Kelly and Company

On today’s show, we start with how to get our pets ready for the warmer weather, with Vet Danielle Jongkind. When is it time to focus on your colon health? Nutritionist Julia Karantjas says it’s never a ‘waste’ of time. Get it? In modern cities, can you make sense of the street corner as a blind or low vision person by simply listening? Or, are GPSs and other mapping tools absolutely necessary for accessible travel. We talk out the safety of it all with Orientation and Mobility Specialist Mark Rankin. Find Kelly & Company on YouTube! About AMI AMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca. Find more great AMI Original Content on AMI+ Learn more at AMI.ca Connect with Accessible Media Inc. online: @AccessibleMedia@AccessibleMediaInc / @AMI-audio@AccessibleMediaInc@AccessibleMediaIncfeedback@ami.ca

Some countries are cutting back on inclusive initiatives, but Canada is doubling down with an 8.2 million dollar investment in the National accessArts Centre, Canada’s largest and oldest disability arts organization. They’re celebrating their 50th anniversary and a groundbreaking new arts hub in Calgary. We learn more with NaAC President and CEO, Jung-Suk Ryu. Were the 1980s the greatest decade to grow up in? TV Guy Greg David shares a TikTok trend that caused him to get a little nostalgic about his formative years. Find Kelly & Company on YouTube! About AMI AMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca. Find more great AMI Original Content on AMI+ Learn more at AMI.ca Connect with Accessible Media Inc. online: @AccessibleMedia@AccessibleMediaInc / @AMI-audio@AccessibleMediaInc@AccessibleMediaIncfeedback@ami.ca

On today’s show, Arts and Culture Critic Amy Amantea has our lineup of what to check out near you during the Spring. Lawrence Gunther shares ideas on how to get more quality time spent in the outdoors this coming season. Jim Collins, Executive Director of Harvest Hands, joins us to have a conversation about the state of food insecurity in Canada. Find Kelly & Company on YouTube! About AMI AMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca. Find more great AMI Original Content on AMI+ Learn more at AMI.ca Connect with Accessible Media Inc. online: @AccessibleMedia@AccessibleMediaInc / @AMI-audio@AccessibleMediaInc@AccessibleMediaIncfeedback@ami.ca

As blind and low vision folks, we have lots to pay attention to in the kitchen, for our own safety and the safety of others. Independent Living Skills Specialist Leanne Baarda is here with tips and considerations. This month marks five years since the start of the global pandemic. A new survey from Robert Half explores how things have changed in these five years, and we discuss the findings with our friend Michael French. And, first-time Actress Jennie Bovard just wrapped up filming a six-episode first season of Pretty Blind on AMI, and she’s ready to spill all the tea! #accessibility #assistivetech #podcast #disability #blind #accessibilemedia #KellyCo Find Kelly & Company on YouTube! About AMI AMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca. Find more great AMI Original Content on AMI+ Learn more at AMI.ca Connect with Accessible Media Inc. online: @AccessibleMedia@AccessibleMediaInc / @AMI-audio@AccessibleMediaInc@AccessibleMediaIncfeedback@ami.ca

A new documentary series on AMI, Get Hooked, is an invitation to explore diverse joy in nature and redefine what it means to fish. We learn more with Co-Creator of the show, Heidi Lynch. #accessibility #assistivetech #podcast #disability #blind #accessibilemedia #KellyCo Find Kelly & Company on YouTube! About AMI AMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca. Find more great AMI Original Content on AMI+ Learn more at AMI.ca Connect with Accessible Media Inc. online: @AccessibleMedia@AccessibleMediaInc / @AMI-audio@AccessibleMediaInc@AccessibleMediaIncfeedback@ami.ca

Do you belong just because you fit in? A thought-provoking question we’ll be exploring shortly with Psychotherapist Fern Lulham. You may be familiar with Oil of Oregano as an anti cold agent, but it actually has a lot of other uses and benefits. We get the scoop with Nutritionist Julia Karantjas. And we check in with Marc Aflalo, he tells us about hockey, his time off and CSUN with Stevey Wonder? #accessibility #assistivetech #podcast #disability #blind #accessibilemedia #KellyCo Find Kelly & Company on YouTube! About AMI AMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca. Find more great AMI Original Content on AMI+ Learn more at AMI.ca Connect with Accessible Media Inc. online: @AccessibleMedia@AccessibleMediaInc / @AMI-audio@AccessibleMediaInc@AccessibleMediaIncfeedback@ami.ca

From the mind of Kelly & Co. host Kelly MacDonald comes a behind-the-scenes look at one of the show’s biggest evolutions—taking it on the road! When Kelly and Company was first being shaped, Kelly had one big request: remotes. Not just sitting in a studio, but actually getting out, meeting people, and bringing the show to the audience. It started with a simple idea, but thanks to John Melville and AMI leadership, that vision became reality. The team hit the road, covering events like the CNIB Expo during White Cane Week in Toronto (2017), followed by stops in Vancouver, Calgary, and Edmonton. These live broadcasts were more than just great radio—they connected Kelly and Company with the very people it was made for. For Kelly, it was a dream come true—standing in front of a crowd, feeling like the broadcaster he always wanted to be. And in the world of audio? It was pure magic. 🎩🎧 Find Kelly & Company on YouTube! About AMI AMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca. Find more great AMI Original Content on AMI+ Learn more at AMI.ca Connect with Accessible Media Inc. online: @AccessibleMedia@AccessibleMediaInc / @AMI-audio@AccessibleMediaInc@AccessibleMediaIncfeedback@ami.ca

On today’s show we get a hefty free dose of brilliant Irish audio drama as Michael Feir discusses the Crazydog Audio Youtube channel. And we get into our Drinking Songs Debate, as we swing into the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day weekend! #accessibility #assistivetech #podcast #disability #blind #accessibilemedia #KellyCo Find Kelly & Company on YouTube! About AMI AMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca. Find more great AMI Original Content on AMI+ Learn more at AMI.ca Connect with Accessible Media Inc. online: @AccessibleMedia@AccessibleMediaInc / @AMI-audio@AccessibleMediaInc@AccessibleMediaIncfeedback@ami.ca

Arts Consultant Christine Malec is here with highlights of special accommodations at live performances, not specific things like audio description, but access like seating or sighted guides. Curious how U.S. tariffs might hike your grocery bill? Culinary expert Mary Mammoliti breaks it down and gives us her top tips for grocery shopping around all of it. The CSUN Assistive Technology Conference is celebrating its 40th anniversary in Anaheim, California. Steven Scott and Shaun Preece from Double Tap are joining us live, with the tech highlights catching their attention. #accessibility #assistivetech #podcast #disability #blind #accessibilemedia #KellyCo Find Kelly & Company on YouTube! About AMI AMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca. Find more great AMI Original Content on AMI+ Learn more at AMI.ca Connect with Accessible Media Inc. online: @AccessibleMedia@AccessibleMediaInc / @AMI-audio@AccessibleMediaInc@AccessibleMediaIncfeedback@ami.ca

One could argue that one of the best times to do a little housekeeping is during the winter months, when we’re already house bound. But it can become a bit overwhelming, especially if you’re someone who likes to hold on to things. Frances Wong is here give us some tips on decluttering this month.Is the customer always right? Kevin Shaw breaks down this age-old business mantra. We explore cases where customers push the limits on whether businesses should always cater to their demands!If you water it, it will grow - Windreach Farm has a new work experience program for people with disabilities called Windsprout, and we learn all about it. #accessibility #assistivetech #podcast #disability #blind #accessibilemedia #KellyCo Find Kelly & Company on YouTube! About AMI AMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca. Find more great AMI Original Content on AMI+ Learn more at AMI.ca Connect with Accessible Media Inc. online: @AccessibleMedia@AccessibleMediaInc / @AMI-audio@AccessibleMediaInc@AccessibleMediaIncfeedback@ami.ca

Pop icon Lady Gaga is breaking new ground with a dance designed to be inclusive for disabled people. Alicia Grace Chenier tells us how. Neurodiversity isn’t a challenge to be fixed, it’s a unique way of experiencing the world. Marco Pasqua shares why embracing neurodiversity is a game-changer for self-expression, creativity, and innovation. #accessibility #assistivetech #podcast #disability #blind #accessibilemedia #KellyCo Find Kelly & Company on YouTube! About AMI AMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca. Find more great AMI Original Content on AMI+ Learn more at AMI.ca Connect with Accessible Media Inc. online: @AccessibleMedia@AccessibleMediaInc / @AMI-audio@AccessibleMediaInc@AccessibleMediaIncfeedback@ami.ca

There always seem to be stories in the news about artificial intelligence, chatbots, and about the regulation of AI. Is it being used in veterinary medicine? If so, what is it being used for? Are there concerns with this? Dr Danielle is going to give us a look at AI and its current role in veterinary medicine. Which eating habits are trendy and which are actually healthy? Nutritionist Julia Karantjas is here with three healthy habits worth our time and attention. Plus, Audio Describer JJ Hunt gets us into the St. Patrick’s Day spirit with descriptive tales of Ireland from his long ago visit to the Emerald Isle. #accessibility #assistivetech #podcast #disability #blind #accessibilemedia #KellyCo Find Kelly & Company on YouTube! About AMI AMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca. Find more great AMI Original Content on AMI+ Learn more at AMI.ca Connect with Accessible Media Inc. online: @AccessibleMedia@AccessibleMediaInc / @AMI-audio@AccessibleMediaInc@AccessibleMediaIncfeedback@ami.ca

From the mind of Kelly & Co. host Kelly MacDonald comes another deep dive into the evolution of the show. When Kelly and Company first aired, its focus was on the low vision and blind community—but as AMI’s mission expanded, so did the show’s approach. Enter Back to Basics, a groundbreaking series that took listeners through the realities of disability, from diagnosis to daily life, employment, recreation, and beyond. Senior producer Matt Agnew sparked the idea—if he had so many questions, surely the audience did too. The result? A multi-year journey of learning, sharing, and amplifying voices from different perspectives. This is a reflection on how Kelly and Company grew into a platform for more than just conversation—it became a place for education, exploration, and community. And looking back? Well, sometimes it’s a challenge to remember it all, but as Kelly says, what matters is we won anyway. 😉 Find Kelly & Company on YouTube! About AMI AMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca. Find more great AMI Original Content on AMI+ Learn more at AMI.ca Connect with Accessible Media Inc. online: @AccessibleMedia@AccessibleMediaInc / @AMI-audio@AccessibleMediaInc@AccessibleMediaIncfeedback@ami.ca

On today’s show, we welcome Bryden Veinot, the senior program coordinator at Vancouver Adapted Music Society (VAMS), and he is here to tell us how they’re breaking the barriers to sound and music for musicians with disabilities. It’s been 25 years since the debut of the reality competition show, Survivor. TV Guy Greg David is here with the Survivor’s humble beginnings, how it inspired a TV genre, and how the disability community has been represented in reality tv over the years. #accessibility #assistivetech #podcast #disability #blind #accessibilemedia #KellyCo Find Kelly & Company on YouTube! About AMI AMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca. Find more great AMI Original Content on AMI+ Learn more at AMI.ca Connect with Accessible Media Inc. online: @AccessibleMedia@AccessibleMediaInc / @AMI-audio@AccessibleMediaInc@AccessibleMediaIncfeedback@ami.ca

On today’s show, we have Arts and Culture contributor Amy Amantea with us to talk about fun St. Patrick’s Day Activities. Rebecca Dingwell is a fan of tabletop role playing gaming, and she’s trying out playing game master. She shares her experience running Brindlewood Bay. #accessibility #assistivetech #podcast #disability #blind #accessibilemedia #KellyCo Find Kelly & Company on YouTube! About AMI AMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca. Find more great AMI Original Content on AMI+ Learn more at AMI.ca Connect with Accessible Media Inc. online: @AccessibleMedia@AccessibleMediaInc / @AMI-audio@AccessibleMediaInc@AccessibleMediaIncfeedback@ami.ca

On this episode, two-time Paralympic snowboarder Sandrine Hemel joins the show to share insights into the ongoing season. She also touches on the last major event of the year happening at Big White in B.C., the importance of competitions one year out from the 2026 Paralympic Games, and the comradery amongst the Canadian Para Snowboard team. Find Kelly & Company on YouTube! About AMI AMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca. Find more great AMI Original Content on AMI+ Learn more at AMI.ca Connect with Accessible Media Inc. online: @AccessibleMedia@AccessibleMediaInc / @AMI-audio@AccessibleMediaInc@AccessibleMediaIncfeedback@ami.ca

A trending article exposes some people’s opinions on Disney movies, Nisreen tells us all about it. Kaileigh Coles is the filmmaker behind Through My Eyes, a docuseries released on Telus Optik TV – and this one hits close to home. We find out about the doc and her journey creating it. #accessibility #assistivetech #podcast #disability #blind #accessibilemedia #KellyCo Find Kelly & Company on YouTube! About AMI AMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca. Find more great AMI Original Content on AMI+ Learn more at AMI.ca Connect with Accessible Media Inc. online: @AccessibleMedia@AccessibleMediaInc / @AMI-audio@AccessibleMediaInc@AccessibleMediaIncfeedback@ami.ca

The emotional ups and downs that come with prepping, going through, and recovering from eye surgery can feel endless. And no matter how ready or hopeful you may feel going into it, medical intervention comes with all kinds of challenges that we just aren’t ready for. Psychotherapist Fern Lulham is here to share how she’s been feeling lately, going through her own journey with a corneal transplant procedure in the U.K. Vitamin D deficiency is a real risk for the average person living in Canada, especially this time of year. Nutritionist Julia Karantjas shares how we can get more of it, even if we don’t go outside enough to absorb the sun. Is your home smart enough yet? Michael Babcock has updates on recent Amazon Alexa capabilities, and the latest comparisons of products from his smart home setup. #accessibility #assistivetech #podcast #disability #blind #accessibilemedia #KellyCo Find Kelly & Company on YouTube! About AMI AMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca. Find more great AMI Original Content on AMI+ Learn more at AMI.ca Connect with Accessible Media Inc. online: @AccessibleMedia@AccessibleMediaInc / @AMI-audio@AccessibleMediaInc@AccessibleMediaIncfeedback@ami.ca

Every great show starts with a spark of inspiration—and for Kelly and Company, that spark came from the incredible contributors who shaped its identity. In this heartfelt reflection, Kelly MacDonald takes us back to the early days of the show, when finding the right voices meant more than just asking—it meant encouraging, mentoring, and sometimes even convincing people of their own potential. One such voice was veterinarian Danielle Jongkind, who wasn’t sure if she belonged behind the mic. But after a single dry run, it was clear—she was a natural. From important pet health reminders (yes, including those ever-persistent ticks) to engaging discussions that balanced insight and fun, Danielle became an essential part of the Kelly and Company family. This is a tribute to the contributors who brought depth, longevity, and joy to the show. Fedora’s off to them—and as Kelly says, there’s always more to tell. Stay tuned. 🎩🎧 Find Kelly & Company on YouTube! About AMI AMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca. Find more great AMI Original Content on AMI+ Learn more at AMI.ca Connect with Accessible Media Inc. online: @AccessibleMedia@AccessibleMediaInc / @AMI-audio@AccessibleMediaInc@AccessibleMediaIncfeedback@ami.ca

Change and Challenge: A Journey through Migration, is an solo tactile art exhibit by award-winning low vision artist Lynda Todd. We learn about the unique exhibit in Bellville, Ontario. Plus, Michael Feir shares his thoughts on Stranded, a new comedy on Audible which strands two best friends on an island and lets the sparks fly. Find Kelly & Company on YouTube! About AMI AMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca. Find more great AMI Original Content on AMI+ Learn more at AMI.ca Connect with Accessible Media Inc. online: @AccessibleMedia@AccessibleMediaInc / @AMI-audio@AccessibleMediaInc@AccessibleMediaIncfeedback@ami.ca