Local Community Builder's Podcast Hits 200th Episode Milestone

Local community builder Ken John Jones and his podcast, “Jonesy’s Corner Podcast” is celebrating a major milestone, filming and releasing his 200th episode.

Ken John Jones (left) with Pete Dalliday (right). Dalliday hosted Jones’s 100th milestone episode in the PTBOCanada studio on July 14, 2023. Photo by Martin House.

His video podcast features inspirational stories from guests from Peterborough and the surrounding area, raising awareness and highlighting their respective communities.

The 200th episode features Pete Dalliday, Peterborough Lakers director of community engagement, as the host, reflecting back on the podcast’s origins and highlights throughout its 200 episodes with Jones.

He started the podcast in the spring of 2022 with his first episode on April 25 of the same year. It is a way to help share community stories as the world was still reeling from the effects of COVID-19.

“The streets were quiet and people felt isolated from not seeing each other as often as they did once before,” explained Jones. “Thanks to Alternatives Community Program Services Peterborough, this was finding a way to stay connected virtually by using Zoom.”

His podcast has featured athletes, politicians, artists/musicians, organization executives and more. Guests who have appeared on his podcast include Taite Cattoni, Peterborough Lakers forward; Michelle Ferreri, former Peterborough-Kawartha MP; Mike Judson, former CHEX/Global News meteorologist; Katrina Squazzin, Sportsnet host and Irish Millie, musician (to name a few).

“She is known as a fiddle sensation who has played since a young age,” said Jones. “(She) has many connections to help bring out the best in others who’s new to the music scene. As the saying goes, you don’t need to be blood to be family and music is a powerful medicine that people use every day.”

Jones was born with developmental issues and has been through the Five Counties Children’s Centre and Toronto Sick Kids Hospital system. He does not let his condition hold him back from doing what he loves.

“The fun part of doing this podcast is a great way to learn skills in conversation,” said Jones. “(It) provides a safe space for people to share their story in an open, non-judgmental manner. If it weren’t for this podcast, I wouldn’t have been available to meet the individuals I have talked with and met.”

Jones’s podcasts can be found on his personal Facebook page or official Instagram handle.

Jones was presented with a Community Builder Certificate of Recognition by Ferreri in March 2022.

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Hometown PTBO: Dan O'Toole on His New Podcast Boomsies and Some of His Favourite Spots in Peterborough

This week on Hometown PTBO, Pete Dalliday speaks with former sports anchor Dan O'Toole about his new podcast Boomsies, his favourite spots in Peterborough and some of his experiences on the golf course.

Check out his podcast at any one of these platforms on Apple Podcast, Spotify or Youtube.

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Local Boy Shares Inspiring Immigration Story After Five Years In Canada

Life changed at a young age on a whim for Jorge Escalera Arroyo immigrating to Canada but the 11-year-old shared his story in a podcast by New Canadians Centre Peterborough (NCC) last Wednesday.

Arroyo has expressed some interest in streaming video games like Fortnite or Spanish lessons on Youtube in the near-future. Photo Courtesy of Sarai Arroyo.

Arroyo moved from Monterrey, Mexico when he was six after his father received a job opportunity at Quaker Oats Peterborough.

The grade 5 student received an invitation from the NCC to record a 12-minute podcast of his experience living in Canada. He talks about his struggles, adjusting to a new culture and eventually expresses his love for living in Canada.

“I like the community because they’re so kind,” said Arroyo. “People are generous too. I also like the school because I understand it more than Mexico.”

Arroyo highlights his early struggles in school from learning both English and French and being bullied by other students. He credits his teachers for helping him learn them quickly.

He initially had a difficult time since he was learning three languages at once (including his native language of Spanish) and says kids were teasing him for not knowing them well right away.

The Westmount Public School student wanted to share his story to inspire others while the world is under a pandemic.

“I know we’re going through a very rough time,” he said. “I thought if anyone is moving or having a rough time, I wanted to share them my story so they could feel a bit better and know what everybody else is going through.”

Gym is one of Arroyo’s favourite school subjects. He is a big fan of the Canadian dessert, Nanaimo bars. Photo Courtesy of Sarai Arroyo.

He also wanted to spread the message of anyone being open to others about their struggles rather than bottling them up.

“I wanted to let people know if they have something bad (experiences) to say, they should say it to get that pressure off your mind,” he said.

Arroyo says his favourite Mexican food is tamales and is fan of their street food. Photo Courtesy of Sarai Arroyo.

Arroyo often keeps in contact with friends and family in Mexico and helps children learn English he said. He is the oldest of three with a brother Roberto, 5, and sister Sofia, 3.

He is no longer bullied in school and overcame his initial shyness when he came to Canada. Arroyo’s hobbies include karate, video games and drawing.

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