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Head out with Uncle Weed on cannabis-inspired adventures, spontaneous commentary and eclectic sounds from around the world since 2005. Anecdotes and observations include: public policy, transportation, economics, architecture, entrepreneurship and cannabis culture and discourse about harm reduction, environment, international travel and foreign affairs. Usually recorded on-the-go, Uncle Weed (sometime) invites curious pals and erstwhile strangers into the hi-jinks and conversation.
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Olympic Outsider podcast

Dave Thorvald Olson

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Renegade documentation from the streets of Vancouver at parties, games, events, concerts, protests, and beer gardens. Host Dave Olson AKA Uncle Weed is an experienced Olympic pundit and pioneer of social media at Olympics since Nagano 1998.
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Featuring spontaneous readings and erstwhile discourse from selected literary – from Russians to beats to contemporaries – plus usually smattering of original works by host Dave, often with eclectic assortment of music, and always recorded at splendid locale.
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Riffs about the glory of journals, diaries, notebooks full of musings and importance of turning off inner-critic and not overthinking while savoring the process of transcription, curation and further creative wonderment from Kura barn in provincial Japan. With evidence with my own process. Plus sorta re-cap how far I got about Circumnavigation poet…
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Washing dishes and busted spectacles lead to rowing a lake in Nepal figuring out deity, enlightenment, peace and power with choruses fresh from diaries – plus Royal hospitals, poetic devices and question mark eyebrows. Your turn Buddha, your turn. Don’t climb the mountain: Nepal Stupa Choruses – Postcard #87(39MB, 21:02, 256kbps mp3, stereo)…
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Let’s not lose each other amidst the table cloth being pulled out from under glasses and dishes. Meaning: some technical jibber-jabber about claiming feeds sparks a history of these sporadic, occasional (yet somehow charming, right?) literary dispatches from hand-written XML to various blogs and feeds and meanderings. Plus, about me! My name is Dav…
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Thinking about “going home in October” or even more, going far away from home via freeverse poetry, read directly from scribbled travel scrapbooks and backed by trains from Moncton to Sri Lanka and tuk tuks from Kerala and Thailand, by a weary fella in an olden barn in provincial Japan. Fondly home. Be Lost at … Continue reading Lost the Plot (Find…
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Olympics are over if you want it. Pod’d some thoughts with Vancouver journalist Bob Mackin a few days ago about the lay of the land here in Japan and the cognitive dissonance between Tokyo2020 Olympics on TV and for the people hosting/ paying for it. As such, i call it “The Lonely Olympics”.By Dave Thorvald Olson
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Get your ears on and listen to Tokyo Olympics “scene report” chat with Jody Vance on Vancouver news/talk radio 980AM from July 12th afternoon PST, July 13th 9-ish AM JST. A few notes to go with: Covered a lot of ground but so much more. Looking forward to keeping you up-to-date from regular folks’ point … Continue reading Countdown to Tokyo 202x Ol…
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theBreaker.news Podcast: Five-ring circus controversy in Japan and China I talked about the Tokyo Olympics with Bob Mackin – who I first connected with leading up to the Vancouver 2010 Olympics when he did an article featuring Kris Krüg and I talking about citizen documentation campaign which eventually became True North Media House. This segment ……
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Oh listen… i talked about Tokyo Olympics and various conundrums with Jody Vance on CKNW AM Radio in Vancouver. Wanted to share the feelings of deceit and frustration the the residents of Japan are feeling with IOC’s demands for “sacrifice”, more doctors, volunteers and threats of penalties if cancelled/delayed. Suggestions: delay until Oct or later…
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A heart-wrenching poem about an abducted boy called Simon – who lived nearby, was my age and sorta looked like me – in Surrey, BC 1982 – by the “Beast of BC” Clifford Robert Olson (NO relation). Recorded and contributed to Dark Poutine Canadian True Crime podcast – shared here for posterity etc. RIP Simon and the … Continue reading Simon, Stolen, S…
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Beginning with a static-y 1996 AM radio interview during a power outage on the island of Guam Micronesia, then checking in from a goat farm in Japan decades later, then again from tiny isle in Indonesia, Uncle Weed weaves hempen stories and personal anecdotes about life on this remote USA “territory” including: selling hemp bags … Continue reading …
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Along his namesake trail on banks of Lynn Creek comes story of Group of 7 bohemian painter Frederick Varley’s 10 wild years in Vancouver teaching and founding art schools, developing new aesthetics and shacking up in an $8 mountain home with mistress. Bring your own brushes: Upon the Varley Trail – Postcard #83 (30MB, 20:50, mp3, … Continue reading…
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Love in (most) all forms – from self to romance to heartbreak – explored through poems including: mis-quote from (probably not) Jack Kerouac, Khalil Gibran advising his son, Mary Oliver reminding to trust, (Angela) Anaïs (Juana Antolina Rosa Edelmira) Nin’s recklessness, Leonard Cohen recalling flowers to a shy lover, Katie Buemann picking up a swo…
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Full of mis-spoken words, forgotten names and other sloppiness comes annotated thoughts (squished through time and space) for shut-ins, drifters and sufferers amidst erstwhile festive melancholy times of disruption and tumult, including poems – read alongside mosquito and rooster sounds – by: Sohaib Ahmed Alan Halsey Charles Bukowski David Smalley …
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Upon turning 70 years old, Dave’s dear sensei (since a teenage Utah community college stint), Larry Harper (among various monikers) curated 70 items of advice (at request of Annie Dandelion). As such, between licks by Grateful Dead and master potter Marty Kendall, he riffs the list – ranging from practical to mystical to almost comical, … Continue …
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Float to Istanbul, Muscat and elsewhere, and check in with Cleopatra, Shakespeare, Francis Drake, Shah of Persia, Adam, Cain, Abel, Lawrence, Ataturk, Czars Nicholas and Alexander, Matt Harding, Russia oligarchs, well-fed stray cats, unidentified shortwave broadcasts, Abraham, Norman, Matt Harding, rowers, drummers, a blonde dog and you and me… fin…
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Disappearing, invisibility, loneliness, depression, anxiety, being lost, trying to not be found, trying to find white space to invigorate… Sometimes these weave together, other times (perhaps) each remain exclusive. Gord Downie, Jack Kerouac, Charles Bukowski and me all try to figure out the nuance in different ways atop Turkish street music, train…
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In hospital with sedated Grandpa, Dave reads complete “Letters from Russia” epistolary literature project with frequent interruptions from visitors, nurses and medical apparatus. The letters address issues of class, revolutions, monarchy, war, trade, and love in the context of Napoleon’s foray into Russia in 1812 through letters from a cobbler to h…
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From SXSW 2008 – amidst sirens and Austin, Texas 6th St. street noise – comes an interview with filmmaker Erich Weiss premièring “Hori Smoku, Sailor Jerry” about the originator of contemporary tattoo-ing – and iconoclastic libertarian American – Norman Collins who combined Japanese technique, Polynesian traditions, and American motifs in Hawaii dur…
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Puffing along a trail recounting leaving cold, miserable London en route to post-hurricane Florida with flashbacks to working in Rheinplatz grade fields, gathering chestnuts to sell for beer and bread money, strange encampments at Oktoberfest, and hitchhiking to Amsterdam with gaggle of pals. To London by ferry and rapid exit via cheap flight Flori…
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Amidst a thunderstorm at 4AM on a balcony in Chiang Mai, Dave discusses – with excessive frankness and emotion – various medical conundrums (Fibromyalgia and CFS-ME) and details the physical feelings of “crash mode” as well as the mental strain in dealing with self de-identification and inter-personal relationships, confusion in seeking help, and v…
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Ship-to-shore transmissions with shortwave broadcasts from elusive listening posts, soundscapes from slow ships, and freeverse poetry about unanswered communiques, transitory conditions, arbitrary citizenships, invented geography, de-identification, and intentional disappearance. Features music: “Dream World” by Matt Harding from NYOSSS (New York, …
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On a forgotten forest walk, Dave riffs a story about first trip to Europe – starting with trying not to puke over an Amsterdam bridge after a meeting new temporary coffee shop pals – with flashback to Mexican desert trips with Grandpa, LSD trips with VW bus-fixing pals, and family Grateful Dead road trip to … Continue reading Eyes Towards Europe – …
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On a forgotten forest walk, Dave riffs a story about first trip to Europe – starting with trying not to puke over an Amsterdam bridge after a meeting new temporary coffee shop pals – with flashback to Mexican desert trips with Grandpa, LSD trips with VW bus-fixing pals, and family Grateful Dead road trip to … Continue reading Eyes Towards Europe – …
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Paying poetic respects to recently deceased Grandpa in a rainforest with Walt Whitman, Charles Baudelaire, Chief Dan George and original works inspired by the globe rambling, oddly charming, big fish – while official funeral happening elsewhere. Originally recorded: May 13, 2006 Sit on a tree by the river: (Poetic Farewell to) Ole Dead Gramps – Pos…
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High in Jamaica, Uncle Weed visits Black Ras’ abundant mountain growfield to discuss “swamp weed” grown in morass versus “hard land weed” grown in volcanic soil with bat guano, plus varieties of ganja strains – both domestic and imported. Plus background about his family teaching him the ways of growing most anything and living an Ital … Continue r…
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In-depth discussion with rock art photographer bev. davies including: hippie days with Neil Young and Joan Anderson (Joni Mitchell), shooting punk pioneers DOA and Subhumans, Motörhead in a park, David Bowie in a stadium, Brian Jonestown Massacre flipping off crowd and so many more. Also stories from backstage with Iron Maiden and Twisted Sister, N…
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Embarking on meandering natural healing journey around Asia, Indian sub-continent, Arabia, Mediterranean, across Canada, US rocky mountain canyons, and to Grateful Dead anniversary shows while emerging from a fog after chronic and complex illness diagnosis resulting in lost years due to prescription meds. Hit the golden road for: Field Notes from E…
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First reflecting on Funiculars, Dave then reads works by poet friends from far-flung points including: Sohaib Ahmed recounting escaped love and lights, Adam Burningham examining towns atop streams, Amber Case on a languid roadtrip, and Robert Scales appreciating a sunrise and oblivion – plus music by guitarist Matt Harding and a rainstorm, crickets…
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Returning to Japan for the first time since working as a mushroom farmer in the Tottori-ken mountains decades previous, Dave rambles on about the circumstance – then and now – while wandering near his pal’s goat farm. Riffs include: arriving in the snow and getting settled, bailing on job, hitch-hiking around islands, falling in love(ish), eating ……
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What becomes of the seemingly ephemeral creations we leave behind? Especially in the analog-days? Consider these in the context of missing cassette tapes made by a now departed poet/activist/scholar Foster and guitar-ing Mikael, who recorded spontaneous youthful riffs in parent’s basement in Utah. In this postcard, Mikael Lewis sings “Wildflower (f…
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Changing routes to think about the neighbourhoods – this Postcard is about rolling transit, everyplace and anywhere. Evidence comes in a transit route inspired spoken-word song and a smattering of poems including: odes to drivers, forgotten literary neighbourhoods, angry passengers, observed newspapers around Vancouver… plus a bit of Clayton the bu…
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Amongst Nepal’s western Himalaya mountains comes poems about donkey trains hauling supplies, buffalos giving milk, porters hauling excess for misguided dreamers, monks with timeless chants, sunrise over mighty peaks, prayer wheels alongside trails to evoke the feeling of clambering along ancient stone paths shared with goats and farmers growing ric…
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Life in hotels, wandering alone and often blue and then the death of friends all converge in a series of poems including a song by Mikael Lewis about waiting for love in a Victorian hotel. Then, from the streets of Rome with a cappuccino comes a series about departed Rod H. Ash, including “Time Traveller” … Continue reading Lonely Cold Water Flat –…
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When I was growing up, Dad often spoke of his Chevy Malibu SS – his favourite car. So, while on his death bed, I asked him to tell the story. He speaks about acquiring the vehicle, the budget, the deal, the financing terms and oh, also about the car and how he enjoyed having a … Continue reading Dad’s Malibu Super Sport – Postcard #65 →…
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In tumultuous and confusing times, optimism and activism are the powerful antidotes for cynicism and fear. Two Bills share songs to assist in making this point. First B/William Lenker plays a spontaneous Squatters in Zion from his Steamboat Island woodshop, then Dave spiels about courageous – and sadly deceased Olympian – Rachel Corrie, followed by…
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From an olden church and (otherwise vacant) cenotaph at Fort Cochin, Kerala, India, Dave O – acknowledging an extended medical and death related hiatus – discusses the local history of colonization by Portuguese explorers, Dutch traders, then British Raj in the context of the colonization leading to exploitation, conscription and war with no meanin…
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With scant days to go, Uncle Weed reflects on expectations, better realized – plus shares affection for kind people, the important of finding authenticity and supporting local economy– all while embarking on final steps before leaving, including: visiting Mr. Lawrence, the lifeguard; packing up jerk spice and mango chutney; detailing the geometric …
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“Mongooses are like ninja squirrels – stealth, rat-eating machines. They kinda look like squirrels but squirrels are gentle, nut-eating creatures and mongooses (mongeese) are feared sniper killers.” After more banter about lobsters, reggae and food, Uncle Weed offers observations about music industry, taxi drivers, civic pride, pothole filling, cor…
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Visiting pal Hemp Ed in Pe Ell, Washington, Uncle Weed gets up to date on the emerging and ambiguous regulatory framework for production, distribution and retailing of cannabis in the aftermath of Washington Initiative 502. Plus conversation on the state of industrial hemp, small scale growing operations, the impact of state-imported weed, and the …
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Friend Nadine banters with Uncle Weed about Jamaica’s national dishes and alias nicknames before gamely sharing her techniques for the unofficial people’s favourite “jerk” along with a real-time example of a pork shoulder sizzling on a – ubiquitous and rugged – gas-can grill while sharing her tips for choosing the right cut and combinations of … Co…
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Sparking a morning joint, Uncle Weed recounts a skiff boat reef trip with Harold, acquiring lobster from John Wesley – member of The Silverlights – house band of Leroy’s bar, breaks down lobster physiology, discusses geo-cultural differences between parishes & regions, reviews of recent meals of skipjack and coconut chicken lobster, and takes a ste…
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Recollections from a wasp poison haze including fleeting messages delivered by film strip, endless fortune cookies and fuzzy memories from forgotten incidents. Plus the backstory about Leo of Little Bay and details of his colourful cabins, banter and rum on the tiny store’s porch with Brodie, plus tales of bonfire ganja mechanics, fortified brownie…
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Now from the north side of Jamaica at Queen’s Cottage, Uncle Weed recounts the aftermath of a wasp bite with recollections from 3 days in a daze including time with Leo of Little Bay, ganja trips with Fire and Foot, kayak to Bob Marley’s swimming hole, and waking dreams with crickets and frogs soundtrack whilst … Continue reading Cabin Dreams on Li…
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On a hike to a mountain top ganja patch, a new pal called Foot shares his curing technique to make the chocolate weed, plus opinions on Jamaica cannabis strains, and effects on his stamina. Then, a Rasta bushman called Fire gleefully explains Ital food traditions while grating coconut for a hearty natural stew cooked on … Continue reading Fire on C…
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A Nyabinghi Order Rastafarian called Lion Claw testifies to Uncle Weed about defending against evil, liberation, redemption and freewill and recounts days-long sessions on his hand-carved drums en route to Zimbali bush retreat. Marko at the wheel passing through Old Hope (down the road from New Hope), he and Uncle Weed banter about his life on … Co…
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Catching up after a Heroes’ Day trip to Negril, Uncle Weed discourses about the people, ganja, foods and animals of Jamaica with two pals whilst roasting down around a beachside campfire. Riffs include: handmade charcoal, mutton, ital food, meditation, daily life, kindness, big hearts, evil minds, daily life, community life, neighbourliness, ice cr…
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Arriving in Little Bay, Jamaica into a hammock with a joint and beer, Uncle Weed documents surroundings including cabins, fisherman’s bar, reggae music sound system, eating conch, mineral pool, sea swimming, and drinking all the Red Stripe in Little Bay. Then discusses Heroes’ Day with locals around a campfire + Jamaica family, skills and abilities…
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Coming into Hornepayne with Tracks on Tracks, Chris Ho plays croons out some tunes, while Shred Kelly shreds on the banjo. Uncle Weed chats up some superfans who agree that Portage and Main have been a highlight of the trip, and Top less Gay Love Tekno Party gets interviewed in their matching onesies. Chantel, the … Continue reading Descending upon…
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As Tracks on Tracks comes in to Winnipeg, Uncle Weed bemoans the rigidity of meal times on trains, and the lack of food that the train station offers. Portage and Main plays an acoustic number on the train, and plugs in for the stop in Winnipeg. When pulling out of the city, Grant Lawrence banters … Continue reading Portage and Winnipeg – Chooglin’…
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As Tracks on Tracks pulls in to Melville for a whistle stop, Shred Kelly basks in the attention of the locals from the town while performing. The young and old of Melville come out to listen to the music, with notable (and memorable) guests including the Mayor, who asks for an encore, and Doug the Old … Continue reading Shredding on Melville – Choo…
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