Shows
The Volume KnobWill: Unconditional 1 (Lookout Kid)If TVK is a success at all it's because of people like Will who is not only a talented storyteller and producer, he's been responsible for introducing me to many of the other wonderful storytellers in the New York area who have appeared on the show in the last year or two. For that generosity, I continue to owe him a great debt. Will is also one of the founding producers of the Awkward Teenage Years storytelling series. You can follow them on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and Twitch (?). You can also follow Will directly on Twitter and th...
2025-04-1225 minThe Volume KnobJulia: Tom's DinerWorking with Julia was a genuine pleasure. She is one of those people that is so entrenched in the NYC storytelling scene that Facebook has been suggesting we know each other for years. You can learn more about Julia's work by following her on Insta. Or you can follow the links get more info about Happy Hour Story Hour every Monday at the Duplex (60 Christopher Street) and Top Shelf Stories at UCB, NYC (this month's show includes TVK alumni Adam Wade and Jeff Simmermon). Side note, were you aware that Tom's Diner is an actual pl...
2025-02-1723 minThe Volume KnobGina: Into the MysticSo happy to finally have Gina on the show! I love her style. Direct, vulnerable and delivered at a human pace. If you like it too, you might want to watch her work from The Moth or one of her many appearances on the stage at Confabulation. You can also follow Gina on Instagram and (in case anyone is still doing it these days) Twi(x)tter. Oh! As promised here's the new TVK "places" playlist featuring London, LA, Ontario Cottage Country, New York - of course - and a little Birmingham).While you're in a f...
2024-12-1920 minThe Volume KnobJuanita: There is a Light that Never Goes OutSo happy Juanita could join the show this week! If you're paying close attention, you'll notice that the production schedule has slowed a little around here in TVK land but it's pitches like hers that keep me coming back to the mixing desk.You can learn more about her on her website or by following her on Instagram (not posting to Twitter anymore, so why should you?). While you're on her website be sure to read the info on Juanita's two books: Tales of an Inland Empire Girl and Portrait of a Deputy Public Defender: or, how...
2024-11-2018 minThe Volume KnobJesse: Waiting For YouVery happy to have Jesse on the show this week. He first pitched TVK over 2 years ago (things have been moving SLOWLY around here at world HQ) and I think you'll agree that this is a case of better late than never. You can learn more about Jesse by following him on Instagram.Make sure you follow The Volume Knob on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook .And if you have a story about the song that saved your life be sure to send it to me at volumeknobpod@gmail.com.
2024-07-2314 minThe Volume KnobJonathan: Viva La VidaJohnathan and I have been working for -- no exaggeration -- over a year on bringing this story to you. I hope you think the results are as worth the wait as I do. He's an amazing storyteller and the writer of the one-man rideshare show We Are Traffic which you can learn more about here. If you're interested you can also follow Jonathan on Twitter and Instagram.Make sure you follow The Volume Knob on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook .And if you have a story about the song that saved your life b...
2024-06-2619 minThe Volume KnobMeg: Just FriendsHey everyone! Thanks a million to the lovely Meg Stafford for sharing her story this week. As I mentioned in the intro, Meg and I met on the set of PBS' Stories from the Stage. You can find Meg's story from that show here. You can also learn a tonne about her work (including her two memoires, Topic of Cancer: Riding the Waves of the Big C, and Who Will Accompany You? My Mother-Daughter Journeys Far From Home and Close to the Heart) on her website. As a saxophone-playing teenager, I've always been amazed by Charlie Parker. Th...
2024-05-0614 minThe Volume KnobGreg: SuddenlyHey everyone! Thanks a million to the lovely Greg Halpen for pitching the show and sharing his story this week. You can learn more about Greg at his website or by following him on the Instas.As I said in the intro this week, Greg's story really reminds me of a queer John Hughes movie. In light of that, it might be time to inform you that Smashmouth actually covered Simple Minds' classic Don't You (Forget About Me). You don't really want to hear it. The phrase "Smashmouth covering Simple Minds" should be enough. Oh wait, you're...
2024-04-2213 minThe Volume KnobJohn: Let it BeHey lovelies! So good to be back making audio-deliciousness for you and what a great way to start the season John's visit was. John is a fixture in the storytelling scene in Northern California. He's a storytelling instructor, coach, and assistant events producer for Capital Storytelling in Sacramento and the host of the Do Tell! open mic series in Rancho Cordova. He's also, in case you can't tell from the sensitivity and emotional tone of his storytelling, a really nice guy. You can check out more of John's storytelling talent on Youtube or follow him on Instagram....
2024-04-0817 minThe Volume KnobAida: Last Day of our AcquaintanceAida Zilelian is an American-Armenian writer, educator and storyteller. She has been featured in the Huffington Post, NPR's Takeaway, Kirkus Reviews, among other literary and media platforms. Her novel All the Ways We Lied is slated for release in January 2024. You can follow her on Instagram or Facebook.Make sure you follow The Volume Knob on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook or at our website volumeknob.net.And if you have a story about the song that saved your life be sure to send it to me at volumeknobpod@gmail.com.
2023-12-1819 minThe Volume KnobFrank: Mama, I'm Coming HomeI met Frank in a storytelling workshop this spring and he has revealed himself to be one of the hardest-working and most creative storytellers and producers I've had the privilege to work with since starting TVK. Frank's show It's Funny Now is at the Crow in Santa Monica the second Monday of every month. You can learn more about it here or by listening to the It's Funny Now podcast. You can also follow Frank on Instagram.You can get tickets to TVK and Confabulation present: The Songs that Saved Your Life (at Sala R...
2023-11-0625 minThe Volume KnobGastor: BillionaireGastor is most definitely one of my favourite storytellers in North America. His presence, timing, sense of humour and humanity are all larger than life and it's always a pleasure to have him on the show. Do yourself a favour and watch this (it's one of the Comedy Central appearances Gastor referred to in the story and its hilarious) when you're done watching that check out his story Heavy High & Far which originally introduced me to this guy's talents. Gastor also has his own podcast (The War Report) which he co-hosts with fellow stand up Shalewa Sharpe. Y...
2023-10-1625 minThe Volume KnobTVK's Greatest Hits! Emira: Flashdance...What a feelingIf you have a pitch for TVK Live (May 13th at Sala Rosa in Montreal) please don't hesitate to send it to me or to the fine folks at Confabulation . Their email is tellastory@confabulation.caAn honour to have Emira give of her time and vulnerability this week. I have to admit it, I was surprisingly moved by listening to What a Feeling, while mixing the show. I found it really strange to hear something that I'd heard so many times associated with true emotion rather than mocked for being ubiquitous or silly (even i...
2023-03-2023 minThe Volume KnobMadeleine: Change the WorldSince Madeleine was last on the show, her storytelling "career" has been blossoming. She's appeared in shows (both virtually and in person) all over North America. As always, it was a wonderful experience working with her. She has no social media, so you'll just have to keep an eye out for your next opportunity to watch her practice her craft (perhaps at a Confabulation show here in Montreal). If you haven't heard it, here's a link to her episode in Season 2 of the show. Easily one of the most compelling episodes we've had.Make sure you follow...
2022-09-2619 minThe Volume KnobTVK'S Greatest Hits: Mario (Caravan of Love)Once again my thanks to everyone at Confabulation Montreal for having me on Saturday. It was a real honour to be on the stage of the Centaur Theatre.Many thanks as well to Mario for his time and vulnerability. In addition to being a journalist with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, Mario drums in the Ottawa band Gentlemen of the Woods. He also shares his very photogenic adventures in Italian food and culture through his Instagram account This Italian Kitchen. In case you haven't heard it, you really ought to take a moment to li...
2022-09-1934 minThe Volume KnobDavid: The Rock ShowDavid is an enthusiastic and professional guy whose fingerprints are all over the NY storytelling scene. You can learn more about him on his website or by following him on Insta or Twitter. He's also written a great piece on storytelling in Queens here.Make sure you follow The Volume Knob on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook or at our website volumeknob.net.And if you have a story about the song that saved your life be sure to send it to me at volumeknobpod@gmail.com.
2022-05-0215 minThe Volume KnobSandi: Wind Beneath My WingsWhen I talk about how storytellers are great people, I'm talking about people like Sandi Marx. She's warm, wise and more than a little wacky. What a pleasure to spend time with her. If you're interested in hearing more of Sandi's unique brand of humour and storytelling be sure to check out her website which has links to her appearances on Risk! and The Moth and to follow her on Twitter Facebook and Instagram. While you're on Sandi's web page, be sure to watch the trailer for The Fabulist the 2020 documentary about her storytelling journey.Ma...
2022-04-1823 minThe Volume KnobWill: The District Sleeps Alone TonightIf TVK is a success at all it's because of people like Will Clegg. Will is not only a talented storyteller and producer, he's been responsible for introducing me to many of the other wonderful storytellers in the New York area who have appeared on the show in the last year or two. For that generosity, I owe him a great debt. Thanks, Will!As I mentioned in the closing credits this week, Will's story this week is a "beat" in a full one-man show he recently produced at New York's Frigid Festival called The Lonely Road. K...
2022-04-0423 minThe Volume KnobRichard: FaithCan you hear the warmth and humanity in Rich's voice? This week's episode was one of those rare incidents where I wish there was video because rich is a special human being; genuine, gracious and funny. I really enjoyed making radio with him and hope this week's episode gave you some insight into his personality.If you want more Rich Cardillo you can follow him on Twitter and Instagram or check out his appearances on The Moth, Story Collider, Nancy, Other Men Need Help and Love Hurts.Bonus question: I (sorta) hid a t...
2022-02-2121 minThe Volume KnobRay: AfricaI am such a fan of Dr. Ray Christian. You can learn more about his work on his website or by following him on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. His podcast, What's Ray Saying? is also definitely worth a look. Make sure you follow The Volume Knob on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook or at our website volumeknob.net. Have a safe and restful holiday season. See you all in 2022!And if you have a story about the song that saved your life be sure to send it to me at volumeknobpod@gmail.com.
2021-12-0624 minThe Volume KnobDevin: She Used to be MineHow about the incredible warmth, charm and empathy in the storytelling of the talented Devin Wilson? The video of Devin's Live Out Loud subway concert is available here (her performance of She Used to be Mine starts at the 9:30 mark). You can also learn more about Devin's work as a storyteller and social advocate on her website or by giving her a follow on instagram or twitter.Make sure you follow The Volume Knob on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook or at our website volumeknob.net.And if you have a story about the song th...
2021-11-2922 minThe Volume KnobSara: NumbSara and I met while doing improv at Impro Montreal. These days she is the founder and a member of They Go Low, We Go Laugh (If you're in Montreal, you should check them out!) and a producer for Confabulation.Make sure you follow The Volume Knob on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook or at our website volumeknob.net.And if you have a story about the song that saved your life be sure to send it to me at volumeknobpod@gmail.com.
2021-11-2216 minThe Volume KnobDavid: The Origin of Love (Pt. 2)Once again so many thanks to David Crabb for his dedication to the craft of storytelling and his generosity in sharing those talents on the show. If you enjoyed David's story this week, be sure to check out the episode of the show he recorded in May or the TVK mixtape he did in September. David's memoir, Bad Kid is a fantastic read that I'd highly recommend and there's more info about him (including links to his storytelling workshops) on his website. You can also follow him on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Also, as promised, he...
2021-11-1528 minThe Volume KnobDavid: The Origin of LoveI am a huge HUGE fan of David Crabb.That's it. That's the tweet.I've said it before, and I'll say it again, his energy, honesty and talent come through in everything he's done with The Volume Knob (and everything else he has put out into the world as an artist). If you enjoyed David's story this week, be sure to check out the episode of the show he recorded in May or the TVK mixtape he did in September. David's memoir, Bad Kid is a fantastic read that I'd highly recommend and there's more i...
2021-11-0820 minThe Volume KnobJohn Mack: Cavanaugh ParkYou'd think that, as a podcast producer, I make time to listen to a lot of podcasts myself. The truth is, before the dog entered our life in May, I didn't. That said, with an hour or two a day now spent wandering the same path through my neighbourhood, I now get to listen to all of my favourites on the regular. That list includes, probably unsurprisingly, The Moth. It's where I first heard John Mack's storytelling chops. His story (about bringing his husband to his dying grandma's birthday party) is so precise and beautiful...I immediately loo...
2021-11-0116 minThe Volume KnobBrittany: Better ThanIf you, or someone you love is in need of support in the context of a situation of domestic violence in the United States you can reach the National Domestic Violence Hotline by phone at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or by texting START to 88788. In Canada, domestic violence resources are organised provincially and regionally. You can find a pretty comprehensive list of them here.If you feel like supporting agencies that help folks in situations of domestic violence you can donate to The Hotline in the States. Here in Montreal we're lucky to have the work of SOS...
2021-10-2516 minThe Volume KnobJamie: Is That All There Is?What energy! What pace! What a treat to work with Jamie Brickhouse.You really ought to check out more about him including his website (which includes links to fantastic videos of several of his live performances) and his instagram and facebook feeds. While you're there, be sure to check out Jamie's book Dangerous When Wet. Jamie also has a pretty significant presence on YouTube and is one of the only storytellers I'm aware of who is taking full advantage of TikTok.Make sure you follow The Volume Knob on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook or a...
2021-10-1819 minThe Volume KnobDave: Gotta GoDavid is one of the most enthusiastic and openhearted members of the New York storytelling community I've had the opportunity to work with. He's also TIRELESS. You can see his work everywhere, from The Moth, to Awkward Teenage Years. You can read him and his work here! His site includes many examples of his writing (and some pictures of Dave during his shaved-head hardcore phase). You can also follow him on youtube and instagram. Make sure you follow The Volume Knob on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook or at our website volumeknob.net.And if you...
2021-10-1122 minThe Volume KnobCyndi: NothingWhere to begin? Cyndi is a force of nature who has been teaching, producing and inspiring storytellers in New York City for a very long time. You can learn more about her on her website and by following her on twitter, facebook and instagram.Make sure you follow The Volume Knob on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook or at our website volumeknob.net.And if you have a story about the song that saved your life be sure to send it to me at volumeknobpod@gmail.com.
2021-10-0428 minThe Volume KnobMatt: The RiverAs I mentioned in his intro, Matthew Dicks is one of North America's leading personal storytellers. You can learn more about him on his website which includes links to his twitter, instagram and facebook accounts. You can also learn more about Matthew's analytical approach to storytelling on the podcast that he hosts with his wife Elysha Dicks. It's called Speak Up Storytelling.Make sure you follow The Volume Knob on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook or at our website volumeknob.net.And if you have a story about the song that saved your life be sure to...
2021-09-2721 minThe Volume KnobShalewa: Gimme That WineShalewa Sharpe is an effing boss! I'm so happy that she made time to be on the show. You can follow her on twitter, instagram and facebook; check out the podcast (The War Report with Gastor and Shalewa) that she hosts with friend of TVK Gastor Almonte or listen one of her comedy albums Stay Eating Cookies or So, You Just Out Here? There's also a tonne of her material on Youtube including this legendary interaction between her, the late Chadwick Boseman and Jimmy Fallon. I repeat, funny, funny and smart SMART.Unfortunately, I had to...
2021-09-2023 minThe Volume KnobTracey: OnceTracey is a fixture on the New York storytelling scene. If you want to hear more of her work, make sure to head to QED in Queens for one of their events or to check out her Instagram account where she has posted a series of one-minute stories. Tracey is also a producer of the Telling Favourites series.No playlist this week (I know, I know... if you miss them, tell me so at volumeknobpod@gmail.com) but I do have an anecdote. Unlike Tracey, I was able to attend Pearl Jam's first ever headlining tour (Montreal's...
2021-09-1315 minThe Volume KnobAditya: Highway to HellSo much fun having Aditya's perspective and sense of humour this week. You can hear a story he told on The Moth here there's also a great story he told about going to Wimbledon right here. He's also on Instagram both as himself and as a DJ.I've had to hold off pulling together a playlist for the first few episodes of this season. Drop me a line at volumeknobpod@gmail.com if you miss them. Make sure you follow The Volume Knob on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook or at our website volumeknob.net.A...
2021-09-0619 minThe Volume KnobSandi: Hit Me With Your Best ShotSo happy to start off Season 3 of the show with a performer as talented (and fun to work with!) as Sandi. If you're interested in hearing more of her unique brand of humour and storytelling be sure to check out Sandi's website which has links to her appearances on Risk! and The Moth and to follow her on Twitter Facebook and Instagram. While you're on Sandi's web page, be sure to watch the trailer for The Fabulist the 2020 documentary about her storytelling journey.I think Kate was right about the ubiquity of Hit Me With Your Best Sh...
2021-08-3019 minThe Volume KnobGrant: Don't Stop Me NowGrant is a co-founder of the Awkward Teenage Years storytelling series with Will Clegg from Episode 25. As I mentioned during Will's Episode, ATY is a fun project that you can follow on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and Twitch (?). Grant is also active on Twitter and Insta. You can also learn more about him on his web site.This week's playlist is kinda silly. I'm calling it Mr. Fahrenheit but it's a list of (mostly) covers on the theme of "don't stop". You may only listen to it once, but I hope you enjoy it anyway! Make sure...
2021-07-1215 minThe Volume KnobKatie: Little BirdKatie IS a warm, generous, talented and enthusiastic storyteller. What Katie IS NOT is an aggressive self-promoter. She has no twitter account and her Instagram is private. So, if you want to learn more about her work you could do worse than getting to know New York's self-proclaimed "second longest running personal storytelling show" The Nights of Our Lives where Katie is a frequent performer. You can also follow The Nights of Our Lives on Twitter or subscribe to their podcast.I had a lot of fun digging into my personal treasure trove of "dance-inspiring" mus...
2021-07-0522 minThe Volume KnobWill: Tom Traubert's BluesAwkward Teenage Years is the name of the storytelling series that Will co-founded. You can follow them on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and Twitch (?). You can also follow Will directly on Twitter and the 'gram.This week's playlist is called Songs About Blood and Whiskey (hold the blood, frankly). A list of songs about the drink and what comes after. I hope you enjoy it. Make sure you follow The Volume Knob on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook or at our website volumeknob.net.And if you have a story about the song that saved your lif...
2021-06-2824 minThe Volume KnobCarla: Rocket ManSo, is anyone else blown away by Carla's talent, her voice and comic timing? Me too. What a treat to have her on the show. You can learn more about her from her web site and by following her on Twitter and Instagram.This week's playlist features some of my own favourite art rock and art rock adjacent music. It's called Reflected like Fireworks I hope you enjoy it. Make sure you follow The Volume Knob on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook or at our website volumeknob.net.And if you have a story about th...
2021-06-2115 minThe Volume KnobLouise: Running Up that HillBefore I go on about how cool, and brave and inspiring Louise is and how lucky I am to have had the chance to spend time with her, can we all just take a second to admire how great her voice recording sounded? Seriously, though, professional equipment recorded in a professional voice booth. -- Chef's_kiss.gif --Apart from that, though, it WAS very cool to spend time with Louise and to have an excuse to listen to her very impressive output of music. You can find her solo work here on her bandcamp page and y...
2021-06-1420 minThe Volume KnobVinny: Say It Aint SoAs I mentioned in the opening of the show I've been attending classes and performing off and on at Montreal Improv for years. I've met friends there and made things and none of it wouldn't have happened without Vinny and the community that he and his friends created. For his effort, and that of others, I am truly grateful. Vinny's newest improv venture is called Improv College and, like I said, it features students and performers from all over the world. You can check it out here or follow Improv College on Twitter. You can also learn m...
2021-06-0716 minThe Volume KnobTeri: Happens All the TimeIt's not everyone who can speak so frankly and thoughtfully about being both an angsty retro-teen and also a wife and mom wrestling with questions as powerful as "should we open our marriage?" Teri is that person and I'm really grateful she took the time to tell me her story. Grateful to call her friend, too.You can get copies of Teri's books, Bats or Swallows and Escape Plans by visiting her page at her publisher Invisible Publishing. You might want to hunt her down on Twitter or Instagram if you are looking to buy a copy o...
2021-05-3124 minThe Volume KnobDevan: Jimmy RiggedDevan is such a remarkable human being! Such a pleasure to spend time with him and help him share his story. You can learn more about Devan and his work on his website. In addition to his appearances on The Moth and NPR as a storyteller, Devan is also the co-founder of Unreeling Storytelling a Brooklyn-based organisation providing a storytelling platform for people of colour, women, and others marginalised folks. You can also follow Devan on Twitter, and Instagram.If you've never made the time to listen to a Volume Knob playlist, this week is the...
2021-05-2428 minThe Volume KnobDavid: Big Time SensualityEverywhere you go in the "storytelling business" you run into people who have been touched by David's work as a teacher, writer and performer. His talent is easy to see, what's less obvious is how warm and charming a human being he is. A genuine pleasure to work with.If you want to learn more about David and his work, a good place to start is his his memoir, Bad Kid; a gentle, honest, funny and (if you grew up a little weird in a town smaller than your ambitions) deeply-relatable read that I'd highly recommend. Be s...
2021-05-1727 minThe Volume KnobAnna: Que Sera SeraI know I say nice things about all of my guests; it's because they're nice people, but I really do feel especially enthusiastic about the time I spent with Anna. She is someone who has definitely dedicated time and talent to the art of storytelling. She is a deeply intelligent and remarkably talented human being. So so many thanks to her for sharing her time and vulnerability this week.If you're interested in hearing more of Anna's work, you should definitely visit her web site which has links to not only her storytelling but also her award-winning...
2021-05-1021 minThe Volume KnobJeff: Dirty Deeds Done Dirt CheapIn case it wasn't obvious from the clips of me snickering, Jeff had me in stitches throughout our interview. He's a genuinely funny (and very bright and articulate) dude. If you're interested in hearing more from him, definitely check out his podcast The Reluctant Phoenix which is a series of conversations with a wide variety of people who have restarted their lives whether or not they really wanted to in the first place. As I mentioned on the show, Jeff's 2020 album Why You Should be Happy is available on all the regular platforms. You can also follow Je...
2021-05-0332 minThe Volume KnobKeith: Beautiful Island of SomewhereYou're aware if you read these show notes that I usually put a small bio of each week's guest in this space here. Not today. Instead, why don't you follow this link to Montreal's Chez Doris, a shelter and community centre for my city's homeless women. If you liked the story (or if you like the show) maybe you'd consider making a donation. If you want to learn more about me, just keep listening to the show!As I said in the show close this week, I ran out of time before I could make a mix b...
2021-04-2619 minThe Volume KnobRory: Spinning WheelIt's a pleasure to have someone with Rory's comic timing on the show. You can learn more about his comedy by following him on Instagram. This week's mix is called Funky Baby. It's perfect for adding a little tempo and shake to your lazy afternoons. Hope you enjoy it.Make sure you follow The Volume Knob on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook or at our website volumeknob.net.And if you have a story about the song that saved your life be sure to send it to me at volumeknobpod@gmail.com.
2021-04-1917 minThe Volume KnobBurke: 9th and HennepinSo grateful to have as brilliant and unique a voice as Burke was able to bring to the show this week. As he alluded to in his introduction, Burke is a director, a photographer and director of photography. He recently was the DP on a season of Top Chef and his web site includes not only some amazing portraiture but also several of the music videos he has directed. Check it out! As I mentioned in the extro of this week's show, Burke brought his own music mix. It's most of the tracks from a mix tape t...
2021-04-1223 minThe Volume KnobEd: Mona Lisas and Mad HattersIt's not too blunt to say that Ed Gavagan is a big reason why I'm fascinated with personal storytelling as a craft. I first heard him telling stories on The Moth years ago and, when he and I were introduced and he indicated that he'd be willing to do a story for the show, I literally bounced up the stairs of my house yelling to my wife "I'm going to do a show with the guy who told Drowning on Sullivan Street." When your story is as big and life-changing as Ed's is, you can tell it i...
2021-04-0539 minThe Volume KnobGastor: The World is YoursHas there been a more charming guest on the show than Gastor Almonte? Hard to think of one. His presence, timing, sense of humour and humanity are all larger than life. What a complete and total pleasure to have him share his talent and vulnerability with me this week. Do yourself a favour and watch this (it's one of the Comedy Central appearances Gastor referred to in the story and its hilarious) when you're done watching that check out his story Heavy High & Far which originally introduced me to this guy's talents. Gastor also has his own podcast (The...
2021-03-2933 minThe Volume KnobMatt: In My LifeMatt Goldberg isn't only a fantastic, warm and talented person he is also one of Montreal's most established storytelling producers. Storytelling producers are ESPECIALLY fabulous people! Matt founded the Confabulation storytelling series in Montreal in 2010. Since then, Confabulation has not only put on dozens of shows here but they have their own podcast and shows in both Toronto and Victoria. Whew! For that amount of work dedicated to doing good things in the world, Matt definitely deserves a follow on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.Matt's assumption that In My Life contains a harpsichord is actually a c...
2021-03-2218 minThe Volume KnobAdam: Space OddityIf you heard Adam's story and thought "that seems like a really remarkable human being" your instincts are exactly right. I know I say this a lot, but I feel genuinely privileged to have gotten to know Adam through this process. The reason he is one of the masters of this art form (he's won 20 Moth Story slams!! 20!!!) is that he is absolutely, completely authentic. By that I don't mean authentic in the backhanded complement way (like when you're diplomatically calling someone irascible or weird). The Adam Wade who tells you a story is the genuine article, wit...
2021-03-1523 minThe Volume KnobBrad: TimebombBrad is more than a fantastic storyteller. He's a multi-talented burlesque performer, and visual artist. If only to put the rest of us to shame, Brad is also an author. In 2020 he serialised his novel Maxine and the Planets Unknown as a 20-episode podcast. It's worth a listen. Think of the children.You can learn more about Brad by following him on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook. You can also take storytelling classes with Brad at Kevin Allison's Story Studio.I could go on for a looooooong time about alt-country in general and The O...
2021-03-0822 minThe Volume KnobEmily: ZeitgeistSome music fans are storytellers and some storytellers are music fans but it was a rare treat for e to sit down with someone who combines both storytelling talent and music loving passion the way Emily did. Emily is one of the producers behind Toronto's Replay Storytelling which recently did a very exciting event along with the CBC's Doc Project (Featuring former TVK guest Nisha Coleman). Emily and I also had a fantastic chat about all SORTS of music (from hardcore to Lucy Dacus) when we were preparing to record their story. All in all, Emily is def...
2021-03-0114 minThe Volume KnobSandi: You've Got A FriendYou can't sit in the same room as Sandi Marx (either virtually or in person) and not have a smile on your face. Her energy and unbridled enthusiasm for being herself are contagious. If you're interested in hearing more of Sandi's unique brand of personal storytelling be sure to get to her website which has links to her appearances on Risk! and The Moth and to follow her on Twitter Facebook and Instagram. While you're on Sandi's web page, be sure to watch the trailer for The Fabulist the 2020 documentary about her storytelling journey.The 50th Anniversary o...
2021-02-2220 minThe Volume KnobMadeleine: Funeral for a Friend/Love Lies BleedingMadeleine has only recently started in the craft of personal storytelling and I'm so (so!) excited to see where she goes in the medium. I was blown away by not only the vulnerability she showed but also her command of structure, pacing and imagery. Such a wonderful experience working with her. She has no social media, so you'll just have to keep an eye out for your next opportunity to watch her practice her craft.Listening to Funeral for a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding, I wasn't immediately transported to a pre-school montage like Myles was. It made...
2021-02-1520 minThe Volume KnobHoward: The Other Side of Mt. Heart AttackHoward was a very generous and thoughtful guest. Many thanks to him for being on the show. You learn more about his Gateway Music Podcast on Facebook and you can hear the episode with me on it here on February the 12th. Though Katie wasn't fond of it I really liked the stark, open spaces in The Other Side of Mt Heart Attack. I'm also convinced that every time I hear it, I'll have an image of a slightly spooked young doctor, shuffling his feet down the hallway of a maternity ward. Such is the power of p...
2021-02-0822 minThe Volume KnobCatherine: Bad DayWhat a treat to hang out with Catherine without the burden of a stack of legal paperwork between us. Many thanks to her for her time and her vulnerability. If you're interested in Catherine's writing you should check out her website where you can get links to her Facebook , Twitter and Instagram accounts. While you're there, don't forget to check out info about all of Catherine's novels including a pre-order link for her next book Six Weeks to Live which will be released on May 4th, 2021.Full confession: even though my sister-in-law was a producer on...
2021-02-0124 minThe Volume KnobLeslie: You Can't Stop the BeatIn case it wasn't obvious, Leslie and I had a fantastic time working on this week's episode. Many thanks to her for her good humour and fantastic TALENT. You can learn more about Leslie (and see her wide range of work) on her website. You can also follow her on twitter and instagram. While you're learning more about Leslie, make sure to check out her weekly virtual karaoke nights every Saturday at the virtual piano bar of Sid Gold's Request Room.I've always found it kind of wild that John Waters went from producing Female Tr...
2021-01-2520 minThe Volume KnobBen: Pore Jud is DaidI wasn't just blowing smoke when I said that Ben's podcast 20 Square Blocks is great stuff. As soon as I heard it I reached out to him to see if we could work together. The humanity of the stories told and the silence Ben uses to listen to his guests is really worth seeking out. Once again, many thanks to him for appearing on my show. It was pretty interesting to hear how Por Jud is Daid has been treated by different productions of Rodgers and Hammerstein's classic over the years. From the "straight up" version from 1955 feat...
2021-01-1830 minThe Volume KnobJake: YYZI was pleasantly surprised at the depth of the Rush rabbit hole I went down while editing/mixing Jake's story. I, for example, had no idea that they had recorded most of their biggest hits at Le Studio in Morin Heights (just a short drive up the road from here in Montreal). In fact the videos for Tom Sawyer and Limelight both feature the Laurentians quite prominently. There is no official video for YYZ though this live concert from Rio in (I think) 2002 is definitely a trip (not every day you see a crowd of 10s of thous...
2021-01-1824 minThe Volume KnobSage: Free to Be You and MeWhat a treat to have Sage on the show this week. To be honest, when I started the show earlier this year, there were three lists of people that I wanted as guests: 1) The people who knew me well enough to say yes; 2) The people I kinda knew, but wanted to get to know better; and,3) People who I had never met, but had admired as storytellers/artists/others. This 3rd group features the folks that I wanted to reach out to once I was confident enough in the show...
2020-12-0719 minThe Volume KnobJohn: Float OnWhat a pleasure to have John on the show this week. Many thanks to him for his time, good humour and vulnerability. As I mentioned in the show, Tomato Tomato has a new record out called It'll Come Around. Check it out if you love sweet harmonies. Also thanks to Tim at Sound of Pop (Tomato Tomato's publishers) for permission to use Chasing Rainbows at the end of the show. Iron Horse's cover of Float On (as always, I'd encourage you to listen to the whole track either before or after you listen to this week's show!) i...
2020-11-3023 minThe Volume KnobEmira: Flashdance... What a FeelingAn honour to have Emira give of her time and vulnerability this week. I have to admit it, I was surprisingly moved by listening to What a Feeling, while mixing the show. I found it really strange to hear something that I'd heard so many times associated with true emotion rather than mocked for being ubiquitous or silly (even if it might actually be both). As always, I'd encourage you to spend a few minutes listening to the entire song either before or after you listen to the episode (or even both).As Emira mentioned, sh...
2020-11-2321 minThe Volume KnobLaurel: BirdlandSo outstanding to have Laurel on the show this week. Many thanks to her for her time and her vulnerability. Laurel's latest album as Little Scream came out on Merge Records last fall. It's is called Speed Queen and it's fantastic. Check out the video for Dear Leader and tell me Laurel hasn't achieved her goal of making political art. While you're at it, you might want to listen to the final, recorded version of the Heron and the Fox which came out on the first Little Scream album The Golden Record. I think it's remarkable to hear the di...
2020-11-1620 minThe Volume KnobAmanda: Doctor my EyesOnce again, many thanks to Amanda for her time and her vulnerability this week. You can find an example of Amanda's stand up here. Funny stuff and I'm not just saying that because I'm a sucker for a good WNBA gag.I won't link to the California Raisins' cover album of Motown classics but were you aware that their (huge hit) album was released on Priority Records which was later described by Billboard as one of the most important West Coast Hip-Hop record labels of all time? (The home of NWA, Ice T and Snoop). Weird, right?
2020-11-0920 minThe Volume KnobJulie: Night ShiftOnce again, many thanks to Julie for her time and her vulnerability this week. The complexity of her feelings towards her decisions and her partner and his kids were fascinating to me, and deeply human. I'm really proud she felt comfortable enough to express her thoughts, even if some of them may have seemed taboo.I'm also really (really!) glad that Julie introduced me to Lucy Dacus. Since Julie told me that Night Shift was the song that she wanted to talk about, I've been listening to Dacus' 2018 record Historian on pretty heavy repeat. I'm not keeping...
2020-11-0226 minThe Volume KnobZachary: The Essence of RhythmOK, so. As always, I want to take a minute to thank Zach for his fantastic story. The time he's spent and the vulnerability he was willing to bring forward talking about a tough time in his life were inspiring. If it's not obvious from listening to him, Zachary is an extremely intelligent and thoughtful man. Really a pleasure to have him on the podcast. If you're interested in his work as a lawyer (unsurprisingly, he's as articulate in that domain as he is when talking about the tabla) you can check out an interview that he did with...
2020-10-2624 minThe Volume KnobNisha: No QuarterSo excited that Nisha made time to share her story with us this week! Her work has appeared in some of the "biggest" venues in the personal storytelling "business" (hey, these are all relative terms, folks) including The Moth and Risk! If you're interested in more of Nisha's work you can check out her website and her different social media. (You can even see here playing violin on her youtube channel!)Though I didn't include it in the episode, Nisha and I had a pretty cool conversation about No Quarter and how the song's structure re...
2020-10-1923 minThe Volume KnobJames: Farewell TransmissionMany thanks to James for his time, talent and vulnerability this week. You can check out James' music on his Bandcamp page or by watching the video that he and his landlord (!) made for All of Arkansas the lead single on his most recent album Stars Blue Wheel. You can also follow him on the socials. As you may have gathered from Katie's review this week, Songs: Ohia is a band in pretty heavy rotation here at TVK HQ. Accordingly, when James proposed a story based on Farewell Transmission I was pretty excited. If you wer...
2020-10-1224 minThe Volume KnobClaire: She Loves YouClaire's storytelling talents have been featured all over including several different episodes of Confabulation. So many thanks to her for sharing her time and talents with the show.Paul McCartney has told interviewers that She Loves You was initially written in Newcastle while the Beatles were on tour with Roy Orbison and Gerry and the Pacemakers and completed at his home in Liverpool. He says the song was initially inspired the call and response pattern in Forget Him by teen idol Bobby Rydell (check out the Brylcreem in that dreamboat photo!) I don't hear it, myself. But I g...
2020-10-0521 minThe Volume KnobKadi: I'll See You In My DreamsSo many thanks to Kadi for her time, vulnerability and storytelling talents this week. You can hear another one of Kadi's stories (about a less than relaxing yoga retreat) here. She also has a soundcloud ! Check it out to hear her young adult fiction podcast called YA! podcast. You can also check Kadi out @kadi_d on all the socials.I'll See You In My Dreams isn't exclusively a ukulele jam. In fact, it first charted in the 20s! Since then it has been recorded by a virtual who's who (including Louis Armstrong, Bing Crosby, Do...
2020-09-2827 minThe Volume KnobCharlie: Lida Rose/Will I Ever Tell YouMany thanks to Charlie for his time and unbelievable sense of humour this week (the Tina Turner impression KILLED me). He really is a force of nature! I have to admit that musicals have never been my cup of tea. That said, in preparing this episode I've been left humming Lida Rose/Will I Ever Tell You ... a lot! The kids have complained particularly that the quartet melody has sneaked its way into the nightly lullaby. As always, you should take a minute to listen to the music before or after (or both!) you listen to the ep...
2020-09-2121 minThe Volume KnobArn: The Whole of the MoonAs always, many thanks to Arn for his time and vulnerability (especially for digging up his 30-plus-year-old diaries for me to virtually rummage through). You can learn more about him and his research into the interaction between resource companies and indigenous communities on his web site. The Whole of the Moon is an interesting track with some serious staying power despite it's rather dated sounding production. The Waterboys' lead singer Mike Scott has always been a little cryptic in his descriptions of the subject of the song. He's contradicted suggestions that it's written for CS Lewis or Pr...
2020-09-1422 minThe Volume KnobMichael: Play Me That RhythmMany thanks to Michael for sharing his story with us this week. You can read a bunch of his writing on his blog Radio Free Canuckistan or by picking up one of his books.Learning more about Condition is tougher. You can pick up a copy of their 1985 record Mumbo Jumbo (which features Play Me That Rhythm) on Discogs. There is little to no other evidence of the band on the 'net!As always, you can get in touch with The Volume Knob on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook or at our website volumeknob.net....
2020-09-0715 minThe Volume KnobJeff: Nothing Compares 2UThanks to Jeff for his time, vulnerability and good humour this week. You can learn more about him on his website. You should also keep an eye out for his storytelling courses. He's an excellent teacher (he taught me!) who has been doing online work during the pandemic.As always, I encourage you to seek out a copy of the song that inspired the story and listen to it either before or after you listen to the show. While you're at it, if you haven't already heard the synth-heavy original version -- released in 1985 by Th...
2020-08-3120 minThe Volume KnobVesna: Don't You Worry 'bout a ThingMany thanks to Vesna for her time and vulnerability this week. You can learn more about Vesna's coaching practice on her website or by checking her out on Instagram. I had a B-L-A-S-T researching this week's episode. In large part because it gave me the opportunity to listen to literally DOZENS of covers of Stevie Wonder's Don't Worry 'bout a Thing. If you're into falling down music rabbit holes, I created a Youtube playlist so you can hear as many as you'd like.As always, you can get in touch with The Volume Knob...
2020-08-2418 minThe Volume KnobAndrew: I Dream a HighwayThanks to Andy for his time and vulnerability this week. You can learn more about Andy's music on his website or buy a copy of one of his records on Bandcamp.Though it wasn't Myles' jam, you might want to set 15 minutes aside and listen to I Dream a Highway before or after you hear Andy's story. If you're interested in falling down a Gillian Welch rabbit hole you can check out this track (which is my favourite) or listen to any one of the interviews she's given gain insight into her keen intelligence and art...
2020-08-1725 minThe Volume KnobKate: ShouldersEvery episode I thank my guests for their time and their vulnerability. Sharing personal stories requires bravery; not only the bravery required to let the story "out there" and belong, in a sense, to the rest of the world, but also to confront the emotional content of a time in one's life which may be scary, embarrassing or painful. In that way, Kate is the bravest guest I've had on the show. Clearly, her story is difficult for her to tell, but she told me several times in pre-production that telling it was a way of...
2020-08-1028 minThe Volume KnobShane: Left and LeavingMany thanks again to Shane for his time, vulnerability (and indeed his writing skills) this week.Left and Leaving is the title track of a Canadian classic album that you should totally listen to if you haven't already. Maybe once before you hear Shane's story and then a second time afterwards. If you listen wearing headphones you'll hear a cool interplay in the opening bars of Left and Leaving between the lead guitar (in one ear) and the rhythm guitar (in the other) it's a magic sort of call and response. Which one is left, and which on...
2020-08-0323 minThe Volume KnobWaubgeshig: Take the Power BackChi miigwetch to Waubgeshig for his time and vulnerability this week.Waub is currently working on a sequel to his bestseller the award-winning novel Moon of the Crusted Snow. If you weren't a teenager or in your early 20s in the early 1990s you may have missed out on the deeply angry and wholly political landmark that is Rage Against the Machine's self-titled record (featuring Take the Power Back). That said, you should definitely give the whole song a listen either before or after you listen to Waub's story. While you're at it, peep the l...
2020-07-2723 minThe Volume KnobMario: Caravan of LoveThanks to Mario for his time and vulnerability this week. In addition to being a journalist with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, Mario drums in the Ottawa band Gentlemen of the Woods. He also shares his very photogenic adventures in Italian food and culture through his Instagram account This Italian Kitchen. In case you haven't heard it, you really ought to take a moment to listen to Caravan of Love and enjoy the intense, very-80s religiosity of the music video (bonus points for id'ing a 23-year-old Fatboy Slim). If you're falling down a rab...
2020-07-2022 minThe Volume KnobPeter: Pictures of YouThanks to Peter for his time and vulnerability this week. Pete is the promotion brains behind Ottawa's Flora Hall Brewing. As always, you really ought to take a second to listen to all eight-and-a-half-minutes of Pictures of You before or after you hear Pete's story. It's pretty interesting to compare Pete's recounting of walking around the bay, to the snowy images of the band in the video, shot in 1990 in Ballachulish, Scotland.As always, you can get in touch with The Volume Knob on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook or at our website volumeknob.net.
2020-07-1323 min