The Stratford Slice

May 5, 2026 marks the 81st anniversary of the liberation of the Netherlands during the Second World War - a date with deep meaning in Stratford. During the war, Dutch troops trained here, while soldiers from the Perth Regiment played a vital role in the Netherlands’ liberation.

These historic ties are commemorated through the ceremonial tulip garden along the Avon River - a gift from the Dutch government and a lasting symbol of gratitude and friendship.

In this episode, John Kastner, former general manager of the Stratford Perth Museum and Canadian director of the Anne Frank House, joins Craig Thompson to reflect on the significance of this anniversary and explore how these stories can be preserved and shared with future generations.

After more than 40 years of delay, Stratford’s Grand Trunk site is at a critical turning point. With partial demolition on the table, historian Dean Robinson and architect Robert Ritz join Craig in a conversation that explores what should be preserved and whether the city is thinking boldly enough about its future.

In this episode, Diana Bishop - journalist, author, and granddaughter of First World War flying ace Billy Bishop opens up about the weight and wonder of inheriting a national legend. She reflects on family stories stitched with courage, controversy and myth, and how that lineage sparked her curiosity and influenced her career. Diana shares discoveries from researching her grandfather for a documentary and subsequent book, and discusses what it means to carry a name into the future.

Craig sits down with two comedy legends — Dan Castellaneta, the Emmy Award–winning actor best known as the voice of Homer Simpson, and Michael Gellman, acclaimed Second City director and co-founder of Process Theatre. They reflect on their decades in comedy and explore the pressures on satire and free expression in the United States while celebrating Canada’s rich comedy legacy. 

The conversation also delves into their latest collaboration, Frankenstein’s Daughter,  which recently completed a sold-out world premiere run in Stratford.

While Tom Patterson is credited with the vision for a Shakespearean theatre festival in Stratford, his inspiration came from his high school teacher Rose McQueen, who instilled in many of her students, a love for the classics.  Craig sits down with Robert McQueen, Laura Pogson and Rachel Kelleher, to discuss the campaign underway to recognize Rose McQueen's place in Stratford's history.

On this episode of the Stratford Slice, Craig is joined by Robert Ritz, Chair of the Stratford Rotary Dragon Boat Festival, and Kelan Herr, third generation owner of The Boathouse, to discuss the Avon River Crisis, how it happened, and what should happen next.

May is Asian Heritage Month, and Craig welcomes Justin Poy as his guest to discuss his efforts to combat racism through storytelling. Justin is a distinguished figure in Canada’s advertising and media industry, renowned for his pioneering work in multicultural marketing, particularly on behalf of the Chinese community.

In recognition of Earth Day, we present a runway preview of Stratford Trashion Week. Craig and co-host Joan Chapple, herself a talented  fashion and jewelry designer, chat with event founder Jessica Guy, and artist and clothing designer Claire Scott about how the environment and fashion are intertwined.

Craig’s guest on this episode of The Stratford Slice is Juno-nominated singer-songwriter and community music champion Dayna Manning. Interspersed with musical selections from Dayna’s catalogue, our conversation offers a revealing glimpse into a career highlighted by lucky coincidences, chance encounters and a life changing connection to Canada Day.

In this episode of The Stratford Slice Craig chats with Aaron Martin, Manager of the Stratford & District Chamber of Commerce, for a wide-ranging conversation about the local economic impact of the Trump tariffs on agriculture, manufacturing, and other key sectors. We also delve into Aaron’s entrepreneurial journey—from dairy farming and crafting water buffalo cheese to his latest venture launching a winery and cidery.