Foothills Famous: Conversations With Calgary Entertainers

Taylor McNallie is the force behind Taylor Made Radio, Taylor Made Studios and Bubble Bath Buffet. We talk about the hustle, the challenges of personal brands and the pros and cons of being involved in Calgary's arts and entertainment scene.

Michelle Atkinson is an award winning glass artist and graphic designer from Calgary. We talk about her art, her inspiration and her company Jewel Notes.

Rubix is a hip-hop artist from Calgary. We talk about his beginnings, his writing process, dancing, his work with Indigenous youth, hip-hop's importance to the Filipino culture and more.

Jory Kinjo lives in Calgary, where he was born and raised, but his musical journey regularly sees him performing in Japan and New York City. We talk about roots music, making a living with music, studying jazz in university, Mocking Shadows and the universal power of music.

Tarik 'Teekay' Robinson is a mainstay in the Calgary hip hop scene. Together with DJ Cosm he forms Dragon Fli Empire, a duo that has represented the 403 with style and consistency for nearly two decades. We discuss his beginnings in hip hop, DFE's several European tours, and how his days at William Aberheart High influenced his rap style.

When I moved to Calgary I knew him simply as 'Castle John'. John Hiebert tells of being a punk rocker in the Calgary High School environment of the 1980s, of the upward trajectory and eventual snags that encountered his band Field Day, of touring with the Backyardigans and of working at Festival Hall in Inglewood today!

Zak Pashak's incredible story of sudden wealth and attention is right at the heart of Calgary's music and nightlife culture. A sudden influx of cash, the opening of Broken City, the launching of Sled Island Music Festival, a run at City Hall and a relocation to Detroit to manufacture bicycles. It's all here in candid detail. A great chat with Zak Pashak.

Guest host Brian Campbell comes in and regular host Jonathan Stoddart (AKA Ricca Razor Sharp) becomes the guest. Brian asks Ricca about his 20 year music career, defEKt, Phattoe, Audible Intelligence, Blades of Steel, bad fashion choices and being a white rapper.

I sit with Old's Alberta's Christina Ray and discussing her modelling career, the transformation towards body positivity taking place in modelling and society, her work with 'Local Women Unite' and all other aspects of her busy and inspiring life.

Amy Bishop is a very talented singer/songwriter right here in Calgary. She shows up at my place at 8:30 AM, guitar in hand, and reflects on her musical journey, while looking forward to the future. From her church choir roots to her stint on TV's 'The Launch' and her friendship with Nikki Sixx we have a great conversation!