The Safety Moment by Utility Safety Partners
In our modern culture, the safety moment has evolved as brief and casual conversations in which to share. They are the perfect time to bring up safety topics in a non-threatening (though potentially lifesaving) way. The Safety Moment Podcast is produced by Utility Safety Partners – a non-profit corporation that has been providing communication service between the digging community and the owners of buried facilities since 1984. Let’s talk about damage prevention, excavation safety, locating and marking, watching for overhead powerlines, and legislative matters to ensure contractors and neighbours can all do their work safely. Let's talk safety - it's always a go...
Gamified Safety Training for Construction Workers
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Every day, workers sit through safety orientations and walk away understanding far less than anyone in the room assumes…and nobody checks.
Mike Sullivan sits down with Dr. Estacio Pereira, Associate Professor of Civil Engineering at the University of Calgary and founder of the ENSURE initiative, who turned his own experience of silently struggling through Canadian safety meetings into a research mission. Pereira introduces Bridge, a gamified mobile assessment platform that uses real photographs of a worker's actual job site to test hazard recognition in real time — giving trainers measurable data on ex...
The Man Who Helped Build 811 Says It's Not Enough Anymore
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Three people were killed in Dallas on May 28, 2026. An 811 locate ticket had been filed. Some lines were marked. The gas line that mattered was not.
That's the gap this industry has to confront.
Mike Sullivan sits down with Brigham McCown, Naval aviator, federal pipeline regulator, pipeline CEO, and founder of the Alliance for Innovation and Infrastructure (Aii), to trace the original eight-step vision behind 811, a vision that stalled at step three.
McCown argues the industry must move from a notification culture to a knowledge culture, and ultimately t...
Every Box Was Checked and a Young Life Was Still Lost
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Every step of the damage prevention process was followed…and a five-year-old boy still died.
Mike Sullivan sits down with Ron Peterson, Executive Director of the National Utility Locating Contractors Association (NULCA) and a 30-plus-year veteran of the locating industry, to discuss the position paper that sent shockwaves through the damage prevention world: "This System Is Designed to Fail."
Peterson explains why a one-call system built 50 years ago for a million locate requests can't survive 250 million notifications, ticket abuse with zero consequences, and utility maps that show line...
Building a Profession From the Ground Up: The DPP Certification Story
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What if the people who keep gas lines, fibre, and power cables from being torn out of the ground have never had a profession to call their own?
Mike Sullivan talks with Coral Lukaniuk; Longtime architect of large‑scale strategic programs, engineer and facilitator with deep engagement experience, founder of coRoc Solutions, and Executive Director of the new Damage Prevention Professional (DPP) Certification Program.
They unpack a strange truth: damage prevention is named in federal and provincial regulation, yet nearly everyone in it "fell into" the work, with no cur...
The Algorithm Knows Where You're Digging Before You Do
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What if the next threat to buried infrastructure isn't an excavator's bucket….it's an algorithm that already knows where every line is buried?
Mike sits down with AI strategist, futurist, and bestselling author Peter Swain, who has led more than 1,400 technology projects with companies like Apple, Microsoft, and Google, to confront a question the damage prevention industry can no longer avoid: could big tech effectively map North America's buried infrastructure without ever touching the industry's proprietary records?
Swain's answer: yes... through correlated data alone, sets up a wide-ranging, unflinching conv...
REPLAY - Lines in the Sky: The Overhead Risk You’re Overlooking
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This is a REPLAY of an episode first published in May 2025.
What if the next big thing in utility safety isn’t underground—but overhead?
Mike Sullivan sits down with Nathan Coutu from ATCO Electric to spotlight the groundbreaking "Lookup and Live" application, a collaborative initiative aimed at reducing overhead power line contacts.
Nathan shares how this Alberta-wide, GIS-based mobile and web app helps users visualize and safely navigate around energized overhead lines—especially crucial for agricultural, construction, and utility workers.
Drawing inspiration from simi...
The Safety Conversations That Started with Coffee
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What happens when a pandemic coffee chat accidentally becomes one of the most respected podcasts in the energy industry?
Mike Sullivan sits down with James Cross, co-creator of Coffee with Jim and James, to unpack the origin story behind the show that connected an entire industry during COVID.
James shares how a simple Zoom conversation evolved into a powerful platform for collaboration, storytelling, and safety advocacy across the natural gas and damage prevention world.
From his roots in West Texas and a passion for public speaking to takin...
The Absence of C-suite Ownership of Damage Prevention Culture
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Every day across North America, workers excavate near buried infrastructure that could kill them and most of the people who built the system protecting them can't explain how the whole thing fits together.
Mike Sullivan sits down with Scott Landes, a four-decade figure in North American damage prevention who co-founded Rhino Marking & Protection Systems and the Excavation Safety Alliance.
Scott and Mike explore what the industry has built and what it is still failing to do, the absence of C-suite ownership of damage prevention culture, the near-impossible challenge of ch...
REPLAY - Measuring Absence in Damage Prevention
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This is a REPLAY of an episode first published in August 2024.
How do you measure what didn’t happen?
In this episode, Mike sits down with Wayne Jensen to explore the fascinating concept of quantifying the absence of damage in the damage prevention industry.
They discuss the evolution of safety practices, the challenges of relying too heavily on regulations, and the importance of recognizing proactive behavior in preventing accidents.
The conversation dives deep into the human side of safety, celebrating the unsung heroes who e...
It's Not a Safety Problem. It's a Human Problem.
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What if the most powerful safety speaker is the one without a dramatic scar to explain?
Mike Sullivan sits down with Wylie Davidson, motivational speaker and safety culture specialist behind the Leaving a Safety Legacy program, to explore what it actually takes to make a safety message stick.
Wylie built his career not on a dramatic injury story or a near-miss, but on a fundamental conviction: safety culture isn't a program, it's a human problem.
The conversation digs into why experienced workers take shortcuts (hint: it's wired into us...
What It Takes to Build a Safer Canada Underground
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Canada's underground utility infrastructure sustains billions of dollars in damage every year... and the data needed to stop it keeps slipping through the cracks.
Mike Sullivan is joined by CCGA Executive Director Todd Scott for a wide-ranging conversation about momentum, leadership, and the future of damage prevention in Canada.
They unpack the success of the Halifax event, why bringing the industry together in person still matters, how a new generation is stepping up across the board and committees, and why that leadership transition feels so encouraging.
The epi...
Excavators Are Choosing Safety…and the Numbers Prove It
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What if excavators could take control of their own locate process…and as a result, the number of utility strikes nearly vanished? That's not a hypothetical. It's what's happening right now.
Mike Sullivan sits down with Ron Laidman and Iain Stables. Together, they unpack 18 months of real performance data showing that ALP adoption has grown by nearly 300% year-over-year, that more than 50,000 locate requests have flowed through the program with only three reported damages, and that the program's damage rate per thousand notifications is a fraction of the provincial average.
Per...
How AI Can Improve Utility Safety
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What if the biggest threat to underground safety is not technology, but our refusal to change?
Mike Sullivan talks with long time damage prevention consultant and investor Jemmie Wang about why the industry feels “safe enough” even as enormous hidden societal costs pile up from every cut fibre and broken line.
Together they explore how advances like affordable high accuracy GPS, smarter ticket management, online locate requests, deep AI mapping, and Alternate Locate Provider models are already proving they can slash damages, yet are still held back by rigid legis...
How FNCA is Reshaping Utility Notification Across North America
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What happens when an entire industry decides it’s time to build a new home from the ground up?
Mike Sullivan sits down with Bruce Campbell, Mark Frost, and Roger Lipscomb—the visionary team behind the Facility Notification Center Association (FNCA).
This passionate conversation traces the FNCA's superhero-style origin story, born from the ashes of older systems, into a modern, unified trade association serving 80% of North American notification centers.
From candid reflections on industry fragmentation to the power of collaborative leadership and servant-driven innovation, this episode dives deep in...
How a Cut Cable Caused $77 Million in Damage
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What do two clipped fibre optic cables have in common with a $77 million disaster? More than you think.
Mike Sullivan recounts a personal travel nightmare that snowballed into a hard-hitting reflection on the staggering societal costs of utility damage.
What began as a delayed flight turned into an eye-opening experience involving 1,800 disrupted flights, 235,000 stranded passengers, and millions in lost productivity, business, and environmental damage—all traced back to a simple infrastructure mishap.
Mike breaks down the direct and indirect costs of such incidents, explores the gaps in util...
ALP’s 1st Year Success: Near ZERO Utility Damages
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What if one simple change could slash utility damages to near zero?
Mike Sullivan brings together a powerhouse panel from both sides of the Canada-U.S. border to celebrate and dissect the incredible first year of the Alternate Locate Provider (ALP) program.
With only two reported damages out of over 30,000 ALP locates, this initiative is rewriting the rules of damage prevention.
Industry leaders—including Jamie Andersen, Iain Stables, Lance Norman, Wayne Jensen, and Ron Peterson share insights on how ALP is driving efficiency, improving safety, and c...
Safety Revolution Sparked by Bellingham Explosion
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What does it take to turn unimaginable tragedy into a global movement for safety?
Mike Sullivan sits down with Carl Weimer, former executive director and current advisor to the Pipeline Safety Trust, to revisit the devastating 1999 pipeline explosion in Bellingham, Washington.
Carl shares his unlikely journey from environmental nonprofit leader to one of the most influential safety advocates in the pipeline industry.
Together, they explore the ripple effects of that tragic day, the formation of the Pipeline Safety Trust, the evolution of public engagement, and the ongoing cha...
Puppy Powered Purpose
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Ever wondered what it takes to raise a superhero on four legs?
Mike Sullivan sits down with Miranda Turenne from BC and Alberta Guide Dogs to explore the incredible journey of raising, training, and placing life-changing service dogs with people who need them most.
From puppies to professional partners, these dogs transform the lives of those living with visual impairments, autism, or PTSD.
The conversation touches on the emotional, logistical, and deeply human side of this impactful work—plus, it all ties into Utility Safety Partners’ very first c...
The CCGA Story
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What do circus tents, telehealth numbers, and federal legislation have in common? They all played a surprising role in shaping Canada’s damage prevention landscape!
In this episode of the Safety Moment Podcast, host Mike Sullivan sits down with Todd Scott, the new Executive Director of the Canadian Common Ground Alliance (CCGA), for a lively and nostalgic journey through the CCGA’s origins, milestones, and future.
From its humble, patchwork beginnings across provinces to national pushes like the 811 campaign and Senate testimonies, Mike and Todd reflect on the hard-won lesson...
How Canada’s Pipeline Experts Helped Colombia
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What would you do if a colleague invited you to work in Colombia—armed guards, jungle airlifts, and all?
In this episode of the Safety Moment Podcast, host Mike Sullivan sits down with longtime friend and fellow pipeline veteran Brad Burlock to recount their high-stakes, eye-opening journey working abroad on the Enbridge-operated Ocensa pipeline in Colombia.
From sudden evacuations and military escorts to learning humility in a foreign work culture, this conversation sheds light on what it's truly like for Canadians working overseas—especially in high-risk industries.
Li...
Diving into Ocean Exploration with SEAmagine
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Ever wonder what it's like to boldly go beneath the waves in your own personal submarine?
Mike Sullivan reconnects with childhood friend and submersible pioneer Charles “Chuck” Kohnen, CEO of SEAmagine.
Together, they dive deep—literally and figuratively—into Chuck’s journey of building state-of-the-art personal and scientific submarines in California.
Along the way, Charles shares stories of exploring uncharted ocean depths, discovering unknown species, and witnessing the tangible effects of climate change underwater.
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0:15 Reuniting After 42 Years: From high school to subm...
A Digital Shift in Utility Safety
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Safety outreach with a digital twist — what’s changing and why it matters?
Mike Sullivan sits down with Kassi Zaba, Manager of Stakeholder Relations, to uncover the evolution of utility safety outreach in Alberta.
Together, they reflect on their shared 14-year journey, from fax machines and phone calls to a fully digitized “click-before-you-dig” system and the upcoming launch of the Look Up and Live app to promote overhead powerline safety.
They also discuss the growing role of digital marketing, public awareness campaigns, and even touch on the ph...
Lines in the Sky: The Overhead Risk You’re Overlooking
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What if the next big thing in utility safety isn’t underground—but overhead?
Mike Sullivan sits down with Nathan Coutu from ATCO Electric to spotlight the groundbreaking "Lookup and Live" application, a collaborative initiative aimed at reducing overhead power line contacts.
Nathan shares how this Alberta-wide, GIS-based mobile and web app helps users visualize and safely navigate around energized overhead lines—especially crucial for agricultural, construction, and utility workers.
Drawing inspiration from similar successes in Australia and Saskatchewan, he reveals the collaborative journey of Alberta utilities working t...
Dig SAFE With BC’s Unique Safety Model
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Think locating underground utilities is as simple as spray paint and flags? Think again.
Mike Sullivan sits down with Jimmy Yip, Damage Prevention Manager at Fortis BC, to bust myths and unravel the often-misunderstood process of locating and marking utilities in British Columbia.
They dive into the historical roots of BC's unique paper-based locate model, how regulations shape responses, and why empowering excavators with responsibility has reduced damages over the decades.
From comparing provincial damage rates to exploring the Alternate Locate Provider (ALP) program in Alberta, this co...
The Call, the Click, and the Future of SAFETY
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What do jazz drumming, data analytics, and underground safety have in common?
Mike Sullivan catches up with longtime friend and damage prevention pioneer JD Maniscalco for a heartwarming, insightful, and often hilarious conversation.
JD—former President and CEO of Colorado 811 and co-creator of the DIRT (Damage Information Reporting Tool)—reflects on his career, the origins and evolution of DIRT, and the critical role data plays in improving safety across North America.
From late-night band gigs in Vegas to building revolutionary safety tools in his kitchen, JD shares his jou...
Celebrating Excellence: Utility Safety Partners’ Conference Highlights
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Are you ready for the ultimate safety conference with a hockey twist?
Mike Sullivan takes us behind the scenes of the upcoming Utility Safety Partners Safety Conference in Edmonton, featuring a unique hockey-themed event.
Mike highlights exciting sessions, committee meetings, and a chance to win a one-of-a-kind goalie mask, designed by a renowned artist.
From engaging educational panels to the special recognition of industry leaders, this episode brings a fresh take on safety awareness while blending fun and valuable learning experiences.
Don’t miss out on th...
Building Pipelines, Safety, and Connections
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Pipelines are more than steel in the ground—they’re built on passion, resilience, and community.
Mike Sullivan chats with David Hermanson, host of Support Pipelines, about the realities of working in an industry that’s often misunderstood.
From career journeys and mentorship to shifting regulations and public perception, they explore the challenges and rewards of pipeline life.
David also shares how his podcast became a platform for industry voices and why paying it forward is key to keeping the community strong.
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0...
Behind the Numbers: What the DIRT Report Can—and Can’t—Tell Us
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Is Alberta really the Wild West of utility damages, or is there more to the story?
Mike sits down with Josef Rosenberg, a longtime expert in damage prevention and the contact center manager for Utility Safety Partners.
They dive into the Canadian Common Ground Alliance’s (CCGA) Damage Information Reporting Tool (DIRT) report—what it is, how it's used, and why Alberta consistently reports some of the highest damage numbers in Canada.
Josef breaks down the challenges of voluntary reporting, the differences in data collection across provinces, and w...
40 Years of Digging Safely: Tech Revolution in Safety
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How do you keep safety fresh after 40 years?
Mike reflects on the journey that began during the pandemic and evolved into a vital resource for the excavation and utility industry.
Mike and guest Doug Downs discuss milestones like Alberta One Call's 40th anniversary, innovative safety measures such as the Alternate Locate Provider (ALP), and exciting projects on the horizon for 2025.
They explore how safety conversations have expanded across multiple platforms, including podcasts, to reach diverse audiences and create lasting impact in damage prevention.
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MultiViewer: The Evolution of Digital Map Sharing for Utility Locating
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Have you ever thought about the future of utility locating?
In this episode, Mike talks with Kris Philpott of Planview Utility Services and Iain Stables from Atco about the game-changing technology behind the Alternate Locate Provider (ALP) system.
They dive into the evolution of damage prevention, highlighting the importance of tools like multi-viewer in streamlining and securing data for locators and excavators.
This dynamic conversation uncovers how modern GIS platforms and data management tools are reshaping safety standards in the utility industry.
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...
Measuring Absence in Damage Prevention
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How do you measure what didn’t happen?
In this episode, Mike sits down with Wayne Jensen to explore the fascinating concept of quantifying the absence of damage in the damage prevention industry.
They discuss the evolution of safety practices, the challenges of relying too heavily on regulations, and the importance of recognizing proactive behavior in preventing accidents.
The conversation dives deep into the human side of safety, celebrating the unsung heroes who ensure nothing goes wrong – and the complexities of proving that their efforts were the reason...
Groundbreaking: Alberta’s Alternate Locate Provider Program
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Ready to revolutionize excavation safety?
Mike sits down with Ron Laidman and Iain Stables to explore Alberta's Alternate Locate Provider (ALP) program.
Launched after years of development, the ALP is set to change the game in damage prevention, offering unprecedented flexibility, increased capacity, and improved safety for all excavation projects.
Dig in as they discuss the ALP's impact, the challenges of implementation, and what the future holds for this innovative approach.
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00:56 - The Birth of the Alternate Locate Provider (ALP) Prog...
Working Alone: Overcoming Challenges and Ensuring Personal Safety
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Have you ever considered the risks of working alone in remote areas?
In this episode, Mike interviews Carlin Lutzer, a land agent and realtor, about the unique safety challenges faced by those who frequently work alone.
Carlin shares personal anecdotes and insights, highlighting the importance of preparation, regular check-ins, and leveraging modern technology to stay safe.
The conversation touches on the evolving nature of work in the energy and real estate sectors, the impact of social media on public perception, and the critical need for self-sufficiency and vig...
Look Up and Live: The App Revolutionizing Safety
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Are you ready to discover how a simple app is saving lives one day at a time?
In this episode, host Mike Sullivan interviews Glen Cook from Energy Queensland, the visionary behind the "Look Up and Live" app.
They discuss the importance of overhead power line safety, the app's success in Australia, and its potential adoption in Alberta.
Cookie shares his passion for damage prevention and recounts his recent trip to Canada, highlighting the challenges of promoting safety in large, sparsely populated countries.
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Click with Caution: Cybersecurity Essentials
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Are you aware of the dark and evolving threats lurking in the digital world?
In this episode, Mike dives into the critical topic of cybersecurity with CaSh Wong, CEO of Shing Digital. They discuss the increasing sophistication of cyber-attacks, ranging from old-school scams to modern ransomware that can cripple major utility companies.
CaSh explains the importance of robust cybersecurity measures for both individuals and businesses, the role of artificial intelligence in both defending and conducting attacks, and the looming impact of new legislation aimed at protecting critical infrastructure.
<...
From First Call to Forefront: Evolving Damage Prevention
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Dig into the secrets of damage prevention.
In this episode, Mike Sullivan welcomes guests Derrick Mann, Lisa Kosolofski, and James Cameron from the Saskatchewan Common Ground Alliance to discuss the seamless transition of Saskatchewan First Call into their organization.
The conversation highlights the ongoing evolution and integration of safety practices, the importance of educating diverse users, and the powerful impact of grassroots initiatives like contractor breakfasts.
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4:06 - A Legacy of Safety
14:55 - Engaging with Rural Communities
18:31 - Legislative Challenges
26:18...
Olympic Secrets for Injury-Free Workdays
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Olympic-level strategies can slash workplace injuries!
In this episode, Mike Sullivan interviews Dr. Rindal, a sports medicine expert and former chiropractor for the US Olympic Swim and Women's Ice Hockey Teams.
They look at the potential for injuries in the utility energy sector, discussing how principles from athletic performance can reduce musculoskeletal injuries in the workforce.
Dr. Rindal shares success stories from his work with utility companies, highlighting a case where implementing these techniques led to a 53% reduction in injury rates and significant cost savings.
<...
Sun, Sweat, and Safety: Tips for Surviving Summer Work
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Beat the heat and stay safe with these top summer tips!
In this episode, Mike Sullivan highlights the top five workplace hazards during the hot months, including fatigue, heat stress, dehydration, sun exposure, and road construction dangers.
Joined by Doug Downs, they discuss practical solutions such as staying hydrated, wearing appropriate clothing, using sunscreen, and recognizing signs of heat-related illnesses.
They emphasize the importance of maintaining vigilance and adapting work schedules to ensure safety while working outdoors. Don't miss this crucial guide to keeping yourself and your...
Music, Safety, and Meaning: Live Music Therapy
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A melody can be a miracle when it brings smiles and sparks joy for those with dementia.
In this episode, Mike speaks with Kelly Morstad, who shares his journey with YouQuest, a Calgary-based organization that provides meaningful experiences for people with dementia through live music performances. They discuss the incredible moments when music ignites smiles, lifts spirits, and creates connections between participants and volunteers, offering solace and joy to those affected.
By exploring the organization's unique approach and discussing the value of community support, the episode sheds light on...
Beyond the Alarm: Effective Crisis Messaging
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When chaos unfolds, the right communication can be a lifeline.
In this episode, host Mike Sullivan is joined by crisis communications expert Tim Conrad. They talk the intricate world of crisis management, emphasizing the essential blend of planning, empathy, and adaptability needed when the unforeseen occurs.
One striking aspect of this episode is the emphasis on the "numbing effect" – the phenomenon where continuous exposure to high-stakes language in the media has led to a public that is less responsive to actual emergencies.
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3:08...
