London's Pretty Cool

Episode 80: Amanda Movio

Amanda Movio bends an old soulful sound into the modern world. Influenced by Hip-Hop, RnB, Jazz, Funk, and Soul, she holds her audience with an exclusive tone and lyrical puzzles. With her first EP 'The Chasm' coming late 2024 and an eagerly anticipated Eastern Canada Tour in collaboration with Lovetown Records, Amanda is excited to elevate her artistry to new heights. In this episode we speak with Amanda about her journey in music, what made her take it to the next level, the process of r...

Episode 79: London Lightning

The London Lightning is our city's professional basketball team playing in the basketball super league. The London Lightning formed in 2011 and have won 6 NBLC Championships in their short run thus far as a team. In this episode we talk with Doug about his basketball career, becoming the assistant coach of the lightning and moving up to head coach, Vito’s commitment to creating a great basketball program here in London, what makes a championship team, if London is a basketball city and more!

Episode 78: Guess Where Trips

Guess Where Trips is an experiential company that creates one-day trips for you to explore some hidden gems close to you! And all without knowing where you are heading before you start! With many trips leaving from London, you can choose which theme suits your interests, whether it’s spooky, craft breweries, waterfalls and more, and head on your way for a fantastic road trip that you didn’t have to plan! In this episode we speak with Jessica about how the business was started, her favourit...

Episode 77: The Palasad

The Palasad (north or south) is your one stop shop for all things entertainment. From bowling, arcade games, pool, live music and more, there is something for everyone at the Palasad!  In this episode we speak with the Palasad Director of Operations Marty Novak to learn more about how and why the Palasad was started, turning the north Palasad into the socialbowl and it becoming one of London’s top venues and more! More Palasad Socialbowl:  https://www.socialbowl.ca/ https://www.faceb...

Episode 76: The Great Outdoors Comedy Festival

The Great Outdoors Comedy Festival started in 2021 with one show in Edmonton, Alberta. Since then they have toured throughout Canada offering 3 days of top-tier comedians at each stop. This year, they are stopping in London for the first time!  On July 19th, 20th, and 21st, Harris Park will be the spot to see comedians Nate Bargatze, Tom Sergura, Bill Burr and more! In this episode we speak with festival CEO Mike Anderson about choosing to add London as a stop on the tour this year, why ...

Episode 75: DoughEV

Dough EV is a new doughnut and coffee shop located in OEV! Started by Tara Davies, Dough EV offers amazing doughnuts with standard and seasonal flavours, along with coffee curated by bean wizard Juan Marulanda. 🔥⁠ Looking for somewhere to enjoy your sweet treat, great cup of coffee, look no further, Dough EV is the spot! They also recently started offering lunch and putting on events, so there is no reason for you not to check out the beautiful space! ✨⁠   More Dough EV:  Website: htt...

Episode 74: London Comedy Festival

Episode 73: Brent Jackson / Sunshine Makers / Peace, Love & Sunshine

Episode 73: Brent Jackson / Sunshine Makers / Peace, Love & Sunshine In this episode we speak with Brent Jackson. Brent has had a long career in music spanning over a decade. We talk with him about his career, his current project Sunshine Makers, and their upcoming festival Peace, Love & Sunshine. 

Episode 72: Drumfest

Episode 71: LOST Cycle

Episode 71: Lost Cycle LOST Cycle is a rhythm riding fitness studio with locations in the south and north end of the city. LOST opened in 2019, and over the past few years has grown and cultivated their own community of dedicated riders, which is more like a family. Offering multiple classes throughout the week, you will always be able to find a ride for you, whether it's a themed ride, karma ride or more! In this episode, we speak with Courtney Stache, owner and creator of the fitness s...

Episode 70: Giggle Boys Comedy

Episode 70: Giggle Boys Giggle Boys is a comedy duo, bringing comedians from across Canada to London for our enjoyment! 👏 Mitch VK & Aaron Stephanson are seasoned local stand-up comedians, having honed their craft at local open mics throughout London. They decided to come together to create Giggle Boys and host comedy shows at various locations in London to help grow the comedy scene in the forest city! In this episode, we speak with Mitch and Aaron about how and why they decided to star...

Episode 69: London Public Library

The London Public Library is a place for everyone. They are an anchor in the community and a place for knowledge, creativity and information. They are London's home for books and borrowing. They inspire a love of reading and we support critical forms of literacy through all ages and stages. London Public Library serves the community through our 16 neighbourhood library locations, our extensive community outreach and our excellent online resources. We had the opportunity to speak with Ashle...

Episode 68: Film London

Episode 68: Film London  ⁠ With the support of our community partners, Film London's goal is to develop and enhance our city's film and television industry and to provide productions with a vibrant and economically viable location for filming.  ⁠ Film London is a no-cost business concierge to help connect your production to the resources you're looking for. They are committed to welcoming you to London as a friendly place to film your next project. In this episode we speak with Film Lo...

Episode 67: Western Fair Market

Episode 67: Western Fair Market  Located in the heart of Old East Village, the Market is home to 100+ permanent vendors. The first floor is home to a wide range of produce, baked goods, handcrafted cheeses, prepared foods and more! While the second floor features the best and most unique craftspeople, artists and artisans, together with an eclectic roster of distinctive and locally handcrafted products, fine jewellery, collectibles and one-of-a-kind services.  Market-goers love they can ...

Episode 66: Hyland Cinema

The original 514-seat Hyland cinema opened as the Elmwood in the Depression-laden 1930s. The south London showplace offered double features made up of second-run movies. Later, it became a first-run art house specializing in British films such as Henry V, starring Laurence Olivier.⁠  ⁠ The new 414-seat single screen Hyland Cinema is independently owned and operated. It is newly renovated with an excellent projection and sound system as well as a new screen. The cinema will premiere the mos...

Episode 65: Winter Spectacular

In this episode, we speak with festival organizer Savannah about what to expect at this year’s festival, how the festival came to be in the first place, why they went on hiatus and why they decided to come back this year, some of Sav’s favourite memories from past festivals and what she’s looking forward most this year, and much more!  Winter Spectacular is a weekend of amazing programming happening February 17th - 19th in London. On Friday they are hosting a Dinner & a Show, with a beauti...

Episode 64: The Sugar Shack

Episode 64: Simon Larochette of Sugar Shack  ⁠ Sugar Shack is a recording studio located in the Soho neighbourhood of London that has been recording some of your local favourite bands for over a decade. The studio is home to an extensive collection of guitars, amps, keyboards, and drum kits both vintage and modern. In this episode, we speak with Simon about why he started Sugar Shack, how it differs from other studios, studio cat Winston, his favourite projects he's worked on and more!  ...

Episode 63: Stompbox London

Episode 63: Stompbox London ft. creators Sofia Pompe and Roisin Miland Stompbox is a collective of musicians and creatives supporting and uplifting the voices of the diverse London artistic community. Through community events, DIY concerts, and publications, Stompbox aims to bring attention to the forest city culture. In this episode we speak with Sofia and Roisin about why they decided to start Stompbox, why they chose to focus on all-ages shows and bringing younger fans out to spaces, ...

Episode 62: Good Sport

 In this episode, we speak with Monica Joy Peeff, Andres Garzon Espitia and Zane Pate from Good Sport Gallery! 🔥🔥 Good Sport is a member-driven gallery and studio space that exists for the development and exhibition of emerging artists. Good Sport is supported by artists who work in its shared studio space. Each artist has their own area in the communal space that is flexible depending on their needs. Good Sport also hosts arts and community-driven events in the studio space as often as p...

Episode 61 - Jordan MacDonald of Texas King

Episode 60: Holy Ghost

Episode 60: Holy Ghost! Holy Ghost is a tattoo and barbershop located in the heart of OEV at 724 Dundas St. Holy Ghost is your one-stop-shop to feel brand new with a fresh haircut and some new ink without having to move more than a few feet! In this episode, we speak with Jameson Donaldshaw, owner and head barber of Holy Ghost. We speak with Jameson about the origin of the name, why tattooing and barbering go together so well, what it was like opening a business in the heart of the pande...

Episode 59: Lavish

Lavish is known for putting on amazing events, such as drag shows, burlesque shows, themed dances and so much more. With a fantastic club and rooftop patio, Lavish is a safe space in the city for people to be who they are and enjoy their nights out!  In this episode we talk with Kelly Roy, Lavish's social media coordinator and co-owner of Mum's Entertainment, about what Lavish is, some of the amazing events that are put on there, how it is a safe space in London and how the city is in need...

Episode 58: London Children's Museum

Exhibits and engaging learning experiences allow children to explore history and heritage, investigate science and social relationships, and celebrate art and culture. The London Children’s Museum helps children ignite their curiosity and play their way to a life of innovation and creative discovery. In this episode, we speak with Mira Noordermeer (Marketing and sales manager) & Vanessa Eastmure (Exhibits & Collections Manager) about all things Children's Museum!  We speak about London h...

Episode 57: Dan Brodbeck

Episode 57: Dan Brodbeck  Dan Brodbeck Juno award-winning and Grammy nominated Canadian record producer.  He has worked on many local artist's albums, such as Ivory Hours and Texas King, as well as some of the top artists like The Cranberries Dan is also a mixer/engineer and recording engineering professor and the coordinator of the Music Industry Arts Program at Fanshawe College.  In this episode you will hear about what it’s like getting a job in the music production industry, gett...

Episode 56: Home County Music and Art Festival

The first Home County took place in 1974 and has had a festival in Victoria Park every year since then, other than covid, and now they are back for the 48th year!  The founding festival organizers came up with the name H.O.M.E. County in 1974, as an acronym for Huron, Oxford, Middlesex, Elgin - the four counties in southwestern Ontario surrounding the city of London and area. In this episode, we speak with this year’s festival manager Darin about what is to be expected at this year’s fes...

Episode 55: Heeman's

Heeman’s is a family owned and operated business that has been serving London and surrounding area since 1963. Heeman’s is the place to go for all your gardening and berry needs!    In this episode we get the origin story of Heeman’s, what it’s like working for a family business, BERRY SEASON (on now) and pick-your-own, how they started making cider and mead, best times to check out the greenhouse, how you can spend a whole day there and not get bored and so much more!    Have a list...

Episode 54: Grooves Records

Episode 54: Grooves Record In this episode we spoke with Andy, Bonnie and Danny from Grooves Records all about this London hotspot!  If you like music, you have heard of, but more likely have visited Grooves Records. Grooves is your go-to stop for all your new & used vinyl, CDs & music DVDs, magazines, books, cassettes, record players & accessories needs!  We talk all about how owner Troy started the shop, the rise of vinyl in the past couple of years, starting their own label ‘Grooves...

Episode 53: London Brewing Co-op

Episode 53: Emma Maganja of London Brewing Co-op Emma is the marketing and administration manager and one of the worker owners at London Brewing Co-op  The London Brewing is a worker co-operative brewery located in Old East Village. All of their beers feature Ontario grown ingredients (most coming from within 117km of the brewery) creating a truly local brew. London Brewing carries many different varieties of beer, from a London Organic Lager to the famous Downtown Coconut Brown (Emma’s pe...

Episode 52: Mik Stevens of Flourish & Grow

Episode 52: Mik Stevens of Flourish and Grow Mik Stevens is a multidisciplinary artist, working under the name Flourish & Grow to share her art. Mik’s art forms range from embroidery, hand-dying fabric, beading and screen printing.  In this episode we talk all about how Mik became interested in art, what it’s like to turn your art into a business, what she was inspired by to create her pieces, the anxiety collection and why she started it, her favourite art form, what it’s like seeing he...

Episode 51: Richard Gracious

Richard Gracious is a local musician that you have likely seen on stage, singing and/or playing guitar with bands like Bad Teeth, Mountain of Wolves, Wolf Saga, Charlie Weber and much more.  Richard’s life has always been surrounded by music, growing up in a musical family and attending local arts schools Lester B. Pearson and Central Secondary School -  which led him to the MIA program at Fanshawe College.  When he’s not writing and playing his own music, he’s recording local talent wit...

Episode 50: Boler Mountain

In this episode we speak with Marty Thody, member of the management team at Boler Mountain about all the amazing activities they provide!  Boler Mountain is a staple in London opening in 1949. Since then, Boler has continued to grow to become Southwestern Ontario’s most dynamic destination for outdoor adventure!  Boler Mountain is mostly known for their ski and snowboard hill, but they are also home to a tubing hill, mountain biking trails, TreeTop adventure and so much more.  More Bol...

Episode 49: The ISO Project

Episode 49 features Zahra Habib, project Director & Executive Producer, Asha Supaul - Social Media Coordinator and King Jerome - Promotions and Outreach Coordinator of the ISO Project  The ISO Project is a music video incubator for artists and creators of colour in London. In collaboration with the London Music Office and the Forest City Film Festival, those who are accepted into the incubator will receive mentorship and guidance, as well as support in every part of the music video process. ...

Episode 48: Shad K

In this episode, we speak with our dream guest - Shad! Shad is an extremely talented rapper and MC from London, who has released six studio albums and 4 EPs since 2005. He has won 3 Juno awards for Rap Recording, beating out Drake in 2011.  Shad has accomplished much more outside of the music sphere, hosting CBC’s Q and Netflix’s Hip Hop Evolution, which has won a Peabody Award and an International Emmy Award for Best Arts Programming.  In this episode to talk to Shad about his new album...

Episode 47: Canadian Country Music Awards

The CCMA Awards and Canadian Country Music Week are back in London this weekend (Friday, November 26th-Monday, November 29th) and we have the scoop on all the amazing events that are happening!  We were able to chat with Tiffany Astle, the head of communications for the CCMAs, about what can be expected this weekend!  In this episode, we talked about bringing the CCMAs back to London for the second time (the first time being in 2016), why it’s important for Canadian country artists to ha...

Minisode: Neighbourhood Decision Making Part 2

This is part 2 of our minisodes about Neighbourhood Decision Making  In this episode, we go over how to vote THIS SATURDAY, November 6th, and we go through our top 2 ideas from each of the geographical areas!  Be sure to check out all the ideas that you are able to vote for on Vote day by going to www.getinvolved.london.ca/NDM and check out the area that you live in! Don’t worry, you are able to vote for 3 ideas, so you don’t have to try and choose only one great idea.  Neighbourhood D...

Episode 46: Forest City Film Festival

October 19th-October 30th, London welcomes back the Forest City Film Festival!  In this episode, we speak with the founder and executive director of the Forest City Film Festival, Dorothy Downs. She tells us all about how FCFF came to be, what those first few festivals were like, how the film industry is growing in London and more!  We also talk all about this year's festivals, from what the most anticipated films are for this year, the new experimental category, how the films are judged...

Episode 45: Susanne Grainger - Olympic Gold Medalist

Susanne is an Olympic Rower, who in Tokyo 2020 was able to bring home the Gold Medal with her team for Women’s 8 Rowing for the first time since 1992.  Susanne started rowing on Fanshawe lake here in the city under coach Bob Ward. Susanne has worked her way up to multiple World Championships and World Cups and now has an Olympic Gold Medal under her belt.  You probably saw the reaction of the team when they found out they had won, with their coxswain Kit jumping to her feet in their pret...

Episode 44: Sidetrack: A Wortley Cafe

Episode 44) Richie Bloomfield, Co-founder of Sidetrack: A Wortley Cafe “In a world of relentless pursuit, sidetracks are more important than ever. Let your mind stray off the beaten path and return with fresh ideas and new imaginings. After all, detours write the best stories. There has always been a café here, in this cozy nook of the village. Folded away but never forgotten, it has always been a place for community, coffee and conversation. Our hope is that this will be your space fo...

Minisode: Neighbourhood Decision Making Part 1

Welcome back to London’s Pretty Cool Podcast. Today we are speaking with Karen Oldman and Julie Ryan from Neighbourhood Decision Making. Neighbourhood Decision Making is a program in which Londoners are able to come up with ideas to improve their local communities. You are able to submit your ideas and get your community to vote on which ideas you all want to see come to life. Because you know what is needed in your neighbourhood better than anyone. Submissions close on September 21st. T...

Episode 43: Sarah Smith

Sarah Smith is a musician from London that has always been praised for her songwriting and vulnerability in her lyrics. Sarah has been heavily involved in the London music scene for most of her career, winning multiple Jack Richardson/Forest City London Music Awards and performing at almost every venue the city has.  Recently, Sarah paid homage to her hometown, releasing an album called “Sarah Smith and the Lovers of London” along with writing partner Noelle Frances. This album was a colla...

Episode 42: Growing Chefs! Ontario

Growing Chefs! Ontario is a registered charity based in London, Ontario that unites chefs, growers, educators and community members in children’s food education projects. Growing Chefs! Ontario offers a variety of Food Education Projects to get kids and communities excited about healthy, wholesome food! In this episode, Andrew tells us all about how he got started with Growing Chefs in Vancouver, how and why he decided to create a headquarters for Growing Chefs in London, the Food Educatio...

Episode 41: Urban Roots London - Mariam Waliji

Episode 41 with Mariam Waliji of Urban Roots London  Urban Roots is a non-profit organization that revitalizes underused land in the City of London for agriculture by: Producing high-quality, organic vegetables and herbs, distributing produce locally, directly to consumers and to private and social enterprises, developing agricultural opportunities for the neighbourhood, social enterprises, and community organizations within the City of London, and growing a self-sustaining, urban agricu...

Episode 40: London Girls Rock Camp

Episode 40 Guests: Savannah Sewell, Aaliyah Stewart and Hannah Fayad from London Girls Rock Camp!  Starting season 3 off strong talking about the amazing local camp London Girls Rock Camp. London Girls Rock Camp is focused on empowerment, confidence building, friendship-making, and most importantly: music-loving. London Girls Rock Camp is lead by a team of female musicians and industry contributors and brings programming to campers aged 8-15 who self-identify as female, trans, and gender n...

Episode 39: PLUMP!

“PLUMP! is a space for London's BIPOC community. A space where we can cultivate our passions, share our perspectives, learn new things and get inspired by those around us.” Alecia Bryan and Harina Mokanan are the visionaries and creators behind this group. We were able to discuss with them all about seeing the need for a space for BIPOC in London to get together and share stories and have fun, in a place that they feel seen and heard and not looked at as the minority in that space - and PL...

Episode 38: Nicole Snobelen

Nicole Snobelen is the owner of Evelynn by Nicole Snobelen, which is a clothing line with amazing pieces such as dresses, scrunchies, tees, accessories and more! Evelynn carries unique options such as matching sets for you and your pet, custom bridal robes, thrifted pieces and upcycled pieces, so you can find the perfect thing for you!  While creating such a cute clothing business, Nicole decided to use this to give back by starting The Abby Fund, which proceeds from sales go to. The Abb...

Episode 37: Rude Girls Music Collective

Episode 37: Rude Girls Music Collective  Episode 37 features Harina, Zarha and Denise of Rude Girls Music Collective! In this episode, we talk about all Rude Girls, how they met and were formed, the different types of music they play, and why they chose their name. We also discuss Rude Girls Radio - their weekly live stream dance parties on Twitch, Front Womxn, their collaborative Livestream program showcasing womxn owned businesses & organizations, what it is like to be a DJ in London and...

Episode 36: Andres Garzon

Andres Garzon is a multidisciplinary artist based in London, Ontario. His practice centres around themes of home, introspection, love, immigration, community, and queer identity. He is passionate about arts and culture in London, Ontario, and is often a collaborator within its editorial and community art initiatives.⁠ ⁠Andres’ artwork and writings have been featured in MUSE Magazine, See Collective, and Huron & Erie Regional Digest. He is a current resident artist at Good Sport Gallery & S...

Episode 35: 100 Kellogg Lane - Canada's Largest Entertainment Complex

We were fortunate to speak with Martha and Paul all about Canada’s Largest Entertainment Complex - 100 Kellogg Lane! 100 Kellogg Lane is home to many businesses including trampoline park The Factory, Powerhouse Brewery, Paradigm Spirits, The Children's Museum, VR, the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame and more! In this episode we talk about transforming the old Kelloggs factory into the complex, how they choose the businesses that call 100 Kellogg Lane home, getting Canada’s first Hard Rock ...

Episode 34: Alayna Hryclik of Soft Flirt

Episode 34 with Alayna Hryclik of Soft Flirt!  Soft Flirt is a very popular lifestyle brand in London, making products such as t-shirts, sweaters, pins & stickers, home decor, prints and much more.  In this episode Alayna speaks about her brand, making the switch from side hustle to a full-time job, Soft Flirt’s special Halloween drops, creating playlists for holidays, working on the new “Explore the Forest” mural along Hamilton Road and much more!  Thank you to Alayna for taking the t...

Episode 33: Andrew Joseph Stevens III

In this episode, Andrew talks about releasing the long-awaited ep with his band Youngest and Only (and how to find it), going viral on TikTok, signing to Lost Music Collective, his new solo release “Night Vision”, and working on music videos. He also tells us about why Westmount will always be home, which small business he can’t live without, and what the game “rock pole” is… Andrew Joseph Stevens III Information: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drivesthecommonman?lang=en  Facebook: ht...