The Stories That Brought You Here

thestoriesthatbroughtyouhere

Interviews with people living in the Salish Sea. Discover the stories that brought them to this amazing part of the world and the stories that brought them to this point in their lives now.

  1. Episode 75 - Monica Bennett - The Art Of Felting, Remembering Red Tree Gallery & The Impact Of Volunteering

    11/12/2025

    Episode 75 - Monica Bennett - The Art Of Felting, Remembering Red Tree Gallery & The Impact Of Volunteering

    Monica Bennett is a long-time resident, and an incredibly active and passionate community member on Pender Island. In this episode, she shares about her personal journey, philosophy on volunteering, and her involvement in various local organizations. Some of these help to enhance seniors' programming, and to promote the arts. She shares insights into the unique energy and sense of belonging found on Pender, reflecting on how small acts of service and community engagement have shaped both her life and the broader island culture.   Our conversation also dives deep into Monica's artistic pursuits in felting and quilting, as well, her experiences behind the scenes of the now closed, Red Tree Gallery. She provides fascinating details about the art of felting, the evolution of her artistic interests, and the logistics of managing a cooperative gallery.   Enjoy! _________________________________________________________________________ If you are interested in learning more about recording an audio memoir, for yourself, or for a loved one, please click on this, or go to myaudiomemoir.com to find out more. ____________________________________________________________________________ To stay up-to-date with new episodes, here are some of the ways you can subscribe... Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/show/64GCX2abpl8GfJ1AzjPQiB Facebook-https://www.facebook.com/thestoriesthatbroughtyouhere YouTube - YouTube - The Stories That Brought You Here

    1h 36m
  2. Episode 74 - Barry Mathias - Creating Car Stops, Shakespeare Outdoors & The Beginnings Of Talisman Books

    09/17/2025

    Episode 74 - Barry Mathias - Creating Car Stops, Shakespeare Outdoors & The Beginnings Of Talisman Books

    Barry and his wife, Clare moved from England to Canada while in their late forties. They first settled in Victoria, but found some challenges adjusting to aspects of this new change. After a few years, they relocated to Pender Island and soon launched the island’s first bookstore, Talisman Books & Gallery. It would become a local hub for readers, artists, and visitors interested in literature and the arts. Barry will share some stories from these times. As well, describe how he became involved with the Solstice Theatre, through acting and directing. He will also discuss his role in establishing car stops on Pender Island, an initiative that improved accessibility and transportation options for residents by creating designated spots for safe and convenient ride-sharing. Now based in Sidney with Clare, Barry reflects on their years on Pender. He recalls how their contributions—through Talisman Books, theatre, and community initiatives—helped shape the vibrant island community they came to love. ___________________________________________________________________________ If you are interested in learning more about recording an audio memoir, for yourself, or for a loved one, please click on this, or go to myaudiomemoir.com to find out more. ____________________________________________________________________________ To stay up-to-date with new episodes, here are some of the ways you can subscribe... Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/show/64GCX2abpl8GfJ1AzjPQiB Facebook-https://www.facebook.com/thestoriesthatbroughtyouhere YouTube - YouTube - The Stories That Brought You Here

    1h 13m
  3. 07/16/2025

    Episode 73 - Craig Fehr: Life In Rwanda, Volunteering Around The World & Creating Change Through Plumbing

    While in their late-twenties, Craig and his wife, Ruthie, decided to make a big change in their lives. In 2008, they sold their home in Edmonton, packed their bags, and headed out for a year-long trip around the world. One of their major reasons behind this journey, was a desire to discover volunteer opportunities so they could put their individual skills to use. They would wind-up doing this in the countries of Papua New Guinea, Cambodia, and others. Their epic adventure would eventually take them to Rwanda. While there, they experienced a deep resonance with the country. At the end of their year abroad, they returned home to Alberta, with a plan in place to go back. For the next six and a half years, they would make a life for themselves in Rwanda. Craig will detail many of the incredible experiences they had during that time. One of which, was his recognition of the need for employment for vulnerable youth in the country. Craig started a plumbing business that would not only help create jobs for those who needed it, but also, would contribute to creating better plumbing in Rwanda. He will share incredibly in-depth stories about their time in the country, and how it impacted their lives in a wide variety of ways.  ___________________________________________________________________________ If you are interested in learning more about recording an audio memoir, for yourself, or for a loved one, please click on this, or go to myaudiomemoir.com to find out more. ____________________________________________________________________________ To stay up-to-date with new episodes, here are some of the ways you can subscribe... Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/show/64GCX2abpl8GfJ1AzjPQiB Facebook-https://www.facebook.com/thestoriesthatbroughtyouhere YouTube - YouTube - The Stories That Brought You Here

    1h 46m
  4. 05/22/2025

    Episode 72 - Bruce Alexander - Beyond Rat Park, Studying Addiction & Challenging Our Assumptions

    Bruce Alexander is a psychologist and professor emeritus at Simon Fraser University. He actively taught at SFU from 1970 to 2005. In this interview, he will speak about many of the pivotal experiences he had during that time. One of which, occurred during the 70s, while he was volunteering at a methadone clinic in Vancouver's downtown eastside. There, he would engage in conversations with heroin users, and learn more about why they chose to use the drug. These talks would help set him on a path to conducting an experiment that questioned the standard beliefs of the day about drug addiction - The Rat Park Experiment. Bruce will share many interesting stories from his life, and give some fascinating insights about his lifetime search for the truth about addiction. All that, and much more. ___________________________________________________________________________ If you are interested in learning more about recording an audio memoir, for yourself, or for a loved one, please click on this, or go to myaudiomemoir.com to find out more. ____________________________________________________________________________ To stay up-to-date with new episodes, here are some of the ways you can subscribe... Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/show/64GCX2abpl8GfJ1AzjPQiB Facebook-https://www.facebook.com/thestoriesthatbroughtyouhere YouTube - YouTube - The Stories That Brought You Here

    1h 45m
  5. 04/20/2025

    Episode 71 - Gregory Franklin - Photographing Bears Up-Close, The Carving Of A Healing Pole & Building Franklin Castle

    Gregory Franklin has travelled the world photographing bears up-close in the wild. From pandas to grizzlies to polar bears, he has had many unique experiences while taking photographs of these amazing animals. He will explain his process and philosophy that allows him to be in incredibly close proximity with not only bears, but also mountain gorillas in East Africa. He will also speak about how after a tragic circumstance occurred in his life, he felt moved to do something he had never done before. That was to carve a 26-foot tall healing pole on his property. This act of personal healing, had a profound impact on him, but more so, in the lives of many others who have since visited the site it stands on. What would follow for Gregory, was an epic ten-year project–the building of his home, Franklin Castle. Based on 15th and 16th century architecture, and made of limestone, he built this house, brick by brick, almost purely on his own. It is now, not just a place for him to enjoy, but also for the community of Pender Island. Gregory will go into great detail explaining how the building of this amazing structure unfolded over the years, his work with sculpture, and share something special he enjoys doing for others during the Christmas holidays. All that, and so much more. ___________________________________________________________________________ If you are interested in learning more about recording an audio memoir, for yourself, or for a loved one, please click on this, or go to myaudiomemoir.com to find out more. ____________________________________________________________________________ To stay up-to-date with new episodes, here are some of the ways you can subscribe... Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/show/64GCX2abpl8GfJ1AzjPQiB Facebook-https://www.facebook.com/thestoriesthatbroughtyouhere YouTube - YouTube - The Stories That Brought You Here

    2h 1m

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Interviews with people living in the Salish Sea. Discover the stories that brought them to this amazing part of the world and the stories that brought them to this point in their lives now.