The Whistler Podcast
Join host Mayor Jack Crompton for candid community conversations about current events, local government and everything Whistler on The Whistler Podcast. As part of the RMOW’s and Mayor Crompton’s broader work toward enriching the community fabric and community building in Whistler, the podcast provides a new channel to connect with Whistler residents to discuss topics of municipal and community interest.Twice a month, Mayor Jack Crompton will invite a community leader or special guest to join him at the Mountain FM Whistler studio to share opinions about current events and hot topics that are important to the community.
The Whistler Podcast
Season 2 Episode 15: TEDxWhistler returns this weekend (with Anoop Virk)
In this episode of The Whistler Podcast, Mayor Jack Crompton and Cole Stefiuk speak to Anoop Virk. Anoop is Executive Producer of TEDxWhistler, an event that shares “ideas worth spreading” on this year’s theme of Legacy. Anoop was one of Canada’s Top 20 Under 20 and BC’s 24 Under 24. She is known for her work reconnecting homeless individuals with their loved ones in Vancouver, building a gender equality based school in Africa and managing and operating a culinary business with co-owner of the Food Network Canada’s Bal Arneson.
The virtual TEDxWhistler event runs Sunday, September 12 with speakers including artist Chief Janice George, first responder Dr Renata Lewis, and gold medal Olympian Jon Montgomery.
Today on the Wister podcast, I'll ask a new verb, all about TEDx Whistler, stick around.
Speaker 2:[inaudible]
Speaker 1:Hello everyone. I am Jack Crompton. He is called Steph uke. This is the Wister podcast as always. We want to acknowledge that we live, we work, we play on the ancestral unceded territories of the little watt nation and the Squamish nation. Hello Cole. Hello,
Speaker 3:Jack
Speaker 1:Are things. Oh, things are good. Yeah. I'm um, today we're going to be talking to a new Burke who is the executive producer of TEDx Whistler. Um, and I'm looking forward to it. She I've been for the last, I guess, six months been working with her and, and getting ready to present at TEDx lesser, which, um, I've done. We've recorded the, all of the talks and they're going to be released this Sunday, um, which is exciting, but she's a fascinating person. I mean, just reading her bio online and the kind of things she's done very young and very early in her life, uh, is, is really interesting. I'm fascinated by a person who at that young age decides to sort of commit their life to public service and, and, and, you know, homelessness and gender equality and all of these things that seem to be best addressed by 50 year olds. They're not best addressed by 50 year olds, but usually addressed by 50 year olds, a young people digging in and making that change. She's an interesting person. Yeah.
Speaker 3:Yeah. And I think that, like you say, I know you changed it there. I feel like it's yeah. Usually addressed by the older generation, but it's probably good that we have younger voices fighting for those things, because I don't know if they're, they're definitely a louder and as they say, the squeaky wheel gets the grease, right? Yeah. Go fix the problems one way or another.
Speaker 1:Oh, absolutely. Yeah. Yeah. Um, and I just want to mention that TEDx Whistler has, is brought to us by RBC, KPMG and victory creative group. Those three organizations have committed a lot of money and time and energy into making this happen. TEDx is put on by volunteers. So all of the newbs time, all of her team's time is donated. Um, and so the support like the, the, the support that's been provided by RBC, KPMG and victory, creative is critical to putting on an event like this, which I'm excited about.
Speaker 3:It's all volunteer that her work is yeah.
Speaker 1:A hundred percent volunteer. Yeah. That's crazy. TEDx does not pay people to do this work. It's all volunteer. That was a
Speaker 3:Whole new level of respect before this that's that's insane. I thought it was like a really good paying side gig, to be honest with you.
Speaker 1:No, it isn't. All right. Um, let's get to ask Cole anything, ask Jack anything. I'll go first. Okay. My question is you are going to edit this episode today extremely quickly. The turnaround is short. What should listeners look for as far as aspects that will suffer as a result of the need for that quick turnaround,
Speaker 3:Nothing's going to suffer. I'm a pro what are you talking about? Uh, uh, no, I don't think there's anything that'll, uh, depending on what the interview goes, like, I think it'll be pretty smooth and relatively quick, we got a great team. So, uh, I'm going to just say that nothing will change. The only reason that usually takes longer is because I'm lazy.
Speaker 1:All right. You're up? Ask Jack anything. Okay.
Speaker 3:So, uh, this weekend, I am very excited. I am going to my very first bachelor party. So I want to know what, if anything, do you remember from yours?
Speaker 1:Oh, so, um, it was, I got dressed up in a, I didn't, I, my friends dressed me up in a Superman costume and then rag me around downtown Edmonton because Carolyn's from Edmonton. And so the bachelor party was when everybody came to Edmonton because none of my friends were from Edmonton and they dragged me around downtown Edmonton and had me run into like Tim Horton's and like stand on tables and say, I'm here to rescue you and do all sorts of ancient, horrible things. But most of it was sort of making a fool of myself in a Superman suit, racing cars. I was, I was required to race cars on white AV, like run running race and Superman costume. Yeah. So I got to live up.
Speaker 3:That's crazy. That's that sounds like a lot of fun, man. Is there any video evidence of this?
Speaker 1:No, no, this was, this was, I got married so long ago before they wrote books about stuff. This is like way back. Yeah.
Speaker 3:All right. Well, that's great.
Speaker 1:Good. Well, how fun that yeah. Excited. All right. Let's move on to last week's headlines. I will read you three. You will choose one and we will discuss it. First is Whistler officials target transit housing, tourism funding at UBCM. The second is Whistler candidates, trade jabs rhetoric at all candidates meeting. And the third is cat power, the real wild kittens and the rise of Whistler's women's skate scene, which choice.
Speaker 3:All right. Well that last story, I think if you want to get the low down on that go to our previous episode with the real wild kittens little apply. Um, I want to go to the, uh, the candidates forum here in, uh, in Whistler, because I unfortunately missed it the other day. Uh, I want to know, I want to get the low down on what happened and what kind of jabs physical ones. Cause I would always love to see a boxing match at a candidates forum.
Speaker 1:There was no physical, physical gaps, zero physical jobs, but it was a really interesting, I thought it's a, it's a, um, I wouldn't say there's a clear winner, like go and watch the video of it because it is, I think probably one of the most interesting local, um, debates among, uh, federal, uh, reps that I've seen. And I love this stuff. Like I've spent so much of my time and attention on, um, electoral politics and, and they were compelling each of them. And you can see the differences in the perspectives that they bring to the table. Um, and the conversation I felt was about important things. They talked a lot about climate. They talked a lot about affordability. They talked a lot about Whistler. And so I felt very much like they took those sort of national issues and contextualize them and made them very Whistler relevant. So it was good and they're not shy. I mean, people are shy. So Patrick Weiler, you know, our current MPP really, really sharp and smart. And, uh, I thought did a good job defending his record over the last two years. Avi Lewis, obviously people know about him as a, as a former much music, video jockey and, and a climate activist. Uh, and John Weston, like a former MP for this writing. So it's not a group of people new to a stage. And they very much, uh, uh, jabs is the right word. It was, uh, it was, uh, it was interesting. Mike Simpson from the green party did a good job too. It's it's worthwhile.
Speaker 3:I'm going to check out where can be found. Is there like the Whistler chamber YouTube or something, or,
Speaker 1:Yeah, you can watch on the Whistler chamber website. All right. I'm going to do it for your vote. You got a wall.
Speaker 3:I do. I try and condense it all into like a week and a half before the election, because I'll be honest with you. Politics stress me out. I love election night, but like deciding who to vote for it just, I watched the leaders for leaders debate yesterday, getting gonna watch the local one, uh, as soon as I can this weekend and, uh, try not to get too stressed. I got a week still, you know, I've read the platforms and now I have to just listen to the candidates. It's a lot.
Speaker 1:Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Speaker 3:To make an informed vote feels like it's so much work.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 3:Well, Cole, it's important. It is. I know, I understand. That's why I'm putting so much work into it.
Speaker 1:Yeah. Cool. All right. Well, let's talk to a new Burke.
Speaker 2:[inaudible]
Speaker 1:A new Burke is a force. She continues to be named every list of influencers published like Canada's top 20, under 20. She wins all kinds of awards for her community service. And she does it all while running industry, leading food services companies, having already served as the first female executive producer for TEDx Vancouver. She brings all that learning and skill to Whistler, launching TEDx Whistler a few months ago, a new called me. And she said she was going to bring TEDx back to Whistler. And I am a real fan of all things, Ted. So it peaked my interest, but it was in the middle of a pandemic. So I was a little skeptical. My skepticism was not well placed. She and her team have delivered in extremely impressive fashion. She has been working tirelessly for our community and for that, I am deeply grateful. Welcome to the Whistler podcast, a new Burke.
Speaker 4:Thank you so much, mayor. Wow. What an introduction. It is truly an honor and a privilege always to be speaking with you.
Speaker 1:I always say it's all true.
Speaker 4:And everything is true about you. You have been so gracious and so kind through this whole process. So, uh, my gratitude and appreciation is right there with you.
Speaker 1:Good. Well, I have not been introducing people to my cohost Cole before, so I thought it made sense that we should start doing that. Um, and this is Cole. Steph Yuki is the radio voice of the afternoon on mountain FM. We do this together and, uh, we are grateful that you have joined us a new coal, coal, a new,
Speaker 3:Nice to meet you. And it's nice to be part of the podcast. Finally, like introduce like that, Jack. I appreciate it.
Speaker 4:Very nice to meet you call. Um, I hope you're, you're doing wonderful today.
Speaker 1:Same for you. So now we start with rapid fire and this is just to get to know you a little bit. Uh, what music are you listening to?
Speaker 4:Ooh. Yeah, definitely with me. It has to be hip hop or rap, which I dunno if that surprises people right now, I'm listening to Z 4 44.
Speaker 1:Okay, cool. You play much JZ on the radio.
Speaker 3:Uh, not for four, four, but we do play a couple songs. Yes. Empire state of mind is the only one. I'm pretty sure. Yeah.
Speaker 1:Uh, a new, what are you most curious about these days?
Speaker 4:Hmm, that's a really great question. I feel I'm really curious what, you know, especially with TEDx, it's very about storytelling. So I think I'm very curious about storytelling on a community level.
Speaker 1:Uh, what do you not get to talk about as much as you'd like to?
Speaker 4:Wow. I think I don't, well, this year it's been very TEDx, um, focus, which is amazing. And in such an honor, I think something that I haven't had an opportunity to speak about. Um, our other passions that I'm really passionate about, like gender equality and, um, other issues that are really important to me,
Speaker 1:We've done a lot of work on gender equality in your life and career. What draws you to gender equality?
Speaker 4:You know, I think, um, you're right. And I was very grateful that, uh, we were able to make our TEDx Whistler stage gender equal. So I think those values to have that foundation on our stage, I think being raised by a single immigrant mother who is absolutely amazing having that role model in my life, I realized how important it is to have those role models and have that representation. And so building my school in Africa, um, giving opportunities was really important to me. And now leading that into storytelling, because I think it's really important to hear those diverse stories from, from all types of people.
Speaker 1:Yeah. I, I, I have this thought in my head that we are storytelling animals and that it is probably one of the most important things about us, uh, is, is storytelling. And, um, I think that that combination with gender equity is really interesting because so much about the stories we tell ourselves dictates the way we think about the world. And so good stories about strong women, uh, make a difference.
Speaker 4:[inaudible] a hundred percent. And I think we, we really did that this year. When you look at our lineup of just amazing strong women to kind of grace our stage. And, um, I think it's very inspirational in our communities to be able to see what they've been doing, especially in this pandemic.
Speaker 1:What do you do to recharge?
Speaker 4:Ooh, you know what, right now I really need a nap. So when that, when that happens, that will be my recharge.
Speaker 1:That's that is a very direct answer. What do you do to recharge? I sleep ah, out of the box. Um, okay, well, let's get to, uh, Ted, I want to start, uh, talking to you about tad, you know, at a, at a very macro level, the organization, what it does, and then maybe we'll focus in on, uh, this event coming up in two days. Uh, I want to hear about your experiences around Ted. So do you remember your first experience of Ted?
Speaker 4:Oh my goodness. Uh, I don't think anyone's asked me this before. So yes. Do remember my first experience. I was a teenager in New York city and I had been chosen to represent Canada for the, we are family foundation in New York, uh, with Nile Rodgers and they also run TEDx team. So after we went to our summit, I was invited there and I was just sitting in the crowd. Chelsea Clinton was hosting and Nelson Mandela's grandson. Indaba Mandela was giving his TEDx talk and out of nowhere, I'm listening. And he goes, you know, it's about the next generation is a new Verche in the crowd. And I did not move. And it did not register to me that it was me until one of my, you know, global team leaders beside me. She's like, you need to stand up. And I was like, no, no, no. Like it can't, she's like, who else is named a new, first of all and a new verb. And I got up and, you know, that was my first experience with a TEDx and it was quite magical. And, um, yeah, that was it. So
Speaker 1:Why was he wanting you to stand up
Speaker 4:To acknowledge the work that I had done, you know, uh, to talk about, uh, inspiration for the next generation, really valuing the work that people are doing around the world, because quite young, right. And all of my global teams, leaders around me from different countries were young individuals, teenagers that were so passionate motor communities. And he was saying, that's the next generation we need to focus on they're people that are trying to do good. And who knew little me from here in Canada would be in New York, uh, being acknowledged. So that was a very beautiful and magical moment. And he acknowledged my work with, um, homelessness at the time I had co-founded a project hello, on the downtown east side of Vancouver and helped reconnect over 500 homeless with their lost, loved ones. And so it was crazy for someone outside of Canada to know that story and know the work that I had done.
Speaker 1:Yeah, man, as a teenager, that would kinda catch you for awhile. Um, so Ted stands for technology entertainment design. What caught your attention about Ted as an organization that made you want to get involved and, and, and volunteer so much of your time and energy to the organization?
Speaker 4:Yeah. You know, I think their slogan is ideas worth spreading. And I think the magic about that is it seemed, and it still seems very to me, a very positive way to act within our communities and TEDx as an organization is very grassroots. And it's very inspirational to me to see it's by the community for the community, look at all the community members that have come together to put on TEDx whistled like that, to me shows the movement like it's, it's tangible. You get to actually physically see businesses, organizations, institutions, community leaders come together to highlight the inspiration that is happening in our community. And I think that's ideally what we want to do, um, as we go forward, but life gets busy. You know, life gets busy. There's things that we have to do part of our lives, but I think it's an tangible way and a model to be able to push that forward and, um, really empower and highlight what our communities are doing.
Speaker 1:Yeah. I, that ideas worth spreading is so compelling. Um, and it, I think that's in fact, that's what caught my attention before I'd seen too many Ted talks was this idea, uh, of spreading ideas. Uh it's I think it's so compelling. Um, but there's lots of great ideas and great knowledge in the world, you know, universities and, and public presentations, um, around the world spread ideas, but Ted has become such an important place to spread ideas. So with all those great ideas out there, why do you think Ted has become sort of uniquely equipped to do it in, in, in the, in the way Ted has, you know, is it the format? Like, I, I, I, I don't know why Ted has been so successful at something that seems so important around.
Speaker 4:Yeah. And you and I have gone through this process this year and we've talked about the format a lot, and I think it really does lend to their success. You know, the rules are, the TEDx talks have to be 18 minutes and less. And I think, um, the target that we were trying to go for this year was around the 15 minute mark. And I think it's something that is, um, people can access, you know, like if you're taking a bus to your school, if you're going to university, it's something that you can watch and you can access and get that information. And they really focus on ideas and, you know, mayor you and I, and, and we, we talked about what is that idea that we want to put forward? What is that one idea that, you know, when you watch these TEDx talks or you're scrolling on YouTube, it's that idea, whatever that is, it's, it's there, you see it, and then you spend 18 minutes or less understanding why it's important and why we need to have it part of our cognitive understanding of the world. Um, and I think that is truly the format has, has been, um, an incredibly important and powerful reason to the success of it.
Speaker 1:Yeah. That 18 minute thing I think is really helpful too. It takes a lot of, um, capacity to put up two hours and sit down in front of a university lecture where whereas 12 to 18 minutes of sort of the core of the idea, um, I think is, is helpful for me, for sure. Anyway, um, there's lots of things that have happened on the Ted stage over time in 2015, bill gates presented on the Ted stage. And he said, the world is not prepared for a pandemic. And I think at the time, you know, people who heard that, um, went on with our days, you can look back at that talk right now and it's like prophetic. Um, and that's a moment on the Ted stage that I think has really got my attention. Do you have a favorite moment on the stage? That's got your attention.
Speaker 4:Yeah. You know what? I actually think it's a moment that people haven't seen yet actually, that they're going to see very soon. Um, obviously on our TEDx with sir live stream and then, you know, on YouTube this fall, it's actually Dr. Karen Koski, you know, speaking of what, uh, bill gates said a few, few years ago, I remember seeing that passed around on social media while we were in the pandemic. And everyone's like, look at this, we had this information years ago. Um, and it was such an honor and a privilege to be working with Dr. Karen Kolsky and to see what she was able to do in Whistler and, um, in regards to social prescriptions and bring the community together, uh, with, um, with, you know, BC housing and the food bank. And I think when you see community members see a problem and find a solution in such a unique way, that's so authentic. And so genuine to me that hits me because it realized that, you know, we have problems all day long, you know, different institutions, we have problems, and there's always solutions that are out of box thinking. And those are the ones when you're truly just focused and dedicated to serve and help those, I feel like are the best solutions that you can have.
Speaker 1:I have goosebumps, like I haven't seen a Dr.[inaudible] talk. I haven't seen any of these talks. And, um, I am so excited now that as you've been talking about it, to hear her speak, cause I find her to be such a compelling person. And so, oh, that's, that's exciting. I'm excited to hear her talk
Speaker 4:A hundred. Well, one thing I was going to say about her talk is amazing is that we're still we're in the pandemic still. And we've been working through this process with her this whole year. Right. And we were like, focusing on how should we frame this? But she knew that this was going to be something and a challenge that was going to continue. And so, you know, her focus really on her talk this year, as people will see, is it takes a village to get through the global pandemic, which is obviously plays on the Whistler village. Um, and so, yeah, I can't wait for everyone to see it.
Speaker 1:Uh, I, I, this seems like a good time too, to just dig right into the event. That's upcoming TEDx Whistler. Tell us about the lineup.
Speaker 4:Oh my goodness. Well, mayor you're there
Speaker 1:Are you there?
Speaker 4:We are so grateful to have you part of our lineup this year. Your talk is absolutely remarkable. And I think it's going to make a lot of people think, um, no matter what industry they're from and, uh, for the rest of our lineup. So yeah, we have 10 incredible speakers, uh, gender equal stage. Um, and we have, which I personally, you know, this means a lot to me is that we had partnered with the SLCC, the Squamish and Leawood cultural center early on, early on before I think we even announced TEDx Whistler and Heather Paul was instrumental in helping us form our partnership. And she was the one that introduced us to chief Janice, George of the Squamish nation, the matriarch of the Squamish nation and chief Gallup call of the Lee watt nation. And it has been a blessing, a true blessing to work with them through this process. Um, their talks are incredible. And so that's was really important to structure our partnership with them. And then for our rest of our lineup, we really want it to cover, you know, for sports. We have John Montgomery, everybody loves John Montgomery and Whistler and in Canada, uh, we have, um, Dr. Karen, as we spoke of a, an amazing what's the right Dr. Renata Lewis, um, search and rescue and Whistler. Uh, and then we have, um, amazing other speakers such as Jillian Harris that everyone loves in Canada. Um, Claire, who's talking about education Omari and incredible actor. Uh, and we have Mr. Morgan, uh, representing music at a legend in Canadian music. And, um, I think we did well representing all those industries. We have, you know, music, politics, business, sports, science, healthcare. So I think we, we did what we came up to do.
Speaker 1:Hmm. So you gave us a bit of a hint into Dr. Kowalski's, any other moments that we should be looking for? I know you can't give us, you know, the whole, uh, of someone's talk, but, but give us something else to get excited about.
Speaker 4:Well, let me tell, you're definitely going to cry and doctor or not a Lewis is talk like, make sure you have tissues. Like that is really important. I could barely get through when we were going through rehearsals. I like, I was like, am I distracting? Should I leave? Um, she's incredible. So that's a very powerful, powerful talk. Um, they're emotional and very unexpected turns within that. So the storytelling and that is very strong, um, in regards to, um, oh my goodness. Well, one thing I'll say, which I think will help frame these is the theme was legacy this year. And I think legacy is an important one because I think legacy is always framed as something that is, for me, at least my understanding of legacy is what has been left behind, passed down. And I really wanted to bring it to the present moment. I wanted us to ask ourselves, what is our legacy? Like, do we ever stop to think what is my legacy? Um, and I wanted that to be something, what is our legacy in arts? What is our legacy, um, with our communities? And so I think every speaker this year is putting forward an idea, um, to talk about what we're leaving behind, what we've done, how to be in the present moment, how we're gonna be able to move forward. And I think it's very powerful to put that word legacy into the present moment.
Speaker 1:Yeah. It, um, it's, I'm definitely excited to see that line running through the talks because, you know, we use the word legacy in our community and it, for people that have been around for awhile, it's a word that's like pretty straight line connected to the Olympics. Um, and yes, there's a legacy of the games in our community, but the word legacy means so much more than a connection to us single event at a single time. And, um, I'm so excited that, uh, uh, chief Janice, George, and Gulf collar be presenting because I think that legacy, these people on this land and, and all that they are and have contributed will be so interesting and, and wonderful to, to listen to. So I, I like it's broadened the definition of the word legacy for me, which sounds funny because obviously, um, it means so much more, but that's been an interesting experience for me to broaden a word that I had focused and, and, and, and narrow the definition of, um, and I'm sure some others in our community have done the same. Um, so you can't get tickets right now. It's sold out, done your year finished. Uh, if you haven't, uh, bought your ticket yet, you're out of luck. Can you still see these?
Speaker 4:Yes. A hundred percent. This weekend is truly a, you know, a live stream for our communities to be able to watch all of the talks as a comprehensive piece. Um, if you miss it, don't you worry, they're going to be up on YouTube, hopefully the fall. So very soon. So you'll be able to watch every single one of the talks on there. Uh, and the great thing about that is you'll be able to pass those links around to your community members have great ideas, and that's like ideas worth spreading. Once these come up on YouTube, you'll be able to share them with your teachers, your educators, your kids, uh, and be able to have those community discussions. So I think the legacy of TEDx Whistler, it doesn't end with this live stream this weekend. I feel like the conversations there's going to be a lot of conversations that are happening and this live stream is beautiful in the sense that people that do have tickets is that we have live performances from the SLCC, uh, Mike Douglas. This is something that we need to talk about. Mike Douglas is our host for our live stream event. Everybody loves Mike.
Speaker 1:Sure. Yeah. That's true. Cool. Do you love Mike? Of course. How can you not like Mike? Yeah. All right. So, so far our small survey of this group of people, it's true. Your statement. Everybody loves Mike. So what Mike's role in the event?
Speaker 4:So he is hosting our live stream event, uh, this, uh, this weekend, and he's going to be the guide the path. So we're, we're going to have a beautiful opening ceremony from the Squamish nation and Lee watt nation. He's going to come in, he's going to lay the land, give an opening remarks. Uh, and then we're going to go straight into the talks. He's going to give a bio to kind of let the audience know who these individuals are in our community. So when their talk plays, people have more of a context of their journey and what they've been doing. And then in between the talks, we're very grateful to have performances from the SLCC. Um, and so it's just going to be a beautiful day, a true celebration of remarkable Whistler rights and Canadians we have on our stage. Uh, and please don't worry if you miss it, you will be able to catch it on YouTube individually for the talks of fall.
Speaker 1:I think you did a wonder, well, you, with the SLCC did a wonderful job of, of the setting. It's beautiful. I think what, uh, the, the setup and the, I felt like I walked into a place that fits into this place and it was very representative, I think, of who we are and what this place is so well done on that. Even just seeing the stage and the, and the, the, the setup made me kind of feel like this was a Whistler event. It was a great representation for TEDx Wisser. Does, is this a one-time event or does TEDx, uh, Indiana continue? Like, could we have TEDx Wisser come back
Speaker 4:A hundred percent, um, right now, you know, it's one of those things where you're leading up to an event. Everybody just needs a nap, but I definitely think that the energy is in the air. This one was incredibly successful. I know that they haven't launched yet, but the community partnerships we had this year at mayor were remarkable. I've never seen anything like this before the love, the strength, the community, the, um, just everyone coming together to put this on was very inspirational for me to see on a grassroots level. This is an ideal world where you see everyone truly, um, have incentive to push this forward and really celebrate the lineup. And, um, yeah, we're, we're excited. Let's, let's see how this goes. And, um, we would, we would love to obviously continue, continue it. I know that there's a lot of people keep asking us, can we be speakers for next year? Which is amazing. I feel like at the end of the day, that's what you want, you know, through this entire process. Everyone's like, well, oh, oh my goodness. I forgot to, um, you know, I forgot to nominate this person. They would be a phenomenal speaker. And, um, we're just so grateful that everyone has come together, like the SLCC to come the Audain museum. One of our special sit down interviews with Mr. Morgan is actually shot. Um, at the, uh, Dane museum Fairmont was phenomenal to be our hotel accommodation, green mustache Nicolette, which I know she's been on this podcast. Um, she's been on. So it was just a remarkable way to bring everyone together. And the continuation of that legacy would be a beautiful story to be able to tell.
Speaker 1:Great. Did I miss anything cool? Any, anything that needs to be asked that hasn't been
Speaker 3:Well, I would like to know if there was some sort of deal in place where when you asked Jack to speak with this, that he made you come on the podcast. Yes. I know there's some,
Speaker 1:There was a, there was definitely a deal, an exchange. And have you thought of, um, of, um, of the speakers from the entertainment, uh, like radio voices, have you ever thought about putting a radio voice on the TEDx Whistler stage?
Speaker 4:Oh, my goodness. Cole is audition right now.
Speaker 3:No. And I would have at least shaved and looked a little nicer for this, you know,
Speaker 1:Hey Cole, give us one minute of your TEDx Whistler talk for next year and go
Speaker 3:Now I'm not doing it. Okay. The theme is legacy, right?
Speaker 4:Well w oh, next? Yeah,
Speaker 3:It's ready to go on legacy, but I'm not ready for next year's theme. So sorry.
Speaker 1:Oh, you're not. Oh, you were ready. Okay. I could have do that.
Speaker 4:Maybe we can squeeze you in, what are you doing this weekend? I want to do something with Mike. He can plug you in. I think he has a problem.
Speaker 3:I'm sure he could. I'm sure he could. And then we would have even more people I noticed there's like 40% of the, of the speakers have been on this podcast before. So look at that. It's true. Make it 50% of five joined,
Speaker 4:Maybe Cole, you can help us come up with a theme for next year for 20, 22
Speaker 3:Start working on it. And I'll, uh, I'll let you know, but I am excited to like, you know, I won't be able to watch it live because I didn't get my ticket for Sunday, but when it comes out later this fall, I'm very excited for all these speakers. It looks,
Speaker 1:I agree. All right. Well, a new, we finished with the same question for everybody. We are uncreative human beings. Um, who would just have one question to finish every podcast with what book are you reading your read or podcasts? Have you listened to that? You are inspired by and learning from?
Speaker 4:Hmm. Wow. That's a great question. Um, currently I think, you know, the power of now has always been won by Eckhart Tolle. Totally. That I love that really brings me into the moment. Um, and so I think that's one that I go back to when, uh, we are going through these processes because I think it's truly a journey. And I think the mayor, you, you know, that as well as a speaker, it is a journey to get through these, to create these TEDx talks. And I think that you need to be really present and aware of, of your narrative and where we're at, what you've done, where you're going. Uh, and B it's, it's a very spiritual process. I think the TEDx talks, you have to be vulnerable. You have to, you know, think about what you want to share on that stage. And so I think that would be one that, that speaks to speaks to that. And one thing quickly before we end is I just want to acknowledge how incredible you have been to TEDx with sir this whole year and how you've been able to manage this, this pandemic, um, and how that you've been so gracious and kind, we, we truly appreciate everything that you've done for the city. And, uh, we can't thank you enough.
Speaker 1:It's a privilege. It's definitely a privilege. Where can people find you on the internet?
Speaker 4:Do they want to find me on the internet? They may,
Speaker 1:They may call me, he might want to pitch you his, his, uh, I'll send you my audition theme for next year in his audition tape.
Speaker 4:Yeah. At a new Burke might. Well, if people don't know how to probably pull it, know how to spell that. My first name is a new P a N O O P. And my last name is[inaudible] V I R K
Speaker 1:Uh, a new Burke. Okay. Well, this was truly a pleasure and, uh, I've very much enjoyed working with you, uh, over the last few months. And I can't wait for Sunday. Thanks. And you have a great day. Thank you. So Cole, I, you had your chance. I put it there for you, like ready to make, take your shot. I blew it. And you ducked. Yeah.
Speaker 3:I, I just, the pressure was on, you know, two days to prepare it just, it wasn't enough. I just panicked sheer panic.
Speaker 1:I do think that, you know, had you taken me up on it and, and try to Ted talk in a minute. I think that there, the potential for disaster was high.
Speaker 3:Yeah. W I think I could have done okay for a minute, but, uh, yeah, there's a good chance. It would have been really, really bad. So cut the risk.
Speaker 1:What jumped out at you in the conversation?
Speaker 3:I'm just really excited about, uh, about the entire, uh, event. Obviously, like I said, in the interview, I won't be watching on Sunday, uh, because I didn't get a ticket in time sold out so fast, but I'm very excited for it to come out because the list of speakers they have is truly incredible. And I want to know which other than you, you can't say yourself, which speaker are you most looking forward to?
Speaker 1:Oh, Dr. Kolsky. Yeah, for sure. And, um, the other, the mist, um, what's Mr. Morgan, Mr. Morgan. I, I had, I didn't know who he was before this. Uh, and I thought when I saw his name, I was like, Mr. Morgan, like, that's strange, but I guess it's his sort of moniker in the music business.
Speaker 3:I think he's one of the ones that I think to answer my own question. He's the one I would most excited to hear about. Not because, I mean, I've heard from a lot of the people that we have on this list and they're all going to be incredible. Um, but seeing what Mr. Morgan, it's always weird saying his name, but Mr. Morgan and OVO have done for a Canadian hip hop. I'm not sure if you're a big hip hop or R and B fan, but OVO has put Canada on the map and, uh, as a huge rap in R B R and B fan, like, it's pretty incredible to see. And it's kind of thanks to maybe not him, maybe more Drake, but still he works with Drake. So,
Speaker 1:Yeah. And I think that, that will be the really interesting part of that conversation is to sort of dig into the back of house and, and to hear about kind of how it all happens because Drake becomes Drake and I'm sure Drake would say it, if you were talking to him, there is a ton of people that helped make that happen, who influenced his work and who helped him get to the place that he is. So it's pretty neat to, I agree, Mr. Morgan will be an interesting conference,
Speaker 3:Especially on the terms of legacy, the music legacy that he and OVO has is pretty big, but of course, less local than some of the other speakers.
Speaker 1:Sure. Yeah, yeah. Which I think I like what a nuke has done by being very local and very global. I mean, it brings both to the table in an interesting way that, um, you know, you'll see faces that you're familiar with on the stage, but then you'll also see people who you see on TV, which I think is, is, is a good mix. Yeah, for sure. Yeah. And then I, I mean, I'm most looking forward to chief Janice, George and Gulf coast. I think that that's where I feel like I'm about to learn some really important things. Um, and, uh, I'm really excited about that. So, absolutely. Well, I thought that was a wonderful, uh, conversation, that groups a pretty compelling, interesting person. I think I've said compelling five times now in a single conversation. I think that's an overuse of the word, but
Speaker 3:I don't know. I think it's compelling.
Speaker 1:Sorry. My use of the word compelling is in itself compelling. Yeah. I think this conversation has weakened since a new left us
Speaker 3:A hundred percent. Yeah. Yup.
Speaker 1:Okay. All right. I think it's a good time wrap up. I agree. Yeah, let's do that. Thanks for listening to the Whistler podcast, culinary or grateful that you tune in and you stay with us this long, the Wister podcast is brought to you by the resort municipality of Whistler and mountain FM. Thanks for listening.