164 - Meet Erin and Patrick 👋
As hosts of London’s Pretty Cool Podcast, it’s 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 “cool”—and often overlooked—things happening around town. They’ve since gone on to post 50 episodes!
With plans to “just keep going” we figured we’d say hello and get their scoop on this city.
1. What’s one of this city’s best-kept secrets? 🤫
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: That’s 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 I’ve ever seen, and I’m super lucky to call the man a friend. He made show posters for Call The Office (RIP) for years and has an unmistakable style. He’s 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!
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2. What’s your favourite way to spend a Saturday around here? 👏
Erin: I love going for a walk/skate in the Coves!! I’m usually coaching soccer with the Whitecaps during the day, but otherwise I’ll 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, I’ll either be there or checking out a movie at the Hyland Cinema.
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, that’s where we’ll be in the eve… otherwise a good movie on VHS will do us well.
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3. Tell us about the last local thing you recommended to friends. 🗣
Erin: Storm Stayed. It’s my favourite local brewery, with the best beers, such a beautiful space and (co-founder) Justin is great! It also helps that it’s within walking distance from my place.
Patrick: The Mustang Drive-In! I drove by recently and immediately got excited about going again. What a gem.
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4. What are you looking forward to this year? 👀
Erin: That’s tough...I’m really hoping to see some live shows this year! I can’t wait to get out to the Music Hall and watch my friends kill it on stage!
Patrick: Like Erin said: shows shows shows! I just want more live music and I’d love to see the city support more local venues and local artists as they begin their musical journey. I’m also looking forward to more tattoos from Holy Ghost (see below for more on them).
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5. Who should Londoners be paying attention to? 👂
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 we’ve got a podcast to keep talking to everybody! I’d say pay attention to Holy Ghost Tattoo and Barbershop: they have an amazing crew, welcoming atmosphere, and will soon be taking over!
🚨 Bonus: “This or that?“
If you’ve ever listened to the podcast, you’ll know Erin and Patrick love to wrap things up with a rapid-fire round of “This or that?” We figured it was time to turn the mic around and force some hard decisions!
Sammy’s or Stobey’s?
Erin: Stobey’s!
Patrick: Stobey’s. London staple! Vegan cheese options!
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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 that’s what matters most.
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Labatt’s 50 or Labatt Blue?
Erin: Doctor, doctor gimme the news, I got a bad case of Labatt Blues
Patrick: I don’t drink beer anymore but I’d go 50 just cause it’s what my young self probably would’ve drank.
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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.
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The Squirrels in Victoria Park or the Geese in Harris Park?
Erin: The Squirrels for sure...the Geese are terrifying.
Patrick: Squirrels poop doesn’t quite envelope the whole park like geese poop does. So Squirrels for sure.
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Nihilist Spasm Band or Guy Lombardo and His Royal Canadians?
Erin: Guy Lombardo
Patrick: Nihilist spasm band. Inventors of a genre.
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London Majors or London Knights?
Erin: London Knights.
Patrick: Knights! Though Majors have the oldest baseball diamond in North America so, that’s pretty darn cool!
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Slippery the Sea Lion or Roary the Dragon?
Erin: Slippery the Sea Lion! An icon.
Patrick: Good old Slippery is my man!
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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!
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Podcasts or Newsletters? ;)
Erin: ….podcasts, of course
Patrick: Podcasts. Though I’ll take Neil Young any day over any of that!
🚨🚨 Double-bonus:
If you’re looking for more from this duo: Patrick also plays with local bands MVLL CRIMES and ProWrestling the Band, and Erin works as Production Coordinator with Take5 Digital.
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