Welcome with Karim Kanji

Dive into an inspiring conversation on the latest episode of [Podcast Name] featuring host Karim Kanji in dialogue with the incredible Beth French! They kicked off by exploring their shared affinity for the sea and the diverse accessibility it presents across different regions. Beth, a force to be reckoned with, shared insights into her health journey, her son's passion for water activities, and her awe-inspiring participation in the Ocean Seven Challenge. This entails conquering seven global channels solo, without any assistance - talk about an extraordinary feat! Get ready for a raw and honest conversation as Beth opens up about her challenging battle with ME, shedding light on the physical pain, bedridden moments, and the often overlooked struggles of her condition. Her journey into channel swimming post-single motherhood underscores her determination to overcome health barriers and navigate the unique challenges of solo parenting. The dialogue also unpacks their differing perspectives on open water, with Beth embracing it as a transformative experience while Karim grapples with a hint of apprehension. Beth delves into the significance of documenting her channel swimming exploits, sharing her transformative journey of pushing personal boundaries and conquering mental and physical hurdles. Hear her reflections on self-discovery, mental fortitude, and the decision to attempt all seven channels in a single year - a testament to her resilience and a challenge to understand her body's capabilities. But that's not all – the conversation extends to the trials Beth faced while filming her swimming adventures and parenting Dylan, her son with autism. Tune in to [Podcast Name] for an exploration of resilience, self-discovery, and the incredible journey of Beth French as she navigates the seas and life's challenges.

Welcome to an enriching exploration in the latest episode of "Welcome To The Music," where Karim Kanji, alongside Gregg Tilston, unfolds the intricate narrative of Grant Avenue Studio's Control Room. In this episode, we engage in profound conversations with the masterminds behind the scenes, Mike Bruce and Andrew Lauzon.This piece delves into the heart of Hamilton's musical legacy, unraveling the studio's rich history. From hosting distinguished visitors to the meticulous crafting of a distinctive "house sound," we venture into the personal anecdotes that breathe life into this iconic space.Mike and Andrew generously take us on a behind-the-scenes tour, sharing their journey and offering exclusive insights into the studio's intricacies. The mixing and editing suite, featuring high-end gear tailored for independent producers, is laid bare for our exploration.Our discourse explores the timeless allure of vintage gear, shining a spotlight on unique sonic qualities like the Neumann M49B mic. Andrew passionately emphasizes the irreplaceable value of vintage gear, crafting a sonic signature that echoes the concept of a "house sound."The narrative weaves around the idea that a studio's historical legacy serves as an everlasting inspiration for artists, propelling the creation of new musical stories. The episode concludes with tantalizing hints about upcoming talent in Hamilton, promising a vibrant future for the local music scene.Join us in this podcast episode as we celebrate the essence of musical storytelling and its profound influence on shaping the future of sound. Step into the magic of Grant Avenue Studio and uncover the sonic legacy it holds within its walls.

Gregg Tilston and Karim Kanji welcome to the show Steven Page! The episode begins with a discussion on the creation of the Trans Canada Highwaymen album Explosive Hits Vol 1, a K-Tel tribute album, sharing anecdotes about the song selection process, remote recording during the pandemic, and the creation of the infomercial for the album. They also explored the profound impact of growing up in Scarborough on Steven's musical influences and personal identity, discussing how the multicultural environment and music programs in Scarborough played a pivotal role in shaping his perspectives and ultimately contributed to the formation of the band the Barenaked Ladies. Steven Page shared personal anecdotes about his enduring friendship with fellow musicians, past collaborations, and current work on a new record. He also emotionally recounted the experience of singing Leonard Cohen's “Hallelujah” at Jack Layton's memorial service, expressing the pressure and honor of fulfilling Layton's request. Additionally, he performed a song from his recent album and discussed his regular live streams during the pandemic, where he plays his own songs and covers. The meeting also involved discussions about lost venues, Steven's music preferences, and the details of the upcoming show on Easter weekend. For more information check out https://transcanadahighwaymen.ca/

The episode kicks off with host Karim Kanji and returning guest and new author Morgan Campbell discussing the parallels between the publishing and boxing industries, highlighting the similarities between writers and boxers, editors and trainers, and agents and managers. They emphasize the importance of active promotion in both fields, drawing insightful comparisons between book promotion and the marketing efforts involved in selling pay-per-view boxing events. The episode then touches on the intricacies of writing a book about family, with Campbell highlighting the complexities of family dynamics and the need to write from his own perspective. They also reflect on their experiences with education, sharing memories of the lack of natural light in their school and the impact of technology on learning. Campbell passionately addresses the issue of Black America's culture being underappreciated and appropriated, emphasizing the lack of authentic love and compensation for their contributions. The meeting concludes with a discussion about a poignant passage from Campbell's book, "My Fighting Family Borders and Bloodlines and the Battles That Made Us," where Campbell vividly describes a pivotal moment in a high school football game. They also share their thoughts on the upcoming Super Bowl, with Campbell expressing his confidence in the Kansas City Chiefs' ability to outperform the San Francisco 49ers.

Craig Northey, lead singer of Odds, joined Gregg Tilston and Karim Kanji on the show earlier this year. Canadian rock band Odds released their seventh studio album, "Crash the Time Machine," co-produced by Steven Page earlier this year. The album explores themes of struggle and community, showcasing the band's evolution into new musical directions while maintaining their dark ironic signature. The first track, "Staring at a Blank Page," is described as defiantly joyful, offering a perspective on overcoming immovable obstacles by altering one's own outlook. Singer and guitarist Craig Northey emphasizes the significance of friendship as a form of immortality, acknowledging the collaborative influence of friends, including the late John Mann of Spirit of the West, on the album. The band, consisting of Northey, bassist Doug Elliott, drummer Pat Steward, and guitarist Murray Atkinson, reflects on their musical journey, rooted in the present but informed by a rich past dating back to their founding in 1987. Odds gained recognition with their 1991 debut, "Neopolitan," and continued to achieve success with Gold-selling releases like "Bedbugs" in 1993 and Platinum-selling "Good Weird Feeling" in 1995. After a hiatus in 1999, they regrouped in 2007 to embark on the second chapter of their recording career with the release of "Cheerleader" in 2008.

David McPherson joins the show to discuss his new book 101 Fascinating Canadian Music Facts which features stories about musicians and their experiences across Canada. Hosts Karim Kanji and Gregg Tilston start the episode off by discussing the Much Music documentary and tour, sharing details about the special guests and expressing their enthusiasm for the brand's continued impact on Canadian culture. They also reflected on recent interviews with celebrities, highlighting their admiration for their work and personal qualities. David McPherson joined the conversation to discuss his book on Canadian music facts, sharing interesting stories about musicians and their experiences in the industry. The group also talked about guitars and musicians, highlighting the importance of chance encounters and the role they can play in success. The episode continued with David McPherson sharing an interesting story about the Maple Leaf Forever guitar, which was made using wood from a tree that inspired Canada's unofficial national anthem. He also discussed his upcoming book tour. The group discussed the Much Comes Out initiative and its significance in Canadian music history, as well as various topics related to music, including Neil Young's recording process and The Kings' performance at the Heatwave Festival. David McPherson shared the inspiring story of Adrian Sutherland, an artist who created his debut solo record during COVID using an old shipping container as a studio. The episode concluded with David McPherson discussing his music preferences and promoting his book, “101 Fascinating Canadian Music Facts.”

Karim Kanji and Gregg Tilston discuss the recent Canada's Rock of Fame which took place in the historic Massey Hall. Karim Kanji and Gregg Tilston discuss their experience attending Canada's Rock of Fame event which was, in part, sponsored by Forty Creek Whisky. The hosts share their thoughts on the performances of various bands and artists, highlighting the talents of some lesser-known musicians. They also discussed the relevance of songs from decades ago and the importance of strong female voices in the music industry. Karim and Gregg also mention the performances of Trooper and Crown Lands, who nailed their respective songs. They also raved about the performances by Lee Aaron, Platinum Blonde, Rough Trade, Parachute Club, Chilliwack, Lighthouse and others. The hosts also discuss their differing opinions on approaching famous musicians and rock stars. They discuss the Canadian culture of not bothering famous people and how it can be different in other countries. They also talk about the importance of being introduced to famous people through mutual friends rather than approaching them directly.

More than 2 years ago Israel and Palestine attacks on each other prompted me to have a chat with Karim Awad. Karim Awad's ancestral roots trace back to the historic region of Palestine, prior to the establishment of the modern state of Israel. In our engaging conversation, Karim provided glimpse into his family's history in the complex landscape of Israel and Palestine. As the discussion unfolded, we embarked on a journey through the numerous occasions when Karim ventured back to his homeland, visiting the culturally rich city of Jerusalem, the resilient West Bank, and the challenging terrain of Gaza. His personal experiences shed light on the deep emotional connections that many individuals of Palestinian descent maintain with their homeland. Delving into the heart of the ongoing conflict between Palestine and Israel, we strove to gain a holistic perspective by examining the motivations of both sides. This allowed us to better comprehend the multifaceted issues at play, recognizing that there are genuine concerns and aspirations on all fronts. Towards the conclusion of our conversation, Karim shared his insights on what a potential path to peace may look like in the future. His thoughtful reflections offered hope and vision for a harmonious resolution to a long-standing conflict, leaving us with a sense of optimism in a quest for a brighter future.

Karim Kanji and Gregg Tilston take to the red carpet at the 299 Queen Street West Much Music documentary premiere to speak with former VJs. Karim interviews former Much Music VJs about their favourite memories of Much Music, including stories of their experiences at the network and the impact of the station on Canadian culture. Gregg and Karim also talked about the premiere of the Much Music documentary, 299 Queen Street West, and the opportunity to meet special guests, including Ed the Sock, Steve Anthony, Monika Deol, Sook-Yin Lee, Denise Donlon, and musician Andy Kim. Additionally, Andy Kim shared details about his upcoming Christmas show at Massy Hal. Gregg and Karim reminisced about past interviews with Much Music VJs. Overall, the interviews were a nostalgic and engaging discussion of Much Music's influence on viewers and the music industry.

In 2017, I had the honour of interviewing my friend, Arif Virani. This past week, the Honourable Arif Virani became Canada's newest Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada!Arif Virani's impressive career and journey to success are truly captivating. As a Member of Parliament, he has made significant contributions to his community and the country at large. With a focus on human rights, social justice, and community development, Arif Virani's passion for making a positive impact is evident in every aspect of his work.From his early life experiences to his commitment to public service, Arif Virani's dedication to advocacy and public policy shines through. As a lawyer, educator, and political leader, he has consistently strived to bring about positive change and empower marginalized communities.With a background in international human rights law, Arif Virani has skillfully championed the causes of refugees and immigrants, providing a voice to those who need it most. His impressive accomplishments as the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada further highlight his commitment to upholding justice and fairness.Arif Virani's journey is an inspiration to many, showcasing the transformative power of dedication, compassion, and hard work. As we delve into the pages of his story, we are reminded of the profound impact that individuals can have when they are driven by a genuine desire to create a better world.

Perry Chafe is a Newfoundland-based writer, showrunner, and co-creator of TV series Republic of Doyle or writer / producer for Son of a Critch. Closer by Sea is a coming-of-age story perfect for book clubs, and comparable to Mary Lawson's A Town Called Solace, or the film Stand by Me (Stephen King). It's about the mysterious disappearance of a young girl and the fragility of childhood bonds, set during the 90s, against the backdrop of a small island community adapting to an ever-changing landscape.

Perry Chafe is a Newfoundland-based writer, showrunner, and co-creator of TV series Republic of Doyle or writer / producer for Son of a Critch. Closer by Sea is a coming-of-age story perfect for book clubs, and comparable to Mary Lawson's A Town Called Solace, or the film Stand by Me (Stephen King). It's about the mysterious disappearance of a young girl and the fragility of childhood bonds, set during the 90s, against the backdrop of a small island community adapting to an ever-changing landscape.

Jamaluddin Aram is a documentary filmmaker, producer, and writer from Kabul, Afghanistan. His works have appeared in Numero Cinq, The Write Launch, and Cagibi literary magazine among others.Jamaluddin's short story “This Hard Easy Life” was a finalist for RBC Bronwen Wallace Award for Emerging Writers in 2020. He was selected as a mentee by Michael Christie for the Writers' Trust of Canada Mentorship program for his book Marchoba, now titled Nothing Good Happens in Wazirabad on Wednesday, his debut novel.He is the associate producer of the Academy Award–nominated film Buzkashi Boys. Jamaluddin has a bachelor's degree in English and history from Union College in Schenectady, New York.He lives in Toronto. Connect with him on Facebook @Jamaluddin.Aram or on Instagram and Twitter @JamaluddinAram.Jamaluddin is the author of the new book, “Nothing Good Happens in Wazirabad On Wednesday”.  Ask for it at your favourite local book store or online.This is Episode #281 of the Welcome! podcast.

Jamaluddin Aram is a documentary filmmaker, producer, and writer from Kabul, Afghanistan. His works have appeared in Numero Cinq, The Write Launch, and Cagibi literary magazine among others.Jamaluddin's short story “This Hard Easy Life” was a finalist for RBC Bronwen Wallace Award for Emerging Writers in 2020. He was selected as a mentee by Michael Christie for the Writers' Trust of Canada Mentorship program for his book Marchoba, now titled Nothing Good Happens in Wazirabad on Wednesday, his debut novel.He is the associate producer of the Academy Award–nominated film Buzkashi Boys. Jamaluddin has a bachelor's degree in English and history from Union College in Schenectady, New York.He lives in Toronto. Connect with him on Facebook @Jamaluddin.Aram or on Instagram and Twitter @JamaluddinAram.Jamaluddin is the author of the new book, “Nothing Good Happens in Wazirabad On Wednesday”.  Ask for it at your favourite local book store or online.This is Episode #281 of the Welcome! podcast.

This episode originally aired on the Welcome To The Music Podcast. We spoke about: Listener Questions: Aneez from Whitby – It is said that rock stars want to be athletes, and athletes want to be rock stars… Adam Wainwright sang the National Anthem on Opening Day in St Louis… What's the most John Gibbons Rock n Roll moment in the clubhouse, or on the road, or at a concert? Joshua from Scarborough – What was your walk up music when you were a Met? What would your walk up song be if you were playing today? Why don't managers have walk up songs? (Fav song is Simple Man by Lynyrd Skynyrd)Baseball: Two WS rings with Braves and 1986 Mets Getting umps to throw John out World Baseball Classic (Ohtani and Trout)One of John's good friends, JP Ricciardi – disliked in Toronto among the fan base. Why does JP get a bad rap? Pete Walker, pitching coach with the Jays, played for John Blue Jays new manager Schneider Alex Anthopolous Why John didn't like the Home run jacket. Music: Garth Brooks at METS spring training Rik Emmett and Gil Moore of Triumph came to games a lot Gil Moore helped John's daughter, JORDAN, record couple of albums in his Toronto studio Having dinner with Geddy Lee and RUSH and so much more!

This episode originally aired on the Welcome To The Music Podcast. We spoke about: Listener Questions: Aneez from Whitby – It is said that rock stars want to be athletes, and athletes want to be rock stars… Adam Wainwright sang the National Anthem on Opening Day in St Louis… What's the most John Gibbons Rock n Roll moment in the clubhouse, or on the road, or at a concert? Joshua from Scarborough – What was your walk up music when you were a Met? What would your walk up song be if you were playing today? Why don't managers have walk up songs? (Fav song is Simple Man by Lynyrd Skynyrd)Baseball: Two WS rings with Braves and 1986 Mets Getting umps to throw John out World Baseball Classic (Ohtani and Trout)One of John's good friends, JP Ricciardi – disliked in Toronto among the fan base. Why does JP get a bad rap? Pete Walker, pitching coach with the Jays, played for John Blue Jays new manager Schneider Alex Anthopolous Why John didn't like the Home run jacket. Music: Garth Brooks at METS spring training Rik Emmett and Gil Moore of Triumph came to games a lot Gil Moore helped John's daughter, JORDAN, record couple of albums in his Toronto studio Having dinner with Geddy Lee and RUSH and so much more!

This past weekend I spoke with Omer Aziz about growing up in Scarborough and his new book, Brown Boy. We spoke about: living in Scarborough his book, Brown Boy why he wrote Brown Boy how seeing Barack Hussein Obama on television altered the trajectory of his life what his next book will be about his favourite bookstore what's he's currently reading and so much more! Omer Aziz is the author of the book “Brown Boy”. The book is a memoir in which Aziz reflects on his experiences growing up as a Pakistani Canadian Muslim and explores themes of identity, belonging, and family. In “Brown Boy”, Aziz writes candidly about his struggles with mental health, his relationship with his father, and his experiences of racism and discrimination. He also examines the larger societal and political forces that shape the experiences of people like him, including the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks and the rise of Islamophobia. The book has received positive reviews for its honesty, insight, and compelling storytelling. It has been described as a “brave and thought-provoking memoir” that “offers a fresh perspective on the challenges of growing up in a world that often fails to understand or appreciate difference.” Omer Aziz is a Canadian writer, lawyer, and journalist.

This past week John Shannon joined me to chat about his career and new book, Evolve or Die (published by Simon and Shuster). Topics we discussed: - His relationship with Don Cherry - working with Richard Peddie and Sherali Najak - why he decided to write his first book - working with Bob McCown - working at Wayne Gretzky's last NHL game - and so much more! Who is John Shannon: John Shannon is a Canadian sportscaster, television producer, and former panelist on Rogers Sportsnet's Hockey Central. He won a Sports Emmy Award in 2003 for Outstanding Live Sports Special for his work on NBC's broadcast of the XIX Olympic Winter Games in Salt Lake City. Shannon was named Executive In Charge of Programming and Production for NHL Network in 2008, in addition to being Executive Vice President of Programming and Production for the National Hockey League. In 2009, he left the NHL Network to become an on-air panelist for Rogers Sportsnet and a co-host of sports talk radio show Prime Time Sports on Fan 590 in Toronto alongside Bob McCown. The show was simulcast on Rogers Sportsnet. The show aired for the final time on June 19, 2019, before its cancellation. On August 28, 2019, it was reported that Shannon would be retained by Rogers Sportsnet for the upcoming NHL season. In 2020, Shannon became a co-host of the sports talk podcast, "The Bob McCown Show," alongside Bob McCown, which discusses sports topics of the day and features guests from the sports industry.

From the long time host of The Weather Network comes a behind-the-scenes look at Canada's biggest weather events and climate phenomena.Chris St. Clair was a weather presenter and journalist on The Weather Network for more than twenty-five years.  He is also a popular speaker on meteorology and climate change. He lives in Kingston, Ontario. Connect with him on Twitter @CStClair1.For more than twenty-five years, Chris St. Clair was on the frontline of Canada's biggest weather events as a popular presenter on The Weather Network. For the first time, he shares his never-before-told stories covering the country's most astounding weather events.From the flooding of the Red River in Winnipeg to the ice storm in Montreal, the hurricanes in Newfoundland, the devastating wildfires in Fort McMurray, the hailstorm in Calgary, and the heat dome and horrifying floods in British Columbia, St. Clair recalls these extreme weather events and relays their impact on communities across the country. He also follows Canadian snowbirds south to Florida and recounts their dramatic escape from record-breaking Hurricanes Matthew and Irma.A vivid personal narrative with accessible scientific explanations and meteorological analysis, Weather Permitting tells the story of how the weather has shaped the character and psyche of our nation, and is an homage to the strength and resilience of Canadian communities from coast to coast.

Shenaz Lila is my aunt (my dad's sister) and one of 8 siblings. Her eldest brother is Noordin Kassam whom I interviewed in 2018. I've also interviewed Amin Kanji and Taj Charania earlier this year. This is a continuation in a series of conversations I have with all the KKC siblings. Including my dad.

Gabriela Casineanu is an award-winning author who founded the Immigrant Writers Association in 2018. The IWA is a non profit organization that assists new Canadian immigrants find support to express themselves through creative writing. Each year the IWA releases a new anthology featuring short stories and poetry from their members. This past Tuesday the IWA released a new anthology called Finding The Way featuring 12 new Canadian writers. https://immigrantwriters.com/finding-the-way/ Finding The Way features writing from new Canadians that have come from Ghana, Ukraine, Romania, USA, India, Cuba, Senegal, United Arab Emirates, Trinidad and Tobago.

I've known Mike for quite some time. He's a stand up guy who lives in Brampton and cares about his community.When asked by the Brampton Guardian who he wanted to run this is what he said, "Originally, I decided to run since the incumbent, Pat Fortini, was running unopposed. Everyone needs a choice and I put my name in so that people would have an option. Once I realized what a regional councillor could do with helping people, I decided that I was going to put 110 per cent into this campaign."This was Mike's first time running for public office. So I thought I'd ask him on what lessons he learned. Hope you enjoy this conversation.

Ali Hassan is a stand-up comedian, actor, and professional chef. He is the host of CBC's Canada Reads as well as Laugh Out Loud. He is also a frequent guest host of q, CBC's premier national arts and entertainment show. His comedy has been performed at the Just For Laughs Festival in Montreal and Toronto's JFL42. He is a Canadian Comedy Awards nominee, and his solo show, Muslim, Interrupted, was performed at the world's largest comedy festival, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. He has appeared in three award-winning films, Breakaway, French Immersion, and as the memorable Lebanese Uncle Stevie in the hockey hit Goon, in addition to other film and TV roles, most recently CBC's Run the Burbs. He lives in Toronto, Ontario, with his family. Follow him on Twitter @StandUpAli and find him at StandUpAli.com.

Gregg Tilston and Karim Kanji welcome The Pursuit of Happiness lead singer and songwriter Moe Berg to the show.

In the early 1990s, as AIDS tightens its grip on major cities around the world, the relative safety of Montreal's nightlife becomes a magnet for gay men. But when they start turning up dead in hotel rooms, beaten lifeless in city parks, and violently murdered in their own homes, the queer community has more to fear than the disease. While the city's police force dithers over the presence of a serial killer, a group of queer activists starts making connections, and rises up to start a movement that would end up changing thousands of lives. Hosted by Francis Plourde. Listen on the CBC Listen App or wherever you get your podcasts.

Fresh off of her collaboration with the Grammy Awards and RBCxMusic, Domanique Grant is a Pop/Soul, Singer-Songwriter from Toronto, named one of Buzzfeed's Top 20 Artists to Watch from Canada. With a live show that's been praised by Ted Talk, recent collaborations with Grammy Award-winning producer Jarrel ‘The' Young (Drake 2021, The Weeknd 2020, Fall out Boyz 2019) and a Pandemic-song that went viral worldwide, 2022 is set to be a big year for the teal haired powerhouse. The release of Domanique's upcoming EP album QueenDom, exploring self-love and authenticity in a digital age; does that and more. With a milky vocal tone, paired with a praised, rap-singing versatility, echoing influences as diverse as Lauren Hill, Lisa Left-Eye Lopes, Rihanna, Sza and Chance the Rapper, combined, Domanique's music straddles the lines of modern Pop and R&B, with elements of Electronic and Hip Hop that can't be ignored.

BIo: Zaileen Janmohamed is a masterful marketer and a steadfast leader known for providing the vision necessary to navigate complex scenarios and deliver results. Zaileen has a wealth of experience on the brand, agency, and property sides of the sports marketing business, and is an advocate for diversity and inclusion to drive culture and business. In her role with USOPP, Zaileen is working at the intersection of sales and partner servicing, extracting key insights from the market to guide the evolution of Team USA and LA 2028's business strategy, while also maximizing the offering for both existing and future partners. She joined the team in April 2019.

“Cournoyer has it on that wing. Here's a shot. Henderson made a wild stab for it and fell. Here's another shot. Right in front...they score! Henderson has scored for Canada!” These immortal words, spoken to hockey fans around the world by the legendary broadcaster Foster Hewitt, capture the historic final-seconds goal scored by Paul Henderson that won the 1972 Summit Series against the Soviet Union. Hockey fans across Canada know the moment well, but the story of those amazing eight games has never been fully told—until now. Here is my conversation with author Scott Morrison. Published by Simon & Schuster. Purchase a copy today: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/1972/Scott-Morrison/9781982154141

Taju Charania is one of 8 children raised by Jaffer and Khadija Kanji. His eldest brother is Noordin Kassam whom I interviewed in 2018. I've also interviewed Amin Kanji earlier this year. This is a continuation in a series of conversations I have with all the KKC siblings. Including my dad.

Amin Kanji is one of 8 children raised by Jaffer and Khadija Kanji. His eldest brother is Noordin Kassam whom I interviewed in 2018. This is a continuation in a series of conversations I have with all the KKC siblings. Including my dad.

Memory Is Our Homeland is a film by Canadian documentarian, Jonathan Durand. Charting the lost story of Polish refugees in Africa from 1942 to 1952 - this film brings to life a journey that brought a group of children from Poland through Siberia, Iran, India, and East Africa, to new lives in Montreal, Sheffield, and across the global Polish diaspora.

Randell Adjei is Ontario's first Poet Laureate. Hailing from Scarborough, Randell is an author, spoken word artist, educator, community leader and entrepreneur. RISE Edutainment is a social enterprise which seeks to give opportunity to youth across the city.

Adil Dhalla is a Community Organizer, Social Entrepreneur and Play Advocate. Currently, Adil is the Director of Community for Camp Reset. Learn more about Camp Reset at https://www.thisisreset.org/copy-of-home. Almost 12 years ago Adil co-founded a start up called My City Lives. On their first anniversary I asked Adil 5 Questions: What motivates you to do what you do on a daily basis? If you had 30 seconds to impart your wisdom on a classroom of soon-to-be graduates, what would you say? In your opinion, what has been one of the most important technological developments over the past 12 months? If you had a crystal ball, what would you say will be the most important technological development over the next 12 months? Who is one of Canada's tech stars and why? In this episode we finish off with a new 5 Questions. Listen to the end to hear the questions and Adil's answers. This is Episode #265 of the Welcome! podcast.

Aneil Gokhale is the Director of Philanthropy for the Toronto Foundation. In his role he is responsible for the development and management of the new business portfolio. In this episode we discuss: his work with the Toronto Foundation the Love, Scarborough fundraising initiative in support of the Scarborough Health Network Foundation. how he switched from business and science to philanthropy. his favourite things in Scarborough. how young adults can become involved in philanthropy. why Toronto is the best city in the world...for some people. https://torontofoundation.ca/ https://torontofoundation.ca/black-and-indigenous-futures-fund/ https://twitter.com/a_goks https://twitter.com/TorontoFdn https://www.vosnl.org/

Ali Hassan joins Karim Kanji for his third appearance on Welcome with Karim Kanji. In this episode we talk about: Doctor VS Comedian; His upcoming book, Is There Bacon In Heaven; Favourite tunes from the '90s; His upcoming movie, Stealing Vows; CBC comedy series, Run The 'Burbs; and so much more!

This is Husein's second appearance on the podcast. In this episode Husein calls in from hot and sunny Dubai where rumour has it that it is cold at night. Husien stars inthe new film, Donkeyhead. Donkeyhead is a 2021 Canadian comedy-drama film written and directed by Agam Darshi in her directorial debut. It stars Darshi as Mona, a woman tasked with taking care of her father with the help of her three siblings after he is diagnosed with cancer and his health starts to deteriorate.

Simu Liu is the star of the new Marvel movie Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. Prior to earning worldwide fame for this role Simu was one of the stars of the hit Canadian comedy, Kim's Convenience. Listen to this episode from 2017 to learn the back story of Marvel's newest superhero!

Brad Bradford is a City Councillor of the Beaches – East York ward in Toronto. Among his many duties he is currently the chair of the Toronto Music Advisory Council. In this episode Brad discusses with hosts Gregg Tilston and Karim Kanji the initiatives the city of Toronto is taking to bring back live music to the city in a post-pandemic scenario.

Jason Wilson is a two-time Juno-Awards nominee, Canadian Reggae Music Award winner, four-time Reggae Music Achievements Award nominee and Best-Selling Canadian historian from Downsview, Ontario. In 2007, Wilson became the first recipient of the Karl Mullings Memorial Award for commitment to reggae in Canada. The protégé of Studio One keyboardist Jackie Mittoo, Jason has performed and recorded with UB40, Alanis Morissette, Sly & Robbie, Ron Sexsmith, Ernest Ranglin, Brinsley Forde, Pee Wee Ellis, Martin Carthy and Dave Swarbrick. Wilson is a multi-instrumentalist though is perhaps best known for piano and voice. An Adjunct-Professor of history at the University of Guelph, Dr. Wilson has six books to his name, including the Toronto Maple Leafs' official centenary book. – jasonwilsonmusic.com/

Ari Shapiro returns to the podcast. Instead of talking about baseball we chat about politics and world events. Specifically, Islamophobia; the role of governments in addressing Islamophobia; the conflict between Palestine and Israel; Ari's view on the situation in the Middle East as a Jewish person born in Israel and now living in Canada; and finally how the West has it all wrong about Russia.

Welcome To The Music hosts Gregg Tilston and Karim Kanji take a look back at the 50th JUNO Awards. Gregg and Karim also celebrate past guests of the podcast who were nominated and even some who won! In other words, WTTM is a path to either a nomination or a statue! Congrats to all the nominees, winners and Canadian music!

Art Bergmann is Canada's Prince of Punk. Just don't call him that. In pure punk fashion, Art recently received the Order Of Canada but has yet to give an acceptance speech or even wear the "coveted" OoC pin. In this timely interview, Gregg Tilston and Karim Kanji talk to Art about music and the role of being a shit disturber by holding those in power to account. We end of the interview with a powerful performace of his song The Legend Of Bobby Bird. Bobby was a 10 year old boy who ran away from residential school in Saskatchewan never to be seen again. Years later his remains were found. For more information please visit www.irsss.ca/ (Indian Residential School Survivors Society)

Zaki Ibrahim recently released her album, The Secret Life Of Planets and joined both Gregg Tilston and Karim Kanji on the show to talk about it. We also explore Zaki's musical inspirations and how growing up in South Africa, Nanaimo and Toronto shaped her identity and music. Stay until the end for a wonderful performance of her song, Gemini Moon.

Karim Awad's family is originally from historic Palestine prior to it being taken over by Israel. In this conversation, Karim gives me his family's history in Israel/Palestine. We also hear stories of the many times Karim went back to visit Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza. We also take a deep dive into the ongoing conflict between Palestine and Israel and look at things from both sides to better understand the motivations of everyone. In the end, Karim leaves us with what a solution for peace could look like in the future.

The Cabana Room, the upstairs venue of The Spadina Hotel, was the centre of the Queen West music scene back in the 60s and 70s and flourished as a place to watch indie acts before being turned into a youth hostel in 1997. In this episode, hosts Gregg Tilston and Karim Kanji debate which Canadian act should join The Band, Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, Rush and Leonard Cohen in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Then we get around to reminisce about The Cabada Room which Gregg played in many times.

Prior to the release of her new album, SET THE FIRE, Kandle joined Gregg Tilston and Karim Kanji from her home in BC to chat about music, her career, videos, her new music and her love of dogs and the comedy, Curb Your Enthusiasm. Kandle’s mastery of music comes as no surprise, having collaborated with some of Canada’s finest songwriters, including Sam Roberts, Coeur de pirate, Peter Dremanis (July Talk) and Devon Portielje (Half Moon Run), in her impressive career to date — which also includes a Video of the Year JUNO nomination, a Prism Prize award for her Not Up To Me music video, and a Canadian Independent Video Award nomination for 2020 single, Lock and Load. Kandle also starred in Jack White’s 2018 video for Corporation, and her music was recently featured in Netflix's, Tiny Pretty Things. Growing up in the music industry as the daughter of Canadian rock royalty Neil Osborne of 54-40 has provided Kandle’s artistry with a unique insight. She brings a seasoned performance to every line and every word, channeling over a decade of touring the globe into music that’s familiar yet undeniably her own.

Farhan Lalji is the Vancouver Bureau Reporter for SPORTSCENTRE, Canada’s #1 sports news and information program. Lalji, who joined TSN in 1997, covers the Canucks, Lions, and Whitecaps FC, as well as other sports stories from around the Vancouver area. Along with covering the Vancouver sports scene, Lalji has reported from many of the biggest sporting events in North America, including the Stanley Cup Final, NBA Finals, Grey Cup, MLB and NBA All-Star Games, golf’s U.S. Open and PGA Championship, and the 2004, 2006, and 2010 Olympic Games.

Jeff Burrows is the drummer and percussionist for Canadian rock bands Crash Karma, and The Tea Party. Jeff Burrows begun drumming at eleven years of age and professionally since 1990 when he joined childhood friends Jeff Martin and Stuart Chatwood in forming The Tea Party which is celebrating their 30th anniversary in 2021.

Nothin' But a Good Time is the definitive, no-holds-barred oral history of 1980s hard rock and hair metal, told by the musicians and industry insiders who lived it. Hard rock in the 1980s was a hedonistic and often intensely creative wellspring of escapism that perfectly encapsulated—and maybe even helped to define—a spectacularly over-the-top decade. Indeed, fist-pumping hits like Twisted Sister’s “We’re Not Gonna Take It,” Mötley Crüe’s “Girls, Girls, Girls,” and Guns N’ Roses’ “Welcome to the Jungle” are as inextricably linked to the era as Reaganomics, Pac-Man, and E.T. From the do-or-die early days of self-financed recordings and D.I.Y. concert productions that were as flashy as they were foolhardy, to the multi-Platinum, MTV-powered glory years of stadium-shaking anthems and chart-topping power ballads, to the ultimate crash when grunge bands like Nirvana forever altered the entire climate of the business, Tom Beaujour and Richard Bienstock's Nothin' But a Good Time captures the energy and excess of the hair metal years in the words of the musicians, managers, producers, engineers, label executives, publicists, stylists, costume designers, photographers, journalists, magazine publishers, video directors, club bookers, roadies, groupies, and hangers-on who lived it. Featuring an impassioned foreword by Slipknot and Stone Sour vocalist and avowed glam metal fanatic Corey Taylor, and drawn from over 200 new interviews with members of Van Halen, Mötley Crüe, Poison, Guns N’ Roses, Skid Row, Bon Jovi, Ratt, Twisted Sister, Winger, Warrant, Cinderella, Quiet Riot and others, as well as Ozzy Osbourne, Lita Ford and many more, this is the ultimate, uncensored, and often unhinged chronicle of a time where excess and success walked hand in hand, told by the men and women who created a sound and style that came to define a musical era—one in which the bands and their fans went looking for nothin’ but a good time…and found it.

Erica Ehm is a good friend of the podcast. She was kind enough to sit down with hosts Gregg Tilston and Karim Kanji a few months ago to help us think about our podcast differently. Out of that brainstorming session came a segment called, Lost Venues. Lost Venues is a celebration of music venues from our past that no longer exist. Sometimes Gregg and Karim will chat about venues that Gregg has played at. This episode features some past guests who shared with us some of their favourite Lost Venues. Guests: Justine Giles Jonny Dovercourt Zenesoul Greg Godovitz Danny Miles

Perdita Felicien is a third time guest. And third time's a charm! Perditia is officially now an author. I'm so excited for her. In this episode we talk about her car, her book, Catherine - her mom, her daughter Nova, her relationship with her dad and some advice for a young first time book author to be, Morgan!