Today I ask University Students what their biggest fears are and what they would do if they could never fail.

Lots of thoughtful answers from different walks of life on campus.

I hope you guys learn a lot from all these beautiful people.

I think to grow we must face our fears and in it is where we grow. Fear makes us human and we can use it to our advantage to be comfortable being uncomfortable

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Jesse Watson is a former City of Edmonton real estate supervisor, small-business owner, and committed community advocate whose deep understanding of municipal systems and passion for civic engagement have made him a recognizable voice in local conversations about how Edmonton should grow, function, and take care of its people. His work continues to challenge the status quo by pushing for transparency, accountability, and a renewed focus on community-driven change across the city.

When it comes to community building, Jesse believes the biggest barriers today come from red tape and bureaucratic processes that have replaced the simplicity of grassroots initiative. What used to be straightforward, like fundraising for a playground and building it together. Now involves approvals, RFPs, insurance requirements, and complex contracts that discourage community-led projects. He argues that residents and local businesses have increasingly stepped into roles the city once held, from addressing housing encampments to organizing safety patrols, creating a necessity for stronger partnerships at the neighbourhood level. In his view, removing unnecessary barriers and offering practical tools, like simplified permits, ready-to-use toolkits, and clear emergency response plans, would empower communities to bring people together more effectively.

On government accountability, Jesse emphasizes that rebuilding trust starts with the basics: transparent, dynamic dashboards that clearly show how public dollars are being spent. If residents can’t trust foundational reporting, he argues, it becomes impossible to trust higher-level decisions. He believes citizens must challenge the status quo instead of becoming apathetic or fearful, engaging in civic processes beyond the ballot box. From his experience inside city operations, accountability often slips around timelines, costs, and decision-making, reinforcing the need for more honest communication and structural reform.

When discussing history and heritage, Jesse insists that Edmonton’s identity is one of its most valuable assets. He notes that people travel the world to experience culture, so abandoning our own makes little sense. He believes modern development can coexist with heritage preservation when change is human-centered and contextual rather than driven purely by scale or profit. Not all neighbourhoods require drastic redevelopment, and many can evolve while still honouring what makes them meaningful. For him, places like Rossdale tell some of the city’s most powerful stories. rooted in Indigenous history, early settlement, and the layered identity Edmonton continues to build.

In conclusion, Jesse’s perspective ties together a clear message: Edmonton thrives when communities are empowered, government is transparent, and our history is treated as a foundation rather than an obstacle. His commitment to accountability, connection, and cultural preservation reflects a belief that meaningful change happens when everyday people are given the tools and the permission, to shape the city they call home.

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Making friends can be really tough these days. It seems that many people in this generation struggle with finding friends.

Today I ask University students at the University of Alberta how they make friends and how to deal with the haters.

I think the meaning of life is in the connections that we make. It is super duper important that we do not neglect finding people that we can grow together with.

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I went to the Edmonton Legislature to speak with protesters about Alberta’s use of the Notwithstanding Clause and Bill 9. I asked people why they showed up, what they think about the government’s decision, and how these changes are affecting trans individuals, families, and allies.

This video captures unfiltered reactions, personal stories, and the voices of those directly impacted. My goal is to give space to the people on the ground and help viewers understand what this moment means for the trans community in Alberta.

If you found this valuable, consider liking, commenting your perspective, and subscribing for more on-the-ground conversations.

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Ani Akpanusoh is a creative force in Edmonton whose world blends photography, directing, research, and a genuine love for sports. His approach to storytelling is grounded in emotion, observation, and lived experience, making his work feel both visually striking and deeply human. Whether he’s behind the lens, watching a game, or studying the world with a researcher’s curiosity, Ani brings a thoughtful, intentional perspective to everything he creates.

Ani’s passion for narrative-driven visuals comes from his belief that a single frame can communicate emotion more powerfully than words ever could. He approaches storytelling by paying close attention to colour, environment, message, and fashion, using aesthetic beauty as a gateway to deeper emotional truth. In his process, visuals become a bridge between what the audience sees and what they feel. He also embraces flexibility as shown in his University of Alberta basketball project, where a planned dual-perspective idea evolved into a tighter, more authentic player-focused narrative. That experience taught him that letting a story change can transform a good idea into a compelling one.

Ani’s love for sports and people comes from seeing how both worlds demand discipline, focus, and balance. He believes athletes and creatives share the same need for consistency and self-awareness, you always know when you’ve slipped, and that pushes you to improve. When he captures sports, he isn’t after the highlight reel; he’s after the human heartbeat underneath it. He looks for the quiet moments, the subtle interactions, and the energy that connects players, coaches, and fans. To him, sports reveal character, unity, and the raw emotion that inspires many of his visual stories. the parts of humanity that remind us why we show up for each other.

Ani’s creative process begins with small sparks from everyday life gestures, feelings, moments that linger. Music and film heavily influence his tone and rhythm, while mood boards and research help shape his direction. Over time, he’s grown from drawing inspiration primarily from art to drawing it from experiences and the way he moves through the world. He believes every creative should sharpen both technical and interpersonal skills: mastering light, camera work, and editing, while also learning to listen, collaborate, and communicate ideas clearly. His GB Cuts experiments taught him the value of documenting progress and creating with whatever tools you have. And when burnout hits, Ani grounds himself in rest, conversation, new experiences, and hobbies like ultimate frisbee and the gym, giving himself the space to return refreshed and inspired.

In conclusion, Ani Akpanusoh’s journey is shaped by emotion, curiosity, community, and a deep respect for the stories that unfold around us. His work proves that creativity thrives when you stay flexible, disciplined, and connected to the people and moments that move you. Through visuals, sports, and thoughtful processes, Ani continues to craft stories that make us feel something real and remind us why creativity matters.

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Episode 26- Long Term Candid Interviews(LTCI)

Today I asked University students about philosophy. I asked them:

1- What's the meaning of life?

2- Are you happy or content?

3- Is full fulfillment attainable?

There were a great deal of amazing answers from all walks of life amongst the students. Some say there is no meaning. Some say it is in the connections we make and more!

I think life is amazing and everyone can find meaning even if that meaning is having no meaning. At the end of the day if you add value to this world then why does it matter how you go about your own philosophy?

Remember you are never alone and you are loved.

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Today's topic is philosophy, specifically about death and purpose.

I asked people:

1- What would you do if you had one week to live?

2-Why people act like they live forever ?

3- Do you tell your loved ones you love them enough?

There were many beautiful answers from all walks of life. We all live our lives differently and there is so much meaning.

Death comes to all of us, so we must make the best out of it. At the end of it all what really matters? We get so caught up in the little things that we forget about family and friends.

I believe the meaning of life is the connections we make. Tell your family and friends how much you love them right now.

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I went on the Royal Caribbean cruise vacation and asked Americans how they can afford such a luxurious vacation.

I asked:

1- What do you do for a living?

2-How much do you make per year?

3- How can you afford a cruise?

There were different people from different backgrounds. There were some heavy hitters, very hard working individuals. A lot of them are enjoying the fruits of their labour.

I am incredibly thankful for the walks of life that agreed to be apart of the interview. Such a beautiful experience. I hope you can all afford a cruise vacation one of these days.

God Bless!

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