗣️ Sid expresses interest in deeper, more philosophical discussions, similar to Monk Debates, rather than confrontational political debates, to explore broader ideas and foster understanding.01:48:39 📚 Sid shares a fascinating historical tidbit about the author of the Hardy Boys series, Franklin W. Dixon, being a pseudonym, and that one of the main writers was from Whitby and buried in Oshawa.01:53:18 📜 Sid discusses the ancient origins of Hindu wedding ceremonies, connecting them to the Vedas, particularly the Rigveda, and highlighting linguistic similarities between ancient Sanskrit, Greek, and Latin, suggesting a common Indo-European heritage.02:01:30 🇯🇵 Sid recounts the history of Japan's modernization, from Commodore Perry's arrival in the mid-1800s to its rapid adoption of European ideas, its subsequent autocratic phase, and its post-WWII rebuilding efforts, emphasizing its resilience.02:06:30 🇨🇳 Sid discusses China's historical perspective, noting that its leaders are acutely aware of its recent "golden age" and are driven to regain that lost glory, as evidenced by historical accounts from figures like Henry Kissinger.
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  People of Durham #28 - Nick Papalambropoulos, Ajax Ward 3 City Councillor Candidate 20.07.2026 1h 8min

  00:03 🗣️ The host introduces Nick, noting the contrast between his short last name and the host's longer, more traditionally Greek last name, Papalambropoulos.01:03 🤝 Nick explains his business philosophy, emphasizing the importance of giving back to the community, citing examples like cutting elderly neighbours' grass and plowing driveways for free after snowstorms.02:41 🏢 Nick reveals his landscaping business is called "Papa's Property Solutions," a shortened version of his last name, and highlights that relationships and credibility are more important than the name itself, especially in the commercial world.03:32 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Nick shares that his long-term employees have grown with the company, fostering a family-like environment where he leads by example rather than being an authoritarian boss.04:18 🏛️ Nick discusses his involvement with the Danforth BIA (Business Improvement Area) in Greek Town, highlighting its role in maintaining community aesthetics and accountability among businesses.07:09 💰 Nick recounts how he streamlined 10-14 maintenance contracts for the Danforth BIA into one, saving a significant amount of money and improving accountability, which led to a beautification award.08:48 🎡 Nick expresses his pride in helping bring back the "Taste of the Danforth" festival, which at its peak attracted 1.7-1.8 million people and generated $90-100 million for the local economy, and questions why similar events can't be organized in Ajax.10:34 🗳️ Nick confirms he is running for Ward 3 local councillor in Ajax, and that bringing back BIAs and improving community upkeep are key platform points.15:21 👨‍👧‍👦 Nick explains that having his two children, Yanni (5) and Angelo (2), changed his perspective and motivated him to run for local council, driven by a desire to improve the community for them.17:43 🗣️ Nick states he will be a strong, outspoken voice for Ward 3, not shy to dig into issues and represent his constituents' interests, especially regarding rising property taxes and affordability for seniors.19:44 🏞️ Nick describes Ward 3 as the "crown jewel" of Ajax, located south of Kingston Road to the lake, and emphasizes the importance of preserving its natural beauty and exploring opportunities for community events on the waterfront.27:27 📅 Nick mentions he will release more details about his platform after August 21st, but emphasizes transparency and a fresh mindset for Ajax, focusing on upkeep, maintenance, and new ideas rather than a complete overhaul.28:33 🇬🇷 Nick shares his efforts to connect his children with their Greek heritage through Greek school and a recent trip to Greece, highlighting the importance of preserving culture.30:10 💖 Nick expresses immense pride in being a dad and husband, crediting his wife as the "rock" of their family, especially after he experienced a major health scare.37:15 🏆 Nick asserts his winning mentality for the council campaign, stating he hasn't considered losing and is fully committed to helping the community.43:40 🥹 Nick recounts an emotional full-circle moment visiting his father's impoverished childhood home in Greece with his own children, reflecting on his family's immigrant journey and the legacy he hopes to leave.48:47 📞 Nick provides his personal phone number (416-567-0062) and email for constituents to contact him directly, emphasizing transparency and accessibility.56:52 🤝 Nick encourages people to connect with him via email or social media (nick for Ajax on Instagram) and mentions hosting coffee connects to engage with residents and gather support.58:37 🎙️ The host praises Nick's authentic communication style and commitment to transparency, noting the value of genuine conversations in podcasts and public engagement.01:03:17 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Nick discusses the importance of maintaining cultural traditions, particularly Greek traditions, for his children, and the host suggests using foreign language shows to help children learn new languages.