The CUSW Spotlight Podcast
The CUSW Spotlight Podcast
Podcast Description
Welcome to The CUSW Podcast!Your monthly source for all things CUSW!This podcast dives into union members' experiences, stories, and insights while also spotlighting training opportunities, union initiatives, and essential information for skilled workers across Canada.Each episode brings you closer to the people and projects driving CUSW forward, from personal stories and professional development to key topics on workplace safety, mental health, and union advocacy. Hosted by Dan Plexman, this podcast connects you with the voices of CUSW, keeping you informed and engaged.Tune in monthly for new episodes, and don’t forget to share your thoughts and let us know what topics matter most to you!Visit www.cusw.ca to
Learn More About CUSW Stay Informed Get in Touch Get Involved Never Miss an Episode Listen Here 
Listen Anytime, Anywhere! – Find our podcast on all major directories, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and more.
Watch the Podcast on YouTube! – Subscribe and watch full episodes on our official YouTube channel. Watch Here
Music Credits: Music Credits: Original music by Glen MacNeil (lyrics, vocals, guitar) with production by Brad MacNeil.Tune in, stay inspired, and keep shining that CUSW spotlight!
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast focuses on diverse themes including union advocacy, workplace safety, mental health, and the evolution of the skilled trades. Episodes spotlight training opportunities and innovations within the union, such as personal narratives from members and discussions on leadership and the importance of member participation. Examples include episodes on safety initiatives and the role of mentorship in union growth.
Welcome to The CUSW Podcast!
Your monthly source for all things CUSW!
This podcast dives into union members’ experiences, stories, and insights while also spotlighting training opportunities, union initiatives, and essential information for skilled workers across Canada.
Each episode brings you closer to the people and projects driving CUSW forward, from personal stories and professional development to key topics on workplace safety, mental health, and union advocacy.
Hosted by Dan Plexman, this podcast connects you with the voices of CUSW, keeping you informed and engaged.
Tune in monthly for new episodes, and don’t forget to share your thoughts and let us know what topics matter most to you!
Visit www.cusw.ca to
Learn More About CUSW
Stay Informed
Get in Touch
Get Involved
Never Miss an Episode Listen Here
Listen Anytime, Anywhere! – Find our podcast on all major directories, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and more.
Watch the Podcast on YouTube! – Subscribe and watch full episodes on our official YouTube channel. Watch Here
Music Credits: Music Credits: Original music by Glen MacNeil (lyrics, vocals, guitar) with production by Brad MacNeil.
Tune in, stay inspired, and keep shining that CUSW spotlight!
𝗜𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗲𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲, 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗢𝘄𝗲𝗻 𝗝𝗼𝗵𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗻.
Owen is CUSW’s Recruitment Lead and a man whose career path is as diverse as it is inspiring.
From earning a Social Work degree and working in street outreach for Toronto’s Indigenous community, to scaffolding, parts management, and safety leadership at Bruce Power, Owen has brought compassion, resilience, and adaptability to every role he's taken on.
He’s also a Pro Board Certified Fire Fighter and Live Fire Instructor, a volunteer fire fighter and a contract employee at Georgian College as a live fire instructor in their Marine program. He serves on the boards of both the Saugeen Sparks Training Centre and Indigenous Skills Employment Apprenticeship and Development Canada. (ISEAD)
Owen shares how he was introduced to CUSW. This journey led him to his current recruitment role and his ongoing mission to build pathways into the trades for youth, second-career workers, and Indigenous communities.
Host Dan and Owen discuss how cultural respect, mentorship, and safety are foundational to union life, and they emphasize that these values start at home. This episode is a testament to lived experience, lifelong learning, and working together to build a better future.
One of Owen’s shining moments has been sharing his Indigenous culture through sweat lodge ceremonies with fellow CUSW members. The next sweat lodge ceremony will be held on August 30, 2025. If you’re interested in learning more or participating, Owen invites you to reach out to the Indigenous Engagement ie@cusw.ca.
As we approach National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21, communities across Canada will be hosting events to celebrate the heritage, strength, and culture of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. Check the link below for more information.
https://www.cusw.ca/-/national-indigenous-peoples-day?redirect=%2Fnews
If you have any questions or want to connect with Owen, email him directly at ojohnston@cusw.ca and if you have a story to share, want to suggest a guest, or have a topic you'd like to hear on the CUSW Spotlight Podcast, feel free to reach out to us at podcast@cusw.ca. We’d love to hear from you!
Learn More About CUSW
Discover who we are and what we stand for: CUSW – Who We Are
Stay Informed
Get the latest news and updates: CUSW News
Get in Touch
Need to contact CUSW? Find out how: CUSW Contact Page
Get Involved
Explore opportunities to participate and make a difference: CUSW Participation Model
Never Miss an Episode
Catch up on all our podcast episodes here: Listen Here
Listen Anytime, Anywhere! – Find our podcast on all major directories, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and more.
Watch the Podcast on YouTube! – Subscribe and watch full episodes on our official YouTube channel.Watch Here
Music Credits:Music Credits: Original music by Glen MacNeil (lyrics, vocals, guitar) with production by Brad MacNeil.
Tune in, stay inspired, and keep shining that CUSW spotlight!
Disclaimer
This podcast’s information is provided for general reference and was obtained from publicly accessible sources. The Podcast Collaborative neither produces nor verifies the content, accuracy, or suitability of this podcast. Views and opinions belong solely to the podcast creators and guests.
For a complete disclaimer, please see our Full Disclaimer on the archive page. The Podcast Collaborative bears no responsibility for the podcast’s themes, language, or overall content. Listener discretion is advised. Read our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy for more details.