Grief. Loss. Death. Heartbreak.

Words and emotions that I dread, and go to great lengths to protect myself from. Yet, despite all of my efforts, I cannot outrun this inheritance of the human condition.

All of us get scathed…but some, it seems, have been given a double portion.

Annie Horton has experienced a cascading of loss these recent years, and her story of grief seems surreal and too much for anyone to bare, but somehow, she tells her tale with a compelling poise and grace.

She is a Judo move. A courageous soul absorbing hardship, and using its own violent force against itself. In other words…she’s leaned into the pain, and has learned from it.

Now, through her grief support project OUR LOSS, Annie is a guiding light and pathfinder to those lost in pain and searching for a way through.

Take a listen.

In the fall of 2022, Canada was historically included in The MICHELIN Guide, which is to many, the final word on the best restaurants on the planet.

If awarded a much-lauded MICHELIN star, an establishment will join a very small, and very elite group of hospitality heavy weights.

Chef Rob Rossi (Osteria Giulia/Giulietta) knows of this intimately, as he and his team were recently awarded a prestigious star.

After my time with him, I understand why.

Chef Rossi has an incredibly warm, and available presence about him, and it made me feel immediately at home. It was humbling, and it made room for a lovely conversation.

He may be a gifted cook, but he is an even better host.

His world is slick, delicious, and bedazzled with stars….yet, I find no ego in him. Just a genuine and honest hospitality.

This must be why The MICHELIN Guide came knocking on his door.

Enjoy.

#gourmet #chef #MichelinStar #food #Toronto #canada #TopChef #Italian #interview #spotifypodcast #applepodcast

What do you get when you mix a full time firefighter, a gifted guitarist, and a vibrant visual artist?

You get Stewart Milne…

The guy proving that we can all do more than ONE thing really well, and most importantly…that our interests are worth pursuing.

If the creative in you is wanting “more” and begging to come out…this episode is for you.

Enjoy.

#spotifypodcast #applepodcast #interview #artist #musician #art #firefighter

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