Where there are fish I can guarantee you will find Bob Izumi. This is a joyous conversation that celebrates Bob's 38 years of television production. with 26 shows a year (do the math) he covered lots of miles and met thousands of people. It's more than fishing it is about being outdoors on a lake hearing the loons, seeing the sunrise, breathing deeply and appreciating being Canadian.

Starting in his teens Bob never has run out of lakes to fish nor a passion to do so... and to share his adventures. Fishing is very democratic; from a simple line and hook to expensive gear, to specialized boats and technology.

Come along for the story of how Bob made the programs, and his thoughts for today and the future.

Car-free zone? Inner city cores that have life and encourage living. Fume-free coffee or lunch at a sidewalk cafe? A conversation that is not overwhelmed by exhaust... where you sit under a tree canopy and the birds are a background symphony. Is it a pipe-dream?

Stephen Burgen, journalist at the Guardian has lived in Spain for a quarter century and shares his observations of change and improvement. Are there examples we can learn from and what can we embrace? Urban parks, strolling, improved life expectancy, intergenerational interactions... we touch on all these topics here in this episode.

NOTE: This is a broadcast that was initially shared in 2024. I felt it was worthy of another listen.

Dr. Trevor Hancock is a retired Public Health physician. His work included time in New Brunswick as a family doctor, in Toronto at Public Health, and lastly at University of Victoria.

He contributes weekly - for the last decade - to the Victoria Times-Colonist and writes about determinants of health. We have a conversation about smoking and how rates have changed and how we hope to see it drop further.

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 episode

Though reference to dates, times and locations may reflect a time already past the content is still germane

This rerelease is also a tribute to the many years NORCAT was under the energetic leadership of CEO Don Duval

What 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 thatNORCAT

PITCH

This 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.