Culture Junkie

Most indie filmmakers dream of landing in a festival that feels like summer camp—welcoming, collaborative, and community-driven. Susan Gorrell, the visionary behind the Julian Dubuque International Film Festival, reveals how she transformed this small-town festival into an international hotspot, attracting filmmakers from all over the world and drawing audiences to a city many thought was just a M...

Most companies overlook the secret to building a culture of elite performance, according to Olympic gold medalist and sports strategist Kent Steffes, it all comes down to radical accountability and storytelling. From dominating beach volleyball and winning Olympic gold in 1996 to transitioning into high-stakes finance, Kent reveals how the mindset of an athlete can transform your approach to busin...

In this inspiring episode, Madelyne Beckles shares how her early passion for expression in dance, singing, and visual art evolved into a groundbreaking approach to health that celebrates individuality. She reveals how her background in art and theory informs her work in holistic nutrition and yoga—a credo that health is a creative act and life itself is a form of self-expression. #culturejunkie -#...

Most people spend their 50s feeling stuck—until one woman chooses to rewrite her story. Sue Kwon speaks candidly about ditching her government job at 50, traveling the world, and turning her struggles into a powerful journey of healing, creativity, and self-discovery. In this inspiring conversation, Sue shares how a dark period of depression drove her to develop mental health tools that transforme...

Enjoy the music In this special episode of Guitar Stories we get the extended director's cut of all the adventures of "Mark with a Q" as we call him. Mark Smith drops by the Culture Junkie Studio to share some noodling and mayhem of the late 1970's. Join us as we talk hitch-hiking and being young, adventure, music and the art of guitar maintenance. Thank you for tuning in to Culture Junkie. Your s...

In this episode, we sit down with Chris Ford, founder of Tap2Tag, to explore the journey behind one of the most innovative yet under-recognized companies in the smart technology space. Tap2Tag has quietly become a leader in NFC and digital identity solutions, powering technology that connects the physical world to digital information with a simple tap. Despite its impact across multiple industries...

Explore the vibrant tourism, community development, and marketing strategies of the Bay of Quinte region with Dug Stevenson, highlighting how local initiatives, film, sports, and winter activities boost regional growth. Unlocking the Potential of the Bay of Quinte: A Regional Success Story How the Bay of Quinte Became a Top Destination in Southeastern Ontario sound bites "Residents are our biggest...

Sponsored By: On The Fly Insurance, 100% online, 100% secure, 100% Canadian. Get a QUOTE in Minutes online at www.ontheflyinsurance.com/quote Prisoners of Circumstance: A South Scarborough Story is a noir novel written by Ian J. Harvey. Released as the first book in the South Scarborough Stories series, it delves into the gritty underbelly of Toronto's Scarborough district. Ian shares why his back...

In this engaging conversation, filmmaker Victor Cooper shares insights into his journey in the film industry, the inspiration behind his latest project, Butter Bandits , and the collaborative spirit that fueled its production. He discusses the challenges faced during filming, the importance of humor in storytelling, and the technical aspects of filmmaking. Victor also highlights the significance o...

Elevating Style and Performance: Insights from Leah Hamilton of Elevation Hall Discover how Leah Hamilton, director of Elevation Hall, blends modeling, dance, and entrepreneurial mindset to revolutionize arts training and talent development. This episode explores the importance of soft skills, branding, longevity in modeling, and innovative approaches to education and community engagement. Sponsor...

Unlock the story behind one of the most groundbreaking Indigenous documentaries ever made. Barbara Hager, a Métis and Cree filmmaker, shares her intense journey from personal discovery to international acclaim — revealing how her film Leaving Beringia dismantles myths and rewrites history of human arrival in the Americas. This isn't just a film—it's a catalyst for understanding our collective huma...

Susana's journey from Colombia to Canada is a compelling story of resilience, curiosity, and continuous self-growth. From working in animation for shows like Paw Patrol and Grimm-inspired dark tales to experimenting with fashion design and sewing, she illustrates how embracing change can lead to unexpected but rewarding paths. Discover how her experiences with the industry, motherhood, and persona...

In this episode of the Culture Junkie podcast, we explore the journey of artists rising to prominence through authenticity and creativity. We discuss the challenges they face when their work becomes commercialized and the importance of understanding how to market oneself effectively. Join us as we delve into the balance between artistic integrity and commercial success. www.culturejunkie.ca https:...

Join us as we welcome back Angel Hamilton to discuss the compelling Fairy Creek documentary, set to premiere at the ReFrame Film Festival. Dive into the story of the 2020 blockades, where 1,200 people were arrested in a bid to protect the last 1% of Vancouver Island's old-growth rainforest. Angel shares her personal journey, the cultural significance of the land, and the ongoing struggle between d...

Join us in this captivating episode as we delve into the world of storytelling with Soukaina Alaoui El Hassani, a filmmaker and commercial producer from Casablanca, Morocco. Discover her journey from learning English through TV shows to becoming a creative force in the film industry. Soukaina shares her insights on the power of storytelling, the importance of community, and the challenges of repre...

2025 was a year of unforgettable conversations. This highlight edition brings together some of the most powerful, funny, insightful, and thought-provoking moments from the Culture Junkie Podcast this past year. From creators and disruptors to storytellers, technologists, and cultural commentators, these clips capture the ideas, debates, and human moments that defined our journey through 2025. If y...

Join us as we explore the rich history and dynamic evolution of a choir that has been harmonizing since 1988. From traditional madrigals to avant-garde performances, discover how this group has embraced a diverse repertoire, including unique productions like "The Gondoliers" and the hauntingly beautiful "Nosferatu" silent film accompaniment. With a passion for both sacred and secular music, this e...

Join Keith as he sits down with journalist and storyteller Pól Ó Géibheannaigh. In this engaging episode, they reminisce about their unexpected meeting in a deserted Barbados during the COVID-19 pandemic and explore Pól's fascinating journey from journalism to filmmaking. Discover how Pól's Irish heritage influences his storytelling and hear about his ambitious tech startup and film project. On th...

Join Keith as he sits down with the legendary Shawn O'Shea, also known as Mackie from the Heymacs. In this engaging episode, Shawn shares his journey from backyard jam sessions to becoming a staple in the Canadian music scene. Discover the stories behind his iconic performances, his creative process, and the evolution of music over the decades. Whether you're a music enthusiast or just love a good...

Join us on the Culture Junkie podcast as Keith welcomes his long-time friend and extraordinary guitarist, Luke Miller. In this episode, Luke shares his journey from discovering the rhythm of the Bee Gees' "Jive Talkin'" to becoming a self-taught guitar aficionado. Dive into stories of his first band, his extensive guitar collection, and the auditions that shaped his musical path.

Keith interviews the multi-talented Canadian director Gail Harvey. Gail shares her journey from aspiring artist to renowned filmmaker, discussing her passion for photography and storytelling. She reflects on her experiences working with famous personalities, the challenges of being a woman in the film industry, and her decision to stay in Canada. Discover more about Gail Harvey on her website at:...

Dawn Chubai delves into the common misconception that brands must engage in hard selling to succeed. She shares insights on guiding brands and creators to embrace live shopping and social commerce, highlighting the significant benefits and the 'halo effect' that follows. Discover how these strategies can be tailored to fit any brand's unique vision. Organize Your Business Like a Boss    • Organize...

Shot in the year 2000 on 16mm film, and completed in 2025, watch as a typical Saturday night unfolds at a cringey 1990's nightclub. Xandra and Geraldine explore the fascinating journey of a film that lay dormant for 25 years before being brought back to life. Join us as Filmmaker Geraldine Lahiffe share the challenges and triumphs of reviving a project rooted in the 90s club culture. Discover the...

Listen as we delve into the Jessica's journey as she shares her personal battle with breast cancer while embracing her music as a way to cope with the difficulties of the diagnoses. As a talented musician from Belleville Ontario Canada she opens up about how hard it was to stop playing to take care of herself and how music became her source of strength and empowerment. Discover how she navigated t...

In this inspiring episode, Mike and Keith delve into the joys and unpredictability of teaching. They discuss how every student holds the potential to achieve greatness, whether it's something celebrated in history books or on the big screen. Tune in to explore the profound impact educators can have on their students' futures and the unexpected paths that may unfold.