People First Radio – March 05, 2026

People First Radio – March 05, 2026

How do people find strength in their journey to sobriety and beyond? This edition of People First Radio brings together two very different stories linked by stigma, empathy, and the basic need for a place to belong. First up, Guardian Canada correspondent Leyland Checco talks about writing a rare first-person piece on living with Tourette syndrome for more than 30 years.

He explains how his tics evolved from childhood into adulthood, how stress ramps them up, and how they quietly shape his work as a reporter.

Leyland shares that he often chose phone interviews over face-to-face meetings and turned down TV spots, only later realising “maybe the syndrome has played more of a role than I wanted to acknowledge in the first place.” He reflects on the recent BAFTA incident, where a man with Tourette syndrome shouted a racial slur during the awards.

Leyland doesn’t excuse the harm, but pushes for nuance and empathy, pointing out the shame and awareness that can accompany involuntary tics and the “deficiency of empathy” he sees in social media reactions. He also highlights how Tourette’s sits on a wide spectrum and how many people feel they don’t match the stereotype of constant swearing. The second half shifts to housing, as Cueva Homes president Bill explains why his Nanaimo-based company is importing prefabricated tiny homes from China.

He talks about cost certainty, faster timelines, and trying to offer sub-500-square-foot units that feel “more livable” than cramped studios, backed by a 2-5-10 new home warranty and built for long-term use.

VP Ryan Stoltz adds context on permits, land use, and why he sees seniors and people with disabilities as “the unheard victims of the housing crisis right now.” If you’re interested in how compassion, disability, and concrete solutions to housing intersect with mental health and recovery, this conversation might give you plenty to mull over on your next walk.