The Canadian Star System with Steve Patterson

This week, Steve and Diana chat with none other than legendary musician and children’s performer Fred Penner! Fred discusses his long and illustrious music career, which started helping troubled teens early on in his life and how two big mortality checks in his life drove him to search for his bliss. Plus, he explains how he’s survived the critics thanks to his wife’s wise words, ‘It’s none of your business.’

Fred introduces us to Winnipeg singer-songwriter and musician JP Hoe! Steve was mesmerized by JP’s ingenious video for his song, ‘Beautifully Crazy,’ and JP explains the importance of the Winnipeg arts scene, his holiday album and how he met Fred Penner over olives and soft cheese.

To learn more about Fred Penner, check out his website www.fredpenner.com or on Twitter @PennerFred and on Instagram @fpenner5

To learn more about JP Hoe, check out his website at www.jphoe.com and check out the video for Beautifully Crazy at https://youtu.be/OjfqjQXG0aI or on Spotify at: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6EtgUAY8OttzTLTwfO2X9l?si=hoFXmHPdRB-KQehAHaQZJg. You can follow JP on Twitter @jphoe and Instagram @jphoe

HOST: Steve Patterson (Twitter: @patterballs)

PRODUCER & CO-HOST: Diana Frances (Twitter @dianafrancesvan)

TECHNICAL PRODUCER: Donovan Deschner from Fracture A Femur Productions (www.fractureafemur.com)

MUSIC BY: Imagine Sound Studios (www.imaginesoundstudios.com)

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

This week, Steve and Diana chat with musician, author, and community newspaper entrepreneur Dave Bidini! In what might be the most Canadian episode ever, they discuss bringing Stompin’ Tom Connors out of retirement, singing O Canada with his band The Rheostatics at a hockey game the night before his wedding, apologizing to Gordon Lightfoot and of course - the importance of community newspapers. 

Dave introduces us to fellow acclaimed singer/songwriter Selina Martin! Selina discusses her journey from growing up on a farm in the Ottawa valley to living in the south of France. And continuing with the Canadian theme, Selina tells us about how she became known as ‘Campfire Geddy,’ as well as her latest album ‘Caruso’s Brain.’  

To learn more about Dave Bidini and The Rheostatics, check out www.rheostatics.ca and for the West End Phoenix, go to www.westendphoenix.com. You can follow Dave on Twitter at @hockeyesque and on Instagram @DaveBidini. ​​

To learn more about Selina Martin, check out her website at www.selinamartin.com where you can buy her new album on Bandcamp. Follow her on Twitter @SelinaMartin and Instagram @selina.martin.1.

HOST: Steve Patterson (Twitter: @patterballs)

PRODUCER & CO-HOST: Diana Frances (Twitter @dianafrancesvan)

TECHNICAL PRODUCER: Donovan Deschner from Fracture A Femur Productions (www.fractureafemur.com)

MUSIC BY: Imagine Sound Studios (www.imaginesoundstudios.com)

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

On this week’s episode, Steve and Diana talk to one of their dear comedy friends, standup, writer, producer and viral sensation, Darcy Michael! Darcy explains how he and his husband, Jer, became TikTok sensations with over 2 million followers after his dog went viral first. Darcy also shares some hilarious life hacks, getting back to touring and his own podcast, HIGH SCHOOL SUCKED.

Which segues perfectly to the guest he shines a light on, fellow comedian, actor and his podcast co-host Jane Stanton! Jane talks about learning to skate for her recurring role on the new ‘Mighty Ducks: Game Changers’ TV series, meeting Emelio Estevez, and both Jane and Darcy discuss how their late-in-life ADHD diagnoses changed their lives for the better.

To learn more about Darcy Michael, check out his website www.darcymichael.com or on Twitter, @thedarcymichael Instagram @thedarcymichael , and of course, TikTok.

To learn more about Jane Stanton, check out her website at https://thejanestanton.com/ or on Instagram at @thejanestanton

HOST: Steve Patterson (Twitter: @patterballs)

PRODUCER & CO-HOST: Diana Frances (Twitter @dianafrancesvan)

TECHNICAL PRODUCER: Donovan Deschner from Fracture A Femur Productions (www.fractureafemur.com)

MUSIC BY: Imagine Sound Studios (www.imaginesoundstudios.com)

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

This week, Steve and Diana chat with none other than one of Canada’s most eclectic and charming musicians, Hawksley Workman! Hawksley talks about his 2020 album, ‘Less Rage More Tears,’ why he loves the smaller arts scene in Peterborough where he now lives and why we should incorporate more comedians into rock shows.

Hawksley shines the spotlight on his new Peterborough friend and Monday morning walk buddy, Jeremiah Brown! Jeremiah tells his incredible story of going from sitting on his parent’s couch watching the Olympics to winning an Olympic medal for rowing in just four years and how that changed his life. Plus, he spills the beans on the incredibly unique way he met Hawksley by selling a microphone on Craigslist.

To learn more about Hawksley Workman, check out his website https://hawksleyworkman.com/ or on Twitter @HawksleyWorkman and Instagram @HawksleyWorkman 

To learn more about Jeremiah Brown, check out his website at: www.the4yearolympian.com or on Twitter @jeremiahfbrown and Instagram @the4yearolympian

HOST: Steve Patterson (Twitter: @patterballs)

PRODUCER & CO-HOST: Diana Frances (Twitter @dianafrancesvan)

TECHNICAL PRODUCER: Donovan Deschner from Fracture A Femur Productions (www.fractureafemur.com)

MUSIC BY: Imagine Sound Studios (www.imaginesoundstudios.com)

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

This week, Steve and Diana chat with one of Canada’s hardest working rock bands, The Sheepdogs! Band members Ryan Gullen and Ewan Currie talk about their new album, ‘No Simple Thing,’ as well as the support they’ve gotten from their hometown of Saskatoon, and what it was like landing on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine. 

Ryan and Ewan introduce us to one of Canada’s best drummers - Dani Nash. Dani talks about coming out from behind the drum kit to record her first self-titled album and its new wave sound, what it’s like to trust your drummer when you’re also a drummer and why small venues are so important to the health of live music.  

To learn more about The Sheepdogs, check out their website or www.thesheepdogs.com on Twitter @thesheepdogs and Instagram @thesheepdogs.

To learn more about Dani Nash, check out her website at: www.daninash.com and you can find her on Instagram @daninashmusic.

HOST: Steve Patterson (Twitter: @patterballs)

PRODUCER & CO-HOST: Diana Frances (Twitter @dianafrancesvan)

TECHNICAL PRODUCER: Donovan Deschner from Fracture A Femur Productions (www.fractureafemur.com)

MUSIC BY: Imagine Sound Studios (www.imaginesoundstudios.com)

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

This week Steve and Diana chat with Canadian Screen Award winning actor Lorne Cardinal! Lorne explains how playing rugby has helped make him a team player both in front of and behind the camera, how it felt getting a theatre named after him, and his post Corner Gas career on the CBS drama FBI: Most Wanted. 

Lorne introduces us to Christine Robinson, the Executive Director of The Canadian Animal Assistance Team. Christine tells us about the mandate of their volunteer-driven program which provides accessible spay/neuter programs to remote and underserved communities and how Covid has adversely affected the program. Plus, if you listen carefully you can hear the interruption of several animals in the background of her personal animal sanctuary.

To learn more about Lorne Cardinal, his website is: https://lornecardinal.com/ and you can find him on Twitter @lornecardinal and Instagram @lornecardinal.

To learn more about Christine Robinson and The Canadian Animal Assistance Team, check out the company website www.caat-canada.org or on Twitter @Caat_Canada  and Instagram @Caat_Canada 

HOST: Steve Patterson (Twitter: @patterballs)

PRODUCER & CO-HOST: Diana Frances (Twitter @dianafrancesvan)

TECHNICAL PRODUCER: Donovan Deschner from Fracture A Femur Productions (www.fractureafemur.com)

MUSIC BY: Imagine Sound Studios (www.imaginesoundstudios.com)

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

This week, Steve and Diana chat with none other than Canadian singer/songwriter/podcaster/author/activist/host/TV star/national gem Jann Arden! Jann discusses the upcoming third season of her hit CTV series JANN and the origins of her hit song ‘Insensitive,’ as well as the work she’s done to stop the inhuman export of live horses via air cargo to Japan.

Jann shines the spotlight on fellow singer/songwriter Rose Cousins! They reveal how they became each other's Covid buddies using virtual walkie-talkies, the origins of her new Juno-award winning album BRAVADO, and Steve admits which of Rose’s songs puts him on the floor every time.  

To learn more about Jann Arden, be sure to check out here website at www.jannarden.com. You can also learn more about how to stop the export of live horses by going to www.horseshit.ca. To follow Jann on the socials, check her out on Twitter @jannarden  and Instagram @jannarden.

To learn more about Rose Cousins, her website is www.rosecousins.com and you can follow her on Twitter @rosecousins and Instagram @rosecousins. 

HOST: Steve Patterson (Twitter: @patterballs)

PRODUCER & CO-HOST: Diana Frances (Twitter @dianafrancesvan)

TECHNICAL PRODUCER: Donovan Deschner from Fracture A Femur Productions (www.fractureafemur.com)

MUSIC BY: Imagine Sound Studios (www.imaginesoundstudios.com)

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

*A NOTE ABOUT THIS EPISODE FROM DR. SHELLEY BOYD:

First, it is important to note that information provided today is not meant to substitute for an eye exam with your healthcare provider, and no giving or receiving of personal health information is implied. 

And also, Dr Boyd wishes to clarify that in compliance with COVID guidelines, her St Michael’s Hospital research program in AMD remains closed – ensuring that her patients are safe and not exposed to unnecessary risk – while her Oshawa practice remains open for urgent and essential care. Like the rest of us, she is looking forward to returning to a new norm in the months ahead, and to seeing many of you again.

SHOW NOTES:

This week Steve and Diana chat with Canadian comedy legend Ron James! Ron regales us with stories from the road, explains why his love of touring Canada fills his heart more than chasing fame in America ever could, and the excellent career advice he got from none other than Billy Connolly. 

Ron introduces us to his friend… scientist, ophthalmologist and entrepreneur Dr. Shelley Boyd. Dr. Boyd is the founding director of Canada’s only dedicated ‘Dry’ Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) clinic at St. Michael’s Hospital. Dr. Boyd explains why Canadians are at the forefront of this field, how blindness has the highest effect on the healthcare system and why quitting smoking is good for your eyes.

To learn more about Ron James, check out his website at www.RonJames.ca or follow him on Twitter @TheRonJamesShow or on Instagram @ramblinronjames. You can learn more about his new book, ‘All Over The Map - Rambles and Ruminations from the Canadian Road’ here: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.ca/books/209922/all-over-the-map-by-ron-james/9780385671132

To learn more about Dr. Shelley Boyd, you can read about her work at St. Michael’s Hospital here: http://stmichaelshospitalresearch.ca/researchers/shelley-boyd/

For more information on issues related to vision loss, check out: https://cnib.ca or https://www.fightingblindness.ca/

HOST: Steve Patterson (Twitter: @patterballs)

PRODUCER & CO-HOST: Diana Frances (Twitter @dianafrancesvan)

TECHNICAL PRODUCER: Donovan Deschner from Fracture A Femur Productions (www.fractureafemur.com)

MUSIC BY: Imagine Sound Studios (www.imaginesoundstudios.com)

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

This week, Diana and Steve chat with a brand new Canadian citizen, who is also a motivational speaker, author and the CEO/founder of Peace by Chocolate… Tareq Hadhad! Tareq tells the story of how his family’s home and chocolate factory in Damascus was destroyed during the Syrian war, forcing them to live in a refugee camp for years before being welcomed into the small Nova Scotian community of Antigonish where they rebuilt their chocolate business, ‘Peace by Chocolate.’

Tareq introduces us to another new Canadian, Syrian artist Houssam Alloum. Houssam spent over 400 hours drawing a portrait of Tareq’s father holding a chocolate bar with the word ‘peace’ in Arabic. Houssam explains his style of ‘hyper realistic’ art, why he chooses to show his life experiences through his artwork and how art can bring awareness to important causes like eradicating gun violence against children.

To learn more about Tareq and his new book, ‘PEACE BY CHOCOLATE BOOK: THE HADHAD FAMILY'S REMARKABLE JOURNEY FROM SYRIA TO CANADA,’ check out his website at www.tareqhadhad.com.

And if you’d like to order their delicious chocolate online, be sure to go to www.peacebychocolate.ca. 

You can also follow both Tareq and Peace by Chocolate on the socials here: @TareqHadhad  @Peacebychoco on Twitter and @TareqHadhad and ​​@PeaceByChocolate on Instagram 

To learn more about Houssam Alloum and his work, be sure to check out his website: https://www.houssamalloum.com and follow him on Instagram @houssamalloum. 

HOST: Steve Patterson (Twitter: @patterballs)

PRODUCER & CO-HOST: Diana Frances (Twitter @dianafrancesvan)

TECHNICAL PRODUCER: Donovan Deschner from Fracture A Femur Productions (www.fractureafemur.com)

MUSIC BY: Imagine Sound Studios (www.imaginesoundstudios.com)

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

This week, Steve and Diana chat with the original ‘Survivorman,’ Les Stroud! Les reveals how his love of nature was inspired by Jacques Cousteau and Tarzan, which bugs are the most delicious, how foraging in nature led to his new culinary TV series ‘Wild Harvest’ and his return to his first love… music.

Les introduces us to singer-songwriter Angie Nussey, who has not only recorded with Les, but nature also inspired her love of music. Angie tells us why she thinks Mozart ripped off birds, and why she has been releasing a new song every month with an explanation of its origins for her new album, ‘I Have No Idea What I’m Doing.’

To learn more about Les Stroud, his new TV series ‘Wild Harvest’ and his music, check out lesstroud.ca and follow him on the Twitter at @reallesstroud

To hear Angie Nussey’s music, check out her website angienussey.com and follow her on Instagram @angienussey

HOST: Steve Patterson (Twitter: @patterballs)

PRODUCER & CO-HOST: Diana Frances (Twitter @dianafrancesvan)

TECHNICAL PRODUCER: Donovan Deschner from Fracture A Femur Productions (www.fractureafemur.com)

MUSIC BY: Imagine Sound Studios (www.imaginesoundstudios.com)

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