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Why You Should Listen to This Episode: If you've ever watched someone struggle to reach the beach, navigate a cracked sidewalk, or find a parking spot that simply doesn't exist — this episode will change how you see your own community. Ralph and Maggie Tietjen of Access Oceanside Association bring hard numbers, personal heartbreak, and genuine hope to the conversation about what it would take to make Parksville the most accessible community in Canada. And when Vancouver journalist and author Steve Burgess explains why reusing dental floss is a philosophical statement — not just a habit — you'll find yourself rethinking what you actually need to live a life you love.

This Episode Features:

(27:30) Steve Burgess is a Vancouver writer, broadcaster, former CBC host, contributing editor of The Tyee, and two-time Canadian National Magazine Award winner. After more than three decades of living well in one of Canada's most expensive cities — not by earning more, but by thinking differently — Steve has channelled that philosophy into his new book, Cheapskate in LotusLand: a personal guide to the philosophy and practice of living well on less. From Freeganism to frugality as freedom, Steve challenges readers to rethink their priorities and design the life they actually want — no budget required.

(06:45) Ralph and Maggie Tietjen are with Access Oceanside Association, a nonprofit working to raise awareness and break down barriers for residents and visitors in the Parksville Qualicum Beach region. After losing her leg, Maggie found herself excluded from the very beach she loved. Together, she and Ralph have been surveying local businesses, hotels, and public spaces, advocating for accessible parking, sidewalk improvements, beach access, and more. Their goal: to make Parksville a national model for inclusion.

Episode Quotes:

"One in five households have an accessible parking tag. It's like a badge of honour in this area. So if you look at any parking lot and you think of one in five — persons with disabilities in some shape or form — the amount of parking spaces around, it's tough to get a spot." — Ralph Tietjen, Access Oceanside Association

"Frugality is a necessary skill of creative people. My life is not going to be about increasing my income. It's going to be about how can I get by doing what it is that I want to do." — Steve Burgess, Author, Cheapskate in LotusLand

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In this episode of Nonpartisan Hacks, Joel Grenz and Sean Wood sit down with George Anderson, MLA for Nanaimo-Lantzville, former Nanaimo city councillor, commercial lawyer, and Parliamentary Secretary for Transit. Anderson shares what it was like being the youngest person at the council table by four decades, how he went from door-knocking to Treasury Board, and what he believes is the most expensive material in home construction today.

The conversation spans Anderson’s private member’s bill on building approvals, the mechanics of how private members’ bills actually work, the future of Vancouver Island rail, and why government is like a supertanker — it takes time and patience to change direction.

Episode Highlights:

What it’s like being a 20-year-old councillor when the next youngest colleague is 60

How a transportation master plan built over a decade ago still guides Nanaimo today

The step-by-step process of how a private member’s bill becomes law in BC

Why professional reliance in building approvals could speed up housing construction

What the Parliamentary Secretary for Transit actually does

How BC’s ports connect Saskatchewan grain to Sapporo beer

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Why You Should Listen to This Episode

If you've ever had life take a turn you didn't choose, this episode is for you. Dr. Erica Harris received a two-month terminal diagnosis in 2012 and somehow turned that devastating detour into the most purposeful chapter of her life. Her story isn't about toxic positivity — it's about the raw, honest work of surviving, finding meaning, and ultimately thriving. The message from her son that kept her going during her darkest moments alone is worth the listen.

In this episode:

Faced with a two-month terminal diagnosis in 2012, Dr. Erica Harris didn't simply survive — she emerged transformed. In this conversation, she opens up about how her life changed in the years that followed, and the inspirational message from her son that kept her going during the darkest of moments.

Today, Dr. Harris is the Founder of RiseToday.com where she serves as a TedX International Speaker, a Motivational Life Coach, a #1 Best Selling Author, and the Host of the Rise Today Inspirational Podcast. Her mission is to open up the conversation about hardship, equip others with the tools to stay the course, and help people thrive like never before.

You'll find The PULSE Community Podcasts at: https://thepulsecommunity.ca

Cindy Thompson's website: https://cindythompsoncounselling.ca

Learn more about Dr. Erica Harris: https://www.risetoday.com

Episode Sponsor: Tablet Pharmacy — https://tabletpharmacy.ca/

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Why You Should Listen to This Episode: If you've ever air-guitared to "I Like to Rock," wondered what it takes to build a brand over five decades, or just love hearing stories that remind you why mid-Island life is something special, this episode delivers. Lloyd Derry pulls back the curtain on the most exciting Beach Fest summer concert series in Parksville's history — including a mystery concert that will be the biggest show the area has ever seen. And “PD” Ducommon's story of building Canada's oldest skateboard brand from a Nanaimo bedroom to Qualicum Beach’s international headquarters is the kind of origin story you don't forget.

This Episode Features:

(23:35) Peter "PD" Ducommon has been shaping skateboard culture since first stepping on a board in Nanaimo in 1974. As founder of Skull Skates — Canada's oldest skateboard brand — and PD's Hot Shop, he has spent over five decades bridging skateboarding, snowboarding, art, and music. With locations that have spanned Hollywood's Melrose Avenue, North Vancouver, downtown Vancouver, and a partner shop in Gifu, Japan, PD has recently moved Skull Skates' international headquarters to Qualicum Beach, just up the road from where it all began. The Qualicum Beach shop is home to a Pop Culture Museum showcasing five decades of skateboarding history. skullskates.com

(08:00) Lloyd Derry is the Entertainment Director of the Parksville Beach Festival Society and the creative force behind one of mid-Vancouver Island's most beloved summer traditions. This year, the BeachFest opener features April Wine — the legendary Canadian rock band with over 20 albums. The Tim Hortons Free Summer Concert Series returns with eight free outdoor concerts across July and August. Mid-Island Co-op BeachFest Rocks begins August 7th, with an incredible roster of world-class tribute acts. And Lloyd teases one more major announcement: a mystery concert on August 21st that he calls "the single biggest concert in Parksville's history" — to be revealed April 7th. Get tickets and full lineup details at parksvillebeachfest.ca and the McMillan Art Centre Box Office.

Episode Quotes:

"We've never had a business plan — other than to get up every day and make cool things happen. Dedication is our gimmick." — Peter "PD" Ducommon, Skull Skates founder

"Where else, for that kind of money, do you sit in an idyllic setting such as our beautiful Community Park, with a world-class facility, listening to world-class entertainment?" — Lloyd Derry, BeachFest Society

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Why You Should Listen to This Episode

If you've ever felt like stress was getting the better of you, or wondered whether resilience is something you can actually learn, this conversation is for you. Serena brings both professional expertise and genuine personal vulnerability — a rare combination. Whether you're a student navigating an overwhelming season, a parent watching your kids struggle, or simply someone looking for a more grounded way to move through difficulty, this episode is a reminder that resilience isn't about toughening up — it's about understanding yourself more deeply.

In this episode:

Serena Klaver joins A Resilience Project to share the inspiring work she and her co-facilitator have been doing on Vancouver Island — bringing the My True Resiliency workshop to university students across the region.

As a professional planning consultant, Serena has developed a program that gives students a practical toolkit for building resilience. The workshop helps participants tap into habits and skills for understanding their emotional needs, while developing healthy responses to stress. She and her co-facilitator have been delivering this program to universities across Vancouver Island, meeting students where they are and giving them meaningful tools to carry forward.

Beyond the workshop, Serena speaks with the kind of hard-won wisdom that only comes from lived experience. In this episode, she opens up about her own journey through loss — and what she has learned about herself along the way.

You'll find The PULSE Community Podcasts at https://thepulsecommunity.ca

Cindy Thompson's website: https://cindythompsoncounselling.ca

Learn more about Serena Klaver: https://www.serenaklaver.com

Episode Sponsor: Tablet Pharmacy — https://tabletpharmacy.ca/

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

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Why You Should Listen to This Episode: This one has real range — and real heart. If you've ever loved a blues-rock record, been curious about what drives a local business community, or just wanted to hear two genuinely fascinating people share their stories, this episode is for you. Colin James opens up in a way you rarely hear from a musician of his stature — honest, funny, and reflective. And Dr. Omar Karim brings an energy and global perspective to local business that will leave Parksville listeners genuinely excited about what's coming.

This Episode Features:

(30:42) Colin James is one of Canada's most celebrated blues-rock guitarists — an eight-time Juno Award winner with 21 records and a career spanning more than four decades. His Chasing the Sun Tour brings him to Vancouver Island this spring, with shows in Sidney, Qualicum Beach, Port Alberni, and Campbell River. Colin sits down with The PULSE to talk about recovering from a serious car accident, writing his upcoming memoir, touring with Terra Lightfoot, a riverboat concert on the Douro River in Portugal and what it means to return to Vancouver Island — a place he calls close to home. https://colinjames.com/events/

(07:45) Dr. Omar Karim is a professor, global leadership architect and the new interim executive director of the Parksville and District Chamber of Commerce. With an MBA, a Master's in international business, and a doctorate in higher education, Dr. Karim brings a fresh and ambitious vision to one of Parksville Quaicum’s most vital business organizations. He joins The PULSE to talk about the Chamber's newly launched youth membership pass for ages 13–30, a revamped digital membership website, the return of the Business Excellence Awards on April 9th, a new Entrepreneur Hub offering shared services for small businesses on Vancouver Island, and an emerging international partnership that could put Parksville on the global stage. https://www.parksvillechamber.com/

Episode Quotes:

"Just remaining grateful for being able to do what I love for a living — after 21 records. Stevie got cut short and didn't have that opportunity." — Colin James on Stevie Ray Vaughan

"What we're trying to do is create a platform that is welcoming, inclusive, and provides accessibility and opportunities for learning and professional development for our membership." — Dr. Omar Karim

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What does it actually take to get something into a government budget?

In this episode of Nonpartisan Hacks, Joel Grenz and Sean Wood go behind the scenes on Sean’s multi-year advocacy journey to increase the Volunteer First Responder Tax Credit — first at the federal level, then provincially in British Columbia. From jogging past the fire hall in Parksville to sitting in the legislature on budget day, it’s a story about persistence, relationships, and pulling every lever you can find.

Plus: it’s the show’s first-ever video episode and there’s a new way to pitch in. Joel’s agency built GiverLever, a WordPress donation plugin for nonprofits, campaigns, and creators, and you can take it for a spin by supporting the podcast, or back a specific episode you think deserves more listeners by contributing directly on that episodes page on the website.

Episode Highlights:

How Sean took an idea from a failed federal campaign to two government budgets

What budget day actually looks like inside the BC legislature, including the media “lockup”

Why advocating from multiple channels at once is the key to getting things done

The real cost difference between volunteer and paid fire departments — and why it matters for your property taxes

How a casual conversation with the Minister of Finance at a UBCM reception fits into the bigger advocacy picture

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Cyprine Omollo joins A Resilience Project to share a remarkable and deeply moving story of personal transformation and community impact. As Program Manager of Clean Start Kenya, Cyprine leads an organization dedicated to helping women and girls successfully transition back into society after serving time in prison or juvenile detention.

Cyprine's journey begins from a place of profound vulnerability. Having been imprisoned herself after falling into debt and being unable to repay it, she witnessed firsthand the desperate plight of women, girls, and children behind bars. After spending six months in Langata Women's Maximum Security Prison, Cyprine became one of the first recipients of the newly founded Clean Start program

Her story is one of turning hardship into purpose, and of refusing to let the circumstances of the past define the possibilities of the future.

You'll find The PULSE Community Podcasts at: https://thepulsecommunity.ca

Cindy Thompson's website: https://cindythompsoncounselling.ca

Learn more about Clean Start Kenya: https://cleanstartkenya.com

Episode Sponsor: Tablet Pharmacy — https://tabletpharmacy.ca/

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#CyprineOmollo #CleanStartKenya #ResilienceProject #VancouverIsland #ParksvilleQualicum #WomensEmpowerment #ThePulseCommunityPodcast #CindyThompson

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