Open Kwong Dore Podcast

Episode Twenty-Two: Pat Williams

admin — Mon, 20 May 2013 14:39:34 +0000

Pat Williams is one of those men who has accomplished a great deal over the course of his 40 + year career in basketball, including the co-founding of the Orlando Magic where he is currently the Senior Vice President.

Before basketball – he was a minor league baseball player. In other words, this is a man who not only can “talk the talk” but he has “walked the walk.”

Pj wanted to talk to him because of his book How to Be Like Jackie Robinson. With the release of the Hollywood blockbuster 42 – which is about Jackie Robinson – it seemed the perfect time to talk about what made this American icon’s contribution to not only baseball but American life so important.

Williams is a prolific author with more than 65 books to his credit – including several titles in the “How To Be Like _____ ” series and a couple of Chicken Soup for the Soul books. Williams is a highly sought after motivational speaker and the winner of many awards including the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame 2012 John W. Bunn Lifetime Achievement Award.

Pj and Pat talk about family, sports, writing and the importance of the Jackie Robinson story.

For more on Pat Williams visit his website: www.PatWilliams.com. Follow Pat on Twitter: @OrlandoMagicPat.

Episode Twenty-One: Alexander Lakernik and Steve Dong

admin — Mon, 13 May 2013 08:55:07 +0000

This episode is a little different, but that’s the way we roll on this podcast. Paul took advantage of being at an international event in London, Ontario to get perspectives on sport from a Russian official and a Chinese official. We don’t often hear from the individuals behind the scenes and we jumped at the opportunity to talk with Alexander Lakernik, Chair of the International Skating Union Single and Pair Skating Technical Committee and Steve Dong, Director of Skating at the Chinese Skating Association. You’ll hear about sport development and teaching philosophies in Russia and China, and information about what the Beijing Olympics meant to China and the upcoming Olympics in Sochi.

Episode Twenty: Scott Russell

admin — Mon, 06 May 2013 12:45:21 +0000

Scott Russell and Perdita Felicien

Scott Russell is a man of many talents: commentator, author, columnist and journalist and CBC Sports veteran of more than 20 years. A graduate from Western University in London, Ontario, Russell first worked as a teacher before turning his attention to a Master’s Degree program in Journalism at his alma mater and a subsequent successful television career.

Pj wanted to interview Scott not just because of his coverage of 11 Olympic Games and five Commonwealth Games and many other events but because his career encompasses so much more than this. In 2012, Scott was awarded the Queen Elizabeth 11 Diamond Jubilee Medal for his contributions to Sports in Canada. Scott Russell is a passionate defender of sport (with a special place for amateur sport) and is putting his thoughts and talent to a fourth book The Field of Play: Why Sport Matters, to be published by OLA Random House in the Fall of 2014.

If you want to know more – follow Scott on Twitter @SportsWkndScott and look for his blog on CBC Sports here: http://www.cbc.ca/sports/opinion/author/scott-russell/

Episode Nineteen: Marina Zoueva

admin — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 09:00:20 +0000

Marina Zoueva has accomplished just about everything a skating coach can achieve, producing Olympic, World and National Champions. Originally from Russia, Marina moved to Canada and then the United States, settling in Canton, Michigan, where she established the International Skating Academy. Marina brings not only a wealth of experience to her students, but also a depth that is on display through her many successes. Paul was one of Marina’s first students in Ottawa and remembers this as a special time with a remarkable teacher. After all these years, he reunited with Marina to talk about her phenomenal career and how she has achieved such great success.

Visit the International Skating Academy’s website: internationalskatingacademy.com

Episode Eighteen: Andrea Ramolo

admin — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 12:51:36 +0000

Andrea Ramolo is a singer/songwriter and has released two albums – Thank You for the Ride and The Shadows and the Cracks – laying bare a vulnerability communicated through her emotional and confident voice. Her collaboration with Cindy Doire, Scarlett Jane, released the debut album Stranger last year. Andrea is a road warrior, a musician who has crossed the country several times, and continues in the summer of 2013 with over 50 Scarlett Jane shows nation wide. Andrea was nominated for new emerging artist at the 2011 Canadian Folk Music Awards, and Scarlett Jane was nominated for Best Vocal Group and Best Emerging Artist at the 2012 Canadian Folk Music Awards. Paul sat down with Andrea to talk about her music, writing songs, Scarlett Jane and touring.

Andrea Ramolo:

Website: andrearamolo.com

Twitter: @AndreaRamolo

Andrea Ramolo on iTunes click HERE

Scarlett Jane:

Website: scarlettjane.com

Twitter: @ScarlettJMusic

Scarlett Jane on iTunes click HERE

Episode Seventeen: Jamie Sale

admin — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 13:03:08 +0000

Jamie Sale is synonymous with the figure skating judging scandal that rocked the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics in which she and pair partner David Pelletier were victims of a judging scheme that would have them win the silver medal regardless of how they performed. French judge Marie-Reine Le Gougne disclosed that she had been pressured starting months before the Olympics to vote for the Russian team of Elena Berezhnaya and Anton Sikharulidze to take the Gold. When it was all over, both the Russian and Canadian teams would receive Gold medals and the ISU would create and implement a new judging system.

Jamie sat down with Pj to talk a little about skating and more about life. A lot of water has passed under the bridge since 2002; Jamie married, had son Jesse and was divorced from David Pelletier. Now happily married for the second time with Craig Simpson, they are excitedly anticipating the arrival of a baby together.

Life. It’s never what you expect. Blending families, creating a life after skating, being pregnant are all topics on the table in this interesting and very personal podcast.

Website: jamiesale.com

Twitter: @JamieSale

Youtube: Jamie Sale TV

Episode Sixteen: Kate Fenton and Adam Seybold

admin — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 13:10:10 +0000

The Quickening Theatre was formed by Ginette Mohr, Kate Fenton and Adam Seybold, with the intention of creating an imaginative theatrical world that is both edifying and delightful. Having produced a number of original plays, The Quickening Theatre’s most recent work includes: Mr. Baxter, a modern story set in the Toronto subway system and based on true events; and The De Chardin Project, based on the life of a Jesuit priest trying to negotiate theology and human evolution. In this episode, you’ll hear from husband and wife Adam and Kate, and their three month old son Henry. During their conversation with Paul, they discussed family life in the theatre, the writing and acting process and the ideas behind their shows.

Quickening Theatre website: thequickeningtheatre.com

Quickening Theatre on Twitter: @QuickTheatreTO

Quickening Theatre on Facebook

Quickening Theatre on Youtube: QuickTheatreTO’s Channel

Episode Fifteen: Mrs. Ellen Burka Part Two

admin — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 14:08:36 +0000

This is the second part of Paul’s conversation with the legendary Mrs. Ellen Burka. She discusses her coaching career, specifically with previous Open Kwong Dore guest Toller Cranston. Not to be missed.

Episode Fourteen: Mrs. Ellen Burka Part One

admin — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 13:20:22 +0000

At age 92, Ellen Burka has reached the very height of success as a figure skating coach. Dutch national champion in 1946 and 1947, Mrs. Burka immigrated to Canada in 1950. She produced twenty-six Canadian medalists at the Olympic and world level. In 1978, Mrs. Burka received the Order of Canada and was inducted into the Canadian Figure Skating Hall of Fame in 1992. Mrs. Burka shares her early childhood memories, her incredible story of surviving a concentration camp in World War II, talks about changing the face of skating with her student Toller Cranston and goes through details of her enormously successful career in Canada. This was an insightful interview for Paul and it was an honour for him to spend this time with Mrs. Burka, a gracious host and fearless in sharing her profound experiences. This is the first part of the interview and stay tuned for something new with the upcoming second part.

Episode Thirteen: Toller Cranston

admin — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 13:03:21 +0000

Toller Cranston. The man needs almost no introduction. A figure skating icon, he is a man who considers himself to be “an artist who skates”.

Toller was the Canadian men’s figure skating champion from 1971 – 1976. He won a bronze at the World Figure Skating Championships in 1974 and an Olympic bronze medal in 1976.

Photo by Rod MacIvor

He is widely credited with having helped to launch the artistic side of figure skating for the men. His many accolades for figure skating led him to being inducted into the Canadian and World Figure Skating Halls of Fame, The Olympic Hall of Fame as well as being named an Athlete of The Year. Toller was also made a member of the Order of Canada. In London at Worlds is where Pj caught up with him. Toller was in town to promote his art at the invitation of Skate Canada. For more information on Toller, visit www.tollercranstonart.com or Art Evolution, who are representing Toller’s works worldwide.

Episode Twelve: Adrienne Arsenault

admin — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 13:21:38 +0000

Adrienne Arsenault is a foreign correspondent for the CBC with a list of accomplishments as long as your arm. She won the 2005 Commonwealth Broadcasting Association’s Journalist of the Year. She has several Gemini awards as well as awards from the American Society of Professional Journalists, the Radio and Television News Directors Association and the New York and Columbus Festivals.

Before all that, Adrienne was the eagerly anticipated bundle of joy down the street belonging to Pj Kwong’s Auntie Bette and Uncle Ray. Their families were close for a time when they were children. As is sometimes the case, adults lose touch so it wasn’t until Pj came off the set from a figure skating hit for CBC news that Adrienne and Pj came into contact after decades apart. There’s always something fun when you get the chance to re-connect with somebody “who knew you when.” From afar, Pj had been fascinated by Adrienne’s professional life and stints that have taken her to the heart of some of the most interesting and important stories of our time. This podcast was a great opportunity to really get behind some of those experiences.

Episode Eleven: Dr. Draw

admin — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 13:27:37 +0000

Eugene Draw, aka Dr. Draw, calls himself a violinist. But he’s much more than that: promoter, producer, performer, world traveller – a renaissance man. He started busking on the streets as a kid and after plugging in his electric violin, Eugene hit the clubs, bringing his music across the globe. His unique vision can be heard on his albums: Train 64, Adagio, Distinctively Unclassified and The City. His live shows are not just renowned for the music, but as a true exploratory experience. With every show, as Dr. Draw says, he channels his vulnerability, displaying a singular voice and vision through his violin. Check out his music on iTunes, including his latest release, Copper Moon. As for his doctorate, you’ll find out in his interview with Paul, where Eugene talks about his musical inspiration, deconstructing the classics, the music business and what it takes to be a true independent artist.

Dr. Draw’s website: http://drdraw.ca.

Dr. Draw on Twitter: @realdrdraw.

Dr. Draw on Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/drdraw.

Dr. Draw on iTunes.

Episode Ten: Elvis Stojko Part Two

admin — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 14:40:00 +0000

Photograph by Sean McKinnon.

Pj Kwong spoke with Elvis Stojko about his views on what constitutes a sport and in this podcast episode, we get to hear about what he thinks. Candid and careful in his comments, Elvis is nevertheless willing to tell the truth as he sees it. Elvis shares his philosophies, revealing a complex and interesting man. An original.

Episode Nine: Elvis Stojko Part One

admin — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 14:38:07 +0000

Elvis Stojko is a seven-time Canadian men’s champion, three-time World champion and two-time Olympic silver medallist. He was born and raised just north of Toronto and has gone down in figure skating history as the first man to land a quadruple toe/double toe combination in competition in 1991. He followed up with another first when he did a quadruple toe/triple toe in competition in 1997. Beyond the boards, Elvis has created a life for himself which has included a mastery of martial arts, acting, singing, coaching and his current passion as a race driver. Part one of this two part interview focuses on Elvis, how he grew up and his early success.

Elvis Stojko’s official website: elvisstojko.net Follow Elvis on Twitter @Therealstojko

Episode Eight: John Rait

admin — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 15:50:25 +0000

John Rait is a fascinating man. As the owner of the Pentimento Fine Art Gallery on Queen Street East in Toronto’s Leslieville district, he is quickly becoming an influential force in the art scene in Toronto and beyond.

His story starts as a child of a single parent home in Toronto; raised by his father after his mother died when he was 7. John found himself at the rink where he started figure skating and quickly discovered that it was where he belonged. He pursued ice dance as an amateur and in 1980 became the World Professional Ice Dance champion with Shelley MacLeod. His professional skating career also included a stint as a performer on the Stars on Ice Variety Show. It was there where he learned about the production of a show and eventually moved into a successful casting career. From there he became a talent agent, a photographer and now art gallery owner.

Throughout John‘s life, caring for people and helping them succeed is a thread that ties all of his ventures together both personally and professionally. A self-taught, passionate, generous and articulate man who is devoted to exploring art in its many forms makes him a compelling subject of this week’s Open Kwong Dore podcast episode.

Follow John on Twitter @Torontobear and check out the Pentimento Fine art Gallery online at www.pentimento.ca.

Episode Seven: Philippa Dowding

admin — Fri, 08 Feb 2013 15:07:36 +0000

Philippa Dowding has worked at the craft of writing since her childhood. She wrote her first book when she was nine, and has made her living from words ever since.

At university she studied English Language and Literature, first at the University of Western Ontario, then at the University of Toronto, where she earned a Master of Arts degree, and began a career in publishing.

She worked as Senior Copywriter and Creative Manager for Rogers Publishing. In 2000, she struck out on her own as a freelance copywriter, a job she still enjoys. Her many clients include magazine publishers, fundraisers, advertising agencies, NGOs, movie producers, website owners and others.

She has won industry awards for magazines as varied as Macleans, Chatelaine, Today’s Parent , Canada’s Historyand Zoomer. Her poetry has appeared in The Adirondack Review, The Literary Review of Canada and other journals. Her children’s books in the Lost Gargoyle Series have been recommended by the Canadian Children’s Book Centre,
CM Magazine and trade journals. They have been nominated for the SYRCA Diamond Willow and OLA Silver Birch Express 2012 Awards. Philippa lives in Toronto with her family.

Paul sat down with Philippa and talked about writing, young adult novels, music, and of course, gargoyles.

Philippa’s website: www.pdowding.com.

Philippa on Twitter: @phdowding.

Philippa’s Soundcloud page where you can hear excerpts from her books and her music: soundcloud.com/phdowding.

Order the Lost Gargoyle Series at Amazon, Indigo and other book stores: BUY THE BOOKS.

Episode Six: Gord Stellick

admin — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 17:08:59 +0000

Gord knows hockey. He became General Manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs when he was 30 years old and then became Assistant GM for the New York Rangers. He’s been covering the game ever since. He’s now host of Hockey Night in Canada Radio, heard Monday to Friday on Sirius 157. Pj talks with Gord about his career, their parallel lives, and of course, hockey.

Follow Gord on Twitter: @GordStellick

Episode Five: Arlene Paculan

admin — Mon, 28 Jan 2013 15:00:11 +0000

Arlene Paculan creates soulful pop that is haunting and passionate, lulling you into safe yet invigorating reverie. A triple-threat graduate of Randolph Academy for the Performing Arts in Toronto with Grade 7 from the Royal Conservatory of Music, Arlene enriches cover tunes and crafts distinctive original music that soothes, heartens and delights. Her debut EP album I’m Worth It was released in 2010. With her company Lene, Mean and Green she produces dynamic live shows, such as her Wonder Women series, which aim to cultivate local talent as well as encourage awareness of local charities in Mississauga, Toronto and beyond. Arlene has recently performed in Anaheim and Montreal and was part of the 2012 Toronto Jazz Festival season. Paul sat down with Arlene to talk about her music, her upcoming events and how she became a musician.

Arlene’s website: arlenepaculan.com

Arlene on Twitter: @Arlene_Paculan

Purchase Arlene’s music at the iTunes store.

Website for Arlene’s upcoming event Wonderfest.

Episode Four: Perdita Felicien

admin — Sun, 20 Jan 2013 16:23:37 +0000

Perdita Felicien was born on August 29 1980 in Oshawa, Ontario. At age 7 Perdita and her family moved to Pickering, Ontario, where gym teacher Mrs. Arthurs noticed her athleticism and encouraged her to try out for the track team. In elementary school Perdita excelled in the 100m, 200m and long jump, winning numerous regional competitions. She started hurdling at age 14.

In 2003 she won gold in the 100 metre hurdles at the IAAF World Outdoor Championships, and in 2004 she won the IAAF World Indoor title. She has represented Canada at five World Championships and a pair of Olympic Games (2000 and 2004). Perdita missed the 2008 Olympics with injury, but attended the games as a member of the media, reporting track side for Canada’s host broadcaster CBC.

Perdita also excelled in the classroom earning Academic All-Big Ten and Academic All-American distinctions while at Illinois. In 2004 Perdita graduated with honours with a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology.

Perdita has three sisters and one brother; she credits her mother Cathy for her success by never letting her give up on her dream. Pj sat down with Perdita to talk track and beyond.

Read more at Perdita’s website: perditafelicien.com

Follow Perdita on Twitter: @perditafelicien

Episode Three: Kurt Browning Part Two

admin — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 14:30:28 +0000

Photograph by Sean McKinnon.

Check out the second part of Pj’s interview with Kurt. A four-time Canadian and World Figure Skating Champion, Kurt represented Canada in three Winter Olympics and carried the flag during the opening ceremonies of the 1994 games. He landed the first quadruple jump in competition, an accomplishment listed in the Guinness Book of Records.

Follow Kurt on Twitter: @KurtBrowning

Episode Two: Kurt Browning Part One

admin — Mon, 07 Jan 2013 14:27:52 +0000

Photograph by Sean McKinnon.

Kurt Browning is a four-time Canadian and World Figure Skating Champion. He represented Canada in three Winter Olympics and carried the flag during the opening ceremonies of the 1994 games. Browning landed the first quadruple jump in competition, an accomplishment listed in the Guinness Book of Records. Pj Kwong sat down with Kurt to discuss his career and what it was like growing up in Alberta.

Episode One: Introductions

admin — Fri, 28 Dec 2012 18:46:11 +0000

In this first episode of the Open Kwong Dore Podcast, Paul and Pj introduce themselves and talk about joining the podcast revolution. You can listen or download the episode with the player below, or search for Open Kwong Dore Podcast in the iTunes Store to subscribe.