Show number 5 for this winter’s Midweek season — halfway through, and nearly all the way to spring!
And since we also seem to be working our way through this pandemic, our attention in these Midweek podcasts turns to stories about students getting summer work, pilots getting back into the air, couples getting back together, and customers getting back into stores and eateries — plus lots more. Including knitting.
Reaching for the salt is a natural reaction when confronted with fries or ice — but in both cases, moderation is healthy. (Photos by Natasha Bulowski)
Podcast 1: The spring melt is a good time to talk about what it carries with it into our waterways — and many experts say it’s not good.
The Ottawa Riverkeeper monitored chloride levels of creeks in the Ottawa-Gatineau region and found levels five times the amount considered to be toxic to aquatic organisms. They say this is being caused by the over-use of road salt.
Midweek’s Natasha Bulowski spoke to Katy Alambo, a biologist at the Ottawa Riverkeeper, who says most people don’t realize that a single coffee mug of road salt is enough to de-ice a two-car driveway.
As Natasha reports, Alambo and others want people to use alternatives like sand or gravel on their property.
Co-host and reporter Kayla Christoffer
Podcast co-host Kayla Christoffer followed next with the experiences of a fourth-year kinesiology student at the University of Waterloo who’s yet again seeking a summer co-op placement amid the continuing restrictions.
And while pending graduates are trying to gain experience, there’s concern about how even experienced military and commercial pilots may suffer from skills erosion due to their loss of flying hours. As reporter and co-host Raylene Lung reports, this raises real questions about safety.
But here’s an antidote to that dose of worry: Midweek’s Meaghan Haldenby introduces us to a civil servant who’s found solace during this trying time by sticking to her knitting — literally.
This podcast was produced by Angelica Zagorski and Emilie Warren.
Podcast 2: There’s little doubt that small businesses are among those most harshly hit by the pandemic’s ripple effects — tsunami effects for many of them. Midweek’s Zak Mian and Jeff Pelletier (the hosts of this podcast) each have a story about new entrepreneurs trying to get launched in this troubled time.
Reporter Jennifer Prescott then takes us into the experience of a Gatineau ER doctor for whom this past year has meant not only a battle on the front lines of the health system but also prolong separations from her soldier boyfriend.
And viruses aren’t the only things that hit us out of the blue; hail stones do, too. Midweek’s Ciaran Morgan takes us on a trip to the vineyards of France to find out about new ways they’re trying to protect crops from devastating hail storms while also obeying the rules meant to protect the heritage appearance of the countryside.
This podcast was produced by Hana Sabah.
Podcast 3: Living in the small town of Zenon Park in Saskatchewan inspired Margo Leblanc to make and sell clothing. As Midweek’s Sam Campling found out, Leblanc’s work means more to her than just a business — it’s a way to connect with her community.
COVID-19 has forced every aspect of life to tinker with some sacred (or at least treasured) traditions, including in sports. Midweek’s Eden Suh spoke with Ottawa-based sports reporter Devon Platana about how adjustment to the NBA All-Star Games have raised controversy.
Restaurants and pubs have adjusted to the pandemic restrictions by switching to takeout and off-sales — but one thing you can’t take away in a plastic bag or styrofoam clamshell is the interaction between hosts and clientele that are the big draw for many places. Midweek’s Max Bakony spoke with an Ottawa chef about some of the more subtle sides of succeeding at selling a meal.
Midweek’s Sarah West brings us a look at how organizers reimagined the latest Relay for Life to raise funds for the Canadian Cancer Society, and reporter Avanthika Anand looks into how elderly Canadians have adjusted to using new technologies to combat isolation during the past year.
This podcast was hosted by Sam and Max, and produced by Eden Suh and Erika Ibrahim.