COASTERS is about community and the small stories that define us, taking place on B.C.’s Sunshine Coast, territory of the shíshálh and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Nations.

How long does it take to become a COASTER? 

It’s a question I ponder the longer I live on this rocky/lush outcropping, severed from the Lower Mainland of British Columbia by a fjord or two, and connected to the world by ferry and if the fog clears, float plane. 

The Sunshine Coast is a seasonal destination for tourists and rich people. Its permanent residents drive boats, write poetry, teach children and work at the mill. Some of them are also rich. It’s home to the shíshálh and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Nations.

To some the Sunshine Coast is the home of The Beachcombers, one of Canada’s longest running scripted television series. It’s a place that’s logged and fished, photographed and fetishized. 

It’s a place where people ask how long you’ve lived here, so they can decide whether you’re really a Coaster.

Most importantly, it’s where stories happen. Small stories. 

I moved to the Sunshine Coast in 2017 to work for the community newspaper. I’ve since moved to radio, but I’m still here. I love this place. I believe it’s special. And I want to share it with you.

Of course, this podcast is not only about the Sunshine Coast; not really. It’s a celebration of the small stories that define us, whether we’re Coasters or not.

Thank you for your interest. I hope you’ll listen. 

“…it breaks the rules of podcasting.” Lauren Passell

Subscribe

COASTERS is available wherever you listen to podcasts.

You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts by clicking here and smashing the “+ follow” button. If you like what you hear, please leave a five-star rating and a review – it helps other people discover the show.

You can subscribe on Spotify by clicking here and smashing their follow button.

Occasionally, I update Instagram and X about the show.

About Sophie Woodrooffe

Sophie Woodrooffe is a journalist and audio producer. She freelances and works at CBC Vancouver.

Her work has appeared on CBC Radio, CANADALAND, and in print in the Globe and Mail, the Toronto Star and the Jakarta Post. 

She has won awards for her journalism. She graduated from UBC with a Masters in Journalism in 2017. She also holds a Masters in Philosophy from the University of Alberta.

She’s originally from Carleton Place, ON.

Contact: sophie@coasterspodcast.com