This is a podcast for people who love Vancouver, BC and want to know her better. Host Mike Klassen engages in conversations with compelling guests on housing affordability, climate change, the arts, healthcare, local government, the economy and urban growth. #cdnpoli #bcpoli #vanpoli #housing #economy #climate #arts
Vancouver Overcast (Episode 24): Harry Hertscheg on Wine, Culture, and the Vancouver International Wine Festival
With the 47th annual Vancouver International Wine Festival (chatgpt://generic-entity?number=0) taking place March 7–14, 2026 and spotlighting France, Councillor Mike Klassen sits down with festival Executive Director Harry Hertscheg for a wide-ranging conversation about wine, culture, and the institutions that bring people together.
Harry has led the Vancouver International Wine Festival for nearly 25 years, helping grow it into Canada’s premier wine event and one of the world’s leading international wine festivals. But his career spans far beyond wine, including leadership roles across Vancouver’s arts and cultural community—from CiTR 101.9 FM (chatgpt://generic-entity?number=1) to the Vancouver East Cultural Centre (chatgpt://generic-entity?number=2) and the Vancouver Fringe Festival (chatgpt://generic-entity?number=3).
In this episode, Mike and Harry discuss:
What it takes to steward a major international festival for more than two decades
Why France remains central to the global wine conversation
How shifting consumer habits, and new beverage trends are reshaping the wine industry
The growth of low- and no-alcohol beverages
Vancouver’s unique role as an international wine and hospitality hub
Why wine, food, and cultural events are essential to the life of a city
From vineyard stewardship to the evolving tastes of new generations, this episode explores how wine connects agriculture, culture, hospitality, and community.
🍷 Whether you’re a casual wine drinker or a devoted enthusiast, this conversation offers a thoughtful look at the stories, people, and places behind the glass.
24 Jun 2025
Vancouver Overcast (Episode 23): Terry Lake on Leadership, Seniors Care & BC’s Biggest Challenges
Host Mike Klassen interviews Terry Lake, former BC Minister of Health, who shares insights on leadership, seniors care, and British Columbia's challenges, reflecting on his career in politics and public health.
15 May 2025
Vancouver Overcast (Episode 22): Valerie Biggin & Mushroom Studios
🎙 Inside Mushroom Studios: Vancouver’s Legendary Recording Space with Valerie Biggin
From Heart to Bachman-Turner Overdrive, from Terry Jacks to Skinny Puppy, Mushroom Studios was at the heart of Vancouver’s music scene for decades. In this episode of Vancouver Overcast with Mike Klassen, we dive into the fascinating history of this legendary recording studio with Valerie Biggin, longtime President and Studio Manager of Mushroom Studios and a passionate advocate for preserving its legacy.
Valerie shares behind-the-scenes stories of iconic recordings, the evolution of Vancouver’s music industry, and her mission to save the historic Mushroom Studios sign that once hung on West 6th Avenue.
🎶 Whether you’re a music history buff, a fan of classic Canadian rock, or just curious about Vancouver’s rich cultural past, this episode is packed with nostalgia and insight.
🔊 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube @OvercastYVR
📲 Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and X @OvercastYVR
#MushroomStudios #VancouverMusic #HeartBand #CanadianRock #MusicHistory #RecordingStudio #BehindTheMusic #MikeKlassen #VancouverPodcast
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 43 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
58
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
68
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