A News Lens: Magnifying the Margins is a podcast series produced by Broadcast students at Mount Royal University for CMRU.ca.
A New Lens explores how stories are told, and who gets left out. Each episode looks at the way media shape our understanding of different communities, and makes room for voices and perspectives we don’t hear often enough.
On this episode of New Lens, Magnifying the Margins, we hear from Alice Lam, is a Calgary entrepreneur and the daughter of Chinese-Vietnamese refugee parents. She has dedicated her time and energy to uplifting people of colour and strengthening the city she calls home. Alice creates spaces where Asian voices are centred, such as with community fridges, Chinatown tours, and other programs. Hosts Clara and Kenzy explore how someone's identity influences their ability to make an impact on their community, as well as how someone committed to helping their community can create positive change for others.
1 Jun 2026
A New Lens: Disabilities
Join host Tarek, as he speaks with Daniella Paulich on this episode of A New Lens: Magnifying the Margins. Daniella shares her experiences after she suffered a traumatic brain injury. Now, Daniella works as a certified counsellor and art therapist at Recover, where she supports others in expressing what can’t always be said in words. Daniella tells us about advocating for herself even when no one believed her, and how her journey has led her to an inspiring career in advocacy and care work. She helps us rethink what disability actually means and if the media are accurately representing disabilities.
1 Jun 2026
A New Lens: Indigenous Peoples
On this episode of A News Lens: Magnifying the Margins, hosts Dillon Neufeld and Connor Spivak look at the relationship between Indigenous people and media, and how certain narratives have shaped how Indigenous people are seen in Canada. Dillon and Connor talk to Jayson Black-Kettle, a Siksika community member, about how stereotypes in films and news have led to real-world distrust. Jayson shares his experience working in the media industry as an Indigenous storyteller and talks about how important it is to have representation directly from the communities. This episode highlights the importance of reshaping outdated narratives as a way to move forward and build understanding in a rapidly changing media landscape.
1 Jun 2026
A News Lens: Immigrants and Refugees
This episode of A New Lens: Magnifying the Margins features Farwa Naqvi, a qualitative health researcher specializing in youth mental health, with a particular focus on immigrant youth. She shares her perspective on the missing narratives surrounding young immigrants in mainstream media and explains why it is important to highlight multidimensional stories about their experiences. Farwa and our host also discuss the resources available to immigrants and refugees. Finally, Farwa sheds light on what Canadians can do to better support newcomers in their communities, both in Alberta and across Canada.
Photo credit: Farwa Naqvi
1 Jun 2026
A New Lens: LGBTQ2s+
In this episode of A New Lens, hosts Levi Spark (she/they), Mari Bayona (she/her), and Adam Vyse (he/him) are joined by local queer community member, drag show host, artist and taxidermist Doggichow (they/ze). Together they discuss various topics from heteronormativity in the dominant culture, representation and accessibility within the queer scene, and even kink at pride. We hope you take something meaningful away from this podcast, sit back, relax, and enjoy!
Disclaimer: Please be aware that this episode of "A New Lens" contains strong language, including terms historically considered offensive. These terms are used in the context of reclamation by members of the queer community, and not with the intent to cause harm. However, some listeners may still find the content offensive. Listener discretion is advised.
Photo Credit: @me_onlylouder / Shannon Johnston on Instagram
1 Jun 2026
A New Lens: Religious Groups
This episode of A New Lens: Magnifying the Margins explores how religion is often simplified or misrepresented in mainstream media. Featuring Sarah Arthurs, Executive Director of the Calgary Interfaith Council, the conversation highlights the importance of interfaith dialogue, community collaboration, and more inclusive storytelling. Through real-life examples, the episode examines how the media tends to focus on conflict while overlooking everyday moments of connection between faith groups.
Photo Credit: Little Big Story Photography
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