Vancouver Overcast with Mike Klassen

With the 47th annual Vancouver International Wine Festival taking place March 7–14, 2026 and spotlighting France, Councillor Mike Klassen sits down with festival Executive Director Harry Hertscheg for a wide-ranging conversation about wine, culture, and the institutions that bring people together.

Harry has led the Vancouver International Wine Festival for nearly 25 years, helping grow it into Canada’s premier wine event and one of the world’s leading international wine festivals. But his career spans far beyond wine, including leadership roles across Vancouver’s arts and cultural community—from CiTR 101.9 FM to the Vancouver East Cultural Centre and the Vancouver Fringe Festival.

In this episode, Mike and Harry discuss:

• What it takes to steward a major international festival for more than two decades
• Why France remains central to the global wine conversation
• How shifting consumer habits, and new beverage trends are reshaping the wine industry
• The growth of low- and no-alcohol beverages
• Vancouver’s unique role as an international wine and hospitality hub
• Why wine, food, and cultural events are essential to the life of a city

From vineyard stewardship to the evolving tastes of new generations, this episode explores how wine connects agriculture, culture, hospitality, and community.

🍷 Whether you’re a casual wine drinker or a devoted enthusiast, this conversation offers a thoughtful look at the stories, people, and places behind the glass.

On this episode of Vancouver Overcast, Mike Klassen sits down with Terry Lake—veterinarian, former Kamloops mayor, BC Minister of Health, and, most recently, CEO of the BC Care Providers Association (BCCPA). As Terry prepares for retirement, he reflects on his remarkable career in politics, public health, and seniors care advocacy.

Mike and Terry dive into key issues facing BC today, including the challenges of an aging population, the ongoing opioid crisis, and the rising concerns around homelessness and crime in communities like Kamloops. They also discuss leadership lessons from municipal and provincial politics, the role of harm reduction in addiction treatment, and what needs to be done to improve seniors care in the years ahead.

Terry also shares personal insights, from his early days as a broadcaster to his time in public life, as well as what’s next for him in retirement.

🎙 Inside Mushroom Studios: Vancouver’s Legendary Recording Space with Valerie Biggin

From Heart to Bachman-Turner Overdrive, from Terry Jacks to Skinny Puppy, Mushroom Studios was at the heart of Vancouver’s music scene for decades. In this episode of Vancouver Overcast with Mike Klassen, we dive into the fascinating history of this legendary recording studio with Valerie Biggin, longtime President and Studio Manager of Mushroom Studios and a passionate advocate for preserving its legacy.

Valerie shares behind-the-scenes stories of iconic recordings, the evolution of Vancouver’s music industry, and her mission to save the historic Mushroom Studios sign that once hung on West 6th Avenue.

🎶 Whether you’re a music history buff, a fan of classic Canadian rock, or just curious about Vancouver’s rich cultural past, this episode is packed with nostalgia and insight.

🔊 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube @OvercastYVR

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On Episode 21 we hear from Urban Planner and Development Consultant and founder of Liveable City Planning Ltd Michael Mortensen. Michael is a seasoned urban planner and development strategist, has left an indelible mark on Vancouver’s skyline. He began his own company Livable City Planning Ltd., where he navigates the complexities of both private and public sector developments.

In Episode 20 we're joined by Councillor Sarah Kirby-Yung. Now in her 2nd term, there are few portfolios Sarah hasn't taken on during her time on Vancouver City Council. Councillor Kirby-Yung is known as a fierce advocate for a livable, vibrant, and culturally rich Vancouver. In this conversation we gain insights into her work on behalf of the city, and what drew her into public life.

City councillors Mike Klassen (Vancouver) and Daniel Fontaine (New Westminster) break down some of the top issues they've been immersed in since being sworn into office late last year. Each discusses how they've adjusted to public life and what their goals are in the 2nd year of their term in office.