I will be wrapping up Season 4 of YXE Underground next month. In that time, I have featured more than 50 guests and had more than 40,000 downloads. I am proud of these numbers. This podcast is done in my free time with a budget of zero dollars. Instead, I rely on the skills and abilities I learned as a journalist to find guests and share their stories in a creative and meaningful way.
This podcast has been quite the journey for me. I have collaborated with local photographers to bring YXE Underground's presence to social media. I have presented to local organizations, elementary and high school classrooms, and even our provincial health organization on the potential and benefits of podcasts, and selfishly have met so many incredible people in our community.
I am excited to see YXE Underground grow in the years to come and thank you for the chance to share my story with you and your listeners.
"It has been a real privilege sharing these stories on YXE Underground and I’m excited to see the podcast continue to grow in the years to come"
- Eric Anderson
My career in journalism and communications, as well as my podcast, would not have happened had I not had the courage to walk away from a secure career and take a risk on a path I felt passionate about. I am very fortunate to be where I am today.
When I deliver podcast merchandise to listeners at their homes, I am able to thank them in person for their support. I think this goes a long way in securing loyalty and support among listeners. What keeps them coming back is curiosity and wanting to know more about their community. They are curious to see who the next episode is going to feature and to discover how this person is making a difference in Saskatoon. My listeners are educated, passionate and very supportive. I am grateful for them!
I wanted to find those people and share their stories with the greater community.
There is no other podcast or even reporter that is doing what I am doing in Saskatoon. This fact was slightly nerve-wracking at first as I was forging a new path. However, that fear quickly morphed into excitement as people began listening and sharing the podcast. There was a market in Saskatoon for my podcast and I knew that it would grow as long as I kept finding exceptional guests and presented their stories in a professional and creative way.
I have covered a variety of topics in the past four seasons told by diverse voices. Food security, education, the arts, mental health and addiction and safe and affordable housing are a few of the topics covered in my podcast. I am so proud of the diversity of the podcast and how it continues to grow and evolve!
For students arriving in Saskatoon with very little knowledge of the English language, one of the first people they will meet in school is an English as an Additional Language teacher. These teachers not only guide students on their journey through the language, but as I discover in this episode, they provide a safe and nurturing space for students who have been through a lot in their young lives.Â
You are going to meet two incredible EAL teachers in this episode of YXE Underground.Â
Megan Chan and Laura Jorgenson share many qualities. They are passionate about teaching the English language in the Saskatoon Public School Division. They work hard to create a classroom where newcomer and refugee students feel secure and supported, and they both find their work as EAL teachers incredibly rewarding.Â
Megan teaches elementary students at W.P. Bate School and Laura teaches high school EAL classes at Tommy Douglas Collegiate. Together, I believe they give you a clear picture of the challenges EAL teachers face as Saskatoon continues to become a more diverse community and school populations continue to rise, and why their jobs are so fulfilling.Â
You can listen to YXE Underground wherever you find your favourite podcasts including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Goodpods or on the website. Please feel free to leave a 5-star review if you like what you hear.
You can follow YXE Underground on social media. Simply search YXE Underground on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
A big thank you to Rob Rongve and his team at RBC Dominion Securities in North Battleford for supporting this episode. If you are looking for someone to manage your money and investments, Rob Rongve and his team are the first people you should talk with!Â
Thank you for continuing to support a local, independent podcast here in Saskatoon. I really do appreciate it and I hope your 2025 is off to a great start.Â
Cheers…Eric Â
- Host, Producer, Editor: Eric Anderson
- Theme Music: Andrew Dickson
- Website: https://www.yxeunderground.com
- Recorded: On Treaty 6 Territory and the traditional homeland of the Metis
Vinnie Potestivo, Editor-in-Chief of
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