Better Than Not

In this episode of Better Than Not, I had the pleasure to again talk with political commentator and former radio personality Scott Thompson for a post-election conversation about British Columbia's historic political shift and some of the broader changes taking place in Canadian politics. Scott talked about energy policy, affordability, housing, daylight saving time, and the effects of U.S. politics and tariffs on Canada. We discussed Canada's healthcare pressures, changing public expectations, and the push for practical results over political rhetoric. Scott further offered perspective on public service, trade, and technology and how communities may move forward in the future.

In this episode of Better Than Not, I had the pleasure and privilege to talk with internationally acclaimed tenor Benjamin Butterfield to talk about his upcoming performance with world-renown classical pianist Sarah Hagen at the Matsqui Centennial Auditorium Friday November 20th at 7:30pm. Their performance is presented as part of the Valley Concert Society series in Abbotsford British Columbia. Though Sarah did join the conversation for a moment in silent cameo, technology in the end failed us. Benjamin shared how musical ability grows through exposure, practice, community, and persistence. He spoke on how performers work with nerves rather than waiting for them to disappear and why the spaces and silences around music matter as much as the played notes. He explained the storytelling behind the program they will perform that links the work of Robert Schumann, Randy Newman, and Benjamin Britten. He also described the creative partnership he shares with Sarah. To learn more about them, you can find Sarah at www.sarahhagen.com and Benjamin at www.schwalbeandpartners.com/benjamin-butterfield-tenor.

In this episode of Better Than Not, I had the pleasure and privilege to talk with actress, filmmaker, ACTRA member and photographer Idalina Leandro. Idalina traced her creative path from childhood singing and acting to rave and fashion photography, documentary filmmaking, and her return to acting. She reflected on the realities of the fashion industry she witnessed as a photographer and pregnancy loss through her documentary work. She described taking a chance on the independent film The Pines Still Whisper (now on Amazon Prime), which earned her the Outstanding Actress Award at Edinburgh Film Festival. We discussed a creative career, the value of doing things without waiting for permission, film photography in the digital age, and the art of film casting. To learn more about Idalina, you can find her on IMDB, Instagram and Substack @afilmcompany.

In this episode of Better Than Not, I again had the pleasure and privilege to talk with investigative journalist Sam Cooper. Sam is publisher of The Bureau on Substack with over 35,000 subscribers. He was the first journalist to break Vancouver’s money laundering story in 2019 coining the term "Vancouver Model" for the transnational laundering system. He followed that with his bestselling book Wilful Blindness. Though we’ve spoken previously of organized crime impacting Canada’s sovereignty, this episode is particularly timely with the pending British Columbia provincial election in our midst along with hundreds of municipal elections across the nation. Sam discussed the deep connections between money laundering and political interference and how together along with organized crime are impacting our society and our elections. We discussed how historical and international factors contribute to the current challenges faced in Canada and how we as a citizens can stay informed, engaged and impact the future as we negotiate through the historic high cost of food and fuel, government deficits and other crises. To learn more about Sam, you can find him on Substack @samthebureau.

In this episode of Better Than Not, I had the pleasure and privilege to talk with Trish Rainone-DiLuzio, actress, screenwriter and director. Trish shared her journey from small-town beginnings to her success in the entertainment industry with shows like My Roommate’s an Escort and Pink Is In. She highlighted the importance of perseverance, creativity, and embracing unpredictability. She spoke about her experiences in acting, writing, and creating her own projects, offering insights into the realities of the entertainment world. She talked about the creation of the character Jan from her hit series - Jan’s Not Movin’ - and her innovative use of social media, which has led to unexpected opportunities. To learn more about Trish, you can find her on Instagram @trish.rainone and IMDB.

In this episode of Better Than Not, I had the pleasure and privilege to speak with Bruce Stanfield - actor, producer and artist - who shared his unconventional journey from growing up in New Zealand to acting in Canada. Bruce talked about his many diverse experiences in the film industry and his creative pursuits in painting. We talked about how spontaneity, adaptability, and passion can shape a career and how it's worked for him in the entertainment industry. We also explored the power of creativity, the impact of technology, and the importance of just going out and doing it. To learn more about Bruce, you can find him on Instagram @brucestanfieldartistactor and IMDB.

In this episode of Better Than Not, I had the pleasure and privilege to again speak with Gerry Schramm, the co-host of the Something For Nothing podcast. We discussed the incredible resurgence of Rush the band, the impact of their latest tour, and the artistry behind their music. We explored how the band has maintained relevance over 50 years. Gerry shared insights into Rush's music, history, and the band's enduring legacy. We explored their creative process, iconic songs, and the passion of their fans. To learn more about Gerry and his Something For Nothing podcast, you can find Something For Nothing on Instagram, X, Threads or via email at [email protected].

In this episode of Better Than Not, I had the distinct pleasure and privilege of speaking with author Marcus Kliewer, who shared his journey from stop-motion animator to bestselling author. We discussed how his distinctive metaphors and storytelling techniques create such immersive worlds for readers. Marcus spoke about how film and music shape creative work. We also explored his process, his influences, and what writing demands that filmmaking does not. Pick up We Used to Live Here and The Caretaker, and get ready for Please Remain Seated this September. To learn more about Marcus, find him on Instagram at @marcus_kliewer, on Reddit at r/oldhousearchive, or at www.oldhousearchive.net.

In this episode of Better Than Not, I had the pleasure to again speak with friend, writer and entrepreneur Harold Godwin. Harold was the very first guest to be part of the Better Than Not conversation back in 2023 – Episode #2 – where we talked about AI. Here, Harold shared his unique perspective on curiosity, AI, and the human condition. We explored how technological change and its increasing speed impacts identity and self-perception. Further, Harold spoke about how these areas are now weaving their way into what he likes to write about. To learn more about Harold, you can find him on Substack @haroldgodwin or at www.haroldgodwin.com.

In this episode of Better Than Not, I had the pleasure to again speak with friend, writer and entrepreneur Harold Godwin. Harold was the very first guest to be part of the Better Than Not conversation back in 2023 – Episode #2 – where we talked about AI. Here, Harold shared his unique perspective on curiosity, AI, and the human condition. We explored how technological change and its increasing speed impacts identity and self-perception. Further, Harold spoke about how these areas are now weaving their way into what he likes to write about. To learn more about Harold, you can find him on Substack @haroldgodwin or at www.haroldgodwin.com.