The Big Ideas Podcast

The Rotary Club of West Ottawa is proud to present the Big Ideas Podcast, produced by Hugh Williams and hosted by Bachir Bastien. Each episode asks a community leader one powerful question: What’s your Big Idea for creating positive change?

Our guests include entrepreneurs, educators, nonprofit champions, and civic leaders who are shaping the future of Ottawa. Through thoughtful conversation, they share their insights, challenges, and dreams—offering listeners a unique window into how bold thinking can inspire real solutions.

With warmth and curiosity, host Bachir draws out authentic stories that connect ideas with action. Each episode highlights practical steps and fresh perspectives on issues that matter: youth empowerment, literacy, innovation, inclusion, and community well-being.

The result is a podcast that doesn’t just inform—it sparks positive change. Whether you’re a student, professional, or volunteer, you’ll leave each episode motivated to think bigger and contribute to a stronger, more vibrant community.

🎧 Listen today! The Big Ideas Podcast is available on YouTube. Join the conversation, share it with friends, and discover how small actions and bold visions combine to create lasting impact.

👉 Together, we can Unite for Good.

 

The Big Ideas

 
The fun of Rotary!  Our first Big Ideas podcast features club member Graeme Fraser, District Governor 2025-26 of District 7040 as he outlines why people will join and stay as members in Rotary - particularly if it's fun!
 
The END of Youth Homelessness: John Heckbert, Executive Director of Operation Come Home in Ottawa, outlines their SOLUTION to youth homelessness, how it's working, and the timeline to completion. A must watch for anyone interested in youth and the homelessness situation in Ottawa or any urban setting.
 
Ageing Safely at Home: Club member Jean-Francois Pinsonnault outlines the importance of having a safety audit of your home, especially for seniors. J-F offers several tips and suggestions as well in an engaging and interesting way. 
 
Equitable Support Where You Live: Gina St.Amour, Executive Director at the Ottawa Rotary Home outlines how they are making it possible for persons with disabilities to live at their homes and still have the care they need. And, it's not just in the direct care that they provide, their social enterprise "Community Support Training Solutions" is enabling other caregiving agencies to better meet the needs of their clients as well by providing key training support to their staff.
 
Learning Needs to be Fun! Club member Phillip J. Powell Smith (aka Mr. Phil), a professional teacher and tutor, talks about his approach to helping kids with learning difficulties.
 
Ottawa Community Land Trust: Mike Bulthuis, Executive Director of the Ottawa Community Land Trust discussing with host Bachir Bastien the big ideas that are helping ensure we have enough affordable housing in Ottawa.
 
CARITAS Community Wellness Enterprise: Club member Chris Braeuel outlines his unique approach to giving "more" to local charities so that his clients "Feel Good, For Good".
 
Inspire 1, Impact Billions: Hear Atif's inspiring personal story and how it has become a global challenge of inspiration.
 
A Debt-Free Canada: David van Noppen, co-founder and owner of More Than Enough - Financial Fitness, outlines his vision of a debt free Canada and how individuals can take control of their personal finances. It's more than just money, it's also strategies about communications and relationships.