QOL

I've had the pleasure of knowing Don since high school. We weren't always connected but our worlds collided from time to time. Because flights cross-Canada sometimes have layovers or long delays there were opportunities to renew that friendship. I was in Calgary on the cusp of a weather event when we spoke about Don's years in the Canadian Forces. We also returned to the story he shared of taking...

Stunning architecture, attention to details, service that includes champagne everytime you pass through the grand lobby... the list can go on and on. General Manager Attila AE Domby speaks on the history of thsi LEED Platinum property that is Kimpton's first verture on a new frontier. Well known in the US Kimpton is raising the bar in the city where west meets east. Speaking of bars there is a wel...

Éric Boutilier  is a bilingual photo journalist, freelance columnist and television producer in Northern Ontario... he is also an advocate for improving rail service in Northern Ontario. Éric and I have a conversation about the challenges facing not just small towns, but the very network that once stitched our country together.

To be invited back to further explore the world of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was a continuing delight. Cliff Goldfarb knows so much about Doyle... and he shares more than the vast Sherlock Holmes library of stories. Doyle was a prolific writer and Cliff provides titles and the details of Doyle's life and times.

Geoffrey, a seasoned wine writer and retailer, discusses his career and experiences in the wine industry. He highlights the benefits of Alberta's privatization, which allows for exclusive wine imports and a diverse wine market. Geoffrey shared his journey from cooking to wine retail, emphasizing the importance of passion in his work. He mentions his monthly column for PostMedia, which has been syn...

Hugh Kruzel interviews Friba Rezayee, Afghanistan's first female Olympic athlete and founder of Women Leaders of Tomorrow, which helps Afghan women access education in Canada. Friba discusses the Taliban's restrictions on women's education and sports, leading many to seek opportunities abroad. Women Leaders of Tomorrow has received over 600 applications for mining and geology scholarships. 4 women...

What a pleasure to connect with Kevin Jackson, President of Porter Airlines. I last saw him on the arrival of the inaugual flight of the E195-E2 service to Victoria. Yes, Porter now has jets in its fleet! Sitting on Muskoka chairs at Billy Bishop airport we have a conversation about the history of Porter, its current activities, and plans for the future.

Through the kindness of Stephen Lautens we learn about one of the great Canadian institutions: The National Club. Celebrating 150 years Stephen has prepared a history of the club. The book "Tradition and Change" demonstrates how Canada has grown up, and specifically how Toronto has transformed from Muddy York to an international mega-city. Come along for the ride as we talk about the benefits of f...

Rachelle Rocca of Seasons Pharmacy and Culinaria is organizing a health and wellness symposium at College Boreal. It happens in the evening (7-9) of October 29th. She believes strongly that everyone can take charge of their well-being and achieve improved health and quality of life outcomes. "Where food meets medicine" is Seasons' motto. Learn more about this gathering and the panel of three who w...

Benita Dellelce - an Entrepreneur since 1981 - is a makeup artist, and personal development coach. She owns Charm Plus which prepares anyone and everyone to step forward with their best foot... she also is a model/talent agent. Hundreds and hundreds of Sudburians have benefitted from her advice, guidance, and skills. Join us for a convesation about being the best you can be.

In this episode I have the pleasure of a conversation with Devarati. I met Devarati at Seasons Phamacy on Lorne Street in Sudbury. It was purely by chance, but we seemed to hit it off. She will be guiding meditation this fall at Seasons. I found her words and thoughts comforting; maybe you will also.

Of course everyone loves to hear Italian and eat Italian food... to drink Italian wine too! Ah, Prosecco... Saluti Primitivo! Learning the language can improve not just your travel experiences but your quality of life. Diana Colilli's mandate on the board of directors at the Caruso Club is Culture and Education. She delivers hybrid classes in Italian for a spectrum of learners. Join us for a c...

Author Laura Tamblyn Watts talks about her recently published "Let's Talk About Aging Parents" here on QOL. This essential guide is not just a unique "how to" but you can jump all around the table of contents and find something you are dealing with right now. Turn to any page and she offers valuable insight - and even humour - in addressing difficult situations.

Don't worry, I know this episode is coming out early. We are though approaching a time for harvests and baskets of peaches give way to counters groaning with frost fearing tomatoes. Was it only 5C last night? My guest for this Thanksgiving special is Gary Petingola. He is a Masters prepared Social Worker, certified to teach  Mindfulness -Based Stress Reduction. Gary has appeared in previous br...

Geologist Hadyn Butler took up a hobby... and then that hobby became so much more. His creations are an expression of a inquiring mind that tackles challenges differently. The results are unique and stunningly spectacular. I've written about Hadyn and now you can listen along to one of several conversations that roam across a wide spectrum of topics that make Hadyn tick.

The world of social media opens up a network of connections and knowledge. Through Twitter (X) and LinkedIn (find her there) I have met new people and connected with old friends. Eniko Dub has worked around the world (including in London's Shard) and now is a content creator, freelance wine writer, and wine marketer. We have a conversation by Zoom on wines of Hungary and the larger playground...

Want to learn more about garlic? How to grow it? How to cook with it? How to enjoy it? Yes, even where to get garlic ice cream (the answer is at the Ukrainian Centre in Sudbury). My guest in this episode of QOL is Peter McClusky, author of Ontario Garlic: The Story from Farm to Festival. Peter shares garlic's history - starting in central Asia - how it was shunned and now embraced. While Sudbu...

Food banks are playing an ever growing role in the lives of many across all Canadian communities. The need is there year round. Dan Xilon, Executive Director of the Sudbury Food Bank has a plus 20 year involvement in responding to this need. Our conversation is about how to support the Food Bank and how it delivers to the agencies across a large geographic region.

I had an amazing opportunity in interview Canadian singer Beth Nicole Torbert. She is best known by her stage name  Bif Naked. This conversation was recorded in August 2024. She will be performing at Pride in the Woods in Lavigne Ontario on the 24th at 7 to 8PM.

In this episode I speak with owner Trent Falldien and chef Jennifer Jusic about their new venture on Notre Dame in Sudbury. They say Sudburians are hungry for the eating option that Vegan Ready presents. We explore their primary motivation for opening and run through the menu items.

I was - and likely still am - a fan of the Sherlock Holmes stories. The fictional character (though it feels he was a real person) has been part of our mystery and crime fighting reading for generations. In his Deerstalker he is easily identified by even young readers. Created by the busy and productive Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, in this episode of QOL I get to have a conversation with Cliff Goldfarb...

Maria Pia Bianchini is a wedding planner. Not your average wedding planner she has delivered weddings "Italian Style" in China (pre-COVID) and she now wants to explore the Canadian appetite for her services. In this program Maria describes her expertise and the elements of the exceptional event she creates with your ideas, budget, venue and expectations. Her company, Ubi Amor, is ready t...

Getting tickets to a special game or concert? Could be hockey, basketball, baseball or any other sport. You will discover Dawson Reale has what you want. In this episode we learn about more than just the purchase but the mechanics of marketing and the broader entertainment industry as well as the passion fans have for "their team" and favourite artists and bands.

A neighbour handed me a book. Something out of my normal reading spectrum. I was captivated by the content. Dan Rocheleau recounting of his career arc includes undercover work as well a his later years in the OPP motorcycle cadre. I think you will find it fascinating and a a bit like seeing things you don't want to know about. Be prepared to learn about organized crime and its tentacles.

After year of COVID disconnect Kristy Rousseau and I just happened to overlap at the library. Naturally I asked what she is working on these days. "Operation Smile" was her answer. I just had to find out more! In this episode you will hear about how Canadian doctors, local nurses, and so many others share energy and time to change children's lives.