Soft Revolution

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

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

The Jennifer C. Lena joins the pod to discuss her insights of the last five years, how AI is like spell check on steroids, how nationalization might be the key to solving our woes, and Ali wonders, "where was our hazard pay?"

In this episode, we sit down with David Maggs of the Metcalf Foundation to discuss his recent report, "Art and the World After This." David delves into the ways in which the pandemic has affected the art world, both in terms of the financial struggles of artists and institutions, as well as the shift towards digital and online mediums. He also touches on the importance of supporting artists and ar...

Michael Wheeler of the SpiderWebShow joins to discuss how technology and theatre intersect. But first: Swifties battle the Ticketmaster monopoly, the mid-terms were not as expected, and Elon is up to something at Twitter headquarters.

Compass Artist Management has stopped paying their clients to the tune of over $500k and it's time we step up and change the system. Please help these affected artists at www.compassactorsfund.com Other topics : Torq thinks throwing oil on Van Gogh is amazing while Ali thinks it's merely a first draft, and what to do when we get so caught up in identity politics and Doug Ford actually does big thi...

Actor, writer, producer, and activist Tara Grammy joins the pod to discuss the ongoing major protests in Iran. But first - Ali has an idea to massively increase voter turnout, Torq thinks it's time to Cancel Kanye, and Bros. flops!

- Torq visits England and as usual, has thoughts. - Audiences won't go to your show if you make it kinda a bummer. - Arcade Fire's Win Butler is accused of multiple instances of sexual misconduct, and Feist leaves the tour. - WTF is tipping?

Kevin Vidal, star of Workin' Moms and Strays joins the pod to discuss what comedy does for his soul, and how to be funny in this current age. But first, Torq and Ali discuss Trumps impending indictment, the brutal attack on Salman Rushdie, and Drake's high-flyin' all the way to Hamilton.

1. Why is the New York Times trying to ruin your summer? 2. Oh, critics. 3. It's like Star Wars and we gotta be the Jedi. 4. The new season of Serial is playing at Congress Soft Revolution is brought to you by Effin' Birds - www.effinbrids.com

Bojo is out, Rogers is down, and we have thoughts. Soft Revolution is brought to you by Effin' Birds - www.effinbirds.com

Stephen Marche rejoins the pod to discuss his book The Next Civil War - Dispatches from an American Future, whether Roe's overturning is indeed the catalyst for another civil war, and how Canada can inoculate itself from it all.

Torq is back from tour and he has "thoughts". Also, after two years, the questions is finally asked, "is capitalism inherently evil?"

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

Another massacre involving children. What ever are we going to do? Then, a conversation about the merits and perils of strategic voting with a cameo by the great Michael Healey.

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

Journalist, author and theatre-maker Alanna Mitchell (https://alannamitchell.com) on how from the depths of the climate crisis there is profound hope. Plus, will the affordability crisis make hobbyist artists of us all?

Polymath Sarah Slean joins the pod to discuss artistic longevity in an impermanent world and all these past two years have taught there. But first, a new segment called, "Rapid Fire with Ali Momen" where Torq throws a bunch of topics to get Ali's response.

Financial guru Tim Ziegler with big advice on how to manage your finances and how the most important investment you can make as an artist isn't what you think it is. First, a big conversation on appropriation in art, and how sustainable art has huge potential.

US correspondent Jennifer Lena joins the pod to chat The Oscars debacle, Marina Abramovic's fundraiser in support of Ukraine, and how loss has permeated our existence and how we move past it.

Music journalist and writer extraordinaire Michael Barclay has a new book coming about the incredible Canadian music scene from the early 2000's and he joins us to talk about it.

Playwright, actor, and artistic director Andrew Kushnir sheds a personal light on the war in Ukraine. NOTE : This episode was recorded hours before it was announced that Canada would halt oil imports from Russia.

Just us chickens on the futility of cancelling your New York Times subscription; Cosby, Jian, and the cult of personality; and a reminder that "all you need is love.”

Artist and activist Sean Devine (www.seandevine.ca) ventured into the streets of Ottawa to speak to some protestors and he joins the pod to share his insights.

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