Secret Sunshine

While Ed and I were out on a secret cinema mission, it made me think about a local mystery. For as long as I've been going to the Gibsons Cinema, I've heard two completely contradictory things about the building: that it was absolutely designed by Arthur Erickson, one of Canada's greatest architects — and that it absolutely wasn't. In this episode, I ring up Geoffrey Erickson and find out the truth. Geoffrey is a designer with Studio Erickson, and he’s Arthur’s nephew.Thanks to Allie and the team at the Sunshine Coast Museum & Archives for their excellent database and even more excellent help.Thanks to Max Henry for the podcast’s original music.Find and follow our Instagram account for the soon-to-be-ours Gibsons Cinema here.Find Ed’s fishing charter at Angler Management.Find the show at secretsunshine.caSecret Sunshine is produced by Dominic Girard at Handover Media.

Something big is happening on the Sunshine Coast. The Gibsons Cinema — a community fixture since 1963 — has new owners. And I’m one of them!In this episode, I sit down with my two co-owners and friends, Steve Tannock and Ed Anderson, and share the story of why we’re buying the cinema, and tease what we plan to do with it.What we get into:How this started with Dominic calling Ed’s bluff.Why all three owners bring very different backgrounds — IT, software engineering, media, and theatre — and why that might actually workThe months-long process of getting the deal done, including the moments they were sure it wasn't going to happenEd's mantra that kept them going: keep going until you can'tWhat a "third space" means for a small town, and why the Gibsons Cinema has always been oneHinting at the renovation planA promise of much more to come.About the new owners:Dominic Girard — host of Secret Sunshine, 20-year media and podcasting veteran, incoming General Manager of the cinemaSteve Tannock — cinephile, former projectionist, current software and AI leader at Telus, and self-described lover of big betsEd Anderson — former IT entrepreneur turned fishing charter operator (Angler Management), and the one who got all this started.The Gibsons Cinema takes new ownership on April 29th. Stay tuned.Get in touch!We are rebuilding a cinema-first space that welcomes community engagement. What are your hopes and dreams for our tiny but mighty independent cinema? What questions do you have about the business of running a theatre? Send us an email at [email protected] thanks to Vivian and Tony, the current owners, for trusting us to build on their legacy. Thanks to Max Henry, as always, for the original theme music of this podcast.Learn more about the show at secretsunshine.ca

In this season finale of Secret Sunshine, meet Ed Hill. He's a retired RCMP Staff Sergeant, artist, curler, canoeist, auctioneer, emcee, community builder, and larger-than-life personality.But after nearly four decades in Gibsons, Ed and his wife Joy are preparing to leave. From saving someone's life on his first night in town, to founding one of the world's top outrigger canoe races, to becoming an activist artist after retiring from the RCMP, Ed's story will teach you something about what happens when passion meets community spirit.Find Ed Hill’s artwork at Edhillart.com. And find his home’s listing at realtor.ca.As ever, thanks to Nico at Nico Coastal Homes for sponsoring this season. If you’re in the market to hit the market, give Nico a call - she’s among the very best realtors on the Sunshine Coast. Find her at nicolearnett.ca.Find me at secretsunshine.ca, and on Instagram at dom_ideas.Looking to sponsor next season of the show?Shoot me an email at [email protected] and we’ll make a deal. Thanks very much for your support!Secret Sunshine is produced by Dominic Girard at Handover Media. Original music is from Max Henry.The podcast will take a little winter break. See you again sometime in Spring.

Thanks as ever to Nicole at Nico Coastal Homes for sponsoring this season. Whether your planning to buy or sell a home on the Coast, give Nico a ring. She’s a top seller for good reason!In this episode, Jess Procter, owner and founder of Sweet Emotion Baking in Gibsons, BC. Jess shares her journey from home baker to small business owner, and spills the tea on who her customers are, why they’re obsessed with her cookies, and why they might be calling her at 11 pm for a cookie fix.But we also get deep into it and unpack why a cookie isn’t just a cookie, but a sweet treat that connects Jess, giving her fulfillment from feeding her community.We also make a test batch of top secret Secret Sunshine Cookies. And if you’re quick on the draw, you can buy one of these cookies for yourself wherever they’re found. (hint: try the Butchers, the Cheese Co. and Roberts Creek Wellbeing.Hear about, Jess’s “no raisin” policy, midnight baking marathons, the therapeutic power of baking during tough times, especially while parenting through lockdowns, and a bunch more.Connect with Jess on Instagram (@sweet.emotion.baking) and with me (@dom_ideas). If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review the podcast. Support local businesses like Sweet Emotion Baking, and don’t forget to treat yourself (and someone you love) to a cookie! After all, a cookie is just “a hug for inside your body.”Secret Sunshine is produced by Dominic Girard at Handover Media. The music is from Max Henry. 

Have you checked out the podcast’s video editions on YouTube and Spotify? Let me know what you think!Allan Harding is a National Champion in air pistol shooting, and I met up with him at the Pinecone Range shortly after returning from a competition win in Ontario (a Team Gold and a Bronze for himself).Allan’s primary focus is the 10m discipline, but he showcased his 50m skills when we met up.In our conversation, he shares more about how he started his lifelong pursuit of excellence in this sport. Allan talks about the mental discipline required for high-level competition, the challenges of returning to shooting after a long break, and his audacious goal of qualifying for the 2028 LA Olympics.The conversation delves into the role shooting plays as an anchor through life’s hits and misses, the importance of mindfulness and focus, and the unique satisfaction found in moments of perfect precision. Find Allan on Instagram and on his website.This podcast is supported by Gold Medal sponsor, Nico Coastal Homes, and Nicole will support you just as winningly in any real estate decisions. The show theme is by Max Henry. Secret Sunshine is made by Dominic Girard at Handover Media. You can also find me and the show on Instagram.Love the show? Have you given it a rating and review on Apple Podcasts? Help spread the word if you can - I truly appreciate all the feedback.