Send us a text 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 ar...

Send us a text 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 rec...

Send us a text 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 commun...

Send us a text 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...

Send us a text Season 9 of The Kingstonian Podcast kicks off with a legend. Jerry Mercer has been keeping time for more than 70 years — three decades of that behind the drums with one of Canada’s most beloved rock bands, April Wine. In this conversation, Jerry talks about his lifelong passion for music, the instrument that’s captured his curiosity these days, and the moments that defined his journey — from Mashmakhan to Ellen McIlwaine, Roy Buchanan, and, of course, April Wine. Along th...

Send us a text Back in 2003, Ryan Malcolm became a familiar face across Canada as the first-ever winner of Canadian Idol. After a whirlwind year that included performing with artists like Elton John and Kelly Clarkson, Ryan returned to his roots just west of Kingston. Over the past 20 years, he’s worn many hats: musician, restaurant manager, Buddy Holly onstage, and now, real estate agent. In this episode, recorded in mid-April 2025 from his home in Prince Edward County, Ryan reflects on life...

Send us a text With Canada heading to the polls on April 28th, 2025, voters across the country are weighing some big questions. Should we re-elect the incumbent party or opt for change? Who’s best positioned to lead the country—and how will the next government navigate the relationship with the U.S.? Should we be focusing on local candidates or national leaders? In this episode, recorded on April 9th, we explore these questions and more with Dr. Kathy Brock, Professor Emerita in the School of...

Send us a text Kingston has a deep-rooted musical community, and few names stand out as much as Dave Barton’s. A self-professed "guitar nerd," Dave’s passion for the instrument began in Grade 4 and has shaped a lifelong career in performance, composition, and education. As co-leader of the Big Phat Horn Band, he brings bold, dynamic energy to the stage while continuing to explore a wide range of musical genres. Beyond performing, Dave has spent decades teaching and inspiring students, sharing...

Send us a text Physics is everywhere—even if you haven’t thought about it since high school! In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Art McDonald, a professor of astrophysics at Queen’s University and winner of the Nobel Prize for Physics in 2015. For forty years, Dr. McDonald and his team focused their research on neutrinos—tiny, elusive particles that help us understand the fundamental workings of the universe. Their research took place two kilometers underground in a nickel mine in Sudbury, ...

Send us a text The role of Rector at Queen’s University is truly one of a kind—no other Canadian university has a position quite like it. Rooted in Scottish tradition, the Rector has been a key part of Queen’s governance. In this episode, I sit down with Niki Boytchuk-Hale, the 39th Rector of Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario, to discuss her journey to this unique role. We explore the responsibilities of the Rector, the challenges and opportunities that come with representing nearly 30,00...

Send us a text U.S. politics has been making headlines nonstop, and with so much happening, it can be difficult to keep up. In this episode, I’m joined by Paul Gardner, Assistant Professor of Political Studies at Queen’s University, to help break it all down. Paul’s expertise in American law and politics comes from years of research at Queen’s, the Maxwell School at Syracuse University, and Princeton University, where he earned his Ph.D. Together, we dive into key topics shaping the political...

Send us a text “Organizing is what you do before you do something so that when you do it, it is not all mixed up.” — A. A. Milne In this episode, we explore the art of decluttering and organizing with Jocelyn Taylor, founder of Popped Closet. Whether you’re at home, in the office, or anywhere in between, we’ve all experienced those moments of wondering, "Where did I put my phone, my keys, or those printer cartridges?" While many of us think about getting organized, it’s easy for those plans ...

Send us a text Join me as we take a look at the fascinating world of preservation and archives. Did you know Queen’s University Archives is home to an extraordinary collection of records—both paper and digital—that document not only the University’s history but also that of Kingston, its surrounding regions, and countless notable Canadians and everyday lives? To uncover the secrets behind this important work, I sat down with Jeremy Heil, Acting University Archivist and Associate University Li...

Send us a text Join us in this special episode as we explore the remarkable legacy of Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States. Known for his dedication to public service, both during and after his presidency, Carter's impact resonates deeply with people around the world. For Kingstonian Arthur Milnes, Carter has been a hero since he was eleven years old. Milnes, an accomplished author, editor, and historian, returns to our podcast to share his unique journey of connecting with t...

Send us a text 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. T...

Send us a text It all began in the mid-‘60s, when a young drummer named Kim Berly placed an ad in a Calgary newspaper, hoping to find a band to join. What he found was the start of something much bigger—a musical journey that would span more than five decades. Alongside fellow musicians Rich Dodson and Ronnie King, Kim became part of The Stampeders, a band that would go on to leave an indelible mark on the Canadian rock scene. With hits like “Carry Me,” “Devil You,” and the timeless classic “...

Send us a text In this episode, we continue our exploration of Canada’s Arctic, shifting focus from the history of exploration to a pressing contemporary issue: sovereignty. How has Canada asserted its control over the vast, remote Arctic region, and what strategies are in place to protect its interests as global dynamics shift? Joining us again is Major Stan Bennett, Commander of the Canadian Armed Forces Training Centre in Resolute Bay, Nunavut. With firsthand experience in Arctic operation...

Send us a text The Arctic is one of Canada's most mysterious, beautiful, and dangerous regions—yet it’s an area that is increasingly capturing the attention of Canadians and the world. Why did the Inuit migrate across the Bering Strait 5,000 years ago to settle in the harsh north? What motivated European explorers to search for the elusive Northwest Passage? And today, with Canada asserting its sovereignty over the land and waterways of the northern Nunavut Territory, how is this vast, remote...

Send us a text Welcome back to The Kingstonian Podcast! We’re excited to kick off Season 8 with a timely discussion on the critical state of local news. In a media landscape increasingly dominated by corporate ownership, many local outlets have been forced to close, leaving communities in the dark about the issues that matter most to them. In this episode, I speak with Christopher Fanning, an English Professor at Queen’s University, who, alongside his wife, Karen Valihora, has taken a bold st...

Send us a text In this episode, I dive into the inspiring journey of Anthony Agostino., an individual with a deep passion for business and video production. Starting as a part-time radio sports reporter, Anthony has now become the driving force behind Viva Productions, a successful video company. Viva Productions is known for its remarkable work, including the acclaimed documentary series “We are Golden,” which highlights the football program at Queen’s University. Anthony shares insights int...