Tuning in to Y Station: Episode I
We’ve all been looking for ways to entertain ourselves, keep our minds sharp and our Zoom conversations bearable. Introducing Tuning in to Y Station—a bi-weekly roundup of what our team is reading, watching and listening to. Here’s hoping you’ll find your new favourite podcast, pick up a neat new insight or even a self-help tip for the week ahead.
Chosen by Chris Henderson, Chief Strategist
Podcast: Super High Quality Podcast by the War on Drugs
Episode: LIVE DRUGS – Part 4
We've all been making the most of things during the COVID-19 pandemic. With the one-year anniversary of the first lockdown approaching, Part 4 provides an interesting oral history of touring musicians who watched the music industry come to a complete halt. Listen as the band reflects on their shifting appreciation for the deep connections they create with one another while recording music and with their audience during live shows.
It's a sobering look at what happened, a hopeful look at what's to come and a great example of how people have pivoted during a pandemic.
Chosen by Jenny Black, Brand and Content Strategist
Podcast: The Apology Line by Wondery
“If you could call a number and say you’re sorry, and no one would know…what would you apologize for?”
What began as a social experiment by a New York City artist in the 80’s who came to be known as “Mr. Apology”, The Apology Line gave the guilty an outlet to anonymously confess their sins on an answering machine. The line existed for 15 years and while I’m only three episodes into the series (and suspect a twist is around the corner), the first episode had me abandon the Bolognese I was cooking to sit and just listen. It's a great case study in how forums for public debate can come from some of the most unexpected and creative sources.
Chosen by Dayna Tumbach, Project Manager
Article: “Why Adding a ‘Fake Commute’ to Your WFH Schedule Could Help You Unwind” by Healthline
After nearly a year of working from home, it can feel at times as though we’re actually living at work. While the morning commute was once a hassle, it allowed us to physically and emotionally separate ourselves from our professional responsibilities. I’ve applied the tips in this article to create my own fake commute, leaving my “office” (spare bedroom) and telling my “co-worker” (boyfriend) that I’m heading home for the day then doing a 3-minute yoga session before starting dinner. It helps me to define the sometimes-blurred lines between work and home.
Chosen by Alana Williams, CEO & Partner
Podcast: Hidden Brain by NPR Episode: Edge Effect
“Familiar ground may not be the best place to cultivate creativity.”
This episode dives into the research that shows the powerful connection between creativity and the diversity of the people who surround us. Pushing an idea, a client, a process or even yourself affords the best results and often that involves having open, honest conversations where diversity of thought is welcomed.
Chosen by Ann Gordon-Tighe, Strategist
Article Series: Off the Rails by Axios
Axios put together this fascinating series of stories on the last days of the Trumpian Republic. In addition to being very well sourced, each story in this series has pathos, schadenfreude, unbelievable twists, and a sadly unforgettable cast of characters.
What I really appreciated in this reporting was the way they painted Trump as a man rather than a caricature—by turns flailing, overconfident, humbled, desperate, or resigned. While the era of the Trump presidency is disappearing in our rear-view mirror, this series merits reading as a reminder of how fallible the institutions of government are to individual agendas and self-preservation.
Chosen by Tracy With, COO
Video: Brené Brown on Empathy
Recently, I completed a course focused on challenging conversation in public engagement and we focused a lot about empathy and sympathy. Brilliant mind Brené Brown breaks down the difference between the two in this 3-minute animated video and helps us understand how we can connect with the people in our lives and the people that we serve a little bit better.
Chosen by Anthony Fisher, Junior Associate
Podcast: The Well-Endowed Podcast Episode: Trailheads: A History of Urban Planning in Edmonton — Part 1
A locally produced podcast, this six-part series is dedicated to the historical choices that shaped our city and how this patch of land on Treaty 6 Territory has evolved over time.
The first installment focuses on pre-fort Edmonton and how Indigenous trails, campsites, burial grounds and river crossings influence how Edmonton is planned, built and governed. It also offers fascinating insight into Indigenous ties to the land that still hold significant meaning today, like the community of Rossdale.
Chosen by Jillian Nason, Director of Client Services
Podcast: The Anxious Achiever by Harvest Business Review
No matter how much you love your job, every profession comes with a certain degree of pressure. That pressure can lead to stress which can quickly turn into anxiety.
As a person who has struggled with anxiety, this podcast offers some incredibly valuable insights for reframing mental health in the workplace and solid (sometimes hard) truths about managing stress, balancing work and getting the most out of life.
Chosen by Emily Mack, Senior Associate
Podcast: Wallstreet Unplugged by Curzio Research
What’s going on with GameStop?!?! No, they’re not teasing a new game or gaming console release. It’s about stocks, Wall Street and Reddit. This David vs. Goliath story has taken the financial world by storm and the concept is similar to the 2008 housing market crash—bet against a created failure and receive a huge return. This episode breaks down how it happened and how it will change the stock market game forever.