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Jean Gillespie devoted more than fifty years to Scouting in Kingston and Eastern Ontario, working with an estimated 2,400 young people along the way. She was a Cub leader, a camp organizer, a traveller, and a founding force behind events like the International Brotherhood Camporee.

But Jean was also a historian at heart. Through decades of careful notetaking, scrapbooks, and binders—now digitized—she preserved the story of Scouting in Kingston so it wouldn’t be forgotten.

On this episode of The Kingstonian Podcast, we’re joined by Jean’s son, Alan Gillespie, and her granddaughter, Jennifer Morgan, to reflect on her life and legacy—twenty-five years after her passing. We talk about how she first became involved in Scouting, the joy she found working with youth, her love of travel and adventure, the recognition she received, and the impact her dedication had on her family.

This is a conversation about service, community, and the quiet power of showing up—year after year—for something you believe in.

Here is the link to the Museum: https://kingstonscoutmuseum.ca

Our theme music is “Stasis Oasis”, by Tim Aylesworth

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In this episode, we mark the 150th anniversary of the Royal Military College of Canada with a wide-ranging conversation about service, education, history, and adaptation.

My guest, Alexander Landry, reflects on his first days as a cadet, his decade of service in the Regular Force, and his continued involvement in the Reserves and the RMC alumni community.

Recorded during the opening months of RMC’s anniversary year, this episode offers both historical perspective and personal reflection on one of Canada’s most enduring institutions

Our theme music is “Stasis Oasis”, by Tim Aylesworth

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Episodes also air weekly on CJAI at 101.3fm (Tue. at 4pm)

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In this episode of The Podcast, host Dave Cunningham sits down with Patrick Deane, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Queen’s University.

Born and raised in South Africa, Principal Deane traces his academic journey from the University of the Witwatersrand to Canada, where his career has included faculty and leadership roles at the University of Toronto, Western University, the University of Winnipeg, McMaster University, and Queen’s. He became Queen’s Principal in 2019.

Their conversation explores what it means to lead a modern university — one with more than 34,000 students, over 130,000 alumni worldwide, and a campus that operates much like a small city. Topics include the importance of research, the balance between teaching and administration, governance at Queen’s, and the evolving demographics of Canadian higher education.

They also discuss Queen’s relationship with the City of Kingston, the university’s responsibilities in responding to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and how educational institutions help students understand Canada’s past while preparing them for its future.

Away from campus, Principal Deane reflects on years spent running a family farm and his ongoing commitment to caring for their animals — a reminder that leadership is shaped as much by life experience as by titles.

Our theme music is “Stasis Oasis”, by Tim Aylesworth

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Episodes also air weekly on CJAI at 101.3fm (Tue. at 4pm)

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Artificial Intelligence is one of the most powerful and misunderstood technologies of our time. In this episode, host Dave Cunningham sits down with David Eliot, an author, academic, and former professional magician to explore the real story behind AI in his book, Artificially Intelligent, — where it began, how it evolved, and what it means for the future of humanity.

The conversation traces AI’s roots back to early thinkers like Muhammad ibn Musa al-Khwarizmi, Ada Lovelace, and Alan Turing, before moving into the modern era shaped by Geoffrey Hinton and today’s major tech companies. Along the way, we examine how AI is already embedded into everyday life, who is truly driving its development, and whether humanity can — or should — slow down its rapid evolution.

A timely, thought-provoking conversation that cuts through the hype and asks what matters most — the role humans play in shaping the future of intelligence itself.

For more information on the book, check out his site: https://www.davideliot.org/artificially-intelligent

Our theme music is “Stasis Oasis”, by Tim Aylesworth

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This episode was first published last December 2024. It was so well received, I decided to make it available a little earlier than last time. Enjoy!

In this heartwarming holiday special, we step into Santa’s workshop for an intimate and low-key conversation. Our guest? None other than Saint Nick himself.

We talk about the elves' tireless work, the reindeer team’s preparations for the big night, and reflect on the joy and impact that gifts have brought to children around the world.

Then, with the sleigh packed and ready, we join Santa just before he takes to the skies, sharing a rare moment of calm before the magic begins.

Tune in for a delightful conversation that brings the spirit of the season to life.

Happy Holidays! 🎄✨

Our theme music is “Stasis Oasis”, by Tim Aylesworth

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Episodes also air weekly on CJAI at 101.3fm (Tue. at 4pm)

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In this episode, host Dave Cunningham welcomes back Jamal Saeed, returning to the show nearly three years after the release of his acclaimed memoir, My Road from Damascus. We revisit the response to the book here in Canada and internationally, and reflect on the meaningful moments that have come from readings, talks, and community conversations.

With significant political shifts unfolding in Syria — including the departure of Bashar al-Assad, a new interim leadership, and a recent election — we discuss how these changes are being viewed from abroad and what they mean for Syrians today.

The conversation then turns to Jamal’s newest work, Princess Nai and Other Stories. Drawing on memories, imagination, and the shadows of imprisonment, this collection blends the real and the symbolic to explore beauty, loss, and hope. We delve into a few of the stories, the circumstances under which they were written, and what he hopes readers will carry with them.

A reflective, personal, and engaging discussion with a storyteller whose voice continues to resonate.

#TheKingstonian #AuthorInterview #MyRoadFromDamascus #PrincessNai #Storytelling #Books #Syria #NewEpisode

Our theme music is “Stasis Oasis”, by Tim Aylesworth

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In this episode, I sit down with Leo Lund, longtime member of the Canadian Armed Forces and current Past President of Royal Canadian Legion Branch 560 in Kingston, Ontario. Leo reflects on more than 30 years in uniform, the friendships that endure long after service, and what ultimately led him to make Kingston his home in retirement.
We also explore the history and purpose of the Royal Canadian Legion, how Branch 560 has evolved to support both veterans and the broader community, and why the annual Poppy Campaign remains such an essential part of its mission.
A thoughtful, grounded conversation with someone who has devoted much of his life to service — both military and community.

For information on this Legion, use this address: rcl560@cogeco.net

Our theme music is “Stasis Oasis”, by Tim Aylesworth

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In this episode, we meet Julie M. Green — a Kingston-based writer whose work has been featured in The Globe and Mail, Chatelaine, Today’s Parent, and The Washington Post.

Julie’s memoir, Motherness: A Memoir of Generational Autism, Parenthood, and Radical Acceptance, explores her family’s journey with autism — beginning with her son’s diagnosis and, years later, leading to her own. With honesty, humour, and compassion, Julie reflects on identity, parenting, and what it means to accept ourselves fully.

We talk about writing as a path to healing, the everyday practice of radical acceptance, and how understanding autism across generations can reshape the way we think about neurodiversity and belonging.

Recorded in late October 2025.

For more info on the book, go to https://juliemgreen.ca

#Neurodiversity #AutismAcceptance #JulieMGreen #Motherness #KingstonOntario

Our theme music is “Stasis Oasis”, by Tim Aylesworth

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Episodes also air weekly on CJAI at 101.3fm (Tue. at 4pm)