The CUSW Spotlight Podcast

Telling ain't training!

Good training should do more than fill a requirement. It should help people see where they fit, what they bring to the table, and how their strengths can support the work ahead.
Carrie Walker-Boyd of TouchPoints Learning & Innovation has spent the last decade working alongside CUSW leadership and members, helping shape learning that reflects the realities of the skilled trades and the needs of the Union. 
In this conversation, she talks about knowing your learner and how curiosity and lifelong learning help people grow, adapt, and contribute in meaningful ways when they understand their own talents and the value they bring.
What makes Carrie’s story especially interesting is that she became an entrepreneur almost by accident. From that path to her work today with TouchPoints Learning, she brings a practical view of how learning, leadership, and participation all help a Union grow. 
Whether you're just getting started or looking for a new way to get involved, this episode is a reminder that everyone has something to offer and that there are many ways to help build a stronger union.
If you have any questions or would like to connect with Carrie, please email her directly at carrie@touchpointslearning.ca.  
If you have a story to share, want to suggest a guest, or have a topic you'd like to hear on the CUSW Spotlight Podcast, feel free to reach out to us at podcast@cusw.ca.  
We’d love to hear from you!  

🔻 Learn More About CUSW  
Discover who we are and what we stand for: CUSW - Who We Are 
🔻 Stay Informed  
Get the latest news and updates: CUSW News 
🔻 Get in Touch  
Need to contact CUSW? Find out how: CUSW Contact Page 
🔻 Get Involved  
Explore opportunities to participate and make a difference: CUSW Participation Model 
🔻 Never Miss an Episode  
Catch up on all our podcast episodes here: Listen Here 
🎧 Listen Anytime, Anywhere! – Find our podcast on all major directories, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and more.
📺 Watch the Podcast on YouTube! – Subscribe and watch full episodes on our official YouTube channel. Watch Here
🎵 Music Credits: Music Credits: Original music by Glen MacNeil (lyrics, vocals, guitar) with production by Brad MacNeil.
Tune in, stay inspired, and keep shining that CUSW spotlight!

A year ago, James Duffield joined the CUSW Spotlight Podcast during one of the hardest chapters of his life. After being given just six months to live, he shared his story with honesty, courage, and a determination to keep moving forward, no matter what lay ahead.
Today, James is back.
This time, the conversation is filled with smiles, gratitude, and yes... a few happy tears. James reflects on everything that's happened since his first appearance, from returning to work, getting back on his motorcycle and golf course, to rediscovering hope in ways he never expected. 
Along the way, he shares what helped him through the darkest days: accepting help, celebrating the small wins, and doing one hard thing every day.
Whether you've followed James' journey from the beginning or you're meeting him for the first time, this episode is a powerful reminder that hope can power you to keep going in the most difficult moments and that none of us walks through life alone.
If you have any questions or would like to connect with James, please email him directly at jduffield@cusw.ca.  
🎙️ Listen to James' first appearance on the CUSW Spotlight Podcast: Live to Love another Day
📖 Book mentioned in this episode: Make Your Bed by William H. McRaven.
If you have a story to share, want to suggest a guest, or have a topic you'd like to hear on the CUSW Spotlight Podcast, feel free to reach out to us at podcast@cusw.ca.  
We’d love to hear from you!  
🔻 Learn More About CUSW  
Discover who we are and what we stand for: CUSW - Who We Are 
🔻 Stay Informed  
Get the latest news and updates: CUSW News 
🔻 Get in Touch  
Need to contact CUSW? Find out how: CUSW Contact Page 
🔻 Get Involved  
Explore opportunities to participate and make a difference: CUSW Participation Model 
🔻 Never Miss an Episode  
Catch up on all our podcast episodes here: Listen Here 
🎧 Listen Anytime, Anywhere! – Find our podcast on all major directories, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and more.
📺 Watch the Podcast on YouTube! – Subscribe and watch full episodes on our official YouTube channel. Watch Here
🎵 Music Credits: Music Credits: Original music by Glen MacNeil (lyrics, vocals, guitar) with production by Brad MacNeil.
Tune in, stay inspired, and keep shining that CUSW spotlight!

A union is at its best when people are pulling in the same direction.
As CUSW continues to grow across Canada, that becomes both more important and more challenging. Members in different regions face different realities, industries, and economic pressures, yet they are all connected by a common goal: building a stronger future for themselves, their families, and the communities they call home.
In this episode, Cody Quan returns to the Spotlight Podcast to talk about unity. The conversation explores the importance of listening, understanding regional perspectives, staying informed, and creating opportunities for members to be heard. From affordability concerns and workforce development to member engagement and leadership, Cody shares why communication and highlighting wins remain one of the most important tools a union can have.
At the heart of the discussion is a simple idea: when members understand one another, participate in the conversation, and work toward common goals, everyone benefits, not just the union, but the country as a whole.
Want to connect with Cody or learn more?  Feel free to reach out to him directly at 𝗰𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗻@𝗰𝘂𝘀𝘄.𝗰𝗮

Make sure you visit https://www.cusw.ca/ to explore more opportunities and resources. 
If you have a story to share, a guest to suggest, or a topic you’d like to hear on the podcast, email us at 𝗽𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁@𝗰𝘂𝘀𝘄.𝗰𝗮. And if you enjoyed this episode, share it with your friends and colleagues to help shine the spotlight on the incredible work happening at CUSW!  
🔻 Learn More About CUSW  
Discover who we are and what we stand for: CUSW - Who We Are 
🔻 Stay Informed  
Get the latest news and updates: CUSW News 
🔻 Get in Touch  
Need to contact CUSW? Find out how: CUSW Contact Page 
🔻 Get Involved  
Explore opportunities to participate and make a difference: CUSW Participation Model 
🔻 Never Miss an Episode  
Catch up on all our podcast episodes here: Listen Here 
🎧 Listen Anytime, Anywhere! – Find our podcast on all major directories, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and more.
📺 Watch the Podcast on YouTube! – Subscribe and watch full episodes on our official YouTube channel. Watch Here
🎵 Music Credits: Music Credits: Original music by Glen MacNeil (lyrics, vocals, guitar) with production by Brad MacNeil.
Tune in, stay inspired, and keep shining that CUSW spotlight!

Some people spend years searching for where they belong. For 𝗝𝗼𝗵𝗻𝗻𝘆 𝗜𝘀𝘀𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗸, that journey has taken him across the North, around the world as an Inuit Games athlete, and into a new career in the skilled trades.

What makes this conversation memorable is not the number of medals won or countries visited, it's 𝗝𝗼𝗵𝗻𝗻𝘆'𝘀 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲. Throughout the episode, he shares lessons learned through, family, culture, recovery, friendship, and work. 
The discussion explores the importance of 𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳, the value of strong relationships, and how finding the place you fit in can change the direction of your life.

As an Inuk from Nunavut, Johnny also reflects on community, identity, and the experiences that shaped him into the person he is today. Whether he's talking about Inuit culture, learning new skills, or building a future in the trades, one message comes through clearly: 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘁𝗲𝗹𝗹 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳.

Want to connect with Johnny? Feel free to reach out to him directly at snurraq@gmail.com

If you have a story to share, a guest to suggest, or a topic you’d like to hear on the podcast, email us at 𝗽𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁@𝗰𝘂𝘀𝘄.𝗰𝗮. 

And if you enjoyed this episode, like it, follow it, and share it with your friends and colleagues to help shine the spotlight on the incredible work happening at CUSW! 
🔻 Learn More About CUSW  
Discover who we are and what we stand for: CUSW - Who We Are 
🔻 Stay Informed  
Get the latest news and updates: CUSW News 
🔻 Get in Touch  
Need to contact CUSW? Find out how: CUSW Contact Page 
🔻 Get Involved  
Explore opportunities to participate and make a difference: CUSW Participation Model 
🔻 Never Miss an Episode  
Catch up on all our podcast episodes here: Listen Here 
🎧 Listen Anytime, Anywhere! – Find our podcast on all major directories, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and more.
📺 Watch the Podcast on YouTube! – Subscribe and watch full episodes on our official YouTube channel. Watch Here
🎵 Music Credits: Music Credits: Original music by Glen MacNeil (lyrics, vocals, guitar) with production by Brad MacNeil.
Tune in, stay inspired, and keep shining that CUSW spotlight!

Daniel Deleary brings a perspective that reaches far beyond the trades.
Rooted in Anishinaabe teachings, community, culture, and lifelong service to Indigenous people, Daniel shares a conversation centered on connection to the earth, to one another, and to the work of creating something better for future generations.
Throughout the episode, the discussion moves between Indigenous worldview, skilled trades, mental wellness, ceremony, purpose, environmental responsibility, and the importance of approaching life with respect and balance. What stands out most is the reminder that progress does not come from division or ego, but from people willing to listen, learn, and build together.
Daniel also reflects on the growing presence of Indigenous workers in the skilled trades through his work with ISEAD, and the importance of creating meaningful pathways, support systems, and opportunities that allow people and communities to thrive.
More than an interview, this episode feels like a shared perspective on humanity, responsibility, and the kind of world we leave behind for the next generation.
Want to connect with Daniel or learn more about ISEAD? Feel free to reach out to him directly at ddeleary@isead.ca
🔻 Learn More About ISEAD
https://www.isead.ca/
Visit https://www.cusw.ca/ to explore more opportunities and resources. If you have a story to share, a guest to suggest, or a topic you’d like to hear on the podcast, email us at 𝗽𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁@𝗰𝘂𝘀𝘄.𝗰𝗮. 
And if you enjoyed this episode, share it with your friends and colleagues to help shine the spotlight on the incredible work happening at CUSW! 
🔻 Learn More About CUSW  
Discover who we are and what we stand for: CUSW - Who We Are 
🔻 Stay Informed  
Get the latest news and updates: CUSW News 
🔻 Get in Touch  
Need to contact CUSW? Find out how: CUSW Contact Page 
🔻 Get Involved  
Explore opportunities to participate and make a difference: CUSW Participation Model 
🔻 Never Miss an Episode  
Catch up on all our podcast episodes here: Listen Here 
🎧 Listen Anytime, Anywhere! – Find our podcast on all major directories, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and more.
📺 Watch the Podcast on YouTube! – Subscribe and watch full episodes on our official YouTube channel. Watch Here
🎵 Music Credits: Music Credits: Original music by Glen MacNeil (lyrics, vocals, guitar) with production by Brad MacNeil.
Tune in, stay inspired, and keep shining that CUSW spotlight!