Vox Talk

Music is woven into Jodi Guthro’s story. A direct descendant of Cape Breton Music Royalty as the daughter of the late Bruce Guthro, she joins Steph at the VOX Talk table for an honest conversation about family, legacy and life. Together, they reflect on Bruce Guthro’s enduring impact, the memories that continue to inspire those who knew and loved him, and what it was like growing up surrounded by music. Jodi shares stories from life in a musical family, the lessons she's learned along the way, and what it's like building a career in the industry.

She also gives listeners a behind-the-scenes look at the Bruce Guthro Songwriters Circle—an unforgettable celebration of songs and stories—and talks about collaborating with her brother, Dylan. After years of writing together, the siblings are now recording and releasing their own original music, marking a new era of their musical partnership. 

Beyond music, Jodi opens up about embracing life in her thirties, becoming a homeowner, and creating a space that's truly her own. It's a conversation about growth, resilience, family and the road ahead. 

Join us as we wrap up Season 3 of VOX Talk with a memorable conversation celebrating music, family, legacy, and forging your own path.

@jodi.guthro

@theguthro_songwriterscircle

Intro and Outro Song: “Freetime: by Caledonia 

Produced by Mike Ryan: @michael_s_ryan

Hosted by Steph Purcell: @purcell.steph 

#goodpeoplebooked

#voxtalk

One of the busiest musicians in the business, Siobhan Martin is an in-demand, versatile and commanding pianist working as a full-time freelance musician.  She’s part of a number of projects we work with at VOX. A founding member of The Brood, Siobhan’s current roster includes supporting Mat Hughes, Mo Kenney, Nicole Ariana, Leanne Hoffman, and Rankin MacInnis and the Broken Reeds, in the Grateful Dead tribute band Wharf Rats, and with the 1980s party outfit Maximum Overdrive. In 2025, Siobhan was awarded Musician of the Year at the Music Nova Scotia awards.

Siobhan is also a composer who composes scores for feature films. She has scored for the feature film Compulsus, and her work on the acclaimed feature film Lakeview was awarded Best Original Score at the Atlantic International Film Festival in 2024. When not on the road, she teaches piano part-time for the Music Arts program at NSCC and at Long & McQuade. 

Hailing from Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, when not playing shows, she’s attending them as an ardent fan and loyal supporter. She currently serves as a board member of Music Nova Scotia and the industry is lucky to have her.

Intro and Outro Song: “Freetime: by Caledonia 

Produced by Mike Ryan: @michael_s_ryan

Hosted by Stephanie Purcell: purcell.steph

#goodpeoplebooked

#voxtalk

For more than 26 years, Jeff Mosher has been the frontman of one of Halifax’s most beloved bands, The Mellotones. Join us for a conversation about the band’s journey, their lasting impact on the East Coast music scene, and how Jeff became one of the region’s most recognizable voices.

His name may not always be the first one that comes to mind, but the moment The Mellotones strike a chord and Jeff begins to sing, there’s no mistaking who’s on stage. His unmistakable voice has become a defining sound of East Coast music and helped build a loyal following across generations.

Jeff credits much of his success to consistency—playing regular weekly gigs and putting in the “10,000 hours” required to master the craft. Along the way, he’s collected unforgettable stories, including surprise sit-ins and performances with legendary names like David Foster, Dan Aykroyd, Nathan East, and even Dennis Rodman.

Beyond their own success, The Mellotones have become one of the region’s most respected backing bands, sharing the stage with countless artists, including a long-running collaboration with Matt Andersen.

As The Mellotones prepare to celebrate their 30th anniversary in 2027, Jeff will share what’s next for the band, including plans for a special all-ages celebration that promises to bring fans together for a memorable night of music and nostalgia.

Intro and Outro Song: “Freetime: by Caledonia 

Produced by Mike Ryan: @michael_s_ryan

#goodpeoplebooked

#voxtalk

Meagan Davidson is a lifelong music fan who turned her passion into a career—how fun is that? With a deep knowledge of both emerging and established Canadian talent, Meagan has built a reputation as a trusted industry resource, known for her expertise in talent curation, artist consulting, and fostering meaningful connections within the music community.

Over the past year and a half, Meag has become an integral part of the VOX team. She quickly stepped into the agent role, handling talent bookings and securing artists for major national events across the East Coast.

In this episode, Meag shares her career journey and the many ways she supports the industry. In addition to her work with VOX, she is an artist manager and co-owner of the independent label Tiny Kingdom Music, based on Canada’s West Coast, which she operates alongside her business partner and close friend. Join us as we explore her path, her love of the music, and her commitment to helping artists thrive.

@meagandavidson 

@tinykingdommusic 

Intro and Outro Song: “Freetime: by Caledonia 

Produced by Mike Ryan: @michael_s_ryan

#goodpeoplebooked

#voxtalk

Rankin MacInnis is a true community builder. A recipient of Music Nova Scotia’s Entertainer of the Year award, the title couldn’t be more fitting. His infectious energy, authenticity, and passion for community have made him a beloved presence both within the industry and among audiences on the east coast.

Hailing from Cape Breton Island, he carries the values of his roots into every performance and project. As a bandleader and industry champion, Rankin is known for creating opportunities that unite seasoned professionals and emerging talent, fostering collaboration across generations of artists.

His commitment to community extends far beyond the stage. Rankin invests deeply in the people around him, building spaces where both performers and audiences feel welcome. Best known for his Rankin Winter Warmers, a sold-out weekly winter concert series, he has created a beloved gathering place that brings people from all walks of life together during the coldest months of the year.

Looking ahead, Rankin continues to build momentum both as a performer and community leader. With new music on the way, including a forthcoming record and a collection of singles set to start releasing this summer.

@rankinmacinnis

Intro and Outro Song: “Freetime: by Caledonia 

Produced by Mike Ryan: @michael_s_ryan

#goodpeoplebooked

#voxtalk

In this special episode Stephanie sits down with her long time client and member of the Vox roster, Tareq Hadhad who arrived in Canada in December 2015. Tareq started working with Vox in early 2017 and it’s been a pretty wild ride bringing Tareq to stages all around the world, meeting leaders of countries and thousands of people. In this interview you’ll hear about the importance of getting the message right at his keynotes, the new opportunities you don’t see coming in business and the rollercoaster ride of entrepreneurship. Tareq says “Entrepreneurship is like jumping off a cliff and building a plane on the way down.” Both Stephanie and Tareq run businesses and have grown together over the last eight years as they build his speaking career that has brought him all across Canada and to many countries like Japan, Mexico, the United States and various destinations in Europe. Their life changing partnership has opened doors neither of them ever imagined and are excited for the many new opportunities to come.

It’s Tia Upshaw’s season!! Let’s talk about a go get ‘em, no nonsense, women in business champion, community cheerleader who is oozing in her black power. Tia is a force. The newest addition to the VOX roster, Steph and Tia sit down, meeting in real life for the first time. They talk about Tia’s life and career and how she has discovered it’s her season to blossom. You’ll hear about the value of mentors, a love of fashion and design, life goals, the highs and lows of entrepreneurship and the drive that led her to be an award winning success story. Her work has not only driven economic growth in her community but has also set a new standard for inclusive leadership and social impact. As the founder and CEO of Blk Women in Excellence, Tia has built a powerful platform dedicated to uplifting and empowering Black women entrepreneurs. 

@itistiaupshaw

@blkwomeninexcellence

Intro and Outro Song: “Freetime: by Caledonia 

Produced by Mike Ryan: @michael_s_ryan

#goodpeoplebooked

#voxtalk

Stephanie sits down to chat with one of her best friends she’s known and worked with for nearly 20 years. They reminisce of their time working with Zac’s band, Caledonia, producing the documentary Paddle to the Ocean, his speaking career as a member of the VOX roster and his newest serious leisure love of stand up comedy. Zac openly talks about living with PTSD and the stigma that still surrounds mental illness. They laugh about days on tour (pre cell phones), his relationship with religion, their early days in the music industry, growing cannabis, the importance of practicing your craft, dark humour and how his new serious leisure activity is helping him and others laugh while healing from grief and trauma. Two friends, two mics, sitting at a kitchen table where they have laughed and hung out at many times. 

#zaccrouse

Intro and Outro Song: “Freetime: by Caledonia 

Produced by Mike Ryan: @michael_s_ryan

#goodpeoplebooked

#voxtalk

Let’s talk about cats!! The Founder of My Grandfather’s Cat, Angela Rafuse is helping animals, seniors and terminally ill people. Through her cat content, she has amassed a record following making her charity the most followed Canadian charity on Instagram. The charity was inspired by her personal experience adopting her grandfather’s 14-year old grumpy cat, Mackenzie, when he passed away. In only a few short years the charity has helped nearly 1000 cats. Her viral content has garnered her over 645,000 followers on TikTok. Angela’s dedication has earned her national and international recognition. Her work has been featured by People Magazine, Good News Network, and countless Canadian news outlets. She has been named one of Atlantic Canada Business Magazine’s Top 30 Under 30 Innovators, received a nomination for Forbes Top 30 Under 30, and the title of Animal Nonprofit CEO of the Year by the Canadian CEO Awards.

@angrafus3

@mygrandfatherscat

Intro and Outro Song: “Freetime: by Caledonia 

Produced by Mike Ryan: @michael_s_ryan

#goodpeoplebooked

#voxtalk

Steve Murphy is a beloved and respected personality in Atlantic Canada. How fun to share some time with him at the kitchen table and talk to one of our good people. Steve joined many maritimers in their homes at the dinner hour live from the CTV news desk for three decades. He is a firm believer in delivering the news based on facts and not opinions. After a lifetime of reporting news and showcasing the opinions of others, Steve now expresses his own opinions on the things he’s done and the people he’s met along the way. These days you’ll see Steve delivering keynote speeches, hosting events and a special correspondent, commentator and analyst for CTV Atlantic. 

@stevemurphyspeaks

Intro and Outro Song: “Freetime: by Caledonia 

Produced by Mike Ryan: @michael_s_ryan

#goodpeoplebooked

#voxtalk