Tuning in to Y Station: Episode VIII

Chosen by Emily Mack, Senior Associate

Article: “How A Guy Who Tells You How To Buy A PS5 Accidentally Became The World’s Most Powerful Tech Journalist” by Joseph Bernstein, Buzzfeed News

Are you still looking for a PlayStation 5 console? You aren’t the only one. Sony hasn’t been able to keep up with demand since its release last year, which has contributed to this gaming console to continue being a hot item as we head into another holiday season. For those still trying (or maybe recently have given up), you might have wondered how so many others were able to get one (or even two) and how come you’re not able to beat those bots on restock days. This article investigates why this has happened and how one individual, part of a new up and coming group of tech influencers with a network so powerful that one tweet from these powerhouses can send enough traffic to a website in seconds to cause it to crash for hours, might be able to help you obtain one of these unicorns.

Chosen by Jenny Black, Brand and Content Strategist

Article: “Mark Zuckerberg on why Facebook is rebranding to Meta” by Alex Heath, The Verge

What if I told you that in 10 years, you could escape the stress, monotony and challenges of everyday life and live in a fully-immersive, 3D world? That’s what tech giants like Mark Zuckerberg are working to make a reality (pun intended). The rebranding of Facebook to Meta is the first step in his plan to create a metaverse and truth be told, the timing is suspect. This article lays out the details of the rebrand and features an interview with Zuckerberg himself.

Chosen by Ann Gordon-Tighe, Strategist

Podcast: The Strategists Episode: “Forgotten but not gone”

For everyone out there recovering from a case of campaign madness (definitely not me, no way), this deep dive into the Calgary mayoral race and the strategy of the Gondek campaign team is a fascinating examination of building a brand and campaign up from 2% to ultimate victory. From building a campaign team and strategy to effectively using your opponents' brands against them, there's lots of lessons for current and future campaign strategists.

Chosen by Anthony Fisher, Junior Associate

Podcast: Speaking Municipally by Taproot Edmonton Episode: “Sohi’s back and he’s driving the bus”

This episode is dedicated to getting to know the “man in the big chair”, Mayor Amarjeet Sohi, and offers an inside look into Election Night, his conversation with the Premier, relationship building with other levels of government and homelessness in Edmonton. This hour-long episode is definitely worth a listen!

Chosen by Dayna Tumbach, Project Manager

Article: “How Trick-or-Treating Became a Halloween Tradition” by History.com editors

Trick-or-treating, setting off on Halloween night in costume and ringing doorbells to demand treats, has been a tradition for more than a century. Its origins can be identified in ancient Celtic festivals, early Roman Catholic holidays, medieval practices—and even British politics. This article dives into the details for a very interesting read.

Chosen by Cameron Dykstra, Senior Research Associate

Article: “The Blackhawks chose chasing a tarnished Cup instead of doing what's right” by Luke Fox, Sportsnet

Luke Fox writes a pretty damning article of the sexual harassment that occurred within the Chicago Blackhawks organization, with details from a newly published investigative report. In 2010 the Chicago Blackhawks senior leadership heard allegations of sexual assault during their ultimately successful Cup run, and decided to do nothing. They decided that this was a ‘distraction’ and considered whether it was the right time. In doing so, they protected a predator and later even rewarded him with a Stanley Cup ring.

This quote from Katie Strang of The Athletic who covered the story extensively is telling: “For three weeks after this group was informed of allegations, no action was taken. During that period, Aldrich traveled and worked with the team. He celebrated with the team, in the presence of John Doe. He got his own day with the Cup. He got a ring. Then he was given option to resign.”

While heads have and will probably continue to roll, it took over 10 years for the truth to come out. For 10 years, a number of high-profile men in the world of professional hockey have kept this covered up and have dodged accountability and responsibility.

Chosen by Jillian Nason, Director of Client Services

Website: Money Prep

Built by female entrepreneur Pam Liyanage and partners, this new online platform and app helps children learn the skills they’ll need to become independent, personal money managers in adulthood through interactive games.

Gamification has become a mainstream method for encouraging learning, engaging consumers and motivating participation by putting the focus on entertainment value. This is an excellent example of how gamification can be leveraged across industries and age demographics.

Chosen by Tracy With, COO

Podcast: The School of Greatness

Touted as an entrepreneur's pocket guide to the soul, mind, body and emotions, Lewis Howes' podcast The School of Greatness is grounded in love, acceptance and improving relationships in every corner of life. It asks business icons such as Arianna Huffington and artists like Alanis Morrisett about subjects rarely touched on, including fear, insecurities, doubt, and asking celebrities when they felt most loved.

Lewis helps entrepreneurs not repeat their mistakes. Relationships are at the core of improving life in terms of finances and abundance, and entrepreneurship is grounded in being loved, worthy, and remembering who you are. He exposes external factors and traps that entrepreneurs can fall into in the hunt for success. This podcast transcends practical matters and explores emotional vulnerability.