Pharmacist Aki Shaw is co-owner of Tablet Pharmacies in Parksville, Qualicum Beach and Nanaimo. Aki studied for an MBA in Australia and Master's in Public health in Canada.

At sixteen, he left Montreal with forty dollars and a cracked guitar. He walked into New York's Brill Building and emerged with "Sugar, Sugar" and "Rock Me Gently"—songs that sold thirty million records. Now an Officer of the Order of Canada, Andy Kim brings his legendary Christmas charity show to the River Rock Casino in Vancouver for the very first time.

Bill Henderson is a singer, songwriter, music producer, member of the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame and front man for Super group Chilliwack. Bill Henderson is a Member of the Order of Canada. In 2019, Chilliwack was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame.

Bob McDonald is an Author and Science journalist and a member of the order of Canada. He is the Host of Quirks and Quarks.

Blues Musician Brandon Isaak's album "One Step Closer" was nominated for a Juno Award for Blues Album of the Year in 2024. He's toured for over 37 years including 13 European tours and is on an extensive tour of Western Canada that started and ends on Vancouver Island.

Brian Webber of Fireside Books in Parksville had 28 year career in large retail before purchasing Fireside Books, 8 years ago. 

Brian Wiese is President of the Qualicum Beach Legion, former Mayor of the Town of Qualicum Beach and a retired firefighter.

Brian Wilford worked as a print journalist in for thirty-five years before retiring. He has been deeply concerned about climate and environmental issues for many years. Since humour often cuts through political noise, Wilford harnesses it to full effect in Rise of the Jellies, his first novel.

Captain Canada, whom could be seen for many years in the Parksville, Qualicum Beach area, especially in the Canada Day parades and other events, has come out of retirement. 

Ceri Peacey of the Hamilton wetlands and Forest Preservation Society talks about the efforts to purchase the Hamilton Marsh and the surrounding forest, 360 hectares — for permanent conservation. $7.5 million will need to be raised to secure the property.

Charlene Smith is the first Executive Director of the Parksville Qualicum Community Foundation. A certified fundraising professional with extensive experience across Vancouver Island's non-profit sector, Charlene brings passion to an organization celebrating 25 years of transforming lives through local philanthropy.

Chelah Horsdal, best known for her award-winning role as Helen Smith in 'The Man in the High Castle', has appeared in a wide range of roles from 'Hell on Wheels' to 'Star Trek: Discovery’. She's also a producer, writer, and a passionate advocate for women in the industry."

Cheryl Dill is the longtime president of the Parksville Beach Fest Society.

Chris Burger is a former Mayor of Parksville and owner of the Meadwood Store. The store is located at a well-known “hot spot” for Sasquatch activity in Parksville Qualicum Beach. The nearby ridge has a long history of sightings and encounters dating back to the turn of the century. Recently there have been sightings at the nearby creek.

Chris Denford, is President of Berwick Retirement Communities on Vancouver Island. Berwick Qualicum Beach has been honoured as a top senior living community in North America for the 3rd time.

Clinton Nellist is a Storyteller and Podcaster. Clinton is a graduate of KSS who grew up in the Parksville Qualicum Beach area.

Colt Long is the new Resource Development Manager at SOS. He’s lived in Parksville for two years, and on the Island for over 5 years. He’s been fundraising for more than 25 years, and has worked for many social service organizations. 

Connor Lacouvee, a Qualicum Beach native has had an impressive career as a professional goaltender and most recently has started teaching the position at his hockey school.

Dan King is the founder of SparkHouse Coworking, Parksville's first large coworking space that opened recently in downtown Parksville. Dan's vision extends beyond desks and WiFi—he's building a community hub where freelancers, entrepreneurs, and remote workers can connect, collaborate, and thrive together.

The Parksville Community Garden at the MAC is where volunteers grow fresh food for anyone who needs it—no questions asked. Dan LaRocque joins us to talk about how it is teaching gardening, building community connections, and proving that food access can bring neighbors together naturally.

Darin Brown is Chair of Oceanside Ducks Unlimited Canada. He joins the podcast to talk about the Chapter’s upcoming annual fundraising Gala event on November 8th at the Qualicum Civic Center and their support of the purchase and preservation of Hamilton Marsh, a 360 hectares forest and wetland in the French Creek Community watershed.   

Darrell McKay of Campbell River is on his 7th trip as a volunteer to Ukraine and has raised money to send stretchers overseas to help transport the wounded, essentials and medical supplies.

Dave and Kelly Hutchison of Qualicum Beach have collaborated on a photography book - Vancouver Island: The Art of the Landscape as seen by nature and wildlife photographer Dave Hutchison and authored and researched by Kelly Hutchison,.

Blues Singer Songwriter David Gogo of Nanaimo has been named guitarist of the year twice at the Junos, and 3 times guitarist of the year at the Maple Blues Awards, and been nominated 6 times for a Juno Award for Blues Album of the year.

Deb Grey's was Canada's first female Leader of Official Opposition. in 1989, she won a by-election becoming the Reform Party's first Member of Parliament. She served in that position winning four straight elections. Deb and her husband Lewis are happily semi-retired in Qualicum Beach. They enjoy riding their matching motorcycles around Vancouver Island. She continues to travel across Canada addressing groups on leadership, balancing work and play, and relationship building. 

Dr. Tribesty Nguyen of Island Health, is a Medical health officer resident.

Duane Round is the chairman of the Parksville Community Centre Society. The Society is working with Recycle BC for Pop Up Recycling events.

For more than 20 years, Ed Willis was a regular columnist for the province newspaper and covered the Canucks. He has written a new book entitled, Never Boring, The Up and Down History of the Vancouver Canucks. 

Elizabeth May, Member of Parliament for Saanich and the Islands, is the leader of the Green Party of Canada. She is an author, politician, environmentalist, activist and lawyer. 

Fire Chief Nick Acciavatti of Dashwood Fire Department.

Geoff Ball is the executive director of Milner Gardens. Thousands of people enjoy Milner Christmas magic each year and come from all over the island to enjoy the thousands of lights and displays.

MP Gord Johns recently won his fourth term representing Courtenay-Alberni in the 2025 federal election, securing 39.7% of the votes cast. 

Grant Lawrence is a broadcaster, author, musician and goaltender!

Illana Hester is the Executive Director of TOSH, The Old School House Arts Centre in Qualicum Beach.

Iona Whishaw has been a social worker, teacher and an award winning High School Principal, who continued with her writing throughout her working life. The Bestselling author of the Lane Winslow Mystery series, she is a two time Finalist for the Crime Writers of Canada Award.

James Vickers a 15 year old rock blues artist and leader of the James Vickers Band has just released the album “The last Goodbye”.  Last year james travelled to Memphis to represent the Fraser Valley Blues Society at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis. and has been a host of the Queen's Sunday Blues Jam in Nanaimo.

Janel van Dongen is the Chair of 100 Kids for Change. It's an organization for youth, ages 18 and under, spreading positive change in the community through youth philanthropy. 

Jennifer Bate is Executive Director of the McMillan Arts Center, (The MAC) in Parksville.

Jeremy Hotz is an actor and stand up comedian. You know him best from his many appearances on the Just for Laughs Comedy Festival. Jeremy won a Gemini Award for his role on the television series The Newsroom. His dog, Shackleton, is featured prominently in his comedy routines and social media posts. 

Jeremy Humpherville, artist and gallery owner of Coastal Carvings Fine Art Gallery in Coombs.

Jeremy Perkins of the Award Winning French Press Coffee Roasters has two locations, Qualicum & Parksville. Jeremy moved to Qualicum Beach in 2017, emigrating from Yorkshire in the UK.

Qualicum First Nation artist Jesse Recalma is a self taught carver and also devotes his time to painting, digital design, and Indigenous languages.  He holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Philosophy and Liberal Studies.

Tigh Na Mara General Manager, Jim Hykaway and SOS Communications Manager Lissa Alexander talk about the 17th Annual Tigh na Mara Toy Drive. All donations will benefit the SOS Caring for Community at Christmas program, providing gifts for local children and youth, as well as grocery store gift cards for low-income families and individuals.

Jim Moroz of the Seaside Cruizers Car Club talks about the annual Father’s Day Show and Shine in Qualicum Beach. The event has been held for more than 30 years.

Joe Straka is the Vice President of Oceanside Classical Concerts who have created several outreach programs including an instrument lending program for students and a muisic scholarship program. A new program this fall will see Oceanside Classical Concerts live streamed to seniors facilities in the PQB Area.

Jordan is a native of Qualicum Beach who has been working in the healthcare field the past few years. He created an online healthcare business called Care2Talk and recently opened a private healthcare clinic in Oak Bay. Jordan plans to open another private clinic in Qualicum Beach in the spring of 2025.

Award-winning author JP McLean has written eleven supernatural thrillers and urban fantasy novels across three acclaimed series. An Eric Hoffer Award winner and three-time Literary Titan medalist, she writes from beautiful Denman Island.

Kelly Hobbis's family has been deeply affected by blood cancer but has turned their experience into powerful community action. After years of supporting the Leukemia Lymphoma Society and traveling to Vancouver for Light the Night walks, she is organizing Parksville's First Annual Light the Night.

Ken Lavigne was born and raised in Victoria and has attended the University of Victoria and the Victoria Conservatory of Music. He is one of four founding members of the Canadian Tenors.

Ken Neden of Arrowsmith Search & Rescue has been with organization for more than 50 years. The organization recently began a fundraising campaign to purchase a thermal drone. This new equipment, training and software will be used not just in the PQB area, but will be available to any search and rescue team on the Island.

Ken Schley of Qualicum Beach is the co owner of the S. S. Minnow, the iconic boat from the 60's TV show, Gilligan's Island, which makes its home on Vancouver Island.

Former CBC Producer Laura Palmer of Port Alberni is the host of the podcast ‘Island Crime’ a True Crime podcast for listeners who love in-depth, victim focused story telling. she has just launched her 7th season of the highly rated true crime series.

Lloyd Derry is a musician and the Entertainment Director for the Parksville Beach Festival Society.

Margot Holmes is a promoter of Canadian culture for the past three decades through her work in the performing arts. Margot is currently the CEO of the Vancouver Island Symphony, a professional orchestra based in Nanaimo. 

Hip-hop and pop artist Martin Rupprecht of Qualicum Beach, who goes by the stage name of Amarii, signed with Kolossal Records in 2024 and released his first single in early this year.

Meghan Stewart is owner of True North Distilleries. The award winning craft distillery is located in Qualicum Beach. 

Michael Pedersen is the President of the Oceanside Football Association.

Four-time Paralympian Champion Michelle Stillwell is a member of the Canadian Disability Hall of Fame. She has served as an MLA, a motivational speaker and is a past board member of the Rick Hansen Foundation.

Mike Hann is Festival Director for the Laketown Amphitheatre in Lake Cowichan. They are hosting events that include SunFest, the Laketown Amphitheatre with headliners Nickleback and the Cowichan Bluegrass Festival.

Celtic Fiddler Natalie MacMaster is a Cape Breton and Canadian Ambassador for Celtic music worldwide. She is a member of the Order of Nova Scotia and the Order of Canada. 

54-40 has been one of BC’s most enduring bands for more than 40 years. They are members of the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, and are scheduled to release their 15th studio album. Front man and band co-founder Neil Osborne of Gabriola Island joins the podcast to talk about the new album, “Porto”.

Gordon Maurits of the Oceanside Community Safety Volunteers and Jaclyn Tereszko Program Coordinator

Paul Nicklen of Nanoose Bay is a Canadian photographer and marine biologist. Co-founder of SeaLegacy, he documents threatened ecosystems through powerful imagery that connects millions to ocean conservation. His work has earned many awards, including the Order of Canada, BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year and Hall of Fame induction.

Peter Jory is Superintendent of Schools for District 69.

Peter Kent Of Qualicum Beach was a stunt double for Arnold Schwarzenegger for 15 years, including the Terminator movies. He is the first Canadian in the Hollywood Stuntman's Hall of Fame. A former Municipal Councillor in Squamish, Kent is the father to twin boys.

Randy Bachman has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice as a member of the Guess Who and BTO, Bachman Turner Overdrive. BTO is out on the road with dates throughout Canada in 2025, starting with Victoria April 1st.

Robert Bateman of Salt Spring Island is one of Canada's best known artists and naturalists. Robert will be bringing a new show of work to the Cowichan Valley in the spring of 2025.

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.

Robin Mair & Monica Scott of Mint Cleaning of Ucluelet. They recently appeared on an episode of Dragons’ Den and were offered deals from the Dragons.

The two met a few years ago in Ucluelet, then you were opened a retail store, Mint Cleaning, for cleaning products. 

Rod Mickleburgh, is a veteran journalist and co-author of 'John Horgan: In His Own Words'. This deeply candid memoir captures the late BC Premier's remarkable journey from troubled teenager to beloved leader, revealing the man behind the politics through intimate final interviews.

 Roy Henry Vickers is a celebrated First Nations artist known worldwide for his vibrant prints that bridge traditional Northwest Coast art with contemporary style. A Member of the Order of Canada, he owns Eagle Aerie Gallery in Tofino.

Award winning author, Sam Wiebe of New Westminister, is an award-winning and best-selling author of Pacific Northwest crime fiction. He's won the Kobo Emerging Writers Prize and two Crime Writers of Canada awards. 

Sean McCann is one of the founding members of ‘Great Big Sea’, the Newfoundland folk rock band that toured the world. 

Sean Wood is a Parksville City councillor, elected in 2022 to Parksville Council and appointed 2022 to the Regional District of Nanaimo board of directors. He is a member of the Board of the Union of British Columbia Municipalities and was appointed to Federation of Canadian Municipalities Committees. Sean is also a small business owner and served five years as a volunteer firefighter for the City of Parksville.

Shanon Sinn is the author of the haunting of Vancouver Island and editor and publisher a black cat, a collection of eerie tales set in bc’s Pacific Northwest. Shannon received his comics and graphic novel certificate in Victoria and has a writing degree from Vancouver Island University, where he was awarded the Barry Bradford award for journalism. He was the host of folklore Thursday and weird Wednesday on Twitter.

Shari Ulrich of Bowen Island has been performing in British Columbia since the early 70s. A member of the band Pied Pumpkin and the Hometown Band. She has a knack for attracting great musical partners, Bill Henderson, Barney Bentall, Tom Taylor and Roy Forbes, to name just a few. 

Shelley Stouffer of Nanoose Bay is a member of the BC Golf Hall of Fame, she had a stellar 2022 golf season winning the US Seniors Women’s Amateur Championship. Recently Shelley captured her 3rd Canadian Women’s Senior Championship.

Stephanie Higginson is the MLA for the riding of Ladysmith-Oceanside. Stephanie is a former secondary school teacher. She and her husband live on a small farm in Cedar with their two sons.

Steve Patterson is the award-winning host of CBC's hit comedy show The Debaters, now celebrating its 20th anniversary. A headliner since 1997, Steve has performed at Just For Laughs, toured internationally, and authored two books. His sharp wit and masterful hosting have made The Debaters a Canadian comedy institution.

Sylvia Campbell, is the co-founder of the North Island Wildlife Recovery Association along with her husband Robin. Celebrating it’s 40th Anniversary the North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre helps injured and orphaned wildlife on Vancouver Island and is committed to educating the public on wildlife and environmental issues. 

In an age where people rely on the internet for music, communal singing has fallen by the wayside. Sylvia Humble brings people together in song, having created the “Humble Harmony” Community singing groups in 2021.

If you are wondering about what causes so much seismic activity off of Vancouver Island, or when the big one is coming, Vancouver Island Earthquake seismologist Tiami Mulder has lots to talk about.

Teresa Cooper is the Executive Director of The PDBA, or the Parksville Downtown Business Association. 

The Heels is an all BC-female band composed of members Bobbi Smith, Brittni Dominelli and Kyla Rawlins. The trio’s mutual love of singing led them to join forces at a North Vancouver café co-owned by Kyla, where Brittni worked behind the counter and Bobbi was a regular. The Heels released their 2017 debut album, Love, Heels, and lead single, “Come Around,” which garnered them two BCCMA Awards.

Tom Lavin is the legendary frontman of the Powder Blues Band. For over four decades, Tom has been a driving force in Canadian blues and rock, helping shape the sound that emerged from Vancouver's vibrant music scene in the late 1970s. The Powder Blues Band has released numerous albums, toured internationally, and become synonymous with high-energy performances that blend traditional blues with rock and roll swagger. 

The Staff Sergeant of the Oceanside RCMP Detachment is Travis DeCone.

Trish Widdershoven of Nanoose is the fundraising chair for Nanoose Place. The campaign hopes to raise funds to replace the septic system among other improvements.

Singer Songwriter Valdy has earned four Gold Records, 22 singles, won 2 Juno Awards and been named to the Order of Canada. 

Vince Ditrich started playing drums at age five in his father's band and spent 30 years with the award winning band Spirit of the West. Now Vince is an award winning author. First there was The Liquor Vicar. Then the Vicar Knickers, and now the Vicar Vortex, the final installment in the Trilogy series of Tony Vicar.

Parksville-raised performer Zachary Stevenson has brought legendary rock 'n' roll icons back to life on stages across Canada, the US, and Europe. The award-winning actor and musician returns to Vancouver Island this December with his "Holly Jolly Christmas" show, bringing festive rock 'n' roll magic to audiences alongside his wife Molly.