Manda Aufochs Gillespie is a writer. She’s the author of the Green Mama series of books (https://thegreenmama.com/books/) and the publisher of the award-winning website thegreenmama.com. She is also a mother, neighbour, and founder of Folk University (folku.ca) on Cortes Island.
On December 6, 2024, Tina Willard-Stepan from Comox Strathcona Waste Management joined us to talk all things circular economy and waste. Along with the students of the Cortes Island Academy and some community members, we learned about where our garbage goes, how much we produce, repair cafes, and the Cumberland dump (where our garbage on Cortes is sent to!)
On November 29, 2024, host Manda Aufoch’s Gillespie was joined by Klahoose council member and political science major Johnny Hanuse, to lead a conversation about indigenous governance. Tune in for a discussion of decolonization, politics, tradition, and community.
Manda Aufochs Gillespie/ Folk U – On November 15, 2024, host Manda Aufoch’s Gillespie was joined by AI researcher and community organizer Daniel Lindenberger, to lead a conversation about artificial intelligence. Along with the students of the Cortes Island Academy and some community members, we explored the potential of AI in various tasks, including data structuring, summarizing, and generating business ideas, while acknowledging its limitations and potential risks. The conversation ended with discussions on the environmental impact of AI, the potential of AI for positive change, and the importance of considering the economic consequences of AI for artists.
On Friday, November 1, host Manda Aufochs Gillespie was joined by Rebecca Kirstein Resch, to chat about magic mushrooms, chronic pain, and healing. This was a discussion about the power of psychedelics.
On Friday, October 25, host Manda Aufochs Gillespie was joined by musician Ruby Singh and musician and principal of the Cortes School Michael Datura, to chat about biosonification, technology, and their collaborative projects kraKIN and Polyphonic Garden. Tune in for music, philosophy, and lively discussion.