Shows
The Stories That Brought You HereEpisode 72 - Bruce Alexander - Beyond Rat Park, Studying Addiction & Challenging Our AssumptionsBruce Alexander is a psychologist and professor emeritus at Simon Fraser University. He actively taught at SFU from 1970 to 2005. In this interview, he will speak about many of the pivotal experiences he had during that time. One of which, occurred during the 70s, while he was volunteering at a methadone clinic in Vancouver's downtown eastside. There, he would engage in conversations with heroin users, and learn more about why they chose to use the drug. These talks would help set him on a path to conducting an experiment that questioned the standard beliefs of the day about drug addiction...2025-05-221h 44
The Stories That Brought You HereEpisode 71 - Gregory Franklin - Photographing Bears Up-Close, The Carving Of A Healing Pole & Building Franklin CastleGregory Franklin has travelled the world photographing bears up-close in the wild. From pandas to grizzlies to polar bears, he has had many unique experiences while taking photographs of these amazing animals. He will explain his process and philosophy that allows him to be in incredibly close proximity with not only bears, but also mountain gorillas in East Africa.
He will also speak about how after a tragic circumstance occurred in his life, he felt moved to do something he had never done before. That was to carve a 26-foot tall healing pole on his property. This...2025-04-202h 01
The Stories That Brought You HereEpisode 70 - Marc Lesperance - Making Maple Syrup, Becoming A Radio DJ & The Importance Of CamaraderieMarc grew up on a dairy farm in South Central Ontario. After finishing high school, he decided to join the Canadian military. For nine years, he had a variety of unique experiences while in the army. This included a transfer from Ontario to British Columbia. It was while living in Comox, he felt a shift within himself and that a change was needed. He decided to leave the military and return to school. In the years that followed, he would earn a degree in psychology. To support himself while in university, he worked as a radio DJ, as well...2025-03-231h 29
The Stories That Brought You HereEpisode 69 - Paul Williamson - Life's Many Paths, Our Legal System & The Nisga'a TreatyIn this episode, Paul Williamson will reflect on the many careers he has had in his life. From a logger, newspaper reporter, teacher, lawyer and ultimately a Supreme Court Judge of British Columbia. He will discuss the reasons, and actions he took at various stages in his life, that made him choose between certain paths. Chronicling some of the diverse experiences he had along the way.
We also go in depth into learning about his journey to becoming a lawyer. He will explain some key elements of how the legal system works, and describe some of the...2025-02-231h 35
The Stories That Brought You HereEpisode 68 - Sarah Smith -The Joys Of Music, Facing Adversity & Becoming LightSarah Smith is a singer/songwriter, who has been performing almost all of her life. She will describe how she first got inspired to sing as a child in church. The musical journey she embarked on eventually led to a decade of playing with the proto-Punk band, The Joys. A busy and creative solo career would follow, which has included multiple album releases, regularly touring through Germany and so much more.
Sarah will share many fascinating stories about all aspects of her life, including personal challenges she faced along the way. Then, how she came out...2024-12-181h 24
The Stories That Brought You HereEpisode 67 - Misha Kleider - Moving Through Africa, The Unseen Life Of Art & Meditations On Romantic LoveMisha will share stories about his time working, and living, in various parts of Africa while in his twenties. From there, we enter into a dynamic conversation on the subjects of beauty, art, depression, Hawaii, romantic love...and so much more.
Please enjoy this wide-ranging, and surprising interview, with a very thoughtful and amazing person.
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If you are interested in learning more about recording an audio memoir, you can email me by clicking this.
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To stay up-to-date with new episodes, here are some of the ways you can subscribe...2024-11-141h 30
The Stories That Brought You HereThree Questions at Mosaic FestivalThis past August long weekend, the 2024 Mosaic Festival took place in the pine forest behind the Community Hall. An annual community arts and culture festival produced by Ptarmigan Arts, Mosaic Fest celebrates the diversity of the land we live on and the beings who inhabit it. It features music, workshops, and nature-based programming. The festival had a big upgrade this year with a change of venues, to a beautiful property, which was generously offered by Karl Hamson.
It was three amazing days of music and art. On the last night, I decided to take my handheld audio...2024-10-301h 04
The Stories That Brought You HereEpisode 66 - Carolyn Cartwright-Owers - Heart Work, Sailing Away & Community CareCarolyn made her way to the West Coast, from England, in the mid-eighties. At that time, she was beginning what would turn out to be a 35-year career in nursing. The journey would lead her to become the first community nurse on Mayne Island, and then, after moving to Pender Island, continuing that role here. She will speak about her experiences in that time, as well, discuss her many years working in palliative care, a portion of her work, that was deeply important to her.
Carolyn will also speak about growing up in England, learning to sail...2024-10-061h 33
The Stories That Brought You HereSouth Pender Pioneer Families - Volume 7 with Shelley HenshawThis series is dedicated to learning about the unique and important history of South Pender Pioneer families and their connection to S,DÁYES (South Pender Island) and the surrounding Salish Sea.
Shelley will speak about the Henshaw family history on South Pender Island and trace the family story back to her grandmother, Mabel Baker, who survived the wreck of the RMS Lusitania in 1915. The Pender family connection, would begin with her uncle, Len, then her father, and a few of the other brothers would soon follow. Shelley explains that a group purchase of farmland in the S...2024-08-0851 min
The Stories That Brought You HereSouth Pender Pioneer Families - Volume 6 with Debbie Friesen recounting the Walker family storyThis series is dedicated to learning about the unique and important history of South Pender Pioneer families and their connection to S,DÁYES (South Pender Island) and the surrounding Salish Sea.
Debbie Friesen, the daughter of William Walker, will tell the story of how her grandfather and his brother, bought property on South Pender and built a cabin over a hundred years ago. She will share stories about her experiences as a child visiting the island with her parents, and explain how her time on the island, help to foster a special connection to Pender. That, a...2024-05-2142 min
The Stories That Brought You HereSouth Pender Pioneer Families - Volume 5 with Janet White, recounting the Jennens family storyThis series is dedicated to learning about the unique and important history of South Pender Pioneer families and their connection to S,DÁYES (South Pender Island) and the surrounding Salish Sea.
Janet, the daughter of Hope and Geoff Jennens, will speak about her family's time living on South Pender. She and her sister, Josephine, had the unique experience of being raised on the island during the 40s and 50s. Janet will share stories about her family's farming activities, the various work her father did, the education she received, and so much more.
This interview h...2024-04-3035 min
The Stories That Brought You HereSouth Pender Pioneer Families Volume 4 with Frank Trice, recounting the Conery family storyThis series is dedicated to learning about the unique and important history of South Pender Pioneer families and their connection to S,DÁYES (South Pender Island) and the surrounding Salish Sea.
In the 1970s, Frank came to live on South Pender Island with his uncle, Bill Wilson, who had recently married, Sybil Conery. He spent his formative teen years living with his uncle and Sybil, and she would go on to play a very important role in his life. Upon her death in 2014, Frank took it upon himself to learn the full history of the Conery f...2024-04-231h 41
The Stories That Brought You HereSouth Pender Pioneer Families Volume 3 with Lynne Marsh, recounting the Crane family storyThis series is dedicated to learning about the unique and important history of South Pender Pioneer families and their connection to S,DÁYES (South Pender Island) and the surrounding Salish Sea.
Lynne, the first grandchild of Dora and Arthur Crane, will speak about her family's experience living on South Pender in the 1920s and 30s. Based on stories from her mother Barbara's memoirs, one of Dora and Arthur's four children, Lynne will describe the personalities and values of her grandparents, detail the adventures the family engaged in while on the island, and so much more.
2024-04-1252 min
The Stories That Brought You HereSouth Pender Pioneer Families - Volume 2 with Kelly Irving and Ruth WirenThis series is dedicated to learning about the unique and important history of South Pender Pioneer families and their connection to S,DÁYES (South Pender Island) and the surrounding Salish Sea.
Kelly and Ruth, siblings and decedents of the original South Pender settler family, will speak about their family connection to Pender. They will both share stories about summer visits to Pender when they were children, and reminisce about some of their extended family members they spent time with while growing up. Kelly will also read a poem, written in the 1880's, by their great-grandfather, Arthur S...2024-04-101h 14
The Stories That Brought You HereSouth Pender Pioneer Families Volume 1 with Barb and John PenderThis series is dedicated to learning about the unique and important history of South Pender Pioneer families and their connection to S,DÁYES (South Pender Island) and the surrounding Salish Sea.
Barb and John, two descendants of the original Pender settler family, will speak in depth of their family connection to Pender. Barb will open with a chronological description of the family history on Pender. They will both share stories of visits to South Pender when they were children during the 50s and 60s. They will provide insight as to what life was like for their g...2024-04-081h 04
The Stories That Brought You HereW̱SÁNEĆ - The Saltwater People Volume 7 with Robert CliffordThis series is dedicated to learning about the unique and rich history of the W̱SÁNEĆ Saltwater People and their traditional connection to their Salish Sea Homeland including S,DÁYES (South Pender Island).
Robert Clifford, is a member of the Tsawout First Nation and an Assistant Professor at the Peter A. Allard School of Law at UBC. He will speak about some of his PhD research which explores the ways WSÁNEĆ laws are generated by and reflect the values, philosophies, lands, and worldviews of the WSÁNEĆ people. He will explain how the complexity of tryin...2024-04-0657 min
The Stories That Brought You HereW̱SÁNEĆ - The Saltwater People Volume 6 with Mavis UnderwoodThis series is dedicated to learning about the unique and rich history of the W̱SÁNEĆ Saltwater People and their traditional connection to their Salish Sea Homeland including S,DÁYES (South Pender Island).
Mavis Underwood, a W̱SÁNEĆ elder, had been working to promote betterment in opportunities for First Nations, and to influence needed social change in the areas of education, human and social development, health, and housing. She will speak about her lifetime of work in these areas, share lessons learned from her mother and father while growing up, and read a poem she wro...2024-04-0458 min
The Stories That Brought You HereW̱SÁNEĆ - The Saltwater People Volume 5 with Eric PelkeyThis series is dedicated to learning about the unique and rich history of the W̱SÁNEĆ Saltwater People and their traditional connection to their Salish Sea Homeland including S,DÁYES (South Pender Island).
Eric Pelkey, the Hereditary Chief of Tsawout of the W̱SÁNEĆ Nation, will speak about his family's reef net fishery, which existed near Bedwell Harbour on S,DÁYES. He will provide some ancient stories and history of S,DÁYES and explain why that land is deeply important to the W̱SÁNEĆ people. As well, he will share stories as told to h...2024-04-0447 min
The Stories That Brought You HereW̱SÁNEĆ - The Saltwater People Volume 4 with Earl Claxton Jr.This series is dedicated to learning about the unique and rich history of the W̱SÁNEĆ Saltwater People and their traditional connection to their Salish Sea Homeland including S,DÁYES (South Pender Island).
Earl Claxton Jr., a W̱SÁNEĆ elder, will speak about how he became involved in the ȽÁU, WELṈEW̱ Tribal School's plant nursery and garden. He will share some of his vast knowledge on native plants. As well, explain the technique for reef net fishing, an ancient and sustainable salmon harvesting method used by the W̱SÁNEĆ people. That, and so much more.2024-04-0156 min
The Stories That Brought You HereW̱SÁNEĆ - The Saltwater People with Volume 3 with J,SIṈTEN (John Elliott)This series is dedicated to learning about the unique and rich history of the W̱SÁNEĆ Saltwater People and their traditional connection to their Salish Sea Homeland including S,DÁYES (South Pender Island).
J,SIṈTEN, a W̱SÁNEĆ elder, shares stories about his decades of time spent working at the ȽÁU, WELṈEW̱ Tribal School and the important work he has done, along with many others, to help preserve the SENĆOŦEN language. He will speak about the deep importance to the W̱SÁNEĆ people, to the land and the natural environment. That...2024-04-011h 04
The Stories That Brought You HereW̱SÁNEĆ - The Saltwater People Volume 2 with ȻOSINIYEThis series is dedicated to learning about the unique and rich history of the W̱SÁNEĆ Saltwater People and their traditional connection to their Salish Sea Homeland including S,DÁYES (South Pender Island).
ȻOSINIYE, a W̱SÁNEĆ elder, will speak about the SENĆOŦEN language, and how her father, the late Dave Elliott Sr., created an alphabet to help preserve the language. She will share ancient stories, including one about the creation of the Gulf Islands. As well, speak about challenges faced by herself, her family and her ancestors, due to colonization. That, and so muc...2024-03-2853 min
The Stories That Brought You HereW̱SÁNEĆ - the Saltwater People Volume 1 with SELILIYE (Belinda Claxton)This series is dedicated to learning about the unique and rich history of the W̱SÁNEĆ Saltwater People and their traditional connection to their Salish Sea Homeland including S,DÁYES (South Pender Island).
SELILIYE, a W̱SÁNEĆ elder, shares stories about her time as a young girl spent on S,DÁYES, harvesting clams and watching members of her community participating in traditional practices. She will also talk about her involvement and the importance of preserving their traditional SENĆOŦEN language, connections to the Lummi Nation, and some of the challenging situations she faced whil...2024-03-2854 min
The Stories That Brought You HereEpisode 65 - Everest MacDonald - Bring In Creative Flow, Intuitive Design & The Fragrance Of Arbutus LeavesEverest's passion for building began when she was five with the construction of a multi-level tree fort on Pender Island. Years later, she would build her own cabin on Savary Island. She has since had a fascinating career as a designer and sculptor of form with function for over two decades.
In this interview, we will take a deep dive into her architectural philosophy, the method and process of how she designs. Everest will also share stories about competing in downhill mountain biking, creating musical furniture, attending Emily Carr University, how she got her name, and so...2023-10-042h 15
The Stories That Brought You HereEpisode 64 - Luke Ramsey: Creating Collaboration, Embracing Trust & Living An Artistic LifeLuke moved to Vancouver Island from England at the age of nine. Having a deep interest in art at that young age, he would find encouragement from teachers along the way. As the years went on, he found inspiration for his art through Victoria's punk scene, hitching across Canada and international travel. An illustrator, designer, muralist and painter, he co-founded the Island Folds residency with his wife, Ange and became the City of Victoria's first artist in residence in 2016.
In this wide-ranging interview, we explore these subjects along with the power of humour, hustling, developing trust, self-confidence...2023-07-131h 41
The Stories That Brought You HereEpisode 63 - Chanda Bosch: The Long Path To Pregnancy, Fire Lookout Tower Life & Finding Her MusicChanda was born in Peace River, Alberta and spent much of her childhood outdoors connecting with nature and animals. In adulthood, she found work as a fire lookout observer in northern Alberta. It was there, while living in quiet isolation, Chanda began to focus on music. Her confidence and talents would begin to flourish, and she soon went on to record her first album.
Chanda shares stories from these years, describes how she met her husband, Dan, and discusses the eleven-year journey of infertility they had been on. She will speak about the struggles involved, lessons learned...2023-06-221h 50
The Stories That Brought You HereEpisode 62 - Gregory Nicholls: A Love For Learning, The Royal Air Force & Making Big ChangesGregory was born in Birmingham, England during the Second World War. While still quite young, the death of his mother, would create a set of circumstances for him that ultimately led to a very challenging childhood. When he entered his late-teens he joined The Royal Air Force and began a career in the military for the next decade. By his thirties, a desire for something more in life lead Gregory to move to Canada. The choice to invest some of his spare time taking courses at university would then shift his life in a direction he never would have...2023-06-071h 41
The Stories That Brought You HereEpisode 61 - Judith Walker: Seizing The Moment, The Artist’s Way & Living In Costa RicaJudith grew up in post-war America in the state of Virginia. While in her twenties, she would have many interesting work experiences, which included teaching children with disabilities and pregnancy counselling. In her thirties, on a visit to Costa Rica to see her father, she became inspired to move there. She lived there for five formative years and eventually met her future partner, Brent.
Judith will share stories from those times, the importance of creating art, finding her place, and so much more...enjoy.
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To find out more about creating your own personal...2023-05-171h 24
The Stories That Brought You HereEpisode 60 - Curtis Redel: Being Of Service, Commercial Real Estate & Working In The WoodsWhile growing up in Alberta, Curtis had his first job experience at his Mom's health food store. As he entered his teens, he would begin working in the restaurant industry, and years of amazing experiences would follow. By his mid-twenties, he decided to shift gears and began selling commercial real estate in Vancouver. This career path took on various forms for nearly two decades, until he sought a change in his life and moved to Pender Island.
Curtis will share stories from those years and explain how, and why, he created, Woods On Pender.
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The Stories That Brought You HereEpisode 59 - Sherry Anne Des Roches: Gather Around Music, Life Changing Moments & Finding FaithIn 2009, Sherry Anne has a chance meeting at a music festival with a man named, Mathew. They fell in love, moved to Pender, got married and had a child together. While living on the island, they became deeply involved in the music scene and would eventually open a restaurant, which provided a unique space for touring and local musicians to perform.
Sherry Anne will share stories from these times, as well, speak very openly about the challenges she faced as a new mother and how she ultimately came out the other side of that experience, in a...2023-04-161h 26
The Stories That Brought You HereEpisode 58 - Deb Morrison: Love Of Nature, Learning Through Teaching & Responsibility To PlaceWhile Deb was growing up in Gibsons, BC, she spent a significant amount of time exploring the outdoors. This helped her form a deep connection with the natural world, and later, would serve as an influence for her to study geography and resource management in university. A fascinating journey followed including, unique work environments, travel, teaching, exploring creative ways to manage forests and much more.
Deb will speak about these experiences, as well, responsibility to place, finding common ground, how to get closer to living sustainably and the importance of collaboration.
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To find...2023-03-301h 42
The Stories That Brought You HereEpisode 57 - Jon Heaney: Helping People Fly, Growing Up Gay & Longevity Through DecelerationIn the late-sixties, Jon moved from his birthplace of Montreal to Calgary. It was there he began working in the airline industry and would become his career for more than three decades. The job led to many profound experiences for him, including meeting his partner of over forty years, John Cowan. Their life together on Pender Island has allowed them to slow down, and discover great benefits from it.
As well, Jon will speak candidly about his experience of being a gay man in Canada during the previous decades. He will describe some of the challenges he...2023-03-161h 09
The Stories That Brought You HereEpisode 56 - Mike Dine: The Musical Restaurateur, Lock, Stock and Barrel & Leading With Your HeartWhile living in Ontario in his late-teens, Mike played guitar in a music duo. He and his musical partner were successful enough to both earn a living from it for six years. In his twenties, he shifted gears and opened a restaurant with his wife, Kelly. After a number of years, they sought change and in the late nineties, moved to the West Coast. Circumstances and chance would lead Mike to his next career, that of a wine barrel salesman. The job required him to be away for extended periods of time, but also allowed him to pursue his...2023-03-021h 17
The Stories That Brought You HereEpisode 55 - Annette Cyr: The 24-Hour Restaurant Flow, Passion For Water Polo & For The Love Of Singing.While growing up in Montreal, Annette spent a lot of time at the local swimming pool. It led to her discovering the sport of water polo, which would become a very important part of her life.
She will speak about those years in the water, her love of singing, stories from the service industry, English literature and how she is now starting a new career as a real estate agent.
All that and much more, in a delightful interview with lots of laughter.
Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/show/64GCX2abpl8G...2023-02-151h 25
The Stories That Brought You HereEpisode 54 - Jim MacDonald: British Columbia History, Investing In Yourself & Deep Family Roots.Having grown up in various locations throughout British Columbia, Jim was witness to some fascinating provincial history in his youth. While in his teens, he landed a summer job working at the Vancouver Stock Exchange, this would lead him to a lifelong career in the investment business.
Jim will speak about some of the life experiences he had along the way, the lengthy history the MacDonald family has with Pender Island and how his relatives immigrated to Canada centuries ago. That and so much more. Enjoy!
Facebook-https://www.facebook.com/thestoriesthatbroughtyouhere
T...2023-02-021h 28
The Stories That Brought You HereEpisode 53 - Laurie Storrie: Building Change Through Diversity, Cycling Across Canada and Promoting Music.Laurie will share stories from the cross-Canada cycling trip they and a friend went on and describe how the experience changed their life. They will also talk about the construction business they started and how the encouragement they received from their boss at the time, helped to make it happen.
As well, Laurie will talk about supporting others through music promotion, and how misconceptions about them and members of their friend group created significant challenges in the past.
That and so much more, with an absolutely fantastic person. Enjoy!
Facebook-https://www.f...2023-01-171h 25
The Stories That Brought You HereEpisode 52 - Mary Anne Pare: The Road Less Travelled, Healing Through Play and The Joy of Living Simply.After growing up in a suburb of Montreal with eight siblings, Mary Anne found herself in Berkeley, California as a young adult in the late sixties. She even made it to Woodstock! She will explain how those experiences shaped her, why she transitioned into becoming a subsistence farmer for six and a half years, and how she began a thirty-five-year career working with children in a therapeutic role.
Mary Anne will also describe how her passion for the environment recently inspired her to create films, as a way to raise awareness and create change.
All...2023-01-021h 29
The Stories That Brought You HereEpisode 51- Madelin Emery: Going Full Circle, Navigating Loss and Building a Spiritual Home.This time around I interview the wonderful, Madelin Emery. We talk about the journey she has been on while building her house, her passion for pottery and how she became involved with a truth and reconciliation circle on Pender Island.
Madelin will also speak very openly about the challenges she faced due to the unexpected suicide of her partner and her path to healing. She will honour their memory by sharing stories about his life.
That and much more, in a very candid and honest interview.
To purchase a 2023 calendar made b...2022-12-201h 15
The Stories That Brought You HereWelcome Home, Johnny CunninghamWelcome to the fifth episode of this special series titled - Welcome Home. This is a chance to meet some of the new residents to Pender Island, hear why they chose to live here, how they are participating in the community and what the experience of living here has been like so far.
Next up in the series is, Johnny Cunningham. During the spring of 2020, Johnny was living, and working in Victoria as a cook at a prestigious golf club. He had also started a new relationship with a woman living on Pender. Johnny will describe how...2022-12-1246 min
The Stories That Brought You HereEpisode 50 - Kathryn CalderI speak to Kathryn about her experiences as the Artist in Residence for the city of Victoria, between 2019 and 2021. She will describe some of the projects she developed during that time and reflect on her enjoyment of participating in community art.
Kathryn will also speak about how she began playing music at a young age, which led to the formation of the three-piece band, Immaculate Machine. She will share stories from those early touring years and how her life dramatically changed when she was asked to join, The New Pornographers during the mid-2000's as they were...2022-12-021h 00
The Stories That Brought You HereEpisode 49 - Robert DillRobert's story begins forty-nine years ago with the purchase of a summer home on South Pender Island. It then weaves through community development in James Bay, drinking kava in the Vanuatu islands, a week with an elephant, sacred dance journeys, magical happenings in Scotland and closes with the transformation of the Pender Island Health Centre.
I found myself deeply inspired by the stories and experiences Robert shared in this interview, I hope you will too.
I would describe this episode as...elegant like tango and splendorous like new minted gold.
To p...2022-11-221h 35
The Stories That Brought You HereWelcome Home, David LeadbeaterWelcome to the fourth episode of this special series called - Welcome Home. This is a chance to meet some of the new residents to Pender Island, hear why they chose to live here, how they are participating in the community and what the experience of living here has been like so far.
Next up in the series is David Leadbeater. Having been born and raised in Calgary, the idea of living in the Gulf Islands always seemed like a dream to him. Soon after retiring from his career with an excavating company in the Lower...2022-11-0542 min
The Stories That Brought You HereWelcome Home, Stefani WilliamsWelcome to the third instalment of this special series called - Welcome Home. This is a chance to meet some of the new residents to the island, hear why they chose to live on Pender, how they are participating in the community and how the experience of living here is going.
Next up in the series, is the fantastic Stefani Williams. While this is actually her second time as a resident of the island, it was the first one that had a deep impact on her life. She opened Slow Coast Coffee in her early-twenties and it...2022-10-2741 minThe Stories That Brought You HereWelcome Home, Stefani WilliamsWelcome to the third instalment of this special series called - Welcome Home. This is a chance to meet some of the new residents to the island, hear why they chose to live on Pender, how they are participating in the community and how the experience of living here is going.
Next up in the series, is the fantastic Stefani Williams. While this is actually her second time as a resident of the island, it was the first one that had a deep impact on her life. She opened Slow Coast Coffee in her early-twenties and it...2022-10-2441 min
The Stories That Brought You HereWelcome Home, Jorgen JespersenAs the world has changed over the past few years, so has our island. Many people have decided to make a big move in their lives and relocate to our little paradise. This series is a chance to meet some of our new residents, get to know them a bit better, find out why they chose Pender, how they would like to participate in the community and ultimately, welcome them to their new home.
The series continues with Jorgen Jespersen. In the early spring of 2021, Jorgen, his wife, Lee-Ann and their two daughters made the move from...2022-09-2641 min
The Stories That Brought You HereWelcome Home, Alexandra HarrisonAs the world has changed over the past few years, so has our island. Many people have decided to make a big move in their lives and relocate to our little paradise. This series is a chance to meet some of our new residents, get to know them a bit better, find out why they chose Pender, how they would like to participate in the community and ultimately, welcome them to their new home.
This series begins with Alexandra Harrison. In 2021, she and her partner, Joe, had been living in Brentwood Bay on the Saanich Peninsula. That...2022-09-1338 min
The Stories That Brought You HereEpisode 48 - Adam OlsenThis time around, I speak with the Member of the Legislative Assembly for Saanich North and the Gulf Islands, Adam Olsen. Having grown up on the Saanich Peninsula as a member of Tsartlip First Nation (W̱JOȽEȽP), Adam will speak at length about many of the unique experiences he and his family had during those early years. This will include the story of how his parents developed a business involving Cowichan sweaters.
Adam will also describe the lessons he learned from a previous job as a server at Butchart Gardens and his pursuit of becoming a h...2022-08-1058 min
The Stories That Brought You HereSouthern Gulf Islands Grandparent Storytelling Series - Paul Williamson from Pender IslandWhen Paul was a young boy, he spent his summers visiting his grandparents at their home on the Sunshine coast. The memories from that time have influenced him greatly. So much so, that he was inspired to build a home on Pender Island similar to the one his grandparents had. Paul tells a short story about the importance of being able to provide similar experiences for his grandchildren today.
2022-06-2609 min
The Stories That Brought You HereSouthern Gulf Islands Grandparent Storytelling Series - Joanna Weeks from Mayne IslandJoanna met her friend, Barbara Ann, at the age of three while living on Pender Island. They reconnected years later while attending the same high school in West Vancouver. This led to a lifetime of friendship between the two. Joanna describes some of the many shared experiences they had. Some of those as young mothers, each raising families of four children and spending summers together on Mayne Island.
2022-06-2610 min
The Stories That Brought You HereSouthern Gulf Islands Grandparent Storytelling Series - Richard Blagborne from Saturna IslandRichard tells the story of helping to preserve the Saturna Island community hall, which was build in 1933. He also shares some details about other original community halls in the Southern Gulf Islands, their historical significance, acoustic qualities and why we should care about keeping them standing.
2022-06-2615 min
The Stories That Brought You HereSouthern Gulf Islands Grandparent Storytelling Series - Carol Robson from Galiano IslandCarol began her experience of living on Galiano Island at the age of two. After moving off the island at age twelve, she eventually returned in 2001 to care for her ailing mother during the last six years of her life. Carol will speak about her memories of those years and what it meant to her to have returned home to Galiano.
2022-06-2617 min
The Stories That Brought You HereEpisode 47 - Shelley RichardsIn 2005, Shelley and her husband, Steve, purchased property on Pender and started building a house. By the following year, they had moved in and began living on the island. We start the interview with Shelley (who was also a new Mom at the time) reflecting back on those years and detailing some of the experiences she had as a new resident.
From there, Shelley speaks about how she developed a passion for food, which led to her creating her catering business - Shel's Kitchen. She will also talk about what it was like growing up the youngest o...2022-01-101h 23
The Stories That Brought You HereEpisode 46 - Jonny MillerThis time around I speak to Jonny Miller. In this interview, he will describe the music scene on the island, and how he found his people through it. Jonny also talks about his long and winding road before coming to the island. Including time spent as a teenager going back and forth to California, attending Rainbow Gatherings, having a child while living in the Kootenays and...lots more about music! He provides some insight into the process of writing, recording and how royalties through online streaming services work. That and so very much more in a fun and enjoyable...2021-12-071h 28
The Stories That Brought You HereEpisode 45 - Steve DunsmuirIn 2015, Steve Dunsmuir began teaching an outdoor education program to a group of elementary school students on the island. The Pender Ecological Education Class (PEEC), engaged in many incredible learning adventures with Steve at the helm. He discusses aspects of those five years when he led local students through amazing creative experiences.
Steve's teaching career started in the Peace River Region. After working for 20 years there, he was hired as the principle of the school on neighbouring Saturna Island. It was there, he created the Saturna Ecological Education Centre (SEEC). A program for high school students, who...2021-04-241h 28
The Stories That Brought You HereEpisode 44 - Linda WeinIn this episode, Linda describes what it was like growing up on Pender Island in the fifties and sixties. She will share how those experience shaped her and many fascinating details about what life was like on the island at that time. Linda will also explain how she got involved in the hardware store business, what owning a farm is like and how she met her husband, Don. Come along for this deep dive into Pender history as Linda describes her family's length connection to the island, along with much more.
2021-04-111h 22
The Stories That Brought You HerePender Island Nature Series - Arbutus TreeIn this episode, I speak to an Arbutus Tree from Greenburn Lake. In this wide-ranging conversation, Arbutus opens up about the experience of being rooted in a single place it's whole life. The connections it shares with the land, wildlife and people of the area. Plus, so much more in this delightful interview with a beloved member of our island.
2021-04-0121 min
The Stories That Brought You HereSouthern Gulf Islands Grandparent Storytelling Series - John Pender from Pender IslandIn the summer of 1963, John went on a trip with his family to South Pender Island to stay with his aunt, Bea Freeman. For a twelve-year-old boy, it was an adventurous summer exploring the outdoors while swimming, fishing and rowing. However, it was during the last week of that trip that things really got interesting. That week, John made a new friend and a magical time ensued.
2021-02-1618 min
The Stories That Brought You HereSouthern Gulf Islands Grandparent Storytelling Series - Mary Jones from Saturna IslandIn 1944, when Mary was six years old, her family moved from Los Angeles to a log cabin on Saturna Island. She and her and younger brother, John, grew up experiencing what island life was like at that time, including riding horses to school, interacting with nature, the realities of emergencies involved in isolated living and many other fascinating details that Mary recounts in this story.
2021-02-1618 min
The Stories That Brought You HereSouthern Gulf Islands Grandparent Storytelling Series - Brian Crumblehulme from Mayne IslandIn the spring of 2013, the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, Judith Guichon, visited Mayne Island. Brian was asked to organize events and escort her for the nine-hour tour of the island. Members of the community came together to create a very memorable time for her. This is Brian's story of that day, which he has titled, 'The Visit'.
2021-02-1621 min
The Stories That Brought You HereSouthern Gulf Islands Grandparent Storytelling Series - Carol Guin from Galiano IslandWhen Carol was sixty years old, she decided to get her motorcycle licence. Just a couple of months later, she rode her 250cc motorbike from Ottawa to Galiano Island to visit her daughter. Carol describes what that journey was like and the experiences she had on Galiano island upon arriving.
2021-02-1614 min
The Stories That Brought You HerePender Island Nature Series - Roe LakeWhat does Roe Lake sound like in the hour before sunrise, on the longest day of the year? From the morning silence, a trickle of birdsongs slowly begins to flow, then builds to a crescendo, before ending with the majestic descending rhythm of nature. Please enjoy this field recording that begins at 4 am on June 21, 2020 and hear what Roe Lake has to say.
2020-12-2100 min
The Stories That Brought You HereEpisode 43 - Barbara PenderIn this episode, Barb will speak about her family's lengthy history on the island and how deeply important her visits to Pender were as a young girl. She will also describe her many recent walking adventures, her involvement in the creation of Solstice theatre and give some insight into her time working at the Pender Island Medical Clinic over the past twelve years. All that and much more in a fun chat that was incredibly enjoyable to do. Thanks, Barb.
2020-10-051h 26
The Stories That Brought You HereOur Unique Times Vol. 1 with Paul Widdershoven, Emma Cale, Mathew Des Roches and Niki RobertsStraight up, what a crazy time it has been the last few months. There are so many emotions, worries, thoughts and ideas I've had since the inception of this altered reality. At the start of it, I wondered how I would like to participate in the world with meaning and carry an authentic expression of myself. I personally believe that we are truly the creators of our reality, so how can I help create the world that I would like to live in? The first extended effort in that direction was putting energy into making multiple phone calls every...2020-06-2856 min
The Stories That Brought You HereEpisode 42 - Joy Thierry LlewellynIn this episode, Joy will describe what it was like for her to spend the first 17 summers of life at an isolated fly-fishing tourist camp owned by her parents in Northern Quebec. She will speak about her time teaching screenwriting at the Vancouver Film School and what it was like backpacking around the world for a year with her husband Evan and two children. Plus, Joy will go in-depth describing the multiple hiking adventures she has had on the Camino de Santiago. All that and so much more. Enjoy!
2020-03-181h 24
The Stories That Brought You HereEpisode 41 - Patrick BrownIn this episode, Patrick will discuss his nearly forty year career as a journalist in radio and television. He first began working as a reporter in Montreal in 1976. Four years later, he would be offered a position working out of London, England. The following decade would see him reporting from various war zones, natural disasters and civil uprisings. From Warsaw, Beirut, Manila, Berlin and a host of other international locations, Patrick was on the scene of some incredible historic events, reporting back to Canadian audiences. He will describe experiences and challenges from those years, as well as talk about...2020-01-131h 29
The Stories That Brought You HereEpisode 40 - Lester QuitzauIn this episode, Lester will describe how he developed an intense passion for snowboarding while living in Edmonton as a teen in the eighties. He will share how he first became interested music and go in depth explaining how his music career unfolded over a number of years and experiences. Lester will also talk about his recent interest in yoga, which has led him to becoming a yoga instructor on the island. As well, he will tell the story of how he met his wife, Mae. That and an amazing amount more, in a wonderfully rich and open discussion...2019-12-221h 29
The Stories That Brought You HereEpisode 39 - Steve WrightIn this episode, Steve will give a detailed description as to what it was like growing up as a young boy on Vancouver Island during the fifties. He will speak about why he felt it was important to grow his hair long, become a hippie and hitchhike his way back and forth across North America throughout his twenties. He will talk about more recent travel adventures which include high elevation hiking and climbing trips. Also, he will discuss his almost four decades as a builder on Pender and how building, as well as the island, has changed during that...2019-12-081h 23
The Stories That Brought You HereEpisode 38 - Lauren MannIn this episode, Lauren will discuss how she first began playing piano as a child and how it developed into her writing, singing and performing her own music. This would eventually lead her from playing music as a hobby, into becoming her profession. She will go in-depth describing her career in music which includes touring North America multiple times and recording a number of albums in the process. Lauren will also speak about her current job on the island as artist director of Ptarmigan Arts and detail the many ways this organization fosters the arts on Pender Island. All...2019-11-181h 23
The Stories That Brought You HereEpisode 37 - Monica PetrieIn this episode, Monica will speak about her early years on South Pender, which first began when she visited during the summer at the age of ten. She will go into detail about the years of collaborative fundraising and work involved in purchasing Brooks Point to make it a public space. She will describe her work with POD (Pender Ocean Defenders) and chronicle her thirty-four year career as an early childhood educator. As well, Monica will talk about her involvement with First Nations Reconciliation and her special connection with orca whales.
Thank you to Ptarmigan Arts for supporting thi...2019-11-031h 32
The Stories That Brought You HereEpisode 36 - Paul WiddershovenIn this episode, Paul will describe the events of a medical emergency he had shortly after moving to the island. Through that experience, he came to new realizations about himself and soon changed how he was participating in life. He will talk about living with his wife, Charlene on their boat in Browning Harbour, the very recent death of his father and the bold decision to move from New Brunswick to the West Coast. As well, Paul will explain the importance of wearing yellow glasses. All this and so much more, in a very thought provoking and incredibly reveling...2019-10-211h 13
The Stories That Brought You HereEpisode 35 - Sandy ShreveIn this episode, Sandy will share stories about growing up in Sackville, New Brunswick, speak about her fifteen year career with Legal aid BC, as well she will describe how she created a book of poetry using the words her father wrote in a dairy he kept for five months while working as a merchant seaman in 1936. Sandy will also detail how she was responsible for starting the Poetry In Motion project, a program that made Vancouver the first Canadian city to have an ongoing poetry program on public transit. All that and so much more in a stupendous...2019-10-061h 11
The Stories That Brought You HereSouthern Gulf Islands Heritage Recordings Vol. 2 featuring Connie AuchterlonieWelcome to this very special project dedicated to the voices and stories of long time Southern Gulf Island residents, the second in this series continues with Connie Auchterlonie.
While visiting Pender Island in spring of 1958 for the first time, she met her future husband, Dave Auchterlonie. After getting married and spending their first few years living in Vancouver, they decided to move to Pender in order to raise their three children. Connie will detail what it was like being a young mother on Pender in the sixties, working as a nurse on the island, attending various community...2019-08-2854 min
The Stories That Brought You HereSouthern Gulf Islands Heritage Recordings Vol. 1 featuring Harry BrackettWelcome to this very special project dedicated to the voices and stories of long time Southern Gulf Island residents, the first in this series begins with Harry Brackett.
Raised on Pender Island from his year of birth in 1929, Harry spent his first twenty-five years of life on Pender Island. He will describe his experiences attending school on the island as a boy, fishing salmon with his father, as well as the various jobs he had on Pender as a young man, including logging on various Gulf Islands. This and so much more in this descriptive and historical...2019-08-2852 min
The Stories That Brought You HereEpisode 34 - Steeve LaroucheIn this episode, Steeve will discuss how he and his wife, Dawnda were among the small group of people, who almost twenty years ago, created the much loved New Year's Eve Lantern Festival. He will describe growing up as part of a military family and living in Germany as teenager while his father was stationed there. He will also talk about his various artistic pursuits, how he first became involved with the Solstice theater and what his first ever acting gig was...you'll never guess. All that and more in this wonderful interview. Enjoy.
Thank you to Ptarmigan Arts...2019-07-291h 01
The Stories That Brought You HereEpisode 33 - Amanda LandaIn this episode, Amanda will detail her experiences as the former chef and co-owner of the beloved but now closed, Hope Bay Cafe. She will describe how she developed a passion for cooking, sailing and riding motorcycles. Amanda will also discuss being the proud new co-owner of Southridge Country Store, along with her husband, Rob. She will also let us know the story of how they first met.
Thank you to Ptarmigan Arts for supporting this podcast.
2019-06-111h 02
The Stories That Brought You HereEpisode 32 - Ewa JarosinskaIn this episode, Ewa will discuss her new-found love of photography and her philosophy behind trying to capture people as they truly are. She will speak about her life in Poland before moving to Canada and the working in the construction industry there. As well, Ewa will describe the bike trip she and her husband-to-be took nearly fifty years ago along the mountainous coast of Bulgaria and also talk about her twenty-five years of baking and selling cakes at the Saturday market.
Thank you to Ptarmigan Arts for supporting this podcast.
2019-05-171h 22
The Stories That Brought You HereEpisode 31 - John MilesIn this episode, John will discuss how he wound up becoming the owner of Southridge Country Store and share details about the ups and downs of being a retail business owner on the island for over twenty years. As well, John will talk about his love of Paris, the unfortunate history of heart disease in his family and what made him decide to remain on Pender after he recently retired from the country store business.
Thank you to Ptarmigan Arts for supporting this podcast.
2019-04-1554 min
The Stories That Brought You HereEpisode 30 - Leslie McBainIn this episode, Leslie speaks about being a young hippie growing up in Edmonton and eventually moving to California where she resided for close to three decades. She discusses the hosting duties she has been performing at the monthly Speakeasy for the past ten years, as well, she will also speak about the loss of her son Jordan, who sadly passed away just over five years ago and her subsequent involvement in co-creating Moms Stop The Harm, a nation-wide group aiming towards drug policy change for the purpose of harm reduction.
Thank you to Ptarmigan Arts for support...2019-03-301h 05
The Stories That Brought You HereEpisode 29 - Karl HamsonIn this episode, Karl discusses how he ventured from Canada to New Zealand at the age of twenty and while living there he would begin a journey that would eventually lead him to creating his own business designing and manufacturing automatic case packer machines from his home on Pender Island and shipping them all around the world. Karl also details his passion for restoring and driving Hudson automobiles, his involvement in the Medicine Beach conservancy and he speaks at length about the details involved in building our Community Hall, the design of which was based on the barn on...2019-03-121h 34
The Stories That Brought You HereEpisode 28 - John GowenIn this episode, John shares stories from his forty year career as a musician for the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, which along with performing a countless number of times nationally, also included traveling international many times to perform. John also speaks about his involvement with the Socrates Cafe-a local philosophical discussion group that regularly meets on the island. We also talked books, what it was like for John to teach music and how he met his wife, Liz. If you are a fan of music, I'm pretty sure you are going to love this one.
Thank you to Ptarmigan Arts...2019-02-281h 01
The Stories That Brought You HereEpisode 27 - Andy NowakIn this episode, Andy explains how thirty years ago, he and a group of others on the island helped move and re-create the recycling depot into how we know it today. Andy also discusses his involvement with the Pender Solar Initiative 2020 group, which has worked towards placing solar panels on various buildings on the island. As well, he speaks about his passion for growing his own food, growing up in Germany and how he and his wife, Mary built their combination straw bale & cob house.
Thank you to Ptarmigan Arts for supporting this podcast.
2019-02-0557 min
The Stories That Brought You HereEpisode 26 - Lisa BaileIn this episode, Lisa will share stories about mountaineering trips in the coastal mountains along with her husband, Peter. She will also detail the experiences they had building a log house on the island, discuss the book she wrote about her close friend, John Clarke and Lisa will also tell us some tales from her time growing-up in Lincolnshire, England.
2019-01-1358 min
The Stories That Brought You HereEpisode 25 - Sam BoyteIn this episode, Sam pays homage to his great-grandfather, Bob Bugg. He talks about his experiences attending boarding school, which included many successes playing rugby and led to playing internationally with his team. Sam also speaks about his career in real estate, the close connection he has to Hope Bay, as well, he will detail how he met his wife, Rita.
If you would like to connect, please e-mail me at:
chriswakaluk@hotmail.com
2018-12-281h 05
The Stories That Brought You HereEpisode 24 - Angie BownsIn this episode, Angie talks about her time growing up in Regina, Saskatchewan, which for her included twelve years playing the sport - ringette. She later switched her athletic focus towards rowing and this eventually led her to the West coast. She will also speak about her involvement in the annual Pender fashion show Zooislander, why she found it important to get her holistic nutrition certification, plus Angie shares her thoughts on admiration and mentorship.
2018-12-121h 00
The Stories That Brought You HereEpisode 23 - Andrea SpaldingIn this episode, Andrea discusses her experience writing and along with her husband David, performing on a Canadian children's television program titled, 'Storytime'. She will also share stories of their time as traveling folk music performers, describe in vivid detail parts of her youth spent growing up in Manchester, England. As well, Andrea will speak about how the island has changed in the past thirty years and in the process, honoring many Penderites no longer living on the island.
2018-12-021h 03
The Stories That Brought You HereEpisode 22 - Tim FrickIn this episode, Tim discusses aspects of his coaching career that included everything from working with a young Terry Fox to having phenomenal international success with the Canadian Women's wheelchair basketball team. He also talks about how he and his wife, Gerry are involved with the volunteer organization, German Shepard Rescue of British Columbia. As well, Tim shares stories from his involvement with Rick Hansen's Man in Motion world tour. All that...and his favorite kayaking spots!! How good can it get? Enjoy.
2018-11-201h 02
The Stories That Brought You HereEpisode 21 - Theresa Carle-SandersIn this episode, Theresa discusses how she came upon the idea to create recipes based on the book series, Outlander. This led her to first creating a blog, then eventually developing that into a popular cookbook. She also discusses her time growing up in Vancouver, playing field hockey in those days, the experiences she has had at silent retreats and how she met her husband, Howard.
2018-11-1057 min
The Stories That Brought You HereEpisode 20 - Jo DownIn this episode, Jo talks about his family immigrating from England when he was very young. He speaks about growing-up in Sidney, his love of playing basketball and recounts the details of one of his first jobs, a bingo caller. As well, Jo speaks at length about the outpouring of community support his family received in 2011 when his son was diagnosed with a serious illness.
2018-11-021h 02
The Stories That Brought You HereEpisode 19 - Shelley SarakannasIn this episode, Shelley shares very personal stories about the profound impact the death of her brother had on her life and how it helped her on the path towards a career as a massage therapist. She speaks about her first job on the island, as an end of life care worker She discusses the amazing synchronicity involved with the two different houses she and her husband, Pete have purchased since coming to the island, as well, she tells how she came to meet that great guy over forty years ago.
2018-10-241h 00
The Stories That Brought You HereEpisode 18 - Ben McConchieIn this interview, Ben talks about his passion for music and some of the ways he has helped to foster the music scene on Pender Island. Ben also talks politics and describes his recent involvement with the First Nations community and how it has impacted his life.
2018-10-131h 03
The Stories That Brought You HereEpisode 17 - Ethan SmithIn this episode, Ethan talks about his time working at The Empress Hotel in Victoria and his early career as a radio personality. He also discusses trying to make it as an actor in Calgary and speaks about his lifelong passion for competitive endurance sports. All this and so much more in a really jam-packed episode.2018-09-091h 00
The Stories That Brought You HereEpisode 16 - Josephine SpaxmanIn this episode, Josephine talks about her three amazing siblings, Finnish saunas, her new job as a medical transcriptionist and she describes growing up in Vancouver and being into punk rock! That's right, punk rock with an explanation mark! Fun chat we had in this one...enjoy.
2018-08-151h 01
The Stories That Brought You HereEpisode 15 - Davy RippnerIn this interview, Davy talks about living in San Francisco during the mid-sixties and how it was there, he began working with leather. As well, Davy discusses his over twenty-five year career working with solar technology and also tells his amazing story of dodging the Vietnam War draft in the sixties and how it eventually lead him to flee to Canada.
2018-08-0356 min
The Stories That Brought You HereEpisode 14 - Brent MarsdenIn this interview, Brent describes flying to Pender Island in a float plane during the late-sixties to purchase a lot in Magic Lake Estate, he discusses his background building boats, as well, Brent talks about his involvement, with a group of twenty-six other parties, in bringing the commercial space at Hope Bay back to life after it had burnt down. Plus, I ask Brent where his very fitting nickname originated from.
2018-07-221h 00
The Stories That Brought You HereEpisode 13 - Helen MasonTwo days before she was set to retire from her forty-one year teaching career, Helen talks about her experiences as the kindergarten teacher at Pender Islands Elementary School for the past nineteen years. She also discusses her family's lengthy history with Pender Island, her Scottish heritage, as well, she describes her connection with aboriginal communities she was lead to through her work and the profound impact it had on her life.
2018-07-1155 min
The Stories That Brought You HereThe First Dozen Interviews Compilation EpisodeIn this episode, I have arranged a compilation of excerpts from the first twelve interviews to give a opportunity for people to hear the sound of each person's voice while listening to a clip from their interview. Listed below are the names and start times of each person's segment with a direct link to make it easier to go to that person's interview page. I hope this makes it easier to choose which interviews to listen to and encourages people to listen to interviews they may not have otherwise. Thanks and enjoy!
2:45 Sandy Ollsin
5:20 Julia Nicholls
8:08 Jon Martin
12:32...2018-07-0246 min
The Stories That Brought You HereEpisode 12 - Bruce ButcherIn this interview, Bruce shares stories of his twelve-year career as a journalist for various Alberta newspapers, he tells the tale of his infamous slam poetry performance while getting a tattoo during a talent show at the community hall years ago, as well, Bruce discusses the changes in his life due to recently becoming a diabetic.
2018-06-2358 min
The Stories That Brought You HereEpisode 11 - Sandy OllsinIn this interview, Sandy shares stories about building and living in a straw bale house on the island, she discusses her relationship with storytelling, also Sandy describes her work as a death celebrant and death midwife.
2018-06-1254 min
The Stories That Brought You HereEpisode 10 - Todd BulledIn this interview, Todd shares stories about his time working for the coast guard, he discusses his involvement with the Pender Island volunteer fire department, as well, Todd describes meeting his wife, Deborah and how he got into the family hardware business.
2018-06-0159 min
The Stories That Brought You HereEpisode 9 - Jule RoperIn this interview, Jule shares stories about attending Simon Fraser University during a tumultuous time in 1969, she describes her recent trip to experimental community in Auroville, India prompted by a Pender connection, as well, Jule discusses her thirty year career as a recreation therapist.
2018-05-2154 min
The Stories That Brought You HereEpisode 8 - Jon MartinIn this interview, Jon shares stories about his exit from the corporate world, explains why we should say 'yes' more often and discusses some of the challenges he faced when first moving to the island.
2018-05-1258 min