164 - Meet Erin and Patrick š
As hosts of Londonās Pretty Cool Podcast, itās hard to deny siblings Erin and Patrick Briggs are big fans of this city. The sister-brother team started the podcast in 2016 to promote all the ācoolāāand often overlookedāthings happening around town. Theyāve since gone on to post 50 episodes!Ā
With plans to ājust keep goingā we figured weād say hello and get their scoop on this city.
1. Whatās one of this cityās best-kept secrets? š¤«
Erin: The Foam Doam. Patrick took me to this house venue to see shows whenever I was back in town from University and it really opened my eyes to all the amazing local talent we have here.
Patrick: Thatās cool Erin enjoyed shows at the Doam, because my best-kept secret involves a local artist that supports local shows; Jeremy Bruneel is probably the most talented painter and visual artist Iāve ever seen, and Iām super lucky to call the man a friend. He made show posters for Call The Office (RIP) for years and has an unmistakable style. Heās also insanely kind and gives back to the community and those in his life! And, his daughter is in an amazing rock band that everyone should check out called Thunder Queens!
-
2. Whatās your favourite way to spend a Saturday around here? š
Erin: I love going for a walk/skate in the Coves!! Iām usually coaching soccer with the Whitecaps during the day, but otherwise Iāll make it out to the Western Fair Market and/or grab a drink at one of the east-end breweries. At night, if there is a show, Iāll either be there or checking out a movie at the Hyland Cinema.Ā
Patrick: Walking my dog Maurice with my partner Jill! We live in OEV and really enjoy seeing all the other doggos in the neighborhood. If a show is happening, thatās where weāll be in the eveā¦ otherwise a good movie on VHS will do us well.
-
3. Tell us about the last local thing you recommended to friends. š£
Erin: Storm Stayed. Itās my favourite local brewery, with the best beers, such a beautiful space and (co-founder) Justin is great! It also helps that itās within walking distance from my place.Ā
Patrick: The Mustang Drive-In! I drove by recently and immediately got excited about going again. What a gem.Ā
-
4. What are you looking forward to this year? š
Erin: Thatās tough...Iām really hoping to see some live shows this year! I canāt wait to get out to the Music Hall and watch my friends kill it on stage!Ā
Patrick: Like Erin said: shows shows shows! I just want more live music and Iād love to see the city support more local venues and local artists as they begin their musical journey. Iām also looking forward to more tattoos from Holy GhostĀ (see below for more on them).
-
5. Who should Londoners be paying attention to? š
Erin: Flourish & Grow (Mik Stevens). She makes amazing dyed pieces and beautiful beaded jewellery and accessories. Also, new local band Gold Tongue, and the London Public Library!
Patrick: So many amazing creators, there are too many to mention. Thankfully weāve got a podcast to keep talking to everybody! Iād say pay attention to Holy Ghost Tattoo and Barbershop: they have an amazing crew, welcoming atmosphere, and will soon be taking over!
šØ Bonus: āThis or that?ā
If youāve ever listened to the podcast, youāll know Erin and Patrick love to wrap things up with a rapid-fire round of āThis or that?ā We figured it was time to turn the mic around and force some hard decisions!
Sammyās or Stobeyās?
Erin: Stobeyās!
Patrick: Stobeyās. London staple! Vegan cheese options!
-
Holy Roller or Engine 86?
Erin: Holly Roller. Pat had to help me climb it many times as kids.
Patrick: Holly Roller is what we climbed on, and thatās what matters most.
-
Labattās 50 or Labatt Blue?
Erin: Doctor, doctor gimme the news, I got a bad case of Labatt Blues
Patrick: I donāt drink beer anymore but Iād go 50 just cause itās what my young self probably wouldāve drank.
-
Mini-putt at Masonville Place or LaserQuest downtown?
Erin: LaserQuest! So sad to hear it shut down!
Patrick: LaserQuest! My goodness, so many times spent at birthday parties as kids there. Super fun and kinda ridiculous.
-
The Squirrels in Victoria Park or the Geese in Harris Park?
Erin: The Squirrels for sure...the Geese are terrifying.
Patrick: Squirrels poop doesnāt quite envelope the whole park like geese poop does. So Squirrels for sure.
-
Nihilist Spasm Band or Guy Lombardo and His Royal Canadians?
Erin: Guy Lombardo
Patrick: Nihilist spasm band. Inventors of a genre.
-
London Majors or London Knights?
Erin: London Knights.
Patrick: Knights! Though Majors have the oldest baseball diamond in North America so, thatās pretty darn cool!
-
Slippery the Sea Lion or Roary the Dragon?
Erin: Slippery the Sea Lion! An icon.
Patrick: Good old Slippery is my man!Ā
-
Radiohead at Call The Office or The Rolling Stones at The Treasure Island Gardens?
Erin: Radiohead at Call the Office!
Patrick: Radiohead. Still nuts to think they were like $5 to see back then. How crazy?! Call The Office is so missed!
-
Podcasts or Newsletters? ;)
Erin: ā¦.podcasts, of course
Patrick: Podcasts. Though Iāll take Neil Young any day over any of that!
šØšØ Double-bonus:
If youāre looking for more from this duo:Ā Patrick also plays with local bands MVLL CRIMES and ProWrestling the Band, and Erin works as Production Coordinator with Take5 Digital.
Sponsors:
CityMatch š
Patrons: Sameer Vasta /Ā Mike Donachie /Ā Heenal Rajani /Ā Rebecca Minielly /Ā web.isod.es /Ā Scott Webb / Black Coffee /Ā Earmark /Ā Rachel Berdan / Shawn Adamsson / London Bicycle CafĆ© /Ā Paul Seale / Alec Dowell /Ā Dan Hall /Ā Sidetrack: A Wortley CafĆ© / Kelly Ziegner / Skylar Franke / Ellen Husk / Arielle Kayabaga / Kevin May / Erin Naylor / Don Minato / Ethan Halko / Phronk / The McClenaghans / Alex Jaworiwsky / Pat Dryburgh Founding Editors: Jon Clemens /Ā Titus Ferguson / James Kingsley / Steve MacDouell / Rebecca Minielly / Kevin Van Lierop Editorial Support: Kendra Perera Editor:Ā James Kingsley
To ensure the ongoing development, growth, and delivery of this publication:
š Become a Patron and/or share with a friend š!