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Dementia is serious.
We don't always have to be.

Real stories. Uncomfortable conversations. A little humour. And a whole lot of humanity.

Welcome to blueBell Village, home of The Dementia Collective. We're bringing together the people, perspectives, and conversations changing how we understand dementia.

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From the stage to the screen, we bring meaningful conversations, fresh perspectives, and powerful stories to audiences everywhere.

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01 / Speaking

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From dementia advocacy and caregiving to Indigenous entrepreneurship, leadership, and innovation, Andrew brings lived experience, professional expertise, and a little humour to the stage.

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Connect with audiences through authentic storytelling, sponsored content, educational videos, and creative collaborations. We work with organizations to bring meaningful stories to life.

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03 / Advisory

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Drawing on experience in Indigenous entrepreneurship, healthcare innovation, and business strategy, Andrew provides research-informed perspectives to help organizations navigate complex challenges at the intersection of business, health, and community.

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Proudly Hosting The Dementia Collective Podcast!

What if learning about dementia started before a family ever had to face it? In this episode, Andrew Karesa sits down with Maura Jahangiri, Miss Canada 2026, psychology graduate, and dementia advocate, to explore why she believes dementia education should begin with children and how her own experience with her grandfather changed the direction of her life. Maura was around 16 when her grandfather, one of her closest friends and biggest role models, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Having grown up with little understanding of dementia beyond memory loss, she remembers how frightening it was to watch his behaviour change and eventually see him move into long-term care. Together, Andrew and Maura explore what it means to truly be present for someone living with dementia, why people should never be spoken to like children, and how simple things like conversation, music, games, and familiar faces can make a meaningful difference. Maura also shares her goal as Miss Canada 2026: bringing dementia education into elementary schools. She explains why she believes introducing children to dementia earlier could reduce fear and stigma, help families navigate a future diagnosis, and encourage a new generation to become involved in dementia care. In this episode: * How Maura’s grandfather’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis shaped her advocacy * What it was like experiencing dementia as a teenager * The difficult decision to move her grandfather into long-term care * Why she started working with people living with dementia * What “The Power of Presence” means in dementia care * Why people living with dementia should never be treated like children * What she has learned working in memory care and assisted living * How music and meaningful activities can reach people living with dementia * Why burnout and understaffing can affect the quality of care * Maura’s push to bring dementia education into elementary schools * How Miss Canada has given her a platform to advocate for change * What dignity, autonomy, and respect should look like in dementia care This is a conversation about dementia, family, grief, education, dignity, and the power that simply showing up can have in another person’s life. Learn more at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.bluebellvillage.ca⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.instagram.com/powerofpresence_/ ——— Join The Village and help shape conversations like this by submitting questions to our guests: https://www.patreon.com/cw/blueBellVillage ——— 00:00 Introduction to Miss Canada Maura Jahangiri 02:00 Maura's plan to incorporate dementia education into elementary schools 04:04 Personal story: Her grandfather's dementia diagnosis and its impact 06:58 How education can reduce stigma and change perceptions 09:55 The importance of early exposure to dementia for children 14:38 Maura's journey from volunteering to Miss Canada 17:41 Building relationships with residents and the power of presence 22:41 Handling challenging behaviors with empathy and understanding 27:31 Engaging youth and community in dementia awareness 32:20 Advocacy efforts with education authorities and future plans 36:59 Lightning Round ——— This episode is brought to you by Eugeria. Check out their website for dementia products you can trust. ——— Disclaimer: This podcast is for general information only, not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare provider about your health. In an emergency, contact local emergency services. Guests’ views are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Andrew Karesa or blueBell Village Ltd. Third-party references are for information only, not endorsements. You use this podcast at your own risk. Andrew Karesa, blueBell Village Ltd., and their team are not liable for any loss, injury, or damage arising from its use. 52:17
YouTube Video UExxYWcwUU01bW5IaEN3dFNkQ21kOUFFTE1FYUtYSHM2SC4wODYyNTAzNjE1Qzk4MUQ2

Miss Canada Wants Dementia Taught in Schools (with Maura Jahangiri) | EP54

What happens when someone who has spent his life rescuing people faces something he cannot rescue his own mum from? In this episode, Andrew Karesa sits down with Andrew “Reidy” Reid, longtime Bondi Rescue lifeguard, endurance athlete and dementia advocate, for an incredibly open conversation about lifeguarding, family, caregiving, grief, endurance sport, and his mum Trish’s journey with dementia. Reidy has spent more than 20 years as a lifeguard, becoming one of the familiar faces of Bondi Rescue. He has also completed more than 50 marathons, competed in Ironman triathlons, and even holds a Guinness World Record for running a marathon carrying a surfboard. But years before dementia became part of his own family, Reidy had already started using that endurance background to support dementia research through the 155-kilometre Bondi2Berry ride. Then his mum, Trish, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia. Reidy speaks candidly about watching his relationship with his mum change, stepping into a caregiving role, navigating difficult family dynamics, and eventually seeing his mum move into a nursing home. He describes the complicated grief of mourning someone who is still alive and the difficulty of leaving after a visit when his mum asks why she cannot come home with him. He also reflects on the things dementia has not taken away. Trish still remembers the words to the Elvis songs she played for her children growing up, and Reidy shares how music, old memories, family videos, puzzles and time with his children can still create moments of connection. The conversation also explores Reidy’s life beyond dementia, from growing up around Bondi and becoming a lifeguard to the beginnings of Bondi Rescue, extraordinary rescues, more than 50 marathons, Ironman racing, his 2:49 marathon, and the unlikely story behind his Guinness World Record marathon carrying a surfboard. In this episode: * Growing up around Bondi and how Reidy became a lifeguard * The real-life rescues behind Bondi Rescue * What more than 20 years of lifeguarding has taught him about patience and caregiving * Why Reidy started supporting dementia research before his mum was diagnosed * Trish’s early signs of dementia and eventual diagnosis * What it feels like to mourn someone who is still alive * The emotional difficulty of visiting a parent living in a nursing home * Navigating caregiving and complicated family relationships * Why music can still bring moments of connection with his mum * The memories of Trish that Reidy never wants to lose * Why running has become one of his most important coping mechanisms * More than 50 marathons, Ironman and breaking three hours in the marathon * The wild story behind running a 3:17 marathon carrying a surfboard * Bondi2Berry and raising money for dementia research * What Reidy wants other families navigating dementia and grief to know This is a conversation about much more than Bondi Rescue. It is about what happens when the person accustomed to being the rescuer becomes a son trying to navigate something he cannot fix. And through all of it, Reidy offers a simple message to other families living through dementia: be kind to yourself. You are navigating grief and doing the best you can. ——— Join The Village and help shape conversations like this by submitting questions to our guests: https://www.patreon.com/cw/blueBellVillage ——— 00:00 Introduction to Andrew "Reidy" Reid 02:35 Lessons learned from lifeguarding: Patience and calmness 03:55 Reconnecting with people saved at Bondi Beach 05:33 A memorable rescue and reflection on mistakes 09:38 Bondi2Berry 17:19 Life growing up 19:12 Becoming a Bondi lifeguard 21:09 Andrew’s personal struggles and resilience 25:36 Andrew’s childhood, early life, and career path 26:37 Experiences with his mother’s dementia and caregiving challenges 35:39 Bringing children to visit the nursing home 39:43 Taking mum out for quality time 41:46 The importance of documenting family stories 50:40 First signs of dementia 01:00:56 Reflections on life, loss, and hope 01:05:32 World record race 01:12:43 IRONMAN Triathlons 01:22:47 Lightning Round 01:36:35 Bondi terrorist attack ——— This episode is brought to you by Eugeria. Check out their website for dementia products you can trust. ——— Disclaimer: This podcast is for general information only, not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare provider about your health. In an emergency, contact local emergency services. Guests’ views are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Andrew Karesa or blueBell Village Ltd. Third-party references are for information only, not endorsements. You use this podcast at your own risk. Andrew Karesa, blueBell Village Ltd., and their team are not liable for any loss, injury, or damage arising from its use. 1:44:06
YouTube Video UExxYWcwUU01bW5IaEN3dFNkQ21kOUFFTE1FYUtYSHM2SC4xNEMzREYwQzc3REUwNDY0

The Bondi Lifeguard Taking on Dementia (with Andrew “Reidy” Reid) | EP53

What does it actually mean to build with older adults, rather than simply for them? In this special episode of The Dementia Collective, Andrew Karesa sits down with seven guests at the Silver Tech Summit 2.0 in Edmonton to explore what aging well really looks like, who gets a say in shaping that future, and why older adults need to be part of the conversation. Across seven conversations, the discussion moves from technology to care, community, entrepreneurship, research, loneliness, Indigenous perspectives, and the importance of actually listening to the people we are designing for. Featuring: * Darlene Schindel, Founder, NurseWell Collective * Dr. Martin Ferguson-Pell, Professor, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta * Janice Baskin, Manager, Edmonton Regional Innovation Network * Karen Murdock, Founder, Silver Longevity Business Association * Jay Pritchard, President, WE Seniors * Zoran Kovacevic, entrepreneur and founder of Pace * Chief Billy Morin, Member of Parliament for Edmonton Northwest, former Chief of Enoch Cree Nation, and Indigenous Services Critic In this episode: * What “Build With Us, Not For Us” actually means * Why older adults need a voice in the technologies and services created for them * Why care is about more than technology * Loneliness, isolation, and rebuilding community * Turning research and innovation into real-world solutions * Entrepreneurship and designing alongside the people you serve * Indigenous entrepreneurship and culturally appropriate care for Elders * Rethinking how we define and measure successful aging This is a conversation about agency, dignity, community, independence, and who gets a seat at the table when we decide what aging well should look like. This special episode was filmed at and produced in conjunction with the Silver Tech Summit 2.0, hosted by WE Seniors in Edmonton, Alberta. Learn more at: https://www.bluebellvillage.ca ——— Join The Village and help shape conversations like this by submitting questions to our guests: https://www.patreon.com/cw/blueBellVillage ——— 00:00 Introduction to the Silver Tech Summit 00:47 Introduction to Darlene Schindel 06:14 The Language of Caregiving 12:23 Personal Experiences in Nursing 20:30 Embracing Technology in Senior Care 28:37 Building Together: The Meaning Behind the Slogan 32:23 Introduction to Dr. Martin Ferguson-Pell 35:43 The fluid mechanics of urination 38:10 Research Impact on Aging and Disabilities 44:13 Challenges in Commercializing Innovations 47:12 Why university research is often not brought to market 54:23 Introduction to Janice Baskin 01:00:04 Edmonton Regional Innovation Network Overview 01:02:49 Entrepreneurship defined 01:05:54 Community Needs and Innovation 01:12:30 Commercialization Challenges in Innovation 01:20:51 Building with Users in Mind 01:24:38 Introduction to Karen Murdock 01:29:20 Building Community and Trust in Technology 01:37:35 Empowering Seniors: Stories of Inspiration 01:44:25 Creating Solutions for Seniors 01:51:22 Empowering Seniors to Share Their Needs 01:52:14 Introduction to Jay Pritchard 01:57:19 Humor and Connection in Senior Care 02:03:03 Strategies for Identifying Isolated Seniors 02:08:37 Building Technology with Seniors in Mind 02:12:32 Introduction to Zoran Kovacevic 02:17:27 Life on a Cruise Ship 02:23:46 Lessons from Law School and Personal Growth 02:29:02 Introducing PacePet: The AI Companion 02:34:37 Integrating Senior Feedback into Product Development 02:38:26 Introduction to Chief Billy Morin 02:41:16 Billy Morin's Background and Political Journey 02:44:16 Leadership Philosophy and Fiscal Responsibility 02:47:13 Infrastructure Development and Community Trust 02:48:37 Indigenous Knowledge and Elder Reverence 02:50:36 Cultural Values and Community Dynamics 02:51:42 Technology and Community Design 02:53:25 Entrepreneurship in Indigenous Communities 02:54:52 Balancing Community Development and Entrepreneurial Influence 02:56:07 Attracting Talent to Indigenous Communities 02:57:31 Navigating Allyship and Community Needs 02:59:21 The Importance of Ceremony and Tradition 03:00:49 Creating Urban Reserves for Indigenous Innovation 03:03:23 Building Community Spaces for Indigenous Identity 03:05:58 Indigenous Entrepreneurs in Education and Health 03:08:09 Redefining Success in Indigenous Services 03:10:01 The Role of Traditional Knowledge in Modern Solutions 03:10:56 The Haunting Absence of Indigenous Language and Culture ——— Disclaimer: This podcast is for general information only, not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare provider about your health. In an emergency, contact local emergency services. Guests’ views are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Andrew Karesa or blueBell Village Ltd. Third-party references are for information only, not endorsements. You use this podcast at your own risk. Andrew Karesa, blueBell Village Ltd., and their team are not liable for any loss, injury, or damage arising from its use 3:14:05
YouTube Video UExxYWcwUU01bW5IaEN3dFNkQ21kOUFFTE1FYUtYSHM2SC5CNTRCQzEzRUU4Mzc4OUIw

Build With Us Not For Us: What Aging Well Really Looks Like | LIVE from the Silver Tech Summit

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From powerful personal experiences to conversations that challenge the status quo, The Dementia Collective brings you stories and perspectives you won't always hear elsewhere.

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What Our Community Is Saying

Real feedback from the people watching, listening, and joining the conversation.

★★★★★

“Andrew talks with caregivers, clinicians and advocates about dementia without dressing it up. Great listen for anyone caring for a parent or spouse and short on real answers.”

Jerry M. Brown
Apple Podcasts | 5-Star Review
★★★★★

“Great podcast. It is both informative and entertaining. The lightning round is my favourite part as it gives me a bit of insight into the behind the scenes of some people I only see on instagram.”

Chad Coe
Apple Podcasts | 5-Star Review

“Thank you so much for proving these helpful videos in efforts to raise awareness and to bring meaning to the lives of those who were sadly affected by the changes from Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia.”

Karen Tyrell
Dementia Solutions | YouTube Comment

“Love what you’re doing. Sharing these stories is so helpful!”

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“Really insightful Andrew! Thanks!”

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