Melissa Bowman, Stewart Grant, and Ken Seiling discuss Local Media as Social Infrastructure
In this episode, we bring you a live panel discussion on the role of local media as social infrastructure — exploring how journalism connects communities, builds trust, and supports civic life in an era of fragmentation and digital overload.
Hosted by Shannon Knelsen, the conversation features community advocate Melissa Bowman, publisher Stewart Grant, and former Regional Chair Ken Seiling. Together, they discuss the future of local journalism, the challenges of trust and sustainability, and why community storytelling still matters.
This discussion was recorded live at Princess Cinemas in Waterloo, as part of the Ink-stained Wretches' annual Journalism Film Festival, presented with support from Waterloo Region Community Foundation.
3 Nov 2025
Carol Coletta, Shirley Madill, and Eric Avner Discuss Social Infrastructure - October 22, 2025
Guests Carol Coletta, Shirley Madill, and Eric Avner discuss the importance of social infrastructure and how we can make our communities more joyful.
Carol Coletta will be speaking at The Walper Hotel on Nov. 6th as part of the Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery's Culture Talks series. Tickets can be purchased from KWAG.ca
About our guests :
Carol Coletta is a Fellow at the Bloomberg Center for Public Innovation at Johns Hopkins University, and former President & CEO of Memphis River Parks Partnership.
Shirley Madill is the Executive Director of the Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery, a cultural leader who’s been instrumental in shaping the region’s artistic landscape.
Eric Avner is the President & CEO of the Waterloo Region Community Foundation, where he’s guiding strategic investments to build a more equitable, connected, and sustainable community.
Thank you to our podcast sponsors G (https://www.instagram.com/grand_valley_construction_asso/)rand Valley Construction Association and Waterloo Region Community Foundation.
27 May 2025
Treading Theatre Project Interview with Lazaros Theodorakapoulos
Lazaros Theodorakapoulos discusses the Treading Theatre Project and its upcoming festival, offering insights into the performances and creative process in this interview.
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Lazaros Theodorakapoulos
Maria Colonescu
Braeden Etienne
Emily Radcliffe
Gary Kirkham
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