This summer was dark days for the podcast and my feelings around it. So much so, I made a comic about it and I’ve decided to share it with y’all.

Each 30 minute episode takes about 10-15 hours of my time (start to finish) largely because of my research and editing process. Finding time to meet up with people in person – between my schedule and theirs – for interviews is challenging. Sometimes it just doesn’t work out. When it does – its fantastic.

Overall, the podcast been one of the most challenging creative projects I’ve done to date. But I feel like its important. What we speak about in the interviews should be out there and heard. I’ve had some major life moments and lessons – in the studio at CJSR, the Makerspace of EPL, or researching for interviews at home.

My perspectives have been challenged. It’s been a huge lesson in vulnerability. I’m helping people share their stories on the airwaves and I’m also sharing mine. And afterwards, there is a high of accomplishment and sometimes there’s a “vulnerability hangover” to borrow a term from Brene Brown.

Later this autumn, I was listening to Brene Brown on Oprah’s Super Soul Podcast and while I was walking home from work I started to ask myself, “If this is a project where I’m being vulnerable, using courage, and showing up… how can I make it easier for myself to do those things?”

“Can I trust and accept that I can create something good when the conditions aren’t perfect?”

The answer is yes I can and so can you with your creative projects.

Maybe I change up the structure and editing process of the show? Maybe I ask for help? 

I don’t know what it will be but rest assured, I’m gonna figure it out.

But if I’ve learned anything from Brene, its that showing up and trying is more important than the fear of failure. 

Migration Patterns is coming back for the third season! This season I’m aiming for a longer series – the goal is 9 episodes that will run from September to December 2018.

I’m into sharing stories of people from all ages and backgrounds. If you are interested, here’s what to do:

1. Fill out this form
2. Pick up your phone when I call you (don’t worry, if you don’t pick up, I’ll try again or email to arrange a time to chat :)

I’ll be starting interviews in July (I hope!) and going through August. Interviews will take place at CJSR studios.  I’m so excited to get started and share more incredible stories with the community. If there is someone in your life and you are thinking,”Dang, more people need to hear their story,” then let them know and share my blog post/social media post with them.

Thanks for all your support, helping me share the stories of immigration, and believing that diversity is our strength.

This form will only take 5 minutes to fill out!

Here’s the podcast episode with Amy!

AMY DILLON: My foray into amateur photography began when I purchased a second-hand Nikon D300 from a friend. I had no idea how to work it or what ‘F Stop’ was let alone all the other buttons and dials. Needless to say, what followed was a series (hundreds) of blurry, overexposed, or just plain black images. Enter my good friend and professional photographer, Brittany Balser (pictured). She patiently showed me the basics and I was finally able to make what I envisioned in my head, come alive on my camera. Well, somewhat. I’m still a long way from knowing what I’m doing.

As the selection makes all too obvious, I am a sucker for light and shadows. When the light hits something just right, I’ll be clicking away until the sun sets. Much to my husband’s (also pictured) frustration. If the light is right, I’m not picky with my subject. It could be moss on a log, distant desert mountains, or drift wood. That said, I’ll never tire of photographing my favourite people. Catching candid moments makes me immensely happy. There’s just something about capturing a sideways look, a hearty laugh, or the blur of action.
Full disclosure, I didn’t take that photo of my husband, Graham. He accidentally took it of himself while holding my camera. But I love it anyway… and I’ll claim it.

Dry Island Buffalo Jump

Forest Moss

Hazel

Brittany Balser

Jasper Mountains

Joshua Tree

Salt Spring Island

Graham

Jasper Big Horn Sheep

Tofino

The goal of the Migration Patterns podcast is to share stories of recent immigrants and new Canadians. From listening to these personal stories, we gain insight into the movement of people across the world and what takes us to our destination, and in this case, Canada.

Immigration is needed in our nation and it is sometimes misunderstood. I hope by listening to stories that are different from our own, we will create new understanding about each other, find commonalities, and create new opportunities. The podcast does not aim to have political debate but to share the immigration experience.

Do you know someone who is an immigrant to Canada or a new Canadian? Does their story fascinate you? Please share my call-out with your friends and family that you would love to hear more about their story. From the first season, I found out that many people are modest to share their story so a little nudge from friends and family always helps.

Here are the details. Please, please, pleeeeeease share this blog post with any people you know whose story you would like to hear on a podcast. Or, if you are game and know your story is dope, sign up! Feel free to contact me on social media or email if you have further questions before signing up.

Who? Immigrants to Canada and New Canadians who are willing to talk about their experience coming here, what special skills that they have brought with them, and to teach us a bit about their home. Did you come 50 years ago? Did you come in the last few months? I want to hear from you!

What? A 30 minute podcast series where I interview immigrants to Canada who have a story to tell.

When? I’m aiming for 6 interviews this fall, that will then be edited and released as a bi-weekly series in the winter.

Where? Interviews to take place in Edmonton, Alberta. The podcast available on iTunes, GooglePlay and on my blog.

Fill out the podcast google form below with your story and contact details and I’ll be in touch. The form looks short but its built to expand for your answers. Thank you for your interest!

My very first podcast season is now live! Migration Patterns is an interview show where I speak to immigrants who have made Canada their home. At first, I was looking to interview recent immigrants and new Canadians but as a moved forward with this project, I learned that the immigration process is an experience that stays with someone and can be a large part of their identity. So now, I interview those new as well as those who came long ago.

In this podcast series, I hope to share the stories and culture of those who have chosen to make Canada home. I truly believe that diversity makes Canada a wonderful place to be and I’m honoured to be able to share the personal stories I’ve heard so far with all of you.

As of today, there are 2 episodes for your listening pleasure and two more shows left in the first season. Episodes are released every other Tuesday morning (Mountain time).

You can find it on iTunes, Google Play, and here is the RSS feed: https://curiousmeredith.com/feed/podcast

Please subscribe, share, or give the podcast a rating on any of the platforms so I can determine if a second season is in the future.