S’MAC TALK: Talk in the Truck with NIK POLI

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🏡 Title Sponsor: David Rogers – F1 Family First Realty

👕 Music Support: Rapid Artist Merch – Got Merch?

Lucky Episode #7 brings NIK POLI into the studio for a deep, hilarious, and heartfelt chat about life on the road, songwriting, and what it’s like to play 70+ shows in a year.

Seth, Mackenzie, and NIK break down everything from the Calgary Canucks game performance and Tilly’s anthem debut, to Stampede madness, touring through BC (and sleeping in a Denny’s), and how NIK’s writing process led to heartfelt tracks like “If God Made Me Blind” and “Talkin’ in the Truck.”

They also cover this week in Alberta’s music scene — from Celine at Mahogany to Erika Mae, Molly Ferdinand, and Anna Lewis at Heliopolis, and a packed Friends of Blue Willow night at Banquet. Plus: Shania Twain at Spanky’s, Blue Jays wins, hockey hot takes, and a live in-studio performance you’ll want to replay.

🎙️ Country, community, and chaos — that’s S’MAC Talk.

S’MAC Talk – Episode 6
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🏡 Title Sponsor: David Rogers – F1 Family First Realty
👕 Music Support: Rapid Artist Merch – Got Merch?

This week, Seth and Mackenzie welcome Erika Mae — Calgary-based country-pop artist — for a fun and heartfelt conversation about life as an emerging musician, her Nashville songwriting journey, and releasing her debut single “Nobody’s Fool.”

The crew also dives into another jam-packed week in Alberta’s music scene — from Meera Sylvain at Semantics Café to Jaden Riley’s sold-out release party at The Attic, and an unforgettable night at The Palomino featuring The Ashley Hundred, St. Arnaud, and Daughter Dentist. Plus, a few late-night Wendy’s runs and conspiracy tangents (yes, Avril Lavigne came up).

Erika shares what it was like working with Grammy-nominated producer Matt Braun-Louis in Nashville, her dream collabs with Chris Stapleton, Kacey Musgraves, and Brandi Carlile, and plays a stunning live performance of “Nobody’s Fool” and her upcoming single “Back When It Mattered.”

🎸 Music, storytelling, and a little chaos — just how we like it.

S’MAC Talk – Episode 5
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🎙️ Title Sponsor: David Rogers – F1 Family First Realty
🎶 Music Support: Rapid Artist Merch – Got Merch?

This week, Seth and Mackenzie sit down with Calgary artist Jessie Dans for an open and inspiring conversation about the hustle, heart, and hard truths behind pursuing music as a career. Jessie shares how she’s balancing three jobs while building her dream, recording in L.A., and finding her artistic identity through storytelling and collaboration.

From her vulnerable single “Sleeping Alone” to her empowering mindset that “nobody else wants your dream to come true,” Jessie brings honesty, humor, and wisdom to the mic.

Seth and Mackenzie also recap another action-packed week across Alberta’s live music scene — from Lewis Cardinal’s heartfelt Casa Musica show and Everly’s sold-out night at Semantics, to NIK POLI’s full-band takeover in Edmonton during CFR weekend. Plus, some laughs, life lessons, Taylor Swift talk, and a surprise art critique you’ll have to hear to believe.

As always, S’MAC Talk keeps the focus on the heartbeat of Calgary — where sports, music, and community come together.

S’MAC Talk – Episode 4Powered by Blue Willow Entertainment🎙️ Title Sponsor: David Rogers F1 Family First Realty🎶 Music Support: Rapid Artist Merch – Got Merch?
This week, Seth and Mackenzie sit down with Stephanie Hutchinson to dive into an inspiring conversation about her journey and impact in the music industry. Stephanie recaps the YYC Music Awards, which she leads, shares insights from her role at the National Music Centre, and discusses her experiences as an indie record label founder. She also highlights how music continues to shape stories and foster connections within Calgary’s creative community.

Seth and Mackenzie recapped last week’s shows, including Grace Dafoe’s fundraiser at ChopValue YYC, and dove into what’s coming up this week — including NIK POLI performing with a full band at Banquet Bar in Edmonton as part of this weekend’s CFR festivities.

The episode wraps with Stephanie’s song picks and recommendations, plus Seth & Mackenzie sharing laughs, updates, and their own weekly music highlights.

As always, S’MAC Talk keeps the focus on the heartbeat of Calgary — where sports, music, and community come together.

S’MAC Talk – Episode 3
Powered by Blue Willow Entertainment
🎙️ Title Sponsor: David Rogers F1 Family First Realty
🎶 Music Support: Rapid Artist Merch – Got Merch?
🙌 Shoutouts: ChopValue YYC + special thanks to Rviita for fueling the show with sample drinks (Grace tries her pick, while Seth and Mackenzie test new flavors).

In this episode, Seth and Mackenzie welcome Canadian skeleton athlete Grace Dafoe 🛷 into the studio. Grace shares her 14-year journey in skeleton racing, the serendipitous way she discovered the sport, and how music has become an essential tool for focus and performance.

The crew dives into conversations about:
🎶 Music as motivation in sport and life
🏟️ Creative fundraising and the challenges athletes face
🤝 Why community support is key for both athletes and artists
🎤 Calgary’s vibrant local music scene and upcoming events

Grace caps off the chat with her song picks and recommendations, adding a personal touch to the music-meets-sport theme.

As always, Seth & Mackenzie keep the laughs and banter flowing, while shining a light on the intersection of music, sports, and community.

Intro Song: Higher Ground - Eric John

Middle Song: In Time - Eric John

End Song: Lucky You, Lucky Me - Eric John

Backstage S’MAC Talk – Episode 2
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🎙️ Title Sponsor: David Rogers F1 Family First Realty🎶 Live Performance presented by: Rapid Artist Merch – Got Merch?
🙌 Shoutouts: ChopValue YYC + special thanks to Rviita for fueling the show with sample drinks (Mackenzie reviews Divine Strawberry, Seth takes on Black Cherry, and Lewis tries Speechless).

In this episode, Seth and Mackenzie kick things off with a recap of last week. Seth shares highlights from his trip to Kelowna for CCMA events, including showcases by NIK POLI and Ryan Lindsay at Red Bird, plus volunteering at the CCMA Waterfront Music Festival. Meanwhile, Mackenzie brings listeners along on her unforgettable Morgan Wallen adventure in Edmonton.

They look ahead to another packed week of live music, featuring shows at Banquet, Heliopolis, and a special release show for Erika Mae at The Attic, among others.

Joining the conversation in-studio is special guest Lewis Cardinal, who talks about his upcoming project and treats listeners to a live performance of Start Again—out September 19th. He closes out the show with his already released track Finally Feel Safe.

Of course, Seth & Mac deliver their weekly song recommendations, share laughs, and keep the banter flowing throughout.

Welcome to the debut episode of "Backstage S'MAC Talk" with Seth and Mac, powered by Blue Willow Entertainment. Join us as we dive into the vibrant world of live music, featuring artist showcases, behind-the-scenes insights, and the latest happenings in the music scene. This week, we spotlight the exciting venues and artists making waves, from the heart of Calgary to beyond. Tune in for a mix of humor, music, and the stories that bring it all together. Don't miss out on the rhythm of the backstage!

Backstage S’Mac Talk with Seth & Mackenzie takes you behind the curtain of the music world. Powered by Blue Willow Entertainment, this weekly podcast dives into real conversations with artists, industry pros, and community voices shaping the scene. Expect candid stories, laughs, and insights into life on and off the stage — plus recurring guest appearances from Blue Willow artists, sponsors, and live event moments you won’t hear anywhere else.

Whether you’re an artist, fan, or just love great conversations, pull up a seat and join Seth & Mackenzie for an unfiltered look at the music industry, one episode at a time.