Eat This! Drink That!

Benita Dellelce - an Entrepreneur since 1981 - is a makeup artist, and personal development coach. She owns Charm Plus which prepares anyone and everyone to step forward with their best foot... she also is a model/talent agent. Hundreds and hundreds of Sudburians have benefitted from her advice, guidance, and skills. Join us for a convesation about being the best you can be.

In this episode I have the pleasure of a conversation with Devarati. I met Devarati at Seasons Phamacy on Lorne Street in Sudbury. It was purely by chance, but we seemed to hit it off. She will be guiding meditation this fall at Seasons. I found her words and thoughts comforting; maybe you will also.

Of course everyone loves to hear Italian and eat Italian food... to drink Italian wine too! Ah, Prosecco... Saluti Primitivo! Learning the language can improve not just your travel experiences but your quality of life. Diana Colilli's mandate on the board of directors at the Caruso Club is Culture and Education. She delivers hybrid classes in Italian for a spectrum of learners. Join us for a conversation that explores... "Vuoi parlare italiano?"

Author Laura Tamblyn Watts talks about her recently published "Let's Talk About Aging Parents" here on QOL. This essential guide is not just a unique "how to" but you can jump all around the table of contents and find something you are dealing with right now. Turn to any page and she offers valuable insight - and even humour - in addressing difficult situations.

Don't worry, I know this episode is coming out early. We are though approaching a time for harvests and baskets of peaches give way to counters groaning with frost fearing tomatoes. Was it only 5C last night? My guest for this Thanksgiving special is Gary Petingola. He is a Masters prepared Social Worker, certified to teach Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction. Gary has appeared in previous broadcasts and podcasts to talk about how we can better enjoy life. As Thanksgiving is often seen as a time for reflection and appreciation Gary is an ideal go-to for advice and guidance. Google "Mindfulness on the Rocks" to learn more about his practice and partner, Sheila, and what they offer.

Geologist Hadyn Butler took up a hobby... and then that hobby became so much more. His creations are an expression of a inquiring mind that tackles challenges differently. The results are unique and stunningly spectacular. I've written about Hadyn and now you can listen along to one of several conversations that roam across a wide spectrum of topics that make Hadyn tick.

The world of social media opens up a network of connections and knowledge. Through Twitter (X) and LinkedIn (find her there) I have met new people and connected with old friends. Eniko Dub has worked around the world (including in London's Shard) and now is a content creator, freelance wine writer, and wine marketer. We have a conversation by Zoom on wines of Hungary and the larger playground of enjoying the fruit of the vine.

Want to learn more about garlic? How to grow it? How to cook with it? How to enjoy it? Yes, even where to get garlic ice cream (the answer is at the Ukrainian Centre in Sudbury). My guest in this episode of QOL is Peter McClusky, author of Ontario Garlic: The Story from Farm to Festival. Peter shares garlic's history - starting in central Asia - how it was shunned and now embraced. While Sudbury has its festival at the end of August, Toronto holds it celebration of all things garlic on Sunday September 29th. Visit their website www.torontogarlicfestival.ca for a full list of vendors, participating restaurants... Attend and try garlic desserts, garlic beer, and even expert advice on "... how to keep vampires at bay."

Food banks are playing an ever growing role in the lives of many across all Canadian communities. The need is there year round. Dan Xilon, Executive Director of the Sudbury Food Bank has a plus 20 year involvement in responding to this need. Our conversation is about how to support the Food Bank and how it delivers to the agencies across a large geographic region.

I had an amazing opportunity in interview Canadian singer Beth Nicole Torbert. She is best known by her stage name Bif Naked. This conversation was recorded in August 2024. She will be performing at Pride in the Woods in Lavigne Ontario on the 24th at 7 to 8PM.

In this episode I speak with owner Trent Falldien and chef Jennifer Jusic about their new venture on Notre Dame in Sudbury. They say Sudburians are hungry for the eating option that Vegan Ready presents. We explore their primary motivation for opening and run through the menu items.

I was - and likely still am - a fan of the Sherlock Holmes stories. The fictional character (though it feels he was a real person) has been part of our mystery and crime fighting reading for generations. In his Deerstalker he is easily identified by even young readers. Created by the busy and productive Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, in this episode of QOL I get to have a conversation with Cliff Goldfarb beyond the world of Sherlock. Come along and learn so much more about Conan Doyle and his passions and writing.

Maria Pia Bianchini is a wedding planner. Not your average wedding planner she has delivered weddings "Italian Style" in China (pre-COVID) and she now wants to explore the Canadian appetite for her services. In this program Maria describes her expertise and the elements of the exceptional event she creates with your ideas, budget, venue and expectations. Her company, Ubi Amor, is ready to help you. Our conversation, by Zoom, was recorded in the early summer of 2024.

Getting tickets to a special game or concert? Could be hockey, basketball, baseball or any other sport. You will discover Dawson Reale has what you want. In this episode we learn about more than just the purchase but the mechanics of marketing and the broader entertainment industry as well as the passion fans have for "their team" and favourite artists and bands.

A neighbour handed me a book. Something out of my normal reading spectrum. I was captivated by the content. Dan Rocheleau recounting of his career arc includes undercover work as well a his later years in the OPP motorcycle cadre. I think you will find it fascinating and a a bit like seeing things you don't want to know about. Be prepared to learn about organized crime and its tentacles.

After year of COVID disconnect Kristy Rousseau and I just happened to overlap at the library. Naturally I asked what she is working on these days. "Operation Smile" was her answer. I just had to find out more! In this episode you will hear about how Canadian doctors, local nurses, and so many others share energy and time to change children's lives.

Julie Aube insists I don't beat around the bush. So this podcast is called "Where to Die"! This conversation takes place at the Hospice in Sudbury. Specifically the site is called The Maison McCulloch Hospice. Julie and I have last talked some years ago. The building is the largest of its kind in Ontario. The recent 10 bed expansion doubled the facility's ability to help individuals and families in the last days of a daughter', a father's, a grandparent's, living.

Join me on this visit to talk about Sherlock Holmes and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Collections Specialist at the Toronto Public Library Reference Library, Jessie Amaolo shares her knowledge of the depth of contents (books, manuscripts, photographs, paintings, letters...) in the collection. On the mantlepiece a pipe, and Deerstalker ready for Holmes and Watson to go sleuthing.

Retired Sudbury couple Susanne and Roger Couture love to travel. They are organizing trips that include more than sun and sand (in fact their next trip is Iceland... pack a sweater) and often has an ecological aspect. They have developed a relationship with EF Tours and we have a conversation about the values and safe travel focus of this company no matter the destination.

Matt Bonin found solace and purpose in swimming. He has set himself some incredible goals. Starting out as essentially a non-swimmer he rapidly took on personal challenges. There were specific goals and you can discover part of the story here and do a deep dive into his book "Light from Darkness" released March 2024.