FOR WHAT IT'S WORTH with Blake Melnick

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Well welcome to this week's episode of #ForWhatitsWorthwithBlakeMelnick, called #LivingtheImpossibleDream part 2, in our music series called #PasstheJam, with my guest Canadian music icon @Blair Packham

In part 1, we discussed Blair's early career as a singer / songwriter, the founding of his band, #TheJitters. Those heady days in the late 1980s, where they opened for Heart, the Kinks, The Byrds, and played large venues, both here in Canada and abroad.

We heard about his time in the studio and the various personalities he worked with over the years. Blair shared some great stories about his time as a radio show host with CFRB and Q107 and the guests he interviewed over those years.  And in particular, his favourite interview, the soulful Solomon Burke. We concluded the episode with a discussion about Blair's passion for teaching songwriting.

In this episode we pick up from where we left off, and then focus on Blair's songs and his soon to be released new record called #SongFood.  We will be joined by current artist in residence, @OliverMcQuaid who will take a deep dive into the art of songwriting with Blair, and help me to  #PasstheJam.  I hope you enjoy this episode 

...For What it's Worth

And if you like the show please share it out to your networks, and consider making a small donation to the cause by buying us a coffee, using the Support the Show link

The Music for Today's Show,  "You, Ya You"  and "The Land we Knew by Heart" is written and performed by Blair Packham along with his band, #ImpossibleDream

Click HERE to visit the Blog post for this episode and learn more about Blair.

Other Important Links:

• Show website - https://fwiw.buzzsprout.com
• Show Blog - https://forwhatitsworthpodcast.com
• Link to Show Trailer: https://fwiw.buzzsprout.com/1151660/4138862-for-what-it-s-worth-trailer
• Link to For What it's Worth Face Book group page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/720335292207376
• Link to Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forwhatitsworth.podcast/

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Welcome to this week's episode of #ForWhatit'sWorthwithBlakeMelnick, part of our #PasstheJam music series, called #LivingtheImpossibleDream part 1, with my guest @BlairPackham.

My multi-talented  guest has been fixture on the Canadian Music and Entertainment Scene for four decades - A prolific singer, songwriter, sound engineer, composer, producer, radio personality and teacher.

In part one, Blair and I discuss the early days of his career with #TheJitters; Life on the road, and in the studio; his song writing influences; The amazing musicians he's worked with, and interviewed on his radio show ...and of course the great stories!

Part 1 is a lead up to Part 2, where I will be joined by our current artist in residence, @OliverMcQuaid, who will engage with Blair in a" deep dive" into songwriting  and help me #PasstheJam on to Blair ...We will of course be introducing you to tracks from Blair's brand new, soon to be released record, #SongFood with his band, #ImpossibleDream.

I hope you enjoy, "Living the Impossible Dream" ...For What it's Worth

And if you like the show please consider making a small donation to the cause by buying us a coffee, using the Support the Show link below.

The Music for Today's Show, "Proof",  and "You, Ya You"  is written and performed by Blair Packham

 Click HERE to visit the Blog post for this episode and learn more about Blair.

Other Important Links:

• Show website - https://fwiw.buzzsprout.com
• Show Blog - https://forwhatitsworthpodcast.com
• Link to Show Trailer: https://fwiw.buzzsprout.com/1151660/4138862-for-what-it-s-worth-trailer
• Link to For What it's Worth Face Book group page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/720335292207376
• Link to Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forwhatitsworth.podcast/

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Next week on  #ForWhatitsWorthBlakeMelnick we have an amazing interview in store for you. Our multi-talented guest for the next episode of our music series #PasstheJam has been a fixture on the Canadian music and entertainment scene for four decades; a prolific singer songwriter and composer, Ron Sexsmith says of him that he is "One of Canada's best unsung pop writers"

He and his band have opened for the likes of The Kinks, Huey Lewis and the News, Heart and The Byrds. He has shared the stage with Blue Rodeo, Gowan, the Northern Pikes and Canadian guitar virtuoso, Colin Linden. He's a recognized radio personality, having interviewed the likes of Steve Earl, Burton Cummings, Colin James, Astronaut, Chris Hadfield, and the great soul legend Solomon Burke.

Join us for next week's two part episode called #LivingtheImpossibleDream ...For What it's Worth

And if you like the show please consider making a small donation to the cause by buying us a coffee, using the Support the Show link below.

The Music for Today's Show, "You Think I'm Bad",  is written and performed by Oliver McQuaid

 Click HERE to listen to Oliver's full Campfire Jesus playlist

Other Important Links:

• Show website - https://fwiw.buzzsprout.com
• Show Blog - https://forwhatitsworthpodcast.com
• Link to Show Trailer: https://fwiw.buzzsprout.com/1151660/4138862-for-what-it-s-worth-trailer
• Link to For What it's Worth Face Book group page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/720335292207376
• Link to Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forwhatitsworth.podcast/

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Welcome to this week's episode of #thespaceinbetween on  #ForWhatItsWorthWithBlakeMelnick, called #TheCampfireJesusPlaylist.

 For the past month or so, we've been playing songs written by our current artist in residence, #OliverMcQuaid for all the intros and outros to the show.

As a precursor to our next episode of #PasstheJam, where Oliver will join me as a co-host to "pass the jam" to an exciting new artist, we're going to have a little bit of a musical interlude, and play all of Oliver's tracks in their entirety and then conclude the episode with a little "taste" of what you can expect from our next "holder of the jam"

So kick back and and have a listen - I hope you will enjoy this playlist as much as I did ...For What it's Worth...

And if you like the show please consider making a small donation to the cause by buying us a coffee, using the Support the Show link below.

The Music for Today's Show is written and performed by Oliver McQuaid and guests Cousin Kurt, Lennin and Heather Gemmell.

 Click HERE to listen to Oliver's interview called  "Campfire Jesus" with Co-host Ben Hunter and visit the show BLOG to see the pics

• Show website - https://fwiw.buzzsprout.com
• Show Blog - https://forwhatitsworthpodcast.com
• Link to Show Trailer: https://fwiw.buzzsprout.com/1151660/4138862-for-what-it-s-worth-trailer
• Link to For What it's Worth Face Book group page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/720335292207376
• Link to Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forwhatitsworth.podcast/

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Welcome to this week’s episode of #ForWhatitsWorth. I’m your host Blake Melnick. This is the Part 2 of #ItReallyisAllAboutYou", my interview with Ayelet Baron, renown Futurist, and award winning author of the Fuck the bucket List Trilogy.

In the last episode, Ayelet and I discussed the her soon to be published 3rd book of the trilogy, Fuck the Bucket List for the Health Conscious.

Our conversation focused on Ayelt’s Journey of discovery from a corporate executive with one of the world’s biggest technology firms to becoming a digital nomad and guide, helping people around the world recognize their power in order to become conscious leaders,  creators and agents of purposeful and meaningful change.

In this episode (Part 2) we discuss the concept of flow, the challenge of change, the wisdom of Jerry Garcia and we explore some of the societal structures which prevent us from realizing both our heartfelt desires and our potential to be creators and innovators and lead a healthy and meaningful life - The desire for recognition,  the education system and the inherited values and beliefs of others.

...#ForWhatitsWorthwithBlakeMelnick

Blog Post for this episode

The Music for Today's Show, "We're Only Human" is written and performed by Oliver McQuaid. Click HERE to listen to Oliver's interview called  "Campfire Jesus" with Co-host Ben Hunter and visit the show BLOG to see the pics

• Show website - https://fwiw.buzzsprout.com
• Show Blog - https://forwhatitsworthpodcast.com
• Link to Show Trailer: https://fwiw.buzzsprout.com/1151660/4138862-for-what-it-s-worth-trailer
• Link to For What it's Worth Face Book group page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/720335292207376
• Link to Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forwhatitsworth.podcast/

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If nothing else the pandemic has given us time to think. It has given us space to re-examine the world and the various structures which govern our lives, and ultimately make the decision of whether or not we want to continue to adhere to these structures or whether we want to  use this opportunity to create something better.

Welcome to this week's episode of #ForWhatitsWorthwithBlakeMelnick. We have an exciting two-part episode in store for you.

My guest this week and next is @AyeletBaron. Ayelet was recognized by Forbes magazine as being one of the top 50 female global futurist. She is an award-winning author and has published five books. The most recent; the third book of the F*ck the Bucket List trilogy called
#F*cktheBucketListfortheHealthConscious. ....For What it's Worth

Blog Post for this episode

The Music for Today's Show, "Heartbeat of the Earth" is written and performed by Oliver McQuaid. Click HERE to listen to Oliver's interview called  "Campfire Jesus" with Co-host Ben Hunter and visit the show BLOG to see the pics

• Show website - https://fwiw.buzzsprout.com
• Show Blog - https://forwhatitsworthpodcast.com
• Link to Show Trailer: https://fwiw.buzzsprout.com/1151660/4138862-for-what-it-s-worth-trailer
• Link to For What it's Worth Face Book group page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/720335292207376
• Link to Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forwhatitsworth.podcast/

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As our listeners know, we started this podcast in the midst of the pandemic because we saw a unique opportunity for change. A chance to re-examine our world and the various structures under which we operate through a critical lens; to determine whether the paths we have been treading are the right ones or whether we need to blaze new trails. We wanted to give voice to a cross section of people and their ideas for creating a better world.

But where / how do we begin?

My guest for the next episode of #ForWhatit’sWorthwithBlakeMelnick, is the multiple award winning author of the F*ck  Bucket List Trilogy and,  Our Journey to Corporate Sanity.

She had a very successful career as a strategy and innovation leader at one of the top Technology firms in the World and fired herself to pursue a different path

She is recognized by Forbes as one of the top 50 global female futurists and is one of the top 50 Future of Work leaders for Thinkers 360.

Her current work focuses on conscious leadership and creating whole systems and lives.

I am excited to have her on the show to discuss her soon to be released 3rd book in the F*ck the Bucket List Triology, F*ck the Bucket List for the Health Conscious.

Please join us for “It really is, ALL ABOUT YOU! … For what it’s worth

The Music for Today's Show, "Heartbeat of the Earth" is written and performed by Oliver McQuaid. Click HERE to listen to Oliver's interview called  "Campfire Jesus" with Co-host Ben Hunter and visit the show BLOG to see the pics

• Show website - https://fwiw.buzzsprout.com
• Show Blog - https://forwhatitsworthpodcast.com
• Link to Show Trailer: https://fwiw.buzzsprout.com/1151660/4138862-for-what-it-s-worth-trailer
• Link to For What it's Worth Face Book group page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/720335292207376
• Link to Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forwhatitsworth.podcast/

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Music is a reflection of both our history as well as our social consciousness. It helps us make sense of the world and allows us to make personal connections with it. Perhaps more than any other art form, music is evocative; it triggers vivid memories of childhood, falling in love, loss and sadness - it forces us to look at ourselves to remember who we were and who we are. 

 Music always makes me feel connected in a Jungian sense. It makes me realize that the struggles I have are not mine alone, they are shared. Simply recognizing this makes me feel less alone and ultimately better. 

 I’m a big fan of the Blues. In the late 70-’s early 80’s I lost my connection with popular music - it just didn’t resonate., so as great bluesmen, Sonny Terry and Brownie McGee said in one of their songs, I became a “white boy lost in the blues” I began to seek out roots music wherever I could find it. Fortunately Toronto in the early 80’s was a place where the great blues artists were readily accessible to me in a number of small venues. I had the chance to see and meet some of the greatest blues artists of our time - Buddy Guy, Junior Wells, Albert Collins, Fenton Robinson, Son Seals and a great many others - before what I will call the blues renaissance which occurred the nineties, when popular artists, realizing the contribution these aging blues players had made to the world of music began to appearing as guests on their records, thereby raising awareness of the blues form and these great artists in the minds of a white listening audience.

 So here’s the rub, while blues themes tend to focus on “Feeling Blue” about things which happen in one’s life - “The Thrill is Gone”, Baby Please Don’t Go, The sky is crying” etc. the blues are about acknowledging our pain our feelings of loss and sadness, and by doing so, we feel better.

 This episode of the space celebrates the spirit of the blues ...#ForWhatitsWorth

The Music for Today's Show, "You Think I'm Bad" is written and performed by Oliver McQuaid. Click HERE to listen to Oliver's interview called  "Campfire Jesus" with Co-host Ben Hunter and visit the show BLOG to see the pics

• Show website - https://fwiw.buzzsprout.com
• Show Blog - https://forwhatitsworthpodcast.com
• Link to Show Trailer: https://fwiw.buzzsprout.com/1151660/4138862-for-what-it-s-worth-trailer
• Link to For What it's Worth Face Book group page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/720335292207376
• Link to Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forwhatitsworth.podcast/

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Welcome to this week's episode of #thespaceinbetween called a #PinterPause. We've just surpassed 2000 downloads of the show, not counting streams and this episode marks our 37th since the release of the podcast, back in June of 2020. During this time we have chronicled the impact of the COVID pandemic on the lives of Canadians and we've attempted to raise awareness around issues, which are foremost in the minds of people. we saw the show as an opportunity to engage with people from all walks of life; To hear their stories and their ideas for a changing world. The show can best be described as eclectic, covering a wide range of themes and topics from technology to innovation, politics, social enterprises, literature, music, and sport.

This was intentional, largely based on our belief that all knowledge is connected and that good ideas from one field of endeavour can be transferred and adapted to advanced knowledge In another.  We realized we were in a unique position to affect change and to rethink our world. In this episode of #thespaceinbetween we wanted to reflect on some of the big ideas raised by our guests in season two and examine what, if any impact we've had ...#ForWhatitsWorth

All songs from today's episode were written and performed by Oliver McQuaid

Click HERE to listen to Oliver's interview called  "Campfire Jesus" with Co-host Ben Hunter and visit the show BLOG to see the pics

• Show website - https://fwiw.buzzsprout.com
• Show Blog - https://forwhatitsworthpodcast.com
• Link to Show Trailer: https://fwiw.buzzsprout.com/1151660/4138862-for-what-it-s-worth-trailer
• Link to For What it's Worth Face Book group page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/720335292207376
• Link to Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forwhatitsworth.podcast/

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I am really excited about this week’s, 2 part episode called #CampfireJesus. It is the first in person interview we’ve conducted since the show began (albeit at opposite ends of an 8 foot long banquet table); the second episode of our #PasstheJam music series, and the inaugural “passing of the jam” from our current artist in residence, @BenHunter to an exciting new artist, OliverMcQuaid. Oliver is  originally from Squamish B.C, but has lived in Mexico for large periods of time. He now lives in Kimberley BC with his family. He is a local legend in the East Kooteney’s and has played at various events and festivals throughout the Province over the years, as a duo with his cousin Kurt, as a solo act, and most recently with his band, The Tumbleweeds. Heavily influenced by the music of John Prine, Bob Dylan, Jim Morrison, Chet Atkins, and Jimi Hendricks, he is a prolific songwriter drawing inspiration from "the land" and the writings of existentialist philosopher, Fredrick Nietzsche. He is a gifted entertainer, who effortlessly draws his audience into each and every performance - From soulful ballads to rock'n, foot stomping country blues, he keep folks on the edge of their seats (if not completely off their seats during his performances)

Part 1 of the interview, Oliver discusses his songs, musical influences, the impact of Friedrich Nietzsche; the importance of family, and his early days as an aspiring singer / songwriter

Part 2 of the interview we are joined by Ben Hunter, the current "holder of the jam" live from Los Angeles. Ben and Oliver do a deep dive into the art of songwriting; the music business, personal motivations, and future career aspirations, all with disarming openness, humour and honesty. I think you are going to love this episode .... For What it's Worth

Pass the Jam Music Series

When the idea of Pass the Jam was born, we imagined a creative new approach for supporting artists, their music and their stories; one which breaks free from traditional Industry norms and the typical directed listening experience. An approach which placed the artist and their music "at the centre" and allowed listeners to hear music they might not otherwise be exposed to, while developing a deeper connection with the artists, their stories, and their music.  At the same time we hoped that having artists directly involved in "Passing the Jam",  would foster connections between the artists themselves, leading to opportunities for collaboration;  new musical directions, friendships, and provide a great listening experience for our audience.

I think you will agree this episode is a testament to that vision.

We have been amazed by the positive response and interest we’ve had from our listeners and from artists across the country.  We now have a queue of amazing musicians lined up for future episodes of the series On behalf of all of us at For What it's Worth I want to say  THANK YOU!

To learn more about Oliver and all our guests visit & subscribe to our show BLOG ;  join our For What it's Worth FACEBOOK  group

All music from today's show is written and performed by Oliver McQuaid

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