Podcasting is on an upward trajectory across Canada, with younger, educated and affluent individuals leading in content creation and consumption. It’s no surprise, then, that Sun Peaks is spawning its own pool of podcasters. This new trend is helping cast global attention on local narratives, as well as fostering community connectivity.
Australian ski instructor, Tennille Southcombe, co-host of the Loving the Snowlife podcast, has been instrumental in guiding her listeners through the intricacies of planning snowsports trips.
“We help you with where to go, what to do and how to maximize your time on and off the snow,” Southcombe explained.
The podcast, initiated two years ago with Emma Wilson from Jackson Hole, releases two episodes each season. Offering authentic insights into various mountain resorts and activities, it helps cement the Australian connection with B.C. snowsports. Based in Sun Peaks for two months this season, Southcombe plans to feature interviews with a local trail groomer and a representative from Sun Peaks Tourism, providing listeners with a hands-on, insider’s perspective into resort operations.
Another Peaks’ podcast, Redo You, offers listeners practical tools and strategies to build confidence, rediscover themselves and embrace reinvention.
In each episode, the motivational show hosted by Emma Hull introduces concepts that can be implemented immediately to help women live a ‘life untethered’.
Beyond podcasting, Hull is a certified Canadian life coach based in Sun Peaks. Through her practice, Life Untethered Coaching, she assists clients in improving relationships, gaining clarity and achieving a balanced life. Hull’s extensive experience includes features on television, radio and contributions as a magazine columnist.
“I launched Redo You in 2023 because I knew the power of podcasting—it’s a format I personally love and consume regularly,” Hull said. “As a life coach, I knew this would be an incredible way to make transformational coaching insights accessible to more women. I have an important message to share, and Redo You allows me to reach women who are ready to reinvent themselves and step into their power.”
The solo short-form podcast is a confidence and reinvention toolkit for women, primarily over 40, and is comprised of what Hull calls “bite-sized, high-impact episodes.”
It can be found on Spotify, YouTube and Hull’s social media @thelifeuntethered.
As of 2024, podcast listenership in Canada has seen significant growth – 39 per cent of Canadian adults aged 18 and over, equating to about 12.6 million individuals, tune in to a monthly podcast.
Long-time Sun Peaks resident Tyler Hall has been contributing to the podcasting scene with Denim Radio available on Spotify. Recording weekly from his home on Fairways Drive, Hall co-hosts, with Josh Hauta from Red Deer, a show dedicated to punk and alternative music. The duo delve into various music genres and feature discussions on influential bands and tracks.
“Denim Radio was started by the owners of a punk rock record label called High End Denim Records,” he explained. “The goal was to promote both underground and established bands, network within the music scene, and to have entertaining and informative conversations for the listeners to enjoy.” Hall became the co-host around episode seven.
The podcast has opened up opportunities for him to meet some of his musical idols, get press passes to shows, as well as invitations to open for them on Canadian tours with his own band, Let’s Go.
“My co-host does most of the heavy lifting in terms of research, steering the interview and all the editing,” he said. “I am mostly a colour commentator. We like to have a silly goose time, and I am the goose. I usually curate a new game to play with each guest.”
Memorable moments have included getting the recipe for Tex-Mex poutine from The Casualties’ singer, David Rodriguez and interviewing former MLB pitcher Scott Radinsky who is frontman for punk rock band Pulley. His advice to wannabees is that, although only the top podcasters make money in the already-saturated market, it is worth pursuing for “the act itself, so make sure to book guests you will enjoy talking to.” His day job is with Sun Peaks Painting which he set up in 2008 with his father.
Snowsports instructor, Meaghan Curtis recently launched the Women Who podcast, aiming to create a judgment-free and inspiring community. The show features conversations with motivational women from all walks of life, discussing personal and professional experiences, challenges they’ve overcome and what drives them.
“I came up with the idea after having amazing conversations with women in my life about their lives, journeys, resilience and passions, and wanted to share their stories on a larger scale,” Curtis said. “It was really founded out of admiration – and knowing that there would be many more out there who inspire others, too.”
Based in Sun Peaks for the past four winters, Curtis is originally from the UK but is firmly entrenched in the Canadian mountain lifestyle. While the podcast does not bring in any direct revenue, it has enabled her to connect with likeminded women on a worldwide scale. Her goal is to celebrate their unique journeys, fostering a sense of empowerment and connection among listeners.
Due to launch later this year, Peaks of Wisdom is the brainchild of Julie Kimmel, a Sun Peaks Councillor. Kimmel is in the planning stages of launching the podcast dedicated to showcasing entrepreneurs in rural, remote and resort communities. She aims to produce episodes weekly or bi-monthly, each approximately 45 minutes long, featuring interviews with individuals who have embarked on unique entrepreneurial journeys.
“The purpose is twofold; to help interesting ‘home-based’ businesses with a marketing tool and to integrate the podcast into what I have been doing for many years: consulting to small and medium businesses and Economic Development in rural, remote and resort communities,” Kimmel shared.
She is currently selecting her initial guests, focusing first on Sun Peaks and neighbouring areas such as Clearwater, Louis Creek and Heffley.
So, what does a potential podcaster need to get started? Kimmel’s start-up shopping list included two dynamic podcast microphones with boom arm or rotating stands. Next a shock mount, a foam ball or pop filter, and software for podcasting and for remote recording as well as editing software. After getting a handle on all this technology, she said the final ingredient will be to find “a quiet place to record.”
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