In this episode of Solo Spotlight, Ryan MacDougall sits down with rising musician Mitch MacDonald for an honest, grounded conversation about staying consistent when no one’s watching, pushing through self-doubt, and building something meaningful without chasing algorithms.

Mitch opens up about his journey from early inspiration to the internal battles of being a working artist — and why he continues to create without industry hype or validation. They talk creative identity, burnout, pressure, and what success really looks like when you’re playing the long game.

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🎧 Also available on Spotify, Apple, and everywhere you stream podcasts.

#MitchMacDonald #SoloSpotlight #IndependentArtist #CreativeJourney #MusicianMindset #Persistence #PodcastEpisode #SpareBedroomStudios

We’re back after a short break with a jam-packed episode covering the chaos of the NBA Finals, Jon Jones’ shocking retirement, and a Disney breakfast that costs more than your rent.

Ryan, Richard, and Mark break down Tyrese Haliburton’s heartbreaking injury, debate the real value of a championship, and question whether KD is worth trading generational talent.

But it’s not all sports — we dive into real-life bar fight etiquette, U-Haul horror stories, and the absurdity of Disneyland pricing. If you’ve ever sneezed in public or shaken a stranger’s hand, prepare for some hilarious perspective shifts.

👉 Leave a comment: What was your favorite moment of the episode?

🎙️ Subscribe for weekly banter, wild takes, and the best conversations on the internet.

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In Episode 39 of Solo Spotlight, Ryan MacDougall sits down with returning guest David MacLeod—martial artist, black belt, and lifelong student of growth—for a raw and wide-ranging conversation about discipline, self-accountability, and the evolving world of combat sports.

David opens up about his recent double bronze win in Judo, what competition looks like at the black belt level, and how martial arts has shaped his personal life and mental resilience. Together, he and Ryan explore the less-talked-about sides of training: burnout, self-doubt, and the reality of balancing passion with adult responsibilities.

Honest, hilarious, and thought-provoking—this episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about the mindset it takes to keep showing up when life gets heavy.

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🎧 Listen to full episodes on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & more

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In Episode 38 of Solo Spotlight, Ryan MacDougall sits down with Zyxon Ebenflow – a creator who wears many hats: musician, stand-up comic, podcaster, and aspiring ayahuasca shaman.

This episode dives deep into Zyxon’s creative process, the power of vulnerability, the battle with ego, and his pursuit of spiritual clarity. We talk about how criticism shapes our identity, why he embraces imperfection, and how he’s working to help others find healing through art and psychedelics.

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🎧 Also available on Spotify, Apple, and all podcast platforms.

#ZyxonEbenflow #SoloSpotlight #Ayahuasca #CreativeJourney #StandUpComedy #Psychedelics #PodcastLife #HealingThroughArt #SpiritualAwakening #SpareBedroomStudios

In this episode of Solo Spotlight, host Ryan MacDougall sits down with Jesse Watson—the owner of Boxcar Coffee, long-time Calder local, and candidate for Edmonton City Council. It’s a wide-ranging, candid conversation about what it takes to turn a “rough” neighborhood into a thriving community, the realities of small business ownership, and why grassroots leadership matters more than ever.

From the inspiration behind Boxcar Coffee’s iconic design, to the quirks and challenges of running a coffee shop in Calder, Jesse shares what it’s really like to be a connector, a builder, and a champion for the north side. The discussion dives into city politics, municipal headaches, and the bold ideas Jesse hopes to bring to City Hall—including how local businesses can anchor real change and why transparent, practical leadership is so needed right now.

If you’re passionate about community, love a good small business underdog story, or want an inside look at Edmonton’s city-building scene, this one’s for you.

🎧 Listen now on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

📢 If you enjoyed this episode, hit like, subscribe, and share it with a friend in Edmonton—especially if they love coffee or care about the future of our city!

☕️ Check out Boxcar Coffee in Calder, and follow Jesse’s journey at jessewatson.ca and @jesseforyeg on Instagram.

📲 Follow @spare_bedroom_studios for behind-the-scenes, future episodes, and more local stories!

In this special Q&A episode of The Conversationalist, hosts Ryan, Richard, and Mark dive headfirst into questions submitted by listeners from across Canada. Tune in for hilarious stories about chaotic neighborhood street parties, heartfelt confessions of skydiving fears, and engaging debates on the ethics of artificial intelligence and ancient civilizations.

This lively episode covers everything from basketball hot takes, personal regrets, and East Coast versus Alberta living, to bizarre hypotheticals about meeting alternate-universe versions of themselves. Don’t miss the laughs, insights, and the genuine chemistry that makes The Conversationalist your favorite weekly hangout.

Promo Mentions:

Shoutout to KL Cleaning YEG: Your go-to team for after-party cleanup in Edmonton!

Special thanks to listener questions from New Brunswick, BC’s Stoke Social (marketing, social media, and events), and MFN Training (strength and conditioning).

Connect with Us:

Follow us on Instagram: @Spare_bedroom_studios

Listen, subscribe, and share your thoughts!

In this episode of Solo Spotlight, Ryan MacDougall sits down with Celia Bugno — art historian, educator, and host of Highbrow Honey — for a conversation that bridges the gap between academia and pop culture. With a Master's in Art History and a sharp eye for cultural nuance, Celia shares how she transforms complex art theory into compelling podcast content.

From unpacking the myth of the "male genius" to exploring how Rococo mirrors today’s obsession with aesthetics, this episode is part masterclass, part candid deep-dive. Whether you're an art nerd, podcast junkie, or just curious about how history shapes the way we see the world — this one’s worth your time.

What if you’ve been thinking about podcast monetization all wrong? Greg Wasserman, Head of Relationships at RSS.com, breaks down what real ROI looks like—beyond ads and sponsorships. Whether you're a hobbyist or chasing full-time creator status, this conversation will reshape how you think about growth, strategy, and what it means to actually win in podcasting.

You'll learn:

• How to turn your podcast into a lead magnet for opportunities
• Why most podcasters fail—and how not to
• The overlooked value of community, trust, and long-term thinking
• Whether live shows and local partnerships are worth it
• What analytics actually matter

If you're serious about podcasting, this episode gives you the roadmap—and the reality check.

Subscribe for more interviews and unfiltered conversations about creative journeys, content strategy, and the real stories behind the mic.

In Episode 39 of The Conversationalist, Ryan, Richard, and Mark are back with a wild ride through everything from art history to air-fried wings. This episode kicks off with a heated debate over dramatized court cases and dives headfirst into Ryan’s attempt to brush up on history before interviewing an art historian.

The trio shares hilarious university stories (including women’s studies, drama exams, and mind-melting philosophy lectures) before spiraling into discussions about Neuralink, Roman Empire obsessions, and how often men really think about ancient civilizations.

Later, they tackle absurd relationship headlines (yes, someone was lit on fire over a kitchen comment), and eventually let their appetites take over in a passionate food segment covering Chick-fil-A, hot honey wings, and the best burgers in Canada. They round it off with NHL playoff insights and a quick NBA update, comparing playoff composure and SGA’s icy mindset.

This episode is an off-the-rails but deeply entertaining conversation full of real stories, offbeat humor, and surprisingly thoughtful moments.

If you laughed, learned, or craved wings during this episode, hit that subscribe button and leave us a rating! Follow us @SpareBedroomStudios for clips, behind-the-scenes, and guest announcements.

We're powered by RSS.com — the easiest way to launch and grow your podcast. Use our affiliate link to support the show and start your own audio empire today.

Big thanks to our sponsor @klcleaningyeg! Use code “save5” to get $5 off your next cleaning service, or visit klcleaning.ca to book online. Edmonton’s go-to for reliable, professional cleaning — because your home deserves it.

Got thoughts or wild food takes? DM us or drop a comment — we might read it on the next episode.

#TheConversationalist #PodcastLife #HotTakesOnly #WingsDebate #NeuralinkTheories #ArtHistoryNerds #NHLPlayoffs #SGA #FoodieTalk #SpareBedroomStudios #CanadianPodcasts #Philosophy101 #DeepFriedThoughts

In this powerful episode of Solo Spotlight, Ryan sits down with Alberta Sheriff and mental health advocate Jerry Galliford, the founder of the Alberta First Responders Association (AFRA).

From oil and gas layoffs to corrections and now sheriffs, Jerry’s journey into public service is a testament to resilience, reinvention, and purpose. What started as a peer-driven apparel initiative called Code 9 Canada has now grown into a non-profit that supports thousands of frontline workers with training, peer support, and mental health advocacy.

🔗 Links to AFRA, mental health resources, and support services are listed in the description below.

Official Website: ourafra.ca

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/company/ourafra

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ourafra/

Instagram: @albertafirstresponders

Alberta Health Services – Mental Health Helpline: 1-877-303-2642