The Kingstonian Podcast
by Dave Cunningham
THE KINGSTONIAN is a program that profiles individuals who are passionate about what they do for a living, about what organization they belong to, or, simply passionate about the community they are a part of. Hosted by Dave Cunningham.
Episodes
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Vicki Keith - Learning Life Lessons from Sport
Send us Fan Mail Repeat Episode: Years ago, Vicki Keith woke up in the middle of the night and decided that marathon swimming was going to be her sport; she pulled down her copy of the Guinness Book of World Records and focused on some milestones she felt she could achieve. In 1988, she became…
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Jack Thompson: Back, After Eight Years
Send us Fan Mail Sequel Episode: Jack Thompson was a guest on The Kingstonian Podcast eight years ago, and it was time to check in and see what has changed — for Jack, for radio, and for the way we listen to music. We talk about retirement and whether it has lived up to expectations, the changing...
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Brian Lipsin: More Than Just Records
Send us Fan Mail Repeat Episode: You know the place – Brian’s Record Option. It has been a fixture on Princess Street, here in Kingston, for over 40 years. Brian Lipsin has been in the business of buying and selling records, CD’s and posters. With the start of the pandemic, Brian has become a...
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Ian Nicholls - What's in Your Glass
Send us Fan Mail New Episode What’s the difference between enjoying a glass of wine and actually understanding what’s in your glass? On this episode of The Kingstonian Podcast, I sit down with Ian Nicholls, a sommelier and wine educator, to explore the fascinating world of wine — without getting...
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Daniel Woolf on Alfred Bader - Maintaining a Connection to Queen's
Send us Fan Mail Repeat Episode: This episode takes us back to 2019, when I had the opportunity to sit down with Daniel Woolf, then Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Queen’s University. I invited Daniel to share his memories of Alfred Bader—a Queen’s graduate whose remarkable life took him from...
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Lubomyr Luciuk - Ukraine: Four and a Half Years In
Send us Fan Mail Sequel Episode: Four and a half years can feel like an eternity in a war. When our conversation was first recorded, Russia's full-scale invasion had only just begun. Ukraine's survival was the immediate concern, and the world was watching to see whether Kyiv would fall. Instead,...
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Scott & Chris Bell - Rob Roy Pipe Band & Highland Dancers (from 2017)
Send us Fan Mail Repeat Episode: As part of the 10th season of The Kingstonian Podcast, we're revisiting some conversations from the program's early years. In this episode, we go back to 2017 for a conversation with Scott and Chris Bell, longtime members of Kingston's Rob Roy Pipe Band and…
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Harvey Brownstone: Without Prejudice — From Rejection to the Bench, and Beyond
Send us Fan Mail New Episode: Few lives have followed a path as extraordinary as Harvey Brownstone's. Raised in Hamilton and a graduate of Queen's University's Faculty of Law, Harvey overcame childhood bullying, family rejection, poverty, and discrimination to become Canada's first openly gay...
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John & Mark Gerretsen - Politics is a Family Affair
Send us Fan Mail This tenth-season episode is a return to one of the early conversations from The Kingstonian Podcast archives. It features my conversation with John Gerretsen and his son, Mark, originally recorded in October 2016 and first published in April 2018. Both have served Kingston as…
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Lindsey Fair– Building Strong Businesses, Strong Brands & Strong Communities
Send us Fan Mail Economic development is a phrase we hear almost every day—but what does it actually mean, and how does it affect the communities where we live and work? In this episode, host Dave Cunningham sits down with Lindsey Fair, whose career has spanned entrepreneurship, marketing,...
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Maegen Kulchar - From the Anchor Desk to the Front Page
Send us Fan Mail On this episode of the podcast, Dave Cunningham welcomes award-winning journalist , Maegen Kulchar, for a conversation about the evolving world of local news. The discussion explores Maegen’s journey into journalism through Carleton University and Niagara College, early years...
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Remembering Jim Neill — A 2017 Conversation on Kingston, Community & Civic Life
Send us Fan Mail This archival episode features a 2017 conversation with the late Jim Neill, recorded when this program was still airing as a radio show. Jim Neill was well known in Kingston, Ontario, for his decades of public service as a teacher, community activist, school board trustee, and...
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Tom Mawhinney - Busking, Choirs, and Community
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Kingstonian Podcast, Dave speaks with a Kingston-area musician, Tom Mawhinney - songwriter, and community builder - whose journey began at Queen’s University in Kingston, in the early 1970s. Over the decades, he has released six albums for adult listeners…
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Jean Gillespie: Remembering A Life of Service, Scouting, and Storytelling
Send us Fan Mail Jean Gillespie devoted more than fifty years to Scouting in Kingston and Eastern Ontario, working with an estimated 2,400 young people along the way. She was a Cub leader, a camp organizer, a traveller, and a founding force behind events like the International Brotherhood…
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Alexander Landry - From Cadet to Officer: A Civilian's Guide to RMC at 150
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we mark the 150th anniversary of the Royal Military College of Canada with a wide-ranging conversation about service, education, history, and adaptation. My guest, Alexander Landry, reflects on his first days as a cadet, his decade of service in the Regular…
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Patrick Deane - Leading Queen's
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Podcast, host Dave Cunningham sits down with Patrick Deane, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Queen’s University. Born and raised in South Africa, Principal Deane traces his academic journey from the University of the Witwatersrand to Canada, where his…
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David Eliot - From Ancient Algorithms to Modern Machines
Send us Fan Mail Artificial Intelligence is one of the most powerful and misunderstood technologies of our time. In this episode, host Dave Cunningham sits down with David Eliot, an author, academic, and former professional magician to explore the real story behind AI in his book, Artificially...
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Santa Claus – Ready To Go!
Send us Fan Mail This episode was first published last December 2024. It was so well received, I decided to make it available a little earlier than last time. Enjoy! In this heartwarming holiday special, we step into Santa’s workshop for an intimate and low-key conversation. Our guest? None other...
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Jamal Saeed - From Damascus to Storytelling
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, host Dave Cunningham welcomes back Jamal Saeed, returning to the show nearly three years after the release of his acclaimed memoir, My Road from Damascus. We revisit the response to the book here in Canada and internationally, and reflect on the meaningful…
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Leo Lund - Service, Community & the Legion
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I sit down with Leo Lund, longtime member of the Canadian Armed Forces and current Past President of Royal Canadian Legion Branch 560 in Kingston, Ontario. Leo reflects on more than 30 years in uniform, the friendships that endure long after service, and what...
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Julie M. Green - The Author of "Motherness"
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we meet Julie M. Green — a Kingston-based writer whose work has been featured in The Globe and Mail, Chatelaine, Today’s Parent, and The Washington Post. Julie’s memoir, Motherness: A Memoir of Generational Autism, Parenthood, and Radical Acceptance, explores her...
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Jerry Mercer - Keeping the Beat!
Send us Fan Mail Season 9 of The Kingstonian Podcast kicks off with a legend. Jerry Mercer has been keeping time for more than 70 years — three decades of that behind the drums with one of Canada’s most beloved rock bands, April Wine. In this conversation, Jerry talks about his lifelong passion…
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Ryan Malcolm - Catching Up
Send us Fan Mail Back in 2003, Ryan Malcolm became a familiar face across Canada as the first-ever winner of Canadian Idol. After a whirlwind year that included performing with artists like Elton John and Kelly Clarkson, Ryan returned to his roots just west of Kingston. Over the past 20 years…
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Kathy Brock - Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Vote
Send us Fan Mail With Canada heading to the polls on April 28th, 2025, voters across the country are weighing some big questions. Should we re-elect the incumbent party or opt for change? Who’s best positioned to lead the country—and how will the next government navigate the relationship with the...
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Dave Barton - A Life in Music
Send us Fan Mail Kingston has a deep-rooted musical community, and few names stand out as much as Dave Barton’s. A self-professed "guitar nerd," Dave’s passion for the instrument began in Grade 4 and has shaped a lifelong career in performance, composition, and education. As co-leader of the Big...
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Art McDonald - Exploring the Universe from the Inside, Out!
Send us Fan Mail Physics is everywhere—even if you haven’t thought about it since high school! In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Art McDonald, a professor of astrophysics at Queen’s University and winner of the Nobel Prize for Physics in 2015. For forty years, Dr. McDonald and his team…
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Niki Boytchuk-Hale - Rector, Queen's University
Send us Fan Mail The role of Rector at Queen’s University is truly one of a kind—no other Canadian university has a position quite like it. Rooted in Scottish tradition, the Rector has been a key part of Queen’s governance. In this episode, I sit down with Niki Boytchuk-Hale, the 39th Rector of...
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Paul Gardner – U.S. Politics / Two weeks in
Send us Fan Mail U.S. politics has been making headlines nonstop, and with so much happening, it can be difficult to keep up. In this episode, I’m joined by Paul Gardner, Assistant Professor of Political Studies at Queen’s University, to help break it all down. Paul’s expertise in American law…
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Jocelyn Taylor - Time to Declutter?
Send us Fan Mail “Organizing is what you do before you do something so that when you do it, it is not all mixed up.” — A. A. Milne In this episode, we explore the art of decluttering and organizing with Jocelyn Taylor, founder of Popped Closet. Whether you’re at home, in the office, or anywhere…
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Jeremy Heil - Preserving Authentic Records
Send us Fan Mail Join me as we take a look at the fascinating world of preservation and archives. Did you know Queen’s University Archives is home to an extraordinary collection of records—both paper and digital—that document not only the University’s history but also that of Kingston, its...
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Arthur Milnes - Remembering Jimmy Carter
Send us Fan Mail Join us in this special episode as we explore the remarkable legacy of Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States. Known for his dedication to public service, both during and after his presidency, Carter's impact resonates deeply with people around the world. For...
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Santa Claus – Ready To Go!
Send us Fan Mail In this heartwarming holiday special, we step into Santa’s workshop for an intimate and low-key conversation. Our guest? None other than Saint Nick himself. We talk about the elves' tireless work, the reindeer team’s preparations for the big night, and reflect on the joy and…
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Kim Berly - Drumming with The Stampeders
Send us Fan Mail It all began in the mid-‘60s, when a young drummer named Kim Berly placed an ad in a Calgary newspaper, hoping to find a band to join. What he found was the start of something much bigger—a musical journey that would span more than five decades. Alongside fellow musicians Rich...
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Stan Bennett - Defending the Arctic
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we continue our exploration of Canada’s Arctic, shifting focus from the history of exploration to a pressing contemporary issue: sovereignty. How has Canada asserted its control over the vast, remote Arctic region, and what strategies are in place to protect its...
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Stan Bennett - Exploring the Arctic
Send us Fan Mail The Arctic is one of Canada's most mysterious, beautiful, and dangerous regions—yet it’s an area that is increasingly capturing the attention of Canadians and the world. Why did the Inuit migrate across the Bering Strait 5,000 years ago to settle in the harsh north? What…
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Christopher Fanning - Covering Local News
Send us Fan Mail Welcome back to The Kingstonian Podcast! We’re excited to kick off Season 8 with a timely discussion on the critical state of local news. In a media landscape increasingly dominated by corporate ownership, many local outlets have been forced to close, leaving communities in the...
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Anthony Agostino - From Radio Waves to Video Frames
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I dive into the inspiring journey of Anthony Agostino., an individual with a deep passion for business and video production. Starting as a part-time radio sports reporter, Anthony has now become the driving force behind Viva Productions, a successful video…
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Jan Murphy – “Lover of Words”
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, the focus is on the world of local news coverage. Regardless of where you live, finding news about your community isn’t always easy. But there are those who defy the odds, offering an alternative perspective. Our podcast profiles one such individual, Jan Murphy....
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Rob Watkins - Blue Sky Thinking
Send us Fan Mail Rob Watkins is a local singer/songwriter. He has been a guest before and, for those who have not had the opportunity to listen in on previous conversations, Rob has been a part of this musical community for over 45 years. In this episode, we explore his experiences with various...
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John Trousdale - The General Store, 188 Years On
Send us Fan Mail No matter where you call home, you’ll find families that have been in business for decades, if not centuries! These families have forged strong relationships with their communities, consistently adapting their methods as circumstances changed. In this episode, we highlight one…
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Sean Billing - History at The Frontenac Club
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we are joined by Sean Billing, whose fascinating journey began in the small city of Brockville, Ontario. For those unfamiliar with the geography, Brockville is a charming locale situated about 45 minutes east of Kingston, along the picturesque St. Lawrence River....
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Heather Haynes - The Art of Courage
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Heather Haynes, an artist whose passion for painting ignited at an early age. Heather's artistic journey evolved significantly after earning her degree from McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, propelling her to create, sell, and establish a significant...
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Brian Mulroney – Remembered by Arthur Milnes
Send us Fan Mail In this special episode, we delve into the life and legacy of Brian Mulroney, the 18th Prime Minister of Canada. As a towering figure in Canadian politics from 1984 to 1993, Mulroney left an indelible mark on the nation. However, we approach his story from a unique angle…
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Steve Cogan – Dialing Back Radio History
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Kingstonian Podcast, we explore the rich history of radio broadcasting through the lens of a true aficionado. While we've explored various facets of local radio on this podcast, today's story is distinctive. Meet Steve Cogan, a lifelong devotee of radio...
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Marijo Cuerrier – “Downtown, everything’s waiting for you”
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we explore the efforts to maintain vibrant downtown cores, with Marijo Cuerrier, a driving force behind the Downtown Kingston Business Improvement Area. Marijo is the Executive Director of the association and a passionate advocate for transforming ‘downtown’ into...
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Ian MacAlpine – Aim, Focus, Click, for 40 Years
Send us Fan Mail Welcome to this episode where I explore the remarkable journey of an individual dedicated to capturing local history firsthand. Have you ever wondered about those unsung heroes who've remained steadfast with one employer for 40 years, while actively shaping the narrative of their...
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Mark Gerretsen – From the City to the Capital
Send us Fan Mail When Mark Gerretsen decided to enter politics, the two most surprised by the decision were his Mom and Dad. His Dad, John Gerretsen sat around the municipal horseshoe here in Kingston and occupied a seat in the Ontario Provincial Legislative Assembly for a total of 35 years. Mark...
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John Malcolm - Always, a Sentimental Journey
Send us Fan Mail John Malcolm loved being onstage. He loved singing the old standards, especially those made popular by Frank Sinatra. He also loved singing with his sons, Ryan and Regan. John passed away December 22, 2023. Back, before "The Kingstonian" was a podcast, it was a radio show. I had...
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Christopher Jackson – “Eyes on the Prize”
Send us Fan Mail After three decades, multiple bands, and countless stages, Christopher Jackson’s passion became his lifeline - the evolution from band member to solo artist marks a pivotal turn in his music career. Four years back, a new chapter emerged as Christopher ventured into songwriting.…
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Ramzi Asfour – A.I., Robots & Scientists Working Together
Send us Fan Mail Curious about how we are all going to use Artificial Intelligence and robotics in the next few years? How are these tools going to make us more productive, be safe and enhance the quality of life. Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, has set up the Ingenuity Labs Research...
About this show
THE KINGSTONIAN is a program that profiles individuals who are passionate about what they do for a living, about what organization they belong to, or, simply passionate about the community they are a part of. Hosted by Dave Cunningham.
Hosted by
Dave Cunningham