The Kingstonian Podcast

Send us Fan Mail Welcome back to The Kingstonian Podcast ! We’re excited to kick off Season 8 with a timely discussion on the critical state of local news. In a media landscape increasingly dominated by corporate ownership, many local outlets have been forced to close, leaving communities in the dark about the issues that matter most to them. In this episode, I speak with Christopher Fanning , an...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I dive into the inspiring journey of Anthony Agostino ., an individual with a deep passion for business and video production. Starting as a part-time radio sports reporter, Anthony has now become the driving force behind Viva Productions, a successful video company. Viva Productions is known for its remarkable work, including the acclaimed documentary series “We a...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode,  the focus is on the world of local news coverage. Regardless of where you live, finding news about your community isn’t always easy. But there are those who defy the odds, offering an alternative perspective. Our podcast profiles one such individual, Jan Murphy . Jan, a seasoned writer with over 25 years of experience, has dedicated his career to reporting and wr...

Send us Fan Mail Rob Watkins is a local singer/songwriter. He has been a guest before and, for those who have not had the opportunity to listen in on previous conversations, Rob has been a part of this musical community for over 45 years.  In this episode, we explore his experiences with various bands over that time frame, and his unique opportunities to work with some of Canada's music legen...

Send us Fan Mail No matter where you call home, you’ll find families that have been in business for decades, if not centuries!  These families have forged strong relationships with their communities, consistently adapting their methods as circumstances changed.   In this episode, we highlight one such family with a remarkable business history dating back to 1836.  Join us for a conversation with J...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we are joined by Sean Billing , whose fascinating journey began in the small city of Brockville, Ontario. For those unfamiliar with the geography, Brockville is a charming locale situated about 45 minutes east of Kingston, along the picturesque St. Lawrence River. After completing university and spending a brief period in teaching, Sean found his true calling in t...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Heather Haynes , an artist whose passion for painting ignited at an early age. Heather's artistic journey evolved significantly after earning her degree from McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, propelling her to create, sell, and establish a significant presence in the vibrant art world. However, it was a fortuitous encounter during a trip to Rwanda tha...

Send us Fan Mail In this special episode, we delve into the life and legacy of Brian Mulroney , the 18th Prime Minister of Canada. As a towering figure in Canadian politics from 1984 to 1993, Mulroney left an indelible mark on the nation.  However, we approach his story from a unique angle, enlisting the insights of Arthur Milnes , a distinguished Canadian political historian, and a close friend o...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Kingstonian Podcast , we explore the rich history of radio broadcasting through the lens of a true aficionado. While we've explored various facets of local radio on this podcast, today's story is distinctive. Meet Steve Cogan , a lifelong devotee of radio journalism whose retirement project has become a tribute to the early days of radio in Kingsto...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we explore the efforts to maintain vibrant downtown cores, with Marijo Cuerrier , a driving force behind the Downtown Kingston Business Improvement Area. Marijo is the Executive Director of the association and  a passionate advocate for transforming ‘downtown’ into the quintessential hub for residents, businesses, and employees alike.  In our conversation, she she...

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to this episode where I explore the remarkable journey of an individual dedicated to capturing local history firsthand.  Have you ever wondered about those unsung heroes who've remained steadfast with one employer for 40 years, while actively shaping the narrative of their community?  Meet Ian MacAlpine , a seasoned photographer and photojournalist with The Kingston W...

Send us Fan Mail When Mark Gerretsen decided to enter politics, the two most surprised by the decision were his Mom and Dad.  His Dad, John Gerretsen sat around the municipal horseshoe here in Kingston and occupied a seat in the Ontario Provincial Legislative Assembly for a total of 35 years.  Mark was elected as a city councilor and then Mayor.  In 2015, he moved to the federal level and was elec...

Send us Fan Mail John Malcolm  loved being onstage.  He loved singing the old standards, especially those made popular by Frank Sinatra.  He also loved singing with his sons, Ryan and Regan.  John passed away December 22, 2023.   Back, before "The Kingstonian" was a podcast, it was a radio show.  I had the pleasure of recording a conversation with John in November of 2016.  We spoke abou...

Send us Fan Mail After three decades, multiple bands, and countless stages, Christopher Jackson’s passion became his lifeline - the evolution from band member to solo artist marks a pivotal turn in his music career. Four years back, a new chapter emerged as Christopher ventured into songwriting. A metamorphosis ignited by an innate creative urge blossomed into a collection of melodies and tales, g...

Send us Fan Mail Curious about how we are all going to use Artificial Intelligence and robotics in the next few years?  How are these tools going to make us more productive, be safe and enhance the quality of life.  Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, has set up the Ingenuity Labs Research Institute – a 12,000 sq.ft. facility, bringing individuals from various disciplines together to work sep...

Send us Fan Mail Is the ability to speak in front of a live audience a skill we still need to develop?  What about hosting a podcast?  Is there still room for you to get into this medium?  Two different, yet somewhat similar, topics for a conversation; and I have a guest who can help with both. Carl Richards has spent more than 25 years behind the microphone, on radio and on stage, entertaining an...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Kingstonian Podcast, we remember a prominent figure who left an indelible mark on the landscape of Canadian politics. For over half a century, Hugh Segal dedicated his life to politics and passionately advocated for a deeper understanding of Canadian history. This episode pays tribute to the life and legacy of this remarkable statesman.   Joining us to share...

Send us Fan Mail In this unique episode, we embark on a fascinating journey into the annals of maritime history, focusing on a vessel with a rich legacy that spans over a century. The S.S. Keewatin , a ship born in the shipyards of Scotland back in 1907, takes center stage in our narrative. Join us as we explore the remarkable story of a ship that devoted the majority of its operational years to f...

Send us Fan Mail Back in the fifties and sixties, most big cities had clubs catering to live music with the big bands and their singers belting out tunes made famous by people like Frank Sinatra, Mel Torme and Matt Munro.  Barry Dale grew up in those clubs, eventually taking his shot at venues in Montreal and Ottawa.  Singing has always been part of his life.  He also hosted a highly-successful ch...

Send us Fan Mail If you're a regular listener, you've undoubtedly been treated to a diverse array of conversations with broadcasters. And what ties them together? Well, it might not come as a shock, given my own history as a radio broadcaster. In this installment, John Henderson speaks with The Kingstonian. He is no stranger to the airwaves, having spent two decades at various radio stat...

Send us Fan Mail Join us for an engaging and insightful conversation with Bob Runciman , a true champion of public service in Brockville, Eastern Ontario, Canada. Having represented his constituents at various levels of government for over 45 years, Bob's dedication is nothing short of extraordinary. Now retired, he continues to contribute to his community as a volunteer board member overseei...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we delve into the enchanting world of arts and its diverse expressions. From the traditional visits to museums and theaters to embracing unique and unexpected art experiences, we explore how art can truly transcend boundaries. Our guest, Tricia Knowles , a talented writer, former broadcaster, and producer, is a driving force behind the innovative Calliope Collecti...

Send us Fan Mail In an era where careers often take unexpected turns, Bill Hutchins stands out as a remarkable individual who has dedicated 30 years of his impressive 40-year career to a single television station. Join us in this captivating episode as we dive into Bill's extraordinary journey and discover the enduring impact of local news in our lives. In this episode, we explore Bill's...

Send us Fan Mail Step into the captivating world of Ken Keyes , an  individual who dedicated his life to public service.  Join us on a heartfelt journey as Ken, now 92 years old, reflects on his lifelong passion for teaching, his experiences as a city alderman, Mayor of Kingston, Ontario, and as a Member of the Ontario Provincial Parliament. In this engaging episode, we delve into Ken's rich...

Send us Fan Mail Join us on The Kingston Podcast as we delve into the world of writing, creativity, and everything in between. In this episode, we have the privilege of sitting down with Andrea Gunn , a talented writer who has mastered the art of crafting words in various forms. From concise manuals to captivating magazine articles and compelling profiles, Andrea's expertise spans a wide rang...