SOCRATIC SATSANG
"Open minds, open ideas, open discussions.”
The Socratic Satsang is a forum where individuals with different experiential, professional and cultural backgrounds can deep think, dissect, discuss, and exchange thoughts on a wide range of subjects. It is a safe space that encourages discussion, not debate purposed toward a better understanding of thoughts and ideologies.
We meet online (via Zoom) and in person.
Participants include panelists and guests. Panelists are regulars who are affiliated with us on a long term basis. They are thinkers and achievers well respected in their fields. Their brief bios are on this site, scroll down to have a look at our panelists.
Guests are individuals who may participate once or rarely, their profiles are not on this site.
Socratic Satsang Podcast Links
At the Socratic Satsang podcast, you can find deep diving conversations on a range of topics including philosophy, culture, history, spirituality, physics, metaphysics, current affairs, politics, life management and more.
You can also find short clips from larger conversations, interviews and monologues.
Panelists
Our panelists are an eclectic collection of heavy hitters. Here's a glimpse into their profiles:
Drake Dyck, CD
Photographer | Veteran | Peace Officer
As a dedicated individual with a rich and varied background, Drake has built a career that spanned over twenty-five years in the Canadian Armed Forces, predominantly within the military police. His journey took him across various domestic and international missions, including a significant deployment to Afghanistan. Much of Drake’s career was in serious crimes investigation, including a year-long secondment with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). After military service, Drake transitioned to a role as a Peace Officer in British Columbia, and currently leads the development of a drone response program. Drake is a certified Advanced small RPAS (drone) pilot and an active member of the Law Enforcement Drone Association (LEDA), which allows him to stay at the forefront of innovations in drone technology and public safety.
Beyond professional commitments, Drake is deeply rooted in the local community of Sooke, BC. He runs the largest Facebook group in the area, "Meanwhile in Sooke," fostering community engagement and connection. His passion for the arts is demonstrated through a previous role as vice-president of the Sooke Arts Council and his founding of the Sooke Photography Club.
Drake is the owner of Sooke Photography Adventures, a business focused on photography education and exploration, as well as showcasing fine art photographic prints. He is represented by Station Street Gallery in Duncan, BC, and is a Canadian Association for Photographic Arts (CAPS) trained photography competition judge.
Drake’s personal interests complement his professional life; he enjoys explore the stunning landscapes of Vancouver Island through hiking, kayaking, and landscape photography.
Through his diverse experiences and community engagement, Drake aims to inspire others to share in the beauty of photography while fostering a spirit of collaboration and support within our community and beyond.
Sooke Photography Adventures
Beyond professional commitments, Drake is deeply rooted in the local community of Sooke, BC. He runs the largest Facebook group in the area, "Meanwhile in Sooke," fostering community engagement and connection. His passion for the arts is demonstrated through a previous role as vice-president of the Sooke Arts Council and his founding of the Sooke Photography Club.
Drake is the owner of Sooke Photography Adventures, a business focused on photography education and exploration, as well as showcasing fine art photographic prints. He is represented by Station Street Gallery in Duncan, BC, and is a Canadian Association for Photographic Arts (CAPS) trained photography competition judge.
Drake’s personal interests complement his professional life; he enjoys explore the stunning landscapes of Vancouver Island through hiking, kayaking, and landscape photography.
Through his diverse experiences and community engagement, Drake aims to inspire others to share in the beauty of photography while fostering a spirit of collaboration and support within our community and beyond.
Sooke Photography Adventures
luda artemieva
Architect, Kundalini Yogi, Founder: LVA Concepts
Luda Artemieva is an imaginative artist and experienced architectural and interior designer. Having travelled around the world, she now resides in Vancouver, BC. Luda gathers inspiration through her affection to nature, art, culture and architecture.
The miraculous ideas that she creates start from client's dreams and aim to help people in changing the quality of their lives. As a competent residential and commercial designer, Luda achieves this goal by involving numerous practical, analytical, artistic skills, a strong understanding of architectural fundamentals, and a multitude of different styles and techniques.
Since 2003, Luda and her wonderful team of colleagues have created numerous projects that aimed to meet aesthetical and practical clients’ needs. These projects range from small city apartment renovations to newly built houses, offices and fashionable bars and restaurants.
Luda is an avid hiker, globe trotter, and a practitioner of Kundalini Yoga.
LVA Concepts
Shobha Pillai Coutinho
Media Industry Consultant | Entrepreneur
With over three decades of experience in the dynamic media landscape, Shobha Pillai Coutinho is a visionary leader, expert consultant, and entrepreneur. Her expertise spans marketing, sales, brand solutions, and innovations.
Shobha spent 32 years at The Times of India Group, contributing to its evolution from a print giant to a leading news platform across television and digital media. She held leadership positions, excelling in advertising implementation and people management.
Shobha received the Chairman's Award for Innovation (thrice) and the SheUnlimited Legend Award. Her leadership skills and dedication to excellence have been recognized within and outside the organization.
Shobha founded:- Midnight Media Solutions (media consultancy)- Backwaters Chechie (authentic Kerala food preparation and delivery)- Yellow Umbrella (unisex salon)- Swayamvaram World (distinguished wedding planning company)
Authorship and Certification:Shobha authored "Aahaaram Sadhya," a guide to authentic Kerala cuisine. She holds certifications from:- Indian School of Business (ISB) for emerging leadership skills- Results Coaching Systems UK for coaching expertise
Shobha currently serves as a consultant and mentor, leveraging her industry knowledge and entrepreneurial acumen to drive transformative initiatives. Click here to contact Shobha
Shobha spent 32 years at The Times of India Group, contributing to its evolution from a print giant to a leading news platform across television and digital media. She held leadership positions, excelling in advertising implementation and people management.
Shobha received the Chairman's Award for Innovation (thrice) and the SheUnlimited Legend Award. Her leadership skills and dedication to excellence have been recognized within and outside the organization.
Shobha founded:- Midnight Media Solutions (media consultancy)- Backwaters Chechie (authentic Kerala food preparation and delivery)- Yellow Umbrella (unisex salon)- Swayamvaram World (distinguished wedding planning company)
Authorship and Certification:Shobha authored "Aahaaram Sadhya," a guide to authentic Kerala cuisine. She holds certifications from:- Indian School of Business (ISB) for emerging leadership skills- Results Coaching Systems UK for coaching expertise
Shobha currently serves as a consultant and mentor, leveraging her industry knowledge and entrepreneurial acumen to drive transformative initiatives. Click here to contact Shobha