Author: Ysabel

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.

In episode 2 of Branches Between Generations, we sat down with Keith and Peter as they explored topics related to engineering, technology, and swapping ideas.

A Conversation Across Generations

This week’s recording session brought together two curious minds with Keith and Peter. With mics on, headphones adjusted, and a little pre-chat to shake off the jitters, the two sat down for a conversation that quickly found its rhythm.

A Shared Fascination

Though from different generations, Keith and Peter connected almost instantly over a mutual love of engineering and technology. Their conversation flowed naturally, and soon they were swapping stories about how tools, systems, and ideas have evolved so much that a book even entered the mix!

Peter brought the wisdom of lived experience. Keith offered fresh insight into today’s innovations and shared his hopes for the future.

These kinds of exchanges; genuine, thoughtful, and unscripted, are exactly why this project matters. It’s not about perfect audio or polished takes. It’s about people seeing each other and learning something new, one story at a time.

Behind the Scenes

Clinton, our producer, helped guide the conversation gently from the sidelines, offering encouragement and the occasional cue. Siska, as always, was behind the lens and on audio, making sure everything looked and sounded just right.

More Like This, Please

As we continue pairing up teens and seniors, sessions like Keith and Peter’s remind us of the incredible wisdom and curiosity waiting just beneath the surface. All it takes is a mic, a good question, and someone willing to listen.

In episode 1 of Branches Between Generations, we sat down with Madeline and Aileen. Here are some “behind the scenes” from our crew at Podio.

We’re Experiencing Technical Difficulties

We ran through a few things as a group beforehand. You don’t always plan for little hiccups, but they always find a way to show up. A few camera settings weren’t quite behaving, and we had to pause to get everything working just right.

But once the tech started cooperating and we gave the green light to roll, something shifted. The awkwardness faded, and what remained was simply two people… talking.

Lots to Talk About

Clinton didn’t have to step in much once the conversation got going, which is always a good sign. Aileen and Maddy fell into a rhythm pretty quickly. Despite the age gap, their conversation felt easy and full of warmth.

Aileen shared bits of her story, places she’s lived, memories from her youth, and Maddy listened with wide eyes and genuine interest, responding with her own thoughts and thoughtful follow-ups.

Capturing the Moment

It’s a subtle but powerful thing when the equipment disappears, not physically, but mentally. The cameras were still rolling, the mics still live, but for Aileen and Maddy, it didn’t feel like a recording session anymore. It just felt like a connection. That’s the sweet spot we always aim for, and when it happens, it’s magic.

Wrapping Up

By the time we wrapped up for the day, the nerves were long gone. Maddy was already thinking about her next visit, and Aileen gave her a warm thank-you that felt more like a “see you soon” than a goodbye.

Pairing up teens and seniors for these recordings is more than just an exercise in storytelling; it’s a chance to watch understanding grow in real time. It’s about showing up, listening in, and discovering how much we can learn from one another when we make space to share.

Want to Get Involved?

If this kind of project speaks to you, we’d love to chat. Whether you’re a local business, a community member, or someone who just wants to help keep these conversations going, becoming a sponsor means being part of something meaningful. Let’s make more moments like this happen. Fill out the sponsor form today and be involved.

On Sunday we had the remaining teens in to get them familiar with the studio.

Participants arrived shortly after noon and were bright into the studio individually to have a short conversation.

Participants were shown where they were going to be seated during their conversations and where they were to look so that we could capture the best camera angles and lighting. We placed the microphones in the correct position and guided them through that process so that they are aware for their recording day and totally prepared.

Getting to know the participants

Clinton asked the participants a few questions during their time in the studio chair to get to know them each a little better. This process helped to get the teens comfortable in front of the camera and microphone.

It also gave us a chance to get to know them a bit more so that we can pair them with the person with whims they’ll have the best chemistry and conversations. We are really trying to create those magical connections.

Trying to beat the heat

The studio is small and while it has heat it does not currently have air conditioning. Not to stress though, we’ve installed a small window air conditioner to get the studio comfortable before and in between recordings in an effort to keep things comfortable when in recording sessions.

We’re trying our best to stay cool during this summer heat.

So, what’s next?

We are pairing our teens with a senior and scheduling recording sessions. Recording will commence this week, July 15, 2025.

This week, four teens: three boys and one girl, joined us for a hands-on casting training session at Podio Studio. Ranging in age from 12 to 17, these young participants didn’t just show up they leaned in. Over the course of the afternoon, they toured the studio, learned about the equipment, and got a crash course in what it means to show up on mic and on camera with confidence.

Studio Tour and Equipment 101

The session started with a quick walkthrough: lights, cameras, mics, buttons, lots of buttons. We kept things simple and fun. Facts were shared. Questions were asked. The goal wasn’t to overwhelm, but to make the space feel less intimidating and more theirs.

Group Discussion and Comfort Check-In

After the tour, the group sat down with Mark to talk through the project and get a feel for where everyone was nervous, excited, or somewhere in between. The vibe was open, casual, and surprisingly honest.

From there, Clinton and Siska invited participants into the studio one by one for a visual and sound check. This wasn’t just “press record” they were coached on how to sit, where to look, and what angles worked best on camera. Sometimes the tiniest posture shift made all the difference.

Podcast Barbie: She Doesn’t Talk, But She’s Got Presence

Oh, and we introduced them to our new co-star: a doll perched quietly in the corner of the room. Weird? Maybe. Effective? Absolutely. It gave the teens something consistent to look at while talking, which made managing eye contact way easier especially when nerves kicked in.

We are ready for pairing up!

Everyone got a turn. Everyone tried. Everyone improved. By the end of the session, you could feel the energy shift from “this is scary” to “okay… I got this.”

This wasn’t a final audition. It wasn’t about being perfect. It was about making space for learning, stumbling, adjusting, and laughing through the awkward bits. The goal was simple: get comfortable enough to connect. And now? They’re ready to be paired up with our senior participants and bring those intergenerational conversations to life.

That’s it for today

We say it often, but it’s worth repeating great storytelling starts with people feeling seen, heard, and supported. That’s what training days like this are for.

And yes, the doll is staying.

If you’re interested in being part of the cast, fill out our casting form.
For studio bookings or inquiries, get in touch with us.

At the heart of sunny Parksville, the Berwick Retirement Community’s courtyard recently buzzed with something truly special: a hands-on training session tailored for six spirited seniors, aged between 55 and 95. With microphones, headphones, and sound equipment on hand, this program helps our cherished residents gain confidence and clarity in recorded conversation.

Getting set up for a run through

Doing a run through on-location is not as easy as doing it in the studio.

We packed up the Rodecaster Pro II, two Rode Podmics, two mic stands, our Audio Technica headphones and headed over to Berwick.

While the Podmics do pick up a lot of ambient noises, we were able to do the run through and gain practice.

Conversations in Pairs

In twos, participants sat with Mark and he guided them through a small set of questions to practice the conversation with them wearing the headphones and get a feel for how they sounded when speaking into the microphones.

Embrace and Record

After each round, participants removed their headphones and reflected on their performance. Together, we discussed voice clarity, pacing, and comfort behind the mic.

While on-site, we had the participants sign the video release waivers, granting permission for their recordings to be used.

Why It Matters

Boosting Confidence: Even for those less tech-savvy, the hands-on lesson broke down barriers and proved it can be fun, at any age.

Capturing Legacies: These sessions help preserve voices, stories, and smiles.

Building Community: Shared experiences in the courtyard deepened bonds, as residents cheered each other on with genuine enthusiasm.

Looking Ahead

Next steps? We’ll review the information before the session and begin to think about pairing our seniors with the teens for their actual conversations.

In Closing

Training sessions like these are more than just audio practice, they’re celebrations of insight, experience, and community spirit. At Berwick Retirement Community in Parksville, age is no barrier to learning, to sharing, and to being heard.

If you’re interested in being part of the cast, fill out our casting form.
For studio bookings or inquiries, get in touch with us.

Today was a big day for the “Branches Between Generations” team! We held our first test session at Podio Studio, and it was a great opportunity to work out the kinks and get a feel for the studio setup.

Teamwork in Action

Clinton took the lead as producer/director, guiding the session and ensuring everything ran smoothly. Siska and Mark were in the studio operating room, handling the technical side of things. We were able to see how our recent changes worked out and also identify a few minor areas for improvement. We’re so stoked to get things rolling with the new set up.

New Studio Gear

We’ve recently upgraded some of our equipment, including the backlights, main light, and microphone stands. These new additions will help us achieve the high-quality look and sound we’re aiming for.

Four Cameras, One Vision

Speaking of cameras, we have a large-screen TV setup that allows us to view all four camera feeds simultaneously. This is thanks to our new 4-in-1 switcher, which we managed to set up with some creative cable management. This is essential for maintaining quality control and ensuring we capture the best possible footage for the podcast.

Meet Our Test Subjects

We were fortunate to have Karen Heisler, Siska’s mom’s partner, and Mark’s middle daughter, Skylar Beuerman, as our on-camera subjects for this session. Karen brought her senior wisdom, while Skylar provided the junior perspective. Despite Skylar’s younger age, this duo gave us a chance to test the intergenerational dynamic that’s central to “Branches Between Generations”.

Testing, Testing, 1, 2, 3

The primary goal of this session was to test our equipment, space, and studio setup. We wanted to make sure everything was working cohesively before we moved into full-scale casting and production. It’s always better to identify potential issues early on!

The conversations are just getting started

We’re thrilled with how the test session went and even more excited for what’s ahead. With the setup dialed in and the vision coming to life, Branches Between Generations is one step closer to launch.

If you’re interested in being part of the cast, fill out our casting form.
For studio bookings or inquiries, get in touch with us.