OJT: On The Job Training

Natasha Pentyliuk was here a few months back to talk about her science background and masters’ research.

Today, we step away from work and into the woodshop as Natasha shares some of her other interests.

We talk about ham radio, search and rescue and the joys of owning the shop where everyone wants to hang out.

NOTE: This episode of OJT is part of a crossover with Matty’s Mental Health Podcast, hosted by today’s guest.

Mattys Mental Health Podcast is a place where people share their real-life stories about mental health. Matty also does personal training under his business Move Forward Fitness.

Be sure to check out my story on Matty’s show, where I talk about living with Crohn’s disease and how chronic physical illness impacts mental health.

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Matty Burke is back to talk about Matty’s Mental Health Podcast.

When he experienced a tragic loss in his early 20s, he knew he had to do something to give back and raise awareness.

We talk today about how he came to podcasting, what it’s done for him, and why he’s working to destigmatize mental illness.

Stick around after the interview for this week’s Progress Report about some unexpected news.

Declan Rockwell is back for part two.

Today, the 17-year-old singer-songwriter continues his journey through the P.E.I. foster system.

We talk about who he met in foster care, his experiences around drugs and crime, and what he learned along the way.

Listen after the episode for the Progress Report about your workaholic host’s attempt at holiday relaxation.

Daisy Dalton is back today to continue her story about overcoming addiction after moving to British Colombia.

Since getting clean, she’s been working as a pharmacy technician.

We talk today about her plans to become a qualified pharmacist, how she wants to give back, and what it means to come out on the other side.

Listen after the episode for the Progress Report about how it feels to finally be getting published.

Keri McCaffrey is an academic librarian who works at UPEI’s Robertson Library in Charlottetown, P.E.I.

Keri is back today to get into the political side of who controls access to information.

We talk about anti-racism, the true power of knowledge, and how the library model could be adopted by other industries.

Make sure to listen to this week’s Progress Report where I discuss how I’ve been adjusting my approach to P.E.I. journalism.

Keri McCaffrey is an academic librarian who works at UPEI’s Robertson Library in Charlottetown, P.E.I.

Keri is a true educator who is dedicated to critical thinking and helping library clients access knowledge.

We talk about her background in books, the from history buff to librarian, and the value of free information.

After the interview, the Progress Report looks at the concept of pre-interviews and why this conversation with Keri could have used one.

Today, Jack Vanden Broek is back for Part 2.  He’s the university graduate who went to college for a career path as a band and event manager.

He’s also a guitar player and vocalist in Discontinuity, the band of another past guest, Daniel Platts.

Jack and I discuss planning live events, playing onstage with a manager’s perspective, and his band’s first gig.

This week’s Progress Report is a Back-to-School classic: “What I did During Summer 2020,” where I talk gardening, cooking, and OJT’s Associate Producer Cat, Emma.

This episode features Part 2 of my interview with fellow journalism student Alex MacIsaac.

We talk about defunding the police, the role of journalists in public discourse, and stepping away from it all by working with your hands.

Listen after the interview for this week's Progress Report about balancing health and hobbies, and what I think a host owes to their audience.

This is part 2 of my interview with P.E.I. musician Parker Murray, AKA Zebedee.

Despite early success in music, health problems have posed obstacles for the 18-year-old performer.

Today we discuss the interplay of health and religion, the healing and spiritual power of music, and the career prospects of musicians who are Christian.

Listen after the interview for this week’s Progress Report about my newfound love for photography.

Parker Murray is an 18 year old singer-songwriter and multi instrumentalist based in Summerside, PEI.

He’s been playing music most of his life and is currently working on his debut album, “Seizure,” set to be released under the artist name Zebedee.

He joined me to talk about growing up playing music, his unusual favorite instrument, and art as a mode of self- expression and reinvention.

Alex MacIsaac is a journalism student, enrolled in the same program as me at Holland College in Charlottetown, PEI.

While Alex’s first year was a success, a future in journalism is under question.

We met in Charlottetown to discuss the love of sharing ideas, the pandemic outlook on J school, and the possibility of a career in writing.

Listen after the interview for this week’s Progress Report about getting back into journalism after the pandemic shutdown.

Jack Vanden Broek is a student at Humber College in Toronto who enrolled there after graduating from University in Halifax.

He’s in an event management program now and taking a music business course this summer.

I reached him in Toronto to discuss the transition from university to college, the importance of communal gathering, and the prospect of pursuing a career around music.

Stick around after the interview for this week’s Progress Report about launching OJT and my experiences with Social Media marketing and promotion.

Nancy Quinn owns Seaside Books in Summerside, PEI.  It used to be Avonlea Books until she bought it in 2019.

These days, it’s a warm, lively gathering place that reflects the character of its owner.

I joined Nancy in the bookshop last December to talk about how she’s changed the store, her relationships with books and patrons, and the role of business in giving back to the community.

Stick around after the interview for this week’s Progress Report about recording on location in the bookstore.  And make sure to check the Written Stories page for an article about our interview.

Daniel Platts (pictured far right) is a musician from Calgary who went to University in Halifax and recently moved to Toronto.

He plays bass there in a band called Discontinuity that he describes as "an explosive combination of electronica, hardcore metal riffs and catchy choruses.”

We also played in a band together when we were both students in Halifax.

I caught up with Daniel in Toronto over Skype to talk about the band’s debut EP, adjusting to life in Toronto, and taking on its intimidating music scene.

Stick around after the interview for this week’s Progress Report about recording over Skype.  You an also find an article I wrote about our interview in the Written Stories section.

Daniel Platts is a musician from Calgary who went to University in Halifax and recently moved to Toronto.

He plays bass there in a band called Discontinuity that he describes as "an explosive combination of electronica, hardcore metal riffs and catchy choruses.”

We also played in a band together when we were both students in Halifax.

I caught up with Daniel in Toronto over Skype to talk about the band’s debut EP, adjusting to life in Toronto, and taking on its intimidating music scene.

Stick around after the interview for this week’s Progress Report about recording over Skype.  You an also find an article I wrote about our interview in the Written Stories section.

James Brown is a 24-year-old Montreal-based comedian originally from Richmond, PEI.

He hosts Squad Laughs, a stand-up show that challenges traditional comedy with its inclusivity and distinct James Brown weirdness.  And, full disclosure, he’s also an old friend.

James joined me in Summerside to talk about what comedy can do for people, how Squad Laughs operates, and the merits of 4 Loko punch.

Stick around after the interview for this week’s Progress Report where I share with listeners some of the challenges and triumphs of getting a podcast off the ground.

James Brown is a 24-year-old Montreal-based comedian originally from Richmond, PEI.

He hosts Squad Laughs, a stand-up show that challenges traditional comedy with its inclusivity and distinct James Brown weirdness.  And, full disclosure, he’s also an old friend.

James joined me in Summerside to talk about what comedy can do for people, how Squad Laughs operates, and the merits of 4 Loko punch.

Stick around after the interview for this week’s Progress Report where I share with listeners some of the challenges and triumphs of getting a podcast off the ground.