The Human Challenge

Shirley: A Residential School Story

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 11:17:00 GMT

As we mark National Indigenous Languages Day on Turtle Island, Shirley Horn shares her residential school story, growing up in not one, but two residential schools. She would return years later to Shingwauk Hall after it became a university to pursue her education, become first chancellor, and then Chief of The Missanabie to help return land back to her community. In this touching episode, Shirley talks about her life healing the trauma that came with the residential school system, reconnecting with Indigenous culture, and her longing for Indigenous language. Learn more about her life in a new children’s book, “Shirley: An Indian Residential School Story,” written by Joanne Robertson. Available now!

Special thank you to Children Of Shingwauk Alumni Association and Algoma University. This episode was recorded in The Elder Room at Shingwauk Anishinaabe Students Lounge at Algoma University.

Cinematography by Shae Mclurg.

The Human Challenge is hosted and produced by Vanessa Ferlaino. Watch the full episode on her Youtube channel here. Don't forget to subscribe!

The Human Challenge is an award-winning podcast, recognized by Amazon Music and ACAST as an Indie Podcast Amplifier.

Guess what? We're on Rogers TV! Check us out there!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eleven Years In The Making

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 11:17:00 GMT

“I just never felt safe,” says Jessica Compton, after running away from a young life of kidnapping, abuse, and sexual assault. Deciding it was best she take care of herself, she lived on her own at the age of 16, working and paying her bills. During this time, drugs and alcohol numbed the pain, but lead to arson, assaults, and eventually, incarceration.

“The cell saved me,” she says. “I saved myself.”

After prison, she graduated college to be a correctional officer, and spent almost fourteen years as a youth worker, supporting aggressive youth, before founding Trees Of Stars, an arts and culture non-profit. But because of her criminal record, she worked in construction for almost eleven years before being able to work in her profession, as waited for her pardon. Her new book, Bits And Pieces, is a peer-support memoir, and available now.

It took Jessica eleven years to be pardoned.

Eleven years of putting the Bits And Pieces together again.

Eleven years to find freedom.

The Human Challenge is hosted and produced by Vanessa Ferlaino. Watch the full episode on her Youtube channel here. Don't forget to subscribe!

The Human Challenge is an award-winning podcast, recognized by Amazon Music and ACAST as an Indie Podcast Amplifier.

Guess what? We're on Rogers TV! Check us out there!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rebulding The House: Canada's Justice System

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Since childhood, Sara developed maladaptive behaviours growing up in a tiny shack with no electricity and an abusive father who sold her to the sex trade at the age of three. In and out of foster care for much of her life, it was finding herself in prison where Sara finally decided it was time to seek support and services for her mental health. Initially denied, she fought for access to services, and for what she couldn’t receive, she taught herself. Since her release, nothing has stopped her from fighting for justice. In her role at Northpine Foundation, Sara has served over 7500 formerly incarcerated people, reduced homelessness by 86%, lowered recidivism to 4.7%, and saved taxpayers over $1.13 billion of incarceration fees per year, over $68 million per year in hospital stays, and over $43 million in emergency visits. She also raised median income for formerly incarcerated people from $14,000 to $58,000. But her biggest impact has been looking into the eyes of the prison guard who sexually assaulted her and countless women in prison, and saying that she believed in him and forgave him. In this episode, Sara tells her story from the greater thread of social justice — from the effects of colonization on the prison system, the programming of society, and the political system. For Sara, social justice looks like changing the system; specifically, it’s rebuilding the house from the very foundations.

The Human Challenge is hosted and produced by Vanessa Ferlaino. Watch the full episode on her Youtube channel here. Don't forget to subscribe!

The Human Challenge is an award-winning podcast, recognized by Amazon Music and ACAST as an Indie Podcast Amplifier.

Guess what? We're on Rogers TV! Check us out there!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dear God: Is Anyone There?

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 11:00:00 GMT

Cheri Chafin Norris was 16 years old when she became addicted to methamphetamine — and her father’s drug dealer. She wrote to God through her journals for 20 years, recently digging through them to put together her new book, The Purpose of Abundance, re-discovering her own connection to God, the miracles that were always in front of her, and religion's reflection in modern society. She sifts through experiences dealing with addiction, recovery, and relationships, dismantling shame along the way. Now, a speaker, entrepreneur, and investor, Cheri helps incarcerated people find jobs, reminding us the wisdom of God is always available, even when it feels like He isn’t there.

Get your copy of The Purpose of Abundance on Amazon: https://www.amazon.ca/Purpose-Abundance-40-Day-Guide-Hearing/dp/1964251931

00:00 - Episode Primer

01:22 - The Purpose Of Abundance

03:16 - Becoming Dad's Drug Dealer

06:20 - Miracles

09:04 - Relationship & Addiction

14:06 - God In Modern Society

19:15 - Don't Stay The Shame

28:45 - Changing The Past

30:30 - God's Final Answer

36:09 - End Credits

The Human Challenge is hosted and produced by Vanessa Ferlaino. Watch the full episode on her Youtube channel here. Don't forget to subscribe!

The Human Challenge is an award-winning podcast, recognized by Amazon Music and ACAST as an Indie Podcast Amplifier.

Guess what? We're on Rogers TV! Check us out there!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

SPECIAL: The Making Of... Transform The Night

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 12:17:24 GMT

In this episode, I talk about headlining Transform The Night and how it all came to be with opening act, DJ Seith, and speaker, Karen Bird, Founder of Nakehndan.

Transform The Night was a benefit concert held on Sunday, September 28th, 2025. With a contribution from Northern Credit Union, we were able to contribute $3,000 CAD to our community spotlight partner, Nakehndan, supporting Indigenous survivors of abuse across Northern Ontario.

Headliner: Vanessa Ferlaino

Opening Artist: DJ Seith

Community Spotlight: Nakehndan

Speaker: Vanessa Ferlaino

Speaker: Karen Bird / Nakehndan

Venue: The Speakeasy

Video: Rogers

The Human Challenge is hosted and produced by Vanessa Ferlaino. Watch the full episode on her Youtube channel here. Don't forget to subscribe!

The Human Challenge is an award-winning podcast, recognized by Amazon Music and ACAST as an Indie Podcast Amplifier.

Guess what? We're on Rogers TV! Check us out there!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

SPECIAL: Transform The Night

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 12:17:00 GMT

On Sunday, September 28th, award-winning artist, Vanessa Ferlaino, headlined Transform The Night. With a contribution from Northern Credit Union, we were able to contribute $3,000 CAD to our community spotlight partner, Nakehndan, supporting Indigenous survivors of abuse across Northern Ontario.

00:00 - Headliner Speaker: Vanessa Ferlaino

26:21 - Community Spotlight Speaker: Karen Bird, Founder of Nakehndan

33:44 - Headliner Performance: Vanessa Ferlaino

1:21:55 - Closing & Credits

Headliner: Vanessa Ferlaino

Community Spotlight: Nakehndan

Speaker: Vanessa Ferlaino

Speaker: Karen Bird / Nakehndan

Venue: The Speakeasy

Video: Echotech and Rogers

The Human Challenge is hosted and produced by Vanessa Ferlaino. Watch the full episode on her Youtube channel here. Don't forget to subscribe!

The Human Challenge is an award-winning podcast, recognized by Amazon Music and ACAST as an Indie Podcast Amplifier.

Guess what? We're on Rogers TV! Check us out there!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Road To Liberation

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 12:00:00 GMT

Injustice comes in many forms in Hebron, the largest city in The West Bank, and the epicentre of The Arab-Israeli Conflict. Jehad has not forgotten the survival mechanisms, the suffocating permits, or the violence that fuel his social justice work in Canada, where he has led some of Ontario’s largest organizations and supported various minoritized communities since his arrival in 1988.

But Hebron is home for Jehad, who also has memories of family, culture, bustling city streets, fresh bread, and Enab Dibs. His Palestinian culture is something he has been able to explore deeper in Canada where he is not asked to present permits everywhere he goes, and where his culture is not banned, unlike back home.

Jehad visits home with his own children every year, where he is reminded of the grave injustices that still exist. The violence in The West Bank has increased over the last few years, leading to a death toll of over 250 Palestinians in this year alone. Having lived through the occupation himself, he says: “The only consistency in The Arab-Israeli Conflict is the Israeli occupation.” Government complicity, normalized violence, and the weaponization of anti-semitism have led to the silencing of Palestinian voices and justification of genocide and occupation.

Tying his social justice work with his experience living under occupation, Jehad shares how Palestinian culture has been deeply embedded in his advocacy work; his experiences living through occupation and genocide; and ultimately, what he believes is the road to liberation for all.

The Human Challenge is an award-winning podcast hosted and produced by Vanessa Ferlaino. Watch the full episode on her Youtube channel. Don't forget to subscribe! The Human Challenge was recognized by Amazon Music and ACAST as an "Indie Podcast Amplifier”. Guess what? We're on Rogers TV! Check us out there!

Learn more about Laidlaw Foundation’s work with Black and Indigenous youth at https://laidlawfdn.org/

Learn more about The Human Challenge at https://vanessaferlaino.com/thehumanchallenge

The Human Challenge is hosted and produced by Vanessa Ferlaino. Watch the full episode on her Youtube channel here. Don't forget to subscribe!

The Human Challenge is an award-winning podcast, recognized by Amazon Music and ACAST as an Indie Podcast Amplifier.

Guess what? We're on Rogers TV! Check us out there!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mother Of A Survivor

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 12:00:00 GMT

In 2012, Karen Bird’s life took a turn; her teenage daughter disclosed she had been sexually abused. "Mother Of A Survivor" shows the eleven-year healing journey of a mother and her family, leading to the creation of Nakehndan, a non-profit weaving Indigenous and modern healing modalities for sexual abuse survivors to heal as a family unit. Filmed at the beautiful Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig (SKG), an Indigenous higher learning institute in Baawaating, Vanessa sits down with Karen Bird about how it all came to be — and how landing the CEO role at Batchewana First Nations brought her back home.

The Human Challenge is an award-winning podcast hosted and produced by Vanessa Ferlaino. Watch the full episode on her channel vanessaferlaino. Don't forget to subscribe!

The Human Challenge was recognized by Amazon Music and ACAST as an "Indie Podcast Amplifier".

Guess what? We're on Rogers TV! Check us out there!

---

Learn more about Nakehndan: https://www.nakehndan.ca/

Learn more about Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig (SKG): https://shingwauku.org/

Learn more about Vanessa Ferlaino and The Human Challenge: https://vanessaferlaino.com/thehumanchallenge

The Human Challenge is hosted and produced by Vanessa Ferlaino. Watch the full episode on her Youtube channel here. Don't forget to subscribe!

The Human Challenge is an award-winning podcast, recognized by Amazon Music and ACAST as an Indie Podcast Amplifier.

Guess what? We're on Rogers TV! Check us out there!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Empathy in Storytelling: Behind the Scenes with Vanessa Ferlaino

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 14:00:00 GMT

In this episode of The Human Challenge, host ⁨@vanessaferlaino⁩ reflects on her conversation with Bayan Khatib, co-founder of The Syrian Canadian Foundation. Vanessa shares insights into the art of storytelling, creating safe spaces for discussing traumatic experiences, and the importance of empathy in narrative. In this behind-the-scenes episode, discover how storytelling can build a more cohesive society.

The Human Challenge is an award-winning podcast hosted and produced by Vanessa Ferlaino. Watch the full episode on her Youtube channel. Don't forget to subscribe! Guess what? We're on Rogers TV! Check us out there!

The Human Challenge was recognized by Amazon Music and ACAST as an "Indie Podcast Amplifier".

The Human Challenge is hosted and produced by Vanessa Ferlaino. Watch the full episode on her Youtube channel here. Don't forget to subscribe!

The Human Challenge is an award-winning podcast, recognized by Amazon Music and ACAST as an Indie Podcast Amplifier.

Guess what? We're on Rogers TV! Check us out there!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From Silence to Activism: A Journey of Syrian Resilience

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 13:00:00 GMT

Join Vanessa Ferlaino on "The Human Challenge" as she sits down with Bayan Khatib, co-founder of The Syrian Canadian Foundation. Bayan recounts her journey from Aleppo, Syria to Canada, highlighting her pivotal role in activism and the fight for a free Syria. From translating a powerful memoir of human rights violations to leading community efforts, Bayan's story is one of resilience and hope. Tune in to hear about her experiences, the challenges faced, and her hopes for Syria's future.

The Human Challenge is hosted and produced by Vanessa Ferlaino. Watch the full episode on her channel. Don't forget to subscribe!

The Human Challenge is an award-winning podcast, recognized by Amazon Music and ACAST as an "Indie Podcast Amplifier".

Guess what? We're on Rogers TV! Check us out there!

The Human Challenge is hosted and produced by Vanessa Ferlaino. Watch the full episode on her Youtube channel here. Don't forget to subscribe!

The Human Challenge is an award-winning podcast, recognized by Amazon Music and ACAST as an Indie Podcast Amplifier.

Guess what? We're on Rogers TV! Check us out there!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep 50 Connecting Inner and Outer Worlds: 50th Episode Celebration

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 12:09:44 GMT

We made it! There's so much to celebrate in this 50th milestone episode of The Human Challenge! Join host, Vanessa Ferlaino, who confirms our recent announcement that we are officially on Rogers TV! Vanessa also shares insights from her new book, recaps the launch party, and tells us some new things we can expect from the podcast, including community spotlights, new themes, and solo episodes! Vanessa also reflects on her journey, the connection between healing and liberation, and bringing our inner and outer worlds together for real change.

"Thanks so much for staying with me! I can't wait to share with you what's in store for us this seasons!" - Vanessa Ferlaino

The Human Challenge is hosted and produced by Vanessa Ferlaino. Watch the full episode on her channel. Don't forget to subscribe!

The Human Challenge is an award-winning podcast, recognized by Amazon Music and ACAST as an "Indie Podcast Amplifier".

Guess what? We're on Rogers TV! Check us out there!

Get her new book at vanessaferlaino.com/expansion

The Human Challenge is hosted and produced by Vanessa Ferlaino. Watch the full episode on her Youtube channel here. Don't forget to subscribe!

The Human Challenge is an award-winning podcast, recognized by Amazon Music and ACAST as an Indie Podcast Amplifier.

Guess what? We're on Rogers TV! Check us out there!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep 49 Small Town, Big Dreams ft. NCAA Champion Abigail Fogg

Mon, 06 Oct 2025 15:10:47 GMT

In this episode, we dive into the remarkable journey of professional basketball player, Abigail Fogg, who rose from the humble roots of smalltown Sault Ste Marie in Northern Ontario, and made her mark as a 5-year NCAA champion and 8-year international professional basketball player. Discover the challenges she faced, the triumphs she celebrated, and the lessons she learned along the way. We also discuss the evolution of women's sports, and what she thinks needs to happen for women's sports to sustain its peak. Tune in for an inspiring story that will motivate and captivate you from the start.

The Human Challenge is hosted and produced produced by Vanessa Ferlaino. Don't forget to subscribe!

The Human Challenge is an award-winning podcast, recognized by Amazon Music and ACAST as an "Indie Podcast Amplifier".

Guess what? We're officially on Rogers TV! Check us out there!

The Human Challenge is hosted and produced by Vanessa Ferlaino. Watch the full episode on her Youtube channel here. Don't forget to subscribe!

The Human Challenge is an award-winning podcast, recognized by Amazon Music and ACAST as an Indie Podcast Amplifier.

Guess what? We're on Rogers TV! Check us out there!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep 48 Healing Together: Chip's Path from Prison to Purpose

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 11:17:00 GMT

In this heartfelt episode, we hear from Chip Skowron, MD/PhD and former CEO of Prison Entrepreneurship Program, who takes us through the double life he lived since childhood and how he found peace with himself following the four years he spent in prison for insider trading.

Emerging with a renewed sense of purpose, Chip shares how Vanessa's new book served as a poignant reminder of the power of community and healing that he experienced while in prison.

While touching on the foreword he wrote for Vanessa's book, he also shares the soul wounds that he healed and how he learned to tune into the body's wisdom, instead of reacting or running away.

Join us for an inspiring conversation about resilience, redemption, and the enduring strength of human connection.

Learn more about Vanessa's book at vanessaferlaino.com/expansion

The Human Challenge is hosted and produced by Vanessa Ferlaino. Watch the full episode on her Youtube channel here. Don't forget to subscribe!

The Human Challenge is an award-winning podcast, recognized by Amazon Music and ACAST as an Indie Podcast Amplifier.

Guess what? We're on Rogers TV! Check us out there!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep 47 Feed U With Trees ft Author Elspeth Hay

Sun, 20 Jul 2025 16:25:00 GMT

In this episode of The Human Challenge, Elspeth Hay, author of ""Feed Us With Trees" and host of the Local Food Report on Cape Cod's NPR station, joins us. We explore the fascinating world of acorns and their potential as a superfood, delving into the historical and ecological significance of nut trees. Elspeth shares her journey of discovering the interconnectedness of humans and ecosystems, challenging the dominant narratives of food production and colonial legacies, including Elspeth's ancestral and healing work. Tune in for an enlightening conversation on rethinking our relationship with the natural world and embracing sustainable practices. #Sustainability #FoodRevolution #TheHumanChallenge

Be welcome to learn more about Elspeth at: https://elspethhay.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elspethhay/

Be invited to stay in touch with Vanessa on Instagram @vanessaferlaino or vanessaferlaino.com

The Human Challenge is hosted and produced by Vanessa Ferlaino. Watch the full episode on her Youtube channel here. Don't forget to subscribe!

The Human Challenge is an award-winning podcast, recognized by Amazon Music and ACAST as an Indie Podcast Amplifier.

Guess what? We're on Rogers TV! Check us out there!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep 46 Emily O'Brien Makes A Comeback With Comeback Snacks!

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 13:00:00 GMT

It's been 10 years since Emily O'Brien found herself in prison. "A lot of people think in prison that you have nothing," she says, "but if you reframe it as a place where you have everything, you can kind of create anything you want." Following that mindset, Emily created the idea for Comeback Snacks, Popcorn so good, it’s criminal, while incarcerated. In this episode of The Human Challenge, Emily shares her journey of incarceration, how she built Comeback Snacks to see 60% growth in 2024, and how she continues to find new opportunities for people with a history of incarceration. This includes the recent launch of Comeback Catalyst, an accelerator for incarcerated people to learn how to start their own business.

Be welcome to learn more about Emily and Comeback Snacks here: https://comebacksnacks.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/comebacksnacks/

Be welcome to learn more about Comeback Catalyst here: https://www.comebackcatalyst.ca/

Be invited to stay in touch with Vanessa on Instagram @vanessaferlaino or vanessaferlaino.com

Watch this full episode on Youtube at https://youtu.be/k6qB5wcHEzg

The Human Challenge is hosted and produced by Vanessa Ferlaino. Watch the full episode on her Youtube channel here. Don't forget to subscribe!

The Human Challenge is an award-winning podcast, recognized by Amazon Music and ACAST as an Indie Podcast Amplifier.

Guess what? We're on Rogers TV! Check us out there!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep 45 Sparrow in the Razor Wire ft Defy Ventures' Quan Huynh

Thu, 27 Feb 2025 14:11:00 GMT

Quan Huynh has been described as a mighty warrior, a magician, and a mountain of goodness. He spent 22 years of his life behind bars for murder. In the midst of a life sentence, he found his freedom from within and wishes to share that freedom with others. He is the bestselling author of Sparrow in the Razor Wire: Finding Freedom from Within While Serving a Life Sentence and is also the Executive Director, Southern California at Defy Ventures.

Quan wrote his book to share after being pushed by 4X NYT-bestselling author, Tucker Max. He shares how his childhood, his father, his mother, and other experiences shaped his lived perspectives of the world. He also talks about how he supported others during incarceration, by starting Grief & Loss Groups and helping others prepare for their own parole hearings. His book includes the live transcripts of many of these conversations, and how they helped him in his own journey to freedom.

"We all live in some type of prison," says Quan. By humanizing those who have an experience of incarceration, he hopes that all of us will be more kind to ourselves and each other.

Quan's book, "Sparrow in the Razor Wire", was published by Lioncrest Publishing here: https://quanxhuynh.com

Be welcome to learn more about Quan's work here: https://quanxhuynh.com

Be invited to stay in touch with Vanessa on Instagram @vanessaferlaino or vanessaferlaino.com

Watch this full episode on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@vanessaferlaino/featured

The Human Challenge is hosted and produced by Vanessa Ferlaino. Watch the full episode on her Youtube channel here. Don't forget to subscribe!

The Human Challenge is an award-winning podcast, recognized by Amazon Music and ACAST as an Indie Podcast Amplifier.

Guess what? We're on Rogers TV! Check us out there!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep 44 Rewriting the History of The Americas: Decolonizing Archaeology

Thu, 23 Jan 2025 16:46:37 GMT

25 years after finding herself divorced, a single mom of three kids with a truck, 26 cents, and a grade education, Dr. Paulette Steeves, Cree Métis author of "The Indigenous Paleolithic of the Western Hemisphere", walked across the stage receiving her PhD with honours. She had already been told of her legacy that would shed truth on Indigenous history by an Elder at the time of her divorce, but it was in that moment, she finally understood what it was: to rewrite the history of The Americas.

Through her PhD, Dr. Steeves had the opportunity to conduct research on archaeology sites older than 10,000 years, called Pleistocene Age sites, to debunk the standard view in Archaeology that Indigenous people of The Americas had only been here for 10,000 or 11,000 years -- and that they came from Asia.

"It was a way that Archaeology erased Indigenous people in The Americas," Dr. Steeves says, combatting "Academic Suicide" that many others in her field faced for publishing research on sites that were older than 11,000 or 12,000 years and pushed back on that aracheological narrative.

Her book, "The Indigenous Paleolithic of the Western Hemisphere", offers extensive research debunking this narrative, bringing truth to Indigenous history and identity. The book took over 13 years to write, having to study hundreds of records and archaeological sites that date from 11,200 to 200,000 years and dive into the paleo-mammal record to study human migration patterns between the Eastern and Western hemisphere. Her extensive database and mapping across almost 360 publications provides the evidence to support people were here 11 or 12,000 years ago, challenging the dominant colonial-based 100 year old narrative that suggests Indigenous people were here for only 3,000 years. Her book has also given hope to many Indigenous people across The Americas, just as The Elder had told her many years before.

In this episode, Dr. Steeves invites us to decolonize our minds, think critically, and challenge the long history of colonization, including knowledge, reminding us that much what we have been taught in the past has been based on a lot of colonial bias. Beyond that, we need to disprove that knowledge, publish on that, and help to educate people.

"When you pushback on any area, you push back on bias, racism, and discrimination," she says. "You help people to become informed to address that. You make the world a better place for all."

Dr. Steeves book, "The Indigenous Paleolithic of the Western Hemisphere", was published by University of Nebraska Press here: https://www.nebraskapress.unl.edu/nebraska/9781496202178/the-indigenous-paleolithic-of-the-western-hemisphere/

Be welcome to learn more about Dr. Steeves' work here: https://www.tipdba.ca/

Be invited to stay in touch with Vanessa on Instagram @vanessaferlaino or vanessaferlaino.com

Watch this full episode on Youtube at https://youtu.be/55Qg5R16Il8

The Human Challenge is hosted and produced by Vanessa Ferlaino. Watch the full episode on her Youtube channel here. Don't forget to subscribe!

The Human Challenge is an award-winning podcast, recognized by Amazon Music and ACAST as an Indie Podcast Amplifier.

Guess what? We're on Rogers TV! Check us out there!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep 43 Returning Citizens ft Robert Gil Jr From Prison Entrepreneurship Program

Thu, 28 Nov 2024 14:11:17 GMT

In this episode of "The Human Challenge", an Amazon Music x ACAST Indie Podcast Amplifier, Vanessa sits down with Robert Gil Jr, Re-entry Manager at Prison Entrepreneurship Program in Houston, in this inspiring and vulnerable conversation to breakdown barriers for returning citizens. From drug dealer to case manager, Robert showcases his journey through incarceration, including personal revelations, post-release anxieties, and his continued support for returning citizens.

"You cannot spell community without unity," he says, highlighting the power of brotherhood he discovered while going through Prison Entrepreneurship Program as a returning citizen himself. Now, he supports these same people who are where he once was.

Prison Entrepreneurship Program offers boot camp and re-entry programs as proven solutions for preventing recidivism, maximizing self-sufficiency, and transforming broken lives. Their holistic approach to prison rehabilitation begins inside the prison and continues post-release. Learn more here: https://www.pep.org/

Vanessa is a volunteer sponsor for the Prison Entrepreneurship Program, supporting returning citizens with business and personal mentorship. This episode is presented as a collaboration between The Human Challenge and Prison Entrepreneurship Program. This episode is part of our "New Beginnings" segment, supported by The Being Human Foundation. Learn more here: https://vanessaferlaino.com/thebeinghumanfoundation

Be invited to stay in touch with Vanessa on Instagram @vanessaferlaino or vanessaferlaino.com

The Human Challenge is hosted and produced by Vanessa Ferlaino. Watch the full episode on her Youtube channel here. Don't forget to subscribe!

The Human Challenge is an award-winning podcast, recognized by Amazon Music and ACAST as an Indie Podcast Amplifier.

Guess what? We're on Rogers TV! Check us out there!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep 42 Repair Movement & Displacement ft Mathew Lubari

Thu, 07 Nov 2024 14:11:52 GMT

"Refugee is a title, given to someone who is a displaced person, but it does not change the right to [their] data", says Mathew Lubari, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Community Creativity for Development (CC4D).

Mathew joined the show from Rhino Refugee Camp in Uganda.

Mathew's passion for technology repair, and what is know as the "Repair Movement", a movement that increases awareness of repair of everyday items, started as a young boy watching his father tinker with repairing technology in his own home. After his own experiences, including the locking of his mobile device, and a computer repair technician who removed the hard drive disk, RAM, and the network card instead of repairing the computer, he decided to learn to do it himself and to teach other people how to repair things and make repair accessible. This includes teaching people to be ethical, while providing repair services.

In 2016, he fled his home country with a zip lock of repair tools (a screwdriver, a cutter and a toothbrush) and started repairing but never knew repair protects the environment by reducing carbon emissions and landfill until 2021 when he joined the Restarters community, a global forum for repairers.

The idea of bridging the gap in repair of everyday items and making repair open led to the founding of CC4D. His roles at the CC4D include helping develop the repair café and women inclusion in tech/repair culture programs.

To showcase the impact of repair cafe practices, repair knowledge as self-sufficiency and professional development in displacement settings, Mathew partnered with The Maintainers to publish “THE ESSENCE OF REPAIR, CARE AND MAINTENANCE CULTURE IN DISPLACEMENT SETTINGS IN UGANDA: A Sense of Direction and Hope to Rebuild Lives”. The report aims to highlight circular economy as a means of survival, and highlights the leadership of refugee-led work within the global repair movement. Be welcome to read more here: https://themaintainers.org/essence-of-repair/

Connect with Mathew and CC4D here:

CC4D email: info@cc4duganda.org
CC4D Facebook: www.facebook.com/CCC4D-Uganda
Mathew Lubari Instagram: @mathewdukson
Mathew Lubari's LinkedIn: https://ug.linkedin.com/in/mathew-lubari

This episode is presented in partnership with the Migration Technology Monitor, on a mission to monitor surveillance technologies, automation, and the use of Artificial Intelligence to screen, track, and make decisions about people on the move. Learn more here: https://www.migrationtechmonitor.com/

This episode is part of our "New Beginnings" segment, supported by The Being Human Foundation. Learn more here: https://vanessaferlaino.com/thebeinghumanfoundation

Be invited to stay in touch with Vanessa on Instagram @vanessaferlaino or vanessaferlaino.com

Watch this full episode live on Youtube here: https://youtu.be/-DiN2Oz4xNc

The Human Challenge is hosted and produced by Vanessa Ferlaino. Watch the full episode on her Youtube channel here. Don't forget to subscribe!

The Human Challenge is an award-winning podcast, recognized by Amazon Music and ACAST as an Indie Podcast Amplifier.

Guess what? We're on Rogers TV! Check us out there!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep 41 Real Talk with Moroccan-Yemeni Singer AŸA

Thu, 24 Oct 2024 14:14:23 GMT

Moroccan-Yemeni artist, AŸA, is back on The Human Challenge, an Amazon Music x ACAST "Indie Podcast Amplifier", with new music, new live tracks on vinyl, and new stories!

This music is deeply personal to AŸA, as she navigates grief from the loss of a dear friend of hers and the ongoing horrors the world is witnessing in Palestine, where she has family and friends. She shares how music has helped her through this journey and how she believes music is the way to capture time and stories in history.

Listen to her new single, Talking Deep, here: https://paradise.ffm.to/talking_deep?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaZfmRWnJ09xUokDD0ipTz9AJAECIC5J9gZtPvJRFKJABy1LZGStWHVlY4Y_aem_Rk_g75mWM3O9-_N-hcYO0A

Pre-save her vinyl here: https://ayaloveu.bandcamp.com/album/a-a-live-in-berlin

Watch this episode on Youtube at https://youtu.be/cDOhUJNKKoA

Be invited to stay in touch with Vanessa on Instagram @vanessaferlaino or vanessaferlaino.com, AŸA on Instagram @aya.loveu

The Human Challenge is hosted and produced by Vanessa Ferlaino. Watch the full episode on her Youtube channel here. Don't forget to subscribe!

The Human Challenge is an award-winning podcast, recognized by Amazon Music and ACAST as an Indie Podcast Amplifier.

Guess what? We're on Rogers TV! Check us out there!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep 40 Pretty Boys ft Star Trek Actor Doug Jones & Actor/Producer/Writer Matt Edwards

Thu, 17 Oct 2024 15:12:27 GMT

You might know Matt Edwards as your jack-of-all-trades actor/producer/writer and Doug Jones from one of your favourite franchises like Hocus Pocus, Hellboy 1 & 2, Star Trek, and Fantastic Four -- but get to know them in a more human light in this episode of The Human Challenge, an Amazon Music x ACAST Indie Podcast Amplifier 2023.

This budding Hollywood friendship will warm your hearts as they come together in their next project, Pretty Boys, a comedy short film about a washed up Hollywood Star, his estranged son, and the disastrous road trip that just might bring them back together. While the intention is to entertain and amuse, they also touch on their own experiences with mental health, loss, and grief -- topics not often talked about amongst men.

There are less than 40 hours to contribute to the film's Kickstarter!!!! Support the film here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/prettyboysfilm/pretty-boys-comedy-short

Watch the full episode on youtube https://youtu.be/DW4YNNAo-6I or listen on your favourite podcast site!

Be invited to stay in touch with Vanessa on Instagram @vanessaferlaino or vanessaferlaino.com; Matt Edwards on Instagram @mattedwards and Doug Jones on Instagram @actordougjones

The Human Challenge is hosted and produced by Vanessa Ferlaino. Watch the full episode on her Youtube channel here. Don't forget to subscribe!

The Human Challenge is an award-winning podcast, recognized by Amazon Music and ACAST as an Indie Podcast Amplifier.

Guess what? We're on Rogers TV! Check us out there!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep 39 Feminism & Intersectionality At The Border: Judith Cabrera From Borderline Crisis Center

Thu, 10 Oct 2024 13:11:25 GMT

** Please be welcome to note sensitive content is discussed, including sexual violence in relation to corrective punishments experienced by trans peoples. **

"Solidarity is power," says activist, Judith Cabrera, Co-Director of Borderline Crisis Center, a shelter for migrant women and kids on the border of US/Mexico.

Borderline Crisis Center started as a call-center for migrants to connect with their family as soon as they crossed the border. But after Judith's partner and founder of the center, Daniel Ruiz, was targeted by organized crime who burned down their location, they were forced to move where they then expanded into the shelter.

In this conversation, Judith walks us through the history of migrant policy in the USA since 2016; the increasing discriminate and racist policies faced by migrants seeking asylum, which is their right under international law; and the role technology plays in this discrimination. In partnership with the Migration Technology Monitor, Judith and the team are building a kiosk outside the shelter, 3 minutes away from the border, to provide information and resources to people on the move, as well as to serve as a counter-monitoring tool, to monitor human rights violations by the Mexican Authorities.

Judith also shares how the shelter is tackling the largest problem faced by women in their shelters: the lack of income. By starting a Feminist Solidarity Economy Network, organized and independently led by the women in the shelters, Borderline seeks to empower women to come together and create opportunities for income with one another's support.

Borderline Crisis Shelter also prides themselves on having a close relationship with the LGBTQ community; Judith, who identifies as a bisexual woman herself, says there is a lot of overlay with migration. There are only three shelters that accept lesbian and/or trans community members in their area. She tells us two stories of two of the many trans peoples who have come through the shelter, some with children, the abuse they faced before getting there, and how the Crisis helped them through their asylum.

Given increased militarization by the US, digitalization at the borders, the drug war in Mexico, the increasing dangers for both migrants and human rights defenders, there are a lot of things to fear. "But I strongly oppose living in fear," Judith says. "We really need to take care of each other and build strong networks for protection."

Be welcome to learn more about Borderline Crisis Center:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/borderlinecrisis

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/borderlinecrisiscenter/

Direct donation: www.paypal.me/borderlinecrisiscent

This episode is part of our "New Beginnings" segment, supported by The Being Human Foundation. Learn more here: https://vanessaferlaino.com/thebeinghumanfoundation

Be invited to stay in touch with Vanessa on Instagram @vanessaferlaino or vanessaferlaino.com

The Human Challenge is hosted and produced by Vanessa Ferlaino. Watch the full episode on her Youtube channel here. Don't forget to subscribe!

The Human Challenge is an award-winning podcast, recognized by Amazon Music and ACAST as an Indie Podcast Amplifier.

Guess what? We're on Rogers TV! Check us out there!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep 38 Decriminalizing Poverty ft Jason Wang CEO / FreeWorld

Thu, 19 Sep 2024 13:11:14 GMT

In our new segment, New Beginnings, supported by The Being Human Foundation, Vanessa speaks to CEO/Founder of FreeWorld, Jason Wang, a tech non-profit that trains and places people with criminal histories into the trucking industry.

At the age of 15, Jason was incarcerated for a 1st degree felony (Aggravated Robbery) and given a 12-year sentence at a maximum security prison in Texas. Even though he was released early due to prison reform work he did with Texas senators and went on to obtain 2 masters degrees in four years, no one would hire him. When he started his own businesses, he faced similar issues when a lead investor pulled out of his deal last minute because of his criminal history.

In this candid discussion, Jason talks about his upbringing, trauma, and poverty as a contributing factor to mass incarceration of children -- and how all of this led to the launch of FreeWorld.

Now, Jason's life mission is to end mass incarceration by equipping 26 million formerly incarcerated people across the nation with the tools, education, and the jobs they need in order to live positive, productive lives.

Be welcome to learn more about FreeWorld here: https://freeworld.org/

Be welcome to learn more about The Being Human Foundation at vanessaferlaino.com/thebeinghumanfoundation

Be invited to stay in touch with Vanessa on Instagram @vanessaferlaino or vanessaferlaino.com

Watch this full episode on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@vanessaferlaino/featured

The Human Challenge is hosted and produced by Vanessa Ferlaino. Watch the full episode on her Youtube channel here. Don't forget to subscribe!

The Human Challenge is an award-winning podcast, recognized by Amazon Music and ACAST as an Indie Podcast Amplifier.

Guess what? We're on Rogers TV! Check us out there!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep 37 Summoned by Earth With Honourary Lama Cynthia Jurs

Thu, 05 Sep 2024 13:11:29 GMT

Lama Cynthia Jurs' commitment to healing Mother Earth began in the 1990s in the Himalayas, visiting a a 106 year-old Tibetan Buddhist in the Himalayas where she was told to bury Earth Treasure Vases. Since then, Cynthia has buried almost 100 vases across the world, including Libya, Congo, Australia, New Mexico, and more! The journey is meticulously documented in her new book, "Summoned by Earth", released in March 2024. Her commitment to this mission resulted in her being officially ordained as an honourary lama.

In this episode of The Human Challenge, an Amazon Music x ACAST Indie Podcast Amplifier 2023, Cynthia talks to Vanessa about her journey; her training with well-known Buddhist monk, Thich Nhat Hanh; being accepted into The Order of Interbeing; and her 8 year journey in writing the book, "Summoned by Earth". Weaving her experiences and topics of sacred activism, the book also highlights major issues with climate change, violence against women, and Indigenous rights.

Be welcome to follow Cynthia on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/cynthiajurs/ and Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/earthtreasurevase.org.

Be welcome to learn more about her mission at http://GaiaMandala.net and SummonedbytheEarth.org.

Cynthia is also hosting the below session:

Tues Sept 17th: Tibet House, 6 pm — Talk on Summoned by the Earth; Becoming a Holy Vessel for Healing Our World with Full Moon Meditation & Book Signing.
Fri Sept 20th: The Village Zendo, 7 pm — Talk on A Dharma Path for Our Times; Introduction to the Practice of the Earth Treasure Vases
Sat Sept 21st: Daylong Earth Treasure Vase Pilgrimage to the World Trade Center & Inwood Park
Fri—Sun Sept 27th–29th: Refuge & Renewal in the Sublime Mother Gaia; Finding Support on the Path of Sacred Activism at Menla Retreat Center in Phoenicia, NY

Registration links below:

https://events.thus.org/programs/summoned-by-the-earth-becoming-a-holy-vessel-for-healing-our-world-with-cynthia-jurs/
https://menla.org/retreat/refuge-and-renewal-in-the-sublime-mother-gaia-finding-support-on-the-path-of-sacred-activism/?mc_cid=ce3e54dd31
https://www.dharma-gates.org/nyc-earth-treasure-vase
https://www.dharma-gates.org/sacred-activism

Be welcome to stay in touch with Vanessa on Instagram @vanessaferlaino or vanessaferlaino.com

Watch this full episode on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@vanessaferlaino/featured

The Human Challenge is hosted and produced by Vanessa Ferlaino. Watch the full episode on her Youtube channel here. Don't forget to subscribe!

The Human Challenge is an award-winning podcast, recognized by Amazon Music and ACAST as an Indie Podcast Amplifier.

Guess what? We're on Rogers TV! Check us out there!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep 36 Cycling Across Canada in 30 Days ft Wings Of Survival Co-Founders

Thu, 29 Aug 2024 13:52:38 GMT

They're baaaaack! On this episode of The Human Challenge, an Amazon Music x ACAST "Indie Podcast Amplifier 2023", Leanna Carriere and Timm Döbert are back to talk about their recent cycling trip across Canada to support the 30x30 initiative, a United Nations goal of protecting 30% of land and water by 2030.

You might remember them (how could you forget this dynamic duo, Canada's First Woman Decathlete and a Global Change Ecologist?) from previous episodes where they spoke about their Wings of Survival expedition to support restoration efforts of the Pacific Americas Flyway. The Cross-Canada trek served as a warm-up to their Wings of Survival trip next year.

In this casual conversation, Leanna and Timm share the conservation sites they visited across the country, the animals they came across, and how they prepared for the 30 days trek. Being plant-based athletes, they also highlight their partnership with University of Alberta to research the effects of a plant-based diet on a long-term extreme expedition.

Be welcome to support them directly at their GoFundMe here.

Be invited to stay in touch with Vanessa on Instagram @vanessaferlaino or vanessaferlaino.com

Watch this full episode on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@vanessaferlaino/featured

The Human Challenge is hosted and produced by Vanessa Ferlaino. Watch the full episode on her Youtube channel here. Don't forget to subscribe!

The Human Challenge is an award-winning podcast, recognized by Amazon Music and ACAST as an Indie Podcast Amplifier.

Guess what? We're on Rogers TV! Check us out there!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep 35 Research Corner: From Incarceration To Entrepreneurship ft Kylie Hwang / Kellogg School of Business

Wed, 14 Aug 2024 14:55:45 GMT

With over 2.11 million people incarcerated as of 2018, almost 600,000 people per year reenter society from incarceration with little re-integration support, leading to over 66% of formerly incarcerated people rearrested within three years of reentry.

Kylie Hwang saw this firsthand while working at a background check company, and noticed that most solutions focused on supporting formerly incarcerated individuals with employment, but ignored those who turned to entrepreneurship due to labour market discrimination. Intrigued, Kylie pursued her Doctoral Studies.

Now, an Assistant Professor at Kellogg School of Business, she recently co-published "Entrepreneurship as a Response to Labor Market Discrimination for Formerly Incarcerated People" in the American Journal of Sociology and documented a few outcomes:

Formerly incarcerated individuals, particularly formerly incarcerated Black individuals, are more likely to become entrepreneurs compared to similar individuals who have never been incarcerated because of diminished employment opportunities.
Entrepreneurship for formerly incarcerated individuals reducing the income gap and recidivism ("re-offending") rates.
Entrepreneurship is an alternative way for formerly incarcerated lowers the likelihood of returning to prison, due to lack of employment opportunities.
Black individuals who have been incarcerated face the highest employment barriers due to discrimination, and as a result seek entrepreneurship.
Formerly incarcerated Black individuals reap the greatest advantages from entrepreneurship.

Kylie's research offers a look at how entrepreneurship can be a great option given labour market discrimination limiting formerly incarcerated individuals, and most importantly, how impact investors, researchers, and policymakers can help.

Tune into this episode of The Human Challenge, an Amazon Music x ACAST "Indie Podcast Amplifier 2023" to learn more about Kylie's journey, the implications, and how we can support -- and what she is looking at next!

Be invited to stay in touch with Vanessa on Instagram @vanessaferlaino or vanessaferlaino.com

Be welcome to learn more about Kylie Hwang at https://www.kellogg.northwestern.edu/faculty/directory/hwang_kylie.aspx

Watch this full episode on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@vanessaferlaino/featured

The Human Challenge is hosted and produced by Vanessa Ferlaino. Watch the full episode on her Youtube channel here. Don't forget to subscribe!

The Human Challenge is an award-winning podcast, recognized by Amazon Music and ACAST as an Indie Podcast Amplifier.

Guess what? We're on Rogers TV! Check us out there!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep 34 The Walls Have Eyes: Border and Surveillance Technology ft Petra Molnar

Thu, 01 Aug 2024 14:10:33 GMT

It took 6 years for Petra Molnar to write "The Walls Have Eyes", a book showcasing the use of technology in immigration and migrant affairs. As a lawyer and anthropology specializing in human rights, the book documents both research and true stories of people on the move that she herself has supported in their own journeys to freedom.

Petra joins Vanessa on The Human Challenge, an Amazon Music x ACAST "Indie Podcast Amplifier 2023" to talk about the use of technology

along US-Mexico and in Greece to facilitate pushback operations;
in refugee camps used as digital prisons (Kenya);
that is tested in the Occupied Palestinian territories.

She also discusses how all of this has created the "border industrial complex", largely driven by both the private and public sector, and certain resistance strategies, including hope, in a society that continues to push more technology as an only solution. One such strategy includes her work founding The Migration Technology Monitor.

Ultimately, she invites us to ask ourselves questions around the use of technology, who gets a seat at the table in deciding what technology to use and how, and how we can co-create technologies with people on the move.

The biggest human challenge to Petra?

Dehumanization.

"We all hold such complexity with the way we move through the world," she says, "we need to hold that same complexity for people on the move."

Be invited to stay in touch with Vanessa on Instagram @vanessaferlaino or vanessaferlaino.com; and Petra Molnar on Twitter @_PMolnar or https://www.petramolnar.com/ or https://www.migrationtechmonitor.com/

Watch this full episode on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@vanessaferlaino/featured

The Human Challenge is hosted and produced by Vanessa Ferlaino. Watch the full episode on her Youtube channel here. Don't forget to subscribe!

The Human Challenge is an award-winning podcast, recognized by Amazon Music and ACAST as an Indie Podcast Amplifier.

Guess what? We're on Rogers TV! Check us out there!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep 33 Earth & Soul ft Award-Winning Author Leah Rampy

Tue, 23 Jul 2024 13:11:42 GMT

On this episode of The Human Challenge, Leah Rampy, award-winning author of "Earth & Soul: Reconnecting Amid Climate Chaos", talks about the story of separation and "otherness" we have a society have been living in a predominant Western culture.

To her, the biggest human challenge is that "being human is not about being separate... being human is about being part of that incredibly family tree... we are a leaf on it, but we are not the tree." Leah offers wise words about attention and intention to invite us to be more human to ourselves navigating a separated society.

"Earth & Soul: Reconnecting Amid Climate Chaos" was awarded 2024 Next Generation Indie Book Awards & 2024 National Indie Excellence Awards. Get yours now here!

Pls be invited to stay in touch with Vanessa on Instagram @vanessaferlaino or vanessaferlaino.com

Watch this full episode on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@vanessaferlaino/featured

The Human Challenge is hosted and produced by Vanessa Ferlaino. Watch the full episode on her Youtube channel here. Don't forget to subscribe!

The Human Challenge is an award-winning podcast, recognized by Amazon Music and ACAST as an Indie Podcast Amplifier.

Guess what? We're on Rogers TV! Check us out there!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep 32 Building A "Reuse" Empire ft Jessica Gonzalez / Happen Ventures

Tue, 09 Jul 2024 13:11:23 GMT

Jessica Gonzalez is one of the most prominent entrepreneurs in New Jersey. Jessica was EY Entrepreneur of the year award runner up 2019 + 2021, 50 Best Women in Business NJ, Women, Minority, & Small Business Enterprise Certified, NGLCC® LGBTBE® Certified, and has been published over 100 times in Forbes, Huffington Post, and INC. Magazine.

Jessica is the CEO of Happen Ventures, a latina-owned social enterprise that supports organizations in adopting "reuse" principles by finding expired or damaged goods/products a new home with people in-need through local community and non-profit partnerships.

Did you know that "reuse" is actually more affordable economically?
Did you know that "reuse" can be adopted at the municipality level?
Did you know that it is easier to have greater impact adopting "reuse" principles?

Weaving in her experiences of being a latina businesswoman, she shares wisdom for those of us navigating this journey, too.

"No one knows less or more than you, " she says. "We're all human."

-----

Be invited to stay in touch with Vanessa on Instagram @vanessaferlaino , LinkedIn or vanessaferlaino.com

Connect with Jessica on LinkedIn at and happenventures.com

Watch this full episode on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@vanessaferlaino/featured

The Human Challenge is hosted and produced by Vanessa Ferlaino. Watch the full episode on her Youtube channel here. Don't forget to subscribe!

The Human Challenge is an award-winning podcast, recognized by Amazon Music and ACAST as an Indie Podcast Amplifier.

Guess what? We're on Rogers TV! Check us out there!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep 31 Research Corner: The Truth About Immigration ft Wharton Professor Zeke Hernandez

Tue, 11 Jun 2024 02:21:44 GMT

There are two main narratives we are told about welcoming immigrants into our countries: that they harm society by taking jobs or that it is our "moral responsibility" to support immigrants. But are these truly representative of the value immigrants offer our society?

Is there a third narrative that tells us otherwise?

Zeke Hernandez, Professor at Wharton School of Business and author of "The Truth About Immigration: Why Successful Societies Welcome Newcomers", joins Vanessa on The Human Challenge to share more about this third narrative, the data behind it, and his own personal story about immigrating into the USA.

"The Truth About Immigration" is available now where all books are sold. Check it out on Amazon here.

Be invited to stay in touch with Vanessa on Instagram @vanessaferlaino or vanessaferlaino.com

Watch this full episode on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@vanessaferlaino/featured

The Human Challenge is hosted and produced by Vanessa Ferlaino. Watch the full episode on her Youtube channel here. Don't forget to subscribe!

The Human Challenge is an award-winning podcast, recognized by Amazon Music and ACAST as an Indie Podcast Amplifier.

Guess what? We're on Rogers TV! Check us out there!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep 30 Impact In Media ft Waterbear's Chief Impact Officer Poppy Mason-Watts

Fri, 03 May 2024 21:00:38 GMT

Have you ever felt so passionate about a cause that it made you swim the English channel?

Well, Poppy Mason-Watts, Chief Growth and Impact Officer of WaterBear, has!

What is WaterBear? It is more than a streaming platform; it is a community! WaterBear is the home of captivating films and thought-provoking series that empower you to lead a meaningful life. You can watch this powerful social good content for free (always!) and without ads.

Poppy joins The Human Challenge, an Amazon Music x ACAST "Indie Podcast Amplifier" and shares all about WaterBear's impact in diversity, film, media, and technology from both their content and business operations; their first time at Sundance.

Poppy also gets personal, divulging the challenges of being a woman in tech, media, and impact; the project that inspired her to swim the English channel to bring awareness to refugees; and some of her other favourite female protagonist

She is most excited about the upcoming series from United Nations Women called “Unsilenced” - a docu-series (3x20') about gender based violence that will be exclusively released on WaterBear!

Be welcome to review the trailer about Unsilenced here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNLvecL6vVk

Learn more about Waterbear here: https://www.waterbear.com/

Be invited to stay in touch with Vanessa on Instagram @vanessaferlaino or vanessaferlaino.com and Poppy at https://www.linkedin.com/in/poppy-mason-watts-b7753219/

Watch this full episode on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@vanessaferlaino/featured

The Human Challenge is hosted and produced by Vanessa Ferlaino. Watch the full episode on her Youtube channel here. Don't forget to subscribe!

The Human Challenge is an award-winning podcast, recognized by Amazon Music and ACAST as an Indie Podcast Amplifier.

Guess what? We're on Rogers TV! Check us out there!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep 29 Free Palestine ft Activists Frank Barat, Yara Jamal, Paula Sahyoun

Thu, 25 Apr 2024 13:11:10 GMT

On this episode of The Human Challenge, an Amazon Music x ACAST "Indie Podcast Amplifier" 2023, Vanessa speaks with producer, author, activist, Frank Barat; Yara Jamal, co-founder of Free Palestine Halifax; and Paula Sahyoun, founder of the Palestine Impact Collective to learn about how we can move toward collective liberation.

Touching on their own endeavours to support the Palestinian cause, they also discuss the lack of accountability of the media, human rights vs political agenda, how fear has played a huge role in suppressing the voices of Gaza, and most importantly, how it is shifting -- and how YOU can be part of that shift!

We live in a very important moment; Gaza serves as a litmus test for the rest of the world. "Palestinians were kicked out of Israel... they held onto their key," Frank reminds us. "It's a key through our activism and love and everything else this world could be... when you realize you have this key, it changes everything."

Be invited to stay in touch with Vanessa on Instagram @vanessaferlaino or vanessaferlaino.com; Frank on Instagram @4frankbarat; Yara Jamal on Instagram @yarajamal._ or @freepalestinehalifax; or Paula Sahyoun at palestineimpactcollective.org

Watch this full episode on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@vanessaferlaino

The Human Challenge is hosted and produced by Vanessa Ferlaino. Watch the full episode on her Youtube channel here. Don't forget to subscribe!

The Human Challenge is an award-winning podcast, recognized by Amazon Music and ACAST as an Indie Podcast Amplifier.

Guess what? We're on Rogers TV! Check us out there!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep 28 - From Olympian To EDTECH Company: Julia Rivard's Story

Thu, 11 Apr 2024 13:11:45 GMT

After witnessing her son's challenges with reading, Canadian Olympian-turned-entrepreneur, Julia Rivard, started Shoelace Learning to create engaging applications to improve reading.

Julia shares about her upbringing from Northern Ontario, her journey to the Australian Olympics, and how she approached her "athlete retirement" as an opportunity to reinvent herself -- which led to Shoelace Learning. Julia is particularly passionate about inclusive learning in schools for educators and students; she shares Shoelace's JEDI content review process to maintain their commitment to DEI in education.

Recorded during International Women's Month, Julia and Vanessa get incredibly vulnerable around the challenges of being a woman, the role of shame in society, and how they believe there is a shift in society toward a more matriarchal society.

The Human Challenge is an Amazon Music x ACAST "Indie Podcast Amplifier" 2023.

Be invited to stay in touch with Vanessa on Instagram @vanessaferlaino or vanessaferlaino.com.

Learn more about Shoelace Learning here.

Watch this full episode on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@vanessaferlaino/featured

The Human Challenge is hosted and produced by Vanessa Ferlaino. Watch the full episode on her Youtube channel here. Don't forget to subscribe!

The Human Challenge is an award-winning podcast, recognized by Amazon Music and ACAST as an Indie Podcast Amplifier.

Guess what? We're on Rogers TV! Check us out there!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep 27 Period Equity In Remote Communities ft Nicole White / Moontime Connections

Thu, 04 Apr 2024 13:11:22 GMT

Nicole White, founder of Moontime Connections, joined Vanessa on "The Human Challenge", an Amazon Music x ACAST "Indie Podcast Amplifier 2023" to talk about period inequities in the remote communities. Moontime Connections, along with their partner True North Aid, collects and distributes period products for women in remote communities across Canada.

Nicole also talks about their new research, completed in partnership with the Department of Psychology at the University of Saskatchewan, a first-of-its-kind study offers vital and much-needed insights into menstrual-related needs in remote northern communities as well as the experiences of Indigenous menstruators. Moon Time Connections (MTC), with the help of USask and Dr. Karen Lawson (PhD, Professor and Head) and Adriana Cashwell (Masters student researcher) of the Department of Psychology and Health Studies, surveyed menstruators 15 years old and over in remote northern communities across the country to collect data on the experiences of menstruators in the north, and generate a better understanding of the unique challenges faced by these communities.

Key among the findings is the glaring stat that 74% of Indigenous respondents living in remote communities and 55% of Indigenous respondents living in non-remote communities “often” or “sometimes” have issues accessing menstrual products. Read the report here.

Moontime Connections is the first charity partner of "The BeHuman Collective: a mindfulness circle", a donation-based mindfulness program led by Vanessa Ferlaino, part of The Being Human Foundation.

Be invited to stay in touch with Vanessa on Instagram @vanessaferlaino or vanessaferlaino.com

Watch this full episode on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@vanessaferlaino/featured

w grace

The Human Challenge is hosted and produced by Vanessa Ferlaino. Watch the full episode on her Youtube channel here. Don't forget to subscribe!

The Human Challenge is an award-winning podcast, recognized by Amazon Music and ACAST as an Indie Podcast Amplifier.

Guess what? We're on Rogers TV! Check us out there!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep 26 JUNO Nominee Jah'Mila's Reggae Roots From Jamaica to Canada

Thu, 21 Mar 2024 15:25:19 GMT

This week on The Human Challenge, an Amazon Music x ACAST "Indie Podcast Amplifier 2023", Vanessa Ferlaino sits down with JUNO nominee for "Reggae Recording of the Year 2024", Jah'Mila.

In this episode, Jah'Mila shares her journey from Kingston, Jamaica to Halifax, Nova Scotia, touching on her religious and cultural influences in all aspects of her life, from her music to her own personal philosophies. She also talks about balance between her artist world and corporate world, offering a unique perspective on how the two spheres are more blended than we realize.

Jah'Mila is a reggae singer originally from Kingston, Jamaica, now based in Atlantic Canada. She blends traditional Jamaican roots reggae with jazz and modern soul. She has shared the stages with renowned reggae musicians like The Wailers, Black Uhuru, and Groundation. Her award-winning debut album "Roots Girl" was released in November 2022, focusing on reggae soul with a message of social justice. She has worked with various institutions and special projects, including the National Arts Centre, Toronto Symphony Orchestra, Symphony Nova Scotia, and more.

Tune in to the JUNO's on CBC Saturday March 23rd and Sunday March 24th to catch Jah'Mila live!

Be invited to stay in touch with Vanessa on Instagram @vanessaferlaino or vanessaferlaino.com or Jah'Mila at https://www.jahmilamusic.com/

or https://www.instagram.com/jahmilasings/?hl=en

Watch this full episode on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@vanessaferlaino/featured

The Human Challenge is hosted and produced by Vanessa Ferlaino. Watch the full episode on her Youtube channel here. Don't forget to subscribe!

The Human Challenge is an award-winning podcast, recognized by Amazon Music and ACAST as an Indie Podcast Amplifier.

Guess what? We're on Rogers TV! Check us out there!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep 25 Society & Economics For Justice ft Victor Beausoleil / SETSI

Tue, 05 Mar 2024 14:11:10 GMT

Vanessa co-hosts episode 25 of The Human Challenge, an Amazon Music x ACAST "Indie Podcast Amplifier" 2023, with Victor Beausoleil, Executive Director of SETSI, in their first co-branded episode.

Vanessa and Victor talk about shining light cross-sectionally in society from capital flow, equitable communities, the relationship between values and what is considered valuable, and framing what prosperity and abundances from looks like from a colonial, capitalistic, and imperialistic lens.

They talk about historical context around money, economy, settler colonialism, and gratitude, compassion, mercy, etc, -- topics that are often not talked about together. Moving into a final discussion around survival of civilization, they weave in spiritual concepts and practices, including Buddhism, knowledge of Self, cultural imperatives, across current events and other social dynamics.

"The moral arc of the universe bends towards justice," says Victor, quoting MLK, and its ties to equity, and hopes for humanity. "There is no way we came this far to come this far; there will be the point where the right people come together in the right circumstances to defeat the things that have been holding us back for centuries, which are not just people, but an ideal of hoarding."

How can we embody our intentions to bring civilization and humanity together?

The Social Economy through Social Inclusion (SETSI) model aims to tell a story, change minds, shift perspectives, and grow communities. Our coalition was developed as a response to some of the emerging trends and challenges we have collectively witnessed in the social economy, social finance, impact investing and cooperative ecosystems. We are a broad coalition of young executives, social entrepreneurs, community organizers, economists, researchers, lawyers, and social justice advocates.

The Being Human Foundation is a 501c3 in Los Angeles, founded by Vanessa Ferlaino, combining mindfulness, arts/culture, and community engagement to create a more "human" world. Visit vanessaferlaino.com/thebeinghumanfoundation to learn more.

Be invited to stay in touch with Vanessa on Instagram @vanessaferlaino or vanessaferlaino.com or Victor on LinkedIn or www.setsi.ca.

Watch this full episode on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@vanessaferlaino/featured

The Human Challenge is hosted and produced by Vanessa Ferlaino. Watch the full episode on her Youtube channel here. Don't forget to subscribe!

The Human Challenge is an award-winning podcast, recognized by Amazon Music and ACAST as an Indie Podcast Amplifier.

Guess what? We're on Rogers TV! Check us out there!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep 25 Purposeful Chocolate ft Kristyn Carriere / Seven Summit Snacks

Tue, 27 Feb 2024 14:11:30 GMT

In this episode of The Human Challenge, an Amazon Music x ACAST "Indie Podcast Amplifier 2023", Vanessa speaks to Co-founder and Chocolate Scientist of Seven Summit Snacks, Kristyn Carriere.

Getting ready for International Women's Month, Kristyn shares the 4 year journey of Seven Summit Snacks and their NEW FLAVOURS; what it's like to start a business with your sister and partner; and navigating starting a business, while starting a family.

Learn about the science of chocolate for both endurance athletes (like Kristyn, who is heading off to Japan for business and to "squeeze in" the Tokyo Marathon, and her sister and co-founder Leanna, who is training for a 30K bike ride to raise awareness for bird migration) and regular every day people like Vanessa who just need to get past that "afternoon low" :)

And if you haven’t yet pre-ordered your NEW flavours (Dark Chocolate Espresso Vanilla and Dark Chocolate Mint), now is the chance to get on the list! Backers will receive their new flavours before they are released in-stores, so this truly is an exclusive product drop!

Pre-order now! https://igg.me/at/Z6bSa1nNDYI/x/36693073#/

Be welcome to follow 7 Summits Snacks at:

https://sevensummitssnacks.com/

https://www.instagram.com/7summitssnacks/

https://www.facebook.com/7SummitsSnacks/

be welcome to follow Kristyn on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristyncarriere/

be invited to stay in touch with Vanessa on Instagram @vanessaferlaino or vanessaferlaino.com

Watch this full episode on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@vanessaferlaino/featured

The Human Challenge is hosted and produced by Vanessa Ferlaino. Watch the full episode on her Youtube channel here. Don't forget to subscribe!

The Human Challenge is an award-winning podcast, recognized by Amazon Music and ACAST as an Indie Podcast Amplifier.

Guess what? We're on Rogers TV! Check us out there!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep 24 Light Beams ft 3X Grammy Nominee Valerie June

Tue, 20 Feb 2024 14:11:09 GMT

"When you can live in the outer world, but also marry that with the inner world, than you're a new space, a new world."

These are the wise words of Grammy-nominated artist, Valerie June, hailed by the New York Times as one of America's "most intriguing, fully formed new talents".

Hailing from Tennessee, Valerie is a musician, songwriter, poet, illustrator, and author, who honourably served as a "Turnaround Artist" working with students for the President's Committee for the Arts and Humanities, and continues serving through The Kennedy Center. She has recorded three critically claimed best selling solo albums and has also written songs for legendary artists such as Mavis Staples and The Blind Boys of Alabama. She just published "Light Beams" an interactive workbook that builds upon themes of mindfulness and authentic connection presented in her debut poetry collection, Maps of the Modern World. Be inspired to choose a path of kindness and love in every moment, every dark day, on every page.

In this episode of The Human Challenge, an Amazon Music x ACAST "Indie Podcast Amplifier" 2023, Valerie offers invaluable insights around "radical imagination" and its power to create a new humanity. Touching on her new book, "Light Beams: A Workbook For Being Your Badass Self", she shares how we can harness both softness and hardness in our light, the light of the spirit that we embody, and the lightness to just being a human, and standing and speaking in your truth, in your power. Lastly, we learn how the practice of staying grounded contributes to what she calls "Joy Activism", bringing people together to have constructive spaces for disagreement, with R-E-S-P-E-C-T (like Aretha Franklin says!), and to do so mindfully.

"We have to be alchemists," she says. "We have that power."

Be invited to stay in touch with Vanessa on Instagram @vanessaferlaino or vanessaferlaino.com, and Valerie June @thevaleriejune on Instagram or https://www.valeriejune.com/.

Watch this full episode on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@vanessaferlaino/featured

The Human Challenge is hosted and produced by Vanessa Ferlaino. Watch the full episode on her Youtube channel here. Don't forget to subscribe!

The Human Challenge is an award-winning podcast, recognized by Amazon Music and ACAST as an Indie Podcast Amplifier.

Guess what? We're on Rogers TV! Check us out there!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep 23 90MIN SPECIAL FEATURE ft Moroccan/Yemeni singer AŸA

Thu, 08 Feb 2024 14:11:53 GMT

AŸA's story is one unlike any other.

As a Moroccan/Yemeni "Arab&B" artist growing up in Israel-Palestine, AŸA, who describes her childhood like "being a nomad", faced family trauma, abuse, mandatory military service, and assault, all before the age of 20, when finally, she found herself the runner-up of a music competition.

In a true moment of synchronicity, after headlining a show for a shelter who once supported her, she was offered an opportunity in Berlin -- and has not look backed since!

She shares how she found inner peace in Berlin, flourished as an artist, and continues to heal, including how, having served her mandatory time on the Israeli army as a singer to entertain the soldiers, the recent aggression since Oct 7th has allowed her to heal her own family trauma as she slowly learns of her own Palestinian roots. Being in the middle of both offers a balanced perspective; she believes healing on both sides is crucial for peace.

Vanessa is honoured to hold space with AŸA in this 90min special feature episode, learning in this authentic discussion how AŸA still copes with the long-term ramifications of abuse; how she finds peace with family friction; and how her artistry is influenced by her unfolding culture -- and of course how this all relates to her new single, "Greenlight".

Don't miss her upcoming PIANO + STRINGS show in Berlin on Feb 8th and 9th! RSVP at https://framed.berlin/events/framed-80-aya-einat-dan/

And her new single "Greenlight" drops Feb 9th on all major platforms!

The Human Challenge was an Amazon Music x ACAST "Indie Podcast Amplifier" in 2023.

Be invited to stay in touch with Vanessa on Instagram @vanessaferlaino or vanessaferlaino.com; and AŸA at @aya.loveyou on Instagram or https://www.ayasmusic.com/

Watch this full episode on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@vanessaferlaino/featured

The Human Challenge is hosted and produced by Vanessa Ferlaino. Watch the full episode on her Youtube channel here. Don't forget to subscribe!

The Human Challenge is an award-winning podcast, recognized by Amazon Music and ACAST as an Indie Podcast Amplifier.

Guess what? We're on Rogers TV! Check us out there!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep 22 Worldviews & Climate Justice ft Author/Activist Osprey Orielle Lake

Fri, 02 Feb 2024 15:17:47 GMT

In this episode of The Human Challenge, an Amazon Music x ACAST "Indie Podcast Amplifier 2023", Vanessa speaks to author, speaker, and activist, Osprey Orielle Lake.

Osprey Orielle Lake is the Founder and executive director of the Women’s Earth and Climate Action Network (WECAN). She sits on the executive committee for the Global Alliance for the Rights of Nature and on the steering committee for the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty. Osprey writes about climate justice, relationships with nature, women in leadership, and other topics as featured in The Guardian, Earth Island Journal, The Ecologist, Ms. Magazine and J U S T released her new book with New Society Publishers, "The Story Is In Our Bones" on Jan 30th 2024.

In this episode, Orielle tells us about patriarchy, colonialism, the shift to matriarchy, the power of women, the ties between gender-based violence and climate justice, and closed this discussion with its relevance to what we are witnessing in Gaza today.

Vanessa says Osprey's "The Story is in Our Bone" reads like a documentary. Weaving in her own experiences & explorations, historical context, and cultural learnings, Osprey offers readers an opportunity to reflect on our own healing within the realms of worldviews, the limitations of current dominant culture, and through the interconnectivity of many social injustices. Ultimately, she invites us inward for the sake of collective healing and the purpose to remake our world."

The Story is in Our Bones is available where all books are sold.

Be invited to stay in touch with Vanessa on Instagram @vanessaferlaino or vanessaferlaino.com

Watch this full episode on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@vanessaferlaino/featured

The Human Challenge is hosted and produced by Vanessa Ferlaino. Watch the full episode on her Youtube channel here. Don't forget to subscribe!

The Human Challenge is an award-winning podcast, recognized by Amazon Music and ACAST as an Indie Podcast Amplifier.

Guess what? We're on Rogers TV! Check us out there!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep 21 Human Nature ft Northern Ontario author J.L. Fizzell

Mon, 29 Jan 2024 14:11:22 GMT

J.L. Fizzell grew up in smalltown Timmins in Northern Ontario, and now currently resides in Sault Ste Marie.

J.L. wrote her fourth book, Human. Nature., after three other books that were written with the intentionality of honouring her trauma. But now, Human. Nature. examines the interconnectedness between human beings and nature, through poetry.

Touching on her experience growing up as a second generation Canadian and her husband's Anishinaabe culture, J.L. speaks to Vanessa about our human connection to nature, how we can dismantle our own beliefs about humanity, and ultimately asks:

"How can we humanize nature? How can we take the human out of us and relate to ourselves as nature."

Be invited to stay in touch with Vanessa on Instagram @vanessaferlaino or vanessaferlaino.com and J.L. Fizzell @jlfizzel on Instagram.

Watch this full episode on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@vanessaferlaino/featured

The Human Challenge is hosted and produced by Vanessa Ferlaino. Watch the full episode on her Youtube channel here. Don't forget to subscribe!

The Human Challenge is an award-winning podcast, recognized by Amazon Music and ACAST as an Indie Podcast Amplifier.

Guess what? We're on Rogers TV! Check us out there!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep 20 Wings of Survival ft Canadian Decathlete Leanna Carriere and ecologist Timm Dobert

Mon, 18 Dec 2023 04:24:02 GMT

In June 2024, ecologist Dr. Timm Döbert and endurance athlete Leanna Carriere (Canada's first female Decathlete and co-founder of 7 Summits Snacks) will embark on a pioneering 30,000km self-powered expedition across the Americas. Following the westernmost migratory bird flyway, their journey aims to highlight the biodiversity crisis and inspire environmental conservation efforts.

We celebrate the 20th episode of The Human Challenge, an Amazon Music x ACAST "Indie Podcast Amplifier" 2023, with both Leanna and Timm, who share their fascinating journeys that crossover between extreme athletics and ecology. We will learn about migratory birds, flyways, and "citizen science", and how their expedition, "Wings of Survival", sponsored by TREK (amongst many others), came to be.

More about Leanna and Timm:

Leanna Carriere is an endurance athlete, personal trainer and entrepreneur. For nearly a decade, she competed internationally in women’s pole vault and is recognised as Canada’s first female decathlete. Since shifting to endurance sports, she has completed several Ironman events, the Mt. Everest Marathon and the Patagonman Xtreme triathlon. She is the co-founder of Edmonton-based chocolate company 7 Summits Snacks. Leanna has been featured in various podcasts, news articles, radio and TV. As a motivational speaker, she advocates for the deep connection between human and planetary health. She loves exploring the outdoors with her 6-year-old daughter Adalynn.

Dr. Timm Döbert is an explorer with a PhD in global change ecology. He researches the human footprint on wildlife and wild spaces from tropical to temperate biomes. His life across continents culminated in a five-year immersion into Southeast Asia’s tropical forests. He communicates science through books, scientific journals, magazines, newspapers, podcasts, radio and more. An avid wildlife photographer, he has photographed over 700 animal species, many rare and threatened. Explorers Club membership and a meeting with Sir David Attenborough are personal highlights. His athletic resume includes several university rowing titles and completion of the Patagonman Xtreme triathlon.

Be welcome to support Wings of Survival here and @wingsofsurvival on Instagram; follow Leanna Carriere on Instagram @leannacarriere and Timm on Instagram at @10milionreasons.

Be invited to stay in touch with Vanessa on Instagram @vanessaferlaino or vanessaferlaino.com

Watch this full episode on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@vanessaferlaino/featured

The Human Challenge is hosted and produced by Vanessa Ferlaino. Watch the full episode on her Youtube channel here. Don't forget to subscribe!

The Human Challenge is an award-winning podcast, recognized by Amazon Music and ACAST as an Indie Podcast Amplifier.

Guess what? We're on Rogers TV! Check us out there!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep 19 A Panel Discussion: What Are We Missing In Accessibility?

Mon, 18 Dec 2023 03:32:04 GMT

We are locked and loaded in this big episode of The Human Challenge, an AmazonMusic x ACAST "Indie Podcast Amplifier" 2023, featuring four major players in the accessibility space:

Lee Anne Reuber - CEO/Founder of Sekond Skin Society (accessible health and fitness app)

Jolene MacDonald - Founder of Accessibrand (digital accessibility) and Accessibrand Academy course, "Best Practices for Accessibility in Marketing" here

Erica Cole - Founder/CEO of Nolimbits (US-based adaptive apparel brand)

Julie Sawchuk - Accessibility Strategist of Sawchuck Accessible Solutions (physical accessibility spaces)

We are joined by these powerful women shaping spaces, conversations, and apparel in accessibility, extending our beliefs of inclusivity, and sharing their personal stories about what this means to them.

In this episode find out:

what does accessibility do for people?
what does it mean to see big brands creating more accessible products and services?
how should we be thinking about accessibility?
how we can make a difference as individuals?

As Vanessa always says: be inspired, be empowered, be you, be human.

Be invited to stay in touch with Vanessa on Instagram @vanessaferlaino or vanessaferlaino.com

Watch this full episode on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@vanessaferlaino/featured

The Human Challenge is hosted and produced by Vanessa Ferlaino. Watch the full episode on her Youtube channel here. Don't forget to subscribe!

The Human Challenge is an award-winning podcast, recognized by Amazon Music and ACAST as an Indie Podcast Amplifier.

Guess what? We're on Rogers TV! Check us out there!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep 18 Injustices in the Newsroom ft journalist Zahraa Al-Akhrass

Tue, 12 Dec 2023 04:21:00 GMT

"What happens in the newsrooms is only a reflection of how institutions work." - Zahraa Al-Akhrass, former journalist for Canadian national broadcaster, Global News

Canadian immigrant from Jordan/fourth generation Palestinian, Zahraaa Al-Akhrass, who just received Canadian citizenship, shares her story of being terminated from Canadian national broadcaster, Global News, after being accused of making "unbalanced claims" on social media about the recent aggression against Palestine -- all while on maternity leave.

In this episode of The Human Challenge, an Amazon Music x ACAST Indie Podcast Amplifier feature, Zahraa shares the realities of being a non-white journalist, the power, influence, and dominance of the Western media, and how Global News offered her money to not go public with her termination. Zahraa and Vanessa make parallels to other organizations and causes, including the Canadian Indigenous communities.

Be welcome to stay in touch with Zahraa on Instagram @zahraa.alakhrass

Be invited to stay in touch with Vanessa on Instagram @vanessaferlaino or vanessaferlaino.com

Watch this full episode on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@vanessaferlaino/featured

The Human Challenge is hosted and produced by Vanessa Ferlaino. Watch the full episode on her Youtube channel here. Don't forget to subscribe!

The Human Challenge is an award-winning podcast, recognized by Amazon Music and ACAST as an Indie Podcast Amplifier.

Guess what? We're on Rogers TV! Check us out there!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep 17 Being Vulnerable Is Being Human ft CEO Batuo Inc.

Mon, 04 Dec 2023 05:07:07 GMT

"The only way we can truly connect with each other is if we're vulnerable with each other," - Robert, multidisciplinary artist, aspiring art therapist, and CEO of Batuo Inc.

From Cameroon to Montreal, QC to Halifax, Nova Scotia, multidisciplinary artist, aspiring art therapist, and CEO of Batuo Inc, takes us through a journey of what it means to live our soul path or soul mission. Montreal was part of the journey, and Halifax was his destiny.. he shares how Batuo started, how it aims to empower people through culture, and how it has led him to arts therapy.

In this episode of The Human Challenge, an Amazon Music x ACAST Indie Podcast Amplifier feature, Vanessa and Robert touch on the human condition, the challenge of staying truthful while having to face some hard realities (ex. supporting Palestinian artists). Robert is here to remind us of the transformative power of art and that we are connected through our vulnerability.

Be welcome to stay in touch with Robert on Instagram @R.O.B.E.N.G.A or https://batuo.ca/

Be invited to stay in touch with Vanessa on Instagram @vanessaferlaino or vanessaferlaino.com

Watch this full episode on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@vanessaferlaino/featured

The Human Challenge is hosted and produced by Vanessa Ferlaino. Watch the full episode on her Youtube channel here. Don't forget to subscribe!

The Human Challenge is an award-winning podcast, recognized by Amazon Music and ACAST as an Indie Podcast Amplifier.

Guess what? We're on Rogers TV! Check us out there!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep 16 Accessible Mental Health Services ft Jackie Lamoureux CEO of Summits for Serotonin

Sun, 03 Dec 2023 18:45:26 GMT

A deep and honest discussion with Jackie Lamoureux, CEO/Founder of Summits for Serotonin, founded after her own peace-making journey with the help of nature -- specifically the mountains. Realizing nature isn't always accessible with all of the equipment and gear needed, Jackie sought to change that through her non-profit.

We discuss how nature supports us in times of emotional turmoil, the persistence of acceptance, the challenges of society with mental health, and ofc, Jackie's ambitious undertaking of the Explorers Grand Slam -- an adventurers challenge to reach the North Pole, the South Pole and all of the Seven Summits (no big deal) to raise awareness for her cause.

"Jackie, I am grateful for your openness and authenticity in our discussion; may you inspire all of us to live in this openness for the betterment of ourselves, individually, as well as for each other as a collective, in society. " -- Vanessa Ferlaino

** pls be invited to watch/listen with care, mindful of sensitive subject matter including suicidal thoughts, depression, and sexual assault ** we graciously offer the below services for any support [via Summits for Seratonin]

If you're in immediate danger or need urgent medical support, call 911.
If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, call Talk Suicide Canada at 1-833-456-4566. Support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For residents of Quebec, call 1-866-277-3553 (24/7) or visit suicide.ca/en

Be welcome to stay in touch with Jackie on Instagram @jackie.summits or https://www.summitsforserotonin.org/

Be invited to stay in touch with Vanessa on Instagram @vanessaferlaino or vanessaferlaino.com

Watch this full episode on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@vanessaferlaino/featured

The Human Challenge is hosted and produced by Vanessa Ferlaino. Watch the full episode on her Youtube channel here. Don't forget to subscribe!

The Human Challenge is an award-winning podcast, recognized by Amazon Music and ACAST as an Indie Podcast Amplifier.

Guess what? We're on Rogers TV! Check us out there!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep 15 Showing Up & Intentionality ft 3X Olympian Miranda Ayim

Sun, 03 Dec 2023 05:08:38 GMT

The big question for Miranda Ayim, 3X Olympian for Team Canada, was, "How do I want to show up in the world?'

The answer?

Cultivate Co

In this episode of The Human Challenge, an Amazon Music x ACAST's Indie Podcast Amplifier 2023 feature, Miranda, recently inducted into London's Sports Hall of Fame, offers a frank discussion about her transition from life after sports. She candidly shares how her own journey inspired her to support other athletes, and even all of us in general, navigate the many parts of who we are to find our intentionality.

Be welcome to stay in touch with Miranda on Instagram @mirandaayim or https://mirandaayim.com/

Be invited to stay in touch with Vanessa on Instagram @vanessaferlaino or vanessaferlaino.com

Watch this full episode on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@vanessaferlaino/featured

The Human Challenge is hosted and produced by Vanessa Ferlaino. Watch the full episode on her Youtube channel here. Don't forget to subscribe!

The Human Challenge is an award-winning podcast, recognized by Amazon Music and ACAST as an Indie Podcast Amplifier.

Guess what? We're on Rogers TV! Check us out there!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep 14 Adulting: Friendship BreakUps ft author/comedian Lane Moore and author Annie Cathryn

Sat, 18 Nov 2023 23:47:40 GMT

Is it really that much harder to make friends as we age?

Why?

And why is this something we don't talk about?

Award-winning author, artist, and activist, Vanessa Ferlaino, gets the answers -- and some much needed feedback -- in her discussion with Lane Moore, comedian, musician and author of "You Will Find Your People" and good friend, Annie Cathryn, author of bestselling book, "The Friendship BreakUp".

Offering both a prescriptive and fictional perspective, we will hear the story of the often ignored breakup --and sometimes the most trying ones... the ones with our friends.

The stories may be different, the lessons the same: finding closure, finding balance, and finding Self.

Learn more about Lane Moore here and Annie Cathryn here.

The Human Challenge is hosted and produced by Vanessa Ferlaino. Watch the full episode on her Youtube channel here. Don't forget to subscribe!

The Human Challenge is an award-winning podcast, recognized by Amazon Music and ACAST as an Indie Podcast Amplifier.

Guess what? We're on Rogers TV! Check us out there!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep 13 Patterns and Parallels ft. Dr. Roberta Bondar

Sat, 18 Nov 2023 23:36:15 GMT

In this episode, award-winning author, Vanessa Ferlaino, speaks with Dr. Roberta Bondar, the first Canada female in space, and principal investigator at NASA, researching habitat destruction in endangered birds.

Dr. Bondar, on her way to the Gulf of Mexico, shares more about her research, The Roberta Bondar Foundation, the Patterns and Parallels Exhibit and its migration across Canada. They even touching on mental health, the connection between nature and humanity, and the intersection of arts and STEM.

Both from Sault Ste Marie, ON, nestled between the Great Lakes in Ontario, they bond over the importance of contributing to and supporting local communities.

Don't miss this wisdom from Dr. Bondar! And be on the lookout for the Patterns and Parallels Exhibit in your hometown -- and Dr. Bondar's new book coming in 2024!

Learn more about the Patterns and Parallels Exhibit here.

The Human Challenge is hosted and produced by Vanessa Ferlaino. Watch the full episode on her Youtube channel here. Don't forget to subscribe!

The Human Challenge is an award-winning podcast, recognized by Amazon Music and ACAST as an Indie Podcast Amplifier.

Guess what? We're on Rogers TV! Check us out there!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep 12 The Anthropocene: Human Intervention on the Planet ft Dr. Francine McCarthy & Bryan Davies

Fri, 25 Aug 2023 02:19:10 GMT

Human intervention has impacted our planet so much that we have created an entirely new era: The Anthropocene! Join us this week on The Human Challenge LIVE with Dr. Francine McCarthy from Brock University and Bryan Davies, CEO/Founder of Tagona Press to learn more about how the beautiful lake in Southern Ontario, Crawford Lake, is so naturally constructed to help us define each human era — and how we know we have created a new one! HINT HINT plutonium might be involved…

The Human Challenge is hosted and produced by Vanessa Ferlaino. Watch the full episode on her Youtube channel here. Don't forget to subscribe!

The Human Challenge is an award-winning podcast, recognized by Amazon Music and ACAST as an Indie Podcast Amplifier.

Guess what? We're on Rogers TV! Check us out there!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep 11 Social Media Ad Discrimination ft Jackie Rotman & Dr. Lyndsey Harper

Fri, 11 Aug 2023 01:24:44 GMT

Did you know that women’s health and wellness companies face discrimination and ad rejection from social media companies for advertising sexual wellness, unlike their competitors in the male sexual wellness space? We get to the bottom of this injustice with CEO & Founder of The Centre for Intimacy Justice, Jackie Rotman, who’s research has been cited in US Congress, and Dr. Lyndsey Harper, CEO & Founder of Rosy Wellness, who battles with social media companies regularly to get her ads approved. SIGN THE PETITION: https://www.intimacyjustice.org/petition Be part of the next show https://f.chat/az2e

The Human Challenge is hosted and produced by Vanessa Ferlaino. Watch the full episode on her Youtube channel here. Don't forget to subscribe!

The Human Challenge is an award-winning podcast, recognized by Amazon Music and ACAST as an Indie Podcast Amplifier.

Guess what? We're on Rogers TV! Check us out there!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep 10 416am thoughts ft up-and-coming author Ava Nori

Fri, 14 Jul 2023 00:59:11 GMT

We celebrate the tenth episode of the show with up-and-coming author, Ava Nori. We explore the most human phenomenon— those late night 4am thoughts that keep us awake as described in Ava’s new book, 4:16am. Be part of the next show https://f.chat/hQDB

The Human Challenge is hosted and produced by Vanessa Ferlaino. Watch the full episode on her Youtube channel here. Don't forget to subscribe!

The Human Challenge is an award-winning podcast, recognized by Amazon Music and ACAST as an Indie Podcast Amplifier.

Guess what? We're on Rogers TV! Check us out there!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep 09 Elevating your brand for a diverse work culture ft former journalist Cher Jones

Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:50:40 GMT

Continuing our diverse work culture discussions, we speak with CEO of Socially Active Training, Cher Jones, who works with organizations and brands to empower employees through harnessing the power of their personal brands at work. She tells us how this not only helps in promotions and opening new doors, it also helps build work culture. Be part of the next show https://f.chat/VZKj

The Human Challenge is hosted and produced by Vanessa Ferlaino. Watch the full episode on her Youtube channel here. Don't forget to subscribe!

The Human Challenge is an award-winning podcast, recognized by Amazon Music and ACAST as an Indie Podcast Amplifier.

Guess what? We're on Rogers TV! Check us out there!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep 08 Breaking Cycles of Abuse Through Global Humanitarianism ft CEO of Unsilenced Voices

Thu, 15 Jun 2023 17:56:42 GMT

In this episode, Vanessa welcomes CEO of Unsilenced Voices, Michelle Jewsbury, who tells us how her personal story inspired the start of her non-profit. Touching on the bridge between tech and humanitarian work, we’ll be educated on the global impact of domestic abuse, sexual assault, and human trafficking — and how we can make a difference. Be part of the next show https://f.chat/94jN

The Human Challenge is hosted and produced by Vanessa Ferlaino. Watch the full episode on her Youtube channel here. Don't forget to subscribe!

The Human Challenge is an award-winning podcast, recognized by Amazon Music and ACAST as an Indie Podcast Amplifier.

Guess what? We're on Rogers TV! Check us out there!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep 07 Diversity in Arts and Culture ft renowned art curator Devyani Saltzman

Fri, 19 May 2023 14:05:43 GMT

Devyani Saltzman is the daughter of two filmmakers—one Jewish, one Indian. She is the founding curator at Toronto’s Luminato festival and work at numerous arts institutions, including the Art Gallery of Ontario, where she was the director of public programming from 2018 to 2021. Having traversed the arts and culture world since her youth, she is determined to shakeup the structure of this still largely traditionally run industry so all people of color have the opportunity to thrive in their own authentic nature. Be part of the next show https://f.chat/cPfD

The Human Challenge is hosted and produced by Vanessa Ferlaino. Watch the full episode on her Youtube channel here. Don't forget to subscribe!

The Human Challenge is an award-winning podcast, recognized by Amazon Music and ACAST as an Indie Podcast Amplifier.

Guess what? We're on Rogers TV! Check us out there!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep 06 The World to Color ft BAFTA nominee Dr. James Fox

Fri, 05 May 2023 02:23:57 GMT

In this episode, we’ll be chatting with Dr. James Fox, art historian, BAFTA-nominated broadcaster and author of The World According to Color. We’ll learn how perceptions of color changed throughout civilization, time, and culture to influence our own perceptions of reality. Be part of the next show https://f.chat/RqU8

The Human Challenge is hosted and produced by Vanessa Ferlaino. Watch the full episode on her Youtube channel here. Don't forget to subscribe!

The Human Challenge is an award-winning podcast, recognized by Amazon Music and ACAST as an Indie Podcast Amplifier.

Guess what? We're on Rogers TV! Check us out there!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep 05 The Art of Timelessness ft Saqib Rizvi

Thu, 27 Apr 2023 18:00:03 GMT

In a world where we are bound by time, Meditation guru Saqib Rizvi shares how we can experience timelessness to truthfully manifest the life we want. He reminds us manifestation comes from within. You can listen to Saqib Rizvi on Insight Timer. Be part of the next show https://f.chat/7tDd

The Human Challenge is hosted and produced by Vanessa Ferlaino. Watch the full episode on her Youtube channel here. Don't forget to subscribe!

The Human Challenge is an award-winning podcast, recognized by Amazon Music and ACAST as an Indie Podcast Amplifier.

Guess what? We're on Rogers TV! Check us out there!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep 04 The Human Network ft Stanford Professor Dr. Matthew O. Jackson

Thu, 13 Apr 2023 20:32:24 GMT

In this episode we are joined by Stanford University’s Professor Emiritus of Economics, Dr. Matthew Jackson, about how our networks influence our own behaviours and this impact on society and social positioning. He will draw information from his book, The Human Network, available on Amazon. Be part of the next show https://f.chat/YDhU

The Human Challenge is hosted and produced by Vanessa Ferlaino. Watch the full episode on her Youtube channel here. Don't forget to subscribe!

The Human Challenge is an award-winning podcast, recognized by Amazon Music and ACAST as an Indie Podcast Amplifier.

Guess what? We're on Rogers TV! Check us out there!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep 03 The Human Opportunity and Heartfelt Living ft mindfulness guru Tom Evans

Thu, 23 Mar 2023 19:17:25 GMT

In this episode we explore the human opportunity we have in our next phase of evolution with author and meditation instructor, Tom Evans. Tom has graciously offered a 50% discount through this link to anyone interested in engaging in his heartful living practice. https://mysoundwise.com/soundcasts/1664802844250s?c=fireside Promo code fireside

The Human Challenge is hosted and produced by Vanessa Ferlaino. Watch the full episode on her Youtube channel here. Don't forget to subscribe!

The Human Challenge is an award-winning podcast, recognized by Amazon Music and ACAST as an Indie Podcast Amplifier.

Guess what? We're on Rogers TV! Check us out there!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep 02 Storytelling vs storykeeping ft former national newsanchor Priya Sam

Thu, 09 Mar 2023 23:39:39 GMT

How do we create space for authentic conversations about diversity, equity, and inclusion? How does our system impact this? We explore some of these questions with former CTV newsanchor, Priya Sam, who also hosts her own podcast and YouTube show, The Turning Point podcast. We talk about the importance of storytelling in overcoming challenges, in particular as a person of color. Be part of the next show https://f.chat/p8Gp

The Human Challenge is hosted and produced by Vanessa Ferlaino. Watch the full episode on her Youtube channel here. Don't forget to subscribe!

The Human Challenge is an award-winning podcast, recognized by Amazon Music and ACAST as an Indie Podcast Amplifier.

Guess what? We're on Rogers TV! Check us out there!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep 01 Unconditional Love vs Self-Love ft hiro Demichelis from The Lab of Meditation

Thu, 23 Feb 2023 22:58:29 GMT

In this episode we are joined by the lovely hiro Demichelis, consultant to the Peace on Purpose initiative at the United Nations Foundation, and the founder of The Lab of Meditation, Canada’s first accredited meditation teaching training. Our discussion offers a definition of self-love that includes a discussion of acceptance and a commitment to ourselves, touching on how this is different from society’s condition of the self-love journey. Don’t miss our “mindful moment” or Vanessa’s “mic-drop” ;) Be part of the next show https://f.chat/gdRf

The Human Challenge is hosted and produced by Vanessa Ferlaino. Watch the full episode on her Youtube channel here. Don't forget to subscribe!

The Human Challenge is an award-winning podcast, recognized by Amazon Music and ACAST as an Indie Podcast Amplifier.

Guess what? We're on Rogers TV! Check us out there!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.