Best CUSW Podcasts (2025)

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Reflecting the Past Illuminating the Future with John Wabb - Episode #15 35:36

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3d ago35:36

35:36

As we wrap up 2025, the CUSW Spotlight Podcast turns the spotlight inward for a meaningful reflection on where we’ve been and where we’re headed. CUSW Chair John Wabb joins host Dan Plexman for a year-in-review conversation that explores the progress, challenges, and collective wins that shaped 2025. From expanded member participation and committee…

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Rising Together. Women, Trades and CUSW with Michelle Holmes - Episode #14 33:14

29d ago33:14

33:14

In this inspiring episode of the CUSW Spotlight Podcast, host Dan Plexman discusses with Michelle Holmes, Red Seal Electrician, Training Technician at Bruce Power, founding member of the CUSW National Tradeswomen Committee, and the 2025 WiN Canada Mentor of the Year. Michelle shares her 19-year journey in the trades, from her early apprenticeship d…

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Made in Canada. The CUSW Story with Tom MacLean - Episode #13 38:58

2M ago38:58

38:58

On this episode of the CUSW Spotlight Podcast, we’re going back to the beginning, to the stories, people, and ideas that built the𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗲𝗿𝘀. Joining us is 𝗧𝗼𝗺 𝗠𝗮𝗰𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗻, a founding member of CUSW and the union’s National Business Development and Strategy Lead. Tom’s career spans nearly four decades in the labour movement. He s…

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Where Health Safety and Wellness Come Together with Shannon Veitch - Episode #12 23:56

2M ago23:56

23:56

In this episode of the CUSW Spotlight Podcast, host Dan Plexman is having a discussion with Shannon Veitch, an electrician and long-time CUSW member who co-chairs the CUSW National Health, Safety & Wellness Committee. Together, they explore the story and purpose behind CUSW’s annual Health, Safety & Wellness Conference, how it has grown into a spac…

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Owning Your Apprenticeship with Nathan DeGagne - Episode #11 28:24

3M ago28:24

28:24

From apprentice to leader, Nathan DeGagne’s journey with CUSW highlights the power of participation and opportunity. In this episode, Nathan shares his experiences in the apprenticeship program, his role in supporting new members, and his thoughts on upcoming changes within the union. He opens up about the importance of engagement, communication, a…

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Growing Sustainable Community Wealth with Kristopher Stevens - Episode #10 43:54

4M ago43:54

43:54

We are back with another insightful conversation, this time with Kristopher Stevens, a dedicated community builder, sustainability leader, and long-time member of the Canadian Union of Skilled Workers. Kris shares how his journey through renewable energy, affordable housing, and grassroots governance has shaped both his personal philosophy and CUSW…

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Building a Legacy to be Proud of with Pauline Cranston - Episode #9 45:44

4M ago45:44

45:44

On this episode of 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗨𝗦𝗪 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁, we’re shining the light on Pauline Cranston, a licensed 309A electrician, union leader, proud young mom, and a true force in the Canadian Union of Skilled Workers. Pauline doesn’t just “show up”. She is on the tools with Hydro One, chairs the North-East Unit, and sits on more CUSW committees than you c…

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Open Minds, Stronger Unions. A conversation with Cody Quan - Episode #8 28:39

5M ago28:39

28:39

In this episode of 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗨𝗦𝗪 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁, Dan Plexman has an interesting conversation with 𝗖𝗼𝗱𝘆 𝗤𝘂𝗮𝗻, CUSW’s Training and Education Representative, to reflect on his journey, experiences, and the importance of building an inclusive, skilled, and forward-thinking workforce. 𝗖𝗼𝗱𝘆 shares how he got started as a 309A electrical apprentice at the S…

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Live to Love Another Day with James Duffield - Episode #7 34:49

6M ago34:49

34:49

In this deeply moving episode of the CUSW Spotlight Podcast, Dan speaks with James Duffield, a longtime union member, former Health & Safety Rep, and now Worker Representative, who shares his powerful story of resilience, vulnerability, and hope. James has faced cancer more than once, and now, as he navigates his third and most difficult diagnosis,…

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Building Careers and Culture in the Trades with Owen Johnston - Episode #6 25:16

7M ago25:16

25:16

𝗜𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗲𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲, 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗢𝘄𝗲𝗻 𝗝𝗼𝗵𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗻. Owen is CUSW’s Recruitment Lead and a man whose career path is as diverse as it is inspiring. From earning a Social Work degree and working in street outreach for Toronto’s Indigenous community, to scaffolding, parts management, and safety leadership at Bruce Power, Owen has brought compassion, re…

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Apprentice to Tradeswoman with Alina Murray - Episode #5 31:20

7M ago31:20

31:20

In this episode, we shine the spotlight on Alina Murray. A dedicated member of the Canadian Union of Skilled Workers (CUSW), a 5th-term 309A Electrical Apprentice, a mom, and the first female chair of the Southwest Unit. Alina opens up about her decision to build a career with CUSW, the opportunities she has embraced, and the challenges she has ove…

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Brother's Keeper - Union and Family Ties with Calvin Hicks - Episode #4 28:27

8M ago28:27

28:27

In this episode of 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗨𝗦𝗪 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁, we shine a light on 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝘃𝗶𝗻 𝗛𝗶𝗰𝗸𝘀, a passionate advocate for health and safety and a key member of the CUSW since 2017. Calvin worked as a certified health and safety representative in road building and utility installation before transitioning to CUSW. Driven by a passion for creating safe and supporti…

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Day of Mourning Time to Reflect with Shawn Campbell - Episode #3 38:39

9M ago38:39

38:39

In this episode of The CUSW Spotlight Podcast, we’re joined by Shawn Campbell, a dedicated union leader whose journey from student apprentice to national health and safety advocate is nothing short of inspiring. Shawn’s story begins in 2014 as an Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) student, working with a small contractor before joining the…

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West Coast Connection with Gary Fiege - Episode #2 28:43

9M ago28:43

28:43

In this episode of the CUSW Spotlight Podcast, host Dan sits down with Gary Fiege, a dedicated Union Leader and human rights advocate with decades of experience in the trades. Gary shares his journey from being “voluntold” as a shop steward in 1986 to leading major union initiatives across Canada. The conversation dives into the evolving landscape …

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Building a better Canada with John Wabb CUSW Chairperson - Episode #1 43:10

9M ago43:10

43:10

In our inaugural episode of The CUSW Spotlight Podcast, we sit down with John Wabb to discuss the evolution of CUSW from its humble beginnings in 1999 to the thriving, member-driven organization it is today. John shares his insights on leadership, mentorship, and the power of participation in shaping the future of our union. We dive into the many m…

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Introducing the CUSW Spotlight Podcast with Dan Plexman 4:42

10M ago4:42

4:42

Welcome to The CUSW Podcast! Your monthly source for all things CUSW! This podcast dives into union members' experiences, stories, and insights while also spotlighting training opportunities, union initiatives, and essential information for skilled workers across Canada. Each episode brings you closer to the people and projects driving CUSW forward…