Reimagining Dementia: From Stigma to Joy, Creativity & Community

In this rewind episode, I sit down with three incredible voices from the Reimagining Dementia Coalition: Wally Cox, Robin Gerten, and Pia Kontos. Together, we talk about the power of music, art, and community in shifting the narrative around dementia — from stigma and tragedy to joy, creativity, and connection. You’ll hear the story behind the global song project “Let’s Reimagine” and why it’s more than just a song — it’s a movement for justice, inclusion, and hope. 🌍💜

👤 Meet the Guests:

Wally Cox – Advocate, board member with Dementia Alliance International, and co-founding member of Reimagining Dementia. Living with dementia himself, Wally brings honesty, humor, and inspiration to the conversation.

Robin Gerten – Song and video project manager for Let’s Reimagine, artist, and expressive arts therapist with over 20 years of experience helping people live creatively with their strengths and challenges.

Pia Kontos – Senior Scientist at KITE Toronto Rehabilitation Institute and Professor at the University of Toronto. Pia’s research focuses on using art, theater, and film to challenge stigma and build inclusive communities.

📌 Topics Discussed:

- What the Reimagining Dementia Coalition is and why it matters

- Wally’s personal journey from stigma and shame to advocacy and joy

- The creative process of writing “Let’s Reimagine” with voices from around the world

- How art, song, and storytelling can shift cultural perceptions of dementia

- Why inclusion and listening to lived experience are at the heart of this movement

- How the Coalition invites everyone — from caregivers to professionals to families — to get involved

⏱️ Timestamps (Approximate):

00:00 – Welcome & introductions

06:00 – Wally’s diagnosis story and the role of stigma

16:00 – Pia’s early encounters with dementia and what inspired her work

24:00 – How the Coalition dreamed up a global song

38:00 – The power of inclusion in art and advocacy

49:00 – Call to action: how you can join the movement

55:00 – Closing reflections + how to hear the song

💡 Key Takeaways:

- Dementia is not just a medical condition — it’s a human experience that deserves dignity and joy.

- Creative expression (song, art, theater) is a powerful way to fight stigma.

- Inclusion means putting people living with dementia at the center of advocacy and creativity.

- Communities flourish when we listen to diverse voices and create together.

- The “Let’s Reimagine” song and video are not just art pieces — they’re rallying cries for change.

📚 Resources Mentioned:

🌐 Reimagining Dementia Coalition

🎶 Let’s Reimagine Song & Video (available on their website)

🤝 Connect with the Guests:

Reimagining Dementia Coalition: https://www.reimaginingdementia.com/

🌿 Connect with Laura Vaillancourt & the Life on Repeat Podcast:

Instagram: @lifeonrepeat.podcast

Facebook: Life on Repeat Podcast

Website: lifeonrepeatpodcast.com

Email: hello@lifeonrepeatpodcast.com

This episode is about more than a song — it’s about reimagining dementia itself. My hope is that you’ll walk away feeling inspired, connected, and reminded that joy, creativity, and community are always possible. 💜 Please listen, share, and join us in reimagining what’s possible.