Goin' Ape Shhh

I got the chance to catch up with up and coming country artist Brayden King. Brayden is from Weyburn, SK originally though he calls Alberta home these day. We talked his stage presence, his new single "Living The Dream" as well as everything American Idol from his experience and building on the fame from it. Brayden King Website: https://www.braydenkingmusic.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/braydenkingmusic Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/braydenkingmusic/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/user/Braydenking

For the big 50th Episode of Goin' Ape Shhh I got to speak with Earl Pereira the frontman of the Saskatoon band The Steadies. Earl was a cofounding member of the 3x Juno nominated band Wide Mouth Mason. We talked the formation of The Steadies and how the band came about, the struggles of going from an established band to starting fresh as well as a jamming with an emerging actor in Vancouver and how that helped the band. Also a hilarious thought from him playing Tantallon (with Wide Mouth Mason). If you want to pre-save their upcoming single being released April 14th you can here: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/thesteadies/philophobia Here is the link for tickets for their show in Peace River at the Peace River Brewing and Distillery: https://www.simpletix.com/e/the-steadies-april-6-23-tickets-127763

I got up with my buddy Ty Baynton as we talk about his start in country music, his career including his newest single Goodbye Lonely. Ty explains his view on what success means to him and how he views his work including the impact the song Wrong Turns has had for him with his fans and audiences. You will hear about his plan for his newest album including already getting going on the next one already. We also learn about his wild world of performing both on stage and in the rodeo.

Got the chance to talk with up and coming Canadian country singer Katelyn Lehner about her turn from track star to singer as well as her brand new EP "10 Bucks." We talked about her time in Calgary during the CCMAs and her upcoming shows in Saskatoon including the EP release show as well as New Years Eve gig w/ Tenille Arts. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katelynlehnermusic/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katelynlehnermusic/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/9kjmlstar Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/29DPtr6GzknO4fZmFy9KJM?si=gZvgZVYGQSqgCwlx8mbffQ Tickets for her EP Release Show: https://www.showpass.com/katelyn-lehner-debut-ep-release.../ Tickets for NYE show w/Tenille Arts: https://tickets.siga.sk.ca/eventperformances.asp?evt=1127

I got the chance to speak with 2x Canadian National Curling Champion Chelsea Carey about the start of her career, her new team, returning to curling out of Manitoba as well as what rules she would like to see changed. I meant to get this interview out there to you all sooner but my schedule, laptop crashes and a very off week got in the way.

In the Final installment in my CCMA Media Row coverage we hear my interviews with Kelly Prescott, River Town Saints, Dustin Bird, Chris Buck and Megan Dawson

In Part 2 of 3 of my CCMA Media Row coverage you will hear interviews with CCMA Award winner Aaron Goodvin, CCMA nominated Twin Kennedy (Julie), Lemon Cash, Sykamore, Kalsey Kulyk and 18 year old up and comer Megan Paige

Part 1 of 3 of my CCMA Media Row interviews it features 16x CCMA Award and 3x Juno Award winner Brett Kissel, Top of the Country Finalist Shantaia, Top of the Country Semi-Finalist Devin Cooper, BCMA nominee Katy Hurt, and up and comer Karli June. Part 2 will be released September 21st with Part 3 coming out September 26th

Got the chance to speak with Olympic Gold Medalist and World Champion Kevin Martin. Kevin who is seen as the greatest male curler of all time talks about the fundraiser he is attending in my neck of the woods. Kevin is a broadcaster for Sportsnet and host of Inside Curling podcast so we talked the news of reigning European women's and double champion not to mention reigning gold medalist Eve Muirhead. We also discussed the new teams and challenges Canadian teams face against the rest of the world where the players are paid to be full time curlers not to mention how the new teams will perform this season

Jojo Mason makes his second appearance on the podcast both while in the process of making tour stops near me. I talked to Jojo about the Some Things Never Change Tour headlined by Dallas Smith with a large group of acts. The Jojo talks about how the show works well with the variety of different sounds and takes on the country music genre from tour mates James Barker Band, Manny Blu, Meghan Patrick, Kelly Prescott and Shawn Austin. We also talked his newest sing "Lay Me Down Easy," fitness as well as him about to become a father in August. This is a special one for me because after the interview Jojo with his tour manager Paul Mack helped hook me up with a photo pass where I was able to shoot the show and the cover image for the episode is one of those pictures.

After some time off due to my schedule and illness I am back with one of my favourite people Colin Hodgson, making his second appearance on the podcast (first on episode 2). This time we tackle mental health, inclusion and Colin's busy and interesting years since COVID rocked our world. Colin explains the value and everything he has gained from talking about his mental health and the importance of ending the stigma. He explains the importance of inclusion and just how much we need to support things like the Paralympics, watch Rising Phoenix on Netflix and you will (remember tissues. Colin talks about his curling and now being a free agent in the sport as well as talking about some controversial things and decisions made over the past year in curling. It happened to coincide with Mental Health Awareness Month

Very privileged that I got the chance to speak with Pulitzer Prize winning photojournalist Greg Marinovich. Greg is currently an educator at Boston University and the Harvard Extension school who is also an award winning author, documentarian and photo editor. Greg won the Pulitzer prize in 1991 for photos he took during an extremely violent period in South Africa as they were going from Aparthied to Democracy. We discussed his career in photojournalism notably his time in the early to mid 90s in South Africa, the mindset of photographing those conflicts ranging from seeing people brutally murdered to risking his life to document these events. We also discussed some of his other work including documentaries, his investigation of the Marikana Massacre and his current career of an educator which includes photojournalistic ethics. He also provided me with great information for learning and becoming a better photographer. This interview had me incredibly nervous as the subject matter is more serious than I usually have the chance to explore. As you may know most people I have interviewed are athletes, musicians and entertainers primarily, and even my conversation with photographer Matt Barnes wasn't dealing with serious subject matter. Twitter: https://twitter.com/GregMarinovich Websites: https://gregmarinovich.photoshelter.com/index https://marinovichphotoworkshop.com/ Films: https://vimeo.com/channels/163209

Jason Benoit returns after only a few months this time solo to talk about his new single "Devil In a Bottle." We also discussed the EPs/album he produced for himself coming in 2022, what got him to produce for the first time and in the quick fire what kind of tree he would be. This was an awesome conversation with Jason and a lot of fun hopefully you all enjoy it as well. Website: https://www.jasonbenoitmusic.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jasonbenoitcountry Twitter: https://twitter.com/JBenoitcountry Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasonbenoitcountry/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0Xi32ldFYxsc4g2vQ7b20w

Well it was a meeting of the Everett's well Everett and Everett with an E at the end. I got to talk with Brent and Anthony about the band name aka the best name ever but I am bias, their latest single the cover of "Man of Constant Sorrow," Kings of the Dairy Queen Parking Lot Side-A and when to expect Side-B. I just wish I had more than 15 minutes to talk with the guys because I used every last second maybe a few more than that . There is a little life update on the Gorilla including a new Instagram account Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WeAreEverette Twitter: https://twitter.com/WeAreEverette Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weareeverette/?hl=en Website: https://weareeverette.com/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7LsMipSvTHNPCHQwuKuz2C

Episode 37 features my fun conversation I had with the Nashville based but Saskatchewan raised Shantaia. We talk about her getting an early jump into music, her decision to move to Nashville from Sask as well as her turning down auditioning for The Voice on a couple of occasions. We of course talked about her Brand New single “Broke to Brand New” available on streaming platforms and what the plans are with the single and her music moving forward throughout 2022 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shantaiamusic Twitter: https://twitter.com/shantaiamusic Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shantaiamusic/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6VHwN4Sn4aQgHiEj7sUo1T YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfQOKXObVLuDy8MLC4ejOxA

For the last episode of 2021 I spoke with the award winning Newfoundland duo Quote The Raven. The duo consisting of Jordan Coaker and Kirsten Rodden-Clarke are multi time Music NL award winning act even adding 2 more within a week of the interview happening. They recently released the their latest album Can't Hold the Light has done well on streaming as the duo continue to grow their profile in Canada as well as in the United States.

CCMAs have come and gone and much like a few years ago a got to go as media to cover the festivities. This episode is Part 2 of 2 for my CCMA interviews which includes Ty Hunter of the Hunter Brothers, Ty Baynton, UK artist Katy Hurt, Dustin Bird and Mallory Johnson. Ty Hunter and Mallory were both up for awards in London. the lead singer of the award winning family band The Hunter Brothers, none other than Ty Hunter. Ty was the lone brother in London and represented the family well. Now we had to reschedule the original interview but even with a busy schedule we made it work and got it done. Ty Baynton who after running into him and both of us having some down time at media row he said want to do it, and we did an on the spot interview with no prep just shooting the shit. Learn all about his music. Katy Hurt is a UK artist who is spending a lot of time across the pond in North America these days and has even made it through Winnipeg winters, something that should be a requirement for citizenship. Katy Hurt who has two songs on the go and gives an insight into the UK country music scene. Dustin Bird is a former CMAO rising star nominee who is killing it when it comes to his music on streaming services and even co-wrote a song for the Hunter Brothers new Holiday album. This up and comer will be one to keep an eye on and out for. I may have saved the best for last with Ms. Mallory Johnson. She was nominated for a new award at the CCMAs this year, and even after being interviewed by me in 2019 she was up for doing it again, still not sure why. Recently she took home hardware from Music Newfoundland since interviewing her in London, an amazing talent who with fellow Canadians Twin Kennedy brought a powerful song and message with “Wise Woman.” Thank you once again to all the artists/groups for their time, to the reps who organized the interviews for the artists as well as Penelope PR for once again giving me a media pass and the opportunity to be at media row and take pictures during the CCMA events. Hopefully I am afforded the chance/opportunity to do it again in the fall in Calgary for the 2022 awards.

CCMAs have come and gone and much like a few years ago a got to go as media to cover the festivities. This episode is Part 1 of 2 for my CCMA interviews which includes Nice Horse, Kendra Kay & Jason Benoit, Manny Blu, Shawn Austin, The Prairie States and Cory Marks. Nice Horse, Shawn and Cory were all nominated for awards this year. Nice Horse, an all female band from Calgary, who were up for Interactive Artist of the year for a 4th time, and Brandi and Krista were up for Video Director of the year for the groups video “High School.” I got to talk with 3 of the 4 members Brandi, Katie and Krista as the fourth horse Tara is currently on the road performing with another act. They are hilarious as they are talented love getting to hear them perform as I did in London. Kendra Kay and Jason Beniot, two award winning singers who came together for a holiday song "How Great Thou Art" now available today (Dec 3rd) on streaming platforms. This was a very enjoyable interview that was hilarious and fun to be a part of. Country Punk ? Well that is Manny Blu, a former MMA fighter turned country musician is bringing his own blend and take on country music and even has a brand new EP “Country Punk” coming out New Years eve. Shawn Austin, a 2021 CCMA Rising Star Nominee is the flag ship artist for the Big Loud/ Dallas Smith venture Local Hay. His debut single for imprint Tailgate to Heaven with Chris Lane has done insanely well over the fall. Next I got to speak with 3 of the members of the Edmonton group The Prairie States. These guys have a great sound and were one of the first groups in Canada to get in NFTs. This group kills it at the Alberta Country Music Awards and looks to break in on the national award scene soon. Last but certainly not least in part one of CCMA interviews is someone I've been dying to interview. He was up for Alternative Country Album of the Year with Who I Am, and who is he ? well he is Cory Marks. The North Bay native has charted well in the US on both the rock and country charts with his blend of the 2 genres but somehow has only found success on the rock charts here in Canada, but that doesn't phase him. Next Week is Part 2 featuring Dustin Bird, Ty Baynton, UK artist Katy Hurt, Ty Hunter of the Hunter Brothers and Mallory Johnson

I got the chance to talk with the legendary curler Glenn Howard as he prepares to be an alternate for Team Epping at the Olympic Trials in Saskatoon. We lost track of time and ended up talking for about 1.5 hours about his legendary career, the upcoming trials as well as what the future may have in store for him as the Olympic cycle comes to an end. Also getting the chance to learn a bit of how/when teams discuss their futures after the cycle and his feelings about rule changes and what curling could use more of.

I had the honor and privilege to speak with the legendary 4x Juno winner Fred Penner !!! Fred is best known for his children's music and for hosting Fred Penner's Place on CBC from 1985-1997. We talked about his career as a musician, hosting Fred Penner's Place as well as his participation for the 2nd Annual virtual Saying Goodbye Concert. The concert hosted by the National Arts Centre (NAC) and presented by the Canadian Hospice and Palliative Care Association (CHPCA) in partnership with all provincial palliative care associations across Canada. You can see the free concert at https://sayinggoodbyeconcert.ca/ as it is on from 8-10pm (EST)

This episode I got the chance to interview Skye “Sever” Sweetnam and Matt Drake of the Canadian Alt Punk Metal band based out of Hamilton, Sumo Cyco. We discussed how Skye came up to use the name “Sever,” the beginnings of Sumo Cyco as well as the creation of Cyco City. Also covering their 3rd album “Initiation” that dropped back in May with the deluxe version coming out back on October 7th which features new tracks that were only associated with merch packages. Found out the impact the pandemic has had on the band and how signing with Napalm Records last year proved to be a big blessing when COVID did what Brain could never do and take over the world, just a little pinky and the brain humor there. Discovered when Sumo Cyco are planning to hit the road and tour again as well as when fans can expect possibly even more new music from the group not to mention all the time and effort that go into the insane music videos and so much more. Check them out at sumocyco.com FB: @sumocyco Twitter: @SumoCyco Instagram: @Sumocyco

A trailer for you the new listeners so you know what to expect from an episode of Goin' Ape Shhh. Expect to hear from a variety of guests in various professions and expertise. Check out the website and socials: Website: barillathegorilla.ca Facebook: @BarillaTheGorilla Twitter: @BarillaGorilla Instagram: @barillathegorilla & @barillathegorillaphotography

You are in for one Nash-ty episode as I got to talk with one of my favourite hockey players and currently the Director of Player Development for the Blue Jackets, Rick Nash. Throughout the conversation we talked about growing up in Brampton, going 1st overall in the NHL Draft in his hometown as well as some cool realities of playing professional hockey. We also discussed his trade to New York, whether not winning a Stanley Cup can impact someone's legacy and what his new job entails. We talked about if he feels like his jersey will get retired, make it to the Hall of Fame or possibly get something named after him back in Brampton as well as a number of things. Rick has won a few awards including the Maurice Rocket Richard, Foundation Player as well as being a 5x All-Star and holding several franchise records for the Blue Jackets. Rick has had a stellar international career bringing home back to back Gold Medals in 2010 & 2014 to join medals from the World Championships and World Juniors.

Got the chance to speak with an extraordinary 9 year old named Steven Spice. Steven hosts a YouTube channel call SWJ - Stevens Wrestling Journey where he interviews professional wrestlers. Steven was diagnosed with Chiari Malformation a rare incurable disease but he doesn't let it stop him. Steven has even been featured on WWE's The Bump following his interview with Kevin Owens and appeared on the show with him. Steven also gained some notoriety for his interview with Edge (Adam Copeland) which has surpassed 10k views on his channel. Steven is also raising money with Sick Kids so that hopefully a cure can be found and no kid has to go through what he has. If you would like to make a donation here is the link: https://fundraise.sickkidsfoundation.com/stevenshearts YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/SWJStevensWrestlingJourney/featured

In the first epsisode since I moved to the B-E-A-UTIFUL province of BC, Whistler to be exact I talked with the iconic Cabbie. Cabbie is known for his entertaining interview style which he put on full display for The Score and TSN before ending up in Las Vegas working for Bleacher Report. We take a stroll down memory lane and talk about his interview style and how it may not work for every person he interviews. Of course we talk about his legendary interviews with Kobe, while finding out some of athletes/celebs who were game for the interview style and some who weren't. Learning where the style came from and if he has plans to bring it back outside of his current position. Enjoy

This episode I talk to Associate Professor of Political Science at York University Dennis Pilon about Politics During the Pandemic as well as reforming the Canadian voting system with proportional representation. Also a big announcement about a new job/move.

No April Fools joke as a new episode is released on a Thursday since this Friday is well Good Friday. This episode has my conversation with back to back bronze medalist at the Tim Hortons Brier and skip of the Saskatchewan provincial team Matt Dunstone. We talked the Calgary Bubble, him representing Saskatchewan, the Birth Right Rule among many other things

Got the chance to talk to a staple of Toronto radio, best known for his work at CFNY aka 102.1 The Edge and his continuous work for nearly 25 years (3 year break) on The Ongoing History of New Music the one and only Alan Cross. We discussed the historic program and how it came about, the radio landscape in Toronto and nation wide not to mention finding out about his own experiences interviewing some of music's greats.

This week I talked to Elsie Morden about her music, charitable foundation called No Time For That, the pandemic, even regionalisms with tattoos and farming mixed in for good measure. For more information or to donate to No Time For That you can visit https://www.ntft.ca/ For more information on Elsie you can visit https://www.elsiemorden.com/

For this episode I spoke with Jason Maslakow aka Dart Guy. We talked about his rise to fame back in 2017, as well as some interesting stories with fans and even the police. Now I'm not a Leaf fan but we did talk about Nylander, Dubas and the teams outlook this season after a hot start plus much more. The interview took place back on Sunday incase things don't line up with the play of some players at the moment. I apologize for my voice before and after the interview I have a bit of a soar throat at the moment and tested negative for COVID before the throat

This episode I got the chance to speak with one of my all time favourite players to play for the double blue an East Division All-Star and 2x Grey Cup champion Marcus Ball. We talked about his knowledge of the CFL prior to joining the Argonauts in 2012, thoughts about the CFL in the USA. We also talked about winning 2 Grey Cups, his time in Toronto, Calgary and in the NFL as well as his recovery from injury. What he has been up to as well as what his future could hold ... even "Call Me Maybe" comes up

Episode Code Name Blackjack sees me catch up with a professor from my time at Humber College the talented Pina Crispo. Pina is the founder of Chic Mamma, a voice artist, college professor, host of The Parenting Show on Global News Radio in Toronto and recently a best selling author for her work on Mama's Gotta Work! We talked how Chic Mamma came to be, the pandemic, finding her way as a mother and how she came to be a professor. We also discussed how the opportunity to be a part of the book came about and about the sequel book Mama's Gotta Grow.

Episode 20 features my interview with one of Canada's top commercial photographers Matt Barnes. We discuss photography and education, how he goes about his shoots, his work with celebrity clients and much more. Also in the episode I discuss my trip to Jasper+Banff, my living situation, car accident as well as a new documentary I watched.

I got the chance to talk to stand up comedian and former Americans Got Talent contestant Ryan Niemiller aka Cripple Threat. We talked about his career, America's Got Talent as well as his budding friendship with "Le Champion" Chris Jericho. Also discussed was the impact of COVID-19 on his career and what the future holds during and after the pandemic

After a near 2 month hiatus Goin' Ape Shhh is back !!! Episode 18 brings the explanation for the hiatus as well as an interview with 2 members of the Vancouver based hip-hop/jazz group XL the Band. I talked with Prevail of the 4x Juno Award winning group Swollen Members and Dr. Liesa Norman about the group as well as their first album.

Episode 17 features my interview with CCMA singer/songwriter JoJo Mason. We talked about the upcoming #Rednek Music Fest tour, his charity cover of Linkin' Parks' "Numb" not to mention what the Hug Life means. *UPDATE* since the recording of the podcast early on March 12, dates in Alberta/BC for the tour have been postponed and Alberta did cap gatherings/events at 250 people.

Episode 16 includes the feature interview with CCMA nominated country singer/songwriter Dan Davidson. We talk the late surge of his song "Church," his newest song and video "I Do" as well as how he made a successful music video on a small budget of $500.

Episode 15 features my interview with Brendan Bottcher, the skip of Team Bottcher who are the current Alberta Men's Provincial Champions. We talk about winning the Alberta title, what it would mean to become the national champions as well as having the legendary Kevin Martin as a former coach and mentor.

Episode 14 features my interview with the highest selling Canadian country band of all-time, the CCMA and JUNO award winning band The Road Hammers. I sat down with Jason McCoy, Clayton Bellamy and Chris Bryne and discussed how they came together, their music, and pranks. The hilarity ensues in this episode which also includes my thoughts on some recent movies and the Canadian Standoff

I spoke with Alan Doyle (former front man of Great Big Sea)about his new EP Rough Side Out which is released on February 14th, his latest single with Dean Brody as well as how they work so well together. We also talked about his acting career including his relationship with Russell Crowe and the Merry Men.

In the first episode of 2020 I discuss my 6 months in Peace River, as well as (Bell) Lets Talk Day. I discuss my mental health including some deep dark stuff from my life, including things I've never told a soul.

For the final episode of 2019 I interviewed the CEO/Co-Founder of Fit on Tour Andrea MacNeil. We talked about how Fit on Tour came about, how to balance out the amazing, delicious, plentiful food of the holidays and staying fit. We also talked about maintaining the New Years resolution of getting in better shape and or getting healthier, so you don't quit on it before February. Before that interview I tell you about my trip to Edmonton including my "interesting" experience at the hotel.

I spoke with now chiropractor Dr. Justine Blainey-Broker about her famous lawsuit in the 1980's that rewrote the Ontario Human Rights Code to allow girls to play with and/or against boys in hockey as well as all sports, her fundraiser that saved the University of Toronto Lady Blues hockey team in '93 as well as the state of women's hockey today.

Episode 9 features an interview with Danielle Todd, as we talk her new single & video, her radio tour in Ontario and Atlantic Canada as well as her upcoming shows in Australia.

The final of my interviews during the CCMA Weekend with David James, Leah Daniels, Kris Barclay, and The Dungarees.

Part 2 of my interviews during the CCMA Weekend with The Abrams, Mallory Johnson, Kira Isabella, Justin LaBrash. The Abrams new EP "Reminder" is out today Mallory Johnson's double shot came out with the release of her two new songs "Hungover" and "Drunk Mind Sober Heart" Kira Isabella's new single "Soon" from her Sides album hits radio today Justin LaBrash is an up and coming country artist from Saskatchewan

Episode 6 is part 1 of 3 featuring interviews from CCMA Weekend. This Episode contains interviews with: CCMA Rising Star Jade Eagleson Sirius XM Top of the Country winner Matt Lang Alli Walker Amy Nelson Ryan Langdon

Episode 5 features my interview with a man who has a gold medal at the World Juniors and Olympics not to mention a Stanley Cup championship to his name, The one and only Theo Fleury. Theo had a thriving career but was derailed due to substance abuse brought on from childhood traumas. He wrote the best seller Playing With Fire which told the story as well as rebounding to become a recording artist (country music), a motivational speaker as well as an activist for mental health and for those who have been sexually abused.

Nick rejoins me to recap the highs and lows of the NHL Playoffs as well as discuss the NHL draft. We debate who should go number 1 and mock the first 6 picks

After a about a month long hiatus Goin' Ape Shhh is back!!! I had sat down with Ky Klicks who is a photography, model, cosplayer and content creator. We talked about her photography, Patreon as well as cosplay. Here are her socials - twitter: ky_klicks - Instagram: Ky_klickss

For Espisode 2 I sat back watched curling and interviewed Colin Hodgson. Colin is the lead on Team Carruthers as well as also being the Owner/CEO of Dynasty Curling Apparel, and is known for his sweeping ability on the ice, along with his unique hair styles. We talked about the company, how the addition of former provincial rival Mike McEwan is going, his hair styles and much more.