Galileo launches podcast focused on personal stories

In January, Galileo Adult Education Centre of the English Montreal School Board launched its first in house pod- cast, Galileo Talks, creating a new space for storytelling and community connection. Hosted by Marilyn Damato, an English and French teacher in the school’s Academics department, the podcast hears from Montrealers who have overcome personal challenges.

“Galileo Talks was created to give our students, staff and community members a voice  not just as learners or educators, but as people with real stories, challenges and growth,” Damato said. She partnered with a local multimedia company to help produce and promote the podcast.

Each week, Damato selects a guest whose experience reflects resilience and transformation. Episodes to date have explored themes such as addiction recovery, grief, trauma and mental health  lived experiences that resonate deeply within the adult education community, explained Damato. The podcast prioritizes honesty and vulnerability, creating space for conversations that extend well beyond the classroom.

Damato describes her vision for Galileo Talks as having a dual purpose. On one hand, the podcast connects the school with the broader community by amplifying stories of perseverance. On the other hand, it serves as a hands on learning opportunity for students, offering them real-world experience in both media production and communication.

Students are actively involved throughout the production process. They contribute as co-hosts, provide feedback following episodes, manage behind-the-scenes elements such as lighting and framing, and occasionally step in front of the camera as guests. This collaborative approach allows learners to build confidence while developing technical and interpersonal skills.

Ivan Rivas-Santamaria is one of those students. He has appeared on several episodes of Galileo Talks as both a guest and a co-host. For him, participating in the podcast was the right thing to do. Three years ago, Rivas-Santamaria was experiencing homelessness while struggling with addiction and gang involvement.

“If I can have a second chance and keep being persistent, it’s possible for anyone to achieve what they put their mind to,” he said. 

Rivas-Santamaria says that the podcast offers a platform to share a message of hope. “It’s about passing that message along through our guests and to the people watching.”

Beyond skill building, Damato hopes the podcast will help challenge common misconceptions about adult education. “Adult education is often misunderstood,” she explained. “Through the podcast, we’re showing that it’s a space where people rebuild confidence, redefine success and find their voice.”

At its core, she said Galileo Talks is driven by inspiration. “When students hear stories from people who look like them or have walked a similar path, learning becomes personal and more powerful. These conversations go beyond academics.”

New episodes of Galileo Talks are released Wednesdays at 6 pm on YouTube.