Broken Area
Broken Area is a podcast hosted by Dave Brodbeck and Isabelle Michaud, a married couple based in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada. In each episode, they discuss a wide range of topics from their personal perspectives. The show has a casual, conversational tone. It is an English-language Canadian podcast.
Episodes
Episode 628 - A Good 70s Morning
Weird day today, might thunderstorm.I’m doing a new episode of Winds of Remembrance today with Ken and Steve!Isabelle had a very successful opening last night.She did not have a successful coffee opening.Jon didn’t come, there was F1 qualifying.Stuff keeps getting built here, that’s good.
Episode 627 - Are You Going to Strawberry Faire?
Isabelle has a friend who is running for city council.We have a sign of hers, though we don’t live in her ward. Isabelle says she’s great, so that’s enough for me.We join a discussion of baroque pop music, already in progress.The new term is coming but I don’t care!Isabelle has a bunch of stuff coming up, including a show.Really nice later summer weather today.We’ll be in coats in three weeks….
Episode 626 - Impressive Carrots
We didn’t do one last week because I didn’t want to get too angry about the trade stuff.Isabelle didn’t want to get too upset about data centres.We’re back though…..Nice day today, though you can tell the fall is coming.Jon came!Dolly died :-(.Dolly was an amazing person.Isabelle’s garden is kind of insane, in a good way.
Episode 625 - Vile Weed
Nice day today.We have guests tonight!Store was fine.Weather is getting into late summer stage.Isabelle protested data centres.I made some edits…
Episode 624 - An Eight Hour Drive With a Play in the Middle
I’m oddly proud of the title.Isabelle was away this week, Jon and I held the fort.Jon and I drank a lot of pop this week, some of it mixed with alcohol…Oh so we went to the LCBO.Isabelle’s trip was all over the place.Jon came, always a pleasure.
Episode 623 - Sewing a Lot of Quilts
Jon came!Grey day today, only about 19.Isabelle will be going on a trip soon.Jon and I will be eating like kings….Isabelle also got a cool residency thing in New Brunswick. Pretty exciting.Jon thinks there should be more schools…
Episode 622 - Stepford Wife Green
Somewhat brief one today.New podcast coming!Weather is cool warm.Store was fine.Dan Barabanov is a citizen!We aren’t much on AI.That said, maybe you’d like us to take out the boring bits….
Episode 621 - Smoke
Yeah, the smoke is the big story this week.But wait, so is our family trip to Toronto.Jon and I went to the Hockey Hall of Fame.We went to restaurants, we hung out.We had a nice room.Oh and it was a thousand degrees and then it had worse air quality than here.That said, Stanley Cup….
Episode 620 - Basement Full of Art
Turns out today is our wedding anniversary!An old friend of Isabelle’s who was at our wedding will visit today.An old friend of mine who was at our wedding was texting with me while I shopped.I’m making Korean food for dinner!LCBO today.Super nice weather today as well.
Episode 619 - Shed on a Flat Bed
Thursday?Yes Thursday, what did you pay for the podcast? What gives you the ego? OK, that’s a bit over the top.Jon came today!At first he didn’t but he texted and changed his mind.Isabelle met a possible cousin.Speaking of cousin, man The Bear is a hell of a show.
Episode 618 - Six and One
Nice day today! Jon came! I had my birthday! Our friend Dave came over for my birthday, and his Mom made me a birthday cake, which is pretty great. Friday for the podcast this week as Isabelle has
Episode 617 - Lilo and Stitch Control the Weather
As usual, the title does refer to something, you’ll have to listen to figure out what.Jon stayed home.He’ll be bowling with his friends this afternoon!Convocation was actually good!You know what else was good? Isabelle’s trip to Manitoulin Island with her friend Tawny. I of course completely forget where she went…. I am old.It was on 12 the other day.
Episode 616 - Not D Day
We were going to record last Saturday (hence the title) but I messed up.So here we are.Also we are a day early because Isabelle is going to Manitoulin Island with a friend of hers tomorrow.Jon and I went to the LCBO.Jon had a great time with his friends from university on Monday.He also had a great time with his buddy Jerrit today.
Episode 615 - A Day Late
And a dollar short?Isabelle was away Thursday - Saturday, which explains why this is on Sunday.That said, what business of it is yours?It was busy at the store oddly.Oh Isabelle was at a conference.Jon stayed home to watch a hockey game.
Episode 614 - The Korean Part
Oh it’s finally a very nice day.Szo the BBQ story from last week had quite the update. In the end, we have a new BBQ.I might mow the lawn today.I have been living in that sweet spot between needing to shovel and needing to mow.Jon didn’t come today. He stayed home to watch Canada vs Italy in the IIHF championship.Long weekend!
Episode 613 - Self-Generated Events
Spring!We bought a new BBQ, hence Jon staying home to wait for delivery.Lots of stops today.Go Habs Go.Does Isabelle ever sit still? Not really.Something has to happen with the potholes.Oh and the gas, the gas isn’t cheap, glad we bought a hybrid.
Episode 612 - Trippy
The title refers to the fact that Isabelle and I went on a trip.We went to Montreal for the Conference on Comparative Cognition (CO3) which you likely have heard me talk about if you’ve listened to these things, met me etc.Jon stayed home during it and did great.Mailed a package to the US today, it is much more complicated than it used to be, let’s say that.It was so great having Isabelle there, i
Episode 611 - Splashdown
It might actually be spring. It’s going up to 9 today.While it wasn’t July 1969, it was pretty great.I was, at times, transported to being like 6 years old. I remember watching the splashdown of Apollo 16 in my classroom.Everything was so great. All three of us were in awe of just how both amazing the feat was scientifically and in engineering, but also in the human sense. What a great crew.I
Episode 610 - Cabinet of Wonders
Hey, we’re back!The weather is weird.Our street is basically one lane now.Isabelle has a big workshop today!Where do museums come from?
Episode 609 - Krusty the Scalp
Eww gross.We had a little trip last week!The weather is very variable.The store was packed.The car wash vacuums didn’t work!
Episode 608 - Encased in Trucks
I had another title, but we used this instead.We’re going on a little trip!Busy week for all of us.Isabelle had three meetings yesterday, I had one and taught a class.Are we turning the corner on winter?I watched some Olympic hockey.During yesterday’s hockey Jon kept our class updated with the score.
Episode 607 - Curation Happening
Cold today again.Really sunny though.The streets are super icy.Library trip today.Is art better with an overarching sort of theme?Isabelle has an open house coming up.
Episode 606 - Snow Dunes
Nice day today.Lots of stops too.The library didn’t have my stuff.We got Isabelle some snowshoeing poles.Jon didn’t come this week.Isabelle’s final show of the season is winding down.I have lots of marking to do.
Episode 605 - Forest Experience
It was -27 when I woke up.It has warmed up, but not much.Consequently, Jon stayed home.It’s actually a nice clear day.Taxes are coming.Art is always happening.I got a new backpack!
Episode 604 - An Investment in You
A touch warmer today but the roads are still a mess.Jon came, which is always nice.The term is in full swing, and I am almost used to my schedule.Isabelle might sell some stuff.Twenty bucks a month is nothing.
Episode 603 - Oh You Mean Imprisoned
Weather is weird.We’ve had a thaw, a freeze etc. I know you all care a great deal about this.The first week of the term is in the books.Jon is happy to be back at school.We saw some old friends.Isabelle went to watch some skating.There’s a new show at her gallery, you should check it out.
Episode 602 - Heated Seats
Happy New Year!Sadly we couldn’t go down to London to visit.The weather was insane.I mean, it’s still not great…..Jon came along.Saw Brandon in the store for the first time in a while.I’m burying the lede here, Isabelle will have some of her short films critiqued, with is kinda great.
Episode 601 - Merry Post
Merry Post Christmas!Short one today.We didn’t need too much stuff, but you know, you kind of have to.Christmas was great!Jon got a new phone!We saw Ken and Jackie.I actually feel like I’m on vacation.
Episode 600 - Yule
Wow, we’ve done 600 of these things (and 118 of Broca’s Area, but that’s neither here nore there).Our last grocery trip until after Christmas.I cashed in PC points this week, so groceries were under 10 bucks…We went to breakfast this morning.One of the people working at the restaurant was a guy who used to play with Maddie when she was like 10.Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from our family to
Episode 599 - Unemployed Dessert
Isabelle has done a test run of her pudding, so we’ll have it tonight.It was invented by the wife of the mayor of Montreal.Oh her name was Georgette Falardeau.Went a day early to avoid people.Jon came!First LCBO trip since October 2.Box.
Episode 598 - Isamattenborough
You’ll have to listen to get the title.Isabelle is back from a conference about immigration in Sudbury.We dropped a bench off at her studio.No Jonno today.Our car sensors were obscured.Isabelle is making a traditional French Canadian dessert today.
Episode 597 - CNDOP 2025
CNDOP She bop a you bop.Yeah it’s CNDOP, so we have a bonus episode for you!Also, I needed a new bulb for the oven.I bought a bulb for the oven yesterday and proceeded to lose it.Why does anyone listen to us?We have no idea, but after 20 years, hell, we don’t really care that muchEnjoy CNDOP everyone!
Episode 596 - Guinea Pigs
Term is almost over!Winter has come.I had a long meeting this week, but a good one.We recount stories of Jon.(Oh, yeah, Jonno stayed home today).We went a bit earlier, so that made things a touch less busy.
Episode 595 - Sometimes?
Cool one today.Jon was with us, which is nice.I was on DTNS yesterday. We talked CFL football. During the podcast I received a CFL hat!Here’s a pic of the hat.Wasn’t super busy today.It’s nice that there is so much ‘ethnic’ food in the store.
Episode 594 - Rag Tag
Quick one today.Jon was out with his buddy Ty, so no Jon with us today.That also means no Jon sneaking up on me and causing jump scares in the grocery store.Still, I like when he comes…As usual Isabelle has a lot going on.I have a bit less
Episode 593 - Northern Ontario Cassettes
Shopping!Halloween was fun. Jon handed out candy as Dale Gribble.Oh yeah, back to Saturday.We also donated some old clothes.Do we still have communal music things?
Episode 592 - In Sensurround
There was a magnitude 3 earthquake in Sudbury.We have limited earthquake experience.Friday? Yeah, we all have busy Saturdays.Isabelle has met some new artists.Just say no to Adobe.Jon came along, which is always great.
Episode 591 - Halfway
Halfway through the term I mean.Yup, break week is ending. We had a nice Thanksgiving.The weather today is however not nice.Jon came along!Isabelle tears down a show today.
Episode 590 - Red Cabbage Ink
It’s like 28 degrees with a humidex of 34. So yeah, October…Isabelle had a very successful art happening.Friends are important.Jon didn’t come today.Isabelle makes ink with plants.I think I know my schedule.
Episode 589 - Normalcy
Things are sort of normal.I’m a couple of weeks into my term.Isabelle has a show on in her gallery.Jon came to a social thing at the U for psych students.It’s all just fine. Everything is fine.I also got some weed trimmer line at Canadian Tire!
Episode 588 - Fall Ramblings
I suppose that’s better than rambling fallings.Went to the library today.Jon came as well.The term hs started.Isabelle is figuring out art things.In other words, it’s another week :-)
Episode 587 - There Are Trees in Botswana
We’re back!Jon’s is out hiking with a friend.Jon now has a personal trainer!We had friends over for dinner, it was nice.Last long weekend of the year, but it was not that busy at the store oddly enough.The next time you hear us I will have taught a class….
Episode 586 - Logos
Back at it.Jon came today, I always appreciate the company.Thunderstorm warning in effect!We went to a concert, it was fun.Jon didn’t go…Isabelle has a new logo for her Galerie.Oh and the logo was designed by a local person, so that’s super.
Episode 585 - Boiling Plants
Boiling indeed, there’s a heat warning today.Oh thanks for the nice words about our podcasting anniversary!Follow Isabelle’s gallery on instagram.Did I mention how hot it is?My vacation is over, but I feel good!Isabelle is going to make more paper.I won’t be…I got new tires and tubes for my bike. I know you don’t care, but I do
Episode 584 - Twenty
We started Broca’s Area twenty years ago today with our first episode.So, the first half off this one is our standard grocery bit.The second part is at home, talking about our 20 years doing this.Oh and Jon was around too!We went to Montreal.We came back.It was long.It was good.See you in another 20 years…
Episode 583 - You've Got Leprosy
We’re back.Even an LCBO trip today!I found out what artist trading cards are.Does anyone have an Isabelle rookie card?Pretty warm today.Hey I’m on holidays!
Episode 582 - All Things and All People
The title? It is a list of things I hate.I hate these things because today is the weekend before Canada Day and the grocery store was a mad house.We visited London.We saw Maddie!I had my 60th birthday, so I am now elderly.Jon did not change the list this week..
Episode 581 - Theatres Without Roofs
A day late. You can decide if it is a dollar short.Isabelle was in
Episode 580- Circles
Let the circle, be unbroken.Nice day, but very windy, likely no cycling today.They moved everything in the store and it is very annoying.Jon stayed home to watch the F1 qualifying.Went to a cool thing at the museum.Garage sales are a scourge on humanity.
Episode 579 - Plants Are Bastards
I forgot to charge the phone I use to record last week.Wind. The constant is wind.Isabelle is off to an art swap today.I had to do it solo for like 2 minutes, it wasn’t good….No Jon this week.Isabelle has been working in the garden.I’ve been trying to cycle in this wind….
Episode 578 - Iron Chef Newfoundland
The title has literally nothing to do with the episode. Well maybe a very little.Mother’s Day tomorrow.Jon came, which is always nice.Seems like a decent day, mid teens temperature wise.Isabelle is going on a walk for Mother’s Day.I’m cooking stuff for Mother’s Day.Isabelle might be going to the Robertson Cliffs.
Episode 577 - Retesting Beef Gelatin
Jon came this week! THE TERM IS OVER. THE SHOW IS OVER AT ISABELLE’S GALLERY! So we’re both in good spirits. I’m getting my bike out today! Oddly, no election talk. We saw a plane! Oh, one pic is the plane, the other is plastic making.
Episode 576 - Birds
This one is not about animal behaviour.I mean really, are any of our episodes ever about anything?THE TERM IS OVER.The show at Isabelle’s gallery is winding down.The snow is gone.Might get my bike out soon!
Episode 575 - Biosculptures
This week’s title works on two levels. The stuff Isa is doing for an art project (which.sounds super cool) and the fact that the melting snow has a sculpture like effect, it’s kind of cool.Speaking of cool, it’s cool, but above freezing, so lots of melting.I’m still mad about the USA.I gave an exam on Monday.I have another on Friday.We voted.
Episode 574 - Eating Sea Snails
Yup it’s been a while.I was away at a conference two weeks ago, and last week I lost my voice.Of course many of you are saying ‘Oh Dave lost his voice, on hon, anyway…’The term is winding down.Jon came again, he’s always super helpful.Isabelle’s student presented their work.This city is full of micro climates.
Episode 573 - Almost Out of Sheets
Shopping!Isabelle has been busy, of course.Tim Horton’s, it’s Canadian, sorta.It’s Jon’s birthday! Happy 24th Jonno!I did self checkout today, not a fan.Why is it winter again?
Episode 572 - Some Kind of Grass
It’s been a while.Isabelle was away, she’s back.Hey, Jonno came along!Isa has a workshop tonight on grant writing.It’s warming up, spring soon?Now whey, whey.
Episode 571 - Skipping
Yes yes, we didn’t do last week. Lots of stuff has happened.We were to drive to Quebec last week, but the weather didn’t cooperate.Isabelle will head over there next week.The break is over, so I’ll be back teaching.There are Canadian flags everywhere!I’m not going to talk about him.
Episode 570 - Petrified Fudge
We skipped last week for a good reasonThe awesome Noëlla Guimond, Isabelle’s Maman, died last week. She had a huge impact on our lives of course, but, she affected many others. Her work was always about lifting other people up. Remember that.Oh yeah, and the USA sucks. You can take your trade war and shove it.I’ll see Maddie in a couple of months.Hey, maybe Isabelle will go to Germany!Oh yeah,
Episode 569 - Not Very Structured and Weird
Oh the picture? It’s the first thing that came up when I searched on ‘Not Very Structured and Weird’.Isabelle has some exhibitions coming up.Oh and a workshop!I’m used to my schedule.We went a little later today, so the episode is coming out a little later, stop complaining.Jon is doing great at the U.
Episode 568 - Consumer of Popular Media
Weird weather today, not that bad then really cold.My brother got in a car accident, spoiler alert, he’s fine.His car isn’t.Isabelle has a workshop tonight and more coming up.I’m finally getting used to my schedule, so I think I’m good.Again, my brother is fine, thanks Hyundai.
Episode 567 - Pot Trench
So, what is the etiquette on saying Happy New Year? Is it too late? If so, screw you, you can’t have a Happy New Year from us!Short one today.We got back on Tuesday from a week in London.London was great, we saw family, we went to a cool café that had board games.We went to the T and T superstore which was awesome.We had every possible type of weather on the drive there.This term is shaping up t
Episode 566 - A Harp Player From Mali
Hey, Happy New Year!Christmas Eve went off well, with ancient Roman food.Christmas went off well as well.We’ve been fixing up a room at home.Why is it so freaking warm?We’re going to see som live music tonight.That will be at a bar I’ve never heard of!
Episode 565 - Merry Happy et al
We went early today to avoid the nightmare that is Christmas groceries.It worked!I cashed in points today, so the groceries cost 9 bucks.We also were going to get our wheels re torqued, but that will wait until Monday.Making more bits and bites this week.I made shortbread this week, its gone.I’ll make sugar cookies this afternoon.
Episode 564 - The Way the Curved Ice Was
A little later today.It’s time to make the méli mélo.The streets are still pretty messy.It was a madhouse in the store today.The plumbing thing is basically done, so that’s good.The bits and bites are now in the oven actually.
Episode 563 - There's a Lull in the Fighting, Call Isabelle
More snow.Isabelle has a workshop today, I hope she can do it in person.Like I said, more snow.I gave an exam this week, the term is done!One day we will retire.Jon is a shovelling machine
Episode 562 - Snow Day
SO yeah, we got 80 cm of snow Thursday night.Needless to say, Friday was a snow day.Of course I didn’t have to teach anyway.Jon and I took 2.5 hr to shovel the driveway.I went from BBQing stuff and hanging laundry outside to, well, this.I think our street got more snow than anyone, somehow.
Episode 561 - Poetic Feel
Nice day today.Indeed, I’d take my bike out if it weren’t such a pain.We watched the Snake River Canyon jump, err, Mike Tyson fighting Logan Paul.It was fun, also Isabelle watched sports.It was brutal.The two middle fights were actually pretty good.Isabelle has lots of art projects on the go.
Episode 560 - Rearchived
Hey we’re back!We haven’t been doing things as the Internet Archive was down and that’s where we put the audio.Could one today, though it did warm up.Lots of useless trucks in the parking lot today.I didn’t get one of my favourite cashiers.Work is repetitive currently.Isabelle has projects, as usual.I got my COVID and flu shots and had side effects.
Episode 559 - Crazy With Fur and Sparkles
A day late.A day late because the recording screwed up yesterday, well part of it anyway.I don’t even know if the part about crazy fur and sparkles is in the episode actually.Isabelle had her final night of her installation.Our buses here are like Uber aft 6 on weekends, so that was interesting.We seem to keep forgetting things.The wind today is insane.
Episode 558 - Haven't Done the Whole Thing
OK, like when will summer end? It’s going up to like 28 today.Jon came along, and got the movie you see in the past.Isabelle has a big day, she is presenting an installation today and next week for Ontario Culture Days. It’s a long process, going from the early conceptual days to today. Isabelle takes you through it.I will come down tonight on my bike to help her out.Oh also, I picked up a few
Episode 557 - Pant Collaboration
Hey, Jon came today! (He didn’t talk much, but he was there).I’m used to my schedule sort of.I got my favourite cashier.Grey and 18 today.Oh we went to the library too.There are murals all over town, here’s one with this post!
Episode 556 - Do You Speak Wasabi?
Nice day today, though I think it is going to get hot.I finished my first full week. Getting used to the timetable is the hardest thing.Oh and lecturing for 4.5 hours on Wednesday does not help.We talked to Maddie!They don’t speak Wasabi in Germany.Isabelle is hoping for some news soon.
Episode 555 - Batteries and Extension Cords
Oooh it’s cool today.Needed gas, sometimes even a hybrid needs gas.Hey, I’ve buried the lede, we got a new washer and dryer!We’ve gone through a lot of them.Jon is very helpful.Isabelle is planning her big exhibit coming up.
Episode 554 - The Demotion Zone
Nice day today.It is week 2 of our national nightmare, where we don’t have a washing machine.An RV pulling a car was stuck on the road, as you can see in the picture.Oh my god, it’s the last weekend of the summer!OK, not technically, but you know what I mean.Washing clothes by hand has given me Popeye arms.
Episode 553 - Face Spider Heretic
Lot’s of technical difficulties in the past two weeks, but we’re back.Where are we back from? We are back from Kingston where we visited Ken and Jackie!It was great.We saw some cool old rare books.We went on a tour of the old Kingston Pen.Generally we hung out with our friends and it was glorious.Thanks Ken and Jackie!
Episode 552 - This Isn't CNN
James Earl Jones had nothing to do with this one.We lamented the news, and the lack of it.We used to read the paper every morning, and while it is now replaced with websites, it’s not the same.Rainy day.About 14C out, no biking weather.Canada won the 4x100m men’s relay, so that’s great.
Episode 551 - Fair to Middling
Very warm today, there won’t be a bike ride.Indeed, I even mowed the lawn early today.I say ‘fair to middling’ a lot.We went to Timmins!Timmins is interesting enough. People were very friendly.Our hybrid car continues to amaze.
Episode 550 - Isabelle's Inks
Very warm today, so no bike ride I don’t think.I will mow the lawn though, yay…Isabelle is doing some art today with our friend Ray.She makes ink out of stuff and things.LCBO today.
Episode 549 - Elaborate Heads
Today was a parade Isabelle wanted to see, so, she saw it.I shopped. When I was done she FaceTimed with me (as you can see here).I’ve pretty much figured out how to keep the. grocery bill pretty steady, but it involves knowing how to cook.Isabelle’s birthday was yesterday.She did some pretty cool stuff for her birthday.I remember the Shriner’s parades as a kid with the guys on the little motorcyc
