Before, Behind and Between: Recent Episodes
Steven Christianson
Welcome to an official podcast of Henley Point Productions hosted by Steven Christianson. In this program we always ask - What Came Before? – What Was Behind? – What Connects the Dots Between A and Z? Steven frequently podcasts about his passions, which include music, film, global affairs and football. This program celebrates those conversations that unravel what came before, what lies behind, and what happened between the stuff that news programs don't often talk about.
New data from Edison Research suggest that audio consumption--that is, transmitted and broadcast audio, like podcasts and radio--might be determined by where a person lives.
The company's newest report suggests a difference in listenership for both podcasts and radio depending on whether the listener is predominantly urban, suburban or rural. And some of the results are surprising.
How do such data impact our approaches to podcast growth, or listener engagement or monetization?
This episode of Before, Behind and Between talks about these issues and how podcasters and radio producers alike might be affected.
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World Radio Day is celebrated annually on February 13. The original UNESCO proclamation for World Radio Day happened in 2011, and in 2013 the UN General Assembly fully endorsed World Radio Day as an international observance.
This podcast, Before, Behind and Between celebrates World Radio Day 2024 by giving special recognition to radio as a precursor medium to podcasting as well as a form of expression that continues to inspire podcasters around the world.
This episode shares three World Radio Minutes, each produced by UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.
For more information about World Radio Day, visit www.unesco.org/en/days/world-radio.
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Any visit to Mexico seems incomplete without a Mariachi experience. It's one of those musical and visual spectacles that seems synonymous with one of the essences of Mexico. In fact, Mariachi has soared in popularity, as evidenced by the annual International Mariachi Festival in Guadalajara which attracts upwards of 500 Mariachi ensembles.
Our recent visit to Jalisco and Nayarit afforded us the opportunity to enjoy a superb Mariachi group performing to an enthusiastic and somewhat rowdy crowd (the audio of which remains in this podcast).
Enjoy this episode of Before, Behind and Between in which we feature Mariachi--a bit of our winter vacation in beautiful Mexico.
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Political leadership contenders seem to grabbing a fair amount of news coverage lately. But what’s often missing in the mix when we look at the contender is the authenticity, the coziness, not only the talent to interact with just about anyone, but the appearance that they really do seem to enjoy it. Well, I say, don’t listen to political strategists, take it from the experts on communicating meaningfully with tens of thousands of people in one night: put on the jersey, declare your love, and ask for requests. On a serious note, have a bit of fun as we consider the essentials of leadership.
This episode of Before Behind and Between provides some friendly advice to those entering, or hopefully to ascend in, the world of politics and electoral representation. This program is a production of Henley Point.
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If you're a fan of North American football, and you've been hearing the rumours, then you won't be surprised that the XFL and USFL are finalizing the details of a merger. What gets interesting is one of the possible names for a new league -- the United Football League. This episode of Before, Behind and Between goes into the details about this mysterious entity, the UFL, as well as what we know about yet another re-launch of the Arena Football League. All scheduled for 2024 (at some point).
Before, Behind and Between is a production of Henley Point.
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The 2023 by-election for Mayor of the City of Toronto featured a whopping 102 candidates (plus a dog). Not only was the by-election triggered by the sudden, unexpected resignation of a well-liked Mayor, the candidates included former and current councillors, a former Member of Parliament, a former chief of police, a former deputy mayor, and a who's who of previously unknown men and women whose promotional budgets for signs and billboards, in some instances, raised at least a few eyebrows. The City is experiencing a litany of urban challenges, and candidates offered an even greater number of solutions (of which many were highly questionable in their policy efficacy). All that aside, there was one shining light in the 2023 by-election for Mayor of Toronto: the City's motto, "Diversity Our Strength", was evident and ever-resonant right up to the final hours of the campaign. There were a lot a "firsts" in this election, and perhaps the silver lining is how Torontonians celebrated the very diversity expressed and reflected Toronto's motto.
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The recent passing of Gordon Lightfoot evoked tributes the world over. Unlike the passing of many celebrities, however, which tend to be followed by social media posts of an article about the star's death and the obligatory RIP added by the account user, this death seemed to inspire the sharing of stories, personal experiences and feelings. That says a lot about the impact a person can have. Like so that of so many other people, my experience with Gordon Lightfoot was unique--it likely didn't happen to too many others. Most importantly, mine was a moment or two that left a lasting impact on me; it also amplified a lesson about the authenticity of a truly down-to-earth human--despite his global stardom. This episode of Before, Behind and Between, this experience with Gordon Lightfoot, is really about character, authenticity and importance of simply being a person to other people.
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Henley Point is the production and administrative backbone of Before, Behind and Between. This mini episode provides an update on the activities of Henley Point as well as an overview of the work we do: content creation. This episode also serves as our company update for spring 2023, something we send out to our contact list and clients. Which also demonstrates the utility of a podcast as a corporate form of communication.
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Content Creation and Promotion is now in its second printing. The book will be available on Amazon in the coming weeks.
This update includes a few adjustments to company names. For example, Facebook is now Meta and Anchor is now Spotify for Podcasters. The updated version also includes new cover art, an improved e-book version, and a new, lower price.
The book was originally published as the first installment in the Explained! series in February 2021. This episode of Before, Behind and Between goes into the details of the original printing two years ago.
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Silent Night. It's been sung by some of the greatest and most classic recording artists. It's been featured in the film, "The Sound of Music". It was famously sung by American President Roosevelt and British Prime Minister Churchill. The United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization - UNESCO - declared the song an item of intangible world heritage for its role in fostering and sustaining cultural diversity. But do you know the origins of Silent Night? Listen to this episode of Before, Behind and Between for a peak into some interesting history about one of the world's most enduring poetic and musical compositions.
- "Silent Night" is public domain material. This podcast episode is not monetized, and uses portions of "Silent Night" for educational and information purposes only.
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Whether your interactions with government and public office holders fall into advocacy or lobbying can represent a critical difference for many types of organizations. The NGO sector, particularly, is often characterized by small-sized organizations, the budgets of which are often cash-strapped. So that ever-attractive source of funding through government is almost always one of the go-to places for cashflow purposes. As important as the differences are between advocacy and lobbying, there are critical differences within the operational definitions of lobbying itself. This episode of Before, Behind and Between highlights a few of the key differences and what makes each unique - as well as why it is increasingly important for organizational representatives from all sectors to have a solid understanding of these nuances.
Also be sure to check out Advocacy - Explained! and Advocacy - The Companion Handbook: A Guide to Advocacy and Lobbying in Canada and the United States, both available at Amazon.
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Whether you consider yourself an expert podcaster or someone just curious about the medium, we can use refreshers and useful tidbits of advice every now and then. The episode of Before, Behind and Between shares a few tips on how to improve the quality of your delivery and the impact of your program. As we near the end of the 2022 calendar year, we can reflect on how we might want to improve or change our podcasts in 2023 - or even start a new podcast. Hope you find these tips useful.
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We've been through uncertain economic times before. But today's challenges seem to be hitting us from every direction.
The knee-jerk reaction throughout the world of business is to cut marketing expenses. Yet the old adage in the world of content creation and promotion is quite different: when times are good, you should advertise; when times are bad, you MUST advertise.
This episode considers the economic uncertainties in today's world for small and large business leaders - and advises redeploying existing resources as part of a trajectory of investing more strategically. Specifically, this episode looks at podcasting as one of the newest - and increasingly valuable - components in a company's arsenal. Podcasting isn't used widely in the business world, and this episode explains why it should be.
Harnessing your audio messaging represents "sound" business advice.
Podcasting - Explained! and Podcasting - The Companion Handbook are available through dozens of retailers globally, including Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Walmart, Target, Waterstones and McNally Robinson. Also check out Henley Point for more information.
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One, Two, Buckle My Shoe Collection: The Ultimate Guide to Our Soles by Josee Scalabrini is Henley Point's newest publication. This book is for shoe lovers and shoe collectors by a shoe lover and collector.
The book was created with the ultimate aim of helping shoe collectors keep track of their shoe collections.
But the book goes much further and delivers much more. It's a glossary, a repository of valuable information, a guide to cleaning, maintenance, sizing, storage and personal organization. Plus, it's a diary and registration system for up to 108 pairs of shoes which is perfect for insurance purposes.
One, Two, Buckle My Shoe Collection: The Ultimate Guide to Our Soles by Josee Scalabrini. It's beautifully designed, packaged in a coffee table-like hardcover presentation, and contains nearly 380 premium colour pages.
Listen to this episode to learn more about the book. You can also visit HenlyPoint.ca or check out the book at any number of retailers including Amazon.
One, Two, Buckle My Shoe Collection: The Ultimate Guide to Our Soles - ISBN: 978-1777834722
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The Explained! Pocketbook: Maximizing Content Promotion, Podcasting and Advocacy has just been published by Henley Point and will be available for purchase through all major retailers on September 1.
The Explained! Pocketbook sews together some of the key content from three books from the Explained! series, modifies and reconfigures that content in a compact, portable and single publication - a pocketbook.
Content Creation and Promotion, Podcasting and Advocacy are stand-alone books in the series. Each is a fulsome read, providing contextual analysis and historical background. The Explained! Pocketbook extracts some of the key messages from each, re-working that content to create a seamless discussion of narrative, medium, technique and application.
We go behind The Explained! Pocketbook in this episode of Before, Behind and Between. We talk about what inspired the book and how it relates to the other publications in the Explained! series.
Visit HenleyPoint.ca for more information.
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"Podcasting Explained" was published nearly one year ago. Now, in addition to a second printing of "Podcasting Explained", its accompaniment - "Podcasting - The Companion Handbook: A Guide to Producing and Publishing Your Podcast" - will be available this July. Both books represent a perfect set for the aspiring podcaster, yet each book is a stand-alone piece. "Podcasting Explained" gets into history, theory and a broad understanding of how podcasting fits into the world of audio communications, while "Podcasting - The Companion Handbook" is the tool that helps you get the job done. Both books, the second printing of Explained and the The Companion Handbook, will be available for purchase this July.
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This episode of Before, Behind and Between talks about the use of petitions to highlight some of the differences among advocacy, government relations and lobbying. Of course, the book set - "Advocacy Explained" and "Advocacy - The Companion Handbook" - provide a more fulsome understanding of these terms. But this episode explores why advocacy isn't always about government, and how the use of petitions can sometimes have more impact in the non-governmental realms than in the legislative arenas.
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Some podcasters and columnists have criticized Star Trek (at least the recent shows) as being too "woke", or just plain "woke". A few of those critiques have pointed to the inclusion of gay, trans and non-binary characters in the recent shows. The inclusion of such characters merely confirms the original mission of program in 1966, which, in recent shows, continues to broaden the landscape of human and alien diversity. This isn't "woke"; it's simply Star Trek. This episode of Before, Behind and Between offers a brief perspective on the appeal of inclusion in Star Trek, and how some shows seem to get better with age and time.
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Football fans have been unusually lucky during this spring of 2022: we've actually had a good amount of selection to watch. The USFL's inaugural 10-week season has provided four games per weekend - with some pretty good quality football, to boot. The CFL just commenced its 2022 season this past weekend. The XFL keeps sending out teasers and tidbits, including a firm starting date for the league's third incarnation. We don't get into updates in this episode on the Indoor Football League; but this unique product (available largely through YouTube) is also something football fans have had an opportunity to check out. And we're well into Australian football, which is different but no less exciting to watch. This episode of Before, Behind and Between provides somewhat of a "round-up" of the goings-on in football, what's available to watch and what's coming up around the corner.
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Ever wanted to change a law or government policy? The Advocacy Book Set is now available. Advocacy - Explained! (the "parent" book) gives the reader a crash-course in activism, lobbying and government relations. It discusses history, theories and concepts, and considers international comparisons. Advocacy - The Companion Handbook: A Guide to Advocacy and Lobbying in Canada and the United States is the practitioner's took. It's a reference manual, a directory, a customized journal, a glossary and FAQ, complete with planning templates and TO-DOs. The Companion Handbook helps get the job done.
They're separate and distinct, yet form a perfect pair, with each accompanying the other.
If you've ever wanted to change a law or government policy, then this book set is perfect for you. Listen to this episode to learn more. Additional information about each book can be found at:
Advocacy Explained - Available on Amazon
Advocacy - The Companion Handbook - Available on Amazon
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Seances, communing with the great beyond. This episode talks about the newest book by Mike O'Sullivan, A Harmony of Worlds: Spiritualism and the Quest for Community in Nineteenth-Century America. Spiritualism, as Mike describes in this major piece of research, was in the 1800s a very serious form of faith for many people - so many, in fact, that mainstream churches were forced to close as their congregations left and joined the Spiritualist movement. This movement also attracted quite a who's who of notable figures, as Mike writes, including political and business leaders. Listen to this episode of Before, Behind and Between to go behind the book, A Harmony of Worlds. For more information, you can also visit Henley Point or the official book website.
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This episode, which is somewhat more of a commentary, is brought to you by the Letter D - as in "deconstruction", "decolonization", "defunding" and even "de-mastering". Both in fact and fiction, in seriousness and satire, we find evidence of the Big D all around us. From food and art, to entertainment, social issues and politics, efforts to "de" something in our world seem more prevalent by the day. Listen to this episode of Before, Behind and Between to learn more about the Big D, and why the debate rages on about whether this trend is helpful and positive or simply a reactionary fad.
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If you're a fan of North American football, and it's March, what do you do? Well, in addition to recorded or archived material available online (of which there are many recent and historic options), there are quite of few different alternatives to consider. These options might require a bit of a learning curve, and even some patience, but they could include indoor football, Australian football and the USFL. Listen to the episode for a bit of a "football roundup", including a rundown of some interesting alternatives for those fans of football who, in the leaner months following the Super Bowl, are yearning for a little more.
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In podcasting, we've learned from the experiences of radio and television. And the formula that incorporates music is not just powerful, but time-tested. Music helps reinforce the listening experience, helps heighten the message, and can augment how memorable an episode is with someone. It's all part of branding the program. Listen to this episode to hear examples of musical augmentation of branding, and why music should be considered as an important part of your your podcast production.
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Advocacy - Explained!, published by Henley Point, is officially available through Amazon. It briefly reached bestseller status in late February, which is one important news update about the book. The other update is that readers of the Explained! series will soon be able to purchase companion handbooks. The first, coming soon, will be Advocacy - The Companion Handbook. The content in the Advocacy Companion book will focus strictly on the practical tools needed for any advocacy manager, lobbyist or campaign worker to get the job done. Listen to this episode behind the book to learn more about Advocacy - The Companion Handbook. You can also visit Henley Point.CA to learn more, or simply go to your local Amazon website and enter Steven Christianson in the search field.
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In this second part of the special podcasts that commemorate the UN's World Radio Day 2022, we look at how radio is used in South Sudan for information and education, and as a powerful teaching tool. The stories are compelling: they illustrate how radio continues to impact our lives - despite the rise of podcasts and related audio media.
Part of this content is reproduced from Global Human Stories, February 13, 2021. The content of this episode is used strictly for information and educational purposes as part of sharing content about the UN and World Radio Day 2022, and makes no claim to production or ownership of said material. This episode has not been monetized in any way. Enjoy.
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The United Nations, through UNESCO, encourages people around the globe to recognize and celebrate the role that radio plays in local societies and economies. That day is Sunday February 13.
Building on more than a century of history, radio remains one of the most trusted and widely used media. Throughout the years, radio has provided affordable access to information in real time. By bridging the gap between traditional and state-of-the-art technologies, radio now offers a variety of content through different devices and formats, such as podcasts and multimedia websites.
Without radio, we likely wouldn't have podcasts, as least as we know them today. Radio made what we do possible.
Listen to the episode to learn more about World Radio Day. You can also visit www.worldradioday.org.
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Is a musical band more than its members at any given time? Is a band more than creating new music or playing live to fans? Is a band something independent of the members? These are questions that many band members, from many bands, are asking themselves. It's a very existential question; but it's also relevant to the transformations happening with NFTs, the growth of the metaverse, and the simple fact that so many beloved, cherished band members are retiring, passing on, or looking at others ways to create and perform. While fans are deeply divided on this and related issues, we can never say "never" when it comes to musicians, bands, performing, and exploring new and innovative ways to share and sell one's craft. Listen to this episode to learn more.
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Geddy Lee's favourite Rush songs would make one heck of a very cool setlist. Included are Roll the Bones, Animate, Between the Wheels and The Garden. While "I Think I'm Going Bald" is not included, I think Rush fans will agree that this list has some real potential. Check out this episode to learn more about Geddy's favourites, and how they could make a great playlist for listening. Makes one wonder: has "I Think I'm Going Bald" ever made to anyone's list of favourites? Have fun with this episode, and look forward to a future episode that will focus exclusively on the backstory behind "I Think I'm Going Bald".
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This episode of Before, Behind and Between reflects on some of the lessons learned from producing and publishing a podcast. As the 100th episode of this podcast, it also represents a milestone as well as an appropriate time to consider how to improve episodes, possibly integrate interviews and related content, and consider producing documentary-style episodes. So here I share some of my experiences, and I provide a bit of advice in the form of a few takeaways that I hope budding new podcasters, and even those with more experience, will find useful and informative as they begin or continue their journey in the world of podcasting. Regardless if you're an podcast "expert" or a podcast "newbie", we're all learning from each other. Have a safe and happy holiday season, and a spectacular 2022!
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Ok, it's a completely crazy idea for a Star Trek show. I would subtitle it, "Ordinary People". The idea for this new show, or a mini-series, or a short, focuses on the lives of non-space, ordinary people during the centuries in which the various Star Trek shows are based. Kirk announces in Star Trek IV, The Voyage Home, that the people of that earlier century were "still using money". Which nudged me into wondering: how does the economy work in his time, or in Picard's time? Which got me thinking that not everyone works in space, or for Star Fleet, or the Federation, in a space-oriented job. So what do ordinary people do? We've seen the lives of people in various societies on a range of planets, across the spectrum of shows. But what about on Earth? As a Star Trek short, or a mini-series, the show would focus on "ordinary people" - the teachers, the doctors, the artists and entertainers, for example - and the show could tie-in William Shatner's musical take on "ordinary people". Yeah, it's crazy, but it could be fun. This episode talks a little more about what such a show could look like.
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While I'm not a "best-selling" author by any means, my books for about a month after each original release ranked consistently in the top of the heap in their genre (which, broadly speaking, is non-fiction), ranging from "10 out of" to "3 out of". And while that's pretty cool, achieving a top ranking was not my original motivation in writing books. No, it was vanity. As you'll learn in this episode, seeing a finished product, proudly displayed somewhere, can sometimes serve as our strongest source of motivation.
2021 started with a commitment to self-publish through Amazon, and the year is wrapping up with a new-formed publishing company with several titles in its roster of books.
So while this episode talks about self-publishing through Amazon in a general sense, and speaks to anyone who is a content creator or promoter, it really considers what's behind those efforts: the motivation, the drive and commitment to achieve a goal, as well as how reaching one milestone can quickly fuel inspiration to identify bigger goals and develop even more creative output.
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The history of Texas is filled with passion and folklore, with icons, heroes and characters that include The Alamo, US President John Tyler and Davey Crockett. But if one were to go back a littler further in time, you'd find that many in that area preferred calling it the New Philippines, instead of Texas. This brief interlude in head-scratching history that almost saw the Lone Star State being called New Philippines finds its origin in Spain's overseas Asian colonies, as well as the practice at that time of colonists wanting to pay homage to King Philip II. Texas named after the Philippines, and the Philippines named after a European king? Confused? Listen to this episode to learn more.
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Another spring, another football league. This time it's the USFL, the United States Football League, that will rise from the ashes next April, with slightly updated versions of the original logos of eight of the league's original teams. This story has been in the rumour mill for years, mostly from hopeful fans of the league's original years in the early to mid-1980s. But recent announcements officially place April 15, 2022, as a start date for the new USFL. So many alternative leagues have come and gone; and, in recent years, the pace of introduction-to-termination has been dwindling to less than a full season. While many of us are hopeful and increasingly intrigued, we also ask the question: what do these folks have, that others didn't, that will breathe life into a sustainable alternative football league?
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Advocacy, lobbying and government relations form the focus on my newest book, Advocacy - Explained! Published by Henley Point, the book will be available on Amazon in the next six weeks or so.
The book focuses on the processes of raising the volume on social messages, and amplifying those messages in ways that help impact the political and policy agendas in our societies.
This episode goes behind the work that went into developing the book, Advocacy - Explained!, and talks about what readers can expect from reading and reflecting on the art of influence.
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Rush has released special anniversary issues of several albums, including Hemispheres, Permanent Waves, and A Farewell to Kings. These R40s have been given updated sound treatment, packaging, and fancy new artwork. But none of the special 40 re-issues has ever included beer. Recognizing this deficiency, and acknowledging the importance of beer, Moving Pictures gets it own brew. The album's 40th has been honored by a limited edition "Moving Pictures" dark ale. Listen to this episode to learn more about this creative (and boozy) approach to celebrating one of the most iconic albums ever made.
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Twenty years or so before Boris Karloff portrayed what is perhaps known as the classic Frankenstein monster, another film with the same name was all the rage. Black and white, silent, and perhaps even creepier, Frankenstein by Mary Shelly hit the screens in 1910. Listen this episode to learn more about this early version of Shelly's screen adaptation as well as more tidbits about the man behind the stage persona, Boris Karloff. Happy Halloween!
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A national day of reconciliation is a critical observance, but I wonder if an actual holiday (only for those employed in the federal realm) is the right way to go. In those jurisdictions that did not recognize the day as a public holiday about a month ago, many employers set aside at least part of the day for sensitivity training and related sessions dedicated to advancing cultural awareness.
But why not on a regular basis? Is one day, as a holiday for some and not for others, the most appropriate way to get closer to truth and reconciliation?
It's a complicated issue, which I talk about in my newest book, Canada's Indian Act, which you can check out at this link. It's both a learning tool and my personal contribution to the very first National Day of Truth and Reconciliation - which I believe should be more frequently observed, as you can see by the fact that I'm dropping this episode more than a month after the official observance in the calendar.
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Love the internet, but not necessarily how so many beautiful people have become transformed into walking soapboxes of misinformation. Know-it-alls with a knowledge-base of information that is ... well, just not quite accurate. You've seen them around. But they are kind of hard to accurately describe, kind of like the Invasion of the Body Snatchers. Welcome to Season 8. This is The Era of the Smartypants (which may, as it turns out, work as a suitable prelude to Halloween movies like the Invasion of the Body Snatchers).
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I've always maintained that we, at least sometimes, need to look behind to appreciate what lies ahead (also a fun play on the title of this podcast). Today, Canada's Indian Act is once again at the heart of news and controversy in Canada; however, in ways that few people appreciate. So I took two works of mine, both from around three decades ago, and assembled them into a new book, Canada's Indian Act: Policy Perspectives from the Years Defined by Oka, Meech Lake, and the Royal Commission.
The first half of the book, the first Chapter, adapts a major academic paper (a Master's thesis) I prepared on what was then called Indian Policy. Yeah, it's really academic. That document comes from 1991. The second half, the second Chapter, adapts a research report and submission to the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples, which was completed in 1992. The second part is more practical in nature, and somewhat more conversational in tone. Together, they form a bit of a time capsule for students, practitioners, or anyone interested in indigenous affairs in Canada, to see what has happening back then, what was different and what hasn't changed - despite more programs of study, more publications, more social awareness and different terminology.
The paperback and e-book versions are available through Amazon.
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Did you know that an animated version of Planet of the Apes was aired on Saturday mornings in the mid-1970s, and that one of the two main voice actors for Fred Flintstone voiced the part of General Urko? Did you know there even was an animated version? This episode talks about the legacy of live-to-animated serial adaptions, which reached their first wave of popularity in the late 1960s through the mid-1970s. Listen to this episode to learn more about the trend of animating live-action films and TV shows, notably the thirteen-episode run of Return to the Planet of the Apes.
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Walk into any one of the select LCBO stores (government-operated booze retail in Ontario), pass through the beer and cider cold room, and you might be lucky enough to see a display of beer cans that resemble a Rush album cover. It's Rush beer. It's here. And, in the humble opinion of this host, it's pretty darn good! Listen to this episode to learn more.
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A national election is underway in Canada, an election that few people seem to want. And the issues being discussed by the candidates amplify that "are-we-seriously-in-another-election" sentiment. For example, a recent "breaking" announcement by the Leader of the New Democratic Party (which, for you non-Canadians, is numerically the third largest in Canada's Parliament) didn't focus on jobs, the pandemic, climate change, healthcare, foreign affairs, or taxes. No, the focus of his state-of-the-nation address was ... a name change. Nothing more important, it seems than to focus time and resources on committing to changing the name of an electoral district (also known as a "riding" in Canada). Perhaps in his moment of enthusiasm the Leader of the third largest party inadvertently forgot about the goal of making Canada more accessible for people with disabilities, people whose first language is neither English or French, or some seniors with cognitive issues. Because, if implemented, his announcement would reduce existing accessibility for all these people, and add layers of confusion and misunderstanding. Learn more about one Party's national priority of name changes in Canada - and related political gimmicks in this 2021 election.
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While Canadians aren't unfamiliar to the world of podcasting, they do tend to lag behind several other countries, including the US and Spain, in many categories, especially listenership. Audio production has a strong and vibrant history in Canada (and globally, originally through Radio Canada), so the lower relative numbers are a little surprising. Is this "lag" explained by technology, Canadian listening behaviour, or a stronger enduring profile for radio in Canada? Is it because the CBC is just too damn good?
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This episode is the second part of a summer Rush-themed doubleheader. We first check out three new demos that were recently uploaded to AlexLifeson.com, and the fact that there's more to come. And while there's probably more such material available to share, this episode also talks about what a new, official Rush podcast might sound like.
Also be sure to check out the previous episode, Part 1 of this doubleheader, that talked about creating a new album from soundcheck material.
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What if Rush released an album comprised solely of soundchecks and warmups? Would it work? Would fans buy it? This episode is the first of a summer Rush-themed double-header that talks about how existing material could be put to use in creating an interesting setlist and, equally important, in satiating the appetite that Rush fans have for new product.
Also be sure to check out the next episode, Part 2 of this Rush-themed, summer doubleheader podcast, that talks about Alex Lifeson's "newest" demo material.
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If I had a dollar for every time I've heard that question ...
Despite the fact that podcasting has been around since the early to mid-2000s, many people are uncertain about what these things actually are. Aren't they just radio broadcasts available through an app?
Not quite. Listen to this episode that talks about some of the common differences (and a few similarities) between podcasts and radio, and learn why podcasting represents a medium of previously untapped potential.
You can also learn more by getting your copy of Podcasting - Explained! through Amazon. Or visit Henley Point for more information.
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While the exploratory talks between officials representing the CFL and XFL have now come to a close, several rumours suggest that the CFL's Toronto Argonauts could possibly jump ships and join the XFL. The XFL won't be hitting the field until 2022. But another league, the USFL, from the 1980s, rumoured for rebirth for years, is now looking like a real thing. This episode talks about new leagues, leagues reborn, and possible team relocations. Enjoy
Note: Sorry folks, I'm still in summer mode, and seem to be recording these podcasts in what sounds like the neighbourhood fishbowl (unlike the neighbourhood watering hole, the fishbowl, sadly, does not serve beer). Back to regular studio gear soon.
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Reports were made. Studies released. Testimony given. Committee after committee. Research commissions followed by yet more research commissions. Despite all the evidence and recommendations over many, many decades, positive change has been absurdly slow and barely measurable for indigenous peoples in Canada. The recent tragic news of mass and unmarked graves has shocked Canadians and provided a window of opportunity to listen, reflect and understand. Perhaps to the surprise of those same Canadians who are shocked, this isn't the first time, or the second, or even the third, in which the nation is asking, "How could this have happened?" But let's hope it is the last time this nation is shocked to its knees to learn the indigenous reality in Canada.
Use of the usual studio equipment and recording environment for this episode was constrained by the age-old tradition called "summer vacation"; hence a somewhat lower and muddled quality. Could have waited, but I wanted to get this episode out there.
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Two new songs, both instrumental, have Rush fans swirling with rumours. Alex Lifeson recently posted new original material to his website, the first such music since 2012. The songs, Kabul Blues and Spy House, are terrific. But do they represent a possible new direction for Rush? Listen on, and learn more.
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Amazon is a huge company. And a lot of people, especially smaller businesses or content creators, simply don't like companies that big. Ironically, these are many of the very people for whom Amazon is providing unprecedented opportunity. This episode looks at Amazon's publishing model, and assumes the voice of "devil's advocate" in questioning the relevance - or irrelevance - of traditional book publishers.
Background music: "Thirds" by Crowander, courtesy of https://freemusicarchive.org/music/crowander
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Podcasting - Explained! is the latest installment in the Explained series, and my newest book, now available through Amazon. This episode condenses the content of an interview about the book, originally conducted by a journalism student during the week of May 24, 2021. Learn more about podcasting - and what you can expect in the more than 300 pages of Podcasting - Explained! available globally through Amazon.
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From All in the Family and Leave it to Beaver to Back to the Future and Frasier, film and tv productions often started with different characters and actors than those who later helped make the productions famous and memorable for fans. Find out more in this episode, and learn how Alice Cooper is connected to Eddie Haskell, that Archie Bunker's original surname was Justice, and how a mainstay from Friends was originally intended as a regular character on Frasier.
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Bill C-10 of Canada's current Parliament proposes amendments to the Broadcasting Act that, some experts say, will stifle freedom of speech, and censor podcasters, streamers, Tubers and content creators. Although the Bill was introduced in November of 2020, it's only receiving wider public attention in the last few weeks. That attention focuses on issues fundamental to Canada's Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The federal government's attempts to defend and explain the measures, and the apparent uncertainty and backtracking by the Minister responsible, have been met with fierce criticism and ridicule by prominent legal and policy experts. Learn more about the infamous "Bill C-10" in this episode.
Music Credit in Opening: "Iron" by Crowander, courtesy of https://freemusicarchive.org/music/crowander
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Is there anything David Cronenberg doesn't do? A lifetime legacy of stunning films and storytelling hasn't stopped this Toronto-based creator from spending his spare time in an acting role in Star Trek Discovery. If that weren't enough, he'll embark on a new production based on an original screenplay, a film called "Crimes of the Future". This episode talks about Cronenberg's part-time acting gig on the set of Discovery, as well as what we know so far about the upcoming production of "Crimes of the Future".
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Most Rush fans have attended at least a couple of concerts; some people have attended gigs that number in the hundreds. Then there are those "special" events or occasions, when Rush was present in some way or some form - without the event being billed as a "Rush" event. In other words, there have been instances in which fans could experience a Non-Rush Rush event. This episode talks about what these things are, and shares a couple of examples that one or two listeners of this Podcast might have also experienced. Enjoy.
Music Credit: "Heavy Waves" by Crowander, courtesy of https://freemusicarchive.org/music/crowander
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Football today is a show, an entertainment product. Leagues have done a great job at recognizing this fact through the enhancement of the in-stadium experience. Broadcasters have done a great job at packaging the product and televising games to home viewers. Yet, something more is needed when viewers see entire sections of empty seats, and this is something that simply must be addressed when televising CFL games. Every seat shown on TV must be filled. The stadiums, in fact, need to be treated just like a production manager works with a live studio audience. The package on TV needs to be packed for TV.
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It was dubbed "SARSfest", the day-long music festival that helped Toronto out of the economic slump that resulted from an outbreak of SARS in 2003. This episode provides some of the backstory behind that event, most of which has never been reported in mainstream media. Have a listen to find out what a former Toronto MP, Keith Richards and Ron Wood of the Rolling Stones, and more than 700 wheelchairs have in common.
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Creating beautiful and lasting artwork for an album is a challenge. Transforming that artwork into a live visual presentation, or creating imagery that inadvertently becomes a logo, is true artist elegance. And Rush's master of creativity, Hugh Syme, exemplified that. This episode talks about 5 examples of Rush album covers that integrated beautifully into applications beyond the cover or sleeve of the album. This episode is about the Art of Rush.
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Microphone technology has opened up so many opportunities, and has impacted social behaviour in countless ways. Yet the microphone, as ubiquitous as the device has become, is rarely given its due in podcast discussion. This episode aims to remedy that situation -- the one in which the mic is used all around us, and has given way to so many other related technologies, but is so often overlooked or considered as an afterthought. Without the microphone, we likely would not even have podcasts. But, it all started with the Greeks (or so say some reporters of legend), and that is where this episode begins, in Greece, in the 5th century BC.
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Is Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson eyeing a North American football empire? Are we looking at the absorption of the CFL into the XFL? Are these extreme measures for an extreme league in extreme times?
The recent official talks between the XFL and the Canadian Football League have become a source of podcast discussion, wild speculation, enthusiasm and optimism, and downright anger. It is no secret that the CFL has, of late, been looking down a road of hard times. While The Rock's ownership of the XFL is great news for players and fans, this is a league that has twice suffered the fate of termination. But timing may just be perfect on this possible partnership of the CFL and XFL, with one league looking at another re-birth and the other looking for a lifeline to survival and expansion. The Rock is a savvy player, and positioned in eight strong markets; and the CFL has a foundation of more than century across Canada.
This episode looks at the issues around a merger of the two football leagues, and what this might mean for football fans.
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Watching old video footage of partial or complete games of the American Football League or the Continental Football League is a real treat for those of us craving some sort of football action during the football-less months of winter. Dig a little deeper and one appreciates that these two former football organizations really did produce some great on the field. While many people know about the history of the AFL as an independent league, the Continental Football League receives relatively little attention. Yet here was an organization that had teams in several American cities, one in Mexico and three in Canada. Find out more in this episode of Before, Behind and Between.
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Ever thought about learning a new instrument, perhaps by starting with the ukulele? Turns out, a lot of people have in this age of contagion. This episode talks about a personal example in making use of extra or spare time by learning the uke, and explores the origin, stigma and sheer fun of that wonderful little instrument known today as the ukulele.
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This episode updates listeners on Strange New Worlds, which is set to begin production in Toronto, and the rumours of Captain Archer making an appearance somewhere in the near future. What's in store for the cast and crew of Strange New Worlds? Does a possible cameo by Scott Bakula signal something bigger for the crew of the early 2000's Enterprise series?
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We don't usually think of love songs when considering Rush. But perhaps there are a handful of songs that could make the cut as a list of love songs by Rush -- in true Rush style, of course. This episode is brought to you by the spirit of Valentine's Day and the weekend that puts that extra bit of love in the air.
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This episode takes its lead from a chapter in my newest book, Content Creation and Promotion - Explained!. Here we talk about todays' economic and social trends, including the growth of social commerce and the increasing impacts of social media, and what these trends mean for those who create and promote content.
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There's always so much hope when we embark on the annual journey of a new year. This year not only begins with a new season of this podcast, but coincides with the inauguration of a new US President. Earlier today, January 20, President Joe Biden gave a hint as to what the world can expect from the 46th executive and chief of the United States. And while most of us hope for a return to normalcy, the challenges for President Biden are formidable. Uniting his country, bringing Americans together, won't be easy; and the need to do so has seldom been greater.
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It seems that just about everyone has his or her own list of must-see Christmas and holiday movies. However, two Christmas films you've likely not added to your annual holiday playlist are the first part of the discussion in this episode. Watching a young Alan Hale Jr., who played the Skipper from Gilligan's Island, star in a 1940s holiday movie is enticing enough. Wait til you find out more about Rod Serling's only Christmas movie, which starred Peter Sellers and Robert Shaw, who played the character consumed by an angry shark in the movie, Jaws. The second focus of this episode highlights a few silent Christmas films believed to be the firsts of their kind ever made. Wherever you are, enjoy listening -- and have a safe and happy holiday season.
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You know them well. Rankin Bass, also known as Videocraft International, produced some of the most memorable holiday tv specials using stop-motion techniques. Titles included Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, Santa Claus is Coming to Town, the Little Drummer Boy, and many, many more. Canadians, especially Torontonians, are delighted to learn about the many local talents that went into the productions, notably the Canadian actress whose voice is also shared by Rudolph. But did you know that Rankin Bass also made feature length films, using actors that included Boris Karloff and James Cagney? They also made a couple of TV series. Enjoy this special holiday episode to learn more about the creative forces behind some of our most beloved holiday specials.
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Remakes are all the rage today. But there are a handful of films and tv shows that have been overlooked or simply haven't been tackled. This episode talks about five older and under-rated bits of cinematic history that could be given renewed life and a totally different treatment.
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Promoting a cause or issue is a lot trickier than many people think. It's one thing to get attention, but maintaining that attention, and converting interest into action, takes a refined strategy with clearly defined goals and objectives. Yet, even with all the "right" ingredients, timing -- and sometimes even luck -- often make a measurable impact. Learn more about advocacy and issue promotion in this episode.
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On Monday November 30, Canada's Minister of Finance presented a "mini budget" designed to give an economic update as well as outline spending proposals over the next several months. The numbers are big, and the details are slim. Does it respond sufficiently to how the pandemic is affecting Canadians? Is it enough to keep the country from plunging into an unprecedented economic spiral? Will this spending plan get the support of enough opposition MPs to avoid a federal election? This episode gives you the key take-aways of Minister Freeland's 2020 Fiscal Update.
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One of the greatest benefits of a cluster of small businesses is the character it gives to a neighbourhood or community. Small businesses are vital to creating that "main street" feel, giving your community one of its central draws. We need those small businesses, and we need the big ones, too. This episode discusses how The Walmarts and Amazons of the world make their contributions, despite popular criticism against them -- and why some of that popular criticism is a little contradictory and lacking a consistent logic. In fact, without these "big guys", this episode argues, our communities would likely not be as economically robust.
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The ever-changing global political geography shows no sign of slowing. Anywhere you look, countries change names, sometimes even borders. Others have reduced or expanded in size. New countries are created ever ten years or so. This process has certainly not been relegated to history. As the brief survey in the episode points out, if you're a fan of world maps and flags, the ongoing momentum of change will keep you occupied.
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The Fan Controlled Football League begins its six-week season in February. Unlike anything that's preceded it, the FCFL is completely fan-based: fans choose and decide on a range of issues, from team names, to draft selections and even play calls during the games. Similar to some other social media platforms, the app will reward fans based on the worthiness of their decisions, which then translates into a stronger value per vote for the fan. Whatever the impact or longevity of this league, the FCFL should appeal to a certain type of fan by offering a real alternative to conventional-styled pro football.
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It hasn't happened yet. But wouldn't it be cool? Either as a Lee-Lifeson project of taking several songs and rearranging them for an unplugged, accoustic performance? This could be a one-off. Or it could also be the next iteration of Rush, especially if such a project produced one or two new songs. Either way, fans would be treated to a catalog of renewed and reworked material. And this really would be cool.
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Death and celebrity together create a profound effect among people. Death is hard enough, but when we add "celebrity" to the mix, the result is often deeper than is the case with family members. This year, like most, has a large roster of celebrities who have passed. However, this year, unlike most, also features the enormous death toll that has affected many, many ordinary people and families around the globe. Which forces us to ask the question: what is it about death and celebrity that so profoundly touches us?
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Halloween is around the corner. This year is going to be different, we know. But two ways in which Halloween season will remain the same is through the decorations -- which have already begun adorning neighbourhood houses and lawns -- and, of course, the movies we binge on throughout the month of October. This Halloween Season episode talks what a horror film actually is, and throws into the mix a few interesting titles for you to consider watching.
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Canada's Speech from the Throne is a ceremony and document that commences a new governing session of Parliament. Will this plan be enough to steer Canada through the global pandemic? Will it be enough to keep the government afloat? This episode breaks down the main policy thrusts of this year's Throne Speech, and talks about what happens if it doesn't receive the support the government hopes it will.
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Star Trek: The First Frontier is a fan-made production that explores the very first commander of the USS Enterprise NCC-1701, Captain Robert April, and his crew on their maiden voyage. This episode talks about what went into putting this labour of love together, and how you can watch the film online. Star Trek: The First Frontier was released on the most recent Star Trek Day, September 8, 2020.
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Rush material you never heard live? Songs that were never played live? This is the ultimate Rush setlist of more-or-less un-setlisted material -- great, interesting and odd stuff that just never made it to a setlist.
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His most well-known quote tells us that there is no such thing as bad press. It turns out that PT Barnum had a lot more wisdom about promotion than just long-lasting quotes. I recently read Barnum's memoirs, originally published in the late 1860s. PT was not only a showman and promoter, but he knew people, how to read people, and how to build and retain a customer base. And the main advice he shares? Be polite and kind to your customers. This episode briefly highlights some of Barnum's wisdom in the context of today's challenges of communication, sales and promotion.
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Did you know that some researchers claim that the roots of so-called classical music can be found in ancient Egypt? Music genealogy is fun stuff. It's that fascinating connection of one style of music, even a single performer, to another style or performer. And the connections can sometimes be surprising. This episode highlights some of those connections, and talks about the sources of several genres of music.
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We have to fall in love with a problem, savoring it, otherwise we can never know that problem or understand it. And without that knowledge, we never build a sustainable solution. This advice has been conspicuously absent in political strategy -- until lately. The Democrats might have hit on something valuable by endorsing the Biden-Harris ticket in the 2020 presidential election. It depends more on who goes out to vote in November.
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Forty years of making music and touring results in a seriously large vault of live recordings. Each recording captures not just the setlist from a particular show (or series of performances), but the feel of the time, ambiance and acoustic quality of the venue, the fan response, and, of course, the technology available when the recording was made. Suffice to say that isolating one live recording as the "best" live Rush disc is a daunting task. This episode surveys the many live recordings out there, and demonstrates why each is one is great in itself. The background music is used strictly for contextual purposes and generates no money. Enjoy.
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We generally enjoy lazy, hot days at this time of year, with motivation to do little more than take a vacation or kick-back at the beach. Surprisingly, August 2020 has been quite busy. This episode surveys the news updates during this year's summer dog days.
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This episode features a live recording of a father-son duo performing on the beautiful historical streets of Puebla, Mexico, in July 2018. The pair was performing in the early morning outside one of the most charming cafes I've encountered. My wife recorded this song on her cell phone, as we sat and took in the sights and sounds of what is truly one of North America's loveliest cities.
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The Australian Football League has been a darling of football during the 2020 summer, as there is no football in Canada and no NFL pre-season. But wait. We suddenly received news over the last several days that the XFL may yet, again, be fielding live football in the not-too-distant future. Fingers crossed.
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Using music to help convey or promote a message is a practice that is centuries old. Music captures attention, and it helps cultivate appeal, community and affinity. In short, music matters. In the world of politics and political messaging, music is just as important, and used increasingly in various forums. From elections to awareness-raising events, and sometimes even as a component of lobbying, music plays an integral role in selling, recruiting and retaining. As a testament to the power of music, remember that the only audio in silent pictures was the musical accompaniment. If you're still not convinced of the power of music, just ask the Pied Piper.
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Season 1 of Star Trek Picard is great. But if you want a fuller appreciation, consider reading the tie-in novel, Star Trek Picard: The Last Best Hope. This story gives fans a seamless transition from where we left off with Nemesis and Star Trek (2009) to the new series. The Last Best Hope gives us the before, behind and between, and the fills the gaps about which many have commented. Not only do the story-lines emerge much fuller, the fan is exposed to a fascinatingly elegant interplay among the mediums that include TNG film, Abrams films, short prequel, written novel and television production.
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This episode of the BBB Podcast takes listeners on a tour of southwest Ontario, specifically to a town that was once called Berlin, and in a province that was once called Upper Canada. Changing place names seems all the rage right now, but, in fact, there's a long history associated with the practice. One could review the history of names like New York or Toronto, and find original names that were different. Look on a map today and try to locate a place called Swaziland. Editing cultural history, it seems, is an ongoing exercise by those who hold, or at least influence, the pen.
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Some have very good quality, others have great soundtracks. But what is common to all overrated films is the exaggerated rating given by fans who deem the quality far greater than the movie ever will be. Movie reputations and accolades sometimes give a film a certain "must-see" or cult-like status. The reviews and reputation, however, don't always add up to making it a great picture. All reviews, including this Top 10 list, are fundamentally subjective, so will vary from one viewer to the next.
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In some instances, we find more in a name than we would like. Sometimes we find histories and legacies of racism, hate and exclusion. There are examples of such names that pretty much everyone considers clear-cut. Then there are those that are questionable, as this episode explores. The takeaway here is that we cannot be guided by an ideological tilt towards cleansing; we've experienced too much that despotism. We also must exercise caution to steer clear of a reactionary judgment or condemnation of anything from the past. If we are to re-write names of things or places, we'd better have a clear conscience and consistent rationale as to what is and what is not to be included.
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The art of illusion is critical to the successful cultivation of brand and image. Theatre and drama are at least 75% of everything we do. Those who understand and embrace this fact are those who become successful. And if you think this doesn't apply to you, think again. Have you ever asked which photo makes you look thinner, younger or healthier, or considered why that business suit makes you feel more confident when you walk in to the company team meeting?
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Star Trek Lower Decks, set to engage on August 6, is the second animated series in the Star Trek family of productions. The Animated Series of the early 1970s was, more or less, a translation of the original series that retained its high-brow science fiction story-lines with mediocre animation. Lower Decks, in contrast, seems to be a somewhat lower-brow take on the TNG era, told within superior animation. This one looks very different than any other Star Trek offering out there, which gives it promise. A legacy of TAS of the 70s is the writing, with many of those stories and sub-plots having emerged in later episodes and films. Lower Decks looks promising, and, if the writing is consistent with the traditionally high caliber level of Star Trek writing, then this show should be a winner.
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Companies taking a stand on social causes hasn't been around all that long. Granted, during the major wars, companies were recruited to extend wartime messaging. But having a company's leadership declare that it stands for stronger environmental protections, social equality or inclusion, for example, date back only within recent decades. The reason for this should be obvious: companies exist to make money, not champion social causes. Even if one of their main objectives were to champion social causes, a company's leadership is neither accountable nor elected by the public at large. The corporate entity ultimately answers to a different elector. While there can be role for the private sector to help advance a cause, the ultimate objective is always finding ways to expand the bucks -- and the ways of doing that can vary with the times and with the firm's given roster of senior executives. Moreover, there will always be one or two somewhat disingenuous Me-too's who simply need to have a seat on the band-wagon.
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It sometimes hits us bluntly, like a hammer. Other times, it's more like an elegant symphony. Creative Destruction happens when one technology (and all associated with it) is replaced by a new innovation, which eliminates (and destroys) what was once there -- but often blossoms into something new and perhaps even better. While it can be interesting to read the lists of jobs and areas of employment that are forecast to become eliminated and replaced by newer forms of technology; doing so can drive us to ask ourselves if we once had a job that has since been eliminated and replaced by some sort of technology or newer way of doing things.
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This year we see the United Nations reaching its 75th anniversary. The UN's leadership has chosen to mark this occasion by looking inward and looking back, rather than patting itself on the back. Where has the UN failed, how has it done well, in what ways can it improve? These are the questions that drive the UN's efforts in consultation, and, hopefully, action toward improvement. This year also marks the installment of Canada's newest Permanent Representative in New York, Honourable Bob Rae. So it is no coincidence that, as the UN considers how to renew itself, we have a new ambassador that has unparalleled experience in finding a balance between idealism and sustainable action. As Canada is a country that must frequently ask honest questions about what it is and where it is going, this may be a year of creativity and wonderful opportunities.
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The general worldly opinion of Rush music videos is generally quite low. Even members of Rush themselves have remarked on the videos as not really standing up to a quality that represents the output of the band. But is this an accurate or fair assessment? This episode talks about the difference between Rush's concert footage, the mini movie productions specially put together for stage complement, and the official music videos themselves. The discussion also recommends giving a fresh look at the video catalog, and compare that with other video output of the band (for example, concert films). Even a fresh look at the videos themselves reveals an overwhelmingly good to high quality of production -- despite the general and popular opinion.
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From the Original Series, through the films, and right up to Star Trek Picard, Canada makes its presence known. Even in the fan and expanded universes of Star Trek, there's a little bit of Canada every now and then. So as we celebrate Canada Day, when we honour the contributions of Canadians, we can also look to future (albeit a fictitious one), and applaud the fact that Star Trek writers and producers have seen fit to ensure that Canadians, too, will boldly go where no one has gone before. If you're a fan of Star Trek, this is a fun reason for celebration and a great way to look closer at the episodes, characters and stories referenced in this episode.
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One of the many great features about Toronto is the fact that there's so much Rush just about everywhere. Imagery from albums including Power Windows, Fly by Night, Moving Pictures and Hemispheres (to name a few) find there sources in all sorts of landmarks, buildings, music venues and streets. Some fans have even built their tours of the city around an album-oriented, Rush landscape guide. If you're a fan of the band, and you find yourself in Toronto, this episode gives you the details on 18 of the best things to see and places to visit that are echoed in the Rush catalogue. Safe travels.
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Who knew that social behaviour during a global pandemic would become more viral than an actual virus itself? Social isolation and the shutdown of most workplaces around the globe have afforded many people more opportunities to reach out through the various social media platforms. This can be enormously beneficial. Yet we are learning that social media seems perfectly suited to those whose main addiction is being outraged at something or someone. It has become a vehicle for the recreation of being offended. It is a world where dialogue is limited to prescribed narrative. And like a street mob, the members of that social media platform ostracize those whose opinions are contrary. These platforms bring people together and help foster friendships and community in ways that were not previously conceivable; yet the instantaneous acquisition of information has become confused with the process of acquiring knowledge, finding truth and gaining wisdom.
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Finding solutions to new challenges sometimes requires us to think completely outside the parameters we're used to. This might well apply to the CFL for whatever becomes of the 2020 season. If you know you can't achieve anything remotely close to your expectations, why not completely turn the issue upside down and conceptualize something new, something crazy perhaps. What if the so-called hub cities for 2020 were designated as smaller locales, preferably where universities are also located? Who knows? Crazy thinking like this might actually deepen the roots of CFL football across Canada.
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Many bands have evolved their members, suggesting that the band is an entity that exists aside from any particular member, that the band is possibly bigger than the sum of this members. Is this the case with Rush? Could Rush have a different drummer, different members for that matter? If so, would it still be Rush? Fans have experienced two recorded iterations of Rush. Could there possibly be another? This episode talks about the role of musicians in a band, and what those various identities can mean for both other members of the band and the fans.
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With some many people going cabin crazy, while others reduced the number of vacations over the next year, the prospect of a late fall or winter get-a-way is looking more appealing for snowbirds. In fact, vacation companies report an increase in bookings. While the dust is yet to settle, many resort companies have been putting in place a host of new policies, procedures and practices that respond to the global health crisis. This episode explores what things might look like for a typical winter vacation.
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Quite a lofty title for a relatively short episode. But this one, in fact, may evolve into something much bigger. The question discussed in this episode: "Is is possible for a narrator to tell a story without influencing the viewpoint of the audience?". There was once a guiding sense of professionalism in this field that dictated that the reader ought to draw his or her own conclusions, that the writer (or reporter, as might be the case), is not part of the story and should not be exerting his or her views. That sense of professionalism is increasingly rare. Gonzo journalism placed the reporter and the writer well within the story as a participant, and not a mere observer. While popular, the lemming urge to race towards the "middle" doesn't help narrative and story-telling. Social media and frugality in financial management aren't helping this trend, either. Then again, is all this really quite inconsequential? Does it matter?
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Soundmarks. Sound trademarks. Sound logos. Whatever you call them, they are one of the tools of sound branding. They are the acoustic equivalent of a visual logo, and, when used with visual properties, they have the potential to be very powerful identifiers of a product or service. This episode, like most in this podcast, do not make or intend to make money. The sound clips used in this episode are presented for information and discussion purposes, and have not been otherwise edited or reproduced.
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It is no easy challenge keeping the Canadian Football League afloat. Team owners and presidents know that situation all too well. And just when the CFL thought it had seen it all, we're now looking at a situation in which the very existence of the League is in jeopardy. A League that relies heavily on gate receipts, the CFL won't likely play until September -- if that is even possible. Even if play commences, there is close to zero likelihood that stadiums will see many fans filling the seats. So what happens now? And should the Government of Canada step up and do something to get the CFL through the crisis of the global pandemic?
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Words have fun origins. The usage and meaning of words can change to reflect new social behaviour, new technology, and new economic contexts. Every year we find at least one new word added to our dictionaries. Some words change meaning over time, while others are completely new.
Only four months in 2020 and we already have a Top 10 list of words we're using differently, as well as new or coined words that have made their ways into our daily vernacular. There is usually something "new" that generates a new word or a new usage of an existing word. That something in 2020 is a virus. And our dictionaries are going to be updated to reflect these additions to our terminology.
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We're seeing governments around the world using fiscal resources to address domestic crises as a result of the global COVID-19 pandemic. These are necessary, at least temporarily. But there is something missing, something many leaders, notably the Canadian Prime Minister, are not latching on to. We know there is, or soon will be, a new reality about the way we do things; yet our leaders are still working within existing structures and paradigms, and using old prescriptions. If ever there was time for something new and bold, it's now. We've had grand coalitions of governance during past crises. We need a grand governing structure of hope and opportunity, and the Prime Minister can begin setting this in motion by making some very bold moves. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it ~Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
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Just when things were looking up for year-round football (See Season 1, Episode 2), the XFL has folded. Two and a half months into their inaugural season saw a suspension of play (while players and staff were still remunerated), then the release of all players, then the elimination of all operations staff, to the final blow -- the filing for bankruptcy -- on April 13. The XFL had some serious potential, and its benefits will continue to be enjoyed by the NFL and CFL. The economic impacts of the global pandemic are beginning to resemble the aftermath of wild brush fires.
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This special episode is dedicated completely to the power of music.
It is often said, in varying ways, that the universal language of music can sometimes have the effect of calming the demons that roam among us. Today, one of the demons that prevails is stress. Stress leads to so many negative outcomes.
So for your enjoyment, for 2 and a half minutes of therapeutic inspiration, hopefully providing a bit of stress relief, this Episode shares with you a folk song performed in French by Lucie Marchesseault from beautiful Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada, with full-on early 1900s studio effect. Presented here is "Ca va bien aller". The song's words essentially say that "Although we need to be distanced in such difficult times, we will still be friends. There is hope, and I will be there for you."
Enjoy.
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This episode talks about how almost anyone, almost anywhere, can make a contribution to helping others during the COVID-19 crisis. Now that we know this crisis has impacted many longer-term aspects of our lives, we need to begin adapting. And part of that adaptation must focus less on social isolation and greed-driven shopping at the grocery store, and more on how we as individuals and communities can help make a difference in our communities and for others.
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Why 7? Why not? You'll find tons of "top 10" or "top 50" lists for everything ranging from films and books to music. As Rush is one of my favourite bands, with 57 concerts under my belt, it is safe to say that I might have a bit of experience with this band that others might find useful. I own nearly everything that Rush has recorded and performed. So, reflecting on all of it, today these are my Top 7 albums. Enjoy.
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The current crisis facing Canada and, indeed, everyone around the globe, will amplify the fault lines between rich and poor, between generations, between the global north and south, and will potentially leave us with even deeper divisions and challenges. This episode discusses how this crisis is amplifying the concerns of political leadership -- and cooperation -- in Canada, and how we may yet find new and better ways of governing. This is our grand opportunity.
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This is the first in a series of upcoming episodes that explores the impact of Toronto's music venues, the bands that played there, and the retail scene and events that complemented both. This episode considers the concept of economic clusters, and discusses how such a concept might be applied to a music scene in cities like Nashville, Cleveland and Toronto. The concept of an economic cluster, or a music cluster in this instance, is useful for measuring where they exist and how they might be strengthened.
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While the idea of streaming live content is not new, social distancing has propelled us more towards social media. If, for whatever reason, you don't want to be at a live venue, or you can't be, why not experience the music through a social media feed/platform?
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For the second year in a row a new league of football has ceased playing prior to the close of the season. In fact, what was supposed to be a link in the gap of football has been an addition to the growing list of indefinitely cancelled sports leagues around the world. At least this time the cause was not of the league's own doing. And, if XFL execs are careful this off-season, they may in fact return next with a even bigger fan base.
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As news around COVID19 develops by the hour, people are dealing with business closures, self-isolation and social distancing. The emptiness of the streets and the subways is just plain eerie. And people in grocery stores are being rude and selfish beyond belief.
It was announced in recent hours that the Canadian border would be closed to everyone except necessary travel by Canadians, landed immigrants and some Americans.
In effect, they've shut down March!
There has to be some good that comes from all of this. But what?
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What's old is new again. LPs went out of production for many years. CDs were the thing. Then digital music overtook CDs. And LPs came back again. Most consumers, statistics tell us, are younger. They spend significantly more on each disc than was the case just prior the demise of the record. And today's consumers claim to enjoy a more authentic listening experience than they do through digital platforms or CDs. Let's talk about that, whether or not you agree, and if music has changed so profoundly that LPs are just a temporary expensive novelty.
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There's a level of panic that outstrips the reality of Covid19. This episode talks about the current global spread of the coronavirus in the context of that panic, and suggests that the panic generated might be more viral than the virus itself. This discussion in no way minimizes the danger, but points out a number of contradictory attitudes among people. At the beginning of the pandemic, people wore face masks (incorrectly at that) in the belief that this equipment alone provided sufficient protection for themselves. Face masks are vital when understand and worn properly.
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From the TV shows to the films, here's a fun ranking of the Star Trek offerings and why I think some things deserve greater attention than they might have received over the years. It's easy to revisit both the films and series, especially through streaming services (some of which contain the entire Star Trek catalog). Sometimes we enjoyed or really didn't like a show or film simply because of what else might have been happening at the time (the context of the productions, priorities in our lives, current affairs). So revisiting a production years later can shed a new and interesting light. Titles not mentioned in this episode do not stand out in my opinion as either best or least favourites.
This episode was conceived and produced during the afternoon of a brutally cold snow-day in Toronto, with work and businesses shutting down earlier than usual (with the exception of the production of Star Trek: Discovery, which was busy at work just a few minutes away from me), thereby providing a little more "free" time to have some fun. Enjoy.
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The story around the new vehicle plates in Ontario helps illustrate the sensitive relationship among public policy, political goals and communication branding. Each sphere is important, but subsuming one into the other can sometimes compromise the integrity of the outcome. Such is the case with the issue of Ontario's new licence plates. The take-away: make sure your solution addresses the core principles of the issue you're confronting.
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Consider these helpful tips when booking, and maximizing your experience for, a winter vacation. January 27, 2020.
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Here are 6 essential tips for growing your idea or service through social media and marketing.
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These raw interviews are with various journalism students following a seminar in which I was guest speaker at Ryerson University in 2006.
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This podcast was originally produced in 2006. It is republished here strictly for historical and information purposes.
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Talking about the pending kickoff of the new XFL and its inaugural season. Can this League last?
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This episode looks back to Snakes and Arrows, taking a 2007 blog review and using it to enjoy the legacy of the band within the context of the death of Neil Peart.
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