Hey, Downtown Van!

Join host Sofia Laratta as she sits down with William Donnellan and Aaron Lacey from The IRL Group — one of Vancouver’s leading corporate groups with a dynamic footprint in hospitality, construction, and events. In this episode, they share their vision for revitalizing Granville Street, the growth of the Shamrock Storehouse franchise, and how they’re gearing up for the World Cup.

Join Host Sofia Laratta as she chats with Jared Byrne, founder of Pop Queen Cardio. Hear how Jared’s passion for fitness, dance, and pop culture inspired the creation of a vibrant community. Everything from challenges as a small business owner to empowering everyone to move with confidence and joy.

Join Sofia Laratta and Blueprint’s Director of Business Development, Nate Sabine, for an inside look at what it takes to shape Vancouver’s music and entertainment scene. From the city’s growing nightlife economy to how it stacks up against global hotspots, they dive into the evolution of Vancouver’s cultural identity -- one beat at a time.

Step into the world of sizzling teppanyaki and tradition with host Sofia Laratta as she sits down with Dylan Bruser, owner of the iconic Kobe Japanese Steakhouse. In this lively conversation, Dylan shares what it’s like to grow up in the heart of the restaurant, how he’s honouring Kobe’s legacy while embracing modern dining trends, and his bold vision for the future of the brand. Don’t miss this flavourful journey behind the scenes of a beloved culinary institution.

Host Sofia Laratta chats with Stacey Forrester, Co-Founder of Good Night Out Vancouver, about how they’re making nightlife safer through bystander training and community support. Tune in to learn more about the difference they’re making in downtown Vancouver and how we can all help make nights out better for everyone.

Join host Sofia Laratta in conversation with Grant Sceney, Creative Beverage Director of Botanist and Fairmont Pacific Rim for discussion on winning North America's 50 Best Bars award, misconceptions about bartending, and his passion for the creative beverage industry.

Host Sofia Laratta sits down with Deb Lester, CEO of Covenant House Vancouver, for a powerful conversation about the organization's mission to support and protect vulnerable youth. Together, they explore the challenges, triumphs, and the transformative impact of Covenant House’s work in the community.

Join host Sofia Laratta in conversation with Flavio Caron of Indigenous Corporate Training Inc. for a powerful discussion on Truth and Reconciliation in the workplace, as well as his personal journey as an Indigenous-Italian-Canadian navigating identity, education, and change.

Join host Sofia Laratta in conversation with Chef Alex Kim of Five Sails Vancouver as they dive into his gold-medal win at the 2025 Canadian Culinary Championship, the music that fuels his time in the kitchen, and the culinary inspirations that have shaped his journey.

Join host Sofia Laratta as she chats with the hilarious Ola Dada about how he accidentally stumbled into stand-up—and never looked back. From unexpected beginnings to his spotlight moment on Canada’s Got Talent, this episode is full of laughs, surprises, and behind-the-scenes stories you won’t want to miss.