Staying Golden Podcast

Staying Golden - Episode 3: A Musician's Life with Jacob Moon

Mon, 15 Dec 2025 19:46:32 GMT

Welcome back to the Staying Golden Podcast, hosted by Narayan Subramoniam. In this episode, we talk with singer songwriter Jacob Moon to learn about how a Music degree at Laurier played a part in his successful musical career. Jacob also touches on the many hats a musician needs to juggle with, his hilarious entry into the world of music, and how music can heal the soul.

To learn more about Jacob Moon's upcoming events, visit: https://jacobmoon.com/events/

The closing out song is Jacob Moon's Acoustic Guitar Cover of 'In Your Eyes' by Peter Gabriel, used with permission of Jacob Moon. For the entire (beautifully rendered) song, hear it at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1sOaBC5uyR8

Staying Golden - Episode 2: Learning about Manulife insurance with Carmelina Manno

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 15:20:07 GMT

Welcome back to the Staying Golden Podcast, hosted by Narayan Subramoniam. In this episode, we talk with Carmelina Manno to learn about Manulife's partnership with Laurier, and the benefits available to Laurier Alumni. We also touch on general topics related to life and health insurance.

To learn more about Manulife Life and Health insurance, visit: https://www.laurieralumni.ca/s/1681/15/index.aspx?sid=1681&gid=2&pgid=505

For perks specific to WLU alumni, check out these links:

https://www.manulife-insurance.ca/la/

https://www.goldenperks.ca/

Or, if you’d prefer, contact Manulife customer service:

+1-888-913-6333

Staying Golden - Episode 1: Cheering on AFC Toronto with Sammi Urbina

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 17:14:58 GMT

Welcome to the Staying Golden Podcast, hosted by Narayan Subramoniam.

Come join us in this insightful episode as Sammi Urbina dives into the passion-fueled world of women's soccer supporter groups, and her career journey in events management. Discover how she's building community in a post-COVID world and how this led her to co-found Vermillion Vanguard, AFC Toronto's first official Supporter's Group.

Find out more about Vermillion Vanguard: https://www.instagram.com/vermilionvanguard/

Staying Golden - Episode 3: Big Games and Coaching with Ashley Stephenson

Fri, 21 Mar 2025 18:46:42 GMT

Welcome to the Staying Golden Podcast, hosted by Ewan Casaletto.

In this episode, Golden Hawk and Canadian Baseball Hall of Famer Ashley Stephenson talks about her career in the NWHL and CWHL, playing for the Canadian national women's baseball team, transitioning to coaching, and much more.

Staying Golden - Episode 2: Real Estate and Being Real with David Cinelli

Thu, 13 Feb 2025 01:07:01 GMT

Welcome to the Staying Golden Podcast, hosted by Ewan Casaletto.

In this episode, David Cinelli talks about going from his Laurier MBA to becoming one of Royal Lepage's top 2% realtors, the how and why of video marketing, buying your first home, and much more.

Connect with David on Linkedin:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-cinelli-mba-bsc-87a16313/

Staying Golden - Episode 1: Clubs and Computer Science with Homa Varmora

Fri, 31 Jan 2025 14:11:14 GMT

Welcome to a new season of the Staying Golden Podcast, hosted by Ewan Casaletto.

In this episode of our new season, Homa Varmora details how she turned her Bachelor of Computer Science into a successful analyst placement following graduation, her experience founding the Gujarati GoldenHawks, and life as an international student.

Connect with Homa on Linkedin:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/homa-varmora/

Staying Golden - Episode 5: Equity, Diversity and Inclusion In Post-secondary with Eden Mekonen

Mon, 06 May 2024 19:58:30 GMT

Welcome to the Staying Golden Podcast, hosted by Ayanfe Ayeni.

In this episode, Eden Mekonen draws from her own experiences and expertise, illuminating the power of a person-centred and trauma-informed approach to equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) within academic settings.

Connect with Eden on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edenmekonen/

Staying Golden - Episode 4: The Entrepreneurial Path with Allan Cayenne

Mon, 18 Mar 2024 17:04:10 GMT

Welcome to the Staying Golden Podcast, hosted by Ayanfe Ayeni.

In this exciting episode, Allan Cayenne shares how stepping into volunteer positions during his time at Wilfrid Laurier University ignited an unexpected journey into the world of entrepreneurship outside his field of study.

Watch Video Podcast: https://vimeo.com/924616095/ccd8b2259b?share=copy

Staying Golden - Episode 3: Defending Journalism in the Digital Age with Mirko Petricevic

Mon, 04 Mar 2024 16:41:07 GMT

Welcome to the Staying Golden Podcast, hosted by Ayanfe Ayeni.

Join us in this insightful episode as Mirko dives deep into the rapidly changing world of media and journalism. Discover why journalism is facing unprecedented challenges and how Mirko's passion led him to establish Ink-Stained Wretches, an advocacy group dedicated to supporting journalists.

Find out more about Mirko's advocacy work: https://www.ink-stainedwretches.org/

Find out more about the International Journalism Film Festival: journalismfilmfestival.com

Watch Video Podcast: https://vimeo.com/918732836/56fc9afbf1?share=copy

Staying Golden - Episode 2: Junaid Ali

Mon, 11 Dec 2023 17:12:38 GMT

Welcome to the Staying Golden Podcast, hosted by Ayanfe Ayeni.

In this episode, Junaid takes us on a thrilling ride from his humble beginnings spinning beats for 50 people at The Turret to commanding stages with 25,000 fans. Beyond the music scene, he also shares his innovative project, "Stock Shock," a game designed to teach financial literacy to its players. Junaid's philosophy of "taking one slice at a time" not only guided his musical journey but also fueled his efforts in launching Stock Shock.

The Staying Golden Podcast is brought to you by the Laurier Alumni Association.

Staying Golden - Episode 1: John Tolentino

Mon, 30 Oct 2023 14:11:26 GMT

Welcome to the Staying Golden Podcast, hosted by Ayanfe Ayeni.

Today we're catching up with John Tolentino, who acquired his university teaching certificate from Laurier in 2020 and then completed his master’s of social work at Laurier in 2022. In this episode, John shares how his passion for social, racial, and queer justice led him to pursue a career in social work.

Connect with John on Linkedin @johntolentino94.

The Staying Golden Podcast is brought to you by the Laurier Alumni Association.

Staying Golden - Episode 7: Camille Lawrence

Tue, 25 Jul 2023 15:37:48 GMT

Welcome to the Staying Golden Podcast, hosted by Luke Hogan. Today we're catching up with Camille Lawrence, who graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Laurier in 2012. In this episode, Camille discusses her journey into the television industry and describes her experiences working on shows like Umbrella Academy and The Amazing Race Canada.

Connect with Camille on Instagram @cammlawrence

The Staying Golden Podcast is brought to you by the Laurier Alumni Association.

Staying Golden - Episode 6: Jennifer Andrews

Thu, 22 Jun 2023 17:19:17 GMT

Welcome to the Staying Golden Podcast, hosted by Luke Hogan. In this episode, we're catching up with Jennifer Andrews, class of 2018. After achieving a Masters of Science at the University of Guelph, Jennifer found a passion for marketing and entrepreneurship. In this episode, we talk about how she found this passion and used it to start her own business, FreshLeaf Marketing. Jennifer's new book, Scientist to CEO, is available now on Amazon.

FreshLeaf Marketing: https://freshleafmarketing.ca/

Jennifer's personal website: https://www.jenniferroseandrews.com/scientist-to-ceo

Buy Scientist to CEO on Amazon: https://www.amazon.ca/Scientist-CEO-Marketing-Handbook-Professionals/dp/1739040201

Jennifer's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-andrews-msc-mba/

The Staying Golden Podcast is brought to you by the Laurier Alumni Association.

Staying Golden - Episode 5: Sydney Bang

Wed, 10 May 2023 13:19:13 GMT

Welcome to the Staying Golden Podcast, hosted by Luke Hogan. In this episode, we're catching up with Sydney Bang, class of 2019. After studying kinesiology at Laurier, Sydney found a passion for data analytics and eventually landed a role as an analytics engineer at Spotify. In this episode, we talk about her career journey from exercise science to software engineering. For more information on Sydney's journey to analytics engineering and Spotify's interview process, check out her Medium article here.

The Staying Golden Podcast is brought to you by the Laurier Alumni Association.

Staying Golden - Episode 4: Jade Psutka

Thu, 23 Mar 2023 16:22:19 GMT

Welcome to the Staying Golden Podcast, hosted by Luke Hogan. In this episode, we're catching up with Jade Psutka, class of 2012. After studying criminology, Jade found herself on a journey which led to her role as the Senior Manager of Indigenous enablement and recruitment at KPMG in Canada. In this episode, we talk about her career journey, as well as what reclaiming means to her.

The Staying Golden Podcast is brought to you by the Laurier Alumni Association.

Staying Golden - Episode 3: Anna Bolger and Cedric Zheng

Sun, 11 Dec 2022 22:19:09 GMT

Welcome to the Staying Golden Podcast, hosted by Luke Hogan. In this episode, we're catching up with Anna Bolger, class of 2021, and Cedric Zheng, class of 2021. In this episode, Cedric and Anna share their experiences being at Laurier's Brantford campus and their perspectives on the User Experience Design program offered there.

Staying Golden - Episode 2: Dr. Latif Murji

Mon, 14 Nov 2022 02:12:00 GMT

Welcome to the Staying Golden Podcast, hosted by Luke Hogan. In this episode, we're catching up with Dr. Latif Murji, class of 2012. Latif is a family doctor, university lecturer, and talented musician. In this episode, we talk about Latif's school experiences and his impressive career as a physician and innovator, along with his upcoming musical project.

Check out his new single, Placebo by Parachute Thieves, on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/6NTgZR6hb9aGAoFtclNXQM?si=ae78008f26a64b1a

The Staying Golden Podcast is brought to you by the Laurier Alumni Association.

Staying Golden - Episode 1: Carlos and Meredith Perez

Fri, 04 Nov 2022 22:05:59 GMT

Welcome back to the Staying Golden Podcast, hosted by Luke Hogan. In this episode, we're catching up with Meredith, class of 2004, and Carlos Perez, class of 2003. Carlos and Meredith operate their business Purple Sector, a strategy design firm focused on aligning teams to do meaningful work.

Connect with Carlos and Meredith:

https://www.purplesector.ca/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlosperez/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/meredithperez/

The Staying Golden Podcast is brought to you by the Laurier Alumni Association.

Staying Golden - Episode 3: Carmelina Manno with Manulife

Fri, 09 Sep 2022 13:51:41 GMT

Welcome back to the Staying Golden Podcast, hosted by Luke Hogan. In this episode, we talk with Carmelina Manno to learn about Manulife's partnership with Laurier, and the benefits available to Laurier Alumni. We also touch on general topics related to life and health insurance.

To learn more about Manulife Life and Health insurance, visit: https://www.laurieralumni.ca/s/1681/15/index.aspx?sid=1681&gid=2&pgid=505

Staying Golden - Episode 2: Andras Lazar with BMO

Fri, 12 Aug 2022 14:55:35 GMT

Welcome back to the Staying Golden Podcast, hosted by Luke Hogan. In this episode, we catch up with Andras Lazar to learn about the BMO Mastercard options available for Laurier Alumni, as well as going over some general questions about building and using credit.

To learn more about the BMO Mastercard, visit: https://www.laurieralumni.ca/s/1681/15/index.aspx?sid=1681&gid=2&pgid=504

Staying Golden - Episode 1: Max Stiles with TD Insurance

Thu, 04 Aug 2022 18:30:16 GMT

Welcome back to the Staying Golden Podcast, hosted by Luke Hogan. In this episode, we catch up with Max Stiles to learn about the TD Insurance plans available for Laurier Alumni, as well as going over some general questions about home and car insurance.

To learn more about the TD Insurance Meloche Monnex program, visit: https://www.laurieralumni.ca/s/1681/15/index.aspx?sid=1681&gid=2&pgid=503

Staying Golden: Charity Fleming speaks truth about Canada's response to Truth and Reconciliation

Wed, 18 May 2022 14:16:47 GMT

In this special edition episode for National Indigenous Month, we welcome Charity Fleming (MSW `09), an Indigenous social worker and an intergenerational survivor of the residential school and sixties scoop programs. She has dedicated her life to aiding the recovery of indigenous people from experiences and impacts of historical trauma. This episode features special guest host, Mary Abdel-Malek Neil (MA’15, MA Community Music ’19).

During this episode, Charity describes her new course geared to making Cognitive Behavioral Therapy culturally adapted for the Indigenous community. Charity also talks openly about the lack of progress towards the 94 Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action in Canada, and the continued trauma and grief that is experienced in Indigenous communities because of systematic discrimination in mental health, in the child welfare system, and intergenerational trauma re-ignited by the discoveries of residential school mass burial sites.

Resources:

Indigenous Watchdog

What is Mikwendaagwad Sacred Circle the Circle of Strength (video)

Genocide’s Burden of Illness (handout)

Inspiring Conversations - Ensuring Indigenous Children Maintain Their Culture

Sacred Circle CBT -- Mikwendaagwad: “It is remembered, it comes to mind”

Staying Golden - Episode 7: Khadijah Plummer

Fri, 01 Apr 2022 21:06:35 GMT

Welcome back to the Staying Golden Podcast, hosted by Luke Hogan. In this episode, we're catching up with Khadijah Plummer, class of 2017. Khadijah currently works as a Community Content Manager. Tune in to hear about her journey.

The Staying Golden Podcast is brought to you by the Laurier Alumni Association.

Connect with Khadijah below:

linkedin.com/in/khadijahplummer

twitter.com/plmmrkhdjh

anchor.fm/khadijah-plummer/episodes/Trailer-The-Content-Corner-e19nch2

Staying Golden - Episode 6: Simone Moreau-Rodgers

Sat, 19 Mar 2022 15:16:30 GMT

For this episode of the Staying Golden Podcast, Luke Hogan sits down with Simone Moreau-Rodgers to discuss her career journey from a marketing professional to a professor at Western and Fanshawe. The Staying Golden Podcast is brought to you by the Laurier Alumni Association.

Staying Golden - Episode 5: Climbing the Corporate Ladder

Fri, 04 Mar 2022 21:31:54 GMT

For this episode of the Staying Golden Podcast, Luke Hogan sits down with Matthew Wright to talk about career building and how to climb the corporate ladder. The Staying Golden Podcast is brought to you by the Laurier Alumni Association.

Staying Golden - Episode 4: Glenn Marais on Black History Month

Thu, 10 Feb 2022 23:13:12 GMT

This Black History Month special edition of the Staying Golden Podcast, hosted by Mary Neil, features Glenn Marais (MA Community Music ’17). Glenn is a diverse writer - songwriter, poet, author, and playwright – and a virtuoso blues guitar player and singer. In addition to these artistic endeavours, social activism fuels Glenn’s spirit and he has recently taken on the role of Education Outreach Coordinator with the Aurora Cultural Centre to create a more inclusive arts community in his hometown. Glenn joins us to share what he is working on, and his thoughts on the importance of equity, diversity, and inclusion in every aspect of our lives.

Intro music – Pink Lemonade by Glenn Marais (used with permission)

Listen to more of Glenn’s music at https://lnk.bio/GlennMarais

Learn more and connect with Glenn at www.glennmarais.ca

Staying Golden - Episode 3: Abid Ali

Sat, 22 Jan 2022 01:08:04 GMT

Welcome back to the Staying Golden Podcast, hosted by Luke Hogan. In this episode, we're catching up with Abid Ali, Laurier Brantford class of 2015. Abid currently works as a management consultant for Capco. Tune in to hear about his journey.

The Staying Golden Podcast is brought to you by the Laurier Alumni Association.

Staying Golden - Episode 2: Starting a Side Hustle

Fri, 07 Jan 2022 23:23:38 GMT

Welcome to the second episode of Season 2 of the Staying Golden Podcast, hosted by Luke Hogan. Today's episode follows the theme of starting a side hustle, so we're catching up with Stewart and Courtney Russell to talk about their small business, Well Baked Box. The Staying Golden Podcast is brought to you by the Laurier Alumni Association.

Staying Golden - Episode 1: Continuing the Conversation with Dr. Elan Tsarfati

Tue, 04 Jan 2022 22:26:38 GMT

This special edition of the Staying Golden Podcast, hosted by Mary Neil, features Dr. Elan Tsarfati. Elan joined us in August 2021, during our Inspiring Conversations series, to speak about COVID-19 research at the time. In this episode, Elan follows up that conversation 6 months later to talk about omicron, vaccine efficacy, the future of restrictive measures, long COVID and post-infection complications, and where do we go from here.

The Staying Golden Podcast is brought to you by the Laurier Alumni Association.

Additional notes:

Antiviral drug resistance and the use of directly acting antiviral drugs (DAAs) for COVID-19

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1039516/S1430_NERVTAG_Antiviral_drug_resistance_and_use_of_Direct_Acting_Antiviral_Drugs_.pdf

Non-Pharmaceutical Interventions & Omicron

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/emg-and-spi-b-non-pharmaceutical-interventions-npis-in-the-context-of-omicron-15-december-2021/emg-and-spi-b-non-pharmaceutical-interventions-npis-in-the-context-of-omicron-15-december-2021

The SARS-CoV-2 variant, Omicron, shows enhanced replication in human primary nasal epithelial cells

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1043652/S1454_Omicron_report_20.12_Imperial.pdf

Pfizer testing extra Covid vaccine dose for kids under 5

https://www.statnews.com/2021/12/17/pfizer-testing-extra-covid-vaccine-dose-for-kids-under-5/ https://www.pfizer.com/news/press-release/press-release-detail/pfizer-and-biontech-provide-update-ongoing-studies-covid-19

Staying Golden - Episode 5: Courtney Langstaff

Mon, 24 May 2021 19:11:16 GMT

Welcome back to the Staying Golden Podcast, hosted by Riley Locke. In this episode, we're catching up with Courtney Langstaff, Laurier Brantford class of 2013. Courtney currently works in video production for MLSE. Tune in to hear about her journey, and learn about building a career in media production.

The Staying Golden Podcast is brought to you by the Laurier Alumni Association.

Staying Golden - Episode 4: Sarah Strehler

Wed, 07 Apr 2021 17:52:39 GMT

Welcome back to the Staying Golden Podcast, hosted by Riley Locke. In this episode, we're catching up with Sarah Strehler, Laurier Brantford class of 2009. Tune in to hear about Sarah's journey as an educator and freelancer, and gain valuable insight.

The Staying Golden Podcast is brought to you by the Laurier Alumni Association.

Staying Golden - Episode 3: Andrew Good

Wed, 24 Feb 2021 21:07:14 GMT

Welcome back to the Staying Golden Podcast, hosted by Riley Locke. In this episode, we're catching up with Andrew Good, Laurier Brantford class of 2012. Andrew is a public health specialist who is currently employed at Laurier. Tune in to hear about his journey, and gain insights on the career-building process. Andrew also shared some insight on how COVID has impacted his career as a public health specialist.

The Staying Golden Podcast is brought to you by the Laurier Alumni Association.

Staying Golden - Episode 2: Devin McElroy

Wed, 20 Jan 2021 18:49:11 GMT

Welcome back to the Staying Golden Podcast, hosted by Riley Locke. On this episode, we're catching up with Devin McElroy, Laurier Brantford class of 2009. Devin is currently employed with Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment (MLSE) as a manager of executive suites. Tune in to hear about his journey, and gain insights on the career-building process.

The Staying Golden Podcast is brought to you by the Laurier Alumni Association.

Staying Golden - Episode 1: Rachel Runge

Thu, 03 Dec 2020 00:42:36 GMT

Welcome to the very first episode of the Staying Golden Podcast, hosted by Riley Locke. On this episode, we're catching up with Rachel Runge, Laurier Brantford class of 2009, respectively. The Staying Golden Podcast is brought to you by the Laurier Alumni Association.