Hidden Gems Toronto

01/07/2025

26/05/2025

See Something, Do Something.
Volunteers who fill a need on their own.

Rob Spindler saw a problem in his local ravine and decided to do something about it. What started out as a one-man operation has blossomed into an annual community event.

Cindy Ho and Joseph Tam thought that a Geriatric Care facility might appreciate and benefit from their singing and performing skills.  Their "C & J" show now warms the hearts of residents on a regular basis.

All three are proof that individuals can have a huge impact on their local community.

Listen to Season 4, Episode 5 at 
hiddengemstoronto.buzzsprout.com 

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20/03/2025

Our latest podcast is now available on this international site where we join thousands of other Podcasters profiling charities around the world.

www.podcasthon.org

23/02/2025

The Small Change Fund, led by environmentalist Burkhard Mausberg, has developed a unique way to provide financial and strategic support for more than 200 small, enterprising organizations across Canada. Burkhard explains how the program has developed and expanded over the years and also chats about his fascinating and robust career in the environmental movement. And he talks passionately about where he finds hope in the fight against climate change.
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We also chat with Lee Adamson, who heads up an organization that has benefitted from their partnership with the Small Change Fund. 

Listen to Season 4, Episode 4 at 
hiddengemstoronto.buzzsprout.com 

02/01/2025

"Where are they now?"
Listen to our latest podcast where we take a stroll down memory lane and catch up with 4 of our previous guests: Martin Howard, Phil Hibbeln, Mary Ladky and Sgt. Derrick Gaudet with his dog Major.

Listen to the podcast at hiddengemstoronto.buzzsprout.com

Visit our website at hiddengemstoronto.net

01/11/2024

In keeping with the season, we have a special "treat" for you in our latest podcast. As part of our continuing series, entitled: "You Do What For a Living" we interviewed two very creative people. Coko Galore is a comedy writer/actor who is starring on the stage of Second City.
And Kurt Scanlan has managed to turn a childhood passion into a career as a children's toy designer. They both provided us with an entertaining glimpse of their fascinating professions. We hope you enjoy it.

01/07/2024

A MOVER AND SHAKER IN SCARBOROUGH: Krissan Veerasingam is changing the face of his neighbourhood

You need a good pair of running shoes to keep up with Krissan Veerasingam. He helped launch the Scarborough Repair Café where residents can bring a multitude of household items for repair, free of charge. He is also an advocate for public transit and supports numerous environmental initiatives. As if this wasn't enough, he finds time to promote ethnic grocery stores and restaurants throughout Scarborough. And he does all this will great enthusiasm and aplomb. Residents are fortunate to have him in their corner.

Listen to the podcast at
hiddengemstoronto.buzzsprout.com

Please visit our website at hiddengemstoronto.net

01/05/2024

EVERY PICTURE TELLS A STORY...for Toronto's esteemed Photo Laureate,
Nadya Kwandibens.

Nadya brings an indigenous perspective to her award-winning photography.  In this podcast you will learn  that it isn't just her technical ability with the camera that makes her work so special, it's  her gentle nature and empathy for her subjects that allows her to build a trust with people and that is evident in all her portraits. As she likes to say: "The camera is an extension of my arm".

Listen to the podcast at 
hiddengemstoronto.buzzsprout.com

See more of Nadya's work at
redworks.ca

30/04/2024

Field trip!
The Hidden Gems Toronto team visited Nadya Kwandibens' exhibit, "The Red Chair Sessions", on now until June 8, 2024 at the Midland Cultural Centre.
In a word, it is stunning. Definitely worth the drive to Midland! You can hear our interview with Nadya on May 1st.



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30/04/2024

Nadya Kwandibens is Toronto's first indigenous and first female poet laureate. Hear her story on our upcoming podcast, airing May 01.

30/04/2024

The "Clock Guy" who keeps Toronto ticking!
In this second episode of our series called "You do what for a living?" we introduce you to John Scott, affectionately known as the Clock Guy in Toronto. John is responsible for keeping many of our city's tower clocks running smoothly and chiming on time. John gives us a master class on how gems such as the Old City Hall tower clock operate.

After listening to John, you will be left with a whole new appreciation of this scientific wonder known as the tower clock.

Listen to the podcast at
hiddengemstoronto.buzzsprout.com
And learn more at
scotiabell.ca

30/04/2024

In this podcast we launch the first episode of our occasional series about people who have interesting, if somewhat unusual occupations. And Austin Emery certainly fits the bill. Over his lifetime, Austin has attended more than 500 events dressed as a mascot. He has worn every costume you can imagine. But wait; there's more! In addition to being a mascot, he also is an accomplished sculptor who invites complete novices into his backyard and allows them to create a small sculpture which he then adapts to a larger finished piece that will occupy a public space in the community. By any measure, he is a cherished hidden gem.

Listen to the podcast at 
hiddengemstoronto.buzzsprout.com

Visit JoJoFun at
jojofun.ca

And learn more about Austin at
austinemery.com