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This Episode Features:

(06:48) Kelly Hobbis discusses her husband's chronic lymphocytic leukemia diagnosis in 2010, his journey through multiple chemotherapy treatments, a life-saving stem cell transplant, and six years battling graft-versus-host disease. Recently discharged from the bone marrow transplant program after successful recovery, Kelly is now organizing Parksville's first annual Light the Night walk to support the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

(18:47) Peter Kent shares how a $20-a-night room at the Hollywood YMCA led to a career-defining phone call from director James Cameron. Despite having zero stunt experience, Kent became Arnold Schwarzenegger's stunt double for 15 years, working on iconic films including the Terminator franchise. The Qualicum Beach resident discusses his genuine friendship with Schwarzenegger and how a near-fatal car accident at 17 ironically reshaped his face to resemble the action star. The first Canadian in the Hollywood Stuntmen's Hall of Fame, Kent reflects on practical stunts that can't be replicated today.

Episode Highlights & Quotes

"Everyone's diagnosis is their own journey to go through. Never listen to people who say, 'Oh, I know someone who had blood cancer, and they're just fine.' Everyone's journey is their own. It's their own reality." - Kelly Hobbis

"I was actually DOA in a car accident when I was 17, and I think, you know what? If I avoided that moment, then maybe I wouldn't look like Arnold, 'cause it reshaped my face. I went through the windshield face first and I was laying dead in the ditch and they started me up." - Peter Kent

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(27:10) Darrell MacKay of Campbell River speaks directly from Kyiv during his seventh volunteer trip to Ukraine with his girlfriend Olga Buhai. MacKay has raised $140,000 through Facebook fundraising and discusses his forthcoming book "My Time With Heroes." The interview provides firsthand accounts of evacuation efforts, infrastructure challenges, and the resilience of Ukrainian people.

(7:10) JP McLean, an Eric Hoffer Award winner and three-time Literary Titan medallist from Denman Island, discusses her new book "The Never Witch" - the first in her Thorne Witch series. McLean, who has written 11 supernatural thrillers across three acclaimed series, her unique approach to urban fantasy, and how the Pacific Northwest landscape influences her writing process.

Episode Highlights & Quotes

From JP McLean: "I have always wanted to do a Bewitched on steroids type of story, but for me, if I was gonna write about witches and warlocks and magic, I had to come up with a new approach to the old trope."

From Darrell MacKay: "When I realized that was everything she owned—now that's all she had left was those five bags—so you have to respect that is her whole life in those five plastic bags."

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

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#ThePulseCommunity, #PulsePodcast, #VancouverIslandAuthor,s #DenmanIsland, #CampbellRiver, #Ukraine, #UrbanFantasy, #CommunitySupport, #DarrellMcKay, #JPMcLean

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Season 2 Premiere of The PULSE Community Podcast features:

(21:26) Neil Osborne, lead singer and co-founder of iconic BC band 54-40 from Gabriola Island, shares tracks from their 15th studio album “Porto”. The Canadian Music Hall of Fame member discusses their old-school approach of testing songs with live audiences before recording, their upcoming tour with Foreigner, and maintaining their record-holding performances at Vancouver's Commodore Ballroom. The Interview includes the new tunes, “Running for the Fence”, “Virgil” and “Go Get em”.

(06:44) Shelley Stouffer, BC Golf Hall of Fame member from Nanoose Bay, discusses her wire-to-wire victory at the Canadian Women's Senior Championship at Nanaimo Club. The three-time champion shares her preparation strategies, mental game techniques, and why she believes young Vancouver Island golfers should learn to play without technology. Stouffer reveals her international goals including conquering the British Senior Amateur Championship.

"My secret isn't really a secret, but it is working out and keeping my mobility up so that I can still swing the club as well as I used to," - Shelley Stouffer, BC Golf Hall of Fame Member

"We wanted a high-energy, live sound to the record... We were all in a room in Portugal, in Porto—a nice big room, you know, playing all at the same time," - Neil Osborne, 54-40 Lead Singer

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

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#ThePulseCommunity, #PulsePodcast, #VancouverIslandGolf, #ShelleyStoufffеr, #5440Band, #CanadianMusic, #ParksvilleQualicumBeach, #GolfChampion

(Running for the fence, Virgil, Go Get Em - Osborne / Merritt / Genn / Johnson)

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This Episode Features:

(08:44) Dan Larocque shares the inspiring story behind the Parksville community garden, from its 2022 Agriculture Canada grant origins to becoming a vital social hub. Learn how this barrier-free space produces fresh food for anyone who needs it while teaching gardening skills, building community connections, and bringing neighbors together across generations on Vancouver Island.

(21:37) Elizabeth May, MP for Saanich-Gulf Islands, discusses her decision to step down as Green Party leader after the next leadership race. She explains her proposal for a Council of Canadian Governments modeled after Australia's system, designed to improve coordination between federal, provincial, territorial, First Nations, and municipal governments across Canada.

Episode Quotes:

"We deliberately set out to create a social hub, but we didn't realize that it would become quite as accepted and popular and vital to the community. I think we have people walking through here all the time of all ages, just enjoying the space." - Dan Larocque, Parksville Community Garden

"I think the party needs renewal and we will do better with a change in leadership, but I will not be retiring, and I hope to continue as a member of Parliament for Saanich-Gulf Islands and run again next time." - Elizabeth May

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

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#ThePulseCommunity, #PulsePodcast, #ParksvilleQualicumBeach, #CommunityGarden, #ElizabethMay, #GreenParty, #VancouverIsland, #LocalFood, #Parksville

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This Episode Features:

(10:34) Deb Grey, Canada's first female leader of official opposition, shares her incredible motorcycling journey spanning 58 years. From political campaigns on two wheels to cross-country adventures with husband Lewis, Grey offers tips for Vancouver Island riding routes. She discusses their matching Honda Valkyries, memorable trips from the Yukon to Arizona, and that she's never received a speeding ticket.

(37:53) Spark House Coworking founder Dan King explains how his downtown Parksville space is addressing the growing demand for "third spaces" among remote workers. King discusses unexpected users including counselors seeking professional meeting spaces and community organizations needing gathering venues. He explains the technology features, 24/7 access options, and community-building initiatives that set Spark House apart from traditional coworking spaces.

Key Quotes:

"I've been riding 58 years tells you something. A, I'm a good defensive rider, but B, I've been blessed." - Deb Grey on Vancouver Island motorcycling safety

"What we're really interested in creating is a space where you can put your head down, you can get your work done when you want to, but when you come up for air, take a break, you've got the chance to find something that doesn't exist if you're just at home." - Dan King on Spark House Coworking's community vision

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Episode Sponsors: Ian Lindsay & Associates RE/MAX, Windsor Plywood French Creek and Thrifty Foods Parksville.

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#VancouverIslandMotorcycling, #PulsePodcast, #ParksvilleCoworking, #QualicumBeach, #SparkHouse, #DebGrey, #VancouverIslandLife, #RemoteWorkVancouverIsland, #Parksville, #QualicumBeach

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This Episode Features:

(09:11) James Vickers, 15 year old Vancouver Island blues musician shares his journey from a dusty Toys"R"Us guitar to headlining to the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, hosting the legendary Queen's Sunday Blues Jam in Nanaimo, and his vision to revolutionize blues music by blending grunge, rap, and R&B influences while honoring his cultural roots. Contains the tune “Takes Time”, from his new album “The Last Goodbye”.

(31:50) Glass artist Robert Held and digital painter Brian Middleton offer details about "Trip the Light Fantastic," their immersive art experience featuring 150-inch screens, moving images, and interactive light installations at the McMillan Arts Center. This Vancouver Island art collaboration also serves as a fundraiser for vital signs monitors at the Oceanside Urgent Care Center.

Episode Highlights & Quotes

"If ever somebody tells you that you absolutely can't do something, go and do it just to prove them wrong." - James Vickers' advice to other teenagers

"We want people to be changed by it. Come in, take a break from all of the chaos in the world at the moment, and enjoy an experience that's going to improve the quality of life." - Brian Middleton

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You'll find all episodes of The PULSE Podcast on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, iHeart, TicTok and YouTube podcasts, as well as PULSECommunity.ca.

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

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#ThePulseCommunity, #PulsePodcast, #VancouverIslandMusic, #JamesVickers, #IndigenousArtist, #BluesMusic, #ImmersiveArt, #SalishCoastMusicFestival, #McMillanArtsCenter, #ParksvilleQualicumBeach, #BobHeld, #BrianMiddleton

(Takes Time, Vickers)

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This Episode Features:

(08:55) Dashwood Fire Chief Nick Acciavatti provides a look at managing Vancouver Island's largest interface fire in history. From coordinating 300 firefighters across multiple agencies to implementing life-saving FireSmart principles, Chief Acciavatti shares how proper preparation and community support created a successful emergency response that saved hundreds of homes.

(26:36) The PULSE hosts connect with visitors from around the world at Parksville's renowned sand sculpture exhibition. Featuring conversations with tourists from Holland, Alberta, Ontario, and beyond who share why Vancouver Island's relaxed lifestyle and natural beauty draws 119,000+ annual visitors to this world-class Mid-Island event.

Episode Highlights & Quotes

"The fire was literally knocking at their door, and we were able to save their home." - Fire Chief Nick Acciavatti

"It's like I'm always on vacation. I can just pick a weekend and go somewhere for a hike or to just visit a waterfall, and it feels like I'm on vacation." - Visitor turned resident describing Vancouver Island lifestyle

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

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#WesleyRidgeWildfire, #VancouverIslandFire, #EmergencyPreparedness, #DashwoodFire, #ParkssvilleSandSculptures, #FireSmartBC, #ThePulseCommunity, #PulsePodcast

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This Episode Features:

(07:20) Oceanside Classical Concerts Community Outreach: Joe Straka details their transformative Vancouver Island music programs including the instrument lending initiative providing free instruments to students whose schools can't afford adequate supplies. The organization has created scholarship programs supporting diverse musical genres and pioneered live streaming concerts to seniors facilities, addressing mobility challenges for elderly music lovers across the Parksville-Qualicum Beach area.

(29:23) The Heels - From Island Roots to International Success: Featuring Qualicum Beach's Kyla Rawlins alongside Bobbi Smith and Brittany Dominelli, discuss their evolution from casual café sessions to being managed by the powerhouse team behind Alabama and Randy Travis. The trio shares insights about their BCCMA awards, opening for major acts, and their mission to create empowering music with healing powers. The interview features the song “High Heels On”.

Episode Highlights & Quotes

"Through our other programs, we spoke with music teachers and they provided us with convincing proof that the schools simply cannot afford to provide enough instruments for their music programs and for all the kids who wanted to participate in music classes. And so a number of kids walk away and they're disappointed." - Joe Straka, Oceanside Classical Concerts

"We got to hang out with Dolly Parton. We got to go to her album release party, but we sat on a couch with her, sang her songs with her. So it really does offer you an incredible range of contacts, I would say, when you have a big team." - Brittni Fiddler

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You'll find all episodes of the The PULSE Podcast on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, iHeart, TikTok and YouTube podcasts, as well as PULSECommunity.ca.

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

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#ThePulseCommunity, #PulsePodcast, #VancouverIslandMusic,

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