Hidden Gems Toronto

Tom Scanlan
  • 5.0 (1)
  • SOCIETY & CULTURE
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

Welcome to the Hidden Gems Toronto podcast. After retiring from a career in Communications, Tom and Sharon Scanlan wanted to give back to the city they love.  Now in its fourth season,  they continue their quest to shine a light on fascinating people and places  that fly under the radar but are a vital part of our city's fabric. 

  1. JAN 1

    WHERE ARE THEY NOW? Two of our previous guests update us on their latest endeavours.

    Send us a text We start our first podcast of 2026 with a lively chat with our treasured Mascot/Sculptor, Austin Emery. We follow that with a fun interview with the creator of the Little Canada Museum, Jean- Louis Brenninkmeijer. Much like their original podcast, each of them has intriguing updates and stories to share. Thanks for listening! Please visit our website at hiddengemstoronto.net Follow us on Instagram at hiddengems.toronto and Facebook at hiddengems.toronto

    35 min

  2. 11/01/2025

    YOU DO WHAT FOR A LIVING? A behind the scenes look at two very intriguing professions: A Sommelier and a Courtroom Sketch Artist

    Send us a text Nabilah Rawji is a passionate Sommelier in Toronto and in this interview provides some terrific wine-related facts including a few surprises about the many myths surrounding the world of choosing and serving wine.  Alexandra Newbould is one of Canada's preeminent courtroom sketch artists, (she recently covered the much followed Hockey Canada case). She shares her insights into how she handles the pressure of listening to sometimes disturbing evidence all while producing thought-provoking sketches under tight deadlines that will immediately be seen by millions of viewers around the world. Thanks for listening! Please visit our website at hiddengemstoronto.net Follow us on Instagram at hiddengems.toronto and Facebook at hiddengems.toronto

    36 min

  3. 09/01/2025

    GOOD SPACES CREATE GREAT PLACES: A magazine and a retail store combine to change how we view Toronto.

    Send us a text The  dynamic duo of Matt Blackett and Dylan Reid have been part of an intriguing organization that has played a critical role in making our city better. Matt is the publisher and creative director of Spacing Magazine while Dylan is the Executive Editor. The magazine that analyzes public spaces in Toronto has been nominated for 22 national magazine awards and has taken home four honours. As if that isn't enough, Matt also manages a retail outlet called Spacing Toronto, which sells all things Toronto related.  While they both  bring a critical eye and indepth analyses of our city's environment  it is done from a hearfelt love of our city. They are fierce committed advocates for Toronto.  Thanks for listening! Please visit our website at hiddengemstoronto.net Follow us on Instagram at hiddengems.toronto and Facebook at hiddengems.toronto

    31 min

  4. 07/01/2025

    COMPASSION HAS NO BORDERS...Saving Animals Around the World.

    Send us a text Veterinarian Dr. Cliff Redford and his daughter Emily, have travelled internationally on a singular mission: Rescue as many animals in life-threatening situations as possible. Their adventures abroad have been documented in an award-winning film entitled, Dr. Cliff Worldwide Vet. This film chronicles in riveting fashion, their rescue operations across the Globe. The film also captures the special bond that a father and daughter have made in doing this work as a team. It's a remarkable story that Dr. Cliff elaborates on in a very engaging fashion in this interview.  Thanks for listening! Please visit our website at hiddengemstoronto.net Follow us on Instagram at hiddengems.toronto and Facebook at hiddengems.toronto

    33 min

  5. 05/01/2025

    SEE SOMETHING, DO SOMETHING. Volunteers who fill a need on their own.

    Send us a text Rob Spindler saw a problem in his local ravine and decided to do something about it. What started out as a one-man operation has blossomed into an annual community event. Cindy Ho and Joseph Tam thought that a Geriatric Care facility might appreciate and benefit from their singing and performing skills.  Their "C & J" show now warms the hearts of residents on a regular basis. All three are proof that individuals can have a huge impact on their local community. ​ Thanks for listening! Please visit our website at hiddengemstoronto.net Follow us on Instagram at hiddengems.toronto and Facebook at hiddengems.toronto

    32 min

  6. 02/23/2025

    SMALL CHANGE MAKES A BIG DIFFERENCE...A catalyst for change in communities across Canada

    Send us a text The Small Change Fund, led by environmentalist Burkhard Mausberg, has developed a unique way to provide financial and strategic support for more than 200 small, enterprising organizations across Canada. Burkhard explains how the program has developed and expanded over the years and also chats about his fascinating and robust career in the environmental movement. And he talks passionately about where he finds hope in the fight against climate change. Thanks for listening! Please visit our website at hiddengemstoronto.net Follow us on Instagram at hiddengems.toronto and Facebook at hiddengems.toronto

    36 min

  7. 01/01/2025

    WHERE ARE THEY NOW? We reconnect with four of our previous guests.

    Send us a text To celebrate our fourth Season of the Hidden Gems Toronto podcast, we decided to take a trip down memory lane. We tracked down four of the guests who appeared in our first few seasons to see what has changed since then. And much like their original podcast, each of them had intriguing updates and stories to share. Thanks for listening! Please visit our website at hiddengemstoronto.net Follow us on Instagram at hiddengems.toronto and Facebook at hiddengems.toronto

    38 min

  8. 11/01/2024

    YOU DO WHAT FOR A LIVING? A behind the scenes look at two very creative professions: A comedy writer/actor and a children's toy designer.

    Send us a text Coko Galore seems to have been born with an extra funny bone in her body and she proves it every night when she appears on the stage of second city Toronto.   Kurt Scanlan, meanwhile, has managed to turn his childhood passion for playing with toys into a full time career.  They both provide us with an entertaining account of how it all came about. Thanks for listening! Please visit our website at hiddengemstoronto.net Follow us on Instagram at hiddengems.toronto and Facebook at hiddengems.toronto

    33 min
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Ratings & Reviews

About

Welcome to the Hidden Gems Toronto podcast. After retiring from a career in Communications, Tom and Sharon Scanlan wanted to give back to the city they love.  Now in its fourth season,  they continue their quest to shine a light on fascinating people and places  that fly under the radar but are a vital part of our city's fabric. 

Information

  • Creator
    Tom Scanlan
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    37
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Hidden Gems Toronto
  • Show Website
    Hidden Gems Toronto