For What It's Worth

In this episode, I host Erich, a friend whose leanings are quite different from my own. Whereas I would describe my politics as center-right, he identifies as a socialist. We cover various topics including greed, human motivation, and political parties as brands. Erich also shares how his eyes were opened to extreme elements of The Left through his experiences of being the target of Twitter and Facebook mobs. -- Links: (Sponsor) www.lacabezagallery.com  -- Recorded on February 7th, 2019 Music: Hazardous - Light

The second installment of my exploration of The Bible through conversation with my Christian friend Hendrik. For a full introduction to the series, please listen to the intro of Part 1, FWIW episode 27. In this episode we tackle the second book of the Old Testament, Exodus. As before, the starting point for our various discussion points are my questions and struggles with the text which Hendrik addresses from his Christian perspective. Specific to Exodus, we delve into topics such as God as all of existence, evil as part of that existence, God’s role in the suffering of the Jews in Egypt, and more. -- Links: (Sponsor) www.lacabezagallery.com  -- Recorded on August 29th, 2018 Music: Hazardous - Light

In late October 2017, a user posted on 4chan, an anonymous forum, or image board. Under the title “The Calm Before the Storm,”. The poster claimed to have a high-level government security clearance — Q clearance to be exact. He…or she said they had been instructed to post intelligence leaks straight to 4chan “in order to covertly inform the public about President Trump’s master plan to stage a countercoup against members of the deep state”. In the months that followed, more and more people began paying attention to subsequent Q posts and a community formed, complete with its own terminology, inside jokes, and theories. Then, in the summer of 2018, Q supporters began to draw attention to themselves at Trump rallies, holding signs and openly speaking to reporters about the movement. Today, the community and theory lives on among others on the fringes of the internet, but also in plain sight on more “common” sites like Facebook, and now also in mainstream media. Joining me on this episode is Anon, a follower of the movement to talk about its intricacies as well as the internet sub culture of message boards. -- Some definitions and further reading: Fredrick "Hotwheels" Brennan, founder of 8chan: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fredrick_Brennan 8chan /pol forum: https://8ch.net/pol/index.html "Weaponized Autism" Definition: https://knowyourmeme.com/memes/weaponized-autism LARP: Live Action Role Play POTUS: President of the United States -- Links: (Sponsor) www.lacabezagallery.com  -- Recorded on August 14th, 2018 Music: Hazardous - Light

Love him or hate him, Donald Trump succeeded in his goal of becoming president of the United States and he did it in a way that was unlike anything we’ve seen before. His style and the way he marketed himself was unorthodox and he demonstrated new ways of using digital media which allowed him to spend much less money than his rival. So what can marketers learn from him? What should they emulate and what should they avoid? Has he fulfilled his brand promise? Has he kept control of his brand and what can businesses take away from some of his missteps? To discuss all this I was joined by Jeremy Ryan Slate, CEO, and Co-Founder of Command Your Brand Media and host of a podcast titled ‘Create Your Own Life’. -- Links: Jeremy's website and podcast: www.jeremyryanslate.com Jeremy's twitter: @jeremyryanslate (Sponsor) www.lacabezagallery.com  -- Recorded on December 13th, 2017 Music: Hazardous - Light  

Genesis, the first book of the Bible, presents us with some very challenging teachings and accounts. What are we to make of them? Do we interpret the writings literally? What should we make of the sexual acts found in its pages that we would now consider immoral, such as incest and rape, in the context of modern Christian morality? Why does it seem like God gives Man free will, but later is shown to be orchestrating events? To discuss and try to make sense of all of this and more, I’m joined by my friend Hendrik, a non-denominational Christian for whom the Bible is at the core of faith in God and Jesus Christ and has played an important part of his life since his ‘conversion’ to Christianity in adulthood. -- Links: (Sponsor) www.lacabezagallery.com  -- Recorded on November 30th, 2017 Music: Hazardous - Light

I’ve experienced the build ups to several high profile boxing matches including the 2015 clash between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquaio. However, I’ve never seen anything like the anticipation for Mayweather’s next fight which will take place on August 26th, 2017 against mixed martial arts star Conor McGregor. The fight will be a boxing match under boxing rules with Floyd as the favourite, none of which has not stopped McGregor from promising a knock out and bets on him winning the fight flooding Vegas. In this episode I chat with 2 friends, Kevin and Amine, to get their views on the fight as well as chew the fat over the various aspects of the build-up and possible outcomes. The personalities and achievements of the two fighters, the cross-over nature of the fight, as well as the current efforts under way to promote it are all potent ingredients in what may be the sporting event of this generation. -- Links: (Sponsor) www.lacabezagallery.com  -- Recorded on August 9th, 2017 Music: Hazardous - Light

Soccer in North America is starting to pick up in popularity driven by things like the accessibility of digital media and a 20 year old professional league, the MLS. So how did we get to where we are today and how healthy is the state of the game at present? On this episode I was joined by Rudi Schuller, editor at Sporting News and Goal.com as well as co-host of SiriusXM’s Canada FC to talk footie. We covered everything from the role of the MLS in the North American sports market, the various other soccer leagues that operate on the continent, compared the state of the game in the U.S. to that in Canada, supporter culture, and more. If you stick around you’ll even find out who Rudi predicts will win the MLS Cup this year. If you like the cut of his jib, check him out on Twitter @RudiSchuller. -- Links: (Sponsor) www.lacabezagallery.com  -- Recorded on March 17th, 2017 Music: Hazardous - Light

Whether it’s a spouse you seek or a vampire-themed 3-some one night stand, there’s an app for that! To discuss the online dating scene I'm joined by two friends who are/recently were players in the game. Randy, a self-described ‘serial dater’ who has recently taken himself out of the scene because the search has borne fruit…and Alice (not her real name), who asked to remain anonymous on account of many of the rather poor experiences she had to endure while dating online. Together, they take me through their stories, lessons learned, the questionable comments and behaviours of some of the guys out there, paid vs free services, and more.  -- Links: (Sponsor) www.lacabezagallery.com  -- Recorded on March 16th, 2017 Music: Hazardous - Light

Technology is changing the way brands market to us, how companies hire, how our data is captured, and what we think about privacy. On this episode I’m joined by the dynamic account team duo at Toronto agency ZenithOptimedia Group, Ryan Covel and Ryan Woodrow. The guys take me through how Ryan C got noticed by using social media ads to promote himself, as well as their takes on privacy as a currency online, the future of voice search, the internet of things, integration of digital marketing into traditionally offline spaces like billboards, online influencers, changing streaming business model for live sports, and of course the hottest marketing topic: content. -- Links: (Sponsor) www.lacabezagallery.com  -- Recorded on March 8th, 2017 Music: Hazardous - Light

When we’re young, we often imagine what our lives will look like when we’re older…I’m sure few of us picture the challenges that life has a funny way of throwing at us. A common wrinkle in people’s plans is that of becoming a single parent. Raising children is hard enough with someone else, let alone by yourself…so what is it like? What are the challenges, but more importantly, the lessons, if you should find yourself in this situation? And what about advice for young people, especially girls, to try and avoid the predicament in the first place? To discuss all this and more, I had the pleasure of hosting my long time friend, Natalia on the podcast. Our conversation touched on her own journey as a single mother and much more.  -- Links: (Sponsor) www.lacabezagallery.com  -- Recorded on February 9th, 2017 Music: Hazardous - Light

When the opportunity came up to have the discussion you’re about to hear about the Alt Right, I was excited because I anticipated my ideas about the movement to be confirmed – that it was more of a media invention to fit a narrative, and that a clear definition was elusive. I got something completely different, most importantly from Richard, a self-described member of the movement from North Dakota, and Mel, a Canadian ‘ally’, as she put it. Not only was a definition put forward comfortably, but Richard and Mel presented arguments which focused on culture, often the West vs Islam. Daniel, a Canadian, made his return to the podcast as an observer of the movement, given his general interest in politics. Throughout the conversation you’ll hear me trying to return to my starting point of seeing the movement as an invention, while the people who actually consider themselves part of it, correct me and explain how real it is. -- Links: (Sponsor) www.lacabezagallery.com  -- Recorded on February 3rd, 2017 Music: Hazardous - Light

Events around the world continue to bring Islam and its adherents into the spotlight while average non-Muslim Westerners struggle with how to make sense of what they’re reading, watching, and hearing. This is exactly why I wanted to do this episode for a very long time. I have so many questions…and I don’t feel like Western non-Muslims really know what our Muslim neighbours are thinking. Enter Amine. A friend of mine from Montreal, Canada. He joined me to discuss his take on the various geopolitical events involving Islam, his experiences as a Muslim in the West, and much more. -- Links: (Sponsor) www.lacabezagallery.com  -- Recorded on November 23rd, 2016 Music: Hazardous - Light

What do you know about puppetry? What inspires someone to devote their talents to this ancient art and what is its place in our modern digital world? To explore this realm and trace her journey, I converse with puppeteer, biomedical computing graduate, and and co-founder of Birdbone Theatre, Aleksandra Brągoszewska. We talk and talk and try to wrap our brains around subjects like the changing nature of human communication, art as political dissent, the artist in and out of the world, and so, so much more…’Ola’, as I refer to her in the interview, joined me from Montreal, and traced her history from immigration, to un-closeting her inner artist in Kingston, Ontario, through Vermont where she cut her teeth in the world of puppetry, and finally to the current adventures of Birdbone Theatre, including their upcoming Greek tour. -- Links: Birdbone Theatre: http://www.birdbonetheatre.org Bread and Puppet Theatre: http://breadandpuppet.org (Sponsor) La Cabeza Gallery: www.lacabezagallery.com -- Recorded on December 14th, 2016 Music: Hazardous - Light

Diana Davison is a media critic and civil rights advocate focused on feminism and gender issues. She runs a YouTube channel called ‘Feminism LOL’ as well as The Light House Project which is a non-profit organization with the mandate of preserving due process in the Canadian legal system, specifically addressing false accusations of sexual assault. I connected with Diana to discuss her take on the Men’s Rights Movement, rape culture, gender identity, individualism, obviously feminism, and much more. --- Links to to Diana’s projects and some of the groups and topics mentioned during our convo: Feminism LOL: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVRQqUgDRBevsDGOeE1DL3A The Lighthouse Project: https://www.patreon.com/Diana_Davison Men’s Rights Movement: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Men's_rights_movement Men Going Their Own Way (MGTOW): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Men_Going_Their_Own_Way Women’s Legal Education and Action Fund (LEAF): http://www.leaf.ca/ Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN.ORG): https://www.rainn.org Otherkins: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Otherkin --- Recorded on November 18th, 2016 Music: Hazardous - Light

According to the media in the West, since being elected in October 2015, the ruling ‘Law and Justice’ party has curtailed democratic freedoms, run the country in an authoritarian fashion, and attempted to move laws in a socially conservative direction by, for example, proposing changes to abortion legislation. So what IS life and politics really like in Poland in 2016? Well, who better to ask than the average Pole! My friend Mike was born there, emigrated to Canada in 1991 at age 7, and returned to live in Poland in 2003. He has his ear to the ground as far as politics are concerned, and, like everyone he has his own take on things, but he’s there experiencing those things first hand and so he’s a great person to give us an account of what is going in the country that has seen so many political changes over the last 100 years and continues to be in the news for its politics. Links to parties, etc. mentioned in the episode: Governing Law & Justice Party (referred to in theepisode as “PiS”, pronounced “pees”: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Law_and_Justice Opposition Civic Platform Party (referred to in the episode as “PO”: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Civic_Platform 2010 Crash which killed Polish President and otherd ignitaries: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2010_Polish_Air_Force_Tu-154_crash Committee for the Defense of Democracy: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Committee_for_the_Defence_of_Democracy Abortion in Poland: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abortion_in_Poland Bomb explosion in Wroclaw in May 2016 mentioned by Mike: http://www.gazetawroclawska.pl/wiadomosci/a/wybuch-bomby-w-centrum-wroclawia-ladunek-byl-w-autobusie-145,10012322/ Recorded on October 8th, 2016 Music: Hazardous - Light

The comic book industry continues to thrive and attract new readers, flying in the face of some opinions that new and digital forms of entertainment would wipe it out faster than a speeding bullet…so what is it like to bring your idea to life in the form of a comic book? What is it like to promote and distribute it and get it in the hands of readers across the continent and the world? On this episode we will find out all that and more as I host Editor-in-Chief at OSSM Comics, Siike Donnelly, and Jordan Hart, the creator and writer of the upcoming comic ‘Terminarch’; a tale of self-aware androids which have eliminated 95% of the human race to build a Utopian society for the 5% which they revere – artists. However, the logic of their actions was lost on the chosen…Recorded on May 31st, 2016 Music: Hazardous - Light Find out more about Terminarch HERE

It’s May 9th, 2016 and while it’s slowing down, the wildfire around Fort McMurray in Alberta, Canada continues to burn. By now, the entire world has heard of the situation and difficult questions are beginning to be asked. Some of these difficult questions will inevitably turn to forestry, logging, etc: This is where my guest comes in. Marcin Lewandowski is a manager of operations and product development at Ecostrat Inc., a Canadian company which specializes in the supply of wood fiber and biogas feedstock worldwide and the mitigation of biomass supply chain risk. He joined me to discuss forest management including influence exerted by well-funded Environmental Non-Profit Organizations (ENGOs), international certification schemes, the way urbanization has shifted power to people who are no longer in touch with the land, and more. In addition I got his take on the contributing factors to such catastrophic fires as the one in Fort McMurray and what can be done to prevent them. Recorded on May 9th, 2016 Music: Hazardous - Light

Michelle O’Doherty, a criminal defense lawyer at Bayne Sellar Boxall in Ottawa, joins me to discuss the recently concluded sexual assault trial of Jian Ghomeshi; Canada’s most prominent case in years. During our chat we touch on everything from the trial and its outcome to the way his lawyer, Marie Heinen was perceived by some women’s groups, the interview she gave to the CBC after the verdict came down (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1XB5fG7gbZ0), trying sexual assault cases in general, the ‘I believe survivors’ movement, judge vs jury trials, consent in sexual encounters, and more. Recorded on April 17th, 2016 Music: Hazardous - Light

To many, "gay" and "Catholic" seem like contradictory terms...after all, The Church's rules for homosexuals are quite different and more stringent than those for heterosexuals. Furthermore, some clergy and leaders in The church preach a very hard line on the matter and finally, the institution tends to represent traditionalism while open homosexuality is a matter of a modern, liberal society. What is it like, then, to be an openly gay man while remaining not just a practicing Catholic, but one who shares his gifts and volunteers in his parish and community? My friend Séan joins me to take me through his journey and discuss how he reconciles these two very important aspects of his identity. Recorded on March 18th, 2016 Music: Hazardous - Light

CORRECTION: I erroneously referred to the cruise as "7,000 Tons of Metal" in the episode. It's actually 10 times better than that: 70,000 Tons of Metal and 70000tons.com. Apologies! Going on a cruise is the preferred method of vacationing for many people around the world. But, what do you think of when you hear the word 'cruise'? I know I never thought of heavy metal rock music...well, as it turns out, if this genre floats your boat (sorry, I had to), there's an option just for you! A massive 4 day party where 60 bands perform almost around the clock as several thousand attendees from all corners of the world take in the action, mingle, and have a jolly good time. What is that whole experience like? What should one keep in mind if he/she is thinking of attending and boarding this pirate ship? My good friend, Maciej just returned from the 6th successful voyage of '70,000 Tons of Metal' and has lived to tell the tale...which he generously shared with me.   Recorded on March 9th, 2016. 

In its 10 years of existence, YouTube has grown to become much more than the world's biggest online video platform: It is now the number one source of entertainment for many people, especially those 20ish and younger. It has turned the experience of watching television from a solitary one (a small group one, at most) into a connected global community, full of its own rules, celebrities, and loyal fans. To decipher the ins and outs, learn about the biggest stars, hear about what makes the community tick, and more I'm joined by a friend who doesn't even own a TV, such is her devotion to this new media world. Together we discuss how the community operates, YouTube's business model, the future of the medium as its fans + stars age, and much more.Recorded on February 17th, 2016.Music: Hazardous - LightThe YouTubers mentioned on the show: https://www.youtube.com/user/PewDiePie https://www.youtube.com/user/nigahiga https://www.youtube.com/user/zoella280390 https://www.youtube.com/user/Macbarbie07 https://www.youtube.com/user/React https://www.youtube.com/user/smosh https://www.youtube.com/user/rebecca https://www.youtube.com/user/IISuperwomanII https://www.youtube.com/user/ConnorFranta https://www.youtube.com/user/tyleroakley https://www.youtube.com/user/TheFineBros https://www.youtube.com/user/AmazingPhil https://www.youtube.com/user/BuzzFeedVideo https://www.youtube.com/user/latenight https://www.youtube.com/user/TheLateLateShow Shaalini on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Shaalini88

There's something about weddings... In the multicultural society that we inhabit here in North America they are one of the few life events along with birthdays and funerals that most of us take part in regardless of creed or religious background. It's a topic of much conversation and speculation, especially among women! On this episode I'm joined by Olivia; co-founder of onedaysoon.ca, a wedding blog. As we dissect the big day we dive into the world of etiquette, the way new media is changing the occasion, and much more. I also put questions to her from FWIW listeners which yield some interesting opinions as well as advice on how to handle everything from invites to bridezillas.Recorded on January 20th, 2016Music: Intro: Hazardous - Light

It would appear American Football has a problem...and it's playing out in the public domain. Medical research is starting to suggest that concussions suffered as a result of playing the game can have severe, even lethal consequences. Players are speaking out too...like ex-NFL Receiver Randle El, who publicly stated that if he could go back in time, he wouldn't choose to play that game on account of his health issues which he connects to his football career. What are we to make of all this? To help shed light on the past, present, and future of this issue, I'm joined by my brother - an anesthesiologist and big NFL (Bucs) fan. Take a listen to his $0.02 on the matter with a special focus on the recent hit film 'Concussion' and its protagonist, Dr. Bennet Omalu and his discovery of chronic traumatic encephalopathy in former NFL players. Oh, and find out who he predicts will win the Super Bowl this year!Recorded on January 17th, 2016. Music: Intro: Hazardous - Light Dr. Jan Padzik on Twitter: @JPadzik

Growing up in the 90s and 2000s it was quite common for kids of all backgrounds to listen to rap or hip-hop, some taking to the genre to the point of striking out on their own and creating music. That’s how my guest got started: first working with others and now going solo as well as taking part in other aspects of the industry such as ghost writing. His name is Cody and goes by Lotus. He’s put out a lot of music and continues to create new sounds. In addition to his story, you’ll hear his take on the game, whether having his own young family has changed his take on the messages in hip hop, the ever simmering issues of race and gender in the hip hop universe, and more. *NSFW language warning* Hide yo kids...Lotus' music can be found here:https://soundcloud.com/thatdudelotushttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVrobNI4Q_yACzcz9HDi0GgRecorded on December 9th, 2015. Music: Intro: Hazardous - Light Lotus - Rodeo DriveLotus - Say What's Real

Sebastian Pavlovec might as well be the most interesting man in the world...between the various jobs he's held, his passion for flying, and part time DJ gigs, it's hard to keep up with him! On this episode I take you through his story, we explore the world of professional recruiting (his current job), check out some of his music, hear what it was like to work as a pilot for Frank O'Dea, the co-founder of Second Cup, and more...Sebastian's music can be found here: https://soundcloud.com/aces-djhttps://www.facebook.com/AcesDjThe podcasts Sebastian mentions are: http://www.aboveandbeyond.nu/abgthttp://www.astateoftrance.com/podcastshttps://soundcloud.com/anjunadeephttp://electricfor.lifeRecorded on December 1st, 2015. Music: Intro: Hazardous - LightAces DJ Tracks: https://soundcloud.com/aces-dj/beat-organ-vs-hurricane-aces-bootleg and https://soundcloud.com/aces-dj/terror-squad-still-getting-itN.B. I've changed the sequence of episodes...this is now episode 7. Please disregard me saying it's episode 9...more on this in the next episode!

What is it like to be an expat? What's the hardest part? How does European culture compare to North America's? Maybe you've considered it...moving to another country; especially one where a foreign language is spoken. Maybe you've wondered how it worked out for others. It's definitely something that's come up in my life, even if I never did take the plunge. On this episode I talk to someone who's succeeded at it. From Canada to the Czech Republic, the UK, and Germany, my friend Murray took off and isn't looking back. Seems like he's having a good time...even if he can't quite get his hands on enough peanut butter.Recorded on November 19th, 2015. Music: Hazardous - Light

I'm joined by Ivan Peña; father of twin 5 year old girls, musician, marketer, and avid podcast listener. We sit back, and in a spirit of gratitude ponder the task of raising children (especially girls), the awesomeness of women, the importance of family, Ivan's musical projects, media/technology vis-a-vis parenting, and much more. You can find Ivan's music at https://soundcloud.com/iapena and http://riseofsaturn.bandcamp.com/Recorded on Veterans/Remembrance Day, 2015.Music: Hazardous - Light (Intro), Rise of Saturn - Nah Son (Parts 1 and 2) 

Far from a joke, I convene a panel of 3 millennial Canadians all voting for different parties in the October 19th, 2015 federal election. The environment, strategic voting, foreign policy, marijuana, Evil Harper, beards, and much more are all fair game as these participants in the democratic process go at it...the Canadian way. Participants: Daniel, a first time voter, voting LiberalSid, voting ConservativePaul, undecided between the NDP and Green PartyRecorded October 24th, 2015Music: Hazardous - Light

Stone cold sober, I converse with a friend who subscribes to the theory(ies) of a multiverse...every choice we make resulting a new branch of an infinite set of universes parallel to the one in which we consciously exist. Is there really another me out there somewhere, living a life in which I DIDN'T do that stupid thing last week?Our convo was most definitely NOT very scientific, while the theories certainly are. To do them justice, check out some of these sources:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multiversehttp://science.howstuffworks.com/dictionary/physics-terms/parallel-universe-sources.htmhttp://www.mnn.com/green-tech/research-innovations/stories/parallel-worlds-exist-and-interact-with-our-world-sayRecorded October 7th, 2015Music: Hazardous - Light

As Pope Francis wraps up his historic visit to the United States and the migrant crisis continues in Europe, I pick the brain of my 'facebook friend', Sid; a history buff and geopolitical currents events junkie. Fun is had by all as we cover everything from religion to Canadian identity,the Clash of Civilizations theory, India's changing cultural landscape, Russia under Vladimir Putin, and more. Bet you won't come away indifferent! Recorded September 25th, 2015.

As the 40th edition of the Toronto International Film Festival begins, I'm joined by Petula, a devoted attendee to hear stories from years past, learn about what it takes to catch over 30 movies in 10 days, and find out why little old ladies have it all figured out...Check out Petula's podcast at http://inatiff.com and follow her on Twitter and Instagram for funtastic updates throughout the festival at https://twitter.com/obesacantavit and https://instagram.com/obesacantavit Recorded on September 9th, 2015.