Writer/director Paul Aihoshi shares his journey from making DIY home videos and hand-drawn animations to co-creating the hit fringe play David Lynch's Seinfeld. He talks about the harsh realities of indie filmmaking—getting funding, facing festival rejection, and the networking hustle—while discussing his current project, a feature screenplay called The Sushi Family. Ayoshi also gives a peek behind the scenes of his role on The Boys and offers blunt, practical advice for new creators: test your passion by keeping a day job, and skip film school. A candid talk on resilience, comedy, and making art on your own terms.

I hope you enjoy this discussion as much as we did, and as always, stay sleepless.

Check our Paul:

Website: https://paulaihoshi.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paulaihoshi/

Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/paulaihoshi

IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4444874/

Follow Sleepless Studios on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/sleeplesssocials/

And Listen or watch the Sleepless Podcast at:

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/sleepless/id1742839487

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/39oExSG7o0vAh48xLwahRL?si=02f46a21a48346ea

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ty-VM2J9ibs&list=PLLwseAJLDjWtWJ7zLMSdJ4JBRd0wy0kBK

And if you're an artist in the Toronto area, come check out Sleepless Studios https://www.sleeplessstudios.io/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Sleepless Podcast, the hosts sit down with Niall and Dain—creators of two very different but equally passionate shows: F*ck Buddies, a sex-positive, inclusive advice podcast, and No Quest for the Wicked, an improvised sci-fi actual-play series using the Starfinder system. They discuss how F*ck Buddies began as a counter to toxic pickup-artist culture, their evolution from recording in a closet to running polished weekly releases, and why their unbroken streak since 2018 has become a point of pride. They also explore the origins of No Quest for the Wicked, how a weekly tabletop tradition among friends turned into a narrative-driven podcast, and how lessons learned from F*ck Buddies helped them launch a more production-heavy show.

So sit back, enjoy this deep-dive into indie podcasting, and as always, stay sleepless.

Check our F*ck Buddies:

Website: https://www.fbuddiespodcast.com/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/fckbuddiespodcast

Check out No Quest for the Wicked:

Website: https://www.noquestcast.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/noquestcast/

Follow Niall on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/serniall/

Follow Dain on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/thedainiac/

Follow Sleepless Studios on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/sleeplesssocials/

And Listen or watch the Sleepless Podcast at:

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/sleepless/id1742839487

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/39oExSG7o0vAh48xLwahRL?si=02f46a21a48346ea

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ty-VM2J9ibs&list=PLLwseAJLDjWtWJ7zLMSdJ4JBRd0wy0kBK

And if you're an artist in the Toronto area, come check out Sleepless Studios https://www.sleeplessstudios.io/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Comedian and podcaster Ben Stager joins Tom and Robin to discuss his creative process. He talks about Ben's song about the glorious city(cities) of Kitchener-Waterloo that got him on Canada's Got Talent, his podcast "The Canadian Entertainment Podcast", and his life as a celiac stand-up comic. The conversation ranges from hometown pride and favorite local spots to pop culture tangents about Pokémon, Traitors, and the Muppets.

Please enjoy this hilarious episode, and as always, stay sleepless.

Check out Ben Stager at:

Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/thecanadianentertainmentpod/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bennnnst/

Follow Sleepless Studios on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/sleeplesssocials/

And Listen or watch the Sleepless Podcast at:

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/sleepless/id1742839487

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/39oExSG7o0vAh48xLwahRL

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch

And if you're an artist in the Toronto area, come check out Sleepless Studios https://www.sleeplessstudios.io/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Sleepless, we sit down with Cylla. A multidisciplinary creative, DJ, and founder of Care Package. We explore his path through Toronto’s music scene. and we discus the rise of Care Package, the struggle to break into DJing, and how he built his own opportunities through community-driven events. Cylla shares his musical influences, dream gigs, and hopes for transforming Care Package into a platform that connects DJs with venues and expands creative opportunities across the city.

Please enjoy this fascinating discussing, and as always, stay sleepless.

Check out Care Package at:

Website: https://www.carepackage.fm/

Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/carepackage_fm

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carepackage.fm

Radio: https://soundcloud.com/carepackagefm

Follow Sleepless Studios on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/sleeplesssocials/

And Listen or watch the Sleepless Podcast at:

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/sleepless/id1742839487

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/39oExSG7o0vAh48xLwahRL?si=02f46a21a48346ea

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ty-VM2J9ibs&list=PLLwseAJLDjWtWJ7zLMSdJ4JBRd0wy0kBK

And if you're an artist in the Toronto area, come check out Sleepless Studios https://www.sleeplessstudios.io/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Simone Denny shares her journey from Toronto talent shows to international dance music stardom. She discusses the making of "You're a Superstar," the realities of the music industry, and the importance of staying true to yourself. The conversation is filled with insights on creativity, resilience, and the power of music to inspire.

So sit back, enjoy this in depth interview with an actual Superstar, and as always, stay sleepless.

Listen to Simone Denny: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5iksvBurqxFh3zWac6GZGs

Listen to Love Inc.: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3l92Uh3rqMSv8blPDWNTZx

Listen to Home Crowd: https://open.spotify.com/track/0yPbuyPwMwUNBUICoHywKs

Listen to "You're a Superstar" - Country: https://open.spotify.com/track/3e9ivkCu0NrE48rxlHc1ye

Follow Simone on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/simonedennymusic/

Follow Sleepless Studios on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/sleeplesssocials/

And Listen or watch the Sleepless Podcast at:

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/sleepless/id1742839487

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/39oExSG7o0vAh48xLwahRL?si=02f46a21a48346ea

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ty-VM2J9ibs&list=PLLwseAJLDjWtWJ7zLMSdJ4JBRd0wy0kBK

And if you're an artist in the Toronto area, come check out Sleepless Studios https://www.sleeplessstudios.io/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's the season finale of SLEEPLESS! The boys are taking a much-needed break but will be back in November for Season 3! But for now, we have one more special episode, and for this season finale, hosts Robin and Tom sit down with special guest Cody Crain (CBS's Ghosts) to dive deep into the creative process. Together, they explore the challenges and triumphs of bringing ideas to life, sharing personal stories, late-night inspirations, and the realities of working in creative fields. Cody opens up about his journey, the moments that keep him up at night, and the strategies he uses to stay motivated and inspired. And most importantly watch Robin get absolutely SCHOOLED by Tom and Cody on the topic of brunch. Tune in for an honest, engaging, and humorous discussion about creativity, persistence, and the art of staying Sleepless.

Listen to Cody's Podcast Spooked! as it approaches its 500th episode and SERIES FINALE at www.thesonarnetwork.com/spooked

Follow Cody on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/cocrain/

Follow Sleepless Studios on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/sleeplesssocials/

And Listen or watch the Sleepless Podcast at:

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/sleepless/id1742839487

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/39oExSG7o0vAh48xLwahRL?si=02f46a21a48346ea

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ty-VM2J9ibs&list=PLLwseAJLDjWtWJ7zLMSdJ4JBRd0wy0kBK

And if you're an artist in the Toronto area, come check out Sleepless Studios https://www.sleeplessstudios.io/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Sleepless, hosts Robin and Tom welcome their special guest Elaine Empalmado, a multi-talented musician, content creator, and former hospitality professional. Elaine shares her inspiring journey from working in the service industry to embracing sobriety and building a thriving career as a full-time content creator. She opens up about her struggles with addiction, the challenges of changing careers, and the realities of life as an entrepreneur in the digital age.

Elaine discusses the importance of creative outlets, the ups and downs of social media, and how she found her unique voice online. The conversation also dives into the pressures of content creation, the value of authenticity, and practical advice for anyone looking to start their own creative journey. Whether you’re an aspiring creator or just looking for an honest, motivating story, this episode is packed with insights and real talk.

Follow Elaine on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/itselaineempalmado/

Follow Sleepless Studios on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/sleeplesssocials/

And Listen or watch the Sleepless Podcast at:

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/sleepless/id1742839487

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/39oExSG7o0vAh48xLwahRL?si=02f46a21a48346ea

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ty-VM2J9ibs&list=PLLwseAJLDjWtWJ7zLMSdJ4JBRd0wy0kBK

And if you're an artist in the Toronto area, come check out Sleepless Studios https://www.sleeplessstudios.io/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join hosts Robin and Tom as they welcome the multi-talented drag artist Hillary Yas for a candid, funny, and insightful conversation about the creative process, the evolution of drag, and the importance of chosen family. From theater school stories to the realities of performing, improv, and podcasting, this episode dives deep into identity, community, and the power of self-expression, with plenty of laughs and behind-the-scenes tales from the world of drag.

And as always, stay sleepless.

Follow Hillary:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hillaryyaas

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@happytoseemepod

Check out her upcoming shows here: https://hillaryyaas.com/shows-1

Listen to her comedy album here: https://music.apple.com/ca/album/part-time-everything/1793497040 

Or listen to Hilllary on her award-winning podcast, Squirrel Talk, on The Sonar Network:

https://thesonarnetwork.com/squirrel-talk/

Follow Sleepless Studios on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/sleeplesssocials/

And Listen or watch the Sleepless Podcast at:

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/sleepless/id1742839487

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/39oExSG7o0vAh48xLwahRL?si=02f46a21a48346ea

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ty-VM2J9ibs&list=PLLwseAJLDjWtWJ7zLMSdJ4JBRd0wy0kBK

And if you're an artist in the Toronto area, come check out Sleepless Studios https://www.sleeplessstudios.io/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Sleepless Podcast, Robin and Tom are joined by special guest Alexa Steele. Alexa is known for her roles in 'Degrassi' and the 'Jan' sitcom, as well as her own podcast 'Steele My Story'. Alexa shares insights about her acting career, the creative process, and the challenges of the industry. They discuss the significance of staying true to oneself in auditions, the ups and downs of the acting world, and how the pandemic changed the audition process.

Follow Alexa:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexasteele

YouTube: https://youtube.com/watch?v=qkphuvNE3uU

Listen to Alexa on her hit podcast, Happy To See Me, on The Sonar Network:

https://thesonarnetwork.com/steele-my-story/

Follow Sleepless Studios on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/sleeplesssocials/

And Listen or watch the Sleepless Podcast at:

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/sleepless/id1742839487

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/39oExSG7o0vAh48xLwahRL?si=02f46a21a48346ea

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ty-VM2J9ibs&list=PLLwseAJLDjWtWJ7zLMSdJ4JBRd0wy0kBK

And if you're an artist in the Toronto area, come check out Sleepless Studios https://www.sleeplessstudios.io/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we sit down with Erika, the first Canadian winner of Survivor, to unpack her journey from a decade in PR to reality TV stardom—and the pivotal moment she quit her stable job, betting on herself no matter the outcome.

And as always, stay sleepless.

Follow Erika:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erika_cas

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@happytoseemepod

Or book her to speak at your next event: https://www.erikacasupanan.com/keynote-speaker

Listen to Erika on her award-winning podcast, Happy To See Me, on The Sonar Network:

https://thesonarnetwork.com/happy-to-see-me/

Check out the new hit podcast StanLand starring Bobby Moynihan, Rhea Seehorn, Jon Hamm, John Waters and more at www.standlandseries.com

Follow Sleepless Studios on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/sleeplesssocials/

And Listen or watch the Sleepless Podcast at:

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/sleepless/id1742839487

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/39oExSG7o0vAh48xLwahRL?si=02f46a21a48346ea

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ty-VM2J9ibs&list=PLLwseAJLDjWtWJ7zLMSdJ4JBRd0wy0kBK

And if you're an artist in the Toronto area, come check out Sleepless Studios https://www.sleeplessstudios.io/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.