Guests

I'm leaving Winnipeg.

Alan Zweig's new podcast is called "Tubby". It's a unique show that explores conversations about weight, body image, and self-esteem, and not a typical self-help podcast. Together with Alan Black, (Left Of Dial Media) the show approaches the topic with authenticity and humour, focusing on storytelling rather than providing solutions.

There are a few Instagram accounts that operate anonymously. Now comes a podcast that is somewhat anonymous. A 15 year radio pro dubbed "Radio Girl" reveals enough about herself to tell us why she has embarked on this project, and also showing us that while the podcast's artwork is AI, she definitely is a real person. She shares candid insights about the challenges of working in radio, including toxic workplace dynamics, sexual harassment, and the the dysfunctional relationships. She explains her decision to create an anonymous show as a way to process her experiences and provide a platform for honest conversations about radio's behind-the-scenes realities.

Anna Zee has been with Q104 in Halifax for nearly 38 years. Her first radio foray was in 1981 at Queens University's. She transitioned through various stations including Rock 103 (Now C-103) in Moncton before landing at the legendary Q104 in Halifax, where she became a daytime fixture. Throughout her career, she's witnessed significant changes in radio, from physical record deliveries to digital platforms and social media integration. While the technology has changed, her passion for music has not. Q104 has been more than a job for Anna - it's been a family. She's experienced the station's evolution, including some subtle and slight shifts in musical format as the station's audience evolved and grew over the years. Despite opportunities elsewhere, she remained committed to Halifax, loving the city's vibrant music scene and tight-knit radio community.

Paul and I explored how radio’s real strength lies in local content, strong communities, and brand reach. We talked about public radio navigating loss of traditional funding, and the need for new digital strategies. Paul urged programmers and managers to see mobile apps and newsletters as opportunities for deeper connection—not just boxes to tick. Despite industry challenges, both Paul and I are optimistic. If broadcasters double down on what makes radio great—engaging personalities, community focus, and the free, local experience—there’s a bright future ahead.

We explored the evolving landscape of Canadian media regulation and the challenges facing policymakers in the digital age. He highlighted how, for over two decades, both Conservative and more often Liberal governments have struggled to keep pace with the rapid changes brought by the internet, often lagging behind technology and failing to anticipate the real-world impact of new laws.

Damian Rickards is a second generation broadcaster who has spent over 25 years navigating his way across the country through broadcasting. From his early days at Mix 99 to pioneering urban radio at Flow 93.5 in Toronto and Vibe 98.5 in Calgary, Rickards shares insider stories of radio's evolution. He discusses his journey through multiple markets, including Toronto, Calgary, and Ottawa, while highlighting the challenges of syndication and maintaining local relevance. Mr. D Radio also brings us i...

Todd Cochrane passed away September 8, 2025

Greg Wasserman from RSS.com is on the show to talk podcasting. Having made his way through the media ad buying world, Greg spent some time selling for the CBS radio cluster in LA before hooking in to podcasting. We share some similar views when it comes to the importance of show packaging, including artwork and descriptions, to attract and retain listeners. We also talked about the shift from downloads to audience engagement across multiple platforms like YouTube. Then we talked about the new toys in the toy box at RSS.com. Like their new programmatic ad feature, which allows podcasters to monetize with as few as 10 downloads per month. Additionally, he mentions the potential of video podcasting through HLS and the significance of local and location tags for building hyper-local communities. Now before you bail on the show and think things like HLS is geeky and silly, ask yourself. Do you want to let YouTube house all your video or do you want some degree of control over it?

Pat Moran is the host of Talking Buffalo, He covers all things Buffalo, which includes the Buffalo Bills and Sabres, and Buffalo Wings. In this episode we emphasized the importance of credibility and trust in reporting. Moran highlights mistakes in sports media, such as a false report about Max Hairston's injury and a red helmet story, stressing the need for accuracy over speed. He also discusses the competitive landscape of sports media, the impact of national versus local coverage, and the benefits of networking and partnerships, including his experience with Blue Wire Network. Moran concludes with his optimistic outlook for the Buffalo Bills' 2025 season.

Romina Hakim is the owner of Red Lips Media. She is one of those creators who scores a hattrick in audio creation as her work extends from radio, to voiceover and to podcasting. We talked all three with the Argentinian, from successful radio host and podcast coach to her voiceover work as a Spanish voice for big brands. She highlights her move from Argentina to Barcelona, where she faced challenges adapting to the Castilian accent but eventually secured voiceover work with apps like calm.com. Ro...

I had the pleasure of speaking with Dave Sturgeon, a true veteran of the radio industry. With over 40 years of experience, Dave shared his journey from starting on-air in small-town Ontario to managing stations across North America and eventually running his own agency. We discussed his unique path—transitioning from rock radio to talk, then into sales and management, and finally agency ownership. Dave offered candid insights into the challenges and rewards of each role, emphasizing the power of connection that radio brings. He explained why, despite the rise of digital, radio remains a foundational medium for advertisers, driving real results that digital alone can’t match. We also explored the myths surrounding radio’s relevance and measurement, and Dave’s new book, "The Truth About Radio," which aims to bust those myths. This conversation is a reminder of radio’s enduring impact and the passion that keeps it alive.

It was announced at Podcast Movement last year that Paul Riismandel would be taking over as President of Signal Hill Insights and Jeff Vidler would be stepping back from day-to-day duties, and segueing towards retirement. Music like a musician never stops being a musician, and a writer never stops being a writer; researchers may stop doing working for research companies, but their minds never stop asking questions. I've known Jeff for so long that I don't think he will ever stop wondering why something in audio is the way it is.

Norma Jean Belenky is the host of the Podbiz, and was fascinated by her global journey through podcasting and media. With experience living in seven countries, she brings a unique perspective to understanding podcast monetization. We explored her background, from teaching English in South Korea to creating music and working at Podbean, which ultimately led her to launch her own podcast focused on how creators can make money in this evolving medium.

Paul Ferguson, VP of Programming and Operations at Starboard Communications in Belleville, Ontario discusses radio in a very unique market. Belleville is free from corporate ownership.

Gordon Firemark is the podcast lawyer. I first had a chance to meet him at Podcast Movement in the late 10's. In 2022 I might have had a few cocktails when I asked him about how to manoeuvre cross-broder conflicts between podcasters. In this episode I ask the rest of the questions I had.

Rachel Gilbert and I connected over microphones to discuss her perpetual reinvention in the world of audio. We reminisced about her early days at Fanshawe College, her leap into radio, and the magic that made the Dave and Rachel Show such a staple for so many years. Hearing Rachel describe the camaraderie, the hustle, and even the heartbreak of industry layoffs is a tale told all too often. Her honesty about the challenges—like the decline of radio schools and the uncertainty of media jobs—was a little sobering. I love Rachel’s ability to pivot. She hasn't just survived the changes; she thrived, building a successful voiceover business and launching a podcast with her former co-hosts. Their show, “Due to Underwhelming Demans,” is proof that authentic connection and storytelling still matter, no matter the platform. It is also ahead of its time when it comes to geo-local content. Rachel’s insights on AI in voiceover work is something every aspiring voice actor should listen to…

I reconnect with Alix Michaels, tracing her journey from Winnipeg’s radio scene in the early 90s to her adventures across the US and back home again. We reminisce about the Winnipeg Radio Reunion, the unique energy of the city’s broadcast community, and the memorable personalities who shaped our careers. Alix shares candid stories about breaking into radio, working overnight shifts in the early 90's at 92 CITI-FM, and the unpredictable calls that came with the job—including a surreal encounter with Dave Mustaine from Megadeth. We discuss her leap into American radio markets, the challenges of TV hosting, and the evolving landscape of voiceover work, especially with the rise of AI. Our conversation also explores Winnipeg’s quirks, from its ever-changing radio dial to its vibrant, sometimes strange local culture.

Jen Moss and Roger Nairn, co-founders of Jar Audio, a company that rebranded as Jar Podcast Solutions in July 2025. They are a Vancouver-based podcast company specializing in branded content. Jen and Roger discuss their backgrounds in radio and advertising, and how those experiences shaped their approach to podcasting for brands and nonprofits. The conversation explores the challenges of making branded podcasts that are authentic and audience-focused, rather than advertorial. Jen and Roger share insights on building trust, measuring engagement, and the importance of putting the audience first. They address the lack of funding for Canadian podcast content and their efforts to advocate for government support.

This week’s episode marks nine years of the Sound Off Podcast, and it’s a moment to reflect on how far we’ve come—and where we’re going. From upgrading our sound and socials, bringing on sponsors, to adding video in a world that now scrolls for connection, our show has evolved alongside the media landscape. In this episode, I dig into what’s broken in radio: a system that stretches talent like Stretch Armstrong—asking for more with less—and a stubborn over-reliance on music in an era where li...

I've known Neil Veglio from his ongoing posts on LinkedIn, but I thought it would be fun to just say hello in a line up at the Podcast Show in London last month. Neal is the founder of PodKnows, a podcast production and coaching company out of the UK. He agreed to come on the show to share his journey from radio to podcasting, and why it is important to create value-driven content rather than focusing solely on monetization. We discussed the challenges of podcast marketing, including the pitfalls of buying downloads and gaming platform algorithms.

What is a podcast in 2025? We called in Rob Greenlee to provide insights into the evolving landscape of podcasting, focusing on the rise of video podcasting. He discusses how platforms like YouTube and Spotify are reshaping the industry, challenging traditional RSS-based distribution. We tried to land on the definition of a podcast, emphasizing content over distribution method. We talked metrics, monetization, and content creation for new podcasters. Rob highlighted the importance of personal branding and adapting to technological changes, including the potential impact of AI on media. The group debates the future of local podcasting and the difficulties creators face in generating revenue. Things are changing. Fast.

I get back together with Terry Evans, the morning host at Edmonton's K97, to discuss life family and his new podcast Reluctantly. I warn you, we don't spend a ton of time talking about radio; more about radio life and family. Terry shares insights into his family's remarkable achievements: his son Riley, a drummer who has played at major international venues like Lollapalooza and Coachella, and his daughter Katie, who was recently crowned Canada's top bartender and will represent the country in ...

Steve Jones is the president of Stingray Radio. If you have been following him on Linked In , (and you should) you have been presented with many wild examples of what qualifies as Canadian content on the radio. We all have our favourites. Mine are the collection of songs circa 1991 like Rod Stewart's Rhythm of my Heart and Bonnie Riatt's Something to Talk About qualifying as Cancon, while the entire album of Bryan Adams' Waking Up The Neighbours is not. Over the years the list has grown, and now that our planet is more connected than ever with technology, there is a need for Canada to update how Cancon is determined.