Eat This! Drink That!

It has been wonderful to again connect with Gary Petingola, MSW, RSW. He and his wife Sheila Damore-PetingolaMSW, RSW, offer a suite of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction courses. Gary's 2020 book "The Response: How to practice mindfulness in your daily life" explores the value in this method. Their website further explains that "The regular practice of Mindfulness Meditation can enrich our lives with enhanced calm, clarity, insight, emotional intelligence, creativity, productivity, and wellness. Mindfulness practices are useful in addressing illness, stress, and pain." Their next Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction program is in October 2023 rather than April as outlined in the interview.

Want to talk about urban environments? Want to create better cities, towns and communities? Then you better give Gill Penalosa a call. We can build livable spaces that encourage spirit, interaction, respect, and sustainability. Gil speaks about how we can learn from other countries and replicate best practices and strive for health and happiness.

What a pleasure to talk with Cindy and Andreas about their research, selection, move , and successes here in Sudbury. It is challenging to leave your home country behind and establish a new life. This couple also video-blogs about the journey they are on. I think I need to check in with them annually to follow the next steps they make in making this their home.

We get out the corkscrew (or not, if a screwtop) and bet most of us don't consider much more about the wine than this: 1) will my guests enjoy it 2) will it go with the food I have prepared 3) do I have enough But you can dive deeper. Understanding the history of the grape varieties, knowing the region the wine came from, having a snapshot of the country and maybe even its political/social/economic past and present might be of value. Jennifer Regan-Lefebvre talks here about her research and the book "Imperial Wine: How the British Empire Made Wine's New World" in ways that may open your awareness to the impact of settler colonialism and even the current state of global wine trade.

Thank you to Ehren Baldauf of Gallagher Benefit Services for suggesting diversity, inclusion, and equity as a topic for QOL. This is not just a program about workplace practice and policy, but in the larger sense it is about Canadian society. I want to thank subject matter expert, Farzeen Mawji - in Edmonton - and Alison Muth, national marketing director in Canada for Gallagher, for their insights into the past, the present, and the future of these important and valuable dialogues.

It is often by chance that the most amazing things in life happen. I had heard of Gianetta and her travels across Canada. She and her harp have been on the road in a high top Ford Transit Van throughout the Pandemic. She basically has a stage that arrives anywhere and Ta Da there is a concert. Playing inside outside afforded her the opportunity to perform in so many venues... even while waiting for a ferry crossing! Gianetta also shares her enthusiasm for the music program she supports in the favellas of Rio. Listen and love the voice of the harp.

"How to Clean a Fish: And other adventures in Portugal" is Esmeralda Cabral's first book. Published in spring 2023 it describes an extended family stay in Portugal. Our conversation is not just about returning to or finding a home - let's face it most Canadians have come from somewhere else - but the emotions of coming and going. And with that we talk about travel generally and how the choices we make can affect local communities and the planet as a whole.

Science North is staffed by knowledgeable and helpful people. In this episode Cas Krane talks about the Jean MacLeod Butterfly Gallery, the lives of butterflies and moths, as well as the journeys they take to get from their tropical homes to Sudbury.

I am so looking forward to learning more about and from Lisa's new Academy platform. I've known Lisa for at least a decade and marveled at her commitment to delivering Mental Health First Aid, and her own programs through New Day Wellness. A vibrant entrepreneur she saw both an opportunity and need for something more in the world of Wellness. Listen along in this conversation with Lisa as she shares her perspectives on improving your quality of life.

I was reminded that I first meet Chef Bruce Wood in Carleton Place. Our friendship continued over a heritage Tamworth Pig, and soon moved over to Mariposa Farm, of Plantagenet, which featured duck. I watched him influence a generation of students at Algonquin College, where much butter and joy was put in the menus. I reconnected with Bruce on Salt Spring Island. In Ganges Bruce had his own place and it was a popular place near the water. In today's episode we find Bruce back in Ottawa. Listen along and learn about Bruce's journey.

Kadence Music Therapy is Kylie Klym's decade long journey. As a registered Psychotherapist, and Certified Music Therapist she works with youth with Autism, adults with Acquired Brain Injuries, and people with Dementia. Listen along as Kylie outlines the value of music and how her practice helps so many in Sudbury and along the highways 17 corridor in North Eastern Ontario.

I read about Rabbi Julia's research in the Globe and Mail. I just had to meet her and ask a basketful of questions. Listen along as we talk about the past, present and future of faith communities.

The conversation is about wine. Specifically, this has to do the implications of the Judgement of Paris and what happened next in the world of wine. Many peg the rise of California to this event. Listen along and meet Mark Gudgel. Mark's newest book was released May 8th.

May 4th, 2023 is the 10th anniversary of NORCAT's annual PITCH event. Typically addressing a sold-out venue 4 presentations will pitch business ideas to the audience at the Sudbury Theatre Centre. Not only do the panel of judges decide the winner, but there is always a "People's Choice" too. Financial prizes are awarded, but the accolade of participating and maybe even winning can have a significant impact on the future successes of these early day start-ups. Go to the NORCAT website to purchase your seat for this highlight of the entrepreneurship calendar.

Recorded in March this special was recorded on the day Neha became a Canadian citizen.  It is to be broadcast on Canada Day 2023 but is available now so you can send her a message of congratulations.  If you know anyone who has recently become a Canadian (or wants to be) encourage them to listen to this episode. 

Doubling coffee production - but not compromising quality - the new roaster at Old Rock is hard at work this Monday morning as I visit with Luc and Carole Roy.  Luc speaks about the origins of Old Rock and their journey as coffee culture leaders.  With a handful of free parking spaces you can drop by... but e-commerce, or visiting locations that feature Old Rock roasts means you can enjoy their artisan beverages anywhere, anytime. 

Recently - flying to Calgary - I had the pleasure of a seatmate who told me about his work and passion.  Tim Kearns studies the "landscape" of the undersea world.  Such an interesting conversation I had to have him as a guest here.  What we don't know about the 70% of our planet that is water is shocking.  What we don't know we can't measure... this is where Tim comes in. 

Seasons Pharmacy and Culinaria on Lorne Street in Sudbury is quite the community hub.  On a sunny Saturday it was time for another course with Garth Wunsch. Sourdough is his thing and participants laughed, loved, and learned so much... they went home with two loaves ready to bake. What an amazing day!

I don't exactly recall how Jason and I first met.  We connected and I am glad we did!  I read his book on Ike and found real value in having  conversation about the contents.  It is a journey that delivers multiple lessons for Jason... and the reader.  Written from Ike's perspective it offers a different way to see and interpret where Jason was, and where he is now.  I will readily admit the book is not easy to deal with, and especially when approaching the final pages you will feel grief, sadness, but ultimately there is peace and healing. Dogs do offer much joy; they also break your heart when they pass (far too early). Hopefully their time enriches equally with unwavering love, care and compassion.  

I met Mark some years ago in a Middle Eastern restaurant in Budapest.  We have maintained contact and can you imagine my surprise when he wanted to leave Lebanon for Canada.  Arriving on the cusp of winter in 2022 he has yet to know the other seasons.  I am sure we will catch up with him frequently as he shares his newcomer experiences.