



Michael Shaikh: Food, Conflict & Culture
Your host, Mark Brand, sits down with revolutionary journalist and authorMichael Sheik, whose work shines a light on conflict, human rights, and the power of food in preserving culture and building resilience. From facing life-threatening situations in Afghanistan to uncovering stories of genocide…

Prequal: Michael Shaikh
In this reflective episode, host Mark Brand and producer Madison dive deep and reflect on their powerful conversation with investigative journalist, writer, and advocateMichael Shaikh. Together, Mark and Madison discuss the ongoing refugee crisis, exploring how displacement threatens language, cus…

1-800-Happy Birthday: Honouring Lives through Storytelling
Your host, Mark Brand sits down with Benjamin McBride (BJ) and Michelle Monterrosa, advocates behind the 1-800 Happy Birthday project: whose work is transforming how we remember, honour, and heal in the face of tragedy. From personal heartbreak to sparking national conversations, our guests’ journ…

Prequal: 1-800 Happy Birthday
In this special discussion, host Mark Brand and producer Madi, reflect on their conversation with 1 800 Happy Birthday's advocate and special guest. Mark and Madi discuss how personal and collective trauma can fuel meaningful advocacy and systemic change. They reflect on powerful examples of activ…

Ken Shea: Banking on Community
We sit down with a leader whose work is transforming how we think about wealth, community, and the true meaning of success: Ken Shea, President and CEO of East Coast Credit Union. From humble beginnings to guiding one of the region’s most community-focused financial institutions, our guest’s journ…

Prequal: Ken Shea
Before we sit down with Ken Shea, President and CEO of East Coast Credit Union, we’re taking a moment to reflect on why this conversation matters. In this special prequel episode, host Mark Brand and producer Madi share what drew them to the story of credit unions, and why community banking is mor…

Sean Sherman: The Sioux Chef
We sit down with Chef Sean Sherman, also known as The Sioux Chef whose work is transforming how we think about food, land, identity, and justice. Raised on Pine Ridge Reservation, Sean realized early in his culinary career that he could name a hundred European recipes, but barely any from his own L…

Prequel: Sean Sherman
Before we sit down with Chef Sean Sherman the visionary known as The Sioux Chef, we’re taking a moment to reflect on why this conversation matters. In this special prequel episode, Mark Brand and producer Madi share what drew them to Sean’s story, and why Indigenous food systems are more than just…

Nadya Hutugalang: Using Fame To Drive Change
Nadya Hutagalung is today’s guest, a media icon turned global changemaker. Once a beloved MTV Asia VJ, Nadya has since become a UN-recognized environmental activist, leading a powerful campaign that helped reduce the ivory trade across Asia. Her work directly influenced a change in Thai legislatio…

Prequel: Nadya Hutugalang
Buckle up for an electrifying episode of Better that will transform how you see celebrity activism forever! In this special prequel episode, Mark Brand and producer Madi share the extraordinary story of Nadya Hutugalang - a former MTV Asia superstar who traded Hollywood glamour for global impact.…