QOL

I cannot recall exactly the first time I met Vin Greco. It was back in the 80s. For 2 summers he had a wine segment on the local CBC station.  I do know he has a passion for wine; I listened and learned.  It was something that I took to heart.  Today he has a bi-weekly column in SooToday and now also features food and recipes.   He shares his journey and talks about the pl...

For 36 years "Hurricane" Hazel McCallion was Mississauga's Mayor.  She held other posts before and only retired at 96: n total 50 years of political life! In this episode I speak with Ron Duquette who is instrumental in the February 14th 2021 celebration of her life and successes.  We talk about where she came from, the way she led the way for a growing city, and her role in making women...

What are you to do for Valentine's 2020?  Chef Filippo Rocca has suggestions. We talk about the impacts of the Stay-At-Home Order on his restaurant - and the industry in general - and his hopes for a brighter future once things improve. 

Tropical paradises, swaying palms, million dollar views... no snow!  Judy and Aubrey Millard have sailed the world and share their experiences with us here on this episode of QOL. Interestingly Aubrey says Canada offers some of the world's most beautiful places to sail.  They love the North Channel of Georgian Bay and and now no longer do trans-Atlantic crossings.  Living in Elliot...

In this 4th and final episode, Brooke speaks with youth climate activist Sophia Mathur. The two discuss how climate change will impact younger generations profoundly and how working intergenerationally is integral to creating real change.

This interview is from a broadcast back in 2018.  I spoke with Duane Franklin of Fawcett Mattress of Victoria BC about what is in most mattresses (composition) as well the construction of their mattress.  In essence natural ingredients, avoidance of components that shouldn't be there and quality craftsmanship make theirs a better bed.  

Sitting in the terminal dome car on the Canadian as it approaches Vancouver I talk with Brad Keillor about the journey, its highlights and all the amenities.  From dining to accommodation we examine all the pluses - and any minuses - of this unique (or nostalgic) method for seeing more.  I often do the 5 hour flight across country, but in no way is it as satisfying as rail.  If you...

Bass Samaan has a passion for growing and sharing fruit trees.  Oh, I should share that he also grows Cedars of Lebanon.  A kid who left Beirut during the civil war years now lives in Bethlehem Pennsylvania and now nurtures a hundred varieties of figs, mulberries, pawpaws, pomegranates and so many others... now if that's not worth a story!  Go to https://treesofjoy.com/ for more

Dr. Davis Edgell has written several academic books on tourism and specifically on the topic of sustainable tourism.  In this episode of QOL we talk about the impacts of the pandemic on tourism today, the long-term impacts tomorrow, and the possibilities and probabilities in tourism regionally, nationally, and globally in years to come.  

Program Manager Natalie Labbe shares her enthusiasm for Parkside Without Walls.  Using Zoom or even just the phone this new initiative offers older adults the opportunity to participate in coffee talks, book discussions, line dancing, yoga and just about any activity you can imagine.  Not geography, parking nor weather will stop you from signing up (or even hosting) an one off event - or...

Ben Farella is the owner of North Bay's gd2go restaurant (just one of his many business ventures over the years).  He has valuable insight into the world of offering excellence in customer service, healthy food options, and  retail operations during the stay-at-home order of January 2021.  A Laurentian University grad, marketing whiz and serial entrepreneur his insights may help you...

In this episode, Brooke speaks with Jennifer Gosselin RSW, who is a social worker with St. Joseph’s Health Centre in Sudbury, Ontario. The two discuss their love of working with older adults and explore potential blindspots in social work education around working with this population.

In this episode, Brooke speaks with Bob Poldon who has recently become a grandfather, but explains that in his mind he is still in his 20s. The two discuss ageism as a system of oppression that impacts older adults and explore how it can also discriminate against youth. Brooke Davies, guest host talks, about Ageism.  Episode 2.

In this episode, Brooke speaks with her Mom who will be turning 60 this year. The two discuss what 60 represents for Brooke and her mom, as well as some fears and joys associated with getting older. There are 4 episodes in the guest hosted series on Experiences with Ageism.

How to cope with the 28 day Stay at Home Order?  Mental and physical health is important always, and maybe you are having a tough time imagining how to get through the next 4 weeks.  Here President and Founder of New Day Wellness Inc., and award-winning entrepreneur, corporate wellness coach, author and TV Host Lisa Lounsbury shares ways and means to be safe, be well, and be healthy.&nbs...

A growing awareness of wine is a theme I've discussed with other guests, but this time I connect with John Szabo MS in Prince Edward The County a new frontier (actually several decades old now) for wine in Ontario.  John has recently released a story on the ancient viticultural practices and wine pleasure in the buried cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum.  What can we learn from 2000 years...

In the last few months I've had wonderful opportunities to talk about wine with industry thought leaders.  Anthony Gismondi has been writing about  and broadcasting on the topic for more than 3 decades.  We have a conversation on the changing nature of Canadian (and International) wine scene. There is also the importance of wine writing in expanding an educated audience; Anthony ref...

Dara Sutin shares her enthusiasm for Cooking From Home , the project that has already garnered $15,000 in support for the non-profit Not 9 to 5 .  This organization helps those in the hospitality industry who have mental health issues or struggle with substance abuse. Workers in restaurants, and food service generally, have been drastically impacted by the Pandemic; this has exacerbated chall...

Guests Shelley Busch  ( Culinary Coordinator),   Yura Monestime (Director, Academic Operations and Business Development), and Chef Professor Derek Lawday join in conversation on this recent episode of QOL. The culinary program at North Bay's Canadore College is 3 decades strong and delivers kitchen skills, management and more. Naturally we talk about how the program works, who it serves,...

Sue (Suzette) Peters started a small destination hot beverage, decor and dessert space on Cedar Street.  It has grown and now after 4 years she is ready for the next transformation.  We talk about her journey and her aspirations.  Once we emerge from this current (January 11th, 2021) lockdown Sue will take time and re-invent the space.   With the onboarding of Chef Mark Currier...

I may be wrong but it is my belief there are no other wine bars north of cities like Toronto, or Ottawa/Gatineau.  Stephanie Piché wanted to remedy this and with her expert knowledge has created a new and novel space.  Wander Food & Wine has a collection of regions, grapes, and styles that celebrate the gift of the vine.  Small plates compliment the by-the-glass and by-the-bottl...

Brewmaster Michael Guillemette, owner John Arnold, plus partner and veteran restaurant operator Stacey Cameron, have put their heads together on this marvelous departure from the ordinary.  This is no micro-brew pub, and it isn't a road house either.  What is is the best of several worlds. Beyond offering great ales, lagers, IPAs, stouts and sours it has a storefront retail operation tha...

I read a statistic that said Ontario has 4.6 million adults over the age of  65 (Brooke Davies 2020) and as both a political force and social force this is a significant group.  Dr. Pianosi - a gerontologist who lectures at Laurentian University (Huntington) in Sudbury - educates me on correct terms, perspectives on aging and  ageism. She speaks on how our society is changing and ad...

They kept crossing paths, sometimes they worked together: and their views and aspirations aligned.  Dave Temmerman and Jason Heaton started Hardrock 42 Gastropub 10 years ago.  In search of a perfect Reuben sandwich I returned to this beer Mecca and had a good long chat with Chef Dave on their journey and the present and future.  

Opening a place during COVID is a bit contrarian, but for Roberto Ferrucci it was the right time.  November 26th by only word-of-mouth the crowds came and took away.  This is no sit down place; it is strictly take-out.  There are 5 styles (or customize) that are all New York inspired.  Thin crust with the freshest of ingredients they emerge from the 100% wood-fired oven to rave...