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Why You Should Listen to This Episode: If you’ve ever wondered what it actually takes to make a small town’s business community thrive — not just survive — Daniella Novak has the answer, and she delivers it with the conviction of someone who grew up here, built a career here, and isn’t done yet. Then Laura Kelsey walks in and reminds you that creativity has no ceiling — a singer, songwriter, filmmaker, and poet who can tell you why fish sing and why a train crossing Canada might be the best writing retreat she’ll ever take. Two guests, two very different stories, that cover what makes mid-Vancouver Island worth talking about.

This Episode Features:

(23:11) Laura Kelsey is a Nanaimo-based vocalist, songwriter, filmmaker, and poet with a powerhouse voice shaped by years of performing across genres — from symphonic metal to folk, blues, and death metal that left her with vocal nodules she healed through exercise rather than surgery. Her debut full-length album Hidden Mountains, recorded at Canary Sound in Lantzville, is a journey into modern mythology. The album release event is April 18th at the Globe in Nanaimo. This interview contains the song: Crescent.

(07:04) Daniella Novak is the CAO of the Qualicum Beach Chamber of Commerce, a Qualicum Beach native who spent nearly 30 years in financial services before bringing that leadership experience home. She joins The PULSE to talk about what it means to be the voice of business in Qualicum Beach, why the benefit plan alone is worth the membership.

Episode Quotes:

“We want you to be successful doing business here. Whatever we can do to alleviate hurdles, perceived or otherwise — that’s the future of the Chamber of Commerce.” — Daniella Novak

“Each experience can be a setback, but at the same time it leads to better things.” — Laura Kelsey

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Episode Sponsors: SOSD69, Tablet Pharmacy, Ian Lindsay & Associates & Thrifty Foods Parksville.

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Why You Should Listen to This Episode

If you've ever wondered how the lessons passed down in childhood can shape an entire career — and a life of purpose — this episode is for you. Marj Busse grew up in a military family and carries a simple yet powerful piece of wisdom from her father that has stayed with her to this day. Her journey into leadership coaching is as much about self-discovery as it is about helping others grow. Whatever you put your attention on, it expands — and this conversation is a reminder of exactly that.

In this episode:

Growing up in a military family gave Marj Busse something most people search a lifetime for — a foundational piece of wisdom from her father that she has carried with her ever since. In this conversation, Marj shares what inspired her to pursue leadership coaching, the surprising insights she discovered about herself along the way, and how working with a coach can meaningfully grow your resilience.

Marj Busse is a Master Certified Coach whose work through Essential Impact helps leaders unlock deeper self-awareness and create lasting change — in themselves and in the people around them.

You'll find The PULSE Community Podcasts at https://thepulsecommunity.ca

Cindy Thompson's website: https://cindythompsoncounselling.ca

Learn more about Marj Busse: https://www.essentialimpact.com

Episode Sponsor: Tablet Pharmacy — https://tabletpharmacy.ca/

You'll find all episodes of the The PULSE Podcast on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, iHeart and YouTube podcasts, as well as PULSECommunity.ca.

Check out Skookum Kid's Stories, on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, iHeart, and YouTube Podcasts, as well at SkookumKids.com.

Sign up for our weekly newsletter of new podcast releases and contests: https://bit.ly/PulseNewsletterSignup

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#MarjBusse #ResilienceProject #VancouverIsland #ParksvilleQualicum #ThePulseCommunityPodcast #CindyThompson

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Why You Should Listen to This Episode: If you've ever watched someone struggle to reach the beach, navigate a cracked sidewalk, or find a parking spot that simply doesn't exist — this episode will change how you see your own community. Ralph and Maggie Tietjen of Access Oceanside Association bring hard numbers, personal heartbreak, and genuine hope to the conversation about what it would take to make Parksville the most accessible community in Canada. And when Vancouver journalist and author Steve Burgess explains why reusing dental floss is a philosophical statement — not just a habit — you'll find yourself rethinking what you actually need to live a life you love.

This Episode Features:

(27:30) Steve Burgess is a Vancouver writer, broadcaster, former CBC host, contributing editor of The Tyee, and two-time Canadian National Magazine Award winner. After more than three decades of living well in one of Canada's most expensive cities — not by earning more, but by thinking differently — Steve has channelled that philosophy into his new book, Cheapskate in LotusLand: a personal guide to the philosophy and practice of living well on less. From Freeganism to frugality as freedom, Steve challenges readers to rethink their priorities and design the life they actually want — no budget required.

(06:45) Ralph and Maggie Tietjen are with Access Oceanside Association, a nonprofit working to raise awareness and break down barriers for residents and visitors in the Parksville Qualicum Beach region. After losing her leg, Maggie found herself excluded from the very beach she loved. Together, she and Ralph have been surveying local businesses, hotels, and public spaces, advocating for accessible parking, sidewalk improvements, beach access, and more. Their goal: to make Parksville a national model for inclusion.

Episode Quotes:

"One in five households have an accessible parking tag. It's like a badge of honour in this area. So if you look at any parking lot and you think of one in five — persons with disabilities in some shape or form — the amount of parking spaces around, it's tough to get a spot." — Ralph Tietjen, Access Oceanside Association

"Frugality is a necessary skill of creative people. My life is not going to be about increasing my income. It's going to be about how can I get by doing what it is that I want to do." — Steve Burgess, Author, Cheapskate in LotusLand

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Episode Sponsors: Ian Lindsay & Associates, Thrifty Foods Parksville & Fireside Books

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