Eat This! Drink That!

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. 

Recently - flying to Calgary - I had the pleasure of a seatmate who told me about his work and passion.  Tim Kearns studies the "landscape" of the undersea world.  Such an interesting conversation I had to have him as a guest here.  What we don't know about the 70% of our planet that is water is shocking.  What we don't know we can't measure... this is where Tim comes in. 

Seasons Pharmacy and Culinaria on Lorne Street in Sudbury is quite the community hub.  On a sunny Saturday it was time for another course with Garth Wunsch. Sourdough is his thing and participants laughed, loved, and learned so much... they went home with two loaves ready to bake. What an amazing day!

I don't exactly recall how Jason and I first met.  We connected and I am glad we did!  I read his book on Ike and found real value in having  conversation about the contents.  It is a journey that delivers multiple lessons for Jason... and the reader.  Written from Ike's perspective it offers a different way to see and interpret where Jason was, and where he is now.  I will readily admit the book is not easy to deal with, and especially when approaching the final pages you will feel grief, sadness, but ultimately there is peace and healing. Dogs do offer much joy; they also break your heart when they pass (far too early). Hopefully their time enriches equally with unwavering love, care and compassion.  

I met Mark some years ago in a Middle Eastern restaurant in Budapest.  We have maintained contact and can you imagine my surprise when he wanted to leave Lebanon for Canada.  Arriving on the cusp of winter in 2022 he has yet to know the other seasons.  I am sure we will catch up with him frequently as he shares his newcomer experiences.  

Military historian Alex Bowers is newly arrived in Canada.  Look for articles by him in a variety of publications. He is active on social media! I speak with him on what I believe is his 8th day as a new resident of Halifax.  I think we will talk with him annually to follow his journey and adventures. 

We weigh ourselves down with the debris of the years.  Shoes, handbags, clothing... you can just start in the bedroom closet and see how it all grew to become an overwhelming and overflowing mess.  Amy Price follows Marie Kondo's thoughts on "tidying up" and starts with a room.  It can feel so liberating to let go.  We talk about the things that spark joy and how organizing your home can be a transformative experience.  

Known for his work and recognition for excellence in the wine industry Pier-Alexis Soulière also has a passion for maple syrup.  His family has a tradition my producing real (vrai) maple syrup from the authentic and history methods.  Join Hugh as he has a conversation that centers around the hospitality of Quebec City, discovering the pleasure of wine and the world of Pier-Alexis.  

Have you ever wanted to learn more about growing food?  Have you a desire to know about the multitude of vegetable varieties beyond what we see in the grocery stores?  Heritage seeds, locally sourced seeds,  seeds to share... they will all be at the Science North Cavern Sunday February 26th from 10-2.  

Adults and young adults with developmental challenges will find a champion in Erin Riehle.  Director of Project SEARCH she leads a team that works with local businesses, industries, companies - and even hospitals - to establish and nurture long term relationships that result training, mentorship and ultimately work for a  segment of of population that are often not seen in the workplace. Thought Erin is based in Cincinnati she finds new partners in the wider world.  She seems to have a particular fondness for Canada!  Here is what their website says:  "Project SEARCH is a unique school-to-work training program for students with disabilities. Students are immersed at a host business and get more than 700 hours of hands-on work experience geared to in-demand roles in the local labour market. They learn employability skills and plan their careers with guidance from a teacher and skills trainers." Join me as I talk with Erin about the current efforts, what motivates the program, and the s

Time for a Tattoo?  Maybe some piercing?  Today's guest. Anick Morin, discusses her research, the implications and symbolism, and changing view towards body decoration.  Drop your attitude and the held stereotypes... Anick shares the when, why, who, how, and where of tattoos.  

In conversation with the new director, Dr. Hoi Cheu, the history, the importance and applicability of the Doran Planetarium to awareness is discussed.  Clearly knowing who we are and where we are in the totality of the (growing) universe can blow your mind, but also puts some things in perspective.  We are indeed a little blue planet third from our sun, and perhaps very unique (or not).  We should work harder to protect ecosystems and the plants, animals, and oceans that are all interconnected. 

Just change your ability and the way you see and access the world will be turned on its head.  Tarita talks about how she helps travelers continue to have journeys of significance.  Her advocacy is bringing about transformation of cities, towns, businesses as everyone opens their eyes to the barriers that exist... but shouldn't.  

A visit to Season's Pharmacy and Cullinaria is certain to always be a fun and informative experience.  This time we join Rachelle for an evening of sausage making... yes, you read that right!  About 20 or so guests came out to learn about salami and other forced meats and how to make a successful cured product.   Listen along as multiple speakers share their stories and how it all went,

I think I have known Jana Ray for about 5 years.  We first met at CARP and now she is a CANAge.  She is one of the most knowledgeable people I know on the topic of being an older adult in Canada.  Join us for this wide ranging discussion on concerns, possibilities, opportunities and general journey of life. 

Want to know how Sudbury went from black rock to a re-green landscape? Dr. John Gunn outlined the whole history on the close of COP 15 in Montreal.  He share that experience and the process to achieve Sudbury's transformation in this interview.  Available to you now and broadcast on CKLU on April 20, 2023 just 48 hours before Earthday.  

I have not been to St. John's since 2018 or 2019.  You know why.  But I can dream of a visit to Newfoundland and specifically 288 Water St to taste Yellowbelly's selection of ales and more.  Join Brenda and myself as we talk about this iconic location in the heart of St John's entertainment district.

In Barrie Leah Dyck watched families and individuals struggling with the rising cost of food and even just accessing fresh food.  No cans, she collects and delivers milk, bread, eggs, meat and fresh produce.  Her offerings reflect the seasons and sometimes vegetables are coming right from the farm.  Listen to this conversation to understand how Leah collects and distributes food, how she engages volunteers, and her plans for the future.  Perhaps your town or city already has a program like this?  If it doesn't I bet Leah will help you grow an idea to respond to need in your community. 

This episode is a conversation with David Thompson on much more than what many of us think of a agriculture.  David is the Director of RAIN, the The Rural Agri-Innovation Network.  Though located in Sault Ste. Marie the organization assists businesses beyond Algoma.  Across north eastern and north western Ontario having a conversation with David may be the best next step to grow as an entrepreneur in this sector.  

Idylwylde may be one of Northern Ontario's best kept secrets.  Golf and curling may be two of the key elements of this country club, but really the positive social circle it generates for members and guests is what has ensured its validity for over a century. I speak with the team leaders who manage the dining, bar, and catering aspects that enrich the experience.  Daily operations, special events, corporate retreats, and weddings are definitely part of our conversation.