Welcome with Karim Kanji

NEW: Beth French

Dive into an inspiring conversation on the latest episode of [Podcast Name] featuring host Karim Kanji in dialogue with the incredible Beth French! They kicked off by exploring their shared affinity for the sea and the diverse accessibility it presents across different regions. Beth, a force to be reckoned with, shared insights into her health journey, her son's passion for water activities, and her awe-inspiring participation in the Ocean Seven Challenge. This entails conquering seven global channels solo, without any assistance - talk about an extraordinary feat! Get ready for a raw and honest conversation as Beth opens up about her challenging battle with ME, shedding light on the physical pain, bedridden moments, and the often overlooked struggles of her condition. Her journey into channel swimming post-single motherhood underscores her determination to overcome health barriers and navigate the unique challenges of solo parenting. The dialogue also unpacks their differing perspectives on open water, with Beth embracing it as a transformative experience while Karim grapples with a hint of apprehension. Beth delves into the significance of documenting her channel swimming exploits, sharing her transformative journey of pushing personal boundaries and conquering mental and physical hurdles. Hear her reflections on self-discovery, mental fortitude, and the decision to attempt all seven channels in a single year - a testament to her resilience and a challenge to understand her body's capabilities. But that's not all – the conversation extends to the trials Beth faced while filming her swimming adventures and parenting Dylan, her son with autism. Tune in to [Podcast Name] for an exploration of resilience, self-discovery, and the incredible journey of Beth French as she navigates the seas and life's challenges.

NEW: Grant Avenue Studio

Welcome to an enriching exploration in the latest episode of "Welcome To The Music," where Karim Kanji, alongside Gregg Tilston, unfolds the intricate narrative of Grant Avenue Studio's Control Room. In this episode, we engage in profound conversations with the masterminds behind the scenes, Mike Bruce and Andrew Lauzon.This piece delves into the heart of Hamilton's musical legacy, unraveling the studio's rich history. From hosting distinguished visitors to the meticulous crafting of a distinctive "house sound," we venture into the personal anecdotes that breathe life into this iconic space.Mike and Andrew generously take us on a behind-the-scenes tour, sharing their journey and offering exclusive insights into the studio's intricacies. The mixing and editing suite, featuring high-end gear tailored for independent producers, is laid bare for our exploration.Our discourse explores the timeless allure of vintage gear, shining a spotlight on unique sonic qualities like the Neumann M49B mic. Andrew passionately emphasizes the irreplaceable value of vintage gear, crafting a sonic signature that echoes the concept of a "house sound."The narrative weaves around the idea that a studio's historical legacy serves as an everlasting inspiration for artists, propelling the creation of new musical stories. The episode concludes with tantalizing hints about upcoming talent in Hamilton, promising a vibrant future for the local music scene.Join us in this podcast episode as we celebrate the essence of musical storytelling and its profound influence on shaping the future of sound. Step into the magic of Grant Avenue Studio and uncover the sonic legacy it holds within its walls.

Steven Page!

Gregg Tilston and Karim Kanji welcome to the show Steven Page! The episode begins with a discussion on the creation of the Trans Canada Highwaymen album Explosive Hits Vol 1, a K-Tel tribute album, sharing anecdotes about the song selection process, remote recording during the pandemic, and the creation of the infomercial for the album. They also explored the profound impact of growing up in Scarborough on Steven’s musical influences and personal identity, discussing how the multicultural environment and music programs in Scarborough played a pivotal role in shaping his perspectives and ultimately contributed to the formation of the band the Barenaked Ladies. Steven Page shared personal anecdotes about his enduring friendship with fellow musicians, past collaborations, and current work on a new record. He also emotionally recounted the experience of singing Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” at Jack Layton’s memorial service, expressing the pressure and honor of fulfilling Layton’s request. Additionally, he performed a song from his recent album and discussed his regular live streams during the pandemic, where he plays his own songs and covers. The meeting also involved discussions about lost venues, Steven’s music preferences, and the details of the upcoming show on Easter weekend. For more information check out https://transcanadahighwaymen.ca/

Morgan Campbell: My Fighting Family

The episode kicks off with host Karim Kanji and returning guest and new author Morgan Campbell discussing the parallels between the publishing and boxing industries, highlighting the similarities between writers and boxers, editors and trainers, and agents and managers. They emphasize the importance of active promotion in both fields, drawing insightful comparisons between book promotion and the marketing efforts involved in selling pay-per-view boxing events. The episode then touches on the intricacies of writing a book about family, with Campbell highlighting the complexities of family dynamics and the need to write from his own perspective. They also reflect on their experiences with education, sharing memories of the lack of natural light in their school and the impact of technology on learning. Campbell passionately addresses the issue of Black America's culture being underappreciated and appropriated, emphasizing the lack of authentic love and compensation for their contributions. The meeting concludes with a discussion about a poignant passage from Campbell's book, "My Fighting Family Borders and Bloodlines and the Battles That Made Us," where Campbell vividly describes a pivotal moment in a high school football game. They also share their thoughts on the upcoming Super Bowl, with Campbell expressing his confidence in the Kansas City Chiefs' ability to outperform the San Francisco 49ers.

Craig Northey: Odds and Trans-Canada Highwaymen

Craig Northey, lead singer of Odds, joined Gregg Tilston and Karim Kanji on the show earlier this year. Canadian rock band Odds released their seventh studio album, "Crash the Time Machine," co-produced by Steven Page earlier this year. The album explores themes of struggle and community, showcasing the band's evolution into new musical directions while maintaining their dark ironic signature. The first track, "Staring at a Blank Page," is described as defiantly joyful, offering a perspective on overcoming immovable obstacles by altering one's own outlook. Singer and guitarist Craig Northey emphasizes the significance of friendship as a form of immortality, acknowledging the collaborative influence of friends, including the late John Mann of Spirit of the West, on the album. The band, consisting of Northey, bassist Doug Elliott, drummer Pat Steward, and guitarist Murray Atkinson, reflects on their musical journey, rooted in the present but informed by a rich past dating back to their founding in 1987. Odds gained recognition with their 1991 debut, "Neopolitan," and continued to achieve success with Gold-selling releases like "Bedbugs" in 1993 and Platinum-selling "Good Weird Feeling" in 1995. After a hiatus in 1999, they regrouped in 2007 to embark on the second chapter of their recording career with the release of "Cheerleader" in 2008.