Artistically Married

In this episode of Artistically Married , we sit down with Marshall and Sarah Bureau to talk about creativity, partnership, and building a life rooted in art. Sarah is the owner of a truly unique eyeglass shop in St. Catharines, where style and design meet self-expression. Marshall, while a huge part of the business, is also an incredibly talented drummer whose love of music runs deep. We dive int...

In this candid, free-flowing episode of Artistically Married , we sit down with Carl David “CD” Onofrio for a conversation that feels more like a long exhale between old friends than a formal interview. Born in the United States during the Vietnam War, Carl reflects on his early roots, the political atmosphere of his childhood, and his father’s pivotal decision to move their family to Canada. From...

In this holiday episode, we sit down with our son, Phoenix Akkerman , to talk about his experience of Christmas this year and what stood out most from his perspective. We also share a brief update on our upcoming family trip to Mexico, what we’re looking forward to, and how travel can be something to anticipate beyond the holiday season. To close, we reflect on ways to make Christmas feel meaningf...

In this episode of Artistically Married , we sit down with Ethan Rising , a true rising star in the world of sound engineering. Through blood, sweat, and tears, Ethan has poured countless hours into building and supporting Niagara’s music scene—shaping live events, recording projects, and artistic celebrations across the region. Ethan opens up about how his journey has evolved since the early days...

In this week’s episode, we sit down with Jon McGowan — the coach behind Agile and a visionary voice in business, real estate, and the evolving world of AI. Jon brings a refreshing, future-focused mindset that challenges us to rethink how we work, create, and grow in a generation shaped by artificial intelligence. From building successful businesses to understanding the real impact of AI platforms,...

In this week’s Artistically Married episode, we sit down with Dr. Ernie Bagnulo , one of the most caring and community-focused chiropractic doctors we’ve ever met. His genuine passion for helping people, combined with a deep love for his work, shines through every moment of this inspiring conversation. Ernie shares his journey to becoming a fully accredited chiropractic doctor, the challenges and...

Join us for an incredible conversation with Danno O'Shea — drummer, arranger, and the creative engine behind the powerhouse horn-funk collective My Son the Hurricane. In this episode, Danno takes us inside the band’s 10-year rise: from early vision to becoming one of Canada’s most explosive live acts. He breaks down what it really takes to run a band of this size — the logistics, leadership, organ...

In this episode of Artistically Married , we welcome Ji Sharp , acclaimed singer-songwriter of Road Waves . Ji offers an insightful and candid look into the realities of working in today’s music industry—balancing creative drive with the challenges of constant travel, emotional isolation, and the pressures that accompany growing recognition. Throughout the conversation, Ji reflects on formative mo...

In this episode, we sit down with Matt Bonanno, founder of Iron Will Raw. Matt shares the story of building his raw dog food company from the ground up, turning a small idea into a million-dollar business. He reflects on the challenges, discipline, and determination that shaped Iron Will Raw, and speaks openly about the decision to sell the company after years of hard work. This conversation offer...

In this heartfelt episode of Artistically Married , we sit down with the incredibly talented singer-songwriter Spencer Burton to explore the stories behind his music. From his impressive career to the deeply personal experience of his son’s recent health scare, Spencer chats with honesty and warmth. We share our mutual love for the great outdoors — from finding peace in Northern Ontario to homeste...

We’re celebrating one full year of Artistically Married ! In this special episode, we look back on our biggest wins, memorable moments, and lessons from the past year — and set some bold goals for the future. Join us for a mix of nostalgic emotion, behind-the-scenes reflections, and a little bit of fun trivia about the past year. Whether you’ve been here since day one or you’re just tuning in, thi...

In this episode, we share the excitement of seeing Parcels live in Toronto at the Coca-Cola Coliseum — from the energy of the crowd to the band’s unreal stage presence. We also dive into the world of giant sponsorships — what they mean for partnering corporations and why they’ve become such a massive part of the entertainment industry. And of course this month, we couldn’t resist chatting about wh...

This week, Jake and I dive into the power of persuasion — how both verbal and nonverbal cues can influence those around us. We break down key ideas from Phil M. Jones’ book Exactly What to Say and explore the parapsychology behind good vibes, energy, and intention. It’s a fascinating conversation about how the words we choose — and the energy we bring — can shape our relationships, creativity, and...

In this episode of Artistically Married , we sit down with Erik Dickson — the powerhouse behind IndoorShoes , Cicada Music Festival , and The Warehouse Concert Hall . Erik pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to bring live music to life — from booking bands and building community, to the long nights and logistical chaos that go into every concert and festival. We talk about the passion t...

In this episode of Artistically Married , we sit down with Katie Mazi, an incredible visual artist from Niagara whose work has left a lasting mark on the local arts scene. Katie shares her journey from earning her degree in Visual Art at Brock University to creating thought-provoking installations that have captivated audiences over the years. We dive into the inspirations that first drew her to a...

This weekend we took Artistically Married on the road to Burk’s Falls for the Harvest Festival! We were surrounded by stunning art installations by the ever-imaginative Peter Camini and the seamless production magic of Justin Martin, CEO of AlienInFlux productions. We spent our days soaking in music, exploring the beautiful festival grounds, and connecting with the creative spirit that makes this...

This week on the Artistically Married, we sit down with Sharvin Keshavarznia, a driven real estate entrepreneur making waves in downtown St. Catharines. Sharvin shares his journey into real estate, what drew him to the downtown core, and how he’s building a business rooted in vision, persistence, and community growth. We dive into the challenges and opportunities of revitalizing urban spaces, the...

In this episode of Artistically Married , we sit down with Jonah Grant, the visionary founder of Block Barber. Jonah has built more than just a barbershop—he’s created a community hub that blends craftsmanship, culture, and connection. We dive into his journey as an entrepreneur, the inspiration behind Block Barber, and how he’s reshaping the traditional barbershop experience for a new generation....

In this episode, we dive into our unforgettable trip to Machu Picchu and share everything we learned along the way about traveling in Peru. From the breathtaking Incan ruins to the winding mountain roads, we cover the highs, the challenges, and the surprises you’ll want to know before you go. We talk about the food culture, what it’s really like navigating Peruvian driving, and how to prepare for...

In this episode, we dive into the first wild weeks of our Peru adventure! From the chaos of discovering an invalid passport and scrambling to rebook our flights, to finally landing in Cusco and exploring the incredible Sacsayhuamán ruins, it’s been a journey full of unexpected twists. We also share our experience wandering through the beautiful countryside town of Andahuaylillas, known for its “Si...

This week on Artistically Married , we’re taking you along as we prepare for our next big adventure: a trip to the heart of the Andes — Cusco, Peru! From ancient ruins to breathtaking mountains, we’re diving into the magic that awaits us in this vibrant and historic region. Join us as we share our travel plans, what we’re most excited for, and why places like Sacsayhuamán, Ausangate, and the Sacre...

Known across St. Catharines and beyond, DJ Tanner (aka Bryn Garwood) has been lighting up dance floors for over 30 years as one of the most electrifying video DJs around. Tanner is Brianne’s incredibly talented cousin! He brings not just the music, but the energy, the fun, and a deep passion for connecting with people through performance. In this episode, we dive into the evolution of the DJ scene...

This week on Artistically Married , we’re joined by the incredibly talented and deeply connected duo, Rod Standish and Melody VanSchaik . In this heartfelt and inspiring episode, we explore the origins of their individual musical paths and how those paths ultimately intertwined—both on stage and in life. Rod tells up about his robust recorded repertoire, spanning genres, decades, and collaboration...

Jeff Emmett is back! Mycology enthusiast, crypto expert, and unstoppable nomad, Jeff joins us once again for a deep dive into his whirlwind adventures across the globe. From fungi-filled forests to the frontier of decentralized tech, Jeff brings stories that span continents, cultures, and consciousness. Join us as we explore his travels, dive into his evolving views on Crypto, and hear how mushroo...

In this cinematic episode of Artistically Married , we sit down with the dynamic duo behind Jario Films — Erica Sherwood and Jason Lupish — to talk about the art, passion, and education of filmmaking. From their earliest creative sparks to the real-life challenges of teaching meaningful lessons to passionate youth, Erica and Jason pull back the curtain on their process, their partnership, and thei...