Billy Moon

Billy Moon sits down backstage with me at Riverfest.  Now, Billy is a tall person. Like, comically tall compared to me. I met him backstage while I was up on a riser so I didn't notice this until he came into the PodTrailer for the interview and almost didn't fit. He had to duck (okay, crouch and crawl) to get in and get seated. It's strange but when you see someone on stage, even walking around backstage you don't get a good sense of them until they are knee to knee with you, in a tiny podcast trailer, backstage. Moreover, what you definitely don't get a sense of is who they are or what stories they hold, until you are in a space so small and intimate there's little room for bravado, falsehood or ego.  On stage: Billy has a personality that matches his height. His performances are command, deftly woven musical stories performed with a larger-than-life personality. He's SUPER entertaining ya'll. Crowds love him. Backstage, he has a hundred friends, he's funny, he's warm and engaging. He has a 'star quality' that might be one part looks and one part charm, it's hard to tell.  Alone, in the relative quiet of the podcast trailer, he too is quiet, thoughtful, reflective and open. This is one of the more powerful interviews I've done and I don't know if it's just indicative as my growth as a podcaster and interviewer or if I purely lucked out getting someone as intelligent and willing as Billy.  Either way, I hope you enjoy our talk.  Please find Billy's incredible work, including the new album we touch on here: https://www.reverbnation.com/billymoon https://billymoon.bandcamp.com/

Billy Moon sits down backstage with me at Riverfest.  Now, Billy is a tall person. Like, comically tall compared to me. I met him backstage while I was up on a riser so I didn't notice this until he came into the PodTrailer for the interview and almost didn't fit. He had to duck (okay, crouch and crawl) to get in and get seated. It's strange but when you see someone on stage, even walking around backstage you don't get a good sense of them until they are knee to knee with you, in a tiny podcast trailer, backstage. Moreover, what you definitely don't get a sense of is who they are or what stories they hold, until you are in a space so small and intimate there's little room for bravado, falsehood or ego.  On stage: Billy has a personality that matches his height. His performances are command, deftly woven musical stories performed with a larger-than-life personality. He's SUPER entertaining ya'll. Crowds love him. Backstage, he has a hundred friends, he's funny, he's warm and engaging. He has a 'star quality' that might be one part looks and one part charm, it's hard to tell.  Alone, in the relative quiet of the podcast trailer, he too is quiet, thoughtful, reflective and open. This is one of the more powerful interviews I've done and I don't know if it's just indicative as my growth as a podcaster and interviewer or if I purely lucked out getting someone as intelligent and willing as Billy.  Either way, I hope you enjoy our talk.  Please find Billy's incredible work, including the new album we touch on here: <a href="https://www.reverbnation.com/billymoon" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.reverbnation.com/billymoon</a> <a href="https://billymoon.bandcamp.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://billymoon.bandcamp.com/</a>

Season 4 opener: Billy Moon @Riverfest

Gab Godon and Emma Beko are HeartStreets, and they are a game changer if I've ever been humbled enough to see such a thing live. Hailing from Montreal, where just so much great Canadian music rolls out of, these two make me proud to be a female in the music world.  SOCAN invited them to camp. This is a thing. It's a pretty exclusive songwriters camps we've been hearing about for a while now but I have yet to meet anyone who's been lucky enough to go. This place is the stuff of legends ya'll, a huge group of writers, some of the top producers in this country, all gathered and isolated deep in the Canuck woods for a solid week of sequestered writing and performance. Oh to be a fly on those tent walls. Or maybe cabins, yeah, probably cabins cause SOCAN can roll like that :) These two women are unassuming, down to earth, you wouldn't know walking through a crowd as they approached the stage they were about to literally blow the minds of everyone there. It's just them and a laptop. That's it. What they have created with this is nothing short of musical genius. This is the band to watch.  Great stories, great women, great time. Thank you both. Find them here and basically everwhere and of course Instagram 

Gab Godon and Emma Beko are HeartStreets, and they are a game changer if I've ever been humbled enough to see such a thing live. Hailing from Montreal, where just so much great Canadian music rolls out of, these two make me proud to be a female in the music world.  SOCAN invited them to camp. This is a thing. It's a pretty exclusive songwriters camps we've been hearing about for a while now but I have yet to meet anyone who's been lucky enough to go. This place is the stuff of legends ya'll, a huge group of writers, some of the top producers in this country, all gathered and isolated deep in the Canuck woods for a solid week of sequestered writing and performance. Oh to be a fly on those tent walls. Or maybe cabins, yeah, probably cabins cause SOCAN can roll like that :) These two women are unassuming, down to earth, you wouldn't know walking through a crowd as they approached the stage they were about to literally blow the minds of everyone there. It's just them and a laptop. That's it. What they have created with this is nothing short of musical genius. This is the band to watch.  Great stories, great women, great time. Thank you both. Find them <a href="https://www.heartstreets.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a> and basically everwhere and of course <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BmoW2kdjUGa/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram </a>

SOCAN YOU CAMP IN FRENCH?

From Kuwait with Love Wagon

Steve Buscemi

Not sure what this guy isn't up to these days but playing live shows again can be added to the incredible mix of managing bands like The National (you read that right). It was such an incredible night of solid Cuff the Duke fans revelling in their sudden return and new fans forged in the foggy, heady goodness of Koop Stage, Riverfest.  Then Wayne stepped into my trailer and told me what deems to be his favourite story. One all his friends know but one never shared publically before now. Feeling a little honoured here... no big deal. It's about Hayden, coincidentally the first live show I ever saw was Hayden, It was in St. Catharines in the 90's and yes, he did make everyone sit down for his shows then. 14-year-old Paula did so and loved, LOVED the talent that guy brought. So did Wayne. Years later they would work together closely and become friends, then Steve Buscemi became their friend. Kinda a big deal.  Hilarity and honestly some good parenting tips came outta this interview.  Find Cuff the Duke Find The National Find The Odd Years and then thank me later :)

Not sure what this guy isn't up to these days but playing live shows again can be added to the incredible mix of managing bands like The National (you read that right). It was such an incredible night of solid Cuff the Duke fans revelling in their sudden return and new fans forged in the foggy, heady goodness of Koop Stage, Riverfest.  Then Wayne stepped into my trailer and told me what deems to be his favourite story. One all his friends know but one never shared publically before now. Feeling a little honoured here... no big deal. It's about Hayden, coincidentally the first live show I ever saw was Hayden, It was in St. Catharines in the 90's and yes, he did make everyone sit down for his shows then. 14-year-old Paula did so and loved, LOVED the talent that guy brought. So did Wayne. Years later they would work together closely and become friends, then Steve Buscemi became their friend. Kinda a big deal.  Hilarity and honestly some good parenting tips came outta this interview.  Find Cuff the Duke Find The National Find The Odd Years and then thank me later :)

Steve Buscemi is a heckler

Katrin Sawatzky, Jordan Gabriel and now AJ Johnson are Royal Castles. They sit down with me after their main stage show at Riverfest and get into stories, such great stories you guys. Tattoos in Majorca level good. It's a new level I'm coining here in honour of their storytelling abilities on this very episode.  Their new album JUST came out, its called Play It Loud, an instructional term because while this band has folk roots it also has major punk and indie rock influence mixed in and I gotta say, the result is a damned good time.  Find them on Bandcamp, and FB and of course, Instagram

Katrin Sawatzky, Jordan Gabriel and now AJ Johnson are Royal Castles. They sit down with me after their main stage show at Riverfest and get into stories, such great stories you guys. Tattoos in Majorca level good. It's a new level I'm coining here in honour of their storytelling abilities on this very episode.  Their new album JUST came out, its called Play It Loud, an instructional term because while this band has folk roots it also has major punk and indie rock influence mixed in and I gotta say, the result is a damned good time.  Find them on <a href="https://royalcastles.bandcamp.com/releases" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bandcamp</a>, and <a href="ww.facebook.com/RoyalCastlesBand/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">FB</a> and of course, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/royalcastlesband/?hl=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram</a>

Tattoos and Nancy Boys

Flashback to a Hollerado show where Clara Legault bought an auctioned off guitar from the renowned and beloved band (who also played Riverfest!) and going to the AMT alone at night didn't seem like a healthy choice - so Clara asked another woman to go with her. This was Emily. Along the way, they chatted about music and both had similar interests in the genre and playing live. They decided to do a show together. A short while later Clara was headed into the karaoke bar she had been working at (as a bartender) and met Maya, her bartending replacement. Clara was there to pick up her last paycheque, Maya had just started work and noticed Clara's ukelele. The two struck up a conversation about it and Clara thought Maya would be a good third for the band.  She was. The band Motel Raphael, named after the infamous derelict motel of the same name in downtown Montreal's seedy underbelly, was born shortly thereafter and we are all thankful for the kismet and foresight of these incredibly talented women. They have built an amazing sound together and are being lauded as "the most exciting band to come out of Montreal since Arcade Fire" by such aficionados as GQ Magazine UK.  That is really saying something. And these women, Clara, Emily and Maya have much to say and sing. Please check them out, they are brilliant and talented and make me want to join a band immediately.  www.motelraphael.com FB/motelraphael Twitter: @motelraphael One of my favourite quotes from the interview: Hello Kitty Nightmares.

Flashback to a Hollerado show where Clara Legault bought an auctioned off guitar from the renowned and beloved band (who also played Riverfest!) and going to the AMT alone at night didn't seem like a healthy choice - so Clara asked another woman to go with her. This was Emily. Along the way, they chatted about music and both had similar interests in the genre and playing live. They decided to do a show together. A short while later Clara was headed into the karaoke bar she had been working at (as a bartender) and met Maya, her bartending replacement. Clara was there to pick up her last paycheque, Maya had just started work and noticed Clara's ukelele. The two struck up a conversation about it and Clara thought Maya would be a good third for the band.  She was. The band Motel Raphael, named after the infamous derelict motel of the same name in downtown Montreal's seedy underbelly, was born shortly thereafter and we are all thankful for the kismet and foresight of these incredibly talented women. They have built an amazing sound together and are being lauded as "the most exciting band to come out of Montreal since Arcade Fire" by such aficionados as GQ Magazine UK.  That is really saying something. And these women, Clara, Emily and Maya have much to say and sing. Please check them out, they are brilliant and talented and make me want to join a band immediately.  <a href="http://www.motelraphael.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.motelraphael.com</a> FB/motelraphael Twitter: @motelraphael One of my favourite quotes from the interview: Hello Kitty Nightmares.

Motel Raphael, Hello Kitty Nightmares

From their website www.msthofficial.com My Son the Hurricane is a brass infused funk beast. No dance floor is safe. Hailing from Niagara/Toronto, the perennial festival closers and dance floor inciters mix New Orleans style grooves with funk, jazz and hip hop.  Bolstered by a giant horn section and the well-oiled rhythm players, charismatic emcee Jacob Bergsma and charmingly sassy vocalist Sylvie Kindree drive the show, creating a spectacle of sound, and challenging the crowd to keep up to their collective energy.  My Son the Hurricane has “stood out like a sore, yet extremely talented thumb at every show they’ve played” (Pulse Niagara), and become revered for their live performances.        Riding the success of their sophomore release “Cashing a Deadman’s Cheque” (feat. U.S.S. frontman Ash Buchholtz and three-time Juno/Polaris nominee D-Sisive), the Hurricane was featured on the CBC and Much More Music.  Their blending of styles, penchant for inciting dance parties, and penning of introspective ballads (Pushin’ Up Daisies) has garnered them high praise on the Canadian festival circuit from BC to PEI, with breakout performances at Hillside, Evolve, Riverfest, Kispiox Valley, Follyfest, Beaches Jazz, Summerfolk, Peterborough Folk Fest, and many more.      Juno nominee Danno O’Shea acts as the drummer and ringleader for the mammoth project, spurring the group to weave through different styles on the latest album Is This What You Want?!, recorded at Phase One Studios with engineer Jeff Pelletier (Big Sugar, Ludacris).  Leading up to the album’s 2016 release, it was a featured stream on Exclaim!, and found its way to Canadian airwaves, including CBC Radio One, Edge 102.1, and 97.7 Hitz FM, which spotlighted the Hurricane as a “Band on the Verge”.  Is This What You Want?! brings a new flavour to the Hurricane repertoire, building on their stellar reputation as one of Canada's most amazing live shows; "a fusion that one simply needs to experience live” (Buying Shots for Bands). 

From their website <a href="http://www.msthofficial.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.msthofficial.com</a> My Son the Hurricane is a brass infused funk beast. No dance floor is safe. Hailing from Niagara/Toronto, the perennial festival closers and dance floor inciters mix New Orleans style grooves with funk, jazz and hip hop.  Bolstered by a giant horn section and the well-oiled rhythm players, charismatic emcee Jacob Bergsma and charmingly sassy vocalist Sylvie Kindree drive the show, creating a spectacle of sound, and challenging the crowd to keep up to their collective energy.  My Son the Hurricane has “stood out like a sore, yet extremely talented thumb at every show they’ve played” (Pulse Niagara), and become revered for their live performances.        Riding the success of their sophomore release “Cashing a Deadman’s Cheque” (feat. U.S.S. frontman Ash Buchholtz and three-time Juno/Polaris nominee D-Sisive), the Hurricane was featured on the CBC and Much More Music.  Their blending of styles, penchant for inciting dance parties, and penning of introspective ballads (Pushin’ Up Daisies) has garnered them high praise on the Canadian festival circuit from BC to PEI, with breakout performances at Hillside, Evolve, Riverfest, Kispiox Valley, Follyfest, Beaches Jazz, Summerfolk, Peterborough Folk Fest, and many more.     Juno nominee Danno O’Shea acts as the drummer and ringleader for the mammoth project, spurring the group to weave through different styles on the latest album Is This What You Want?!, recorded at Phase One Studios with engineer Jeff Pelletier (Big Sugar, Ludacris).  Leading up to the album’s 2016 release, it was a featured stream on Exclaim!, and found its way to Canadian airwaves, including CBC Radio One, Edge 102.1, and 97.7 Hitz FM, which spotlighted the Hurricane as a “Band on the Verge”.  Is This What You Want?! brings a new flavour to the Hurricane repertoire, building on their stellar reputation as one of Canada's most amazing live shows; "a fusion that one simply needs to experience live” (Buying Shots for Bands).

My Son The Hurricane: Bowl O'Beans

Raina Douris

Raina Douris of CBC Music's Mornings joins me in studio (ahem, trailer. But like a decked-out mother of a trailer backstage at a music festival, so ya know, a studio) for a one-on-one chat about, well, everything. She's a music buff and major fan of Canadian music so we had quite a bit to talk about and she tells great stories. Listen in to our convo and thank you again Raina, it was a pleasure. 

Raina Douris of CBC Music's Mornings joins me in studio (ahem, trailer. But like a decked-out mother of a trailer backstage at a music festival, so ya know, a studio) for a one-on-one chat about, well, everything. She's a music buff and major fan of Canadian music so we had quite a bit to talk about and she tells great stories. Listen in to our convo and thank you again Raina, it was a pleasure.

Raina Douris and I talk naps 

Laurel Sprengelmeyer lives in Montreal, she's a visual artist, producer and musician and when she's making music, she's Little Scream.  We tell each other ghost stories. For real. It's also the theme of her podcast (soon to be released) and she's going to kill it, like she kills at EVERY DAMN THING SHE DOES because she's amazing.  Every little girl needs to be introduced to Laurel. I didn't have a lot of heros growing up and I've talked about it in my show before, there was no woman out there doing what I wanted (read: There WERE, there SUPER FREAKING WERE but there was no way for me to see/hear/experience their incredible talent and see firsthand how I was going to be able to pursue my creative passions to their fulfillment, there was no internet, there was little to no media coverage of women doing anything but starring in tampon ads and hawking mom jeans) and she is living proof not giving a hot damn what people think is an excellent fuel for creativity.  She has worked with The National (part of Riverfest 2018!!), Barr Brothers, Saltband and countless others as well. Please go and check her out at www.littlescream.com and follow her on Twitter @littlescream - I'll see you there.  Follow me too if you aren't already, I love people!! @stories_podcast and no, I don't have a Facebook page and I make no apologies for that.  Love you though, Paula

Laurel Sprengelmeyer lives in Montreal, she's a visual artist, producer and musician and when she's making music, she's Little Scream.  We tell each other ghost stories. For real. It's also the theme of her podcast (soon to be released) and she's going to kill it, like she kills at EVERY DAMN THING SHE DOES because she's amazing.  Every little girl needs to be introduced to Laurel. I didn't have a lot of heros growing up and I've talked about it in my show before, there was no woman out there doing what I wanted (read: There WERE, there SUPER FREAKING WERE but there was no way for me to see/hear/experience their incredible talent and see firsthand how I was going to be able to pursue my creative passions to their fulfillment, there was no internet, there was little to no media coverage of women doing anything but starring in tampon ads and hawking mom jeans) and she is living proof not giving a hot damn what people think is an excellent fuel for creativity.  She has worked with The National (part of Riverfest 2018!!), Barr Brothers, Saltband and countless others as well. Please go and check her out at <a href="http://www.littlescream.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.littlescream.com</a> and follow her on Twitter @littlescream - I'll see you there.  Follow me too if you aren't already, I love people!! @stories_podcast and no, I don't have a Facebook page and I make no apologies for that.  Love you though, Paula

Little Scream, you kill me

You cannot see Shred Kelly live and not fall a little bit in love with them. So really, I had little choice in delving into it with this group after their set at Riverfest and the results are clear and glorious, they my new fav. Tim Newton, Sage McBride, Jordan Vlasschaert, Ty West and of course Eddie Annett are Shred Kelly, hailing from Fernie BC. Where? Oh yeah, it's that small but their sound is pretty huge.  I play Archipelago at the end of the episode, their new single and you are going to love it. Check out their tour dates this summer and go see them, you will not regret it.  NO CORN www.shredkelly.com @shredkelly on Twitter Thanks again you guys, loved it. xo Paula

You cannot see Shred Kelly live and not fall a little bit in love with them. So really, I had little choice in delving into it with this group after their set at Riverfest and the results are clear and glorious, they my new fav. Tim Newton, Sage McBride, Jordan Vlasschaert, Ty West and of course Eddie Annett are Shred Kelly, hailing from Fernie BC. Where? Oh yeah, it's that small but their sound is pretty huge.  I play Archipelago at the end of the episode, their new single and you are going to love it. Check out their tour dates this summer and go see them, you will not regret it.  NO CORN <a href="http://www.shredkelly.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.shredkelly.com</a> @shredkelly on Twitter Thanks again you guys, loved it. xo Paula

Shred Kelly - I heart you

A weekly story-based podcast featuring unique and often hilarious moments with musical guests and everyone in between. Join Paula backstage at concerts and music festivals as well as in studio for a collection of stories heard nowhere else.

Great show! Hilarious content and never a dull moment. Keep up the good work!

Great show!

Paula is a great interviewer with an entertaining podcast.  A must-listen!

Great Interviews

Tell Me Stories Podcast with Paula Allen

Podcasting, for me, has always been a saving grace. It is the thing that's pulled me from the depths in so many ways, I know I would be lost, in many ways, without it. When I sit knee to knee, in my little podcast trailer, lovingly crafted with my husband and painstakingly placed at festivals dotting the province by my dad or husband and me, it all falls into place. The anxiety I feel as a near constant, melts. The fear ebbs. The lights balance and I get to just ask artists about their story. That's all I've ever really wanted in a creative pursuit. What I've gained from the incredibly simple "tell me a story" format with these individuals is beyond measure. It is, quite simply, saving grace.  Ashley Buchholz and Jason "the Human Kebab" Parsons are the duo of USS (Ubiquitous Synergy Seeker, aptly named having now met Ashley) and they've been touring non stop for MONTHS and working their butts off for YEARS to get where they are and they aren't stopping for a breath.  In this interview you will hear stories, jokes, hilarity. They tell stories abut the lake, touring with Walk Off The Earth, Nintendo to Nirvana. We paused it several times to run out backstage and dance to Sloan and back in for more stories. Ashley and I chatted documentaries, the Kebab came back later for beer, in all they were some of the most personable and memorable people I've been humbled to sit down with.  Oh - and they ROCKED THE LIVING HELL OUT OF THAT SHOW!!!  Their music appears in soundtracks ranging from Nintendo to the NHL. No kidding. Also in this interview the Kebab tells Ashley they may again be touring with Walk Off The Earth - brand new information! (picture Phoebe from friends yelling this please, for effect).  In all, one of my favourite interviews in a weekend of favourites. A weekend that saw my life change, and podcasting has made all the difference. Thank you each and every one of you lovely people who has every downloaded and listened to my show. Seeing thousands of people tuning in is beyond humbling, its the first time I don't feel anxious about change. That's a first for this kid. So thanks for that too. See USS on tour NOW Buy their stuff HERE Follow them on Twitter @USSMUSIC xo Paula

Podcasting, for me, has always been a saving grace. It is the thing that's pulled me from the depths in so many ways, I know I would be lost, in many ways, without it. When I sit knee to knee, in my little podcast trailer, lovingly crafted with my husband and painstakingly placed at festivals dotting the province by my dad or husband and me, it all falls into place. The anxiety I feel as a near constant, melts. The fear ebbs. The lights balance and I get to just ask artists about their story. That's all I've ever really wanted in a creative pursuit. What I've gained from the incredibly simple "tell me a story" format with these individuals is beyond measure. It is, quite simply, saving grace.  Ashley Buchholz and Jason "the Human Kebab" Parsons are the duo of USS (Ubiquitous Synergy Seeker, aptly named having now met Ashley) and they've been touring non stop for MONTHS and working their butts off for YEARS to get where they are and they aren't stopping for a breath.  In this interview you will hear stories, jokes, hilarity. They tell stories abut the lake, touring with Walk Off The Earth, Nintendo to Nirvana. We paused it several times to run out backstage and dance to Sloan and back in for more stories. Ashley and I chatted documentaries, the Kebab came back later for beer, in all they were some of the most personable and memorable people I've been humbled to sit down with.  Oh - and they ROCKED THE LIVING HELL OUT OF THAT SHOW!!!  Their music appears in soundtracks ranging from Nintendo to the NHL. No kidding. Also in this interview the Kebab tells Ashley they may again be touring with Walk Off The Earth - brand new information! (picture Phoebe from friends yelling this please, for effect).  In all, one of my favourite interviews in a weekend of favourites. A weekend that saw my life change, and podcasting has made all the difference. Thank you each and every one of you lovely people who has every downloaded and listened to my show. Seeing thousands of people tuning in is beyond humbling, its the first time I don't feel anxious about change. That's a first for this kid. So thanks for that too. See USS on tour <a href="http://ussmusic.com/tour/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">NOW</a> Buy their stuff <a href="http://ussmusic.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">HERE</a> Follow them on Twitter @USSMUSIC xo Paula

USS: Ashley & The Human Kebab

Legendary DJ Jazzy Jeff and the incredible Scratch Bastid joined me in my mobile podcast studio to eat jelly beans. This is the result. xo

Legendary DJ Jazzy Jeff and the incredible Scratch Bastid joined me in my mobile podcast studio to eat jelly beans. This is the result. xo

DJ JAZZY JEFF & SCRATCH BASTID, on my show

EP 67: Band of People, Buffalo Run

Jim Cuddy

Blue Rodeo is synonymous with Canadian music, they helped put us on the map. They laid the groundwork for hundreds of Canadian bands to rise up in international waters so thick with America's take on rock people simply didn't know what hit them when Blue Rodeo hit the stage.  Jim Cuddy formed Blue Rodeo and has lead them through worldwide tours in the ensuing decades since. He also formed the Jim Cuddy band with other musical genius' that hold a special place in my heart like Kathleen Edwards, Sarah Harmer (formerly of Weeping Tile and if i get the distinct pleasure of introducing you to this brilliant band's work I want full credit please, put me in the liner notes of your fan fiction, Weeping Tile is THAT good) and Wilco's Jeff Tweedy. Oh yes, that Wilco. Basically anyone who is anyone in Canadian music or Canada itself knows and loves Jim Cuddy. His management is SERIOUS and his gatekeepers are professional as FUCK. Yeah, that sentence just happened. But Jim, oh Jim. At 61 years old this guy was better looking than most 25 year olds. How is he not aging? WHAT gives? He is also quietly beautiful and incredibly charming without trying to be and without pretence at all. I asked him for the interview, something I would not normally do in person and on the spot with a name this big. When I sat in a room with RUSH I was so nervous I could barely speak, let alone ask for the interview. But Jim was warm, inviting and immediately said 'of course!' and then remarked on how awesome by mobile studio is (it is, it really is and I worked my ass off for it so I get to say and write this as much as I want!!) and then proceeded to manage my nerves for me (after talking to all the other bands who were so in love with him by normal ease at being in a very small space with someone world famous evaporated and I was nervous and sweaty and stammering).  He told me a heartbreaking story of his time with Kris Kristofferson (yeah, that one) that you frankly need to hear. I've left the rest of the interview straightforward and clean so you can just feel the story hit you full on.  Thank you Jim. Thank you Waterstock.  www.bluerodeo.com www.riverfestelora.com

Blue Rodeo is synonymous with Canadian music, they helped put us on the map. They laid the groundwork for hundreds of Canadian bands to rise up in international waters so thick with America's take on rock people simply didn't know what hit them when Blue Rodeo hit the stage.  Jim Cuddy formed Blue Rodeo and has lead them through worldwide tours in the ensuing decades since. He also formed the Jim Cuddy band with other musical genius' that hold a special place in my heart like Kathleen Edwards, Sarah Harmer (formerly of Weeping Tile and if i get the distinct pleasure of introducing you to this brilliant band's work I want full credit please, put me in the liner notes of your fan fiction, Weeping Tile is THAT good) and Wilco's Jeff Tweedy. Oh yes, that Wilco. Basically anyone who is anyone in Canadian music or Canada itself knows and loves Jim Cuddy. His management is SERIOUS and his gatekeepers are professional as FUCK. Yeah, that sentence just happened. But Jim, oh Jim. At 61 years old this guy was better looking than most 25 year olds. How is he not aging? WHAT gives? He is also quietly beautiful and incredibly charming without trying to be and without pretence at all. I asked him for the interview, something I would not normally do in person and on the spot with a name this big. When I sat in a room with RUSH I was so nervous I could barely speak, let alone ask for the interview. But Jim was warm, inviting and immediately said 'of course!' and then remarked on how awesome by mobile studio is (it is, it really is and I worked my ass off for it so I get to say and write this as much as I want!!) and then proceeded to manage my nerves for me (after talking to all the other bands who were so in love with him by normal ease at being in a very small space with someone world famous evaporated and I was nervous and sweaty and stammering).  He told me a heartbreaking story of his time with Kris Kristofferson (yeah, that one) that you frankly need to hear. I've left the rest of the interview straightforward and clean so you can just feel the story hit you full on.  Thank you Jim. Thank you Waterstock.  <a href="http://www.bluerodeo.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.bluerodeo.com</a> <a href="http://www.riverfestelora.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.riverfestelora.com</a>

Blue Rodeo's Jim Cuddy and me at Waterstock

Bry Webb

Bry Webb is the frontman for The Constantines, one of my most beloved bands. Stemming from their start in 1999 they traveled and toured and put out 4 full length albums and 2 EPs, skyrocketed to indie fame and broke up in about 2010. Then in 2014/15 they hit the scene again, hard. The Constantines, or Cons, as they're known on the indie scene, played Massey Hall May 27, 2015 - one of the most pivotal moments in my life even tough I wasn't there (oh I wanted to be but you will hear why I didn't make it to that show and you can find that exact show through Live at Massey Hall ) and reignited that love of a truly great Canadian rock band.  Bry Webb joins me after he played Riverfest and while he only hinted at what was to come for The Constantines it lit a spark of hope that I would get to see this band live again, to return to a place and time of stunningly great lyrics, hard hitting drum lines and that fender strat lifted overhead calling the crowd to their feet. And keeping them there all night.  www.theconstantines.com https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AqoL5XegJuw https://theconstantines.wordpress.com/ https://www.facebook.com/Constantines/

Bry Webb is the frontman for The Constantines, one of my most beloved bands. Stemming from their start in 1999 they traveled and toured and put out 4 full length albums and 2 EPs, skyrocketed to indie fame and broke up in about 2010. Then in 2014/15 they hit the scene again, hard. The Constantines, or Cons, as they're known on the indie scene, played Massey Hall May 27, 2015 - one of the most pivotal moments in my life even tough I wasn't there (oh I wanted to be but you will hear why I didn't make it to that show and you can find that exact show through <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AqoL5XegJuw" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Live at Massey Hall </a>) and reignited that love of a truly great Canadian rock band.  Bry Webb joins me after he played Riverfest and while he only hinted at what was to come for The Constantines it lit a spark of hope that I would get to see this band live again, to return to a place and time of stunningly great lyrics, hard hitting drum lines and that fender strat lifted overhead calling the crowd to their feet. And keeping them there all night.  <a href="http://www.theconstantines.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.theconstantines.com</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AqoL5XegJuw" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AqoL5XegJuw</a> <a href="https://theconstantines.wordpress.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://theconstantines.wordpress.com/</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Constantines/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/Constantines/</a>

EP 63: The Constantines frontman, Bry Webb

Julia was a left turn and one in the right direction. I loved this band for dance good times before they made a change-up and brought Kirty on board but what's happened since - no one could have predicted. Deep, meaningful, lasting impressions is the best way to describe their sound now. Did you ever listen to Pulp and feel like the rest of the songwriting world might be kidding themselves? Then you will love Fast Romantics and not just this resident music geek said so - because your ears won't lie. Matt and Kirty joined me after their outstanding set at Riverfest and talked about what this band's renaissance in its infancy felt like - and then told a brilliant story about accidentally impersonating Queens of the Stone Age and having Skrillex call them on it. Skrillex. Yeah, these kids run with the big dogs.  Listen in, listen up and enjoy. Their new single,  Animal, is on Spotify now. xo Paula

Julia was a left turn and one in the right direction. I loved this band for dance good times before they made a change-up and brought Kirty on board but what's happened since - no one could have predicted. Deep, meaningful, lasting impressions is the best way to describe their sound now. Did you ever listen to Pulp and feel like the rest of the songwriting world might be kidding themselves? Then you will love Fast Romantics and not just this resident music geek said so - because your ears won't lie. Matt and Kirty joined me after their outstanding set at Riverfest and talked about what this band's renaissance in its infancy felt like - and then told a brilliant story about accidentally impersonating Queens of the Stone Age and having Skrillex call them on it. Skrillex. Yeah, these kids run with the big dogs.  Listen in, listen up and enjoy. Their new single, <a href="https://play.spotify.com/artist/2A0s0vRWHl5XyWpdzM36RT?play=true&amp;utm_source=open.spotify.com&amp;utm_medium=open" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Animal</a>, is on Spotify now. xo Paula

EP 53: The Fast Romantics at Riverfest

Reuben Bullock is Reuben and The Dark. and its a dark and brooding feel to his music that so succinctly envelopes what I feel is "Canadian" about music its perfection. His 2014 album Funeral Sky already sounds Canadian, ever so melancholy and deeply thought through before a move is ever made - exactly what I love about this genre. Bow &amp; Arrow is the current single from this release that's hitting the airwaves hard for something gentle and gorgeous.  Speaking of which, this other-wordly human sat down w/ me at Rivefest backstage in my mobile studio to smell the wood (not a euphemism), tell some stories and get to that place I love most - getting someone super classy and elegant to talk about telling someone to fuck off.  www.ruebenandthedark.com Also a quick shout out to dickatyourdoor.com who, funny enough, came up in this interview, take a listen at the end.  Podtoberfest 2016 takes place October 7 and 8th this year, head over to podtoberfest.com for details and sign up for Mixlr now to enjoy this one of a kind leve podcasting event! I'm a featured podcaster and contributing writer to the show this year and while I feel I am the smallest fish invited, I'm gonna swim these waters well babies!! See you there (but like, not really there because its an undisclosed location because its not a public in person event but its SUPER DUPER public invited online thing... so, there's that.) xo Paula

Reuben Bullock is Reuben and The Dark. and its a dark and brooding feel to his music that so succinctly envelopes what I feel is "Canadian" about music its perfection. His 2014 album Funeral Sky already sounds Canadian, ever so melancholy and deeply thought through before a move is ever made - exactly what I love about this genre. Bow &amp; Arrow is the current single from this release that's hitting the airwaves hard for something gentle and gorgeous.  Speaking of which, this other-wordly human sat down w/ me at Rivefest backstage in my mobile studio to smell the wood (not a euphemism), tell some stories and get to that place I love most - getting someone super classy and elegant to talk about telling someone to fuck off.  <a href="http://www.ruebenandthedark.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.ruebenandthedark.com</a> Also a quick shout out to <a href="http://dickatyourdoor.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">dickatyourdoor.com</a> who, funny enough, came up in this interview, take a listen at the end.  Podtoberfest 2016 takes place October 7 and 8th this year, head over to <a href="http://podtoberfest.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">podtoberfest.com</a> for details and sign up for Mixlr now to enjoy this one of a kind leve podcasting event! I'm a featured podcaster and contributing writer to the show this year and while I feel I am the smallest fish invited, I'm gonna swim these waters well babies!! See you there (but like, not really there because its an undisclosed location because its not a public in person event but its SUPER DUPER public invited online thing... so, there's that.) xo Paula

EP 52: Reuben and The Dark at Riverfest

Sarah Blackwood and Ryan Marshall from Walk Off The Earth joined me backstage at Riverfest after their main stage performance to tell me stories! They loved the mobile studio, not only because you can close the dang door and concentrate, but also it had candy. That's right, I lure musicians into the back of a trailer with candy and beer to get them to tell me stories. And I am not apologizing for it! They just finished recording the video for Closer which you can now find on their YoutTube account as it likely goes viral :) www.walkofftheearth.com And support us here! Thanks to our Sponsors: Elora Brewing Company and Riverfest Elora.

Sarah Blackwood and Ryan Marshall from Walk Off The Earth joined me backstage at Riverfest after their main stage performance to tell me stories! They loved the mobile studio, not only because you can close the dang door and concentrate, but also it had candy. That's right, I lure musicians into the back of a trailer with candy and beer to get them to tell me stories. And I am not apologizing for it! They just finished recording the video for Closer which you can now find on their YoutTube account as it likely goes viral :) <a href="http://www.walkofftheearth.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.walkofftheearth.com</a> <a href="https://www.patreon.com/posts/support-me-at-10-5388919" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">And support us here!</a> Thanks to our Sponsors: <a href="http://elorabrewingcompany.ca/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Elora Brewing Company</a> and <a href="http://www.riverfestelora.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Riverfest Elora</a>.

EP 49: Walk Off the Earth at Riverfest

I love Canadian Music. I love all music really, but I have a special place in my quiet heart for Canadian bands. This is combined with my lifelong addiction to storytelling in my little Indie Podcast that could to bring you a unique view of what music is doing, as a living, breathing thing - today. Take a listen as I reflect with Sam Roberts, AC Newman of The New Pornographers, Alan Doyle and Hannah Georgas. Each full length interview is available as well. I hope you like it. Thank you for being part of the journey so far. 

I love Canadian Music. I love all music really, but I have a special place in my quiet heart for Canadian bands. This is combined with my lifelong addiction to storytelling in my little Indie Podcast that could to bring you a unique view of what music is doing, as a living, breathing thing - today. Take a listen as I reflect with Sam Roberts, AC Newman of The New Pornographers, Alan Doyle and Hannah Georgas. Each full length interview is available as well. I hope you like it. Thank you for being part of the journey so far.

Episode ZERO: a quick look back at why I started this thing

Sam Cash

I sat down backstage at Koi Festival in Waterloo in June and talked to Sam Cash. He explored where the Romantic Dogs came from but we focused much more on the love of music that brought us to where we are in life. The simplicity of vinyl and the beauty of poetry set to sound. Sam, you are an old soul. Thank you. Sam Cash’s new album Tongue-In-Cheek Vows perfectly captures that moment when a young artist and his cohorts find their collective voice and suddenly realize that there are no limits to what they can accomplish together. The explosive opening track “Cast Away” serves notice that this isn’t just another singer/songwriter-fronted band. With Cash’s unflinching poetry riding atop The Romantic Dogs taut exuberance, Tongue-In-Cheek Vows is a gimmick-free, melodic masterpiece—tipping its hat to an era when conviction was measured by the amount of sweat and blood exuded on stage, and in the studio. Patreon Support the Show

I sat down backstage at Koi Festival in Waterloo in June and talked to Sam Cash. He explored where the Romantic Dogs came from but we focused much more on the love of music that brought us to where we are in life. The simplicity of vinyl and the beauty of poetry set to sound. Sam, you are an old soul. Thank you. Sam Cash’s new album Tongue-In-Cheek Vows perfectly captures that moment when a young artist and his cohorts find their collective voice and suddenly realize that there are no limits to what they can accomplish together. The explosive opening track “Cast Away” serves notice that this isn’t just another singer/songwriter-fronted band. With Cash’s unflinching poetry riding atop The Romantic Dogs taut exuberance, Tongue-In-Cheek Vows is a gimmick-free, melodic masterpiece—tipping its hat to an era when conviction was measured by the amount of sweat and blood exuded on stage, and in the studio. <a href="https://www.patreon.com/bePatron?patAmt=1&amp;u=3250705" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Patreon Support the Show</a>

EP 42: Sam Cash and The Romantic Dogs

Graham Wright and Josh Hook sat down with me immediately following my wasted interview with Jon Hembrey from The Strumbellas, which got erased. Yup. You read that shit right. We commiserate on the unfortunate event and move on to stellar stories these bandmates riff off each other. Jon, I'm sorry we didn't get to sit down again where I press RECORD and THEN LISTEN TO MAKE SURE ITS WORKING LIKE A PRO MIGHT. But I appreciate the time you took to tell me about getting lost running in Paris, how strange it is to have curly hair and what Lindsay, Ontario has to offer to the world, besides the Fitsells.  www.tokyopoliceclub.com www.thestrumbellas.ca Patreon Support the Show

Graham Wright and Josh Hook sat down with me immediately following my wasted interview with Jon Hembrey from The Strumbellas, which got erased. Yup. You read that shit right. We commiserate on the unfortunate event and move on to stellar stories these bandmates riff off each other. Jon, I'm sorry we didn't get to sit down again where I press RECORD and THEN LISTEN TO MAKE SURE ITS WORKING LIKE A PRO MIGHT. But I appreciate the time you took to tell me about getting lost running in Paris, how strange it is to have curly hair and what Lindsay, Ontario has to offer to the world, besides the Fitsells.  <a href="http://www.tokyopoliceclub.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.tokyopoliceclub.com</a> <a href="http://www.thestrumbellas.ca" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.thestrumbellas.ca</a> <a href="https://www.patreon.com/bePatron?patAmt=1&amp;u=3250705" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Patreon Support the Show</a>

EP 41: Tokyo Police Club & The Strumbellas

Davey &amp; Bianca Morrison Dillard are the creative forces behind a new web series I have recently become obsessed with: Adam &amp; Eve.  Davey stars in the show w/ Becca Morales as Adam and Eve, a new take on a biblical classic that even non-believers like me enjoy. The writing and directing are incredibly well crafted, which has not gone unnoticed. Among the independent film awards this group has garnered high accolades and its just the beginning. This kind of film making goes far beyond the subject matter, the character studies are subtly brilliant and the slow-burn we are all falling into these days w/ the Netflix binge genre (anyone for a 7.5 hour movie? YES, as it turns out) means shows like this will continue to be made and we are all the happier for it.  Thank you Davey and Bianca for the incredible interview, and for sharing some of what its takes to produce a show of this quality. I'm already a big fan.  Support Tell Me Stories   www.adamandeverseries.com https://www.facebook.com/adamandeveseries/ Twitter: @AdamAndEveNow adamandeveseries.tumblr.com Support direct  HERE for Adam &amp; Eve Web Series donations.

Davey &amp; Bianca Morrison Dillard are the creative forces behind a new web series I have recently become obsessed with: Adam &amp; Eve.  Davey stars in the show w/ Becca Morales as Adam and Eve, a new take on a biblical classic that even non-believers like me enjoy. The writing and directing are incredibly well crafted, which has not gone unnoticed. Among the independent film awards this group has garnered high accolades and its just the beginning. This kind of film making goes far beyond the subject matter, the character studies are subtly brilliant and the slow-burn we are all falling into these days w/ the Netflix binge genre (anyone for a 7.5 hour movie? YES, as it turns out) means shows like this will continue to be made and we are all the happier for it.  Thank you Davey and Bianca for the incredible interview, and for sharing some of what its takes to produce a show of this quality. I'm already a big fan.  <a href="https://www.patreon.com/bePatron?patAmt=1&amp;u=3250705" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Support Tell Me Stories</a> <a href="http://www.adamandeverseries.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.adamandeverseries.com</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/adamandeveseries/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/adamandeveseries/</a> Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/AdamAndEveNow" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@AdamAndEveNow</a> <a href="http://adamandeveseries.tumblr.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">adamandeveseries.tumblr.com</a> Support direct <a href="https://www.paypal.com/us/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_flow&amp;SESSION=UbbjNaDm5_WbfUHyiJMT_fW-9Um2s_5m-JUe4X6ET2hXdFsDFtAuqGJGLSG&amp;dispatch=5885d80a13c0db1f8e263663d3faee8d64813b57e559a2578463e58274899069" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> HERE</a> for Adam &amp; Eve Web Series donations.

EP 38: Adam & Eve Web Series

I am a private person, you know this about me. Oh wait, you don't. Because I am a private person. haha.. but tonight I release an interview I did with my husband and partner in crime, Darryl. Please enjoy our inside jokes and non stop laughter, pretty much representative of our entire life together. He's an absolute doll and my greatest supporter. I hope you like this wee glimpse into my life, and a bit about what its like to support someone so fully obsessed with podcasting! Heehee... Support the Show xo Paula

I am a private person, you know this about me. Oh wait, you don't. Because I am a private person. haha.. but tonight I release an interview I did with my husband and partner in crime, Darryl. Please enjoy our inside jokes and non stop laughter, pretty much representative of our entire life together. He's an absolute doll and my greatest supporter. I hope you like this wee glimpse into my life, and a bit about what its like to support someone so fully obsessed with podcasting! Heehee... <a href="https://www.patreon.com/bePatron?patAmt=1&amp;u=3250705" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Support the Show</a> xo Paula

EP 35: The Man Behind the LadyPOD

Anita and Liv (Elivia) Cazzola from Guelph, Ontario, Canada are The Lifers and for the life of me I don't know its its possible I haven't seen them perform before this week! I caught up them riverside after their set the Boathouse in Kitchener/Waterloo (quickly becoming my top spot to catch indie bands on the rise and established acts playing to an intimate crowd, also the creme brulee here is incredible) and they told me about writing, Facebook, learning to perform and how to build an absolutely STELLAR ensemble. www.thelifersmusic.com Support the Show 

Anita and Liv (Elivia) Cazzola from Guelph, Ontario, Canada are The Lifers and for the life of me I don't know its its possible I haven't seen them perform before this week! I caught up them riverside after their set the Boathouse in Kitchener/Waterloo (quickly becoming my top spot to catch indie bands on the rise and established acts playing to an intimate crowd, also the creme brulee here is incredible) and they told me about writing, Facebook, learning to perform and how to build an absolutely STELLAR ensemble. <a href="http://www.thelifersmusic.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.thelifersmusic.com</a> <a href="https://www.patreon.com/bePatron?patAmt=1&amp;u=3250705" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Support the Show </a>

EP 34: The Lifers

Marlena has been a musician from the time she was a child in New York. Her career has seen her take on the likes of opening for Madonna to Studio 54, and everywhere in between. She's got a killer voice and has built one hell of a career outta this. Join me in listening to her incredible stories and get a taste for the places music comes from.  Support the Show www.marlenarocks.com @MarlenaRocks1

Marlena has been a musician from the time she was a child in New York. Her career has seen her take on the likes of opening for Madonna to Studio 54, and everywhere in between. She's got a killer voice and has built one hell of a career outta this. Join me in listening to her incredible stories and get a taste for the places music comes from.  <a href="https://www.patreon.com/bePatron?patAmt=1&amp;u=3250705" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Support the Show</a> <a href="http://www.marlenarocks.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.marlenarocks.com</a> @MarlenaRocks1

EP 32: Marlena Rocks

The best self improvement podcast episodes. From improving productivity, to finding purpose in your life to what constitutes freedom, this topic is on anything and everything that can help people to improve their lives. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!

Best Episodes on Self Improvement, Growth & Development

The best podcast episodes of the most interesting stories and things. From skyping someone while they're in space, to tracking down and meeting a telephone scammer in person, to the story of a Galapagos. These episodes will keep you and all your friends entertained and captivated for hours. Learn something new in every episode! Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!