[B]older Stories

What does an older athlete look like? When seen through the lens of photographer Alex Rotas, the images might surprise you because Alex’s work challenges societies’ assumptions about aging athletes. Her images capture moments of unusual strength, determination and pure grit at a point in life when society generally expects less, not more, from older athletes. Join us in conversation to be introduced to a refreshing perspective on aging that is both transformative and insightful.

Join us for the continuing story about the life adventures and experiences of Brian McFarlane - renowned hockey broadcaster, author, painter, and so, so much more! Part 2 introduces some very colourful characters: our favourite Peanut animator Charlie Schulz, Peter Puck, the unforgettable Eddie Shack, and the infamous Flying Fathers. Join us for laughs, sage insight and some well earned reflections on aging.

Meet Brian McFarlane. Respected sports broadcaster, hockey historian, prolific author, museum curator, painter, and storyteller extraordinaire. If Canada had a category for Renaissance man, Brian would top the list. Passion and purpose co-exist in this story as we learn how a young man’s early love of the game, became the foundation for a lifetime’s commitment to communicating the great stories of hockey.

When is the act of clowning not a laughing matter? When the audience is a critically ill child, and the stage is a paediatric hospital. Meet Joan Barrington aka Bunky the Clown. For decades, Joan AKA Bunky, patrolled the halls of Toronto’s SickKids hospital engaging with sick children, stressed parents and over-worked medical staff. Bunky’s objective was not simply to inject humour into a stressful environment, but to serve as an active part of the healthcare team working to improve a child’s health. Join us and meet one very funny clown with a very serious mission.

What was it like to part of the military unit that liberated the very first concentration camp on the Western front of Nazi Germany in 1945? Now 98, Bill Kongable recounts the story of experiencing this carnage when he was a mere 18 years old. Bill’s message to younger generations is to pay attention to the lessons of history and never take the gift of democracy for granted. History comes alive through our conversation with a gentleman who has a story worth telling – and remembering.

Part 2 begins in a youth detention centre, introduces us to the the world of Town Criers and winds up with an unusual story involving Queen Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee. In the centre of all this is Mandy Robinson as she teaches us about the power of persistence and optimism.

How many hats can one woman wear? Mandy Robinson’s journey begins as a victim of domestic abuse and comes full circle to the force of nature she is now. Today, she has transformed into a respected social advocate, best-selling author, photographer, poet, Distinguished Toast Master, actor – and one of a very few female Town Criers. That’s a lot of hats! Mandy’s story is one of persistence, hope and triumph. Join us and be inspired.

Meet Lynne Templer, the linchpin of an inconspicuous warehouse in small-town Ontario that houses 30,000 theatrical treasures. This episode follows the arch of Lynne’s involvement from an 8-year-old volunteer to a 70-year-old leader. Along the way, she wears and accumulates many hats: child of a performing arts-loving funeral director, a special education teacher, the wood working and furniture restoration instructor in a violent youth offender's detention centre and the longest-standing volunteer at the Costume House. This is the story of how a life-long passion in the performing arts became Lynne’s way to ensure that she gets to incorporate ‘play’ every day!

Everyone likes to peek behind doors, inside cupboards and get the inside scoop on people's lives. If this is you, you'll enjoy Bolder Stories. This is a platform to pull back the curtain on the lives of seemingly ordinary older people who have lived some extraordinary lives. You'll come to recognize that some of the most unassuming people may harbour the most interesting stories. Join us for conversations that will educate, surprise and inspire you.