London's Pretty Cool

London's Got Talent is back — and it's all about celebrating and uplifting single moms and their families through creativity, confidence, and community. In this episode, we sit down with Ann Marie Ricketts, founder of Single Women In Motherhood, along with Greg Morton, the MC of London's Got Talent. We talk about the heart behind the organization, the impact S.W.I.M. has had in London, and what to expect from this year's showcase. From grassroots support to big-stage moments, this conversation shines a light on the incredible work being done to empower single mothers in our city. 

This episode we’re joined by Darryl Hurs, the founder of VENUExVENUE, a multi-venue music festival and conference returning to downtown London, Ontario from November 6–8, 2025. Darryl shares what makes this year’s edition unique - from the incredible lineup of 50+ artists to panels, workshops, and networking opportunities for musicians and fans alike. We talk about how the festival celebrates London’s vibrant local music scene while connecting it with the wider Canadian industry. Whether you’re an artist, a fan, or someone who just loves discovering new music, this episode will get you excited for an unforgettable weekend of live shows, learning, and community.

We’re welcoming back Forest City Film Festival Director Dorothy Downs for her third visit to London’s Pretty Cool!

We’re welcoming back Mike Klassen from Hyland Cinemas to chat about the 5th anniversary of Horror at they Hyland!  Every October, Hyland Cinemas transforms into London’s home for horror, screening classic scares, cult favorites, and hidden gems for audiences who love to experience them on the big screen. Now celebrating five years, Horror at the Hyland has become a fall tradition for local film lovers and horror fans alike. In this episode, Mike shares how the lineup came together for 2025, what makes watching horror in a packed theatre so special, and why these screenings keep fans coming back year after year.

This episode is with Scott Good - a Canadian composer, conductor, and trombonist whose work blends classical traditions with contemporary creativity. Scott has joined me to discuss a very special upcoming event happening in partnership with the Forest City Film Festival: a live symphony performance of Scott’s composition alongside the screening of the 1924 silent film The Hands of Orlac on Halloween night at the Metropolitan United Church.    Scott Good: https://www.scottgoodmusic.com/  Tickets for Hands of Orlac: https://fcff.ca/hands-of-orlac/

Episode 83: VENUExVENUE In this episode we speak with Darryl Hurs about all things VENUExVENUE!  We learn about what to expect at this year's festival, how it will grow over the next few years, SONGxSONG, collaborating with LBC to create a beer, and more! Buy tickets: https://venuexvenue.com/

Mini: Forest City Film Festival Opening Night & More The Forest City Film Festival is running this year from October 19th - 27th We chatted with Festival Director Dorothy Downs to learn all about this year's Opening Night: A Celebration of Music and Film, the first films that will be presented at this year's festival, this year's Lifetime Acheivement Award being presented to Victor Garber and more!  Buy tickets to the festival here: https://fcff.ca/events/

Brent Jackson and Jim MacDonald join to pod to let us know about their upcoming event happening this weekend - September 14th - at London Brewing Co-op! Tickets to London Brewing Turns 10 and Peace, Love and Sunshine: https://www.londonbrewing.ca/product-category/tickets/ 

The Ontario Summer Games were first delivered in 1973 by the City of Oshawa. Since then, the Games have grown to host over 3,500 participants, aged 12-18,  competing in 18 sports. The London 2024 Ontario Summer Games presented by London Hydro will be the 27th edition. In this episode we speak with Zanth Jarvis, Director Sports Tourism at Tourism London. We speak with Zanth about the history of the games, the sports and venues for the 2024 games, why it's important for Ontario to put on these games for the youth, how Londoners can get involved and more!  More Ontario Summer Games: https://www.london2024.ca/ 

Episode 81: Aeolian Hall with Clark Bryan The Aeolian Hall is a staple in the London community as a place for music and gathering. The Aeolian Hall hosts some of the best shows in the city, but they are also a space for the community to come together and enjoy similar interests. Aeolian Hall hosts amazing programs as well such as El Sistema, the Aeolian Pride Chorus, The Rebel Heart Collective, 88 Keys to Inspiration, Jazz Festival and more! In this episode we speak with Aeolian Hall owner Clark Byan about the history of the Hall and how it became what it is today, why he decided to purchase the hall, the types of performances that are held at the Aeolian, the programs that Clark has put into place during his time at the Aeolian, how London should be supporting the arts, and more! More Aeolian Hall:  Website: https://aeolianhall.ca/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theaeolian/  Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/theaeolian/ More LPC: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/londonsprettycool/  Facebook: https

Amanda Movio bends an old soulful sound into the modern world. Influenced by Hip-Hop, RnB, Jazz, Funk, and Soul, she holds her audience with an exclusive tone and lyrical puzzles. With her first EP 'The Chasm' coming late 2024 and an eagerly anticipated Eastern Canada Tour in collaboration with Lovetown Records, Amanda is excited to elevate her artistry to new heights. In this episode we speak with Amanda about her journey in music, what made her take it to the next level, the process of releasing her first EP this year and going on her first tour to the East Coast. We also discuss the London Music Scene, being a content creator, advice for young musicians and more!  

The London Lightning is our city's professional basketball team playing in the basketball super league. The London Lightning formed in 2011 and have won 6 NBLC Championships in their short run thus far as a team. In this episode we talk with Doug about his basketball career, becoming the assistant coach of the lightning and moving up to head coach, Vito’s commitment to creating a great basketball program here in London, what makes a championship team, if London is a basketball city and more!

Guess Where Trips is an experiential company that creates one-day trips for you to explore some hidden gems close to you! And all without knowing where you are heading before you start! With many trips leaving from London, you can choose which theme suits your interests, whether it’s spooky, craft breweries, waterfalls and more, and head on your way for a fantastic road trip that you didn’t have to plan! In this episode we speak with Jessica about how the business was started, her favourite trips, how Guess Where Trips has grown since they started and where she hopes to see the business go in the next 5 years, the successes and failures of the company, the different themed trips offered from London, how the stops on each trip are chosen and more!   More Guess Where Trips:  Website: https://guesswheretrips.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/guesswheretrips/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/guesswheretrips/  

The Palasad (north or south) is your one stop shop for all things entertainment. From bowling, arcade games, pool, live music and more, there is something for everyone at the Palasad!  In this episode we speak with the Palasad Director of Operations Marty Novak to learn more about how and why the Palasad was started, turning the north Palasad into the socialbowl and it becoming one of London’s top venues and more! More Palasad Socialbowl:  https://www.socialbowl.ca/ https://www.facebook.com/SocialbowlLDN/ https://www.instagram.com/socialbowlldn/?hl=en   More Palasad South:  https://www.palasad.com/ https://www.instagram.com/palasadplay/ https://www.facebook.com/palasadlondon/    

Dough EV is a new doughnut and coffee shop located in OEV! Started by Tara Davies, Dough EV offers amazing doughnuts with standard and seasonal flavours, along with coffee curated by bean wizard Juan Marulanda.

Episode 73: Brent Jackson / Sunshine Makers / Peace, Love & Sunshine In this episode we speak with Brent Jackson. Brent has had a long career in music spanning over a decade. We talk with him about his career, his current project Sunshine Makers, and their upcoming festival Peace, Love & Sunshine. 

Episode 71: Lost Cycle LOST Cycle is a rhythm riding fitness studio with locations in the south and north end of the city. LOST opened in 2019, and over the past few years has grown and cultivated their own community of dedicated riders, which is more like a family. Offering multiple classes throughout the week, you will always be able to find a ride for you, whether it's a themed ride, karma ride or more! In this episode, we speak with Courtney Stache, owner and creator of the fitness studio Lost Cycle. With Courtney we speak about how and why she decided to start Lost, what rhythm cycle is, the community that has been created at Lost, the different theme rides that are offered, what to expect in your first class, their new North location with off the bike classes and more! More LOST Cycle:  Website: https://lostcycle.ca/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lostcycle/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lostcyclelondon  More LPC: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/londonsprettycool/  Facebook: https://ww