204 Rise

What does it take to turn your love for festivals into a movement that changes lives? In this episode, we sit down with Desa Desautels, a driving force in the EDM scene who’s redefining what it means to be part of festival culture. From her first rave experiences to stepping behind the decks as a DJ, Desa opens up about her journey of passion, community, and purpose.

She shares the story of Festi Bestiez, the harm reduction initiative she founded that’s become a trusted source of safety, drug testing, and support at festivals across the scene. We get into why logistics and care matter, the impact of creating a supportive environment for festival-goers, and the lessons she’s learned along the way.

Desa also reflects on the energy of performing as a DJ, the realities of life inside rave culture, and her vision for the future. This is an inspiring conversation about music, impact, and what it takes to leave a lasting mark on the community you love.
00:00 Getting Involved in the Community
01:10 Early Festival Experiences & Harm Reduction 
02:30 Starting Out as a DJ 
04:15 Discovering EDM and Festival Culture 
07:00 Building Connections and Breaking In 
09:00 Becoming a Go-Getter 
11:00 Life as a DJ: Memorable Moments 
12:00 Inside the Rave and EDM Scene 
13:30 The Story Behind Festi Bestiez 
15:50 Launching Harm Reduction Services 
17:00 How Drug Testing Works at Festivals 
19:25 Festi Bestiez' Fast Growth 
20:55 Ambitions for the Future 
22:00 Festival Logistics & Safety 
23:10 Looking Ahead & Final Advice 
🔗 Connect with 204 Rise 🔗 ‣ https://linktr.ee/204Rise 
📻 Listen to us on the Radio Every Tuesday! 📻 ‣ https://umfm.com/programming. 
📧 Any business inquires, please email... 📧 ‣ [email protected]

#FestivalCulture #RaveCommunity #EDMFamily #EDMCommunity #FestivalLife #HarmReduction #FestiBestiez #RaveSafety #FestivalSeason #RaveFam #FestivalWellness #RaversOfInstagram #FestivalSupport #DJLife #WomenInEDM #FestivalStories #BehindTheDecks #EDMScene #MusicWithPurpose #RaveLife

What does it really take to turn passion into purpose? In this episode, we sit down with Andrew Lampa to unpack his journey of chasing creativity, overcoming setbacks, and building a life fueled by music and community. From his first breaks in the industry to moments of doubt and rock bottom, Andrew opens up about how he found confidence again and the lessons that shaped his path. We explore the challenges of balancing a day job with passion, the surprising overlap between DJing and professional life, and the full-circle moments that reminded him why he started. With raw honesty and inspiration, Andrew reflects on resilience, growth, and the advice he’d give his younger self proof that chasing your dream is never a wasted effort.
00:00 Starting Out and First Breaks 
03:03 Building Confidence and Creating Community 
06:07 Overcoming Challenges and Personal Growth 
12:04 Rock Bottom and Finding Purpose Again 
17:28 The Musical Journey: Highs, Lows, and Lessons 
22:10 The Balance of Day Job and Passion 
27:29 Skill Overlap: DJing and Professional Life 
31:43 Full Circle Moments and Creative Inspiration 
36:10 Advice to My Younger Self and Closing Thoughts

#AndrewLampa #MusicJourney #DJLife #CreativeJourney #PassionToPurpose #ChasingDreams #Resilience #OvercomingObstacles #LifeOfADJ #MusicCommunity #StayInspired #DreamChasers #PurposeDrivenLife #MusicIsLife #CreativeGrowth #ConfidenceAndCommunity #PursueYourDreams #CreativeLifestyle #DJCulture #MusicianLife
 

In this episode of the 204Rise podcast we joined by Lumasi! From first tour to life on the road, Lumasi has been carving out a name as one of the most exciting voices in music today. In this episode of the 204 Rise Podcast, he opens up about chasing passion, balancing life as a full-time artist, and the raw reality of building a music career.

Lumasi shares how he battles burnout, stays true to his creative process, and finds strength in community and collaboration. We get into imposter syndrome, the grind behind the scenes, and what it really takes to go all in on your dreams.

Whether you’re a dreamer chasing your own path or simply curious about the realities of making music full-time, this episode is filled with inspiration, raw honesty, and advice you won’t want to miss.

00:00 Finding Passion in Music

02:52 Growing Up & Early Dreams

05:40 First Tour & Life on the Road

08:03 The Grind & Balancing Mental Health

10:45 Overcoming Burnout & Taking Care

13:13 Creative Process & Musical Identity

16:08 Impact, Imposter Syndrome & Inspiration

18:13 Making Music Full-Time & Taking Risks

20:01 The Power of Community & Collaboration

21:13 Returning Home & Full Circle Moments

21:51 Upcoming Projects & Exciting Future

22:52 Final Advice for Dreamers & Outro

#Lumasi #204RisePodcast #MusicJourney #IndependentArtist #TourLife #MusicianLife #CreativeProcess #MusicIndustry #FullTimeArtist #ImposterSyndrome #BurnoutRecovery #ArtistGrowth #PassionToCareer #LifeOnTheRoad #BehindTheMusic #UpAndComingArtist #MusicCommunity #CollaborationInMusic #ChasingDreams #MusicInspiration
 

In this episode, we sit down with Infekt, an EDM artist who turned his passion for music into a full-time career. From his creative beginnings to the rush of festival crowds, Infekt opens up about life behind the decks, the milestones that defined his journey, and the moment he left his day job to pursue music.

We dive into the realities of touring, staying healthy on the road, and the confidence it takes to battle imposter syndrome. Infekt also shares what it was like to collaborate with Marshmello, the story behind his name and brand, and his biggest advice for new artists: always enjoy the process. Packed with energy, inspiration, and raw reflections, this conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at the mindset and music of Infekt.

#Infekt #Dubstep #RiddimDubstep #BassMusic #EDMProducer #SoundDesign #FestivalSets #SummerOfSound #SummerOfSound2025 #VinylCulture #BassScene #MusicProduction #EDMCommunity #WinnipegMusic #204RisePodcast

From late-night sessions in the studio to topping charts across the globe Joel Corry’s journey is a powerful lesson in resilience, passion, and unwavering persistence. On the latest episode of the 204 Rise Podcast, Joel dives deep into the highs and lows of chasing a dream for over 20 years. He shares the raw moments of doubt and heartbreak that nearly made him walk away from the music but also the breakthrough spark that everything changed with his massive hit, “Head & Heart.”

We dive deep into:

00:00 Embracing Pressure & Musical Beginnings

03:39 Chasing Dreams, Side Quests & Staying Focused

07:51 Breakthroughs: The Story Behind 'Head & Heart'

11:27 Lockdown, Impact & Finding Balance

14:07 Highs, Lows & Lessons Learned

17:01 Motivation, Mindset & Staying Humble

20:18 Advice for Aspiring DJs & The Power of Hard Work

22:07 Family Support & The Big Breakthrough Moment

24:16 Reflections & First Time in Winnipeg

Whether you’re chasing your own dream or just curious about the mindset behind one of dance music’s biggest names, this conversation is full of raw honesty, inspiration, and practical advice for anyone striving to make it.

🔗 Connect with 204 Rise 🔗
‣ https://linktr.ee/204Rise

📻 Listen to us on the Radio Every Tuesday! 📻
‣ https://umfm.com/programming.

📧 Any business inquires, please email... 📧
‣ [email protected]

#JoelCorry #HeadAndHeart #MusicJourney #DanceMusic #204Rise #ChasingDreams #BeyondTheHit #FromStruggleToSuccess #ProducerLife #MusicBreakthrough #ChartTopper #PodcastEpisode #NeverGiveUp

On this episode of the 204 Rise Podcast, we sat down with violinist and career musician Allan Palmer, whose journey started as a young busker on the streets of Winnipeg. Now performing across weddings, events, and live shows, Allan has made a name for himself with his soulful take on violin music.

We talked about the differences between playing for a packed crowd vs. an intimate ceremony, the surprising culture behind classical music and violin circles, and his passion for breaking the traditional mold to explore new musical directions. Oh, and did we mention he models on the side?

Allan also gave us a live in-studio performance — a moment you don’t want to miss.

🎧 Tap in for stories, talent, and real conversations with a creative who's carving his own lane in a classical world.

Explore the vibrant heartbeat of Winnipeg culture with Stephen Hua, a key driver behind the city's nightlife, events, and community-building. As co‑founder of Summer of Sound, he helped bring huge names to local stages. Today, Stephen continues shaping the Exchange District with innovative ventures like Commonwealth Kitchen + Bar, a sleek dinner-club concept that celebrates Winnipeg’s culinary arts while revitalizing heritage architecture.

In this conversation, Stephen walks us through his evolution from grassroots promoter facing setbacks, to creative entrepreneur balancing nightlife, hospitality, and cultural engagement. We talk the highs and lows of sustaining live events under pressure, the vision behind creating inclusive spaces like Commonwealth, and what it truly takes to champion Winnipeg’s growing identity.

Whether you're curious about building community through live events, launching a restaurant concept, or leading change in historic neighborhoods, you’ll find Stephen’s journey inspiring, honest, and deeply rooted in the city he loves.

#WinnipegCulture #DowntownWinnipeg #ExchangeDistrict #PegCityVibes #YWGEvents #EntrepreneurLife #BusinessOwner #EventProducer #CreativeEntrepreneur #LocalBusinessSupport #NightlifeCulture #RestaurantLife #WinnipegEats #DinnerClub #HospitalityIndustry #CommunityBuilder #CultureShifter #SupportLocal #CityMakers #PeopleOfWinnipeg #204Rise #204RisePodcast #PodcastInterview #CreatorConversations #BehindTheBrand

On this episode of the 204 Rise Podcast, we sit down with fitness coach and entrepreneur Janelle Hill, @janellefaithill, who carved her path as a fitness influencer before it was cool. From early content creation to building her own coaching business @gymwithjan, Janelle shares her journey of turning passion into purpose.

We talk about what it was like getting into the fitness industry early on, how she grew her online presence authentically, and the rewards (and challenges) of helping others live healthier lives. Now partnered with Metabolic Fitness in Winnipeg, Janelle coaches clients both locally and virtually—creating lasting impact beyond the gym.

Whether you're into fitness, entrepreneurship, or just want to hear a real story of growth and drive, this one’s for you!

#FitnessJourney #WomenInFitness #FitnessCoach #OnlineCoach #PersonalTrainerLife #FitnessMotivation #GymWithJan #WinnipegFitness #FitnessEntrepreneur #HealthAndWellness #MetabolicFitness #InfluencerToCoach #FitnessLifestyle #204Rise #PodcastInterview

In this episode of the 204Rise podcast, we take you inside the Winnipeg Sea Bears' 2025 Media Day for an exclusive look at the people and passion driving Manitoba’s pro basketball team.

From Head Coach and GM Mike Taylor’s leadership to the dedication of players l we explore how the Sea Bears are building a culture of excellence both on and off the court. We also chat with key front office staff, including President Jason Smith and VP of Business Operations Sahra Uddin, to understand the vision behind the franchise’s rapid growth.

Whether you're a die-hard fan or new to the CEBL, this episode offers an authentic glimpse into the heart of Winnipeg’s basketball scene.

Welcome back Neema Naz! We catch up on his incredible journey since we last spoke. Neema has been grinding harder than ever, pushing himself to new heights in the world of comedy. We dig deep into what it really takes to build a career as a professional comedian, from navigating tough crowds and nonstop travel to going back to school to sharpen his craft.

Get ready for honest stories, behind-the-scenes insight, and plenty of laughs as Neema opens up about the hustle, the struggles, and the passion that fuels his rise. Whether you’re chasing your own dream or just love a good comedy story, this episode delivers real talk and motivation you don’t want to miss.

00:00:00 Welcome Neema + Drake 100K giveaway
00:03:57 The Journey to Comedy and Parental Support
00:07:53 Pursuing Comedy Over Kinesiology
00:11:49 Comedy Milestone: Opening for Russell Peters
00:16:04 The Role of Roasting and Camaraderie in Comedy
00:20:05 Navigating Entrepreneurship: Managing Expectations and Setbacks
00:24:47 Interactions with Influential Figures
00:28:42 Life-Changing Moment Before 30
00:32:52 Navigating Tough Crowds: Comedy in Australia
00:37:08 The Pressure and Joy of Stand-Up Comedy
00:41:50 Navigating the Challenges of Tour Planning
00:46:27 Evolution of Comedy: Embracing Reps and Specializing in Style

#204Rise #NeemaNaz #ComedyGrind #StandUpJourney #BehindTheLaughs #PodcastEpisode #KeepGrinding