Vox Talk

Season 2 of VOX Talk is coming May 21st! Tune in to for thoughtful conversations with the best of the best in Canadian talent. 

Intro and Outro Song: “Freetime: by Caledonia 

Produced by Mike Ryan: @michael_s_ryan

#goodpeoplebooked

#voxtalk

In this episode, we sit down with Danny Thomas, a seasoned professional in multiple areas of the music industry. Danny's impressive skills have seen him traverse Canada and beyond, collaborating with a wide range of performers, venues and festivals. His extensive portfolio includes significant events such as the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, the JUNO Awards, The Grey Cup, East Coast Music Week, The Halifax Pop Explosion, touring with Great Big Sea, and much more. Danny's expertise and passion for his craft also led him to co-own Rockbound Productions with his wife and partner Andrea Thomas, where he continues to leave his mark on the industry.

In this episode, we explore the intriguing journey of Karen Spaulding, a dynamic business leader with many accomplishments to her name. Karen's story is one of diverse experiences, from the world of corporate finance and tech startups to her passionate stewardship of a beloved music venue — The Carleton. 

Born and raised in Liverpool, Nova Scotia, Karen embarked on her academic journey by earning a BSc (Hons in Biology) from Queen’s University and an MBA from the University of Western Ontario. Her professional career began in Halifax, working first in Finance and then in IT. Karen's life took a turn when she moved to San Jose, California working as a business manager and later relocating to Burnaby, British Columbia, working in various roles, from insurance brokering to engagements with Orca Entertainment, supporting Vancouver sports teams.

Returning to Halifax, Karen continued freelancing, initially within her family business, Mersey Seafoods. Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to tech startup Metaworks, where she began as an investor and advisor before eventually becoming the owner and President.

A notable chapter in Karen’s journey is her connection with The Carleton, a renowned music venue in Halifax. As a long-time fan and patron, she attended her first major show there in 2009, featuring Ron Sexsmith—a pivotal moment for her. 

Years later, aware of the venue's struggles during the construction of the nearby convention centre, Karen was disheartened by the prospect of losing this iconic establishment.

In January 2017, after reading an article on AllNovaScotia.com about a failed sale attempt, Karen decided to take action. With her responsibilities at Metaworks winding down and having the financial capacity to invest, she met with the venue’s owner, Mike Campbell, and four months later, she officially purchased The Carleton. What began as a hands-off investment evolved into a hands-on role as Karen dedicated herself to restoring the venue to its former glory.

Under her leadership, The Carleton has flourished, earning numerous accolades, including two Nova Scotia Music Awards, three East Coast Music Awards, two Canada Live Music Awards, and one Restaurant Association of Nova Scotia Award.

Karen Spaulding’s story is a testament to her adaptability, business acumen, and passion for community and the arts. Join us as we delve into her multifaceted career and the inspiring journey that led her to become a pivotal figure in Halifax’s vibrant music scene.

Steph’s Sites:

Vox Agency: https://www.voxagency.ca/

Vox on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/voxagency/

https://www.facebook.com/voxmanagementagency 

Email Steph: [email protected]

Intro and Outro Song: “Freetime” by Caledonia

Karen’s Sites:

https://www.thecarleton.ca/

@carletonhalifax

Liam Hennessey was a pharmaceutical rep, massage therapist, and aspiring vet before he became a photographer.

Connect with Liam:

• Website: Applehead Studio

In this episode, we dive deep into the heart and soul of Cape Breton Island's very own Dave Sampson. Known for his introspective lyrics and soulful melodies, Dave has become a beloved figure in the Canadian music scene. We'll explore his East Coast roots, the inspirations behind his music, and the journey that has led him to critical acclaim and a devoted fanbase. Tune in for an intimate session filled with stories, music, and the essence of what makes Dave Sampson a dynamic and engaging performer.

Dave talks about what songwriting means to him and how he developed into a session co-writer in Nashville. He has collaborated with some of Canada’s top exports such as Classified, Alan Doyle, Donovan Woods & Neon Dreams as well as being chosen as one of five in Canada’s Walk of Fame emerging artist program. Dave has been working hard to solidify his position as one of Canada’s top emerging songwriters. 

 In 2016 Dave's song "No Pressure" was sampled by Canadian Hip Hop icon Classified and released as his first single via Atlantic Records with Snoop Dogg. Since the release, the song went certified Gold in Canada. 

Steph’s Sites:

Vox Agency: https://www.voxagency.ca/

Vox on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/voxagency/

https://www.facebook.com/voxmanagementagency 

Email Steph: [email protected]

Intro and Outro Song: “Freetime” by Caledonia

Produced by Mike Ryan: https://www.instagram.com/michael_s_ryan/

Dave’s Sites:

https://davesampson.ca/

@dave.sampson

In this inspiring episode, we dive deep into the career and insights of Stefanie Purificati, a renowned booking agent at The Feldman Agency. With nearly 20 years of experience in the live music industry, Stefanie shares her journey, challenges, and triumphs, highlighting her rise to prominence in a male-dominated field.

Stefanie began her career in the music business after earning her B.A. from York University and attending Harris Institute for the Arts. Some of her earlier roles include production coordinator and live music programmer at The Drake Hotel, and working at The Agency Group under the mentorship of Jack Ross, where she progressed to a full-fledged booking agent.

She provides insights on being a woman in the live music sector, detailing the unique challenges she has faced. Stefanie emphasizes the importance of supportive mentors and allies in her career and reflects on how the landscape has evolved for female agents over the years.

She discusses her love for music and her clients, how her and Steph have A LOT in common, and at multiple times in the conversation has Steph’s cat Maisie jump onto her lap for some cuddle time. 

Steph’s Sites:

Vox Agency: https://www.voxagency.ca/

Vox on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/voxagency/

https://www.facebook.com/voxmanagementagency 

Email Steph: [email protected] 

Intro and Outro Song: “Freetime” by Caledonia 

Produced by Mike Ryan: https://www.instagram.com/michael_s_ryan/

Stefanie

https://www.instagram.com/stefffy_p/

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Jennifer Parkhill, one of Halifax’s premier event planners. With over 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Jennifer specializes in event management, bringing unparalleled excellence to every project. In this episode, Jennifer shares her journey, insights, and the philosophy that drives her success: “work hard, have fun, laugh and be part of something to be proud of.” She shares tips for aspiring event planners, how to balance creativity with practicality, and the importance of attention to detail. Tune in to discover how Jennifer combines innovative concepts with practical solutions to create seamless, memorable events.

In this episode we sit down with Danielle Lemieux, a seasoned veteran in working behind the scenes of events and productions. Danielle has a passion for creating unforgettable experiences and adding her flair to everything she works on. With a diverse background spanning the Northern Ontario music and film sector to her current endeavors in her home of Halifax, Nova Scotia, Danielle brings a wealth of knowledge and a unique perspective to the world of event production. Her approach is characterized by her meticulous attention to detail and her ability to see the bigger picture. Drawing from her diverse skill set, which includes expertise in live audio, festival management, talent negotiations, and promotional consulting, she navigates the complexities of event management with special attention to detail. From coordinating with suppliers and artists to liaising with venues and agents, Danielle is the driving force behind the scenes, ensuring that the production is ready for the talent's arrival and the artists are well cared for. Her organizational prowess and knack for problem-solving make her an invaluable asset to any team.

Steph’s Sites:

Vox Agency: https://www.voxagency.ca/

Vox on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/voxagency/

https://www.facebook.com/voxmanagementagency 

Email Steph: [email protected] 

Intro and Outro Song: “Freetime” by Caledonia 

Produced by Mike Ryan: https://www.instagram.com/michael_s_ryan/

Danielle

https://www.voxagency.ca/our-team

The amazing Neville MacKay has owned an operated “My Mother’s Bloomers” in Halifax for over 30 years. He's designed floral arrangements for celebrities and Heads of State, including Rod Stewart, Glen Close, Sirs Elton John and Paul McCartney and members of the British Royal Family. Brimming with humour and charisma, Neville sits down with Steph to tell stories about how flowers came into his life, where they’ve taken him, and shares countless anecdotes from his adventure filled life. This episode is sure to make you smile and appreciate the simple beauty of having flowers in your world. Neville is well known throughout the Floral Industry and beyond for his creative flare, quality workmanship and entertaining personality. He is a successful business person, speaker, host and author.

Steph’s Sites:

Vox Agency: https://www.voxagency.ca/

Vox on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/voxagency/

https://www.facebook.com/voxmanagementagency 

Email Steph: [email protected] 

Intro and Outro Song: “Freetime” by Caledonia 

Produced by Mike Ryan: https://www.instagram.com/michael_s_ryan/

Neville's Sites:

My Mother’s Bloomers: https://www.facebook.com/mymothersbloomers/

Instagram: @mymothersbloomers

www.mymothersbloomers.com