Summer Corn and Zucchini Chowder

Name: Summer Corn and Zucchini Chowder
Ingredients: olive oil spray; 3 slices bacon; 1 cup yellow onion (diced); 1/2 cup carrot (diced); 1/2 cup celery (diced); 2 cloves garlic (finely minced); 2 medium russet potatoes (diced); 2 sprigs thyme; 2 bay leaves; 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth ((or 1 quart)); 4 ears sweet corn (kernels cut off the cob); 1 zucchini (chopped); 1 cup half & half; 2 teaspoons kosher salt (more or less to taste); black pepper (freshly ground, to taste); parsley (minced for garnish); cayenne pepper ( or paprika, for garnish)