Community Game Plan

In this episode, Jim and Eric sit down in studio with Debbie Vaillancourt Higgins, owner and operator of Opus Café and Catering in Cherry Brook, Dartmouth. What starts as a conversation about coffee and catering quickly becomes something much deeper.
Debbie shares the heartfelt story behind Opus — a café born from her mother’s dream and built as a true labour of love. Located inside the historic former Nova Scotia Home for Colored Children building, Opus has become more than just a place to grab breakfast. It’s a safe, welcoming space where conversations happen, community groups gather, reunions unfold, and healing takes place.
From hosting men’s support circles and church groups to catering weddings and providing meals for families in need, Debbie explains why Opus isn’t “hers” — it belongs to the community. With refillable coffee meant to extend conversations and an intentional no-TV policy to encourage connection, this café proves that small spaces can create big impact.
The episode also includes one of Jim and Eric’s signature hot takes — this time tackling the question: Are fixer-uppers still a good deal, or are buyers walking into financial traps?
Whether you’re passionate about community building, curious about the power of small local businesses, or just looking for a place that serves more than coffee, this episode is packed with warmth, insight, and heart.
👉 Visit Opus Café at 18 Wilfred Jackson Way, Dartmouth👉 Learn more: https://www.theopuscafe.ca

Welcome to our very first MiniPod— a new feature of the Community Game Plan podcast where we zoom in on the real estate side of our community.
In this episode, Eric Holman sits down with mortgage broker Danielle Hardie to break down the Mortgage Plus Improvements program—an option that allows buyers to roll renovation costs directly into their mortgage. Translation? You can buy the right house and make it the right home without draining your savings on day one.
They dig into the power of adding secondary suites, why having a mortgage broker in your corner matters more than ever, and how smart renovations can significantly boost long-term property value. This conversation is all about seeing potential where others see problems—and understanding how to finance that vision strategically.
If you're navigating today’s market, considering a fixer-upper, or simply want to make smarter buying decisions, this episode delivers practical insight on planning properly, structuring financing wisely, and turning opportunity into equity.
Reach out to Eric or Jim at info@movewiththeteam.ca
Danielle Hardie - Mortgage Broker Premiere Mortgage Centre Inc.  danielle.hardie@premieremortgage.ca

In this bonus highlight episode, Jim, Eric, and producer Colin throw the rulebook out the window and lean fully into what makes the Community Game Plan… well, the Community Game Plan. This supercut is packed with behind-the-scenes moments, off-the-rails banter, missed cues, sponsor reads gone sideways, and the kind of hot takes that only happen when the mics stay hot a little too long.
From debates about pizza pockets, pineapple on pizza, and candied bacon, to producer interruptions, fake ad reads, and a running argument over who’s actually in charge, this episode captures the lighter side of the podcast — the laughs, the chaos, and the genuine chemistry that keeps the show fun.
Mixed in with the nonsense are real moments of reflection about authenticity, community, and why the podcast exists in the first place: to show up as real people, not polished personas, and to build something that feels honest, local, and human.
If you’ve ever wondered what happens between the serious conversations — or why the producers occasionally regret their life choices — this episode is for you.

In this episode, Jim and Eric kick off the new year by doing something a little different. Rather than sitting down with a single guest, they look back on the first full year of the Community Game Plan podcast — reflecting on the conversations, community stories, and moments that shaped the show so far.
This special supercut episode highlights some of the best clips from the past year, touching on everything from grassroots sports and inclusion to community leadership, coaching, housing, transportation, and the people working quietly behind the scenes to make Nova Scotia stronger. Along the way, Jim and Eric talk candidly about growth — both personally and professionally — what they’ve learned from the community, and how feedback from listeners continues to shape the direction of the podcast.
They also tease what’s ahead: a growing team, new voices, evolving formats, and some fresh ideas (including hotter hot takes) as the podcast moves into its next chapter.
Whether you’ve been listening since Episode 1 or you’re just tuning in now, this episode is a great snapshot of where the Community Game Plan started, how it’s grown, and where it’s headed next.

In this episode, Eric is joined in studio by producer Colin for a powerful conversation that shines a light on one of Halifax’s most impactful — and often overlooked — community organizations. Together, they sit down with Jamie Matthews, Executive Director of Veith House, along with Jackie Lockie, to explore what it truly means to be a community hub in the heart of the city’s North End.
Jamie breaks down the wide-reaching work Veith House does every day — from food security and urban farming to youth programming, newcomer support, and inclusive spaces for the LGBTQ+ community. The conversation highlights how decades of grassroots effort, partnerships, and volunteer-driven programs help people meet basic needs while fostering dignity, belonging, and connection.
Eric, Colin, and Jim also reflect on how many “hidden gems” like Veith House exist across Nova Scotia — quietly doing essential work — and why sharing these stories matters now more than ever.
Whether you’re passionate about community building, curious about what a true community hub looks like, or looking for meaningful ways to get involved locally, this episode offers insight, inspiration, and a reminder of the power of people helping people.
👉 Learn more about Veith House, their programs, and how to support their work:https://veithhouse.com

In this episode, Jim and Eric kick off an early morning recording (coffee in hand!) with two inspiring guests who are literally driving change across Nova Scotia — Jesse Guarino and Ronnie Murray from MusGo Rider Co-operative Limited.
Jesse and Ronnie share how this community-run transportation service is bridging the gap for residents along the Eastern Shore and Musquodoboit Valley — providing safe, affordable, and eco-friendly rides for those who need them most. From switching to electric vehicles powered by solar energy to ensuring seniors and people with mobility challenges can get to appointments, MusGo Rider is proving that compassion and sustainability can travel the same road.
Jim and Eric also reflect on the importance of community-driven solutions and how rural areas often rely on creativity and cooperation to stay connected. Whether you’re passionate about sustainable living, rural advocacy, or just love hearing stories about Nova Scotians helping Nova Scotians, this episode will hit home.
👉 Learn more or book a ride at www.musgorider.ruralrides.ca

In this episode, Jim and Eric welcome their first in-studio guest — Colin Oldrieve, insurance broker with Cluett Insurance and lifelong community builder. From his early football days at Saint Mary’s University (where he helped win two national championships!) to his years coaching youth teams and volunteering locally, Colin shares how teamwork and mentorship shape not only athletes but entire communities.
The conversation goes beyond the field, diving into Cluett Insurance’s deep local roots. Colin gives us a behind-the-scenes look at how this Dartmouth-based, family-run brokerage continues to support community initiatives — from bake sales and backpack drives to Ronald McDonald House donations — all while staying proudly independent and local.
Jim and Eric also reflect on the value of small businesses that actually know your name and the importance of giving back where you live. Whether you’re passionate about sports, local business, or community leadership, this episode has something for everyone.
👉 Learn more about Cluett Insurance and their community work: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/16tCfgQCa7/?mibextid=wwXIfr

In this episode, Jim and Eric open up about their own backgrounds as military kids before diving into an important conversation with Jackie Lockie, Branch Manager at CUA’s Lady Hammond Road location. Jackie introduces the Military Family Banking Program, a tailored initiative that recognizes the unique challenges military families face—from frequent relocations to sudden deployments—and offers real financial support. From waived fees and mortgage penalty relief to no-down-payment and cash-back options, she explains how CUA is helping military families build stability in the midst of constant change.
Along the way, Jackie shares her own story as a military spouse and financial planner, giving real insight into why these programs matter so deeply. Jim and Eric also reflect on growing up in military households and how that shaped their sense of community and resilience.
Whether you’re part of a military family yourself, supporting one, or just want to better understand the sacrifices behind the service, this episode is packed with practical takeaways and heartfelt stories.
👉 Learn more about the CUA Military Family Banking Program here: CUA Military Family Banking Program on Facebook!

In this episode, Jim and Eric dive into the future of sport in Nova Scotia with two inspiring guests. First up, they chat with Marvin Okello from the Canadian Sport Institute Atlantic. Marvin shares his journey and the impact of two groundbreaking programs—the New Canadian Coaching Support Program and the Black and Indigenous Coaching Mentorship Program—both designed to strengthen diversity, inclusion, and leadership in coaching across the province.
Then, the conversation shifts to grassroots soccer with Ollie, Director of Soccer at Suburban FC. Ollie talks about the club’s deep community ties, the growth of soccer in HRM, and how Suburban is building inclusive programs while preparing players for opportunities from local fields to League One Atlantic.
Whether you’re passionate about coaching, curious about growing the game at the community level, or just love hearing how sports bring people together, this episode is packed with insight and inspiration!

In this episode, Jim and Eric dive into two local stories that blend community support with business success.
First, they sit down with representatives from CUA (Credit Union Atlantic) to talk about how this community-based financial institution is helping Nova Scotians take control of their finances. From approachable banking to personalized service, CUA shares why people are rethinking their relationship with money.
Next up is Brett from Fasco, a local distributor with a cool connection - quite literally. Brett sheds light on the HVAC industry, partnerships with Hisense, and what it takes to keep Atlantic Canadians comfortable all year round.
From money management to home climate control, this episode is full of practical advice and great stories from people making a difference.Learn more about our guests:CUA: Facebook | cua.comFasco: fascodistribution.com | hisensecomfort.com