Activities

Pete

I’m outdoorsy by nature but work commitments have kept me closer to the office this year. To ensure my Strava followers aren’t missing me too much, I try to get up early, get on my bike and try to beat the sunrise to the Leslie St. Spit. I’m not naturally a morning person but there’s no better way to start the day than watching the sun come up over the lake.

 

John

I am playing some golf, not enough to be obsessed, and not enough to be accused of not spending enough time in the office, but always with people I enjoy spending time with. I play more tennis as it is fun, social, athletic, and it breaks up the monotony of going to the gym! Lake swimming is a must – part of being a proud Canadian! BBQs essential, but more importantly fresh local vegetables and fruit should be overconsumed as it will make up for the horrible winter produce we must endure.

 

Calvin

As summer unfolds, I’ve been doing my best to make the most of the season’s warmth and our cities amazing energy. There’s nothing quite like relaxing by the pool or spending time at the cottage to recharge. One of the highlights of my summer so far was running my first Half Ironman in Mont Tremblant. The experience was both challenging and exhilarating and left me with a sense of accomplishment for finishing something I couldn’t even think about doing 6 months prior. The electric atmosphere and stunning scenery made it an unforgettable experience. Looking ahead, I’m excited to travel to the Greece island of Skiathos in August for a friend’s wedding. It’s the perfect way to cap off the summer—celebrating their love in one of the world’s most scenic destinations.

 

 

Marc

After spending time in London attending my ninth Beyonce concert (my wife is huge fan) and heading out to Nova Scotia to explore this beautiful country of ours, I intend to spend the entire summer in Toronto. I pack my summer weekends with festivals, parties, family, and the beach. I have been going to alot of Caribbean parties to keep the good vibes flowing.

 

Thomas

Outside of work, I am making the most of my summer by taking time off to be with my girlfriend, who studies and works in Montreal. We take turns visiting each other and love exploring restaurants and markets together. I am also staying active and social by playing in a soccer league with friends and training Jiu Jitsu. On my free time, I like to challenge myself with personal projects that keep me learning and growing towards my goals. Most importantly, I prioritize quality time with my dad, discussing his work and watching movies.

 

Claire

I’ve been making the most of summer by heading up to the cottage every weekend. It’s been great to spend so much time outdoors—whether I’m paddle boarding, playing pickleball with friends, or taking tennis lessons. There’s also been plenty of swimming and evenings around the campfire, making for a perfect summer escape.

 

Playlist

Pete

Those of you who know me well understand that I love live music in all of its forms. 2025 is offering no shortage of opportunities on this front at Toronto’s amazing venues like Massey Hall, the Danforth Music Hall and History. And a summer evening watching the moon rise over Bud Stage can be pure magic. My upcoming concert schedule includes Robert Plant, LCD Soundsystem and TV on the Radio, which I’m sure betrays my age and aging hipster status.

 

John

With age, I dislike any music or genres that make me feel anxious in any way. So, I’m listening to Stan Getz, Thelonius Monk, and country. Looking forward to Steve Hackett in Massy Hall in the fall as he will play favourites from The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway.

 

Calvin

The usual summer rotation: Post Malone, Morgan Wallen, Teddy Swims, Luke Combs. And my brother, Brandon, who regularly sends me videos of him playing electric guitar.

 

Marc

I am a big Soca music lover. This year I have fallen in love with Freetown Collective, GBMnutron and Mical Teja. Apart from blasting those artists at home I listen to a range of podcasts ranging from politics to sports. I recently discovered Press Box Chronicles by Jeff Perlman who explores the little-known stories that he uncovered from his reporting at the NY Times.

 

Thomas

I’m listening to a range of podcasts that explore the economy, politics, and society. Shifts in governance, inequality, religion, and human behavior both fascinate and concern me. I make a point to hear different perspectives, from the business-focused, right-leaning All-In Podcast to The Prof G Pod with Scott Galloway, who offers sharp critiques of American politics and society. I also enjoy The Intelligence by The Economist for their global journalism, and NPR’s Planet Money for their educational approach to economic issues. I’m looking to add more to my rotation, so please share any recommendations.

 

Claire

This summer, I’m loving country music—there’s just something about it that fits perfectly with long drives to the cottage, BBQs, and relaxing evenings by the lake. My playlist has been on heavy rotation with Thomas Rhett, Luke Bryan, and Morgan Wallen. Their songs capture the spirit of summer and always puts me in a good mood.

 

 

 

Reading List

Pete

This summer I’m reading Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders, which I’m really enjoying. The novel won the Booker Prize way back in 2017 and tells the tale of a controversial (at the time) U.S. President grappling with the sudden loss of his son. The grieving process Abraham Lincoln embarks upon after the loss of his 11-year old son Willie to typhoid fever contributes to his empathy to the enslaved peoples of the U.S. South and Lincoln’s resolve to issue the Emancipation Proclamation. The dreamy, supernatural style of the novel (the novel is set in the “bardo,” a purgatory-like realm where the main characters haunt the living) has an AI-like quality and a geopolitical backdrop which, while 150 years old, couldn’t be more relevant today.

 

John

Reading anything on AI. Homework!

 

Marc

After this years Baseball  All Star game in Atlanta, where they produced one of the best athletes tributes you will ever see (look it up on YouTube it is worth every minute of your time) I reached back into my library and re-read:  I had a Hammer: The Hank Aarron. It chronicles his growing up in Alabama swinging at bottle caps to improve his hitting, his fear when the Milwaukee Braves moved to Atlanta in the 1960s and his near nervous breakdown as he was about to break Babe Ruth’s home run record. Next up is Boys will be boys: The Glory Days and Party Nights of the Dallas Cowboys Dynasty.

 

Thomas

I am reading Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari. This thought-provoking book explores the history of humankind, tracing our journey from ancient hunter-gatherers to the complex societies we live in today. Harari challenges readers to consider how biology, culture, and technology have shaped our world, and what it truly means to be human. I appreciate how he makes big ideas accessible and invites readers to view history and humanity from a fresh perspective.

 

Claire

I just finished reading Let Them Theory and really enjoyed it. It was a great book—thought-provoking and engaging, and it gave me a fresh perspective on some familiar topics.