With curiosity, compassion, and a deep respect for lived experience, Rachel Thexton brings authentic connection to the forefront through her podcast, Rachel Thexton Connects. Since launching in January 2023, the show has become a thoughtful space for open dialogue on mental health, substance use, ADHD, education, and diverse lived experiences across Canada.
What is your channel called and what is it about?
My podcast is called Rachel Thexton Connects. I welcome guests from the media and digital leader space—vital conduits of information, leading experts on timely topics such as mental health, substance use, ADHD, and education, and diverse Canadians who can teach and share perspectives we may not have considered. Welcoming Indigenous guests, from various Nations, to share vital knowledge is important to me as well.
When did you start it?
What motivated you at the beginning? I started the podcast in January 2023. I wanted to provide a platform to under-represented voices, and break down stereotypes and stigmas associated with mental health and substance use challenges as I have my own lived experience and know the pain of judgment, I wanted to build bridges, share facts from thought leaders, find common ground, and encourage people to think from different perspectives, while creating change in how people see those who are different, leaving judgment behind.
Who were you inspired by? Any influences?
Brave advocates, including Guy Felicella and podcast and TV show host, and Mo Amir, who is a BC pioneer in the podcast space.
How would you describe your audience?
My audience is primarily professionals of all kinds and ages, an equal number of men and women, and people who are open to learning and hearing the answers to questions that others may not ask—my listeners want to dig deeper to get to know guests and their perspectives.
What is your creative process? Do you have people who work with you?
My amazing producer is my husband, Angel Araujo, who encouraged me to start the podcast when I was incredibly nervous to do so. Angel does all of the technical work and production/creation of the podcast. My process is finding a variety of guests and presenting them with questions they have not been asked before—getting to know them as well as their experience and expertise.
How do you monetize your content? Do you also have another job?
The podcast has started to grow substantially this year, and we are close to monetizing, but this is primarily a passion project that is from my heart. I own a PR business as a source of income,
What is your favourite piece of content you have created?
My episode with a brave, strong, and kind mother who lost her son to drugs and was generous enough to share her story with me. She has become a friend, and I respect her very much. This episode is from season #1, before we changed to a visual podcast. Check here.
What is the best part about what you do? What is the worst part?
The best part is connecting with many fantastic humans and having the privilege of hearing their stories and learning from their knowledge. The hardest part is putting my questions together to ensure I can ask questions that are meaningful—I work hard to do this.
What are your future plans for your channel?
We would like to have more in-person episodes where guests can connect face-to-face. We would also like to speak with more “everyday Canadians” who may not be well known but have stories to tell that are meaningful.
Where can we follow you?
Podcast | YouTube | Instagram | Website
PAY IT FORWARD: What is another Canadian content creator that you love?
Raj Thandi of @PinkChai as she presents such beautiful content with a South Asian flair while truly investing time and heart into her lifestyle, cooking, and BC-related content. I love learning from her and her beautiful content.
