When he began five years ago, YXE Underground creator Eric Anderson was looking for a way to continue telling the stories. The radio journalist had left his former post at CBC to become the communications leader at Sherbrooke Community Centre, but he just couldn’t put his microphone down. That’s when he turned to podcasting.

“There are so many challenges in our community but there is this whole group of people who are choosing to rise up and take those challenges head on.”

Host Eric Anderson delves deep into the people that make Saskatoon a better place in YXE Underground. (provided)

”It scratches an itch to meet and interview new people and ask them questions. I’m always curious about what compels people to do great things,” says Anderson. “There are so many challenges in our community but there is this whole group of people who are choosing to rise up and take those challenges head on. Their stories deserve to be told.”

Since episode one, Anderson has told stories of champions of mental health, family dynamics, rehabilitation, accessibility, arts, and culture; the people who are making a difference. It didn’t take long for the audience to respond. Downloads are now more than 43,000 strong, he has subscribers from all over the world, and Anderson receives regular suggestions of people he should interview next.

“I was giving a talk about podcasts at the University of Saskatchewan and met a couple from Brazil who’d just arrived in Saskatoon,” Anderson says. “They told me when they knew they were moving here for work, they listened to all the episodes to learn more about their new home. It was incredible.”

Hydrologist Phillip Harder is featured on the first episode of YXE Underground. (YXE Underground)

In Season 5, launching September 15th, Anderson features the work of U of S Hydrologist Phillip Harder whose childhood curiosity about his family’s dugout led to a career helping local farmers and city residents understand and conserve our valuable water resources. Anderson visits lawyer Charmaine Panko on the frontlines of family law. Panko has seen the positive impact mediation and collaborative law can have on families going through divorce and the benefits it brings to children involved. Other instalments will include a look at the value of public art in our community, the ongoing food security challenges in Saskatoon, and how organizations are helping newcomers find success.

The work of YXE Underground doesn’t end with the podcast. With the help of local artists, he’s created t-shirts, water bottles and other podcast merchandise to sell and raise money for local charities. More than $5000 has been raised for local charities in the past four years and this year’s beneficiary is the Friendship Inn.

“After doing an episode on the Friendship Inn I knew I wanted to help them,” he says. “I take meals like breakfast for granted, sometimes I even skip it. There’s a whole group of people in our city that rely on their team, volunteers and community support for simple things like breakfast and lunch.”

This podcast is a labour of love for Anderson and he’s so grateful for the steady and growing support it’s received. It’s his way of giving back, highlighting heroes and has strengthened his love for Saskatoon and the people that make it a truly vibrant community.

To stay up to date on the latest episodes of YXE Underground, here’s the link.