Aaron Hopman is chill.

He is a father, a husband, an exceptional artist, and the proud owner of Polarity Tattoo Studio.

My plan for this interview was to chat with him about tattoo culture, but our time together turned into an honest talk about life, philosophy, lessons learned, and being a good human.

You’ll pick up real quick, like I did, that when Aaron says something…he means it. Kinda like his work.

Black & white. Clean. Permanent.

Enjoy.

#tattoo #ink #tattooshop #art #realism #flash #interview #applepodcast #spotifypodcast

“The Laundry Design Works is a multidisciplinary design and concept studio that creates strategies for brands, products, and spaces.”

This is putting it modestly…

What they really are is a magic machine. A Wonka factory that takes an existing “thing” and transforms it into something extraordinary.

If the customer was a shoe, then the Laundry would be the NIKE swoosh. They’re work is unmistakable, it makes you look, and it makes the customer look really good.

Erin McCluskey & Paul McGrath are two of the four owners at The Laundry Design Works, and they join me to chat about inspiration, the power of good design, and how travel helps them shape their creative process.

Take a listen.

#spotifypodcast #applepodcast #interview #design #interiordesign #art #graphicdesign #popculture

Natalie Sexton has a seriously impressive resume in television and social media (CHCH/CTV/The Marilyn Denis Show/ Hamilton Tiger-Cats). She is everywhere, and she is very good at what she does.

At first glance, her sphere and brand is poised and playful. Fashion-forward and full of colour.

But, it’s when you talk with Natalie…that things start to pull into focus.

There is a deep strength in her and it is paired with an abiding ease that makes for a welcoming and honest conversation…and thankfully, that is exactly what we had.

I hope you listen to this interview because Natalie’s story is one of encouragement, overcoming, patience, reinvention, and integrity. Something all of us need to be exposed to.

Her colours pop, but they go real deep too.

Enjoy.

#applepodcast #spotifypodcast #interview #fashion #beauty #influencer #style #fighter

I met Kevin while tending bar at Dark Horse Espresso in Toronto over ten years ago. He became a regular. I became a fan of his band, Broken Social Scene.

He is a beautiful soul, and a generous heart.

He was the first person I asked to come on when I started the podcast, and I knew it was a serious long shot. Yet, he replied, “I’m in…let’s do it”.

After 3 sold out nights in Hamilton, Kev hailed an Uber, showed up tired, sat at my dining room table and we had a conversation.

This interview was two and a half years in the making…and it was worth every near miss, pushed date, and pivot. My heart is full.

Thank you Kevin. We did it!

#applepodcast #spotifypodcast #interview #music #canada #songwriter #musician #Feist #KevinDrew #Metric #Stars #socan #Toronto

I am NOT a film critic…but I love film, and have been known to be mildly opinionated…

Same as my guest, Andreana Zerafa.

Dre and I team up to pour over 2022’s Best Picture nominees and share our thoughts, criticisms, and praises for the films on offer at this years Academy Awards.

This is a fun chat with an old friend, and we are very pleased to offer the “hot take” that no one asked for.

Enjoy!

#Oscars #AcademyAwards #TomCruise #spotifypodcast #applepodcast #interview #film #popcorn #acting #WillSmith

Steve Kulakowsky & Core Urban Inc. helped set the stage and create space for Hamiltons historic wave of entrepreneurs, pioneers, and new locals.

He and his team reclaimed and re-purposed many of the city’s forgotten buildings; turning little ghost towns into the hot spots and destinations we’ve come to know.

He’s a local boy. A hometown believer. A world builder….literally.

His efforts are on display throughout our city’s core, and I’m grateful every time I take it in; thankful that his work honours where we’ve been, and ultimately where we, as a city are heading.

Steve describes Hamilton as a true field of dreams, and I agree with him.

“If you build it, they will come”.

In 2016, Chef Matty Cowan set a new kind of table in Hamilton, Ontario with his restaurant, The Heather. A small, efficient, yet beautiful space serving only six guests each night.

The concept was surprising, the tasting menu was stunning, and the people were eating. His new epicurean space was a tiny world of wonder, and a most excellent addition to the city’s growing food scene.

Before I could get there and partake myself, it closed its doors….

Chef Cowan sits with me and talks about his journey to Hamilton, the harrowing experiences that saw The Heather close, and the serendipitous collision that brought it back to life in a new home, on a new street.

Take a listen to his story, and then go book a seat at The Heather On Locke.

#chef #tastingmenu #hospitality #food #interview #applepodcast #spotifypodcast #hamont

Cithara Guitars Inc. is a small, yet devout company making masterfully made acoustic & electric guitars in Hamilton, Ontario

Beginning in obscurity ten years ago, the company now boasts a roster of world class & well known musicians proudly playing their builds.

This makes sense. They make beautiful things…

Daniel Clark is the head luthier and founder of Cithara, and he shares with me what it’s taken to build a great brand, a lovely guitar, and a product played by some of your favourite acts.

Enjoy.

David Ward should be dead…

A bullet, from a Glock 19 pistol was fired point blank into his head.

This was a suicide attempt.

Here’s the twist: as David’s finger was pulling on the trigger, a clear and distinct voice spoke to him and uttered three words…”Change the angle”.

This mysterious intercession saved his life.

The bullet that passed through David’s skull, managed to avoid the precious areas that would have killed him; making him another statistic. Thankfully, fate had another plan.

David Ward is a living, breathing miracle. He has a story to tell, and he does just that in this interview.

“Wardo” retired as a Sergeant and trained sniper from the Canadian Armed Forces (Army) after nineteen years of service, and multiple tours in Afghanistan.

He is a survivor. He is a fighter.

This is his story.

A while back, I had an honest conversation with a friend where I was asked “do you like yourself?”

I replied, “I have a great life. I have the love of a beautiful wife and children that I adore. I own a successful business, and I am surrounded by the best friends anyone could ever ask for. But…I hate the ME in my life. I have everything, but I don’t have myself”.

He didn’t know what to say.

I was morbidly obese; tipping the scale at 400lbs, pre-diabetic, and on my way to a serious heart attack. My light was quickly going out.

After years of this never ending cycle, I lit a match, and burned it all down.

On November 26th, 2021 , I underwent the bariatric procedure called SADI-S. An operation that would see 80% of my stomach removed and a considerable portion of my small intestine bypassed.

I had pieces of me removed. I had pieces of me returned.

One year later…I am down 182 lbs. and I am finding my way.

The following is not really a conversation about weight loss or some magic pill procedure. It is in fact, about the dark wilderness’ of life.

The place where the good stuff is made.

Enjoy. XO.