The Lunchbox CHSR

It can be difficult to truly know what’s going on inside of restrictive regimes, so a personal account helps.

My guest today is Melika, an Iranian-born student who is trying to raise awareness about the size of protests against the religious government in Iran, and the degree of terrible response to them. We talk about growing up in the area, the hardship of living there now, and what changes are hoped for.

Local Iranian people and allies held a rally and protest on Friday, January 23 to try to further increase awareness and support for the peoples of Iran.

The post The Lunchbox Interview: Melika (Iran) appeared first on CHSR-FM 97.9.

It is always good when art, culture and queerness is able to celebrate in full effect.

My guests today are Alex Rioux (organizer) and Keri Fulton (host, performer), part of the upcoming event, The Big Gay Cabaret. We chat about what variety of acts can be expected, the origin and growth of the event, and how important it is to have strong visibility for LGBTQ+ people in the community.

The Big Gay Cabaret is set to happen on February 21st at the Charlotte Street Arts Centre. While the tickets have already (!) been sold out, there is a waiting list available on their website.

The post The Lunchbox Interview: The Big Gay Cabaret 2026 appeared first on CHSR-FM 97.9.

The juxtaposition of matter and thought produces art with impact.

My guest today is photographer and artist Gary Weekes, whose new exhibit, Trayces, is featured at the UNB Art Centre Galleries as part of the Black History Month exhibition. He joins me to talk about the unusual form of this art, what inspired him to work in this way, and what this art means to him.

NOTE: this interview contains frank details about some of the disturbing elements of historical abuse which impacted the artist’s process. Some discretion should be exercised.

Trayces, along with the return of the Rediscovering the Roots of Black New Brunswickers exhibit, are opening on January 23 at 5pm, and will be on display in the UNB Arts Centre Gallery until March 27.

The post The Lunchbox Interview: Gary Weekes (“Trayces”) appeared first on CHSR-FM 97.9.

Sometimes, rediscovering the truth behind history’s rumours leads to an entirely new adventure.

My guest today is Laura Richard, one of the founders and the roastmaster of local company Saltwinds Coffee. She tells me the story of the last three years, from having curiosity at a local legend to developing a company with international sales, to going before the Dragon’s Den to pitch.

Saltwinds Coffee will be seen on the upcoming January 22 episode of The Dragon’s Den.

Find Saltwinds Coffee at their website, or on local grocery store shelves.

The post The Lunchbox Interview: Laura Richard (Saltwinds Coffee) appeared first on CHSR-FM 97.9.

There are stories abounding all around us, some invisible, some creative, and some home-grown; it is up to storytellers to bring them to life.

My guests today are Jeremy Fowler (Producer) and Camryn Gaudet (actor) from the upcoming original production of Good Night To You All, a new play written by local playwright Ryan Griffith and being staged by The Next Folding Theatre Company. We discuss the development of this play from it’s short form seen previously, the eerie skill of Griffith to capture and reflect, and the ephemeral nature of theatre.

Good Night To You All opens on January 15th at the Charlotte Street Arts Centre at 7pm, and runs nightly through the 17th. There is hope to take the play on tour, but no dates have yet been announced.

The post The Lunchbox Interview: Next Folding presents “Good Night To You All” appeared first on CHSR-FM 97.9.

My guest today is Ama Sharpe, an up-and-coming local singer-musician looking to grow and perform in the local community.

The post The Lunchbox Interview: Ama Sharpe appeared first on CHSR-FM 97.9.

Have you ever experienced something which pushed you out of your preferred space, emotionally, physically or mentally?

My guest today is Emily Blair, the Executive Director of Connexion ARC, a long-running artist collective. Their most recent exhibition, Displacement, is currently on display at the UNB Art Centre‘s East and West Galleries until December 12. Emily joined me to talk about the organization, and about curating the exhibit.

The post The Lunchbox Interview: Emily Blair (“Displacement”) appeared first on CHSR-FM 97.9.

Sometimes, the best place to meet up with all your friends exists in your imagination.

My guests today are Lauren and Matt, the cofounders of Mini World Masters. I caught up with them at the recent HalCon to talk about how tabletop roleplaying games offer a space for people to come together, explore their imaginations and provide an outlet for people’s lives, as well as how the work that they do under Mini World Masters supports that.

The post The Lunchbox Interview: Mini World Masters appeared first on CHSR-FM 97.9.

Everyone needs to breath good air. It’s up to us all to make sure we do.

My guest today is Melanie Langille from NB Lung. She joins me to talk about some of the current initiatives and broad spectrum of relevant activities that NB Lung undertakes. Specifically, we dive deep into the very important issue of radon gas detection, which become vital as we start to seal up our houses for the winter.

Stories written right here can take you fantastical worlds.

My guest today is LMG Wilson, a local author who has just published a new novella, Of Mists and Bogs: Intrigue, Espionage, and Tea. Described as “a spy fantasy novella where not even the tea is safe!” Lisa joins me to talk about her inspirations for the book, the accompanying map, and the process of transforming an idea into a book you can hold in your hand.

Lisa is doing a number of readings and presentations of the book, including a reading and signing at The Write Cup in Saint John, NB. The event takes place from 1-3pm with a reading from Of Mists and Bogs: Intrigue, Espionage, and Tea around 2pm. Be sure to stop by to say hello and check out this new book. Bonus, she’ll have the infamous map for perusal! And who doesn’t love a good map.