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Food Court In Session

Justin McElroy & Steven Masuch
Vancouver
Richmond
Aberdeen Center
Admiralty Centre
The Amazing Brentwood
Burnaby
City Of Lougheed
City Square Shopping Centre
Coquitlam Centre
Crystal Mall
Denman Place Mall
Empire Centre
Central City
Capilano Mall
Brentwood
Bentall Centre
Timecop
Heritage Buildings
Architecture
Surrey

Food Court In Session is a podcast, ranking, series of essays, and exploration of every mall in Metro Vancouver. Every two weeks, Justin McElroy, Steve Masuch and rotating guests explore a different mall in our region, as we debate and determine what a mall means in 2026, and which one in Metro Vancouver is truly the best. Come along with us on this very silly but worthwhile journey, as we go to n... more

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes13Founded6 months ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Places & TravelDocumentarySociety & Culture

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Artwork for Food Court In Session

Latest Episodes

It doesn’t have the buzz or transit connections of a Metrotown or Oakridge or Aberdeen, but could Surrey’s finest be the best mall in Metro Vancouver? Guest: labour lawyer Vyas Saran.

Theme music composed by Tom Whalen, www.echomenace.com

Smushed between much bigger Richmond options, does a great food court, one weird hallway, and one bad parking lot make a good mall? Episode Guest: Vancouver writer and journalist Christopher Cheung.

Theme music composed by Tom Whalen, www.echomenace... more

A small, old and dark mall, Denman is often derided — but is that justified? Justin and Steve invite their West End friend to make the best case for its community impact. Episode guest: Union organizer Stephanie Ryan.

Theme music composed by Tom Wha... more

The year was 2000, and across the street from the mighty Metrotown, something new was coming to the City of Burnaby. Even with a famed planner and architect behind a new project, this plan for a new mall was raising eyebrows for all its unorthodox ch... more

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Recent Guests

Christopher Cheung
Author of Very Vancouver, Uncovering the Soul of a West Coast City
Episode: Empire Centre
Stephanie Ryan
Union organizer, West End resident, and member of Justin and Steve's friend group
Community/Union
Episode: Denman Place
John Roddick
City of Vancouver Project Manager and architect
City of Vancouver
Episode: Coquitlam Centre
Dan Fumano
Vancouver Sun reporter
Vancouver Sun
Episode: City Square
Jen St. Denis
Tai Senior Editor
Tai (Think Local)
Episode: City Square
Chelsea Watt
2023 Jeopardy! contestant and collector of 1200 grandmothers' salt and pepper shakers
Prize/collectibles enthusiast from New Westminster
Episode: City of Lougheed
Colin Sharp
Local comedian and longtime member of the hosts' friend group
Independent
Episode: Central City
Mia Hill
Acquaintance and principal with Earnscliffe Strategies
Earnscliffe Strategies
Episode: Capilano Mall
Kevin Harding
Vancouver resident and former spokesperson for the Save Mech campaign, advisor to co-ops and social enterprises
Provincial government / Save Mech campaign
Episode: Bentall Centre

Hosts

Justin McElroy
Host of Food Court In Session with a focus on local history and narrative framing.
Steve Masuch
Co-host with a knack for lyrical, optimistic commentary and shared storytelling.

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 36 ratings
  • A review from the “Amazing” Brentwood food court

    A 5 star Podcast! Justin and Steve deliver a nostalgic review of the lower mainland’s best hangout and shopping spots. After listening to a few episodes I now find myself wanting to explore and rate these malls myself. With a Glorious Bao - Curry Chicken partially eaten in front of me, I have concluded that Food Court In Session is my favourite new podcast for 2026! Keep up the great work Justin and Steve!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Andrew L, Vancouver
    Canada3 months ago
  • The Full Meal Deal

    I am utterly charmed by this pod! I love learning local lore and I love a deep dive into the built and designed world. Fans of 99% Invisible will enjoy how FC makes a meal of Metro Vancouver’s malls. Justin and Steve complement each other perfectly: Justin unfurls local history in meticulous detail and Steve presents an optimistic outlook through poetic wanderings in the corridors (and caverns!) of our commercial behemoths. I find myself both simmering in the nostalgia of the malls of my youth a... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    __________SC
    Canada4 months ago
  • Capilano was the best!

    Have to say that was the most entertaining! That Mia was amazing! Super fun! It would be great to hear more from her.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Def not Melissa
    Canada4 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Listeners cite strong local flavor and nostalgia for Vancouver's malls.
Guests' expertise adds credibility and depth to discussions about design and community impact.
Fans enjoy the mix of historical context and lighthearted banter.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Denman Place
Q: Steph, what would you use for a bed?
Steph replies that the mall's limited size and assortment would make it impractical to live there, but she affectionately notes the thrift store and nearby services like the seniors network as the real anchors for daily life.
Coquitlam Centre
Q: John, what is your connection to Coquitlam Centre Mall?
As an architect, I was drawn to its design pedigree, including its early Governor General's Medal recognition, and I see a thread between its historic form and the way it tries to balance spectacle with everyday practicality, even as renovations have shifted some of that original character.
Capilano Mall
Q: What would you keep or change if you could redesign Capilano today?
They emphasize keeping small, character-filled outlets and leveraging flexible spaces for non-traditional uses while maintaining essential everyday services like Walmart and the food court in a more appealing layout.
Capilano Mall
Q: What role does the pickleball court play in the mall's future?
The guests discuss pickleball as a unifying, high-occupancy use that can draw people in, sustain foot traffic, and potentially catalyze broader revitalization of the space.
Capilano Mall
Q: Mia, what keeps Capilano Mall relevant to the North Vancouver community today?
Mia points to the mix of everyday needs, a long-standing anchor mix, and the unique, community-focused spaces like Pastime Sports and Games, which give the mall character beyond traditional anchors.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
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Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About Food Court In Session

What is Food Court In Session about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A playful, discussion-driven exploration of Metro Vancouver's malls, focusing on how design, history, and everyday life shape the experience of shopping centers today. Episodes blend nostalgia with architecture, urban planning, and local culture as hosts debate what makes a mall feel distinct—whether it's a bold atrium, a quirky food court, or a community heartbeat. Guests range from journalists and city planners to local historians and cultural commentators, offering diverse perspectives on place, memory, and the evolving role of malls in a dense regional fabric. The show stands out for its mix of rigorous, often humorous critique and a willingness to treat malls as social artifacts worth studying and revisiting. Potential listeners who en... more

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Which podcasts are similar to Food Court In Session?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Food Court In Session:

1. This is Vancouver
2. Hit Parade | Music History and Music Trivia
3. Front Burner
4. Lovett or Leave It
5. 32 Thoughts: The Podcast

How many episodes of Food Court In Session are there?

Food Court In Session launched 6 months ago and published 13 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Food Court In Session?

Recent guests on Food Court In Session include:

1. Christopher Cheung
2. Stephanie Ryan
3. John Roddick
4. Dan Fumano
5. Jen St. Denis
6. Chelsea Watt
7. Colin Sharp
8. Mia Hill

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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