SaltWire Connects

Poko Ponders Woody the Talking Christmas Tree

Our favourite Christmas tree is back in Halifax to spread some cheer this holiday season, but how much do you really know about the coniferous companion? SaltWire host Sarah Poko speaks to Lee Rodgers, the voice of Woody the Talking Christmas Tree, about how he became Woody, his reaction to going viral and why many think Woody is so creepy.

The John DeMont Show - Thane Dunn

A blue, blue, blue Christmas: a conversation with Elvis impersonator Thane Dunn before he begins an Atlantic tour. Presented by the SaltWire Network (www.SaltWire.com)

Poko Ponders zombie laws

How does the society we live in determine the laws of the land, and what do those laws say about the priorities of a country? In this episode of Poko Ponders, SaltWire host Sarah Poko speaks with law expert Steve Coughlan of the Schulich School of Law about zombie laws and the importance of an updated criminal code.

Poko Ponders: Curses

Climate change, COVID-19 and the crumbling economy — the events of the last few years have many of us thinking we've been cursed. This thought process would have been completely acceptable in the ancient world, as punishment for whatever misdeeds we may have done as a species. In this episode of Poko Ponders, SaltWire host Sarah Poko talks to Tony Burke of York University about the history of curses, why we fear them and if they really work.

The John DeMont Show - Dr. Jason Brown

Finding the mathematical beauty of the Beatles: a conversation with math prof and musician Jason Brown on the connection between numbers and the Fab Four Presented by the SaltWire Network

The John DeMont Show - Lenore Zann

The actor-turned-politician talks about life after politics and being the universe’s strongest woman.

The John DeMont Show - Lara Cassidy

The roller-coaster film life: Lara Cassidy on making a career in film and video.

The John DeMont Show - Rick Mercer

John DeMont speaks with Rick Mercer about his new memoir

Poko Ponders acupuncture

Acupuncture has been around for more than 5,000 years with the promise of healing ailments and other health benefits attributed to the practice. But how did this ancient form of Chinese medicine migrate to Canada, and why is it so popular? SaltWire host Sarah Poko spoke to Dr. Diana Li of S-T Acupuncture and Natural Medicine Clinic in Bedford, N.S. to discuss the origins and art of acupuncture. Li is also president of the Canadian College of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine.

Poko Ponders: PBA

What would you do if you caught yourself laughing at a funeral, or crying uncontrollably at a birthday party? Those suffering from pseudobulbar affect (PBA) face situations like this every day and have a hard time navigating daily activities that most of us do not struggle with. In today’s episode, SaltWire host Sarah Poko speaks to Melissa Bickford about her life with PBA and what changes she would like to see to help others like her.

Poko Ponders: The ATU Index

Most of us are familiar with the stories of Cinderella, Snow White or Sleeping Beauty, but not many know these stories are heavily edited, their original plots lost to history. While we get lost in the "happily ever after," folklorists are hard at work studying these beloved stories and tracking their changes throughout history. That is where the ATU (Aarne-Thompson-Uther) Index comes in. On today's episode of Poko Ponders, SaltWire host Sarah Poko talks to Ian Brodie, a folklorist at Cape B...

The John DeMont Show - Clary Croft

Folklorist Clary Croft on the black window on Robie Street and other N.S. tales of the supernatural

Poko Ponders: Ghost stories

For the final episode of the Spooktober special, join SaltWire host Sarah Poko as she hits the streets of Halifax to collect people's ghost stories.

Exploring South African Chenin Blanc Pairings

SaltWire's Mark DeWolf interviews French-born, South African resident sommelier Jean-Vincent Ridon, author of Passion for Pairing

The John DeMont Show - Lia Rinaldo

Savouring Wolfville’s Devour! The Film Food Festival A conversation with Lia Ronaldo, Devour! co-chair about this year’s edition of the world’s biggest culinary film fest.

Poko Ponders: Exorcisms

We have seen exorcisms in mainstream media with chanting priests, violent contortion of the body, and demonic screams from the victim. There have also been several debates about the validity of exorcisms as an archaic practice, but many people still turn to exorcism as a solution to their problems. There is even an International Association of Exorcists founded by the Roman Catholic church in 2014, with over 200 members and a bi-annual meeting in Rome. Regardless of what you think about...

The John DeMont Show - Stephen Kimber

Poko Ponders: Haunted houses

Lights, camera, scream! Haunted houses have been part of the Halloween season for a long time - including, fake ones. For a small fee, you can experience the joys and horrors of a haunted house with ambient sounds, simulations and actors to get you into the Halloween spirit. But what is so appealing about being scared senseless so much that we would pay for it? SaltWire host, Sarah Poko, spoke to co-owner of Phantom's FreakShow Haunted House, Aaron Peerless, to find out why.

Poko Ponders witches

When we think of witches, we think of an old, unattractive woman (sometimes green skinned) with a pointy hat, a cauldron and a broomstick. But their history is a bit sadder and more tragic, with some of the most famous stories stemming from the Salem witch trials in the 17th century. In this Spooktober special of Poko Ponders, SaltWire host Sarah Poko invites Beth Terry back to talk about the history of witches in Canada and how they have evolved from devilish beings to Halloween must-haves.

Poko Ponders: Jesters

Jesters have inspired comedians, writers and even stuntmen who copy their occasional acrobatics. But how exactly did jesters come to be, how did they transition to the royal court and what do they look like today? SaltWire host Sarah Poko spoke to Christine Hoffmann, an associate professor of English at West Virginia University, and author of the book Stupid Humanism: Folly as Competence in Early Modern and Twenty-First-Century Culture, to discuss the past and future of jesters.

Adam Staple - SuperAntiHero

Adam Staple discusses his seven-song E.P. called SuperAntiHero, the first solo offering of original material from the St. John's born musician who's been playing for three decades.

Poko Ponders: Imaginary Friends - Part 2

SaltWire host Sarah Poko is back with Dr. Marjorie Taylor to discuss how we create imaginary friends. n this episode, they explore the impact of imaginary friends on adulthood, imaginary friends as hallucinations and what the future of imaginary friends could look at.

Mark DeWolf with "Teetotaler Wines" founder Danijela Kovac

Join Mark for an interesting conversation with "Teetotaler Wines" founder Danijela Kovac. Also, in Mark's online article at SaltWire.com, he chats with Danijela and other experts about no alcohol wines and wine proxies including the Benjamin Bridge foray into the zero alcohol wine-substitute space. Presented by the SaltWire Network

Mark DeWolf with Winemaker Laurent Delaunay

Mark DeWolf chats with winemaker Laurent Delaunay. Laurent is the proprietor of Maison Edouard Delaunay.

Climate Change adaption - the election issue that wasn't

This federal election could have been about how the Canadian government could meet the challenges of the climate crisis. t wasn't. Three climate experts weigh in about their thoughts on the climate emergency, the federal election, and how Atlantic regions need to adapt to runaway warming.

Poko Ponders: Imaginary friends

Chances are when you were little you had an imaginary friend or companion that you talked to; perhaps they were a favorite toy or a planet full of soldier-cats. But why exactly do we create imaginary friends? And how would it go on to affect us in adulthood? SaltWire Host Sarah Poko spoke to psychologist, Dr. Marjorie Taylor, to get her take on imaginary friends. More great podcasts at www.SaltWire.com/podcasts

Poko Ponders: Animal Safety

Do you know what to do if you came across a bear or coyote on a hike? SaltWire Host Sarah Poko wouldn’t, so she decided to speak to Erich Muntz, a Resource Conservation Manager at Cape Breton Highlands National Park, about animal safety and how to protect ourselves around wildlife. www.saltwire.com/podcasts

Nicholas Hiscock's "No Found Land"

Filmmakers Nicholas Hiscock and Bert Power, who co-wrote the musical score to Hiscock's new film "No Found Land", sat down with the SaltWire Network to discuss how they approached the short documentary on Little Bay Islands in Newfoundland and Labrador after being resettled. More great podcasts at www.SaltWire.com/podcasts

Poko Ponders: Death Doulas - Part 2

SaltWire host, Sarah Poko, continues her conversation with death doula Cindie Smith about what exactly to expect when a person is dying, mental health of as a death doula and the impact of COVID-19 on the practice.

Poko Ponders: Death Doulas - Part 1

Who and what can help us deal with the finality of Death? Just like doulas that help with the birth of a baby, a death doula helps people process their grief and teach them what to expect when a loved one dies. But how did this begin? hat should we expect when a person is dying? SaltWire Host, Sarah Poko, spoke to Cindie Smith of Tidal End of Life Doula about the practice.

Poko Ponders - Death Doulas Part 1

Who and what can help us deal with the finality of Death? Just like doulas that help with the birth of a baby, a death doula helps people process their grief and teach them what to expect when a loved one dies. But how did this begin? hat should we expect when a person is dying? SaltWire Host, Sarah Poko, spoke to Cindie Smith of Tidal End of Life Doula about the practice.

Poko Ponders: Organ Donation

What happens to an organ after it has been donated? Can you still donate if you have had COVID-19? SaltWire host Sarah Poko speaks to Dr. Stephen Beed, the medical director of the Nova Scotia Organ Donation Program, about the history of organ donation, the step-by-step process of what happens to a donated organ and the sale of organs on the black market.

The tales of Colleen Power

St. John's based singer/songwriter Colleen Power talks about the inspiration behind the songs on her most recent release, an occasionally humourous, occasionally dark, six-song E.P. called "Tales from Downtown West," which was recorded in February 2021 for the RPM Challenge.

Poko Ponders: Tarot and fortune telling Part 2

The cards told me you would be back! We continue the conversation with Beth Terry about tarot. This time we focus on the common misconceptions about tarot, its role in the Salem witch trials, and what to keep in mind when buying your own tarot deck.

POKO PONDERS: Tarot (Part 1)

Where did tarot come from? Why are we all fascinated by fortune tellers and the future? In this episode, SaltWire host Sarah Poko speaks to tarot reader Beth Terry about the history of tarot and the impact of fortune telling.

Poko Ponders: Bucket Lists

We all have a bucket list in some incarnation. While bucket lists are harmless themselves, some say it encourages hustle culture as many try to beat the clock and tick off as many items as possible from their list. SaltWire Host, Sarah Poko, spoke to Dr. Derek Fisher, an associate professor at Mout Saint Vincent University, to discuss the role bucket lists play in having a fulfilling life. More great podcasts at www.SaltWire.com/podcasts

Poko Ponders: Cannibalism

Many countries around the world perform cannibalism for ritualistic reasons, but where in history did it transition from cultural practice to criminal conduct? SaltWire host, Sarah Poko, spoke to Dr. Simon Sherry, a registered psychologist and professor at Dalhousie University to discuss cannibalism and how it has evolved throughout history. More great podcasts at www.saltwire.com/podcasts

St. John's Tribute For The Late Bryan Hennessey.

Wife Joan Sullivan and cousin Sandy Morris discuss the late Bryan Hennessey's life as a strong creative force in the local arts community. A tribute will be held at the LSPU Hall every Wednesday at noon until August 4th. Hennessey's song called "The Pedestrian Mall," which was written half a century ago but recorded last year, will be played during that time. More great podcasts available at www.saltwire.com/podcasts

Poko Ponders: Sacredness

If you logged on to church, are you still in a sacred space? How do we determine what is sacred and what isn’t? SaltWire Host, Sarah Poko, spoke to Dr. Christopher Helland, an associate professor of Sociology of Religion at Dalhousie University to discuss the concept of sacredness. More great podcasts at www.SaltWire.com/podcasts

Poko Ponders: Slang

Historically, slang was seen as vocabulary used by those of a lower class. Today, however, we see it in books, we hear it on television, and we use it in our everyday communication with others. When did that change? SaltWire host, Sarah Poko, spoke to Dr. Eric Henry, a linguistic anthropologist at Saint Mary's University, about the evolution of slang through the ages. Music Credit: LAKEY INSPIRED More great podcasts from the SaltWire Network at www.SaltWire.com/podcasts

Poko Ponders: Phobias

What makes a phobia, a phobia? At what point does the line cross from anxiety to irrational fear? SaltWire host, Sarah Poko, spoke to Dr. Stacy Bradley, a registered psychologist with the Nova Scotia Health Authority, to discuss how phobias are classified and how we can overcome them.

Side Door home concert platform open to new possibilities

Halifax-based Side Door, the four-year-old platform for hosting house concerts across North America, is re-entering the world of live performances as the COVID-19 pandemic subsides. As grassroots touring ramps back up, Side Door has the added benefit of $3 million U.S. in Seed investment as the company co-founded by Laura Simpson and Vancouver-based musician Dan Mangan expands its model for matching musicians, show hosts and audiences.

Poko Ponders - The Science of Gross

What we find cute varies from person to person, the same applies to what we find gross. SaltWire Host, Sarah Poko, spoke to medical sociologist, Dr. Michael Halpin, about the science of gross and how it translates across cultures More great podcasts at www.SaltWire.com/podcasts

Poko Ponders - Turning 30

Hasmeet Singh Chandok and His Joyful Activism

Hasmeet Singh Chandok and his Maritime Bhangra Group are using an old Indian folk dance to tackle 21st century Canadian problems.

Poko Ponders: Worm Charming

You’ve heard of snake charming, but what about worm charming? SaltWire host, Sarah Poko, spoke to worm advocate and 2011 Canadian worm charming champion, Cathy Nesbitt, about the history of worm charming and why it exists.

Janet Cull - Hear it

From the comfort of her beautiful backyard, Janet Cull talks about the inspiration behind the songs on her upcoming release, "Hear It," her first album of original material. [email protected]

Wines of Italy - North to South

SaltWire Network Host Mark DeWolf explores Italian reds from North to South. Wines being tasted are: Caruso & Mimini Frappato Nerello Mascales Jorio Montepulciano San Fabiano Calciano Chianti Classico Tommasi Ripasso della Valpolicella More great podcasts at www.saltwire.com/podcasts

Cara Lee Coleman - Star Music

Multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Cara Lee Coleman discuss her latest release, a double EP called "Star Music" and "Star Music B Sides"

A Closer Look at "Her Closely"

"Her Closely" focuses on the relationship of Franz Kafka and Felice Bauer, Who were engaged twice throughout their lifetime and shared a multitude of mailed correspondence which were published in 1955. It combines the letters Kafka sent to Bauer, his published works like The Trial and The Metamorphosis, as well as his diary entries to create a new work. More great podcast content at www,saltwire.com/podcasts