Let’s Go Together

About Let’s Go Together

From road trips to roadside assistance, The Let’s Go Together Podcast is your destination for the stories, advice, and expert insights Atlantic Canadians care about most. Whether you’re planning your next adventure or just want to stay informed, we’re here for the ride.

Publisher

CAA Atlantic

Category

leisure · society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

28 Jul 2025

Latest episode

29 Sept 2026

Latest episodes

12 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   29 Sept 2026

   Local Food Security: Local Solutions

   In this episode of Let’s Go Together, Julia is joined by Stéphane Sirois, Executive Director of Feed New Brunswick, to explore how food banks are changing—and why more working families and seniors now rely on them just to get by. From skyrocketing food and housing costs to the quiet role of pride and stigma—especially among older adults—Stéphane explains what he’s seeing on the front lines across New Brunswick. He breaks down the 120% surge in food bank visits, the shift from “emergency safety net” to “essential service,” and the growing strain on volunteers, infrastructure, and funding. You’ll also hear how local partnerships (including CAA Atlantic’s donation of a fully electric food delivery van), government support, and creative solutions like mobile food banks and local farm partnerships are helping communities respond—while still keeping the long‑term goal in sight: fewer people needing food banks at all. Whether you’ve used a food bank, donated to one, or are simply trying to understand food insecurity in your community, this episode offers a clear, grounded look at what’s happening and what we can all do to help. We cover food security and the future of food banks from the front lines to long‑term solutions: Who Uses Food Banks Now: Working families, seniors, newcomers and kids The Rising Cost of Living: Housing, wages, and why work no longer guarantees food Stigma & Pride: Why many people wait too long to ask for help Government Support & Data: Using real numbers to unlock funding Volunteers, Burnout & Staffing: Why “just volunteers” isn’t sustainable anymore Mobile Food Banks & Rural Access: Reaching communities without local services Local Food & Farmers: Buying close to home and reducing waste Corporate Partnerships: How CAA Atlantic’s electric van and payroll giving help Chapters: 00:00 – Welcome to Let’s Go Together & today’s focus on food security 00:16 – Introducing guest Stéphane Sirois and Feed New Brunswick 02:10 – From regional depot to provincial distribution network 02:55 – Why CAA Atlantic chose local food security as a priority cause 03:29 – What food insecurity looks like day to day in New Brunswick 03:57 – The new face of food bank users: working families and retirees 05:03 – Pride, stigma, and seniors who wait too long to seek help 06:45 – Four years of rising demand and post‑COVID cost pressures 07:30 – Food banks as a “temporary solution” that never went away 08:03 – How the housing crisis drives people to food banks 08:54 – 120% increase in visits and a budget jump from $350K to $6M 09:51 – Are governments listening? Turning data into support 10:12 – Using Link2Feed data to secure $9M in provincial funding 11:09 – Beyond food: infrastructure, burnout, and the volunteer crisis 12:53 – Why it’s hard to fund staff but easy to fund “stuff” 13:12 – Corporate volunteer days and the limits of charity alone 13:55 – Feed New Brunswick’s three‑level strategy to fight food insecurity 14:58 – Why “growth” is bad news in the food bank sector 15:07 – Children, newcomers, and the impact of low wages 15:56 – Minimum wage vs. living wage in New Brunswick 16:49 – When working or retired no longer guarantees enough to eat 16:54 – What people actually ask for: top food items in demand 17:22 – Cereal, peanut butter, and high‑cost proteins 18:22 – Donations, purchasing, and where dollars go the furthest 18:35 – Food recovery partnerships with major grocery retailers 19:44 – Sorting, spoilage, and how food banks fight food waste 20:15 – Overripe bananas, banana bread, and creative kitchen solutions 21:12 – Why bananas are both affordable and risky for food banks 21:57 – Do food bank visits still peak at the holidays? 22:48 – Steady demand, seasonal donations, and tough winter months 23:26 – Break: How CAA Atlantic supports safer, easier everyday journeys 24:32 – How one surprise phone call from CAA Atlantic changed everything 24:59 – Gifting a fully electric Ford Transit food delivery van 25:23 – Why an electric van fits CAA Atlantic’s mission and climate goals 26:12 – Winter tires, chargers, and co‑branding the new vehicle 26:45 – How the van is used every day and what it means on the ground 27:02 – The Feed NB 50/50 draw: “the gift that keeps the lights on” 28:09 – Life‑changing jackpots and sustainable operations funding 30:05 – How New Brunswickers can buy tickets and support Feed NB 30:46 – Donating cereal, buying tickets, and growing community support 31:20 – Food banks vs. food distribution centres: what’s the difference? 32:10 – How a provincial hub supports 69 member agencies 33:04 – Urban vs. rural food banks and who relies most on distribution 33:26 – Centralized purchasing, wholesale pricing, and advocacy power 33:58 – Looking ahead: mobile food banks and “food deserts” 34:43 – Combining boards and sharing services to cut overhead 35:49 – Collaborating across the Atlantic provinces 36:15 – Moncton as a strategic hub for Food Banks Canada 35:56 – Working with local farmers and buying in advance 36:38 – Purchase guarantees and direct‑to‑food‑bank deliveries 37:40 – “Dirty carrots,” fresh potatoes, and learning to cook from scratch 38:39 – What Stéphane wants listeners to take away: food is everyone’s responsibility 38:47 – How individuals, companies, and governments can each do their part 38:53 – Volunteering, food drives, and neighbours helping neighbours 39:05 – Former clients returning as volunteers and community builders 39:54 – Food banks as “informal social workers” and community hubs 41:04 – Rapid‑fire: the biggest misconception about food banks 41:43 – What Stéphane would change first: wages and social programs 42:39 – Building a more resilient, local food system in Atlantic Canada 42:46 – Rapid‑fire: dream cars, Toyotas, and realistic vs. “Ferrari” dreams 43:48 – Favourite CAA benefit and the peace of mind of membership 44:46 – Final thoughts: we want a world where food banks aren’t needed 45:20 – If you need help, go—there is no shame in asking CONNECT WITH FEED NEW BRUNSWICK & LOCAL FOOD SECURITY Feed New Brunswick 50/50 Draw & Programs: feednb.ca (weekly Gold Rush‑style draw supporting food purchases and operations) Learn more about food banks and food security in your area via provincial food bank networks (e.g., Feed Nova Scotia, PEI Food Banks, Food Banks Canada). CONNECT WITH CAA ATLANTIC: Website: https://atlantic.caa.ca/ Instagram: @caaatlantic Facebook: /caaatlantic LinkedIn: /caa-atlantic IDEA FOR A FUTURE EPISODE? We’d love to hear from you. Send us your ideas at info@atlantic.caa.ca

2. 

   27 Aug 2026

   Share the Road: Cycling & Safety Getting Around

   In this episode of Let’s Go Together, we’re joined by David Trueman, chair of the Halifax Cycling Coalition, to talk about safer streets, the growth of cycling and micromobility, and what it really means to “share the road.” From cargo bikes and e-bikes to protected bike lanes and rural shoulders, David explains how better infrastructure, smarter laws, and small culture shifts can make cycling safer and more appealing—for everyone from weekend riders to parents biking kids to daycare. He also shares insights on Halifax’s best routes, the Cycling Guide app, and a little-known CAA benefit for cyclists. Whether you’re a driver trying to understand cyclists, a parent curious about cargo bikes, or someone who’d like to bike more but doesn’t feel safe yet, this episode offers grounded, local insight into building safer streets and happier riders. We cover cycling advocacy, cargo bikes, e-bikes and micromobility, Halifax’s cycling infrastructure, vulnerable road users, the Traffic Safety Act, lower-stress route planning, recreational routes in HRM, and CAA’s Bike Assist benefit. Chapter Timestamps 00:00 – “It’s just physics that higher weight vehicles are more dangerous.” 00:06 – Julia introduces the episode: cycling, micromobility, and safer streets in Halifax 01:41 – Meet David Trueman and his path from tweeting about cycling to advocacy 02:23 – Founding Cycle Waterloo Region and moving back to Halifax Cycling Coalition 03:44 – David’s role at Halifax Cycling Coalition 04:06 – David’s cycling journey, including Ottawa–Halifax by bike 05:10 – Seeing cycling from the perspective of people who feel unsafe 05:49 – Biking his grandson to daycare on an e-cargo bike 06:50 – The rise of cargo bikes and “kids as cargo” 07:16 – Kidical Mass and family-focused rides 08:24 – Fuel prices, transit, and mode shift 09:55 – Why transportation choice matters 10:45 – Measuring Halifax’s cycling boom and annual growth 11:26 – How new bike lanes boost usage across networks 11:39 – Connected networks and where Halifax is lagging 12:04 – Halifax’s national ranking and lessons from other cities 12:48 – E-bikes and making cycling more accessible 13:19 – Micromobility and policy challenges 15:07 – Why protected, connected networks matter 15:22 – Sidewalk riders and the hierarchy of vulnerability 16:09 – Respect between drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians 16:44 – Weight, physics, and responsibility 17:39 – SUVs, trucks, sightlines, and heavier vehicles 18:42 – Street design and safety for everyone 20:01 – Speed and lane width 20:45 – Door zones and safe cycling practices 21:55 – CAA’s Bike Assist benefit 22:31 – Everyday Membership for people without cars 24:13 – David’s wish list: a connected bike network in HRM 24:36 – Why one unsafe gap can make a trip a “no go” 25:01 – Extending safe cycling into suburban and rural HRM 26:15 – Recreation vs. transportation 26:40 – “Recreational cycling is a gateway drug” to commuting 27:13 – Fitness, transportation, and saving money 27:43 – Why cycling works well into older age 28:44 – The Traffic Safety Act and vulnerable road users 29:06 – Higher fines and judicial tools for collisions 29:50 – Law, enforcement, and public perception 30:09 – Introducing the Cycling Guide app 31:02 – Colour-coded routes and lower-stress navigation 31:36 – Finding quieter, friendlier routes 32:07 – Cycling Guide’s expansion into Canadian cities 32:44 – The struggle to get good-news cycling stories covered 34:12 – Point Pleasant Park and beginner-friendly riding 34:26 – Chain of Lakes Trail, BLT, and St. Margaret’s Bay Trail 35:23 – Salt Marsh Trail 36:04 – Shubie Park 36:42 – Cogswell Interchange and new connections 37:38 – Brunswick Street protected lane 38:10 – Progress and the need for complete networks 38:10 – David’s takeaway: hierarchy, respect, and lost momentum 38:58 – Aggressive driving and 2025 injury collision statistics 39:26 – Aggressive vs. distracted driving 40:39 – Rapid-fire cycling questions 41:44 – What people get wrong about cyclists 42:35 – The one habit David wishes every driver would adopt: ignore the phone 43:23 – Why distracted driving is terrifying for cyclists 43:54 – David’s favourite CAA benefit 44:07 – What “share the road” really means 44:12 – Cycling Guide expanding province-wide across Nova Scotia 44:46 – Other cycling apps and resources 45:21 – Closing thoughts and thanks Resources Mentioned: Halifax Cycling Coalition: https://cyclehalifax.ca (https://cyclehalifax.ca) Cycling Guide App: https://cyclingguide.org (https://cyclingguide.org/) Kidical Mass Halifax: https://www.kidicalmasshfx.ca (https://www.kidicalmasshfx.ca) CAA Atlantic Bike Assist & Everyday Membership: https://atlantic.caa.ca (https://atlantic.caa.ca) CONNECT WITH CAA ATLANTIC Website: https://atlantic.caa.ca/ (https://atlantic.caa.ca/) Instagram: @caaatlantic (https://www.instagram.com/caaatlantic/?hl=en) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CAAAtlantic (https://www.facebook.com/CAAAtlantic) LinkedIn: CAA Atlantic (https://www.linkedin.com/company/caa-atlantic/home/) IDEA FOR A FUTURE EPISODE? Send us your ideas at info@atlantic.caa.ca!

3. 

   30 Jun 2026

   What Every Parent Needs to Know about Car Seat Safety

   In this episode of Let’s Go Together, we’re joined by Katherine Hutka from the IWK’s Child Safety Link and president of the Child Passenger Safety Association of Canada to make car-seat safety feel a little less overwhelming. From the first drive home with a newborn to rear-facing seats, five-point harnesses, boosters and the eventual move to an adult seat belt, Katherine explains what parents and caregivers need to know at every stage. She also addresses common mistakes involving installation angles, top tethers, winter coats and moving children into the front seat too soon. Whether you’re preparing for your baby’s first journey, wondering whether your child is ready for a booster, or trying to keep up with changing guidance, this episode offers practical, trusted advice to help protect your most important passengers on every ride. We cover car seat safety from the first ride home to the day your child graduates out of a booster: Newborn Stage: Leaving the Hospital Safely Forward-Facing Seats & Top Tether Booster Seats & Maturity Front Seat Safety Winter Coats & Car Seats Trusted Resources & Getting Help Chapters: 00:00 – Why child passenger safety feels so overwhelming 02:00 – Introducing guest expert Katherine Hootka 04:30 – Newborns, leaving the hospital, and car seat angle basics 07:25 – Harness tightness, chest clips, and infant inserts 11:00 – Moving from bucket seat to rear-facing convertible 13:20 – Why rear-facing longer is so much safer 17:00 – Forward-facing, 5-point harness, and top tether use 18:30 – When (and when NOT) to move to a booster seat 23:10 – High-back vs. backless boosters 24:30 – The 5-step test to get out of a booster 28:15 – When can kids safely sit in the front seat? 31:10 – Winter coats, snowsuits, and car seat safety 34:00 – Where to find local help & trusted resources 37:20 – What parents are getting right more than they realize 40:45 – What gives Katherine the most hope 43:50 – Final thoughts: never skipping the safety Child Passenger Safety Association of Canada: Caregiver resources, positions, Find‑a‑Tech map. [cpsac.org] (https://cpsac.org/caregiver-resources/) Child Safety Link: Stage‑by‑stage guides, booster & seat belt fit, winter wear tips, Atlantic travel notes. [childsafetylink.ca] (https://childsafetylink.ca/car-seat-safety) Vancouver Island Car Seat Techs: Practical tip sheets, top‑tether troubleshooting, travel with car seats. [vicarseattechs.com] (https://vicarseattechs.com/general-car-seat-tips/) Recalls: Check CPSAC’s quick‑reference recall list and confirm with Transport Canada/manufacturers. [cpsac.org] (https://cpsac.org/recall-list/) CONNECT WITH CAA ATLANTIC: Website: https://atlantic.caa.ca/ (https://atlantic.caa.ca/) Instagram:   / caaatlantic  (https://www.instagram.com/caaatlantic/) Facebook:   / caaatlantic  (https://www.facebook.com/CAAAtlantic/) LinkedIn:   / caa-atlantic  (https://www.linkedin.com/company/caa-atlantic/) ABOUT THE HOST Julia Kent is the director of advocacy and community relations for CAA Atlantic. With a background in journalism, she has a knack for asking bold questions. Her clear, conversational style brings curiosity and energy to every episode. IDEA FOR A FUTURE EPISODE? We’d love to hear from you. Send us your ideas at info@atlantic.caa.ca

4. 

   24 Jun 2026

   We’re Back And Better Than Ever | Season 2 Teaser

   Season 2 is coming 🔥 New production. New voices. New conversations. 🎙️ @podstarter 👀 Expert guests dropping soon #LetsGoTogether #Season2 #PodcastLaunch #ComingSoon CAA Atlantic’s Let’s Go Together podcast is back for season 2 – dropping soon! CONNECT WITH CAA ATLANTIC: Website: https://atlantic.caa.ca/ (https://atlantic.caa.ca/) Instagram:   / caaatlantic (https://www.instagram.com/caaatlantic/) Facebook:   / caaatlantic (https://www.facebook.com/CAAAtlantic/) LinkedIn:   / caa-atlantic (https://www.linkedin.com/company/caa-atlantic/) ABOUT THE HOST Julia Kent is the director of advocacy and community relations for CAA Atlantic. With a background in journalism, she has a knack for asking bold questions. Her clear, conversational style brings curiosity and energy to every episode. IDEA FOR A FUTURE EPISODE? We’d love to hear from you. Send us your ideas at info@atlantic.caa.ca

5. 

   27 Mar 2026

   Electric Vehicles in Atlantic Canada with Kurt Sampson (S1E8) Let’s Go Together

   In this episode of Let’s Go Together, we’re joined by Kurt Sampson, CAA’s EV guru, to cut through the headlines and misinformation around EVs - and talk honestly about what’s working, what isn’t, and what comes next. With rebates re-introduced, new EVs entering the market, and big questions about affordability, charging and the power grid, this conversation focuses on what Atlantic Canadians need to know before making the switch. Whether you’re EV‑curious, skeptical, or already driving electric, this episode offers practical, fact‑based insight to help you make informed decisions. EPISODE LINKS: PlugShare https://www.plugshare.com/ Electric Vehicle Association of Atlantic Canada (EVAAC) https://www.evaac.ca/ Next Ride https://nextridens.com CONNECT WITH CAA ATLANTIC: Website: https://atlantic.caa.ca/ Instagram:   / caaatlantic   F acebook:   / caaatlantic LinkedIn:   / caa-atlantic LISTEN / SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST: YouTube:    • Let's Go Together Podcast Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast... Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2ttVKZz... ABOUT THE HOST Julia Kent is the director of advocacy and community relations for CAA Atlantic. With a background in journalism, she has a knack for asking bold questions. Her clear, conversational style brings curiosity and energy to every episode. IDEA FOR A FUTURE EPISODE? We’d love to hear from you. Send us your ideas at info@atlantic.caa.ca

6. 

   24 Feb 2026

   Travel Insurance Explained: What Atlantic Canadians Should Know with Trudy‑Ann Ritter (S1E7) Let’s Go Together

   Host Julia Kent sits down with Trudy‑Ann Ritter, Manager of Travel Insurance & Learning Development at CAA Atlantic, to unpack one of the most misunderstood parts of travel planning: travel insurance.

7. 

   13 Jan 2026

   Roadside Realities: From Call to Rescue with Danny Sullivan (S1E6) Let’s Go Together

   In this episode of the Let’s Go Together podcast, Danny Sullivan takes us behind the scenes of what really happens from the moment you call CAA to the arrival of help. As we explore the step-by-step process of roadside rescue, Danny shares what it’s like to work on the shoulder of busy highways, the critical importance of SDMO (Slow Down, Move Over) laws, and the challenges and rewards of keeping drivers safe in high-risk situations.

8. 

   2 Dec 2025

   The Heart of CAA Membership: Where Value Meets Values with Karen Stanley (S01 E05)

   In this episode of the Let’s Go Together podcast, we sit down with Karen Stanley, vice president of marketing and member experience at CAA Atlantic, to dive into what truly defines CAA membership. Karen shares insights on how CAA delivers exceptional member value while staying rooted in the company’s core values. From everyday benefits to the principles that guide every decision, this conversation explores why value and values go hand in hand - and how they shape the experience for members and employees alike.

9. 

   30 Oct 2025

   Intentional Leadership & Workplace Culture: Insights from CAA Atlantic’s President & CEO Dawn Dalley (S01 E04)

   We sit down with Dawn Dalley, President & CEO of CAA Atlantic, to explore what it means to lead with intention. Dawn shares her perspective on motivating teams, creating a culture where people love to come to work, and where empathy drives performance.

10. 

    1 Oct 2025

    Driving Innovation: How Otto is Steering CAA Forward with Martyn Sibbald (S01 E03)

    We welcome Martyn Sibbald, chief strategy & innovation officer at CAA Atlantic, to explore the story behind Otto, CAA’s new mobile tire service.

11. 

    28 Aug 2025

    Making Magic Happen: Dreams Take Flight with Melissa Churchill (S01 E02)

    Host Julia Kent sits down with Melissa Churchill - CAA Dartmouth Branch Manager and seasoned travel expert - for an inspiring conversation spotlighting one of our cherished community partners: Dreams Take Flight.

12. 

    28 Jul 2025

    Jet-Set & Reset: Travel Trends for Today’s Explorer with Shane Coupland (S01 E01)

    Hear Shane’s passionate perspective on what’s new and hot in the world of leisure travel for Atlantic Canadians.

Contact Let’s Go Together

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.