Community Game Plan

In Episode 22 of Community Gameplan, hosts Eric and Jim sit down with Chad Bailey, insurance advisor with IDC WorldSource Insurance Network, for a Community Business Spotlight on a topic that doesn't come up nearly enough when people are buying a home: life insurance, mortgage protection, and planning for the unthinkable.

Chad brings eight years of experience as a life insurance advisor to break down what most homebuyers get wrong — starting with the biggest misconception of all: that mortgage insurance through the bank is the same as life insurance through an advisor. It isn't, and the difference can cost a family hundreds of thousands of dollars when it matters most.

The conversation covers:

Whether you're a first-time homebuyer, self-employed without workplace benefits, or just haven't thought about what happens to your mortgage if the unexpected happens, this episode offers a practical, no-nonsense look at protecting the people who depend on you.

About the Guest

Chad Bailey is an insurance advisor with IDC WorldSource Insurance Network, specializing in mortgage protection and life insurance. With eight years in the industry, Chad focuses on building long-term relationships with clients and matching coverage to their real needs and budget — not just what pays the highest commission.

Reach out to Chad Bailey [email protected] 902.441.2621

Reach out to Eric Holman and Jim Smardon — [email protected]

https://www.instagram.com/therealestateteamns/

https://www.instagram.com/community_game_plan_podcast/

Eric Holman [email protected]

https://www.instagram.com/ericholmanrealestate/

Jim Smardon [email protected]

https://www.instagram.com/jimsmardon.greenrealestate/

Want to be a guest or have a topic you'd like us to cover? Let us know.

Reach out to [email protected]

In this episode of Community Gameplan, Eric and Jim ditch the guest chair and go head-to-head on the current state of the Halifax real estate market. No filter, no fluff — just recent statistics, market trends, and blunt, honest takes on what buyers and sellers actually need to know right now.

From softening prices to shifting inventory, Eric and Jim break down what's really happening on the ground and what it means whether you're listing this summer or waiting to buy.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

Real Talk Moments:

Who This Episode Is For:

Bottom Line: This isn't panic, and it isn't business as usual either — it's a market correcting, and Eric and Jim lay out exactly what that means for anyone buying or selling in Halifax right now.

Reach out to Eric Holman and Jim Smardon — [email protected] https://www.instagram.com/therealestateteamns/

Eric Holman [email protected] https://www.instagram.com/ericholmanrealestate/

Jim Smardon [email protected] https://www.instagram.com/jimsmardon.greenrealestate/

In Episode 20 of Community Gameplan, hosts Eric and Jim sit down with special guest Matt Stickland, founding editor of Grand Parade — a Halifax city hall newspaper — and host of The Grand Parade podcast. Matt brings years of on-the-ground reporting experience covering Halifax Regional Municipality, and joins Eric and Jim for a candid conversation about how city hall really works, the ongoing debate over property taxes, and what it takes to hold local government accountable through independent journalism.

The conversation covers:

Whether you're a Halifax resident trying to make sense of your tax bill or just someone who cares about how local government actually functions, this episode offers an insider's perspective you won't get anywhere else.

Matt Stickland is the founding editor of GrandParade.news, an independent Halifax city hall newspaper, and host of The Grand Parade podcast, which delivers an irreverent, in-depth look at Halifax city hall, its policies, and the people who shape them. Before launching Grand Parade, Matt spent a decade in the Navy — including deployment aboard HMCS Charlottetown and service as a submariner — before completing his Bachelor of Journalism and becoming one of Halifax's most dedicated municipal reporters.

Reach out to Matt - https://bsky.app/profile/landofsticks.bsky.social

https://www.grandparade.news/

Reach out to Eric Homan and Jim Smardon - [email protected]

https://www.instagram.com/therealestateteamns/

Eric Holman

[email protected]

https://www.instagram.com/ericholmanrealestate/

Jim Smardon

[email protected]

https://www.instagram.com/jimsmardon.greenrealestate/

Jim and Eric sit down with their newest team member, Ayo Ajayi — and this one's a conversation you don't want to miss.

Born and raised in Nigeria with real estate in his blood, Ayo brings a unique perspective to the world of Canadian real estate. Since making the move to Canada and planting roots in the Maritimes, he's been on a mission to help his clients and community navigate the ins and outs of buying and selling property in a whole new market.

In this episode, we dig into Ayo's journey — from the real estate landscape in Nigeria to the nuances of the Canadian market, and what it really takes to bridge those two worlds. Whether you're new to the Maritimes or a longtime local, there's something in this conversation for everyone looking to understand real estate from a fresh angle.

And as always, the laughs come easy and the conversation flows freely. Pull up a chair — this is a good one.

Reach out to The Real Estate Team at [email protected] 

Want to be a guest or have a topic you would like us to cover, let us know. 

Dartmouth pharmacist and Rotarian Jan Rose is changing lives — from Nova Scotia to East Africa. In this episode, she shares her inspiring work with CACHA (Community Aid for Children and Health in Africa), bringing vital healthcare to underserved communities through international medical missions powered by Rotary involvement and grassroots determination.

Jan takes us inside the real logistics of overseas healthcare projects, the partnerships that make them possible, and why community-driven initiatives continue to be one of the most powerful forces in global health.

What we cover:

If you believe communities have the power to heal the world — this one's for you.

Interested in being a guest or know someone we should talk to, reach out to Eric and Jim at [email protected]

Victoria, BC real estate market update: inventory, pricing trends, and expert insights from Lisa Eilers with Eric Holman and Jim Smardon. Learn what buyers and sellers need to know in 2026.

What’s really happening in the Victoria, BC real estate market right now? Is it cooling off, balancing out—or just catching its breath?

In this episode of The Community Gameplan Podcast, Eric Holman and Jim Smardon speak with a local real estate expert Lisa Eilers to break down the latest Victoria, BC housing market trends, giving you a clear, no-nonsense look at what buyers and sellers are actually dealing with on the ground.

From rising inventory levels to shifting buyer behaviour, this conversation cuts through the noise and gets into what matters—pricing, demand, and where the opportunities are hiding.

Let’s be honest—Victoria isn’t just another market. Between its mild coastal climate, lifestyle appeal, and limited land supply, it continues to attract buyers from across Canada.

But here’s the twist: more listings (jumping from ~600 to ~4,000) means more choice… and more hesitation. Buyers are pickier. Sellers need sharper strategy. The days of “list it and they’ll come” are on pause.

This isn’t a crash. It’s not a boom either. It’s a market finding its footing—and if you understand the signals, there’s real opportunity here.

Lisa and Eric & Jim bring local, boots-on-the-ground insight to help you make smarter real estate decisions in Victoria.

In Episode 16 of the Community Gameplan Podcast, Eric and Jim sit down with Dennis LaBlanc, Atlantic Canada Manager with CannaConnect, to discuss a powerful mission focused on support, healing, and community.

Dennis shares his personal journey and the inspiration behind CannaConnect — an organization dedicated to supporting veterans, RCMP, and first responders through education, access, and meaningful community connection.

This conversation highlights the important work being done to help those who have served navigate new pathways toward improved quality of life, mental health, and overall wellness. Dennis also shares how building trust and fostering community plays a critical role in successful reintegration and long-term support.

We also explore the real impact this work is having on individuals, families, and communities across Atlantic Canada — and how continued community involvement is helping grow a network of support and wellness.

• CannaConnect’s mission and programs

Interested in learning more about CannaConnect or supporting their work?

Don’t forget to like, follow, and share the podcast to help us continue bringing meaningful community stories to light.

Interested in being a guest or have a show idea you'd like us to cover, reach out to Eric Holman and Jim Smardon at [email protected]

Veteran Support, Community Wellness, CannaConnect, Mental Health, Military Transition, First Responders, Veteran Programs, Community Building, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick 

Episode Summary

From land title surprises to zoning headaches, encroachments, and HST curveballs, Mark shares practical insights that every agent, buyer, and seller should have in their back pocket. If you’ve ever thought “the lawyer will handle it,” this episode shows you exactly what that actually means—and why it matters more than you think.

If you found this episode helpful, share it with someone who’s in the middle of a deal—or about to be. 

Or reach out to Eric Holman or Jim Smardon at [email protected]

Reach out to Marc Comeau - https://www.tmclaw.com/ 

Understanding the hidden impacts of gambling and how communities can support awareness, prevention, and recovery.

Gambling is often seen as entertainment, but for many individuals and families, it can become something much more serious.

In this episode of The Community Game Plan, we sit down with Carey Murphy, Executive Director of the Compulsive and Problem Gamblers Society, to talk about the realities of gambling harm and how it affects individuals, families, and communities.

We explore common misconceptions about gambling addiction, the early warning signs people often miss, and why stigma can prevent people from asking for help. Carey also shares insight into how communities can play a stronger role in prevention, awareness, and supporting those who may be struggling.

This conversation is about more than gambling — it’s about building informed, compassionate communities where people feel safe to reach out for support.

Find more of our guest Carey Murphy on his Youtube   Facebook   

https://globalnews.ca/news/11393257/problem-gambling-online-platforms/

If you or someone you know may be struggling, support and resources are available through the Compulsive and Problem Gamblers Society.

And if you enjoyed this episode and want to learn more about the work we’re doing in the community, feel free to reach out to Eric and Jim from The Real Estate Team. [email protected]

Whether it's real estate, community initiatives, or future podcast ideas, they’re always happy to connect and continue the conversation.

In this episode, Jim and Eric sit down in studio with Debbie Vaillancourt Higgins, owner and operator of Opus Café and Catering in Cherry Brook, Dartmouth. What starts as a conversation about coffee and catering quickly becomes something much deeper.

Debbie shares the heartfelt story behind Opus — a café born from her mother’s dream and built as a true labour of love. Located inside the historic former Nova Scotia Home for Colored Children building, Opus has become more than just a place to grab breakfast. It’s a safe, welcoming space where conversations happen, community groups gather, reunions unfold, and healing takes place.

From hosting men’s support circles and church groups to catering weddings and providing meals for families in need, Debbie explains why Opus isn’t “hers” — it belongs to the community. With refillable coffee meant to extend conversations and an intentional no-TV policy to encourage connection, this café proves that small spaces can create big impact.

The episode also includes one of Jim and Eric’s signature hot takes — this time tackling the question: Are fixer-uppers still a good deal, or are buyers walking into financial traps?

Whether you’re passionate about community building, curious about the power of small local businesses, or just looking for a place that serves more than coffee, this episode is packed with warmth, insight, and heart.

👉 Visit Opus Café at 18 Wilfred Jackson Way, Dartmouth