Eat This! Drink That!

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.

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.