The RIFF Toronto

EMM - 200M Streams. No Label. No Rules. - The Riff ep 12

She climbed into a coffin full of biting worms — and kept singing. 🎵🐛 In this episode of The Riff, Gary and Jeremy sit down with EMM — a classically trained, award-winning artist from Traverse City, Michigan who grew up surrounded by musical prodigies, moved to New York before high school, and built an independent music empire with 200 million streams entirely on her own terms. Now signed with Sony/The Orchard (while keeping full ownership of her masters), EMM is on The Dumb Tour promoting her album Black Diamond — and she stopped into The Riff studio fresh off a sold-out Toronto show at the Drake Underground. In this episode: 🎤 The coffin shoot — wrong worms, biting legs, 2 hours in bugs (and she was singing live) 🎹 Growing up at Interlochen, home of child prodigies practicing 12 hours a day 💡 Why "irrational confidence" is her secret weapon 💰 How brand deals funded her music before the music funded itself 🎧 The truth about publishing rights, predatory label contracts, and keeping your leverage 🌀 Manifestation, flow states, and "transcendence" on stage 📵 Dopamine detoxes and why boredom is rocket fuel for creativity 🍪 Gluten-free treats from Bunner's Bakery in Kensington Market (and yes, they're incredible) Whether you're an artist, entrepreneur, or just someone chasing something big — this one's for you. Follow EMM: @emminreallife (all socials) | Link in bio Explore Toronto like a local: mytoronto.ca 🔔 Like, subscribe & share — sharing is caring Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2503064/fan_mail/new] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/TheRIFF] Want to watch this episode on YouTube? Subscribe to our YouTube channel [https://youtube.com/@therifftoronto?si=wNlcnHZm9exQJmys]

Kevin Comeau - From Hitchhiker to Juno Winner: The Crown Lands Story - The RIFF ep 11

What happens when a kid hears Rush for the first time and his entire life changes? We found out. Kevin Comeau of Juno Award-winning prog duo Crown Lands sits down with The Riff to talk about the moment A Farewell to Kings rewired his brain at 14, hitchhiking across Canada and down the California coast after reading Jack Kerouac, accidentally joining a reggae band in a Hollywood guitar shop, and how a Rush notation book stuffed into a backpack became the foundation of his guitar playing. We also get into the real story behind the Crown Lands name, the identity crisis that almost ended the band, getting discovered by Eric Singer of Kiss through a YouTube live video, and why their new album Apocalypse — out NOW — is the record they've always wanted to make. Plus: space operas, dragon riders, prog nerd deep dives on Yes, Genesis, King Crimson, Jan Hammer, and Joni Mitchell. Oh, and incredible food from Queen's Harbour on the Toronto waterfront. 🎸 Crown Lands – Apocalypse is out now | crownlandsmusic.com 🎙️ Sponsored by mytoronto.ca | Featuring coffee from Coffee Island (York St.) Subscribe, like & share — it genuinely helps us keep making this show. Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2503064/fan_mail/new] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/TheRIFF] Want to watch this episode on YouTube? Subscribe to our YouTube channel [https://youtube.com/@therifftoronto?si=wNlcnHZm9exQJmys]

Afrim Pristine -The World's Youngest Cheese Master Reveals What Most Food Lovers Get Wrong RIFF ep10

🎙️ What does it take to become one of the most respected names in the food world? In this episode of The RIFF, we sit down with Afrim Pristine, internationally recognized cheese master, entrepreneur, television personality, and one of Canada's leading voices in food culture. From building a world-class business to appearing on major television shows, Afrim shares the lessons, challenges, and mindset that helped shape his remarkable journey. We dive into the art and science of taste, the importance of passion and persistence, and what separates true craftsmanship from the ordinary. Whether you're a foodie, entrepreneur, aspiring creator, or simply someone who enjoys hearing incredible success stories, this conversation is packed with insights, inspiration, and plenty of surprising moments. 🔥 In this episode: ✔️ The journey to becoming a world-renowned cheese master ✔️ Behind-the-scenes stories from the food industry ✔️ Building a successful brand through passion and expertise ✔️ Lessons in entrepreneurship, creativity, and leadership ✔️ Why taste is about more than just food Don't forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more conversations with fascinating people who are changing their industries and inspiring others to do the same. #AfrimPristine #TheRIFF #Podcast #Entrepreneurship #FoodCulture #SuccessStories #CheeseMaster #Business #Leadership #Foodie #Inspiration #TorontoPodcast #Interview #CanadianBusiness #FoodIndustry Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2503064/fan_mail/new] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/TheRIFF] Want to watch this episode on YouTube? Subscribe to our YouTube channel [https://youtube.com/@therifftoronto?si=wNlcnHZm9exQJmys]

Pete Bowman - Canada's Fishing Legend Reveals All - The RIFF -ep.9

Pete Bowman — Canadian fishing legend, TV host of Fishin' Canada (3.5M viewers), and Hall of Famer — sits down with The Riff for one of the most entertaining fishing conversations you'll ever hear. From stunning a fish with a boat oar to get his lure back, to revealing how a laid-off electrician accidentally became one of Canada's most beloved TV personalities, Pete holds nothing back. In this episode: * 🎣 How Pete went from electrician to fishing icon * 🏆 Being inducted into the Canadian Angler Hall of Fame (and why it shocked him) * 🐟 Big pike, bass & monster fish hiding RIGHT in Toronto Harbour * 💰 The insane prize money in North American fishing tournaments (up to $1.25M!) * 🌊 The WILDEST fish story you've ever heard — an oar, a pike, and a turtle * ♻️ Why hunters and anglers are actually conservation's greatest allies * 🎿 Winter Olympics chaos, Ray Gun on skis, and skeleton vs. luge debates Follow Pete Bowman: 📺 Fishing Canada — Saturdays 8AM on Global TV 📸 Instagram: @petebowman_fishing 📘 Facebook & YouTube: Fishing Canada / @fishingcanadaofficial Fishing in Toronto? Pete recommends: 🎣 Fish City Tours — Taro Murata 🎣 Cast Adventures — Paul Castellano, Niagara River The Riff is a Toronto-based podcast where we sit down with fascinating people over great food and real conversation. Subscribe for new episodes every week ⬇️ #FishingCanada #PeteBowman #ThRiff #FishingPodcast #Toronto #FishingCanadaShow #CanadianFishing #BassFishing #ConservationFishing #TorontoHarbour Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2503064/fan_mail/new] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/TheRIFF] Want to watch this episode on YouTube? Subscribe to our YouTube channel [https://youtube.com/@therifftoronto?si=wNlcnHZm9exQJmys]

Maddy Goldberg - The Hidden World of Private Chefs: What Clients Never See - The RIFF ep8

What happens when a Michelin-trained chef shows up to a food bank with no set menu and two hours to feed 100 people? Pure magic. This week on The Riff, hosts Gary O'Brien and Jeremy sit down with Toronto's most fascinating chef — Maddy Goldberg. With 160K+ Instagram followers, viral food content, and a background in social work, Maddy is redefining what it means to be a chef in 2026. We get into: 🍽️ How she went from a 12-oz prime rib at age 6 to cooking at Michelin-recommended Aloette 🥄 What really goes on in a high-end restaurant kitchen (it's intense) ❤️ Why she gives 10% of every private dinner to charity 🥡 The shocking truth about food waste in the restaurant industry 😂 The story of a man who ate a full stick of butter at her dinner table (yes, really) Plus — Jeremy eats a birthday candle. Enough said. Whether you're a foodie, a creative, or someone who just wants to feel inspired — this episode delivers. Follow Maddy: 📸 Instagram: @maddygoldberg 📰 Substack: cookeat.substack.com 🎵 TikTok: @MaddyGoldberg1 --- 🎙️ The Riff drops new episodes regularly. Subscribe so you never miss one. Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2503064/fan_mail/new] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/TheRIFF] Want to watch this episode on YouTube? Subscribe to our YouTube channel [https://youtube.com/@therifftoronto?si=wNlcnHZm9exQJmys]