QOL

Our world depends on shift workers. They are our emergency workers: police, fire, ambulances... and nurses, doctors, and so much more. Our transportation system functions 24/7 as does much manufacturing. We don't shut down and maybe the 9-5 world of work is becoming mythology. Audra Starkey knows late nights and early morning starts from her years in the Australian aviation industry. She speci...

At some point the stairs become a challenge. The laundry room may be in the basement, and you just can't do it anymore. There could be a health crisis or a fall. Suddenly your forever home is a burden what with gutters to clear, and maybe a roof that needs care. James (Jim) Stover to the rescue. They can provide end to end services that declutter, replace that long outdated look and not just r...

Highways 69 is a vital piece of our provincial and national highway system. If that is true why are 68 kilometers still just 2 lanes? Deaths and injuries from collisions (many head-on) continue to mount. Does Queen's Park hear the pleas to act? MPPs France Gelinas and Jamie West have launched a sticker campaign to add to the calls for action. In this episode France speaks on the history, curre...

Wave back to Adrien Smart. He brings Hazel's Ice Cream Bars to the Thursday Esquimalt market. What a treat! Inspired by Hazel these locally produced bars are now in chain grocery stores - you can even find them in the Yukon - and so many unique spots like country fairs and festivals. Great flavours and always on the quest for something new/novel they are made from BC dairy. Apologies for the s...

The countdown is closing in on the last days of the Snowbirds. This Canadian airshow favourite is soon to fly no more. In Victoria they arrived at YYJ after a flypass to celebrate the BC Aviation Museum's unveiling of their piece of history. The crowd cheered and the huge turnout celebrated current and past pilots who arrived for signing of memorabilia. Listen to the stories from those in atte...

A Master's graduate from Milan Margaret Ross is now in Manhattan. She has done so much with menus and design in hospitality that we could talk for hours including about airline food. Here we have a conversation about restaurants, presentation, what's hot and what's not... and of course the line-ups for seats at any eatery in New York. I have a feeling Margaret will be back on this prog...

In the air - at altitude - your senses are diminished. Put food in your mouth and it can seem flat and shallow. Most inflight caterers could add salt, seasonings/spices, fats, or sweet elements. Dr. Yana has created a fresh option that triggers sensations and expressions without more of everything. "Dr. Yana Steudel is a chemist and flavour designer who brings scientific clarity and creative...

I thought I knew all about Vancouver Island wineries so it was delightful to start a conversation with Mike Nierychlo. He and his wife Robin are not just growing grape but raising a family on this little piece of paradise. A truly quiet corner of the Cowichan Valley you will find this a delightful destination. Come along and let's visit with Mike.

So maybe you are 50, or 60, or life throws a curve ball at you... what systems are in place to be that safety net? Have you saved enough? Did you ask to be "downsized" or pushed aside? Skills are lost, and corporate knowledge/wisdom disappears, but often no one cares except the worker who is laid off or retires early. These situations and more are shared from an Australian perspective by...

What could really improve your quality of life? I believe crossing off tasks - getting stuff fixed or jobs completed - really can remove stress and anxiety. There may be 10 small projects, but you never seem to have the time, the tools, or the skills, to "Git-R-Done!" Okay, not exactly one click, but www.jacksvictoria.ca can help. The platform built for and promoted by 21 year old Nolan...

With social media and phone cameras it seems everyone is documenting the plates that are presented in restaurants; with time on our hands while transiting the continent and planet airline food gets even more attention. Join me for an enlightening conversation with author Richard Foss who is an absolute authority on the history of dining in the sky.

An invitation from Leanne Teron and John Cave and add the associated words cacao and chocolate... it couldn't be a more delightful way to spend a Sunday afternoon! Understanding the growing, the cultivation, the origins of the trees, pods and their beans, brings a better appreciation of the uniqueness of this crop. To taste the terroir - or place - will force you not to think of it as a single...

It has been years... what a wonderful reconnection with Sam Jones. Here we are at his 2%Jazz Hillside location talking about what makes a great cup of coffee. In the hospitality industry for more than 3 decades Sam has created a welcoming 3rd place for you to meet at; what he offers as a brew really reflects his skills. What a pleasure to spend part of an afternoon exploring his journey and though...

Loss of sight (or diminishment) can be terrible; taste and smell can also decline. But the incremental decline in hearing often goes unnoticed, until something triggers action. Join me in conversation with 3 subject matter experts as we discuss how easy it is to improve your quality of life with hearing aids. This program takes place on Vancouver Island, but clinics exist across this country and a...

A total treat to connect with eco-thought leader Louis De Jaeger. I've been following him (maybe you have too) on various social media platforms. He speaks, writes, and motivates more than just his Belgian countrypersons to consider the value of food over pharma. He has influenced even their king to reevaluate lawns in the royal domain. Listen along a Louis shares his experiences encouraging a...

Can you imagine wearing an undergarment that does fit? Apparently, few people ever take the time or make the effort to ensure the bra you wear is for you. Though this is a visit with a specific provisioner in Victoria the situation is countrywide and global. And my guest on this episode, Charlotte, reminds us that our bodies change over time. We also discuss care and cleaning of undergarments to m...

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 beyon...

"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 encount...

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 k...

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...

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...

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...