theborderline.ca

The Speak Easy Podcast evokes the spirit of fearless conversation and honest debate. Like the hidden bars of the Prohibition era, this podcast creates a space for unfiltered political discourse – where ideas flow freely, perspectives clash respectfully, and nothing is off the table. With co-hosts Robert Peace and Josh Vierimaa offering both seasoned insight and fresh perspective, The Speak Easy invites listeners into a conversation that is as bold as it is accessible.

Episode 3 05/25 – Catholic Conclave Explained

The Vatican conducts a highly secretive process to elect a new pope to lead the Catholic institution. Over 130 Cardinals sequester in isolation until one of them has earned two-thirds of the vote. The Speak Easy gives a hot-take on the 2025 process now underway, to replace the deceased Pope Francis.

Robert Peace is a longtime political strategist, media producer, and community advocate based in Sault Ste. Marie. With decades of experience advising leaders, running campaigns, and building grassroots initiatives, he brings sharp insights and a deep understanding of politics at every level.

Josh Vierimaa is an 18-year-old political consultant and rising voice in Canadian conservatism. As a strategist for both provincial and federal Conservative campaigns in Sault Ste. Marie, founder of the Conservative Youth at Algoma University and President of the Students’ Union, Josh brings sharp political instincts, a deep love of history, and a fresh generational perspective to The Speak Easy podcast.

Date:8 May 2025 .

Ryan Lillington is a basketball Coach/Trainer and the man behind the Elite 8 Basketball Academy.

A passionate, dedicated basketball coach of 20+ years, Coach Lillington has completed numerous courses in modern basketball and Basketball Decision Training.

He is currently completing NCCP courses offered by Canada Basketball.

Coach Lillington will be present and coaching during every session. The Elite 8 Basketball Academy started in 2022 with the vision to improve the level of basketball and enhance the lives of young athletes in Sault Ste. Marie and the Algoma District through multiple well thought out programs.

Our passionate and qualified coaches and mentors will not only teach the physical skills important to succeed in the game of basketball, but more importantly, they will train the mind in the way of Basketball Decision Training, which is a skill necessary to EXCELL.

Coaches will teach our young athletes through game-like drills, small-sided games, and scrimmages in a FUN, SAFE, and INCLUSIVE learning environment.​​

If there is a gap in basketball programming being offered in Sault Ste. Marie, Elite 8 plans to fill it. Stay tuned for many exciting programs to be announced throughout the year.

This Academy is for everyone, from the player who just wants to go out and have fun learning the game, to the player to wishes to dedicate their time to work on their game to eventually compete at the post-secondary level.

​We’ve worked hard for two years providing consistent high quality programming for our young basketball community.
That hard work is now being recognized by Ontario Basketball and we couldn’t be prouder to be the newest member of the O.B.A!
Now we take it to the next level.
6-8 Traveling Club Teams, the very popular Jr. NBA program, 4 V 4 House League, and our Summer Skill Development Program.
Our Academy implements the LTAD (Long-Term-Athletic-Development) model in everything we do.

SEE YOU ON THE COURT!!
ELITE 8 BASKETBALL ACADEMY
WORK HARD. HAVE FUN. BE A GREAT TEAMMATE.

Running time: 40 minutes.

Date:8 May 2025 .

MUSICOLOGY is powered by Long & McQuade, 647 MacDonald Ave, Sault Ste. Marie, ON

MUSICOLOGY with dj Danny Mott

Musicology is a form of music analysis that emphasizes culture, sociology, and music history. When musicologists study music, they go beyond the notes on a page. Among other things, they track the history of music, the evolution of musical instruments, cultural contexts of various genres, and performance practices associated with certain types of musical ensembles.

About Your Host

DANNY MOTT was born in England and raised in Canada. Danny has been involved in myriad recordings and in various countries, most notably in Jamaica and Cuba.

Danny’s music is released under the moniker, “Mocombo” where he acts as composer, producer, engineer and musician. Mocombo is a versatile band project that shifts effortlessly between world music, traditional blues, Cuban jazz and blues rock.

Danny has a rich academic background in music that includes various diplomas, degrees and certificates. Danny’s studies include; Classical guitar from the Algoma Conservatory of Music; Composition, performance, music history, music business and retailing from Humber College of Applied Arts; North Indian Hindustani classical music at the Academy Of Eastern Fine Arts; Adult teaching techniques for music at Sault College of Applied Arts and Technology; Music education at the University of Victoria; Studio recording from the Institute of Recording and Arts; Music theory at the Royal Conservatory of Music; Music and anthropology at Laurentian University in Sudbury, Dean’s Honour List; Religious traditions of Islam at the University of Waterloo.

Danny’s music performance and work history are also impressive. As a tour promoter, acts like Gordon Lightfoot and Ravi Shankar; as a music teacher at Nelson Music in B.C.; Music Marketing Director and music technician at Saved By Technology in Toronto, with a client list including the Rolling Stones, Rush, Barenaked Ladies, Jane Siberry, and many more; Marketing and Sales Director for On Publications Inc., a national distribution of music print medium company; Marketing Director for Roy Creations International in Montreal, for the Canadian Recording Industry Association.

Danny has orchestrated several projects, including a film in the Cuban language, with the participation of Cuba’s National Dance Company.

Danny’s project, Mocombo, has issued seven outstanding CDs: Odyssey, Zubie Zubie, Dreamscape, Flophouse Daddy, Flophouse Daddy Returns (Boldly Going Nowhere), Global 360 and Mocombo in Habana Project (2 CD set).

Danny Mott w/ Mocombo & Mike Yurich

Date:7 May 2025 .

S2.E7: NARCISSISM

The Greek myth of Narcissus, the self-absorbed hunter, lends its name to a personality disorder called narcissism. Maria, with Fidgal, detail common signs one can observe to determine a person afflicted with self-grandiosity, and its ramifications on society. Unsurprisingly, it’s a deep issue.

THE NEW NORMAL PODCAST – Maria Iuliano with Fidgal

Maria guides a successful business called Fidgal, named after Maria’s guardian angel. They met when Maria was 5 years old.

Maria is a Peace Therapist, graduated with Honours in Peace and Conflict Studies from Sault College of Applied Arts and Technology. With this knowledge, along with her expertise in the afterlife and her ability to see auras, Maria helps others find and create peace in their lives.

Visit: fidgal.com

“The environment that you are around becomes your reality.”

Date:6 May 2025 .

The Speak Easy Podcast evokes the spirit of fearless conversation and honest debate. Like the hidden bars of the Prohibition era, this podcast creates a space for unfiltered political discourse – where ideas flow freely, perspectives clash respectfully, and nothing is off the table. With co-hosts Robert Peace and Josh Vierimaa offering both seasoned insight and fresh perspective, The Speak Easy invites listeners into a conversation that is as bold as it is accessible.

Episode 2 05/25 – Mr. Carney Goes To Washington

Newly minted Prime Minister Mr. Mark Carney makes his first visit to the capital of the USA to meet the POTUS in the Oval Office. Lights, cameras and action, against the backdrop of Donald Trump on record coveting Canada, The Speak Easy reports on the two leaders going face to face. And more.

Robert Peace is a longtime political strategist, media producer, and community advocate based in Sault Ste. Marie. With decades of experience advising leaders, running campaigns, and building grassroots initiatives, he brings sharp insights and a deep understanding of politics at every level.

Josh Vierimaa is an 18-year-old political consultant and rising voice in Canadian conservatism. As a strategist for both provincial and federal Conservative campaigns in Sault Ste. Marie, founder of the Conservative Youth at Algoma University and President of the Students’ Union, Josh brings sharp political instincts, a deep love of history, and a fresh generational perspective to The Speak Easy podcast.

Date:6 May 2025 .

Skye Smith is a well-known figure in the local community theatre scene, celebrated for her lead performances in productions such as Judy in “White Christmas,” Ulla in “The Producers,” and Bombalurina in “Cats.” Skye’s artistic journey began at Algoma University, where she trained in the music program under the guidance of Agnes McCarthy. She further honed her skills at the Sherry Walsh Academy of Dance Arts, graduating with teacher’s training in Ballet, Jazz, and Tap.
Her versatility as a performer is evident in her extensive experience, which includes numerous Family Life Theatre dinner shows and educational plays that toured to raise awareness about important social issues. Skye’s dedication to using theatre as a tool for social change is a testament to her commitment to the arts and community engagement.
One of Skye’s most notable achievements is the creation of the sold-out Fringe North performance, “Calla.” This dance and performance art piece tackled heavy subject matter such as body image issues, postpartum mental health, and addiction, showcasing Skye’s ability to blend artistic expression with poignant, real-world themes.
Beyond her theatrical accomplishments, Skye is also an enthusiastic home cook and a dedicated yogi. She is a proud mother of two, and her passion for connecting people through good food and the performing arts is evident in all she does. Skye Smith’s multifaceted talents and her commitment to her community make her a beloved and influential figure in the local arts scene.

A. A. Parr is a writer, artist and entrepreneur who calls both Sault Ste. Marie and Toronto home. She holds a Specialised Honours BFA from York University in Theatre (Devised Ensemble Creation; Playwriting) with a double minor in Psychology and Cultural Studies. She is also the Founder and Managing Editor of Type A Media.

Type A Media is a new small press and indie literary publisher in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, established with an aim to publish fresh, diverse voices in poetry, creative non-fiction, flash fiction, visual arts, cultural thinkpieces, and hybrid creative works from Northern Ontario and beyond.

We prioritise supporting voices from our northern communities because they are underrepresented in the publishing world. While our shared geography has definitely helped inform and inspire these voices, we know it certainly does not – and should not – limit them. We are interested in promoting those works which both celebrate our diversity and explore our shared experiences.

The publishing industry can be a difficult one to access for Canadians in general, but is especially inaccessible for members of northern communities (with most publishers operating out of Toronto, and a few further away on the West Coast). A large part of the problem is one of access: many writers and artists living in the north are held back by issues such as lack of funding, cultural concerns, family obligations, inconvenience of travel, lack of industry connections . . . the list goes on. We’re not able to access a lot of resources found in places like Toronto – even those as simple as having the opportunity to network at a magazine launch or to attend a book fair.

Our northern communities are rich with culture, with untapped talent, with educated and trained writers, artists, creators. With heritage passed down through generations, and with innovators making leaps and bounds with mere ink and paper. The demand exists for work from Indigenous, Black, queer, disabled, gender diverse, feminist, intersectional and otherwise marginalised writers and artists from Northern Ontario to be given a platform. These voices deserve to be amplified, to be given the opportunity to be heard, to be seen, to be acknowledged and legitimised.

Our communities are evolving, but the publishing industry has been slow to keep up. We believe it does not have to be that way, and are committed to being the necessary change for our northern communities, to breaking down those barriers and allowing many more of our voices to have the opportunity to participate in the creation of our cultural legacy.

We know there is great value in raising our voices, in promoting our unique perspectives, our multiple languages, and our many creative skills. We are reminded right now especially of the value of sharing our unique perspectives, and of forging connections based on our underappreciated similarities. Type A Media is here to bring together our community, to empower our citizens to recognise their own unique value, and to share these gifts beyond our community.

So whether you’re an artist or a writer – or a lover of the arts – we exist for you. We are here for you. We support you.

Her poetry series written for and about strangers, “I Wrote You This Poem”, is published weekly on Channillo.com, and she is the author of the poetry chapbook, “What Lasts Beyond the Burning”, from Nightingale & Sparrow Press. Her creative works have been seen on stages, in galleries, and in print throughout North America over the past two decades. In her work, she seeks to explore difficult themes in an attempt to shine a necessary light into our darkest crevices.

For more information on her creative works, please visit her website here: www.aaparr.wixsite.com/ourghosts

“The future of publishing is about having connections to readers and the knowledge of what those readers want.”

Date:6 May 2025 .

When it comes to appreciating Kenny “Blues Boss” Wayne it is readily apparent that the artistic make-up of this performer covers an impressive scope of talents and expertise.

It is a rare combination of intertwined, and indeed, well-honed skills that paint the picture of a complete artist and one not so easily defined, despite his “to the point”, and appropriate handle “Blues Boss”.

Wayne became one of the beacons of the Canadian blues scene a couple of decades ago. His smooth yet robust piano playing, and cool and soulful vocals are injected into a canon of original tunes that can take his audience on quite the journey. With Wayne in the driver’s seat, it’s always about preparing for a multi-faceted ride, as the musical terrain can shift quickly thanks to a plethora of influences.

Wayne’s musical journey began with him soaking up the sounds of gospel music, as his dad was a preacher. From there it was into jazz and latin music, before the doors opened to R&B and soul. Living in Los Angeles, long before he would move to Canada, Wayne continued to wade into a variety of sub-genres including swing, bebop, standards and dance music.

“Kenny “Blues Boss” Wayne is a monster piano player, imaginative songwriter and soulful singer who captures the essence of old school blues and boogie, while simultaneously sounding totally fresh and contemporary.” quoted by Duke Robillard.

This award winning international piano blues and boogie-woogie artist is on Stony Plain records.

Wayne was born in Spokane, Washington, and raised in New Orleans, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. He started playing piano at 13 and has been performing for over 50 years.

Over the years he has performed with and shared the stage with a great many of the world’s most influential blues and rock pioneers, including Jimmy Reed, Pinetop Perkins, Johnnie Johnson, Big Joe Duskin, Joe Louis Walker and Floyd Dixon, and as a guest performer with well-known rock and soul artists that have included Ike Turner, members of Sly and the Family Stone, Delaney and Bonnie and members of Santana and the Doobie Brothers. As a touring performer, he has played to knowledgeable and appreciative blues audiences on four continents and has been profiled by music journalists in Europe and North America. And performed as a guest artist with the Legendary Downchild Blues band at Massey Hall in celebration of their 50 + years of playing the blues.

His many awards include seven Maple Blues Awards (Toronto Blues Society) for ‘piano player of the year’ and three outstanding keyboard awards from Living Blues magazine, in which he was hailed as “an artist bringing the piano back to the front ranks of contemporary Blues.” In 2006 he won a Juno Award for Best Blues Album and was nominated three times afterwards. In 2017 he was inducted into the Boogie-Woogie Piano Hall of Fame while performing at the Cincy Blues Festival in Cincinnati, Ohio. 2021 Blues Artist of the year from Western Canadian Music Award and the Washington State Virtual Showdown in 2021. 2023 nominated for Pinetop Perkins ‘Piano Player of the Year’ from the Blues Music Award and won the award in 2024! The Blues Boss has been on many covers of blues magazines worldwide including the Living Blues Magazine 2022 June/July issue. In 2023, Kenny recently received the prestigious ‘Bobby Blue Bland’ Lifetime Achievement Award from the Jus Blues Foundation in Atlanta, Georgia. And he also won the 2023 & 2024 Keyboard player of the year award from the Blues Blast Magazine. Now, nominated for Best Traditional Blues band and best recording from the Independent Blues Awards. Most recently was awarded ‘Most Outstanding Musician (Keyboard) 2024 Living Blues Awards Critics’ Poll! Kenny now resides in beautiful Burlington, ON.

As well as appearing at basically every major folk and roots festival in this country, Pat has been a feature act at huge venues –  such as Massey Hall, The National Art Gallery, Canadian National Exhibition, and received positive reviews and interviews from CBC Radio, The Toronto Star, The Ottawa Citizen, The Winnipeg Free Press, The Vancouver Sun among others. He has appeared live on Much Music television and CBC radio. 

Running time: 63 minutes.

Date:3 May 2025 .

The Speak Easy Podcast evokes the spirit of fearless conversation and honest debate. Like the hidden bars of the Prohibition era, this podcast creates a space for unfiltered political discourse – where ideas flow freely, perspectives clash respectfully, and nothing is off the table. With co-hosts Robert Peace and Josh Vierimaa offering both seasoned insight and fresh perspective, The Speak Easy invites listeners into a conversation that is as bold as it is accessible.

Episode 1 04/25 – Canada Election Debrief

The Canadian federal election, held on April 28, 2025, resolved with the Liberals earning the right to form a minority government under Prime Minister Mark Carney. The launch episode of The Speak Easy conducts an autopsy on the election that was and offer up reasons for the results.

Robert Peace is a longtime political strategist, media producer, and community advocate based in Sault Ste. Marie. With decades of experience advising leaders, running campaigns, and building grassroots initiatives, he brings sharp insights and a deep understanding of politics at every level.

Josh Vierimaa is an 18-year-old political consultant and rising voice in Canadian conservatism. As a strategist for both provincial and federal Conservative campaigns in Sault Ste. Marie, founder of the Conservative Youth at Algoma University and President of the Students’ Union, Josh brings sharp political instincts, a deep love of history, and a fresh generational perspective to The Speak Easy podcast.

Date:2 May 2025 .

Jane’s Walk is an annual festival of free, citizen-led walking conversations inspired by Jane Jacobs. Happening locally and internationally each year the first weekend in May.

Jane’s Walk Returns to Sault Ste. Marie: Celebrate Community, Stories &
Connection May 2–4
Lace up your walking shoes, tune up your bikes, and get ready to
explore your city. The 2025 edition of Jane’s Walk Sault Ste. Marie is set to take place from
May 2 to May 4, inviting residents to join a series of free, citizen-led walking tours (and one
bike tour) to spark conversation, celebrate community voices, and deepen our connection to the
places we call home.
Inspired by the legacy of urbanist and activist Jane Jacobs, Jane’s Walks are a movement of
free, citizen-led walking to get people to share stories about their communities, explore their
cities, and connect with neighbours. This year’s schedule features a diverse lineup of walks
highlighting everything from local history to sustainability, art, and hidden gems in Sault Ste.
Marie’s evolving landscape.
The 2025 launch event will take place Friday, May 2nd from 6-8 p.m. at Café 4 Good, 326
Queen St. East, in Downtown Sault Ste. Marie. This come-and-go event will feature
conversations about the life and legacy of Jane Jacobs, and what we can learn from connecting
with neighbours in our communities. A complete list of planned walks is outlined below.
“Jane’s Walk is about more than just walking—it’s about listening, learning, and seeing our city
through each other’s eyes,” said Rachel Silva, one of the local coordinators. “Whether you’re
new to the Soo or have lived here your whole life, these walks offer a chance to connect, reflect,
and imagine a more inclusive and vibrant future for our community.”
Anyone interested to learn more about the life and works of Jane Jacobs can visit libraries across
the city. The Algoma University Wishart Library is hosting a display of Jacobs’ titles and works
inspired by her work for the month of May.

2025 Walk Schedule

� Friday: May 2, 2025

Time: 3 p.m.

Description: History, use, and management of the GLFC Arboretum with Stan Phippen. Limited space available, please register at: 

Starting point: Great Lakes Forestry Centre entrance (exterior), 1219 Queen St. East

Conditions: Rain or shine.  It is recommended to wear footwear suitable for wet grounds. Registration is required due to limited space for safety considerations. Register at eventbrite.com/e/history

� Saturday: May 3, 2025

� Time: 10 a.m.
� Description: Behind Queen: Exploring the Downtown from a different perspective with
Salvatore Marchese
� Starting point: Dennis St. Bus Terminal, 160 Queen St. East
Conditions: Rain or shine.

� Time: 1 p.m.
� Description: Heritage trees with Jeff Hinich and Frank Belleau
� Starting point: Bishophurst, 134 Simpson St.
Conditions: Rain or shine.

� Time: 2 p.m.
� Description: “New Beginnings: Navigating the Path of Immigration & Overcoming
Challenges for SSM & Newcomers” with Luis Moreno
� Starting point: Habitat for Humanity ReStore
Conditions: Rain or shine.

� Time: 4 p.m.
� Description: “Interpretive tour of sculptures on the waterfront from from an artist/curator
perspective as well as a look at public art policy” with Michael Burtch
� Starting point: Chimes on the Board Walk (opposite Station Mall)
Conditions: Rain or shine.

� Sunday: May 4, 2025

� Time: 11 a.m.
� Description: Hub Trail extension bike ride from Finn Hill to Third Line with Sam Emerson
Starting point: Finn Hill parking lot
Conditions: Participants are responsible for bringing their own bicycles. This Jane’s Walk is
conditional on weather and sand conditions on the trails. There is no alternative rain-date.

� Time: 1 p.m.
� Description: Summit hill neighbourhood with Katie Blunt
� Starting point: Outside of Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, 114 MacDonald Ave.
Conditions: Rain or shine.

� Time: 3 p.m.
� Description: Clergue industries and surrounding areas with Jo Bumbacco
� Starting point: Mill Square parking lot, 75 Huron St.
Conditions: Rain or shine.

Walks typically run 60–90 minutes. No registration required—just show up and join in!

Anybody can lead a Jane’s Walk!
The festival encourages people to share stories about their neighbourhoods, discover unseen aspects of their communities, and use the art of walking as a way to connect with their neighbours.

Jane’s Walk is inspired by Jane Jacobs.

Jane Jacobs (1916-2006) was a writer, urbanist and activist who championed a community-based approach to city-building. She had no formal training as a planner, and yet her 1961 book, The Death and Life of Great American Cities, introduced ground-breaking ideas about how cities function, evolve, and fail that have become conceptual pillars for today’s architects, planners, policymakers, activists, and other city builders.

Jacobs lived in Greenwich Village until 1968 when she moved to Toronto. In both cities, she helped derail the car-centred approach to urban planning and invigorated neighbourhood and community activism.

LOVE Local!

Date:1 May 2025 .

S2.E6: CHAKRAS

The human body is a marvel with a direct communication to the spirit. Over millennia, people have connected the two through spiritual centres of the body, called chakras. We get a basic lesson on ancient knowledge from Maria with Fidgal. Could one call this a colourful conversation?

THE NEW NORMAL PODCAST – Maria Iuliano with Fidgal

Maria guides a successful business called Fidgal, named after Maria’s guardian angel. They met when Maria was 5 years old.

Maria is a Peace Therapist, graduated with Honours in Peace and Conflict Studies from Sault College of Applied Arts and Technology. With this knowledge, along with her expertise in the afterlife and her ability to see auras, Maria helps others find and create peace in their lives.

Visit: fidgal.com

“There is wisdom within our hands.”

Date:29 April 2025 .