This episode’s guest is Kathleen Nisbet, a Vancouver-based fiddle player, multi-instrumentalist, singer and composer whose creative life moves between folk and traditional music, theatre and dance. Classically trained early on, Kathleen later returned to her Métis roots and has become a distinctive presence in Vancouver’s bluegrass, old-time and folk music communities.

Alongside performing and touring internationally with Viper Central, and curating and presenting the East Van Opry, Kathleen has developed a rich practice composing and performing music for theatre and dance. Her work has included You Used to Call Me Marie…, Where Have All the Buffalo Gone?, and collaborations with V’ni Dansi Métis traditional dance, as well as work with companies including Pacific Theatre, Mortal Coil, Citadel Theatre and Mascall Dance.

In this episode, Kathleen and I talk about composition and the particular creative process of writing music for theatre and dance — responding to movement, story and other artists, working within the world of a larger piece, and discovering what music can bring to something beyond itself. We also talk about collaboration, instinct, and the different paths a musical life can take.

Kathleen shares some wonderful pearls of wisdom about creativity, collaboration and trusting where the work leads you. I hope you enjoy this conversation with Kathleen Nisbet and find inspiration for your own creativity.

Find Kathleen:

kathleennisbet.com

Like a Pearl:

daphneroubini.ca/podcast

Credits:

Daphne Roubini | Host & Producer

Sheldon Zaharko | Sound & Editing

Rich Katynski | Original Artwork

ChatGPT | Guest Name Modification

Season 2 of Like a Pearl begins with Mish Aminoff Moon, a photographer and interdisciplinary artist whose work captures the people, character and everyday life of London.

Originally an art historian, Mish went on to study photography at the University of Westminster. She taught interdisciplinary cultural studies at the Open University and later focused on teaching film studies in adult education. She now concentrates on her photography and artwork, with street photography in London her focus.

Mish has exhibited her photography internationally. Her work has appeared at The Unexposed Collective Wall of Women at the Ballarat Biennale, and she was a finalist in the Women Street Photographers exhibition in Paris and Fragmented Identities at The Borders Art Fair in Venice. More recently, her work That’s the Spirit was exhibited at the 2025 Advantages of Age Awards Ceremony at Hoxton Hall in London.

Mish has also had several solo shows in London, including Urban Illusions at Soho’s famed Bar Italia — which, as many jazz lovers will know, sits directly opposite Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club and happens to be one of my favourite London haunts, famed for its lattes and Negronis, people-watching and wonderfully loud Italian bar staff.

And Mish and I are cousins. We share a lifelong connection to London and a love of the arts, so it was a particular pleasure to sit down together and talk about her creative life and work.

In our conversation, we talk about looking closely, noticing what others might pass by, and the relationship between observation, curiosity, connection and creativity.

As always, Mish shares her pearls of wisdom for listeners on their own creative journeys.

I hope you enjoy my conversation with Mish Aminoff Moon and find inspiration for your own creativity.

Mish Aminoff Moon

https://www.mishaminoff.com

Like a Pearl Podcast

https://www.daphneroubini.ca/podcast

Daphne Roubini | Host & Producer

Sheldon Zaharko | Sound & Editing

Rich Katynski | Original Artwork

ChatGPT | Guest Name Modification

“There’s Always Tomorrow” | Music

Today's guest is Chris Gestrin, pianist, composer, producer, engineer, and one of Canada's most versatile and respected musicians.

Since graduating from Berklee College of Music, Chris has built an extraordinary career spanning jazz, film, television, pop, rock, and experimental music. As a pianist, composer, producer, and engineer, he has contributed to more than 500 recordings, collaborated with an exceptional range of artists, and established himself as one of Canada's most sought-after creative musicians. Whether performing with his own trio, composing for film, or producing award-winning recordings, Chris brings curiosity, imagination, and musical depth to everything he does.

In this conversation, Chris reflects on creativity, collaboration, improvisation, and the joy of exploring music without boundaries. We discuss composing, producing, performing, and the importance of remaining open to new ideas throughout a lifetime of making music. It is a fascinating conversation about curiosity, artistic evolution, and following where creativity leads.

As always, Daphne asks Chris to share his own pearls of wisdom—insights and reflections to inspire listeners on their own creative journeys.

Chris Gestrin: https://www.chrisgestrin.com/

Like a Pearl Podcast: https://www.daphneroubini.ca/podcast

Like a Pearl is hosted by Daphne Roubini, a jazz vocalist, songwriter, podcaster, and creative entrepreneur originally from London, England, now living in Vancouver, Canada.

Through conversations with artists, musicians, cultural leaders, and other inspiring guests, Like a Pearl explores the experiences, insights, and pearls of wisdom that shape a creative life.

Whether you're an artist, entrepreneur, or creative—or simply someone looking to live your life more creatively—Like a Pearl offers conversations that inspire curiosity, creativity, dedication, and the motivation to follow your own creative path.

I hope you enjoy the conversation and the pearls of wisdom shared along the way, and find inspiration for living your own life more creatively.

Host & Producer: Daphne Roubini

Original Artwork: Rich Katynski

Sound Engineering & Editing: Sheldon Zaharko

Theme Music: Instrumental version of There's Always Tomorrow by Daphne Roubini & Black Gardenia, from the album Whisky Scented Kisses.

Today's guest is Sally Buck, photographer, art historian, and creator of the workshop Looking to See.

An award-winning photographer and art educator, Sally has spent decades helping people engage more deeply with art, photography, memory, and public space. With degrees in Art History and Visual and Performing Arts Education, she has taught at institutions including the Peggy Guggenheim Collection in Venice and the Vancouver Art Gallery. Through her photography and her workshop Looking to See, Sally encourages people to slow down, pay attention, and discover new ways of seeing.

In this conversation, Sally reflects on art, photography, teaching, memory, and the importance of looking more closely at the world around us. It is a thoughtful conversation about creativity, perception, and how the act of seeing can deepen our connection to art, place, and everyday life.

As always, Daphne asks Sally to share her own pearls of wisdom—insights and reflections to inspire listeners on their own creative journeys.

Sally Buck: https://sallybuck.com/

Like a Pearl Podcast: https://www.daphneroubini.ca/podcast

Like a Pearl is hosted by Daphne Roubini, a jazz vocalist, songwriter, podcaster, and creative entrepreneur originally from London, England, now living in Vancouver, Canada.

Through conversations with artists, musicians, cultural leaders, and other inspiring guests, Like a Pearl explores the experiences, insights, and pearls of wisdom that shape a creative life.

Whether you're an artist, entrepreneur, or creative—or simply someone looking to live your life more creatively—Like a Pearl offers conversations that inspire curiosity, creativity, dedication, and the motivation to follow your own creative path.

I hope you enjoy the conversation and the pearls of wisdom shared along the way, and find inspiration for living your own life more creatively.

Host & Producer: Daphne Roubini

Original Artwork: Rich Katynski

Sound Engineering & Editing: Sheldon Zaharko

Theme Music: Instrumental version of There's Always Tomorrow by Daphne Roubini & Black Gardenia, from the album Whisky Scented Kisses.

Today's guest is Jodi Proznick, award-winning bassist, composer, educator, and Artistic Director of the VSO Jazz Program.

One of Canada's most accomplished jazz musicians, Jodi has built a remarkable career as a performer, bandleader, and advocate for jazz. She is the founder of Rhea Records, an independent label supporting Canadian jazz artists, and the leader of the JUNO-nominated Ostara Project, a groundbreaking ensemble celebrating women and non-binary artists in jazz. Through her work as a musician, mentor, and community builder, she continues to create opportunities for artists while helping shape the future of jazz in Canada.

In this conversation, Jodi reflects on creativity, leadership, mentorship, and the evolving role of artists within the jazz community. We discuss balancing performance, composition, education, and artistic direction, while exploring what it means to build a meaningful and sustainable creative life. It is an inspiring conversation about collaboration, resilience, and creating opportunities for others through music.

As always, Daphne asks Jodi to share her own pearls of wisdom—insights and reflections to inspire listeners on their own creative journeys.

Jodi Proznick: https://www.jodiproznick.com/

Rhea Records: https://www.rhearecords.ca/

Ostara Project: https://www.ostaraproject.com/

VSO School of Music Jazz Program: https://vsoschoolofmusic.ca/

Like a Pearl Podcast: https://www.daphneroubini.ca/podcast

Like a Pearl is hosted by Daphne Roubini, a jazz vocalist, songwriter, podcaster, and creative entrepreneur originally from London, England, now living in Vancouver, Canada.

Through conversations with artists, musicians, cultural leaders, and other inspiring guests, Like a Pearl explores the experiences, insights, and pearls of wisdom that shape a creative life.

Whether you're an artist, entrepreneur, or creative—or simply someone looking to live your life more creatively—Like a Pearl offers conversations that inspire curiosity, creativity, dedication, and the motivation to follow your own creative path.

I hope you enjoy the conversation and the pearls of wisdom shared along the way, and find inspiration for living your own life more creatively.

Host & Producer: Daphne Roubini

Original Artwork: Rich Katynski

Sound Engineering & Editing: Sheldon Zaharko

Theme Music: Instrumental version of There's Always Tomorrow by Daphne Roubini & Black Gardenia, from the album Whisky Scented Kisses.

Today's guest is composer, trumpeter, and founder of the Hard Rubber Orchestra, John Korsrud.

For more than three decades, John has been writing captivating music that crosses the boundaries between jazz, contemporary classical music, theatre, and film. As founder and artistic director of the Hard Rubber Orchestra—one of Canada's most celebrated large jazz ensembles—he has commissioned, composed, and performed groundbreaking works that have been presented by organizations including Carnegie Hall, the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, and the CBC. Throughout his career, John has become one of Canada's most respected and inventive composers, continually exploring new ways to bring improvisation and composition together.

In this conversation, we explore John's lifelong passion for composition, the art of improvisation, and what it takes to write for large ensembles. We also discuss creativity, collaboration, finding your own artistic voice, and the importance of staying curious throughout a lifetime of making music.

As always, Daphne asks John to share his own pearls of wisdom—insights and reflections to inspire listeners on their own creative journeys.

John Korsrud: https://www.johnkorsrud.com/

Hard Rubber Orchestra: https://www.hardrubber.com/

Like a Pearl Podcast: https://www.daphneroubini.ca/podcast

Like a Pearl is hosted by Daphne Roubini, a jazz vocalist, songwriter, podcaster, and creative entrepreneur originally from London, England, now living in Vancouver, Canada.

Through conversations with artists, musicians, cultural leaders, and other inspiring guests, Like a Pearl explores the experiences, insights, and pearls of wisdom that shape a creative life.

Whether you're an artist, entrepreneur, or creative—or simply someone looking to live your life more creatively—Like a Pearl offers conversations that inspire curiosity, creativity, dedication, and the motivation to follow your own creative path.

I hope you enjoy the conversation and the pearls of wisdom shared along the way, and find inspiration for living your own life more creatively.

Host & Producer: Daphne Roubini

Original Artwork: Rich Katynski

Sound Engineering & Editing: Sheldon Zaharko

Theme Music: Instrumental version of There's Always Tomorrow by Daphne Roubini & Black Gardenia, from the album Whisky Scented Kisses.

Today's guest is Steph Avery-Reynolds, a UK-based artist, maker, and creator of Vivat Matriarchia—artefacts from an imagined matriarchy.

Over the course of her creative life, Steph has worked as a hairdresser in Soho, London, spent more than a decade writing for television, created public murals and community arts projects, and developed her practice as a ceramic artist. Through Vivat Matriarchia, she has brought these experiences together to create a reimagined matriarchal world complete with its own artefacts, mythology, history, and artistic legacy. Her work explores overlooked women, inherited stories, and the possibilities of imagining culture and art differently.

In this conversation, Steph reflects on creativity, storytelling, world-building, and the power of art to challenge the narratives we inherit. It is a fascinating conversation about imagination, history, and finding the courage to create something entirely your own.

As always, Daphne asks Steph to share her own pearls of wisdom—insights and reflections to inspire listeners on their own creative journeys.

Vivat Matriarchia: https://www.vivatmatriarchia.com/

Like a Pearl Podcast: https://www.daphneroubini.ca/podcast

Like a Pearl is hosted by Daphne Roubini, a jazz vocalist, songwriter, podcaster, and creative entrepreneur originally from London, England, now living in Vancouver, Canada.

Through conversations with artists, musicians, cultural leaders, and other inspiring guests, Like a Pearl explores the experiences, insights, and pearls of wisdom that shape a creative life.

Whether you're an artist, entrepreneur, or creative—or simply someone looking to live your life more creatively—Like a Pearl offers conversations that inspire curiosity, creativity, dedication, and the motivation to follow your own creative path.

I hope you enjoy the conversation and the pearls of wisdom shared along the way, and find inspiration for living your own life more creatively.

Host & Producer: Daphne Roubini

Original Artwork: Rich Katynski

Sound Engineering & Editing: Sheldon Zaharko

Theme Music: Instrumental version of There's Always Tomorrow by Daphne Roubini & Black Gardenia, from the album Whisky Scented Kisses.

Today's guest is Ulysses Owens Jr., drummer, educator, and bandleader. A three-time Grammy Award winner, Ulysses is one of the most respected drummers in jazz today. Described by The New York Times as a musician who "takes a back seat to no one," he has performed with artists including Wynton Marsalis, Christian McBride, Kurt Elling, Gregory Porter, and Joey Alexander.

In addition to his performing career, Ulysses serves on the faculty of The Juilliard School and is deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of musicians through his teaching, educational programs, and the Generation Y initiative.

In this conversation, Ulysses reflects on his journey as a musician, the importance of education and mentorship, the balance between creativity and discipline, and what it means to build a meaningful life in music.

As always, Daphne asks Ulysses to share his own pearls of wisdom—insights and reflections to inspire listeners on their own creative journeys.

Ulysses Owens Jr.: https://www.ulyssesowensjr.com/

Like a Pearl Podcast: https://www.daphneroubini.ca/podcast

Like a Pearl is hosted by Daphne Roubini, a jazz vocalist, songwriter, podcaster, and creative entrepreneur originally from London, England, now living in Vancouver, Canada.

Through conversations with artists, musicians, cultural leaders, and other inspiring guests, Like a Pearl explores the experiences, insights, and pearls of wisdom that shape a creative life.

Whether you're an artist, entrepreneur, or creative—or simply someone looking to live your life more creatively—Like a Pearl offers conversations that inspire curiosity, creativity, dedication, and the motivation to follow your own creative path.

I hope you enjoy the conversation and the pearls of wisdom shared along the way, and find inspiration for living your own life more creatively.

Host & Producer: Daphne Roubini

Original Artwork: Rich Katynski

Sound Engineering & Editing: Sheldon Zaharko

Theme Music: Instrumental version of There's Always Tomorrow by Daphne Roubini & Black Gardenia, from the album Whisky Scented Kisses.

Today's guest is Fiona Black, Artistic Director of the Vancouver Folk Music Festival. Throughout her career, Fiona has helped shape British Columbia's cultural landscape as a presenter, programmer, and advocate for the arts.

Before joining the Vancouver Folk Music Festival, Fiona led programming at the BlueShore Financial Centre for the Performing Arts at Capilano University, curating an eclectic mix of music, theatre, dance, and spoken word. Throughout her career, she has remained passionate about connecting artists with audiences, championing diverse voices, and creating meaningful cultural experiences through the performing arts.

In this conversation, Fiona reflects on the role of festivals in bringing communities together, the importance of supporting artists, the challenges and rewards of presenting live performance, and what it takes to sustain a vibrant arts community. It is a thoughtful conversation about leadership, creativity, cultural stewardship, and the lasting impact the arts can have on both artists and audiences.

As always, Daphne asks Fiona to share her own pearls of wisdom—insights and reflections to inspire listeners on their own creative journeys.

Vancouver Folk Music Festival: https://thefestival.bc.ca/

BlueShore Financial Centre for the Performing Arts: https://www.capilanou.ca/student-services/community/blueshore-financial-centre-for-the-performing-arts/

Like a Pearl Podcast: https://www.daphneroubini.ca/podcast

Like a Pearl is hosted by Daphne Roubini, a jazz vocalist, songwriter, podcaster, and creative entrepreneur originally from London, England, now living in Vancouver, Canada.

Through conversations with artists, musicians, cultural leaders, and other inspiring guests, Like a Pearl explores the experiences, insights, and pearls of wisdom that shape a creative life.

Whether you're an artist, entrepreneur, or creative—or simply someone looking to live your life more creatively—Like a Pearl offers conversations that inspire curiosity, creativity, dedication, and the motivation to follow your own creative path.

I hope you enjoy the conversation and the pearls of wisdom shared along the way, and find inspiration for living your own life more creatively.

Host & Producer: Daphne Roubini

Original Artwork: Rich Katynski

Sound Engineering & Editing: Sheldon Zaharko

Theme Music: Instrumental version of There's Always Tomorrow by Daphne Roubini & Black Gardenia, from the album Whisky Scented Kisses.

Today's guest is Paul Pigat—award-winning guitarist, songwriter, arranger, bandleader, and guitar builder. A Gretsch-endorsed artist, Paul is internationally respected for his remarkable versatility, moving effortlessly between jazz, rockabilly, blues, country, swing, and roots music.

Best known as the frontman of Cousin Harley, Paul has toured extensively throughout North America and Europe and has built a reputation as one of Canada's most distinctive guitarists. In addition to his own projects—including The Smoking Jackets, Boxcar Campfire, and collaborations with artists such as Black Gardenia—he has recently turned his attention to building handcrafted guitars, bringing decades of musical experience into the workshop.

In this conversation, Paul shares stories from a lifetime in music, reflects on creativity, craftsmanship, collaboration, and the evolution of an artist's career. He also talks about the connection between making music and making instruments, and how each continues to inspire the other.

As always, Daphne asks Paul to share his own pearls of wisdom—insights and reflections to inspire listeners on their own creative journeys.

Paul Pigat: https://paulpigat.com/

Like a Pearl Podcast: https://www.daphneroubini.ca/podcast

Like a Pearl is hosted by Daphne Roubini, a jazz vocalist, songwriter, podcaster, and creative entrepreneur originally from London, England, now living in Vancouver, Canada.

Through conversations with artists, musicians, cultural leaders, and other inspiring guests, Like a Pearl explores the experiences, insights, and pearls of wisdom that shape a creative life.

Whether you're an artist, entrepreneur, or creative—or simply someone looking to live your life more creatively—Like a Pearl offers conversations that inspire curiosity, creativity, dedication, and the motivation to follow your own creative path.

I hope you enjoy the conversation and the pearls of wisdom shared along the way, and find inspiration for living your own life more creatively.

Host & Producer: Daphne Roubini

Original Artwork: Rich Katynski

Sound Engineering & Editing: Sheldon Zaharko

Theme Music: Instrumental version of There's Always Tomorrow by Daphne Roubini & Black Gardenia, from the album Whisky Scented Kisses.