“Life is either a daring adventure – or nothing at all“

THIS WEEK’S DISCUSSION:
On a quote by Helen Keller

January, 2022 ~ Our three writers examine their own daring adventures in life, inspired by the quote above from Helen Keller —
who was deaf and blind from childhood, and who became a globally recognized author, lecturer and advocate for people with disabilities.

Humbled by Keller’s accomplishments,
Jeff, Jerry and Karl explore the idea that adventure might be less about, say, bungee jumping than facing more mundane challenges —
in overcoming shyness, or in stepping out of one’s comfort zone, or in being a crossing guard for elementary school kids.

We dare you to join us!

LISTEN HERE:

January 2022 – Beyond Writing: On a quote by Helen Keller

The end of the
‘CANADA GAMES POOL’ era

THIS WEEK’S DISCUSSION:

November 27, 2021 ~ Dive into memory lane with Jerry, Jeff and Karl as they grapple with the news this past week that their beloved Canada Games Pool in New Westminster will permanently shut down.

For all three, the nearly 50-year-old recreation centre played a significant role in their lives – becoming a place for friendship and conversation with a United Nations cast of regulars, including a truck-driver and mediator, a scholar from India, a long-distance mountain-trail runner, a postman and world traveller, a philosopher and soccer fanatic, a cinematographer and musician – and more.

Find out how a community pool can change lives.
Take the plunge and join us!

LISTEN HERE:

November 27, 2021 – Beyond Writing: On the end of an era: Reflections on the significance of the Canada Games Pool

STORYTALK PODCAST – NOVEMBER 6, 2021

NOVEMBER 6, 2021 – ON IDENTITY

THIS WEEK’S STORIES

November 6, 2021 ~ In searingly honest brushstrokes, Jerry, Karl and Jeff each grapple in their writing with the idea of their own identity.

For Jeff and Jerry, gaining a sense of self can come through life’s difficult journeys — in the painful loss of a young parent, or growing up in the rocky terrain of childhood.
For Karl, identity is fluid, and recognition of who one is might come in a fleeting moment.

Together, they explore the idea of self-reflection as a path to peace of mind, acceptance, and wisdom that can be shared with others.


Join us!

LISTEN HERE:

November 6, 2021 Storytalk Podcast: Lessons | Alone until | The Role Model

SEPTEMBER 30, 2021 ~ SEEING BEYOND OURSELVES

THIS WEEK’S STORIES:

September 30, 2021 ~ Jeff shares a quote from German poet Johann Wolfgang von Goethe that reflects his personal call to value all human beings as teachers…regardless of who they are:

“You can easily judge the character of a man by how he treats those who can do nothing for him.”

In a surprising turn of conversation, our three writers delve deep into a profound breakdown in Canadian society that has failed to value Indigenous ways of being – as well as their own aspirations to see beyond themselves.

Join us!

LISTEN HERE:

September 30, 2021: Beyond Writing ~ On a quote by Goethe

STORYTALK PODCAST – SEPTEMBER 21, 2021

THIS WEEK’S STORIES

As we head into Autumn 2021, our three writers reminisce about summers past.

In his story “The Parent,” Jeff finds new significance in a Canada Day festival in Prince George that reveals the quiet heroism of his Mom.

Jerry, who spent 3 years in a Buddhist Monastery in Cape Breton, finds humour in the idea of a team of monks desperate to win an annual baseball game against local firemen.

And Karl, in his poem “A Different Kind of Bullet,” responds to a streak of light in the sky that hints at the things that connect – and disconnect – us.

As always, the conversation is full of insight, laughter, and friendship. Why not join us!

LISTEN HERE:

September 21, 2021 Storytalk Podcast: A Different Kind of Bullet | The Parent | Monk’s Up

Interview with SUSAN GILLIS CHAPMAN – AUGUST 16, 2021

In Hidden Places:
An Interview with psychotherapist and author
Susan Gillis Chapman

From the silence of a monastery to the inside of a maximum security prison, Susan Gillis Chapman has journeyed to the edges of human experience in a quest to better understand the workings of the mind.

Susan’s book, “The Five Keys to Mindful Communication,” has been published in multiple languages and opens doors for breaking through the mental traps we often face in our lives.

A teacher of contemplative psychology, a former couples and family therapist, and a keynote speaker at the 2017 Vienna Peace Now symposium, Susan is a creative thinker who shares a lifetime of wisdom and insight wth our three Sotrytalk writers – one of whom is none other than her life partner, Jerry Chapman.

Join us as Susan explains her embrace of a Buddhist emphasis on mental health over Western psychology’s more traditional emphasis on dysfunction.

Her dedication to compassion and understanding is evident in the fact she has worked with both victims of domestic violence and the incarcerated sexual offenders on the ‘shadow side’ of the domestic violence story.

You’ll also discover Susan’s ability to put mind over matter when she found herself delivering a lecture on mindfulness in Germany – only four hours after being hospitalized and in traction wth a broken arm!

Welcome to our Interview Series highlight with Susan Gillis Chapman!

LISTEN HERE:

August 16, 2021 Podcast: The Interview Series with Psychotherapist and Author Susan Gillis Chapman

ONE YEAR IN: LIVING THROUGH A PANDEMIC
A CONVERSATION BEYOND WRITING

March 14, 2021

A year into a world-historic pandemic event, our three writers explore how life has changed for an entire generation – in their own lives and for our planet. From denial and fear, to life in lockdown, 
Jeff has discovered the art of slowing down and the gift of family,
Jerry is grappling with the viral infection as a ‘hovering presence’ for vulnerable loved ones, 
and Karl asks from a biologist’s perspective if our human species has reached the limits to growth, in population and resource depletion. 
All three ask what we can learn from a disruptive personal and global experience as we peer into an uncertain future.
Join us! 

LISTEN HERE:

March 14, 2021 Podcast: The Covid Edition

STORYTALK PODCAST ~ JANUARY 5, 2021

Fortress | Crisis, What Crisis | East or West

This week’s stories:

Karl shares an experimental piece he wrote in 1974 (Crisis, What Crisis) that might actually have stood the test of time.
Jerry travels to an Alaskan Island that’s home to more giant Brown Bears per square mile than any other place on earth.
And Jeff stands on the banks of the Mississippi contemplating ice cream sundaes – and which direction to go.

Explore the crazy reasons we do what we do, and have a laugh with our three writers as they take risks, step outside their comfort zones, and think about the questions we might all ask on our life journeys…
Listen in!

“I am normally at ease in wild country…These bears are a thousand pounds of hard to read.”

‘Fortress”
~ by Jerry Chapman

LISTEN HERE:

January 5, 2021 Podcast ~ Fortress | Crisis, What Crisis | East or West