Thinking Out Loud with Sheldon MacLeod

The RCMP say a young person from Wolfville died during flooding caused by heavy rains in the Annapolis Valley on Thursday, July 11th. Police didn't release their name or gender, but they are believed to be a young teenager. RCMP were called at 7:40 p.m. by someone reporting that the teen was pulled into a water-filled ditch at a community park on Highland Avenue and disappeared under the rushing water. Police said a group of friend were playing at the park when the flash flooding occurred. The park, behind Acadia University's Crowell Tower, includes play equipment, a soccer pitch and a skate park. Police say that as part of the efforts, the water drainage system was diverted. The youth was found dead at about 11:30 p.m. Details:

He has more than 20 companies and has been a fixture in the home renovation genre of television production over the years. Bryan Baeumler was recently in Halifax to meet with fans and to talk about balancing non-scripted television, personal relationships and a career in the trades. He took some time to discuss how it's happened, why blue collar work is so important and what it means to be a successful Canadian media personality. 

Chris Kelades is 99.99 percent it will be his last professional fight. The 43-year old holds a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and will be entering the ring one last time this coming Saturday night in Dartmouth. For the last few years, the Greek Assassin (as he's known) has been working as a commentator for Fight League Atlantic — a mixed martial arts promotional league based in Halifax. Ten years ago, Kelades was a last-minute call up for the card at an Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) event in Halifax. A fight he won in a unanimous decision. And the last time he fought in Nova Scotia. He also spent time fighting overseas in the M-1 Global before the pandemic put a halt to his fighting career. With a professional record of 15 wins and four losses, Kelades will be taking on PEI's Morgan Rhynes in the main event at Zatzman Sports Complex in Dartmouth. This will be his first fight since 2019. Recently, he took time out of his training to speak with SaltWire's Sheldon MacLeod.

In this episode, Sheldon MacLeod from SaltWire sits down with Troy Greencorn, Executive Director, and Steve McIntyre, Artistic Director, of the Stan Rogers Folk Festival. They delve into the festival's rich history, the introduction of the new roadshow, and the special celebration planned for Bruce Guthro. Explore the magic of Stanfest and its impact on the community of Canso, Nova Scotia July 25th-28th, 2024.

Does it have to be all or nothing when it comes to cell phone uss in the classroom? Dr. Simon Sherry is a clinical psychologist, a professor and a dad. And he takes on the pressing issue of cell phone and social media usage in schools. We delve into the pervasive impact of mobile devices on children's sleep, social relationships, and classroom learning. Dr. Sherry advocates for a ban in Atlantic provinces, while we also explore the nuances of policy, the potential benefits of technology, and the broader societal implications of the digital age.

It's been almost a year since the devastating wildfires in Halifax and Shelburne Counties.  The Barrington Lake fire — the largest wildfire in recorded history of the province and the Tantallon fire — one of the most expensive. Kara McCurdy recently left her role as a Fire Prevention officer with Natural Resources and Renewables for a similar role with Halifax Fire and Emergency Services. She was also presented with the Lynn Orstad Award for preventing wildfire and advancing community resiliency. As she moves into her new role with HRFE, McCurdy discusses the FireSmart program and some of the lessons learned on protecting properties from wildfire risk. May 5th to 11th is Emergency Preparedness Week.  For more information visit Halifax.ca/EMO. 

As spring unfolds and the leaves come out, the risk of wildfires in Nova Scotia climbs. A year after the devastating wildfires, an independent report on the response was released by the Department of Natural Resources and Renewables. For more on the response and forest fire prevention, Jim Rudderham, Director for Fleet and Forest Protection was made available. He discusses the critical role of moisture levels, the Burnsafe Map, and how volunteer firefighters are stepping up to safeguard our natural resources. He also discusses the science behind burn restrictions and why burning is always restricted between 8am and 2pm during wildfire risk season. And in the end, it's all about the collective effort needed from landowners and the community to prevent wildfires.

The idea was to talk with him about his upcoming cross-Canada jaunt with singer/songwriter Jann Arden. But I had to find out the origin story of this upcoming adventure called the “Will they or won't they tour”.  It launches April 27th in Kitchener before coming to Halifax on the 29th, Moncton on the 30th and St. Johns on May 2nd. Rick Mercer shares what it's like dividing his time between Newfoundland and Toronto and what to expect when he takes the stage with his friend Jann.

Tim German and his 2017 Hyundai Elantra have made a lot of trips around the Maritimes delivering blood products over the last seven years. And he shares his thoughts about his car, his work and how he has kept his car going long enough to "circle the world 19 times" and counting. 

Nova Scotians are already stepping up to help their neighbours in huge ways. There are 6,000 volunteer firefighters and 1,200 ground search and rescuers across the province. And when Premier Tim Houston recently announced the formation of the Nova Scotia Guard, there were a lot of questions about who would be joining this new team and exactly what they would be doing.  Greg Jones is the President of the Fire Services Association of Nova Scotia. Along with discussing the possible roles for the newly named Guard, Chief Jones discusses recruitment and training challenges facing volunteer groups right now in Nova Scotia. Editor's Note — After this piece was produced, an invitation was received by the author for an online meeting with Premier Tim Houston on Sunday, April 14 at 7:15 p.m. to hear from volunteer first responders. 

Imagine walking into a barn and instead of hearing random clucks and squawks, you're privy to a conversation about likes, dislikes, and even emotional states. This isn't a scene from a children's book; it's the reality that researchers at Dalhousie University are uncovering through the power of artificial intelligence. The idea for this conversation came from a news release titled: Fowl language: Dalhousie University researcher uses AI to crack the code of clucks and unravel chicken chatter secrets, opening the door to an improved quality of life. Suresh Neethirajan is an associate professor and the University Research Chair in Digital Livestock Farming in Dalhousie's Faculty of Computer Science. In this conversation, he explains how he is applying artificial intelligence to chicken sounds from more than 30 poultry farms across North America and Europe, including birds with Avian flu and a wide range of health conditions. Using sophisticated machine learning algorithms, he has translated chickens' nonsensical sounds to specific words, like "Danger!" and "Fox!" For instance, he can now understand expressions of distress or a need for help in diseased chickens, much like a human saying, "I have to go to the hospital." Humourist Bill Carr posted a piece highlighting the ethical questions this raises and Dr. Neethirajan addresses some of them in this conversation. 

The Nova Scotia Government has pumped the brakes on a controversial policy affecting the wine industry. This is a look at the back story and the politics involved when doing an about-face amidst wide-spread criticism.

Some people may not remember the 2006 JUNO Awards in Halifax. But the event is gearing up to bring hundreds of performers and hours of music to dozens of venues across the city later this month. Allegra Swanson is  the Chair of the 2024 Halifax JUNO Host Committee and is also the Executive Director of Music Nova Scotia. She takes us through the nomination process, the selection of winners, and the special moments that honour the artists we've lost. There's more in this conversation about Wavemakers and JUNOFest as well as the big award gala hosted by Nelly Furtado and Maestro Fresh Wes. 

Does switching the clock twice a year bug you? If so, you can blame — in part — entomologist George Vernon Hudson. In 1895, the New Zealand scientist presented a paper proposing a two-hour shift forward in the summer, switching it back in the fall. His reasoning? He was frustrated that it got dark so early in the summer that it was interfering with his bug collecting. History has been much more kind to him than the Royal Society that he presented to. They mocked him, some members saying that proposal was both confusing and unnecessary. And a lot of people these days are feeling the same way about Daylight Saving Time and switching the clocks twice a year.

The provincial government has left Nova Scotia property owners to rely on their own instincts and better judgments when it comes to protecting coastal property. Environment Minister Tim Halman introduced the government's plan for coastal resiliency, The Future of Nova Scotia's Coastline this week. The Progressive Conservative say the plan will protect people, homes and nature from climate change along Nova Scotia's 13,000 kilometres of coastline by introducing 15 actions for property owners, municipalities and the province to take to make coastal homes, communities and natural areas safer. The plan supplants the Coastal Protection Act that passed with full support of all Nova Scotia political parties in 2019 but was never proclaimed. In this podcast, we hear from Carolyn Bolivar-Getson from the NS Federation of Municipalities and Marla MacLeod from the Ecology Action Centre along with Minister Halman.

It wasn't the first time a provincial politician switched political stripes in Nova Scotia — and it likely won't be the last. But it was rather surprising when Premier Tim Houston announced Brendan Maguire (Halifax-Atlantic) would also be joining the Executive Council as a member of his cabinet. The former Liberal MLA has been highly critical of the Progressive Conservatives since they took office. And now he says he'll have a chance to make a difference from the Government side of the house. What does it all mean? That's what we explore in this conversation with Dalhousie University Professor Dr. Lori Turnbull.

Lisa MacIsaac, a Juno-nominated Nova Scotia musician and member of Madison Violet is about to embark on the 'Small of My Heart' songwriter circle tour. This series of shows, spanning from February to May 2024, is more than just a concert—it's a movement celebrating award-winning women and non-binary artists and advancing their place within the Canadian music industry. Lisa shares her experiences in songwriter circles, both as a participant and now as a host. She describes these gatherings as magical events where artists share songs and stories, drawing inspiration from one another in a live, dynamic environment. This is all about the unique energy of these circles, and how each show is different, influenced by the artists' interactions and the audience's feedback.https://bansheeco.ca/

Have you ever stopped to think about whether your life's path is carved by destiny or shaped by chance? This is the central question posed by the extraordinary play, 'The Gift', presented by Brookes Diamond Productions and starring Robert Lamar. 'The Gift' is not a typical stage play. It's an interactive experiment that urges the audience to engage, to challenge their preconceived notions, and to participate in a journey of self-discovery. As playwright and director Ron Ulrich explains, the play is a series of experiments that question whether our lives are governed by fate or happenstance. The audience is not just watching a story unfold; they are part of the story, potentially influencing its outcome. The world debut is currently running at Halifax's St. Andrew's Church Hall.

Have you ever stumbled upon a dream you didn't know you had? That's exactly what happened to Elaine Knight when her niece sent her a link to a castle for sale in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. Elaine shares the remarkable story of how she went from seeking a simple property to own a castle, which she plans to transform into a vibrant community space.

Former talk show host Rick Howe, a well-known voice and personality in Halifax radio broadcasting, has died. He was 69. His death was reported Thursday morning on CityNews 95.7, which Howe retired from in 2021. Howe had been battling cancer, which had forced him to retire just short of marking 50 years behind the microphone. This is a conversation with long-time broadcaster and former colleague JC Douglas about the legacy and impact of Rick Howe. https://www.saltwire.com/halifax/news/former-halifax-broadcaster-rick-howe-dies-at-69-100934471/

The stark reality of child poverty in Nova Scotia has been revealed in the latest report card on child and family poverty. With an alarming 20.5% of Nova Scotia's children living below the poverty line in 2021, the conversation with Dr. Christine Saulnier, director of the Nova Scotia branch of the Canadian Center for Policy Alternatives, is both urgent and necessary. https://policyalternatives.ca/publications/reports/2023-report-card-child-and-family-poverty-nova-scotia

In a world where political engagement is more critical than ever, one might assume that civic education—our blueprint for understanding democracy—is a foundational pillar in our schools. But what if I told you that a staggering number of Canadians don't recall learning anything about civics during their formative years? How does this affect our democracy and the discourse around it?

Let's delve into the intricacies of property assessments and taxes, a topic that has Nova Scotians on edge as they grapple with the latest valuation notices. With residential property assessments in Halifax soaring by 17.5%, it's no wonder homeowners are anxious about potential tax hikes. We're joined by Jeff Cadell, Assistant Director at Property Valuation Services Corporation (PVSC), who sheds light on how these figures are calculated and what they mean for you. We also hear from Deputy Mayor Kathy Deagle-Gammon and Carolyn Bolivar-Getson, President of the Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities, who discuss the balancing act of municipal budgeting and the impact on residents' lives. With the real estate market's temperature rising, understanding the appeal process and the cap program becomes crucial. This episode, brought to you by Saltwire, is not just about numbers—it's about the real-life consequences of a red-hot market and what it means for the future of your wallet. Tune in as Sheldon MacLeod guides us through the maze of millage rates and market values, and remember, it's more important now than ever to stay informed and engaged. Subscribe, add your comment, and join the conversation.

'Son of a Critch' is not your average sitcom. It's a blend of nostalgia, family dynamics, and the quirky charm that is Newfoundland and Labrador. Critch brings his childhood to the screen with an authenticity that resonates with audiences across the country. From the casting of Benjamin Evan Ainsworth as young Mark to the inclusion of real-life artifacts from Critch's family home, the show is a lovingly crafted time capsule that invites viewers to partake in the universal experiences of growing up.

In a series of interviews, the leaders of all three political parties in Nova Scotia were asked about the state of politics in 2023 and their thoughts on the year ahead. This is Progressive Conservative Premier Tim Houston.

In a series of interviews, the leaders of all three political parties in Nova Scotia were asked about the state of politics in 2023 and their thoughts on the year ahead. This is Liberal Leader Zach Churchill.

In a series of interviews, the leaders of all three political parties in Nova Scotia were asked about the state of politics in 2023 and their thoughts on the year ahead. This is NDP Leader Claudia Chender.

Have you ever heard of a Certified Career Development Practitioner (CCDP)? It's a job where you can play a crucial role in helping job seekers navigate the ever-changing workforce while empowering them to achieve their dreams and live purpose-driven lives. Teresa Francis is with the Nova Scotia Career Development Association (NSCDA). As Director of Learning and Professional Practice, she is working to get more CCDP's certified to help more workers. A study conducted in May 2019 by Halifax Global Inc., reported a high degree of job satisfaction within the career development profession in Nova Scotia. On a scale of 1-5 with 5 being very satisfied, 77% rated their job satisfaction as being a 4 or 5.

From playing with his family in the dance halls of Mabou to performing on stages around the world, Jimmy Rankin has had quite the career. And the 59-year old Cape Bretoner is celebrating his eighth solo studio recording since the Rankin Family stopped performing in the late 1990's. Art and music have always been a touchstone in his life and he weighs in on how the internet has been both a blessing and a curse for the industry.https://jimmyrankin.com

Feed Nova Scotia is one of the few Five Star Charities according to Charity Intelligence. They're out with their list of the top 100 charities in Canada. In this podcast, learn about their rating system, why you should be mindful of who you give to, and why you should never fall for the 'holdup at the checkout'.

Sportsnet's Ken Reid knows his hockey. But it was the unheralded stories from days gone by that he wanted to highlight in his latest book. It may seem a long way from his hometown of Pictou to the NHL arenas of today. For Reid, it's all about the stories of those players who were stars in their own right, it their own communities, and in their own words where possible. Hometown Hockey Heroes is his look back on the spirit of the sport and the players who inspired generations of kids.

Would it surprise you to learn that Maritimers spend more over the holidays than in other region of Canada? According to the Retail Council of Canada, it's almost twice as much as people spend in Quebec. To hear more on holiday shopping intentions, we hear from Jim Cormier who shares the details of their annual Leger Marketing survey on holiday spending.

There's nothing like the feeling of an unexpected snow day! And for singer/songwriter Meaghan Smith, it was the inspiration for her song It Snowed. That will be one of the festive tunes you'll hear as part of The Holiday Show over three days at The Stage at St. Andrew's (6036 Coburg Road) in Halifax starting December 1st. Smith has written over 100 songs that have been used for film and television (those include: Jimmy Fallon, American Idol, So You Think You Can Dance, 60 Minutes, The Friends Reunion and more. This upcoming event is a festive fundraiser for Feed NS. This is a conversation about her unique approach to her craft and the career she's built for herself in a rather unconventional way. And if you've never heard of an omnichord, you're not the only one.

Veronica Murray got to live out one of her dreams when she met Sidney Crosby and got to watch him play in Halifax recently. And the nonagenarian is one of the many seniors who have benefittted from the work of the not-for-profit group known as We Are Young (WAY). The group has recently branched out from its beginnings in Nova Scotia where they are offering help to seniors across Atlantic Canada. This year, they've also launched a regional program in Ontario where they'll do similar work. One of the ways they brighten the lives of seniors is through their Holiday Happiness Card campaign. WAY co-founder Katie Mahoney tells us how you can make a difference in a senior's life and help make dreams come true.

His Acadian roots are still showing, even after working with the late Jimmy Buffett. Lennie Gallant has recorded 15 albums of original songs, 11 in English and 4 in French. His song Peter's Dream was inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame. He is a member of The Order of Canada and has been PEI Red Cross Humanitarian of The Year. He's about to embark on his annual holiday concert venture called The Innkeeper's Christmas Tour. In this conversation, Lennie talks about how he came to know Jimmy Buffett and the last time they spoke just days before his passing. Spirituality, sailing, songwriting and that one thing we all should be looking to get out of life.

How can a law be passed but not enacted? And why hasn't the Progressive Conservative Government put the regulations in place for the Coastal Protection Act? It was supported by all three political parties when the Iain Rankin Liberals introduced it in 2019. And current Environment Minister Tim Halman appeared ready to put all of the drafted regulations into effect last spring. What happened? And why did the Nova Scotia Government say more consultation was needed after two years of study, discussion and input by individuals and non-government agencies? And why do we need this Act now?

For more than 45 years, he was a daily part of our lives in the Maritimes, sharing the stories of the people and events that shaped our world. And now, close to two years since stepping away from the anchor desk, Steve Murphy is sharing his thoughts and his opinions about an illustrious career in broadcasting in his third book. Murphy's Logic (Nimbus) is a sometimes very frank and candid retrospective at the person who spent more than three decades in our living rooms. He also weighs in on what shaped his interest in politics and people and on the state of the news industry since the rise of social media. In this extended sit-down interview, he arrived on foot during the first snowfall of the season (he's never had a driver's license) to offer his perspective on how people and opinions can change over time.

He hit the charts and Much Music as a member of the group Our Lady Peace in 1992. And it was just a few years that Raine Maida met the woman he would marry, raise a family with. Chatal Kreviazuk has a career of her own as a performer and successful songwriter. This month, the two will be performing at venues across the maritimes. They will be telling stories and playing songs from an album they co-wrote as they navigated the complexities of sharing parenting, relationships all while working on their own careers. Raine Maida talks about why making yourself a better partner and person takes coaching but is something we should all embrace.Tickets for the Forgive Me Tour available at this link.

Fewer Nova Scotians will be eligible for a provincial program to help with the costs of heating their homes this winter. It is fair to say the Tim Houston government had boosted the Heating Assistance Rebate program from the modest $200 a year under the previous government. But the $1000 rebate from last winter has been reduced to $600 this season. And the number of people who qualify has also been reduced. For comment, Sheldon spoke with long-time NDP MLA and former party leader Gary Burrill for his thoughts.

The award winning Canadian performer reflecting on his five decades of creating music, touring, spirituality and his life now as a 78-year old dad of a pre-teen. This conversation touches on topics of spirituality, aging, social commentary and social media. He will be performing in the Maritimes this week. (Editor's note: This conversation took place before the Israel-Hamas war.)

Internationally acclaimed crooner Matt Dusk is coming to the Maritimes in November to swing us back to Las Vegas in 1966. He sits down with Katy Jean and Sheldon MacLeod to talk about paying homage to his hero, Frank Sinatra.

A Bridgewater woman who murdered her daughter in 2008 has chosen not to apply for early release under the "Faint Hope Clause". But the Parole Board of Canada has granted her an escorted pass as she serves out her 20 year sentence for second-degree murder. The author of Mommy Don't, Sherri Aikenhead discusses the role that family, former investigators, and community will play in the parole process and her eventual release.

Habitat for Humanity Nova Scotia is has decided to change things up for its latest fundraising event. Habitat's Huge House Party on September 29th at the Halifax Convention Centre. It is described as an exclusive show with multi-platinum, award winning singer songwriter Jann Arden. It will also feature, Jon Cyr, Jah'Mila, Campbell & Johnston and is being hosted by Robb Wells — Ricky from the Trailer Park Boys. The organizers say it won't be your typical corporate event. And Jann Arden is pleased to be involved with helping this group that is working at helping solve the housing crisis.

In spite of the rhetoric, no one under the age of 18 in Canada can have gender affirming "bottom" surgery. It's part of a disinformation campaign that has filtered into the political discourse. The inflammatory use of terms like grooming and indoctrination are also fanning the flames of hate and intolerance in our schools and communities. Carolyn Davis is a trans woman and a stand up comedian who shares her experience and the lessons learned during the protest and counter-protest in Halifax.

Eight days of music showcasing singers, songs, and stories. The Carlton's Mike Campbell explains how it all started and where HUFF is headed between September 24th and October 1st.

Here's an abridged version of the Hurricane Lee Media Availability from Friday, September 15th, 2023. Visit www.saltwire.com for the latest information.

The Taylor Swift Eras Tour has been the musical event of the year. And the Valley Drive In Theatre is extending its season into October to give Swifties a chance to see the film version of her live concert.

Federal NDP leader Jagmeet Singh has ideas on how to help with the housing crisis in Canada. And he takes questions on supporting the Trudeau government, the high cost of everything, and the push to change the political system in Canada.

After more than three years, it happened. And this is about what bothers me the most about the last week.

Being stuck at home for two years helped Séan McCann make peace with his past. Thirty years after founding the band and ten years since leaving it, he's hitting the road where he “Sings the Great Big Sea Songbook”. He will be performing September 28th, 2023 at the Sanctuary Arts Centre in Dartmouth as part of the Halifax Urban Folk Festival. His years of sobriety and a special four-leaf clover have given him the strength to embrace the spirit of Canada's Biggest Party Band post addiction. McCann shares his One Good Reason and the possibility of a reunion some day with his former bandmates.

As the fall semester is about to start, a lack of affordable student housing is still a huge concern. Georgia Saleski is Executive Director of Students Nova Scotia. She says that is one of the many barriers to education they are trying to get government and universities to address.