With a plan to go national Soap for Hope's Anne McIntyre started her project in Vic West. It was 11 years ago when she started the process of diverting valuable materials from landfill and redirecting to those who did not have access to hygiene products. Utilizing bathroom amenities from hotels the containers are filled with the same lotions, liquid soaps, conditioner, and supplemented with deodorant, razors, shaving foam... they restore dignity. They do a lot more including redistribution of hotel bedding - through agencies -to those in need. Have a listen and hear Anne's passion for this organization. Soap for Hope improves so many people's Quality of Life.

Care for you, an older adult, a family member, is essential after a hospital visit or just when you need a break. Maybe you have not had a vacation for a decade and worry about leaving your Mum alone? What do you do when you need a rapid response for even a short stay?

Respite Request to the rescue.

This conversation with Daniel McShane could just be something you store away in the back of your mind, or it could address a pressing need.

I've known Brett's parents for decades. Through photos and cards I heard of his arrival and seen him as a kid. Now he is the next generation Innkeeper of The Rossport Cabins. Off the Trans-Canada highway this hamlet has a gem of a restaurant that features local Lake Trout and a pillow for you to rest after a long day of driving this visually spectacular route.

One of the features of the place are the trains; they pass right by. I just want to turn to the pages of Pierre Burton's "Last Spike" and listen for the nostalgic wail of the engine and rumble of the long line of cars as they cross the country.

The marvels of technology and overcoming time zone differences and Zoom connects we with amazing people.

Come along for a conversation with Indian Landscape Architect Garima Dubey.

Learn about her interest in how water moves, the value of courtyards, and the ways to reduce heat and humidity. Of course we talk about aesthetics and how people interact with the built environment too.

It seems we are into a period of nation building and augmenting systems. For one High Speed Rail is a hot topic for those in the Windsor - Quebec corridor (a reality check is that Montreal-Ottawa-Toronto is the focus), while the new Eglinton Crosstown line is just one of several projects in the GTA. Oh my! And look at the cost over-runs and ever over the horizon for its completion!

My guest on this episode is Dr. Jonathan English. He is "a researcher, writer, and policy expert on infrastructure and transportation with international experience. He has extensive experience giving policy advice to senior leaders in government, business, the non-profit sector, and labour in Canada, the United States, and Europe. He was previously Policy Director at the Toronto Region Board of Trade. He also has experience in practice working on a multibillion-dollar transit project."

Come along for a conversation about both the visible and unseen systems that make our country, communities, and even homes function.

Tourism specialist - he is more than that in fact - Greg Girard tells me about the challenges and the opportunities in Canada's small centres. We discuss out-migration to the cities as well as the attraction of living in a rural setting.

Here's what the web says about Greg:

"Greg Girard is a co-founding brother of the award-winning adventure and travel website and blog ehCanadaTravel.com. Greg is also a top ranked Canadian travel blogger who enjoys public speaking, and working as a small and rural Canada community consultant."

Oh my! If you love books you have to have Parry Sound on your map. Barely Used Books is a destination and I can assure you Melissa and her team can find just about any title you are looking for.

Plan on more than a quick visit... you will leave with an armload of pleasurable reading. Have a listen!

This is a previously (Spring 2025) broadcast episode. For whatever reason it never made it to the podcast platform. Here it is for you now.

Podcaster, journalist and outdoor enthusiast Meg Carney joins me to talk about the importance of fresh air experiences. A contributor to Field and Stream magazine Meg love to hike, climb, paddle and speaks often about gear. We discuss longevity, durability, and dependability of kit as well as the impact of choices when we should be leaving no trace.

Mark Sherry has pivoted and his latest development is an app that compares prices across grocery stores.

Do you have time to look at flyers and take your list to two or three stores to save a buck? What if an algorithm can do it for you in mere moments. Would it change your shopping behaviour? Maybe.

Have a listen and find out about GOFER and how it may cut your costs and suggest which provisioner is your best deal.

Rachelle Rocha, ever the innovator, is always looking for ways to improve your Quality of Life. She and her co-owner see "food as medicine" and everything they do supports that belief.

Not only is Seasons a pharmacy, but it is also a food store and more. Because of the amount of floor space devoted to the Culinaria, and kitchen, Seasons qualified to sell beer, wine, cider, and perry. It is the first to do this in the category of services they offer. It makes them a true destination for shoppers who understand the philosophy of their store and intentions.