The Thr33’s Company Snack Bar on Bank Street (above) hasn’t seen a crowd in a while, but its three owners aren’t giving up.
Only our second production day with our new team, but it felt as though…well…as though it was our second production day as we discovered all sorts of won’t-do-that-agains and so-that’s-whys — but we got it all done, all the same, turning out three solid new podcasts in the process!
Podcast 1: Midweek reporter Jeff Pelletier opened this podcast with his discussion with Peter Smith of the Canadian Anti-Hate Network on whether an attempted insurrection similar to the attack on the U.S. Capitol could happen north of the border.
Last February, three entrepreneurs in Ottawa signed a lease for their new restaurant…with no idea what was right around the corner for their industry and the world.
The owners of the Thr33’s Company Snack Bar on Bank Street just south of the Queensway are still in the game, though, even if the only sound in their restaurant these days is often them playing Super Mario Bros as they wait for the next takeout order.
Ian Wilson, Tyler Da Silva and Tam Auafua sit outside their new restaurant in summer 2020. (Photo provided by Tyler Da Silva)
Midweek’s Natasha Bukowski, who co-hosted this podcast, paid a visit to find out how they’re hanging in there and what they see ahead.
Then co-host Jennifer Prescott reached out to her mom, Terri Prescott, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to talk about what it’s like living alone in a pandemic and what she’s learning from the difficult experience.
And Jeff Pelletier was back to end this one with a look at how students in Ottawa aren’t letting the pandemic block their efforts to mark Black History Month, moving to social media and virtual events since in-person gatherings aren’t possible this time around.
This podcast was produced by Hana Sabah.
Podcast 2: The recent development of the COVID-19 vaccinations has left many whispers of uncertainty drifting through the general public. Natalie Levesque, a long-term care centre essential worker, spoke with Midweek’s Sarah West about her experience receiving the Pfizer vaccination.
Midweek reporter and podcast co-host Meaghan Haldenby at the mic
Uncertainty about what’s best in the face of this awful virus is a global phenomenon, just like the pandemic itself. Midweek’s Emilie Warren reported from Brazil that folks down there are divided on the issue of taking the vermifuge Ivermectin as a prevention measure against COVID-19.
Some doctors in the country have been suggesting that the drug could reduce the severity of the virus. Mariana Pacheco and Mariana Turco, two women from northeastern Brazil, shared with Emilie their thoughts on whether or not to use the drug.
Niagara wineries have recently wrapped up the 2020 Icewine harvest, but going forward, questions still remain about this dessert wine’s future in a changing economy and climate. Arlo Johnson and Tima Shashkoff, two wine professionals, provide their insight to Midweek’s Ciaran Morgan, who also co-hosted this podcast.
And it’s mid-February, so we need a Valentine’s Day story: Ottawa lovebirds won’t be heading out for dinner and a movie this time around, but Carleton University psychology professor Cheryl Harasymchuk shared some advice with podcast co-host Meaghan Haldenby for how couples can maintain happy relationships and celebrate the person they love—even during a pandemic.
This podcast was produced by Angelica Zagorski and Emilie Warren.
Podcast 3: The pandemic may be cramping the style of restaurants and lovers alike, but it’s actually creating opportunities for some. Tyson Wesley, owner of Indigenous Face Masks, is creating masks featuring traditional Indigenous art. As Midweek reporter and podcast co-host Raylene Lung found out, Wesley’s work is more than a business venture—it’s a way to help Indigenous youth in northern communities.
Just some of the designs by Indigenous Face Masks.
Others have to concentrate all their efforts on helping those closer to home. Full-time university student Ayaz Abdul Jabbar is balancing many responsibilities on his shoulders. He told Midweek reporter Zak Mian he’s for working minimum wage to help support his family during the pandemic.
February is Heart Month, and not just for the Valentine’s Day kinds. University of Ottawa’s heart institute is holding its “Hunt for Hearts” event to raise awareness about heart health, even though it has to do it quite differently this year. Midweek reporter Kayla Christoffer spoke with Lindsay Firestone, the institute’s community engagement director, to learn more.
Even a healthy heart can get lonely at this time of year. Midweek reporter and co-host Avanthika Anand explores how single people in Ottawa are forced to adapt to a different dating scene because of public health restrictions due to COVID-19.
This podcast was produced by Eden Suh and Erika Ibrahim.