Back to Basics Podcast: Events + Community Sukhmani Purewal

I don't think you all are ready for this interview ! Not only is this our second to last interview, (I knoooow!) BUT we get to hear about some truly EPIC community building and learn some major truths about a community that means so much to so many! 

Today we get to hear from the AMAZING Aly Laube of Cushy Entertainment. Aly Laube is an event producer, journalist, and musician living on the unceded Coast Salish territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh peoples. She is a radio host on CitR and CIVL, the associate director of Cushy Entertainment, and the front woman of the local band Primp. In her spare time, she watches horror movies and panics about the ever-looming threat of climate change. As a queer mixed race woman with a glaring inability to keep her mouth shut, Aly is very often in the throes of either rage of passion.

In general, you can catch Aly doing too much all the time. She's reachable at alaubefreelancing@gmail.com Cushy Entertainment is a not-for-profit live arts and entertainment booking and promotional services in Vancouver, B.C. Operated by women focused on holding inclusive and accessible events.

If you know me, or have listened to even one episode of this podcast then you know that books are indeed my best friends. What happens though when you bring a group of book lovers together? What happens when you build a community by and for them? Magic. That's what happens.

To talk about this very magic and so much more, we have the incredible Leslie Hurtig of the Vancouver Writers Fest joining us! Leslie was born into a house of books and has made her career from various points within Canada’s book industry. She has worked for some of Canada’s best bookstores and acted as a sales representative, publicist and foreign rights manager for some of North America’s great publishers. Leslie sat on the Board of Directors for the Vancouver Writers Fest before taking on this role as Artistic Director; a role which she says is her dream job come true.

This was such a fun episode to record and I am so glad you all can also join in on the fun! It's also...our second to last interview ever!!!! We are almost to the finish line, but not just yet so I hope you enjoy this episode and it an add a bit of joy to your day too; as it does mine 3

Our first guest of this season and what a special one. Friends meet Laura Grady. Over the last five years, Laura has worked as the Program Manager for the Arts Council of so-called New Westminster. This role has placed her in the centre of the cultural vibe and growth of the city. Laura has played a lead role in organizing and facilitating a collection of small and large-scale art-based events that have attracted visitors across the Lower Mainland to so-called New Westminster. so-called New Westminster is a city bursting with creative talent, culture, and artistic drive. Laura feels honored to work with and connect artists, makers, and crafters to the community and play a part in supporting their artistic pursuits and passions within the city.

This is such a brilliant episode and I had the best time speaking with Laura about all the incredible the team has done and continues to do to build a community like no other. One where just one gathering can give you friends for life.

Hello Friends! Long time no talk hey? Well no more waiting, we are back and more excited than ever for an extra special season!

Extra special for SO many reasons, but mainly as it's our LAST SEASON and we have some beautiful guests joining us for the sendoff 3 This episode I'll be introducing you to what Season 3 of B2B is all about, the delay in release, and something that we cannot go further on without speaking about. This season is all about "Hey I Just Met You! And Now We're Best Friends.". 

You know that one friend you have. Maybe you met them at a music festival and ever since they've been your go-to tp all things music related. And when it's festival season you are an unstoppable pair. And this is the bond we are exploring this season. The bond that has been created through the power of events. Think about it, without events how many of your community would you have never connected with?

Wow, this episode was just such a complete joy to do! Meet the incredible Natasha Thom of Clearwater Events. After more than 10 years in the events industry, Natasha started Clearwater Events in 2016.  She started the business as a dreamer, wanting to bring people's love stories to life through their weddings.  But drawn back to her roots working with non-profit organizations, she now blends both of her loves.  Using her skillset to amplify organizations' impact, and elevating the EcoLuxe wedding movement. Because the blend of sustainability and luxury IS possible.

In the events world sustainability is something that often goes under the radar, but one aspect of it that we rarely touch upon is that it also applies to our communities as well. Not just the environmentally, but relationship wise. Events (or as I call them, gatherings) are key to sustaining community. Without gatherings ask yourself how else would you bond with your community? This past year has opened many eyes in many ways, and I hope this episode encourages you to do the same!

This is also the second to last episode of Season 2!! It's been such a beautiful ride, and we could not be more excited for what's to come!

It's already here. The season finale of Season 2! A short and sweet episode that also touches on something very important. Right now the AAACPI community is grieving. They are mourning. On March 16th 2021 a white terrorist murdered 8 people in Atlanta, Georgia. 6 of whom were Asian women. They were mothers, sisters, friends, grandmothers, and more. They were targeted for being Asian, for being women, for being sex workers. In Vancouver BC alone there has been a 717% increase in Anti-Asian crimes and racially motivated instances. Many AAACPI seniors have been targeted for these hate crimes and attacks. I've included more resources on the website which I highly encourage everyone to check out!

With this episode we wrap one season, and will go right into producing season 3! If you hear the episode you'll know what it's about ;) Until next time friends! Take care and stay safe!

Cheers!