What is Hackfish? Can anyone define a word that is designed to mean everything – and nothing – at once?

Volume Two of Hackfish Magazine is about to hit the Coast. So, I sit down with Tyler Lepore, the creative force behind Hackfish Magazine, a unique, community-driven zine on the Sunshine Coast. We talk about origins of Hackfish, Tyler’s journey as a metal fabricator turned magazine creator, and the quirky, analog spirit that defines both the magazine and the Coast itself. Along the way, hear about the wonderful misadventures Hackfish mag underwent when launching Volume One last year.

We cover:

• What is Hackfish? Exploring the meaning and philosophy behind the name and the magazine.

• Tyler’s background: from metal fabrication to zine publishing.

• The creative process: how Hackfish Magazine is made, from collecting stories and art to hacking up old newspaper boxes for distribution.

• Community engagement: the importance of local involvement, user submissions, and the “barnacle people” of the Coast.

• The analog experience: why print matters, and the joy of finding a Hackfish box in the wild.

• Memorable features: “Naked Cord” photo spread, quirky magazine content, and the magazine’s impact on the community.

• The challenges and rewards of running a passion project with no ads, no digital edition, and lots of local flavor.

Big thanks to Nicole at Nico Coastal Homes – a friend and one of the top realtors on the Sunshine Coast. Find her at nicolearnett.ca, and tell her Secret Sunshine sent you.

Find Hackfish Magazine on Instagram and at hackfishmag.ca.

Watch the video version of this episode on YouTube.

Visit secretsunshine.ca for more episodes and info.

Produced and hosted by Dominic Girard at Handover Media.Theme music by Max Henry.