Photographer and journalist Matt Jacques is hosting a second season of the local podcast Untapped. (Submitted photo/Matt Jacques Photography)

By Josh Ryan

Highlighting local stories

Untapped podcast returns with new host

Jun 19, 2020 | 8:04 AM

Battlefords Untapped has a new front man, though he’s familiar to those who followed the local podcast last year.

After assisting during its first season in 2019, photographer Matt Jacques is taking over host duties. Jacques first came across Untapped shortly after he moved to the area and saw the annual news of annual crime statistics. He said he was looking for a way to connect with the community and hopefully put more positive stories in the spotlight.

“Just from doing a little googling or research, I stumbled across the podcast. So I supported them by taking portraits off all the guests,” he explained.

Previous host Eric Anderson wasn’t able to continue, due to work in Saskatoon, so the project’s committee handed Jacques the helm. He said he’s humbled and honoured by the opportunity and is grateful that producing and hosting the final episode of last season served as a test run.

“That was kind of out of my depth and into the deep end,” he said. “But I just really enjoyed being a part of the project.”

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The episodes feature community members involved in the area in a variety of ways.

“Local businesses, individuals, community organizations,” he said. “It’s a little bit of everything.”

They already have two episodes up, the most recent featuring with Chamber of Commerce COO Linda Machniak. Jacques said, so far, it’s reflected the current time in history.

“The podcast is about the Battlefords as a region really, and at least the first couple of episodes this season have been on the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

(Submitted photo/Matt Jacques Photography)

So far, interviews have been conducted over zoom, but some changes may come down the road. Another recent addition is a full time website, which includes a page for guest suggestions.

“Whether it’s a business individual or community organization, they can nominate somebody who they feel is really making a positive impact in the community,” he said. “Shifting the narrative here in the Battlefords about what our community is all about.”

The first episode’s guest was Kelly Waters, who was launching a live music venue called She-Nanigans when the pandemic started, but found a way to find positives during an uncertain time. Jacques said stories like this are typical of people in the Battlefords.

“Kelly found a way to continue supporting the community through the kitchen at her venue,” Jaques explained. “[They’re] providing for people who are a little more food insecure.”

In giving voice to local these stories like these, Jacques said he hopes it helps people connect with their neighbours.

“Just trying to share and explore those [positive stories] with the listeners and the community at large.”

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josh.ryan@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @JoshRyanSports