Afternoon Pint

A one-dollar licence changed a career. We sit with filmmaker John Mann to trace how Stephen King’s Dollar Baby program led to Popsy, a nine-minute moral sledgehammer that cut backstory, ditched  empathy, and focused on pure dread. John lifts the curtain on the odd rules of Dollar Babies, the surreal “mail a dollar” contract, and why strict screening limits can still supercharge a festival run and land you in the Academy Museum’s spotlight.

From there, we switch gears into process. John breaks down Missy, a lonely survivor tale built on threes, practical symbolism, and a colour map of fire and water that hints at purgatory without ever spelling it out. We talk about how ambiguity keeps a horror audience leaning forward, and how to make short films that feel bigger than their runtime. Then comes Sweetie, a three-minute shock that keeps getting asked if it’s a trailer—now expanded into an 88-page feature inspired by the emotional intelligence of Let the Right One In. It’s a clinic on developing micro-ideas into market-ready projects while keeping tone, pace, and curiosity intact.

Along the way we hit the business side: why true crime often feels hollow, how good villains are half-right, where franchise sprawl undercuts catharsis, and what practical effects can do that CGI can’t. John shares wins with CBC Gem and Bell’s Pub Crawl, turning pub culture into living history and proving that regional stories can scale. 

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Your Dream Home Does Not Have to Be Just A Dream. Today's show is brought to you by Kimia Nejat of Exit Reality Metro. Kimia is the realtor who knows how to get things done. Buying or Selling? Go to afternoonpint.ca/kimia and we will set up an introduction

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With two pints of Garrison Red and a milky looking glass of Arak, we cheers (or Bisehtak) to Chef George Elias of Au Liban Lebanese Restaurant. 

We dig into the textures of Lebanese cuisine—silky hummus, smoky baba ganoush, roasted pepper muhammara, crisp cheese rolls, and a honey-kissed feta fusion roll—while unpacking how a great spread (mezza)  invites people to slow down and connect.

George traces his path from culinary school in Lebanon to hotel kitchens in Iraq and Dubai, then to Canada through a serendipitous call that changed everything. He shares the pride of being named 2025 Lebanese Professional of the Year at the Cedar Maple Gala and the deeper story of Halifax’s Lebanese community shaping the city’s culture. We explore the mezza mindset—why a generous menu isn’t excess but expression—and how he balances authenticity with accessibility, from manakish and za’atar to the elevated Lebanese tartare, kibbi nayeh.

Beyond flavour, this is a masterclass in hospitality. George talks leadership under pressure, the value of systems, and why service details matter as much as seasoning. He opens up about the grind—holiday prep, quiet New Year’s, breathers in the walk-in—and the intentional growth behind sold-out Lebanese Nights. There’s heart here too: a focus on building stability, buying a home, and starting a family, all while keeping Au Liban warm, vibrant, and welcoming to everyone.

Pull up a chair and let the chef lead the way. If you’ve ever wondered what makes a restaurant truly great—kitchen trust, cultural pride, and the willingness to serve with care—you’ll find it here. Subscribe, share with a friend who loves mezza, and leave a review with your must-try Lebanese dish. 

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Your Dream Home Does Not Have to Be Just A Dream. Today's show is brought to you by Kimia Nejat of Exit Reality Metro. Kimia is the realtor who knows how to get things done. Buying or Selling? Go to afternoonpint.ca/kimia and we will set up an introduction

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Pull up a chair at the Oxford Taproom and meet Laura Fleming—marketing and events coordinator at Garrison and the creative force behind You Found Flora. We trade festival stories, and unpack how a great night out is actually built: clear incentives, sharp programming, and moments designed to live on your camera roll. Laura takes us from the chaos of pre-production to the glow of a packed crowd, sharing the small choices—signage, stage pacing, social-first clips—that turn one-off shows into must-visit traditions.

We get real about the media we love and the media that drives us nuts. From 90s horror comfort watches to a spirited debate on reality TV ethics, we examine what happens when formats meet incentives. Does Love Is Blind test connection or reward clout? How does editing frame villains and heroes? And why do comedians who master crowd work feel so electric live? Laura’s take: authenticity endures, and audiences can smell misalignment from a mile away. For creators and brands, that means set the rules, honour them, and cut the filler.

We spotlight crushable hazy IPAs, approachable sours, and the story-rich brews that cement community—like Doug's Brau.

Subscribe to the Afternoon Pint for more candid conversations, share this with a friend who loves local culture, and leave a review to tell us your favourite Halifax spot to try next. 

Follow our friend @youfoundflora on instagram for more fun and insightful content. 

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Your Dream Home Does Not Have to Be Just A Dream. Today's show is brought to you by Kimia Nejat of Exit Reality Metro. Kimia is the realtor who knows how to get things done. Buying or Selling? Go to afternoonpint.ca/kimia and we will set up an introduction

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Joe is a national brokerage president whose early days cold calling in the White pages may have proven to be the perfect guide to show how insurance really works today—human first, tech-enabled, and built for the moments you hope never happen. Joe joins us to share the arc from answering a newspaper ad to leading Brokerlink’s 5,000 + person team, weaving together discipline, mentorship, and the power of community. Along the way, he explains why insurance isn’t just a policy; it’s a promise—and why that promise still depends on a person you can look in the eye when things go sideways.

We get candid about the industry’s past and future: the grind of phone-book selling, the rise of SEO and inbound leads, and how 40,000 monthly website visits now fuel local advisors across 240 communities. Joe opens the hood on practical AI—bots that compare renewals in seconds, a 24/7 chat that handles routine updates, and a client app that mirrors modern banking—while keeping cybersecurity as the first principle. He also draws a clear line between digital convenience and licensed advice, showing why younger buyers research alone but still want human confirmation before binding a legal contract.

We talk scale, choice, and trust: more markets to fit unique needs, local branches that show up at the rink and the supermarket, and community giving that signals real skin in the game. Joe doesn’t dodge the hard parts—messy connectivity with carriers, regulatory friction, and the gap in client education—then offers a smarter approach to mitigation and alerts that actually help. If you’re exploring careers, you’ll hear straight talk on recession resilience, leadership growth, and the mindset that carries you: learn deeply, take risks, and be kind. Subscribe, share with a colleague, and leave a review to tell us what part shifted your view of insurance.

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Your Dream Home Does Not Have to Be Just A Dream. Today's show is brought to you by Kimia Nejat of Exit Reality Metro. Kimia is the realtor who knows how to get things done. Buying or Selling? Go to afternoonpint.ca/kimia and we will set up an introduction

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The funniest stories aren’t the ones built on clichés—they’re the ordinary slip-ups we all share. Think: hopping into the wrong car, or reaching for the bus pole and accidentally grabbing someone’s hand. That’s exactly the kind of humour Jenny Bovard has built into her work. As lead and associate producer of Pretty Blind—a sharp, scripted Canadian comedy about life with low vision and albinism—Jenny is flipping stereotypes on their head and proving that relatability beats “inspiration arcs” every time.

In this conversation, Jenny shares how her hit podcast Low Vision Moments became the seed for Pretty Blind, the magic of writing alongside Jonathan Torrens and Mark Forward, and the behind-the-scenes details of building an accessible set—from tactile floor markers to softer lighting strategies. We dive into the show’s all-out goalball episode (rivalries, ridiculousness, and Paralympic-level laughs), as well as the tech that actually helps in daily life, from iPhone OCR to the promise of smart glasses.

Jenny also opens up about mentoring blind and low-vision youth, the identity shifts of growing up with albinism, and whether she’d restore her vision if given the chance. The throughline? Cast disabled actors as people, design access into the process, and let comedy do what it does best—make us care because we recognize ourselves.

Don’t miss Pretty Blind—stream it now on AMI’s on-demand platform (amiiplus.ca) 

Share this episode with a friend, leave us a review, and tell us your favourite “low vision moment.” Your support helps more listeners find these stories.

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Your Dream Home Does Not Have to Be Just A Dream. Today's show is brought to you by Kimia Nejat of Exit Reality Metro. Kimia is the realtor who knows how to get things done. Buying or Selling? Go to afternoonpint.ca/kimia and we will set up an introduction

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What happens when a single commercial catapults you into becoming a national symbol? Jeff Douglas, the face behind Molson's iconic "I Am Canadian" rant, sits down with us to explore his remarkable journey from reluctant beer spokesman to respected CBC broadcaster.

Douglas takes us behind the scenes of the legendary commercial that changed his life, revealing how his "wicked hockey haircut" and improvised "thank you" helped land him the role that would make his character Joe a household name across Canada. He shares the perfect storm of circumstances that made the commercial resonate so deeply – premiering during the 2001 Oscars immediately after Robin Williams performed "Blame Canada," at a time when Canadian-American relations were experiencing significant tension.

Twenty-five years later, Douglas collaborated with the original writer to create an updated version addressing recent "51st state" comments, proving that Canadian identity remains as relevant and worth protecting as ever. What began as a simple beer commercial became a cultural touchstone that continues to unite Canadians across political divides.

But Douglas's story extends far beyond his famous commercial persona. He shares how the unexpected opportunity opened doors to hosting history and documentary programs that allowed him to explore Canada and the world, connecting with diverse communities and perspectives. Now hosting CBC's Main Street in Nova Scotia, Douglas offers thoughtful reflections on media evolution, streaming services, and the future of Canadian content.

Throughout our conversation, Douglas's passion for Nova Scotia and Canada shines through as he expresses genuine optimism about the province's trajectory and the engagement of younger generations with global issues. His journey reminds us that sometimes the most meaningful paths emerge from opportunities we initially resist.

Grab a beer and join us for this engaging conversation about Canadian identity, media evolution, and finding purpose in unexpected places. And don't miss our signature "10 Questions" segment where Douglas reveals his stance on ketchup chips, his favorite Tragically Hip song, and shares his most valuable piece of advice: "Don't do anything just for the money."

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Your Dream Home Does Not Have to Be Just A Dream. Today's show is brought to you by Kimia Nejat of Exit Reality Metro. Kimia is the realtor who knows how to get things done. Buying or Selling? Go to afternoonpint.ca/kimia and we will set up an introduction

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Twelve years after the tragic death of Rehtaeh Parsons, her mother Leah joins The Afternoon Pint for a conversation about trauma, institutional failure, and finding purpose after unimaginable loss.

Leah paints a vivid portrait of Rehtaeh—a compassionate teenager with dreams of becoming a marine biologist, whose life spiraled downward after a sexual assault was photographed and shared among her peers. What follows is a harrowing account of systematic failure across institutions meant to protect vulnerable youth. 

The conversation shifts to crucial questions about our digital age. Should we restrict social media access by age, or should we hold platforms accountable for harmful content? Leah advocates strongly for the latter, noting these companies already have sophisticated filtering systems they could deploy to protect young users. Most striking is her call for empathy education, sparked by witnessing her younger daughter's stabbing while classmates merely recorded the attack rather than intervening—a chilling indicator of how digital exposure has desensitized youth to real suffering.

Through her grief journey, Leah has transformed tragedy into purpose by creating a 100-acre animal sanctuary in Rehtaeh's memory. This sanctuary embodies her belief that healing comes in many forms beyond traditional therapy—a philosophy shaped by her professional background as a therapist and her personal experience navigating profound loss. Her candid revelations about initially wanting to abandon parenting altogether, then choosing daily to move forward for her other children, offer insights into grief's complex reality. As Leah puts it, grief is "rolling"—not something you heal from once, but something you choose to navigate daily.

Share this episode with anyone concerned about youth mental health, digital citizenship, or finding purpose after loss.

On September 20th, the Rehteah Parsons Society will be hosting Rae's Awareness Suicide Prevention Walk. You can find the details for the walk on Facebook if you would like to participate and show your support. 

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Rudi of Rudi's Hot Sauce shares his family's journey from the Bahamas to becoming Nova Scotia's top hot sauce specialist, revealing how his father's transformative experience with wild peppers led to a multi-generational passion for crafting complex, flavour hot sauces. We talk about hot sauces, family ran businesses and whatever else comes to us, while experiencing some of Rudis hot sauces and a few beverages at the 5K Cafe.

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Your Dream Home Does Not Have to Be Just A Dream. Today's show is brought to you by Kimia Nejat of Exit Reality Metro. Kimia is the realtor who knows how to get things done. Buying or Selling? Go to afternoonpint.ca/kimia and we will set up an introduction

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We were thrilled to finally have Jonathan Torrens sit down with us for a candid conversation about his remarkable 30-year journey through Canadian entertainment and the industry that keeps him more fulfilled than ever. From his unexpected start as a teenage host on Street Cents, to iconic roles on Trailer Park Boys, Mr. D, Letterkenny, Shoresy, the Vollies, the directors chair & more, Torrens reflects on what makes Canadian content distinctive and why our most uniquely Canadian stories often travel best internationally.

We learn of Torrens' venture into the movie trailer rental business, offering insights into the economic realities of film production in Atlantic Canada and how policy decisions affect creative industries. He also shares passionately his recent directorial work on "Pretty Blind," a sitcom featuring a woman with low vision that carefully avoids making disability the character's sole defining trait.

Torrens weaves together thoughtful observations about media evolution, representation, and the value of long-form conversation in an increasingly fragmented attention economy. His father-in-law's advice becomes the perfect summation of his current philosophy: "Instead of doing 13 things half-assed, pick two and go hard at them." For creators at any stage, it's a powerful reminder to focus on what truly matters.

Join us for a refreshingly authentic conversation with one of Canada's most versatile creative forces as he shares the unfiltered truth about finding your voice, knowing when to say no, and creating work that resonates.

Thank you to Parichat Thai for their amazing food & accommodation and to Tatamagouche Brewing for the refreshments in this episode. 

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Your Dream Home Does Not Have to Be Just A Dream. Today's show is brought to you by Kimia Nejat of Exit Reality Metro. Kimia is the realtor who knows how to get things done. Buying or Selling? Go to afternoonpint.ca/kimia and we will set up an introduction

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Growing up as the oldest of seven daughters in rural Nova Scotia, Dalene Allen learned entrepreneurship at her mother's handcraft shop, "The Killick." This early exposure to business relationships became the foundation for her remarkable career through retail merchandising, executive positions, and eventually leading Business Network International (BNI) across three Atlantic provinces. 

Dalene shares game-changing perspectives on networking that challenge conventional wisdom. Rather than approaching events with sales in mind, she advocates for human connection first—"When you build the relationship, business happens organically." Her three-part interaction formula has proven to have generated millions in business for herself and others.

For those who dread networking events, Dalene offers practical wisdom born from experience. Whether you're looking to grow your business, advance your career, or simply build more meaningful connections, Dalene's approach to "Networking Naturally" provides a refreshing alternative to traditional networking tactic, not to mention her own personal story has a lot more twists and turns than you may think! Join us for a pint at The Clayton Park Bar & Grill, as we uncover what exactly makes Dalene so great at bringing people together. 

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Your Dream Home Does Not Have to Be Just A Dream. Today's show is brought to you by Kimia Nejat of Exit Reality Metro. Kimia is the realtor who knows how to get things done. Buying or Selling? Go to afternoonpint.ca/kimia and we will set up an introduction

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Buy merch, get out newsletter, or book some of Afternoon Pints Media Talent on our website: www.afternoonpint.ca