Meet Josh, one of the awesome faces of the NowMedia newsroom. Josh is our News Director and is the go-to guy for everything and anything NowMedia. If you want to read what Josh has been writing about lately, click this link. When Josh isn't working in the KelownaNow newsroom you can find him biking around the city, hanging out with friends or sipping a pint on one Kelowna's great downtown patios.
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
Vancouver, 3 years.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
In Kelowna, I'd say any of my wonderful friends with a special shoutout to my girlfriend Kelsey. When I sneak off to Vancouver I try to spend as much time as possible with my family because I don't get to see them enough!
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
I'm not always the best at shopping local but I know I can always count on Mission Sports, Milkcrate Records and Wentworth Music.
Describe yourself in one word.
Caring or sarcastic, as much as it seems like those two things don't go together...
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Hard to pick just one but I definitely want to travel back to Europe, there's so much to explore!
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
I love biking around or hiking Knox with tunes or a good podcast in my ears. I'm also never opposed to a pint on one of the city's many great patios.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Oh man...there's more than enough things on this list, most of which I probably can't share with the public. Let's just leave it at that...
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
This may sound like a weird one, but just watching how my dad battled cancer was quite the inspiration for me even though it didn't end how we would have liked. He never felt sorry for himself and he continued to put his family and friends first at all times. He was a remarkable man and that didn’t change in the slightest as he battled life’s cruelest test, which I find inspiring.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
I don't know if there's a specific one, but spending summers at Cultus Lake includes many of them. There were always a couple of tears when it was time to pack up the cabin and head back to Vancouver on Labour Day weekend.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Sometimes I think people could just be a little kinder to each other, not just their close friends and family. It doesn't take much to make someone smile.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
I find either bird sanctuary is a great spot to sneak away on the bike and take a little time to reflect. I also love to hike Knox on my own to have a little time with my thoughts, but I'm usually sharing the trail with quite a few people.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
So many things. The lake, all the outdoor activities regardless of season, the wineries, the craft beer scene that's starting to blow up, the people, the Rockets...the list goes on!
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
- I got a chance to visit Israel with my family when I was eight but I'd love to go back as an adult and learn a bit more about my heritage.
- It may sound corny, but I'd like to experience at least 10 different major music festivals because I love the different vibe and experience you get at each. I have been to six so far!
- On a similar note, I'd like to watch a Canucks game in at least 10 different NHL arenas and one day watch them lift the Stanley Cup, but that one isn't up to me...
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
@josh10duncan
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
My dad spent two and a half years battling cancer, which eventually took his life. Those were two of the most difficult years of my life and it continues to be a struggle living without him at times. However, I'm grateful for the 22 years I got with him.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I'm sure there are a couple of moments I'd approach differently, but I'm pretty happy and proud with what I've done with my life so far.
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
While it's important to focus on yourself, try to see the world from other people's point of view. Have empathy and treat others the way you'd want to be treated.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
I've been able to establish a happy life for myself in Vancouver, Victoria and Kelowna. I'm shy by nature and I don't think moving to a completely new city on your own is easy at all, so I've always been proud of how I've handled this.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
My mom. She's the strongest woman I know and she just recently retired after many years as a GP. Enjoy retirement mom, I love you!
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
My beautiful girlfriend Kelsey Denboer
We encourage you to leave your comments and words of support below and submit your own nomination by clicking HERE. You are also welcome to submit a form of your own by clicking HERE.
In Focus is our gift to the community. A way for us to help show our recognition of the people, businesses, and organizations that help make our city great. Thank you, Kelowna!
