Solo Spotlight with Ryan MacDougall

In Episode 85 of Solo Spotlight, Ryan sits down with Yenn Purkis — autistic and non-binary author, presenter, and advocate — for a practical, honest conversation about what autism really looks like in day-to-day life.

Yenn shares their journey through diagnosis, mental health systems, and rebuilding identity over time — including why they didn’t fully accept their diagnosis for years, and how finding the right community and language can change everything.

We also get into what real support actually looks like — especially in workplaces: listening to autistic staff, building inclusive culture, sensory-friendly changes (like fragrance-free spaces), and how simple misunderstandings can cost someone a job if managers don’t understand what’s happening.

Finally, we spotlight Yenn’s work as an author: how their books grew organically from real needs (employment, mental health, practical guides), and why their writing focuses on tools people can actually use.

Nathaniel Blais returns to Solo Spotlight to discuss his rapid growth as a real estate agent, closing 11 deals in his first year in a highly competitive market.

In this episode, Nathaniel breaks down what it actually takes to survive and grow in real estate, the mindset required to handle rejection, and how communication, persistence, and self-drive separate successful agents from those who leave the industry.

We also explore the role of social media in building trust, the realities behind working with clients, and how leadership and personal discipline have shaped his career.

This conversation offers a transparent look at what it means to build momentum from nothing and develop into a professional in a competitive field.

Subscribe for more conversations with entrepreneurs, professionals, and individuals building their path forward.

In this episode, I sit down with Karisse G to talk about his journey as an Edmonton artist—how writing started for him on a family trip to Jamaica in 10th grade, how he linked up with producer Taylor, and what it really takes to build momentum in music.

Karisse breaks down the behind-the-scenes reality most people never see: the COVID-era daily grind (including taking three buses just to get to sessions), dropping his project “Unforgotten” and landing his first manager, and why a song might take 2–3 hours to make… but a proper release rollout takes a month.

We also get into release strategy, visuals, playlists, and how he’s planning to stay consistent this year—plus where new listeners should start if they’re hearing Karisse for the first time.

👇 Where to start with Karisse G: “Established 23” (then work your way down).

#SoloSpotlight #SpareBedroomStudios #EdmontonMusic #KarisseG #CanadianHipHop #IndependentArtist #MusicIndustry #ArtistInterview #Podcast #YEG

Seriously Taylor joins Solo Spotlight for a real conversation about what actually matters in the studio.

We talk the producer/engineer perspective, what separates artists who improve from artists who stay stuck, why “better gear” doesn’t fix weak habits, and how writing/rhythm/syllables can change the entire feel of a record. If you’re an artist, producer, or just curious how songs get built behind the scenes — this episode is loaded with practical insight.

🎙️ Solo Spotlight is long-form conversations with people who are building something real.

Subscribe for more interviews and drop a comment with your biggest takeaway.

Guest: Seriously Taylor (artist / producer / engineer)

#SoloSpotlight #SpareBedroomStudios #SeriouslyTaylor #Podcast #MusicPodcast #MusicProduction #Producer #AudioEngineer #Songwriting

Burnout. People-pleasing. Trauma.

We hear these words everywhere — but most people are still unclear on what they actually mean, how they overlap, and what genuinely helps.

In this episode of Solo Spotlight, Ryan MacDougall sits down with Lilly Gonoratsky, a Registered Provisional Psychologist and Certified EMDR Therapist, for a grounded, practical conversation about what’s really happening beneath the surface — both psychologically and in the nervous system.

This episode is educational, conversational, and human — not therapy, not internet psychology, and not about quick fixes. It’s about understanding yourself better and knowing what direction to take next.

This episode is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for therapy or medical advice. If something discussed resonates deeply, please consider reaching out to a qualified mental health professional.

📍 Guest Info — Lilly Gonoratsky

Registered Provisional Psychologist

Certified EMDR Therapist

Founder, Beyond Roots Counselling

• In-person sessions in Calgary (SW)

• Virtual sessions across Alberta

• Free 15-minute consultations available

🌐 Website: https://beyondrootscounselling.com/

📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therapywithlilly/

Dr. Ian MacNairn is an emergency medicine physician and anthropologist whose career has been shaped by resilience, responsibility, and a deep belief in treating people as kin — not cases.

In 2006, Ian was the victim of a hit-and-run accident that changed the trajectory of his life. Recovery led him into ultra-marathon running, graduate studies, a PhD in anthropology, and eventually into emergency medicine — carrying with him a perspective that blends Western medicine with Indigenous knowledge, cultural humility, and lived experience.

Recently, Ian returned from Gaza, where he provided emergency medical care during a humanitarian crisis. In this episode, we talk about the realities of practicing medicine in a conflict zone, the mental and emotional toll of frontline work, and how endurance — physical and psychological — has shaped the way he shows up for patients and communities.

Follow Solo Spotlight for long-form conversations with people who have lived the story — not just talked about it.

#SoloSpotlight #EmergencyMedicine #HumanitarianWork #Resilience #LongFormPodcast #SpareBedroomStudios #MentalHealth #MedicineAndCulture #FrontlineStories

This week on Solo Spotlight, I’m joined by KYTE — an independent hip-hop artist from northern Alberta — for a real conversation about building music when nobody’s handing you a shortcut.

We get into discipline, self-belief, staying consistent, how he approaches writing and recording, and what the “long game” actually looks like as an indie artist.

Drop a comment: What matters more for an artist — talent or consistency?

Follow KYTE:

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

Music: https://open.spotify.com/artist/49rST9N1Av8WCg8Dc6c5LL?si=1eW8JopFRsW5Ok9MqG-dPw

Follow Solo Spotlight / Spare Bedroom Studios:

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

Spotify/Audio: https://open.spotify.com/show/7seh7SHxLvn3mznXV0rrlz

#SoloSpotlight #SpareBedroomStudios #KYTE #KyteMusic #KyteMusic_ #CanadianHipHop #AlbertaHipHop #IndependentArtist #HipHopPodcast #RapperInterview #MusicPodcast #IndieArtist #Songwriting #CreativeProcess #ArtistJourney

In this episode of Solo Spotlight, Ryan MacDougall sits down with independent reggae artist Caleb Hart for a focused conversation on longevity, discipline, and building a sustainable creative career outside the traditional music industry.

Caleb shares his journey as a fully independent artist — from touring and live performance to adapting his hustle in the modern streaming era. Throughout the conversation, he breaks down the difference between short-term attention and long-term artistry, the role of feedback in growth, and how artists can stay grounded while navigating criticism, pressure, and changing industry expectations.

This episode explores what it really means to build something over time — not just in music, but in any creative or entrepreneurial path. From finding balance between craft and accessibility to understanding the value of small wins, this conversation offers practical insight for artists, creators, and anyone working to build something on their own terms.

Subscribe to Spare Bedroom Studios for more long-form conversations with artists, creatives, and builders from all walks of life.

New episodes of Solo Spotlight drop EVERY WEEK!

🔗 Support the Guest — Caleb Hart

If you enjoyed this conversation and want to support Caleb Hart, check out his music and ongoing projects below. Supporting independent artists directly helps them continue creating, touring, and building sustainable careers on their own terms.

🎶 Listen to Caleb Hart’s music: Available on all major streaming platforms

🌍 Follow Caleb Hart on youtube: @IAmCalebHart

🌍 Follow Caleb Hart on social media: Iamcalebhart

Stress, hormones, fertility, burnout… and the stories we tell ourselves about all of it. In this episode of Solo Spotlight, Ryan sits down with Sabrina Souto, an acupuncturist and comprehensive health practitioner who helps people untangle their nervous system, belief systems, and biology the right way.

Sabrina has spent years working with stress, hormonal issues, fertility and cancer support, blending Traditional Chinese Medicine with a grounded, education-first approach. This isn’t fluffy “holistic” word salad — we get into what actually happens in a session, why “natural” isn’t always better, and how your identity and beliefs can quietly shape your health.

If you’ve ever felt burnt out, stuck in patterns your body can’t explain, or you’re curious about fertility and hormones without the usual fear-mongering, this episode is for you.

Katanya Timinsky returns to Solo Spotlight for a deeper look into her evolution as a storyteller and the creation of her long-form interview series, The Ethos of Humanity.

Our first conversation explored her humanitarian photography in Ukraine and how she learned to hold space for voices affected by conflict. In this follow-up episode, we shift into the present: Katanya has launched her own talk show and has already recorded multiple emotional, philosophy-driven conversations that explore human identity, emotional labor, lived experience, and the art of connection.

Whether you’re a creator, host, filmmaker, listener, or someone who appreciates authentic dialogue, this episode offers a meaningful look at what it takes to tell human stories with intention, empathy, and trust.

Follow Katanya & Ethos of Humanity

-YouTube: @EthosofHumanity

-Instagram: https://instagram.com/EthosOfHumanity

-TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@EthosOfHumanity

-Facebook: https://facebook.com/EthosOfHumanity

-Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/EthosOfHumanity

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