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.

Today's guest is Cory Weeds, founder of Cellar Music Group, saxophonist, producer, and one of Canada's leading champions of jazz.

For more than two decades, Cory has been a driving force in Canada's jazz scene through his work as a performer, presenter, record producer, and entrepreneur. Through Cellar Music Group, he has helped launch and document the work of hundreds of artists, building one of North America's most respected independent jazz labels while creating opportunities for musicians to record, perform, and share their music with audiences around the world.

In this conversation, we discuss entrepreneurship, record labels, artist development, and what it takes to build a lasting legacy in jazz. Cory shares insights from twenty-five years of Cellar Music Group, reflects on the challenges and rewards of supporting artists, and offers a fascinating look behind the scenes of one of Canada's most influential independent jazz labels.

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

Cory Weeds: https://coryweeds.com

Cellar Music Group: https://cellarlive.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 John Orysik, co-founder of the Vancouver International Jazz Festival.

For nearly four decades, John has helped shape Canada's jazz landscape through his work as a broadcaster, presenter, producer, arts administrator, and advocate for live music.

After beginning his career as a jazz journalist and radio host, he became one of the founding forces behind Coastal Jazz and the Vancouver International Jazz Festival. Through his work on the airwaves and behind the scenes, he has played a pivotal role in bringing world-class artists to Vancouver while, together with the beloved late Ken Pickering, helping build one of North America's most respected jazz festivals.

Learn More

John Orysik: https://coopradio.org/shows/the-wild-years/

Coastal Jazz & Blues Society: https://www.coastaljazz.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, she explores the experiences, insights, and pearls of wisdom that shape a creative life.

In this conversation, we explore the art of building festivals, nurturing community, and sustaining a creative vision over decades.

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.

Credits:

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.