Bob's Basement: A Podcast About Change

If you are from Newfoundland there is a very good chance you have heard of Larry Foley...there is a very good chance you've seen him perform and you probably have even spoken to him. Larry started the band "The Punters" over 25 years ago and has been playing music ever since. Newfoundland had a major change right around the same time with the Cod fishery collapse. Bob and Larry also discuss how you keep traditions alive when faced with so much change.

Longtime Q107 morning show host John Derringer is the latest radio personality to join Bob in the Basement to talk change. Bob and John talk about what kind of changes need to be made to have the kind of longevity he has in an uber competitive market like Toronto. They also discuss John's sobriety and how having a family is truly the best way to change...for the better.

Sandra Plagakis is a morning radio veteran. She just celebrated 17 years with KiSS 105.3 in Ottawa. But longevity doesn't mean there hasn't been change. Bob and Sandra go over her career including her years with The Humble and Fred Show and Dean Blundell. They delve deep into sandra's unique perspective on change all the while having some great laughs. Oh and she swears. A Lot. It is great.

Who better than kids to talk about change these days? Google Classroom...Zoom classes...remote learning..."Fun Squares" (listen to find out more). Kids have been affected greatly by the pandemic and the changes it has caused. In this episode Bob talks to his two daughters Evangeline and Genevieve about how they feel about "change".

Andrea Houston is in the basement this week to talk about the ever changing world of Journalism. Andrea may be best known as one of Xtra! Magazines most prolific reporters. Bob met Andrea while he was the Program Director at 103.9 PROUD FM. Listen in as they discuss the evolving landscape of reporting, trans rights, sex worker rights and so much more.

A politician visits the basement this week. Now in his second term as Member of Parliament for Beaches-East York in Toronot Nathaniel Erskine Smith (aka Nate) is not your average backbencher. He and Bob discuss the ever changing role the parliamentarian along with the changes that came with the pandemic. Nate also sheds some light on the controversial Bill C-10 with Bob. They discuss if there are any real "checks and balances" with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's findings. Bob also reveals how Nate helped him personally while in Cuba at the very beginning of the pandemic.

Jennifer Sylvester is the co-host of Indigenous Waves on CIUT radio 89.5FM She is in her second year as a PhD Student in Social Justice Education @ U of T. She is an Indigenous Rights Activist. She is Indigenous . Oh, she also grew up with Bob. They've known each other for nearly 40 years! Take a listen to two old friends talk about change on a personal level and about the many changes happening with the Indigenous community and it's relationship to Canada. Follow Jennifer @jjsylvester04 on Twitter.

When it comes to change Dee Snider has a story to tell. In the mid 1980's his band Twisted Sister was at the top of the world with a massive album, major tour, and one of the most iconic videos of all time for "We're Not Gonna Take It". Fast forward a few years and Dee found himself broke and working a desk job. Dee shares his perspective on change as only a Metal Legend can. Take a listen and be sure to make it to the end where Dee goes off on many current events. Look for Dee Snider's latest solo record "Leave A Scar" on Napalm records on July 30 2021.

Cody and Kevin are an epic sounding prog rock two piece from Oshawa Ontario. Bob met them while Music Director at 94.9 the Rock. They are about to embark on their first headlining tour of Canada this fall. They have opened for Jack White and are Juno Award winners. Listen as they discuss how the pandemic actually saved the band. They also discuss the meaning of the band's name and how important Indigenous Rights are to them.

Fellow Torontonian Stu Stone is in the basement this week to talk all things change. Stu embodies the concept of change you just need to take a look at his resume. From Donnie Darko to My Pet Monster to Pandemic Fridays to Rollin' with Bob Saget Stu is a truly a jack of all trades. We also take a deeper look into Stu's history with pro wrestling and revisit some shared memories about Maple Leaf Gardens.