"Send us a text about this episode!"

Season 2 Premiere of The PULSE Community Podcast features:

(21:26) Neil Osborne, lead singer and co-founder of iconic BC band 54-40 from Gabriola Island, shares tracks from their 15th studio album “Porto”. The Canadian Music Hall of Fame member discusses their old-school approach of testing songs with live audiences before recording, their upcoming tour with Foreigner, and maintaining their record-holding performances at Vancouver's Commodore Ballroom. The Interview includes the new tunes, “Running for the Fence”, “Virgil” and “Go Get em”.

(06:44) Shelley Stouffer, BC Golf Hall of Fame member from Nanoose Bay, discusses her wire-to-wire victory at the Canadian Women's Senior Championship at Nanaimo Club. The three-time champion shares her preparation strategies, mental game techniques, and why she believes young Vancouver Island golfers should learn to play without technology. Stouffer reveals her international goals including conquering the British Senior Amateur Championship.

"My secret isn't really a secret, but it is working out and keeping my mobility up so that I can still swing the club as well as I used to," - Shelley Stouffer, BC Golf Hall of Fame Member

"We wanted a high-energy, live sound to the record... We were all in a room in Portugal, in Porto—a nice big room, you know, playing all at the same time," - Neil Osborne, 54-40 Lead Singer

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

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!"

#ThePulseCommunity, #PulsePodcast, #VancouverIslandGolf, #ShelleyStoufffеr, #5440Band, #CanadianMusic, #ParksvilleQualicumBeach, #GolfChampion

(Running for the fence, Virgil, Go Get Em - Osborne / Merritt / Genn / Johnson)

Support the show

"Send us a text about this episode!"

This Episode Features:

(08:44) Dan Larocque shares the inspiring story behind the Parksville community garden, from its 2022 Agriculture Canada grant origins to becoming a vital social hub. Learn how this barrier-free space produces fresh food for anyone who needs it while teaching gardening skills, building community connections, and bringing neighbors together across generations on Vancouver Island.

(21:37) Elizabeth May, MP for Saanich-Gulf Islands, discusses her decision to step down as Green Party leader after the next leadership race. She explains her proposal for a Council of Canadian Governments modeled after Australia's system, designed to improve coordination between federal, provincial, territorial, First Nations, and municipal governments across Canada.

Episode Quotes:

"We deliberately set out to create a social hub, but we didn't realize that it would become quite as accepted and popular and vital to the community. I think we have people walking through here all the time of all ages, just enjoying the space." - Dan Larocque, Parksville Community Garden

"I think the party needs renewal and we will do better with a change in leadership, but I will not be retiring, and I hope to continue as a member of Parliament for Saanich-Gulf Islands and run again next time." - Elizabeth May

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

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!"

#ThePulseCommunity, #PulsePodcast, #ParksvilleQualicumBeach, #CommunityGarden, #ElizabethMay, #GreenParty, #VancouverIsland, #LocalFood, #Parksville

Support the show

"Send us a text about this episode!"

This Episode Features:

(10:34) Deb Grey, Canada's first female leader of official opposition, shares her incredible motorcycling journey spanning 58 years. From political campaigns on two wheels to cross-country adventures with husband Lewis, Grey offers tips for Vancouver Island riding routes. She discusses their matching Honda Valkyries, memorable trips from the Yukon to Arizona, and that she's never received a speeding ticket.

(37:53) Spark House Coworking founder Dan King explains how his downtown Parksville space is addressing the growing demand for "third spaces" among remote workers. King discusses unexpected users including counselors seeking professional meeting spaces and community organizations needing gathering venues. He explains the technology features, 24/7 access options, and community-building initiatives that set Spark House apart from traditional coworking spaces.

Key Quotes:

"I've been riding 58 years tells you something. A, I'm a good defensive rider, but B, I've been blessed." - Deb Grey on Vancouver Island motorcycling safety

"What we're really interested in creating is a space where you can put your head down, you can get your work done when you want to, but when you come up for air, take a break, you've got the chance to find something that doesn't exist if you're just at home." - Dan King on Spark House Coworking's community vision

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, TicTok and YouTube podcasts, as well as PULSECommunity.ca.

Click here to learn how to Support the show

Episode Sponsors: Ian Lindsay & Associates RE/MAX, Windsor Plywood French Creek and Thrifty Foods Parksville.

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!"

#VancouverIslandMotorcycling, #PulsePodcast, #ParksvilleCoworking, #QualicumBeach, #SparkHouse, #DebGrey, #VancouverIslandLife, #RemoteWorkVancouverIsland, #Parksville, #QualicumBeach

Support the show

"Send us a text about this episode!"

This Episode Features:

(09:11) James Vickers, 15 year old Vancouver Island blues musician shares his journey from a dusty Toys"R"Us guitar to headlining to the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, hosting the legendary Queen's Sunday Blues Jam in Nanaimo, and his vision to revolutionize blues music by blending grunge, rap, and R&B influences while honoring his cultural roots. Contains the tune “Takes Time”, from his new album “The Last Goodbye”.

(31:50) Glass artist Robert Held and digital painter Brian Middleton offer details about "Trip the Light Fantastic," their immersive art experience featuring 150-inch screens, moving images, and interactive light installations at the McMillan Arts Center. This Vancouver Island art collaboration also serves as a fundraiser for vital signs monitors at the Oceanside Urgent Care Center.

Episode Highlights & Quotes

"If ever somebody tells you that you absolutely can't do something, go and do it just to prove them wrong." - James Vickers' advice to other teenagers

"We want people to be changed by it. Come in, take a break from all of the chaos in the world at the moment, and enjoy an experience that's going to improve the quality of life." - Brian Middleton

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, 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 & Thrifty Foods Parksville.

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!"

#ThePulseCommunity, #PulsePodcast, #VancouverIslandMusic, #JamesVickers, #IndigenousArtist, #BluesMusic, #ImmersiveArt, #SalishCoastMusicFestival, #McMillanArtsCenter, #ParksvilleQualicumBeach, #BobHeld, #BrianMiddleton

(Takes Time, Vickers)

Support the show

"Send us a text about this episode!"

This Episode Features:

(08:55) Dashwood Fire Chief Nick Acciavatti provides a look at managing Vancouver Island's largest interface fire in history. From coordinating 300 firefighters across multiple agencies to implementing life-saving FireSmart principles, Chief Acciavatti shares how proper preparation and community support created a successful emergency response that saved hundreds of homes.

(26:36) The PULSE hosts connect with visitors from around the world at Parksville's renowned sand sculpture exhibition. Featuring conversations with tourists from Holland, Alberta, Ontario, and beyond who share why Vancouver Island's relaxed lifestyle and natural beauty draws 119,000+ annual visitors to this world-class Mid-Island event.

Episode Highlights & Quotes

"The fire was literally knocking at their door, and we were able to save their home." - Fire Chief Nick Acciavatti

"It's like I'm always on vacation. I can just pick a weekend and go somewhere for a hike or to just visit a waterfall, and it feels like I'm on vacation." - Visitor turned resident describing Vancouver Island lifestyle

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, TicTok and YouTube podcasts, as well as PULSECommunity.ca.

Click here to learn how to Support the show

Episode Sponsors: Ian Lindsay & Associates, Windsor Plywood French Creek, Fireside Books, & Thrifty Foods Parksville.

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!"

#WesleyRidgeWildfire, #VancouverIslandFire, #EmergencyPreparedness, #DashwoodFire, #ParkssvilleSandSculptures, #FireSmartBC, #ThePulseCommunity, #PulsePodcast

Support the show

"Send us a text about this episode!"

This Episode Features:

(07:20) Oceanside Classical Concerts Community Outreach: Joe Straka details their transformative Vancouver Island music programs including the instrument lending initiative providing free instruments to students whose schools can't afford adequate supplies. The organization has created scholarship programs supporting diverse musical genres and pioneered live streaming concerts to seniors facilities, addressing mobility challenges for elderly music lovers across the Parksville-Qualicum Beach area.

(29:23) The Heels - From Island Roots to International Success: Featuring Qualicum Beach's Kyla Rawlins alongside Bobbi Smith and Brittany Dominelli, discuss their evolution from casual café sessions to being managed by the powerhouse team behind Alabama and Randy Travis. The trio shares insights about their BCCMA awards, opening for major acts, and their mission to create empowering music with healing powers. The interview features the song “High Heels On”.

Episode Highlights & Quotes

"Through our other programs, we spoke with music teachers and they provided us with convincing proof that the schools simply cannot afford to provide enough instruments for their music programs and for all the kids who wanted to participate in music classes. And so a number of kids walk away and they're disappointed." - Joe Straka, Oceanside Classical Concerts

"We got to hang out with Dolly Parton. We got to go to her album release party, but we sat on a couch with her, sang her songs with her. So it really does offer you an incredible range of contacts, I would say, when you have a big team." - Brittni Fiddler

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, TikTok 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 & Thrifty Foods Parksville.

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!"

#ThePulseCommunity, #PulsePodcast, #VancouverIslandMusic,

Support the show

"Send us a text about this episode!"

This PULSE podcast episode showcases the Ballenas Whalers fundraiser and 25th Anniversary homecoming celebration. Featuring Oceanside Football Association President Michael Pedersen discussing the September 6th fundraising dance, plus author Brian Wilford's climate change novel and seismologist Taimi Mulder's tsunami wave analysis for mid-Vancouver Island residents.

This Episode Features:

(07:16) Oceanside Football Association President Michael Pedersen details the September 6th fundraising dance at Jensen Center featuring “Kind of Country” band. The event celebrates 25 years of Ballenas Whalers Football while raising funds for a new field house at Ballenas Secondary School in Parksville. Pedersen explains how thousands of youth have benefited from the local football programs.

(18:16) Retired print journalist Brian Wilford discusses his debut novel "Rise of the Jellies," a satirical science fiction story set in Qualicum Beach. The book uses flying jellyfish as a metaphor for climate change and environmental destruction, drawing from Wilford's 35 years of journalism experience. He explains his creative approach to addressing climate concerns through humor and storytelling.

(15:39) Sidney Seismologist Taimi Mulder speaks about recent 8.8 magnitude earthquake effects, she explains how tsunami waves continue reverberating nine days later, with different impacts on Tofino versus Port Alberni due to geographical factors.

Episode Highlights & Quotes

"This will be a field house that'll be accessible to the greater community at large and really leave a legacy for years to come in the Oceanside area." - Michael Pedersen, President of the Oceanside Football Association

"The book is a satire on the human response to climate change. We've known for a long time the planet was warming and the cause was the emissions of carbon dioxide and methane." - Brian Wilford, Author

"If you are on the outer coast when there is a tsunami warning or a watch or an advisory, I suggest that you be very careful for a good 48 hours afterwards. Many of these effects last." - Taimi Mulder, Seismologist

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: Ian Lindsay & Associates, Windsor Plywood French Creek, Thrifty Foods Parksville, & Fireside Books.

Check out Skookum Kid's Stories on Apple,

Support the show

"Send us a text about this episode!"

This PULSE podcast episode celebrates Vancouver Island community arts through two inspiring local stories. Featuring Sylvia Humble of Humble Harmony community singing groups and photographer duo Dave and Kelly Hutchinson discussing their bestselling book "Vancouver Island: The Art of the Landscape."

This Episode Features:

(10:08) Sylvia Humble, founder of Humble Harmony, shares her inspiring journey from government worker to community singing facilitator. After a cancer diagnosis prompted her career change, Humble created inclusive singing groups across Parksville and Nanaimo where perfection isn't required—just joy and connection. Her Vancouver Island community arts initiative welcomes singers of all abilities, teaching harmony by ear without sheet music.

(20:04) Husband-wife team Dave and Kelly Hutchinson discuss their collaborative photography book covering 600 kilometers of Vancouver Island landscape, from Victoria to Cape Scott. Dave's nature photography spans two decades, while Kelly authored compelling stories behind each image. Their Vancouver Island community arts project has become a bestseller and headed to a second printing, with copies traveling worldwide as gifts.

Episode Highlights & Vancouver Island Community Arts Stories

"I've fallen in love with the idea of community singing — that singing together can be just for the pure joy and connection of it, rather than aiming for perfection or polishing it for performance." - Sylvia Humble, Humble Harmony founder

"I would say it's at least half or more are buying the book as a gift for somebody that has already been here, or somebody that's coming here, or they're sending it to Germany as a gift to somebody that had visited, or Australia — books are going all over the place." - Dave Hutchinson on their photography book's global reach

The episode also highlights upcoming Vancouver Island community arts events:

· Rock the Park: August 8-10 at Parksville Beach Festival

· Coombs Fair: 112th annual fair, August 9-10

· Tim Hortons Concert Series: August 15-16

· Sculpture Light-Up evenings: August 15-16

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: Tablet Pharmacy, Windsor Plywood French Creek, Ian Lindsay & Associates, Thrifty Foods Parksville, & Parksville Beach Festival.

Check out Skookum Kid's Stories on Apple, Spotify

Support the show