Hey, Downtown Van!

Hosted by Downtown Van

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Episodes

Latest episode

Oct 2026

Language

EN-CA

About the show

Get ready to discover the best of downtown Vancouver with our brand-new podcast, "Hey, Downtown Van!" hosted by the Downtown Van Business Improvement Association. In each episode, we'll chat with local business owners, influencers, and community leaders, to bring the latest insights and trends shaping the downtown landscape. Whether you're looking for business advice, your new favourite lunch spot, or want to learn more about the people and places that make this city great, we've got you covered.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

October 21, 2026Episode 151 hr 2 min

Peter Raptis: Playing the Long Game on Granville Street

Join hosts Sofia Laratta and Downtown Van President & CEO Jane Talbot as they welcome Peter Raptis, Owner of The Pawn Shop Granville. They dive into Peter’s journey through Vancouver’s hospitality industry, go behind the scenes of The Pawn Shop, and explore his front-row perspective on the evolution of Granville Street. Peter also shares his vision for the future of Granville, the role of BIAs, and what continues to make him believe in the future of downtown Vancouver.

October 7, 2026Episode 1426 min

Bonnie Nish: Connecting the Literary Community

Host Sofia Laratta sits down with Dr. Bonnie Nish, Executive Director of Word Vancouver, a festival celebrating written word and inspiring creativity among readers and writers. Bonnie shares her journey as a writer and explores how storytelling, poetry, and literature can bring people together. They also discuss the evolution of Word Vancouver, Vancouver’s literary scene, and the importance of making literature accessible and a part of downtown.

September 2, 2026Episode 131 hr 13 min

Arezo Zarrabian: Understanding Crime & Public Safety in Downtown

In this episode, hosts Sofia Laratta and Downtown Van President & CEO, Jane Talbot sit down with Arezo Zarrabian, Senior Crime Analyst with the Vancouver Police Department, to explore crime trends, public safety, and what the data really tells us about downtown Vancouver. We discuss the impact of vibrant public spaces, major events like the Granville Street Pedestrian Zone, and how businesses, residents, and visitors can all play a role in creating a safer downtown. Listen to the podcast on Spotify, Youtube, & Apple Podcasts! *This episode of Hey, Downtown Van was filmed in July, when Arezo was still serving as Senior Crime Analyst with the Vancouver Police Department. The release of this episode is not intended to coincide with or promote Arezo’s run for Vancouver City Council. Downtown Van does not endorse any political party or candidate and remains strictly non-partisan.*

August 19, 2026Episode 1233 min

Christina Florencio: The Power of Colour Analysis

In this exciting episode, host Sofia Laratta sits down with Christina Florencio, Founder of REVIVAL Colour Analysis Studio, to explore the world of colour analysis and the transformative impact of finding the colours that truly suit you. From REVIVAL’s beginnings as a vintage clothing business to its evolution into a colour analysis studio in downtown Vancouver, they dive into personal style, smarter shopping, self-expression, and the confidence that comes with discovering your unique colour palette.

August 6, 2026Episode 111 hr 6 min

Brent Toderian: Could Granville Street Stay Pedestrianized?

Join Hosts Sofia Laratta and Downtown Van President & CEO, Jane Talbot with special guest Brent Toderian, City Planner and Urbanist at TODERIAN UrbanWORKS Inc., as they discuss the Granville Street Pedestrian Zone, what the World Cup pilot revealed about the future of Vancouver's public spaces, the zone's extension, and what it takes to create thriving people-first streets and a strong downtown.

August 5, 2026Episode 1052 min

Chef Angus An: The Recipe for Success

Join host Sofia Laratta as she sits down with award-winning chef and restaurateur Angus An to explore his journey from aspiring chef to one of Vancouver's leading culinary voices. Together, they discuss the intersection of culture, entrepreneurship, and hospitality. Learn about what it takes to build a great restaurant and creating meaningful experiences that extend far beyond the plate.

July 22, 2026Episode 91 hr 1 min

Terminal City Club: Inside Vancouver's Premier Social Club

In this episode, hosts Sofia Laratta and Downtown Van President & CEO Jane Talbot sit down with Peter Jackman, General Manager of Terminal City Club, to discuss leading one of Vancouver's most historic private clubs through growth and transformation while preserving its rich traditions. Peter shares his journey, insights into the evolving member experience, and perspective on the future of downtown Vancouver's hospitality industry.

July 8, 2026Episode 81 hr 4 min

Destination Vancouver: Vancouver on the Global Stage

In this episode, hosts Sofia Laratta and Jane Talbot sit down with Royce Chwin, President and CEO of Destination Vancouver, to explore how tourism shapes the future of great cities. With decades of leadership experience, Royce shares insights on Vancouver’s evolving identity as a global destination and how visitor economies can strengthen both downtown vibrancy and community. Don't miss out on this one!

June 24, 2026Episode 754 min

Plug Vancouver: The Gen Z Network for Real Connection

Catch the latest episode with Host Sofia Laratta as she sits down with Kalith Nanayakkara and Bradley Hoy, Co-Founders of Plug Vancouver, a community built to connect, inspire, and empower Vancouver's young professionals, creators, and founders. They share the story behind the brand, the lessons learned from building a thriving community, and some of their most memorable experiences in entertainment and media.

June 10, 2026Episode 61 hr 0 min

Luca Citton: From Lawyer to Leader

Join hosts Sofia Laratta and Downtown Van President & CEO Jane Talbot with special guest Luca Citton, President & Shareholder of Boughton Law, corporate lawyer, and community leader. Luca shares lessons on leadership, resilience, and community impact from more than 25 years in law. From navigating the pandemic as Board Chair of Downtown Van to helping shape major Vancouver initiatives, he reflects on leading through challenge and giving back along the way.