Shows
Also Cool Sounds LikeAlix FernzAlix Fernz chats about how aesthetics influence his sound, drawing lyrical inspiration from moonlighting as a barman and letting go of creative control. Host Aviva Lessard met up with Alix the day after the release of his single Couteau à la gorge, which may or may not be about his sisterListen to Alix Fernz’s album Symphonie publicitaire sous influence on Spotify and Bandcamp.Check us out at Also Cool Magazine or on Instagram.Also Cool Sounds Like is hosted, produced and edited by Tashiina Buswa, Aviva Lessard and Gwen Roley. Intr...
2026-02-0924 min
Also Cool Sounds LikeDebby FridayDebby Friday tells us about the tension of evolving her musical style, the importance of setting boundaries, and how falling in love has shaped her new music. Host Tashiina Buswa, of Ribbon Skirt, caught up with Debby right after her album release back in August. Listen to Debby Friday’s The Starrr Of The Queen Of Life on Spotify.Check us out at Also Cool Magazine or on Instagram.Also Coo...
2026-01-1226 min
CANADALANDBONUS: The American Who Built Canada’s CarWhen working on one of our episodes of the Politics edition about tariffs, senior producer, Aviva Lessard wondered why there are no Canadian car companies.This question felt like too much of a digression for the episode about tariffs, but in doing some research on it, Sam learned that we actually used to have Canadian car companies going all the way back to Confederation in 1867.So buckle up for the bumpy road that Canada's cars have traveled. Producers Aviva and James Nicholson join Sam in the backseat as he tells them all about...
2025-07-3100 min
The BackbenchConservative Comic-ConThe Canada Strong and Free conference is one of the biggest events of the year for Canadian conservatives. The party is polling high, and this event was set to be a launching point for an upcoming wave of victories. Boris Johnson and former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott were in the house, along with premiers Danielle Smith and Blaine Higgs.It’s a strange place, where the movement grapples with big topics like climate change, housing costs and foreign policy. What are conservatives talking about? What do they disagree on? We sent our producers Aviva and Sa...
2024-04-2342 min
Also Cool Sounds LikeChoses Sauvages and La SécuritéÉliane Viens-Synnott and Félix Bélisle of La Sécurité and Choses Sauvages sat down with Also Cool Sounds Like host Aviva Lessard after their performance(s) at M for Montreal. On top of recapping their experience at the festival, the artists discussed performance and identity in the city’s local scene.Listen to La Sécurité's music on Spotify and check out Félix's band Choses Sauvages, also on Spotify.Check us out at Also Cool Magazine or on Instagram.Also Cool Sounds Like is hosted, produced and edited by Aviva Less...
2023-12-1153 min
Also Cool Sounds LikeMagsMags is a Montreal powerhouse - singer-songwriter, rapper, beat-maker, animator and community organizer. She takes us through how she weaves her experiences and emotional journeys into her mixes - culminating in the album hotaru tomoe's going home. Listen to Mag’s music on Bandcamp.Check us out at Also Cool Magazine or on Instagram.Also Cool Sounds Like is hosted, produced and edited by Aviva Lessard and Gwen Roley. Intro music is by Jacob Lessard. Artwork by Vasco Cavalheiro.Don’t forget t...
2023-10-0931 min
CANADALAND(Short Cuts) Parents, Peterson and the Pronoun PanicWith more provinces jumping aboard the prejudiced pronoun panic, Jesse and Karyn pick apart the misleading narratives that are helping fuel it.They also shine light on a legal battle the Toronto Star has quietly been waging to protect a confidential source.Host: Jesse BrownCredits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Annette Ejiofor (Managing Editor), Karyn Pugliese (Editor-in-Chief)Guest: Karyn Pugliese Further reading: Gender identity, pronouns and schools: Poilievre and others say leave it to parents. Pa...
2023-08-3138 minThe BackbenchBackbench Catch UpIt’s summer time, and Parliament’s been out of session for 2 months. For this episode of the Backbench, host Mattea Roach is joined by an all-star panel of Riley Yesno, Emilie Nicolas, David Moscrop. With updates on stories you may have missed this summer. Did shutting down an illegal border at Roxham Road work? Have we taken any political moves on addressing foreign interference?We’ll look ahead at what you should be keeping your eye on once parliament returns. With a new cabinet on the hill, what change can we expect? How well is our Co...
2023-08-2240 min
CANADALAND(Short Cuts) Pierre Don’t CareDoes Pierre Poielievre touting conspiracy theories count as news? And will the revelations about Doug Ford’s development of the Greenbelt amount to anything?Host: Jesse BrownCredits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Annette Ejiofor (Managing Editor), Karyn Pugliese (Editor-in-Chief)Guest: Nora Loreto Further reading: Poilievre's Conservative Party embracing language of mainstream conspiracy theories | CBC NewsThe Origins of the 'Globalist' Slur | The AtlanticPHAC to deploy to New Brunswick over reports of mystery brain symptoms | CBCHow developers influenced the Ford government to open up t...
2023-08-1740 min
Also Cool Sounds LikeSasha CaySince childhood, Sasha Cay has had a compulsion to create – on film, in music and through art. On this episode of Also Cool Sounds Like, Sasha discusses her journey as a musician and a filmmaker and how she created her new album “Spin,” coming out this autumn. Join us as we talk a long walk with Sasha through Montreal’s ambient streets to grapple with the heaviness of grief while still striving for the joy of friendship and connectionListen to Sasha Cay’s music on Spotify and on
2023-08-1329 min
CANADALAND(Short Cuts) What’s-a Meta with Canadian News?With Meta making good on its threat to expunge news from Facebook and Instagram, Canada’s publishers and broadcasters pin their hopes on the Competition Bureau to set things right. (We’re doomed?)And when the Liberals promised to plant 2 billion trees, they probably weren’t betting that anyone would actually try to keep count.The Narwhal’s Mike De Souza joins Jonathan on Short Cuts.Host: Jonathan GoldsbieCredits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Annette Ejiofor (Managing Editor), Karyn Pugliese...
2023-08-1037 minThe BackbenchThe Controversial Carbon TaxDespite two catastrophic climate emergencies earlier this year, Nova Scotia has faced yet another devastating crisis - intense flash flooding. Our Scotian host, Mattea Roach, is joined by Halifax-based reporter from the National Observer, Cloe Logan to interrogate Nova Scotia’s climate emergency response. And in the wake of this climate catastrophe all eyes are on the recently implemented carbon tax in the province. Why does it seem like we’re blaming the carbon tax for all our climate related policy failures? Sign up for the Canadaland newsletterHost: Mattea RoachCredit...
2023-08-0829 min
CANADALAND(Short Cuts) Hang the GrocerGrocers sure are making it easy for us to be mad at them. And a serial killer, a landfill, and an all-too real metaphor playing out in Winnipeg. Plus Justin Trudeau and Sophie Grégoire Trudeau are calling it splits - and it’s probably all we’re going to hear about for the next while. Host: Jesse BrownCredits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Annette Ejiofor (Managing Editor), Karyn Pugliese (Editor-in-Chief)Guest: Karyn Pugliese Further reading: Metro grocery strike part of larger l...
2023-08-0344 minThe BackbenchWhat’s Up With Canada’s Political Left?Mattea kicks it with esteemed Backbencher and political journalist David Moscrop at a café in Ottawa to talk about the current climate in Canadian politics, the impact of social media on discourse, the state of Canada’s political left, and are we in for an election next year?Editor's Note: In this episode of The Backbench, The Black Squirrel neighbourhood is incorrectly identified as being in Sunnyside. It is correctly located in the Ottawa, Ontario neighbourhood named The Glebe.Host: Mattea RoachCredits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Producer), Tony Wang (Mark...
2023-07-2537 min
CANADALAND(Short Cuts) CBC Crypto Spoof, Danielle Smith Gets a Win and MoreThe Trudeau government won’t back down on Bill C-18 – except now they are. We also talk about the crypto crime that never happened, a threatening cop, Danielle Smith’s ‘vindication’ and updates to the Burns Lake Tribunal Hearing.Host: Jesse BrownCredits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Annette Ejiofor (Managing Editor), Karyn Pugliese (Editor-in-Chief)Guest: Dani Paradis Further reading: Caving on Bill C-18: Government Outlines Planned Regulations that Signal Willingness to Cast Aside Core Principles of the Online News ActPostmedia and Toronto Star...
2023-07-1336 minThe BackbenchThe Musical Voice of the NationWhen Dr. Andrea McCrady first heard the sound of the carillon, she was hooked. Her passion led her to become the first woman Dominion Carillonneur on Parliament Hill where she plays for thousands. Join us for a behind-the-scenes look at Parliament Hill and the history of this booming instrument. Host: Mattea RoachCredits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Producer), Tony Wang (Marketing & Community Outreach Coordinator), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Annette Ejiofor (Managing Editor)Guests: Andrea McCradySponsors: Oxio, Douglas, Athletic Greens...
2023-07-1126 min
Also Cool Sounds LikeOMBIIGIZIThe two creators behind OMBIIGIZI aim to create a space for future generations to thrive in without leaving behind the memories of the past. Join Adam Sturgeon and Daniel Monkman, the collaborators leading the music project OMBIIGIZI as they sit down with guest-host Tashiina Buswa to discuss Indigenous identity in the Indie Rock scene, the feeling of being put on a pedestal with weights on their shoulders, sobriety, and Nirvana.Listen to OMBIIGIZI’s music on Spotify and Bandcamp...
2023-07-1043 min
CANADALAND(Short Cuts) Google, InterruptedGoogle and Meta respond to Bill C-18 by threatening to block Canadian news. And the first woman to head up the Assembly of First Nations is out after just two years, due to some combination of any or all of her own alleged misconduct, a conspiracy to depose her, and/or run-of-the-mill misogyny. Host: Jonathan GoldsbieCredits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Annette Ejiofor (Managing Editor)Guest: Karyn Pugliese Further reading: Canadian news is starting to vanish from Instagram. Goo...
2023-07-0637 min
CANADALAND(Short Cuts) PostStar RoycoToronto Star owner Nordstar and Postmedia are in talks to merge - a death knell to Canadian print media. Jesse and co-host Jaskaran Sandhu unpack the killing of Sikh community leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey - possibly at the hands of the Indian government. AND an expose of alleged misbehaviour at a middle school in Brampton.Host: Jesse BrownCredits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Annette Ejiofor (Managing Editor)Guest: Jaskaran Sandhu Further reading: Toronto Star owner in talks to merge wi...
2023-06-2942 minThe BackbenchA Conversation With Erin O’TooleFormer Conservative leader Erin O’Toole has officially stepped away from Canadian politics, leaving behind the Conservative party he called home for over a decade. O’Toole addressed parliament for the last time on June 12th 2023, warning Canadians with the polarization of politics, the dangers of algorithms (their role in political discourse) and his overarching concerns with politics in this country. In this episode, Mattea Roach is joined by Erin O’Toole to unravel the layers of his tenure as a politician. They talk about how he views the evolving landscape of Canadian conservatism, his biggest regrets in office and Ma...
2023-06-2749 min
CANADALAND(Short Cuts) We All Died In a Tiny SubmarineDo the billionaires on the missing Titan submarine deserve sympathy or scorn? While Canada and the US pull out all the stops to find it, days before, a boat off the coast of Greece capsized, killing 300, with minimal international attention. And we get into the behind-the-scenes of the CTV layoffs at Bell Media. Host: Jesse BrownCredits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Annette Ejiofor (Managing Editor)Guest: Ethan Cox Further reading: Canadian aircraft detects undersea sounds during search for missing submersible - CBC...
2023-06-2244 min
CANADALAND(Short Cuts) Transphobia: The Right Finds Another TargetAfter weeks of navigating accusations of conflict, special rapporteur David Johnston finally ran aground. If you’re trying to persuade people of your unimpeachable independence, maybe don’t hire a communications firm that’s connected to everyone?And, ah crap, the far right is fixated on queer people again.The Rev. Dr. Cheri DiNovo co-hosts.Host: Jonathan GoldsbieCredits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Annette Ejiofor (Managing Editor)Guest: Cheri DiNovo Further reading: David Jo...
2023-06-1535 minThe BackbenchThese Rights Are Precarious: A History of LGBTQ+ LibertiesIt’s Pride month! So we’re taking you back to notable moments in Canada's 2SLGBTQ+ history, so we can remember the people and work that can have made Canada the place it is today. The history of LGBT rights in Canada is not as simple as pride campaigns, parades and vibrant gay villages. It’s a history of resilience, courage, and a determination to redefine what it means to be free and equal in this country. Increasingly, we can’t take these rights for granted. Host: Mattea RoachCredits: Aviva Lessard (Pr...
2023-06-1333 min
Also Cool Sounds LikePACKSApples are on the mind of slacker-rock band PACKS as they launch their latest album Crispy Crunchy Nothing. Host Gwen Roley caught up with them to discuss papier mache, long distance romance, life on the road AND the perils of margarita night. Listen to PACKS on Spotify and on Bandcamp.Check us out at Also Cool Magazine or on Instagram.Also Cool Sounds Like is hosted, produced and edited by Aviva Lessard and Gwen Roley. Intro music is by Jacob Lessard. Artwork by Va...
2023-06-1224 min
CANADALAND(Short Cuts) It’s BBQ Season in Canada!Wildfires are coming at us from all sides. How can local reporters get at the root issues? And the implementation of Quebec's language law municipalities making fun of the new rules. Tim Bousquet co-hosts. Host: Jesse BrownCredits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Annette Ejiofor (Managing Editor)Guest: Tim Bousquet Further reading: Officials have known for years about the wildfire risks in Tantallon - Halifax ExaminerLetter from the editor: Why we won’t be covering Collision this year - The LogicCollision nears a one...
2023-06-0835 min
CANADALAND(Short Cuts) Little Reich On The PrairieDespite Danielle Smith’s involvement in numerous scandals, she won a majority in Alberta’s election. Albertan Dani Paradis helps us understand why. And senior citizen sex shows, sex toy exhibits and art by Bryan Adams - you may not like it, but you’ve been paying for them, taxpayer! Well, no more. Host: Jesse BrownCredits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Annette Ejiofor (Managing Editor)Guest: Dani Paradis Further reading: Alberta’s Vote Will Test American-Style Far-Right Politics - The New Y...
2023-06-0127 min
The BackbenchCtrl+Alt+Regulate: Can Canada's AI Act Save Us?Are Canadian policy makers ready for the AI revolution? How effective are our current regulations? what should we be worried about? AND, are immigrants going to save our economy, or break it? From controversial rhetoric, a housing crisis, & more…How can we navigate this immigration conversation?Host: Riley YesnoCredits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor & Technical Producer), Annette Ejiofor (Managing Editor)Guests: Meagan Simpson, Nicholas Keung, David MoscropBackground reading:How will Canada regulate AI? Ottawa will figure it out later - The Glo...
2023-05-3035 min
CANADALAND(Short Cuts) What, Me Inquiry?The Special Rapporteur is back with a hotly anticipated release - No Public Inquiry! David Johnston made his decision – rage and frustration ensued. And the Toronto Mayoral race heats up with Olivia Chow leading the polls. Host: Jesse BrownCredits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Annette Ejiofor (Managing Editor)Guest: Jan Wong Further reading: Matt Gurney: The Johnston report is one of the most depressing things I've ever read - The LineCanadians who say they were targeted by Beijing slam David Johnston: ‘Another...
2023-05-2534 min
CANADALAND(Short Cuts) Poilievre on DrugsJesse Brown and co-host Manisha Krishnan dismantle a 10,000 word piece in the National Post claiming safe supply programs are killing people and fuelling a new opioid crisis. And three cheers for the new Canadian passport! Host: Jesse BrownCredits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Annette Ejiofor (Managing Editor)Guest: Manisha Krishnan Further reading: Drug fail: The Liberal government's 'safer supply' is fuelling a new opioid crisis - National PostConrad Black: Free hard drugs for addicts a catastrophic Liberal failure - National PostPoilievre acc...
2023-05-1839 minThe BackbenchAlberta’s Wildfires Meet an Even Wilder ElectionA fiery election in Alberta. No, literally Alberta’s on fire this provincial election. AND, a $95 billion dollar lawsuit against the Ontario and Canadian Government challenging a lack of consent around resource extraction and the way treaty rights are upheld. This week longtime guest, first time host Riley Yesno is filling in for Mattea Roach.Host: Riley YesnoCredits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Annette Ejiofor (Managing Editor)Guests: Catherine Griwkowsky, Emma Jackson, Emma McIntoshBackground reading:Party leaders walk fin...
2023-05-1636 min
Also Cool Sounds LikeNO WAVESIt was always meant to be for surf-emo punk band NO WAVES. After meeting in elementary school and bonding over early 2000s pop punk, Angel, Cy and Sam broke into the Montreal music scene as teenagers. Youthful themes and charm are emblematic of their performance but after taking influence from experimental local acts and a punk scene in Mexico, NO WAVES is ready to return to songs they wrote before the pandemic with a fresh outlook on their upcoming album.Join us for episode 3 of this season as host Aviva Lessard...
2023-05-1520 min
CANADALAND(Short Cuts) We Need to Talk About Kevin VuongAmidst escalating tensions between Canada and China, an independent MP thinks he’s found the shadowy hand manipulating his fate. If a person asserts there’s been a plot against them but can’t offer any proof, does that count as a literal conspiracy theory?And has this government ever met a poorly-conceived policy for media regulation it didn’t like? Well, it has now!PressProgress editor Luke LeBrun joins Jonathan on Short Cuts.Host: Jonathan GoldsbieCredits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Annette...
2023-05-1141 min
CANADALAND(Short Cuts) Death of the Viral News SiteBuzzFeed is going bust and Vice is headed for bankruptcy - is it the end of viral news sites? And the press has been reporting for years the name of a prominent and powerful man accused of abusing Indigenous children - but now it’s illegal for us to do so. Host: Jesse BrownCredits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Annette Ejiofor (Managing Editor)Guest: Karyn Pugliese Further reading: How Mark Zuckerberg broke Meta's workforce - Washington PostVice Media reportedly headed for bankru...
2023-05-0438 minThe BackbenchPSAC Strike and the Future of LabourThis week host Mattea Roach is joined by Riley Yesno, Karen Restoule, and Ethan Cox to unpack the The Public Service Alliance of Canada Strike, and the increase of police involved deaths. PSAC has reached a tentative contract agreement after almost two weeks of striking against its employer – the Government of Canada. AND, there’s a sharp rise in police-involved deaths peaking in 2022. What is really going on here?Host: Mattea RoachCredits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Annette Ejiofor (Managing Editor)Guests: Riley Yesno...
2023-05-0245 min
CANADALAND(Short Cuts) Fox News Gets Tucker’d OutFrom his perch at the top of the far-right ecosystem, Tucker Carlson regularly soaked up stories from Canada and half-jokingly called for forcible regime change here. But when it comes to demagogues who suddenly find themselves with time on their hands, even the half-jokes might merit another look.And speaking of people who managed to maintain a mainstream platform long after their views took dark, paranoid turns, Toronto Sun columnist Tarek Fatah passed away.APTN’s Dani Paradis joins Jonathan to talk about both.Host: Jonathan GoldsbieCredits: Av...
2023-04-2739 minThe BackbenchWho Benefits From Public Safety?This week Mattea Roach, is joined by Ziya Jones, Riley Yesno, and Frances Bula, to talk about public safety. A few weeks ago unhoused folks in Vancouver were met with displacement and decampment by police and bylaw officers. Who is this supposed solution meant for? AND, transgender and queer people have been facing a new wave of violent attacks globally. What kinds of protections might actually help?Host: Mattea RoachCredits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Associate Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Annette Ejiofor (Managing Editor)Guests: Ziya Jones, R...
2023-04-1839 min
CANADALAND(Short Cuts) How to (Remotely) Blow Up a PipelineFrom Minecraft to statecraft, Jacobin’s Luke Savage joins Jonathan to chart the bizarre course of a U.S. intelligence leak with potentially explosive implications for Canada. And seemingly inspired by the Musk-fragrant “Twitter Files,” a Conservative MP went on a fishing expedition for examples of the Canadian government over-policing social media. Does turning up a single really solid instance count as a success?Host: Jonathan GoldsbieCredits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Tristan Capacchione (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Annette Ejiofor (Managing Editor)Guest: Luke Savage Further reading: From Dis...
2023-04-1342 min
Also Cool Sounds LikeMagi MerlinShe’s been moody and she’s been broody but Magi Merlin is not slowing down. After the release of her debut EP Gone Girl, the Montreal native is ready to explore new themes over alternative R&B and neo-soul sounds that verge on house. A frequent collaborator, Magi talked about the rewards of working with other people and what kinds of projects we could see from her in the coming year.Join us for episode 2 of this season as host Gwen Roley sits down with Magi Merlin to talk about identity, sentimentality and some optimistic nihilism....
2023-04-1024 min
CANADALAND(Short Cuts) Danielle Smith’s ‘Perfect’ Phone CallA story about criminal charges, a potential lawsuit against the press, leaked tape suggesting a huge overreach of power — could a certain populist politician have finally gone too far? We’re talking about Alberta Premier Danielle Smith.And enough is enough in Quebec — a defiant open letter in Le Devoir demanding an end to the toxicity in political discourse, signed by hundreds of scholars and writers. Host: Jesse BrownCredits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Tristan Capacchione (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Annette Ejiofor (Managing Editor)Guest: Emilie Nicolas
2023-04-0636 minThe BackbenchThe Federal Budget: Betting on Clean TechIt’s that time of the year again! Budget season… AND, the story about Chinese government influence just keeps getting even more complicated. This week Mattea Roach is joined by Murad Hemmadi, Nick Taylor-Vaisey and Stuart Thomson to unpack how the complex issue of government interference is being seized on by various parties, and how feasible Deputy PM Chrystia Freeland’s proposed budget is for this country’s future. Host: Mattea RoachCredits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Associate Producer), Tristan Capacchione (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Annette Ejiofor (Managing Editor)Guests: Murad Hemm...
2023-04-0438 min
CANADALAND(Short Cuts) The Han Dong Situation is Bad Either WayEither Beijing has corrupted our democracy at the highest level or agents in the Canadian security apparatus are subverting the PMO by illegally leaking information that's either mistaken, exaggerated or both. Both scenarios are troubling. And the national crime spree that we can’t legally talk much about - youth crime & reporting bans.Host: Jesse BrownCredits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor & Technical Producer), Annette Ejiofor (Managing Editor)Guest: Joanna Chiu Further reading: Liberal MP Han Dong secretly advised Chinese diplomat in 2021 to delay freeing Two...
2023-03-3038 min
CANADALAND(Short Cuts) Stormy Days For Donald TrumpThe Toronto Star’s Allan Woods joins Jonathan to look at the prospect of Trump fundraising off a mugshot, and how a Montreal fire might finally accomplish what years of journalism and advocacy have not, pushing authorities there to take action against illegal Airbnbs.Host: Jonathan GoldsbieCredits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Tristan Capacchione (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Annette Ejiofor (Managing Editor)Guest: Allan Woods Further reading: Conrad Black: Donald Trump should pass the torch to Ron DeSantis - National Post20 Years Ago, Canadian Medi...
2023-03-2329 minThe BackbenchFood Costs Soar, Banks CollapseThe Silicon Valley Bank collapsed, marking it as the biggest bank failure in the United States since the 2008 Financial Crisis. AND, our three top grocers testified at the House of Commons recently, but Canadians learned very little. This week host Mattea Roach is joined by Murad Hemmadi, Meagan Simpson, and Arshy Mann to unpack the future of the bank and tech industries, and why many Canadians are feeling the strain every time they step into a grocery store, all while grocers are making record profits. Host: Mattea RoachCredits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Pr...
2023-03-2140 min
CANADALAND(Short Cuts) The Fall Of Silicon Valley Bank, For DummiesCo-host Sean Silcoff walks us through the Silicon Valley Bank collapse and what it might mean for Canadians. And the Supreme Court Judge who mysteriously went missing from the bench for weeks and the alleged misconduct unearthed by journalists. Host: Jesse BrownCredits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Tristan Capacchione (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Annette Ejiofor (Managing Editor)Guest: Sean Silcoff Further reading: Silicon Valley Bank collapse shows our financial system is just a collective delusion - The Globe and MailIf you’re renewing a mortgage or buying a hou...
2023-03-1642 min
Also Cool Sounds LikeTaverne TourSeason 3 kicks off with a special episode featuring three artists, Gloin, NO WAVES and Frankie Rose, each at different points in their careers. What unites them is they all performed this past February at Montreal’s Taverne Tour, the annual, eclectic, Plateau-based festival aimed to energize the music scene during the heart of the cold winter. The bands talked about the challenges of being an artist these days, from the difficulties of making money in the streaming economy, to having to brand yourself and the tribulations of...
2023-03-1330 min
CANADALAND(Short Cuts) Is China Trudeau's Last Scandal?The story about Chinese interference in our elections continues to evolve and the opposition leader has seized on it. Prime Minister Trudeau has now called for two probes despite specific calls for a public inquest - could this be the scandal that breaks him? And a conspiracy theory facilitated by Chat GPT. Arshy Mann co-hosts. Host: Jesse BrownCredits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Annette Ejiofor (Managing Editor)Guest: Arshy Mann Further reading: Beijing may have tried to discourage Canadians from voting Con...
2023-03-0944 minThe BackbenchA Ruckus at Roxham RoadHost Mattea Roach is joined by Emilie Nicolas, Stuart Thomson and Les Perreaux to talk about the latest at Roxham Road, the irregular border crossing where thousands of asylum seekers flock to Canada. What’s bringing them here and what’s happening once they arrive? And a subset of Google users in Canada have discovered a bunch of Canadian news mysteriously disappearing from their search results… whose fault is this, and should we be concerned? We unpack the Online News Act, Bill C-18.Host: Mattea RoachCredits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Noor Azri...
2023-03-0740 min
CANADALAND(Short Cuts) Ukraine’s Night Train to the Front LinesAs we cross the one-year anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, former Canadaland producer Sarah Lawrynuik returns to Short Cuts to talk with Jonathan about why she became a freelance war correspondent, taking night trains to the front lines.They also look at China’s reported interference in Canada’s elections & why our institutions tend to throw up their hands the moment they encounter even slightly sophisticated malfeasance.Host: Jonathan GoldsbieCredits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor & Technical Producer), Annette Ejiofor (Managing Editor)Guest: Sarah Lawrynuik ...
2023-03-0240 min
CANADALAND(Short Cuts) Pierre, Take The LRouleau has rolled out his verdict and Prime Minister Trudeau is vindicated. What precedent does this set? And a look at how anti-trans rhetoric manifests in the Canadian media landscape - we’re looking at you National Post. Ziya Jones co-hostsHost: Jesse BrownCredits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Annette Ejiofor (Managing Editor)Guest: Ziya Jones Further reading: 9 things you might have missed in the Emergencies Act inquiry report - CTV NewsQuebec housing groups say CAQ government hasn't kept promise to incre...
2023-02-2337 minThe Backbench99 Spy Balloons & 1 Rouleau ReportHost Mattea Roach is joined by Nick Taylor-Vaisey, David Moscrop and Sandy Garossino to talk about the two objects shot down over Canada. Is this a question of national security? Or a weather monitoring program gone wrong? It’s probably not aliens, right? Also, the Rouleau Report was released shortly after RCMP Commissioner Brenda Lucki announced the end of her tenure. The RCMP has felt the impact of scandal after scandal, so what kind of leadership is required to move forward and build better?Host: Mattea RoachCredits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Noor...
2023-02-2135 min
CANADALAND(Short Cuts) John Tory and His Sin CityA tasting menu of scandals from Ontario’s municipal and provincial governments, with a newsroom scandal thrown in for kicks. And Fuck the Police - legally! The Narwhal sues the RCMP. Lisa Taylor co-hosts. Host: Jesse BrownCredits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor), Annette Ejiofor (Managing Editor)Guest: Lisa Taylor Further reading: Integrity commissioner clears Doug Ford after developers attend daughter’s stag and doe - Global NewsHow John Tory decided to resign: the inside story of an agonizing week - Toronto StarQueen’s Park (QP) Briefi...
2023-02-1653 min
CANADALAND(Short Cuts) How The Westons WonFollowing the melting of the No Name price freeze, Loblaw had a bit of its own public meltdown. Meanwhile, the country’s largest newspaper chain continues its own perpetual self-dissolution, leaving damp puddles where once stood proud big-city dailies.Host: Jonathan GoldsbieCredits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Tristan Capacchione (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Annette Ejiofor (Managing Editor)Guest: Vass BednarFurther reading: Loblaws fights back on Twitter as social media storm erupts over soaring Canadian food prices - Toronto StarSupermarkets are hiking prices faster than nec...
2023-02-0929 minThe BackbenchBail Reform And National ReconciliationA proposed settlement of a class-action lawsuit has been reached between the federal government and 325 First Nations, which applies to Indigenous children who attended residential schools during the day—students who were left out of the 2006 residential schools settlement. This episode gets into the legal elements of this lawsuit, how we got here, and what impacts it might have going forward. And, all 13 provinces and territories are calling for “immediate action” to strengthen Canada’s bail system in the wake of the death of an Ontario Provincial Police officer in late December. What does the bail system lo...
2023-02-0730 min
CANADALAND(Short Cuts) Don't Call Quebec Racist, They're Sensitive About ItQuebec’s overblown backlash to the appointment of Amira Elghawaby as special representative on combatting Islamophobia in response to her analysis of a poll from back in 2019. And is the government telling us to only drink two alcoholic beverages a week? Sarah Hagi co-hosts. Host: Jesse BrownCredits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Tristan Capacchione (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Annette Ejiofor (Managing Editor)Guest: Sarah Hagi Further reading: Uproar over Amira Elghawaby appointment proof of need for someone like her in the job - Toronto StarTom Mulcair: Amira Elgha...
2023-02-0232 min
CANADALAND(Short Cuts) The Indulgent ConsultantMcKinsey is on everyone’s lips, but it’s just one of the many consulting firms the government is spending millions on. And as the provinces and federal government battle it out when it comes to healthcare, whose side are we supposed to be on? Nora Loreto co-hosts.Host: Jesse BrownCredits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Tristan Capacchione (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Annette Ejiofor (Managing Editor)Guest: Nora Loreto Further reading: L’influence de McKinsey explose sous Trudeau, surtout à l’immigration - Radio-CanadaContracts for McKinsey a drop in the buck...
2023-01-2634 minThe BackbenchShould Canada Intervene In Haiti?Armed conflicts across the world are increasingly demanding the attention of Canadians and prompting the federal government to get involved. This episode, host Mattea Roach is joined by Emilie Nicolas, Arshy Mann, and Steven Chase to talk about what Canadian intervention in Haiti could and should look like, and they also tackle the existential questions we have about our military: What is the state of our military? Are we prepared to take on an expanded role? Should we?Host: Mattea RoachCredits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Associate Producer), Tristan Capacchione (Audio Editor and T...
2023-01-2436 min
CANADALAND(Short Cuts) Liars, Deniers and Bears, Oh My!And the Financial Post’s polar bear “expert” has some questionable associations in her past and a tendency to downplay climate change. Matt Gurney co-hosts. Host: Jesse BrownCredits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), André Proulx (Production Coordinator), Annette Ejiofor (Managing Editor)Guest: Matt Gurney Further reading: A Skeptical Take on the A.I. Revolution - The Ezra Klein ShowGuards cleared in hospital death of Stephanie Warriner. Here's the footage no jury will ever see - CBC NewsNew Bill Morneau book offers insider’s...
2023-01-1938 min
CANADALAND(Short Cuts) G.I. JustinIs PM Trudeau a stealth warmonger? Co-host David Pugliese explains why it is so difficult to wrap one’s head around military spending. And Jordan Peterson’s latest drama over a banal request from the College of Psychologists of Ontario’s request for social media training after complaints over inappropriate tweets.Host: Jesse BrownCredits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Tristan Capacchione (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), André Proulx (Production Coordinator)Guest: David Pugliese Further reading: Government to announce F-35 deal — Trudeau had said stealth fighter didn’t work and wasn’t ne...
2023-01-1239 minThe BackbenchFlatlining On HealthcareWe tackle two crises facing our country – healthcare and climate change. Host Mattea Roach asks our panelists Riley Yesno, Drew Brown, and Sara Birrell about what we are doing to solve the major problems that exist in our splintered healthcare system and where we are really at when it comes to climate change policy. Does throwing money at the problem actually help?Host: Mattea RoachCredits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Associate Producer), Tristan Capachionne (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), André Proulx (Production Coordinator)Guests: Riley Yesno, Drew Brown, Sara Birrell
2023-01-1044 min
CANADALAND(Short Cuts) We Need A Name For This Awards ShowThe Shorties! Or Cutties! Or Shortcuttys! A special awards show highlighting variably consequential media weirdness from the year past. Dani Paradis co-hosts.Further reading:Final Jeopardy!: World Capitals – Jeopardy! on YouTubeAlberta Premier Danielle Smith says she has Cherokee roots, but the records don’t back that up – APTN NewsZoomerMedia Acquires blogTO – ZNews on YouTubeI moved to Alberta and hated everything about it. After three months, I came back to Toronto – Toronto LifeHost: Jonathan GoldsbieCredits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Tristan Capacchione (Audio Editor and Technical Producer...
2023-01-0536 minThe BackbenchThe Backbench Live: A Year in ReviewOn December 14th, we brought The Backbench to you LIVE and in-person from the Hot Docs Cinema in Toronto. It was an evening of “serious” political discourse and endless laughs. Our host Mattea Roach and our expert panelists, Emilie Nicolas, David Moscrop, and Murad Hemmadi unpacked the seriously eventful year that was 2022 – from faulty infrastructure, to the Pope’s visit, to our 2023 political wish list, and more. Taking inspiration from David Moscrop's powerful questions: Show of hands....is anyone here a supporter? If you want to hear a special and hilarious extended cut of the eve...
2022-12-2747 min
CANADALAND(Short Cuts) God Save the TweetsWhy Twitter should be run more like a newsroom and a look at the Twitter Files. And the latest in CTV’s Lisa LaFlamme story and who was left out of the narrative. Jan Wong co-hosts. Host: Jesse BrownCredits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), André Proulx (Production Coordinator)Guest: Jan Wong Further reading: The Great Internet Grievance War the Right Has Wanted Is Here. It Ain’t Going Well. - SlateOur Reporting at Twitter - Free PressThe Twitter Files thread Hunter Biden Lap...
2022-12-2238 minThe BackbenchA Matter Of Life And DeathWe want to warn listeners that segment one talks about suicide and may not be suitable for all listeners. If you'd like to skip it go to 23:37. If you’re struggling with mental health please connect with a crisis responder to get help without judgment: Call 1-833-456-4566 / Text: 45645 (4 pm – midnight ET). In this episode, host Mattea Roach, and panelists, Karen Restoule, Jaskaran Sandhu, and Arshy Mann, unpack the controversial expansion for Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) set to change on March 17, 2023. Also, Canada is trying to re-establish itself on the international stage after announcing its I...
2022-12-1339 min
CANADALAND(Short Cuts) Happiness Is A Banned GunHunters are mad about the new big list of guns to be banned by the Liberals - but why should we care if it helps reduce gun violence? And the not so credible Blacklock’s reporter’s story about being evicted from the Press Gallery. Grant LaFleche co-hosts. Free Canada-wide shipping on our store from December 8th - December 12th! Limited tickets available for The Backbench live show on December 14th. Support Canadaland to get your free tickets.Host: Jesse BrownCredits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Tristan Capacchione (Audio Editor...
2022-12-0834 min
CANADALAND(Short Cuts) Hoisted On Their Own QatarThe potential hypocrisies of condemning human rights abuses in Qatar during the FIFA World Cup. And the increasing difficulty of writing critically about Israel. Shree Paradkar co-hosts. Host: Jonathan GoldsbieCredits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Tristan Capacchione (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), André Proulx (Production Coordinator), Cassidy Villebrun-Buracas(Associate Producer)Guest: Shree Paradkar Further reading: How media criticisms of Qatar during the World Cup are both accurate and unfair - Toronto StarLILLEY: World Cup's beauty marred by Qatar's human rights record - Toronto SunOpinion: We built the rail...
2022-12-0139 minThe BackbenchTL;DR – Emergencies Act InquiryThe six weeks of dramatic testimony have officially come to an end with testimony from the Prime Minister himself. Join our host, Mattea Roach, and an exceptional panel with Stuart Thomson, David Moscrop, and Sandy Garossino for a deep retrospective on Trudeau’s invocation of the Emergencies Act against the 'Freedom Convoy' this past February. Also, the Green Party has a “new” leader. Welcome back Elizabeth May. This episode Mattea and our panelists discuss the future of the Green Party. If you want to support this show go to https://canadaland.com/joinHost: ...
2022-11-2941 min
CANADALAND(Short Cuts) Poilievre's Toxic Lie About Safe SupplyPoilievre's toxic lie about safe supply. And the confusing and contradictory CSIS intelligence on China and the Freedom Convoy. Garth Mullins co hosts. Host: Jesse BrownCredits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Tristan Capacchione (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), André Proulx (Production Coordinator)Guest: Garth Mullins Further reading: Everything feels broken.But we can fix it. - Pierre Poilievre videoOpinion: Pierre Poilievre couldn’t be more wrong on drug policy - The Globe and MailFormer Harper adviser denounces Pierre Poilievre drug policy unveiled in video - The Globe and Ma...
2022-11-2442 min
CANADALAND(Short Cuts) Trudeau's Dismissive Chinese DadThe tense relationship between Canada and China after allegations of interference in our federal election. And do we need a mask mandate to prevent mask laziness and save our kids? Steven Zhou co-hosts. Host: Jesse BrownCredits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Tristan Capacchione (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), André Proulx (Production Coordinator)Guest: Steven Zhou Further reading: Canadian intelligence warned PM Trudeau that China covertly funded 2019 election candidates: Sources - CTVChinese President Xi berates Trudeau on sidelines of G20 for leaking conversation - Globe and MailMPs agree to prob...
2022-11-1739 minThe BackbenchLost In InflationFinancial Minister Chrystia Freeland’s mini-budget is at your service to save us from inflation. Or is it Justin-flation? This week our host, Mattea Roach, is joined by Emilie Nicolas, Murad Hemmadi, and Nick Taylor-Vaisey to talk about the effectiveness of the proposed budget, the impending recession, and the “costly-coalition.” They also tackle the increasingly common use of the notwithstanding clause—what does it mean, and should we be worried?Get tickets to The Backbench live show on December 14. Support Canadaland to get your free tickets.Host: Mattea Roach (Recorded via personal microphone. Audio qua...
2022-11-1545 min
CANADALAND(Short Cuts) Never Gonna Give (Twitter) UpUnpacking the changes at Twitter and how chaos is Elon Musk's product. And what would it take for Canadians to change their mind on the use of the Emergencies Act? Douglas Soltys co-hosts. Host: Jesse BrownCredits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio and Technical Producer), André Proulx (Production Coordinator)Guest: Douglas Soltys Further reading: Protected Duffins Creek wetland in Ontario has been damaged The NarwhalEditorial: Conservatives cozy up to biased Facebook National PostMillions Following Emergencies Act Commission. Most are Con...
2022-11-1047 min
CANADALAND(Short Cuts) Hate Crimes Against NazisThe curious case of a journalist charged with the vandalism of a Nazi statue. And the first order of business for 10 newly elected politicians in Hamilton is to boycott the local newspaper. Jeremy Appel co-hosts. Host: Jesse BrownCredits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Tristan Capacchione (Audio and Technical Producer), André Proulx (Production Coordinator)Guest: Jeremy Appel Further reading: A journalist broke a story about vandalism. Now police claim he did it - Toronto Star10 incoming councillors, trustees say recent coverage in Hamilton newspaper 'perpetuated anti-Black racism...
2022-11-0340 minThe BackbenchWho's Afraid Of A Contested Election?BC NDP leadership candidate Anjali Appadurai had the rug pulled out from under her. This week Mattea Roach is joined with Stuart Thomson, Jaskaran Sandhu, and Arno Kopecky to talk about how and why the BC-NDP ended up disqualifying Appadurai, leaving David Eby to be sworn in as Premier of British Columbia. Also, this week the backbenchers talk about the Federal handgun freeze that is supposedly the strongest action in a generation. We’ll see about that…Host: Mattea RoachCredits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Associate Producer), Tristan Capacchione (Audio and T...
2022-11-0148 min
CANADALAND(Short Cuts) Low Blow, Loblaws!Loblaws takes the heat over a tone-deaf price freeze. And the unprecedented, unjustified, and perhaps unnecessary federal government power grab that nobody cares about. Our very own Arshy Mann co-hosts. Host: Jesse BrownCredits: Aviva Lessard (Producer) Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor & Technical Producer) André Proulx (Production Coordinator) SoCalled (Music)Guest: Arshy MannBackground reading:Canadians must give thanks to our Loblaw overlords for their generous new marketing campaignSupermarkets are hiking prices faster than necessary — and profiting from inflation, Star investigation suggestsControversial political fixer re-emerges in Toronto election campaignCommons: Papa Pum...
2022-10-2040 minThe BackbenchGuns And Wild RosesWhat is going on in the Wild Rose Country? Mattea Roach is joined by experts Catherine Griwkowksy, Emilie Nicolas, and David Moscrop. Together they unpack the implications of Alberta’s new premier's calls for more sovereignty and the possible unravelling of our beloved Canadian federalism. This week we also get into Canada’s complicated diplomatic response to the Iranian protests.Host: Mattea RoachCredits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Associate Producer), Tristan Capacchione (Audio Editor & Technical Producer), André Proulx (Production Coordinator), Nathan Burley (Music)Guests: Emilie Nicolas, Catherine Griwkowsky, David Moscrop...
2022-10-1845 min
CANADALAND(Short Cuts) A Star Is TornA controversial comment about Burqas in a Toronto Star column crossed the editorial line. And business drama at this Toronto paper. Jonathan Goldsbie hosts with co-host Sarah Hagi.Host: Jonathan GoldsbieCredits: Aviva Lessard - Producer, Tristan Capacchione - Audio Editor & Technical Producer, André Proulx - Production CoordinatorGuest: Sarah HagiBackground reading:Toronto Star: With the death of Mahsa Amini, it’s time for Hollywood to fight for Iranian womenToronto Star: Burqa comments crossed the lineToronto Star: Advice column fell below Star’s editorial standardsVice: Jonathan...
2022-10-1336 min
The BackbenchMeet Mattea Roach, Our New Host! (Teaser)We’re thrilled to announce that Mattea Roach will be hosting the brand new season of the Backbench. She’s best known for her 23-game winning streak on Jeopardy!, but Mattea also has a keen interest in politics and has a background in sexual diversity studies, political science, and women and gender studies.In this teaser episode, Mattea is joined with Backbench Producer Aviva Lessard and Associate Producer Noor Azrieh for a sneak peak at what they hope to accomplish in the new season. Support CANADALAND: https://canadaland.com/join Hosted on Aca...
2022-09-0604 min
Also Cool Sounds LikeS2E8 Mitch DavisMulti-instrumentalist Mitch Davis launched his current musical project with the release of the Haunt, a soulful, mellow and funky debut LP that was years in the making. An Edmonton native and former rapper, he moved to Montreal to continue making music in brand new ways. Not only did he play all the instruments on his album, he also made a lot of the equipment that goes along with it, including a unique compressor. Join us for our final episode of season 2 as host Aviva Lessard chats with Mitch about his musical process. ...
2022-06-2721 min
Also Cool Sounds LikeS2E7 GayanceHometown hero Aïsha Vertus, also known by her music alias, Gayance, is a bubbling fountain of knowledge on all things music and all things Montreal. With roots that go deep in the city, Gayance is now spreading her talents in DJ-ing and music production around the world, with second homes in Belgium and Brazil. Her musical style is eclectic, pulling on all sorts of genres, with a certain penchant for broken, garage beats mixed with the emotion of Samba and jazz. Listen to his music: Gayance on...
2022-06-1328 min
Also Cool Sounds LikeS2E6 Alicia ClaraThrough the loneliness of the pandemic and moving to a new city, Alicia Clara brings her experiences to the music she creates. Destined for music, she left her office job to make the leap to songwriting. Host Aviva Lessard unpacks Alicia’s dream pop songs, evocative lyrics and why she chose to drop everything and move to Montreal from Switzerland. Listen to her music: Alicia Clara on SpotifyAlicia Clara on InstagramAlicia Clara’s w...
2022-05-2323 min
Also Cool Sounds LikeS2E5 NOVEMBERAfter being trained in vocals and theatre, NOVEMBER brings a larger-than-life persona to the stage and speaker. His work is driven by creativity and a desire to immerse the listener in a curated soundscape based off of sounds from 80s ballads and R&B. In this episode, host Aviva Lessard talks to NOVEMBER about his journey towards self-love and the power behind purposeful aesthetics as a part of a musical artist’s whole vision.Listen to his music: NOVEMBER on SpotifyNOVEMBER on...
2022-05-0926 min
Also Cool Sounds LikeS2E4 Janette KingJanette King’s alt RnB music features her soulful vocals and endearing energy. A Montreal-based artist, she is also a producer, multi-instrumentalist and DJ. In this episode, host Gwen Roley talks to Janette about how heartbreak and sadness can often fuel the best music and poetry and how songwriting can be therapeutic.Listen to her music: Janette King on SpotifyJanette King on InstagramAlso Cool MagazineAlso Cool on
2022-04-2519 min
Also Cool Sounds LikeS2E3 MaryzeMaryze is a bilingual, stormy-sweet pop musician based in Montreal and originally from Vancouver. Host Gwen Roley interviewed Maryze about her creative process and what she hopes to accomplish in her upcoming album, 8, coming out May 6, 2022. She will be performing at a pre-release on April 29th at the Diving Bell Social Club - get your tickets now!Listen to Maryze's music: Maryze on SpotifyMaryze on InstagramMaryze’s TikTok rating Mon...
2022-04-1126 min
Also Cool Sounds LikeS2E2 Alpen GlowAlpen Glow is the solo music project created by Amery Sandford - a Montreal-based visual artist. Host Aviva Lessard chatted with Amery about her debut sparkling pop-disco EP Amertape 2020, her 3D-animated music videos and finding inspiration in pent up pandemic times.Listen to her music: Alpen Glow on SpotifyAmery Sandford on InstagramAlpen Glow on BandcampAlso Cool MagazineAlso Cool on
2022-03-2817 min
Also Cool Sounds LikeS2E1 Love LanguageLove Language describes their music as songs to make you laugh and cry on the metro home - and their sultry, lo-fi, Indie-rock sound does just that. Host Gwen Roley chatted with Love Language about the band’s electric energy on stage, their collective songwriting process, and their love for Bruce Springstein. Listen to their music: Love Language on SpotifyLove Language on InstagramAlso Cool MagazineAlso Cool on In...
2022-03-1423 min
Also Cool Sounds LikeAlso Cool Sounds Like Season Two TrailerOn this season of Also Cool Sounds Like, we’re going to uncover the sounds of Montreal. Every other week Aviva Lessard and Gwen Roley will interview a different Montreal musical artist to learn about their creative journeys and where their inspiration comes from. Episodes drop every other Monday. Tune in to the premiere on March 14! Don’t forget to subscribe to Also Cool Sounds Like
2022-03-1102 min
Also Cool Sounds LikeS1E8 The Diving BellAlejandra talks with the founders and owners of The Diving Bell Social Club about creating community in the Montreal music scene through quality shared spaces.
2022-01-0526 min
Sierra Youth PodcastS2E1: As the Orca goes, so go we (meet the filmmakers of Coextinction)We are back for season 2, BABY! This week the team kicks off a new series of conversations with Gloria Pancrazi (@gloriapancrazi) and Elena Jean (@elena.jean). They are the filmmakers behind the newly premiered documentary, Coextinction (@coextinctionfilm). This film is all about orcas, specifically the Southern Resident killer whales, who are most often found swimming in the waters of the Pacific Northwest. We chat about why this species is so incredible, the importance of listening to Indigenous knowledge holders, and what needs to be done to achieve co-existence. As always, we hope you love the episode and can’t wa...
2021-11-1547 min
Also Cool Sounds LikeS1E7 Joncas MarketIn this episode, Alejandra explores the world of canning with Maya Joncas, the founder and magic behind Joncas Market—a young company that provides canned and pickled foods. They discuss the history, science, and yumminess behind pickled veggies as well as dive into some of Maya's other inspirations and passions.
2021-08-2429 min
Also Cool Sounds LikeS1E6 Positive SpaceThis week, Alejandra talks clothes, starting a small business, and sustainability with Lisa and Quinn from Montreal's Positive Space. Check them out at positivespaceclothing.com.
2021-06-1829 min
Also Cool Sounds LikeS1E5 Belle TowerAlejandra talks with singer/songwriter Bella Harned about her project Belle Tower. In their conversation they move between the magic of the song writing process to the magic of astrology to the magic of Montreal. Reflecting on what it means to call Montreal home, they consider Montreal as a feeling—something you can take with you when you go. Find Belle Tower's EP Tend To on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/3fUVd5AHTFrJR5rjmUYghS?si=CXxTNd7qQsaHszGSrNjtRg
2021-05-2132 min
Also Cool Sounds LikeS1E4 Eli Tareq El Bechelany-LynchAlejandra talks with poet Eli Tareq El Bechelany-Lynch about writing, identity, chronic pain, and their book Knot Body. Eli explores what it means to write about what one feels physically, and Alejandra reflects on all our relationships to our bodies in this strange time.
2021-04-2332 min
Also Cool Sounds LikeS1E3 Mile End EffectsAlejandra talks with the founder of Montreal-based effects pedal company Mile End Effects, Justin Cober. Together they explore what effects can do to music and why Justin is so passionate about sound—especially sound that, as Alejandra describes, hits you like a wave. This episode is generously sponsored by Salon Frejya, nested right in Montreal's Little Italy.
2021-03-1934 min
Also Cool Sounds LikeS1E2 Dress Up CollectiveThis week, Also Cool Sounds Like Dress Up Collective. Alejandra chats with founders Tosca Webb and Annie Brebner about what it feels like to dress up together, either at one of their parties or at home during lockdown. Get a peak inside the Dress Up closet and dream about what it will be like to sparkle together again.
2021-02-1929 min
Also Cool Sounds LikeS1E1 Bilak JewelryThis week, Also Cool Sounds Like Bilak Jewelry. Alejandra joins Montreal jewelry maker Wasselena Bilak to talk about the intimacy of the interior world and the vastness of history, and how all of that can be held in a piece of metal that sits on your skin. Alejandra also visits Wasselena in her studio to glimpse what goes into making Bilak's whimsical pieces.
2021-01-2226 min
Also Cool Sounds LikeAlso Cool Sounds Like Intro and Sneak PeakGet to know the Also Cool Sounds Like host, Alejandra Melian, as she introduces the idea and inspiration behind the magazine's new podcast. Also included, a sneak preview of upcoming episodes.
2021-01-0505 min
U in the Ring05 LGBTQUVicThis episode of U in the Ring explores the University of Victoria's queer community.CFUV Correspondent Arcade spins a history of western Canada's first-ever gender-neutral restrooms, which appeared in UVic's student Union Building.Queer students Tony and Dana speak with CFUV correspondent Myles to discuss coming out while studying at UVic.CFUV correspondent Aviva heads to UVic's library to learn more about its' transgender archives.Theme music for U in the ring is composed and performed by Toe. This episode is produced by Salma Ihsan, Kavan Hammond, Myles Sauer, Aviva Lessard...
2018-05-0450 min
U in the Ring05 LGBTQUVicThis episode of U in the Ring explores the University of Victoria's queer community.CFUV Correspondent Arcade spins a history of western Canada's first-ever gender-neutral restrooms, which appeared in UVic's student Union Building.Queer students Tony and Dana speak with CFUV correspondent Myles to discuss coming out while studying at UVic.CFUV correspondent Aviva heads to UVic's library to learn more about its' transgender archives.Theme music for U in the ring is composed and performed by Toe. This episode is produced by Salma Ihsan, Kavan Hammond, Myles Sauer, Aviva Lessard...
2018-05-0446 minU in the RingU In The Ring April 27th: Mental Health, Talking Circles, Safe Spaces On CampusThis U in the Ring episode brings • Kaitlyn Kosova from the Martlet to talk about the accessibility of UVic mental health services for students• The upcoming workshop on 3-d printing here at UVic hosted by Replik8 Studios. Link: www.replik8.ca• Richel Donaldson - undergraduated student - and her Indigenous studies research here at UVic where she conducted Talking Circles in Indigenous communities. Link: www.uvic.ca/givingtouvic/impact…donaldson/index.php• Jennifer Landrey who discussed gender identity and safe spaces on campusMusic:The Bills - Happy BeThe Wooden Sky - Swimming i...
2017-05-1359 minU in the RingU In The Ring April 27th: Mental Health, Talking Circles, Safe Spaces On CampusThis U in the Ring episode brings
• Kaitlyn Kosova from the Martlet to talk about the accessibility of UVic mental health services for students
• The upcoming workshop on 3-d printing here at UVic hosted by Replik8 Studios. Link: www.replik8.ca
• Richel Donaldson - undergraduated student - and her Indigenous studies research here at UVic where she conducted Talking Circles in Indigenous communities. Link: www.uvic.ca/givingtouvic/impact…donaldson/index.php
• Jennifer Landrey who discussed gender identity and safe spaces on campus
Music:
The Bills - Happy Be
The Wooden Sky - Swimming in Strange Waters
Little Dragon - Butterflie...
2017-05-1300 minU in the RingU in the Ring: Third Space Art InstallationU in the Ring brings a special on The Third Space Wall project this week.Producer: MiyokoHost: Aviva LessardSpecial thanks to participants Myles Sauer - Martlet's Editor-in-Chief - www.martlet.caDaphne Shaed - Third Space Volunteer Coordinator - www.uvicthirdspace.com
2017-05-1351 min