Eat This! Drink That!

I always was amazed - during my time(s) in the US - that folks would drive 2 hours for the best pizza, wings, ribs.  I don't know if it is the destination or the journey, but here I was heading north of the city to the town of Capreol.   Justin Seguin has built an homage to First Responders and the paraphernalia and photos are not just there to be pretty decorations.  If you are a firefighter, police officer, or paramedic this is your place to hang out.  Actually everyone is welcome! With apologies for sound quality.  We had to maintain social distancing of +6 feet and in the background refrigeration added to the environmental hum.   

Lisa Jones has invited me in to document the construction and completion of the Hilton Garden Inn project in Sudbury.  Over the last 22 months from ground to the top of the 6th floor, from the concretes to the carpeting I've had the honour to capture audio snapshots of the process of building a hotel.  This EP of the events of February 23rd celebrates the work of many. The gathering is a compilation of conversations including housekeeping staff, sales, food services, sales, and of course acknowledgement of the leadership, management and investment teams in making it all come together.  Bravo!

Jim Cassels has been "Simply the Best" for 42 years.  His Broad Street shop is home to the finest clothing and accessories from shaving to sox. Dressing gowns, pajamas, ties to top hats this gem of a store can outfit you and delivers checkmarks on Quality of Life in all departments.  Waterford Scotch glasses, locally crafted walking sticks, French cuff shirts to bespoke footwear, you won't find another place like this.  Located just steps from boutique hotels, a short stroll from The Empress, you can arrive in torn jeans, Crocs and a faded t-shirt and depart a well-dressed bon viveur kitted out with all that is simply the best. 

This is an updated version of an earlier recording celebrating Hazel McCallion's 100th birthday.  It includes Hazel's retirement address after 36 years as Mayor of Mississauga. 

I cannot recall exactly the first time I met Vin Greco. It was back in the 80s. For 2 summers he had a wine segment on the local CBC station.  I do know he has a passion for wine; I listened and learned.  It was something that I took to heart.  Today he has a bi-weekly column in SooToday and now also features food and recipes.   He shares his journey and talks about the pleasure wine.  It was like turning back the clock to better days.  

For 36 years "Hurricane" Hazel McCallion was Mississauga's Mayor.  She held other posts before and only retired at 96: n total 50 years of political life! In this episode I speak with Ron Duquette who is instrumental in the February 14th 2021 celebration of her life and successes.  We talk about where she came from, the way she led the way for a growing city, and her role in making women's hockey an Olympic sport.

What are you to do for Valentine's 2020?  Chef Filippo Rocca has suggestions. We talk about the impacts of the Stay-At-Home Order on his restaurant - and the industry in general - and his hopes for a brighter future once things improve. 

Tropical paradises, swaying palms, million dollar views... no snow!  Judy and Aubrey Millard have sailed the world and share their experiences with us here on this episode of QOL. Interestingly Aubrey says Canada offers some of the world's most beautiful places to sail.  They love the North Channel of Georgian Bay and and now no longer do trans-Atlantic crossings.  Living in Elliot Lake these last years they communicate their journeys with clubs and individuals through their travelogues.  

In this 4th and final episode, Brooke speaks with youth climate activist Sophia Mathur. The two discuss how climate change will impact younger generations profoundly and how working intergenerationally is integral to creating real change.

This interview is from a broadcast back in 2018.  I spoke with Duane Franklin of Fawcett Mattress of Victoria BC about what is in most mattresses (composition) as well the construction of their mattress.  In essence natural ingredients, avoidance of components that shouldn't be there and quality craftsmanship make theirs a better bed.  

Sitting in the terminal dome car on the Canadian as it approaches Vancouver I talk with Brad Keillor about the journey, its highlights and all the amenities.  From dining to accommodation we examine all the pluses - and any minuses - of this unique (or nostalgic) method for seeing more.  I often do the 5 hour flight across country, but in no way is it as satisfying as rail.  If you have the time (and the money) this is the way to travel.    

Bass Samaan has a passion for growing and sharing fruit trees.  Oh, I should share that he also grows Cedars of Lebanon.  A kid who left Beirut during the civil war years now lives in Bethlehem Pennsylvania and now nurtures a hundred varieties of figs, mulberries, pawpaws, pomegranates and so many others... now if that's not worth a story!  Go to https://treesofjoy.com/ for more

Dr. Davis Edgell has written several academic books on tourism and specifically on the topic of sustainable tourism.  In this episode of QOL we talk about the impacts of the pandemic on tourism today, the long-term impacts tomorrow, and the possibilities and probabilities in tourism regionally, nationally, and globally in years to come.  

Program Manager Natalie Labbe shares her enthusiasm for Parkside Without Walls.  Using Zoom or even just the phone this new initiative offers older adults the opportunity to participate in coffee talks, book discussions, line dancing, yoga and just about any activity you can imagine.  Not geography, parking nor weather will stop you from signing up (or even hosting) an one off event - or series - on any topic that interests you.  You can be in the CGS region, North Shore, Manitoulin or the wider world and join in.  Most programs are free of charge though membership does support the larger program and delivery.  Have a listen and find something that excites you.  

Ben Farella is the owner of North Bay's gd2go restaurant (just one of his many business ventures over the years).  He has valuable insight into the world of offering excellence in customer service, healthy food options, and  retail operations during the stay-at-home order of January 2021.  A Laurentian University grad, marketing whiz and serial entrepreneur his insights may help you as a consumer, a person conscious of wellness, and for others who are running businesses (not just restaurants) during these difficult times. 

In this episode, Brooke speaks with Jennifer Gosselin RSW, who is a social worker with St. Joseph’s Health Centre in Sudbury, Ontario. The two discuss their love of working with older adults and explore potential blindspots in social work education around working with this population.

In this episode, Brooke speaks with Bob Poldon who has recently become a grandfather, but explains that in his mind he is still in his 20s. The two discuss ageism as a system of oppression that impacts older adults and explore how it can also discriminate against youth. Brooke Davies, guest host talks, about Ageism.  Episode 2.

In this episode, Brooke speaks with her Mom who will be turning 60 this year. The two discuss what 60 represents for Brooke and her mom, as well as some fears and joys associated with getting older. There are 4 episodes in the guest hosted series on Experiences with Ageism.

How to cope with the 28 day Stay at Home Order?  Mental and physical health is important always, and maybe you are having a tough time imagining how to get through the next 4 weeks.  Here President and Founder of New Day Wellness Inc., and award-winning entrepreneur, corporate wellness coach, author and TV Host Lisa Lounsbury shares ways and means to be safe, be well, and be healthy. 

A growing awareness of wine is a theme I've discussed with other guests, but this time I connect with John Szabo MS in Prince Edward The County a new frontier (actually several decades old now) for wine in Ontario.  John has recently released a story on the ancient viticultural practices and wine pleasure in the buried cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum.  What can we learn from 2000 years ago?  Well for John it was a chance to compare with  current vineyards and practices in volcanic soils today.   With a colleague Sara d'Amato The Wine Thieves was launched a new podcast, He contributes to WineAlign and many glossy publications such as Modalina, Monarch and other lifestyle magazines. He has found ZOOM a great way to engages more easily with the wine community globally.