The Todd Donald Show

Join Rob Szabo (host of And Sometimes… Why? w/ Rob Szabo, a stellar singer, songwriter & music producer) and I, as we go track-by-track through our “Fun In The Sun Metal” playlist and wrap up this podcast!

Chats with Rob Szabo recorded over Zoom from Kitchener to Toronto on June 14th & 23rd, 2021. Voiceover by Milo Axelrod, theme music by William Chernoff, piano outro by JP Sunga, everything else by Todd Donald. Presented in part, by Afternoon Tea. afternoontealabel.com

Veteran Kitchener/Waterloo music scene-sters, pub musicians and now podcasters: Jesse Webber & Jay Carraro, bring you humour and all sorts of wonderful Kitchener beloved fellow musicians, artists and more on their show “Kitchener Famous w/ Jesse & Jay”. What started off as a covid-era project has become yet another song from the heart from these guys, and it’s loaded with hooks and charm. Dear listener: If I’ve ever claimed to dedicate my show to just the hardcore fans and no-longer hope for approval, I’ve never meant it more than here in the last month. I mean, I DO love these guys and you SHOULD listen to their podcast.. but you’re not gonna get a prime and well promoted exposé on anything they do here, sorry-not sorry. You’re gonna get three longtime friends catching up and chatting about shit with a LOOSE interview-ish-like structure, which I always find more enjoyable anyway. You’re also gonna get some great local (to Kitchener) music by LoFi Mind, IAM5AM ft. Mary 5E, TayLynn and the brand new single by Jesse Webber “Brand New Day”. Photo cred: Nick Stanley, a re-presentation of a photo used for The Community Edition, with full-crediit going to Nick. This is a non-profit podcast Nick, please don’t hurt me and thanks for being a wicked awesome photographer!

Chat with Jesse Webber & Jay Carraro recorded over Zoom from Waterdown to Kitchener on June 6th, 2021. Voiceover by Milo Axelrod, theme music by William Chernoff, piano outro by JP Sunga, everything else by Todd Donald. Presented in part, by Afternoon Tea. afternoontealabel.com

Hear ep 117 w/ Glodeane Brown now, wherever you get or listen to podcasts. My bio link is a Linktr.ee, and there’s a link directly to the newest episode on Apple Podcasts at the top! I’m overwhelmed to think of all (“Culture Fancier” aka) Glodeane Brown’s done/is doing, for art and to the artist’s benefit, to the whole art community’s benefit. 5 years ago in March, Culture Fancier was born. It’s an amazing art blog for the Waterloo Region; spotlighting, showcasing and chatting with the artists (and others) behind every museum, gallery, novel, painting, installation, album, independent film and more, in the region & beyond.. Way to get your weekly output dwarfed, EVERY built-in art section in the region’s press, COMBINED!

In fact, Culture Fancier has led to professional art-column gigs, as well as opportunities to cover art outside of the region.. it’s certainly gained Glodeane much deserved admiration among hundreds of artists whose work was turned on to people through the blog, and hundreds more who seek to have their work ‘culture-fancied’.. I just riffed that, it might catch on. In the time that the blog’s started and built itself into what it is now and always has been (fantastic), Glodeane completed a post-grad at Humber College for Arts Administration & Cultural Management, taken on various roles in CAFKA’s biennial (with all that’s involved between events and behind the scenes); CAFKA (Contemporary Art Forum Kitchener and Area) being a huge art exhibit spread across WR’s public space (I’ve seen it, it’s intense and amazing).

Now that I’ve scratched the surface.. Did I mention that I’m lucky enough to know Glodeane, because I was also lucky enough to regularly share the stage with lovely singer/songwriters Christen Latham and Matt Lees at the dive-iest dive, the early-mid 2000s Circus Room? Did I mention she’s found a way to offer moral support and followed everything I’ve done creatively over the years since? Did I mention she once got debilitatingly anti-social (then) me on to the dance floor at a friend’s wedding back in the day - cause she’s that cool? Not to make it about the past, but as I wrap up TDS, I can’t go without shouting about how awesome my brilliant and hard-working friend is and always has been.. with all the gratitude I feel while typing it. Now you can listen to me say it all on iTunes or whatever and even more inarticulate!

Chat with Glodeane Brown recorded over Zoom from Waterdown to Kitchener on June 3rd, 2021. Recorded music: “(D)HMU” by Ley Vara, “Living In Between” by Matthew Ryan Jacobs, “Liqour” by Paige Warner, “Nitpicker” by Kali Kazoo & “Heart Attack” by The Stars Here. Voiceover by Milo Axelrod, theme music by William Chernoff, piano outro by JP Sunga, everything else by Todd Donald. Presented in part, by Afternoon Tea. afternoontealabel.com

Meet Daniel Hodgson, a worldclass (though hobbyist now) photographer and a vinyl enthusiast, not to mention an Australian/Canadian & KW-based friend of mine since early 2011. It was nice to catch up with Daniel and a chance to shoot the shit with him on a podcast, which features on it’s cover, a photo taken by him. We chat about KW, accents, photography and vinyl… which is always nice! Enjoy! Enjoy the wonderful music on this episode, including “Avenue B” by Vienna D’Amato Hall, “The Chauffer” by Warpaint & “DoYaThing” by Gorillaz.

Chat with Daniel Hodgeson recorded over Zoom from Gjoa Haven NU to Waterloo on April 25th, 2021. Voiceover by Milo Axelrod, theme music by William Chernoff, piano outro by JP Sunga, everything else by Todd Donald. Presented in part, by Afternoon Tea. afternoontealabel.com

Treephones is an artist’s artist and the “musical moniker” as it’s been written, of Stephen Trothen; though better described in our conversation. He’s putting out a beautiful concept album this Friday (May 7th) that you can listen to in any dimension and it will make you fall in love with music again.. PINK OBJECTS. If you’ve become jaded with music, I offer this to you as an example of someone at least STRIVING for genius, even if unintentionally. Now that I’ve let my emotionality set the bar super high, let me conclude this album description by adding that it’s something you can put on and enjoy and it will only ask of you what you give it, it will only give you what you ask of it and it’s really nice. You’ll hear us talking in this and it’ll feature some songs from the album. If you’d like to know more, simply click the ‘Play’ button for this podcast episode.. seriously. Ontarian Stephen Trothen, is also a good friend whom I haven’t been in touch with until a few months ago, but have always kept a fondness for. We met as solo singer/songwriters in the late ‘00s during the death rattle of Myspace.. and I’m pretty sure I saw The Hangover with him. He’s as sweet a friend as his music is ear candy.

Chat with Stephen Trothen recorded over Zoom from Gjoa Haven NU to Stratford on April 25th, 2021. Recorded music: “Matches”, “A Boarding Pass”, “A Map” & “Seeds” are all by Treephones, and from the album PINK OBJECTS. Voiceover by Milo Axelrod, theme music by William Chernoff, piano outro by JP Sunga, everything else by Todd Donald. Presented in part, by Afternoon Tea. afternoontealabel.com

I'm honoured once again to chat with Actor, Writer, Director and so much more..Amy Walker. This time around (continuing from our chat on episode 91. re: short film 'Into Light') we took a deeper dive into the film-making process as well as the heart and mind of Soulfire Creations. I'm very glad I had the chance to explore with Amy: Where does her drive and passion come from? How does she approach doing such a wide variety of projects, roles, tasks? How many accents/dialects is she willing to grace my podcast with, right now?. This all gets answered, and then some, here on TDS. While you're listening and enjoying, please check out Amy's portfolio on the links/sites below; like, follow and share. Please consider supporting all of the artists showcased on this episode, which includes tracks by Amy, Nipun Nair, Dana Debolt & Stephen Trothen.

Chat with Amy Walker recorded over Zoom from Gjoa Haven NU to Los Angeles CA on March 11th, 2021. Voiceover by Milo Axelrod, theme music by William Chernoff, piano outro by JP Sunga, everything else by Todd Donald. Presented in part, by Afternoon Tea. afternoontealabel.com

Minnesota-raised/L.A. based, singer/songwriter Sonja Midtune is a fantastic artist (Folk, Indie, Americana) who at the time of this podcast drop, is on the EVE of releasing her new EP “Dreams Melt Away” and having an interesting time releasing new music during Covid, as many can relate to. “Dreams Melt Away” will be available on all streaming platforms this Friday (April 2nd), you can get a unique physical music experience by ordering the CD and/or 4 candles, each a scented reflection of a song on the EP, all by visiting sonjamidtune.com or following @sonjamidtune on IG. Enjoy hearing us chat about the EP, growing up, teaching a new generation of singer/songwriters and touching on her experience with brother’s documentary ‘The Way North’!

Chat with Sonja Midtune recorded over Zoom from Gjoa Haven NU to Los Angeles CA on March 6th, 2021. Recorded music: “Lonely Bones”, “Talk To Me” & “Pages” by Sonja Midtune. Voiceover by Milo Axelrod, theme music by William Chernoff, piano outro by JP Sunga, everything else by Todd Donald. Presented in part, by Afternoon Tea. afternoontealabel.com

Kitchener/Waterloo’s Clarissa Diokno is a class act who’s payed many dues on the cover band stage, the kareoke stage (as both host and singer), has pursued acting and all matters of performing; I couldn’t be happier to chat with her after releasing her fantastic first original song. It just so happens that her debut single “Confusion” is a JAM, and naturally we discuss this. There’s a bit of a narrative starting in the dog days of Chainsaw nights in Uptown Waterloo, through the cover circuit, working in Los Angeles, and then back to KW, where in quarantine, this seasoned, silk-voiced and very down to earth ARTIST is still set on taking over the world.

Chat with Clarissa Diokno recorded over Zoom from Gjoa Haven NU to Waterloo on February 21st, 2021. Voiceover by Milo Axelrod, theme music by William Chernoff, piano outro by JP Sunga, everything else by Todd Donald. Presented in part, by Afternoon Tea. afternoontealabel.com

I was introduced to the wicked hot music by a young Ontarian by the name of Riley Michaels. Riley is everything at around 20 y/o that I was most definitely not! He’s super talented at singing, writing songs and playing guitar, as well as articulate and charming.. so it was a pleasure to have Riley on the show, to chat about music, some of his influences (Prince, John Mayer, etc.), and a breakdown about making and presenting the video for his brand new single: “Turn Off The Lights”!!! *available now on all streaming/digital purchase platforms.

Chat with Riley Michaels recorded over Zoom from Gjoa Haven NU to Ottawa on January 23rd, 2021. Recorded music: “Turn Off The Lights” & “Now I Know” by Riley Michaels. Voiceover by Milo Axelrod, theme music by William Chernoff, piano outro by JP Sunga, everything else by Todd Donald. Presented in part, by Afternoon Tea. afternoontealabel.com

Justin Briner, 1/3rd of KW’s Pull The Plug podcast (although I’m hearing things about a 4th ;), is a singer/songwriter whose made delicious solo/acoustic music and currently fronts a wicked 90s-saluting rock band called The Wilt Aways. We chat about our shared history on CJIQ, what it’s meant to be a part of PTP podcast for so long with Shannon and Justin G, making music of course!, as well as 90s Batman flicks and grabbing a coffee for relaxing vinyl record-hunt walks. Ps: WTF, TDS is 100 episodes old! Farewell listeners! JK. A small congrats to m’self though, no celebration, other than the ongoing joy and satisfaction of making the podcast I want to make. A salute for those of us who would like to be rich, but aren’t motivated to make things only in order to become rich.

Chat with Justin Briner recorded over Zoom from Gjoa Haven NU to Ontario on November 28th, 2020. Recorded music: “Hereoes For Ghosts” by Justin Briner, “Silhouette of a Cigarette” by Justin Briner, “Mars” by The Wilt Aways, “Junk Bond Trader” by Elliot Smith & “Time” by The Wilt Aways. Voiceover by Milo Axelrod, theme music by William Chernoff, piano outro by JP Sunga, everything else by Todd Donald. Presented in part, by Afternoon Tea. afternoontealabel.com

I had the pleasure of chatting with JONY STUDIOS owner JONY MANSILLA, about the studio itself, him as an artist and how all facets have been evolved during the pandemic. (Side note from 2023 - this was originally an add-on to the Rosie Cerquone episode, when I was doing shorter Q&A's in addition to the longer convos. It remains here now, a stand-alone Ep, with Jony more than welcome back on the pod for a long-y. :D -Todd)

Chat with Jony Mansilla recorded over Zoom from Gjoa Haven NU to Waterloo on December 16th, 2020. Voiceover by Milo Axelrod, theme music by William Chernoff, piano outro by JP Sunga, everything else by Todd Donald. Presented in part, by Afternoon Tea. afternoontealabel.com

Washington’s ROSIE CERQUONE is a classically trained multi-percussionist and a fantastic young singer/songwriter with a mesmerizing voice to boot! We met through mutual friend (last episode’s guest:) John Maksym, on the premise of Rosie singing the vocals for my “Rumspringa” tribute song, WHICH SHE NAILED! On the eve of us chatting on IG DMs, I listened to her first single “12” from the soon-to-be-released (January 8th, 2021) “The How & The Why” album, was enchanted, and knew I had to chat with Rosie on this podcast ASAP. Here finally, is that conversation!

Chat with Rosie Cerquone recorded over Zoom from Gjoa Haven NU to Washington on December 20th, 2020. Recorded music: “Rumspringa” by Todd Donald w/ Rosie Cerquone, “Head/Heart” by Kristina Stapelfeld, “12” by Rosie Cerquone & “Centre Of It All” by Sexdwarf. Voiceover by Milo Axelrod, theme music by William Chernoff, piano outro by JP Sunga, everything else by Todd Donald. Presented in part, by Afternoon Tea. afternoontealabel.com

Singer/Songwriter John Maksym is a veteran of powerhouse alt-rock/punk band Breaching Vista (prior: Close To Home and Klutz), with a dedication to making music and performing that is motivating and moving to say the least. Now available, is a compilation of his 2020 releases, in an EP called ‘Fear’, with a dazzling photo-shoot to boot, by Meg McCormick. You’ll hear all five tracks on this episode, and I encourage you to see the links below (in the show episode notes) and get yourself a copy! In this episode though, you’ll hear us chatting about life, the EP, making music as well as John and I’s 20 years of friendship (as advertised), and it becomes a tedx/press-kit at some points, but it’s all in good fun and in the pleasure of chatting with the super uplifting, kind and hard-working person John is and always has been. What a year, baby! Let’s all look forward to kicking this cough in 2021. Cheers!

Chat with John Maksym recorded over Zoom from Gjoa Haven NU to Kitchener on November 22nd, 2020. Recorded music: “You Know What I Want” by John Maksym, “Blame” by John Maksym, “Planet (Acoustic)” by John Maksym, “Drinkin’ & Thinkin’” by John Maksym & “Paper” by John Maksym. Voiceover by Milo Axelrod, theme music by William Chernoff, piano outro by JP Sunga, everything else by Todd Donald. Presented in part, by Afternoon Tea. afternoontealabel.com

ELLEN HOLLMAN who you’ll remember as Saxa on ‘Spartacus: Vengeance’, Dana in ‘Love And Monsters’; next year she’ll be in the fourth installment of ‘The Matrix’. She is on The Todd Donald Show today to tell me all about her fantastic new love/revenge action/thriller from Uncorkd Entertainment called ‘Army of One’ - available today! I freaking love this flick! Who wants to hear me nerd out about it like a 14-year-old at Comic-Con?

Chat with Ellen Hollman recorded over Zoom from Gjoa Haven NU to Los Angeles CA on December 7th, 2020. Voiceover by Milo Axelrod, theme music by William Chernoff, piano outro by JP Sunga, everything else by Todd Donald. Presented in part, by Afternoon Tea. afternoontealabel.com

From my hometown Kitchener/Waterloo to me in the Arctic, a fantastic person by the name of Allison was on this podcast via a phonecall recorded to voice-memo, while I recorded myself on Garageband; simple patch-work later brings you this very warm and nice-vibed chat between a couple of Canadian artists, dig it. For ALLISON POPROCKS, a piece of her heart lives in the Yukon, she’s a visual artist, occasional model, tattoo-getter, hair stylist, coffee enthusiast… and she was appreciatively game for chatting me up about all of these passions. You can find her first author credit (‘Dill and Daddy Llama’’) if you give her a follow on IG, expect her next (‘Avocado Rainbow Remix’) soon!

Chat with Allison Paprocki recorded over Zoom from Gjoa Haven NU to elsewhere in Canada on November 27th, 2020. Recorded music: “Old Feelings” by Hot Club, “Put You Out” by Katy Topham, “Things Aren’t Like They Used To Be (Young Wild & Free)” by Lofi Mind. Voiceover by Milo Axelrod, theme music by William Chernoff, piano outro by JP Sunga, everything else by Todd Donald. Presented in part, by Afternoon Tea. afternoontealabel.com

I’m honoured to have had the chance to chat with “digital fusion” musicians and composers Aivi “Aivi” Tran & Steven “Surasshu” Velema. The recording was semi-fresh off the release of their video game soundtrack for the new game Ikenfell. They started by creating and releasing their first album ‘The Black Box’ in 2013, went on to compose and collaborate on Award-winning music for the Cartoon Network show Steven Universe, and continue making music for video games which I have to say is all brilliant and enchanting work. They were game to be on this podcast, and I had a delightful time chatting with them in and out of sequence, about their music, marriage and more. Please enjoy!

Chat with Aivi & Surasshu recorded over Zoom from Gjoa Haven NU to Los Angeles CA on October 18th, 2020. Recorded music: “Diamond Dove” by Aivi & Surasshu, “Amalgam (Amethyst & Pearl's Fusion Dance)” by Aivi & Surasshu, “Paint the Future - Ima's Theme” by Aivi & Surasshu + Sammus & “Rose Thorns - Battle with Aeldra” by Aivi & Surasshu. Voiceover by Milo Axelrod, theme music by William Chernoff, piano outro by JP Sunga, everything else by Todd Donald. Presented in part, by Afternoon Tea. afternoontealabel.com

This is a quick interview I was delighted to have with Amy Walker (a wonderful multi-talented artist & performer), who co-produced, wrote and starred in “Into Light”, an important story about the late Inez Milholland who literally dedicated and gave her whole life to human rights, and as seen in this vital short independent feature - women’s right to vote! We talk about the genesis of the film, and the journey it’s taken so far.. see below where you can find it!

Chat with Amy Walker recorded over Zoom from Gjoa Haven NU to Los Angeles CA on November 14th, 2020. Voiceover by Milo Axelrod, theme music by William Chernoff, piano outro by JP Sunga, everything else by Todd Donald. Presented in part, by Afternoon Tea. afternoontealabel.com

I had the good fortune of getting in-touch with currently-Montreal-based, Singer/songwriter Dana Debolt this summer. Immedietely after hearing her music for the first time I was a big fan. “With You I Rise - Single” available now, as well as “Record Store”. It’s edgy, raw, fun and she’s got limitless potential yet.. So it was a must.. I had to talk to this genius, and she was great about it! Do you HATE awesome music and the artists who make it? If so, avoid this episode. I start off with some update-y kinda tings, including a big shoutout to the awesome monster that is the un-filtered shenanigan wagon of Kitchener Famous with Jesse and Jay. Also in the update: Much love for all of my American friends on this scary and historic day, and my lil’ 30 Podcasts photo + essay project.

Chat with Dana Debolt recorded over Zoom from Gjoa Haven NU to Montreal QC on October 10th, 2020. Recorded music: “With You I Rise” by Dana Debolt, “Patience” by Dana Debolt, “Bitch” by Dana Debolt & “12” by Rosie Cerquone. Voiceover by Milo Axelrod, theme music by William Chernoff, piano outro by JP Sunga, everything else by Todd Donald. Presented in part, by Afternoon Tea. afternoontealabel.com

Guelph-Ontario’s Lauren Stein is an Improviser, who performs and can give all of the gifts a spectator desires; but when she’s not performing, is creatively or academically doing all she can to give the gift of what’s happening on-stage, to everyone (whether they know they need it or not). Her authorial debut ‘Improv At Work: Transform Your Career with Improv’, is the study of what Improv and Expressive Art offers by way of therapy, citing herself as the amazing example she is. Throughout, are improv games, documented experiences in teaching and participating, as well as a brief history of improv (what up, my nerds!). As a guest, great, I’m stoked if I can call her a friend and it truly did feel like having a warm chat over a “coffee” WITH a friend. Not only did she roll with the questions and conversation like a seasoned pro, but I felt more than warmly received as the the shambling mess I tend to be as a host. We both got to be hosts AND participants, and IN that, we got to know more about the positive impacts Improv (and it’s groovy fundamentals) has had on her development and that it can have on the world at large. Fun fact: Along with JP Sunga, Katy Topham and roommate Laura Bailey, Lauren is one of the only four people who’ve been a guest on the show in 2020, that i’ve seen-in-person (6 or more feet apart) this year!

Chat with Lauren Stein recorded over Zoom from Gjoa Haven NU to Guelph on October 7th, 2020. Recorded music: “Wayne” by Ophelia Syndrome, “String Of Three” by Paige Warner, “Soup” by The Family Simpson & “Breakthru” by TayLynn. Voiceover by Milo Axelrod, theme music by William Chernoff, piano outro by JP Sunga, everything else by Todd Donald. Presented in part, by Afternoon Tea. afternoontealabel.com

Victoria, BC’s Jeff Bryant, is singer/songwriter, and a human being with a beautiful and connected spirit. He came onto the show to talk about not only his new EP “The Great Unknown”, but how the metaphorical ‘picture’ both on the album art but in his life, is a representation of fragility and honesty. Contrary to the connected spirit he has now, there was a long period of disconnection, depression and distance, from his ability to willfully craft songs and want to share them with the world. The journey to get to now was plagued by those things, making this release a big personal win, and hopefully only the beginning of more! In the meantime, I’m remembering Jeff fondly from his days in the late 2000s in a duo called The Human Statues, with Zachary Stevenson. They were based out of Toronto at the time, and rocked my world as guests on my first podcast in 2008. Even then, there was an intelligent approach to their offbrand yet worldclass group of songs and stage presence. How could I say no to chatting with Jeff again, who agreed to reflect on that time, but fondly remember those days as I do, in memory? Enjoy our conversation about the music, the past, present and future, as well as some musings on life, humanity and the good ol’ creative process; paired with a few songs from ‘The Great Unknown’, a classic by The Human Statures and a rare treat from the archive!

Chat with Jeff Bryant recorded over Zoom from Gjoa Haven NU to Vancouver BC on September 5th, 2020. Recorded Music: “So It Goes” by Jeff Bryant, “One and the Same” by Jeff Bryant, “On My Side” by Jeff Bryant, “Carol That I Know” by The Human Statues, “All My Loving” by Todd Donald & The Human Statues (Live on Todd’s Café 2008). Voiceover by Milo Axelrod, theme music by William Chernoff, piano outro by JP Sunga, everything else by Todd Donald. Presented in part, by Afternoon Tea. afternoontealabel.com

Meet Toronto rock/pop/metal/defies classification duo, siblings Bela & Fernando Ferreira. This is also a long-awaited catch up and having-them-on-the-podcast finally… scenario? I’m so happy we found the time, and almost equally delighted at this moment, to put it out there! They’re two people that aren’t afraid to be seen as the human beings, as Beautifully flawed and fragile as we really are, and as a result of that, those of us who find and can adore their music, can feel like “hey, maybe these amazing anthems are written for us!?”. According to Béla and Fernando. that’s the whole point - and if i’m paraphrasing poorly, hear THEM talk about it, in this interview!; which will be coupled by music, both recorded, for 1, and 2 live performances, that you can watch as videos on their Facebook page. In this, we chat about their headspace, music-making process, break the ice on years of touring and the experiences bands can have both ideal, and nightmarish to performers… we also talk about each other and goof off, sorry not sorry! S’my show!

Chat with Bela and Fernando Ferreira recorded over Zoom from Gjoa Haven NU to Toronto on August 29th, 2020. Recorded Music: “Blacked Out” & “Start Over Again” by The Manic Boys and Girls Club (Livestream Performances) & “Where Is My Mind” (Pixies cover) by The Manic Boys and Girls Club. “Where Is My Mind?” is a Pixies cover. Voiceover by Milo Axelrod, theme music by William Chernoff, piano outro by JP Sunga, everything else by Todd Donald. Presented in part, by Afternoon Tea. afternoontealabel.com

Meet film-maker, actor, broadcaster, and one bodacious dude; Florida’s Aaron Sperling. After several pleasent exchanges in the most kind of many Bill & Ted fan groups over the years, I quickly realized that the person behind it was most non-heinous, and needed to be on this podcast. We are NOW (August 18th) but TEN days away, from BILL & TED FACE THE MUSIC. Here on the show to talk about Bill & Ted, 80s cinema, fandom and of course - his life experience in showbiz, is Aaron, the fb creator behind ‘Freinds of Bill & Ted’s Excellent Online Adventure’ a legacy!

Chat with Aaron Sperling recorded over Zoom from Gjoa Haven NU to Florida on August 10th, 2020. Voiceover by Milo Axelrod, theme music by William Chernoff, piano outro by JP Sunga, everything else by Todd Donald. Presented in part, by Afternoon Tea. afternoontealabel.com

Currently stationed in Montreal, the worldly artist and singer/songwriter Vienna D’Amato Hall was kind enough to chat with me once again, to update me on all musical endeavours; from the more recent and will-be fourth act of album composition, to the multi-hyphenate chorus/collective of talented, awesome people in The Female Canon, known as ‘Ellis B. House’. “Society teaches women to be seen; what if women taught society how they see?” from the Ellis B. House website. Vienna, perhaps from her background as an actor, brings a depth of drama, passion, honesty and excitement to her music that’s puts me in rarified air whenever I listen to it, it’s hard to ignore.. all of which can be experienced via her existing works ‘It’s What The Dog Saw’ (2015), ‘Red Light Temple’ (2016) and last year’s ‘Long-Stay Hotel’. In addition to all of that… I always find it exhilarating to chat 1-on-1 with this person. I always feel like their appreciation for philosophy, and ability to see the nuances of human life, experiences and the sitcom Seinfeld, always align with my own, but I still have so much to learn from them. So this time around, being the third, we deviated occasionally away from her work, to discuss the array of things she might have gotten out of growing up, living in Canada, the U.S. and Britain, her acting background, the deciding factor of her creative modus, and more!

Chat with Vienna D’Amato Hall recorded over Zoom from Edmonton to Montreal on July 24th, 2020. Voiceover by Milo Axelrod, theme music by William Chernoff, piano outro by JP Sunga, everything else by Todd Donald. Presented in part, by Afternoon Tea. afternoontealabel.com

Waterloo Region podcaster Ryan Leacock comes with a background in film and design, and has already made a splash in the creative chatting with creatives show scene, ‘Creative People Podcast’, local to WR, and spread out to reach and connect with creatives worldwide. Add the fact that we’re both 35 and I’d say we’re twins, but if THAT’S the case, then where’s MY hair, God? Starting off with a personal diary at the beginning, like always, but a bit more this time.. I bring you into my chat with Ryan, intending once again on the personal life story, but ultimately relating on the internal and external struggles of making things, putting them out into the world, and continuing through all challenges to DO THE THING. The most helpful and important tool of all is knowing the fact that you are not alone. Ryan being the lovely person he is, served up allot of wisdom on this, so listen and take notes! I on the other hand simply yes-and’ed his gospel, and laid farts. But this is what. I. do. best. Please listen to Ryan’s amazing podcast, available everywhere (hit up the links below-on podcast descriptions that is), follow the social media, and BE SURE to get in on the merch production by ordering that tasty stuff!

Chat with Ryan Leacock recorded over Zoom from Waterdown to Kitchener on June 19th, 2020. Voiceover by Milo Axelrod, theme music by William Chernoff, piano outro by JP Sunga, everything else by Todd Donald. Presented in part, by Afternoon Tea. afternoontealabel.com

Guelph, Ontario’s Laura Bailey is a multi-hyphenate - Singer, Songwriter, Vocal teacher, Improviser and more.. Come to think of it, I think many artists/performers lean towards more than one passion for passion sake. Laura is one of those few that combines all of those things into show-stopping shows, such as the positive message-infused, hilarious, and highly acclaimed ‘CLITORIA: A Sex-Positive Superhero!’. Where does it begin for Laura, and where does it stop? With Corona-Virus constantly topping the charts, it seems like it’s the right time for this ridonkulously gifted woman to focus on something that she’s described as unique to what she’s done so far as a songwriter. We discuss that, in fact, we go all over the map from Laura’s childhood-era musical development and how all things SHOW have played the noteworthy roles they have in Laura’s life, up to and including now! I’d like to add that Laura Bailey is not only a fantastic artist and performer, like, we all KNOW THAT (you should at least), but what a warm and lovely guest also. Yay! New friends! Call to awesomeness AND action!: CLITORIA: A Sex-Positive Superhero! the Soundtrack is now available for purchase on bandcamp! All proceeds are going to Black Lives Matter Guelph. Click this: bailey-s2s.bandcamp.com

Chat with Laura Bailey recorded over Zoom from Gjoa Haven NU to Guelph on May 23rd, 2020. Recorded music: “Suck It Up” by Laura Bailey, Purchase on ‘Clitoria: A Sex-Positive Superhero!’ on Bandcamp; Proceeds going to Black Lives Matter Guelph & “Justify” by Laura Bailey. Voiceover by Milo Axelrod, theme music by William Chernoff, piano outro by JP Sunga, everything else by Todd Donald. Presented in part, by Afternoon Tea. afternoontealabel.com

Actor, Singer & more… Lindsey Alley was the child who was delivered the WOW experience from movie musicals and stage musicals, brought to her by parents who worked in what we now refer to as ‘essential services’. A natural and exceptional performer early on, Lindsey was getting cast in big stage productions halfway to 10 years old. She also spent her entire childhood-to-adolescance transition and experience, as a staple cast-member on Disney’s sensational and later iconized All new Mickey Mouse Club (1989-1996), and never lost the talent or the passion and ambition!

I found it very interesting to hear firsthand, what it’s like to weather the storm of showbusiness from so early in life, and then struggle to self-validate or maintain an ideal sense of worth within it, and throughout the course of one’s life. Lindsey Alley has done it; film, television, YouTube and on and off Broadway in a plethora of plays, musicals and cabaret shows; including her tour-de-force one-woman show “Blood, Sweat and Mouseketears” an up-to-date and living, comedic, chronical of her journey through that storm; the highs, the lows, Mickey, Marriage, Motherhood… and m-m-m-more!

As a theatre lover alone, i’m an enourmous fan of Lindsey’s showmanship, sense of humour and realness. We have Youtube, and now Covid-19, so I spent an ample amount of time one week, discovering and watching all the videos from “Blood, Sweat and Mouseketears” which I 100% have to see live, now, somehow… as well as Lindsey’s former ongoing video series ‘On The Patio’, the totally real, but seemingly surreal and hilarious conversations between her and her sweet Mother. Was it a ridiculous “hail mary pass” to reach out to such an exemplary talent, let alone one of my favourite Mouseketeers? Yes. Did it end up somehow being a pleasure for both of us both!? Listen and find out!

Chat with Lindsey Alley recorded over Zoom from Gjoa Haven NU to New Jersey NY on May 23rd, 2020. Recorded music: “Survival In New York” by Lindsey Alley ©2004 Tsimmes Music (ASCAP) All Rights Reserved. From "Look Ma, No Ears" Written by Stephen Winer & Lindsey Alley, Music and Lyrics by Bob Stein. Voiceover by Milo Axelrod, theme music by William Chernoff, piano outro by JP Sunga, everything else by Todd Donald. Presented in part, by Afternoon Tea. afternoontealabel.com

Rob Szabo, Toronto singer/songwriter, music producer (multi-Juno nominated), podcaster and so much more.. Is also one of my good friends, whom after many years of working in music, and wanting to - has now done so - and launched (in February) his own podcast; And Sometimes... Why? with Rob Szabo. It's a wonderful show, equally full of curiosity and keen interest, in warm conversations. Rob returns to the show after a year or two to chat about whatever. I could have leant into his life story, but we split the atom as we tend to, on the finer intellectual ground of being in the interviewer shoes, and more present life stuff. You can always peak into our life stories in fragments over many episodes in a row of each of our shows, just sayin', don't be shy. Nonetheless, it's with a lot of love and joy that I present Rob Szabo and I's discussion, with some of Rob's beautiful solo-artist original music weaved in. Please follow the links below to find Rob's music, music Rob's produced, as well as the podcast And Sometimes... Why?

Chat with Rob Szabo recorded over Zoom from Gjoa Haven NU to Toronto on May 17th, 2020. Recorded music: “Watchin’ A Movie” by Rob Szabo, “Breaking Even” by Rob Szabo, “Different Points Along the Same Line” by Rob Szabo & “I Live For The Summer” by Rob Szabo. Voiceover by Milo Axelrod, theme music by William Chernoff, piano outro by JP Sunga, everything else by Todd Donald. Presented in part, by Afternoon Tea. afternoontealabel.com

Mary-Catherine Pazzano, Waterloo region jazz singer, vocal teacher, recording artist, classic movie buff and more, finally returns to the podcast, again? This will be Mary’s third time appearing and performing, for moi; the second time for this podcast specifically, and I couldn’t be more honoured. She’s a classically trained jazz singer (what!?), quite a fantastic piano player although she might dispute that, and continues to sport a splendid group of songs in an album called “You’re Gonna Hear From Me” available in links, hint. So why have this wonderful human back on, again, if we’ve already talked about her music, teaching life and the world of jazz music? Well, firstly because I believe we’ve become friends over time, and she’s wicked awesome company to chat with.. and if that wasn’t good enough, this time, we spend ample time nerding out over b&w movies and taking a look at her personal and musical upbringing. She even recorded some musical performances for the episode, that she would have otherwise performed in-person!, but.. you know..

Chat with Mary-Catherine Pazzano recorded over Zoom from Gjoa Haven NU to Kitchener on May 16th, 2020. Performances (“She Used To Be Mine” & “Take Me To The World”) recorded by Mary-Catherine Pazzano. “She Used To Be Mine” is a Sara Bareilles cover. “Take Me To The World” is a Stephen Sondheim cover. Voiceover by Milo Axelrod, theme music by William Chernoff, piano outro by JP Sunga, everything else by Todd Donald. Presented in part, by Afternoon Tea. afternoontealabel.com

Katy Topham, Kitchener/Waterloo (Singer/songwriter) is one of those longtime friends, where you can instantly tell i’m not just comfortable with, but comfortable with enough to interject with bullshit, but who thrives on it and bullshits back with me. We had a fantastic conversation of course, we talked about her music, her long period of distance with music and the hard times and other times, that shaped and evolved her into the strong and amazing woman she is today. We talk about her recent marriage and her and her husband Ryan’s more recent child-having! And it’s all very in, and out, of sequence, of those things. We also have our long-standing friendship and co-worker-ship that in itself has some stories to tell and laugh about. Plus, I insert (near the top of the episode), Katy’s newest single “I Just Don’t Feel Like Lovin’ You”, which is freakin’ fantastic!! One more thing, sunshine and warmth, so exotic and grand! I’ve been in the arctic too long.

Chat with Katy Topham recorded over Zoom from Gjoa Haven NU to Kitchener on May 15th, 2020. Recorded music: “I Just Don’t Feel Like Lovin’ You” by Katy Topham. Voiceover by Milo Axelrod, theme music by William Chernoff, piano outro by JP Sunga, everything else by Todd Donald. Presented in part, by Afternoon Tea. afternoontealabel.com

Austin Gray (Singer/Songwriter) from Utah, is formerly from several different places, most importantly PureVolume.com, THE music/social networking website of 2004. Austin’s taken his love of music and DIY recording all around the states, in various formations, bands and projects, to ultimately wind-up in the midwest U.S. of A. where we catch up over coffee on Zoom, and chat about many things, including his FANTASTIC new song “Lost Time”. One of many great things in the ‘silver linings playbook’ of this awful covid-time, is the excuse to reach out to far away friends, especially when everyone you know is far away. I can’t believe how many different apps we’ve used over the years to stay in touch. We take a look into Austin’s beginnings and his approach to music. Due to unforseen choppy-ness in the Zoom connection, we resolved to continue the chat another time soon. Check out Austin’s southern rock meets brit-rock sound in the single, available digitally everywhere!

Chat with Austin Gray recorded over Zoom from Gjoa Haven NU to St. George UT on May 15th, 2020. Recorded music: “Lost Time” by Austin Gray. Voiceover by Milo Axelrod, theme music by William Chernoff, piano outro by JP Sunga, everything else by Todd Donald. Presented in part, by Afternoon Tea. afternoontealabel.com

JP Sunga (a brilliant KW Singer/Songwriter) is one sweet guy, a devoted husband, a devoted papa, and after a fair amount of time and distance from his art, a re-devoted singer/songwriter. Why did art mean so much to JP in the first place? What role did his family play in the early days of growing up/learning how and becoming musical, and what does he bring to his own role in family life and going forward? Having been at this and super-talented since the 90s, it's time for this splendid individual to shine bright like... a shiny rock or stone! It's time for JP to spread... his... peanut butter!!! JK on those puns! Point being that JP and I will be talking about his lovely album project; with a single having been dropped on JAN 1, and another on the way! PS: JP and his family are down-the-street neighbours : ). Featuring music by JP Sunga; the new song "For Your Sympathy" featuring Mark Pelli, available tomorrow (May 29th) just visit the destinations listed below!

Chat with JP Sunga recorded over Zoom from Gjoa Haven NU to Waterloo on May 8th, 2020. Recorded music: “Listen to Your Heart” by JP Sunga & “For Your Sympathy” by JP Sunga feat. Mark Pelli. Voiceover by Milo Axelrod, theme music by William Chernoff, piano outro by JP Sunga, everything else by Todd Donald. Presented in part, by Afternoon Tea. afternoontealabel.com

Milo Axelrod (Graphic Designer & podcaster), the voice of this very podcast, took a couple of hours to chat with me on zoom from their place in Hudson Valley, New York. We spent ample time talking about Milo's warm and gentle voice, what's going on with the podcast "Describing a Rock", other creative projects, growing up feeling socially distanced and of course, what pop culture is keeping us entertained and enthralled during this time of isolation. Be sure to enjoy us goofing off. especially in the middle where I play a bit of music by the amazing Podington Bear in the spirit of lampooning DAR.

Chat with Milo Axelrod recorded over Zoom from Gjoa Haven NU to Hudson Valley NY on May 3rd, 2020. Recorded music: “Proliferate” by Podington Bear (Music License Agreement) podingtonbear.com. Voiceover by Milo Axelrod, theme music by William Chernoff, piano outro by JP Sunga, everything else by Todd Donald. Presented in part, by Afternoon Tea. afternoontealabel.com

Peach Guevara (Singer/Songwriter) has lived parts of her life in Ontario and British Columbia, and last year has brought her residence and musical gift into Montreal, Quebec. I ended up finding (and falling in love with) her first album “Nude” at the end of 2019. It’s beautifully melodic, yet fierce, with a reckless abandon and a rawness becoming quite rare. We chatted about our lives once, as well as our several commonalities… over the phone, and it’s been months of high time that we finally chatted in the form of a podcast. Between our misfit youths, misfit nows, a delightfully macabre sense-of-humour, general artistic outlooks and lasting love for humanity I feel like I’ve found a truly kindred spirit in Peach Guevara. I only hope my friend and I will someday meet in person! PS: Yes, I’m looking angrily at you, Covid-19.

Chat with Peach Guevara recorded over Zoom from Gjoa Haven NU to Montreal QC on May 2nd, 2020. Performance (“Stay Soft”) recorded by Peach Guevara. Recorded music: “Wild Womxn” by Peach Guevara. Voiceover by Milo Axelrod, theme music by William Chernoff, piano outro by JP Sunga, everything else by Todd Donald. Presented in part, by Afternoon Tea. afternoontealabel.com

Kristina Anne is a professional pole dancing artist, performer & trainer. Given the amount of strength, flexibility and endurance it requires, it certainly has every reason to be proud of it’s place on the stage; despite society’s past-recent perceptions. Hear Kristina talk about how she found her place in pole artistry/fitness, as well as a glimpse into what she had going on, mid-2016.

Archived chat with Kristina Anne (originally purposed for The iTodd Lounge) recorded at Princess Café in Waterloo on July 2nd, 2016. Voiceover by Milo Axelrod, theme music by William Chernoff, piano outro by JP Sunga, everything else by Todd Donald. Presented in part, by Afternoon Tea. afternoontealabel.com

With an extensive background as a world-class entertainer, musician and local talent-advocating radio DJ, among many other things… Randolph J. Johnston, has recently put his hat in for City Council of Ward 7 Cambridge (which I fully endorse, and suggest you look more into by visiting RJ4WARD7.CA). I’ve known few who can hold a candle to Randy as an entertainer, kind and caring person, hard-working person or flat-out class act. Please enjoy this glimpse into what Randolph J. Johnston were up to and had to say in 2008! Please look up and visit Vote RJ for Ward 7 - Cambridge on Facebook. [Randy, if you’re reading this; I would love to have done a new and updated chat and so much more if I wasn’t in Nunavut… sorry!]

Archived chat with Randolph J. Johnston (originally purposed for The iTodd Lounge) recorded in Kitchener on July 10th, 2008. Voiceover by Milo Axelrod, theme music by William Chernoff, piano outro by JP Sunga, everything else by Todd Donald. Presented in part, by Afternoon Tea. afternoontealabel.com

This episode starts off with an update and some contextual ramblings by the host, which wrap at approx. 15 minutes in, but are full of affection and insight into the podcast. After that, it’s a full-frontal assault of hyping and showcasing full works, by 4 of the most integral people to the voice of THIS podcast. This is my chance to both share all of this with you, and send continued thanks and praise to them. I think that's obvious. Featuring music by singer/songwriters Katy Topham, JP Sunga, and jazz composer/performer William Chernoff; and a full episode of the podcast Describing A Rock, by Milo Axelrod. If you have the temperament to listen to and enjoy my show and this unique and wonderful blend of talents, you’re be getting am extra special treat today!

Recorded music: “I Just Don’t Feel Like Lovin’ You” by Katy Topham. “Listen to Your Heart” by JP Sunga & “Earthling Terminal” by William Chernoff. Also included: “Nine pebbles of quartz” an episode of Describing A Rock, a podcast hosted by Milo Axelrod. Voiceover by Milo Axelrod, theme music by William Chernoff, piano outro by JP Sunga, everything else by Todd Donald. Presented in part, by Afternoon Tea. afternoontealabel.com

Greetings! From Gjoa Haven, Nunavut; the Arctic Circle. It’s after Valentine’s day.. maybe you had a great time? Maybe you felt lonely? and the feeling was magnetized because some kinda crazy, ridiculously capitalist + Christian day told you to, via your friends and other couples you know? Maybe you forgot to plan something and your relationship was in jeopardy for a day until you made it up to your partner, like on 90s television? Either way, that day is over now. Take yourself to one of the greatest coffeehouses ever, right here from your device.. Presenting Part 3! This episode features new introductions and live performances recorded for prior episodes of this podcast; including performances by: Evan Corneil, Sam Nabi, Tessa, Jessie T, Milana Boss & Mike Sharp, TayLynn and Paige Warner.

Voiceover by Milo Axelrod, theme music by William Chernoff, piano outro by JP Sunga, everything else by Todd Donald. Presented in part, by Afternoon Tea. afternoontealabel.com

Greetings! From Gjoa Haven, Nunavut; the Arctic Circle. It’s really weird being up here. I miss my friends and family so much. I miss recording new chats most of all, that was kind of the whole point of why I do this. I feel like i’m missing out on way more thanks to social media, which is the whole point of why I don’t like it. Take yourself to one of the greatest coffeehouses ever, right here from your device.. Presenting Part 2! This episode features new introductions and live performances recorded for prior episodes of this podcast; including performances by: A New Ground, Jesse Parent, Matt Lees, Mary-Catherine Pazzano, This Is Pristine & Luke Cyrus Hunter.

Voiceover by Milo Axelrod, theme music by William Chernoff, piano outro by JP Sunga, everything else by Todd Donald. Presented in part, by Afternoon Tea. afternoontealabel.com

Greetings! From Gjoa Haven, Nunavut; the Arctic Circle. I’m sitting here in the most dry-heated room temperature room I’ve ever been in, and I’m sipping some coffee, enjoying the flavour, and listening to some FANTASTIC, live off the floor performances from some of my hometown’s (WR and surrounding) greatest talent.. and it’s making me reminisce, and smile. I am one lucky podcaster. Take yourself to one of the greatest coffeehouses ever, right here from your device.. Presenting Part 1! This episode features new introductions and live performances recorded for prior episodes of this podcast; including performances by: Paige Warner, AntiSocial Surf Club, Vienna D’Amato Hall, Twas Now, Mandippal, Among Legends & Rob Szabo.

Voiceover by Milo Axelrod, theme music by William Chernoff, piano outro by JP Sunga, everything else by Todd Donald. Presented in part, by Afternoon Tea. afternoontealabel.com

Erin Wetzel is 2019’s KW Miss Oktoberfest, a life-long girl guide, with a gift of cookies in hand for moi upon arrival for the podcast record. There are perks to this podcasting gig! We were introduced recently at an event by the wonderful Sandra Dynka (see episode 59), and I thought it would be nice to see what Erin’s all about. Apparently, she’s incredibly sweet and has allot to share about what she stands for, her aspirations, the role-model she wants to be, the life-lessons she’s learned on the road to becoming today’s Miss O and more! If I have to leave KW soon, and do pay attention to my diary segments in the show, I’m glad to have had such a delightful chat, with such a delightful gal, be the last new one for a while!

Chat with Erin Wetzel recorded in Kitchener on November 28th, 2019. Recorded music: “Wild Womxn” by Peach Guevara, “Listen to Your Heart” by JP Sunga, “Come Back to the Mountain” by Peach Guevara & “You Know What I Want” by John Maksym. Voiceover by Milo Axelrod, theme music by William Chernoff, piano outro by JP Sunga, everything else by Todd Donald. Presented in part, by Afternoon Tea. afternoontealabel.com

Singer/songwriter and epic and both, Kitchener’s Paige Warner continues to amaze me with her enormous talent and collaborative spirit. In my case, this is the third time in a year and a half, that Paige granted me her speaking and singing voice to the podcast, the third time that she’s been willing to open-up and go further into the menutiae of music making, society, growing up and whatever else I messily throw a guest’s way, and I can’t thank her enough! Be sure to listen back to Paige’s first chats/live performances in Episode 2. Paige Warner. Also, if you stick around to the end, you’ll hear what might be one of my first/last times performing on the podcast, but it helps that Paige is singing it with me!

Chat with & performances (“I Don’t Need Boys” & “Don’t Let Me Down” w/ Todd Donald) by Paige Warner recorded in Kitchener on November 26th, 2019. “Don’t Let Me Down” is a The Beatles cover. Recorded music: “I Just Don’t Feel Like Lovin’ You” by Katy Topham & “Dandelion Souls” by Stephen Trothen. Voiceover by Milo Axelrod, theme music by William Chernoff, piano outro by JP Sunga, everything else by Todd Donald. Presented in part, by Afternoon Tea. afternoontealabel.com

Sandra Dynka (KW Miss Oktoberfest 2018) is an amazing person in her own write, full of excitement and an agenda to take on the world. She choses to devote life to empowering others. Not everyone feels entitled to spread joy and wisdom without some kind of credentials or amount of life experience required, and Sandra and I discuss pushing through whatever barriers, for the sake of using the only thing that really matters in this crazy world, having a big and open heart. Coming to this episode from her prior appearance in episode 36. Sandra Dynka. Sandra is also re-configuring her identity from being KW Miss Oktoberfest, to make her mark on the world as Sandra. We explored her inner journey had time to goof off as well. PS: I do NOT compare her to Martha Stewart in this, listen closely, sheesh! : P I’d like to thank Sandra for returning, and all guests this year for making 2019 so great!

Chat with Sandra Dynka recorded in Kitchener on November 21st, 2019. Recorded music: “Cover Girl” by Leila, “Stay” by Ophelia Syndrome, “Oops She Did It Again” by Naked-Flubber & “Rain In The Autumn”by Glenna Garamone. Voiceover by Milo Axelrod, theme music by William Chernoff, piano outro by JP Sunga, everything else by Todd Donald. Presented in part, by Afternoon Tea. afternoontealabel.com

Jessie T, an accomplished Waterloo Region singer/songwriter, pop, rock & country artist and judge on music competition show The Shot.. just happens to also be a good friend of mine, and yes, I’m kinda bragging. But the reason we’re friends is because of who we are as people, and genuine care, and it’s all over this episode, at a very un-nerving and stressful time of year. We center ourselves with a long friends-only chat, at Descendants Brewery in Kitchener, then I turned the mic’s on. If you missed it, Jessie was at Descendants a few weeks prior and recorded some live songs that were featured in episode 51. Carlotta Trenholm. You can also hear our interview & Jessie’s live performances from early 2018, in the vault episode, 52. Jessie T*. Be sure to check out something we chatted about in-depth - the new music video for her song “Mama’s Christmas Cookies”!

Chat with Jessie T recorded at Descendants Beer & Beverage Co. in Kitchener on November 20th, 2019. Recorded music: “Shine” by Jessie T, “Jing-A-Ling, Jing-A-Ling” by Good Lovelies, “One Step Back” by Jamie Warren, “Training Wheels” by Lusterfield, “(Everybody’s Waitin’ for) The Man With The Bag” by Good Lovelies & “Mama’s Christmas Cookies” by Jessie T.Voiceover by Milo Axelrod, theme music by William Chernoff, piano outro by JP Sunga, everything else by Todd Donald. Presented in part, by Afternoon Tea. afternoontealabel.com

TayLynn, I met on instagram, while recording the previous episode with Milana and Mike. She’s a singer/songwriter from just outside of Kitchener-Waterloo who’s also attended the same open-mics, just on days I didn’t make it… sad I am now that i’ve heard her superb music! Her new debut EP “They Know” absolutely knocked me on my ass, it’s so good. So ultimately, THIS happened. We had an in-depth chat about the artist she’s become and the artist she wants to be, creative process and more. Enjoy some exclusive performances on this with her breathtaking voice!

Chat with & performances (“Cards”, “Burn” & “Younger Days”) by TayLynn recorded in Kitchener on November 13th, 2019. “Younger Days” is a Mt. Joy cover. “Little Feet” by Sue Passmore & “The Way I Am” by TayLynn. Voiceover by Milo Axelrod, theme music by William Chernoff, piano outro by JP Sunga, everything else by Todd Donald. Presented in part, by Afternoon Tea. afternoontealabel.com

Milana Boss & Mike Sharp are two exquisite KW singer/songwriters, both solo and collaboratively, in this case or moment in time, collaborative. I met them at local open mics, Waterloo’s Patent Social, and Kitchener’s Rhapsody Barrell Bar, and was instantly floored by their sophisticated songwriting and refined vocal delivery. We met up at Descendants Brewery in Kitchener to chat about being indie musicians, and also, whatever Pog-sized nuggets would fall out of our heads, hint!

Chat with & performances (“Sister Ride”, “The Sidewalk”, “Row by Row” & “Colours Changing Season”) by Milana Boss & Mike Sharp recorded at Descendants Beer & Beverage Co. in Kitchener on November 6th, 2019. Voiceover by Milo Axelrod, theme music by William Chernoff, piano outro by JP Sunga, everything else by Todd Donald. Presented in part, by Afternoon Tea. afternoontealabel.com

KW Singer/Songwriter Jesse Parent’s love-fest continues, and this time he brought his acoustic guitar, and then travelled back in time to February 2018 to chat with me on my previous podcast, Todd’s Café. Enjoy this classic! This episode features new introductions and content from the vault.

Archived chat with & performances (“Today” & “Simple Twist of Fate”) by Jesse Parent (originally purposed for Todd’s Café) recorded in Waterloo on February 18th, 2018. “Simple Twist of Fate” is a Bob Dylan cover. Voiceover by Milo Axelrod, theme music by William Chernoff, piano outro by JP Sunga, everything else by Todd Donald. Presented in part, by Afternoon Tea. afternoontealabel.com

The last time we saw our friend, Singer/Songwriter Jesse Parent, he’d been playing gigs all over Ontario both original and pub gigs for well over a decade - and only recently found his current / voice / home base as a story-telling folk artist. All that and a big bag of heart and soul is something that’s already been available to you my lovelies - in Episode 20. Jesse Parent. This is the return! Jesse joined me at my favourite place, home away from home, and also workplace - Descendants, in DTK, to chat about the ultimate RELEASE of that live album recording, packed with a couple new studio tracks in the package. Other than that, he couldn’t seem to stop me from jumping off the rails each and every chance I got, because I love this fella! I’m so happy to have been friends with this fella, that every time we’ve not been watching and supporting each other on stage - we’ve been good friends off stage as well, and I want you to HEAR that in our conversation. So There’s a mix of goofing off and sincere interview, in the messy, holiday seasonal way I do it.

Chat with Jesse Parent recorded at Descendants Beer & Beverage Co. in Kitchener on October 31st, 2019. “Goodnight Bell Hooks” by Calliope’s Radio (live on The iTodd Lounge 2008), “You Can Call Me Al” by Jesse Parent, “For A Moment” by Jesse Parent, “The Little Things” by Jesse Parent & “Back Of Your Neck” by Kristina Stapelfeld. Voiceover by Milo Axelrod, theme music by William Chernoff, piano outro by JP Sunga, everything else by Todd Donald. Presented in part, by Afternoon Tea. afternoontealabel.com

Robin Lindner & Elaine Decleir are the #bossbabes behind now-Kitchener/Waterloo-based company and branding firm ‘Robin + Elaine’, they are also the force behind ‘KW Famous’ which spotlights some of the region’s famous and timeless pinpoints. I wanted to chat with them about what they do, as well as try and break through the we-met-online social barrier, and clown around. Recorded at Workhaus. Enjoy!

Chat with Robin Lindner & Elaine Decleir recorded at Workhaus in Kitchener on October 25th, 2019. “Liar” Performed by Mike Todd, “Get Close” by A New Ground (Live on The Todd Donald Show) & “Demons” by Jerelle. Voiceover by Milo Axelrod, theme music by William Chernoff, piano outro by JP Sunga, everything else by Todd Donald. Presented in part, by Afternoon Tea. afternoontealabel.com

KW Singer/Songwriter, Jessie T, is not only a world class songwriter, co-host of THE SHOT, live performer, musician.. but she’s also a world class friend : D. We met back at Little Bean Coffee Bar in 2011, and I was honoured to have her as one of my first guests on ‘Todd’s Café last year. We just booked her TDS appearance recently, so in anticipation, i’m presenting this prior one from the vault.. there’s some good wisecracks and some deadly good performances. If you missed it, episode 51. Carlotta Trenholm features a 3-song acoustic set, also performed and recorded for this, at Descendants in Kitchener!

Archived chat with & performances (“Hellbound” & “No Man’s Land”) by Jessie T (originally purposed for Todd’s Café) recorded in Waterloo on February 10th, 2018. Voiceover by Milo Axelrod, theme music by William Chernoff, piano outro by JP Sunga, everything else by Todd Donald. Presented in part, by Afternoon Tea. afternoontealabel.com

Carlotta Trenholm is a shiatsu therapist and live local music fan, that I met on the street. Literally. We met just outside of Kitchener’s downtown Market, and co-ordinated this via our mutual friend and past guest Cuneyt. This chat was recorded at Descendants Brewery, and was full of laughter and philosophy, particularly the school of thought behind her practice. What is Shiatsu, exactly? This is your chance to have a fun time learning about it. As an added bonus, recent to publishing this episode, (KW Rock/Pop/Country) Jessie T was around and was kind enough to perform a three song acoustic set for me to include here! Exclusive! Whaaat!

Chat with Carlotta Trenholm recorded at Descendants Beer & Beverage Co. on October 16th, 2019. Performances (“All Lit Up”, “Love Me Longer” & “La La Love”) by Jessie T recorded at Descendants Beer & Beverage Co. on October 31st, 2019. Recorded music: “Mine” by Matt York (Live on The iTodd Lounge 2008), “Like A Star” by Vienna D’Amato Hall & “Julia” by Mo Pair. Voiceover by Milo Axelrod, theme music by William Chernoff, piano outro by JP Sunga, everything else by Todd Donald. Presented in part, by Afternoon Tea. afternoontealabel.com

Tessa (Singer/Songwriter and more) goes back almost to the beginning with me, I almost feel like we’re related.. so as out-of-touch as we are these days, we can easily drift back into the comfort zone conversationally, without any effort. In the time we’ve known each other alone, Tessa’s musical gift has been poured into her own singer/songwriter stuff, but bands Red Balloon, The Short Films, other types of creative projects, she’s been a local advocate, run for City Council, appears in the local tv show project Kitchener Sync. More recently Tessa has birthed an initiative/event called Waterloo Region Crossing, which is a series of endurance events that raise awareness about pressing local issues… she almost, never, stops, which is her life-long endurance run, to live and give. Fuck. Enjoy!

Chat with & performance (“Dirt”) by Tessa recorded in Kitchener on October 1st, 2019. Recorded music: “Maple Syrup” by Glenna Garramone, “When The City Settles” by Good Lovelies, “Take It Back” by Mike Erb Trio & “We Could Wait” by Mansionair. Voiceover by Milo Axelrod, theme music by William Chernoff, piano outro by JP Sunga, everything else by Todd Donald. Presented in part, by Afternoon Tea. afternoontealabel.com

Sam Nabi (Singer/Songwriter) is a gentleman I met over 10 years ago, when he was in Waterloo University, and my friend/co-hort Carrie Humphries was booking artists to perform in a no-longer-existant room in Waterloo’s Mongolian Grill. We meet again randomly at the open-mics at Rhapsody in Kitchener. It’s been great being back in touch with Sam in general, and our long-lost friend conversation transitioned smoothly from the past to the present to the future, with a mix of the evolution of how indie artists put out music, to Sam’s transition from singer/songwriter to hip-hop artist. Enjoy!

Chat with & performances (“Gaslight”, “Port City” & “Happy Place”) by Sam Nabi recorded in Kitchener on September 25th, 2019. Recorded music: “Best Laid Plans” by Jesse Parent (Live on TDS) & “Black Coffee” by Twas Now (Live on TDS). Voiceover by Milo Axelrod, theme music by William Chernoff, piano outro by JP Sunga, everything else by Todd Donald. Presented in part, by Afternoon Tea. afternoontealabel.com

Evan Corneil is a singer/songwriter, fairly new to the Waterloo region, who I’ve met and been seeing perform regularly at the Rhapsody Barrell Bar open-mic night. Not only is he a swell young creative lad, but he’s a sweet down to earth lad that’s super fun to talk to. He stopped by and we had a ball with the conversation, I hope you like it as well? Plus, Evan was of course gangster enough to perform some live stuff, so, yeah!

Chat with & performances (“Farther To Fall”, “Don’t Look Down” & “(I Know You Like) The Night Sky”) by Evan Corneil recorded in Kitchener on September 19th, 2019. Recorded music: “Missing Piece” by Amy Rola & “Reptilicus (New Wave)” by Jonah Ray. Voiceover by Milo Axelrod, theme music by William Chernoff, piano outro by JP Sunga, everything else by Todd Donald. Presented in part, by Afternoon Tea. afternoontealabel.com

Brittany Pyatt is a stand-up comedian, that unlike allot of my more recent guests, I actually met in-person, at a local bar/music venue. Given that I don’t know allot of people in the stand-up genre, it was nice to just have a one-on-one chat with someone, who is also a big advocate of local music. It helps that we know allot of the same peeps and local bands. This chat ended up being a deeper and darker conversation than I was expecting, but let me tell you, it wasn’t unwelcome! This ‘humanity’ thing, that’s what i’m ALL about.

Chat with Brittany Pyatt recorded in Waterloo on September 8th, 2019. Recorded music: “High Hopes” by CityWide Panic, “La La Love” by Jessie T, “Feedin’ You” by Mike Todd, “Hemisphere” by Kristina Stapelfeld & “Morning Light Praying” by Carly & Mark. Voiceover by Milo Axelrod, theme music by William Chernoff, piano outro by JP Sunga, everything else by Todd Donald. Presented in part, by Afternoon Tea. afternoontealabel.com

STUNNING Rap/R&B/Pop artists Jerelle & Sofia aka BEWARE, I heard about through the grapevine, but was instantly enamoured by what their social media presence informed me of, particularly the music and energy of the artist/performers. I had the chance to meet-up with them for coffee in Burlington just to talk about music and the interview prospect, and couldn’t have had a better time. I was anxious to see them again and talk about pretty much anything, but of course there’s a focus here on their art and what they’re planning on doing with it. Kyle Wappler was a gentleman I first discovered as a fan of Ape Audio, they had the so-called “Scene Daddy” on their show already, and I was hoping to use my show as another olive branch of promotion for the upcoming HopeFest 2019, STILL hoping i’ll get him back on for a bigger feature, but he was nice enough to stop by, promote the event, and demonstrate why he is the Scene Daddy! Enjoy!

Chats with Jerelle & Sofia, followed by Kyle Wappler recorded in Kitchener on September 13th, 2019, with some sweet hangs and just a little bit of overlap! Recorded music: “Look No Further” by Jerelle feat. Raven J, “Delete My History” by Kali Kazoo, “Don’t Miss” by Jerelle, “Blue Flame” by Jerelle feat. KVNE & “Welcome To (Amish) Paradise” by Jonah Ray. Voiceover by Milo Axelrod, theme music by William Chernoff, piano outro by JP Sunga, everything else by Todd Donald. Presented in part, by Afternoon Tea. afternoontealabel.com

Public figure Sarah Lexia, the “Aussie in Sarnia”, what an exploration to go through in that alone.. I fucking love Australian shit, so I’m glad I had the chance to have coffee with this legend in her own time, talking about all things being a ‘public figure’ and try to break down what exactly is involved in that, what is behind that… and of course we had a ball talking nonsense and pop-culture. She’s absolutely fabulous! I decided to change things up a bit; so in addition to songs performed live for the podcast by musical guests - and whether those happen or not, I’m doing to keep a quota of music weaving through the show, sort of as a delightful intermission from interviews. We’ll see how long it goes!

Chat with Sarah Lexia recorded at Coffee Lodge in Sarnia on August 17th, 2019. Recorded music: “The Island” by Harriet Nauer, “Surrender” by Vienna D’Amato Hall, “Leaves” by Stephen Trothen, “10 & 2” by Sue Passmore, “So Bad” by The Lo-Fi Mind & “Down Under” by Bailey Pelkman. Voiceover by Milo Axelrod, theme music by William Chernoff, piano outro by JP Sunga, everything else by Todd Donald. Presented in part, by Afternoon Tea. afternoontealabel.com

Singer/Songwriter and session keyboardist, Kitchener’s Luke Cyrus Hunter returns to my basement after 11 years since his former band Stereola was on. This time, Luke’s sporting a very active online presence and some amazing records. We recently re-connected on the ol’ net and I was very happy just to catch up with the guy. However, it wouldn’t be a complete podcast chat if we didn’t also explore what Luke has on the go musically, with music videos, performing, teaching and all kinds of other action. In addition, Luke came with his keys and performed three awesome live tunes!

Chat with & performances (“Old School Jam”, “Might Be More” & “Got Me Reelin’”) by Luke Cyrus Hunter recorded in Kitchener on August 11th, 2019. Voiceover by Milo Axelrod, theme music by William Chernoff, piano outro by JP Sunga, everything else by Todd Donald. Presented in part, by Afternoon Tea. afternoontealabel.com

Samantha Mirandola is a University of Waterloo improv actor, a stage actor and now a published author. Sporting her new book ‘dream-catalyst’ (available online at Amazon), which she self-published, she came on the show to talk about authoring, the book itself, performing in theatre and all kinds of nonsense, cause y’all know I love throwing nonsense in there. Nonetheless, for us never meeting in person before this, she was delightful company, and we had a phone chat beforehand just to go over things and I was really happy that she had expressed excitement to be ON the show, and now i’m excited to have you all hear it!!

Chat with Samantha Mirandola recorded in Kitchener on August 7th, 2019. Voiceover by Milo Axelrod, theme music by William Chernoff, piano outro by JP Sunga, everything else by Todd Donald. Presented in part, by Afternoon Tea. afternoontealabel.com

Katie is an experienced water sport coach, a teacher, and most importantly to me, the most wonderful, gorgeous, loving and supportive partner a guy could ask for! Seen in the photo is also our cat, and the official mascot for this podcast - Ludacris. Recently a graduate of Laurier’s Teachers College, Katie will be leaving town shortly to pursue her first job as a teacher, and going to essentially the North Pole. Literally though, the town is called Gjoa Haven, in Nunavut (the Arctic Circle). Whaaat!?

Chat with Katie recorded in Waterloo on July 26th, 2019. Voiceover by Milo Axelrod, theme music by William Chernoff, piano outro by JP Sunga, everything else by Todd Donald. Presented in part, by Afternoon Tea. afternoontealabel.com

This Is Pristine (Waterloo Region) is a killer band/duo made up of vocalist Kelly Abbass and guitarist Steph Dilts. They’ve been around as far back as I’ve been on the air, it’s just unfair that I aged and they didn’t, not even a day. They’ve played quite a few gigs, recorded a few tracks, but are on the show to chat about all things music, reminisce and ask for support with their kickstarter, because they more than deserve to be heard on a recording of their original music. There’s some live performances on here to sweeten the deal!

Chat with & performances (“Beautiful” & “Letting Go”) by This Is Pristine recorded in Waterloo on July 7th, 2019. Voiceover by Milo Axelrod, theme music by William Chernoff, piano outro by JP Sunga, everything else by Todd Donald. Presented in part, by Afternoon Tea. afternoontealabel.com

Kelly Abbass (Model, Actor, Musician) is almost the first person I ever interviewed, and one of my first podcast guests ever even! We met on MySpace if you’d believe that was the Instagram of it’s day, then in person at CJIQ in Kitchener on Night Sessions with Renegade X. Kelly was/is a model, actor and musician, and has always been a big supporter of my music, shows, anything I do. It’s rooted in friendship and I can’t thank her enough! With her band’s upcoming new appearance on ths show, I wanted to share this, extracted from her appearance on my old video podcast from 2008. Enjoy!

Archived chat with Kelly Abbass (originally purposed for The iTodd Lounge) recorded in Kitchener on May 8th, 2008. Voiceover by Milo Axelrod, theme music by William Chernoff, piano outro by JP Sunga, everything else by Todd Donald. Presented in part, by Afternoon Tea. afternoontealabel.com

William Chernoff (Victoria, British Columbia) is an outstanding musician/ composer, both a member and leader of several musical projects, the most current of which includes his own compositions, and in the band Early Spirit. William was not only sport enough to let me use a live performance of his song “Makie Elkino” as the theme music to this podcast!, but he took an interest in listening to it, and genuinely! It was my pleasure to chat with him in B.C. via Skype, about all things William Chernoff, his journeys as a musician, discovering music, recording, developing his skills on bass, and more. Enjoy!

Chat with William Chernoff recorded over Skype from Kitchener to British Columbia on June 23rd, 2019. Voiceover by Milo Axelrod, theme music by William Chernoff, piano outro by JP Sunga, everything else by Todd Donald. Presented in part, by Afternoon Tea. afternoontealabel.com

Elaine Kapogines is the creator of The Holistic Parent magazine and community, in the Waterloo Region. She’s a non-stop force of media, creation and learning; figuring out more and more ways to engage her audience. Once again instead of learning TOO much about how to better what I do, I chose to ask Elaine about growing up, her personal life, and crack-wise. By the way, much like Sandra Dynka (episode 036) is another amazing person, I met on instagram via the amazing Natasha McKenty (episode 008) and the mutual admiration society, I can’t even tell ya how much it warms the heart. So much to learn from all these people!

Chat with Elaine Kapogines recorded in Waterloo on June 7th, 2019. Voiceover by Milo Axelrod, theme music by William Chernoff, piano outro by JP Sunga, everything else by Todd Donald. Presented in part, by Afternoon Tea. afternoontealabel.com

Anna Beard is a shy yet standout personality in my opinion, with a love not unlike myself of coffee and conversation. She lead a tour around town to spotlight downtown Kitchener’s locally-owned coffee shops café’s and ethical discussion, or as she put it “socialist views”. I wanted to know what made this local public figure tick, on the personal tip; maybe she has lots to say on art, culture and dating, and could perhaps let this ol’ lug in on what’s going on in the modern scene!

Chat with Amanda Beard recorded in Waterloo on June 2nd, 2019. Voiceover by Milo Axelrod, theme music by William Chernoff, piano outro by JP Sunga, everything else by Todd Donald. Presented in part, by Afternoon Tea. afternoontealabel.com

Sandra Dynka (KW Miss Oktoberfest 2018/2019) is someone I met on instagram, via Natasha McKenty, and whom on their own as a health advocate, tennis pro and “champion of the underdog”, full of personality human, is enough to admire. It was only an after-discovery that being Oktoberfest 2018 would be a topic of discussion, but it’s an interesting and rare journey. We not only discussed that, but did a full heartwarming psychological of this wonderful person; to take a look back - here - and forward, at the great person she’ll be in years to come!

Chat with Sandra Dynka recorded in Waterloo on May 29th, 2019. Voiceover by Milo Axelrod, theme music by William Chernoff, piano outro by JP Sunga, everything else by Todd Donald. Presented in part, by Afternoon Tea. afternoontealabel.com

Ape Audio is a group of funny KW 20-something guys, showcasing the music scene in the way I only wished I could, with camaraderie, modern technology and an actual HQ! They’re providing you much better quality indie entertainment in two ways, through their HILARIOUS audio-only podcast on iTunes, Spotify etc., but also in video on YouTube, including live-streams and event coverage. I just wanted one opportunity to see if I could make them laugh, while on my show, I did it, and now I must retire. I freakin’ love these dudes!

Chat with Ape Audio podcast hosts recorded in Waterloo on May 26th, 2019. Voiceover by Milo Axelrod, theme music by William Chernoff, piano outro by JP Sunga, everything else by Todd Donald. Presented in part, by Afternoon Tea. afternoontealabel.com

Amanda Muse, with an empire based in Toronto and covering THE WORLD via the web, is someone whom it’s safe to say I got a little sycophantic over… there’s allot of pressure in being a good host that I wasn’t ready to feel, but for a guest with well over 60k subscribers on YouTube, basically the original real-life Truman Show star.. I think I did okay! With Amanda’s approach in agreeing to be on, and chatting with me, she couldn’t have been more kind, giving and thoughtful.. she took the time to chat over Skype, sent me her mic-recorded end of the convo, we drank coffee, chatted and found out we were born the same year!A true pioneer in internet-content making, the amazing, Amanda Muse!

Chat with Amanda Muse recorded over Skype from Kitchener to Toronto on May 23rd, 2019. Voiceover by Milo Axelrod, theme music by William Chernoff, piano outro by JP Sunga, everything else by Todd Donald. Presented in part, by Afternoon Tea. afternoontealabel.com

As promised, here’s Waterloo Region’s musician Cuneyt Yetkiner, chatting with me for my prior podcast The iTodd Lounge, in the summer of 2016, and performing an original composition, called “Yakamoz”. In the conversation, we cover the intricacies of performing locally in various scenarios and his well employed hard-work ethic!

Archived chat with & performance (“Yakamoz”) by Cuneyt Yetkiner (originally purposed for The iTodd Lounge) recorded at Cuneyt’s place in Waterloo on July 18th, 2016. Voiceover by Milo Axelrod, theme music by William Chernoff, piano outro by JP Sunga, everything else by Todd Donald. Presented in part, by Afternoon Tea. afternoontealabel.com

Cuneyt Yetkiner is one of the hardest working performers in Kitchener/Waterloo (and surrounding areas). Having mastered (in my opinion) the complex practice of flamenco guitar, which he also has albums of, he’s not only set-up shop in a multitude of performance types and opportunities, but he’s also a staple of this town’s live pub circuit in various formations along-side Craig McNair, Derek O’Halloran, Jessie T and more.. Cuneyt, having been on the show before (vault episode to follow, soon), agreed to come over and chat again, this time with no direction, to speak of. We’ve been good friends for a while, so we spun a yarn on every person, place or thing in the region, music, game apps on our phone and more!

Chat with Cuneyt Yetkiner recorded in Waterloo on June 9th, 2019. Voiceover by Milo Axelrod, theme music by William Chernoff, piano outro by JP Sunga, everything else by Todd Donald. Presented in part, by Afternoon Tea. afternoontealabel.com

Rashmi Sanjay is host of ‘In Conversation with Rashmi’ on CKMS in Waterloo, and yet another wonderful soul I managed to meet because of past guest Natasha McKenty, and via Instagram. She has an amazing and compelling story, it’s amazing that she’s still walkin’ and boy is she rockin’! She came over to have some coffee and chat about how and why she does what she does, both in life and with her show. I was just thrilled to meet and chat with this person in general! An additional note, please be sure to visit Rashmi Sanjay’s website - linked below - for a better look into her story, and where to catch her multi-media content!

Chat with Rashmi Sanjay recorded in Waterloo on May 21st, 2019. Voiceover by Milo Axelrod, theme music by William Chernoff, piano outro by JP Sunga, everything else by Todd Donald. Presented in part, by Afternoon Tea. afternoontealabel.com

Mathilde is a vocal & theatre trained singer/songwriter, who’s soon to be a Toronto native. I can’t however, celebrate having this guest on without reminiscing about the fact that Sara and I know each other from years ago, singing karaoke at Anchor in Listowel. So, I know from experience actually HEARING this young woman sing, that she can really belt out a song, and without breaking a sweat. I’d have to say at the heart of the interview is a look through Mathilde’s eyes at the importance of education and the arts. We looked back at those karaoke days a bit and the meat/hearty veg. of the chat is about her upcoming original music, which forecasts greatness!

Chat with Mathilde recorded in Waterloo on May 11th, 2019. Voiceover by Milo Axelrod, theme music by William Chernoff, piano outro by JP Sunga, everything else by Todd Donald. Presented in part, by Afternoon Tea. afternoontealabel.com

The return of Kitchener singer/songwriter, teacher and more, finally! This time aronud we started off, well, I started off, talking about the last time she came on, and the KFC involved.. you have to play the podcast to understand, but we did some healing. By this time around, i’d spent ample time enjoying her album ‘You’re Gonna Hear From Me’ (still available!).. so we talked about what she’s been up to more recently. A point of interest this time around, was talking about some things that a music teacher will encounter, and this is in FULL admiration of facebook as a platform for these thoughts. This episode comes of course, with a combination of two more delicately beautiful performances from M-C P!

Chat with & performances (“I Feel Pretty” & “You Intoxicate Me”) by Mary-Catherine Pazzano recorded in Waterloo on May 12th, 2019. “I Feel Pretty” written by Leonard Bernstein & Stephen Sondheim. Voiceover by Milo Axelrod, theme music by William Chernoff, piano outro by JP Sunga, everything else by Todd Donald. Presented in part, by Afternoon Tea. afternoontealabel.com

Kitchener singer/songwriter, teacher and spell-binding performer Mary-Catherine Pazzano made her first appearance on my prior podcast, Todd’s Café, and will make her return (and first appearance on this podcast) in the next episode! In this appearance though, we dug into recording her debut album ‘You’re Gonna Hear From Me’ last year, jazz as a genre, music quality, discipline, vacationing and more!

Archived chat with & performances (“I Can’t Believe That You’re In Love With Me” & “A Simple Conversation”) by Mary-Catherine Pazzano (originally purposed for Todd’s Café) recorded in Waterloo on March 18th, 2018. “I Can’t Believe That You’re In Love With Me” written by Jimmy McHugh & Clarence Gaskill. Voiceover by Milo Axelrod, theme music by William Chernoff, piano outro by JP Sunga, everything else by Todd Donald. Presented in part, by Afternoon Tea. afternoontealabel.com

Wendy Huenul and Kate Schlitt are co-hosts of an extremely important and funny Waterloo Region-based podcast called FemWaves. I found out about their show via Community Edition and was fascinated to get to know them, as well as their podcast. By the time it came around I couldn’t help - given how personable they are, to chat with them about growing up and the awkward, embarassing moments in adolescence. This is part 2 of 2, the prior being episode 24. Wendy Heunul. Having not met Kate before the day-of, I was delighted at how warm and up for this she was. Totally willing to open-up about the silliness of growing up, through high school and adolescence, we also shared stories of living in KW and working. Please enjoy both parts of this wonderful day and conversation!

Chat with Wendy Huenul & Kate Schlitt recorded in Waterloo on March 24th, 2019. Voiceover by Milo Axelrod, theme music by William Chernoff, piano outro by JP Sunga, everything else by Todd Donald. Presented in part, by Afternoon Tea. afternoontealabel.com

Why Waterloo (Waterloo Region (obviously, lol) based) podcast hosts Alex Kinsella and Beisan Zubi are two people I never quite apologized to properly. I had them on my prior podcast Todd’s Café to shoot the breeze, a fan of their ‘about-town’ Kitchener/Waterloo culture and events podcast.. I just wanted to get them to talk about life and the world’s nuances and see what happens. On the day for some reason, I was a lacklustre host and making an ass of myself.. as busy as they both are with all they do, they still enthusiastically agreed to be on and did the show... haven’t heard from them since. So I’m inclined to believe it was my doing, BUT I enjoyed hearing them talk, allot. I Also happened recently to listen to this again, here it is, again, for you!

Archived chat with Alex Kinsella & Beisan Zubi (originally purposed for Todd’s Café) recorded in Waterloo on April 18th, 2018. Voiceover by Milo Axelrod, theme music by William Chernoff, piano outro by JP Sunga, everything else by Todd Donald. Presented in part, by Afternoon Tea. afternoontealabel.com

Deanna Wells is front-woman of Hamilton area-based band Ophelia Syndrome, and a longtime friend of mine since we were in the music program at Mohawk College. There’s a three-part chat in which we talk about going to Mohawk, the new EP that Ophelia Syndrome is releasing and what’s going into that, followed by a chat about embarrassing moments, in the vein of the last few episodes. If you haven’t yet listened back to episode 2. Ophelia Syndrome*, please enjoy more of Deanna, as well as cellist, Trina Nadeau; for some vintage/vault interviews as well as live performances by Ophelia Syndrome!

Chat with Deanna Wells recorded in Waterloo on April 7th, 2019. Voiceover by Milo Axelrod, theme music by William Chernoff, piano outro by JP Sunga, everything else by Todd Donald. Presented in part, by Afternoon Tea. afternoontealabel.com

Wendy Huenul and Kate Schlitt are co-hosts of an extremely important and funny Waterloo Region-based podcast called FemWaves. I found out about their show via Community Edition and was fascinated to get to know them, as well as their podcast. By the time it came around I couldn’t help - given how personable they are, to chat with them about growing up and the awkward, embarassing moments in adolescence. Speaking for Wendy specifically, she was interested in going over what this cross-over would entail and it was a blast getting a chance to chat and laugh with one of them prior to meeting in person. I’m always happy when that happens and goes well, typically because I still feel awkward approaching strangers. Enjoy the stories, and stay tuned for the continuation, featuring Kate Schlitt!

Chat with Wendy Huenul & Kate Schlitt recorded in Waterloo on March 24th, 2019. Voiceover by Milo Axelrod, theme music by William Chernoff, piano outro by JP Sunga, everything else by Todd Donald. Presented in part, by Afternoon Tea. afternoontealabel.com

Matt Lees is a Wales, U.K.-based singer/songwriter and podcaster (we might be related) whom I met at a house party, 16 years ago. Clearly we were fast friends because of our shared love of pop culture and creative outlets and we were fans of each other creatively and as people, enough to be heavily involved in each others’ musical goings-on. The side effect of our being so similar and tightly wound definitely pulled us away from each other, but time + distance + evolution = a nice chat between two old friends that love each other. Hosting the Legend In My Spare Time podcast at he and his wife Rachel’s home across the pond; Matt’s launched a second podcast where he interviews artists & performers about their creativity. Enjoy this beefy chat!

Chat with Matt Lees recorded over Skype from Kitchener to Wales, United Kingdom on March 30th, 2019. Performances (“Hostile”, “Maybe I’m Not Leavin’” & “Lois Lane”) by Matt Lees recorded by Matt. Voiceover by Milo Axelrod, theme music by William Chernoff, piano outro by JP Sunga, everything else by Todd Donald. Presented in part, by Afternoon Tea. afternoontealabel.com

Matt White and partner Carin Lowerison are the heads of Kitchener/Waterloo’s socially-aware theatre company Green Light Arts. Just based on seeing what they do online alone, I was compelled to reach out to them to see if Matt would come by to tell me his story, talk about theatre, and tell me more about what Green Light is, and is up to! From acting to writing to directing, Matt’s trained and worked in every aspect of the theatre. Lots to get excited about here.

Chat with Matt White recorded in Waterloo on February 24th, 2019. Voiceover by Milo Axelrod, theme music by William Chernoff, piano outro by JP Sunga, everything else by Todd Donald. Presented in part, by Afternoon Tea. afternoontealabel.com

Meet Fearless Heart Yoga practitioners in Waterlo, Ontario, Carolynne and Lindsay! For something a little bit different again, I’m chatting with some peeps I met for the first time on this day. They invited me up to the studio itself to discuss yoga, and what they do, from their point of view. What do you think Yoga is? How do you approach it? What would make your experience different, if you took it to C + L and the rest of the staff there? They were extremely kind, most of my guests are, but I never expect it from strangers. Carolynne showed me inside Seven Shores (below them in the same building in Uptown), so we could start off with coffee! Also, I really needed this chat, allot of why humans perform yoga has allot to do with what’s inside, and this helped!

Chat with Carolynne & Lindsay recorded at Fealess Heart Yoga in Waterloo on February 20th, 2019. Voiceover by Milo Axelrod, theme music by William Chernoff, piano outro by JP Sunga, everything else by Todd Donald. Presented in part, by Afternoon Tea. afternoontealabel.com

Jesse Parent is a warm and seasoned pro singer/songwriter from Kitchener. We go back together over a decade, and this will have been our third time getting a conversation of ours recorded for online purposes. He’s always writing, performing and gigging, following the path, dedicated A F. Jesse’s also someone I’m glad to call a dear friend. Jesse has a live performance coming up at Kitchener’s Rich Uncle Tavern, featuring Twas Now, a little different from the usual, in which he’ll be professionally recording the show for a live album, with Steve Wood on steel and back-up singers including Twas Now and Emily Barkley. Hear Jesse and I talk about his entire career, outlooks, song stories and more, in this wonderful coffee meeting and podcast record!

Chat with & performances (“Best Laid Plans”, “For A Moment” & “Quebec City in the Rain”) by Jesse Parent recorded in Waterloo on February 17th, 2019. Voiceover by Milo Axelrod, theme music by William Chernoff, piano outro by JP Sunga, everything else by Todd Donald. Presented in part, by Afternoon Tea. afternoontealabel.com

There Was A Sale returns this year with it’s second season, a wonderful podcast sharing a discussion between partners Matt & Kayla of a piece of pop culture (from Matt’s collection), over a thematically similar beverage. They discuss the beverage, and in various segments, talk in-dephtly about the item.. Last year’s item was films, this year’s item is books! I figured that was a good enough reason to rustle up a second appearance. As if I didn’t have enough fun being way too intense infront of them when they were on Todd’s Café (see episode 14 for the re-play), but it was a wonderful time chatting with them again, and going deeper into the weeds about There Was A Sale, it’s new season, and meta podcasting ensues. For those of you who only look at the instagram posts, Matt’s beard is thicker and Kayla’s hair is longer.

Chat with Matthew Grant & Kayla Haas recorded in Waterloo on February 3rd, 2019. Voiceover by Milo Axelrod, theme music by William Chernoff, piano outro by JP Sunga, everything else by Todd Donald. Presented in part, by Afternoon Tea. afternoontealabel.com

Hayley Kellett is the improv incubator director at The Making-Box, based in Guelph and soon-to-be opening up a space in Kitchener. I’ve loved improv and comedy for a long time, so I immediately was excited to just sit down with a professional and experienced performer, and chat about it, possibly fall to the floor just to see if I could make them laugh. I took my gear to record on location in Guelph, at The Making-Box, and we had a delightful chat about all things Improv, comedy roots, about the studio, the classes they offer and we even did a little improv together near the end!

Chat with Hayley Kellett recorded at The Making-Box in Guelph on January 27th, 2019. Voiceover by Milo Axelrod, theme music by William Chernoff, piano outro by JP Sunga, everything else by Todd Donald. Presented in part, by Afternoon Tea. afternoontealabel.com

Justin Godelie’s outfit, the Canadian podcast Pull The Plug, with Justin Briner and wife Shannon Godelie (this is an inversion of my write-up for episode 1, actually),, the point is, Pull the Plug, with it’s segments, off-the-wall humour, and sweet blend of acoustic music submissions, doesn’t get old. I’m a huge fan myself. I had a great time chatting with Shannon before, and I just wanted the chance to meet and chat! with Justin, it was only a sweet bonus that we’d record this episode together. We got meta about podcasting, we had a meta-interview, and we even did some bits, PTP style-ish, but only so much with ol’ baldie at bat. I think it came out okay! Either way, it was a great time, you’re getting the treat of hearing two podcast nerds really podcast nerd it out!

Chat with Justin Godelie recorded in Waterloo on January 20th, 2019. Voiceover by Milo Axelrod, theme music by William Chernoff, piano outro by JP Sunga, everything else by Todd Donald. Presented in part, by Afternoon Tea. afternoontealabel.com

Emily Schooley is a performer and a creative force to be reckoned with. I had the fortune of meeting both her and Erika Reesor through Isaac Mulé (Page 1 Entertainment) when recording a podcast with them last year to promote their feature in OutFest 2018. Upon finishing that record I was so struck by how interesting and well-spoken they both were that I couldn’t resist inviting both back on again some day, if only just to chat about art and menutia. Here is Emily once again, having driven in from Toronto to Waterloo for coffee and splitting the atom. We talked about acting, directing, society, various highschool interests and more, all in no particular order!

Chat with Emily Schooley recorded in Waterloo on January 20th, 2019. Voiceover by Milo Axelrod, theme music by William Chernoff, piano outro by JP Sunga, everything else by Todd Donald. Presented in part, by Afternoon Tea. afternoontealabel.com

There Was A Sale is a Waterloo region podcast, hosted by Kayla Haas and Matt Grant; two people I adore endlessly. Discovered randomly on instagram, I began fondly enjoying the show, as the two discuss selections from Matt’s collection of films - primarily from the Criterion Collection, and each selection is paired with a drink linked thematically to the name of the beer, or brand, or images on the can. As far as each film’s merit; typically Matt’s arguments are on the side of film-making, and Kayla’s on the side of what’s being depicted. I don’t know why I had to say ANYTHING for this podcast, given that I find the pair way more interesting, but I had to know about how and why they started making this podcast, what else they enjoyed, and what it’s like being a couple and making a show together. They’re both incredibly kind, gracious, and Matt had baked cookies recently, to which they donated a container full of to Katie and I. Thanks guys! (Stay tuned for the return ; )

Archived chat with Matthew Grant & Kayla Haas (originally purposed for Todd’s Café) recorded in Waterloo on May 5th, 2018. Voiceover by Milo Axelrod, theme music by William Chernoff, piano outro by JP Sunga, everything else by Todd Donald. Presented in part, by Afternoon Tea. afternoontealabel.com

Kitchener’s A New Ground is a powerhouse duo, a mix of folk, pop, rock and more, sounds! They blend guitar, cello and vocals on stage, a symphonic blend on record, and off-stage they’re two of the sweetest people you could ever meet. I met them a few years before this podcast record and wanted to chat with them for a while now. We chatted about the band, recording, touring, the local scene and a whole lot more, and I felt super priviledged to step into their studio ‘Frontier Music’ where they record, teach and live.

Chat with & performances (“Parasite” & “Get Close”) by A New Ground recorded at Frontier Music in Kitchener on December 16th, 2018. Voiceover by Milo Axelrod, theme music by William Chernoff, piano outro by JP Sunga, everything else by Todd Donald. Presented in part, by Afternoon Tea. afternoontealabel.com

Among Legends is a power-pop-punk band from KW/Toronto, with roots everywhere, chivalry for the human cause and positive messages for days.. A grand sum of 5 hardworking bandmates make up AL, and I had the fortune of speaking with lead vocalist, Toronto’s Mitchel Buchanan, and guitarist, Cameron Bechtloff. We chatted about everything from the early days of pop-punk, to the local scene, plans for the band and beyond. You can hear their music via the links provided, and BE SURE to check out the Canadiana music video for their song “Punk Rock Hoser”!

Chat with & performances (“We Were Vaguely Saints”, “Punk Rock Hoser” & “Always On My Mind”) by Among Legends recorded in Waterloo on December 9th, 2018. Voiceover by Milo Axelrod, theme music by William Chernoff, piano outro by JP Sunga, everything else by Todd Donald. Presented in part, by Afternoon Tea. afternoontealabel.com

Rob Szabo is a multi-hyphenate, based out of Toronto. These days he’s more known for collaborating, co-writing and producing albums for singer/songwriters and bands, but he’s a legend in a lot of hearts in KW from his days coming through with bands (Plasticine, Marigold & The Groove Daddies), and furthermore as a touring solo artist. Rob has an all out knack and adoration for art, and I’ve really appreciated the sophistication and quality in his work.. So, we spent ample time running around the bases of what it’s like for him working in so many aspects of music, to the tune of doing it in some way as a full-time job. In addition, he’s been a friend and someone who’s music i’ve spent a decade and a half at least, adoring and listening to. It was an honour to have an in-depth conversation with Rob, and even then, only scratching the surface. Thanks to Carrie Humphries for permission in using the live at CKMS set from her 2008 radio broadcast!

Performances (“Family and Friends”, “Hitchhiker Smile” & “He Loves You”) by Rob Szabo recorded live at CKMS in Waterloo in December 2008. Used with permission. Chat with & performance (“Give It Away”) by Rob Szabo recorded in Waterloo on December 15th, 2018. Voiceover by Milo Axelrod, theme music by William Chernoff, piano outro by JP Sunga, everything else by Todd Donald. Presented in part, by Afternoon Tea. afternoontealabel.com

Mandippal is an Ontarian Singer/songwriter and a hard-working pub set performer, setting up shop in any place that can be inhabited by live music. He has a few works of his own available online, but has devoted his songwriting craft and gift (over a couple of decades) to not only booking other artists for showcases, but to collaborating with other songwriters. We were discussing infact how his life path to now (and feeling aged) has affected his interest over time, in creativity. We had allot to chat about and catch-up on, given what I’ll be mentioning in the next paragraph.. Mandippal Jandu is one of those many sacred/holy grail type guests i’ll be having on the show; so sacred for the fact that we go back to my or our (shared) earliest days on stage in Kitchener-Waterloo. We performed several times together between 2005-2009 and share a lot of common understandings of what music makers had to or wanted to do at a different point in time. There’s catharsis for me on this one, and allot of mutual affection. Just in time for the Holidays!

Chat with & performances (“Little Steps”, “Soldier” & “Dissappear”) by Mandippal recorded in Waterloo on December 2nd, 2018. Voiceover by Milo Axelrod, theme music by William Chernoff, piano outro by JP Sunga, everything else by Todd Donald. Presented in part, by Afternoon Tea. afternoontealabel.com

Hawkeyes are a band from Kitchener/Waterloo, made up of 6 musicians.. that’s almost the best description I could make. It’s instrumental music, quasi: experimental, atmospheric.. there’s a reference made to ‘doom’ which is a music-related descriptive word I’d only heard of for the first time in these interviews. Each member of the band is a longtime friend/acquaintance i’ve known through the years via other bands they were in. Hawkeyes however have been THIS unit for quite a few years now already. With six members all present, and me only having three-mics, I talked to Hawkeyes in 3 pairs of 2. It would have been impossible to do an acoustic live performance for the podcast, so we settled on having some GREAT chats, and you have my insistence that their music is friggin’ dynamite, as well as my encouragement to go to their website and have a listen for yourself!

Chat with Hawkeyes recorded at Order of the Ape in Kitchener on November 25th, 2018. Voiceover by Milo Axelrod, theme music by William Chernoff, piano outro by JP Sunga, everything else by Todd Donald. Presented in part, by Afternoon Tea. afternoontealabel.com

Twas Now is a harmonizing old country/folk/roots duo from New Hamburg, Ontario. With a superb blend of superbly refined and heavenly voices, Diana & Mike Erb couldn’t be more perfectly paired; made only sweeter by the fact that in life they were soulmates and now a happily married couple who’ve known each other since childhood. I’d only had a full on (and lovely) conversation with Diana, for the first time in this podcast session. Mike however, I’ve known since 2007 when we were semi-regularly performing shows together and he was putting out music as a solo artist. I was extremely happy to see these old friends and have some coffee with them.. and to hear them singing live in my partner and I’s kitchen?? Are you kidding?? Paradise! I can’t thank them enough for their time. Stay tuned for their very own podcast - follow the links!

Chat with & performances (“Next To You” & “Black Coffee”) by Twas Now recorded in Waterloo on November 24th, 2018. Voiceover by Milo Axelrod, theme music by William Chernoff, piano outro by JP Sunga, everything else by Todd Donald. Presented in part, by Afternoon Tea. afternoontealabel.com

Natasha McKenty is host of Rogers (Waterloo Region)’s In Studio with Natasha McKenty. We found each other online, and I loved what I was able to see of her show on instagram clips and photos.. I suppose it was natural for me to show whatever audience I have, what a legit broadcaster sounded like, so that you could hear more easily how un-professional I am. Natasha is an all around wonderful person, with an interesting back-story, so we dove into that, her history in media and her life-long fascination with hearing others’ story. I can only hope she enjoyed my use of off-collar b.s. in the mix, as much as I enjoy subjecting my guests to it. At any rate, much admiration for this woman and her amazing work!

Chat with Natasha McKenty recorded in Waterloo on November 24th, 2018. Voiceover by Milo Axelrod, theme music by William Chernoff, piano outro by JP Sunga, everything else by Todd Donald. Presented in part, by Afternoon Tea. afternoontealabel.com

Sylvia Pond and Dan Grace are two lovely people I spent a few months regularly seeing and chatting with at the Rhapsody Barrell Bar open-mic Mondays, in Kitchener (Ontario). Sylvia a prominent local photographer, and Dan a loveable Canadian-rock nerd and musician.. It was hard to go back to my job after the teacher’s strike of Autumn 2017 and not see them anymore. You can hear in these chats that they’re both warm and funny people. Sylvia Pond in her own right, is a fantastic local photographer, who reluctantly is learning guitar, loves cheese and works for herself. We talked about that, and the most cheesy thing we both love, 80s hair-metal. Dan Grace was often host or ring-leader of the open-mic nights at the time, I didn’t have direction at all with this interview, Dan and I kind of just goofed off and then I recorded him playing three of his favourite Can-rock songs that are in the same key.. a WONDERFUL coffee chat collection, both! Much love.

Archived chat with Sylvia Pond (originally purposed for Todd’s Café) recorded in Waterloo on February 20th, 2018. Archived chat with & performances (“1979”, “Southbound Train” & “Grace, To”) by Dan Grace (originally purposed for Todd’s Café) recorded in Waterloo on March 10th, 2018. “1979” is a Smashing Pumpkins cover. “Southbound Train” is a Jon Foreman cover. “Grace, To” is a Tragically Hip cover. Voiceover by Milo Axelrod, theme music by William Chernoff, piano outro by JP Sunga, everything else by Todd Donald. Presented in part, by Afternoon Tea. afternoontealabel.com

Vienna D’Amato Hall is a singer/songwriter and more, I think the term ‘Artist’ better encompasses what she does, both in her approach and in general. I can’t even imagine how early it started in her life, but she strikes me as both intelligent and thoughtful - with everything shared with the world coming from a place of intention and planning - while still following the winds of existence. I’m not so deep that the previous sentance is well put, but Vienna doesn’t seem like someone who’s just having fun with their music, nor is it all so serious that she can’t handle having a warm conversation with ol’ goofy-ass over here. As someone who lives in-the-world, occasionally in KW, I had the fortune of meeting Vienna and seeing her perform at an art show/open mic in 2015. We scheduled her 2016 podcast record via email, and when starting The Todd Donald Show I was overcome with a desire to catch up with and feature this exsquisite and true artist once again. We talked allot about thought process, creativity, philosophy, existence and soy sauce.

Chat with & performances (“Proud”, “Long-Stay Hotel” & “Surrender”) by Vienna D’Amato Hall recorded in Waterloo on November 4th, 2018. Archived chat with & performances (“Southern Cross” & “Blood Moon”) by Vienna D’Amato Hall (originally purposed for The iTodd Lounge) recorded at Vienna’s place in Kitchener on June 19th, 2016. Voiceover by Milo Axelrod, theme music by William Chernoff, piano outro by JP Sunga, everything else by Todd Donald. Presented in part, by Afternoon Tea. afternoontealabel.com

AntiSocial Surf Club makes infectious and exciting poppy, punky, beach/mall music… that level of talk is the same accessibly and easy-going description they would give. I would say they’re triumphantly badass, which is also lazy, on my part. At any rate, this Kitchener (Ontario)-based 20-something foursome make music in-the-room, no fancy add-ons, nothing digital, and they do it like it ain’t no thang. I couldn’t help but spend most of the interview stunned, coming from highschool-a world full of music like theirs, while they were being born. Though instead of making me feel old and obsolete, they had fun with me, and we all had fun learning how they approach music! I met these guys in the modern age of exploring instagram and other things to see what’s out there. They were kind enough to send Matt and Bennett over for the experience, and not only did they deliver their interview & live songs, way earlier in the morning than they’re used to doing stuff, but they and I rehearsed and recorded a live performance of “Surf Wax America” by Weezer. I might put that back up online someday.

Chat with & performances (“Josie’s Talking”, “Squidd” & “Beaches”) performed by AntiSocial Surf Club recorded in Waterloo on October 20th, 2018. Voiceover by Milo Axelrod, theme music by William Chernoff, piano outro by JP Sunga, everything else by Todd Donald. Presented in part, by Afternoon Tea. afternoontealabel.com

Vacuity & The Human Statues are two former bands, Vacuity from Kitchener and The Human Statues from Toronto/British Columbia; and both bands that I had and still have an enormous affection for. Vacuity’s brand of rock was very atmospheric and alternative in the best way possible. We performed a few shows together by this point and I loved their newest album. To counter the seriousness of the music, both this podcast and the radio show I.R.I.S., they were guests of, and it was full of seriousness and goofing off. This early podcast appearance in May 2008, was proof to me that the best way to sell a band to the public, was to show a band and I literally just hangin’ out. I’ve been delighted to run-in to members of this band here and there since, wonderful guys. PS: Somewhere in the mix of their song “Beckoning”, they had me join them on my 12-string guitar, try to listen for it behind Rob’s dynamic vocals, the accordion, and the glockenspiel!

The Human Statues had a little bit of novelty, a boatload of showmanship, and shared my affection for the Beatles. They were guests recently of my radio show with my friend Carrie, and played a few shows in Waterloo that we attended. The day of the podcast, being on the road and famished, they arrived and asked if they could eat their lunch in a spot outside my parents’ house overlooking the Grand River. Such fantastic guests in fact, that after their interview and songs, they acquiesced to perform a Beatles cover with me for my YouTube account at the time. Their music is catchy, harmony-soaked and timeless.

Archived chat with & performances (“Beckoning” & “Sirens”) by Vacuity (originally purposed for The iTodd Lounge) recorded in Kitchener on May 1st, 2008. Archived chat with & performances (“Destination”, “Shipwrecked” & “Man on the Radio”) by The Human Statues (originally purposed for The iTodd Lounge) recorded in Kitchener on October 23rd, 2008. Voiceover by Milo Axelrod, theme music by William Chernoff, piano outro by JP Sunga, everything else by Todd Donald. Presented in part, by Afternoon Tea. afternoontealabel.com

Paige Warner is a ridiculously talented singer & songwriter, from a musical family, based in Kitchener/Waterloo, Ontario. She is destined for stadiums and crowd sing-alongs with her varying array of musical styles with strong soul roots. I had the privilege of interviewing Paige the first time, shortly following the release of her debut EP, and in promotion of her upcoming performance at Kitchener’s Summer Lights event. Upon starting this podcast, I couldn’t help but invite her back on, to catch up, and record some new and bodacious live performances!

Chat with & performances (“Please Don’t Look at Me” & “Worth It”) by Paige Warner recorded at home in Waterloo on October 13th, 2018. Archived chat with & performances (“From the Start”) by Paige Warner (originally purposed for Todd’s Café) recorded at Social Art in Kitchener on May 20th, 2018. Voiceover by Milo Axelrod, theme music by William Chernoff, piano outro by JP Sunga, everything else by Todd Donald. Presented in part, by Afternoon Tea. afternoontealabel.com

Ophelia Syndrome is a fantastic and diverse rock/pop group from Ontario. They’ve released some outstanding albums and have toured internationally. This episode includes archived material from prior podcasts/projects by Todd Donald; beginning with their 2016 interview & performances on The iTodd Lounge, their 2008 interview on The iTodd Lounge and 2 live performances, recorded in 2017. This is only the beginning of ‘treasures from the vault’ style supplements you can expect!

1st archived chat with Ophelia Syndrome (originally purposed for The iTodd Lounge) recorded in Kitchener on August 7th, 2008. 2nd archived chat with & performances (“Magnets” & “Foolish”) by Ophelia Syndrome (originally purposed for The iTodd Lounge) recorded at Ophelia Syndrome’s rehearsal space in Hamilton, June 4th, 2016. Archived performances (“And You” & “No Surprises”) by Ophelia Syndrome recorded at Ophelia Syndrome’s rehearsal space in Hamilton, September 10th, 2017. “And You” is a Radiohead cover. Voiceover by Milo Axelrod, theme music by William Chernoff, piano outro by JP Sunga, everything else by Todd Donald. Presented in part, by Afternoon Tea. afternoontealabel.com

Shannon Godelie, along with husband Justin Godelie and their friend Justin Briner have been showcasing acoustic songs and bantering in-between for several years. Their hilarious and fun podcast Pull The Plug has become well established and is a staple of Ontario’s indie music collective. Shannon originally knew Todd from the broadcasting program in college, when the FM radio versions of each of their shows were airing. 10 years later, it’s only fitting that she give The Todd Donald Show a send-off!

Recorded music: “Charades” by Sarah Bernardo. Chat with Shannon Godelie recorded in Waterloo on September 15th, 2018. Voiceover by Milo Axelrod, theme music by William Chernoff, piano outro by JP Sunga, everything else by Todd Donald. Presented in part, by Afternoon Tea. afternoontealabel.com