Half A Star Podcast

On this very special episode of Half a Star, Justin and Benton are joined by none other than comedy legend-in-the-making, Shawn Hogan! Originating from Mill River, Prince Edward Island, Shawn Hogan has produced and starred in dozens of sold out comedy shows across his home province. Over the last 10 years he has performed and lived in Toronto, where he created, produced, and hosted the Hangover Cure Comedy Show, one of Toronto’s most successful & unique comedy shows which made its Just For Laughs Festival debut last year. To close out 2020, Shawn made his second consecutive appearance at the Halifax Comedy Festival, where in 2019 he made his national television debut. In 2019 he was also a featured comedian on CBC Radio’s “Laugh Out Loud”, and was a finalist in the Brantford Comedy Festival’s $10,000 competition.Buckle up because Shawn shares a wild story about his first trip to the BIG APPLE! All this, and maybe a little more, on this episode of Half a Star. Bad ideas never felt so good.

On this very special episode of Half a Star, Justin and Ben are joined by their dear friend Lisa Morrison - who may be better know to the drag community as LIZZIE STRANGE! Since 2015, Lisa has brought Lizzy to stages across Canada, performing at 4 of the country’s Pride festivals, Just for Laughs, Montreal Fringe and some of the country’s most magical dive bars.  Their name has also appeared in publications such as Canadian Art Magazine, Flare Magazine, CBC, and the coveted Montreal drag magazine You Betcha Iris. Lisa shares stories about performing as Lizzie, the origins of their name, the topic of ‘drag families’ and  you better believe there’s a burner of a Half a Star story! All this and maybe a little more on this episode of Half a Star! Bad ideas never felt so good!

On this episode of Half a Star, Justin and Ben are joined by East Coast music sensation Tim Chaisson! Tim has performed around the world and is an incredible gem of a human being. You may have heard his work as a solo singer-songwriter, with The Morning Fold, or with music trio The East Pointers. Tim shares one hell of a half a star story with Justin and Ben, so buckle up! All this, and maybe a little more, on this episode of Half a Star - bad ideas never felt so good.

On this episode of Half a Star, Justin and Benton are BACK with Season 2! This episode features our favourite goofballs giving a rundown as to what they’ve been working on since Season 1, and a sneak peek as to what to expect for this season. There’s lots of stories and more than a few laughs on this outrageous comeback episode. And, of course, it wouldn’t be Half a Star if they didn’t dig deep and share some of their own personal half a star stories - stories so bad, they don’t even get a full star rating. All this, and maybe a little more, on Half a Star - where bad ideas make great stories.

You asked, we answered! Justin and Ben sit down and answer some fan submitted questions to the podcast, and BOY what a ride. Questions ranging from our favourite dairy bar on PEI, to which Golden Girl do we identify with, to most pressing: how have Justin and Ben stayed friends after all these years? All this (and maybe a li'l more) on the wonderful world of Half a Star!

It's Benton's birthday bash (what more do you need to know?)

On this very special episode of Half A Star, Justin throws Benton the best virtual birthday party he's ever virtually had. With a collection of special guests dropping by to wish ol' Benny a happy birthday, this episode is full to the brim with birthday shenanigans. Also! Stay tuned to the end to see what Justin got for Benton as his SUPER SPECIAL GIFT! All that (and maybe a lil more) in the wonderful world of Half a Star.

Half a Star is proud to present a drunk departure from their usual programming. Justin Shaw is a professionally trained theatre actor, yet astonishingly has a very limited knowledge of contemporary musicals. Having not seen many modern cinema classic musicals, hosts Diana Moser and Benton Hartley decide to amend this situation by sitting Justin down to watch a musical he has never seen, and inviting him to speak to his viewing experience... while completely shitfaced.

On this special presentation, Justin watched the 2019 movie musical CATS and drank a lot of gin and soda really fast because he was worried he wasn't drinking enough. 

Half a Star encourages listeners to PLEASE drink responsibly, this experiment was conducted in a safe environment. That being said, Drunk Musicals will only be featured sporadically on select occasions. Happy listening!

On this episode of Half a Star, Justin and Benton discussed Desert Island Theatre Company – an independent theatre company based in Charlottetown that is owned and operated by one Benton Hartley! Benton sheds some light on this company, and he and Justin are joined by actors Kassinda Bulger and Patrick Jeffrey who are the stars of DITco’s upcoming production “I Know You” – coming to The Guild February 25-27, 2021! Kassinda and Patrick are kind enough to share a fun scene from the play… as well as their very own half a star stories! All this (and maybe a li’l more) on this episode of Half a Star.

Half a Star is proud to present a drunk departure from their usual programming. Justin Shaw is a professionally trained theatre actor, yet astonishingly has a very limited knowledge of contemporary musicals. Having not seen many modern cinema classic musicals, hosts Diana Moser and Benton Hartley decide to amend this situation by sitting Justin down to watch a musical he has never seen, and inviting him to speak to his viewing experience... while completely shitfaced. 

On this special presentation, Justin watched the 2002 movie musical Chicago and drank 6 pints of gin and soda. Yes, pints. He offers a gin soaked explanation of his opinion of this award winning film. 

Half a Star encourages listeners to PLEASE drink responsibly, this experiment was conducted in a safe environment. That being said, Drunk Musicals will only be featured sporadically on select occasions. Happy listening! 

Half a Star presents – ARMAGEDDON HOME FOR CHRISTMAS! A holiday radio parody!

Join the wonders of saving planet Earth from near destruction as a team of plucky oil drillers are sent into space to annihilate an asteroid headed to Earth… on Christmas Day! It’s all the fun and excitement you could expect on the brink of an apocalypse mixed with some holiday spirit!

This radio play is a parody and no profit (or wisdom) was gained from its development!