London's Pretty Cool

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.facebook.com/SocialbowlLDN/

https://www.instagram.com/socialbowlldn/?hl=en

More Palasad South: 

https://www.palasad.com/

https://www.instagram.com/palasadplay/

https://www.facebook.com/palasadlondon/

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 they decided to host an outdoor comedy festival, what to expect at this year’s festival, how the event is more than just the headlining comedians and more!

More GOCF: 

Website: https://greatoutdoorscomedyfestival.com/gocf-london-ontario/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greatoutdoorscf/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/greatoutdoorsCF/ 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/greatoutdoorsCF?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor 

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: https://doughev.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doughevlondon/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100095426416197

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 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 studio Lost Cycle. With Courtney we speak about how and why she decided to start Lost, what rhythm cycle is, the community that has been created at Lost, the different theme rides that are offered, what to expect in your first class, their new North location with off the bike classes and more!

More LOST Cycle: 

Website: https://lostcycle.ca/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lostcycle/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lostcyclelondon 

More LPC:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/londonsprettycool/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LPCPod/ 

Email: lpcpod@gmail.com 

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 start Giggle Boys, the multiple events they hold in London, what the comedy scene is like in the city, how they started in stand up comedy, what it's like bombing and being heckled on stage, their favourite thing about being a comedian and much more!

More Giggle Boys: 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/giggleboyscomedy/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GiggleBoysComedy

More LPC: 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/londonsprettycool/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LPCPod

For Business Inquires: lpcpod@gmail.com

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 Ashleigh Hickey: Outreach Librarian with specialization on children & youth programming & Joanna Kerr: Adult Services Programming Librarian about all things London Public Library!

In this episode we talk about all the items you can check out from the library, not just books, the different types of programming that is offered (mostly for free) for both children and adults, partnerships with the local community, learning labs, providing social services to the London community, the brand new website and branding of the library, favourite books and so much more!

More London Public Library:

Website: https://lpl.ca/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/londonlibrary/ 

More London's Pretty Cool: 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/londonsprettycool/ 

Email: lpcpod@gmail.com 

Episode 68: Film London 
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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 London Manager Andrew Dodd about how Film London was started, what makes London a Film City, how Londoners can get involved in upcoming productions, what productions have already been flimed in the city, how the Forest City Film Festival has helped put London on the map for Filmmakers, favourite local actors and more! 

More Film London: 

Website: https://filmlondon.ca/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/filmlondonon/

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 buy high-quality; farm-fresh goods directly from the person who produced them and can find unique products they won’t discover anywhere else in the city.

In this episode we speak with Market Business Development Manager, Carol Sceli about the history of the market, the vendors, market success stories, events such as Park it at the Market, having buskers, the community that the market brings and much more!

More Western Fair Market: 

Website: https://themarketwfd.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themarketwfd/?hl=en 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheMarketWFD/ 

More London's Pretty Cool: 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/londonsprettycool/?hl=en 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LPCPod 

Business Inquires: lpcpod@gmail.com 

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 most up-to-date releases from the Toronto, Cannes, and Sundance Film Festivals.⁠ 

In this episode we spoke to Mike Klassen: Assistant Manager, all about the history of the Hyland, how he became involved with the Hyland, why they focus on playing 'artsy films' over main blockbusters, why it's important for London to have a movie theatre like the Hyland, the events they put on, i.e., retromania, double features, children's movies and their upcoming event of Cinema Speculation. 

More Hyland Cinema: 

Website: https://www.hylandcinema.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hylandcinema/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HylandCinema/

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 beautiful dinner from Growing Chefs! With musical performances and the ‘It’s not you, it’s London’ Awards. Saturday is a show at the Children’s Museum featuring some of the best musical talents from London and beyond. Finally, Sunday, Punk Rock Flea Market with amazing artisans for your retail therapy needs! Don’t miss out on this amazing festival!

Get your tickets now!!

More Winter Spectacular: 

Website: https://www.winterspectacular.ca/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/winterspectacular/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/winterspectacular/

Episode 64: Simon Larochette of Sugar Shack 
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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! 

More Sugar Shack: 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesugarshack_/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sugarshackrecording/ 

Website: http://www.sugarshackrecording.com/ 

Email: thesugarshackstudio@gmail.com

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, releasing a zine, all the past amazing events they have put on like skateboard competitions, craft jams, Halloween parties, heavy and indie shows, what they have coming up in 2023, where they hope to see the future of Stompbox grow into and much more!

More Stompbox: 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stompboxlondon/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stompboxlondonca/

 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 possible. 

In this episode, we speak with them about each of their art styles and how they got into it, how Good Sport was started and how each of them got involved, how Good Sport differs from other galleries and studios in the city, upcoming exhibitions and events, how people can get involved with Good Sport, what it was like with Art Night, their favourite memories while at Good Sport and more! 

More Good Sport: 

Website: https://www.good-sport.ca/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beagoodsport/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beagoodsport/

More LPC: 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/londonsprettycool/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LPCPod

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVMSbxJ8T9vxDCfReDU8KUQ

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 pandemic, why it's important to create a welcoming shop, why he decided to become a barber and much more! 👻⁠

More Holy Ghost: 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/holyghostldn/?hl=en 

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 of more spaces like it, her favourite memory from her time with Lavish and much more! 

More Lavish: 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lavishlondonca/?hl=en 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LAVISHlondon/

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 having the first children's museum in Canada, the exhibits at the museum, programming and special nights, moving to their new space at 100 Kellogg's soon and what that's going to look like, seeing some cool artifacts and much more!