Ryan from Kamloops: Community Connections Will spotlight local non-profits and the people strengthening the city
A Kamloops podcaster is set to shine a spotlight on the people and organizations making a difference in the community after being selected as a recipient of the Telus Storyhive Video Podcast program.
Ryan Weichel, creator of Ryan from Kamloops, is one of 59 content creators across British Columbia and Alberta chosen for the initiative, which supports new and emerging podcasters as they develop original video podcast series.
Through the program, recipients receive $10,000 in production funding, training opportunities, access to a community of support, and distribution through Telus Optik TV, Stream+, and Storyhive’s YouTube channel.
Weichel’s project, Ryan from Kamloops: Community Connections, will focus on bringing the city together through positive storytelling and community awareness.
The series plans to feature between eight and 16 Kamloops non-profit organizations, highlighting the work they do and the impact they have locally. Each episode will creatively pair two non-profits together, showcasing how their efforts complement one another and contribute to the broader strength of the community.
“I’m very excited to have been selected for the Telus Storyhive Video Podcast Program,” Weichel said.
The new series will allow him to create longer stories and interviews with local residents who are deeply invested in helping others.
“Ryan from Kamloops: Community Connections will expand my current platform to include longer stories and interviews with many amazing Kamloopsians who are passionate about the hard work they put in every day towards their communities,” he said.
Weichel added that one of the project’s central goals is to strengthen ties between organizations while also helping residents learn more about the people working behind the scenes to improve the city.
“The aim is to connect more local organizations with each other and to Kamloops,” Weichel said.
He also expressed gratitude for the opportunity and enthusiasm for beginning production.
“I’m incredibly humbled and excited for this opportunity through Telus and can’t wait to get started,” Weichel said. “Thanks to Telus Storyhive and thanks ahead of time to the viewer for watching.”
The selected projects reflect a wide range of themes explored through this year’s Video Podcast program. According to Storyhive, the 470 applications submitted included stories centred on immigration experiences, identity, resilience, community building, and other community-driven topics.
Weichel’s project stands out for its local focus and commitment to celebrating positive work already happening in Kamloops.
As production gets underway, viewers can expect a series designed to introduce them to the people, causes, and connections helping shape the city.
“As always,” Weichel said, “be a friend, tell a friend.”