The Stories That Brought You Here: Recent Episodes
thestoriesthatbroughtyouhere
One-on-one interviews with people from Pender Island, B.C. Discover the stories that brought them to this amazing little island and also the stories that brought them to this point in their lives.
After finishing university in England, Jo thought she was headed to the South Pacific to teach kindergarten. However, an unexpected phone call, would lead her to make a very different choice. She wound up moving to Prince George, B.C., and her life would begin to unfold in many creative, and interesting ways.
Jo will share stories about meeting her future husband, Greg, while in Prince George, and the two of them becoming deeply involved in music and community while there. After a number of decades, and living in different parts of Canada, she would make her way to Pender Island and use her unique set of skills to help build The Crisp Festival on Pender.
That and so much more.
_________________________________________________________________________If you are interested in learning more about recording an audio memoir, for yourself, or for a loved one, please click on this, or go to myaudiomemoir.com to find out more.
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Monica Bennett is a long-time resident, and an incredibly active and passionate community member on Pender Island. In this episode, she shares about her personal journey, philosophy on volunteering, and her involvement in various local organizations. Some of these help to enhance seniors' programming, and to promote the arts. She shares insights into the unique energy and sense of belonging found on Pender, reflecting on how small acts of service and community engagement have shaped both her life and the broader island culture. Our conversation also dives deep into Monica's artistic pursuits in felting and quilting, as well, her experiences behind the scenes of the now closed, Red Tree Gallery. She provides fascinating details about the art of felting, the evolution of her artistic interests, and the logistics of managing a cooperative gallery. Enjoy!_________________________________________________________________________If you are interested in learning more about recording an audio memoir, for yourself, or for a loved one, please click on this, or go to myaudiomemoir.com to find out more.
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To stay up-to-date with new episodes, here are some of the ways you can subscribe...
Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/show/64GCX2abpl8GfJ1AzjPQiB
Facebook-https://www.facebook.com/thestoriesthatbroughtyouhere
YouTube - YouTube - The Stories That Brought You Here
Barry and his wife, Clare moved from England to Canada while in their late forties. They first settled in Victoria, but found some challenges adjusting to aspects of this new change. After a few years, they relocated to Pender Island and soon launched the island’s first bookstore, Talisman Books & Gallery. It would become a local hub for readers, artists, and visitors interested in literature and the arts.
Barry will share some stories from these times. As well, describe how he became involved with the Solstice Theatre, through acting and directing. He will also discuss his role in establishing car stops on Pender Island, an initiative that improved accessibility and transportation options for residents by creating designated spots for safe and convenient ride-sharing.
Now based in Sidney with Clare, Barry reflects on their years on Pender. He recalls how their contributions—through Talisman Books, theatre, and community initiatives—helped shape the vibrant island community they came to love.
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If you are interested in learning more about recording an audio memoir, for yourself, or for a loved one, please click on this, or go to myaudiomemoir.com to find out more.
____________________________________________________________________________
To stay up-to-date with new episodes, here are some of the ways you can subscribe...
Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/show/64GCX2abpl8GfJ1AzjPQiB
Facebook-https://www.facebook.com/thestoriesthatbroughtyouhere
YouTube - YouTube - The Stories That Brought You Here
While in their late-twenties, Craig and his wife, Ruthie, decided to make a big change in their lives. In 2008, they sold their home in Edmonton, packed their bags, and headed out for a year-long trip around the world. One of their major reasons behind this journey, was a desire to discover volunteer opportunities so they could put their individual skills to use. They would wind-up doing this in the countries of Papua New Guinea, Cambodia, and others.
Their epic adventure would eventually take them to Rwanda. While there, they experienced a deep resonance with the country. At the end of their year abroad, they returned home to Alberta, with a plan in place to go back. For the next six and a half years, they would make a life for themselves in Rwanda.
Craig will detail many of the incredible experiences they had during that time. One of which, was his recognition of the need for employment for vulnerable youth in the country. Craig started a plumbing business that would not only help create jobs for those who needed it, but also, would contribute to creating better plumbing in Rwanda.
He will share incredibly in-depth stories about their time in the country, and how it impacted their lives in a wide variety of ways.
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If you are interested in learning more about recording an audio memoir, for yourself, or for a loved one, please click on this, or go to myaudiomemoir.com to find out more.
____________________________________________________________________________
To stay up-to-date with new episodes, here are some of the ways you can subscribe...
Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/show/64GCX2abpl8GfJ1AzjPQiB
Facebook-https://www.facebook.com/thestoriesthatbroughtyouhere
YouTube - YouTube - The Stories That Brought You Here
Bruce Alexander is a psychologist and professor emeritus at Simon Fraser University. He actively taught at SFU from 1970 to 2005. In this interview, he will speak about many of the pivotal experiences he had during that time. One of which, occurred during the 70s, while he was volunteering at a methadone clinic in Vancouver's downtown eastside. There, he would engage in conversations with heroin users, and learn more about why they chose to use the drug. These talks would help set him on a path to conducting an experiment that questioned the standard beliefs of the day about drug addiction - The Rat Park Experiment.
Bruce will share many interesting stories from his life, and give some fascinating insights about his lifetime search for the truth about addiction.
All that, and much more.
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If you are interested in learning more about recording an audio memoir, for yourself, or for a loved one, please click on this, or go to myaudiomemoir.com to find out more.
____________________________________________________________________________
To stay up-to-date with new episodes, here are some of the ways you can subscribe...
Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/show/64GCX2abpl8GfJ1AzjPQiB
Facebook-https://www.facebook.com/thestoriesthatbroughtyouhere
YouTube - YouTube - The Stories That Brought You Here
Gregory Franklin has travelled the world photographing bears up-close in the wild. From pandas to grizzlies to polar bears, he has had many unique experiences while taking photographs of these amazing animals. He will explain his process and philosophy that allows him to be in incredibly close proximity with not only bears, but also mountain gorillas in East Africa.
He will also speak about how after a tragic circumstance occurred in his life, he felt moved to do something he had never done before. That was to carve a 26-foot tall healing pole on his property. This act of personal healing, had a profound impact on him, but more so, in the lives of many others who have since visited the site it stands on.
What would follow for Gregory, was an epic ten-year project–the building of his home, Franklin Castle. Based on 15th and 16th century architecture, and made of limestone, he built this house, brick by brick, almost purely on his own. It is now, not just a place for him to enjoy, but also for the community of Pender Island.
Gregory will go into great detail explaining how the building of this amazing structure unfolded over the years, his work with sculpture, and share something special he enjoys doing for others during the Christmas holidays.
All that, and so much more.
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If you are interested in learning more about recording an audio memoir, for yourself, or for a loved one, please click on this, or go to myaudiomemoir.com to find out more.
____________________________________________________________________________
To stay up-to-date with new episodes, here are some of the ways you can subscribe...
Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/show/64GCX2abpl8GfJ1AzjPQiB
Facebook-https://www.facebook.com/thestoriesthatbroughtyouhere
YouTube - YouTube - The Stories That Brought You Here
Marc grew up on a dairy farm in South Central Ontario. After finishing high school, he decided to join the Canadian military. For nine years, he had a variety of unique experiences while in the army. This included a transfer from Ontario to British Columbia. It was while living in Comox, he felt a shift within himself and that a change was needed. He decided to leave the military and return to school. In the years that followed, he would earn a degree in psychology. To support himself while in university, he worked as a radio DJ, as well, as a crisis counsellor.
He will share some behind the scenes details about working at a small town radio station. Speak about his recent trip to Europe while on tour with Sarah Smith, and describe some of the important creative pursuits in his life.
All that and much more.
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If you are interested in learning more about recording an audio memoir, you can email me by clicking this.
____________________________________________________________________________
To stay up-to-date with new episodes, here are some of the ways you can subscribe...
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/thestoriesthatbroughtyouhere
YouTube - YouTube - The Stories That Brought You Here
In this episode, Paul Williamson will reflect on the many careers he has had in his life. From a logger, newspaper reporter, teacher, lawyer and ultimately a Supreme Court Judge of British Columbia. He will discuss the reasons, and actions he took at various stages in his life, that made him choose between certain paths. Chronicling some of the diverse experiences he had along the way.
We also go in depth into learning about his journey to becoming a lawyer. He will explain some key elements of how the legal system works, and describe some of the meaningful cases in which he was a part of, including, The Nisga'a Treaty.
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If you are interested in learning more about recording an audio memoir, you can email me by clicking this.
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To stay up-to-date with new episodes, here are some of the ways you can subscribe...
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/thestoriesthatbroughtyouhere
YouTube - YouTube - The Stories That Brought You Here
Sarah Smith is a singer/songwriter, who has been performing almost all of her life. She will describe how she first got inspired to sing as a child in church. The musical journey she embarked on eventually led to a decade of playing with the proto-Punk band, The Joys. A busy and creative solo career would follow, which has included multiple album releases, regularly touring through Germany and so much more.
Sarah will share many fascinating stories about all aspects of her life, including personal challenges she faced along the way. Then, how she came out the other side, through surrender and service.
To find out more about Sarah, her music, and more...please visit her website: www.sarahsmithmusic.com
Photo credit to Kevin Vyse
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If you are interested in learning more about recording an audio memoir, you can email me by clicking this.
____________________________________________________________________________
To stay up-to-date with new episodes, here are some of the ways you can subscribe...
Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/show/64GCX2abpl8GfJ1AzjPQiB
Facebook-https://www.facebook.com/thestoriesthatbroughtyouhere
YouTube - YouTube - The Stories That Brought You Here
Misha will share stories about his time working, and living, in various parts of Africa while in his twenties. From there, we enter into a dynamic conversation on the subjects of beauty, art, depression, Hawaii, romantic love...and so much more.
Please enjoy this wide-ranging, and surprising interview, with a very thoughtful and amazing person.
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If you are interested in learning more about recording an audio memoir, you can email me by clicking this.
____________________________________________________________________________
To stay up-to-date with new episodes, here are some of the ways you can subscribe...
Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/show/64GCX2abpl8GfJ1AzjPQiB
Facebook-https://www.facebook.com/thestoriesthatbroughtyouhere
YouTube - YouTube - The Stories That Brought You Here
This past August long weekend, the 2024 Mosaic Festival took place in the pine forest behind the Community Hall. An annual community arts and culture festival produced by Ptarmigan Arts, Mosaic Fest celebrates the diversity of the land we live on and the beings who inhabit it. It features music, workshops, and nature-based programming. The festival had a big upgrade this year with a change of venues, to a beautiful property, which was generously offered by Karl Hamson.
It was three amazing days of music and art. On the last night, I decided to take my handheld audio recorder and have some fun. I selected random people from the audience, and asked them to pick a number between 1 and 5. Based on what number they chose, they got a pre-written list of three questions to answer- a silly one, a surface one, and a deep one.
The results were fascinating and delightful. Thank you to all the lovely people who agreed to participate...I hope you enjoyed playing along with me, as much as I enjoyed recording it with you.
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If you are interested in learning more about recording an audio memoir, you can email me by clicking this.
____________________________________________________________________________
To stay up-to-date with new episodes, here are some of the ways you can subscribe...
Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/show/64GCX2abpl8GfJ1AzjPQiB
Facebook-https://www.facebook.com/thestoriesthatbroughtyouhere
YouTube - YouTube - The Stories That Brought You Here
Carolyn made her way to the West Coast, from England, in the mid-eighties. At that time, she was beginning what would turn out to be a 35-year career in nursing. The journey would lead her to become the first community nurse on Mayne Island, and then, after moving to Pender Island, continuing that role here. She will speak about her experiences in that time, as well, discuss her many years working in palliative care, a portion of her work, that was deeply important to her.
Carolyn will also speak about growing up in England, learning to sail with her father there, and all the many things she is up to, in retirement.
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If you are interested in learning more about recording an audio memoir, you can email me by clicking this.
____________________________________________________________________________
To stay up-to-date with new episodes, here are some of the ways you can subscribe...
Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/show/64GCX2abpl8GfJ1AzjPQiB
Facebook-https://www.facebook.com/thestoriesthatbroughtyouhere
YouTube - YouTube - The Stories That Brought You Here
This series is dedicated to learning about the unique and important history of South Pender Pioneer families and their connection to S,DÁYES (South Pender Island) and the surrounding Salish Sea.
Shelley will speak about the Henshaw family history on South Pender Island and trace the family story back to her grandmother, Mabel Baker, who survived the wreck of the RMS Lusitania in 1915. The Pender family connection, would begin with her uncle, Len, then her father, and a few of the other brothers would soon follow. Shelley explains that a group purchase of farmland in the Spalding valley by the Henshaw brothers would occur not long after. She would wind up spending many of her childhood summers on the island, and now, years later, has retired on South Pender.
This interview has been made possible with funding from: the Capital Regional District, the Pender Island Community Resource Centre, the W̱SÁNEĆ Leadership Council/W̱SÁNEĆ School Board, the Pender Islands Museum, and the South Pender Historical Society.
This series is dedicated to learning about the unique and important history of South Pender Pioneer families and their connection to S,DÁYES (South Pender Island) and the surrounding Salish Sea.
Debbie Friesen, the daughter of William Walker, will tell the story of how her grandfather and his brother, bought property on South Pender and built a cabin over a hundred years ago. She will share stories about her experiences as a child visiting the island with her parents, and explain how her time on the island, help to foster a special connection to Pender. That, and so much more.
This interview has been made possible with funding from: the Capital Regional District, the Pender Island Community Resource Centre, the W̱SÁNEĆ Leadership Council/W̱SÁNEĆ School Board, the Pender Islands Museum, and the South Pender Historical Society.
This series is dedicated to learning about the unique and important history of South Pender Pioneer families and their connection to S,DÁYES (South Pender Island) and the surrounding Salish Sea.
Janet, the daughter of Hope and Geoff Jennens, will speak about her family's time living on South Pender. She and her sister, Josephine, had the unique experience of being raised on the island during the 40s and 50s. Janet will share stories about her family's farming activities, the various work her father did, the education she received, and so much more.
This interview has been made possible with funding from: the Capital Regional District, the Pender Island Community Resource Centre, the W̱SÁNEĆ Leadership Council/W̱SÁNEĆ School Board, the Pender Islands Museum, and the South Pender Historical Society.
This series is dedicated to learning about the unique and important history of South Pender Pioneer families and their connection to S,DÁYES (South Pender Island) and the surrounding Salish Sea.
In the 1970s, Frank came to live on South Pender Island with his uncle, Bill Wilson, who had recently married, Sybil Conery. He spent his formative teen years living with his uncle and Sybil, and she would go on to play a very important role in his life. Upon her death in 2014, Frank took it upon himself to learn the full history of the Conery family. From his extensive family research, Frank will provide an incredible array of stories about the Conery's time on South Pender Island, and will detail how the family's connection to the Gulf Islands stretches all the way back to the 1890s.
This interview has been made possible with funding from: the Capital Regional District, the Pender Island Community Resource Centre, the W̱SÁNEĆ Leadership Council/W̱SÁNEĆ School Board, the Pender Islands Museum, and the South Pender Historical Society.
This series is dedicated to learning about the unique and important history of South Pender Pioneer families and their connection to S,DÁYES (South Pender Island) and the surrounding Salish Sea.
Lynne, the first grandchild of Dora and Arthur Crane, will speak about her family's experience living on South Pender in the 1920s and 30s. Based on stories from her mother Barbara's memoirs, one of Dora and Arthur's four children, Lynne will describe the personalities and values of her grandparents, detail the adventures the family engaged in while on the island, and so much more.
This interview has been made possible with funding from: the Capital Regional District, the Pender Island Community Resource Centre, the W̱SÁNEĆ Leadership Council/W̱SÁNEĆ School Board, the Pender Islands Museum, and the South Pender Historical Society.
This series is dedicated to learning about the unique and important history of South Pender Pioneer families and their connection to S,DÁYES (South Pender Island) and the surrounding Salish Sea.
Kelly and Ruth, siblings and decedents of the original South Pender settler family, will speak about their family connection to Pender. They will both share stories about summer visits to Pender when they were children, and reminisce about some of their extended family members they spent time with while growing up. Kelly will also read a poem, written in the 1880's, by their great-grandfather, Arthur Spalding, titled - 'The Hermit'. That, and so much more
This interview has been made possible with funding from: the Capital Regional District, the Pender Island Community Resource Centre, the W̱SÁNEĆ Leadership Council/W̱SÁNEĆ School Board, the Pender Islands Museum, and the South Pender Historical Society.
This series is dedicated to learning about the unique and important history of South Pender Pioneer families and their connection to S,DÁYES (South Pender Island) and the surrounding Salish Sea.
Barb and John, two descendants of the original Pender settler family, will speak in depth of their family connection to Pender. Barb will open with a chronological description of the family history on Pender. They will both share stories of visits to South Pender when they were children during the 50s and 60s. They will provide insight as to what life was like for their grandparents, Lilias and Arthur Spalding. They will talk about why Pender Island was so special to them as children, and why it was important for both of them to make Pender Island their home. That, and so much more.
This interview has been made possible with funding from: the Capital Regional District, the Pender Island Community Resource Centre, the W̱SÁNEĆ Leadership Council/W̱SÁNEĆ School Board, the Pender Islands Museum, and the South Pender Historical Society.
This series is dedicated to learning about the unique and rich history of the W̱SÁNEĆ Saltwater People and their traditional connection to their Salish Sea Homeland including S,DÁYES (South Pender Island).
Robert Clifford, is a member of the Tsawout First Nation and an Assistant Professor at the Peter A. Allard School of Law at UBC. He will speak about some of his PhD research which explores the ways WSÁNEĆ laws are generated by and reflect the values, philosophies, lands, and worldviews of the WSÁNEĆ people. He will explain how the complexity of trying to fit aboriginal law into Canadian law, has layers of challenging issues, and will examine some of those issues. As well, he will speak about what it means to take in traditional WSÁNEĆ stories and have a living relationship with them, in order to make them part of you. That, and so much more.
This interview has been made possible with funding from: the Capital Regional District, the Pender Island Community Resource Centre, the W̱SÁNEĆ Leadership Council/W̱SÁNEĆ School Board, the Pender Islands Museum, and the South Pender Historical Society.
This series is dedicated to learning about the unique and rich history of the W̱SÁNEĆ Saltwater People and their traditional connection to their Salish Sea Homeland including S,DÁYES (South Pender Island).
Mavis Underwood, a W̱SÁNEĆ elder, had been working to promote betterment in opportunities for First Nations, and to influence needed social change in the areas of education, human and social development, health, and housing. She will speak about her lifetime of work in these areas, share lessons learned from her mother and father while growing up, and read a poem she wrote just after the birth of her first daughter. That, and so much more.
This interview has been made possible with funding from: the Capital Regional District, the Pender Island Community Resource Centre, the W̱SÁNEĆ Leadership Council/W̱SÁNEĆ School Board, the Pender Islands Museum, and the South Pender Historical Society.
This series is dedicated to learning about the unique and rich history of the W̱SÁNEĆ Saltwater People and their traditional connection to their Salish Sea Homeland including S,DÁYES (South Pender Island).
Eric Pelkey, the Hereditary Chief of Tsawout of the W̱SÁNEĆ Nation, will speak about his family's reef net fishery, which existed near Bedwell Harbour on S,DÁYES. He will provide some ancient stories and history of S,DÁYES and explain why that land is deeply important to the W̱SÁNEĆ people. As well, he will share stories as told to him by family members who witnessed a sea monster, that is believed to have once lived in the Pender Canal. That, and so much more.
This interview has been made possible with funding from: the Capital Regional District, the Pender Island Community Resource Centre, the W̱SÁNEĆ Leadership Council/W̱SÁNEĆ School Board, the Pender Islands Museum, and the South Pender Historical Society.
This series is dedicated to learning about the unique and rich history of the W̱SÁNEĆ Saltwater People and their traditional connection to their Salish Sea Homeland including S,DÁYES (South Pender Island).
Earl Claxton Jr., a W̱SÁNEĆ elder, will speak about how he became involved in the ȽÁU, WELṈEW̱ Tribal School's plant nursery and garden. He will share some of his vast knowledge on native plants. As well, explain the technique for reef net fishing, an ancient and sustainable salmon harvesting method used by the W̱SÁNEĆ people. That, and so much more.
This interview has been made possible with funding from: the Capital Regional District, the Pender Island Community Resource Centre, the W̱SÁNEĆ Leadership Council/W̱SÁNEĆ School Board, the Pender Islands Museum, and the South Pender Historical Society.
This series is dedicated to learning about the unique and rich history of the W̱SÁNEĆ Saltwater People and their traditional connection to their Salish Sea Homeland including S,DÁYES (South Pender Island).
J,SIṈTEN, a W̱SÁNEĆ elder, shares stories about his decades of time spent working at the ȽÁU, WELṈEW̱ Tribal School and the important work he has done, along with many others, to help preserve the SENĆOŦEN language. He will speak about the deep importance to the W̱SÁNEĆ people, to the land and the natural environment. That, and so much more.
This interview has been made possible with funding from: the Capital Regional District, the Pender Island Community Resource Centre, the W̱SÁNEĆ Leadership Council/W̱SÁNEĆ School Board, the Pender Islands Museum, and the South Pender Historical Society.
This series is dedicated to learning about the unique and rich history of the W̱SÁNEĆ Saltwater People and their traditional connection to their Salish Sea Homeland including S,DÁYES (South Pender Island).
ȻOSINIYE, a W̱SÁNEĆ elder, will speak about the SENĆOŦEN language, and how her father, the late Dave Elliott Sr., created an alphabet to help preserve the language. She will share ancient stories, including one about the creation of the Gulf Islands. As well, speak about challenges faced by herself, her family and her ancestors, due to colonization. That, and so much more.
This interview has been made possible with funding from: the Capital Regional District, the Pender Island Community Resource Centre, the W̱SÁNEĆ Leadership Council/W̱SÁNEĆ School Board, the Pender Islands Museum, and the South Pender Historical Society.
This series is dedicated to learning about the unique and rich history of the W̱SÁNEĆ Saltwater People and their traditional connection to their Salish Sea Homeland including S,DÁYES (South Pender Island).
SELILIYE, a W̱SÁNEĆ elder, shares stories about her time as a young girl spent on S,DÁYES, harvesting clams and watching members of her community participating in traditional practices. She will also talk about her involvement and the importance of preserving their traditional SENĆOŦEN language, connections to the Lummi Nation, and some of the challenging situations she faced while attending day school as a child. That, and so much more.
This interview has been made possible with funding from: the Capital Regional District, the Pender Island Community Resource Centre, the W̱SÁNEĆ Leadership Council/W̱SÁNEĆ School Board, the Pender Islands Museum, and the South Pender Historical Society.
Everest's passion for building began when she was five with the construction of a multi-level tree fort on Pender Island. Years later, she would build her own cabin on Savary Island. She has since had a fascinating career as a designer and sculptor of form with function for over two decades.
In this interview, we will take a deep dive into her architectural philosophy, the method and process of how she designs. Everest will also share stories about competing in downhill mountain biking, creating musical furniture, attending Emily Carr University, how she got her name, and so much more.
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To stay up-to-date with new episodes, here are some of the ways you can subscribe...
Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/show/64GCX2abpl8GfJ1AzjPQiB
Facebook-https://www.facebook.com/thestoriesthatbroughtyouhere
YouTube - YouTube - The Stories That Brought You Here
Luke moved to Vancouver Island from England at the age of nine. Having a deep interest in art at that young age, he would find encouragement from teachers along the way. As the years went on, he found inspiration for his art through Victoria's punk scene, hitching across Canada and international travel. An illustrator, designer, muralist and painter, he co-founded the Island Folds residency with his wife, Ange and became the City of Victoria's first artist in residence in 2016.
In this wide-ranging interview, we explore these subjects along with the power of humour, hustling, developing trust, self-confidence, learning through travel, pranks and much more.
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To see some of Luke's work we talked about, and more, please visit:
lukeramseystudio.com/
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To stay up-to-date with new episodes, here are some of the different ways you can listen and subscribe...
Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/show/64GCX2abpl8GfJ1AzjPQiB
Facebook-https://www.facebook.com/thestoriesthatbroughtyouhere
YouTube - YouTube - The Stories That Brought You Here
Chanda was born in Peace River, Alberta and spent much of her childhood outdoors connecting with nature and animals. In adulthood, she found work as a fire lookout observer in northern Alberta. It was there, while living in quiet isolation, Chanda began to focus on music. Her confidence and talents would begin to flourish, and she soon went on to record her first album.
Chanda shares stories from these years, describes how she met her husband, Dan, and discusses the eleven-year journey of infertility they had been on. She will speak about the struggles involved, lessons learned, and how she feels now that they are pregnant.
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To enjoy some of the songs and videos we discussed in this episode, please click the links below:
Deer and Coyote - Fly (Offical music video)
Deer and Coyote - Seeing Stars (Offical music video)
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To find out more about creating your own personal oral history recording, you can e-mail me at - myaudiomemior[at]outlook.com
______________________________________________________________________
To stay up-to-date with new episodes, here are some of the ways you can subscribe...
Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/show/64GCX2abpl8GfJ1AzjPQiB
Facebook-https://www.facebook.com/thestoriesthatbroughtyouhere
YouTube - YouTube - The Stories That Brought You Here
Gregory was born in Birmingham, England during the Second World War. While still quite young, the death of his mother, would create a set of circumstances for him that ultimately led to a very challenging childhood. When he entered his late-teens he joined The Royal Air Force and began a career in the military for the next decade. By his thirties, a desire for something more in life lead Gregory to move to Canada. The choice to invest some of his spare time taking courses at university would then shift his life in a direction he never would have predicted.
Gregory will speak about these experiences as well as what it was like being a farmer in Ireland, being a teacher and why donkeys are such great animals.
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To find out more about creating your own personal oral history recording, you can e-mail me at - myaudiomemior[at]outlook.com
______________________________________________________________________
To stay up-to-date with new episodes...
Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/show/64GCX2abpl8GfJ1AzjPQiB
Facebook-https://www.facebook.com/thestoriesthatbroughtyouhere
YouTube - YouTube - The Stories That Brought You Here
Judith grew up in post-war America in the state of Virginia. While in her twenties, she would have many interesting work experiences, which included teaching children with disabilities and pregnancy counselling. In her thirties, on a visit to Costa Rica to see her father, she became inspired to move there. She lived there for five formative years and eventually met her future partner, Brent.
Judith will share stories from those times, the importance of creating art, finding her place, and so much more...enjoy.
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To find out more about creating your own personal oral history recording, you can e-mail me at - myaudiomemior[at]outlook.com
______________________________________________________________________
To stay up-to-date with new episodes...
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While growing up in Alberta, Curtis had his first job experience at his Mom's health food store. As he entered his teens, he would begin working in the restaurant industry, and years of amazing experiences would follow. By his mid-twenties, he decided to shift gears and began selling commercial real estate in Vancouver. This career path took on various forms for nearly two decades, until he sought a change in his life and moved to Pender Island.
Curtis will share stories from those years and explain how, and why, he created, Woods On Pender.
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To find out more about creating your own personal oral history recording, you can e-mail me at - myaudiomemior[at]outlook.com
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In 2009, Sherry Anne has a chance meeting at a music festival with a man named, Mathew. They fell in love, moved to Pender, got married and had a child together. While living on the island, they became deeply involved in the music scene and would eventually open a restaurant, which provided a unique space for touring and local musicians to perform.
Sherry Anne will share stories from these times, as well, speak very openly about the challenges she faced as a new mother and how she ultimately came out the other side of that experience, in a way she never expected.
All this and more, in an incredibly honest and inspiring interview with a wonderful person.
Enjoy.
To find out about Sunday Common Table Fellowship gatherings at the Community Hall, email - commontablependerisland{at}gmail.com
_____________________________________________________________________
To find out more about creating your own personal oral history recording, you can e-mail me at - myaudiomemior[at]outlook.com
______________________________________________________________________
Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/show/64GCX2abpl8GfJ1AzjPQiB
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YouTube - YouTube - The Stories That Brought You Here
While Deb was growing up in Gibsons, BC, she spent a significant amount of time exploring the outdoors. This helped her form a deep connection with the natural world, and later, would serve as an influence for her to study geography and resource management in university. A fascinating journey followed including, unique work environments, travel, teaching, exploring creative ways to manage forests and much more.
Deb will speak about these experiences, as well, responsibility to place, finding common ground, how to get closer to living sustainably and the importance of collaboration.
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To find out more about creating your own personal oral history recording, you can e-mail me at - myaudiomemior[at]outlook.com
______________________________________________________________________
For ways to follow along and find out about new episodes...
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In the late-sixties, Jon moved from his birthplace of Montreal to Calgary. It was there he began working in the airline industry and would become his career for more than three decades. The job led to many profound experiences for him, including meeting his partner of over forty years, John Cowan. Their life together on Pender Island has allowed them to slow down, and discover great benefits from it.
As well, Jon will speak candidly about his experience of being a gay man in Canada during the previous decades. He will describe some of the challenges he faced during that time and how things have dramatically changed for the better in his community.
All this and so much more, in a very open and honest interview with a wonderful guy.
Enjoy.
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While living in Ontario in his late-teens, Mike played guitar in a music duo. He and his musical partner were successful enough to both earn a living from it for six years. In his twenties, he shifted gears and opened a restaurant with his wife, Kelly. After a number of years, they sought change and in the late nineties, moved to the West Coast. Circumstances and chance would lead Mike to his next career, that of a wine barrel salesman. The job required him to be away for extended periods of time, but also allowed him to pursue his new passion, being a volunteer for the Pender Island Fire Department.
Mike will speak in depth about these experiences, the passion he has for serving our community, his thoughts on leadership and so much more. Please enjoy this episode with our local Fire Chief, the wonderful, Mike Dine.
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While growing up in Montreal, Annette spent a lot of time at the local swimming pool. It led to her discovering the sport of water polo, which would become a very important part of her life.
She will speak about those years in the water, her love of singing, stories from the service industry, English literature and how she is now starting a new career as a real estate agent.
All that and much more, in a delightful interview with lots of laughter.
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Having grown up in various locations throughout British Columbia, Jim was witness to some fascinating provincial history in his youth. While in his teens, he landed a summer job working at the Vancouver Stock Exchange, this would lead him to a lifelong career in the investment business.
Jim will speak about some of the life experiences he had along the way, the lengthy history the MacDonald family has with Pender Island and how his relatives immigrated to Canada centuries ago. That and so much more. Enjoy!
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Laurie will share stories from the cross-Canada cycling trip he and a friend went on and describe how the experience changed his life. He will also talk about the construction business he started and how the encouragement he received from his boss at the time, helped to make it happen.
As well, Laurie will talk about supporting others through music promotion, and how misconceptions about him and members of his friend group created significant challenges in the past.
That and so much more, with an absolutely fantastic person. Enjoy!
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After growing up in a suburb of Montreal with eight siblings, Mary Anne found herself in Berkeley, California as a young adult in the late sixties. She even made it to Woodstock! She will explain how those experiences shaped her, why she transitioned into becoming a subsistence farmer for six and a half years, and how she began a thirty-five-year career working with children in a therapeutic role.
Mary Anne will also describe how her passion for the environment recently inspired her to create films, as a way to raise awareness and create change.
All that and much more. Please enjoy.
Here is a link to Mary Anne's film -To Do List For The Climate Crisis - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=joKi3CPe_IY
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This time around I interview the wonderful, Madelin Emery. We talk about the journey she has been on while building her house, her passion for pottery and how she became involved with a truth and reconciliation circle on Pender Island.
Madelin will also speak very openly about the challenges she faced due to the unexpected suicide of her partner and her path to healing. She will honour their memory by sharing stories about his life.
That and much more, in a very candid and honest interview.
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Welcome to the fifth episode of this special series titled - Welcome Home. This is a chance to meet some of the new residents to Pender Island, hear why they chose to live here, how they are participating in the community and what the experience of living here has been like so far.
Next up in the series is, Johnny Cunningham. During the spring of 2020, Johnny was living, and working in Victoria as a cook at a prestigious golf club. He had also started a new relationship with a woman living on Pender. Johnny will describe how life events unfolded for him and allowed him to move here. He will also speak about his for cooking, why he has a love of photography and the lessons he has learned from his time in nature, waiting to take that perfect picture.
All that and much more...enjoy!
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I speak to Kathryn about her experiences as the Artist in Residence for the city of Victoria, between 2019 and 2021. She will describe some of the projects she developed during that time and reflect on her enjoyment of participating in community art.
Kathryn will also speak about how she began playing music at a young age, which led to the formation of the three-piece band, Immaculate Machine. She will share stories from those early touring years and how her life dramatically changed when she was asked to join, The New Pornographers during the mid-2000's as they were rising in popularity.
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Robert's story begins forty-nine years ago with the purchase of a summer home on South Pender Island. It then weaves through community development in James Bay, drinking kava in the Vanuatu islands, a week with an elephant, sacred dance journeys, magical happenings in Scotland and closes with the transformation of the Pender Island Health Centre.
I found myself deeply inspired by the stories and experiences Robert shared in this interview, I hope you will too.
I would describe this episode as...elegant like tango and splendorous like new minted gold.
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Welcome to the fourth episode of this special series called - Welcome Home. This is a chance to meet some of the new residents to Pender Island, hear why they chose to live here, how they are participating in the community and what the experience of living here has been like so far.
Next up in the series is David Leadbeater. Having been born and raised in Calgary, the idea of living in the Gulf Islands always seemed like a dream to him. Soon after retiring from his career with an excavating company in the Lower Mainland, he and his wife Deanna, made that dream happen.
In this interview, David will describe how he moved to the Fraser Valley in the mid-seventies and met his future wife at a Halloween party. The two stayed in that area for decades raising their two sons. Now all four of them have pooled their resources and are co-owners of the property on Pender. As well, David will speak about and the pleasure he receives from kayaking in the ocean and tell the incredible story of the first home, he and Deanna lived in after they were married, a reconstructed CPR train station. All that and more in a great interview with a great guy. Enjoy!
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...or join the Facebook group-https://www.facebook.com/thestoriesthatbroughtyouhere
Also on Twitter - https://twitter.com/StoriesBrought
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Welcome to the third instalment of this special series called - Welcome Home. This is a chance to meet some of the new residents to the island, hear why they chose to live on Pender, how they are participating in the community and how the experience of living here is going.
Next up in the series, is the fantastic Stefani Williams. While this is actually her second time as a resident of the island, it was the first one that had a deep impact on her life. She opened Slow Coast Coffee in her early-twenties and it was there, she would meet her future husband, Chris. Early on in their relationship, they moved away off the island, and soon became pregnant with twin boys. Stef will describe how her young family's life unfolded during those many years away and what made them ultimately return to Pender in 2021.
As well, Stef will speak about the benefits of living in a multi-generational housing situation, how she created her own clothing business, why she was passionate about homeschooling her children, and her joy of frequenting farm stands.
All that and more, in a great little interview. Enjoy!
As the world has changed over the past few years, so has our island. Many people have decided to make a big move in their lives and relocate to our little paradise. This series is a chance to meet some of our new residents, get to know them a bit better, find out why they chose Pender, how they would like to participate in the community and ultimately, welcome them to their new home.
The series continues with Jorgen Jespersen. In the early spring of 2021, Jorgen, his wife, Lee-Ann and their two daughters made the move from Edmonton to Pender. In the years leading up to this, their family had made numerous trips to the island to visit their close friends. Those experiences inspired them to make a big change in their lives and move to the West Coast.
Jorgen will describe how this all unfolded, as well, speak about his sixteen year career as a youth worker in Edmonton and how he and his wife got joined a running club on the island. He will also explain how he got involved with the ambulance service on the island and share stories about growing up on a dairy farm in Barrhead, Alberta. All that and much more in a delightful little interview, with a great guy.
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Twitter - @StoriesBrought
As the world has changed over the past few years, so has our island. Many people have decided to make a big move in their lives and relocate to our little paradise. This series is a chance to meet some of our new residents, get to know them a bit better, find out why they chose Pender, how they would like to participate in the community and ultimately, welcome them to their new home.
The series continues with Jorgen Jespersen. In the early spring of 2021, Jorgen, his wife, Lee-Ann and their two daughters made the move from Edmonton to Pender. In the years leading up to this, their family had made numerous trips to the island to visit their close friends. Those experiences inspired them to make a big change in their lives and move to the West Coast.
Jorgen will describe how this all unfolded, as well, speak about his sixteen year career as a youth worker in Edmonton and how he and his wife got joined a running club on the island. He will also explain how he got involved with the ambulance service on the island and share stories about growing up on a dairy farm in Barrhead, Alberta. All that and much more in a delightful little interview, with a great guy.
To keep updated with new episodes, subscribe through Podbean.
Or...Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/thestoriesthatbroughtyouhere
Twitter - @StoriesBrought
As the world has changed over the past few years, so has our island. Many people have decided to make a big move in their lives and relocate to our little paradise. This series is a chance to meet some of our new residents, get to know them a bit better, find out why they chose Pender, how they would like to participate in the community and ultimately, welcome them to their new home.
This series begins with Alexandra Harrison. In 2021, she and her partner, Joe, had been living in Brentwood Bay on the Saanich Peninsula. That spring, they decided that they would begin to look for a house to purchase. Through a combination of the impactful experiences she had in her youth at her grandfather's home on Galiano Island and Joe's deep involvement in disc golf, Pender seemed like a dream if they could make it happen.
Alexandra will explain how things unfolded for them along the way, describe the fascinating story of how she started her own business as a proposal writing consultant, how that work allows her to work from home and the positive experiences she has had living here. All that and more, in great little interview with a fantastic person.
Enjoy.
As the world has changed over the past few years, so has our island. Many people have decided to make a big move in their lives and relocate to our little paradise. This series is a chance to meet some of our new residents, get to know them a bit better, find out why they chose Pender, how they would like to participate in the community and ultimately, welcome them to their new home.
This series begins with Alexandra Harrison. In 2021, she and her partner, Joe, had been living in Brentwood Bay on the Saanich Peninsula. That spring, they decided that they would begin to look for a house to purchase. Through a combination of the impactful experiences she had in her youth at her grandfather's home on Galiano Island and Joe's deep involvement in disc golf, Pender seemed like a dream if they could make it happen.
Alexandra will explain how things unfolded for them along the way, describe the fascinating story of how she started her own business as a proposal writing consultant, how that work allows her to work from home and the positive experiences she has had living here. All that and more, in great little interview with a fantastic person.
Enjoy.
This time around, I speak with the Member of the Legislative Assembly for Saanich North and the Gulf Islands, Adam Olsen. Having grown up on the Saanich Peninsula as a member of Tsartlip First Nation (W̱JOȽEȽP), Adam will speak at length about many of the unique experiences he and his family had during those early years. This will include the story of how his parents developed a business involving Cowichan sweaters.
Adam will also describe the lessons he learned from a previous job as a server at Butchart Gardens and his pursuit of becoming a hockey play-by-play announcer. He will give thanks to the person who first encouraged him to become involved in local politics. He will also speak about the commonality of substance abuse in our society and how important it is to acknowledge the damaging effects of stigmatization.
All this and much more, in a very wide ranging interview with a very interesting person from our community.
Enjoy.
When Paul was a young boy, he spent his summers visiting his grandparents at their home on the Sunshine coast. The memories from that time have influenced him greatly. So much so, that he was inspired to build a home on Pender Island similar to the one his grandparents had. Paul tells a short story about the importance of being able to provide similar experiences for his grandchildren today.
Joanna met her friend, Barbara Ann, at the age of three while living on Pender Island. They reconnected years later while attending the same high school in West Vancouver. This led to a lifetime of friendship between the two. Joanna describes some of the many shared experiences they had. Some of those as young mothers, each raising families of four children and spending summers together on Mayne Island.
Richard tells the story of helping to preserve the Saturna Island community hall, which was build in 1933. He also shares some details about other original community halls in the Southern Gulf Islands, their historical significance, acoustic qualities and why we should care about keeping them standing.
Carol began her experience of living on Galiano Island at the age of two. After moving off the island at age twelve, she eventually returned in 2001 to care for her ailing mother during the last six years of her life. Carol will speak about her memories of those years and what it meant to her to have returned home to Galiano.
In 2005, Shelley and her husband, Steve, purchased property on Pender and started building a house. By the following year, they had moved in and began living on the island. We start the interview with Shelley (who was also a new Mom at the time) reflecting back on those years and detailing some of the experiences she had as a new resident.
From there, Shelley speaks about how she developed a passion for food, which led to her creating her catering business - Shel's Kitchen. She will also talk about what it was like growing up the youngest of six girls, the profound impact her Mom had on her life, and how hosting karaoke nights while living on Vancouver Island, turned into her writing and performing her own music.
All that and more in a fantastic little interview with a fantastic person.
Enjoy.
This time around, I speak to Jonny Miller. In this interview, he will describe the music scene on the island, and how he found his people through it. Jonny also talks about his long and winding road before coming to the island. Including time spent as a teenager going back and forth to California, attending Rainbow Gatherings, having a child while living in the Kootenays and...lots more about music! He provides some insight into the process of writing, recording and how royalties through online streaming services work. That and so very much more in a fun and enjoyable interview.
In 2015, Steve Dunsmuir began teaching an outdoor education program to a group of elementary school students on the island. The Pender Ecological Education Class (PEEC), engaged in many incredible learning adventures with Steve at the helm. He discusses aspects of those five years when he led local students through amazing creative experiences.
Steve's teaching career started in the Peace River Region. After working for 20 years there, he was hired as the principle of the school on neighbouring Saturna Island. It was there, he created the Saturna Ecological Education Centre (SEEC). A program for high school students, who lived in funky cabins in the woods and enjoyed an alternative place-based approach to learning. He will discuss at length those experiences, plus his passion for writing, the outdoors and so much more in an informative and open conversation with this educational innovator.
In this episode, Linda describes what it was like growing up on Pender Island in the fifties and sixties. She will share how those experience shaped her and many fascinating details about what life was like on the island at that time. Linda will also explain how she got involved in the hardware store business, what owning a farm is like and how she met her husband, Don. Come along for this deep dive into Pender history as Linda describes her family's length connection to the island, along with much more.
In this episode, I speak to an Arbutus Tree from Greenburn Lake. In this wide-ranging conversation, Arbutus opens up about the experience of being rooted in a single place it's whole life. The connections it shares with the land, wildlife and people of the area. Plus, so much more in this delightful interview with a beloved member of our island.
In the summer of 1963, John went on a trip with his family to South Pender Island to stay with his aunt, Bea Freeman. For a twelve-year-old boy, it was an adventurous summer exploring the outdoors while swimming, fishing and rowing. However, it was during the last week of that trip that things really got interesting. That week, John made a new friend and a magical time ensued.
In 1944, when Mary was six years old, her family moved from Los Angeles to a log cabin on Saturna Island. She and her and younger brother, John, grew up experiencing what island life was like at that time, including riding horses to school, interacting with nature, the realities of emergencies involved in isolated living and many other fascinating details that Mary recounts in this story.
In the spring of 2013, the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, Judith Guichon, visited Mayne Island. Brian was asked to organize events and escort her for the nine-hour tour of the island. Members of the community came together to create a very memorable time for her. This is Brian's story of that day, which he has titled, 'The Visit'.
When Carol was sixty years old, she decided to get her motorcycle licence. Just a couple of months later, she rode her 250cc motorbike from Ottawa to Galiano Island to visit her daughter. Carol describes what that journey was like and the experiences she had on Galiano island upon arriving.
What does Roe Lake sound like in the hour before sunrise, on the longest day of the year? From the morning silence, a trickle of birdsongs slowly begins to flow, then builds to a crescendo, before ending with the majestic descending rhythm of nature. Please enjoy this field recording that begins at 4 am on June 21, 2020 and hear what Roe Lake has to say.
In this episode, Barb will speak about her family's lengthy history on the island and how deeply important her visits to Pender were as a young girl. She will also describe her many recent walking adventures, her involvement in the creation of Solstice theatre and give some insight into her time working at the Pender Island Medical Clinic over the past twelve years. All that and much more in a fun chat that was incredibly enjoyable to do. Thanks, Barb.
Straight up, what a crazy time it has been the last few months. There are so many emotions, worries, thoughts and ideas I've had since the inception of this altered reality. At the start of it, I wondered how I would like to participate in the world with meaning and carry an authentic expression of myself. I personally believe that we are truly the creators of our reality, so how can I help create the world that I would like to live in? The first extended effort in that direction was putting energy into making multiple phone calls every day from late March through much of April. I started checking in on people I have not spoken to in years, good friends, acquaintances on the island I've never called before, my Mom...a lot, family and others. This gave me some focus, peace and joy during those uncertain times. Every call without exception held a deep connection. This shared strangeness we experienced led to a pealing back of layers for myself and the person I was speaking with. Very magical these conversations were.
As the world has been going back to something resembling what was before, I've asked myself what can I now do to be the change in the world I want to see? The conclusions have been obvious and undeniable. One of them is to take action on what I feel is important. Something that I feel is very significant right now is to help give voice to some people on our island to allow them to express their wisdom, creativity, thoughts and feelings. True expression of ourselves and bearing witness to it by listening, I believe, is a purposeful way to strengthen the bridge of connection we all share. We are surrounded on this island by amazing people, with amazing perspectives. Why not be amazed by witnessing each other's humanity, uniqueness and similarities during these challenging times?
What you will hear in this podcast is a compilation of people answering four questions relating to their individual experience over the past few months. I asked people wanting to participate in these recordings to try to dig deep to truly share themselves. To my great appreciation they did. The question are as follows:
-Where have you been putting your love?
-What have been the significant challenges you've had to face? -What is your dream vision for the future?
-Plus, a question for the interviewee to formulate and answer themselves.
All these recording were done outdoors at various locations so the sounds of cars, birds, airplanes, wind chimes, generators, the ocean and wind all make guest appearances as well. Beautiful.
My thanks to Paul Widdershoven, Emma Cale, Mathew Des Roches and Niki Roberts for their participation on the first of this series.
Enjoy.
In this episode, Joy will describe what it was like for her to spend the first 17 summers of life at an isolated fly-fishing tourist camp owned by her parents in Northern Quebec. She will speak about her time teaching screenwriting at the Vancouver Film School and what it was like backpacking around the world for a year with her husband Evan and two children. Plus, Joy will go in-depth describing the multiple hiking adventures she has had on the Camino de Santiago. All that and so much more. Enjoy!
In this episode, Patrick will discuss his nearly forty year career as a journalist in radio and television. He first began working as a reporter in Montreal in 1976. Four years later, he would be offered a position working out of London, England. The following decade would see him reporting from various war zones, natural disasters and civil uprisings. From Warsaw, Beirut, Manila, Berlin and a host of other international locations, Patrick was on the scene of some incredible historic events, reporting back to Canadian audiences. He will describe experiences and challenges from those years, as well as talk about the extensive period of time he spent living and working in China during the latter part of his career. All this and an incredible amount more in a very fascinating interview. Enjoy.
In this episode, Lester will describe how he developed an intense passion for snowboarding while living in Edmonton as a teen in the eighties. He will share how he first became interested music and go in depth explaining how his music career unfolded over a number of years and experiences. Lester will also talk about his recent interest in yoga, which has led him to becoming a yoga instructor on the island. As well, he will tell the story of how he met his wife, Mae. That and an amazing amount more, in a wonderfully rich and open discussion with one heck of a guy.
Thank you to Ptarmigan Arts for supporting this podcast.
In this episode, Steve will give a detailed description as to what it was like growing up as a young boy on Vancouver Island during the fifties. He will speak about why he felt it was important to grow his hair long, become a hippie and hitchhike his way back and forth across North America throughout his twenties. He will talk about more recent travel adventures which include high elevation hiking and climbing trips. Also, he will discuss his almost four decades as a builder on Pender and how building, as well as the island, has changed during that time. All that and an incredible amount more, in a very open and heartfelt interview with a true beauty of a guy.
Thank you to Ptarmigan Arts for supporting this podcast.
In this episode, Lauren will discuss how she first began playing piano as a child and how it developed into her writing, singing and performing her own music. This would eventually lead her from playing music as a hobby, into becoming her profession. She will go in-depth describing her career in music which includes touring North America multiple times and recording a number of albums in the process. Lauren will also speak about her current job on the island as artist director of Ptarmigan Arts and detail the many ways this organization fosters the arts on Pender Island. All that and more, in a delightful interview that provides great insight into the life of a touring musician and what it is like to hold a baby alligator. Enjoy!
Thank you to Ptarmigan Arts for supporting this podcast.
In this episode, Monica will speak about her early years on South Pender, which first began when she visited during the summer at the age of ten. She will go into detail about the years of collaborative fundraising and work involved in purchasing Brooks Point to make it a public space. She will describe her work with POD (Pender Ocean Defenders) and chronicle her thirty-four year career as an early childhood educator. As well, Monica will talk about her involvement with First Nations Reconciliation and her special connection with orca whales.
Thank you to Ptarmigan Arts for supporting this podcast.
In this episode, Paul will describe the events of a medical emergency he had shortly after moving to the island. Through that experience, he came to new realizations about himself and soon changed how he was participating in life. He will talk about living with his wife, Charlene on their boat in Browning Harbour, the very recent death of his father and the bold decision to move from New Brunswick to the West Coast. As well, Paul will explain the importance of wearing yellow glasses. All this and so much more, in a very thought provoking and incredibly reveling interview with a unique and wonderful person. Enjoy.
Thank you to Ptarmigan Arts for supporting this podcast.
In this episode, Sandy will share stories about growing up in Sackville, New Brunswick, speak about her fifteen year career with Legal aid BC, as well she will describe how she created a book of poetry using the words her father wrote in a dairy he kept for five months while working as a merchant seaman in 1936. Sandy will also detail how she was responsible for starting the Poetry In Motion project, a program that made Vancouver the first Canadian city to have an ongoing poetry program on public transit. All that and so much more in a stupendous little interview. Enjoy.
Thank you to Ptarmigan Arts for supporting this podcast.
Welcome to this very special project dedicated to the voices and stories of long time Southern Gulf Island residents, the second in this series continues with Connie Auchterlonie.
While visiting Pender Island in spring of 1958 for the first time, she met her future husband, Dave Auchterlonie. After getting married and spending their first few years living in Vancouver, they decided to move to Pender in order to raise their three children. Connie will detail what it was like being a young mother on Pender in the sixties, working as a nurse on the island, attending various community dances, as well as the support of friends and community she has experienced through the years. This and so much more in this descriptive and historical account of what living on Pender Island was like in the 1960's until the present day.
This project is made possible by the support of Ptarmigan Arts.
Welcome to this very special project dedicated to the voices and stories of long time Southern Gulf Island residents, the first in this series begins with Harry Brackett.
Raised on Pender Island from his year of birth in 1929, Harry spent his first twenty-five years of life on Pender Island. He will describe his experiences attending school on the island as a boy, fishing salmon with his father, as well as the various jobs he had on Pender as a young man, including logging on various Gulf Islands. This and so much more in this descriptive and historical account of what living on Pender Island was like in the 1930's, 40's and 50's
This project is made possible by the support of Ptarmigan Arts.
In this episode, Steeve will discuss how he and his wife, Dawnda were among the small group of people, who almost twenty years ago, created the much loved New Year's Eve Lantern Festival. He will describe growing up as part of a military family and living in Germany as teenager while his father was stationed there. He will also talk about his various artistic pursuits, how he first became involved with the Solstice theater and what his first ever acting gig was...you'll never guess. All that and more in this wonderful interview. Enjoy.
Thank you to Ptarmigan Arts for supporting this podcast.
In this episode, Amanda will detail her experiences as the former chef and co-owner of the beloved but now closed, Hope Bay Cafe. She will describe how she developed a passion for cooking, sailing and riding motorcycles. Amanda will also discuss being the proud new co-owner of Southridge Country Store, along with her husband, Rob. She will also let us know the story of how they first met.
Thank you to Ptarmigan Arts for supporting this podcast.
In this episode, Ewa will discuss her new-found love of photography and her philosophy behind trying to capture people as they truly are. She will speak about her life in Poland before moving to Canada and the working in the construction industry there. As well, Ewa will describe the bike trip she and her husband-to-be took nearly fifty years ago along the mountainous coast of Bulgaria and also talk about her twenty-five years of baking and selling cakes at the Saturday market.
Thank you to Ptarmigan Arts for supporting this podcast.
In this episode, John will discuss how he wound up becoming the owner of Southridge Country Store and share details about the ups and downs of being a retail business owner on the island for over twenty years. As well, John will talk about his love of Paris, the unfortunate history of heart disease in his family and what made him decide to remain on Pender after he recently retired from the country store business.
Thank you to Ptarmigan Arts for supporting this podcast.
In this episode, Leslie speaks about being a young hippie growing up in Edmonton and eventually moving to California where she resided for close to three decades. She discusses the hosting duties she has been performing at the monthly Speakeasy for the past ten years, as well, she will also speak about the loss of her son Jordan, who sadly passed away just over five years ago and her subsequent involvement in co-creating Moms Stop The Harm, a nation-wide group aiming towards drug policy change for the purpose of harm reduction.
Thank you to Ptarmigan Arts for supporting this podcast.
In this episode, Karl discusses how he ventured from Canada to New Zealand at the age of twenty and while living there he would begin a journey that would eventually lead him to creating his own business designing and manufacturing automatic case packer machines from his home on Pender Island and shipping them all around the world. Karl also details his passion for restoring and driving Hudson automobiles, his involvement in the Medicine Beach conservancy and he speaks at length about the details involved in building our Community Hall, the design of which was based on the barn on his property, which previous to the hall being built held local community events.
Thank you to Ptarmigan Arts for supporting this podcast.
In this episode, John shares stories from his forty year career as a musician for the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, which along with performing a countless number of times nationally, also included traveling international many times to perform. John also speaks about his involvement with the Socrates Cafe-a local philosophical discussion group that regularly meets on the island. We also talked books, what it was like for John to teach music and how he met his wife, Liz. If you are a fan of music, I'm pretty sure you are going to love this one.
Thank you to Ptarmigan Arts for supporting this podcast.
In this episode, Andy explains how thirty years ago, he and a group of others on the island helped move and re-create the recycling depot into how we know it today. Andy also discusses his involvement with the Pender Solar Initiative 2020 group, which has worked towards placing solar panels on various buildings on the island. As well, he speaks about his passion for growing his own food, growing up in Germany and how he and his wife, Mary built their combination straw bale & cob house.
Thank you to Ptarmigan Arts for supporting this podcast.
In this episode, Lisa will share stories about mountaineering trips in the coastal mountains along with her husband, Peter. She will also detail the experiences they had building a log house on the island, discuss the book she wrote about her close friend, John Clarke and Lisa will also tell us some tales from her time growing-up in Lincolnshire, England.
In this episode, Sam pays homage to his great-grandfather, Bob Bugg. He talks about his experiences attending boarding school, which included many successes playing rugby and led to playing internationally with his team. Sam also speaks about his career in real estate, the close connection he has to Hope Bay, as well, he will detail how he met his wife, Rita.
If you would like to connect, please e-mail me at:
chriswakaluk@hotmail.com
In this episode, Angie talks about her time growing up in Regina, Saskatchewan, which for her included twelve years playing the sport - ringette. She later switched her athletic focus towards rowing and this eventually led her to the West coast. She will also speak about her involvement in the annual Pender fashion show Zooislander, why she found it important to get her holistic nutrition certification, plus Angie shares her thoughts on admiration and mentorship.
In this episode, Andrea discusses her experience writing and along with her husband David, performing on a Canadian children's television program titled, 'Storytime'. She will also share stories of their time as traveling folk music performers, describe in vivid detail parts of her youth spent growing up in Manchester, England. As well, Andrea will speak about how the island has changed in the past thirty years and in the process, honoring many Penderites no longer living on the island.
In this episode, Tim discusses aspects of his coaching career that included everything from working with a young Terry Fox to having phenomenal international success with the Canadian Women's wheelchair basketball team. He also talks about how he and his wife, Gerry are involved with the volunteer organization, German Shepard Rescue of British Columbia. As well, Tim shares stories from his involvement with Rick Hansen's Man in Motion world tour. All that...and his favorite kayaking spots!! How good can it get? Enjoy.
In this episode, Theresa discusses how she came upon the idea to create recipes based on the book series, Outlander. This led her to first creating a blog, then eventually developing that into a popular cookbook. She also discusses her time growing up in Vancouver, playing field hockey in those days, the experiences she has had at silent retreats and how she met her husband, Howard.
In this episode, Jo talks about his family immigrating from England when he was very young. He speaks about growing-up in Sidney, his love of playing basketball and recounts the details of one of his first jobs, a bingo caller. As well, Jo speaks at length about the outpouring of community support his family received in 2011 when his son was diagnosed with a serious illness.
In this episode, Shelley shares very personal stories about the profound impact the death of her brother had on her life and how it helped her on the path towards a career as a massage therapist. She speaks about her first job on the island, as an end of life care worker She discusses the amazing synchronicity involved with the two different houses she and her husband, Pete have purchased since coming to the island, as well, she tells how she came to meet that great guy over forty years ago.
In this interview, Ben talks about his passion for music and some of the ways he has helped to foster the music scene on Pender Island. Ben also talks politics and describes his recent involvement with the First Nations community and how it has impacted his life.
In this episode, Ethan talks about his time working at The Empress Hotel in Victoria and his early career as a radio personality. He also discusses trying to make it as an actor in Calgary and speaks about his lifelong passion for competitive endurance sports. All this and so much more in a really jam-packed episode.
In this episode, Josephine talks about her three amazing siblings, Finnish saunas, her new job as a medical transcriptionist and she describes growing up in Vancouver and being into punk rock! That's right, punk rock with an explanation mark! Fun chat we had in this one...enjoy.
In this interview, Davy talks about living in San Francisco during the mid-sixties and how it was there, he began working with leather. As well, Davy discusses his over twenty-five year career working with solar technology and also tells his amazing story of dodging the Vietnam War draft in the sixties and how it eventually lead him to flee to Canada.
In this interview, Brent describes flying to Pender Island in a float plane during the late-sixties to purchase a lot in Magic Lake Estate, he discusses his background building boats, as well, Brent talks about his involvement, with a group of twenty-six other parties, in bringing the commercial space at Hope Bay back to life after it had burnt down. Plus, I ask Brent where his very fitting nickname originated from.
Two days before she was set to retire from her forty-one year teaching career, Helen talks about her experiences as the kindergarten teacher at Pender Islands Elementary School for the past nineteen years. She also discusses her family's lengthy history with Pender Island, her Scottish heritage, as well, she describes her connection with aboriginal communities she was lead to through her work and the profound impact it had on her life.
In this episode, I have arranged a compilation of excerpts from the first twelve interviews to give a opportunity for people to hear the sound of each person's voice while listening to a clip from their interview. Listed below are the names and start times of each person's segment with a direct link to make it easier to go to that person's interview page. I hope this makes it easier to choose which interviews to listen to and encourages people to listen to interviews they may not have otherwise. Thanks and enjoy!
- 2:45 Sandy Ollsin
- 5:20 Julia Nicholls
- 8:08 Jon Martin
- 12:32 Shelley Easthope
- 17:22 Jule Roper
- 21:55 Sarah Conley
- 25:00 Kelly Irving
- 27:25 Todd Bulled
- 32:00 Bruce Butcher
- 35:19 Nia Williams
- 40:48 Gary Goodman
- 44:38 Victor Zorman
In this interview, Bruce shares stories of his twelve-year career as a journalist for various Alberta newspapers, he tells the tale of his infamous slam poetry performance while getting a tattoo during a talent show at the community hall years ago, as well, Bruce discusses the changes in his life due to recently becoming a diabetic.
In this interview, Sandy shares stories about building and living in a straw bale house on the island, she discusses her relationship with storytelling, also Sandy describes her work as a death celebrant and death midwife.
In this interview, Todd shares stories about his time working for the coast guard, he discusses his involvement with the Pender Island volunteer fire department, as well, Todd describes meeting his wife, Deborah and how he got into the family hardware business.
In this interview, Jule shares stories about attending Simon Fraser University during a tumultuous time in 1969, she describes her recent trip to experimental community in Auroville, India prompted by a Pender connection, as well, Jule discusses her thirty year career as a recreation therapist.
In this interview, Jon shares stories about his exit from the corporate world, explains why we should say 'yes' more often and discusses some of the challenges he faced when first moving to the island.
In this interview, Gary shares stories about what Pender was like in the eighties, flying a float plane to play rock 'n' roll in the Gulf Islands and also, he describes a profound experience he had on Canada day last year.
In this interview, Nia shares stories about a recent extraordinary birthday experience, growing up in North Vancouver, and what happened during a close encounter with orca whales.
In this interview, Victor shares stories about watching his parents dance as a child, traveling in Australia and when he felt like he found his tribe.
In this interview, Sarah shares stories about her and her husband building their house on the island, her love of lake swimming and the impact her grandfather's garden had on her life.
In this interview, Julia shares stories about a week-long vision quest, her newfound love of painting and the importance to her of growing food.
In this interview, Shelley shares stories about her time living in South Africa, how she met her husband, Lyle and her involvement in the conservancy of Medicine beach.
In this interview, Kelly shares stories about growing up the son of an RCMP officer, his time at art school and discusses his involvement with Pender's Solstice theatre.