Season 3 ! Recorded in late January, we were able to catch up with one another over Zoom, musing on the transition of political leaders to the south of us and what that means for LGBTQ and the world. We interviewed Pastor Diana Edis, from St. Paul's Lutheran Prince Rupert Church about her work in the community and the new book club Queers the Word. Our discussion included her passion for reaching out to the community, accessibility of faith, and how to stay connected during Covid. We are excited to share this podcast in different formats, coming soon!  Take a listen, stay home and stay safe

Teacher, artist, creator and 80's movie aficionado, Alana Rice is a teacher and one of Christine's colleagues. She captures art 🖼 in the Northwest and her pieces can be viewed and purchased at: https://alanariceartist.com   You can view the pieces, email her directly if you have any questions, and learn some of the background for each piece.  Alana came to us with an interesting premise to talk all things 80's movies.  Apologies to Alana if this didn't go as planned, but I think it's a testament to the chaos that has been the year 2020.  We may have to have a re-do in the future with 90's movies (90's horror movies? yes please!).

Quending is Christine talking up the CBC series "Schitt's Creek" and Russel reflects on the pessimistic social media cycle that is easy to fall into. 

It's a wrap for 2020 and season 2 of Rainbow Nation podcasts.  We look forward to the New Year and the new season of podcasts and possible exploration of video podcasting. 

If you take anything into the next year, let it be this: "Be kind, be calm and be safe," - Dr. Bonnie Henry. 

Teri Forster is a local nurse that is also a representative for all the nurses in the North West in the B.C. Nurses Union, representing workers with disabilities. She is an Ally to the LGBT community, helping organize events across the north west.  She is an avid Cos Play participant (Belle from Beauty & the Beast, Shrek, Queen of Hearts and others) and has competed provincially (Vancouver, Prince George) and in the United States (Comic Con [!] ) .  We talk fostering animals and of course COVID-19, and her advice on how to navigate through the new normal. 

Blake is a former Rupertite that took time out of his extremely busy schedule to talk to Christine & Russel about his new project : opening his new restaurant in Canmore Alberta with his fiancé and business partner.  Blake talks about previous accomplishments in his culinary career and it is impressive to say the least! Quending is settling into a "new normal" for virtual Pride events and Christine has a fun give away for Pride ! 

Christine & Russel check in with each other from their separate spaces via Zoom and talk about what it's been like so far in the quarantine time in the world.  Discussion on how the world has slowed down, how people are being creative, creating and nurturing projects and how people are being kind to each other during these mentally and emotionally exhausting ties.  Some ideas from Christine on how to cope with quarantine ants in the pants and some Quending! 

This is definitely one of the longest podcasts we've recorded so far.  It would be great if this was a 'part one' to a longer conversation with Prince Rupert's current mayor, Lee Brain.  Lee offered up a bit of his weekend to sit down with us to talk about the exciting plans for Prince Rupert.  Lee talks extensively about the protocols, procedures and challenges to deal with before STARTING with a plan for the Raindrop, with Redesign Rupert.  The amount of information is staggering and it's impressive to have someone speak to it freely, patiently and with excitement, no matter how many times he may have talked about it.  We get a little glimpse of Lee's self care and talk about his future plans whether that is in a mayoral role or not with Prince Rupert.  Take a listen to our conversation with Mr. Lee Brain.  

Happy 2020 ! Lori Leighton is one of Christine's closest friends that she has known for a long time (close to 40 years!).  Lori works at Prince Rupert Middle School as an Indigenous Counsellor as well, she facilitates the "Skittles" group (a Gay / Straight Alliance group for middle school aged children). She counsels Grade 8 and French Immersion, she teaches Advisory Class as well as Storm 8 (that concentrates on resilience, managing stress and over all Life skills).  We talk how to crawl out of the Holi-daze hibernation period from  break to the New Year.  The influence of living in Prince Rupert as a local member of an Indigenous group on her work is something we talk about.  The work she's done with "Skittles" is amazing.   Lori is a fabulous Ally! Check it out! 

Recorded on November 11, 2019, Christine and Russel talk all things Remembrance Day, the fallout of fake news and Rainbow Poppies.  Quending is Drag Queen Story Time! 

It was a good conversation with Mr. Jared Paolinelli in October, the day of the election.  We talked about all things Skeena Kayaking, the fun aspects of the Hospitality / Tourism industry in the small community of Prince Rupert. We talk travelling the world - the fun and challenges as a gay man in some corners of the world.  Jared shares some tips on buying mattresses, and sleep clinics and how to take care when choosing a mattress.  Quending is oral health care tips from Christine and some reflections on the Madonna era that was Erotica and reflections on the election that happened in Canada this fall. 

Welcome to season 2! Russel and Christine are back and lamenting on the Summer with their activities (Russel's adventures in baking and Christine's continuing with her Masters degree !! ) .  Is there such a thing as Pride burnout ? Netflix and other streaming services are welcomed with the pre-hibernation of Fall.