You Belong Here: The story behind the podcast  

In our fast-paced world, finding a sense of connection and belonging can feel challenging. To address this challenge, the team at Family and Community Services (FCS) found inspiration in an unexpected place: they developed a podcast as a creative way to foster connection in Strathcona County. The You Belong Here podcast was born out of a desire to bring the community together in a new way, creating a space where people could explore and learn about the complexities of connection, belonging, and hope.  

Grounded in insights from the Community Safety and Well-being What We Heard Report, the You Belong Here podcast aligns closely with CSWB's strategic priorities of Mental Health, Connection and Complexity. 

From skill-building sessions to a podcast 

During the pandemic, FCS temporarily paused regularly offered in-person, skill-building sessions to the public. As the world adapted to social distancing and isolation, staff members recognized that new methods were needed to reach people.

For Solutions Navigator Doneka Simmons, this period of reflection was deeply influenced by a poem, And the People Stayed Home by Kitty O’Meara. The poem, which reframed isolation as a chance to reconsider and reflect on how positive changes can also come from the pandemic, resonated deeply with Doneka. She began asking, “Who wasn’t showing up for the in-person, skill-building sessions? Who else could we reach?” That introspection sparked the idea that a podcast could be the perfect way to broaden their audience.

At the same time, Doneka and colleagues Brad Oates and Kyle Sobey were analyzing data from the Community Safety and Well-Being engagement sessions. The data highlighted a growing need for connection, with many participants expressing feelings of isolation and uncertainty in an increasingly polarized world. In addition to this research, in their roles as Solutions Navigators the team was hearing from community members firsthand about feelings of isolation and a lack of connection. This realization reinforced the importance of creating a space for people to explore these themes—thus, the concept for You Belong Here was born.

Building connection by connecting: The team's journey 

Launching a podcast was uncharted territory for co-hosts Doneka, Brad, and Ashley Brusnyk. The opportunity wasn’t only about discussing connection—it was also a real-time exercise in building connection among the podcast team itself. Their success wasn’t only measured in podcast downloads, increased awareness of community resources, or tools to support connection; it was about modeling genuine connection.  

As Doneka recalls, “It wasn’t just about talking into a microphone—it was about listening to how we sounded and adjusting our approach.” For the hosts, this process required vulnerability, which they hoped would inspire their listeners to be brave in their own conversations and connections. 

Throughout the first season, the team discovered that casual, unscripted conversations were an art form in themselves. The authenticity and bravery in their dialogue became the heart of the show’s success. Brad notes that this approach allowed the team to better reflect the kind of connection they hoped to foster in the community. 

Expanding the conversation 

In November 2023, the first season of You Belong Here officially launched, focusing on themes of connection and belonging. Each episode delved into the complexities of building relationships, offering listeners thoughtful insights and encouraging them to take small, yet meaningful, steps toward fostering connection in their own lives. 

Set to launch in 2025, season two of the You Belong Here podcast will continue to explore connection and belonging, but with an expanded scope. Brad, Doneka, and new co-host German Villegas are eager to invite community members and local organizations into the conversation. “We don’t want to be an echo chamber,” Brad explains. “We want to engage the community and increase the hope quotient,” adds Doneka. Hope, a central theme in Season One, remains a driving force in the upcoming season. 

German, who brings a wealth of podcast experience with him, sees this medium as an accessible and impactful way for people to connect with community resources. By spotlighting local resources, the team aims to raise awareness of the services available to support residents before a crisis arises. As German puts it, “Let’s bring you into the fold. This is who you are, and we would like you to be here with us,” embodying the message of You Belong Here. 

Learn more and sign up to get podcast episodes in your inbox

Visit strathcona.ca/YouBelongHere to learn more about the podcast and sign up for our new e-newsletter to get podcast episodes and information in your inbox. Stay tuned for season two, launching in early 2025!