The Whistler Podcast

This week on The Whistler Podcast, Mayor Jack Crompton sits down with two local creatives building lives and careers in the mountains: Entrepreneur, comedian and co-founder of Laugh Out LIVE! Rebecca Mason and musician and Gibbons Whistler festivals manager Erik “Big Love” Van Meerbergen. From multiple jobs and housing uncertainty to packed comedy nights and the growing live music scene, they shar...

In this episode of the Whistler Podcast, Mayor Jack Crompton sits down with policy consultant, speaker and author Seth Klein. Together they unpack lessons from his book,  A Good War , exploring how Canada can mobilize for the climate emergency, why addressing inequality is key to real progress, and how Whistler can confront the challenge of reducing emissions while welcoming visitors from around t...

Back from summer break, this episode of The Whistler Podcast was recorded live at Olympic Plaza during the RMOW's 50th-anniversary celebrations and features the trailblazers and tomorrow makers of Whistler. Mayor Jack Crompton leads the conversation with original Councillor John Hetherington, Lil'wat artist Levi Nelson, Olympic skier Julia Murray and climate youth activist Jade Quinn-McD...

On this episode of The Whistler Podcast, we zoom out from our mountain town and look at the broader picture of what it means to be part of the Sea to Sky corridor in 2025. Hosts Jack Crompton and Brandon Barrett sit down with Squamish Mayor Armand Hurford and Pemberton Mayor Mike Richman for a candid conversation about shared challenges, evolving identities, and the power of regional collaboration...

On this episode of the Whistler Podcast, Mayor Jack Crompton sits down with glaciologist Dr. Jeff Crompton, who also happens to be Jack’s cousin, to explore the past, present, and rapidly changing future of our mountain glaciers. Jeff shares insights from his family's deep history in Canadian mountaineering and surveying and his own research on glacial surges and geohazards. The conversation...

In this episode, we sit down with Hannyliz Villafuerte, an entrepreneur, community organizer, and founder of Barangay Sea to Sky, Whistler's first registered Filipino society, which promotes representation, inclusivity, and Pinoy culture across the corridor.  Originally from the Filipino island of Siquijor, Hannyliz shares her journey, from earning a Law degree to building a multi-faceted lif...

Season Four of the Whistler Podcast starts with a conversation featuring Líl̓wat Nation Political Chief Skalulmecw Dean Nelson, a thoughtful, passionate community leader whose work often occurs behind the scenes.  In this wide-ranging conversation, listeners will learn more about Chief Nelson’s role as a political leader and advocate for positive change.  From economic development to cultural revi...

On this episode of The Whistler Podcast, Mayor Jack Crompton speaks with Jeremy Valeriote, an environmental engineer and longtime Whistler resident who is now our MLA. They discuss the historic moment for the Sea to Sky Corridor with the BC Greens securing the party's first-ever mainland seat in the BC Legislature, and what this means for Whistler.  From affordability and housing to climate a...

From squatting in the Valley (and getting kicked out...) to becoming Mayor of the Resort Municipality and ultimately being awarded with Whistler’s highest honour—Nancy Wilhelm-Morden is one of our mountain town’s most influential citizens. After coming here for a two-week holiday at 18, her work and volunteerism have helped shape the foundation of Whistler; in addition to her two terms as Mayor an...

On this episode of The Whistler Podcast, Mayor Jack Crompton speaks with Belinda Trembath (BT), Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Whistler Blackcomb. BT is approaching her second opening day at the helm of Whistler Blackcomb, bringing fresh insights after a year of learning and surprises while adjusting to the scale of a world-renowned resort at the heart of our town. We’ll chat with B...

This week on The Whistler Podcast, Mayor Jack Crompton is joined by Whistler Public Library Director Mikale Fenton and Program & Marketing Coordinator Jeanette Bruce. They speak about the evolving role of libraries in the digital age, how they have become community innovation hubs, and why they're more important than ever. The episode showcases how libraries have transformed into places o...

In this special episode of the Whistler Podcast, we hand the mic over to Jeremy West, a member of the Squamish Nation, for an insightful conversation with Master Carver Xwalacktun (Rick Harry) and Apprentice Brandon Hall, both from the Squamish Nation.  They discuss their incredible work on a housepost commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Squamish Nation's amalgamation, their journeys i...

On this episode of the Whistler Podcast, Mayor Jack Crompton speaks to Chris Fair as they explore the future of tourism in our community.  Can Whistler remain a world-class destination while leading the way in sustainability? Is it possible to preserve both our environment and local economy? We’ll dive into these important questions and consider how reimagining Whistler beyond just a winter resort...

This episode of The Whistler Podcast is the second in our two-part series on housing. Today's guest is Beau Jarvis, a born and raised Whistlerite and president and CEO of Wesgroup Properties. Beau shares his deep ties to the community, from his family's early days running the Keg restaurant, to his extensive work in real estate development. Jarvis dives into the housing crisis, offering...

In this episode of The Whistler Podcast, Mayor Jack Crompton explores Whistler's housing challenges with Dale Mikkelsen, a long-time Whistlerite who joined the municipality in 2023 as General Manager of Whistler's Climate Action Planning and Development Services Division. Before his current role at RMOW, Mikkelsen was the Director of Development and Chief Operating Officer for Simon Fras...

Kirby Brown,  Sea to Sky Gondola General Manager, speaks with Mayor Jack Crompton on the Don't Love It to Death campaign.  Brown speaks about educating visitors who are experiencing nature for the first time and Sea to Sky locals together. How do we balance the desire to travel to beautiful places and embrace tourism while managing experiences to navigate responsibly and respectfully? 

In this special episode of the Whistler Podcast, Mayor Jack Crompton speaks with Wilson Williams, an elected Councillor in his third term and spokesperson for the Squamish Nation. This episode was recorded live at the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Lil̓wat7úl Cultural Center (SLCC) on July 1, 2023.  There are some audio gaps in the recording. Listeners are encouraged to stick with this important episode. It discuss...

Tune in as Mayor Crompton and Bob Brett discuss how we can foster coexistence with our natural habitat and wildlife, ensuring that Whistler remains a sanctuary for all its inhabitants. This episode discusses biodiversity in Whistler,  the vital importance of our old-growth forests, Grizzly Bears, challenges posed by invasive species, and the fascinating world of slime molds. 

Welcome to season three of the Whistler Podcast, where we explore the heart of our mountain community's pressing issues. In this episode, Mayor Crompton and Fire Chief Thomas Doherty shed light on Whistler's proactive measures in wildfire preparedness. Join us as they discuss the town's comprehensive strategies and the vital role residents play in safeguarding our environment.  From...

Join Mayor Jack Crompton in conversation with Braden Dupuis, Editor of Pique Newsmagazine. Braden shares his vision for the Pique and they discuss housing, the Northlands rezoning process, the upcoming election and transit. 

Join Mayor Jack Crompton as he talks to longtime Whistler resident and Pique Newsmagazine columnist, G.D. Maxwell.  Listen in to learn Maxwell's episode to learn his Whistler origin story as a self-proclaimed corporate dropout turned local legend. If you agree with his opinion pieces or not, this is a must-listen episode. 

Join Mayor Jack Compton as he speaks with the Chief Administrative Officer at the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW), Virginia "Ginny" Cullen. Ginny shares her experience living in Whistler, how her role supports the RMOW and why the Whistler sessions were so important.   Ginny explains that the intention behind the Whistler sessions was to clearly imagine Whistler's future. Lis...

Join Mayor Jack Crompton as he has a powerful conversation with Tanina Williams of the Líl̓wat Nation,  who shares her relationship with Canada, colonization, and her experience with systemic racism. Williams also speaks about healing trauma and her role working with youth. 

Join Mayor Jack  Crompton when he talks to Jen Ford about local, regional and provincial politics. Jen Ford is a councillor at the Resort Municipality of Whistler and the Chair of the Squamish Lillooet Regional District. She is also the first Vice President of the Union of BC Municipalities. 

Join Mayor Jack  Crompton as he talks to Audain Art Museum Director and Chief Curator, Dr. Curtis Collins about how he joined the Audain team and his connection to Indigenous artists and supporting their work.