1000 Islands Podcast

Writer and comedian Carolyn Bennett is a new resident of Brockville. Her debut novel Please Stand By was published in 2019, and she's currently working on a collection of short stories, for which she received a Toronto Arts Council grant. She is a freelance writer for the Toronto Star and Canadian Immigrant magazine.Learn more about Carolyn here:https://www.carolynbennettwritercomic.com/

Have you ever heard the phrase ‘not reading the comment section is self-care?' Well since laughter is the best medicine, reading the comment section is now self-care. Even the folks of the 1000 Islands let the comment section bring out the worst of their nature at times. In our funny new segment, the Worst Comments Awards, we read you some of the worst comments seen on local public forums with no names, no explanations, and absolutely no context.

Marianne Carlyle, a member of the 1000 Islands Master Swim Club and director of the local OSPCA, is neither a cat nor a dog person. She loves all animals and treasures dogs for their unique ability to guilt humans outdoors in all weather, but she's a … rat person! She explains the function of a swim coach and rails against Brockville being behind the rest of the world on the concept of bike lanes in episode 17.

Johanna Freer moved to the 1000 Islands when she was 15, found her people by joining Youth for Christ with her younger brother, and never left. She is passionate about helping young people, and one of her recent incredible accomplishments is helping to educate local people about sex trafficking. If she could put one sentence on the Welcome to Brockville sign, it would be ‘Where the Old You and the New You Become One. Connect with Johanna at johanna.freer.yfc.ca

Craig Roche, an active member of numerous local boards including the YPN and 1000 Islands Pride, discusses what it was like growing up gay in Brockville compared to his experience now, having returned home after many years away in different cities. He expresses an appreciation for young people today knowing what's up, and the shift as a whole from toxic small-town culture to a feeling of belonging and acceptance. We're thrilled to share his views on our incredible town and even more thrilled at how we've progressed as a community. Drop us a comment to share your own experience and/or send us an email at 1000islandspodcast@gmail.com to tell us if you've felt a similar shift.

Runner, amateur photographer and Executive Assistant to the Mayor and City Manager, Steph Dunbar doesn't want to hurt anyone's feelings. She hopes cat lovers will forgive her for being a dog person and she respectfully requests that noisy mufflers remain quiet at night. She shares her views on the community being about belonging and thriving, and how we all just want to be loved. Tune in to hear her reminisce about the 'Loser's Lap,' and please note that she is not responsible for its harsh name.

The owner of Sunset Grill, this classically trained baker also has a YouTube channel! He promises his followers that he will post more videos when he can, but Sunset Grill always seems to be lined up out the door! He recently moved to Brockville and loves spending a few moments out of his day by the water to have his morning coffee.

JoAnne Sytsma, Citizen of the Year, refuses to badmouth summer (she loves the heat!) and expresses pure gratitude about her decade of volunteer work with the Food Bank. Given the chance to self-aggrandize, she tells us about all the others who deserve recognition above herself.

Peter Yerdon wears many hats. And not just for the community theatre he loves so much! Chef, longtime teacher, and (did you know?) wedding officiant, you may have seen him lately at the entrance to the Tunnel as part of his recent position with Brockville Tourism. He discusses old school Brockville slang, meeting the love of his life on the way to BC, and shares the secrets of Canada's First Railway Tunnel.

Jane Vanderbaaren, local business owner, volunteer and Pickleball athlete, discusses living close to family and how her grandsons already know everything.

Melissa Berquist discusses her kind neighbours,  and her exciting receipt of the Young Professional of the Year Award!

Martin Noe discusses his views on raising family in Brockville after living abroad earlier in life.

Meet Victoria Beacock! Join us as we talk about what the 120 Box is, why she and her partner created it, and all the fun things inside. I ask her about the name (hint: there are not 120 things inside and they don't come out every 120 days, so my guesses were wrong) and what the response has been to the box so far. Victoria is passionate about supporting and promoting local businesses and spreading the word about all of the awesome artisan items that are available right here at home.

Karen Boucher shares her insights as a local restaurant owner during the pandemic, and how her small business adapted to the changing times.

Stacey Carroll of the Royal Brock discusses the neighbourliness of those around her, her love of walking the local trails with her dogs, and how the community has pulled together to show their support for Royal Brock residents. Hear about efforts to raise residents' spirits during Covid!

Known to the 1000 Islands as the Realtor with the hair, Mary Ann Keary insists she will be rocking the same style until death does her part. No stylist has successfully changed her look, she maintains. Join us to 'hair' all about her love for Brockville, and her community kindness experiences as a damsel in distress when her car constantly broke down.

Meet Ramona! Ramona Braganza shares her memories about a childhood growing up jumping in the river, and her incredible life as a pro cheerleader for the Raiders and celebrity fitness trainer. After growing up in the 1000 Islands she moved to LA, and recently returned to her hometown from Vancouver. Hear her perspective on kindness, a safe community and her idea for a rooftop martini bar at Tall Ships Landing. She even gives me a few free training tips!

Curt Geneau discusses the link between escape rooms and axe throwing, flipping houses before it was a thing, and how his sister is a lot cooler than him.

On Episode 1 of the 1000 Islands Podcast we hear from longtime radio show host Bruce Wylie.  You'll hear how he nearly missed his calling as an announcer, how his current social life is more interesting than most young millennials, and how he awoke from a dream once with a vision for the Brockville Railway Tunnel that is a bit different from what we have today.

Coming soon! Your host, Brooke Nicholls will be bringing you weekly interviews featuring real life interviews with residents of the 1000 Islands region.We're going to dive deep into what they feel makes this community such an amazing  place to live. We're going to be dropping fresh episodes every week.So take the time now and SUBSCRIBE so you don't miss a beat.www.1000islandspodcast.com