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#ElderWisdom | Stories from the Green BenchAuthor: Schlegel Villages
Kathy Buckworth & Evelyn Brindle host the Stories from the Green Bench podcast, a virtual place to share, learn, grow, laugh and more in conversations with a variety of guests. The Green Bench is a symbol of elder wisdom. Physically or virtually, the bench invites us all to sit alongside a senior, share a conversation, or give and offer advice. It challenges the stigma seniors face; the ageism still so prevalent in society. It reminds us of the wealth of wisdom our elders offer and in doing so, helps restore them to a place of reverence. The greatest untapped resource in Canada, if not the world, is the collective wisdom of our elders. -Ron Schlegel Your seat on the green bench is ready and waiting. Hosts 2020-21 - Erin Davis & Lloyd Hetherington 2022 - Erin Davis & Doug Robinson 2023-24 - Kathy Buckworth & Evelyn Brindle Language: en Genres: Relationships, Society & Culture Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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Reflecting Back: Diane Dupuy — Imagination, Inclusion & the Legacy of Famous People Players
Tuesday, 23 December, 2025
As we celebrate 10 years of #ElderWisdom, we’re reflecting back on an extraordinary conversation with Diane Dupuy, founder of the internationally renowned Famous People Players — a groundbreaking black-light theatre company where all performers are developmentally disabled.Hosts Kathy Buckworth and Evelyn Brindle welcomed Diane to the Green Bench to explore the profound bond she shared with her mother, Mary Thornton, who lived to be 103 at The Village of Humber Heights. Mary recognized Diane’s imagination from a young age and nurtured her gifts, encouraging her to create, dream, and express herself through puppetry and performance.“My mother built me a puppet theatre when I was a little girl. She told me not to be afraid, as the puppets will do the talking for me.” – Diane Dupuy“As long as your imagination makes the world a better place.” – Mary ThorntonFamous People Players is built on this foundation of creativity and compassion. By using black light technique, Diane ensured the focus was always on the art — not the disabilities of her performers — allowing their talent, hard work, and magic to shine.With support from fellow Humber Heights resident Freida Griffiths, Diane expanded the company’s educational programs, touching countless lives through performance, mentorship, and opportunity.Diane and Evelyn also share personal reflections on navigating cancer, offering wisdom about resilience, hope, and continuing to move forward even in the hardest moments.From puppetry to global stages, from mother-daughter creativity to decades-long advocacy, Diane’s story is a testament to imagination, inclusion, and love.🎧 Listen back and be inspired by Diane’s vision, Mary’s wisdom, and the magic of Famous People Players.Learn more at: famouspeopleplayers.comDiscover more at: elderwisdom.ca
