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First steps: facing the intimidating frontier of change

It's tough taking those first steps toward something new, but the cool thing is, it's the messy process of muddling through newness that often leads to something great. Today, two stories where people stare into the intimidating frontier of change — and take a step forward.
CBC Radio ·
The Doc Project27:30First steps: facing the intimidating frontier of change
There are things we resist doing in life. If something's risky, difficult, or just plain scary we become masters of avoidance.

It's tough taking those first steps toward something new, but the cool thing is, it's the messy process of muddling through newness that often leads to something great. 

Today, two stories where people stare into the intimidating frontier of change — and take a step forward.

First Steps

First up, one man does something many of us could never imagine. It's the story of a father who insists on pushing forward through a totally new experience, because on a personal level, he just has to. At risk — his sense of independence and how he can relate to his own daughter.

About the writer

Ryan Knighton (Brad Cran)
Ryan Knighton is an internationally acclaimed author, screenwriter and performer. This documentary is based on Ryan's book, C'mon Papa: Dispatches from a Dad in the Dark. He is a frequent contributor to This American Life and The Moth, and has written for The New York Times, The Globe and Mail, Popular Mechanics, Vice, among many other newspapers and magazines. His journalism has earned him a National Magazine Award nomination and the Thomas-Lowell Travel Writing Award.

My Brother's Addiction

Andy is attempting to reconnect with his younger brother, Tim, in the documentary, My Brother's Addiction. (Berthiaume family photos)

Next, the story of two brothers attempting to reconnect. Andy and Tim were close growing up, but the brothers had a falling out a few years ago because of Tim's addiction to pain medication. The addiction had changed him, he had committed crimes, he hurt his family … and Andy hasn't been ready to forgive him — until now. Andy takes us along for those first steps of reconnection.

About the producer

Andy Berthiaume
Andy Berthiaume is thrilled to be fulfilling one of his lifelong dreams of working with the CBC. His podcasting hobby has turned into a full-fledged passion for creating great radio. Andy is the founder of the Toronto Podcasters Meetup group. His most recent project, State of Mind, focuses on the realities of living with mental illness. This topic is close to his heart as Andy has battled anxiety and depression throughout his life. He has shared his story with audiences as a speaker.