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

This Episode Features:

Live 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

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

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

This Episode Features:

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

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

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

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

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

This Episode Features:

(10:39) Jim Moroz, Seaside Cruisers organizer, shares the incredible impact of the Father's Day Car Show Qualicum Beach, which attracts over 500 classic cars and 20,000 visitors annually. Moroz explains how this beloved Vancouver Island community event has raised more than $38,000 for local charities, showcasing the generous spirit that makes Qualicum Beach special for families and car enthusiasts alike.

(23:26) Sean McCann, Great Big Sea co-founder, discusses his ambitious "Great Big Canadian Road Trip" - a solo acoustic tour covering 10,000 kilometers across Canada. McCann shares his passion for uniting Canadians through music during challenging times, emphasizing how communities from Vancouver Island to Newfoundland can come together despite differences to celebrate shared Canadian values. He appears on Vancouver Island including Parksville.

(01:30) Dave Graham’s fitness journey provides comic relief as the co-host attempts his three-week summer fitness transformation with questionable smoothie ingredients and sporadic workout routines, proving that Vancouver Island lifestyle includes both outdoor adventures and chocolate genetics.

Episode Highlights & Quotes

"What I can do is get in my car, drive 10,000 kilometers and sing 10,000 songs with my fellow Canadians. And the point of it all would be to remember that that's who we are, and that we're not the same, we're different, but we are united under one flag." - Sean McCann

"The joy on the people's faces as they walk through our show and view the cars and you can see them reminding each other that their parents or their relatives had one of those in the old days." - Jim Moroz, Seaside Cruizers

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

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Episode Sponsors: Oceanside CWeed, Windsor Plywood French Creek, Ian Lindsay & Associates & Fireside Books & The Bookwyrm.

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

(10:21) Four-time Paralympian champion Michelle Stilwell shares her advocacy work during National Accessibility Week, discussing her ongoing mission to create inclusive communities. With 10 million Canadians identifying as having disabilities, Stilwell emphasizes that accessibility benefits everyone - from wheelchair users to the senior that has a walker, the mom who uses a stroller to the delivery guy who uses a dolly.

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Sponsors on this episode include; Oceanside CWeed, Windsor Plywood French Creek, Ian Lindsay & Associates and Meadowood Store Garden Store.

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

(14:25) Teresa Cooper, Executive Director of the Parksville Downtown Business Association, shares exciting summer plans including a Food Festival on June 8th featuring 18 food trucks, regular Friday mini food truck festivals, and music events including "Down on the Corner" featuring local musicians.

Community announcements highlight upcoming events including the ParticipACTION Community Challenge in June, the Gather and Griddle pancake breakfast at Meadowood Community Center, the Coombs Community Picnic and the next gathering of the “Elbows Up Movement”.

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You can also voice message The PULSE and be a part of the podcast!

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

Click here to learn how to Support the show

Sponsors on this episode include; Oceanside CWeed, Windsor Plywood French Creek, Ian Lindsay & Associates & The Meadwood Store Garden Centre.

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

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

Bestselling author Sam Wiebe reveals how his Dave Wakeland novels capture Vancouver's soul, from its gentrification challenges to hidden gems, offering insights into the city beyond tourist postcards. “The Last Exile”, is the latest in the series.

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

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Sponsors on this episode include; Meadowood Store Garden Centre, Tablet Pharmacy, SOSD69, Fireside Books & Ian Lindsay & Associates.

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

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

(08:41) Illana Hester, Executive Director of TOSH (The Old Schoolhouse Art Center) in Qualicum Beach, discusses the center's recent accomplishments including a digital archives project funded by New Horizons for Seniors. She highlights art exhibitions featuring local artists Heather Thomas, Steve Casey, and Brooke Emily, as well as summer camps and fall education programs.

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

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Sponsors on this episode include; Meadowood Store Garden Center, Thrifty Foods Parksville, Windsor Plywood French Creek & Ian Lindsay & Associates.

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

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