QOL

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 peren...

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...

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...

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 organizati...

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...

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. Start...

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...

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 healt...

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 S...

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 gre...

I think it was a decade ago when I first interviewed Linda Miller on this program. Linda has a successful matchmaking service that may be just what you are looking for. Misty River Introductions has a 30 plus year history of success in making connections happen. I thought since we are in a post-pandemic period it would be good to talk once again with Linda to see how things were during COVID and n...

NB - This is a previously broadcast episode Though reference to dates, times and locations may reflect a time already past the content is still germane This rerelease is also a tribute to the many years NORCAT was under the energetic leadership of CEO Don Duval What do you know about NORCAT and its signature annual event PITCH? Come along for a conversation with Brendan Skiffington and hear how th...

Founders Jamie Gerus and Jeff Wright are the team that makes FIZZ non-alc Bottle Shop a touchstone for product and knowledge. In a time where more consumers are looking for beverage alternatives this store on Lower Johnson fits so well into the vibe that is LoJo. Independent boutiques, cafes, and unique stores sit adjacent to this bijoux. Come along for a conversation about their philosophy, their...

John Gunn recalls how Jane Goodall would sign her messages to him with "Love" for as the UN Messenger of Peace she clearly was also loved in return. Gunn and his colleagues are aiming for the installation of four sculptures across Sudbury celebrating the concrete interest Jane showed in what some call "the Regreening City of Hope". Come along and learn what they are exploring i...

Come along to Cyprus and meet Mustafa Afsaroglu. He and his team are using waste olive pits (plus a bio-based adhesive) to create Pit-Board. Their sustainable composite panel material has so many applications as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional surfaces. This greener option can be used homes in cabinetry and countertops, modular furniture in office settings, and has no VOCs nor formaldeh...

What do we really know about policing? The movies are so sensational and many of the multitude of book covers are bold, and brassy. If you want an authentic insiders' view try "Tightrope" by Jenn Hyland. Jennifer originally served with a west coast municipal police service, went on to the RCMP, and ultimately was Deputy Chief Constable in Surrey, BC. A very personal story, there is t...

Recorded in December - the season where we consume too much of everything - this episode is about addictions. Michael Leahey, founder and CEO of Better Now, speaks about his own journey with alcohol and how that ultimately resulted in his collaboration in forming an organization that helps others regain their health, their relationships, and even keep their job. Breaking the conveyor belt of depen...

I am re-releasing this episode in 2026 as it fits with a theme I have been exploring. Enjoy! The holidays are upon us. Soon after comes the cusp of dry-February so what do you serve? Low-alc, non-alc, alc alternatives... this category is surging. Inclusive hospitality now demands you as a host, and certainly restaurants and events, must have an array of what we once called "near-beer" an...

I started reading posts by Debbie Rosaline on LinkedIn. Was it pre-COVID? She definitely had insights and aligned with thoughts I too had about the wine and hospitality industry. She also wrote about luxury brands and high-touch service, so I thought she would be an ideal guest here on QOL. We set a date to talk. I think we will have more conversations. Join us here on this episode and follow her...

Maybe you have seen a documentary on  freediving ? You may have marveled at the seeming effortlessness and tranquility of just entering the water and going down, perhaps to depths where it almost seems unbelievable. Chris Hanhimaki  insists, however, that “freediving is the purest way that a human can interact with the underwater world.“There’s no reliance on tanks or anything external,” Hanhimaki...

As we start a new year join a conversation on what Monika Ghent and her colleagues offer at the Living Earth School of Herbalism. Their online courses are a great place to start your journey. You may want to improve your health in 2026 by seeing what can be stand alone or as complimentary to traditional Western medicine. In addition the school has field studies, workshops and more through its loca...

I think Rainbow Kitchen does so much more than "Feed the Belly and Feed the Soul" for their Monday to Friday breakfast and lunch is vital to so many. Their school programs and varied menu allows people of all ages in Esquimalt - and beyond - to continue and to thrive. No questions asked, you can come for something nutritious, warm, and flavourful and if you wish you can bring some home f...

Come along to 760 Broughton Street in Victoria and meet Jonathan Morissette. He and his wife have recently opened a shop offering a broad selection of non-alcohol beverages. Softer Drink has spirit-free bottles from across the globe, non-alcohol wines, and cocktails, as well as unique teas. Jonathan shares their entrepreneurial journey, an overview of their inventory, and an invitation to visit th...

Come along for a half hour conversation about diabetes. Glenn Thibault not only is a key figure at Diabetes Canada - he will share his exact title - but also lives with the disease. We talk about how people dealt with the challenges in the past and how technology is improving quality of life for all today. What will tomorrow bring in management and control?

I met Bree Sharratt at the Thursday Esquimalt Market. It was Halloween and she was dressed as a giraffe. Now that's a conversation opener. It was her teas that prompted a visit to Langford and a tour of her shop. In this episode you will hear her passion for teas and infusions. Check out what she offers by googling Island Elixirs and of course listen along. I apologize for the slight backgroun...