BETTER with Mark Brand

In this episode of Better, host Mark Brand reflects on a powerful conversation with farmer, organizer, and food justice leader Karen Washington.

Together they unpack why “food deserts” is the wrong language for the right problem, and why Karen insists we call it what it is: food apartheid.

Mark and Madison explore what true leadership looks like, making complex issues accessible without watering them down, and how Karen...

In this episode of Better, host Mark Brand interviews with Hope Blooms Manager of Social Business and Innovation, Kolade and artist, author, and community leader Keonte Beals for a powerful conversation about self‑love, healing, and the transformative impact of community. This episode explores how safe spaces, mentorship, and representation can turn barriers into bridges and dreams into real careers.

In This Epi...

In this episode of Better, host Mark Brand casts ahead to his interview with Hope Blooms Manager of Social Business and Innovation, Kolade and artist, author, and community leader Keonte Beals for a powerful conversation about self‑love, healing, and the transformative impact of community. This episode explores how safe spaces, mentorship, and representation can turn barriers into bridges and dreams into real ca...

Your host, Mark Brand, sits down with revolutionary journalist and author Michael Sheik, whose work shines a light on conflict, human rights, and the power of food in preserving culture and building resilience.

From facing life-threatening situations in Afghanistan to uncovering stories of genocide and survival, Michael’s journey is an inspiring testament to the role food plays in connecting us to our roots, telling untold st...

In this reflective episode, host Mark Brand and producer Madison dive deep and reflect on their powerful conversation with investigative journalist, writer, and advocate Michael Shaikh.

Together, Mark and Madison discuss the ongoing refugee crisis, exploring how displacement threatens language, customs, and generational identity. Drawing from Michael’s frontline experiences, they highlight stories of preserving cultural herit...

Your host, Mark Brand sits down with Benjamin McBride (BJ) and Michelle Monterrosa, advocates behind the 1-800 Happy Birthday project: whose work is transforming how we remember, honour, and heal in the face of tragedy.

From personal heartbreak to sparking national conversations, our guests’ journeys are a testament to the power of community, storytelling, and resilience. In a world that often overlooks the deep human toll of...

In this special discussion, host Mark Brand and producer Madi, reflect on their conversation with 1 800 Happy Birthday's advocate and special guest.

Mark and Madi discuss how personal and collective trauma can fuel meaningful advocacy and systemic change. They reflect on powerful examples of activism, emphasizing the importance of community support, mentorship, and empowering younger generations. This conversation highlights real-l...

We sit down with a leader whose work is transforming how we think about wealth, community, and the true meaning of success: Ken Shea, President and CEO of East Coast Credit Union.

From humble beginnings to guiding one of the region’s most community-focused financial institutions, our guest’s journey is a testament to the power of building significance, not just success. In a world that often celebrates individual achiev...

Before we sit down with Ken Shea, President and CEO of East Coast Credit Union, we’re taking a moment to reflect on why this conversation matters.

In this special prequel episode, host Mark Brand and producer Madi share what drew them to the story of credit unions, and why community banking is more than just financial transactions — it’s a roadmap to resilience, empowerment, and real local impact.

This episode set...

We sit down with Chef Sean Sherman, also known as The Sioux Chef whose work is transforming how we think about food, land, identity, and justice. Raised on Pine Ridge Reservation, Sean realized early in his culinary career that he could name a hundred European recipes, but barely any from his own Lakota heritage. That realization sparked a movement. We discuss:

• Why food is a language that connects, heals, an...

Before we sit down with Chef Sean Sherman the visionary known as The Sioux Chef, we’re taking a moment to reflect on why this conversation matters.

In this special prequel episode, Mark Brand and producer Madi share what drew them to Sean’s story, and why Indigenous food systems are more than just recipes — they’re a roadmap to justice, resilience, and reconnection. 

This episode sets the table. 

T...

Nadya Hutagalung is today’s guest, a media icon turned global changemaker. Once a beloved MTV Asia VJ, Nadya has since become a UN-recognized environmental activist, leading a powerful campaign that helped reduce the ivory trade across Asia.

Her work directly influenced a change in Thai legislation around ivory sales, and her journey is as personal as it is political, navigating threats, health battles, and depression to stay...

Buckle up for an electrifying episode of Better that will transform how you see celebrity activism forever! 

In this special prequel episode, Mark Brand and producer Madi share the extraordinary story of Nadya Hutugalang - a former MTV Asia superstar who traded Hollywood glamour for global impact. Imagine going from hosting a top modeling competition to standing toe-to-toe with UN officials and confronting dangerous ivory trad...

Today’s guest needs no introduction, but he’s getting one anyway. Bun B is a southern icon, one half of the legendary rap duo UGK, and a cultural force who’s redefined what it means to use fame for good. From the booth to the boardroom to the burger joint, Bun’s legacy is layered with music, mentorship, and movement building.

He’s taught at Rice University, stood on the frontlines of natural disasters,...

Before we sit down with Bun B, rap legend, educator, entrepreneur, and community builder, host Mark and producer Madi talk about why this episode hits different.

This isn’t just a story about hip-hop. It’s about healing, hustling, and using every platform, from music to meat patties, to make a difference. In this behind-the-scenes conversation, we dive into what makes Bun’s legacy so powerful.

This episode sets th...

Andrew Knapp is today's guest; a dog-lover, photographer, illustrator, and a New York Times best-selling author! His dog Momo created an internet sensation by playing hide-and-seek all over the world. Andrew’s books about Momo include Let’s Find Momo!, Let’s Find Momo Outdoors! and more. His latest release was published just last week titled Let's Find Yaya and Boo at Home!: A Hide-and-Seek Adventure.

Find out more about Andrew Kna...

This week, Mark's guest is Heather Plett, an international speaker, facilitator, writer, and life-long learner. She's the author of the book The Art of Holding Space: A Practice of Love, Liberation, and Leadership and the soon-to-be-released book, Where Tenderness Lives: On Healing, Liberation, and Holding Space for Oneself. She is also the co-founder of the Centre for Holding Space. Mark and Heather talk about their respective jou...

This week's guest is award-winning broadcaster Ziya Tong. She is best known as the anchor of Daily Planet, Discovery Channel’s flagship science program. Her book The Reality Bubble won the Lane Anderson Prize for best science writing in Canada and was shortlisted for the RBC Taylor Prize. The book has been translated into multiple languages, and has earned praise from luminaries including Naomi Klein and David Suzuki who calls Tong...