Richard Brodeur Opening NEW Gallery in Parksville & 54–40’s Brad Merritt on Porto & Rock The Range

"Send us a text about this episode!"Why You Should Listen to This Episode: Richard Brodeur backstopped the Vancouver Canucks to their first Stanley Cup final in 1982 — and spent the next four decades quietly building a second remarkable career as a painter. Now he’s soon opening Gallery 35 in Parksville, bringing eight professional artists with him. Brad Merritt, co-founder and bassist of 54–40, joins us ahead of the band’s only Vancouver Island date this summer — the inaugural Rock the Range festival in Qualicum Beach. Two stories about longevity, passion, and what happens when you refuse to stop.This Episode Features:(06:35) Richard Brodeur spent 17 years between the pipes in the WHA and NHL, backstopping the Vancouver Canucks to their very first Stanley Cup final in the spring of 1982. What most people didn’t know was that he’d been painting the whole time — sketchpad on road trips, canvases set up at home until three or four in the morning after games, all of it kept secret from teammates in what he describes as a very macho era. The connection between goaltending and painting, he explains, is the same: preparation. Knowing where you’re going before the puck drops, or before the brush touches canvas. He speaks candidly about sustaining 13 concussions during his playing career, the depression that followed for 30 years, and how art — quite literally — saved his life. He’s also opening Gallery 35 in Parksville in partnership with his son, featuring eight professional artists and art classes. https://brodeurartist.com/(25:16) Brad Merritt is the co-founder and bassist of 54–40, one of Canada’s most enduring rock bands. Their new album Porto, was recorded live off the floor at an all-analog studio in Portugal. Brad recalls the story of how Hootie & the Blowfish discovered “I Go Blind” at a Washington DC club in 1989 and eventually it became the third most-played song in the US that year. He confirms he’ll be bringing his golf clubs to Rock the Range, the inaugural festival at Qualicum Beach Memorial Golf Course, September 12th. Contains the tune "Running for the Fence". https://www.rocktherangeqb.com Episode Quotes: “If it wasn’t for my art, I wouldn’t be here today. That was my refuge — my place where I was happy, where I could find myself again.” - Richard Brodeur“When the Rolling Stones quit, that’s our 20-year warning. We are still doing it. We still like it. We do it as well or better than we ever have.” - Brad MerrittVoice message The PULSE and be part of the podcast!You’ll find all episodes of The PULSE Podcast on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, iHeart, TikTok, YouTube, and ThePulseCommunity.caClick here to learn how to Support the showEpisode Sponsors: Tablet Pharmacy, Ian Lindsay & Associates, Thrifty Foods Parksville & SOSD69 Check out Skookum Kid’s Stories on Apple, Support the show