Author: Ysabel

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.

Yesterday, the Branches Between Generations team traded Wi-Fi for warm air and screen time for facetime at Parksville’s Summer by the Sea Street Market. Every Tuesday from 6 to 9 pm, the downtown strip transforms into a lively hub of local vendors, tourists, and community energy—perfect for finding the kind of people you just don’t meet online. Our producer and volunteers strolled the market chatting with curious teens and seniors about our intergenerational podcast and inviting them to audition. Let’s just say: we got a lot further with real smiles than we ever did with posters taped to lampposts.

While social media and printed posters are essential tools, there’s something irreplaceable about in-person outreach—especially when your podcast is literally about human connection. Being physically present in the heart of the community helped people understand not just what we’re doing, but why. They could see our enthusiasm, ask questions on the spot, and imagine themselves (or their grandkids!) behind the mic. Plus, we got to support an event organized by the Parksville & District Chamber of Commerce—because community building is a team sport.

So if you’re thinking of launching your own podcast, remember: the best stories often start at the market, not in your inbox. Get out there. Talk to people. Let your mic meet the world before it meets your mixer. And if you’re local, come visit Podio Studio in downtown Parksville—we’ve got a cozy recording space and a soft spot for big-hearted ideas.

New Local Podcast ‘Branches Between Generations’ Launches Casting Call to Bring Seniors and Teens Together for Unfiltered Conversations

[Parksville, B.C.] – Clinton Nellist and team are thrilled to announce that Branches Between Generations, a heartwarming and eye-opening video podcast project, has been selected to receive a $12,000 production grant from TELUS STORYHIVE. The podcast will be recorded this summer at Podio Studio in downtown Parksville and will premiere next year on TELUS Optik TV, Stream+, and STORYHIVE’s YouTube channel.

This unique podcast invites eight seniors (ages 55–95) and eight youth (ages 12–17) to engage in meaningful, intergenerational conversations—exploring everything from technology to relationships, history, careers, and what truly stands the test of time. Participants will also take part in a short podcasting workshop to get comfortable behind the mic. No prior experience is needed—just a curious mind and a willingness to share.

We are currently casting local teens and seniors to join us! If you love to talk, listen, and connect, we want to hear from you. To apply, send us a short introduction along with the topics you’d love to explore in conversation with someone from a different generation.

“Parksville is a place where generations often live side by side, but rarely do they sit down and really talk to each other. This podcast changes that,” says Clinton Nellist, producer and creator of the series. “We’re giving both teens and elders the mic—and a moment to be heard.”

About Clinton Nellist:

Clinton Nellist is a political commentator and podcast producer based on Vancouver Island. With a background in political science and public dialogue, his work explores the intersections of community, culture, and communication.

About TELUS STORYHIVE

Since 2013, TELUS STORYHIVE has been able to support a community of thousands of local content creators across British Columbia and Alberta, providing over $66.9 million in production funding and creating a safe space for storytellers to hone their skills and bring the projects they care about to life. For more information, visit https://www.storyhive.com/.

Media Contact:

Clinton Nellist, Producer

E-mail: clinton@podiostudio.ca 

Phone: (250) 240-5641 or (250) 208-3451

Website: https://podio.ca/ 

Social: @creativeclinton // @podiostudio.ca // Follow us on Facebook

“Students from the digital age sit face to face with seniors from Canada’s retirement capital to discuss the changing nature of the world—and what intuitive wisdom stands the test of time.”