Battling the Dark Side...or how we survive AI and pressure from non-union work

Faced with an era-defining battle against non-union projects and the expanded use of AI, ACTRA Toronto President Kate Ziegler speaks up to organize, energize, and protect creative professionals.

"I share simple - dead simple, ruthlessly simple - systems that get us back on track"

Neil "Awesome" Pasricha has come a long way since he started his award winning blog 1000 Awesome Things ( 2008) and recorded his multi-million view TED talk (2011).

Happiness speaker, researcher, and writer, who helps leaders cultivate happier lives with simple tools, bestselling books, and keynote speeches.

Welcome to my second interview with the Awesome Neil Pasricha.

Bruce Croxon was a "digital pioneer long before social networking became mainstream".As co-founder of the company behind the groundbreaking online dating service Lavalife, Bruce helped build one of Canada’s early internet success stories before its sale for $180 million in 2004.Canadians know him as one of the Dragons on CBC’s Dragon’s Den where he invested in coffee (Balzac's), spas (Vida), even a boxing gym for at risk youth (13thRound). In this episode of The VU, Bruce shares lessons from investing, risk-taking, and life in the age of AI.#BruceCroxon #DragonsDen #Lavalife #Entrepreneurship #Investing #CanadianBusiness #VoicesUnscripted #TheVU #PodcastInterview

My latest guest is Brendan Taylor, founder and Visual Effects Supervisor at Mavericks VFX in Toronto.

His work enables filmmakers to bridge the gap between imagination and reality on screen. But behind the digital magic lies the reality of running a boutique studio—from managing elite teams of specialized artists to navigating tighter timelines and shrinking budgets.

On top of that, he is on the front lines of the AI disruption reshaping the entire VFX craft.

Balance cutting-edge tech with true artistic integrity on a budget? Brendan is the man.

Versatile actor, talented voice performer, and Reiki healer.

I first met Scott over 25 years ago when he was the voice of Roger's Sportsnet promotions. From hosting kids shows on YTV to becoming a healer, Scott’s path has taken some unexpected turns.

Have a listen to Scott’s story, the pivots along the way, and how he found purpose in very different worlds.

Clips from the creative conversation in 2025.

Thank you to everyone who joined me. And for you who have been following along for the last five years.

Sonya Côté: Celebrated bilingual actress of stage and screen, singer, voice actor, and author of the memoir "I'm Not Naked (anymore)". 

We sat down together after a voice-over session at DB Audio, where she shared a moving story that affirmed for her why she chose this path as an artist and creator.

Our conversation touches on authenticity, passion, and excellence — and her optimism shines through, even in the face of these changing and challenging times.

What’s this all about anyway?

Twelve creative conversations in twelve months, each with tantalizing topics, strategies, and sparks for surviving and thriving. Future‑proof perspectives for radically changing times. Just a tiny teaser for the Best Of episode, coming soon to Spotify.

He began his career as an assistant to a wedding photographer and has since built a career producing distinctive, professional moving images for communicators—and he's giving back as a teacher.

Like me, Pouyan entered the creative industry during the early days of digital technology, when owning your own camera and computer was a big leg up on the competition. Today, with high-quality technology available at the click of a button, he navigates the same challenges facing all creators. And it's anybody's guess how AI will change the playing field.

"Art still needs to be paid for"...and ads pay for our favourite

shows.

Lorrie Zwer is an award-winning senior producer in the advertising and communications business...a part-time radio host and a cat lover.

We talked about the state of the ad industry, the role of AI in creativity, and how online and traditional retailer's roles are changing.