This episode showcases two fascinating perspectives on community and storytelling. Chris Denford shares how Berwick Retirement Communities revolutionizes senior living through meaningful connections, while award-winning author Sam Wiebe explores Vancouver’s soul through his gripping crime fiction, creating content that celebrates both life transitions and urban authenticity.
This Episode Features:
(08:39) Chris Denford, President of Berwick Retirement Communities discussing Berwick Qualicum Beach’s third-time recognition as a top senior living community in North America. Denford shares the remarkable wartime story of his father Gordon Denford, who was evacuated from England to Canada at age 13 during WWII and later founded Berwick at age 62. Chris explains their English arts and crafts aesthetic and philosophy of creating vibrant social connections rather than isolated retirement experiences.
(33:21) Award-winning author Sam Wiebe discussing his latest Dave Wakeland novel “The Last Exile.” Wiebe reveals how he weaves Vancouver’s changing neighborhoods and social issues into compelling crime fiction, capturing the city’s authentic character beyond tourist postcard imagery.
Episode Highlights & Quotes
“You’re not there to pass time. You’re there to remain connected and engaged, and our residents do that. They are still passionate about politics, about still learning, and we give them every opportunity to do that.” – Chris Denford
“I think that the tension between those things is what’s really cool. It’s not showing Vancouver as a beautiful tourist place, and it’s not showing it as a cesspool. It’s showing the way that it feels to live here.” – Sam Wiebe
LISTEN: We have had the chance to talk to many authors from across Vancouver Island and beyond — explore more stories and interviews on our Vancouver Island Authors page.
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Sponsors on this episode include; Meadowood Store Garden Centre, Tablet Pharmacy, SOSD69, Fireside Books & Ian Lindsay & Associates.
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