IANSTERLING.COM - Radio Personality Ian Sterling in Edmonton

ABOUT IAN
(Posted March 20, 2008)

First and foremost, Ian Sterling loves his family. Like the mafia, Ian considers his “family” not just his blood relatives, but his friends who he calls his “brothers” and “sisters”. This especially has become the single most important thing in his life since being diagnosed with cancer in 2006. Ian is currently in remission and is thankful everyday to his “Health Care Family”.

Ian Sterling is a spiritual person who relates closest with the Catholic Religion. He is a very positive individual who believes that something good comes out of every bad situation, even death!

Ian’s philosophy on life:

“We are all dying from the day that we are born. Only one thing is for sure; That our lives will come to an end. It is what you DO with the time that you are given that matters. Luck, and help from others can really be an influence, but it’s what you DO for the most part that affects who you are, and in what direction you are going.”

Ian Sterling is a proud Canadian, who lives in what he considers to be, one of the greatest cities in the world, London, Ontario. He shares a lot of views on his local community, province and country, and he’s garnered a lot of his opinions by having a diverse family (kin!). For example:

ON IAN'S FATHER'S SIDE OF THE FAMILY

Ian’s Dad, Rory Leishman, is a national affairs columnist for The London Free Press, Catholic Insight and The Interim: Canada's Life and Family Newspaper. He's known as a CONSERVATIVE who attempts to uphold the traditional principles of Judeo-Christian morality. He is a STRONG BELIEVER IN FREEDOM OF THE PRESS & FREEDOM OF RELIGION. Rory is married to Caroline Leishman, who is a leader in her church congregation; enjoys classical music and singing; and adores her children Jocelyn, Toge and Carine.

Ian’s “Uncle Colin”, Colin Leishman, is an admired architectural designer living in Toronto, also recognized in that city's gay community for his past years as A CREATIVE PRINCIPLE ORGANIZER OF THE ANNUAL PRIDE TORONTO FESTIVAL. Colin is also currently aiding in raising money for the Sick Kids Hospital in Toronto.

Ian’s “Aunt Chris”, Christine Stewart, a nurse by training, was a Federal LIBERAL MP for the Northumberland riding for twelve years. Before entering politics, she lived in Honduras where with Ian’s “Uncle David”, who has since passed away from cancer. (Note from Ian: May he rest in peace. We miss you) Christine and her husband founded the charity Horizons of Friendship. Perhaps she is best known for serving as Canada’s Secretary of State for Latin America and Africa and Environment Minister. Christine Stewart, amoung many other things, signed the Kyoto Accord on behalf of Canada on in 1997.

Ian's "Uncle Peter", is amoung the most successful businessmen Ian knows. Peter is a savvy entrepreneur / investor who most people would describe as the founder of an airline scheduling software company. He is best known to Ian however, as his very generous uncle, who is giving of his time, advice and money, and is always characterized with a calm / assertive approach to life and business. Peter’s wife and Ian’s “Aunt Sandra”, who is a very thoughtful host for many gatherings both at their home in Switzerland and at their Cottage in Ontario. She often volunteers her time to help her community.

ON IAN'S MOTHER'S SIDE OF THE FAMILY

Ian’s Mom, Patricia Attkins is living her days now as a proud Grandma, with Grandpa Phil Attkins, They are both semi-retired teachers and among the best at what they do. Ian can’t recall a single time when Patty has come across a former student of her Spanish classes, and that person was not genuinely thrilled to see her and more often than not, mentions to her that she was his or her’s FAVOURITE TEACHER in high school. Patty is the President and Founder of the
Crochet Club of London that creates and then donates afghans to organizations that assist people in need in and around London, Ontario. There currently have close to a hundred members and to date, they have given away more than 3700 blankets. And that does not include over 300 small PET BLANKETS! Phil helps behind the scenes.

Ian’s “Grammy”, Doris Seakwood was an avid COMMUNITY ACTIVIST on the local and U.S. State level. She received an award of service by the American Red Cross and was honoured with the highest recognition possible by Girl Guides of America for her 35 years of unpaid work. Doris passed away June 13, 1978 of cancer. She is best known to Ian as a deeply loving person who never really left us.

Ian’s “Poppy”, Grandfather Herbert J. Seakwood, is a retired International Wall Street Lawyer who is currently enjoying his retirement with Ian’s “Grandma Ad”, Adeline Seakwood in Florida. Adeline was a model for the world famous John Robert Powers Agency and worked in the film industry as a Production Coordinator. She recently was honoured with a lifetime achievement award for founding the Local 161 union, the Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees in 1964 in New York City. Ian refers to his Grandfather as AN AMERICAN WAR HERO! Although as a teenager, Herb wanted to be a Minister in the Presbyterian church, when Pearl Harbor was attacked, he felt it was his “moral responsibility” to sign up for the military and protect his country. He served with the U.S. marine Corp and reached the rank of Major.

Photographs and Notes from Herbert J. Seakwood

Photographs and Notes from Adeline Seakwood

Ian’s “Uncle John”, is not a photographer, but Poet for the visual arts. He has taken still pictures all around the world for hundreds of major film and television productions and his work has included photographing the Vice President of the United States on assignment for ABC News and various album covers. John is considered by Ian to be another father who was A TRUE HIPPIE, WHO LIVED IN A TEEPEE WITH NO ELECTRICITY AND ONLY WATER FROM A CREEK, FOR A YEAR (yes, including the winter) IN UPSTATE NEW YORK! John is married to Ian's very caring and sweet "Aunt Joanie who is a Nurse in the Adirondacks.

All of the above mentioned members of Ian’s family are highly intelligent people, and as you can imagine, have varying differences of opinion. They all have influenced Ian tremendously.

Ian Sterling is a graduate of the Radio Broadcasting program at Fanshawe College, and is currently on disability from his job as a midday n on-air Personality and Music Director for CISN (Kissin’) FM radio in Edmonton, Alberta, part of Corus Entertainment. It is a country format station targeting adults 25 to 54 years of age. The previous radio station Ian worked for was Power 92 in Edmonton, a Top 40, Contemporary Hit Music station targeting females in the 25 to 34 age demographic. Ian resided in Edmonton for five years and during his time at both of these radio stations, they both were dominant in the market and Ian's radio program rated #1 in the market for for the target audience for both stations, and #1 overall, in a major market with more than 18 radio stations competing for share. Ian Sterling has worked in the broadcasting industry primarily as a Radio Announcer since 1996.

Ian is a proud Dad of his son Troy, born in 2005.

Husband to the amazing Nathalie:

Other titles for Ian include Nephew, Uncle, Brother (Note from Ian: TO THE BEST SISTER IN THE WORLD!)

And by sister, Ian doesn't mean...

She's not goofy or fun or anything...

(More titles for Ian include) …Cousin, Son, Grandson, Sillypants... there are more, but we’ll stop here.

Ian Sterling’s career goals have been known to change, but currently he has set the following:

“To produce and host a nationally syndicated late night format television show devoted to truly celebrating all things Canadian (without reservations!), publish a best-selling book in Canada, create "The People's Party of Canada" political party that is "Socially liberal and fiscally conservative" and then run for Prime Minister!”

He figures that he will get ambitious and start dreaming big later. Along the way, Ian plans on SPREADING LOVE TO HIS “FAMILY”!

IAN'S LIFE GOALS

- Be a great Father, Husband, relative and friend, loving, thoughtful, giving, open, considerate, intuitive and actively appreciative.

- Have a good balance between family, friends and work.

- Not ever stop learning.

- Under promise and over deliver.

- Be very welcoming and accepting of people and treat everyone the way I want to be treated.

- Nurture positive relationships.

- Maintain integrity and stick to my convictions.

- Prioritize

- Remember the power of forgiveness.

- Allow time daily for reflection, thankfulness and humility.

- Allow time daily for contemplation of ways to improve personally, professionally and financially.

- Allow time daily for creative, out-of-the-box solutions to challenges.

- Cut losses, learn from mistakes.

- Prevent hardships by consulting people experienced in areas of interest.

- Compartmentalize difficulties to deal with them individually, while keeping in mind, like all bad previously experienced troubles, this too shall pass.

- Give back to my community and those less fortunate.

- Read a book a month.

- Play hockey!

TEN THINGS THAT IAN IS THANKFUL FOR

1. Life

2. His relatively good health and the health of those he loves.

3. Peace

4. Freedom

5. The resourses and liveable environment in which he lives.

6. The unconditional love and support he receives from his family, friends and pooch Brynn.

7. To be able to live comfortably within his means.

8. For the technology and benefits of living in a first world country, and in particular, the best one in the world, Canada!

9. To be living close to his relatives.

10. Hockey!

ENTERTAINERS THAT IAN RESPECTS & HIS COMMENTS:

ACTORS:

Hillary Swank - Best movie: Million $ Baby

Tom Hanks - Cast Away must've been really hard to pull off...

Edward Norton - He always picks interesting scripts.

Samuel L. Jackson - Best Movie: Changing Lanes

Joaquin Pheonix – What a contrast from his parts in the Gladiator to the Johnny Cash film.

Julia Roberts - Best Movie: Erin Brockovich

Matt Damon - He's so much better that just being Jason Bourne...

Russell Crowe - Best movie: A Beautiful Mind

Jack Nicolas - He owns every character.

Charlize Theron - Best Movie: Monster

Denzel Washington - He's the ultimate in coolness. (If a movie about my life ever comes out, I want Denzel to play me - although it might be a little awkward...)

COMEDIANS:

Jerry Seinfeld (Link to the offical site for the Seinfeld sitcom) – The king of observational humour.

Jim Carrey (Link to fan site) – Just when you think there are only so many facial expressions one can have…

Dana Carvey - An impressions MASTER!

Larry The Cable Guy – Love that drawl! He goes for shock often, but his humour is so smart! Git-R-Done brother!

Jeremy Hotz – He plays his “miserable” character SO well!

The Checkerboard Guy - The go anywere, do anything Canadian comic daredevil.

MUSICIANS:

Ian appreciates all styles of music. He categorizes his favourites by saying he's a fan of passionate musicians and songs that give him goosebumps.

Here is a recent addition to Ian's list of favourite Musicians.

Rodrigo Y Gabriela:

Comment from Ian:

They live in Ireland but are Mexican. They don't sing. They play classical guitars and are an incredibly talented pair. Gabriela plays flamenco style and thrashes on her guitar, while Rodrigo is an inspiring picker and he's influenced by HEAVY METAL! Here is a clip of when they were on Jimmy Kimmel Live. Their album entered the charts at number 1 in Ireland. It was a first for an instrumental album.