Episodes

Saturday Nov 16, 2024
The Accidental Curator - Episode 19 - "I Could Tell You Wasn't a Roughneck"
Saturday Nov 16, 2024
Saturday Nov 16, 2024
"A Roughneck's Journey: Trials and Triumphs" In Episode 19 of the podcast, the host returns after a six-month hiatus, sharing tales from a bustling summer at the Shavasana Gallery and Cafe on Mayne Island. As the busy season winds down, the host revisits past ventures, including a brief stint as a roughneck in the oil fields of northern Alberta in the 1970s.
The story, titled "I Could Tell You Wasn't a Roughneck," takes listeners on a journey with two young men chasing the allure of big money in the oil sands. Through humorous and harrowing experiences, the episode highlights the challenges and camaraderie of life on the rigs, culminating in a decision that alters the host's path.
Listeners are invited to explore these vivid tales, which are also available in the host's book, "All Roads at Any Time." As the episode concludes, the host reflects on the current state of the world, offering words of encouragement and hope.

Wednesday Jun 12, 2024
The Accidental Curator: Episode 18 - The Fourth Corner
Wednesday Jun 12, 2024
Wednesday Jun 12, 2024
In this episode of The Accidental Curator, George Bathgate shares a gripping story titled "The Fourth Corner." As he prepares to reopen his art gallery, George reflects on three significant car accidents he has witnessed over the years in his Kitsilano neighborhood. Each incident, occurring at different corners, serves as a vivid illustration of life's unpredictability and the importance of staying vigilant.
From the bustling art gallery to the quaint Bruno's Corner Cup Café, George's narrative weaves through time and space, capturing the essence of community life and the ever-present potential for unexpected events. Tune in to hear how these experiences have shaped his outlook and to get a sneak peek into his upcoming book of short stories.
Join George for a compelling episode filled with reflection, humor, and a touch of suspense, reminding us all to approach life's corners with caution and curiosity.

Friday Nov 03, 2023
Friday Nov 03, 2023
a short story I wrote several years ago, about how young, self-absorbed drunks on a bus could have inadvertently added fuel to the revolutionary fires that were building…in pre-revolutionary Iran…and a review of Joseph Synn Kune Loh’s exhibit, “Who Am I” by Bill Maylone

Wednesday Jun 28, 2023
The Accidental Curator - Episode 16 - Saved By Da Mizzles
Wednesday Jun 28, 2023
Wednesday Jun 28, 2023
Two young long-haired travellers arrive in Amsterdam in 1973. One of them, hopes and prays that the rest of his "round the world adventure" will improve over "day one"...it can only get better! Or can it?

Thursday Mar 23, 2023
Thursday Mar 23, 2023
Two stories - or memoirs - today - Joseph Synn Kune Loh's short story "The Astrologer", and Transient Epileptic Amnesia...one is a young man's encounter at a New Age Conference in Montreal, and the other is one more good reason why you should avoid a life of excess😊

Wednesday Jan 04, 2023
The Accidental Curator - Episode 14 - The Blüthner
Wednesday Jan 04, 2023
Wednesday Jan 04, 2023
After receiving a 100 year old Blüthner piano, I became fascinated with its long journey to Mayne Island and Shavasana Gallery. Here is a story of how to sleuth the wandering path of an "accidental" piano. (to watch a 5 minute compilation video which I made called "11 Pieces for the Blüthner" go here: https://youtu.be/f_o4JUtccH8 )

Tuesday Oct 25, 2022
The Accidental Curator - Episode 13 - ”Why Don’t You Just Kill Rambo?”
Tuesday Oct 25, 2022
Tuesday Oct 25, 2022
Perhaps the name "Rambo" should've given us ample warning... listen to one family's journey through dog-barking hell :)

Tuesday Aug 16, 2022
The Accidental Curator - Episode 12 - The Armed Robbery
Tuesday Aug 16, 2022
Tuesday Aug 16, 2022
A casual Friday night pursuit of pubs and pals in Ottawa turns into an unexpected apprehension of an armed robbery in process

Friday May 27, 2022
Friday May 27, 2022
A personal account of the Student Uprising in Athens, November 1973, which led to the overthrow of George Papadopolous and - ultimately - the return of Democracy

Wednesday Mar 16, 2022
The Accidental Curator - Episode 10 - Sugartime
Wednesday Mar 16, 2022
Wednesday Mar 16, 2022
A light-hearted search for the possible culprit of my adult addictions - my excessive childhood consumption of...sugar