Chris Coleman Shares Books in Isolation

Hey fellow isolators, welcome to Well That’s Cool, a podcast about things and people I find interesting, I’m curious about, or that are just plain cool.

I’m glad you’re here and I hope you’re doing well. I’m recording this in Edmonton, Alberta where I’m doing my best to stay self-isolated, washing my hands a lot and getting used to talking to everyone through my computer. It’s a strange and unsettling world out there right now, and I know a lot of you are worried, anxious, and doing your best to help stop the spread as well, and I thank you for that.

I decided to use my extra time at home to start this podcast, not just because it’s something I’ve wanted to do for a while, but because I hope it can be a distraction or at least a change from your “new normal.” I’m hoping to talk to cool people doing cool things and explore some interesting topics. I’m not going to avoid COVID-19 in all episodes, because let’s face it, that’s hard to do, but I do want to focus on fun things, explore some things I’m curious about, and keep challenging myself to try new things.

As I started to think about this first episode, I looked through my social media channels to see who was doing cool things to get through or support others during self-isolation and social distancing. I came across former City of Victoria Councillor, Chris Coleman, and an idea he had about sharing books and getting people reading during their time at home. I decided to give him a call and find out a bit more.

In case you’re curious, I’m reading Hard Knox: Musings from the edge of Canada, a hilarious look at my home from Victoria’s favourite columnist and Chris’s book club friend, Jack Knox. Jack was invited as a guest author to The Boys’ Book Club, a group of gentlemen that Chris admits are there more for the talking and drinks than the books, to discuss one of his books. He liked it so much, he became a member! Whenever the Boys Book Club meets, they each throw some money into a pot for local literacy projects, and over the years that’s led to hundreds of dollars donated!

One thing I’m curious about is what you’re doing during isolation. We’ve all seen or hear of procrastinated projects, new hobbies, or just things to try and stay sane that people are doing from home, but what curious things are you doing, learning about, or trying out during the pandemic? I’m calling it my Curious Quarantine Club, and I’d like to welcome the first member, Simone, who has resurrected an old pottery wheel on her balcony to let her keep practicing her art.

Well that’s cool, Simone, and thanks for sending that in! Simone is a friend of mine from back home in Victoria, and it’s good to hear from her. If you want to join the Curious Quarantine Club, send a short audio message to wellthatscoolpod@gmail.com.

A big thanks to Chris Coleman for joining me to talk literacy, reading in isolation, and to share his projects of spreading books around town (and the country). If you want to share books like Chris is doing, just remember to stay safe and follow the instructions of your local medical officials. We recorded this interview near the beginning of self-isolation and the rules may have changed by now or may be different where you’re listening from. As Chris says: “stay home, wash your hands, and read a good book!”

Thanks also to Ron Yamauchi for the theme tune and to Anna Schroeder of Annather Design for the cool podcast logo, check out her work at annatherdesign.com. Other music heard during this episode and all the other podcast stuff is done by me, Ben Fast.

If you want to join my Curious Quarantine Club, visit the website at benfast.ca/cool or send a short audio message about what you’re curious about or doing in isolation to wellthatscoolpod@gmail.com. While you’re there, suggest something for me to look into for the podcast! You can find the show on Twitter at @well_thatscool or Facebook at wellthatscoolpod, and don’t forget to subscribe, rate and review on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts!

Until next time, thanks for listening and have fun being curious, staying safe, and washing your hands!