QOL

A neighbour handed me a book. Something out of my normal reading spectrum. I was captivated by the content. Dan Rocheleau recounting of his career arc includes undercover work as well a his later years in the OPP motorcycle cadre. I think you will find it fascinating and a a bit like seeing things you don't want to know about. Be prepared to learn about organized crime and its tentacles.

After year of COVID disconnect Kristy Rousseau and I just happened to overlap at the library. Naturally I asked what she is working on these days. "Operation Smile" was her answer. I just had to find out more! In this episode you will hear about how Canadian doctors, local nurses, and so many others share energy and time to change children's lives.

Julie Aube insists I don't beat around the bush. So this podcast is called "Where to Die"! This conversation takes place at the Hospice in Sudbury. Specifically the site is called The Maison McCulloch Hospice. Julie and I have last talked some years ago. The building is the largest of its kind in Ontario. The recent 10 bed expansion doubled the facility's ability to help individuals and families in the last days of a daughter', a father's, a grandparent's, living.

Join me on this visit to talk about Sherlock Holmes and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Collections Specialist at the Toronto Public Library Reference Library, Jessie Amaolo shares her knowledge of the depth of contents (books, manuscripts, photographs, paintings, letters...) in the collection. On the mantlepiece a pipe, and Deerstalker ready for Holmes and Watson to go sleuthing.

Retired Sudbury couple Susanne and Roger Couture love to travel. They are organizing trips that include more than sun and sand (in fact their next trip is Iceland... pack a sweater) and often has an ecological aspect.

They have developed a relationship with EF Tours and we have a conversation about the values and safe travel focus of this company no matter the destination.

Matt Bonin found solace and purpose in swimming. He has set himself some incredible goals. Starting out as essentially a non-swimmer he rapidly took on personal challenges. There were specific goals and you can discover part of the story here and do a deep dive into his book "Light from Darkness" released March 2024.

Have you considered floating? I cannot recall exactly what lead me to the experience, but it is more than a decade since I had my first session. At that time there were two facilities in Sudbury. Marcel Petruzzelli is the General Manager (Victoria/Westshore) of Float House Victoria. He kindly offered to agree to a conversation on the topic on "Sensory Deprivation & Floatation" and wide ranging observations from general to personal.

Rita Pereira has a butcher shop in the Mercado do Bolhão (Porto, Portugal) where you will find dry aged beef, chickens, other delights... but on the righthand side there are two amazing "eat now" options. Carpaccio and Tartar (with her own secret ingredients). She is fun to talk with: engaging, full of energy, and passionate about what she delivers. You can request wine directly from a booth about 10m away. All very civilized!

On a blustery day, Canadian - and even more geographically specific - Victoria author Jean Paetkau talks about her book "Blood on the Breakwater". Paetkau reveals the title of her upcoming sequel is "The Sinking of Souls" with a storyline that also is based locally. To be released in September 2024 you will find it on Amazon and local booksellers like the elegant and acclaimed Munro's on Government Street and Bolen Books in the Hillside Centre. Have a listen to this conversation which also delves into the writing process.

Hugh's Room is Toronto's destination for live jazz, folk, Canadian, emerging artists and world music. Executive Director Michael Booth shares the history of Hugh's Room, how and where it started, as well as what unfolded just before COVID. Now in it's own space in Broadview 200 or so guests can find a comfortable place to listen to vocal and instrumental performances... in great acoustics. The one time church now also has a bar featuring Ontario craft beer for your added pleasure! Make it your next destination when visiting Hog Town.

Alex and Annie Bowers moved to Canada almost a year ago now. This is their first full winter, and boy are they having adventures.

Between a broken snow shovel, slick roads, being stuck in the driveway and now snowmageddon they have lots to write home about. They have supplies and firewood so are prepared for nature to bring on more. Right now they can just hunker down. Hugh and Alex also talk about the impact of winter on battlefronts as Alex is a military historian.

Officially the Alzheimer Society of Sudbury-Manitoulin North Bay & Districts... has a new Executive Director. Shannon Ketchabaw was most recently at Meals on Wheels and knows how to get things done. We have a conversation about Alzheimer's and Dementia generally and then the programs offered here in North Eastern Ontario. Much of our dialogue is on the changing demographic of Canada, the effects of an aging population, and the rising number of those identified. By 2050 that figure is staggering!

With a long list of publications I came across another Gerontologist in my "backyard" and with her interesting in both teaching the next generation as specifically her research on dementia I just had to reach her. With our demographic shift we better encourage more gravitation to understanding (and planning for) aging and specifically how to mitigate the impacts of dementia.

Sober October... Dry January? Kristian Kielmayer and I have a conversation about the post-holiday season and wine consumption. We also romp around the Hungarian wine regions and the importance of not just pouring from the bottle, but seeing the landscape and knowing the geography of wine growing countries.

Not posted to Spotify before, but I am certain this episode made it air (CKLU 96.7FM) some time in the summer of 2023.

You will hear the wind in the trees, the sound of children playing, and even lawnmowers. Yes, recorded outdoors it is the full conversation with Birgit Pianosi. Dr. Pianosi now teaches at Cambrian College. She is a Credentialed Professional Gerontologist (Aging Specialist) with more than 20 years experience advocating for older adults and their loved ones.

I met Dr. Rob Graham at a Northern Ontario Angels hosted event for the North Bay entrepreneur and investor community. Dr. Graham spoke about Techno-Resiliency and delivered samples of his research and observations contained in his guidebook “Mandate to be Great.” He prefaced his keynote talk with how we can maximize "... existing resources and team efficiencies, while minimizing costs and complexities." Here he speaks about the environment of education and how we have to get off the conveyor-belt of "techno-lust" including the empty pursuit of the next great thing.

Now with only 10 per cent of his vision remaining Gary Leclair reminisces about his hobbies, life and military experiences. A noted wood carver of song and water birds, he talks about his award-winning miniatures. The life-like representations are crafted with such precision they truly look like they have just landed or are ready to fly away.

You can hear the passion in Chef's voice. We talk about her food journey, but more specifically about her start, growth and expansion of the canned goods line Scout. Trained on PEI and then working in British Columbia (and elsewhere) she certainly earned her cred in kitchens across the country and around the world. Listen to the stories of how Scout began and what high quality products it offers today... in cans!

New to the position Rudy Buttignol is President of The Canadian Association of Retired Persons. He speaks about the importance of CARP in the national Canadian social and political landscape as well as at the chapter/local level. We talk about the value retired persons bring to community and how through decades of contributions - and the earned wisdom - senior citizens have an importance in decision-making and bring value to today and Canada's tomorrow.

Everyone has a passion project. On (or near) retirement Dann Kingsley discovered the world of beer, ales, lagers, pilsners (the list is much longer) and specifically craft beer. Call it micro-brewing and you get the sense this is the circle of artisanal lagers and IPA lovers. Add sours, and smoked and well that community just got larger. Known as The Sudbury Beer Guy Dann Kingsley has a hand in production at 46North and continues to expand his knowledge with national, continental, and international travel.

If you love ales, lagers, stouts, porters, IPA (and double that) then Knowhere has to be on your map. Bill Crumplin, a retired geography teacher, naturally would be a publican who offers both a destination and a place reference as in "You know where"!

He and Kaitlin (Lutyk) also have seasonal cocktails and a menu that can satisfy the hunger spectrum from brunch to the late night growlies.

What a wonderful opportunity to talk with Brad St. Croix about Canadian military history. There is definitely more to learn about our country and everyone who has had a role to play in making us who we are today. Delve a little deeper and find stories that are intriguing and bigger than the single paragraph in our high school history books.

Sure, you must see the Parthenon and tour the city of Athens, but around the corner from the 1896 rebirth of the Olympics is a spectacular museum. Should I be more specific and call it an Art Gallery? It is an assemblage of marvelous "modern" pieces. There are two floors of impressionism, plus more levels of internationals and nationals housed in a purpose built space. Come walk through the collection based on items, objects, and art, originally purchased by Elise and Basil Goulandis. Thank you to the administration, including Katerina Voussoura for organizing an amazing tour under the direction of "Costas" Konstantinos.

We should all have a hobby. Grant Trayner speaks enthusiastically about his quest for the perfect (or may be just a really good expression of) hot dog. The bun, the wiener, the condiments, the freshness... all these (and more) factor into Grant's evaluation. I think I need to go to an arena, a baseball game, or just a roadside food truck and meet Grant on his hunt.

Avenue Road in Toronto has so many different uses and neigbourhoods. Just north of Eglington is the Toronto Coin Shop where you will find John. John is our guest today and we talk about collecting, buying and selling of coins and currency. Numismatics is the topic of this episode. I learn it is more than the appraisal and collection of rare coins. John shares his passion for this most fascinating hobby... and for him a profession.

I have been wanting to have a conversation with Amy for some time. Stopping at Salute Coffee or Old Rock Coffee I was aware that somewhere there was a source for the amazing foodstuffs showing up in their showcases. Yes, dressings, wraps, salads, and even desserts trace their path from Good Grab on Kelly Lake Road. Though much of her sales are wholesale there is a storefront... the only place you can purchase her mind-blowing Cashew-Caesar dressing. Go visit!

Chef/Owner Mark Gregorini launched Verdicchio Ristorante some 3 decades ago and now his pasta project - ANIKO Pasta Artigianale - is ready to roll. I visited him to see the custom crafted machines in action. Using the best semolina and duck eggs his pasta is perfect. The bronze dies, under pressure deliver unique and signature shapes. His stuffed raviolis will have your guests asking "Where did you get these?" and "Can I have some more?" Join Mark and Hugh for a dialogue on the world of food manufacturing, bespoke Italian dining, and ingredients that are now available locally.

Freshly published "Stealing Stanley" is the first in a series called the Margot and Harley Capers. Christopher Courtin talks about his writing process and how his background and experiences resulted in this book. A fun romp with a diverse cast of characters awaits you.

I think I've been chasing Aura Hertzog for almost a year. One very busy person she is not one to let the grass grow under her, and of course bakers have to get up early to have breads and pastries read for opening. We talk about products, processes and the challenges of being an entrepreneur. "AURA-LA Pastries + Provisions is a community-focused bakery, specializing in made-from-scratch, in-house baking, ice cream, and bean-to-bar chocolate. We also proudly stock an intentionally curated selection of locally produced provisions."

Chef Gaetanne Larocque spends her summers at Camp Maple Leaf making great meals for kids. It is a special place. Other times of the year she does catering (and more) plus working at Seasons Pharmacy & Culinaria. In this episode we focus on her just launched 13 part cooking series.

Season's Pharmacy and Culinaria recently held a three day AppleFest featuring all things apple. On the Saturday they had the AppleFest Feast. Recipes were shared and cider was made, but best of all DISHES! From roast apple with pork, to fish with apple soup, and ending with desserts there was enough to confirm Sudbury is an apple producing city. So many trees are reaching maturity, and people are encouraged to plant more.

The Sudbury Downtown (Farmers') Market that is. Occupying a piece of strategic corner in the Saturday Market brings these 3 authors great exposure. They will tell you about not just the writing process, who they have written for, but naturally what writing means to them. Three very different approaches and styles go from YA, to thrillers and crime, to science fiction.

It has been wonderful to again connect with Gary Petingola, MSW, RSW. He and his wife Sheila Damore-PetingolaMSW, RSW, offer a suite of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction courses. Gary's 2020 book "The Response: How to practice mindfulness in your daily life" explores the value in this method. Their website further explains that "The regular practice of Mindfulness Meditation can enrich our lives with enhanced calm, clarity, insight, emotional intelligence, creativity, productivity, and wellness. Mindfulness practices are useful in addressing illness, stress, and pain." Their next Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction program is in October 2023 rather than April as outlined in the interview.

Birthing, parenting and more, Erica Salo can help. Listen to the conversation and find out about all she does for moms, couples and families as they progress on life's journey. You can meet for a consultation, or attend a class in a long-weekend intense format or as multiple evenings to fit your already busy calendar.

Want to talk about urban environments? Want to create better cities, towns and communities? Then you better give Gill Penalosa a call. We can build livable spaces that encourage spirit, interaction, respect, and sustainability. Gil speaks about how we can learn from other countries and replicate best practices and strive for health and happiness.

What a pleasure to talk with Cindy and Andreas about their research, selection, move , and successes here in Sudbury. It is challenging to leave your home country behind and establish a new life. This couple also video-blogs about the journey they are on. I think I need to check in with them annually to follow the next steps they make in making this their home.

We get out the corkscrew (or not, if a screwtop) and bet most of us don't consider much more about the wine than this:

1) will my guests enjoy it

2) will it go with the food I have prepared

3) do I have enough

But you can dive deeper. Understanding the history of the grape varieties, knowing the region the wine came from, having a snapshot of the country and maybe even its political/social/economic past and present might be of value. Jennifer Regan-Lefebvre talks here about her research and the book "Imperial Wine: How the British Empire Made Wine's New World" in ways that may open your awareness to the impact of settler colonialism and even the current state of global wine trade.

Thank you to Ehren Baldauf of Gallagher Benefit Services for suggesting diversity, inclusion, and equity as a topic for QOL. This is not just a program about workplace practice and policy, but in the larger sense it is about Canadian society. I want to thank subject matter expert, Farzeen Mawji - in Edmonton - and Alison Muth, national marketing director in Canada for Gallagher, for their insights into the past, the present, and the future of these important and valuable dialogues.

It is often by chance that the most amazing things in life happen. I had heard of Gianetta and her travels across Canada. She and her harp have been on the road in a high top Ford Transit Van throughout the Pandemic. She basically has a stage that arrives anywhere and Ta Da there is a concert. Playing inside outside afforded her the opportunity to perform in so many venues... even while waiting for a ferry crossing! Gianetta also shares her enthusiasm for the music program she supports in the favellas of Rio. Listen and love the voice of the harp.

"How to Clean a Fish: And other adventures in Portugal" is Esmeralda Cabral's first book. Published in spring 2023 it describes an extended family stay in Portugal. Our conversation is not just about returning to or finding a home - let's face it most Canadians have come from somewhere else - but the emotions of coming and going. And with that we talk about travel generally and how the choices we make can affect local communities and the planet as a whole.

Science North is staffed by knowledgeable and helpful people. In this episode Cas Krane talks about the Jean MacLeod Butterfly Gallery, the lives of butterflies and moths, as well as the journeys they take to get from their tropical homes to Sudbury.

I am so looking forward to learning more about and from Lisa's new Academy platform. I've known Lisa for at least a decade and marveled at her commitment to delivering Mental Health First Aid, and her own programs through New Day Wellness. A vibrant entrepreneur she saw both an opportunity and need for something more in the world of Wellness. Listen along in this conversation with Lisa as she shares her perspectives on improving your quality of life.

I was reminded that I first meet Chef Bruce Wood in Carleton Place. Our friendship continued over a heritage Tamworth Pig, and soon moved over to Mariposa Farm, of Plantagenet, which featured duck. I watched him influence a generation of students at Algonquin College, where much butter and joy was put in the menus. I reconnected with Bruce on Salt Spring Island. In Ganges Bruce had his own place and it was a popular place near the water. In today's episode we find Bruce back in Ottawa. Listen along and learn about Bruce's journey.

Kadence Music Therapy is Kylie Klym's decade long journey. As a registered Psychotherapist, and Certified Music Therapist she works with youth with Autism, adults with Acquired Brain Injuries, and people with Dementia. Listen along as Kylie outlines the value of music and how her practice helps so many in Sudbury and along the highways 17 corridor in North Eastern Ontario.

I read about Rabbi Julia's research in the Globe and Mail. I just had to meet her and ask a basketful of questions. Listen along as we talk about the past, present and future of faith communities.

The conversation is about wine. Specifically, this has to do the implications of the Judgement of Paris and what happened next in the world of wine. Many peg the rise of California to this event. Listen along and meet Mark Gudgel. Mark's newest book was released May 8th.

May 4th, 2023 is the 10th anniversary of NORCAT's annual PITCH event. Typically addressing a sold-out venue 4 presentations will pitch business ideas to the audience at the Sudbury Theatre Centre. Not only do the panel of judges decide the winner, but there is always a "People's Choice" too. Financial prizes are awarded, but the accolade of participating and maybe even winning can have a significant impact on the future successes of these early day start-ups. Go to the NORCAT website to purchase your seat for this highlight of the entrepreneurship calendar.

Recorded in March this special was recorded on the day Neha became a Canadian citizen.  It is to be broadcast on Canada Day 2023 but is available now so you can send her a message of congratulations.  If you know anyone who has recently become a Canadian (or wants to be) encourage them to listen to this episode. 

Doubling coffee production - but not compromising quality - the new roaster at Old Rock is hard at work this Monday morning as I visit with Luc and Carole Roy.  Luc speaks about the origins of Old Rock and their journey as coffee culture leaders.  With a handful of free parking spaces you can drop by... but e-commerce, or visiting locations that feature Old Rock roasts means you can enjoy their artisan beverages anywhere, anytime.