The Pulse

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This special summer solstice PULSE podcast episode captures the essence of Parksville summer activities through authentic community voices. Recorded live at the Parksville Food Truck Festival, hosts Dave Graham and Peter McCully gather local insights on the best Vancouver Island summer experiences, from Rathtrevor Beach camping to Sooke Potholes swimming.

This Episode Features:

Live inter...

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This PULSE podcast episode features remarkable teen democracy advocate Janelle van Dongen and Parksville City Councillor Sean Wood discussing critical healthcare infrastructure needs at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital.

This Episode Features:

(15:42) Teen Democracy Champion Janelle van Dongen shares her extraordinary journey from interviewing MPs in grade 3 to representing British Columb...

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This PULSE Community Podcast episode celebrates two remarkable Vancouver Island stories. Featuring renowned 95-year-old artist and naturalist Robert Bateman discussing his current exhibition "Mid-Century Bateman" at the Cowichan Valley Museum. Plus, Ken Schley of Qualicum Beach shares the incredible story of owning the authentic SS Minnow from Gilligan's Island and transf...

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This PULSE podcast episode celebrates Vancouver Island community spirit through the legendary Father's Day Car Show Qualicum Beach. Featuring Jim Moroz of Seaside Cruisers discussing the 32nd annual charity event, plus Great Big Sea co-founder Sean McCann sharing his inspiring 10,000-kilometer Canadian unity tour across the nation.

This Episode Features:

(10:39) Jim Moroz, Seaside Cr...

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(24:50) Broadcaster, author, and musician Grant Lawrence discusses his unique touring show combining storytelling and music. Lawrence brings listeners into his world of West Coast adventures, from hilarious tales of “Purple Speedos and Ticks” to his current CBC Radio series about escaped Orcas. His spring tour with Joel Plaskett, Lindi Ortega, and Ashleigh Ball promises intimate perform...

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(23:33) Recently re-elected MP Gord Johns of Courtenay-Alberni, discusses his election victory despite nationwide NDP losses. He outlines his priorities including affordable housing, infrastructure, and addressing the toxic drug crisis, while emphasizing his commitment to representing all constituents.

(14:25) Teresa Cooper, Executive Director of the Parksville Downtown Business Associat...

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"You're not there to pass time. You're there to remain connected and engaged, and our residents do that. They are still passionate about politics, about still learning, and we give them every opportunity to do that." - Chris Denford, president of Berwick Retirement Communities, discussing Berwick Qualicum Beach's recognition as a top senior living community in N...

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(22:58) Pharmacist Aki Shaw breaks down exactly how semaglutide (Ozempic and Wegovy) work in your body, what side effects to expect, and the crucial lifestyle changes needed for weight loss success - essential information if you're considering this treatment option.

 (08:41) Illana Hester, Executive Director of TOSH (The Old Schoolhouse Art Center) in Qualicum Beach, discusses the c...

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(20:23) "I never say never, I had once had a fellow stop by and he asked me if I'd paint his jet. So I always say, the answer is never, no. It is just the logistics of how do we get this done?" says Jeremy Humpherville, artist and owner of Coastal Carvings Fine Art Gallery in Coombs, who shares insights about a docuseries being filmed about the gallery and artists for APT...

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(09:45) This episode features "You Said It," a segment where Peter McCully & Dave Graham collect public opinions on their most important federal election issues, revealing diverse concerns about healthcare, housing affordability, the economy, and Canada-US relations. Many participants expressed frustration with current political options and leadership.

(23:14) The highlight...

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Six of seven federal candidates in the Courtenay-Alberni riding took turns answering audience questions during an all candidates meeting Tuesday, April 15 in Port Alberni. 

In attendance were: Chris Markevich of the Green Party, Brian Cameron of the Liberal Party, Gord Johns of the NDP, Thomas Gamble of the Peoples Party of Canada, Teresa Knight of the Animal Protection Party and Jesse M...

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(13:38) Singer Songwriter Amarii of Qualicum Beach tells the story of turning Foster Care struggles into musical success. Listen to Martin Rupprecht's inspiring journey from making music in his basement to signing with a record label. His authentic advice for small-town artists will motivate anyone with big dreams.

 (31:18) Mike Hann takes you behind the scenes at Vancouver Island&a...

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(23:18) Nanaimo blues artist David Gogo recently attended the Juno Awards with his sixth nomination. Gogo discusses his music career spanning over 30 years, his influences and his approach to songwriting. He also talks about his fondness for dressing sharply for performances. The podcast contains the tune “Diamond in the Rough”.

(08:50) Cheryl Dill, president of the Parksville Beach Fest...

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(22:58) From Truck Driver to National Science Host: “Quirks and Quarks” host Bob McDonald of Victoria shares his inspiring journey of how a university dropout became one of Canada's most beloved science journalists through simply saying "Yes" to opportunities - in his memoir, “Just Say Yes”.

 (12:00) Parksville's volunteer-run Recycling Program is making a difference....

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(07:19) Ken Neden from Arrowsmith Search and Rescue discusses the fundraising campaign for a state-of-the-art thermal drone. He details how the new drone would greatly enhance their search capabilities by distinguishing people through thermal imaging, a significant upgrade from their current equipment. Neden says,"We're finding a lot more uses for them as we start training wit...

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(08:24) Lloyd Derry, entertainment director of the Parksville Beach Festival Society unveils the exciting performer lineup for Rock the Park (August 8-10) featuring Prism and the Powder Blues Band, alongside tribute performances, and talks about a special performance by Chilliwack on July 12. Derry says the sound system has been upgraded and “Will be one of the premier sound systems on ...

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(24:24) Natalie MacMaster discusses her musical journey, reflects on her Cape Breton fiddle music heritage, her professional career spanning decades, and balancing touring with raising seven musically talented children with Donnell Leahy. MacMaster shares memorable performances, including playing with symphony orchestras and touring globally while she promotes her upcoming "Four on...

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(08:20) Jeremy Perkins, owner of the award-winning French Press Coffee Roasters shares his journey from being a professional viola player in London to becoming a coffee expert on Vancouver Island. He discusses the complexities of coffee sourcing, the importance of ethical considerations in the industry, and his philosophy on roasting techniques.

(29:28) Laura Palmer is host of the popula...

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Captain Canada, who came out of retirement to address recent political tensions regarding Canada's sovereignty chats with Dave Graham. "Being polite doesn't mean passive. We're like a hockey player, respectful of the game, but ready to drop the gloves when necessary,” says Captain Canada. Through various street interviews, (“You Said It!”) PQB residents shared their ...