To many, "gay" and "Catholic" seem like contradictory terms...after all, The Church's rules for homosexuals are quite different and more stringent than those for heterosexuals. Furthermore, some clergy and leaders in The church preach a very hard line on the matter and finally, the institution tends to represent traditionalism while open homosexuality is a matter of a modern, liberal society. What is it like, then, to be an openly gay man while remaining not just a practicing Catholic, but one who shares his gifts and volunteers in his parish and community? My friend Séan joins me to take me through his journey and discuss how he reconciles these two very important aspects of his identity.

Recorded on March 18th, 2016

Music: Hazardous - Light

CORRECTION: I erroneously referred to the cruise as "7,000 Tons of Metal" in the episode. It's actually 10 times better than that: 70,000 Tons of Metal and 70000tons.com. Apologies!

Going on a cruise is the preferred method of vacationing for many people around the world. But, what do you think of when you hear the word 'cruise'? I know I never thought of heavy metal rock music...well, as it turns out, if this genre floats your boat (sorry, I had to), there's an option just for you! A massive 4 day party where 60 bands perform almost around the clock as several thousand attendees from all corners of the world take in the action, mingle, and have a jolly good time. What is that whole experience like? What should one keep in mind if he/she is thinking of attending and boarding this pirate ship? My good friend, Maciej just returned from the 6th successful voyage of '70,000 Tons of Metal' and has lived to tell the tale...which he generously shared with me.  

Recorded on March 9th, 2016.

CORRECTION: I erroneously referred to the cruise as "7,000 Tons of Metal" in the episode. It's actually 10 times better than that: 70,000 Tons of Metal and 70000tons.com. Apologies!

Going on a cruise is the preferred method of vacationing for many people around the world. But, what do you think of when you hear the word 'cruise'? I know I never thought of heavy metal rock music...well, as it turns out, if this genre floats your boat (sorry, I had to), there's an option just for you! A massive 4 day party where 60 bands perform almost around the clock as several thousand attendees from all corners of the world take in the action, mingle, and have a jolly good time. What is that whole experience like? What should one keep in mind if he/she is thinking of attending and boarding this pirate ship? My good friend, Maciej just returned from the 6th successful voyage of '70,000 Tons of Metal' and has lived to tell the tale...which he generously shared with me.  

Recorded on March 9th, 2016. 

of existence, YouTube has grown to become much more than the world's biggest

online video platform: It is now the number one source of entertainment for

many people, especially those 20ish and younger. It has turned the experience

of watching television from a solitary one (a small group one, at most) into a

connected global community, full of its own rules, celebrities, and loyal fans.

To decipher the ins and outs, learn about the biggest stars, hear about what

makes the community tick, and more I'm joined by a friend who doesn't even own

a TV, such is her devotion to this new media world. Together we discuss how the

community operates, YouTube's business model, the future of the medium as its

fans + stars age, and much more.

YouTubers mentioned on the show:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Shaalini88

There's something about weddings... In the multicultural society that we inhabit here in North America they are one of the few life events along with birthdays and funerals that most of us take part in regardless of creed or religious background. It's a topic of much conversation and speculation, especially among women! On this episode I'm joined by Olivia; co-founder of onedaysoon.ca, a wedding blog. As we dissect the big day we dive into the world of etiquette, the way new media is changing the occasion, and much more. I also put questions to her from FWIW listeners which yield some interesting opinions as well as advice on how to handle everything from invites to bridezillas.Recorded on January 20th, 2016

Music: Intro: Hazardous - Light

There's something about weddings... In the multicultural society that we inhabit here in North America they are one of the few life events along with birthdays and funerals that most of us take part in regardless of creed or religious background. It's a topic of much conversation and speculation, especially among women! On this episode I'm joined by Olivia; co-founder of onedaysoon.ca, a wedding blog. As we dissect the big day we dive into the world of etiquette, the way new media is changing the occasion, and much more. I also put questions to her from FWIW listeners which yield some interesting opinions as well as advice on how to handle everything from invites to bridezillas.Recorded on January 20th, 2016
Music: Intro: Hazardous - Light

playing out in the public domain. Medical research is starting to suggest that

concussions suffered as a result of playing the game can have severe, even

lethal consequences. Players are speaking out too...like ex-NFL Receiver Randle

El, who publicly stated that if he could go back in time, he wouldn't choose to

play that game on account of his health issues which he connects to his

football career. What are we to make of all this? To help shed light on the

past, present, and future of this issue, I'm joined by my brother - an

anesthesiologist and big NFL (Bucs) fan. Take a listen to his $0.02 on the

matter with a special focus on the recent hit film 'Concussion' and its protagonist, Dr. Bennet Omalu and his discovery of chronic traumatic encephalopathy

in former NFL players. Oh, and find out who he predicts will win the Super Bowl

this year!

Growing up in the 90s and 2000s it was quite common for kids of all backgrounds to

listen to rap or hip-hop, some taking to the genre to the point of striking out

on their own and creating music. That’s how my guest got started: first working with others and now going solo as well as taking part in other

aspects of the industry such as ghost writing. His name is Cody and goes by

Lotus. He’s put out a lot of music and continues to create new sounds. In addition to his story,

you’ll hear his take on the game, whether having his own young family has changed

his take on the messages in hip hop, the ever simmering issues

of race and gender in the hip hop universe, and more. *NSFW language warning* Hide yo kids...Lotus' music can be found here:https://soundcloud.com/thatdudelotushttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVrobNI4Q_yACzcz9HDi0GgRecorded on December 9th, 2015. Music: Intro: Hazardous - Light Lotus - Rodeo DriveLotus - Say What's Real

Sebastian Pavlovec might as well be the most interesting man in the world...between the various jobs he's held, his passion for flying, and part time DJ gigs, it's hard to keep up with him! On this episode I take you through his story, we explore the world of professional recruiting (his current job), check out some of his music, hear what it was like to work as a pilot for Frank O'Dea, the co-founder of Second Cup, and more...Sebastian's music can be found here: https://soundcloud.com/aces-djhttps://www.facebook.com/AcesDj

The podcasts Sebastian mentions are: http://www.aboveandbeyond.nu/abgthttp://www.astateoftrance.com/podcastshttps://soundcloud.com/anjunadeephttp://electricfor.lifeRecorded on December 1st, 2015. 

Music: Intro: Hazardous - LightAces DJ Tracks: https://soundcloud.com/aces-dj/beat-organ-vs-hurricane-aces-bootleg and https://soundcloud.com/aces-dj/terror-squad-still-getting-it

N.B. I've changed the sequence of episodes...this is now episode 7. Please disregard me saying it's episode 9...more on this in the next episode!

Sebastian Pavlovec might as well be the most interesting man in the world...between the various jobs he's held, his passion for flying, and part time DJ gigs, it's hard to keep up with him! On this episode I take you through his story, we explore the world of professional recruiting (his current job), check out some of his music, hear what it was like to work as a pilot for Frank O'Dea, the co-founder of Second Cup, and more...Sebastian's music can be found here: https://soundcloud.com/aces-djhttps://www.facebook.com/AcesDj

The podcasts Sebastian mentions are: http://www.aboveandbeyond.nu/abgthttp://www.astateoftrance.com/podcastshttps://soundcloud.com/anjunadeephttp://electricfor.lifeRecorded on December 1st, 2015. 
Music: Intro: Hazardous - LightAces DJ Tracks: https://soundcloud.com/aces-dj/beat-organ-vs-hurricane-aces-bootleg and