Sista C presents a pair of conversations: First with lyric soprano and recipient of the Downtown Eastside Small Arts Grant, Mary Seus; and then with returning guest and friend, author Neall Ryon.

Sista C chats with Eco-Poet Cynthia Sharp

Sista C speaks with two Vancouver-based authors, Lisa Brideau and Frances Peck, about their latest works, being categorized as thriller and crime writers, and their 3 Ps: Purpose, Project and Passion

May You Have Joyous June!

Sista C presents a compilation of her May episodes to get you in the mood for a joyful June!

A remix of poetry and storytelling from previous episodes of SULUAU

Sista C's Mothers' Day Poetry Pop-Up

Sista C's Poetry Circle - SIsta C shares some of her own poems, reflecting on the medium's power to help writers persevere

A Revised, re-mixed mixtape for National Poetry Month!

Tracklist:

• WSSU Choir "Lift Every Voice and Sing" - Live
• Gwendolyn Brooks "We Real Cool" - Our Souls Have Grown Deep Like Rivers
• Gwendolyn Brooks "The Mother" - Our Souls Have Grown Deep Like Rivers
• Sweet Honey in the Rock "Ain't Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me Around" - Freedom Song
• Mahalia Jackson "Take My Hand, Precious Lord" - The Essential Mahalia Jackson
• Langston Hughes "Weary Blues" - Live on The 7 O'Clock Show
• Sonia Sanchez "For Langston / I've Known Rivers" - Full Moon of Sonia
• Countee Cullen "Heritage" - Reading
• Mississippi McDonald "Blues for Albert" - Heavy State Loving Blues
• Sonia Sanchez "Poem for Some Women / Leak in this Old Building" - Full Moon of Sonia
• Nikki GIovanni "My House" - The Way I Feel
• Amiri Baraka "Kutoa Umoja" - It's Nation Time
• Maya Angelou "Still I Rise" - Caged Bird Sings
• Charlotte "Sista C" Ferrell "Love Time, Poem TIme" - Just for You

Sista C continues her celebration of International Women's Month, and is joined by Kaira and Mary from Megaphone Magazine

Sista C highlights the the 17th annual Coastal Dance Festival, which honours Indigenous stories, song and dance from across Canada and the world. This year's festival takes place March 1-3, 2024 at the Anvil Centre in New Westminster.

YOU are invited to enjoy delicious, inspiring Valentine's joy at a special "Pop Up Po'et On" party. Hear uniquely styled poetry and commentary by #NeallRyon, #JanisJoyceNathan,#GeraldCollins, #RamonaSrinivusan, #ElizabethWu, and me, #CharlotteSistaCFerrell.

Watch the uncut recording on Youtube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gCklqp60Yp4

Sista C's Mixtape transitions into February

Tracklist:

• Alanis Morissette "Thank U" - Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie
• Leonard Cohen "Hallelujah" - Various Positions
• Bob Marley and the Wailers "One Love" - The Wailing Wailers
• Sarah McLachlan "Angel" - Surfacing
• Shania Twain "You're Still The One" - Come On Over
• Celine Dion "The Power Of Love" - The Colour of My Love
• Kellylee Evans "Everything" - Greenlight
• Leela Gilday "Falling Star" - North Star Calling
• Alexandra Kane "Redemption Song" - Ontario Heritage Trust
• Lazah Current "Jane & Finch" - single

Sista C presents an episode of EcoWisdom Conversations, a new podcast produced in collaboration with EcoWisdom

Want to be intrigued? Tune in my SuLuAu radio show at cjsf.ca. I'm interviewing three artists featured at the Eastside Culture Crawl--the world's largest "crawl" where hundreds of artisians display their work and teach attendees. You will hear #GarrettAndrewChong photographer and "portals explorer"; , #ChantalCardinal -fibre art designer who dyes and incorporates wool, and #RosemaryBurd who uniquely embroiders photogtamhs of all dimensions. I believe you'll enjoy hearing how they connect their art practices, while also distinguishing their unique methods. #uniquefiberart#culturetransformation#photographypassion#fibreartdesign#EastVanCultureCrawl#naturephotography

Sista C hosts a discussion titled: "Thanksgiving - Thanksliving!"

Sista C meets up with the folks from EcoWisdom to discuss the program and how it has benefited participants

Charlotte speaks with concert pianist Vicky Chow ahead of Music on Main’s presentation of Vicky Chow Plays Philip Glass on stage March 28, 2023, at 7:30pm at Christ Church Cathedral (690 Burrard Street).

Charlotte welcomes Toronto Symphony Orchestra Double Bassist Timothy Dawson

Charlotte welcomes back Dr. Lisa Futrell - Entrepeneur, Poet and Author - in this continuation the 3Ps and a C series

Sista C celebrates Kwanzaa

Sista C's 3Ps & a C series continues as Jesse steps in to interview friend of the program Neall Ryon: poet, author, and adventurer

Sista C returns to the airwaves, bringing us a conversation with Deborah Thorne, The Information Diva. They preview The Leverage Conference (Nov 8-12), and discuss skills and experiences that help indie writers and musicians promote themselves, collaborate with others and leverage new opportunities.

Charlotte learns about EcoWisdom

Sista C presents a rebroadcast of a PBA Podcast recording from last September: S3 E21 – The Why, What and When of Important Senior Issues

Our 71st Zoomcast (September 9, 2021);

Charlotte introduces Marion Pollack, 411 Senior Centre Society Chair and seniors’ advocate, who outlines key election issues, emphasizing national standards for affordable long term care; increased community-based funding for senior housing; affordable health and Pharmacare. Marion encourages listeners to vote and to consider joining the 411 Centre Seniors’ Issues Committee. For information, phone (604) 684-8171.

Our other guest–environmental activist, Susan Gage—enlightens us about elder and intergenerational protests at the Fairy Creek old growth logging site and ongoing court cases against logging companies and the RCMP. Susan believes it is both a privilege and a responsibility for elders to play key roles in environmental activism. Our online ‘zoomsters’ echoed these concerns and expressed interest in joining letter writing or other advocacy efforts to get more healthy brain and mental health programs for seniors; reducing the 2 year wait for subsidized housing; and universal, affordable daycare for young families to ease this burden on grandparents.. .

Neall Ryon, Nansey Sinclair and Lesley Hebert read Neall’s multi-voice performance piece The Alien, a short story with a big nudge to consider how we treat others. Host, #CharlotteSistaCFerrell notes that stories and poems are powerful advocacy tools and welcomes more. Next week we will be celebrating our 75th Episode.

Sista C presents a PBA Episode celebrating & examining Canada Day

Sista C and the Powered By Age Podcast host Greta de Leόn, co-curator of "Xicanx: Dreamers and Changemakers" a new Museum Of Anthropology Exhibition

The POwered by Age Podcast celebrates listeners, and Mothers' Day!

Sista C shares another episode of the Powered By Age Podcast: Poems of Intimacy
Our host #CharlotteSistaCFerrell announces our continued celebration of National Poetry Month and invites Lesley Hebert to read her poem Inner Child. In response, Neall Ryon reads Talk to
the Child from his book From the Other Side.

Yoshimi reads her poem Blood Lines and tells us about the mentoring she received from the poet who inspired it.

Jeannie Kamins shares a poem she wrote to her husband on Valentine’s Day, the poem he wrote in response, and the ceramic memorabilia box she keeps them in. Neall Ryon responds with his poem Intimacy.

Charlotte reads her poem Integrals of Life on intimacy with nature. We engage in free ranging discussions about intimacy with self and others and the concept of Intention Healing.

Charlotte highlights upcoming PBA sessions and encourages us to record a SPIN - story, poem, interview, or ‘novelty’- item for the PBA website. Contact her at pbaafc@gmail.com.

Sponsored by the 411 Seniors Centre Society; The Government of Canada: New Horizons Grant; and G & F Financial.

Charlotte shares episode 101 of the Powered By Age Podcast:
Our host #CharlotteSistaCFerrell announces that PBA will be celebrating National Poetry Month throughout April and expressing its theme “Speaking of Intimacy,“  and invites us to share images and thoughts about partner, personal, family, community and spiritual intimacy.

We discuss the importance of trust for emotional and physical intimacy.

Presenting a familiar type of intimacy, #CharlotteSistaCFerrell reads Love Time, Poem Time, for her book Heart Balm - Just For You.

Lesley Hebert reads her culinary oriented poem, Love Apples, and Neall Ryon reads his poems Intimacy and In the Stillness,

Dr. Ramona Srinivasan reads Dear Lover and Someone from Shilpa Sekha’s book Echoes of Silence.

#CharlotteSistaCFerrell plays her spoken word poem, Heart of my Heart - an appeal to a heart that has retreated from intimacy. Available on You Tube, Just for You, Jazzy Spoken Word.

We discuss poetry as an act of intimacy with ourselves and Lesley reads A Jug of Wine, A Loaf of Bread and Thou from the Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam. Neall closes with Rumi’s poem True
Love.

Sponsored by the 411 Seniors Centre Society; The Government of Canada: New Horizons Grant; and G & F Financial.

Sista C presents episode 99 of the Powered by Age: Age-Friendly City Podcast: Healing Through Smell and Touch

Our host #CharlotteSistaCFerrell welcomes us to our continuing celebration of International Women’s History Month and its theme #Breakthebias. Our featured presenters share how they broke dual biases against discontinuing traditional nursing to master extensive new skills and knowledge required for multi-discipline holistic health practitioners.

Rohanna Goodwin-Smith, author of the new book, Scent and Soul, reveals the boldness required to retire as a RN then delve into researching the essential functions of the sense of smell and becoming a registered aromatherapist. She shares a wealth of information on the essential roles our sense of smell plays in health or healing.

Yoshimi Yokano describes the biases and scorn she faced when she gave up her nursing career to become a therapeutic massage practitioner. She reads her poem Healing Work and stresses the importance of having family members understand and support what you love to do and getting in touch with our innate healing powers.

Neall Ryon reads I am Tomorrow, his poem about the impact our lifestyles have on our health.

Sponsored by the 411 Seniors Centre Society; The Government of Canada: New Horizons Grant; and G & F Financial.

Sista C presents an episode of the Powered By Age Podcast, featuring presentations by women entrepeneurs about Breaking the Bias.

SIsta C presents another episode of the Powered By Age Podcast:

S3 E45 - Our 95th Zoomcast (February 24, 2022);

Our host #CharlotteSistaCFerrell welcomes us to Canada’s longest running senior led podcast.

For this week’s “breaking news”, Maggie Taylor from 411 Senior Centre Income Tax Clinic talks about this free volunteer service. She answers questions and advises seniors to file by the April 30 deadline to ensure continuation of benefits such as SAFER and GIS. Gather all your information slips and phone 604 684 3171 to book an appointment. Listeners outside of Vancouver can get information about free income tax preparation for seniors in other places.

To celebrate Neall Ryon’s 82nd  birthday, Dr. Ramona Srinivasen sings Nat King Cole’s’ You Will Never Grow Old and #CharlotteSistaCFerrell engages us in her call and response poem Neall is Always On.

Prompted by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Neill Ryon reads his poem Hard Time Done Come, followed by the more positive poems Forgiveness and Siddhartha by the River.

Our new podcaster Amandeep Randhawa leads us in a series of yoga exercises and stretches. She offers Zoom classes every day from 8-9 a.m. Pacific Time (11-12 am Toronto time). For more information contact Charlotte Ferrell at pbaafc@gmail.com.
 

#CharlotteSistaCFerrell invites listeners to email her at pbaafc@gmail.com for an invitation to to join our Women’s History Month presentations beginning March 3, as well as our 100th episode celebration at the end of March.

Sponsored by the 411 Seniors Centre Society; The Government of Canada: New Horizons Grant; and G & F Financial.

Charlotte presents another episode of Powered By Age, featuring poems and readings to celebrate Black History Month

Another episode of the PBA podcast from Sista C:

Host Charlotte Sista C Ferrell introduces our theme for today, Gratitude, and welcomes 411 Centre Board member Jeannie Kammins, who shares a poem incorporating all the things she is
grateful for.

Lesley Hebert reads her poem A Posy of Gratitude.

Ramona Srinivasan tells us the story of how her brother’s unfortunate accident led to her meeting her husband.

Charlotte reads her poem Thank you for Being my Children from her book From Pillows to Pillars.

Neill Ryon shares his story, Grateful for the Dishes, and reads In Appreciation, a poem from his book From the Other Side.

We discuss how hearing each others’ expressions of gratitude increased our appreciation for all the conveniences and choices we have and how it reduces stress and anxiety.

Jeannie announces the 411 Centre’s free Christmas decoration workshop on December 13, 10:30 to noon, and the December 22 Holiday Celebration. Call 604 684 8171 for reservations as
numbers are limited. This is also the number to call for information and referral services or to become a member and/or volunteer.

Charlotte invites listeners to check out the ”S.P.I.N.”- Easy Listening segments on the PoweredbyAge.com website and to contact her at pbaafc@gmail.com to receive invitations and
reminders to participate in our weekly Thursday podcast creation meetings.

Sponsored by the 411 Seniors Centre Society; The Government of Canada: New Horizons Grant; and G & F Financial.

Another episode of the Powered By Age Podcast:

S3 E31 – Introducing the STAR Institute

Host, Charlotte Ferrell Introduces special guests Andrew Sixsmith and Hannah Shin of SFU’s STAR Institute who describe the community-based research they are conducting with the 411 Seniors’ Centre on the digital divide and accessible technology. They highlight the value of having a researcher onsite, assisting 411 Center volunteers with the arduous task of helping seniors install the Covid-19 vaccination QR code on their phones, and documenting other priority issues.

We discuss issues around the Provincial government roll out of the Covid-19 vaccination card, and the importance of providing immediate feedback to governmental and business entities that seniors (and others) need alternative-non digital ways of receiving vital information.

Information on the STAR Institute can be found at https://www.sfu.ca/starinstitute.html
Information on the Institute’s study on the BC vaccine card rollout is here: http://www.sfu.ca/starinstitute/about/institute-activities/responding-to-the-bc-vaccine-card-rollout.html

For a printed copy of the survey or to share questions and concerns, contact Hannah Shin by email hannah_shin@sfu.ca or by phone her at 250-580-3719.

Charlotte encouraged listeners to visit the 411 Seniors Centre Society, which serves all BC seniors, at 333 Terminal Avenue. Phone (604) 684-817l for an appointment to use the computer resource centre or for assistance on immigration, income tax, housing and other services.

Sista C shares an episode of the Powered By Age podcast, including an acknowledgement and discussion of the National Day for Truth & Reconciliation (Sep 30); a reading of the proclamation of the Interational Day of Older Persons (October 1); and a workshop for writing Tribute Poems.

Sista C presents another episode of the Powered By Age Podcast, one that will help shake that story poem or book “out of you”. Authors Una Bruhns and Lesley Hebert share tips and examples of ways they’ve

* Blasted writers’ block

* Found surprising sources of information orinspiration

*Sped up writingprogress through readers’ groups

*Given their work a loving “send off” to publishers and thepublic

Author/Host Charlotte Sista C Ferrell also gives you a Writing Prompt with a tune that will energize you to engage

Pre-PRIDE episode recorded with members of the Powered By Age podcast team, and the writing group, QWIRK-E. 

Charlotte shares a new episode of the Powered By Age Podcast featuring a roundtable discussion about writing, as she and the rest of the group share their experiences with travel-writing, self-publishing and -promotion, and more!

Sista C presents another episode of the Powered By Age podcast, featuring discussions about bridging the digital divide and reflections on the beginning of National Indigenous History Month, including the tragic discovery at the Kamloops Residential School of 215 dead children.

Another PBA Podcast: In our 2nd week in recognition of Asian Heritage Month, Mariko Takashina, Program Director at  411 Senior Center Society highlights treasured aspects of Japanese culture including Zen meditation; an earth-friendly way to wrap & parcels with fabric; and how a gift of 1000 trees gives Vancouver so much beauty. Bryan Phillips presents a thought provoking  poem exploring  changes in Chinatown.

Sista C shares another episode of the Powered By Age podcast: a reflection on and celebration of Mothers' Day.

On this Episode of SULUAU, Sista C shares a special treat - an Earth Day episode of the Powered By Age Podcast featuring Vancouver-based arts-researcher, Christine Germano, who joined the show to share stories, poems and songs gleaned from her work with children from the Arctic to the South Pacific on their understanding of climate.  We also hear a short story from Aideen Dufour who reflects upon her childhood in Ireland with its special connection to the land.

Sista C re-connects with friend, filmmaker and Model Adhel Arop. Adhel tells of her travels to South Sudan (including her experience catching and recovering from COVID-19 and Malaria while abroad), lessons she learned while unplugged from her mobile phone, and a nice surprise on her way home.

This week on SULUAU, Sista C presents a TRIBUTE to the life and legacy of Charan Gill, co-founder of the Progressive Intercultural Community Services Society and recipient of such awards as The Order of British Columbia, Honorary Doctor of Laws. He served on the 411 Senior Centre Society Board of Directors for three years during which he helped the Center add senior housing to their future new building.

Marion Pollack, Board Chair will facilitate the speakers paying homage to Mr. Gill, including The Hon. Raj Chauhan, Speaker of BC's Legislative Assembly, who co-founded the British Columbia Organization to Fight Racism with him; and Sarwan Boal who assisted in founding PIC and organizing Canadian farmworkers and improving their working conditions.

Sista C hosts a @PoweredByAge storytelling session with Dr. Charles Quist Adade, Comfort Ero, and Kombii Nanjalah, who also preview their upcoming event Celebrating Black History Month and Africa Heritage, jointly organized by the Africa-Canada Education Foundation, African Stages Association, Great Lakes Networking Society and the Ghanaian-Canada Association of BC.

Sista C is joined by award-winning Jamaican Canadian Musician Lazah Current for an exploration of music by people of African descent in her latest episode of Speak Up, Listen Up, Act Upon!

A Conversation Potluck

(A PBA Podcast)

Host, Charlotte Sista C Ferrell, convenes “A Conversation Potluck” with “appetizers”, a Main Course, and Dessert. As our appetizer, participants introduce themselves by describing a flavour that reflects their character.

For our main course we share take-aways from the U.S. Jan. 20 Inauguration, starting with Vancouver poet, Sherry Duggal reading the dynamic last stanza of Youth Poet Laureate, Amanda Gorman’s awesome poem. Our savory discussion included possible directions for US politics; the implications of President Biden’s Executive Orders, particularly the closing of the XL pipeline, for Canada. We acknowledged the historical rise in women’s prominence and roles in the celebration. We concluded this course noting ways that writers, especially, can encourage international unity, and reduce fear or anxiety.

Our Desert was poetry. Sherry Duggal reads her poem “I Stand with Farmers” and Lesley Hebert reads her poem “Thanks Be.”

Hosted by Charlotte Sista C Ferrell. Sponsored by the 411 Seniors Centre Society, Vancouver.

A modified re-edit of Last week's program, as Sista C addresses the attempted coup by Trump supporters in America, before returning to her and Adhel's discussion of the principles of Kwanzaa.

Wishes & Poems - Celebrate Christmas Day with Sista C!

SIsta C presents an episode of the PBA Podcast featuring a discussion about Human Rights, recorded on International Human Rights Day

 This week, Sista C  dives into Youth Mental Health with Dr. Charlotte Waddell of SFU's Children’s Health Policy Centre and BC's Representative for Children and Youth, Dr. Jennifer Charlesworth, abdout the new report COVID-19 and the Impact on Children's Mental Health

Sista C's guest today is Johnnie Proby, an internationally-acclaimed Inspirational Soul recording artist, music therapist and HeartMath Practitioner. Experience some of the ways she helps people transform stress or "COVID fatigue" into increased gratitude and positive energy, right here on #SULUAU.

Poetic Hallowed Days

Sista C shares a conversation with multi-talented artist Adhel Ahrop, including spontaneous poetry and a discussion of Ahrop's film work. Plus, seasonal songs!

 Charlotte 'Sista C' Ferrell meets with Rev. Dr. Phil Harbridge about this weekend's 15th annual Multiple Myeloma March. To learn more about it, or to donate, visit Myeloma Canada at www.myeloma.ca.

Sista C shares another PBA podcast - this one recording of a live broadcast for 2 Anniversaries: First, the 30th anniversary of the UN International Year of the Older Person with special guests; and then to recognize the Powered by Age Podcast Program’s FIRST Anniversary as a Senior-led podcast creation sponsored by the 411 Center and the City of Vancouver, we’ll hear some ways creating podcasts have affected participants’ lives.

As this party rolls on, we’ll be “rolling out” our brand new Website and “Listening Sessions” with our seniors’ savvy Stories, Poems, Interviews and News. If you haven’t already, now is a perfect time to join this inspiring, friendship-building group.  You'll learn more about “remote communications” and creative ways to express your ideas and issues.

Sista C shares a Song Story: September contrasts in music , mood and social appeals

Charlotte speaks with Alan Woodland, General Manager of B.E.S.T. - Better Environmentally Sound Transportation, about age-friendly transportation, environmentally-friendly transportation, COVID-19 and more!

#BIPOC # COVID-19

Adhel Arop and another preview of Po-Et on

A conversation about Emancipation day (last Saturday) and a celebration of Pride with authors/writers/creatives Adhel and Apri

#BIPOC

 Sista C shares the July 9 Powered By Age podcast on Food And Nutrition, with special guests Councillor Sarah Kirby-Young (involved with a recent initiative to bring back corner grocery stores), and Anthony Kupersmidt, Exec. Director, East End Seniors Network

Sista C interviews Deborah Thorne, The Information Diva

#BIPOC