Soft Revolution

Ali and Torq haven't spoken in months so we figured why not just let people hear unfiltered what a catch-up between these two would sound like.

Strikes everywhere. There's one job AI can replace and that's a politician.  Speaking of "politicians", Trump is indicted...now what?Thanks, as always, to  EFFIN' BIRDS

The Jennifer C. Lena joins the pod to discuss her insights of the last five years, how AI is like spell check on steroids,  how nationalization might be the key to solving our woes, and Ali wonders, "where was our hazard pay?"THANKS AS ALWAYS TO EFFIN' BIRDS - WWW.EFFINBIRDS.COM

Last week we received an email from our European correspondent Chilly Gonzales demanding to address Torquil's insane desire to kill all the robots. Well, here he is in all his glory.Forever thanks to our sponsor EFFIN BIRDS

In this episode, we sit down with David Maggs of the Metcalf Foundation to discuss his recent report, "Art and the World After This." David delves into the ways in which the pandemic has affected the art world, both in terms of the financial struggles of artists and institutions, as well as the shift towards digital and online mediums. He also touches on the importance of supporting artists and arts organizations in the recovery process, and the potential for a more equitable and inclusive art ecosystem in the future. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation on the state of art post-pandemic. Read David's report here.BTW, that summary was generated by AI and ChatGPT which Torquil is looking to destroy. Thank you, as always, to our incredible sponsor EFFIN' BIRDS    

Michael Wheeler of the SpiderWebShow joins to discuss how technology and theatre intersect.  But first: Swifties battle the Ticketmaster monopoly, the mid-terms were not as expected, and Elon is up to something at Twitter headquarters.JOIN OUR PATREON TO GET EXCLUSIVE VIDEO OF OUR DISCUSSION - $3/MTHPICKS:Yet You Go On - Marker StarlingThanks to our season sponsor Effin' Birds

Compass Artist Management has stopped paying their clients to the tune of over $500k and it's time we step up and change the system. Please help these affected artists at www.compassactorsfund.comOther topics : Torq thinks throwing oil on Van Gogh is amazing while Ali thinks it's merely a first draft, and what to do when we get so caught up in identity politics and Doug Ford actually does big things?LINKS :Actors say Toronto talent agency Compass owes them more than $230,000 for work - The Globe and MailPICKS :CTRL by SZALydia PersaudTHANKS TO EFFIN' BIRDS! 

Actor, writer, producer, and activist Tara Grammy joins the pod to discuss the ongoing major protests in Iran. But first - Ali has an idea to massively increase voter turnout, Torq thinks it's time to Cancel Kanye, and Bros. flops! LINKS and PICKS :Coup 53Mahmoud by Tara GrammyGoogoosh - PolPersepolisThanks as always to Effin' Birds! - https://www.effinbirds.com #mahsaamini

The Queen is dead. Trudeau is a little pitchy. Apple has a maybe-Oscar winner with Will Smith and they don't know what to do about it.JOIN OUR PATREON - EARLY ACCESS - BONUS CONTENTLINKS:Shame on Justin Trudeau for belting out Bohemian Rhapsody. Shame on us for joining in - The Toronto StarApple Shot an Oscar Contender Starring Will Smith. That Was Before the Slap. - The New York TimesPICKS:John Coltrane - Blue Train (Remastered)Donate to the Coal Mine TheatreThanks to EFFIN' BIRDS!

- Torq visits England and as usual, has thoughts.  - Audiences won't go to your show if you make it kinda a bummer.- Arcade Fire's Win Butler is accused of multiple instances of sexual misconduct, and Feist leaves the tour.  - WTF is tipping? JOIN OUR PATREON - $3/MTH - EARLY ACCESS - SPECIAL CONTENTLINKS :Live Performance Is Back. But Audiences Have Been Slow to Return.Arcade Fire's Win Butler Accused of Sexual Misconduct by Multiple Women; Frontman RespondsSPONSORS :Effin' BirdsCrow's Theatre

Kevin Vidal, star of Workin' Moms and Strays joins the pod to discuss what comedy does for his soul, and how to be funny in this current age.  But first, Torq and Ali discuss Trumps impending indictment, the brutal attack on Salman Rushdie, and Drake's high-flyin' all the way to Hamilton.SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PATREON FOR EARLY ACCESS - JUST $3/MTH PICKSOn Tyranny - Timothy Snyder Steve LacyThanks to Effin' Birds and Crow's Theatre 

1. Why is the New York Times trying to ruin your summer?2. Oh, critics.3. It's like Star Wars and we gotta be the Jedi.4. The new season of Serial is playing at CongressWATCH THE VIDEO VERSION OF THE PODCAST HERE - https://youtu.be/F_eq-EePIFgSoft Revolution is brought to you by Effin' Birds - www.effinbrids.com

Bojo is out, Rogers is down, and we have thoughts.PICKS:Curbside ConcertsBen l'Oncle SoulTHANKS:Effin' BirdsCrow's Theatre

Stephen Marche rejoins the pod to discuss his book The Next Civil War - Dispatches from an American Future, whether Roe's overturning is indeed the catalyst for another civil war, and how Canada can inoculate itself from it all.WATCH THE VIDEO INTERVIEW HEREPICKS :The Story of a Canceled Teen - New York MagazineSPONSORS :Effin' BirdsCrow's Theatre 

Torq is back from tour and he has "thoughts". Also, after two years, the questions is finally asked, "is capitalism inherently evil?"JOIN OUR PATREON - $3/MTH - PROCEEDS TO THE AFCThanks to our sponsors :EFFIN' BIRDSCROW'S THEATRE 

After the dismal performance of progressives in June 2nd's Ontario provincial election, Ali sits down to talk the future of the progressive movement with AJ Mawani, Sr. Manager, Communications for Mitzie Hunter, one of the 8 Ontario Liberal MPPs who were elected to the legislature. 

Another massacre involving children. What ever are we going to do?Then, a conversation about the merits and perils of strategic voting with a cameo by the great Michael Healey.THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS:Effin' Birds - https://www.effinbirds.comCrow's Theatre - https://www.crowstheatre.com

Recent George Brown Theatre School graduates Lucy Ellis and Naomi Jijina join the pod to discuss their wild and revelatory journey going through theatre school during a pandemic. First, Ali and Torq discuss Kendrick's incredible new album, how it relates to our current state of politics, and Torq is more than happy with people protesting outside a Supreme Court Justice's house.THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS:EFFIN' BIRDSCROW'S THEATRE

Journalist, author and theatre-maker Alanna Mitchell (https://alannamitchell.com) on how from the depths of the climate crisis there is profound hope.  Plus, will the affordability crisis make hobbyist artists of us all? PICKS:Severance - Apple TV+Michael Healey's new podcast - "Just One More" Thanks to our sponsors EFFIN' BIRDS and CROW'S THEATRE

Polymath Sarah Slean joins the pod to discuss artistic longevity in an impermanent world and all these past two years have taught there. But first, a new segment called, "Rapid Fire with Ali Momen" where Torq throws a bunch of topics to get Ali's response.JOIN OUR PATREON - $3/MTH - PROCEEDS TOWARDS THE AFCLINKS : A Brooklyn theater space wants to be the “Netflix for Live Performance”Faster Than Sound: Inside a Competition to Become Musician-in-Residence at a Luxury Apartment ComplexWoman with chemical sensitivities chose medically-assisted death after failed bid to get better housingPICKS :Advice Not Given : A Guide to Getting Over Yourself - Mark EpsteinSyd - Fast CarSPONSORS :Effin' BirdsCrow's Theatre

Hopefully our final conversation on COVID arguing an end to hysteria and that going forward we should accommodate the immunocompromised in the arts sector and a discussion on Jonathan Haidt's article in the Atlantic (WHY THE PAST 10 YEARS OF AMERICAN LIFE HAVE BEEN UNIQUELY STUPID). Also, Torq really dislikes Elon Musk.PICKS:British Horror Story - NetflixAldous Harding - NPR Tiny DeskThanks to Effin' Birds and Crow's Theatre 

Financial guru Tim Ziegler with big advice on how to manage your finances and how the most important investment you can make as an artist isn't what you think it is.First, a big conversation on appropriation in art, and how sustainable art has huge potential.LINKS:New York Magazine: The Complicated Evolution of RosalíaU.N. report outlines possible solutions for climate change and its societal impactPICKS:Kevin Garrett - RefuseNight Boat to Tangier - Kevin BarryTHANKS TO OUR SPONSORS :Effin' Birds - Check out NFTS.bsCrows Theatre

US correspondent Jennifer Lena joins the pod to chat The Oscars debacle, Marina Abramovic's fundraiser in support of Ukraine, and how loss has permeated our existence and how we move past it.PICKS:Winter on Fire - Ukraine's Fight for FreedomRosalia - MotomamiKim's Convenience (the play)Ai No Corrido - Quincy Jones THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS :EFFIN' BIRDSCROW'S THEATRE

Music journalist and writer extraordinaire Michael Barclay has a new book coming about the incredible Canadian music scene from the early 2000's and he joins us to talk about it.PICKS:BeansOmar Apollo feat. Daniel Caesar - InvincibleTHANKS TO OUR SPONSORS:Effin' BirdsCrow's Theatre

Playwright, actor, and artistic director Andrew Kushnir sheds a personal light on the war in Ukraine.NOTE : This episode was recorded hours before it was announced that Canada would halt oil imports from Russia. HOW TO HELPCanada Red Cross. Feds are doubling donations right now. https://www.redcross.ca'Come Back Alive' through Save Life in Ukraine charity -- for auxiliary equipment, software, drones, personal protective gear: https://www.comebackalive.in.uaNational Bank of Ukraine (NBU) to support the Ukrainian armed forces: https://bank.gov.ua/en/news/all/natsionalniy-bank-vidkriv-spetsrahunok-dlya-zboru-koshtiv-na-potrebi-armiyi Canada-Ukraine Foundation in partnership with the Ukrainian Canadian Congress for humanitarian aid: https://www.cufoundation.caThe Kyiv Independent -- a reliable media outlet covering from the ground: https://www.gofundme.com/f/kyivindependent-launchTo help LGBTQ Ukrainians, through the Ukrainian org Gender Z: https://genderz.org.ua/donate-to-support-lgbt-ukrainians/Through Munich Kyiv Queer: https://munichkyivqueer.org/13585/donate-for-lgbtiq-in-ukraine/LINKS:My love for the giant that is Ukraine - Andrew Kushnir in Maclean'sPICKS:The art of Maria PrimachenkoMos Def - Umi SaysTHANKS TO OUR SPONSORS:Effin' BirdsCrow's Theatre

Just us chickens on the futility of cancelling your New York Times subscription; Cosby, Jian, and the cult of personality; and a reminder that "'all you need is love.”Thanks to our sponsors : Effin' Birds and Crow's TheatreLINKS:HOW FACEBOOK TWISTED CANADA'S TRUCKER CONVOY INTO AN INTERNATIONAL MOVEMENT - The VergePICKS:The SadiesHBO film on Frederick Douglass uses his words to challenge today

Artist and activist Sean Devine (www.seandevine.ca) ventured into the streets of Ottawa to speak to some protestors and he joins the pod to share his insights. LINKS :The rap star of Karachi: ‘My veil cannot take away the talent I haveCHRIS HEDGES: MASS POLITICS MUST BE ROOTED IN CLASS STRUGGLEThanks to our sponsors Effin' Birds and Crow's Theatre!

It was almost two years in the making, but finally, Artistic Director of Crow's Theatre, Chris Abraham joins the pod to discuss his show 'Assembly', life in Lithunia, polarization, and how to be a father and a husband while being an artist.Thanks to our sponsors Effin' Birds and Crow's Theatre

Diana Frances and Steve Patterson join to discuss their podcast The Canadian Star System and how we can create a system of success in Canada.First, an update on Joe Rogan and Spotify, and sadly…The Convoy.Subscribe to the Canadian Star System podcastPICKS : Telefis - Falun Gong DancerThe Afterparty - AppleTV+DIANA AND STEVE'S PICKS:The Town Pants:Website: https://thetownpants.com/Insta: @thetownpantsJohanna SöWebsite: https://joso.world/Insta: johannasomusicMatt O'Brien:Twitter: @matt_obrienInsta: @MattOBrienJulia Hladkowicz:Website: https://www.juliacomedy.com/Twitter: @juliacomedyInsta: @juliadcomedyTheir podcast as a couple:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/is-this-what-you-want/id1486971197?fbclid=IwAR1BDneURId3K7xYPLThanks to Effin' Birds and Crow's Theatre

Just us chickens running the gamut on the news of the week including Neil Young and Spotify, Democrats' loss of support approaching the midterms, Boris Johnson's partying, and Taylor Swift being simply too rich to have to care.JOIN OUR PATREON - EARLY ACCESS - PROCEEDS TO THE AFCLINKS:Why Spotify can't afford to lose Joe Rogan - The VergeWith Some Voters ‘Ready to Move On,' Democrats Search for New Message on Virus - New York TimesTaylor Swift to Damon Albarn: “It's Really Fucked Up to Try and Discredit My Writing” - PitchforkPICKS :D'Angelo and The Vanguard - Black MessiahW1A on the BBCThank you to EFFIN' BIRDS and CROW'S THEATRE

Musical genius and Soft Revolution's European Correspondent, Chilly Gonzales is back with his take on the future of cities, finding true independence as an artist and whether or not he will join Cameo.LINKS :David Brooks: America is falling apart at the seamsPICKS:Anais Mitchell - HadestownSPONSORS :Thank you to Effin' Birds and Crow's Theatre 

Kate Taylor of the Globe and Mail discusses her latest piece : "Arbitrary shutdowns show that most Canadian leaders don't value artists."First, Torq and Ali respond to some incredible listener mail and celebrate the end of The Golden Globes.PICKS :Age of Enlightenment 2.0 by Joseph HeathKosemura : MercySPONSORS and HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT:Thank you to Effin' Birds for sponsoring Soft Revolution.JOIN OUR PATREON - Early Access, bonus content and proceeds to the AFC - $4/month

Come From Away producer Michael Rubinoff joins the pod to discuss the show's closing in Toronto, why commercial theatre matters, and how government support could have saved the show. Also, in a panic-attack fuelled move, Torquil goes DaVinci.LINKS :To avoid more closings like Toronto's Come From Away, governments need to support Canada's performing-arts sectorSpeaking Freely - Why I resigned from the Canadian Broadcasting CorporationPICKS :Max Richter's reimagining of Vivaldi's Four SeasonsThe Lost Daughter on NetflixSPONSORS and HOW YOU CAN SUPPORTThank you to Effin' Birds for sponsoring Soft Revolution.JOIN OUR PATREON - Early Access, bonus content and proceeds to the AFC - $3/mth

A lot has happened since we got together last, and we were here to talk about it all. 

Ali went to a Giveon concert and was shook, Torq rants again on the media, Stephen Sondheim is like Shakespeare, and don't be so hard on Yoko Ono.JOIN OUR PATREON - EARLY ACCESS - PROCEEDS TO THE AFC - $3/MTHPICKS : Barbara Cook - No One Is AloneSPONSORS :Effin' BirdsInvest with Tim ZieglerCrow's Theatre

Creator and performer of MixTape, Zorana Sadiq joins the pod on how sound and music has been a protagonist in her life and how to be a better listener. JOIN OUR PATREON - $3/MTH - BONUS CONTENT - EARLY ACCESS - PROCEEDS TO THE AFCPICKS :In a Sentimental Mood - John Coltrane and Duke EllingtonSPONSORS :Effin' BirdsInvest with Tim ZieglerCrow's Theatre

The cast and crew of What You Won't Do For Love by Why Not Theatre, including the inimitable power couple David Suzuki and Tara Cullis on their new foray as actors and how artists are key to solving the climate crisis.JOIN OUR PATREON - EARLY ACCESS - VIDEO INTERVIEWS - PROCEEDS TO THE AFCLINKS:What You Won't Do For Love - Why Not TheatreIf Remote Work Empties Downtowns, Can Theaters Fill Their Seats? - NY TimesPICKS:MixTape - by Zorana SadiqKacy Hill - Simple, Sweet, SmilingSPONSORS:Effin' BirdsInvest With Tim ZieglerCrow's Theatre 

Is 77.5% capacity the new 100%? A peak Torq-rant on the tragic disaster of Astroworld. What happened in Virginia and how we as  progressives must learn to share values, and to talk "to" and "with" and not "at" and "over".PICKS :TEMS - Ice TThe Alpinist - Marc Ande LeclercSPONSORS :Effin' BirdsInvest with Tim ZieglerCrow's Theatre 

Actor extraordinaire and climate activist Liisa Repo-Martell on how her hope on combatting climate change springs from action. But first, the tragic shooting on the set of 'Rust', should there be more than one heritage minister in Canada, and how does the for-profit entertainment world survive when not everyone wants back inside.SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PATREON - $3/MONTH - EARLY ACCESS - PROCEEDS TO THE AFCLINKS :Artists for Real Climate ActionClimate Emergency UnitPICKS :A Marriage StoryWaters of March - Susannah McCorkleSPONSORS :Crow's TheatreEffin' BirdsInvest with Tim Ziegler

BC's revival of Footloose!, a long follow-up on Dave Chapelle, will the not-for-profit theatre world become more humane and Torq hates the Macintosh.LINKS :Netflix Co-CEO Says He ‘Screwed Up' When Defending Dave Chappelle SpecialPICKS :Hundred Foot JourneyNoel Coward - Why Must The Show Go On?SPONSORS :Crow's Theatre Effin' BirdsInvest with Tim Ziegler

James Smith, a musician, actor, and creator of LESSONS IN TEMPERAMENT on how we are all pianos and how his show opens beautiful windows into the world of neurodiversity.Oh, and Dave Chapelle.  JOIN OUR PATREON - $3/MTH - PROCEEDS TO THE AFCLINKS :Breakthrough infections might not be a big transmission risk. Here's the evidencePICKS :Follies in ConcertSPONSORS :Effin' BirdsInvest with Tim ZieglerCrow's Theatre

Cliff Cardinal's AS YOU LIKE IT is amazing, and it doesn't matter what any critic thinks.  Stratford is re-auditioning their company of CHICAGO...huh? Facebook is the worst, and even Facebook knows it.  Justin goes to Tofino on our first day of Truth and Reconciliation...why? SIGN UP FOR OUR PATREON - $3/MTH - EARLY ACCESS - BONUS CONTENT - PROCEEDS TO THE AFCLINKS:Why artists are upset Stratford Festival is re-auditioning its cast for the musical ChicagoKey takeaways from Facebook's whistle-blower hearing.I Designed Algorithms at Facebook. Here's How to Regulate Them.PICKS:Miles Davis Quintet - It Never Entered My MindSPONSORS :Effin' BirdsInvest with Tim ZieglerCrow's Theatre

Our first ever guest Michael Healey rejoins the pod to discuss the results of the 44th Canadian election.PICKS :Diana Krall - A Case of YouMichael Healey - ProudSPONSORS :Effin' BirdsInvest with Tim ZieglerCrow's Theatre

The boys go wonky breaking down the culture platforms of all major parties, and a discussion on the People's Party of Canada being a continuing thing in Canada.LINKS :Election 2021: Federal Parties Release Arts & Culture PlatformsWhat if Facebook Is the Real ‘Silent Majority'?PICKS :Yebba - BoomerangCriterion Collection's NY showcaseSPONSORS :Effin' BirdsInvest with Tim ZieglerCrow's Theatre  

Choir master and co-head of Choir!Choir!Choir! Nobu Adilman asks is there even a point doing a show right now? Plus, how choral singing can never end.  But first, they're throwing gravel at the Prime Minister, social media is tearing the moral, intellectual and cultural fabric of society, and the Tyndall Centre creates a blueprint for zero carbon concerts.SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PATREON - $3/MTH - EARLY ACCESS - PROCEEDS TO THE AFCLINKS:Windsor's Restrictions on Dancing at WeddingsTyndall Centre Manchester creates plans for zero carbon concertsSPONSORS:Effin' BirdsInvest with Tim ZieglerCrow's Theatre

Actor and screenwriter Jesse LaVercombe joins the pod to discuss Deep Canvassing and how it changes votes and minds.  But first - do we have a real plan with these vaccine passports? Where's Drake's vaccine selfie? What's up with DONDA? And with the news of artists being murdered in Afghanistan, let's fight to save them.JOIN OUR PATREON - $3/MTH - BONUS CONTENT - EARLY ACCESS - PROCEEDS TO THE AFCLINKS :The Best Way to Beat Trumpism? Talk Less, Listen More - Rolling StoneAfghan folk singer taken from his house and killed by the Taliban - CNNCrow's Theatre announces eight-show season for vaccinated audiences - NOW MagazinePICKS :Freddie Hubbard - ArietisThe poetry of Robert LowellSPONSORS :Effin' BirdsInvest with Tim ZieglerCrow's Theatre  

Kevin Hanchard joins the pod to discuss the use of the N-word, now and in the future in response to the Shaw Festival's cancellation of Assassins.  Torq and Ali first discuss the Canadian election, and how Afghanistan teaches us again, that if you can't change culture, it doesn't matter how many bombs you drop.JOIN OUR PATREON - $3/MTH - EARLY ACCESS - BONUS CONTENT - PROCEEDS TO THE ACTORS FUNDLINKS:Shaw Festival pulls Stephen Sondheim's Assassins from lineup - Globe and MailIran has been hiding one of the world's greatest collection of contemporary art - BloombergPICKS:Horsey - LagoonSPONSORS:Effin' Birds - www.effinbirds.comInvest with Tim Ziegler - www.investwithtim.caCrow's Theatre - www.crowstheatre.com

Tess Benger and Julia McLellan from the Canadian Green Alliance join the podcast to discuss what being an Artivist really means and how we can be making theatre as eco-friendly as possible.  But first, Torq ate beside the Clintons and Bernie Sanders and wonders what's up with their secret service; Ali had a nice chat with Allan Detsky on what the pandemic to endemic path looks like; and how in the world do you make someone take a vaccine if they think it makes them infertile? JOIN OUR PATREON - $3/MONTH - EARLY ACCESS - BONUS CONTENT - PROCEEDS TO THE AFCLINKS:Does It Matter If Kanye Ever Releases “Donda”? - Buzzfeed NewsCanadian Green AlliancePICKS:Sister Sledge - Thinking of YouSPONSORS :Effin' Birds - www.effinbirds.comInvest with Tim Ziegler - www.investwithtim.caCrow's Theatre - www.crowstheatre.com  

Just us, and it's a great one.  Simone Biles and stage fright.  Vaccine passports...again.  How can we articulate what the actual "New" New Normal is going to look like? Can we relinquish the fear?CLICK HERE TO JOIN OUR PATREON  - $3/MTH - EARLY ACCESS - BONUS CONTENT - PROCEEDS TOWARDS THE AFC! LINKS:The Costs of Selling COVID Fear - James SurowieckiLive Nation Denies Claim That Artists' Contracts Contain COVID-19 Gag OrderPICKS:Wet Leg - Chaise LongueThe Beatles in Spatial Audio: Producer Giles Martin on How It All WorksSPONSORS :Effin' BirdsInvest with Tim ZieglerCrow's Theatre 

Amanda Smith and Emily Hill from the AFC join the pod to discuss the AFC's new mental health initiatives aimed at curbing the mental health crisis in the arts industry.  But first, are vaccine passports inevitable? Are producers and tour managers about to be put into impossible situations? But none of this really matters if we keep destroying our climate.JOIN OUR PATREON - $3/MTH - PROCEEDS TO THE AFCLINKS :Music festival in the Netherlands leads to over 1,000 Covid infections - CNBCWill vaccine passports actually work? - SlatePICKS :Scorched by Wajdi MouwadA Wise Tale - Abstract MindsetSPONSORS :Effin' BirdsInvest with Tim ZieglerCrow's Theatre

In a first for Soft Revolution, after more than a year, Torq and Ali meet in person at Crow's Theatre and are joined for a wide ranging conversation by the one and only Shad. It's definitely better when we are together. SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PATREON - https://www.patreon.com/softrevolutionPICKS:Charlotte Day Wilson - Keep MovingSPONSORS:Effin Birds - www.effinbirds.comTim Ziegler - InvestWithTim.caCrows Theatre - www.crowstheatre.com