The Hello Calgary Podcast: Recent Episodes
The Prophet Esau
Broadcasting from North Texas, Canada, we have conversations with people connected to this great city of Calgary. Topics are atypical to Albertan stereotypes, tackling a range of topics from chicken wings to alien beings, controversial movie viewings with family to poetry and politics,
The conversation wraps on the topic of AI. The boys discuss how far it has come in such a short amount of time, and the ethics behind its use. Join us as we segue into our next episode feat. Mom, "On Travel".
Prophet, Infectious and Easy have solicited new writers for the show. With a renewed focus on the recent AI revolution, the boys don their rebellion caps and take their kill shot at the Death Star.
The Prophet Esau, Infectious and Easy Evan do a deep dive into Alcohol while sipping London Mules in the heat of summer. As long time residents of this great city of Calgary, the boys debut the fifth season by talking about the best places to drink in town, including (by type):
Cocktails @ Proof, Major Toms, Shelter
Wine @ AVITUS wine bar, Missy's this that
Beer @ micro brewery tours (aka BCDC) including 'eighty eight, Dandy, Cold Garden, Cabin, Banded Peak to name a few. Gluten-free options for Infectious and gluten sensitive people,
and where everyone ends up at some point during a night of drinking... The Ship and Anchor
The boys continue the facade of starting a new season, as they seemingly deal with the end of everything they once knew. Easy Evan gives a reading of The Day Lady Died by Frank O'Hara, prompting conversation of those distinct moments in life that you remember in great detail because of some life altering event.
- The PIDLLP crew lament the death of life and society as we knew growing up. Selections of poetry are read including Japanese Death Poems written by Zen Monks and Haiku Poets on the verge of death. The boys discuss rebirth, regrowth, and postulate what the phoenix that rises from the ashes will look like.
The boys are being true Calgarians and discussing our beloved Flames and the eternal question "to tank or not to tank?". They reminisce about one of the best communities in Calgary that Infectious and the Prophet once grew up and lived in; Kensington. Finally, the boys get heated talking about Wayne Gretzky and his importance to Canada and connection to the United States.
The PIDLLP crew is joined by regular guest Mom three days prior to St. Patrick's day. They discuss movies, specifically Bong Joon Ho's classic film Parasite and the less classic but more controversial Okja. The boys also discuss a recent situation that threatened to expose their true identities, and how they plan to maintain their anonymity during these trying times.
The Prophet and Easy crash out about the state of the economy, politics, and the state of world. Infectious provides a calming voice of reason in the chaos that erupts.
The PIDLLP crew celebrate the Christmas season by conducting their annual wine taste test. Easy Evan is seeking redemption from last year's debacle, with nine new and old world wines to sample and identify. Happy holidays! (note: the actual clinking of glasses, banter and sipping has been edited out for the purposes of the public podcast)
Dr J and the Crew keep on keeping on about streaming, commercialism and the lost art of indie film hunting. This episode includes; impromptu judged poetry readings, Evan gets fomo when nature calls, and a debate over whether popularity and commercialization can ruin the written word.
Follow us down this stream of consciousness as we go against the flow.
The PIDLLP boys plus Dr J delve deeper into the topic of "flow", discussing flow in poetry, music and sports. They debate whether published spoken word can be read in the voice of the author or if some voices are off limits to reader. Listen up, settle in and go with the flow.
The PIDLLP Crew is joined by Doctor J in a discussion about poetry and the concept of flow. What is flow? Is it innate, can it be developed? Who has the sickest flow in poetry and in music? Can flow be quantified or formulated? The Doctor is Real In, but before we begin, 5 cents please.
The boys break down the "tells" of AI in generating original poetry. The self-described "chefs" finally enjoy the long awaited poem from "Furious Cooking" by Maureen Seaton, read by Infectious.
The poetry conversation veers to the topic of haikus and rhyme, with each podcaster taking a stance on the value of brevity and matching lines. Infectious gives us a reading sample of the rhyming poem he recalled from his childhood "The Cremation of Sam McGee" by Robert W. Service.
The PIDLLP crew debate the merits of rhyming in poetry and music. While enjoying the unofficial chips of the HC podcast, the boys discuss the inclusion of gluten in specific flavours of Doritos and how sweet chili heat is a heartbreaker for all celiacs.
In the spirit of the name of this episode, Infectious reads Good Bones by Maggie Smith. In response, Easy Evan reads Buen Esqueleto by Natalie Scenters-Zapico.
The Prophet Esau is joined by his family AKA Thick Boy Jones, Meme Master Eoin and "Mom", to watch and debate the value and integrity of the movie Cuties (2020). This Sundance Film Festival award winning French movie became controversial when it was released internationally on Netflix and was viewed as suggestive and inappropriate for its sexualization of minors.
The Hello Calgary Podcast kicks off its inaugural episode talking everything Calgary, including the inspirational song that defined a generation that this podcast pays homage to. On Halloween night of 2020, the boys prepare to give out candy to the kids while talking politics, the heinous nature of the R-word, the glory days of the '88 Olympics, the Kids in the Hall, Tegan and Sarah, Ginger Beef, Caesars and everything awesome that is this great home town of ours... Calgary.
The conversation on poetry continues, as the suspense builds for the elusive poem that Infectious promises to read. The boys go indepth on rhyming in poetry and music, as well as the proper and best way to cook a steak, which prompts the question, "who makes the best steak in Calgary?"
The conversation continues with explorations into wine, specifically Peller family vineyards. The Prophet explains his theory as to why some Peller may be more "equal" than others. This is accompanied by some poetry readings, all building up to a reading of Infectious’ good friends Tyler Perry's published poems, and discussing his influence on poetry in Calgary.
The original 3 PIDLLP co-hosts are back, here to talk about what originally brought us here to hear all those seasons ago; poetry. We're gonna talk about “the email”, the recent swell of the poetry scene in Calgary, and obviously have a few poem readings. Welcome back!
The second act of the now much acclaimed original hit play THE ORIGINELS, read by The Collective. This is followed with a debrief and analysis that led to defining changes in the final draft that debuted to rave reviews in Calgary just this past spring. Enjoy!
The Collective bring this original play to life with their voice talents and character interpretations. Enjoy the first half of the Originels.
Join members of the PIDLLP and LA Riots Crews as they come to form The Collective for the inaugural read through of the original script THE ORIGINELS. This read through was performed on Thursday August 17, 2023 in the outdoor studio in the sweltering heat of summer. The Prophet Esau, Easy Evan, Q Jr, and Sabrina Corinna voice all of the characters in this locally written and finally staged live in the Spring of 2024.
The verdict is out, as the PIDLLP crew lifts the veil of secrecy on the identity of the sampled wines and determine whether Easy Evan is the self-professed Wine Connoisseur he claims to be or if Peller's Cabernet Merlot will fool him again. The stakes have never been higher, so come join us for this nail biter episode!
The Prophet Esau, Easy Evan and Infectious come together once again to partake in the annual wine tasting challenge. Easy Evan strives to clear his name and prove once and for all that he knows good wine from lesser vines, distancing himself from last year's debacle of choosing the Peller Cabernet Merlot as his 3rd favorite. Join us for this ASMR inspired episode featuring sounds of sipping, sniffing and corking. Crack a bottle of your favorite and enjoy good company, music and laughs.
The conclusion to the discussion on travel. The boys get candid and personal reflecting on their experiences on the road or at the workplace. Enjoy and get inspired to get out of this great home town of ours and see what the world has is store!
The conversation continues with a deep dive into the various styles of travel that the boys embark upon. Topics include packing, purpose and pronunciation of Barcelona (i.e. Barthelona), and meanders like any good traveller into delightful musings on movies and more. Whether you're a gluten-free beer swiller, a saki sipper or wine aficionado, join us for a drink for our Liquor and Bicker episode.
The PIDLLP crew have been oot and aboot, on tour, checking things out in Japan, Spain and British Columbia. Join us for some stories, some wine, some saki and some gluten-free beer while we answer questions about how and why we travel.
Joined by Mama Juana and his sons O-Bear and Isey-i, the Prophet asks the question, "what do the past generations want to pass on to the future ones?" and conversely "what do the younger generation want to say to the older ones?".
The PILLP crew go on tour to Peter's farmhouse on the prairies to discuss writing. How do you go about writing a smash hit or an instant classic? What is the key to a successful original show? The new Chatter group deep dives this topic over coffees, both pretentious (ie tricolate) and practical (ie aero-press) and both gluten-free and gluten-full cookies,all while visiting with an old friend to the show, Pete-agogy (ie the man formerly known as Puffer Pete)
The newly formed LA Riots Crew discuss the history of rock and modern music, and debate the artists of significance that must be included in a list of the top influential artists of all time. New guest Sabrina Corinna joins BMW, Apostle Matthew and the Prophet Esau for a skip down Penny Lane to where the streets have no name.
The PIDLLP crew plus Q Jr celebrate the greatest Irish contribution to the calendar, St. Patrick's Day. Although they are starting a day early on Paddy's Eve, they finish the night right with the completion of our AI vs Human poetry battle, conversation about pronouns and lastly, a surprise guest call from KG.
*Apologies for the worst Irish accents ever conjured, I blame the kalimotxo
The PIDLLP crew plus Q Jr. aka White Chocolate Mocha return to their roots and discuss poetry and AI, attempting to distinguish between poetry written by well known authors and those written by ChatGPT. Enjoy an evening of readings, good conversation and cocktails!
In this episode,we start the discussion on the impact and issues surrounding ChatGPT and artificial intelligence. The PIDLLP crew plus Q Jr. aka White Chocolate Mocha, challenge themselves to distinguish between poetry written by masters vs those written by AI, all while enjoying a selection of 4 classic cocktails (plus one surprise concoction by Infectious that is sure to be a party pleaser at your next function or neighborhood gathering).
The prophet talks politics and power with the biggest proponent of socialism, BMW. They are joined by newcomer Apostle Matthew to talk about their preference for right and/or left, capitalist vs socialist, and basic assumptions about the human condition. In this episode we also introduce the Church of Money and the 10ish Recommendments.
*note:this episode gets a little inflammatory. Viewer discretion is recommended but not enforced,freedom of voice!
Infectious,the Prophet and Easy challenge their grape knowledge and taste buds in a blind wine tasting. Featuring a Frappato, a pair of Chianti Classicos from Italy and Costco and a variety of other wines from around the world, including a Hello Calgary staple, the Peller Family vineyards dry red. The boys blindly sample ten wines to guess their identity and rate them, you determine who is the true sommelier.
This event was recorded in August of 2022. It has been held in the vault until the actual performance of the play was completed in December of that same year. Come join the characters of Alex, Randi and Jordan, as read by Easy Evan, The Prophet Esau and Infectious, in this timeless original that is sure to bring a tear to your heart and a smile to your eyes!
More wine tastings to pair with good conversation with old friends. The Prophet Esau, Easy Evan and FestiVal Lids get down to discussing language barriers while abroad, nightmare vacations and other quirks of travelling. We touch on the upcoming episode "The Original Reading of A Christmas Classic" and talk about the process, the need for ownership in every role we play, and why the Fried Green Tomatoes reference didn't make the cut.
Easy Evan and the Prophet Esau welcome a new guest to the show... FestiVal Lids! With Arrivecan being cancelled and travel coming back, the crew talks recent travel, best travel memories and destinations. Is travel dead? Will cruises ever die? The discussion meanders through the state of the world, travelling with and without cellphones, spicy chicken and an epic trip to Boston.
Joined by Wally and Dan from the Lemon Square, as well as Mom, we talk about thankfulness, Ikea pop lines, and the difference between Calgarians and Vancouverites. We compare Shirley Temples to Roy Rogers, and meat balls vs vege balls. It's a Thankgiving Special with the original guests here on the Hello Calgary Podcast; freedom of voice!
Continuing our discussion post-read through of "A Christmas Classic" (working title), the poets and Mom start a discussion on swearing that takes them tangentially into the world of movies, disgraced entertainers, and numerous other topics in this 2 hour podathon. Enjoy our familiar company, have a glass and a go, cheers!
Continuing our discussion post-read through of "A Christmas Classic" (working title), the poets and Mom start a discussion on swearing that takes them tangentially into the world of movies, disgraced entertainers, and numerous other topics in this 2 hour podathon. Enjoy our familiar company, have a glass and a go, cheers!
Easy Evan was commissioned by the Prophet Esau to write a hit play, and he has come through in spades. Infectious joins the crew to perform the inaugural read through of "A Christmas Classic" (working title). NOTE: the podcast read through will air in 2023, well after the stage production has completed its run; wowing audiences and spreading Christmas cheer.
Easy Evan was commissioned by the Prophet Esau to write a hit play, and he has come through in spades. Infectious joins the crew to perform the inaugural read through of "A Christmas Classic" (working title). NOTE: the podcast read through will air in 2023, well after the stage production has completed its run; wowing audiences and spreading Christmas cheer.
A discussion with the Kijiji Lady from Edmonton about her business of reselling your stuff. From knitting needles to Americana Doc Martens, she sells it all. What kind of treasure are we all sitting on and why are she doing it for us? Is this repurposing at its finest or commercialism at its worst?
We are joined by the Prophet's brother, aka "Godfather" as well as Mom to flesh out Char's true perspective and to discuss thrifting with some of the best.
The conversation continues with the PIDLLP crew plus one Mom, diving into their stories of new jobs, new work spaces and the motivation for change. Discussions of classic Canadian comedy lead right back to this great city of ours, Calgary, and our inherent rivalry hate for the 'Lberta capital three hours to the north (apologies to our Edmonton listener, although I'm sure you either feel the same about us OR feel you are better people than us, which could both be true... however unlikely ;))
The PIDLLP crew is back to discuss what started this whole conversation; poetry. Where did we start (slam,in voice)? Where are we now(voiceless)? What is next?(the future is poetry)
They will be joined by Mom, starting with the topic of new beginnings. With new jobs being stayed by 3 of us (and only 1 opposing) we delve into the start and end of all the things we knew.
Obviously there will be a poetry reading from Infectious, and clearly we will drink wine and berate each other (cough tp cough)
Mom from episodes past comes to join the Prophet, QJr., Infectious and Easy for more French wine introductions and conversations. Topics include French accents and "faking it", Infectious' bizarre taste for the obscure and unheard of in all things, manscaping, magic paint brushes made of human hair, and the answer to the question, "are the Olympics dead?"
The Prophet, Infectious, Easy Evan and Q Jr continue the discussion while waiting for the local Village Pizza to arrive. Topics range from "how to Disneyland", deep fake technology, and a rare reflective moment on a reading by Infectious of the Tao Te Ching.
The Prophet, Easy and Infectious are joined by guest Q Jr. To discuss the influence of Disney on our identity and the widespread infatuation with the characters and brand. Other topics of conversation include the Olympics, hockey and the love of the game, and the exploitation of the question, "do we have choice"?
Join us in our renovated outdoor studio for part 1 of this special fire and wine conversation.
The Prophet Esau joins Das Nuder and Uncle Dave for an indescribable conversational experience. Nuff said.
This episode contains lewd language and behavior, blatant sexual references and innuendos, and is intended for mature audiences. Viewer discretion is advised.
In this final installment of the inaugural episode trilogy of season 2, the crew is joined by previous guest "Mom" to discuss accents and languages, weddings, coins and posterior cleavage, all while finishing our tastings of the remaining bottles of wine.
Disclaimer: this episode is minimally edited and filled with microphone bumps and other issues. Unapologetically, we air this inebriated disaster to simply give closure to this epic conversation. Happy season 2!
The crew continues their conversation after sampling some local pizza and critiquing more wine. Topics of discussion include: the best of 2021, is the spirit of Calgary dead?, 'Lberta,love it or hate it?, and masculinity in 2022. A poetry reading by Infectious is also featured in this 2nd installment of the fire and wine kickoff.
The Prophet Esau, Infectious and Easy Evan ignite this new season of conversation over a blazing fire in our newly renovated outdoor studio. From familiar discussions about wine and poetry to the range of topics introduced in our new format for season 2 entitled "going public", we encourage you to speak your mind and join us on the streets of Calgary if you see our sign. Freedom of voice!
In this final episode of our inaugural season, the Prophet Esau is joined by "Unknown Guest" to discuss throw-away dogs, anonymity, branding, politics, leadership, (cough covid vaccines cough), global governance, and most importantly (according to UG), taking a break from our devices.
I'd like to thank all of the guests who anonymously shared their insights,opinions and humour. Looking forward to season 2, 2022, and more conversations in the greatest city North of the 49th.
Over our final bottles of cabernet merlot, we ponder love, life and tattoos over Infectious' retelling of the Shakespeare classic Hamlet. We give the censor free reign as we expose our souls and calf muscles, over a medley of recitation and national anthems.
This is the final installment of this epic cast, many thanks to Infectious and Easy Evan for helping me conclude and declare that "Teaching is dead. Long live teaching!"
The discussion continues with the TIDLLT crew, with Infectious, Easy Evan and the Prophet Esau delving into their first days on the job as new teachers. They reminisce about the greatest and worst moments in their careers, relating stories from their time teaching together at the same school and how they have evolved with experience. We touch on a range of topics in this lengthy, epic segment of the "teaching is dead" recording, including curriculum, relationships, memorable moments in teaching and alternative professions.
Hosted collectively by current/former teachers Easy Evan, Infectious and the Prophet Esau, the PIDLLP crew has another fireside wine tasting and discussion that shines a light on the profession of teaching from the inside. What is the purpose of education? What pandemic education look like? Are we teaching the kids the knowledge, skills and attitudes they need to survive or thrive in tomorrow's world? Do we teach subjects or students?
Over a few bottles of beaujolais and Copper Moon, we tell "generalized specific" stories of our shared teaching experience to elucidate our opinions on this profound profession.
On this pet companionship episode we talk to Peter, "Mom" and C-Dawg, three animal lovers who voice their experiences and opinions on their furry friends. From donkeys to ducks,and more traditional pets like dogs and cats, we discuss what makes the best animal companions, pet peeves, domestication and animal consumption, but most importantly,why we keep bringing these special creatures into our lives.
Ricky B joins BMW and I to introduce an ongoing topic on the Podcast: All things 80s. In this episode we dive into the evolution of video games from the original Pong and Magnavox console to the multiplatform games we play today.
We reminisce on BMW's porch, smoking our pipes in our rocking chairs, naming off the best games all time. What makes a great game? What's the criteria now? We list our top 5 games of all time while also touching on topics including hockey, the slow death of rock'n'roll and our collective yearning for the return of outdoor concerts.
Freedom of voice (or freedom to shut the f*ck up)... A discussion with the PIDLLP crew (poetry is dead long live poetry) about the importance of voice:
-having A voice, defining YOUR voice, honing, maintaining and not canceling but educating, reconciling, redefining, valuing and sharing
. blacklisting Charlie Chaplin (cancelled him based on the perspective of the day, should we not be more evolved in our approach to engaging voices)
-What's the difference between irony, parody, spoofs and satire? Are these important to circumventing cancel culture
I explore these questions with Easy Evan and Infectious, as well as a loose critique of grapes during the 2nd fire and wine session.
A continuation of the conversation on poetry with Infectious and Easy Evan. Topics include poetry content vs performance, international wine comparisons and hipster bars in Boston.
In this episode, I'm joined by Easy Evan and local poet "Infectious" to discuss poetry while conducting a backyard wine tasting of local and international vintages. We will debate the relevance of poetry in the modern age and whether it is the writing or the reader that makes a poem interesting.
This discussion is broken into 2 parts, the 2nd half dropping soon.
Live streaming from the MonteBobbi Show, host Esau gets his hair styled by Bobbi and a mystery guest, with a host of people at the barbershop discussing topics including the influence and power of hair, society's obsession with no hair, and the explanation of the story of Esau the hairy.
*disclaimer - this episode devolves into general chaos and may be considered unlistenable by discerning audiences. Viewer discretion is advised
UjjIn this episode I talk to a couple of mothers about ghosts. These two guests share their stories of interactions with the other side, from hearing footsteps and voices, to strange feelings of a spiritual presence. This topic will be an ongoing one as I have received a lot of interest in sharing stories from the beyond from numerous future guests.
A short, candid discussion with Snake, BMW and Ricky B. about aliens and all things conspiracy. What do aliens look like,and why are they here? Why attribute fantastic phenomena to aliens, big foot, or any of the other names given to unexplainable occurrences?
In this discussion we dive into the legends of big foot, the Enoch giants and the Loch Ness monster to try to come to a general agreement on human beliefs and what constitutes credible evidence.
Following a row with my son Meme Master Eoin about the artistic integrity of Cuties, the whole family watches together and discusses the intent, content and morality of this film. Are they taking advantage of young ladies or necessarily utilizing them to tell a story? Should we not talk about or see things that make us uncomfortable, and is there an appropriate way to go about depicting these themes?
Further discussion with Thick Boy Jones (aka Isey Eye) and "Mom" Deb will touch on the Social Dilemma and what is appropriate activities and social media for kids at various ages. We discuss cancel culture, freedom of speech and what that actually means to both adult and children.
Talking with co-founders Cowboy Wally and Dan Down Unda! Discussion of growing up in the greatest place in the world, Calgary AB, and the pain we all felt when we found out our musical heritage was sold all across the American Midwest and all the way down unda' to Dan's hometown 🇦🇺!
We'll talk about the glory days of the '88 Olympics (and the Calgarian spirit… has it changed?), Ralph Klein, and the current Covid environment that is hostile to small businesses everywhere. Enter the Lemon Square, bringing a little treat to your doorstep (now available in ice cream!)