It has been years... what a wonderful reconnection with Sam Jones. Here we are at his 2%Jazz Hillside location talking about what makes a great cup of coffee. In the hospitality industry for more than 3 decades Sam has created a welcoming 3rd place for you to meet at; what he offers as a brew really reflects his skills. What a pleasure to spend part of an afternoon exploring his journey and thoughts on roasting and brewing.

Loss of sight (or diminishment) can be terrible; taste and smell can also decline. But the incremental decline in hearing often goes unnoticed, until something triggers action.

Join me in conversation with 3 subject matter experts as we discuss how easy it is to improve your quality of life with hearing aids.

This program takes place on Vancouver Island, but clinics exist across this country and around the world. The message is very transferable; the call to action is as simple as a phone call to set up an appointment with an audiologist for an assessment.

A total treat to connect with eco-thought leader Louis De Jaeger. I've been following him (maybe you have too) on various social media platforms.

He speaks, writes, and motivates more than just his Belgian countrypersons to consider the value of food over pharma. He has influenced even their king to reevaluate lawns in the royal domain.

Listen along a Louis shares his experiences encouraging a food forest to take root in one of the harshest landscapes: a coastal dune system.

Active, passionate, enthusiastic, Louis is inspirational!

Can you imagine wearing an undergarment that does fit? Apparently, few people ever take the time or make the effort to ensure the bra you wear is for you.

Though this is a visit with a specific provisioner in Victoria the situation is countrywide and global. And my guest on this episode, Charlotte, reminds us that our bodies change over time.

We also discuss care and cleaning of undergarments to maintain freshness and longevity. Charlotte wants us to eschew fast-fashion and consider quality. The last thing we need to do too is to have drawers full of uncomfortable, unwearable clothing that often just ends up in landfill.

19 turns, elevation gain (and descent too) plus instruction and this is a place to improve your driving skills. You can google Island Motorsports Circuit and learn more about what they offer. I kept hearing about the place and had the urge to know more. I had the pleasure of a morning visit to the track and even a ride round. This episode with Ross and Dan explores the suite of services, and beyond the safety and confidence categories definitely there is the sense your enjoyment of driving can also be enhanced.

"Yes, Chef!" certainly rings out as acknowledgement in the kitchen and prep area at Esquimalt High School. Brandon Aris has been guiding the culinary program here for 15 years.

Students learn food safety, knife skills, programing and planning, and how to turn ingredients into a meal. From basics and essentials they move into presentation and plating: we eat with our eyes first!

I encountered Chef Aris at Rainbow Kitchen during one of their community events and sat back and watched the team of young people confidently go about serving a crowd.

I think you will find this conversation inspiring.

Apologies for some electronic interference, but it is generally quite short and not overly distracting.

Andy Johnston has a beautiful spot on overlooking the Cowichan Valley. The terrace is a perfect spot to progress through the spectrum of natural wines he produces from his vineyards.

At about 7000 cases this winery has never gone off-island for fruit. Pinot is the focus though there are other grapes grown.

Come along for a conversation and then make plans to visit.

It had been more that 15 years since my last visit to Merridale. It was like the time just dropped away once Jan and I started our conversation about all things apple.

For her it has been a nearly 3 decade project. The results are wonderful.

This may be a destination for dining and retail... but don't forget to have a tasting experience, and Jan is always nearby!

Ian Lin and Anita Wu have a company that manufactures hotel slippers and covers for your train seat headrest. They are also making bags for shipping laptops and more at their Washcan operation. The cool thing is that these are not single use!

The slippers are biodegradable and are like the other products can be composted. Yes, sold back to farmers the soil can then be used to grow crops.

Did you know Taiwan (population 24m) is a "garden country" and even the name - historically Formosa - is from the Portuguese for "beautiful island" and I can't believe the array of fruit grown.

I admire the innovative spirit of these two entrepreneurs!

Joe Hunwicks and I connected for a different reason, but it opened up a new opportunity. He was willing to talk about his current cancer journey.

A new round of radiation began this past week; like for so many firefighters the cancer originally was in his lungs.

Joe shares how today's professionals are better prepared for the deadly cocktail of fumes that at one time were dismissed as part of the job. The 70s and 80s saw eyes opened to occupational health and safety in all industries, and Joe was there to advocate for changes to protect his workmates... and indeed all of us.