Shows
A Life That's Good93. Kristine & Tony (Kincardine Scottish Festival 2025)This week on the podcast, a chat with an old friend and a new friend about a festival that started in Kincardine back in 1999. As we get set to celebrate 26 years this year, Tony Doherty and Kristine McMahon are here to chat about the Kincardine Scottish Festival & Highland Games and their mandate to preserve, enhance, and celebrate Kincardine’s Scottish roots!It's a weekend of great music, competitions and cultural workshops … Highland athletes and dancers, pipe bands and as always some incredible concerts! 2025-05-0538 minA Life That's Good92. Patrick (DMMF Run Around the Square & More)It’s a bit of an update for you this week! We had my buddy Patrick Armstrong back in November of 2023 to chat about The Dave Mounsey Memorial Fund but they have some great things happening over the next few months including: The Run Around the Square in Goderich, Dancing with the Stars of 911 and 100k in a Day! Honestly, this organization is the epitome of so much that we’re trying to do with our podcast. It’s all about community doing good things FOR the community in the name of an incredible man. 2025-04-2923 minA Life That's Good91. Brendan & Maggie (Goderich BIA Concert Series)The BIA Concert Series kicks off on Thursday, May 22nd this year and continues most Thursdays until it wraps up on September 18th. We’re going to get to know the guy who put it all together for us on the pod today. Brendan Couture is here with his daughter Maggie (a pretty decent performer in her own right) . We're going to chat about music, dreams, life in a small town AND we'll hear some music too :) 2025-04-2147 minA Life That's Good90. David (Challenge and Change in Huron)We're excited this week to welcome David Yates back to the studio for a quick chat about his new book, “Challenge & Change in Huron: The People and Events that Made Us, 1890-1919.” which in my humble opinion is a must read for these precarious times we live in. Returning to a time when Canadians were undergoing great technical change, threats of war and challenges to our sovereignty, David tells us a few quick stories from the book and shares details on the book launch coming soon to the Huron County Museum.2025-04-1524 minA Life That's Good89. Patti (Goderich Kinette Club)This week, a 5 minute interview for my Saturday morning Shoreline Classics radio show, turned into a 1/2 hr podcast.I’d seen a whole bunch a stuff on social media about things the Goderich Kinette’s were involved with and thought having someone over to the studio to chat about a few of those things would be a good idea.Enter, Patti Lamb, who I discovered grew up down the street from me in Goderich.We did finally get around to talking about Kinette stuff and there are some really great community things happening this...2025-04-0731 minA Life That's Good88. Lindsay & Christopher (Huron Hospice Bender House)I think a lot of us, maybe most of us think of Hospice as the saddest of places but our guests today say it's a whole lot more than that. It's also a place to live, make memories and maybe even experience a little joy.Manager, Fund Development Christopher Walker and Hospice Nurse Lindsay Nuhn are with us to shed a little light on all of that. We'll talk about the ups and downs, self care in an emotionally taxing job and a story or two about some of the kinds of things that can happen at H...2025-03-3139 minA Life That's Good87. Steve & Mary (Steve & Mary's On The Square)My favourite thing about the podcast is when we have the chance to get to know people better and make new friends as a result of it. It happened again this week as we dug in a little with Steve & Mary from Steve & Mary’s OTS in Goderich. It’s a place I’ve eaten often and I love the casual, comfort food environment and the overall vibe which is just so welcoming. Where they grew up, childhood dreams, how they met and how they ended up owning a restaurant in the prettiest town in Canada. We’ll find o...2025-03-2433 minA Life That's Good86. Cheryl (Goderich Celtic Roots Festival 2025)It’s without doubt one of our favourite weeks of the year. This August it will be the 33rd annual Goderich Celtic Festival!In the studio today, our friend and the festival's artistic director Cheryl Prashker who will let us know more about this year's artists and has also promised to let us in on a very special announcement!2025-03-1748 minA Life That's Good85. Iqbal & Tahseen (The Maple Leaf Motel)We have on occasion asked you for suggestions on things you would like to celebrate and/or learn a little more about in our area and today is one of those situations.A few months ago we were told about a family who had emigrated to Canada several years ago but a few years ago came to Goderich to own and operate The 'legendary' Maple Leaf Motel.We are a country of great diversity and I think it’s one of the things that makes Canada the best country on the planet to live, work an...2025-03-1050 minA Life That's Good84. Alice (Days For Girls)Our guest today is Alice Burgsma who heads up a local group of talented and giving volunteers who work out of the Lucknow Area. Phil is stepping somewhat out of his comfort zone to learn something that he acknowledges shouldn't be uncomfortable at all.We're going to learn about "Days For Girls," an international, national and local organization that works to eliminate the stigma and limitations associated with menstruation so that woman and girls can have improved health, education and livelihoods.PS - International Women's Day is March 8th. this...2025-03-0331 minA Life That's Good83. Danielle (The Huron County Library)Do you remember going to the Library as a kid and getting shushed 50 times for goofing around, then finding a book you wanted and taking to the librarian who would stamp the card in the back with the date you had to bring it back by … and if you were me you always brought it back late and had to pay a 10 cent fine? Was that just me?Well … a few things may have changed since those days. Huron County Librarian and Branch Manager Danielle Bettridge is here this episode to bring us up to speed...2025-02-1833 minA Life That's Good82. Rosemary & Kim (Goderich Rotary + Fishes and Loaves)We have some amazing service clubs in Huron County and one of my favourites is Goderich Rotary. Initially, I thought this chat would be mostly about their annual Chili Cook-Off but I was quickly reminded of how many things this amazing group does, including: an annual golf tourney, an exchange student program, the famous hot dog wagon, the shred it event, Rotary Cove and the Beach Hut and of course the cook-off which I'm excited to be taking part in again this year.Past president Rosemary Davis is here today to talk about all that and later...2025-02-1030 minA Life That's Good81. Michelle, Trevor & Randy (The Coldest Night of the Year - Goderich)What does it mean to be homeless? How does it even exist here in one of the richest countries on the planet and what can we do to help people who find themselves in need of support.One step we can take is … well, literally that, a step or maybe a bunch of steps with The Coldest Night of the Year Walk that is coming up on February 22nd. #CNY2025The person at the helm of the Goderich event this year isMichelle Millar, Manager of Community Development United Way Perth-Huron and she joins us in th...2025-02-0332 minA Life That's Good80. Wilma (Everyday Hero - The Story of a Nurse)I was scanning through some local news lately and I saw an old high school friend of mine was getting a little well deserved attention for retiring after a 45 year career, taking care of people as a nurse at AMGH in Goderich. Personally, I can’t think of a tougher job and yet, the accolades simply reminded me of a lovely human being I used to know and her future husband Paul, just a couple of really great people. I’m happy to say we have Goderich native Wilma Duckworth with us today to talk about family, friend...2025-01-2038 minA Life That's Good79. Nick & Roland (Shoreline Classics)You might remember a couple of months ago when I said goodbye to my radio career in Wingham, I mentioned that I'd left a few doors open. Never say never I thought. Were my intentions to retire? Well, yes but I was also aware that I love doing radio and if I had a chance again someday, I might take it. I didn't think anyone would knock quite so quickly though. It was Nick Cadotte, manager of Shoreline Classics offering me a perfect opportunity to slow down a little without actually having to give up completely, something...2025-01-1334 minA Life That's Good78. Adam (From Goderich to "Austin")Welcome back to “A Life That’s Good” from our new home base in Goderich. We're learning a new way to podcast as the pod continues to grow and we experiment with a video version that will hopefully come your way in the not too distant future. Thanks to Fauxpop Media and the Staysh in Goderich for helping us out this week as we visited with a young man who grew up in Goderich and who, in recent years, has travelled the world, writing and performing thousands of songs! One of those creations recently won hi...2025-01-0642 minA Life That's Good77. Up, Dressed & Outta Here (Farewell to Wingham)I've spent a significant part of the last 45 years doing radio in Wingham, almost 35 of those years getting up around 4:am to do a morning show on one of the three stations here.
I hope this podcast doesn't sound too self congratulatory. To be honest I think I did it as much for me as I did for the pod. It's a bit of a stroll down memory lane and I was filled with all the feels while recording and putting it together.
I'm honoured to have two people joining me who have been a...2024-11-2538 minA Life That's Good76. Never Shall Their Glory Fade ~ David YatesIn this episode, we're excited to chat with former high school teacher turned author David Yates. He's written several great books centering on Huron County history and we're going to discuss some of that, from the Land Bridge near Point Clark to the World Wars to the "Hang Man" to all kinds of interesting facts about this wonderful place we call home.
Oh, and we'll find out which generation David thinks "won the lucky lottery of life"
The highlight for this pre Remembrance Day episode is a discussion about his latest book, "Never Shall Their...2024-11-0445 minA Life That's Good75. The Citizen (Deb Sholdice, Shawn Loughlin & Scott Stephenson)Ever since my youth when I was a paperboy on Mary Street in Goderich, I've loved a good newspaper. They don't hold place in our world anymore with the advent of so much digital media and I get that the world is ever evolving, but to me, there's still nothing quite like holding real pages. Today we're going to talk about a great local paper that yes, you can read online, but it's also a rare, independent, community-owned newspaper, serving Huron County, that you can still hold a physical copy of. I love that.
We'll talk...2024-10-2838 minA Life That's Good74. Siegfried Meier & Harley OliviaNot that all our podcasts haven't been fun in some way but I feel like we laughed a little more than usual on this one.
Siegfried Meier is a producer/engineer/musician/songwriter and Juno Award winner from the Goderich area who has worked with a long list of incredible talent including our other guest on the show this week, a former flight attendant turned rock star, Harley Olivia.
We'll talk about childhood dreams, family, our pets, the music business, the Juno, what's really important in life and we will wrestle with...2024-10-2153 minA Life That's Good73. Scott MillerThis week we go behind the camera to chat with CTV News journalist Scott Miller about his humble beginnings on the farm, a family fascination with the news, the toughest stories he's had to cover, a cancer diagnosis and a few surprises, like his guilty pleasure, which frankly, I'm still not quite over.
He's one of my favourite journalists and people, and I think as you listen, you'll see why.2024-10-0737 minA Life That's Good72. "The Streamliners" ~ Duncan McGregor & Rob Bundy"The Streamliners", as per the Livery Theatre's Facebook page, is more than an original Canadian story filled with music and dancing. It captures a small moment in history, where four boys in a band become men in a span of a few years, through laughter, adventure, performances, and even darkness. They do it all - together.
Director Duncan McGregor and cast member Rob Bundy are here this week to share all the details of the incredible story of "The Streamliners," hitting the stage just in time for the 100th anniversary of the RCAF. Tickets are available...2024-09-3039 minA Life That's Good71. The White Carnation + Habitat HuronI have so many good memories of the White Carnation in
Holmesville. As a youth, I remember it as a place for wedding receptions, anniversary and birthday parties and the best place for an old fashioned roast beef dinner!
It also turned into a great spot, for a kid trying to put himself through radio college, to earn a few bucks disc jockeying one of those events.
When my old friend Heather Glenister called and told me she was working with Habitat for Humanity Huron County and that they had a fundraiser happening there and...2024-09-2336 minA Life That's Good70. Adding to the Beauty ~ Bethany Davidson (Froggy Fest)Today on the pod you’re going to hear the heart of an artist. Our imaginative, passionate, and sensitive friend Bethany Davidson is here to chat about her art and to paint us some word pictures of what it all means to be a creative human.
We’ll find out a little bit about who she is, how Polkaroo influenced her life ;) ... and we’ll discover the heart behind the very successful “Froggy Festival” that’s happening on the square in Goderich on Saturday (Sept 21st)
We have lots to chat about so let’s hop to it … #Youre2024-09-1628 minA Life That's Good69. Fifty Years of Service ~ Gary Renaud (Paramedic)We like to introduce you to places and landmarks in Midwestern Ontario but sometimes we also like to celebrate people and that's what we're going to do today!
It's hard to imagine doing any job for 50 years let alone a back breaking, emotional roller coaster of a job like that of a paramedic.
Our guest today though, has done just that! We have immeasurable admiration for people who make their lives about serving others ... and of course that includes First Responders.
Huron County Paramedic Gary Renaud joins us to chat about his 50 year...2024-09-0935 minA Life That's Good68. The Blyth Steam ShowHi there, and welcome back to A Life That's Good, after a wonderful summer break. We're so grateful for the response to the podcast the past few months and so excited to bring you some brand new episodes. :)
Nothing says Fall in Midwestern Ontario, quite like the Blyth Steam Show, now in it's 63rd year!! In this episode, we're going to chat about how it started, some of its storied history and where it's all heading with President Cole McDonald, V.P. Laura McDonald, Past President Judy Sloan and former President Jim Sloan.2024-09-0229 minA Life That's Good67. Duckee ~ Mark DuckworthA few weeks ago I was scrolling through Facebook and saw a post by a long time acquaintance of mine from Goderich, who shared the post with the words "Some hidden local talent that won't be hidden for long." I noticed his share was that of another old school friend of mine whose son had written and recently recorded a few songs. Naturally I wanted to hear it.
Four minutes and a bunch of tears later, I realized I needed to come out of my summer hibernation with the podcast and see if I could have a...2024-07-2739 min
Invincible Podcast: A Podcast from TV Podcast IndustriesThe Boys Podcast Season 4 Episode 4We're back with our spoiler filled discussion all about The Boys Podcast Season 4 Episode 4 "Wisdom of The Ages" make sure you watch this one before you listen along with us.The Boys Season 4 Episode 4 Wisdom Of The Ages SynopsisHead Writer and Developed by - Eric KripkeBased on the comic series from Garth Ennis and Darick RobertsonExecutive Producers Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg.Episode written by: Geoff AullEpisode directed by: Phil SgricciaSynopsis: It’s the premiere of Firecracker’s new Vought News...2024-06-201h 10
TV Podcast IndustriesThe Boys Podcast Season 4 Episode 4We're back with our spoiler filled discussion all about The Boys Podcast Season 4 Episode 4 "Wisdom of The Ages" make sure you watch this one before you listen along with us.The Boys Season 4 Episode 4 Wisdom Of The Ages SynopsisHead Writer and Developed by - Eric KripkeBased on the comic series from Garth Ennis and Darick RobertsonExecutive Producers Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg.Episode written by: Geoff AullEpisode directed by: Phil SgricciaSynopsis: It’s the premiere of Firecracker’s new Vought News...2024-06-201h 10A Life That's Good66. Epilogue (Peter Garland)I explain this in more detail in the podcast but I was ... am terrible at math. So, it shouldn't surprise you that this is episode 66 of 65 ... actually 66 1/2 but at this point who's really counting anymore.
I've had Peter on my list as one of the people who has made (and makes) life good since the planning stages of the pod and I just couldn't let it go without having a quick chat with him. He's someone who once upon a time, encouraged a goofy kid and changed his life. I'm that kid btw in...2024-06-1737 minA Life That's Good65. Reunion (Lisa, Scotty, Chip, & Jules)What happens when five radio people walk into a studio? You get the longest episode of the series!
A look this week at a most rewarding career. An hour of radio talk: how it was, where it is and where it's going.
This is an episode I'll listen back to someday when I need a reminder of just how good life can be. We laughed, we cried, we were/are grateful.
My heartfelt thanks to the four very special people who took time for...2024-06-101h 02A Life That's Good64. The Park House & Beach Street Station (Herb & Sherry Marshall)~ For Brianna Latimer (Marshall) ~
One of the things I've come to love about this podcast, is when we have people on who I think I know a bit about, only to discover that my understanding of their lives barely scratches the surface.
Herb & Sherry Marshall are two such people and they join us this week to chat about a couple of places that we believe are an integral part of the fabric of Canada's prettiest town.
The Park House, iconic and full of great stories, is the...2024-06-0346 minA Life That's Good63. Point Clark Lighthouse ~ Amy IrwinThankfully, one of the things you could still do during the covid shutdown a few years ago was go for a drive and/or hike and that lent itself well to Milli's and my shared interest in nature photography.
One of our earliest adventures was to Point Clark to watch a sunset from the historic lighthouse. We were really taken with the beauty of the lighthouse itself and of course, nothing beats a Lake Huron Sunset.
This week on the podcast we're going to learn more about the historic lighthouse, it's history, what it was...2024-05-2725 minA Life That's Good62. FORE! ~ Goderich Sunset Golf (Gary & Lynne Gravett)Golf is one of my favourite pastimes although I don't play nearly as often as I'd like too and maybe for that reason, I don't play nearly as well as I'd like to ;) It can be social or not, it's great low impact exercise and it's something you can do at almost any age.
In this episode, a chat with Gary and Lynne Gravett who owned and operated Goderich Sunset Golf Course for many years. It's probably the course I've played most in my lifetime whether with friends or in any one of many...2024-05-2030 minA Life That's Good61. "Made By History" ~ Huron County Historical Society (David Armstrong)"We are not makers of history. We are made by history."
~ Martin Luther King, Jr.
I've had a personal fascination with history most of my life and it was always a favourite subject in school so I'm pretty excited to chat with David Armstrong, President of the Huron County Historical Society.
We will chat about the many ways that we, here in Midwestern Ontario, have been made by our history.
We'll discuss the Society and what they do, our Indigenous and European roots, some upcoming historical anniversaries, some...2024-05-1331 min
Last Meal on Earth (LME) 2024LME - Sean Douglas - ACTORLME - Sean Douglas - ACTORhttps://www.mandy.com/uk/a/sean-douglas -------- 2023 Horror-Style Hip-Hop Sample Pack Voiceover Inimitable Records Kane Jacob Train DBS 2022 Kev Online & Multimedia Bosch GLM Danny Jones / Electric House 2022 D W Grainger Voiceover La Petite Shelaagh Ferrell / Silent Fizz Media Ltd Film Animation 2022 Fish Voiceover La Petite Shelaagh Ferrell / Silent Fizz Media Ltd Film Animation 2020 Police Officer Television Britain's Most Evil Killers Lloyd Thompson / Woodcut Media Sky Crime 2017 Builder Commercials & Industrials Screwfix Stores TVC Jamie Cadwell / Wordley Production 2016 Barry Film The Boot Liam Ellis / Perception Media 2015 Dracul-Soze Online & Multimedia Alien...2024-05-111h 43A Life That's Good60. Greyhaven Gardens ~ Michelle GreydanusIt's that time of year again when most of us just can't wait to get outside and get all the pretty things growing again.
As sometimes happens, a small labour of love can grow into a force to be reckoned with and such is the case with Greyhaven Gardens. It began more than 34 years ago as a small vegetable growing operation and greenhouse and has evolved into a MUCH larger and well loved independent, family run, garden centre.
This week we're chatting with owner Michelle Greydanus about: humble beginnings, surprise careers, family, flowers, workshops, Mother's...2024-05-0629 minA Life That's Good59. The Boot ~ Ang CullenIt's been a popular spot for a very long time. People stopped at the corner of Queen Street and Dinsley in Blyth, as far back as 172 years ago! This week we're going to chat about some of the history of this iconic place, a place that's had a few official names over the years but few, if any of us, know or have ever used those names.
Manager Ang Cullen joins us to talk past, present and future of the legendary Blyth Inn, or let's just call it what we've always called it ... The Boot!2024-04-2932 minA Life That's Good58. Blyth Festival (50 Seasons) ~ Gil GarrattWe realize that we featured Blyth Festival in episode 2 of our 65 show adventure, but some things are so great you just have to go back and check in again. This time, artistic Director Gil Garratt tells us about the history of the theatre itself, it's mission and the new Harvest Stage. After that, a brief synopsis of 6 exciting plays coming to Blyth this summer as we all celebrate 50 seasons.
*****
Since 1975, the Blyth Festival Theatre has put all Canadians and certainly rural Canadians centre stage, telling our stories, sharing our history, and celebrating our way of...2024-04-2241 minA Life That's Good57. The Lightfoot Band ~ Rick HaynesI've been very lucky in my career to meet and interview a lot of well known people, so why was I so nervous about this one? Perhaps it's because, as the bassist for Gordon Lightfoot for 55 years, Rick Haynes has been an integral part of the soundtrack of my life.
In this episode:
* Being a career musician was not the plan
* An encounter with Duane Eddy
* Who was Gordon Lightfoot to Rick?
* Musicians & Chemistry
* Gord's legacy
* The Lightfoot Band
* Rick's...2024-04-1543 minA Life That's Good56. Bayfield Lavender ~ Gemma James SmithMilli had an idea to create a few podcasts under the sub-heading of "Pockets of Peace." To seek out some hidden, peaceful gems in Midwestern Ontario and I loved the idea. I'm sure it's no coincidence that the first place we thought of was Bayfield Lavender.
We'd set out on a bit of a photo adventure one day last summer and through a series of fortunate events, ended up at this beautiful oasis just outside of Bayfield on Porter's Hill Line. We could feel the anxiety leaving our bodies as we strolled about this peaceful, sustainable, small...2024-04-0834 minA Life That's Good55. For The Love of Goderich ~ Mayor Trevor Bazinet & Ally AndersonWhen we set out on this journey more than a year ago, we thought we would be focussing on a lot of places and things that we find amazing about Midwestern Ontario and we hope we're doing that to some extent. What it seems to have evolved into though, is a podcast that's more about people.
We say often that everybody has a story and we've come to love the stories.
In this episode, we chat with a guy who stepped into a very difficult role last year after the town of Goderich lost it's...2024-04-0141 minA Life That's Good54. All Roads Lead Home ~ Dave ScottHusband, father, farmer, mayor, author, writer, playwright, broadcaster, storyteller ... Just a few of the things our guest has been called in his life. Dave Scott is also known as a man who loves his hometown of Seaforth.
In this episode, we will chat about the Scott family legacy in the Seaforth area, a couple of books he's written on his passion for hockey, old plowing matches, his friendship with Stompin Tom and the highly successful play that came out of that and a new podcast we're all working on together called - "All Roads Lead Home"...2024-03-2536 minA Life That's Good53. How Sweet It Is (Robinson's Maple, Belmore MSF & More)This week, our sweetest adventure yet, as Milli and I hit the road for a few live "on location" chats.
First we'll visit our friends Ben and Brianna at Coastal Coffee near Kintail then move to Cranston Farms Maple Syrup for a quick catch up with Ivan. After that a stop at Robinson Maple Products for a chat with Kevin Snider before returning to the studio meet up with Barry Mulvey from The Belmore Maple Syrup Festival.
We love our live on location chats with all the ambient sounds of maple syrup being made.
2024-03-1829 minA Life That's Good52. Kingsbridge Centre + RUNA (Marianne Hogan & Cheryl Prashker)Today were meeting up with an old high-school friend of mine, Marianne Hogan who has been a big part of the transformation of the former St. Joseph's Church into the Kingsbridge Centre. We'll get the story on how the historic church and rectory was purchased and turned into a spot that would host community gatherings, concerts and performances, rental options and a lot more.
Also joining Milli and I, a very good friend of ours, Cheryl Prashker, who wears many hats including Percussionist for the Celtic Roots band RUNA and Artistic Director - The Goderich Celtic Roots...2024-03-1136 minA Life That's Good51. Young Canada Week (Richard Madge & Rob Bundy)As a boy, I was hockey obsessed and growing up in Goderich meant I had access every year to the grand-daddy of all hockey tournaments.
Young Canada Week began in 1950 as a one-day, 12-team competition for peewee age players and over the years it grew into an exciting and important part of the fabric of Goderich and area. It would go on to draw players like: Paul Henderson, Darryl Sittler, Brad Park, Ron Ellis, Goderich's own Larry Jeffrey and Gary Doak and yes, Wayne Gretzky ... and many more.
On this episode, Lion's Club member, former...2024-03-0436 minA Life That's Good50. Owen Riegling ~ From The Heart (+ Listowel Paddyfest)I have memories of Listowel Paddyfest that go back to the early 90's but of course it's been around a lot longer than that. This week, Paddyfest chairman Ben Zavitz tells us just how far back it goes, who started it all and some of the things we can look forward to this year.
One of those things is a concert with an amazing singer/songwriter out of Mildmay who is currently taking the world by storm with hit songs like "Love (The Sweater Song) , "Old Dirt Roads" and "Home Less". Owen Riegling joins us to talk...2024-02-2634 minA Life That's Good49. CAARRR! ~ Justin PetersIf you understand the title of this week's podcast, you probably had a great childhood.
We didn't really plan it this way, but today's episode is perfect for Family Day! From his days playing road hockey on King Street in Blyth to World Championship teams, Justin Peters is here to talk about the importance of the "families" he's been a part of on that journey: his birth family, the teams, the friends and the county/hometown he still has so much love for.
Also:
* Career highlights
* People and coaches who made...2024-02-1930 minA Life That's Good48. Rolling With the Punches ~ Julie SawchukIn 2015, her life was forever changed when, while biking, she was hit by a car as she trained for a triathlon. Her new life in a wheelchair meant relearning so much of what she and most of us take for granted. Everything from having a shower, to cooking, to tucking her kids in at night ... to putting on her socks.
The journey through that, hard to imagine darkness, led her to a place where she made the decision to shine light on it all. This week we're joined in the studio by a strong woman, wife, mother...2024-02-1237 minA Life That's Good47. Mr. SmallwoodMost of us have a teacher or two that's made a difference in our lives. Someone who met us where we were at the time and then helped us to become the best version of ourselves.
I've told stories for much of my life about a select group of remarkable educators whom I owe, so very much too. In most cases it's a lot less to do with the actual content of the classes I was in and a lot more about finding out who I was, exploring that and finding joy in a life I was...2024-02-0539 minA Life That's Good46. Part 2 Bistro ~ Peter GussoIt's one of our favourite places to eat in Midwestern Ontario. Fancy enough that it can be a special occasion and casual enough that it can be just because, it's Part 2 Bistro, on the Square in Goderich.
With beginnings in Blyth it has matured into a great place to seek a little refuge from the world and to just sit and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and first rate food.
Peter Gusso is here today: husband, dad, chef and friend. We'll talk about growing up in Bluevale, travelling through the UK, Bistro beginnings, and the love...2024-01-2926 minA Life That's Good45 1/2. Jim CuddyA bonus episode this week!
One of the things that makes life so good for us in Midwestern Ontario is live music AND some of the amazing venues we get to enjoy artists in ... like the Blyth Memorial Community Hall.
It's especially great when world class performers recognize the beauty, the sound quality and the intimacy of some of our performance venues like Blyth where this Sunday evening, The Jim Cuddy Band will play.
We were lucky enough to have a quick phone chat with Jim this week. He is, of course, a...2024-01-2519 minA Life That's Good45. Papa FloydHusband - Father - Teacher - Principal - Actor - Musician - Wedding Officiant - Volunteer - Story teller - Friend and King of the Shuffleboard table.
In my 6+ years of sharing story telling duties and tours with Papa Floyd at Cowbell Brewing in Blyth, I've heard, "Hey he was my teacher or principal" ... "I loved him" ... hundreds of times.
Today on the podcast, one of my favourite people, Floyd Herman (Papa Floyd to many) Where it started, how it's going and what's next for this human that makes life so good for so many...2024-01-2230 minA Life That's Good44. Read Any Good Books Lately?Milli and I are wrestling with a couple of things these days: A little seasonal melancholy and some screen addiction. One of our action points this year is to read more. With that in mind, there are a lot of great local authors and we're going to chat with two of them on this episode.
Sally Walker has accomplished a lot in her life including the realization of a life long dream to write a novel which she made happen through the Covid lockdown. It's called 101.
AND
Shannon Talbot has a story we...2024-01-1530 minA Life That's Good43. Huron County MuseumDo you ever look around at the technology or modern tools we use to live our lives in 2024 and wonder, which of these things will someday find its way into a museum?
On the pod today:
Senior Curator, Elizabeth French-Gibson - Marketing & Branding Coordinator, Amy Zoethout and Sinead Cox, Curator of Engagement & Dialogue.
Our focus is the Huron County Museum. We'll talk about the history of the museum itself, the history within, why that's so important and some of the things that once upon a time, made life good.2024-01-0832 minA Life That's Good42. Happy New Year ~ 2024After our Christmas special last week, we got a little lazy and decided to kick back a bit this week and try to be fully present at our many family and friends get togethers. It was a wonderful week of laughs, love and togetherness.
This week, it's just you, Boomer and Milli! We're looking back on a few highlights of 2023 and forward with some hopes and dreams for 2024.
Also:
* A few of the celebrity deaths that impacted us in 2023.
* Top 8 habits of the world's happiest people
* And, a few...2024-01-0119 minA Life That's Good41. A Life That's Good ~ Christmas SpecialWe're making the show available a day earlier this week because it features a lot of music we thought you might enjoy while driving, making dinner, wrapping presents or doing any of the things that go with this magical time of year for you.
These are not studio quality recordings but rather a group of incredibly talented people sitting around the kitchen table chatting about life and singing songs we love of the season.
Much love and thanks to our guests who gave us the greatest present we could ask for this or any year...2023-12-2444 minA Life That's Good40. Chasing a Dream (2nd Streetlight Estate Winery)This week, Winnipeg native Sahadev Banejee chats with us about the dream of owning a winery and how he and his wife set about making that happen. In the process they fell in love with Huron County and all it has to offer their young family.
They also make one of our favourite wines ;)
Episode 40 is all about family, friends, wine and a life that's good.2023-12-1823 minA Life That's Good39. Fincher'sFincher's. It's been there my entire life and and has evolved over the years from a "smoke shop" at one point to a place for books, gifts and hobbies. As a kid, I used to buy plastic car and airplane model kits there, which of course, made it one of my favourite stores in town.
Funny how you think you know a lot about a place just because it's been there your whole life, but I learned a lot about this family run business while chatting with my old friend, Tom Fincher.
This week:
2023-12-1126 minA Life That's Good38. Victoria Jubilee Hall & Robert CreightonVJH has been a gathering place for performances and community events for more than 125 years. This week we're chatting about the history and importance of this beautiful jewel in the heart of Walkerton.
And, we are excited to chat with Actor, Singer, Dancer, Composer, Writer, Coach and Walkerton native, Robert "Bobby" Creighton. We'll talk about growing up small town, a hockey obsession, his legendary father, the Broadway stage and the show he's bringing to VJH on December 9th.
2023-12-0434 minA Life That's Good37. The Livery ~ Goderich Little Theatre (Christmas in the Highlands)I might be looking forward to the pod a little extra today. We are talking with some really great friends about a place that's very near and dear to our hearts, in fact it's the place Milli and I met for the first time.
Today we're chatting with with my buddy John Lodge about the Livery Theatre in Goderich, some of it's amazing history and it's connection with Goderich Little Theatre.
Also joining us, a couple of people I talk about often, Warren and Eleanor Robinson who have a production called Christmas in the Highlands...2023-11-2730 minA Life That's Good36. And That's What Christmas is All About (H.C. Christmas Bureau)This week, Milli and I are going to do something on the pod that we generally try to avoid ... we are going to talk about Christmas ... before December 1st.
It is for a great reason though. The Huron County Christmas Bureau is an amazing organization that has been making Christmas better for families in need in Huron County, for more than 50 years. Joining us to chat all things Christmas Bureau is Executive Director, Katrina Clarke.
Milli and I will also talk about the newest inductees into the Toy Hall of Fame and discuss the toys...2023-11-2023 minA Life That's Good35. Remember (Patrick Armstrong & The DMMF)On October 14th 2006, Constable Dave Mounsey was enroute to a vehicle roll over when he lost control of his cruiser, due to the ice and snow covered roads. He sadly passed away just a few weeks later, on the date of this posting, November 13th.
Today we are remembering Dave with his close friend, Patrick Armstrong, police officer and veteran, who along with an incredible group of Dave's friends and colleagues, formed the Dave Mounsey Memorial Fund in 2009.
Patrick and I will talk about all things DMMF as well as: what it's like to be a...2023-11-1332 minA Life That's Good34. Your Gifts Will Make a Place For You ~ FAUXPOP MEDIA (Mark Hussey & Randall Lobb)FauxPop Media is a company providing high-end, professional media production services. From Turtle Power: The Definitive History of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles to the Blackberry Movie, the Mr Dressup Biography and much more.
We're excited to share this conversation with you as we discuss FauxPop Media and how it drives The Staysh and Definitive Film.
We'll learn more about our guests Mark Hussey and Randall Lobb as we talk about the "blessing" of failure, success, dreams and the gifts that make a place for us all.2023-11-0636 minA Life That's Good33. The Wingham Town Hall Theatre & United Way Perth-HuronI've played countless shows there over the years and made some incredible memories with a lot of really special people and some incredible artists. This week we're chatting with my long time friend Terry Walker about the Wingham Town Hall Theatre, it's history and revival.
We're also going to check in with Lisa Harper to talk about
United Way Perth Huron and a big fundraising show they're bringing to theatre featuring Canada's Celtic rock warriors, The MUDMEN. Founding member Robbie Campbell will also join us. 2023-10-3037 minA Life That's Good32. Getting To Know All About You (Ally Anderson Takeover)She's our friend and we love her dearly. Last time she was on the pod we had several people reach out with the suggestion that we invite her back to interview Boomer and Milli.
You asked for it, you got it. :) 2023-10-2333 minA Life That's Good31. Give A Little Bit - The CKNX Healthcare Heroes RadiothonWe've said it a lot over the years ... "If we all give a little, we all get a lot." Those words grow increasingly important in times like these. None of us will escape the need for health care of some kind in our lives and why would we not want it to be the best it can be?
Our guests this week are three people who have been driving forces for their local hospital foundations over the years and who have, through the Radiothon become good friends of ours and of each other.
Dale Franklin...2023-10-1627 minA Life That's Good30. GratitudeThanksgiving is my favourite holiday. It's a time when I feel like I have some kind of unwritten permission to slow down, breathe, really see the people around me and give some thought to all the things I have to be so grateful for.
This week, Milli and I chat about the personal struggle we sometimes have to be grateful and we'll share a few strategies for practicing intentional gratitude. We're also very excited to share some really bad quality audio from our wedding reception this past weekend of a few of our friends and family answering...2023-10-0929 minA Life That's Good29. All My Life's a Circle - Benmiller Inn & SpaIt's hard to believe that though I performed in the lounge there for 12 years, it' now been 27 years since I last sang at beautiful Benmiller Inn.
I will be forever grateful for the people I met and the memories I made in that wonderful refuge and especially for the memories Milli and I made there together last May, when we celebrated our wedding brunch there.
Our guests this week are Sales & Marketing Manager, Linda Street and General Manager, Monique Wijnsma. I hope you'll join us as we chat about:
* Benmiller Inn's past, present...2023-10-0234 minA Life That's Good28. 'Till The Cows Come Holme (Glen & Vanda McNeil)I first knew Glen McNeil as my best pal's Uncle when I was a kid growing up on Mary Street in Goderich. My buddy Neil often invited me to his grandparents farm north of Goderich, to catch frogs in the crick and watch his Uncle Glen milk cows.
These days, many people know Glen and Vanda McNeil for their dairy operation, Heather Holme Holsteins. Many more have come to know Glen as the Warden of Huron County for the past three years.
In this episode:
* A bit about the history of this amazing...2023-09-2532 minA Life That's Good27. Walkerton's Run4Health + A Few Millennial Minutes with MilliThis week, we're going to stroll through the mind of our resident Millennial. If you've been wondering about some new music to listen too or what TV show you might like to binge this Fall, have a listen as we discuss that and a lot more.
Also this week, a chat with our friend Christine Brandt about an amazing event that supports the Walkerton Hospital Foundation ... Run4Health, now in it's 13th year.We're all over the place but super glad you're here with us this week :)2023-09-1833 minA Life That's Good26. Jamie Warren - One Step Back ... And a Few ForwardWe're excited to have an old friend in the studio today to chat about what has been an incredible music career. He's hit many curve balls in his 40+ years of making music while staying true to who is. And, he's showing no signs of slowing down.
From growing up in Hanover to CKNX where we first met in the early 80's, to the process of writing, recording and performing and the state of the music business in 2023, we hope you'll enjoy our chat with the most awarded independent country artist in Canada, Jamie Warren.2023-09-1139 minA Life That's Good25. The Art of Teaching (and Learning) ~ Eric & Susan Varillas with Keira Schaefer"It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge." ~ Albert Einstein
We are beyond grateful for the teachers in our lives who poured their hearts and souls into planting the seeds in our hearts and souls that helped us grow and become so much of who and what we are.
In this episode, Milli and I would like to introduce you to a couple of local teachers and friends of ours who practice the art of teaching and consider themselves beyond blessed to plant and...2023-09-0435 minA Life That's Good24. Bottled Poetry - Hessenland Inn & Schatz WineryOne of my favourite quotes about wine comes from Robert Louis Stevenson who once said, "Wine is bottled poetry." Who can argue with that?!
This week it's another great local hidden gem for us all to discover.
Kelsey Trotter and Branden Chaffe are here to talk wine and all the great things we can find at Hessenland Inn and Schatz Winery near St Joseph between Bayfield and Grand Bend.2023-08-2831 minA Life That's Good23. The Bridge That Love Built (Ball's Bridge)"Love can build a bridge, between your heart and mine - Love can build a bridge ... don't ya think it's time, don't ya think it's time?"
Those are the some of the lyrics to the 1990 hit song “Love Can Build a Bridge" by the Judds.
Love did build a bridge way back in 1885 on Little Lakes Road, about 9 km west of Goderich. Ball’s Bridge, also known as “the Bridge that Love Built”, is one of the most beautiful and romantic landmarks in Ontario.
138 years later, the bridge is still bringing people together. Sadly th...2023-08-2132 minA Life That's Good22. The Life & Times of Neil Aitchison (Drayton Entertainment)He has been many things in his lifetime: a broadcaster, actor, speaker and MC as well as a husband, dad and grandfather and friend to many. He's a native of Harriston and at 76 still works at all these things and uses his spare time to be a Senior Manager of Market Development for one of Ontario's Largest construction firms.He's also kind, funny, grateful and I like to think ... my friend.
This week ... the life and times of Neil Aitchison with a highlight on one of his great loves (and mine) live theatre and Drayton...2023-08-1436 minA Life That's Good21. Loreena McKennitt (Goderich Celtic Roots Festival)I've interviewed many celebrities in my time so I was surprised when I found myself feeling a little nervous to talk with Loreena McKennitt.
, platinum and multi platinum sales ... awards in 15 countries on 4 different continents ... Juno Awards, Grammy nominations, 14 million records sold or this induction into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame. Whatever it was, she had me feeling at ease in just moments and I think you'll hear why in our conversation.
She's a delight and she's coming to Goderich this Saturday evening (12th) to the Goderich Celtic Roots Festival.2023-08-0725 minA Life That's Good20. Eat Local Huron & Meeting Place Organic FarmMilli and I love to buy and prepare food together, particularly when we can find time to hit up a Farmer's Market and grab the produce fresh! A basket of snap peas in Milli's hands will not make it home.
This week we chat with two friends, Chris Spaleta and Katrina McQuail about their respective lives in farming and about an organization they helped start called Eat Local Huron, which in many ways, can bring the Farmer's Market, right to your door.
It was a highly enjoyable discussion for Milli and I. We hope you...2023-07-3139 minA Life That's Good19. Great Music For a Greater Cause - Music in the Field'sAnd of course, that greater cause in this case is our community!
How cool is it when a group of people come together to do good things?
It's that much better when it becomes a world class event and such is the case with the Lucknow Kinsmen and Music in the Fields.
This week, marketing director for MitF's Cheryl Johnston joins us to talk about how it started and how it just seems to get bigger and stronger every year!
Music in the Fields goes in Lucknow August 24th - 26th. 2023-07-2436 minA Life That's Good18. Grass Roots Farm ~ PizzaWe've enjoyed their wood fired pizza at different festivals over the years but when Milli and I showed up at Grass Roots Farm recently, we were genuinely surprised at everything we discovered. It's a beautiful spot, a lot more than pizza ... and in this episode we want you to discover it too.
We're going to dig into all that you'll find at Grass Roots Farm (especially the pizza) with co-founder Vicki Morrison and her daughter-in-law Courtney Morrison.
2023-07-1732 minA Life That's Good17. Where Everybody Knows Your Name (Ally Anderson)Growing up in a small town ... A few reflections this week with our very good friend Alecia Anderson.
Ally A and Boomer are both Huron County kids ... Milli is Bruce County raised ...different or the same?
We'll also talk about school friends ... church ... knowing all the police officers in town by their names ... dying to get out of town ... dying to come back ... and the time Boomer got caught stealing.
Thanks for being here for this week's episode of A Life That's Good.2023-07-1035 minA Life That's Good16. Goderich Celtic Roots Festival & College 2023 (Cheryl Prashker)I'm not sure there's much I can say that I haven't said before. This is one of my favourite events of ...ever. The people, the music, the location all makes it feel like home.
This week we're honoured to have the artistic director of Goderich Celtic Roots Festival, and our friend Cheryl Prashker in the studio. We are excited to get to know a little bit more about her ... When did you know you had to have a career in music? How did you end up in Goderich after travelling the world with so many world class...2023-07-0333 minA Life That's Good15. Adventure in Scotland + Kincardine Scottish FestivalThis week we (Boomer and Milli) kick off the show with a few memories of our recent honeymoon in Scotland. A lifelong dream for both of us :)
And then ... an Irish guy walks into a radio studio in Canada to talk about a Scottish Festival :) Find out how that goes!!
We're excited to welcome Tony Doherty to our studio to chat about the Kincardine Scottish Festival and Highland games which will happen July 7-9!2023-06-2634 minA Life That's Good14. Strawberry Fields Forever (Morrison Berries)Fresh, locally grown food. It's the thing we do best around here. Thank you Farmers.
I have a picture I love of my three kids picking strawberries at Morrisons Berries when they were little. It's not that it's a great photograph but it reminds me of the joy they were feeling as they picked: one for the basket, and one for them ... one for the basket and another one for them ... you know the routine ;)
My guest this week is Emily Morrison of Morrison Berries.
We will talk all about...2023-06-1932 minA Life That's Good13. Conway Furniture ... "Highway 86 Just East of Listowelll"This show is called "A Life That's Good" ... and focuses on things that have made life and my career in radio so incredible for close to 40 years. There's no way I could do that without talking to my guest today. He has been such an important part of almost my entire career in radio. On this episode, my friend Paul Dekker and I will talk about our 30+ year history of doing radio ads together. We'll chat about the history of Conway Furniture, the family and extended family ... and all the ups and downs, dreams, joys and sorrows of running...2023-06-1237 minA Life That's Good12. PRIDE (Huron County & Kincardine)June is PRIDE Month. Many people and communities across Canada recognize Pride Month. It is a time when we celebrate the diversity of LGBTQ+ communities, while acknowledging their history, the hardships they have endured and the progress that has been made. Pride is all about being seen and celebrating who you are.
Today on the program ... Two fantastic humans, Tim Damon of Huron County Pride and Fort Papalia of Kincardine Pride are here to talk about two very important organizations that are working to make Midwestern Ontario a better place for all of us. 2023-06-0537 minA Life That's Good11. A Season of Love @ Stratford Festival (Lee Siegel - RENT)SO EXCITED ABOUT THIS ONE ... sorry for yelling. My first guest is an actor I've been following for longer than I remember. Yes, I'm a fan of his work ... but also fan of the human ... he's a good guy ... a real good guy. Lee Siegel has performed locally for Drayton Entertainment and Stratford Festival. He's been on Broadway and everywhere in between. This year, he stars in the Stratford Festival production of RENT.
Later in the show Ann Swerdfager, Stratford Festival publicity director will join us to get us up to speed on many of the things...2023-05-2944 minA Life That's Good10. Summertime in The Prettiest Town in CanadaSome claim that Queen Elizabeth II once commented that Goderich was "the prettiest town in Canada" although to my knowledge ... no reigning monarch has ever visited the town on the shores of beautiful Lake Huron.
And whether you choose to think of it as the prettiest town in Canada, the town with incredible sunsets ... the town with an octagon in the middle that we call a square but you drive around in a circle ... or resilient or friendly or (insert your adjective here) ... I will always just think of it ... as home.
In this episode...2023-05-2229 minA Life That's Good9. I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream for Frosty QueenBelieve it or not, I used to be young. Whenever we studied Shakespeare in high school, I would wonder how language could have possibly changed so much in just a few hundred years. Now that I'm a little older, I have to smile everytime I hear a word or phrase I've never heard before. Language is constantly changing and every generation seems to take it another few steps into the future ... for better or for worse. This week Milli and I talk quickly about some phrases that Boomers use that Gen Z doesn't understand. And, I will put my...2023-05-1528 minA Life That's Good8. A Time To Plant - w Birch Creek Nursery & Mama JoanMay is a time to plant!
Thanks to our friend Ally Anderson for suggesting we check in with Claire and Andy Roest from Birch Creek Greenhouse & Florals just North of Goderich to get to know them a little and talk about flowers and planting.
It's such an exciting time of year as our lawns and gardens all come back to life and of course a big time of year for flowers, especially with Mother's Day coming!
We're celebrating that, by kicking off the podcast this week with a quick check in with my...2023-05-0826 minA Life That's Good7. How Are You ... Really?A few years ago I got a message wondering how I was coping after a huge fundraising effort I'd been a part of. I, along with an incredible team of support staff and friends had run 120k spread over 5 consecutive days, to raise awareness for 5 mental health organizations in Midwestern Ontario. The training and planning had consumed my life for a couple of months prior. I told her I was fine. She asked again, "How are you ... really?" I was in fact not fine. I was dealing with post show blues ... the sadness that often comes for me when...2023-05-0140 minA Life That's Good6. Dreams & Beans & Magical Fruit ~ Coastal CoffeeI've been loving this place for a few years now so it's exciting to finally have owners Ben & Bri Gingerich in our studio to chat about Coastal Coffee. We will get to know them both a little better as we discuss Coastal's incredibly unique location, dreams past and present and of course, coffee!2023-04-2424 minA Life That's Good5. Head Over Meals (Favourite Restaurants) AND Souper SaturdayIn this one, Boomer & Milli talk about food and just a few of their favourite places to eat. There are many others but those will be for another podcast.
Also: A chat with Bill Wallace about "Souper Saturday" ... a huge fundraiser for the Seaforth and District Food Bank that's making a long awaited comeback!2023-04-1726 minA Life That's Good4. Adopt a Pet - A Boomer & Milli Podcats with Kathi Newell-NicholsonPodcats? ... A Freudian slip, maybe ... ;)
In this episode, Milli joins us for the first time. We will explore some of the dynamic between Boomers and Millennials ... some things we might question about each other ... and one thing we totally agree on (albeit at different levels ;)) and that is a love of our cats and animals in general.
We welcome special guest Kathi Newell-Nicholson from Adopt-a-Pet Pet Rescue in Lucknow, Ontario.
FYI - Tuesday 11th, is National Pet Day!2023-04-1132 minA Life That's Good3. Beer 101 with Jeremy Moore (Cowbell Brewing)It's a fascinating place at the corner of 4 & 25 in the middle of nowhere ... and I love it! Check my Photoblog at Cool945.ca to see pics of some of what were discussing this week and to get a better feel for beautiful Cowbell Brewing Company in Blyth.2023-04-0329 minA Life That's Good2. All The World's a Stage - World Theatre DaySometimes I think that if all the world really is a stage ... then whoever does the casting needs to be fired.
Since I was a very young man, theatre has been something that helped to pull me to a place of safety and belonging when the world was more than I could handle. This week, three amazing men to chat with. Gil Garratt, Artistic Director of the Blyth Festival Theatre, my old drama teacher Warren Robinson who along with his wife Eleanor, and Phil McMillan at GDCI in Goderich, nourished a young mans dreams of acting, singing...2023-03-2751 min
A Life That's Good1. Life is Short, Eat Dessert FirstA quick intro to the podcast and then a wonderful conversation with Karen Middleton-Meadham and Gerrit Sepers of Brod Bread & Pastry in Blyth and Chris Neamtu from Culbert's Bakery in Goderich. As we set off on this 65 week adventure to celebrate good things in Midwestern Ontario, we acknowledge that life is short ... eat dessert first. 2023-03-2042 min
A Life That's GoodAn IntroductionIt's been an incredible blessing to have lived and worked most of my life in Midwestern Ontario (Huron/Perth/Grey/Bruce and N. Wellington Counties). As I approach an age where some consider retirement, the thought of it fills me with wonder, some angst and a little disbelief ... but mostly, it fills me with gratitude. With that in mind, I've given myself a "65 Before 65 Challenge." In the coming 65 weeks I want to celebrate 65 things I love about living here. Things that have truly given me a life that's good.
I'm a Boomer. My wife is a Millennial...2023-03-0301 min
"Roots, Rock Riot Show" ArchivesPhil Campbell, Temperance Movement vocalistIn a recent phone interview with Temperance Movement vocalist, Phil Campbell, Phil talks about the beginnings of the band, recent tour, classic rock awards, and his voice.2013-12-1126 min