the Radical Fabulatorium

In this episode, I'm joined once again by comedian and author James Mullinger, this time for a Halloween conversation about Troma films, Lloyd Kaufman, VHS culture, and the strange and wonderful world of independent filmmaking.

I spent a few days watching Troma movies and documentaries before our chat, and one thing that stood out to me was how much Lloyd seems to enjoy teaching people and giving inexperienced filmmakers a chance to learn. James and I talk about that side of Troma, along with the humour, gore, and the practical effects found throughout their movies. We also get into the influence Troma has had on people like James Gunn, Trey Parker, and Matt Stone.

James talks about discovering The Toxic Avenger as a kid, and how finding an article about Troma in The Dark Side magazine opened up a whole new world of movies for him. That obsession led to him making his own Troma fanzine and interviewing Lloyd Kaufman as a teenager. James recently had the opportunity to interview him again for The Dark Side, a full-circle moment

We also spend a bit of time talking about the old independent video rental stores, and how much of that experience has been lost with streaming. This leads us into some memories of Midnight Video and Starlite Video in Sussex, New Brunswick, which turned into a pretty fun part of the conversation. James talks about his VHS collection, the resurgence of physical media, and why there's still something special about actually owning a movie rather than just having access to it online.

We also touch on James's upcoming book, *Attention, Please! How I Made Friends with My ADHD Brain*, his ongoing comedy tour, and his upcoming BBC Radio 4 special, including a little detail about the show that he hadn't publicly announced before.

You can find James's upcoming shows, books, and other projects at www.jamesmullinger.com.

And if you're curious about Troma, you can explore their movies and documentaries at https://watch.troma.com/.

The Radical Fabulatorium:

https://www.patreon.com/theradfab

https://www.instagram.com/theradfab

https://www.twitter.com/theradfab

https://www.facebook.com/theradfab

https://www.johnadamian.com

https://www.theradfab.com

#theradicalfabulatorium

On today's episode I'm joined by Rody Walker, vocalist and lyricist of Protest the Hero, ahead of their return to Atlantic Canada in November.

We talk about their new record, Within, the childhood friendship connecting “Liberty Spike” and “Led Astray,” and getting older without getting jaded. Rody explains how he writes vocals over the band’s complicated instrumentals, why he values character over technical perfection, and what it’s like putting more of himself into his lyrics.

We also get into politics, fatherhood, coaching his son’s undefeated baseball team, a Leafs playoff disaster in New Brunswick, some Moosehead research, and Rody shopping for an I Was a Spy CD.

Topics include:

• Touring Atlantic Canada with Choke and Kaonashi

• The band’s punk roots and East Coast memories

• The story behind “Liberty Spike” and “Led Astray”

• Grief, gratitude and growing older

• Politics, parenthood and YouTube

• Writing lyrics, vocal melodies and arrangements

• Vocal characters and “Grandfather’s Axe”

• Coaching an undefeated baseball team

Within is available now. Music, merch and tour dates: https://protestthehero.ca/

Protest the Hero photo credit: Sandra Lee Layden

Modifications made (cropping and graphic design).

The Radical Fabulatorium:

https://www.patreon.com/theradfab

https://www.instagram.com/theradfab

https://www.twitter.com/theradfab

https://www.facebook.com/theradfab

https://www.johnadamian.com

https://www.theradfab.com

#theradicalfabulatorium

Singer-songwriter James Leclaire joins me on the first anniversary of his decision to pursue music full time. We revisit his punk rock beginnings in Renfrew, Ontario, talk about skateboarding and creative confidence, and trace his career in animation as co-founder of Jam Filled Entertainment, whose work includes Clone High and Final Space.

We get into his latest album, The Deal, the personal stories behind “The Sound of You Gone” and “If Ever,” and how songs can take on new meaning as life changes. James also shares his plans to record in New Orleans with producer Mark Howard, and we find some unexpected common ground over Wes' Chps.

Catch James at Harmony House in Saint John, NB, on October 10 with The Co-Conspirators.

Find James and his music: https://jamesleclaire.com/

Cait and Cherise from Strange Grooves join me in the CD library at Local 107.3 FM for a collaborative episode of The Radical Fabulatorium and Strange Grooves.

We trade stories about how our shows began, revisit the Saint John music scene, and talk about interviewing, creative burnout, perfectionism, and the importance of having people around you who support your work. We also explore how music helps us reconnect with ourselves and each other, and share some listening favourites, including Baie, Rolo Tomassi, and Turnstile.

Find Strange Grooves:

https://www.strangegrooves.com/

In this episode, I talk with vocalist Tim van der Krogt and drummer Pete Lavery from the Revelstoke, British Columbia band Pickle Juice about their second EP, The Whiteroom.

We talk about the growth between the band’s first two EPs, why the first one felt like a “proof of concept,” and how becoming more confident as a band affected the new songs. Tim and Pete also explain how they narrowed approximately ten songs down to the five that worked best together.

We get into the band’s songwriting process, which often starts with Tim bringing in the basic structure, lyrics and melody before the five members develop the arrangement together. Pete talks about his previous experience playing with Hazels in the UK, and Tim explains what Pete’s ability to hear the bigger picture brings to the band.

I also ask about some of the musical details that stood out to me while listening to the new EP, including why “Dogma” never returns to its chorus, the layered guitar parts in “I Don’t Wanna Wait,” and the thick, cloudy guitar tone that opens “A Little More Time.” Pete talks about returning to an older drum arrangement for “Dogma,” and how he tries to capture the energy of the band’s live shows in the studio.

We also talk about the members’ different musical influences, the connection between Pickle Juice and Revelstoke’s snowboarding culture, long drives between shows, and touring in a truck that blows hot air on one side and cold air on the other. Tim and Pete also discuss involving members of the Revelstoke community in their music videos and the band’s plans to begin working on its first full-length album.

Topics include:

• The growth between Pickle Juice’s first two EPs
• Choosing the five songs for The Whiteroom
• How the band develops Tim’s original song ideas
• Pete’s experience playing with Hazels
• Why “Dogma” never returns to its chorus
• The guitars in “I Don’t Wanna Wait”
• Capturing the band’s live energy in the studio
• The opening guitar tone in “A Little More Time”
• Why Ben and Tom exchange bass and rhythm guitar
• The influence of Revelstoke and snowboarding culture
• Touring Western Canada
• Working with the Revelstoke community on music videos
• Plans for a future full-length album

The Whiteroom is available now on streaming platforms. Music, videos, merchandise and links to Pickle Juice’s social media are available at picklejuiceband.com.

The Modern Mind Readers joins The Radical Fabulatorium to talk about their upcoming show, Mind Reading, Marriage, and Other Milestones, at the Fundy Fringe Festival.

Mind Reading, Marriage & Other Milestones

The Modern Mind Readers | Saint John, NB

What happens when mind readers fall in love, build a life together, and raise a child while performing impossible feats of the mind? Blending sharp humour with quiet wonder, the show explores family, memory, and the reality of growing up & growing together. Every moment is rooted in real life, making the impossible feel intimate, human, and unforgettable.

For tickets and full schedule, check out:https://fundyfringefestival.com/

Jon Forward joins The Radical Fabulatorium to talk about his upcoming show, Role Model, at the Fundy Fringe Festival.

Jon Forward | Role Model | Saint John, NB

A failed teacher becomes a comedian. A comedian unexpectedly becomes a good teacher. Then everything blows up. In this funny, honest, and occasionally heartbreaking solo show, Jon Forward tells the true story of reluctantly giving teaching one last chance, unexpectedly falling back in love with it, and what happens when comedy and the classroom collide.

For tickets and full schedule, check out:https://fundyfringefestival.com/

Drag king Moe Mustacherides joins The Radical Fabulatorium to talk drag, clowning and Maritime Mussel’s Stupid Sexy Clowns at the Fundy Fringe Festival.

Stupid Sexy Clowns Maritime Mussel | Wards Creek, NB

In the chaos of the (almost world-famous) clown pageant 'Stupid Sexy Clowns', the talent portion has officially begun. Clowns compete for the coveted title of Stupidest, Sexiest Clown 2026, and you’ve just arrived for the main event. Watch them go honk-to-honk in the most highly anticipated spectacle of the year.

For tickets and full schedule, check out:https://fundyfringefestival.com/

An Evening of Close-Up Magic | Sackville, NB

Postcards From A Magician tells Bill Peterson’s personal story of becoming a magician and takes the audience on a magical journey through the cities where he learned his craft. As the journey unfolds, the audience helps shape and influence the show, and it becomes clear that no words, picture, or postcard can fully capture the experience: you just had to be a part of it.

Magician Bill Peterson joins The Radical Fabulatorium to talk about his upcoming show, Postcards from a Magician, at the Fundy Fringe Festival.

For tickets and full schedule, check out:

https://fundyfringefestival.com/

More than 20 years after first seeing Protest the Hero perform in the cafeteria at UNBSJ, Jai reconnects with guitarist Tim MacMillar to talk about the band’s new album, Within.

Tim reveals the connection between “Liberty Spike” and “Led Astray,” reflects on the band’s earliest New Brunswick shows, and explains how Protest negotiated its way out of its final record-label obligation to release Within independently. He also breaks down traditional record deals, royalty splits, master ownership, streaming data, SOCAN and why he believes artists should retain control of their music whenever possible.

They also get into Tim’s work co-founding Sheet Happens, transcribing Propagandhi’s Supporting Caste from the original stems, the influence of classical piano on his guitar writing, and what Nolly Getgood brought to the mix of Within. Plus, Tim turns the interview around to ask Jai about his favourite songs from the new record.

Topics include:
• The “Led Astray” callback hidden in “Liberty Spike”
• Revisiting more than 20 years of Protest the Hero history
• Releasing Within independently and retaining the masters
• How record-label royalties and recoupment work
• What master ownership means for streaming and satellite radio
• Sheet Happens, transcription and learning from other musicians
• How piano influences Tim’s approach to guitar
• Working with Nolly Getgood
• “The Orchard,” and the album’s instrumental passages

Within is available now through Protest the Hero, Bandcamp, Sheet Happens and streaming platforms.

Protest the Hero photo credit: Sandra Lee Layden

Modifications made (cropping and graphic design).