S2 E37: CAAT Tales: Municipal Momentum and Mindful Moments

A high‑stakes municipal election collides with a moment of deep uncertainty for Ontario’s colleges. In this two‑part episode, Local 417 President Gillian Axten breaks down what candidates in Kingston, Brockville, and Cornwall are saying about campus cuts, the Fleming merger, and the future of regional postsecondary education. Then, longtime graphic design faculty member and mindfulness practitioner Erin Boyce joins Julie for a conversation about educator burnout, trauma‑sensitive wellness, and the small rituals that keep us grounded. Plus: sourdough, gravel bikes, and Erin’s past life as a Kingston vocalist.⏱️ Chapter Markers (Suggested Timing)00:00 — Opening & Episode Overview Julie sets the stage for a two‑part conversation on municipal advocacy and educator wellness.00:28 — Municipal Elections & College Crisis Why this election matters for Kingston, Brockville, and Cornwall campuses.03:13 — Introducing Gillian Axten Local 417 President joins to discuss the union’s municipal strategy.03:59 — Why Faculty & Support Staff Are Working Together Gillian explains the goals behind the candidate questionnaire.06:20 — Why Brockville & Cornwall Are at a Breaking Point The economic lifeblood of smaller campuses—and what’s at risk.08:47 — Early Candidate Responses (Brockville & Cornwall) What candidates are saying about cuts, campus underutilization, and local industry needs.11:24 — Kingston Candidate Insights Culinary, tourism, trades, and the impact of program loss.12:54 — How Members Can Use the Friday Digest Where to find full responses and how to engage candidates at the door.14:18 — Should the College Be Leading This Work? Gillian’s candid take on funding, transparency, and collaboration.15:59 — The Merger Table: Seat but No Dinner Updates on the union’s role in merger discussions.17:12 — Segment Two: Introducing Erin Boyce Educator, designer, mindfulness practitioner.17:34 — Rapid‑Fire Warm‑Up Coffee, bedtime rituals, books, sourdough, biking, and Erin’s band days.23:02 — Erin’s Path to Teaching From Toronto’s design scene to SLC faculty.27:26 — Graphic Design in the Age of AI Why design principles matter more than ever.28:48 — Wellness in Education Today Burnout, uncertainty, and systemic pressures.32:17 — What Educators Can Do Now Community, self‑compassion, and trauma‑sensitive mindfulness.35:10 — Closing Reflections Naming our worth, noticing our needs.Links of Interest: Patrice Palmer's Teacher Self Care Manual (second ed)SLC Faculty Local 417 website