In this episode of The Phosphenes Podcast, I sit down with Jay Bhatti, a UK-based author, to discuss creativity, discipline, and the journey of bringing ideas to life.

We explore Jay’s path to becoming a published author, the challenges of writing and publishing books, and what the creative process has taught him about perseverance, identity, and personal growth.

Whether you’re an aspiring writer, a lifelong reader, or simply someone interested in creativity and self-discovery, this conversation offers thoughtful insights into the power of stories and the people who create them.

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing, leaving a review, or sharing it with someone who loves books, creativity, and meaningful conversations.

This episode of The Phosphenes Podcast is a little different.

After nine episodes, I wanted to take a step back and reflect on what I’ve learned so far, not just about podcasting, but about creativity, reinvention, identity, and the kind of life I actually want to build.

In this solo episode, I talk about the biggest mistakes I’ve made so far, how my approach to interviewing and storytelling is evolving, and the challenges of building something meaningful while still figuring it out in real time.

This episode also feels like a transition point.

These first episodes have taught me a lot. Moving forward, I want Phosphenes to become more intentional, more refined, and more deeply aligned with the conversations I truly want to have.

Thank you to everyone who has listened, supported the show, or shared these conversations so far.

There’s still a long way to go, but I’m excited for what comes next!

Rachelle Thistle spent more than a decade working in the oilfield before deciding to take a leap of faith and build something entirely her own.

In this episode, we talk about what led her to leave behind a stable career, the process of building her mobile coffee trailer from the ground up, and the uncertainty and excitement that come with choosing a different path.

A conversation about courage, reinvention, and creating a life you actually want to live.

In this episode, I sit down with Darla Daniels, a Métis singer, songwriter, and fiddle player, whose EP 1992 was released last fall.

We talk about the road to Many Miles, staying connected to tradition, and building a creative life through music.

This is a conversation about identity, artistry, and following what calls you.

In this episode, I sit down with my dear friend and mentor Sarah Sanders to talk about what it really looks like to choose a life you love.

We talk about her riding program, the path that led her there, and the decisions she had to make along the way.

This is a conversation about trusting what you want, navigating uncertainty, and building something that actually feels right.

This week’s episode is a short Artist Spotlight, featuring the Vancouver-based pop punk band Chief State.

They have an exciting new album titled “Keep Your Friends Closer” dropping on April 17th, and the singles that have been released so far have all been fantastic!

I also talk a bit about the experience of hosting a podcast, and which episode has been my most viewed one to date!

The natural resources and wealth that once drew people West now threaten to tear a nation apart.

In this episode of The Phosphenes Podcast I discuss life back East, the Alberta separatism movement, and what it’s like to move across the country with Nick Williams, who came to Grande Prairie 20 years ago following the call of opportunity that has brought so many other people here as well.

What does it mean to study the past, and why does it still matter?

In this episode of The Phosphenes Podcast, I sit down with Kendra, an archaeologist based in Canada.

We talk about what it’s like to build a career in archaeology, the realities of working in the field, and the deeper significance of preserving history in a world that’s constantly moving forward.

This conversation explores:

• the path into archaeology and what the work actually looks like• why the past still shapes the way we live today• the importance of remembering, documenting, and protecting what came before us

Kendra’s perspective is a reminder that the past isn’t something we leave behind, it’s something we carry with us, whether we realize it or not.

Introducing the Artist Spotlight, solo episodes where I share artists across different mediums who inspire me or whose work I genuinely enjoy.

First up: Shares, a DJ based in Denver, Colorado, who is also my friend.

This also happens to be The Lost Episode, the very first one I attempted to record.

In this episode of The Phosphenes Podcast, I sit down with my friend Andrew Rae, who left Australia and ended up finding the home he’d been seeking in Canada.

The path wasn’t simple. Immigration rarely is. There were obstacles, uncertainty, and moments where the easier choice would have been to go back to Australia.

But he persevered, and has now built a life for himself here, an ocean away from the small Australian town where he grew up.