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This Episode Features:

(09:40) Steve Patterson, award-winning host of CBC's The Debaters, discusses the show's 20th anniversary holiday tour hitting five BC cities including Nanaimo and Victoria in December. Patterson reveals about what makes the debate format work and how Canadian comedy's self-deprecating humor creates magical unplanned moments. Event details: https://debaterslive.com/

(32:37) Andy Kim, Officer of the Order of Canada and legendary singer-songwriter behind "Sugar, Sugar" and "Rock Me Gently," brings his celebrated Christmas charity show to Vancouver's River Rock Casino for the first time. Kim discusses the lineup including Tom Cochrane, while sharing his journey from leaving Montreal at 16 with $40 and a cracked guitar to creating songs that sold 30 million records. Having raised nearly $3 million for charity over 20 years, this show benefits Variety, the Children's Charity of BC. Contains the song “Whatever happened to Christmas”. Event details: https://www.andykimmusic.com/live

Episode Highlights & Quotes

"Canadians have just a way of laughing at ourselves that most countries don't. When you can fit a real fact into an argument that's also funny, to me, that's the best thing in the world." - Steve Patterson on Canadian Comedy

"Receiving such an award from my country of birth—I wept because my parents never really understood my dream, never understood why I had to leave home, why so much of my life was spent away. And this moment in time was not a gold record. It wasn't up and down the charts. It was Canada, my place of birth." - Andy Kim on the Order of Canada

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BONUS RECIPE: Download Chef Jonathan Frazier's Recipe forTampa-Style Grouper Sandwich: https://bit.ly/S1EP07FootballRecipe

In this episode of the F3 Podcast — Football, Fantasy & Food — Erin and Chef Jonathan Frazier of the Comox Valley dive into the surprises of Week 13 as late-season chaos shakes up playoff races and fantasy matchups. Upsets, shutouts, and razor-thin fantasy heartbreaks frame the week — including Erin’s two-point loss and Jonathan’s poolside play-calling from sunny Tampa Bay.

Spotlight team: the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Erin and Jonathan dig into the Bucs’ up-and-down identity — Baker Mayfield’s hot-and-cold performances, leadership questions inside the locker room, unpredictable defence, and whether this roster can actually sneak into the playoffs. Is Mayfield the solution, or simply the latest stopgap?

Then it’s all about Gulf Coast eats: Tampa’s deviled crab, fresh mango with tajín, Cuban sandwiches, smoked mullet dip, stone crab claws, and the city’s undisputed icon — the grouper sandwich. Sunshine, seafood, spice — classic Florida tailgate flavour.

In the fantasy corner, Erin recaps a defence-heavy week, Mahomes’ big Thursday night outing, and how byes and late injuries are reshaping lineups. Jonathan relives his near-certain win that slipped away, with an 87% projection crashing in the final quarter.

This Episode Features:

(03:00) Calling an Audible: Why the Texans got bumped for Tampa Bay and how Erin ended up recording poolside in shorts.

(05:30) Fantasy Football Recap: Erin’s roller-coaster week, Mahomes’ big Thursday, and the matchup she lost by just two points.

(10:45) NFL Storylines: Surprising upsets, the Seahawks’ shutout, and whether the Chiefs are actually in playoff trouble.

(17:20) Team of the Week: Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Baker Mayfield’s volatility, leadership questions, and why Erin says the Bucs could sneak into the postseason.

(27:05) Taste of Tampa Bay: Deviled crab, stone crab claws, smoked mullet spread, Cuban sandwiches, and the fan-favorite grouper sandwich.

(34:20) Florida Fresh: Erin’s pick for a lighter tailgate treat — mango with tajín.

“If Tampa Bay makes it into the first round, I’m calling that a win — but they’re not going further.” – Erin Haluschak

“In this town, tailgating is fried, spicy and built for sunshine — the grouper sandwich is king.” – Jonathan Frazier

Special Thanks to Our Sponsor: Thrifty Foods Parksville for supporting ThePulseCommunity.ca.

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This Episode Features:

(22:59) Laura Palmer, host of the Island Crime podcast, discusses her eighth season entitled "My Best Friend, Bree," which investigates the 2021 murder of Bree Gamble in Victoria's Beacon Hill Park. Palmer, who recently received the Shelley Fralic Award from the Jack Webster Foundation, shares her process for selecting Vancouver Island cases, and how her podcast has generated new leads in cold cases, including developments in the Lisa Marie Young disappearance.

(06:01) Charlene Smith, the inaugural executive director of the Parksville Qualicum Community Foundation, discusses how the organization has grown to manage nearly $9 million in endowment funds over its 25-year history. Smith highlights the Neighbourhood Small Grants program, which empowers Vancouver Island residents to strengthen community connections with funding as modest as $50. The foundation has distributed over $2.5 million since 1999, supporting grassroots projects from block parties to emergency preparedness programs.

Episode Highlights & Quotes

"It's never too late to do the next right thing. You broadcast to many people here on the island and local people in these communities where we all live have information about these cases." - Laura Palmer, Island Crime Podcast Host

"With as little as $50 or $500, when neighbours have encouragement and opportunity, they can do really big things." - Charlene Smith, Parksville Qualicum Community Foundation

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Episode Sponsors: Ian Lindsay & Associates, Windsor Plywood French Creek, Thrifty Foods Parksville, and the SOS Christmas Program.

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In this episode of Non-Partisan Hacks: The Pulse Edition, Parksville councillors Joel Grenz and Sean Wood sit down with Teresa Cooper, Executive Director of the Parksville Downtown Business Association, to explore the challenges and opportunities facing Parksville downtown revitalization on Vancouver Island.

(10:15) The conversation explores the Imagine Parksville Downtown initiative, a multi-phase, six-to-ten-year plan to breathe new life into Parkville's community core.

(11:55) The trio discusses the classic chicken-and-egg dilemma facing Parksville downtown revitalization: restaurants won't extend hours without customers, and customers won't come if they think everything's closed. The solution? Creating events, experiences, and foot traffic that draw residents back to support local businesses.

(22:30) Supporting young entrepreneurs with an incubation hub, and developing an arts district.

Episode Highlights:

The Imagine Parksville Downtown initiative: a 6-10 year transformation plan

Phase one facade rejuvenation: making storefronts brighter and more accessible

Young entrepreneur incubator programs planned for future phases

Breaking the chicken-and-egg cycle: why local support matters now

New murals and outdoor patio program bringing life to downtown

Upcoming events: Happy Noon Year celebration and Food Truck Festival

Bold future ideas: viewing tower, zip line, and arts district development

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Special Thanks to Our Sponsor - Windsor Plywood French Creek Visit them online or call 752-3122.

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#PulseCommunityPodcast, #ParksvilleDowntown, #DowntownRevitalization, #VancouverIsland, #ThePulseCommunity, #SeanWood, #JoelGrenz, #TeresaCooper, #NonPartisanHacks, #ShopLocal, #ImagineParksvilleDowntown, #SupportSmallBusiness

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BONUS RECIPE: Download Chef Jonathan Frazier's Recipe for New York Dirty-Water Dogs with Classic Red Onion Sauce: https://bit.ly/S1EP06FootballRecipe

This week on the F3 Podcast Comox Valley, hosts Erin and Jonathan Fraser unpack a chaotic Week 12, where low-scoring defensive battles wrecked fantasy lineups and overconfidence came back to bite. With American Thanksgiving delivering a full slate of football from Thursday to Monday, the duo looks at playoff implications, surprise struggles, and the unpredictable AFC race.

The Team of the Week spotlight lands on the New York Jets, a franchise cursed by draft misfires, coaching turnover, and more bad luck than any team deserves. Jonathan and Erin break down the long-running dysfunction — and why fans still somehow hang on.

Jonathan closes the episode with a tour of classic New York tailgate eats, from thin-fold pizza and pastrami on rye to halal chicken and rice and the iconic dirty-water dog simmering in onion-spiced broth. A perfect blend of football chaos, fantasy frustration, and flavour-packed comfort food.

This Episode Features:

(02:05) – Week 12 Recap & Fantasy Struggles, Erin admits to getting “too cocky” after an 87% win projection, only to watch her fantasy week collapse. A look at low offensive output across the league and defensive-heavy matchups.

(06:40) – Thanksgiving Football Preview, Erin dives into why Thanksgiving week is her favourite in football: Thursday triple-headers, a rare Friday game, and a packed weekend slate.

(10:19) – AFC Playoff Picture, a breakdown of tight races, Kansas City’s surprising struggles, aging stars, and why no clear Super Bowl favourite has emerged.

(14:30) – Team of the Week: New York Jets, a deep dive into the Jets’ decades-long woes — coaching turnover, draft disappointments, the Aaron Rodgers Achilles saga, and why nothing seems to click.

(23:00) – Taste of New York: Tailgate Edition. Jonathan highlights NYC food icons: foldable street pizza, pretzels, pastrami on rye, halal chicken and rice, and the legendary dirty-water dog with onion sauce.

“Don’t get cocky — that’s the lesson from fantasy this week.” – Erin Frazier

“When your team’s losing, at least New York has great food.” – Jonathan Frazier

Special Thanks to Our Sponsor: Thrifty Foods Parksville for supporting ThePulseCommunity.ca.

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#F3Podcast, #FantasyFootball, #FoodAndFootball, #BuckeyeCandy, #NFL, #GameDayEats, #PulseCommunity, #PulseCommunityPodcast, #NewYorkJets, #ThanksgivingFootball, #TailgateFood

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This Episode Features:

(29:45) Award-winning performer Zachary Stevenson, who grew up in Parksville, shares his remarkable journey from Vancouver Island orchards to international stages across Canada, the United States, and Europe. Zachary discusses his Holly Jolly Christmas tour coming to the Port Theatre in Nanaimo this December, blending classic Buddy Holly hits with festive rock and roll favourites from Elvis and Chuck Berry. Living between Chicago and Vancouver, Zachary reflects on what Vancouver Island means to him, his award-winning Chicago theatre success, his wife Molly's acting career, and his deep appreciation for returning home to Island audiences.

(06:14) Cheryl Dill, President of the Parksville Beach Festival Society, announces the 2025 festival gave a record-breaking $88,201 back to Vancouver Island community organizations—pushing their total community contributions to an impressive $1.2 million since implementing the pay-it-forward model. With 119,092 visitors experiencing the world-renowned Quality Foods sand sculpting competition, the festival successfully relocated to a new venue in Parksville Community Park. Cheryl discusses plans for future entertainment at the outdoor theatre, including another major Canadian band for the 2026 opening concert.

Episode Highlights & Quotes:

"We gave away $88,201, which was tremendous for a little old Parksville Beach Festival Society. And that pushes our total giveaway since we've been incorporating this pay it forward model to $1.2 million back to the community." - Cheryl Dill, President of Parksville Beach Festival Society

“Growing up in Parksville, I realize what a privilege it is to grow up on Vancouver Island. Now that I'm an adult and I've spent time working and travelling and living in a whole bunch of different cities... Every time I come to Parksville, I think, wow, what a beautiful place. This is what an awesome place it is to live." - Zachary Stevenson

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Episode Sponsors: Ian Lindsay & Associates, Thrifty Foods Parksville, Windsor Plywood French Creek, Tablet Pharmacy, and Fireside Books.

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BONUS RECIPE: Try Jonathan’s favourite California Carne Asada Nacho Platter: https://bit.ly/S1EP05FootballRecipe

This week on the F3 Podcast, hosted by Erin and Jonathan Frazier of the Comox Valley dive into the highs and lows of fantasy football while spotlighting the Los Angeles Chargers. They’re dissecting Justin Herbert’s standout performances, the team’s strong start—including a sweep of their division rivals.

Then it’s time to feast — Los Angeles-style. From fish tacos by the beach to classic drive-thru burgers and craft brews, Jonathan celebrates the city’s iconic game-day eats that pair perfectly with a Chargers win.

This Episode Features:

(03:20) Fantasy Football Recap: Erin and Jonathan highlight the week’s fantasy standouts with Justin Herbert’s passing surge, rookie receivers stepping up, and how bye weeks are reshuffling fantasy lineups.

(07:15) Team of the Week: Los Angeles Chargers: A deep dive into the Chargers’ season, from their first win over the Kansas City Chiefs since 2021to how HC Jim Harbaugh is re-shaping the club.

(11:30) Spotlight on Justin Herbert: Discussion on Herbert’s game-changing plays, his fantasy upside, and how the Chargers are weathering injury storms.

(14:50) Taste of Los Angeles: Jonathan explores LA’s food scene — from beachside fish tacos and street-food fusion to a hidden burger joint he believes every game-day fan should visit.

“If you’ve got Herbert in your fantasy lineup, you’re in for fireworks.” – Erin Frazier

“In Los Angeles, the food is like the football — bold, vibrant, and built for the big moments.” – Chef Jonathan Frazier

Special Thanks to Our Sponsor: Thrifty Foods Parksville for supporting ThePulseCommunity.ca.

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#F3Podcast, #NFLFootballPodcast, #VancouverIsland, #FantasyFootball, #LosAngelesChargers, #JustinHerbert, #BeachTacos, #FoodAndFootball

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This Episode Features:

(20:30) Award-winning actress Chelah Horsdal shares her journey from growing up on Vancouver Island as folk legend Valdy's daughter to starring in The Man in the High Castle and Star Trek: Discovery. Chelah discusses her powerful new short film Never Use Alone, highlighting Canada's National Overdose Response Service, and reveals plans for a personal documentary about her father.

(06:21) Jim Hykaway, Tigh-Na-Mara General Manager, and Lissa Alexander, SOS Communications Manager, discuss the 17th Annual Tigh-Na-Mara Toy Drive supporting Vancouver Island families. Last year's event collected over 2,700 toys and $30,000 in donations. The community breakfast on November 26th welcomes anyone bringing unwrapped toys, gift cards, or cash donations—with alternative options for those unable to attend the main event.

Campbell River resident Darryl McKay, previously interviewed from Ukraine in Season 2 Episode 2, sent a message announcing his book My Time with Heroes is now available on Amazon in both Kindle and softcover formats. McKay thanks podcast listeners for their support of Ukrainian causes and announces he's returning this week to Ukraine, potentially for another chapter in his story.

Episode Highlights & Quotes

"I've been on television for a really long time. I've never experienced anything like the recognition that has come with joining the Star Trek universe. The people I met were so generous and kind and open and welcoming." - Chelah Horsdal

"This program provides not just gifts, but a little bit of hope. One mum told us that her son used that bike all year long. He used it to get to school and some other social opportunities that he wouldn't have had because of that bike." - Lissa Alexander

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.

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Episode Sponsors: Ian Lindsay & Associates, Thrifty Foods Parksville, Windsor Plywood French Creek, Tablet Pharmacy, and Fireside Books.

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