Kagan Goh is only half-joking when he tells you he's known as Vancouver's bipolar poet laureate. Slam poetry, in many ways, saved his life. On his journey to recover from mental illness, he's become a multi-hyphenate artist with achievements in the world of film, theatre, memoir-writing and, of course, poetry. SADCAST Host Becca Clarkson sat down with Goh in his home to learn more about his background, how it shapes his work, and what he's bringing to the 2024 Vancouver Outsider Arts Festival.

Hosted by the Community Arts Council of Vancouver, this free event showcases the work of 56 artists in the margins of society, who don't follow mainstream trends or expectations. Check it out at the Yaletown Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre between October 11-13.

This episode's local music feature is Doom Cocoon, a three-piece stoner psych garage band that I would 10/10 recommend seeing live.

Theme and interstitial music by Kimmortal.

New mini series alert! SADCAST is taking you "Inside the Vancouver Outsider Arts Festival" ahead of the 8th annual event Oct. 11-13. This is a chance to get to know three participating artists, including Syilx songwriter Francis Baptiste. What makes him an outsider? Well, in his words, he's a "washed-up, divorced, recovering alcoholic trying to balance being a single father and middle-aged musician." 

By listening to his new album S​ə​nk​̓​lip, the Trickster, you're supporting his efforts to learn, teach and preserve the endangered Nsyilxcən language.

Catch Francis at VOAF 2024.

Theme music and interstitial music by ⁠Kimmortal.

What's gladding your sad these days? Or, what's the glad to your sad? We want to hear from YOU, the listener, about your local remedies for melancholy, your cures for life's manures. Shoot us a message on Instagram, and let us know what's uplifting you these days! If you need a laugh, you're in luck: We have a recording of our SAD Comedy: Sports Edition show that we held at Bells & Whistles back in February!

The lineup includes local comedians Paul Hickey (@pawfatwood), Megan Milton (@megan.mish.mash), Steev Letts (@steevletts), Niki Mohrdar (@niki.mohrdar), Jackie Hoffart (@ostensiblyclear) and An Te Chu (@antechu).

Next up on the calendar: SAD's "Texture" launch party. Come celebrate the release of our 36th issue on May 11 at F as in Frank's Gastown location. Go to https://www.sadmag.ca/ for more details and to buy tickets.

He’s the kind of guy who stares a little too long and can do magic tricks with thongs. Velvet Ryder is his name, and Ken is the human behind this drag sensation. They join SADCAST to discuss their debut into Vancouver’s drag scene, their love for the community and how kings are combatting tokenism. 

This episode highlights multidisciplinary artist Tonye Aganaba, as well as Guilt & Co.’s live album that benefits B.C. charities.

Theme music and interstitial music by ⁠Kimmortal.

SADCAST is trying out something new for 2024—a podcast crossover! Host Becca Clarkson chats with Joel D. Montgrand, a Rocky Cree actor based in Vancouver, about his new podcast "Actors and Ancestors." With credits like "HBO's True Detective: Night Country" and "Avatar: The Last Airbender," JD is a big deal on the big screen who's using his platform to amplify other Indigenous actors.

Tune into SADCAST's 90th (!) episode to hear how he decided to launch the podcast, as well as part of his interview with True Detective co-star and boxing champion Kai Reis.

There may be a psychedelic grunge gift from Prxncxss Aprntly waiting for you at the end. Theme music and interstitial music by Kimmortal.

At 33 years old, and with no formal musical training, David Cutting A.K.A. Dust Cwaine is living their dream of being the lead singer of their very own band. From their entry into Vancouver's drag scene, to their commune with a muse in the parking lot of a Save-On-Foods in Cranbrook, B.C., Dust breaks down their journey to artistic actualization. Why is the song "Hero" by Enrique Inglesias their party trick? How did they end up on Jann Arden's podcast? Tune in to find out.

With music from @unicornriverchild, @pleasebeniceyo, @⁠⁠⁠⁠primpmusic, @⁠⁠⁠⁠lowercase.dream and @kylievmusic.

Intro and transitions by @kimmortaltheartist

Did we miss a season? Whoops! Luckily, the guest for this episode is all about keeping up with the times. Mike DiPietro is the photographer behind the project Seasons of East Van and has been chronicling what's in fashion in this city since 2018. Plus, he teaches chemistry to teenagers. Find out more about Mike, why he hates the title of his project, and what inspires him to stop strangers on the street for a photo.

With music from Babe Corner.

https://linktr.ee/BabeCornerBand

Theme music and interstitial music by Kimmortal.

https://kimmortalportal.com/

Also discussed:

SAD Magazine has new co-publishers! Meet the team.

Singer-songwriter Miranda Joan (@mirandajoanmusic) has a thing or two to say about home, the issue of SAD Magazine's upcoming issue. She also has a new record coming out in 2023, titled Overstimulated, and the singles she's teased so far promise a wild experience, inspired by an ~*unprecedented*~ time. It's silly, it's sexy, it involves a joke about Dwayne "The Rock Johnson" that goes perfectly far.

Jessie Nelson goes through the details of their human rights case, fighting against discrimination in the work place, in a special segment by Becca Clarkson. Pam reflects on her time with SAD Mag and says goodbye to the SADCAST for now. With music from ACR (Aaron Charles Read).