In this episode, we sit down with Chris Rigas, owner of The Firehall Restaurant in St. Davids, to talk about the journey behind becoming a restaurant owner—and the realities that come with it.

Chris shares what inspired him to step into entrepreneurship, along with the pressures, risks, and resilience required to keep a restaurant alive in a changing world. We dive into the ongoing challenges facing the restaurant industry since COVID, from rising costs to shifting customer expectations, and what it takes to keep showing up day after day.

At the heart of it all is Chris’s passion for tasty, comforting food rooted in his Mediterranean heritage, and his commitment to creating meals that feel both familiar and meaningful for his community.

An honest conversation about food, culture, perseverance, and what it really means to build something you care deeply about.

In this episode of Artistically Married, we sit down with Marshall and Sarah Bureau to talk about creativity, partnership, and building a life rooted in art.

Sarah is the owner of a truly unique eyeglass shop in St. Catharines, where style and design meet self-expression. Marshall, while a huge part of the business, is also an incredibly talented drummer whose love of music runs deep.

We dive into what it’s really like to be business owners, the role music plays in their everyday lives, and how art shows up not just in their work—but in their marriage, their home, and the way they move through the world together.

This conversation is an honest and inspiring look at how creativity can shape a shared life.

In this candid, free-flowing episode of Artistically Married, we sit down with Carl David “CD” Onofrio for a conversation that feels more like a long exhale between old friends than a formal interview.

Born in the United States during the Vietnam War, Carl reflects on his early roots, the political atmosphere of his childhood, and his father’s pivotal decision to move their family to Canada. From there, the conversation unfolds organically—touching on history, identity, and the deeply cathartic power of music and art to heal the soul and bring people together.

This episode is a reminder of why creativity matters, why understanding history matters, and why conscious peace—again and again, in perpetuity—is something we must actively choose.

Honest, grounding, and deeply human, this chat offered all of us a much-needed refresher on connection, collective healing, and the role artists play in shaping a more thoughtful world.

In this holiday episode, we sit down with our son, Phoenix Akkerman, to talk about his experience of Christmas this year and what stood out most from his perspective.

We also share a brief update on our upcoming family trip to Mexico, what we’re looking forward to, and how travel can be something to anticipate beyond the holiday season.

To close, we reflect on ways to make Christmas feel meaningful without overspending — focusing on intention, traditions, and connection rather than excess spending. A grounded conversation about creating memorable experiences while staying within a realistic budget.

This is a relaxed, reflective episode centered on family, perspective, and keeping the season magical but simple.

In this episode of Artistically Married, we sit down with Ethan Rising, a true rising star in the world of sound engineering. Through blood, sweat, and tears, Ethan has poured countless hours into building and supporting Niagara’s music scene—shaping live events, recording projects, and artistic celebrations across the region.

Ethan opens up about how his journey has evolved since the early days: from running his own recording studio to freelancing in Toronto, and how each step has challenged him to grow both creatively and professionally. We talk about the realities of working behind the scenes, the dedication it takes to build trust in the industry, and how staying connected to community has guided his path.

This conversation is a powerful look at perseverance, passion, and the quiet impact of those who help artists sound their very best.

In this week’s episode, we sit down with Jon McGowan — the coach behind Agile and a visionary voice in business, real estate, and the evolving world of AI.

Jon brings a refreshing, future-focused mindset that challenges us to rethink how we work, create, and grow in a generation shaped by artificial intelligence.

From building successful businesses to understanding the real impact of AI platforms, Jon breaks down what it means to stay adaptable, human-centered, and authentically driven.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, creative, or someone curious about where the world is headed, this episode will leave you inspired and ready to take your next step forward.

In this week’s Artistically Married episode, we sit down with Dr. Ernie Bagnulo, one of the most caring and community-focused chiropractic doctors we’ve ever met. His genuine passion for helping people, combined with a deep love for his work, shines through every moment of this inspiring conversation.

Ernie shares his journey to becoming a fully accredited chiropractic doctor, the challenges and triumphs along the way, and the mindset required to build a thriving wellness practice right here in Niagara.

From the importance of patient-centered care to the realities of running a purpose-driven business, this episode is filled with stories, insights, and wisdom for anyone curious about health, entrepreneurship, or following a calling.

Whether you're interested in wellness, growing a meaningful business, or simply love hearing from remarkable humans doing great things for their community, this episode will leave you encouraged and inspired!

Join us for an incredible conversation with Danno O'Shea — drummer, arranger, and the creative engine behind the powerhouse horn-funk collective My Son the Hurricane.

In this episode, Danno takes us inside the band’s 10-year rise: from early vision to becoming one of Canada’s most explosive live acts. He breaks down what it really takes to run a band of this size — the logistics, leadership, organization, and relentless work ethic that make it function like a corporation.

We talk creativity, touring, resilience after setbacks, and the behind-the-scenes operations that keep a 12+ piece musical hurricane moving forward. If you love music, storytelling, or a masterclass in turning passion into a thriving enterprise, this episode is for you.

In this episode of Artistically Married, we welcome Ji Sharp, acclaimed singer-songwriter of Road Waves. Ji offers an insightful and candid look into the realities of working in today’s music industry—balancing creative drive with the challenges of constant travel, emotional isolation, and the pressures that accompany growing recognition.

Throughout the conversation, Ji reflects on formative moments from the road, personal achievements that have shaped his artistic identity, and the intentional choices he makes to maintain grounding and connection amidst a demanding career.

He also shares a preview of his upcoming performance on January 10th at The Warehouse. This thoughtful and engaging discussion highlights both the resilience and vulnerability behind a life dedicated to music.

In this episode, we sit down with Matt Bonanno, founder of Iron Will Raw. Matt shares the story of building his raw dog food company from the ground up, turning a small idea into a million-dollar business.

He reflects on the challenges, discipline, and determination that shaped Iron Will Raw, and speaks openly about the decision to sell the company after years of hard work.

This conversation offers a grounded look at entrepreneurship, resilience, and what it means to step away from something you built with your own hands.