"Send us a text about this episode!"

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

This Episode Features:

Live interviews from the Parksville Food Truck Festival showcase authentic summer memories from locals aged 18 to 67. Community members share everything from Burton Cummings concert memories at Black Mountain Boogie in 1978 to modern-day paddle boarding adventures and family beach experiences.

The episode features music spanning from classic Beach Boys summer anthems to contemporary Morgan Wallen tracks. Local residents connect specific songs to Vancouver Island summer experiences, creating a soundtrack that captures the region's laid-back coastal lifestyle.

Episode Highlights & Quotes

"We live in the most beautiful place in the world, and I think if you don't have a boat, find somebody with a boat and drop a line." - Clinton

"You know, the area has so much to offer... the ocean, the mountains, nature, and honestly, it's just tranquil. Like you don't have all the hustle and bustle of the mainland. So it's real serenity." - Tammy

Text us about this episode: Send us a text

Voice message: Voice message The PULSE and be part of the podcast!

You'll find all episodes of The PULSE Podcast on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, iHeart, TikTok and YouTube podcasts, as well as PULSECommunity.ca.

Click here to learn how to Support the show

Episode Sponsors: Windsor Plywood French Creek, Ian Lindsay & Associates, Thrifty Foods Parksville, Oceanside CWeed, & Parksville Beachfest.

Check out Skookum Kid's Stories on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, iHeart, and YouTube Podcasts, as well at SkookumKids.com.

Sign up for our weekly newsletter of new podcast releases and contests!

"Like, Share & Listen!"

#PulseCommunity, #PulsePodcast, #ParksvilleSummer, #VancouverIsland #ParksvilleFoodTruckFestival, #SummerActivities, #ParksvilleBeachFest

Song Credits

Support the show

"Send us a text about this episode!"

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

This Episode Features:

(15:42) Teen Democracy Champion Janelle van Dongen shares her extraordinary journey from interviewing MPs in grade 3 to representing British Columbia at the Forum for Young Canadians. Janelle discusses founding "100 Kids for Change" and working as a deputy returning officer, proving that Vancouver Island youth are leading civic engagement despite not being old enough to vote.

(28:15) Sean Wood, Parksville City Councillor and Nanaimo Regional Hospital District Board member, explains how heart attack patients north of the Malahat face life-threatening delays without a cardiac catheterization lab, while the promised $1.8 billion Nanaimo hospital project disappeared from provincial budget despite 2024 election promises.

Episode Highlights & Quotes

"Democracy is only as good as the people who choose to participate in it... we cannot have a government, we cannot have a democracy without the people participating in it." - Janelle van Dongen, Teen Democracy Advocate

"The BC NDP, BC United, BC Conservatives made public promises during 2024 election to move forward with the patient tower and the cath lab in Nanaimo... March came and the project was nowhere to be found on the provincial budget." - Sean Wood.

Voice message: Voice message The PULSE and be part of the podcast!

You'll find all episodes of the The PULSE Podcast on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, iHeart, TicTok and YouTube podcasts, as well as PULSECommunity.ca.

Click here to learn how to Support the show

Episode Sponsors: Oceanside CWeed, Windsor Plywood French Creek, Ian Lindsay & Associates & Parksville Beachfest.

Check out Skookum Kid's Stories on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, iHeart, and YouTube Podcasts, as well at SkookumKids.com.

Sign up for our weekly newsletter of new podcast releases and contests!

"Like, Share & Listen!"

#VancouverIslandHealthcare, #ThePulseCommunity, #PulsePodcast, #ParksvilleQualicumBeach, #YouthDemocracy, #NanaimoHospital, #MidVancouverIsland

Support the show

"Send us a text about this episode!"

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

This Episode Features:

(10:37) Legendary Artist Robert Bateman, the celebrated 95-year-old artist and naturalist, shares stories from his current exhibition "Mid-Century Bateman" running until August 31st at the Cowichan Valley Museum. Bateman reflects on his early painting trips to Vancouver Island, his conservation philosophy, and offers his unique perspective on balancing screen time with outdoor experiences. His lifelong connection to Vancouver Island's natural beauty continues to inspire his work and environmental advocacy.

(29:28) The Real SS Minnow's Vancouver Island Mission, Ken Schley of Qualicum Beach reveals how he acquired the authentic SS Minnow from the classic TV show Gilligan's Island and is keeping this piece of television history alive on Vancouver Island. Schley explains how he transformed the boat into a dedicated fundraising vessel that has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for local charities. He shares stories about Dawn Wells (Mary Ann) visiting the community and the incredible public response to this beloved piece of pop culture.

Episode Highlights & Quotes

"I couldn't believe it. I couldn't believe grown men crying - on their knees. You'd have to see it to believe it." - Ken Schley describing Dawn Wells' visit

"I started to call what we're doing to the planet was turning it into an instant pudding world in which Joe Blow & Associates made your world for you." - Robert Bateman

The episode also includes community announcements about the ParticipACTION Community Challenge with free fitness classes throughout June, plus upcoming summer events across the Parksville-Qualicum region.

Voice message: Voice message The PULSE and be part of the podcast!

You'll find all episodes of the The PULSE Podcast on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, iHeart, TicTok and YouTube podcasts, as well as PULSECommunity.ca.

Click here to learn how to Support the show

Episode Sponsors: Tablet Pharmacy, Windsor Plywood French Creek, Ian Lindsay & Associates and Thrifty Foods Parksville.

Check out Skookum Kid's Stories on Apple, Spotify,

Support the show