The Pulse

Dave Graham & Peter McCully

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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!

2D AGO

100 Women Who Care Approaching $1M in Donations & Broadcasting Icon Shirley McQueen

"Send us a text about this episode!" This Episode Features: (05:01) Debbe Patterson, co-founder of 100 Women Who Care Oceanside, reveals how 380 women are transforming Vancouver Island charities through collective giving. In 2026, this Parksville-Qualicum Beach group will surpass$1 million raised for local organizations including MANNA Homeless Society, Arrowsmith Search and Rescue, Echo Players, and District 69 Backpack Program. Debbe explains the unique voting process where members donate $100 quarterly,. (19:23) Shirley McQueen takes listeners through her remarkable broadcasting career from Regina's CJME to Q107 Toronto, Rock 101 Vancouver, and now Icon Radio on Vancouver Island. The veteran broadcaster has interviewed countless Canadian music legends. Shirley discusses her television work hosting CBC's Living Saskatchewan, her appearances on Corner Gas, and her philosophy on authentic storytelling. Now calling Vancouver Island home, she works with Icon Radio Nanaimo and Coast FM Powell River. (02:50) Kristy Pinchak of Royston wins the latest Pulse Contest—a Tigh-na-Mara Spa visit for two. Episode Quotes: "We'll have a million dollars we anticipate by April, and it's due to the fact that we have an amazing group of women in Oceanside. Our membership is now at 380, which is incredible, and that's because members bring friends and family to the meetings." - Debbe Patterson "I consider it a privilege to be doing what I'm doing, to have people listening to me, my voice telling my stories, giving my perspective on things. I've learned that Canadians are really kind, really smart, supportive people. They embrace community, and I will do it as long as they'll have me." - Shirley McQueen 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, 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!" #VancouverIsland #100WomenWhoCare #ShirleyMcQueen #ParksvilleQualicum #IconRadio #ThePulseCommunityPodcast Support the show

42 min
2D AGO

Bears, Blizzards & Fantasy Football Heartbreak - Week 17 Chaos, Chicago Classics & Italian Beef

"Send us a text about this episode!" BONUS RECIPE: Download Chef Jonathan Frazier's Recipe for the iconic Italian Beef Sandwich: https://bit.ly/S1EP11FootballRecipe This week on the F3 Podcast, hosts Erin Frazier and Chef Jonathan Frazier of the Comox Valley go long-distance once again — with Erin checking in from the frozen tundra of Winnipeg while the NFL playoff picture tightens. Erin breaks down the brutal end to her fantasy football season, with a championship loss sealed by a disastrous Thursday night performance and a second-place finish that still stings. The duo recaps key Week 17 storylines, from Seattle’s playoff push to injury concerns that could reshape the postseason. Team of the Week is the Chicago Bears, as Jonathan and Erin dig into the franchise’s historic legacy, the rise of rookie QB Caleb Williams, and why Chicago may be a team to watch next season. And of course, it’s time to eat. Chef Jonathan serves up classic Chicago game-day food, from deep-dish pizza and Chicago dogs to his pick of the week — the iconic Italian beef sandwich, built for cold weather and playoff vibes. This Episode Features: • Fantasy football finals heartbreak and lessons learned • Week 17 NFL storylines and playoff implications • Team of the Week: Chicago Bears & Caleb Williams • Chicago-style comfort food and tailgate classics “Second place hurts — especially when it ends on a minus-nine-point quarterback.” – Erin Frazier “It doesn’t get more Chicago than Italian beef: big flavour, no shortcuts.” – 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 #FantasyFootball #ChicagoBears #NFLWeek17 #CalebWilliams #FoodAndFootball Support the show

19 min
12/23/2025

BTO Bassist Lance LaPointe & Avatar's Free-Diving Coach Kirk Krack

"Send us a text about this episode!" (07:22) Lance LaPointe, Port Alberni singer-songwriter and touring bassist/vocalist for legendary Canadian rockers Bachman-Turner Overdrive, shares his remarkable journey from playing campfires on Tofino beaches to performing "Takin' Care of Business" in arenas across North America. LaPointe reveals keeping his late father's ashes in his guitar while living the dream they talked about together, and how Randy Bachman has become a surrogate father figure. Check out Lance’s upcoming event at Char’s Landing in Port Alberni. (34:34) Kirk Krack of Campbell River is a world-renowned free-diving coach and takes us behind the scenes of James Cameron's Avatar films, where he spent nearly five years training Hollywood stars including Kate Winslet and Zoe Saldana to perform authentic underwater sequences. Krack discusses his work with DEEP, developing underwater habitats for ocean exploration, and his career path from training Tiger Woods and Tom Cruise to doubling as Batman in Suicide Squad. (04:56) Kristy Pinchak of Royston wins the latest Pulse Contest, a Tigh Na Mara Spa visit for two. Episode Quotes: "This isn't the Marvel universe. This isn't where people fly and lasers come out of people's eyes, right? It's not fantasy. It's our reality. So the real physics of the world needed to translate, and that was an important thing." - Kirk Krack on Avatar's underwater performance capture "Randy Bachman stood in the doorway and he said, 'I bet you your mom and dad are proud right now.' And he gave me a big hug and I think I cried for 30 milliseconds, sucked it up real quick." - Lance LaPointe on his first night with BTO 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, 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!" #VancouverIsland #BachmanTurnerOverdrive #AvatarFireAndAsh #ParksvilleQualicum #ThePulseCommunityPodcast #RandyBachman #VancouverIslandMusic Support the show

1h 3m
12/23/2025

Half a Million Islanders Are Fighting for Equal Healthcare Access

"Send us a text about this episode!" In this episode of Non-Partisan Hacks: Pulse Edition, hosts Sean Wood and Joel Grenz sit down with Donna Hais, Chair of the Fair Care Alliance, to discuss the critical healthcare crisis facing Central Vancouver Island. Recording from across the street from Nanaimo Regional General Hospital, Donna reveals 430,000 people south of the Malahat have access to over 800 tertiary care beds across two hospitals, while nearly 500,000 residents north of the Malahat share just 354 tertiary beds at NRGH. In a groundbreaking move, the Regional District of Nanaimo recently passed a motion to allocate $50 million in community funds toward building this critical infrastructure, demonstrating unprecedented local leadership in addressing the Nanaimo hospital healthcare gap. Fair Care Alliance is taking the fight beyond provincial borders, having hired federal lobbyists to secure funding from Ottawa. This episode is a rallying cry for equitable healthcare access and community-driven solutions that affect Vancouver Island residents from Parksville to Campbell River and beyond. Episode Highlights: · The stark healthcare inequity facing Central Vancouver Island residents and why it matters · Why 500,000 islanders lack fair access to tertiary care services · How the Regional District of Nanaimo's $50 million commitment changes everything · Fair Care Alliance's federal lobbying strategy and the historic opportunity with Ottawa · The meaningful reconciliation conversation around former Indian Hospital lands · Why local government is leading where provincial government has stalled · What residents can do right now to support healthcare advocacy efforts 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 - Windsor Plywood French Creek Visit them online or call 752-3122. Check out Skookum Kid's Stories on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, iHeart, and YouTube Podcasts. 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 #VancouverIslandHealthcare #FairCareAlliance #NanaimoHospital #ThePulseCommunity #SeanWood #JoelGrenz #ParksvilleQualicumBeach #NonPartisanHacks Support the show

24 min
12/23/2025

New England Patriots, Fantasy Semifinal Pressure & Cold-Weather Tailgate Food

"Send us a text about this episode!" BONUS RECIPE: Download Chef Jonathan Frazier's Recipe for New England Steak Tips: https://bit.ly/S1EP10FootballRecipe This week on the F3 Podcast, hosts Erin Frazier and Chef Jonathan Frazier of the Comox Valley dive into Week 16 as fantasy football semifinals collide with the final stretch of the NFL season. Erin breaks down a tense matchup still undecided heading into Monday Night Football, the thin line between championship hopes and elimination, and the growing impact of late-season injuries — especially at quarterback. The conversation expands to a chaotic week around the league, highlighted by a Seahawks–Rams overtime thriller, controversial finishes, and shifting playoff expectations. With contenders stumbling and unpredictability ruling December football, Erin and Jonathan share cautious thoughts on who may still be built for a deep postseason run. Team of the week: the New England Patriots. Erin reflects on the franchise’s polarizing dynasty under Bill Belichick and Tom Brady, before turning to New England’s post-Brady resurgence behind rookie quarterback Drake May and a strong supporting cast. The episode wraps with food — New England style. Jonathan highlights cold-weather game-day staples like clam chowder, lobster rolls, fried clams, and Fenway Franks, with the featured favourite being classic New England steak tips— marinated, grilled, and perfect for winter tailgating. This Episode Features: (03:10) Fantasy Semifinals: Tight matchups, limited options, and Monday Night Football anxiety (09:00) Week 16 Recap: Seahawks–Rams overtime drama, officiating chaos, and late-game heartbreak (16:45) Injury Watch: Quarterbacks going down and playoff hopes hanging in the balance (23:30) Super Bowl Outlook: Why predictions are harder than ever this season (28:10) Team of the Week: New England Patriots — dynasty, decline, and post-Brady resurgence (36:20) Taste of New England: Clam chowder, lobster rolls, fried clams, and Fenway Franks (42:10) Signature Bite: New England steak tips — the ultimate cold-weather tailgate food “New England steak tips are winter football food done right — hearty, simple, and built for the cold.” – Chef Jonathan Frazier Special Thanks to Our Sponsor: Thrifty Foods Parksville for supporting ThePulseCommunity.ca. 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 #NFLFootballPodcastVancouverIsland #FantasyFootball #NewEnglandPatriots Support the show

19 min
12/16/2025

Santa Claus Hosts Christmas Music Special with Vancouver Island Artists

"Send us a text about this episode!" This special Christmas episode of The Pulse Community Podcast brings Vancouver Island Christmas music to life as Santa Claus takes over hosting duties while Peter and Dave finish their holiday shopping. Santa shares enchanting stories between performances from Vancouver Island and Gulf Islands artists including Valdy, Shari Ulrich, David Gogo, Vince Warry, Zachary Stevenson, The Heels and Spirit of the West. Santa weaves timeless tales about hope, determination, and community connection. Episode Highlights & Quotes "Christmas isn't really about the presents under the tree or the decorations on the mantle. It's about the light we keep burning for one another—the love that waits, the door that's always open, the welcome that never fades." - Santa Claus "Christmas magic isn't something I bring in my sleigh. It's something you create every day through kindness, through music, through the love you share with one another." - Santa Claus 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 ThePULSECommunity.ca. Click here to learn how to Support the show Episode Sponsors: Ian Lindsay & Associates, Windsor Plywood French Creek, Thrifty Foods Parksville, Tablet Pharmacy, Fireside Books and Society for Organized Services (SOS) . Check Out Skookum Kid's Stories Find Skookum Kid's Stories on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, iHeart, and YouTube Podcasts. Sign up for our weekly newsletter of new podcast releases and contests! "Like, Share & Listen!" #ThePulseCommunity, #PulsePodcast, #ParksvilleQualicumBeach, #VinceDitrich, #Valdy, #ShariUlrich, #TheHeels, #VinceWarry, #ZacharyStevenson, #DavidGogo Support the show

48 min
12/16/2025

Minnesota Vikings, Fantasy Playoff Nerves & Midwest Comfort Food

"Send us a text about this episode!" BONUS RECIPE: Download Chef Jonathan Frazier's Recipe for the iconic Juicy Lucy, a cheese-stuffed burger. https://bit.ly/S1EP9FootballRecipe This week on the F3 Podcast with hosts Erin Frazier and Chef Jonathan Frazier of the Comox Valley turn their attention to the Minnesota Vikings as fantasy football playoffs arrive — bringing tough lineup decisions, shaken confidence, and a whole lot of second-guessing. With Week 15 underway, Erin breaks down her quarterfinal matchup, the pain of recent two-point losses. Jonathan and Erin unpack a chaotic week that saw major stars go down, Kansas City officially eliminated, and new contenders like Denver and the Rams securing postseason berths. Predictions fly as they debate who’s actually built to survive January football in one of the most unpredictable NFL seasons in recent memory. Then it’s time to eat — Minnesota style. Jonathan delves into the Vikings' game-day culture through food. The undisputed star of the episode, though, is the iconic Juicy Lucy — a cheese-stuffed burger that defines Minnesota football Sundays and demands patience before the first bite. This Episode Features: (02:30) Fantasy Playoffs Begin: Erin’s quarterfinal matchup, shaky confidence, and brutal close losses. (07:45) Lineup Dilemmas: Mahomes struggles, Jared Goff on the bench, and trusting projections vs. instincts. (13:20) NFL Injury Fallout: Season-altering injuries and what they mean for contenders and pretenders. (19:10) Playoff Picture Update: Denver and the Rams clinch, Chiefs eliminated, and surprise teams rising. (25:40) Team of the Week: Minnesota Vikings — history, identity, quarterback development, and a year to write off. (33:00) Taste of Minnesota: Tater tot hotdish, walleye fingers, lefse, Polish sausage, and cold-weather comfort food. (41:15) Lone Star (North Star) Bite: The Juicy Lucy — why Minnesota’s cheese-stuffed burger reigns supreme. “The Juicy Lucy is football food at its finest. Simple, comforting, and absolutely unforgiving if you bite too soon.” – Chef 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, #NFLFootballPodcastVancouverIsland, #FantasyFootball, #MinnesotaVikings, #GameDayEats, #FootballAndFood Support the show

27 min
12/09/2025

Milner Magic, Festive Brass Shows & Singer Songwriter Vince Warry

"Send us a text about this episode!" This Episode Features: (25:48) Vince Warry, singer-songwriter and tribute artist from Nanaimo, shares his remarkable journey from tribute bands honouring The Doors, Led Zeppelin, and The Cult to releasing his own EP "Like a Runaway Train" with Big Records. Teaching history and his custom History of Music and Pop Culture course by day, Warry is finding his authentic voice in Nanaimo's music scene. (07:21) Geoff Ball from Milner Gardens reveals how their annual Christmas light display has exploded from a few thousand lights to an astounding 150,000-200,000 lights transforming over half a kilometre of gardens. Over 12,000 visitors attended last year. Ball Talks abou the special holiday glasses that turn every light into festive shapes, food trucks, choirs performing and a free RDN bus service on weekends from Qualicum Beach Civic Centre. (14:17) Stevan Paranosic of Festive Brass discusses bringing professional holiday brass music to 10 Vancouver Island communities in December. Festive Brass will partner with local choirs including Village Voices in Parksville at Knox United Church. Tour details: https://www.festivebrass.com/ "The woman who had been in the picture with me was in stage four cancer, and all she wanted to do was see the Doors tribute before she passed away. That really hit me and I was glad that we had a good show." - Vince Warry "We're just happy to take all these shows on the road to these wonderful locations and provide music for some of these people that maybe never get a chance to see it." - Stevan Paranosic, Festive Brass "We have grown from a few thousand to, I'm estimating we're up around 150, 200,000 lights. Our volunteers started in September to hang them and we had a great team, probably 15 people out to every setup day." - Geoff Ball, Milner Gardens 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: Ian Lindsay & Associates, Windsor Plywood French Creek, Thrifty Foods Parksville, Tablet Pharmacy & SOSD69. Check out Skookum Kid's Stories on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, iHeart, and Support the show

46 min

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!

Creator

Dave Graham & Peter McCully
Years Active

2K
Episodes

75
Rating

Explicit
Copyright

© 2025 The Pulse
Show Website

The Pulse