Why (Not) Here?: Recent Episodes
Why (Not) Here?
Toronto, Ontario is full of talented artists. Dubbed "Hollywood North", the city is a hotbed of creativity. Whether it's film, TV, music, visual arts, fashion, photography, or anything in between, people here are creating it... and doing it well. So who are these people? What is life like as an artist, in general, but especially here in the city? Hosted by Quincy Mutter, the goal of this podcast is to create a platform for listeners to really get to know the talented people living all around us. New episodes every Friday. Come hang out.
Cover Art by Alex Stone
Meet Maddy! Based out of Toronto, Maddy is a model and actress who primarily works in Montreal and the GTA. You may have caught her online in Vogue, on screen in Ginny and Georgia, or on stage (virtually) in Antigone for Toronto Fringe Festival. Maddy is another alumni of the Humber Acting for Film and Television program. When she's not in front of the lens, she is working behind the scenes for smART Magazine, as a writer and copy editor. In this episode, we get real; we talk about modelling, filming a play (yes, you read that right), boundaries, balance, social media, mental health, and so much more. Enjoy! Where to find Maddy... Instagram: @madeleine.kane IMDb: Madeleine Kane Music in this episode: Wavy by Julian Del Grosso feat. Your Hunni Follow us on Instagram @whynotherepodcast Email us: whynotherepodcast@gmail.com
Meet Hershawn!
Hershawn has been doing comedy since Valentines Day on 2018 (oddly specific, right? There's a story there -- kind of). He describes growing up in a family where comedy was ever-present, which explains the level of skill he has attained after a relatively short time performing. When he's not getting laughs, or mopping floors, Hershawn is making music. His new EP called "Hopeless Romantic" came out earlier this year, and he recently performed some of his tracks at Ampitheatre Unplugged in Mississauga Celebration Square.
In this episode, we talk comedy, philosophy, parental expectations, working with kids, and so much more. When you stop laughing, you'll feel the sudden urge to chase your dreams. Don't blame us if you're still waitressing in 10 years.
Where to find Hershawn...
You can watch him perform this coming Wednesday, September 1st at 9:30pm @ The Comedy Bar --> CLICK HERE
Instagram: @rapsandlaughs
LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/rapsandlaughs
YouTube: Hershawn Arora
Music in this episode: Addicted by Hershawn
Follow us on Instagram @whynotherepodcast
Email us: whynotherepodcast@gmail.com
Meet Paulina!
Paulina goes by the artist name "Guera," which is a nod to her roots. Mexico-born and Toronto-raised, she uses her music to tell a story, through words and melody. Guera's music blends the old and new, inspired by old school Reggaeton. Her third single of 2021 will be coming out soon.
In this episode we talk about music, Femme Fatales, setting boundaries, toxic relationships, mental health, challenging yourself, and so much more. Paulina is interesting, eloquent, and generous with her openness. Enjoy getting to know her!
Where to find Paulina...
Instagram: @gueraofficial_
YouTube: Guera Official
Spotify: Guera
Music in this episode: Femme Fatale by Guera
Follow us on Instagram @whynotherepodcast
Email us: whynotherepodcast@gmail.com
Meet Doug!
Born and raised just north of the city, Doug is a talented director and filmmaker. He and his partner, Konstantina Mantelos, create their passion projects under the banner Spinning Top Pictures. Together they have produced short films that have screened at the Foyle Film Festival, the Los Angeles Film Festival, the Pendance Film Festival, and many more.
In this episode, we talk about being an independent filmmaker, the value of collaboration, Netflix originals, and so much more. Enjoy!
Where to find Doug...
Instagram: @dougie.gibb
IMDb: Douglas Gibbens
Website: spinningtoppictures.com
Spotify: Fitzgibben
Music in this episode: Incantations by Fitzgibben
Follow us on Instagram @whynotherepodcast
Email us: whynotherepodcast@gmail.com
Meet Brandon!
Always a music lover, transitioning into the world of DJing simply made sense for Brandon. He's quickly gained the skills of someone with years of experience, thanks to his work ethic and perfectionism. Based out of Toronto, DJ Lusaka is one of the resident DJs at the Fox on John.
In this episode we talk about Brandon's venture into the fashion world (Nerd Couture™), martial arts (of course), "DJ bootcamp", and so much more. Listen closely and you might win a tomato.
Where to find Brandon...
Instagram: @dj.lusaka
TikTok: djlusaka
Music in this episode: Too Hype by DIVINE feat. Sid Sriram & Sanjoy (collab with former guest, Julian Delgrosso)
Follow us on Instagram @whynotherepodcast
Email us: whynotherepodcast@gmail.com
LOOKING FOR MORE MUSIC
If you're a Toronto-based musician, please link your music to our Instagram or email, we'd love to feature you!
Meet Joseph!
In life and on stage, Joseph has an unmistakable presence. A Stella Adler and Windsor BFA graduate, Joseph is an extensively trained actor based out of Toronto. With a background in theatre, and a penchant for musicals and Shakespeare, he has recently begun venturing into the world of film and television acting. In The Time Before™, Joseph was a part of a four-month long run of Peter Pan, A Musical Comedy at the Neptune Theatre in Halifax.
In this episode we talk about acting, adoption (Guatemalan-born, but Italian-raised), "cooking on your own time", queer realness, and whether or not Jesus got laid. You'll want to laugh, and then cry, maybe scream a bit, and then laugh again. Get ready to fall in love with him.
Where to find Joseph...
Instagram: @josephzita
Twitter: @josephzita
IMDb: Joseph Zita
TTDB: https://ttdb.ca/people/joseph-zita/
Music in this episode: Just for Tonight by CityZen
Follow us on Instagram @whynotherepodcast
Email us: whynotherepodcast@gmail.com
*LOOKING FOR MORE MUSIC***
If you're a Toronto-based musician, please link your music to our Instagram or email, we'd love to feature you!
Meet Eddie!
A Toronto-native, Eddie grew up on sets. A child actor, with two actor parents, his childhood was far from what most would consider normal. These days, he is still acting (most recently, he did an episode of the Baronness Von Sketch Show), but is now making a transition into sports broadcasting. Eddie is also a talented writer; he wrote and produced a short film called "Family Ties" (link below).
In this episode we talk about growing up as a working actor, dream jobs, the struggles of low-budget film making, and much more -- all peppered with funny stories and anecdotes. Enjoy!
Where to find Eddie...
YouTube: Family Ties
Instagram: @eddiehuband
IMDb: Eddie Max Huband
Podcast: The Film Sessions Podcast
Music on this episode: Valley of the Hills by Sanjoy and Trey Schafer
Follow us on Instagram @whynotherepodcast
Email us: whynotherepodcast@gmail.com
LOOKING FOR MORE MUSIC
If you're a Toronto-based musician, please link your music to our Instagram or email, we'd love to feature you!
Meet Andrea!
Our first visual artist guest, Andrea specializes in digital art and alcohol ink. After 10 years away from creating, she found her way back to the arts and started her own business, Crown and Palette. She works full time while constantly creating art and working on commissions (when does she sleep? Seriously?). A lover of astrology, Andrea found her tribe among the spiritual artists of Instagram. Her digital work is surreal, powerful, and fantastical, while her alcohol ink work is dainty, feminine, and classic.
In this episode we talk about the technical side of art (what is alcohol ink?), the pressures of being an artist on social media (always needing to create), balance (or a lack thereof), NFTs (WTF is that?), and so much more...
Where to find Andrea...
Instagram: @crownandpalette
Alcohol Ink IG: @crownandpalette_ai
Foundation: @crownandpalette
Music in this episode: Dumbfounding by CityZen
Follow us on Instagram @whynotherepodcast
Email us: whynotherepodcast@gmail.com
Meet Paige!
Paige is a star-in-the-making, and probably one of the kindest souls you will ever meet. She is a talented actress who has been actively working in the industry since graduating from the Humber Acting for Film and Television program in spring 2019. She is represented by Compass Artist Management in Toronto. Also a dancer, Paige works as a dance and acting instructor for youth in the Durham region.
In this episode we talk about booking her first lead role in a feature film, being on set during COVID, love/relationships, life-changing injuries, and finding ways to keep practicing your craft. Enjoy the ride!
Where to find Paige...
Instagram: @paigemadisonevans
TikTok: @paigemevans
IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm10140728/
Music in this episode: Haunted by IIKINGS, Brandon Mint, and Shaeane
Follow us on Instagram @whynotherepodcast
Email us: whynotherepodcast@gmail.com
Meet Zac!
Zac is an incredibly talented writer and director with a knack for telling deeply personal stories in unexpected ways. Since graduating from the Humber College Film and Television Production program in 2019, Zac has been working in the industry professionally in various capacities. He has worked as a producer, cinematographer, and camera op extraordinaire, among other roles.
In this episode, we talk about the dangers of being too good at something, writing for a female character (feminist-approved), how far he's gone for the perfect shot, and the power of saying "Yes". Buckle up, this is a fun one!
Where to find Zac...
Instagram: @zac.pl
YouTube: Zac Pinto Lobo
IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm10059822/
Music in this episode: Right Now by Ugly Tomorrow
Follow us on Instagram @whynotherepodcast
Email us: whynotherepodcast@gmail.com
Meet Shaeane Jimenez!
Shaeane is a singer-songwriter who began performing as a pre-teen in her home town of Red Deer, Alberta. She began creating music at a young age, and is also a talented actress (represented by Compass Artist Management). She moonlights as a Badass™.
In this episode we discuss a record-number of topics: musical inspirations, what makes people extraordinary, (unrealistic) goal setting, free climbing, Brazilian jiu jitsu Superfights, and so much more. Just two girlfriends catching up. Come hang with us!
Where to find Shaeane...
Instagram: @shaeanemusic
ALL the listening platforms: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/iikingsandbrandonmints/haunted-feat-shaeane
IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7900092/
Music in this episode: Joker by Shaeane
Follow us on Instagram @whynotherepodcast
Email us: whynotherepodcast@gmail.com
Meet Jacob Schmor!
Jacob is a talented young musician, born and raised in Brampton. He's had a deep love for music since he was young, and has found his own unique voice in the music he creates. His new band, CityZen, has two singles out now and will be releasing their first album on June 4th.
In this episode, we talk about Jacob's his inspirations, the collaborative process, band break ups, life in an Amazon warehouse, dating apps, and much, much more. Enjoy!
Where to find Jacob...
Jacob's Instagram: @jacobschmor
CityZen's Instagram: @cityzen_band
ALL the listening platforms: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/cityzen/dead-roses
Music in this episode: Fine by CityZen
Follow us on Instagram @whynotherepodcast
Email us: whynotherepodcast@gmail.com
Meet Chris DiStaulo!
Chris is a Toronto-based director with a unique style. Growing up in Etobicoke, his love for film started from a young age. He has received awards at Palm Springs International Film Festival, Canada International Film Festival, Cannes International Film Festival Court Métrage, and many more. Today we get a look behind the curtain: what is going through his head when he comes up with his story ideas? What exactly does a director do, and what advice does he have for the green up-and-comers? We also discuss mental health, WTF is a Betamax, and much more in this very ~cheeky~ episode. Enjoy!
Where to find Chris...
Website: https://www.chrisdistaulo.com/
Instagram: @chrisdistaulo
Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/chrisdistaulo
IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4254117/
Music in this episode: Take the Wheel by ZachInLove
Follow us on Instagram @whynotherepodcast
Email us: whynotherepodcast@gmail.com
Meet Julian Del Grosso!
Julian is a musician, music producer, and film composer who grew up just north of Toronto. In 2019 he moved out to LA for a time, where he was able to collaborate with different artists and producers while growing his experience and knowledge base. Now back in the GTA, Julian has dipped his toes into the Indie film scene, composing tracks and even getting in front of the camera as an actor. He sometimes wonders if his guitars ever feel unloved, and once had a near-death experience on a film set. We cover all of these topics and more in this fun and fast-paced episode. Listen responsibly.
Where to find Julian...
Instagram: @julian.delgrosso
Spotify: Julian Del Grosso
Podcast: I Have 100 Show
Music in this episode: I Feel Good Too by ZachInLove
Follow us on Instagram @whynotherepodcast
Email us: whynotherepodcast@gmail.com
Meet Carlos Felipe Martinez!
Carlos is an actor from Mexico City. He is another graduate of the Humber Acting for Film and Television program, where he was the recipient of the Academic Award of Excellence and the Dorothy Phillips Memorial Award. Before coming to Canada, he graduated in Acting for Theatre from the prestigious Mexican acting school "CasAzul Artes Escenicas", headed by Argos Television. Carlos Felipe has worked in both Canadian and Mexican television series and in 2020, he finished developing a series which he wrote, produced, edited and starred in. His goal with the series is to bring attention to the difficult reality of foreign actors in the English speaking entertainment. He currently lives in Madrid.
In this episode we talk about the difficulties of gaining permanent resident (and union) status in Canada, why trauma can be a boon to artists, the benefits to casting non-actors in certain roles, and who would win in a fight... among many other things.
Where to find Carlos...
Website: www.carlosfelipeactor.com
Instagram: @carlos_felipe_martinez
LUFA Web Series: https://www.carlosfelipeactor.com/lufa-web-series
Follow us on Instagram @whynotherepodcast
Email us: whynotherepodcast@gmail.com
Meet Dani Romero!
Dani is a talented Toronto-based actress, who grew up in Mexico City before moving to Toronto as a young teenager. She also co-wrote two films that were featured in the Toronto Indie Film Festival in 2016. She graduated from the Acting for Film and Television program at Humber College in 2018, and is currently represented by Hines Management.
In this episode we talk about being an actress in a global pandemic, what it's like emigrating to a different country at age 13, and being a "bad feminist".
Find Dani on...
Instagram: @danirombc
IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm8916069/bio?ref_=nm_ov_bio_sm
Watch Love for Hire dir. by Chris DiStaulo: https://vimeo.com/393525536
Follow us on Instagram @whynotherepodcast
Email us: whynotherepodcast@gmail.com