Culture Junkie

Most of us encounter life-altering moments that test our resilience—and few come out on the other side with the same zest for life. Paul Abdul's story is a testament to radical reinvention facing health crises, career pivots, and personal loss—all while maintaining an unstoppable optimistic outlook. In this deeply inspiring episode of the Culture Junkie Podcast, Paul shares how early lessons from...

What if the next great investigative journalist isn't sitting in a newsroom—but sitting at a kitchen table with a laptop? In this episode, Keith explores the evolution of investigative journalism and the growing power of independent creators to expose corruption, scams, deception, and abuse of power. Inspired by legendary television journalist Geraldo Rivera and his groundbreaking exposé of the Wi...

Most of us never think about the fascinating journey behind car media’s evolution — or how authenticity and storytelling can transform a career in a highly traditional industry. Kay Lane, a trailblazing automotive journalist turned industry influencer and coach, reveals how she broke barriers as a woman of color in the car world, built a personal brand that went viral in Japan, and adapted to the...

Unlock the secret to slashing your fuel costs and extending your engine’s life—without voiding your warranty or breaking the bank. If rising gas prices have you worried about what’s coming next, this episode may hold the key to smarter (and cheaper) driving. Meet Ryan, an agile project manager turned automotive innovator, and David, a sales expert with a passion for long-lasting engines. Together,...

Most creators feel stuck in a box, forced to choose a niche, or risk being invisible. But what if the secret to true creative freedom is doing the opposite? When platforms reward specialization, this episode reveals how embracing your multifaceted nature can actually help you stand out—and build a loyal audience that loves every side of you. Xandra and Keith dive into the messy, authentic journey...

Most people know Danny Marks as a legendary Canadian guitarist, but his journey is a masterclass in evolution, resilience, and staying true to your roots. From a teenage blues enthusiast to a chart-topping band member, and now a blues omnivore with a decades-long career, Danny shares the stories behind his legendary hits, the insights that shaped his sound, and the unbreakable drive that keeps him...

Most photographers dream of capturing iconic moments like working with the White House or National Geographic — but few understand the unconventional mindset behind those successes. Scott Proposki, a former National Geographic and White House event photographer, reveals how embracing your unique focus can turn a creative passion into a lasting business. When the world shifted in 2020, Scott didn’t...

Most businesses underestimate the power—and the trap—of training AI algorithms in their marketing. Sheldon Poon, a pioneer in performance marketing, reveals how the shift from creative storytelling to engineering precision is transforming digital advertising—and what you need to do to stay ahead. Sheldon shares his surprising journey from classroom teacher to tech-driven marketing strategist, illu...

Unlock the secret to reclaiming strength, energy, and confidence after 40—Funk Roberts shares his transformative journey from professional volleyball star to pioneering fitness mentor for men over 40. At 57, he’s living proof that age is just a number when you understand the right mindset and strategies—whether it’s battling low testosterone, overcoming addiction, or reinventing your body. In this...

Most climate solutions currently feel out of reach or only appeal to the dedicated — but what if sustainable change could be simple, profitable, and appealing to everyone? Josh Dorfman, climate entrepreneur and media strategist, reveals how shifting the narrative from doom and gloom to tangible, everyday wins is transforming the way businesses and consumers approach climate action. His story, from...

Will Adams is an award-winning Chicago filmmaker, director, and producer and the founder of Lokekey Productions, a fiercely independent production company dedicated to bold urban storytelling and amplifying new voices in film. Known for turning limitations into launchpads, Adams has built a reputation for creating high-quality, thought-provoking films regardless of budget or circumstance. His earl...

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...