Author: Ysabel

Over the past few months, Podio’s Branches Between Generations podcast has brought people together to share memories, experiences, and wisdom. Each recording session felt like sitting at the kitchen table with friends, laughing, learning, and sometimes tearing up at the incredible stories that were shared.

From tales of Parksville in its early years, to stories of family traditions, community changes, and personal milestones, every episode added a new branch to the bigger story we were telling together. We learned that these stories don’t just live in the past,  they connect us to who we are today and remind us of the threads tying generations together.

And now, here we are, at the end of our recording journey, ready to celebrate the people who made it all possible.

The Wrap Event

To mark the close of this project, we’re hosting a Mix n’ Mingle at the Berwick in Parksville on Sunday, September 14, from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm. All podcast participants, along with their immediate families, are warmly invited to join us.

It’s a chance to reconnect with your podcast partner, meet others who were part of the series, and share a few laughs about the stories that have become part of this beautiful collection. The Berwick is kindly providing pizzas, sliders, Caesar salad, a coffee and tea station, sparkling water, chips, all the essentials for a relaxed Sunday afternoon gathering!

A Heartfelt Thank You

As we wrap up, we want to pause and say a huge thank you. Podio is deeply grateful for everyone who lent their voice and heart to this project. Your willingness to sit down and share a part of your life has not only created a meaningful archive of stories but also brought people closer together.

This podcast is a success because of you, the participants, the listeners, and the community that continues to show up for one another.

We’re so excited to celebrate with you, to reflect on this journey, and to look forward to what’s next. Here’s to stories, connections, and the branches that keep growing between generations.

LGBTQ conversation

Shaun talked about the massive changes over the past decade or so of being accepting of the community. They came out in the 90’s and the term non binary was not accepted, not until 2016.

Online dating

Shaun doesn’t do it anymore. It hasn’t worked for them. They’d rather find personal connections. Camden agreed that the online world can be dangerous and doesn’t think it’s a good idea to meet online, if it can be avoided.

Shaun likes to keep it old school and wants to meet for coffee when it comes to dating.

How to get involved

Facebook groups have been great, Shaun advised. They were very good starting points for them.

Shaun advised reaching out to organizations in Nanaimo that do queer dances and dry grads etc. Shaun wanted to plug Queer Centre in Courtenay as they are helping bring queers together.

Camden talked about how her generation stays home and hangs out online, and that the human connection is fading. She’s looking for more spaces to connect and hang out as a teen.

Inclusivity

Shaun spoke about how she’s had challenges with people who “we are okay with her choice” and they find that a very offensive thing to say. As if this was a choice of hers.

It isn’t a closet, it’s just who they are as people.

Shaun’s hope and dream is that there’s no fear when it comes to ‘coming out of the closet’.

Parental behaviour

Shaun grew up in a blended family, gaining a step sister through the process, growing up together from age 7. Grew up in Calgary, middle class.

Shaun shared that the experience of her parents dying was big for her and traumatic. She was their primary caregiver. She moved here to care for them etc.

Shaun’s parents accepted them which is what they wanted and needed.

Camden spoke about her mom coming out as queer and the surprise and shock that she initially felt. It was that she only knew the mom and dad dynamic, so this was a curveball but she’s been grateful of her moms support.

Spreading love and rainbows

It’s Shaun’s mission. Leading with love is the way they go. It’s the daily mission. Smile and love. It’s hard to combat love.

Careers

At 15 (Camden’s age), what did Shaun want to be? A doctor. Straight up. They always wanted to help people, did pre-med at university and then pictured away from it.

Shaun’s dad worked in pharmaceuticals and when they left university they jumped right into a career there. Then switched it up to be self employed at a certain point and hasn’t looked back.

Shaun’s advice was for Camden to carve out her own path.

Parksville, the Early Years

Liz first arrived in Parksville as a toddler in 1948, just two years old and already soaking up small-town life.

She remembers the old family home: electricity, but no television (imagine that!). School days started at Macmillan Schoolhouse and later at high school in the building that’s now the community centre.

By 1952, Macmillan held its final class. There was no electronic bell, so grade five students got the honor of ringing it, a big deal back then. For fun, grades 3 and 4 would dance around the maple trees at the community park. That tradition eventually grew into what we now know as Beachfest.

Festivals, movies, and community life

In those days, Parksville’s beach festivals were humble one-day events. The tide rolled in each night and washed everything away, but not before the excitement of a Miss Parksville pageant and crowning!

Parksville even boasted its own movie theatre. A ticket meant a news reel, a feature film, and of course, a bag of popcorn. It was the social outing of the week.

Giving back

After retirement, Liz gave her time to the Parksville Museum, often helping out on weekends. She admires how the museum has carefully gathered and preserved historic buildings from across the region. For her, museums are more than collections, they’re a window into the past and a reminder of where we’ve come from.

A royal visit

One of Liz’s most vivid memories: the 1952 visit of a Princess and Prince. The streets overflowed with crowds eager to catch even a quick glimpse of royalty. It was a day that left its mark on the whole town.

Sports and style

Community sports were also a big part of life. Liz remembers crowds gathering behind the community hall at the beach to watch ballgames. She herself played basketball through the 1950s and early ’60s.

Back then, girls weren’t allowed to wear pants to school, dresses only! But basketball gave Liz a clever loophole: game days meant she could swap the dress for pants. Small victories, big memories.

These two have a lot in common and they wasted no time getting to know each other. Mark informed Rob that Aiden digs downhill biking and skiing and it seems Rob loves biking, too.

Speaking of trails there bother ridden from the local legendary Hammerfest, to the vast bike trails of Doumont Road in Nanaimo and many trails in between.

Instant bonding here…

What did having a bike, back in the day, to Rob?

Freedom.

One word, freedom.

It just meant he could get around without using his feet. Aiden has had bikes ands he’s been able to get around, an interesting contrast.

Aiden says his freedom will come when he gets a drivers license and car.

Rob then talked about the big differences in the system to obtain a drivers license in BC compared to 35 years ago.

Careers and Education

Aiden shared that he’s bilingual as his parents have forced him to take that route in school . Rob shared that good grades are something to work towards,

Aiden seems to understand the importance of post secondary education. Rob really drove that point home suggesting he wished if he could do it over again, that he would get a good education.

Rob suggested following Aiden’s passion and that it could lead him to coaching or running a ski/bike club. Rob thinks big things at to come for

Death of his father

Rob lost his father at 17 and it affected his life greatly. He changed his direction and didn’t do post secondary.

Friends

Rob got right to the point. Friends change over time. We go through friends and only the good ones last. Our beliefs affect our friend groups.

“Friends come and go” – Rob

Auden discussed how or why he lost a friend that he thought was his best friend, and it can be tough to accept.

Ron spoke about how he’s had friends come and go, ultimately having similar interests really drives the relationship.

Some of the friends he has now were not friends he had ten years ago.

Relationships

Rob suggests taking it slow. There’s no rush.

Aiden isn’t home a lot and puts a lot of time into biking etc. so it can be hard to find a girlfriend.

Rob suggests crushing his goals and dreams and that people will come into your life at the right time. And he believes ‘everything happens for a reason’.

Respect

Aiden batted himself when he spoke about a moment of self doubt when he can look at his peers and compare himself to them.

He’s had to learn some hard lessons about managing relationships with his coaches whether he likes them or not.

It certainly sounds like Aiden has had his attitude adjusted and learned from it. Rob reinforced that having a good attitude and respect are good traits to have.

Advice and wisdom

Rub suggested that there may be times where Aiden has to bite his tongue to continue on his journey.

Right away they talked about the differences in eras. Marina asked what Les thought about her generation in general.

He spoke about AI and the revolution that is coming and how we’re going to be affected. Having AI companions and humanoid robots like human assistants.

Education and growing up

Less grew up in west end Vancouver in English bay and his parents had bought a 3- storey house and they had it into stores that they rented out,
His dad was an artist who travelled Canada and were landlords. He went to school in west Vancouver.

Teenage life for Les and Marina

Quite different teenage life, had a lot more freedom. Could go play in Stanley park and the beach and parents rarely worried about them. Could go watch movies for .25$ and go bowling on Granville before all the high rises.

Nowadays Marina states that she has to check in often when it comes to moving around and checking in constantly. Less commented on today’s parents as being “helicopter parents” and that back rub the day they just had to be back for dinner. Les thinks that parents may be afraid of perceived fears rather than real ones. And we may not give kids enough freedom to grow up on their own.

Tree climbing

Marina was climbing a tree recently and half way up and then heard a kitten and had to come back down and fell and hurt herself.

Managing risk

Les advised Marina to go for it! For life! Don’t always say no. You have to manage risk but you can’t sit in the sidelines forever.

Less shared the story of his daughter that has battled addiction of cocaine.

Passing on family wisdom

Less spoke about his parents being poor but teaching him to respect his elders. A and reject and live to be happy and that money isn’t everything.

If you can’t say anything nice about someone, don’t say anything at all.

Summer jobs and online courses

Marina commented on her ability to be taking an online course through another school district, in this case, Grade 10 science, in French. Les was impressed and said that he didn’t have those opportunities, and for Marina to take advantage of them.

Marina expressed it to be a challenging summer job market this summer. Hard to get as job anywhere like McDonald’s,

Physical spaces

Marina thinks it’s important to hand them in our society. Home is for chilling, school is for focus, work is for work, etc.

Historical moments

JFK assisination and Martin Luther king ands Robert F Kennedy. TheVietnam War, being a travesty.

To Marina, COVID was a bit of a big deal. The Trump presidency, being a disconcerting time.

Volunteering and Community Service

Marina spoke about her volunteering for her swim club as an assistant coach for the summer ands Les suggested she volunteer whenever she is able to ands how it feels so good to give back.

What was it like growing up in England?

She was five when the war started, so her childhood was tough.
She moved to Toronto at age 22 and then to BC in 1988. Always lived on the island when in BC.

She left school at 15 and worked in an office, bounced around jobs a bit then ended up at an insurance company for 6 years.

Why leave England?

She went to Italy the year before. And then got an adventure bug. She had holidays in Northern Italy, it was wonderful, very nice.

Special thanks to Parks West for sponsoring this session!

After settling in Canada

She’d had to be unmarried as a flight attendant. Some very sexist job segregation. She couldn’t wear certain clothes, had to wear hair a certain way, nail polish, a girdle, just really insane stuff by today’s standards.

Different employment standards

Keith shared the differences in his attire in hood jobs to date. From scooping iced cream to fast food to not working at a local grocery store.
Definitely more gender inclusive compared to years past.

According to June she didn’t question things back then because that’s just the way it was. But acknowledged how different this day in age is.

The process of being evacuated

A friend worked in radar and could see when German bombers were approaching England. June was an only child because of the war. Her parents didn’t want to bring more children into the world.
She was evacuated to a lady for 1.5 years when she was six. She got spoiled there.

The second time that she was evacuated was terrible as the lady would accuse them of stealing things and was just awful. She recalls spending her 10th birthday there.

The news and headlines of Hitler Dead! made waves worldwide.

Career goals

Keith spoke about his love of writing and they spoke about that.

Technology

Keith asked what was the most innovative technological invention. June thinks the television was it for her. In her younger years.

History

June loves history. She’s into history and takes part in a monthly history night at the Berwick.

Family knowledge

Is there anything your parents taught you that you pass down? June says her parents taught her to be honest, careful and loving among many other things.

Adding…any secrets to shares?

We don’t think about getting old when you’re young. But when you’re older, you’re much more aware of breaking bones at the older age.

In episode 6 of Branches Between Generations, we sat down with Kaemon and David as they explored topics related to artificial intelligence, social media, critical thinking, and more.

Special thanks to Ohs Galloway for sponsoring this session!

Right off the bat

Kaemon asked if David had anything he would do differently as a teen or earlier in his life.

David said he’s satisfied with how his life is and that he wouldn’t do anything different.

15-Year-Old David

He lived and grew up in England. He was preparing for an Ordinary Level exam, a standardized test. His social life was through a church youth group. He was just starting to get interested in girls, lived in a big city and went to school, etc.

Kaemon can relate to the school work, but noted that he had the digital age to deal with. Much different time to be alive.

David notes he was using 30-year-old textbooks at the time, so just think of the difference in education.

Growing Up in the Big City

David grew up in a big house with a large garden. Many activities revolved around that. Had the fallout of the war—things like barbed wire and live ammunition were found while working.

Had to physically visit his friends to hang out, noting that nowadays youth can connect online to hang out without leaving home.

Part of the whole phenomenon of youth of past generations hanging out outside more than this generation does.

Kaemon loves mountain biking, water sports, basketball, overnight camping, etc. He just competed in a race over the weekend.

AI

Kaemon spoke about how he had been learning how to use artificial intelligence to help him. David expressed how his generation is nervous about AI in general, as humans have always depended on themselves, and now they’re shifting it into the hands of another entity.

Both of them discussed that they don’t think the knowledge level for users is very high. There is an opportunity for everyone, but there is also caution.

Technology

Kaemon spoke about TV and other technologies.

David was interested in cameras. He wasn’t able to afford a camera right away, but that was a big deal to him at the time.

Careers and Business

Kaemon is starting a business with AI and social media. He is aware of the website Fiverr and is trying to leverage AI to do the work in marketing, like people do on Fiverr.

David was trained as a teacher in England and then moved to Canada. He taught all over the world, including England, Canada, and even Germany for six years.

Comparing the school systems: David noted that the school system was undergoing constant change. He was brought up in the old system but was teaching in the newer system. He was brought up in schools segregated by gender, but taught in schools with mixed genders.

He noted many changes in the system throughout the years and was happy to go wherever the work was. He liked to travel.

Kaemon asked if David was happy with the career he chose, and David responded that he was. He enjoyed teaching very much.

Parties

David recollected family gatherings and get-togethers, but was never a big partygoer.

Kaemon went to a party last night. The teens got out around town, went to the beach to enjoy the sunset, and just hung out.

Chivalry

David spoke about it and said he thinks it’s enjoyed by his generation. Also highlighted that nowadays you can get into trouble over it, or that it is disappointing.

You can’t just use an app to find a partner, says David. And that it will happen when it will happen.

Social Media

David noted that social media does not paint an accurate picture of themselves. You only see what is wanted to be seen.

History

David says everyone who was alive remembers the end of World War II. Being away from families, the destruction, all that. D-Day was a moment everyone remembers as they sang and danced in celebration in the streets.

Over the years, they were able to end rationing, and it took probably five years for life to get ‘back to normal’.

Sponsored by Ohs Galloway

This session was proudly sponsored by Ohs Galloway. Their sponsorship helped us bring this conversation to life, and we’re incredibly grateful for their wonderful and overflowing support!

Critical Thinking

“How do you handle it?” asked David. When you get so much information or search results, how does Kaemon sort through it?

Kaemon tries to have a clear mind. Likes to have 10 minutes of silence to start his day, to help stay grounded.

He’s still figuring it out and trying to understand it all. David has some reservations about how easy it is to get misinformation on the internet and to be aware of it.

Branches Between Generations

Thanks again to David and Kaemon for participating in session 6! Check out our other sessions to learn more.

In episode 5 of Branches Between Generations, we sat down with Sophie and Joan as they discussed hobbies, volunteering, technology, family, and the uncertainty of the future.

Special thanks to Oceanside Physiotherapy for sponsoring this session!

Hobbies and Learning New Things

Sophie asked if Joan has any regrets about not doing any activities she wishes she had done. Joan expressed that it’s never too late and you can never be too old to learn something new.

At the Berwick, she’s learning new things — making an Indigenous drum, knitting, and learning something new every single day.

They even use the Crusaders app to track walking across Canada and back. It keeps everyone active and healthy.

Joan said her favourite sport or activity has been volunteering. She’s done it at the PanAm Games, university games in 1983, and even met the Queen, Charles, and Diana.

Beta Sigma Phi has allowed her to connect with many different groups and types of people.

Volunteering

For Joan, it’s all about helping others, not about recognition. She offers love and care just to make others feel cared for.

She volunteers at the North Shore Crisis Centre and knits scarves to help keep people warm. It’s never about her — it’s just about giving.

Sophie related by sharing how she had volunteered as a dance coach and how good that felt, too.

Technology

The conversation shifted to the distractions of technology. They talked about how powerful cell phones have become, and how much attention they take away from real human connection.

Education

Sophie is interested in politics and wants to help improve the country. She might even become a lawyer one day.

Joan encouraged her to follow her dreams, trust her heart, and go for it. She reminded Sophie that she absolutely can do it.

Sophie also shared that she’ll be class co-president in her final year of high school, alongside her friend.

World War II

Joan recalled living on a farm along the Alaska Highway during the war. They were afraid the Russians might attack from overhead. She remembered being so relieved when the war ended.

Her mom was known as “Rosie the Riveter” because she worked on the airplanes, doing rivet work.

Farming and Harvest

Joan grew up on a farm and talked about harvesting grain — stooking the straw, taking the grain to the mill, and the celebrations that followed the harvest.

An Uncertain Future

Joan shared her concerns about the state of the world today. She feels that everyone is too busy now and things aren’t the same as they used to be.

Sophie expressed that she has a hunger for positive change and wants more time with her extended family. Her passion for politics is one way she hopes to help shape the future.

Family

The girls chatted about prom. Joan was curious about Sophie’s dress choice, and Sophie shared that she’s going for something simple, elegant, and sophisticated — definitely not glitzy.

Thank you to Oceanside Physiotherapy

We sincerely appreciate the generous support from Oceanside Physiotherapy in sponsoring this session. Their commitment helps us create meaningful opportunities for community connection and intergenerational storytelling.

In episode 4 of Branches Between Generations, we sat down with Robyn, Arianna, and Tristan as they explored topics related to school, sports, life lessons, and more.

Special thanks to John G. Plumbing for sponsoring this session!

School

They began by talking about the differences in school for Robyn vs Tristan. Robyn mentioned there was no co-education. Girls and boys were split by a removable wall. Always kept separate for gym and even health class. She said it made no sense that they were separated, as it led to never knowing anything about the other sex.

Boxing and Sports

Tristan expressed his love of boxing. He even sparred with females, which is quite different than what Robyn would’ve been used to. He talked about travelling to the mainland, getting medals and trophies, and travelling to Alberta. He’s been doing it for two years and just loves it.

Different Times

Robyn spoke about how different it was going to school in her time. She gave an example of a typical form of punishment.

Part 2: Arianna and Robyn

Prohibition

Robyn told stories of her family being challenged by the rules of prohibition. They were very challenging times, and she expressed how they affected her family.

School

Arianna talked about going into high school and her love of synchronized swimming. Robyn said she’s never been into sports and was routinely the last one picked. She wasn’t a sporty person until she found badminton in grade 12. She enjoyed watching Olympic sports like figure skating, diving, and pool sports.

Arianna talked about having to hold her breath for long periods, and that she can hold her breath for over a minute underwater.  Plus, having to wait for her teammates and the cue to come up for air—so hard!

Robyn was in awe of how Arianna could hold her breath underwater. A pretty amazing skill indeed!

Writing and Speech

Arianna wrote a speech and was selected to share it in front of the school. In French, no less!

Robyn expressed how she practiced conversing on random topics selected by teachers in front of the class. That would be a tough assignment!

Swimming Lessons and Other Hard Things

Robyn was never a fan of swimming lessons. She said she was afraid of water and didn’t learn to swim. She declared she’s not going to learn at this point.

Growing Up in Prince George vs Oceanside

Hanging out as kids in PG was fun. Outdoor activities galore. The town was full of loggers. She could free roam for the most part. But she wasn’t allowed to go into PG on a Saturday night because the loggers all came into town and partied hard.

Arianna shared that she likes to hang out with her sisters at various parks in town with friends, here in Oceanside.

Thank you to John G Plumbing!

We’re incredibly grateful to John G Plumbing for sponsoring this session. Their generous support helps make meaningful conversations between generations possible capturing stories, sharing experiences, and building stronger community connections.

In episode 3 of Branches Between Generations, we sat down with Arianna and Karen as they explored topics related to family, the past, volunteering, and more.

Special thanks to Isle Golf Cars for sponsoring this session!

Getting started

The session began with a question from Arianna asking where Karen was born and how she found her way to the island. She and Karen both realized that they were the oldest siblings in their respective families. They bonded over this early in the conversation.

Arianna expressed her love for being a good big sister. Both of them have two younger siblings and talked about the responsibilities of being the oldest sibling.

Karen told a story about peer pressure in her youth that resulted in her being taken to the police station and being picked up by her mother. It was one of those incidents that shaped Karen and  ‘scared her straight’ so to say. An eye-opening experience for Karen, and good advice for Arianna’s generation.

Family history and dynamics

Arianna shared some of her dad’s family history, including some details about the farm in Ontario where her dad was born.

Karen spoke about changing family dynamics and a lack of respect from children to their parents and other adults. Speaking of kids with little manners and having no ability to carry on a conversation was a topic further explored in this session.

Arianna shared stories of her siblings having friends over and the level of their manners being subpar. Examples included talking back to her parents and similar behaviours, and both of them agreed this wasn’t a nice way to act. This was an example of a shared opinion that transgressed through generations.

5, 10, 15 Cent Store; modern day Dollar Store

Money is tight for many families, and that includes families from generations ago. Karen spoke about how she grew up with little food in the cupboards and how much she valued having it. Even going so far as to say that she would store food, as there was always a looming fear that the cheques would stop and she’d be hungry.

Powerful stuff.

Volunteering

Karen shared how much volunteering means to her and the community in general. Arianna agreed and shared some of her experiences. She shared stories of volunteering with her dad for the swim club, local triathlon and at school, too.

Karen expressed how much it gave her life meaning to volunteer, especially as she ages. It has helped her to meet new people and build new connections.

She then commented on how important it is that Arianna has been volunteering at such a young age, and that skill will do her well as she ages. It’s such a fulfilling experience to serve others, they discussed.

Historical experiences (1945-current) with a Vancouver perspective

Karen shared her memories of the war; she was very young when the war ended, just 3. She told us about making mud pies, and Arianna shared that her younger sister Evelyn liked to make mud pies, too.

Phone culture

Karen discussed how phone culture has changed from the days of only having a landline and maybe an answering machine, compared to today, where we are available on demand and kind of constantly available. Such a drastic change for her, but part of regular life for Arianna.

Special thanks to Isle Golf Carts

This session was generously sponsored by Isle Golf Cars, whose support helps us continue creating space for intergenerational storytelling and community connection.

Wrapping up

These two seemed to really enjoy speaking with each other and getting to know one another. We’re looking forward to releasing the footage in the future. Stay tuned.