The Pulse

Dave Graham & Peter McCully

LISTEN UP! Whether you're a longtime local or just discovering our corner of paradise On Vancouver Island in Parksville Qualicum Beach, Nanoose, Arrowsmith Coombs or Lighthouse Country - tune in to the Pulse. The Pulse Community Podcast tells the stories of the people and places that make our coastal communities unique. SIGN UP! Subscribe now to catch every episode!

  1. Award-Winning Songwriter Terra Spencer & Parksville's Volunteer Firefighter Recruitment

    3D AGO

    Award-Winning Songwriter Terra Spencer & Parksville's Volunteer Firefighter Recruitment

    "Send us a text about this episode!" This Episode Features: (19:00 ) Terra Spencer, 2025 Music Nova Scotia Entertainer of the Year, shares her remarkable journey from funeral director to folk musician. The singer-songwriter discusses her album Sunset, which explores love's arc from beginning to end, and her collaborations with Canadian folk legends David Francey and Stephen Fearing. Spencer reveals how working with grieving families in Nova Scotia influenced her intimate songwriting style. The Interview contains the song “East to West”with Stephen Fearing of Victoria. Spencer is playing Parksville & Quadra Island: https://terraspencer.ca (07:30) Assistant Fire Chief Cam Cruikshank discusses Parksville Fire Department's volunteer firefighter recruitment program. The department has 42 dedicated on-call members serving the Parksville area. Cruikshank explains the comprehensive six-month training process for volunteer firefighters and reveals how local mid-Vancouver Island businesses support their employees who balance emergency response with regular employment. More at: https://www.parksvillefirerescue.ca Episode Quotes: "I didn't expect to be a funeral director either. Got recruited because I was hired on as the organist a long while back... If you want to learn about human relationships and the gamut of emotions, that's one fast way to do it." --- Terra Spencer "One thing that we always hear from our members is that they don't realize how rewarding it is, especially when you work in your community as a volunteer firefighter. You get to know a lot of people, your friends and neighbours, and then a chance to give back." --- Cam Cruikshank, Parksville Fire Department Voice message: Voice message The PULSE and be part of the podcast! You'll find all episodes of The PULSE Podcast on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, iHeart, TikTok, YouTube, and ThePulseCommunity.ca Click here to learn how to Support the show Episode Sponsors: Thrifty Foods Parksville, Fireside Books, Windsor Plywood French Creek, Ian Lindsay & Associates Check out Skookum Kid's Stories on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, iHeart, and YouTube. Sign up for our weekly newsletter of new podcast releases and contests! "Like, Share & Listen!" Support the show

    46 min
  2. Tennessee Titans, Championship Weekend & Nashville Game-Day Food

    3D AGO

    Tennessee Titans, Championship Weekend & Nashville Game-Day Food

    "Send us a text about this episode!" BIG NEWS: F3 is heading back to San Francisco for Super Bowl 60 for Radio Row, fan chats, and food-first storytelling! BONUS RECIPE: Download Chef Jonathan Frazier’s Nashville Hot Chicken Sliders: https://bit.ly/S1EP15FootballRecipe This week on the F3 Podcast — Football, Fantasy & Food, Erin and Chef Jonathan Fraser break down Championship Weekend as the NFL closes in on Super Bowl 60 in San Francisco. Seattle hosts the Rams in a high-octane NFC showdown, while New England faces a battered Denver squad after the Broncos lose their starting quarterback. Can a backup QB pull off the upset, or are the Patriots destined for another Super Bowl run? Spotlight Team: the Tennessee Titans. The hosts dig into one of the NFL’s most historic franchises — from their Houston Oilers roots to Derrick Henry, Warren Moon, and what went wrong in a brutal 3–14 season. With Robert Saleh now in charge, is a rebuild finally underway? On the food side, it’s all about Nashville heat and Southern comfort. Pick of the Week: Nashville Hot Chicken Sliders — crispy, spicy, tangy, and built for game day. Next week: live coverage begins from Super Bowl week in San Francisco. Special Thanks to Our Sponsor: Thrifty Foods Parksville for supporting ThePulseCommunity.ca. Looking for more Vancouver Island Podcasts? You'll find all episodes of The PULSE Community Podcast on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, iHeart, TikTok and YouTube podcasts, as well as ThePULSECommunity.ca. Sign up for our weekly newsletter of new podcast releases and contests! "Like, Share & Listen!" #F3Podcast, #PulseCommunity, #VancouverIsland, #FootballAndFood, #TailgateEats, #NFLPlayoffs, #TennesseeTitans, #SuperBowl60,#GameDayEats Support the show

    25 min
  3. Grant Lawrence's Stories & Songs Tour Returns to the Islands & Diane Moran's Mindfulness in May Youth Art Exhibition

    JAN 20

    Grant Lawrence's Stories & Songs Tour Returns to the Islands & Diane Moran's Mindfulness in May Youth Art Exhibition

    "Send us a text about this episode!" This Episode Features: (07:07) Grant Lawrence, CBC broadcaster, bestselling author, and musician, discusses his upcoming Stories & Songs tour bringing Jill Barber (his wife), Joel Plaskett, Danny Michel, and Desiree Dawson to intimate Vancouver Island venues including Errington, Tofino, and Mayne Island. Lawrence shares his touring philosophy of performing only in meaningful destinations he'd want to visit himself. The former Smugglers frontman reveals exciting news about his 12-year-old son's band Blue Jay Valley becoming Canada's youngest signed band, The Smugglers' 30th anniversary vinyl release with mustard-and-ketchup splattered records, and upcoming boat-access-only concerts through Desolation Sound this July featuring Joel Plaskett and Jill Barber. (26:55) Diane Moran, visual artist and founder of Mindfulness in May, discusses her annual youth art exhibition empowering students in grades 5-12 across District 69 to express themselves through visual art, photography, and literary submissions. This year's theme explores empathy and kindness during BC Youth Week and National Mental Health Awareness Week. The exhibition takes place at Qualicum Beach Library, details here: https://mindfulmay.artistquarter.com/ Episode Quotes: "The rule that I created for myself was that I only wanted to do the show in places that I would want to go to, that I would want to spend time in, and nice, smaller places—places that you would go for a weekend or out-of-the-way places that you would want to check out." — Grant Lawrence "It was basically a piece of cardboard that a person who was homeless might sleep on and they took charcoal and pastel and drew this amazing piece. When I saw this, I thought, how clever, how human, how real?" — Diane Moran Text us about this episode: Send us a text Voice message: Voice message The PULSE and be part of the podcast! You'll find all episodes of The PULSE Podcast on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, iHeart, TikTok, YouTube, and ThePulseCommunity.ca Click here to learn how to Support the show Episode Sponsors: Tablet Pharmacy, Ian Lindsay & Associates, Thrifty Foods Parksville, Fireside Books Check out Skookum Kid's Stories on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, iHeart, and YouTube. Support the show

    47 min
  4. The Art of Mayoring with Nicole Minions of Comox

    JAN 20

    The Art of Mayoring with Nicole Minions of Comox

    "Send us a text about this episode!" In this episode of Nonpartisan Hacks, Joel Grenz and Sean Wood sit down with Mayor Nicole Minions of Comox to talk about leadership at the municipal level, and how governing really works when you move from being one vote at the table to chairing the meeting. Minions reflects on becoming mayor by acclamation in 2022 under extraordinary circumstances, what surprised her most about the role, and why “mayoring” is less about power and more about facilitation, decorum, and trust. From public hearings with hundreds of residents to regional collaboration across the Comox Valley, the conversation digs into the skills that separate functional councils from dysfunctional ones.  Recorded in Sean’s kitchen (fresh bread included) the discussion ranges from core services and infrastructure financing to Bee City designations, asset management, working with opposition MLAs and MPs, and why most of the mayor’s real work happens far from the spotlight. Episode Highlights:  What actually changes when you become mayor Why facilitation matters more than force at the council table How to run public hearings without letting them derail The difference between core services and the “extra” 10–20% that signals values Why good governance is often invisible until it fails Text us about this episode: Send us a text Voice message: Voice message The PULSE and be part of the podcast! You'll find all episodes of The PULSE Podcast on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, iHeart, TikTok and YouTube podcasts, as well as PULSECommunity.ca. Special Thanks to Our Sponsor - Ian Lindsay & Associates. Check out Skookum Kid's Stories on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, iHeart, and YouTube Podcasts, as well at SkookumKids.com. Sign up for our weekly newsletter of new podcast releases and contests! Click here to learn how to Support the show "Like, Share & Listen!" #PulseCommunityPodcast #BCConservatives #NicoleMinions #ThePulseCommunity #SeanWood #JoelGrenz #ParksvilleQualicumBeach #NonPartisanHacks Support the show

    53 min
  5. Arizona Cardinals, Championship Weekend & Southwestern Game-Day Food

    JAN 20

    Arizona Cardinals, Championship Weekend & Southwestern Game-Day Food

    "Send us a text about this episode!" BIG NEWS!: F3 is heading to San Francisco for Super Bowl 50 for Radio Row, fan chats, and food-first storytelling! BONUS RECIPE: Download Chef Jonathan Frazier’s Southwestern grilled chicken nachos — loaded, spicy, and built for game day: https://bit.ly/S1EP14FootballRecipe This week on the F3 Podcast, hosts Erin Haluschak and Chef Jonathan Frazier break down championship weekend as the NFL races toward Super Bowl 50. Seattle dominates San Francisco, Denver advances but loses its quarterback, and the playoff picture shifts fast. Spotlight team: The Arizona Cardinals. The hosts dig into one of the league’s oldest franchises, ongoing struggles, Kyler Murray’s future, and what Arizona needs to change to move forward. On the food side, it’s all about desert heat and borderland flavours. Pick of the Week: Southwestern grilled chicken nachos — loaded, spicy, and built for game day. Next up:Tthe Tennessee Titans. Special Thanks to Our Sponsor: Thrifty Foods Parksville for supporting ThePulseCommunity.ca. Looking for more Vancouver Island Podcasts? You'll find all episodes of The PULSE Community Podcast on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, iHeart, TikTok and YouTube podcasts, as well as ThePULSECommunity.ca. Sign up for our weekly newsletter of new podcast releases and contests! "Like, Share & Listen!" #F3Podcast, #PulseCommunity, #VancouverIsland, #FootballAndFood, #TailgateEats, #NFLPlayoffs, #ArizonaCardinals, #SuperBowl50,#GameDayEats Support the show

    24 min
  6. Award Winning Actor Chelah Horsdal's Journey & Karen Patraschuk’s Wounded Warrior Run

    JAN 13

    Award Winning Actor Chelah Horsdal's Journey & Karen Patraschuk’s Wounded Warrior Run

    "Send us a text about this episode!" This Episode Features: (17:20) Chelah Horsdal, Emmy-nominated actor best known as Helen Smith in The Man in the High Castle, offers stories from working with legendary actors including Ben Kingsley, Rufus Sewell, John Lithgow, Kris Kristofferson, and Shirley MacLaine. The Salt Spring Island-connected actor discusses her transition into writing and directing, including a deeply personal screenplay inspired by her parents (Valdy is her Dad) meeting in a commune in Sooke where she was born. Chelah addresses important industry issues including pay equity, sexual harassment, and mentoring younger female actors. We continue our chat with Chelah earlier in season two: https://bit.ly/S2EP08PulsePodcast (06:38) Karen Petraschuk, Parksville Fire Rescue firefighter, shares her selection as one of eight runners for the Wounded Warrior Run across Vancouver Island. The 800-kilometre run raises funds for first responder mental health programs on Vancouver Island. Karen discusses her three years with Parksville Fire Rescue, responding to over 300 emergency calls last year, and why physical activity has helped her through depression, anxiety, and major life events. Details here: https://woundedwarriors.ca/run-bc/ Episode Quotes: "I hope people see this run as a reminder that strength isn't measured only by endurance or resilience, but also by vulnerability, by our willingness to talk openly about the tough calls, the hard days, and the invisible weight that so many of us carry in silence." - Karen Petraschuk "One of the greatest actors of a generation gives me a private performance of Shakespeare. So that's Sir Ben Kingsley." - Chelah Horsdal Voice message: Voice message The PULSE and be part of the podcast! You'll find all episodes of The PULSE Podcast on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, iHeart, TikTok, YouTube, and ThePulseCommunity.ca Click here to learn how to Support the show Episode Sponsors: Tablet Pharmacy, Ian Lindsay & Associates, Windsor Plywood French Creek, Thrifty Foods Parksville Check out Skookum Kid's Stories on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, iHeart, and YouTube. Sign up for our weekly newsletter of new podcast releases and contests! "Li Support the show

    40 min
  7. Cleveland Browns, Wild Card Weekend & Cold-Weather Comfort Eats

    JAN 13

    Cleveland Browns, Wild Card Weekend & Cold-Weather Comfort Eats

    "Send us a text about this episode!" BONUS RECIPE: Download Chef Jonathan Frazier's Recipe for Cleveland-Style Beef & Bean Chili:https://bit.ly/S1EP13FootballRecipe This week on the F3 Podcast, hosts Erin Haluschak and Chef Jonathan Frazier dive headfirst into NFL Wild Card Weekend, playoff predictions, and a bruised-but-battling Team of the Week: the Cleveland Browns. With the fantasy football season officially in the books, the focus shifts to real-deal playoff drama. Erin and Jonathan break down key Wild Card matchups, debate who’s primed for a Super Bowl run, and weigh in on just how unpredictable this postseason could become. The conversation then turns to Cleveland — a franchise defined this season by injuries, coaching shakeups, and unanswered quarterback questions. Jonathan examines what went wrong, what’s next, and why the Browns may still have a path forward if they stabilize leadership and health. As always, food plays a starring role. From Polish Boys and pierogies to stacked corned beef sandwiches and a hearty Cleveland-style beef and bean chili, Jonathan delivers a cold-weather tailgating menu built for grit, beer, and frozen fingers. This Episode Features: (02:20) Wild Card Weekend Begins: Why this is the true holiday season for NFL fans (06:50) Fantasy Is Done: Post-season relief, reflections, and thoughts for next year (12:05) Playoff Predictions: Carolina vs. LA, 49ers vs. Eagles, Bills vs. Jaguars, and more (20:30) Team of the Week: Cleveland Browns — injuries, Watson’s lost season, and coaching fallout (29:50) Coaching Carousel: Stefanski out, Harbaugh rumors, and league-wide shakeups (38:35) Taste of Cleveland: Polish Boys, pierogies, corned beef, stadium brats (45:20)Tailgate Pick: Cleveland-style beef and bean chili — comfort food for cold kickoff days Quotes from the Episode: “Fantasy is over, but the stress just shifts — now it’s playoff football.” – Erin Haluschak “Cold weather demands comfort food, and Cleveland delivers exactly that.” – Jonathan Frazier Special Thanks to Our Sponsor: Thrifty Foods Parksville for supporting ThePulseCommunity.ca. Looking for more Vancouver Island Podcasts? You'll find all episodes of The PULSE Community Podcast on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, iHeart, TikTok and YouTube podcasts, as well as ThePULSECommunity.ca. Sign up for our weekly newsletter of new podcast releases and contests! "Like, Share & Listen!" #F3Podcast #PulseCommunity #VancouverIsland #WildCardWeekend #ClevelandBrowns #GameDayEats #NFLCoachingCarousel #FootballAndFood #TailgateEats Support the show

    22 min
  8. Ladysmith Singer-Songwriter Ryan McMahon & Speaking Excellence with Kristen Nickells of Toastmasters

    JAN 6

    Ladysmith Singer-Songwriter Ryan McMahon & Speaking Excellence with Kristen Nickells of Toastmasters

    "Send us a text about this episode!" This Episode Features: (28:48) Ryan McMahon, Ladysmith singer-songwriter, takes listeners through his nearly two-decade music career spanning seven solo albums and tours with Burton Cummings and Tom Cochrane. The Vancouver Island musician discusses his powerful new single “There She Is”, produced at Bryan Adams' Warehouse Studio in Vancouver. From his early days playing the Queens Hotel in Nanaimo to sharing stages with Canadian rock legends, McMahon reflects on learning the craft from influences like Warren Zevon, Elvis Costello, and Vancouver's Odds. (06:12) Kristen Nickells, Distinguished Toastmaster and past president of Arbutus Toastmasters in Parksville, reveals how the club transforms lives by helping members overcome public speaking fear. Kristen shares the inspiring story of member Molly Hamilton who competed against 33,000 participants placing in the top eight at the 2022 World Championship of Public Speaking in Nashville. Episode Quotes: "Toastmasters has a slogan that says Where Leaders Are Made. If you can articulate your thoughts in a speech, if you can craft a speech and deliver it in a way that your audience receives your message and that you're clear and confident, that's a skill that you see in leaders." - Kristen Nickells "For me, the song is a happy, peaceful exhale. The tune itself is really not just about newfound love with a new person, but it's also about recognizing beauty where maybe I hadn't before—the sunrise over my hometown and the feeling when you first dip your toes into the ocean." - Ryan McMahon Voice message: Voice message The PULSE and be part of the podcast! You'll find all episodes of The PULSE Podcast on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, iHeart, TikTok, YouTube, and ThePulseCommunity.ca Click here to learn how to Support the show Episode Sponsors: Tablet Pharmacy, Ian Lindsay & Associates, Windsor Plywood French Creek, Thrifty Foods Parksville Check out Skookum Kid's Stories on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, iHeart, and YouTube. Sign up for our weekly newsletter of new podcast releases and contests! "Like, Share & Listen!" #RyanMcMahon #VancouverIsland #LadysmithBC #Toastmasters #ParksvilleQualicum #ThePulseCommunityPodcast #CanadianMusic #KristenNickells Support the show

    52 min
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About

LISTEN UP! Whether you're a longtime local or just discovering our corner of paradise On Vancouver Island in Parksville Qualicum Beach, Nanoose, Arrowsmith Coombs or Lighthouse Country - tune in to the Pulse. The Pulse Community Podcast tells the stories of the people and places that make our coastal communities unique. SIGN UP! Subscribe now to catch every episode!

Information

  • Creator
    Dave Graham & Peter McCully
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    85
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Pulse
  • Show Website
    The Pulse