Eat This! Drink That!

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.

Tourism specialist - he is more than that in fact - Greg Girard tells me about the challenges and the opportunities in Canada's small centres. We discuss out-migration to the cities as well as the attraction of living in a rural setting.Here's what the web says about Greg:"Greg Girard is a co-founding brother of the award-winning adventure and travel website and blog ehCanadaTravel.com. Greg is also a top ranked Canadian travel blogger who enjoys public speaking, and working as a small and rural Canada community consultant."

Oh my! If you love books you have to have Parry Sound on your map. Barely Used Books is a destination and I can assure you Melissa and her team can find just about any title you are looking for. Plan on more than a quick visit... you will leave with an armload of pleasurable reading. Have a listen!This is a previously (Spring 2025) broadcast episode. For whatever reason it never made it to the podcast platform. Here it is for you now.

Podcaster, journalist and outdoor enthusiast Meg Carney joins me to talk about the importance of fresh air experiences. A contributor to Field and Stream magazine Meg love to hike, climb, paddle and speaks often about gear. We discuss longevity, durability, and dependability of kit as well as the impact of choices when we should be leaving no trace.

Mark Sherry has pivoted and his latest development is an app that compares prices across grocery stores. Do you have time to look at flyers and take your list to two or three stores to save a buck? What if an algorithm can do it for you in mere moments. Would it change your shopping behaviour? Maybe.Have a listen and find out about GOFER and how it may cut your costs and suggest which provisioner is your best deal.

Rachelle Rocha, ever the innovator, is always looking for ways to improve your Quality of Life. She and her co-owner see "food as medicine" and everything they do supports that belief. Not only is Seasons a pharmacy, but it is also a food store and more. Because of the amount of floor space devoted to the Culinaria, and kitchen, Seasons qualified to sell beer, wine, cider, and perry. It is the first to do this in the category of services they offer. It makes them a true destination for shoppers who understand the philosophy of their store and intentions.

Come along for a conversation with Jason Goossen. Jason and his family currently operate 3 unique stays on their Okanagan property that will delight you. No sound of traffic, a brook, a farm, an orchard, sage fragranced air, and sweeping views will bring down your tension.It truly is a delight that delivers glamping plus!

What a great organization! Deb Pella Keen speaks about the founder and his motivation to promote real Canadian maple trees.Our laneways, farm driveways, and even cities have to actively plant native species. Invasives and aggressives - like the European or Norway Maple - are not the leaf of our flag.Listen along and discover how you can support and even participate in protecting our heritage.

This is not my usual direction. Sure, I've covered some hard topics, but speaking about killers is way off my map. I hesitated for some years to read Michael Arntfield's "Murder City" but there it was on my shelf... it was only a matter of time before I read it from cover to cover. The next step - naturally - was inviting Michael to this program, When you listen along you will see the linkage to questions about quality of life. I post this caution: listen only if you are ready for some content that may disturb you: London, Ontario never was safe. What other horrors exist in this great country? Recent events again highlight that there are some we have to fear. Perhaps by asking difficult questions we as a nation can avoid a future that includes serial killers, missing children and women, and tragedies of mass shootings. Where is the justice for those who have had their future stolen?

A blast from the past: This episode originally was broadcast some years ago. I felt it was time to revisit the interview with rancher Dylan Biggs.Dylan kindly shares knowledge of the landscape and the reasons why where he is is ideal for raising cattle.From the saddle he knows and understands the animals and environment. One day I hope to visit and learn even more about TK Ranch.

So many older adults have either no portraits nor recent photos. These are not just for their lives but perhaps for their obituary. Why should they not have a professional image for sharing now and then.This is a rerelease of an interview with Peter Istvan who started capturing images of his parents and the neighbours who lived in the same residence. He now has taken it to the next level.Peter has gone from working in health care in Parry Sound, but began considering what he would do in his "golden" years. Fully kitted out with great lighting and quality techniques/technology Peter's images are more than just keepsakes. Come along and listen to his motivation in what he does with his camera, how he builds rapport, and the results he achieves.

This is a rerelease of a conversation with Bill Steer.With his books, articles, podcasts, and presence on CBC Back Roads Bill Steer is the embodiment of outdoor awareness. His work includes the collaborative creation of the Canadian Ecology Centre near Mattawa. It is his decades of getting kids (and adults) outside and in touch with the landscape and history of Northern Ontario that is an amazing legacy. To think that Champlain and so many other explorers portaged and canoed the waterways of the region is so experiential and immersive. Come along for a conversation I wanted to have with Bill for years... I am so glad it finally happened.

This is a rerelease of a program I recorded with Sam Hauck in early 2025. What a great person to talk to about the BC wine world. Sam has been all across this province, and knows the people and the properties in detail. He is a contributor to MyVanCity on bottles and uses social media to share his experiences. From Lillooet to Osoyoos and Cawston to Cowichan Sam has a passion that goes back to the 1980s and even brought about a relocation to the heart of the Okanagan to be closer to the vineyards and folk who bring joy to our tables, enhance our enjoyment of life, and lift our pleasure in sharing food.

This is a rerelease of a program recorded in 2025. It is worth sharing not just as the original broadcast. Camp Maple Leaf sites are across Canada. Many thanks to National Program Director, April Young for her time. She shares the value the summer programs bring to not just military families and their children, but to others who can benefit from confidence and skills.Besides, who doesn't want to go to camp, to learn to swim, to fish, to sit around a fire at day's end, and to watch the night sky.Children in military families are often uprooted from their communities and connections; their schooling interrupted and safety net disappears. "... Frequent relocations inherent in military life can challenge their ability to develop lasting friendships."Yes, they have been around since 1955 but I bet you may never have heard of Camp Maple Leaf. This is an opportunity to learn about what they nurture and grow.Here is their mission statement:"We give children of Canadian Military families and children who share similar unique life challenges a camp to call their own. Camp Maple Leaf supports and celebrates campers for who they are, and fosters friendships that follow them home."Visit www.campmapleleaf.ca for more details and to request a spot for your family, your children, or even grandchildren.Camp Maple Leaf is operated by The Camp Tanamakoon Charitable Foundation, Inc and as a registered Canadian charity you can support their efforts with a one-time donation or consider annual giving through their site or via Canada Helps. You could even volunteer!

Come along to Government Street and make Emily Carr's home in Victoria a destination. She was born there. She lived there until her late teens and again in her 20s. She taught art classes at her dining room table. Her paintings capture the spirit of the west coast, its forests, its shorelines, and even the dynamics of trees moving in the wind. Emily Carr paintings today can fetch over $3 million and are sought by museums and collectors worldwide. Do read her books, and consider touring and taking an art class at this wonderful place in Canadian history.

Many thanks to Doug Bell for sharing his passion for fruit wines. Our conversation on where the winery is, its history, the products available, and even plans for the future... is all here. You will find that there are great stories in the journey and what they offer. You will learn how the project got its name, and know that over a million visitors have been welcomed. Maybe Prince George BC is your next destination?

This is a rerelease of a recording made some time ago and was only shared on radio. Here it is now ready to listen anytime you are ready. North Bay's John Sallie has some thoughts to share on life and what matters. Is it what you need, want desire? No, he says we don't need to clutch things . This episode explores what motivates us as we pass through the decades.His sixth decade is affording him the liberty to do more of what pleases him; that means more time devoted to writing. "It all goes by so fast so live for today."

Vancouver Island is the home to many vineyards. The climate favours varieties like Pinot Gris but there is much experimentation. Tricia and Steve arrived after detailed investigation of potential in the Okanagan, Italy and their home state of California. They have transformed a lavender farm into what is now Cobble Hill Winery. An east and south facing slope in the front is like a big advertisement with new rows of Chenin Blanc. Not far from Cowichan Bay it is a pretty corner of the world. Come along for the listen and find out how delighted they are to be here, growing grapes, and making wine.

Thanks to my guest Melissa Valliant, Communications Director at Beyond Plastics, for coming to talk about plastics and plastic pollution. We learn plastics are everywhere, including in us. If you want to know more about "The Problem with Plastic" by Judith Enck you might find a copy in your local library... This is not a story of despair. The subtitle is "How we can save ourselves and our planet before it's too late," so there is a sense of hopefulness as well as ways we can wean ourselves from dependency and addiction to this growing problem.

Western Engineering student Ribal Zebian has some ideas about what we build, where we build, and how we build, homes.Rising cost of materials and labour are just part of the equation. Zebian proposes modular units, built in climate controlled factories as a solution. He is willing to live for a year in one of his prototypes.Come along for a conversation about his journey and what he proposes for Canadians.

What can you write about when your heart is touched? Something like The Victoria Hand Project has such value... it says so much about both the generosity of, and the importance of, addressing a pressing need. Loss of a hand can happen in so many different ways: infection, industrial injury... and the cruelty of landmines.Come along to University of Victoria and find out how they are responding to this challenge.

I interviewed Holland Marshall the first time for a print story. His interest in specifically homelessness, addiction and the way society responds to these challenges brings us back together. This time our conversation covers some new ground based on his recent observations specifically in Sudbury. But don't mistake this for a uniquely Sudbury story. Those living "rough" have a perennial Canadian problem once the temperature drops: cold and frostbite. Warming using open flame in highly flammable tents or cardboard shelters is no solution. It can, and has, resulted in fires and death. Growing numbers of individuals living outside over the last decade - and especially during COVID - has exacerbated the outcomes no one would wish on anyone.

Want to know more about the Villa Eyrie? Of course you do. Located near the summit of the Malahat Pass this romantic resort is a perfect escape. Really only half an hour outside of Victoria the drive alone is worth it. The dining room has a view like no other. The rooms so comfortable... and well kitted out for cocooning and relaxation. Samantha Johnson is the Assistant General Manager and she has her fingers on the pulse of the property. Her she speaks about what makes Villa Eyrie a destination whether for breakfast/brunch, lunch/dinner or an overnight stay.

Angela Mustone has a line of wellness products. She was in from Montreal showcasing her catalogue. The ideal spot to do this is the Villa Eyrie. Located at the top of the Malahat Drive the romantic getaway now carries her intimacy oils, candles, body paint. You can visit their spa to make purchases that will enhance your (single or plural) quality of life. Angela speaks on her journey, development, and aspirations.

An exceptional look and feel is the goal of Design de Plume (DDP) and Principal Jennifer Taback RGD. Her team offers a unique perspective that makes their work attractive to clients world-wide; "We integrate Indigenous knowledge with leading-edge design solutions."This Sudbury Ontario based company knows no geographic boundaries. Listen to our conversation on the roots of the organization, their journey, and recent successes.

You must consider making a pilgrimage to dine at Vij's. Vikram Vij laughs when called an overnight success; there have been years of hard work and sacrifice to achieve this pinnacle of a dining destination. Books, TV, and the restaurant(s) each display his passion for showcasing the best of his heritage and the ingredients that the ocean and land of British Columbia and Canada offer up. Vikram acknowledges it is not all him; it is teamwork. And what a well-oiled operation it is. Seamless service ensures you will be so pleased you can't wait for your next visit.Explosions of flavour plus such amazing tastes and textures have put Vij's on the map.

Where there are fish I can guarantee you will find Bob Izumi. This is a joyous conversation that celebrates Bob's 38 years of television production. with 26 shows a year (do the math) he covered lots of miles and met thousands of people. It's more than fishing it is about being outdoors on a lake hearing the loons, seeing the sunrise, breathing deeply and appreciating being Canadian. Starting in his teens Bob never has run out of lakes to fish nor a passion to do so... and to share his adventures. Fishing is very democratic; from a simple line and hook to expensive gear, to specialized boats and technology.Come along for the story of how Bob made the programs, and his thoughts for today and the future.

Car-free zone? Inner city cores that have life and encourage living. Fume-free coffee or lunch at a sidewalk cafe? A conversation that is not overwhelmed by exhaust... where you sit under a tree canopy and the birds are a background symphony. Is it a pipe-dream? Stephen Burgen, journalist at the Guardian has lived in Spain for a quarter century and shares his observations of change and improvement. Are there examples we can learn from and what can we embrace? Urban parks, strolling, improved life expectancy, intergenerational interactions... we touch on all these topics here in this episode.

NOTE: This is a broadcast that was initially shared in 2024. I felt it was worthy of another listen.Dr. Trevor Hancock is a retired Public Health physician. His work included time in New Brunswick as a family doctor, in Toronto at Public Health, and lastly at University of Victoria. He contributes weekly - for the last decade - to the Victoria Times-Colonist and writes about determinants of health. We have a conversation about smoking and how rates have changed and how we hope to see it drop further.

Dr. Kendra Coulter is the author of  Defending Animals. I read an article in the Globe and Mail and just had to have a conversation with her here on QOL . Coulter is a Professor of Management and Organizational Studies, at Huron University College at Western. She is a Fellow of the Oxford Centre for Animal Ethics, and Member, Royal Society of Canada's College of New Scholars, Artists, and Scientists.This program is being re-released to stimulate additional awareness of abuse and neglect of all animals.Though specific reference to Marineland is not made, there are responsibilities we have towards all captive animals.

There were the legacy breweries - the big boys of the business - then came the micros, and here we are talking with Dan van Netten about his nano-brewery on Vancouver Island.He really isn't new to the industry nor to brewing; I am told he began his journey in high school with first batches of beer and wine.Howl is located on Lyle Street in Esquimalt in a historic building that once was a green grocer/convenience store from 1909. It was known as a neighbourhood candy store for years.Come along for a conversation that explores how Dan got into beer, what he produces now, and his aspirations for a tasting room.