Play, Power & Public Art: Reimagining Toronto with Olivia Ansell of Luminato Festival

Play, Power & Public Art: Reimagining Toronto with Olivia Ansell of Luminato Festival

Toronto’s cultural identity is constantly evolving — and Luminato Festival [https://www.luminatofestival.com/festival-calendar] is one of the biggest forces shaping how we experience the city. On this episode of Table 6ix, we sit down to explore how public art, storytelling, and community-driven experiences help build civic pride, spark creativity, and make culture more accessible for everyone. From the meaning behind this year’s festival theme of “play” to the return of iconic installations like the Red Ball Project [https://www.luminatofestival.com/red-ball], the conversation dives into why public art matters, how festivals can bring people together during uncertain times, and the responsibility cultural institutions have in creating more inclusive narratives across Toronto. We unpack the power of nostalgia, the role of equity in storytelling, and what 20 years of public art reveals about the evolution of Toronto itself — while reflecting on how creativity, imagination, and “play” show up in everyday life. We also talk about: * Why festivals are essential to building civic pride and shaping Toronto’s identity * The importance of “play” for creativity, wellness, and human connection * How public art makes culture more accessible across communities * The role of storytelling and representation in modern cultural programming * Why nostalgia and iconic art installations continue to resonate with audiences * How Toronto has evolved culturally over the last 20 years * The balance between artistic vision and creating experiences for everyone * What it takes to keep a major cultural festival fresh, relevant, and community-driven Whether you’re passionate about Toronto’s arts scene, city-building, culture, or the future of public spaces, this episode offers a thoughtful look at how communities connect through shared experiences. Check out Luminato Festival starting June 3 - June 28 and ✨ follow on Instagram at @luminatofestival https://www.luminatofestival.com/festival-guide [https://www.luminatofestival.com/festival-guide]  https://www.luminatofestival.com/access-program [https://www.luminatofestival.com/access-program]  Want more content from the table? Check out our socials:  ✨ Follow on Instagram at @table6ixpodcast  ✨ Follow on TikTok at @table6ix.podcast  🏆 Table 6ix is brought to you by the Toronto Downtown West BIA. For more information, visit: www.YourExperienceAwaits.ca

James Roque on Filipino Culture, Global Comedy & Finding Your Voice

What does cultural identity really mean today — beyond borders, labels, or expectations? In this special Asian Heritage Month episode of Table 6ix, hosts Tiana Jayatunga and Dana Duncanson sit down with James Roque, whose work and perspective are shaping conversations around culture, comedy, and representation. ➡️ Featuring: James Roque — Comedian, Writer, PerformerTogether, they explore the positive influence and cultural richness of Filipino heritage, unpacking how identity, humour, and lived experience shape both personal and creative journeys — and why these conversations matter now more than ever. The conversation dives into the pivotal moments that shaped James’ path from New Zealand to Toronto, the realities of navigating the global comedy scene, and how storytelling and humour can both challenge perspectives and bring people together. ➡️ From stand-up stages in Toronto to international audiences on his Mano Po world tour, this episode highlights the impact of Filipino culture in shaping how we see ourselves and connect across communities. ➡️ We also talk about: • What cultural identity really means today • Navigating global audiences, cultural nuance, and storytelling • Pivotal moments that shape creative journeys • The role of comedy in culture and social commentary • Representation in media, film, and live performance • Creating space for Filipino voices on a global stage Check out James on tour this year by going to his website for all tour dates and tickets: https://www.jamesroque.com/ and ✨ follow on Instagram at @jamesroquecomedy Want more content from the table? Check out our socials: ✨ Follow on Instagram at @table6ixpodcast ✨ Follow on TikTok at @table6ix.podcast 🏆 Table 6ix is brought to you by the Toronto Downtown West BIA. For more information, visit: www.YourExperienceAwaits.ca

International Women’s Day Special: The Women Defining Toronto’s Voice, Leadership & Future

What does leadership really mean today — beyond title, authority, or position?In this special International Women’s Day episode of Table 6ix, hosts Tiana Jayatunga and Dana Duncanson sit down with three remarkable women whose work influences how our cities, institutions, and public conversations evolve.➡️ Featuring:• Maya Kane — Executive Director, Communications, Marketing, Brand & Research, CBC/Radio-Canada • Sarah Turney — Partner & Litigator, Fasken | Board Member, Downtown West BIA • Veronica Maggisano — Vice President of Development, Oxford Properties GroupTogether, they explore how women in senior leadership shape public narratives, civic systems, and the built environment — and why responsible influence matters now more than ever.The conversation dives into the pivotal career moments that shaped their leadership journeys, how they navigate pressure and public visibility, and how leaders can create environments where more women feel empowered to grow and take up space. ➡️ From media and law to city building and community leadership, this episode highlights the real impact women are having in shaping the future of our communities across Toronto and beyond.➡️ We also talk about:• What leadership really means today• Navigating pressure, responsibility, and visibility as a leader• Pivotal moments that shape leadership journeys• How media, law, and development influence cities and culture• The importance of representation in decision-making spaces• Creating opportunities for the next generation of women leadersWant more content from the table? Check out our socials: ✨ Follow on Instagram at @table6ixpodcast ✨ Follow on TikTok at @table6ix.podcast 🏆 Table 6ix is brought to you by the Toronto Downtown West BIA. For more information, visit: www.YourExperienceAwaits.ca

Unfiltered & Unstoppable: BEAR Steak’s Rise to Success with Aki Erenberg and Ricky Barrientos

In this inspiring episode of Table 6ix, hosts Tiana Atapattu Jayatunga and Dana Duncanson sit down with Aki Erenberg and Ricky Barrientos, the founders behind one of Toronto’s most talked-about food success stories: BEAR Steak Sandwiches. From a mother’s backyard during the Covid-19 lockdowns to becoming a Little Italy staple with a recently opened second location at The Well, Aki and Ricky share the grit, heart, and hustle behind their rise.This conversation dives into the power of community, the unseen intensity of building a food business from scratch and how documenting their journey through their YouTube docuseries The Backyard Boys is shaping the next chapter of their growth. Listeners will walk away inspired by their cultural influences, resilience through adversity, and their unshakable belief in bringing great food — and even greater storytelling — to Toronto.We also talk about:• The moment Aki & Ricky realized their backyard pop-up could become a full-scale Toronto restaurant success story.• What early chaos looked like — from long nights to juggling multiple jobs — and the lessons that stayed with them.• How their multicultural backgrounds influence their flavours, identity, and pride as POC founders.• The role community — both online and IRL — played in turning their sandwich into a citywide phenomenon.• What audiences can expect from The Backyard Boys docuseries, including behind-the-scenes stories and raw moments of self-reflection.• Their bold vision for the future, including their new location at The Well and what success looks like five years from now.Follow BEAR Steak Sandwiches on Instagram @bearsteaksandwiches and @thebackyardboysshow for the latest updates.Watch all episodes of The Backyard Boys Docuseries on YouTube @TheBackyardBoys-AkiRicky before or after you head over to The Well to try a sandwich yourself!Want more content from the table? Check out our socials: ✨ Follow on Instagram at @table6ixpodcast ✨ Follow on TikTok at @table6ix.podcast 🏆 Table 6ix is brought to you by the Toronto Downtown West BIA. For more information, visit: www.YourExperienceAwaits.ca

Breathing Easy, Staying Grounded and Integrating Your Wellness Plan With Gio Bartolomeo

Ever find that you can’t seem to catch your breath? You may not even realize that you are holding it or that your shoulders are tense because you are busy at school or working or taking care of others. We sat down with transformational wellness educator, breath work facilitator, and entrepreneur Gio Bartholomeo to learn about the impact breath work can have on our professional and personal lives. It is an effective and easy aspect to integrate into a wellness plan and the most underrated! We talk about reducing stress, unlocking emotional regulation, and reconnecting with the body through the breath as well as Gio’s start working with Wim Hof, The Iceman and the integration of other wellness practices like cold exposure, saunas, sleep and more. Keep an eye out for the Mobility House Spotlight where show host, Tiana experiences a consultation and therapy treatment first-hand – the variety of treatments offered by such an experienced team downtown Toronto will reinvigorate and support your wellness plans all year long.  We also talk about: - How you could be breathing wrong right now & how to fix it - How Toronto compares to other cities when it comes to wellness  - Examples of different types of breathwork  - Why breathwork is the secret tool that leaders utilize for high performance - How the integration of breathwork with treatments from Mobility House will maximise your wellness plan  - Practical tips and guidance to get started Follow Gio Bartholomeo at @elementalgio & @elementalrhythm for free courses, content and more! Follow Mobility House at @mobility_house - Your Home For All Things Wellness. 💪🏾 🚨 Discount code (6ix15) for 15% off all services Want more content from the table? Check out our socials:  ✨ Follow on Instagram at @table6ixpodcast  ✨ Follow on TikTok at @table6ix.podcast  🏆 Table 6ix is brought to you by the Toronto Downtown West BIA. For more information, visit: www.YourExperienceAwaits.ca