Growing Guelph

06/17/2026

On the latest Growing Guelph podcast CFUW Guelph members Susan Brown, Deb Thompson, Sandra McCormick and Sonia Spekkens share how they became involved with the club and what the organization has brought to their lives, including friendship, connection, belonging, discovery and opportunities for lifelong learning.

Listen to the full episode wherever you podcast, on YouTube, Spotify, or at GrowingGuelph.com

The conversation also explores the organization’s history. CFUW was formerly known as the Canadian Federation of University Women, but today the organization is known simply by its acronym. The Guelph chapter brings women together to connect, learn and advocate.

04/17/2026

Longest Growing Guelph podcast ever! Over 2 hours with Lauren Martin of Cool Aunt Creatives on post-school Guelph life, structured play for adults, learning through discomfort, and building a whole fantasy world with Fairy & Iron. If you’ve ever wanted a reason to start something new, this one’s for you.

Listen now on YouTube, Spotify, or wherever you Podcast

03/30/2026

In a recent episode of the Growing Guelph podcast, I sat down with Councillor Katherine Hauser, who represents Ward 6 on Guelph City Council, who stepped into the role through the city’s appointment process this past summer. With deep local ties and a community-first perspective, Katherine brings a grounded approach to public service and a focus on helping residents understand how municipal decisions get made.

We talk about what it was like to join council mid-term, what she’s learned so far inside City Hall, and what she wishes more people knew about the realities of council work. We also dig into her goals for Ward 6, what she’s prioritizing in the months ahead, and the best ways for residents to connect, share input, and get involved.

Listen to the full episode at GrowingGuelph.com or whatever you find podcasts!

03/10/2026

This episode is a sequel! Sort of. Last time I spoke to Steph Clarke from the Guelph Tool Library was in episode 3 in November of 2024 of this podcast. This time, I’m in-person with Steph Clarke, now the Community Engagement Manager at the Guelph Tool Library in the Old Quebec Street Shoppes. We talk about how the Tool Library has grown since our first Zoom chat, how local artists have helped transform the space into a welcoming community hub, and the impact the library is having through programs like the Free Hub and free bike repairs.

Listen to the full episode at GrowingGuelph.com or wherever you find podcasts!

We also dig into what’s next, including Repair Cafés, Seedy Saturday with Yorklands Green Hub, the Brush Battle fundraiser, and the Free To Read book sale supporting Books for Inmates.

01/31/2026

In the third episode of my three-part podcast series with the Guelph Public Library, I speak with Meg Forestell-Page, Manager of Public Service, about the wide-reaching and innovative ways libraries are expanding access and building community across Guelph.

Listen to the full episode at GrowingGuelph.com on YouTube, Spotify or wherever you find podcasts!

01/23/2026

In part two of our three-part series with the Guelph Public Library, I sit down with Dan Atkins, CEO, and Michelle Campbell, Deputy CEO, to explore the deeper public value that libraries bring to our community.

Listen to the full episode at GrowingGuelph.com on Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you find podcasts!

01/15/2026

01/15/2026

Tom Armitage, Manager of The SEED, a community food project of the Guelph Community Health Centre, joins us on the latest episode of the Growing Guelph podcast.

The SEED is redefining how we think about food insecurity, with a focus on dignity, access, and collaboration. From sliding scale markets to Fresh Food prescriptions, The SEED is at the heart of building a more equitable food system in Guelph.

We trace Tom’s personal journey from studying graphic design to organic agriculture, and his deep roots in local food through programs like Backyard Bounty. Tom also shares how his graduate work under Dr. Evan Fraser helped shape the foundation of The SEED.

Find the full episode at GrowingGuelph.com or wherever you podcast!

10/17/2025

In this episode of a special three-part series with the Guelph Public Library, ( )we explore how libraries are transforming into vital third spaces, offering not just books, but life-saving support, community care, and inclusive spaces for all.

Support Growing Guelph - https://www.patreon.com/growingguelph

Host Jordan Sloggett speaks with Samantha Wellhauser-Bells, Main Library Branch Supervisor at the Guelph Public Library, and Alex Cairney, Outreach Worker with the Welcoming Streets Initiative. Together, they discuss:

The evolving role of libraries as inclusive, public third spaces
The importance of harm reduction supports, including free naloxone kits
Real stories of community support, recovery, and connection
Building empathy, safety, and wellbeing in public spaces
How partnerships like Welcoming Streets and the library are changing lives
This episode highlights the human stories behind public policy, the essential services libraries provide beyond books, and how collaboration can lead to safer, healthier communities.