Episodes

  • S3E4 | The Wedding Special
    Feb 12 2025

    Your host Alec Cranston is hitched! Join them on this special episode as Alec and James invite their wives Jen and Jenna to chat about their special day.

    Follow Matter Of 'Fax: https://www.instagram.com/matteroffaxpodcast/

    Follow James: https://www.instagram.com/teamcollinsns/
    Follow Alec: https://www.instagram.com/aleccranston9/
    Follow the Reddit Roundup threads: https://www.reddit.com/r/halifax/comments/18jd9nw/nothing_says_grand_reopening_like_discount_broth/

    https://www.reddit.com/r/halifax/s/btAf0ArhMh

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    42 mins
  • S3E3 | Happy Holidays + Paul Mackinnon
    Dec 18 2024

    In this holiday episode of the Matter of Fax podcast, hosts James Collins and Alec Cranston discuss a recent crane incident on the McDonald Bridge, the Parade of Lights in Halifax, and holiday traditions! They also interview Paul MacKinnon, CEO of the Downtown Halifax Business Commission, about the Downtown Halifax Vision for 2030, which aims to address growth and decline challenges. Paul highlights the need for improved transportation and public spaces. He also mentions the Parade of Lights, now in its 29th year, and the challenges of organizing such a large event.

    Connect with Paul MacKinnon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-mackinnon-9ba8155/
    Follow Matter Of 'Fax: https://www.instagram.com/matteroffaxpodcast/

    Follow James: https://www.instagram.com/teamcollinsns/
    Follow Alec: https://www.instagram.com/aleccranston9/
    Follow the Reddit Roundup threads: https://www.reddit.com/r/halifax/comments/18jd9nw/nothing_says_grand_reopening_like_discount_broth/

    https://www.reddit.com/r/halifax/s/btAf0ArhMh

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    42 mins
  • S3E2 | Northern Lights + Spiderman
    Nov 13 2024

    Isaac Healy, also known as Halifax's Spider-Man, joins Alec and James this episode to discuss his journey of becoming a superhero to inspire others, especially children. He has been Spider-Man since 2021, visiting the IWK Children's Hospital and the Halifax waterfront. Isaac has faced challenges, including 15 surgeries and being bullied, but finds solace in his childhood favourite character. He has multiple Spider-Man suits and engages in charity work, raising funds for the IWK and Canadian Blood Services. Isaac aims to improve his suits and potentially work at the IWK full-time.

    Follow Matter Of 'Fax: https://www.instagram.com/matteroffaxpodcast/

    Follow James: https://www.instagram.com/teamcollinsns/
    Follow Alec: https://www.instagram.com/aleccranston9/
    Follow the Reddit Roundup threads: https://www.reddit.com/r/halifax/comments/18jd9nw/nothing_says_grand_reopening_like_discount_broth/

    https://www.reddit.com/r/halifax/s/btAf0ArhMh

    Connect with Issac via Instagram @HFXSpiderMan or Twitch under OddAngles.

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    42 mins
  • S3E1 | Bears In Dartmouth + Brandon Bird
    Oct 16 2024

    Brandon Bird, CEO of Bird Mechanical, joins us for the very first episode of Season 3! Brandon discusses his company's expansion to Nova Scotia, highlighting their $74 million project in Sydney. Brandon shares his challenges in establishing his company in Nova Scotia, including the non-resident deed transfer tax he faced. He emphasizes the beauty and business potential of Nova Scotia, expressing his desire to move there full-time.

    Brandon is the Chief Executive Officer of Bird Mechanical. He is the third generation to enter into the family business. Following in the previous generations’ footsteps, Brandon started his apprenticeship with the company and completed his Red Seal Plumbing Licence. As the pillar of the company, Brandon is responsible for the business's strategic direction and creative vision. He leads and motivates his team, or “The Flock” as he calls it, working closely with the Executive Team.

    Alec and James Collins kick off this season with a goodbye to Reddit RoundUp and they introduce a new segment!

    Follow Matter Of 'Fax: https://www.instagram.com/matteroffaxpodcast/

    Follow James: https://www.instagram.com/teamcollinsns/
    Follow Alec: https://www.instagram.com/aleccranston9/
    Follow the Reddit Roundup threads: https://www.reddit.com/r/halifax/comments/18jd9nw/nothing_says_grand_reopening_like_discount_broth/

    https://www.reddit.com/r/halifax/s/btAf0ArhMh

    Connect with Brandon Bird on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-bird-a9243646/

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    50 mins
  • Season 3 TRAILER
    Oct 2 2024

    Your hosts James Collins and Alec Cranston are back with Season 3 of Matter of Fax!

    Lots of more fun guests, lots of more fun segments, and lots of more good times.

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    1 min
  • S2E12 | The 'Exit Interview' with Mayor Mike Savage
    Aug 15 2024

    Mayor of Halifax Regional Municipality. Former MP. Chair of FCM Big City Mayors Caucus, Mike Savage, joins James and Alec on this episode of Matter of Fax to share his experiences and opinions on various aspects of Halifax, including food scams, transit issues, and municipal government. The three discuss the qualities of good leadership and the energy and passion required. They also share their thoughts on the city's prioritization of pedestrians, bicycles, and cars.

    Mike Savage was elected Mayor of Halifax Regional Municipality for a third term on October 17, 2020. As Mayor he has followed a mandate to grow the economy, foster greater social and economic inclusion for all, and promote a healthy, sustainable environment.


    Prior to his election as Mayor, Mike Savage served three terms as Member of Parliament for Dartmouth-Cole Harbour, during which time he played a national role as Official Opposition Critic for Human Resources, Social Development and Status of Persons with Disabilities and chaired the Liberal Party Post-Secondary and Research Caucus.

    Prior to entering politics, Savage was a business leader in Halifax and was involved in numerous community organizations focused on health, the arts, education and humanitarian work.

    Follow Matter Of 'Fax: https://www.instagram.com/matteroffaxpodcast/

    Follow James: https://www.instagram.com/teamcollinsns/
    Follow Alec: https://www.instagram.com/aleccranston9/
    Follow the Reddit Roundup threads: https://www.reddit.com/r/halifax/comments/18jd9nw/nothing_says_grand_reopening_like_discount_broth/

    https://www.reddit.com/r/halifax/s/btAf0ArhMh

    Connect with Mike Savage on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-savage-b79971288/



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    48 mins
  • S2E11 | Halifax is on the Map, with Dennis Campbell and Brian Cooper
    Jul 18 2024

    It is tourist season in Halifax! During these warmer months, Halifax is bustling with lots to offer. Join Alec Cranston and James Collins for this episode of Matter of Fax, as they dive into a discussion with guests Dennis Campbell and Brian Cooper of Ambassador Tours, about Halifax tourism. The four have an in-depth discussion about the opportunities for improving the city's traffic challenges and transportation solutions to keep the city a desired destination. They also highlight Halifax's natural beauty and cultural heritage as the keys to boosting tourism, alongside Coop's inspiring community service efforts.

    Dennis Campbell is the CEO and Founder of Ambassatours Gray Line the largest motorcoach, water and rail sightseeing tour and charter operator in Atlantic Canada with offices in Saint John NB, Charlottetown PEI, Sydney NS and head office in Halifax NS. Ambassatours has merged with Murphy's The Cable Wharf and is now growing that company in locations throughout the Maritime provinces.

    Brian Cooper, aka Coop, is newly retired teacher and has dedicated post-retirement life to community service, picking up litter in downtown Halifax and earning a Nova Scotia Pineapple Award for his exceptional service to the community!

    Follow Matter Of 'Fax: https://www.instagram.com/matteroffaxpodcast/

    Follow James: https://www.instagram.com/teamcollinsns/
    Follow Alec: https://www.instagram.com/aleccranston9/
    Follow the Reddit Roundup threads: https://www.reddit.com/r/halifax/comments/18jd9nw/nothing_says_grand_reopening_like_discount_broth/

    https://www.reddit.com/r/halifax/s/btAf0ArhMh

    Connect with Dennis Campbell on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dennis-campbell-0055b54/
    Connect with Brian Cooper on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-cooper-47427421/

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    55 mins
  • S2E10 | Making Hockey More Inclusive with Future of Hockey Lab
    Jun 14 2024

    How do we make hockey culture more accessible to women and non-binary players? Amy Walsh and Cailin Ahloy join James and Alec on this episode of Matter Of 'Fax to talk about some of their inclusive work with Future of Hockey Lab. They share some of their 'aha' moments in recognizing the importance of male coach allyship, as well as their experience using Women's World Juniors to promote diversity and inclusion in hockey.

    Amy Walsh is the CEO and co-founder of the Future of Hockey Lab (FHL), established in 2020 to innovate and transform hockey culture in partnership with leading organizations. Previously, as Executive Director of Hockey Nova Scotia, she led initiatives such as the Diversity & Inclusion Task Force and the Players Journey project, addressing barriers and promoting inclusivity in the sport. Amy has held leadership roles in various hockey committees, including the NHL & NHLPA Female Hockey Advisory Committee, and has a strong background in sport development and advocacy for social change through sports. She is also a former amateur multi-sport athlete and a dedicated mother and volunteer.

    Cailin Ahloy began her career in the world of large-scale international multi-sport events focused on leaving a legacy of benefits for society. Driven by her desire to play a larger role in driving positive change she made her way to MaRS Discovery District working out of their Solutions Lab. Here she was a part of team leading systems change and delivering tangible solutions to some of Toronto's most challenging problems. A Project Manager by trade, she currently leads the Project Management Office for eCampusOntario, a not for profit tasked with the delivery of the Virtual Learning Strategy for the Province of Ontario.

    Follow Matter Of 'Fax: https://www.instagram.com/matteroffaxpodcast/

    Follow James: https://www.instagram.com/teamcollinsns/
    Follow Alec: https://www.instagram.com/aleccranston9/
    Follow the Reddit Roundup threads: https://www.reddit.com/r/halifax/comments/18jd9nw/nothing_says_grand_reopening_like_discount_broth/

    https://www.reddit.com/r/halifax/s/btAf0ArhMh

    Connect with Amy Walsh on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amybellawalsh/
    Connect with Cailin Ahloy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cailin-ahloy/

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    45 mins