Eat This! Drink That!

19 turns, elevation gain (and descent too) plus instruction and this is a place to improve your driving skills. You can google Island Motorsports Circuit and learn more about what they offer. I kept hearing about the place and had the urge to know more. I had the pleasure of a morning visit to the track and even a ride round. This episode with Ross and Dan explores the suite of services, and beyond the safety and confidence categories definitely there is the sense your enjoyment of driving can also be enhanced.

"Yes, Chef!" certainly rings out as acknowledgement in the kitchen and prep area at Esquimalt High School. Brandon Aris has been guiding the culinary program here for 15 years. Students learn food safety, knife skills, programing and planning, and how to turn ingredients into a meal. From basics and essentials they move into presentation and plating: we eat with our eyes first!I encountered Chef Aris at Rainbow Kitchen during one of their community events and sat back and watched the team of young people confidently go about serving a crowd. I think you will find this conversation inspiring. Apologies for some electronic interference, but it is generally quite short and not overly distracting.

Andy Johnston has a beautiful spot on overlooking the Cowichan Valley. The terrace is a perfect spot to progress through the spectrum of natural wines he produces from his vineyards. At about 7000 cases this winery has never gone off-island for fruit. Pinot is the focus though there are other grapes grown. Come along for a conversation and then make plans to visit.

It had been more that 15 years since my last visit to Merridale. It was like the time just dropped away once Jan and I started our conversation about all things apple. For her it has been a nearly 3 decade project. The results are wonderful. This may be a destination for dining and retail... but don't forget to have a tasting experience, and Jan is always nearby!

Ian Lin and Anita Wu have a company that manufactures hotel slippers and covers for your train seat headrest. They are also making bags for shipping laptops and more at their Washcan operation. The cool thing is that these are not single use!The slippers are biodegradable and are like the other products can be composted. Yes, sold back to farmers the soil can then be used to grow crops. Did you know Taiwan (population 24m) is a "garden country" and even the name - historically Formosa - is from the Portuguese for "beautiful island" and I can't believe the array of fruit grown. I admire the innovative spirit of these two entrepreneurs!

Joe Hunwicks and I connected for a different reason, but it opened up a new opportunity. He was willing to talk about his current cancer journey. A new round of radiation began this past week; like for so many firefighters the cancer originally was in his lungs.Joe shares how today's professionals are better prepared for the deadly cocktail of fumes that at one time were dismissed as part of the job. The 70s and 80s saw eyes opened to occupational health and safety in all industries, and Joe was there to advocate for changes to protect his workmates... and indeed all of us.

Born out of the times of COVID here is a project that brings a smile to those who discover what it does. Words spelt so many ways can evoke that. Cheeky turns, a hint of wry humour and the result is eye and ear catching; Ryes and Shine is definitely that. Kelly Darwin offers more than a just a great collection of made-on-site (and with local Island and BC ingredients) spirits. There is a cocktail lounge with sharables and even oysters.Yes, you can discover them at farmers' markets too!You can bet I will return when the sign says "OPEN"!

Acupuncture? Have you tried it? Would you? What if it improved your Quality of Life? Meet Alexandra (Alex) Henneberry. She is a graduate of Pacific Rim College and is a Registered Acupuncturist (R.Ac).We take time to talk about the philosophy, treatment, and impact. Alex kindly shares her vision of what it can do for you... and me.

This episode starts back at the Viewfield Food Distribution Centre where Chris Hammer speaks about fruit rescue. The next conversation is about preparing food for the Queens Street site... and so of course we transfer there to see where individuals and families can find the nourishment they need. Executive Director of the Mustard Seed Treska Watson continues the tour with us throughout the entire building with a specific focus on the actual interaction where need meets food possibilities.

Viewfield Road is a little off most people's maps, but beside the many warehouses and businesses there is a key player in the regional food system. Executive Director Treska Watson takes us for a walk from the loading bays through all the spaces that ensure so much food is directed and redirected. From farmers' abundance to over-stock, and naturally best-before dates, there is everything from programs for school programs to food and fruit rescue (120,000 pounds per week) . It is here too we meet Chris Hammer and his team who prepare much of the food of the Mustard Seed's Queens Street site.

She has been elected 5 times! Definitely doing something right. Mayor Bard Desjardins has been influential in shaping this township: its mix of housing, its recreational and retail spaces, plus the relationship with the Canadian Navy are part of what makes it work. Mayor Barb reflects on the intentions matched with the natural beauty of the shoreline, waterways, and spectacular views across the Straits of Juan de Fuca. Parks, walkability, even breweries and patios are all amenities that enhance quality of life.

I recall participating in retreats here. In this episode we are inside the hand sculpted cob building that is the Healing Sanctuary. Brand Gallagher and I talk more about the Ecovillage and how it came to be. She shares the history of almost 3 decades of learning how to be a community and also a showcase of what is possible.

This is Part Two of my visit to the O.U.R. Ecovillage. Brandy Gallagher shares more about the philosophy of the place, offers a tour of the buildings and systems that make it a showcase of the possible. Come along for a walk and talk.

This is part one of a four episode series. It didn't start that way; it sort of just happened. When opportunity presents itself, you should run with it. Brandy Gallagher gave me two of the greatest gifts: she shared her time and enthusiasm. It has been more than 17 years since my last visit to this intentional community. Located in the hills above Shawnigan Lake (north of Victoria) this place is definitely worth exploring if you are searching for deeper understanding... about so many things. Brandy outlines the purpose, history, and even the physical nature of the project.

Tea & Toast ? The name of Amy Friesen's company caught my attention... maybe yours too?It is a launch pad for conversations about the future. Your future, your loved one's future. Aging does not necessarily mean a diminishment, but if we don't talk about stairs, vision, cognition, then decision-making might just fall from your hands to another. It can rapidly go from "what if" to "must" in just one fall.Amy in in Ottawa, but I am certain she knows about all the retirement, assisted living, and memory-care properties across the National Capital region. She helps individuals and families find the best match for their needs and expectations.Have a listen; it is really a pan-Canadian conversation about how abilities change and how we can maximize the pluses of where we live.

Who doesn't love a market? A farmers' market is a real community event. In Esquimalt Mel was kind enough to share the history and current progress of the local market. We have a conversation about merchants, music, and shoppers. Sitting right in the same park where the Thursday evening weekly event brings hundreds of individuals, couples, kids, and families we also acknowledge the seasonal start of the Monday Market at Gorge Park. Markets are not just about connecting food to people, but also are community building happenings... an encouragement to meet neighbours and share experiences.

Come along and meet some wonderful young people. You can hear their hopefulness and enthusiasm. Staying at the EcoVillage they help with the farm and all the chores. Dan was working on installing a green roof, while others were on gardening and animal husbandry duties. Preparation for a free-food dinner in Duncan included a leek soup. The kitchen and communal dining clearly is central to this intentional community. Using "Worldpackers" they all found this place no matter if they came from England, Germany, Austria, or closer.

What a pleasure to talk to someone who has the ear of airlines; well, if he is brought in to consult and recommend. It is more than getting passengers from A to B to C says Vassilios Georgakopoulos. As an airline consultant he focuses on the inflight experience. Mostly he fixes that gap between what you expect and what is delivered. Not on an individual case by case basis, but the larger system-wide challenges that create disappointment or even friction. His guiding concept to me and the companies he helps is that they need to be clear to themselves and those they serve. They need to tell us what they promise and then deliver. Standards are needed and to need to be followed.

Many thanks to Stacy Hornemann for the conversation and opportunity to taste current offerings at Blue Grouse Winery. The views from their reception centre are stunningly perfect. You could spend the day just looking out over the vines to the mountains beyond. But - of course - you are here to sample Ortega, Bacchus, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and other varieties that have been captured and bottles for today's and future enjoyment. This is a destination to put on your agenda when visiting Vancouver Island.

Want to live the dream? Well Julie Powell and Zac Brown are. They are now the team carrying Alderlea Vineyards forward. It is a pretty property with a gentle slope towards the modifying lake water. Make a reservation and you will find such value in understanding the vineyard's history and direction. There is a tasting room and many shaded picnic tables just steps away.This 4200 case production winery wins awards. Here is a list of recent recognition:All Canadian Wine Championships:Double Gold2024 Pinot Gris2024 Valerie2023 ClarinetGold2022 Pinot Noir2022 Pinot Noir ReserveSilver2024 FrizzanteBronze2024 Bacchus2024 Sauvignon Blanc2024 Rose2021 Contraband

Where eco-friendly objectives, a philosophy that generates bottles of magic, and tastes/flavours that are unique... what do you have? Holocene Distilling Project is actually not far off the Trans-Canada Highway near Cobble Hill, but under towering evergreens it feels a world away. Go to their website and understand the journey and what they offer and you will be as entranced as I have been. It took over a year to set up the visit, but you can be sure though it is my first it won't be my last.

Prescribing time in nature is something that has come of age. It isn't just a West Coast thing that requires a tie-dyed t-shirt. Dr. Melissa Lem kindly tells us some 20,000 Canadian health professionals agree that to reduce stress, and maybe even extend your quality of life, you need to see, hear, feel, the natural world.After having Meg Carney and Bill Steer on this program it was a natural next step to have this conversation with Melissa. Dr. Melissa Lem is a Vancouver family physician who is taking the benefits of being in nature across the country and around the world. The PaRx initiative encourages us to take as little as two hours a week to be healthier people in healthier communities.

Cornucopia... maybe that's word? Talking with Canadian author Mark Leslie ( Lefebvre ) you can't but recognize his ability to leap from concept to completion. He is a prolific writer of "speculative fiction" and that in itself is very broad topic. Listen along a find out how many books he has penned. This boy from Levack has pursued his love for storytelling. He has thoughts about the value of reading Canadian content, and specifically reading tales that have our sense of place in them.

What a delight to have a conversation with Crystal Shawanda. This blues/rock/jazz performer has power and precision both as a singer and storyteller. Her voice shares stories of the highs and lows of life in a way no one else does. Catch her on tour from coast to coast to coast as she tours this year and into the future. I caught her just before her May 1st show in Knox Hall in Sudbury where she will have others join her on stage. Yes, even her 9 year old will perform, and her husband will be ever present as support with his guitar skills.

Okay! I'll admit it: talking to Dr. Gerard Courtin is a bit like a walk down Memory Lane for me. A very personal experience perhaps? But there are so many of us who attended his classes, went to labs, did field trips... we followed him up and over blackened hills, and into snowy landscapes. His Arctic/Alpine ecology lectures challenged us to reconsider the industrial damaged environment of Sudbury with a fresh perspective. And now he has written a book. Here we are discussing his teaching career and his history. Join me in celebrating GMC's journey.

It's happening this week: a book launch. Melanie Rollins and Lynne Dupuis are ready to welcome you at Place des Arts in Sudbury. Listen along for details. If you can't attend, you can still order a book. It provides a very useful framework to help non-profits with governance as well as being applicable to businesses generally.

We've been wanting to talk for some time: well, here it is. Isaac Harvey speaks about his happier 2026 and the challenges of 2025. He now has secure supportive housing and funding to ensure care. Bestowed with an MBE he may now have even more of voice when it comes to accessibility and possibilities. He takes the trains, he flies, he even has jumped out of an airplane. He is inspirational!

Lived experience can lead to launching a business. "Enable Talent" is more than a business. Amandipp Singh has built a network of people and a platform addressing the employment barriers facing people with disabilities. It empowers and solves challenges. It delivers "value over advice" says Singh. It can also help employers in the hiring journey find great people who have traditionally been overlooked. Come along and learn more.

Not that we were unconscious, but now we are asking questions and often pushing the travel industry to think about what it offers and the implications of the suite of services. From carbon offsets, to being aware of the potential to raise communities' opportunities, Amy is asking "Why?" when it comes to how the hospitality industry works and the products it entices us with.This conversation should interest all who go anywhere. Not just by boat, or plane, you might even be on a walking tour.It should also stimulate your interest in Amy's podcast and her platform GreenLuxe. You can google that and "The Conscious Check-in" to find out more about her work and passion.

It is a narrower number of passionate people who are involved in all the activities that eventually make wine for you to enjoy. Todd Anderson will install posts and training wire, drive a tractor, watch the grapes grow, harvest, encourage the magic that transforms juice into wine... all this and more. He delights in taking you on the journey that opens your mind to experiences and vocabulary that express your delight in what you drink, taste... smell. Come along and learn from someone who has more than 5 decades in the world of wine; he has lots to share. Bet he will be back a guest of QOL in years to come!

I think it has been a decade since Gil Penalosa and I last recorded a podcast. His work has had input and influence on over 300 cities globally so why does he make Toronto home? What makes Toronto (and Canada) great... and what are the opportunities we seem to be actively missing? Naturally, we talk about transportation, project management (and project mismanagement), tree canopy, play for children, and recreation for olders. Come along for a sweeping discussion on how we can do better.

In her comprehensive book on the Opioid crisis Reggie Caverson documents the origins, history, and impacts of this pain medication. Designed for end-of-life applications it got wide-spread adoption for other purposes. In a mere 5 or 6 days it could easily become addictive. More importantly she talks about the misguided prescription and misuse of Oxycontin. Caverson sounded the warning 25 years ago, but no one wanted to listen.It is not just playing out on the streets of Canadian cities, but also in homes and workplaces.Look for "Opioids: Burying the Truth One Person at a Time" by Reggie Caverson.

What is FerryShare? You can hear the passion in Ben's voice as he describes what he has built. He created this readily available app to make your life easier. You can reduce your cost to get to or from Vancouver Island (the Gulf Islands are being added as I write this) by using FerryShare. As a passenger you save; as a driver you too can save. One person in one vehicle is inefficient in so many ways. This is especially true during long weekends and the holiday season. Have a listen along while Ben explains his thought process and how you can benefit - not just now during a time of rising fuel costs - and how this lowers emissions.

Speaking from Milan Francesco (PhD in Urban Design & Master Planning) tells me it is already +30C in this spring day. Heat crises, non-permeable surfaces, the love of the automobile and so much more are going to have to be replaced by more livable environments. Bringing his learnings and practice in Asia he speaks about a favourite topic: "A Tree is Not a Pin". The landscape should shape the city and infrastructure not be an afterthought. Trees and green spaces need room and care. Go to his website and learn so much more. Read his book "Urban Nature is Not a Decoration"

May be "demand" is too strong a word, but I've just had a wonderful conversation with Urban Designer/Architect and mobility advocate Reena Mahajan. Her views are circulating and projects she has collaborated on are examining how we use the city. We discuss how different genders may be traversing areas, the impact of their agendas, and whether cars are even needed.There is a section when we talk about zones near schools and the effect of removing traffic from the adjacent street. If you want a better place to live for yourself and everyone around you you should participate, engage and yes, even demand change. Be involved in decision making!

What a treat! A chance not only to visit the Vancouver Art Gallery but to tour it with Diana Freundl. Diana is more than the Senior Curator at VAG. Working collaboratively she is preparing for a new exhibition. You will hear equipment and people working away to ready the space to accept the art and artifacts. Also school groups are actively engaging with the contents of this wonderful space. We start with the freshly prepared story of Emily Carr and pieces expressing the essence of Cascadia. The West Coast energy is present. It is attractive to residents of the city, the province of BC and Canada. Let's not forget the large numbers from Asia and Europe who also are captivated by the spirit.Come along and hear Diana describe the intent today and the aspirations for the future.

Come along to Tel Aviv today to listen to Naama Nicotra's brain wave. She looked at her recycling and garbage and realized much of it was food packaging; plastic everywhere. It was likely some of this - because it was in contact with the food - was also being ingested. She said we are wanting the contents of the package but not the packaging itself. But what if the packaging could dissolve... magically disappear. What could we learn from nature. NakedPak was just a concept and now its time has come; no petrochemicals. It does not steal from the food stream: it is not made from potatoes or corn. NakedPak imparts no flavour nor calories. Listen along and get ready for a revolution!

I've been wanting to have a conversation with Blaine Smith for years. A new opportunity created yet another reason to talk. Blaine is involved in a passion project called 363 York . This new venue not only features some amazing stages in automotive history, but also is a social club and opens the potential for an incredibly different meeting space. Come along an learn about this new and innovative space in car culture in Sudbury.

Okay, I'll admit to being early on this; but here is my special for New Year's 2026. My guest is David Shaw and we are having a dialogue about wellness. As a herbalist he builds custom blends "to each person's specific needs and health goals" and what better time to reset your life and find a path to wellness than NYE. Actually why wait? You could start even today. Listen along as we have a conversation that touches on David's education and what he can do for you, plus all the other services at Esquimalt's Errant Empire.

Stephen Hale kindly offered to continue our tour of the BC Aviation Museum. So here is Part Two. When you go do plan of 90 minutes or far more. There is so much to see, and yes accept a guide. They bring so much depth to the experience. From the earliest powered machines, to float planes for a new country that had no runways, this collection also has aircraft used for training in the Canadian Air Force, and artifacts from the Cold War. Don't neglect the big red Mars Hawaii and all the interactive opportunities. I especially loved walking through the Vicars Viscount as it was the vehicle for my first commercial trip across Canada. Memories!

The BC Aviation Museum is a real gem. There are so many planes all Tetris-ed into the current space. From float planes to rocket ships. Models too are part of the collection. But really it is the spirit of volunteerism that really gives the place life. President of the organization Stephen Hale was my host on this visit. The static displays come alive as he shares his passion for the artifacts. There is also a workshop where restorations are carried out... and don't forget to visit the Mars Hawaii on the apron!

Is it possible? Did I meet Rob Straughan 13 years ago? Rob is the GM of radio station 96.7FM... it goes by the call sign CKLU. This station has hosted the original "Eat This! Drink That!" which morphed in the current program. QOL now deals with all the many things that fall under the umbrella of Quality of Life. In this episode Rob and I reminisce on the early days of the radio station; its origins as a smaller closed-circuit system for the university campus, followed by applications for a broadcast signal. There is lots of laughter, but also some ambient sound that you may become aware of. Recorded on a very windy day the whistling and impact of a storm can be heard. I hope it wont impact you enjoyment too much.

I met Shelley Raymond almost 2 decades ago. She brought a presentation on the benefits of co-housing to an AGM of the Canadian Association of Retired Persons (CARP) and outlined how it works in other countries. She had already rolled out successful projects as a response to living in a house not an institution. It worked for her Dad and she felt it should be more widely adopted. Listen along as she describes her journey to build Solterra and roll it out in other central Ontario communities. Maybe now it is the time to explore this as a possibility for you... for us as a nation.

Coming from a variety of situations some dogs are in search of a place to call home... maybe even find their forever home. Alexa Marko and I met at a mining conference and renewed our contact when I was researching this topic. She has fostered 7 dogs for 6 or 7 weeks each and then Blue came along. They are now best friends. He contributes to Alexa's quality of life and vice versa. Listen along and see if you are perhaps a good fit for the organization... or maybe you just want to financially support Precious Paws.

I believe too often we blindly believe we will get between home and destination without incident. Hopefully, without a collision, with injury or death. Should we be willing to tolerate any loss of life? How we design our roads and how we can improve the existing network is what concerns specialist Kenn Beer. We have a conversation on what elements can be considered, how they can be implemented, and even about the future of driving, anywhere in the world, but specifically in Ontario and Northern Ontario.

The pleasure of having Lisa Lounsbury as a guest on this program over the years has been immeasurable. Known for her dynamic and sensitive delivery of material on Workplace Mental Health - and so many other topics - in this episode she talks about menopause. It is something all women will experience, and as women are 51% of the population, it is surprising how silent the world has been on what it means and how it is expressed. Come along and learn more from Lisa of New Day Wellness.

With a plan to go national Soap for Hope's Anne McIntyre started her project in Vic West. It was 11 years ago when she started the process of diverting valuable materials from landfill and redirecting to those who did not have access to hygiene products. Utilizing bathroom amenities from hotels the containers are filled with the same lotions, liquid soaps, conditioner, and supplemented with deodorant, razors, shaving foam... they restore dignity. They do a lot more including redistribution of hotel bedding - through agencies -to those in need. Have a listen and hear Anne's passion for this organization. Soap for Hope improves so many people's Quality of Life.

Care for you, an older adult, a family member, is essential after a hospital visit or just when you need a break. Maybe you have not had a vacation for a decade and worry about leaving your Mum alone? What do you do when you need a rapid response for even a short stay? Respite Request to the rescue. This conversation with Daniel McShane could just be something you store away in the back of your mind, or it could address a pressing need.

I've known Brett's parents for decades. Through photos and cards I heard of his arrival and seen him as a kid. Now he is the next generation Innkeeper of The Rossport Cabins. Off the Trans-Canada highway this hamlet has a gem of a restaurant that features local Lake Trout and a pillow for you to rest after a long day of driving this visually spectacular route. One of the features of the place are the trains; they pass right by. I just want to turn to the pages of Pierre Burton's "Last Spike" and listen for the nostalgic wail of the engine and rumble of the long line of cars as they cross the country.

The marvels of technology and overcoming time zone differences and Zoom connects we with amazing people.Come along for a conversation with Indian Landscape Architect Garima Dubey.Learn about her interest in how water moves, the value of courtyards, and the ways to reduce heat and humidity. Of course we talk about aesthetics and how people interact with the built environment too.

It seems we are into a period of nation building and augmenting systems. For one High Speed Rail is a hot topic for those in the Windsor - Quebec corridor (a reality check is that Montreal-Ottawa-Toronto is the focus), while the new Eglinton Crosstown line is just one of several projects in the GTA. Oh my! And look at the cost over-runs and ever over the horizon for its completion! My guest on this episode is Dr. Jonathan English. He is "a researcher, writer, and policy expert on infrastructure and transportation with international experience. He has extensive experience giving policy advice to senior leaders in government, business, the non-profit sector, and labour in Canada, the United States, and Europe. He was previously Policy Director at the Toronto Region Board of Trade. He also has experience in practice working on a multibillion-dollar transit project."Come along for a conversation about both the visible and unseen systems that make our country, communities, and even homes function.