Best Fade To Gray Podcasts (2025)

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Tiny homes could soon be a reality on some islands 15:23

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3h ago15:23

15:23

Tiny homes on wheels are technically not allowed as permanent housing - but that hasn’t stopped some people in rural B.C. communities from living in them, because they’re affordable and don’t leave a big footprint. Now, local government officials in several island communities say they’ve found a way to make them legal. On this week’s episode, we he…

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The controversy over a U.S. non-profit’s application to use B.C. land 29:13

5d ago29:13

29:13

Some islanders are upset that a U.S. non-profit that does adventure tourism wants to renew and expand its access to crown land along the B.C. coast. National Outdoor Leadership School says its sea kayakers will use the land to camp while travelling from Washington to Alaska. But social media posts opposing the application have gone viral in island …

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How long will the BCGEU strike last? 11:31

13d ago11:31

11:31

Public sector workers in the BCGEU (BC General Employees' Union) and PEA (Professional Employees Association) escalated job action this week. About 14,500 of those workers are islanders. On this episode we hear why the strike is happening - and when it might be resolved.

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The gray area of cell phone rules in schools 15:07

20d ago15:07

15:07

This is the second school year since the provincial restrictions on cell phone use in schools came into effect. But what exactly are the rules? And how are they put into practice? As you’ll hear in this episode, that’s not exactly clear. Island teachers and administrators talk about how they’re interpreting and creating the rules.…

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How another main road to island communities is closed (again) even after wildfire risk has faded 18:45

27d ago18:45

18:45

The road to Bamfield, and the Huu-ay-aht and Ditidaht First Nations, is closed for the foreseeable future due to damage by the Mount Underwood fire. A similar thing happened to highway 4 east of Port Alberni in the summer of 2023. The issue is slope instability - but what exactly is that? And how do you repair it?…

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Why wildfire is more common on the island, and what some people are doing about it 28:00

1M ago28:00

28:00

The Wesley Ridge and Mount Underwood fires had the province’s attention this summer - an unusual situation for the island. But the people who study fire and climate aren’t surprised, and say it will only become more common. On this week’s episode we hear about the changing history of wildfire on Vancouver Island, and about one of the mitigation pro…

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The best (and worst) of summer on the island 17:27

2M ago17:27

17:27

This week, we bring you one of our most popular episodes from last year: a discussion with three islanders about what they love about summer at home. Get staycation tips from residents of Victoria, Parksville, and Campbell River. This episode was originally published July 2, 2024.

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How a tsunami advisory may be a wake-up call for island emergency preparedness 13:29

2M ago13:29

13:29

For 12 hours this week, islanders and coastal B.C. residents were watching for news of a tsunami. It didn’t arrive, but it did give us a chance to figure out the difference between a “watch,” an “advisory,” and a “warning,” and whether we even get notifications. This week’s episode catches up on what we learned - including that drones can help spre…

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Orcas are just like us! New research shows they give gifts, use tools 11:37

2M ago11:37

11:37

Killer whales and humans have more than a few things in common, even if our habitat is different - and recent research has added even more similarities to the list. In this episode we hear about orcas giving gifts to humans, and using tools to exfoliate.

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Should we build a bridge to the mainland? Is it even possible? 18:57

2M ago18:57

18:57

Every once in a while, frustrated ferry users bring up the idea of a “fixed link” - a bridge or tunnel that would permanently connect Vancouver Island to the rest of B.C. It came up this week as discussions drag on about the new ships that BC Ferries has ordered from a shipyard in China. So on this week’s episode: what would it take to build a brid…

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The best places to swim on the Island 14:48

3M ago14:48

14:48

Are you an ocean, lake, or river swimmer? On this week’s episode we take a break from the news to celebrate some of the many outdoor swimming spots on the Island - in all types of water. Alex McKeen, co-author of “Swimming Holes and Beaches of Southwestern British Columbia,” shares her love of swimming as a way to explore a new place and talks abou…

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Victoria's $10 million plan to make the city safe again 22:12

3M ago22:12

22:12

The city of Victoria released a plan to take $10 million from its budget, and reallocate it to public safety initiatives. The money will be used for bylaw and police officers, street repair and more, and will be focused on Pandora Avenue, Princess Avenue, and downtown overall. On this week's episode we hear from mayor Marianne Alto, Victoria police…

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Island transit has gotten more chaotic. Here's why 15:00

3M ago15:00

15:00

Bus service has long been a problem on the island, and it’s even more challenging now. We catch you up on the strike at Cowichan Valley Transit, and the cancellation of a bus route from Ucluelet and Tofino to Port Alberni. Plus, we try to find out if - or when - things might improve.

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Testing the flying ferry: take a ride on an electric ferry that could serve island communities 19:31

3M ago19:31

19:31

There is a new-to-B.C. ferry that two companies are testing here: it’s an all-electric passenger ship that could sail on commuter routes, or even between the island and the mainland. CBC Victoria’s Gregor Craigie got to ride on one, and he joins us to tell us how it works, how likely it is that it will enter regular service here - and why they call…

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New in town: This doctor is ditching the U.S. for the Island 17:45

4M ago17:45

17:45

We need more nurses and doctors, and they could be on their way. In this episode we hear from a doctor who is quitting his practice in Colorado to start at a new clinic in Colwood, and a nurse in Texas who is considering a move to Nanaimo. We’ll ask what’s enticing them to come north, and hear about some of the ways the provincial government is try…

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Is it a punishment to be on B.C.’s housing targets list? 20:20

4M ago20:20

20:20

Langford is upset it’s on the province's latest housing targets list, calling it “unfair.” But on the other side, the housing minister says it’s just about making sure everyone is on the same page - even the places that are already building a lot of new homes. On this episode, we hear from mayor Scott Goodmanson and minister Ravi Kahlon about what …

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It’s pride season! How are islanders celebrating? 23:13

4M ago23:13

23:13

What do baseball games, river floats, parades, and Schitt’s Creek trivia have in common? They’re all things you can do to celebrate pride on the island this summer! On this episode we talk about what pride is like in island communities, and about celebrating queer joy, honouring history, and fighting for future freedoms. The first of nearly 20 prid…

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Why a trip to the north island can be better than Tofino 16:31

4M ago16:31

16:31

We love Tofino, but it’s not the only part of the island that’s worth a vacation! If you’re planning to stay local this summer, why not check out a less famous place - like the north island? In this episode, Indigenous tourism operator Mike Willie makes the case for his home territory. He talks about what you can see when you head out from Port McN…

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Why handyDART users are frustrated in Greater Victoria 14:50

5M ago14:50

14:50

People who use handyDART in Greater Victoria say it’s getting harder and harder to book the rides they need, and they were hearing from staff it was because of service reductions. BC Transit says there have been no cuts - but users are still hitting roadblocks. We try to figure out why. HandyDART is public transit for people who can’t use the conve…

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The Island’s electoral map changed almost completely. What happened? 20:54

5M ago20:54

20:54

For the past decade islanders have only elected NDP and Green members of parliament. But in the next federal government, the island will be represented by 3 Conservative MPs, 2 Liberals, 1 NDP and 1 Green. On this episode we look at what’s behind the shift, and hear from some of the election winners: Tamara Kronis, Aaron Gunn, Will Greaves, Stephan…

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How seaweed could be the new plastic 12:05

5M ago12:05

12:05

You’re likely getting used to seeing alternatives to plastic: cloth bags, paper straws, wooden utensils. But in this week’s episode we’ll hear about a B.C. group looking to make plastic out of seaweed, for use in the agriculture industry. Want to hear more about the emerging seaweed industry on the island? Check out another column from Imaginative …

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Why some islanders can't decide how to vote 17:11

5M ago17:11

17:11

The federal election is less than two weeks away, but many voters on the island are struggling to decide how to vote. For some it’s down to Liberal versus Conservative, for others NDP versus Liberal, for some it’s still a total toss up. We’ll hear from folks in Esquimalt, Campbell River, Ucluelet, and more about what issues have them stuck.…

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The latest on the Greater Victoria school board drama 14:46

6M ago14:46

14:46

The school board and the B.C. ministry of education were at odds for six months, until the province fired the elected trustees in January. Now the newly-appointed trustee is getting down to business, and the old trustees are going to court in hopes of getting their jobs back. We recap the SD61 drama, hear the latest on the safety plan and police in…

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Why some people feel unsafe in the Cowichan Valley 17:16

6M ago17:16

17:16

It’s not just big cities where public safety is a concern. In the Cowichan Valley, for example, there’s an area surrounding the Trans-Canada Highway where some residents and business owners say crime, drug use, and street disorder mean they don’t feel safe in their own community. It’s in the region’s urban core, where North Cowichan, Duncan, and Co…

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This shop owner says it’s harder than you think to ditch U.S. products 9:23

6M ago9:23

9:23

A Victoria small business owner just got her first tariff bill. But even with the $1200 hit, she’s reluctant to stop importing products from her customers in the U.S. She says she’s worked hard to fill her shop with quality goods made by small businesses she believes in - and while many of those are Canadian, some happen to be in the United States.…

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Island Crime: a true crime podcast focused right here on the island 19:57

6M ago19:57

19:57

This month marks the 34 years since 4-year-old Michael Dunahee disappeared from a Victoria playground. It’s arguably the most well-known missing person case from the island, but it’s far from the only one. Laura Palmer produces “Island Crime,” a podcast that investigates true crime from our region, and she’s our guest this week. We talk about some …

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How to buy local on the island 20:52

7M ago20:52

20:52

Sure, you know about the seafood. But did you know islanders make things like crackers? And mattresses? With everyone’s attention on “buy BC” and “buy Canadian,” we thought we’d zoom in even more and talk about how to “buy island.” We check in with two people who focus on island-made goods.

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You elected them: now what are your island MLAs doing? 18:05

7M ago18:05

18:05

The B.C. Legislature is in session again for the first time in 9 months. We hear from some island MLAs, new and old, to hear what they’re up to so far - and what they think should happen next. They talk about changes to forestry and health care, and ways to make it easier to buy Canadian.

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Bike theft is down in Victoria: here’s why 15:06

7M ago15:06

15:06

Bike theft has long been a concern of cyclists in Victoria, but new data shows there are fewer reasons to worry: 2024 saw the fewest reported stolen bikes in over a decade. On this episode, we look into why the number is dropping - and if cyclists feel more comfortable leaving their bikes downtown now. Plus: how to choose a good bike lock.…

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Why ferries can fill up with reservations (leaving you to wait multiple sailings) 16:59

8M ago16:59

16:59

How is it that you can show up to the ferry terminal, not see many cars, but still have to wait multiple sailings? We hear how (and why) B.C. Ferries is allotting more and more space for drivers with reservations. Plus: why isn’t there a buffet on ferries anymore? And what’s replacing it? And a few other ferry-related tidbits.…

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Need a new place to eat? Check out these island restaurants 17:54

8M ago17:54

17:54

A Mexican restaurant between two gas stations? A hole-in-the-wall you might have walked right by? Food blogger Sarah Au-Yeung (@NanaimoNoms) joins us to shout out some of her favourite restaurants in Nanaimo and beyond. If you’re looking to have a little escape with a meal out, “Dine About Mid-Vancouver Island” and “Dine Around Greater Victoria” ar…

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What is the Crystal Pool referendum all about? 17:03

8M ago17:03

17:03

On February 8, Victoria residents will decide whether the city can borrow up to $168.9 million to build a new Crystal Pool and Fitness Centre. They can also weigh in on which of two locations they'd prefer: on the site of the existing pool, or right beside it. Because Greater Victoria residents often cross municipal boundaries to use pools, the res…

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The birth of the Victoria Queer Run Club, and how it could inspire you 10:35

8M ago10:35

10:35

The Victoria Queer Run Club launched in the summer of 2024 with two runners. Six months later, it has three regular run groups and a budding community. We hear how it started, and learn how anyone could be inspired to start their own community group - running or otherwise.

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Rise in violent incidents taking toll on understaffed Victoria libraries 13:12

9M ago13:12

13:12

An investigation by CBC Victoria’s Emily Fagan found a rise in violent, threatening incidents facing staff at Greater Victoria Libraries. While it makes up a percentage of overall library visits, it is contributing to burnout and fatigue amongst library staff. She tells us about it.

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A look at what did - and didn't - burn at Telegraph Cove 8:55

9M ago8:55

8:55

News broke on New Year's Eve that the historic boardwalk and buildings at Telegraph Cove, on the north island, were burning. The photos were dramatic, and made it easy to assume the village was gone. But the people there want you to know: it didn't all burn! On this episode, we hear about what was lost, what remains, and what the future holds for T…

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A 35-year-long thank you and other wholesome moments of kindness 14:09

9M ago14:09

14:09

On this episode: three stories of island-based acts of kindness to make you feel warm and fuzzy, no matter what you are (or aren’t) celebrating this December.

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Hear B.C.'s new public safety minister respond to safety concerns in Nanaimo 15:02

10M ago15:02

15:02

A recent attack on a city worker in Nanaimo renewed calls for help from the provincial and federal governments. Concerned residents want action to tackle what they say are unsafe streets. We ask B.C.'s new public safety minister what he'll do to help.

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An island's quest to get rid of its deer 15:35

10M ago15:35

15:35

Mayne Island is the latest island facing deer troubles. In this episode we learn about what makes fallow deer such a challenge, why Mayne Islanders are asking for help, and what’s happening with the troubled efforts to remove invasive deer from Sidney Island.

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A new way to tell B.C. Ferries what you think? (And an end to Ferry Advisory Committees) 14:19

10M ago14:19

14:19

B.C. Ferries says it is ending the Ferry Advisory Committees. For over 30 years, they’ve been the way that 13 ferry-dependent communities could formally comment on the service they get, and request changes. But B.C. Ferries says it's time to modernize the way it engages with the public, and to open the door wider so more people can weigh in. We hea…

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Secrets of living with long power outages 18:32

10M ago18:32

18:32

With storm season underway, more than 150,000 BC Hydro customers in the Island region have already lost power at some point. So we head to a place where long outages are the norm in winter, to get some tips on how to deal with them. (Here’s a hint: the words “community” and “coffee” come up a lot.)

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Should we move to the island from Alberta? 15:58

10M ago15:58

15:58

Right now Grace and James Phelan live just outside of Edmonton. They're thinking of moving to Vancouver Island, but can't decide if life here would be better than life in Alberta. In this episode, we help them weigh the pros and cons.

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Could Langford and the West Shore separate from Greater Victoria? 21:24

11M ago21:24

21:24

As the communities of the West Shore continue to grow, would it make sense for them to quit being suburbs and instead form their own region apart from Greater Victoria? On this week's episode, we look at the pros and cons of working together as a capital region - and ask the existential question "is the West Shore part of Greater Victoria?"…

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How to feel good about the rain 15:46

11M ago15:46

15:46

We know rain is a fact of life here on the Island - but in the rainy season, it can still get you down. So on this episode of This is Vancouver Island, host Kathryn Marlow seeks inspiration from people who appreciate and rely on the rain. This episode originally aired February 6, 2024. We'll be back with a new episode next week.…

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Why the Island is a great place for ghost stories 20:05

11M ago20:05

20:05

Shanon Sinn loves ghost stories: for both the mystery, and the history, they provide. He researches and writes about ghost stories based right here on the Island, and joins the podcast to share a story, and talk about why he finds the island so eerie (in a good way).

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Let’s celebrate some of the island’s many authors 16:36

11M ago16:36

16:36

The island is full of authors of all kinds: poets, novelists, children’s and non-fiction writers, and more. Many of them were honoured with literary awards this fall - including Kathryn Mockler, Raina Delisle, Ian Kennedy, Jordan Scott, and the late Darrell J McLeod. On this episode, we ask a librarian to share some of her favourite local authors.…

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It's voting time. Are you ready? 16:56

12M ago16:56

16:56

B.C. election day is October 19, though advanced polls are already open. This week, we take a look at where the major parties stand on some of the big issues.

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Another Victoria music venue is closing. Now what? 13:22

12M ago13:22

13:22

The Victoria Event Centre (V.E.C.) was a non-profit venue for music and arts for 21 years - but it just announced it's closing, after its landlord says it can no longer help subsidize its rent. It’s just the latest music venue to close in the city. On this episode, we’ll find out if the people behind the V.E.C. might pop up elsewhere, and we’ll get…

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Did you feel it? Why it helps researchers when you report earthquakes 18:07

12M ago18:07

18:07

Every time the earth shakes on the island, we flock to social media to see who else felt the tremor. But did you know you can also report your experience to Earthquakes Canada, to help with future research? Seismologist John Cassidy explains how researchers like him rely on such information. Plus: the latest on the earthquake warning system.…

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What makes islanders vote? 27:07

1y ago27:07

27:07

Candidates are vying for votes in 15 provincial ridings on the Island. In recent elections, voters in their 30s and 40s have been least likely to show up at the polls - so we ask three islanders in that age category why they vote, what turns them off certain candidates, and what helps them decide who to choose. Plus, VIU professor Paula Waatainen o…

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Kady Dandeneau reps Pender Island at the Paralympics 10:38

1y ago10:38

10:38

She may live in Spain, and be competing in Paris, but wheelchair basketball star Kady Dandeneau got her start on Pender Island, population 2773. She talks to Kathryn Marlow about going for gold at the Paralympics, why she loves the game, and what it was like learning to play on Pender.