Hey, Downtown Van!

Join Sofia Laratta and Blueprint’s Director of Business Development, Nate Sabine, for an inside look at what it takes to shape Vancouver’s music and entertainment scene. From the city’s growing nightlife economy to how it stacks up against global hotspots, they dive into the evolution of Vancouver’s cultural identity -- one beat at a time.

Step into the world of sizzling teppanyaki and tradition with host Sofia Laratta as she sits down with Dylan Bruser, owner of the iconic Kobe Japanese Steakhouse. In this lively conversation, Dylan shares what it’s like to grow up in the heart of the restaurant, how he’s honouring Kobe’s legacy while embracing modern dining trends, and his bold vision for the future of the brand. Don’t miss this f...

Host Sofia Laratta chats with Stacey Forrester, Co-Founder of Good Night Out Vancouver, about how they’re making nightlife safer through bystander training and community support. Tune in to learn more about the difference they’re making in downtown Vancouver and how we can all help make nights out better for everyone.

Join host Sofia Laratta in conversation with Grant Sceney, Creative Beverage Director of Botanist and Fairmont Pacific Rim for discussion on winning North America's 50 Best Bars award, misconceptions about bartending, and his passion for the creative beverage industry.

Host Sofia Laratta sits down with Deb Lester, CEO of Covenant House Vancouver, for a powerful conversation about the organization's mission to support and protect vulnerable youth. Together, they explore the challenges, triumphs, and the transformative impact of Covenant House’s work in the community.

Join host Sofia Laratta in conversation with Flavio Caron of Indigenous Corporate Training Inc. for a powerful discussion on Truth and Reconciliation in the workplace, as well as his personal journey as an Indigenous-Italian-Canadian navigating identity, education, and change.

Join host Sofia Laratta in conversation with Chef Alex Kim of Five Sails Vancouver as they dive into his gold-medal win at the 2025 Canadian Culinary Championship, the music that fuels his time in the kitchen, and the culinary inspirations that have shaped his journey.

Join host Sofia Laratta as she chats with the hilarious Ola Dada about how he accidentally stumbled into stand-up—and never looked back. From unexpected beginnings to his spotlight moment on Canada’s Got Talent , this episode is full of laughs, surprises, and behind-the-scenes stories you won’t want to miss.

Join host Sofia Laratta for an insightful conversation with Downtown Van President and CEO, Jane Talbot, and special guest Stuart McNish — acclaimed journalist and host of Conversations That Matter. Tune in as they delve into the world of journalism, exploring what it takes to succeed in the field, and revealing Stuart’s dream interview guests.

Join host Sofia Laratta as she sits down with Canada's Drag Race finalist Kendall Gender and Tommy D of TFD Presents. They spill the tea on what it really takes to thrive as a queen in the business, reflect on the highs and twists of reality TV, and share what it's like building an empire together as true business besties.

Join your host, Sofia Laratta, for an inspiring conversation with Daniela Dib, Founder of DibFit Cycle. Tune in as they explore Daniela's incredible journey from New York to LA to proud boutique fitness owner in downtown Vancouver.

Join host Sofia Laratta for an insightful conversation with Jane Talbot, President and CEO of Downtown Van, and Jon Scholes, President and CEO of the Downtown Seattle Association. Tune in as they explore the shared characteristics of these cities, the vitality of Seattle's downtown core, and what truly makes a downtown "delightful."

Join host Sofia Laratta as she sits down with Joshua Davidson, Director of Operations at Downtown Van, and Neesha Hothi, Director of Communications and Marketing for the Vancouver JUNO Host Committee. Tune in for an exclusive conversation about the exciting lineup of events happening during JUNOS Week in downtown Vancouver!

In the Season 1 finale, hosts Sofia Laratta and Claire Leonard sit down with Joanna Jagger, Founder and President of the WORTH Association (Women of Recreation, Tourism & Hospitality), a trailblazing organization committed to empowering women and advancing gender equality in the industry. Tune in for an insightful conversation on women in leadership and how we're challenging the status quo...

Host Sofia Laratta sits down with Claire Leonard, Placemaker at Downtown Van, and Daniella Atkinson, a Vancouver-based creator known for her viral 'How Much Do You Make for a Living?' street interviews. Tune in for an engaging conversation about life as a Vancouver influencer, the challenges of cyberbullying, and much more!

Hosts Sofia Laratta and Claire Leonard are joined by Tania Richards, Rugby Canada's Managing Director of Commercial, Marketing & Communications. With the Vancouver Sevens on the horizon, they discuss the tournament's impact on the city and Canada's growing influence in the world of rugby.

On this episode, host Sofia Laratta sits down with Jane Talbot, President & CEO of Downtown Van, and Bert Hick, Founder & President of Rising Tide Consultants. Together, they delve into the complexities of navigating the cannabis and liquor licensing industries, sharing insights and experiences from their unique perspectives.

In this episode, host Sofia Laratta sits down with her name twin, Sophia Cheng, for an insightful and engaging conversation about the world of public relations, the impact of local businesses, and the influence of online reviews.

Host Sofia Laratta is joined by Jane Talbot, President & CEO of Downtown Van, and special guest Ian Tostenson, President & CEO of the BC Restaurant and Food Services Association (BCRFA). In this episode, they dive into the current landscape of BC's restaurant industry, explore tipping culture, and much more! Tune in for an insightful conversation on the challenges and opportunities shaping...

Join host Sofia Laratta for an engaging conversation with Jane Talbot, President & CEO of Downtown Van, and special guest Vancouver City Councillor Sarah Kirby-Yung. Together, they’ll explore topics like women’s empowerment, Councillor Kirby-Yung's journey in politics, and the future of Vancouver.

Join host Sofia Laratta for an intimate one-on-one with Vancouver content creator Laura Ullock. Tune in as they explore Laura's passion for supporting local businesses and how she became one of Vancouver's most recognizable voices.

Host Sofia Laratta sits down with Lon LaClaire, the General Manager of Engineering Services at the City of Vancouver and President & CEO of Downtown Van, Jane Talbot. Together, they explore Lon's vision for the future of downtown Vancouver and the exciting developments on the horizon.

Join hosts Sofia Laratta and Claire Leonard as they sit down with Bill Allman, President of the BC Entertainment Hall of Fame. In this episode, they delve into the significance of preserving Vancouver's rich musical history and the stories that shape its vibrant culture.

Join host Sofia Laratta as she chats with Jane Talbot, President & CEO of Downtown Van, and special guest Michelle Collens, Director of Sport Hosting Vancouver. Tune in for an exhilarating conversation about the thrilling events on the horizon, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the Invictus Games, and discover what these events mean for the city!

Join host Sofia Laratta as she sits down with Jane Talbot, President & CEO of Downtown Van, and Riley Wiwchar, Executive Director of the 2024 Grey Cup Festival in Vancouver. They’ll share exciting insights about what’s in store for attendees, football enthusiasts, and Nick Jonas fans alike.