Eat This! Drink That!

Dr. Kendra Coulter is the author of  Defending Animals. I read an article in the Globe and Mail and just had to have a conversation with her here on QOL . Coulter is a Professor of Management and Organizational Studies, at Huron University College at Western. She is a Fellow of the Oxford Centre for Animal Ethics, and Member, Royal Society of Canada's College of New Scholars, Artists, and Scientists.This program is being re-released to stimulate additional awareness of abuse and neglect of all animals.Though specific reference to Marineland is not made, there are responsibilities we have towards all captive animals.

There were the legacy breweries - the big boys of the business - then came the micros, and here we are talking with Dan van Netten about his nano-brewery on Vancouver Island.He really isn't new to the industry nor to brewing; I am told he began his journey in high school with first batches of beer and wine.Howl is located on Lyle Street in Esquimalt in a historic building that once was a green grocer/convenience store from 1909. It was known as a neighbourhood candy store for years.Come along for a conversation that explores how Dan got into beer, what he produces now, and his aspirations for a tasting room.

I think it was a decade ago when I first interviewed Linda Miller on this program. Linda has a successful matchmaking service that may be just what you are looking for. Misty River Introductions has a 30 plus year history of success in making connections happen. I thought since we are in a post-pandemic period it would be good to talk once again with Linda to see how things were during COVID and now in 2026.

NB - This is a previously broadcast episodeThough reference to dates, times and locations may reflect a time already past the content is still germaneThis rerelease is also a tribute to the many years NORCAT was under the energetic leadership of CEO Don DuvalWhat do you know about NORCAT and its signature annual event PITCH? Come along for a conversation with Brendan Skiffington and hear how this project advances ideas, supports innovation, and drives entrepreneurial activity. What do you know about NORCAT?This episode’s focus really is on one specific activity thatNORCATPITCHThis is also a celebration of the years under the directionof CEO Don Duval. Previously broadcast

Founders Jamie Gerus and Jeff Wright are the team that makes FIZZ non-alc Bottle Shop a touchstone for product and knowledge. In a time where more consumers are looking for beverage alternatives this store on Lower Johnson fits so well into the vibe that is LoJo. Independent boutiques, cafes, and unique stores sit adjacent to this bijoux. Come along for a conversation about their philosophy, their selection, and their aspirations.

John Gunn recalls how Jane Goodall would sign her messages to him with "Love" for as the UN Messenger of Peace she clearly was also loved in return. Gunn and his colleagues are aiming for the installation of four sculptures across Sudbury celebrating the concrete interest Jane showed in what some call "the Regreening City of Hope". Come along and learn what they are exploring in creating novel monuments that get young people to be inquisitive."Why did she choose us?" Gunn asks. Gunn insists we must never forget the visits she made to the region - the largest land reclamation project in the world. "When Jane Goodall died the world stopped for a moment."

Come along to Cyprus and meet Mustafa Afsaroglu. He and his team are using waste olive pits (plus a bio-based adhesive) to create Pit-Board. Their sustainable composite panel material has so many applications as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional surfaces. This greener option can be used homes in cabinetry and countertops, modular furniture in office settings, and has no VOCs nor formaldehyde. Curing is at ambient temperatures so there is another plus. Feedstock comes from both sides of the island (Turkish and Greece) and is a new way to unite a country that has the last divided capital in Europe.

What do we really know about policing? The movies are so sensational and many of the multitude of book covers are bold, and brassy. If you want an authentic insiders' view try "Tightrope" by Jenn Hyland. Jennifer originally served with a west coast municipal police service, went on to the RCMP, and ultimately was Deputy Chief Constable in Surrey, BC. A very personal story, there is the career arc, but also how the work impacted herself and her vision of family; it is more than that. It has elements of a history shared by all who serve. Long hours, late nights are an accepted part of the process, but those - and the following of cases to their end - made for stress, MS, PTSD, and her ultimate decision to conclude her service. She hopes by sharing that it will help others who protect the vulnerable.Come along for the conversation, learn more, and walk the tightrope with her.

Recorded in December - the season where we consume too much of everything - this episode is about addictions. Michael Leahey, founder and CEO of Better Now, speaks about his own journey with alcohol and how that ultimately resulted in his collaboration in forming an organization that helps others regain their health, their relationships, and even keep their job. Breaking the conveyor belt of dependency from any substance is not easy, but Michael has some hard won solutions - and people to support you - to help. Also to be broadcast on CKLU just before Dry February this conversation might be of value to you or someone you know.

I am re-releasing this episode in 2026 as it fits with a theme I have been exploring. Enjoy!The holidays are upon us. Soon after comes the cusp of dry-February so what do you serve? Low-alc, non-alc, alc alternatives... this category is surging. Inclusive hospitality now demands you as a host, and certainly restaurants and events, must have an array of what we once called "near-beer" and de-alcoholized wines on hand. Some guests will have both sorts and are doing "damp drinking" and that greatest group in Gen Z. Join Mark Kuspira in the conversation about the changes in the beverage world and what his company, Soft Crush, is doing in response.

I started reading posts by Debbie Rosaline on LinkedIn. Was it pre-COVID? She definitely had insights and aligned with thoughts I too had about the wine and hospitality industry. She also wrote about luxury brands and high-touch service, so I thought she would be an ideal guest here on QOL. We set a date to talk. I think we will have more conversations. Join us here on this episode and follow her journey of discovery of Canadian wines, wines of the world, and the changes and challenges facing the industry globaly.

Maybe you have seen a documentary on freediving? You may have marveled at the seeming effortlessness and tranquility of just entering the water and going down, perhaps to depths where it almost seems unbelievable.Chris Hanhimaki insists, however, that “freediving is the purest way that a human can interact with the underwater world.“There’s no reliance on tanks or anything external,” Hanhimaki said. “It’s just holding your breath and diving into the depths. I consider it a very meditative and somewhat spiritual practice.“Some people freedive to observe wildlife, {others] to compete in depth and pool competitions … the root of it all is simply just diving with nothing but your breath and body.”How did Hanhimaki get involved? How did a Northern Ontario boy get engaged in this? “About four years ago now, my wife and I moved to Costa Rica. There, I fell in love with the ocean. It was like my soul returned home. I just wanted to be on, in, and under the water every day.This text is part of an article written in th

As we start a new year join a conversation on what Monika Ghent and her colleagues offer at the Living Earth School of Herbalism. Their online courses are a great place to start your journey. You may want to improve your health in 2026 by seeing what can be stand alone or as complimentary to traditional Western medicine. In addition the school has field studies, workshops and more through its location in Maple, Ontario.

I think Rainbow Kitchen does so much more than "Feed the Belly and Feed the Soul" for their Monday to Friday breakfast and lunch is vital to so many. Their school programs and varied menu allows people of all ages in Esquimalt - and beyond - to continue and to thrive. No questions asked, you can come for something nutritious, warm, and flavourful and if you wish you can bring some home for dinner, tomorrow, a friend, or roommate. I speak with Executive Director Patrick Jawes soon after his 6th anniversary with the organization. The topic? Well, I don't recall this program happening on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, but here in the spirit of fellowship during the darkest days of the calendar I offer this conversation.

Come along to 760 Broughton Street in Victoria and meet Jonathan Morissette. He and his wife have recently opened a shop offering a broad selection of non-alcohol beverages. Softer Drink has spirit-free bottles from across the globe, non-alcohol wines, and cocktails, as well as unique teas. Jonathan shares their entrepreneurial journey, an overview of their inventory, and an invitation to visit this beautiful retail space that includes an eye-fetching tasting bar.

Come along for a half hour conversation about diabetes. Glenn Thibault not only is a key figure at Diabetes Canada - he will share his exact title - but also lives with the disease. We talk about how people dealt with the challenges in the past and how technology is improving quality of life for all today. What will tomorrow bring in management and control?

I met Bree Sharratt at the Thursday Esquimalt Market. It was Halloween and she was dressed as a giraffe. Now that's a conversation opener. It was her teas that prompted a visit to Langford and a tour of her shop. In this episode you will hear her passion for teas and infusions. Check out what she offers by googling Island Elixirs and of course listen along.I apologize for the slight background hum. Despite filtering the compressor blowing out the underground sprinkler system (as well as pounding rain on the seatainer's metal roof) across the street there is residual drone.

In this episode of QOL I share the delight in finding this bijoux space. Aerth saunas is a very special third place. Sitting by the fire pit Viki tells us of her journey imagining this, designing it, constructing it, and what it means to those who come to experience it.

Expert hospitality consultant Daniel Cronin has decades of experience assembling the perfect beverage... for you! We talk about ingredients, history (pouring the classics), and the growing segment of the "spirit-free" drinks world.

Another one of the interviews I've been wanting to do for some years. I had to ask myself what the delay and hesitation was; and so I said "go for it" and requested an opportunity. Julian Daly was kind enough to say yes.Julian is the CEO of Our Place Society. Victoria is not immune to the challenges of addictions, homelessness, and the weight of mental health issues. They are challenges national in scope.I am glad I got to learn from Julian that the situation outside, on the street, in the 900 block of Pandora, is not what goes on inside. Learning that this location is just one of ten sites and that there are possibilities beyond temporary sheltering and food services, has been valuable to me.Recovery, and even employment, is also discussed here. Have a listen.