The Conversationalist with Ryan MacDougall & Richard Lubin

In Episode 46 of The Conversationalist, Ryan, Mark, Rich, and Lewis go full throttle for over an hour of raw takes and unfiltered insight. The gang opens with wild speculation around the Epstein files, shady celebrity connections, and Trudeau jokes, before diving into the dark truths of false accusations and how the justice system breaks people. From there, things spiral into LaMelo Ball’s controv...

In Episode 45 of Solo Spotlight, Ryan sits down with Harrison Amit, CEO and founder of Canadian rideshare disruptor, HOVR. Harrison shares his journey in creating a no-commission rideshare model, how transparency and fairness are reshaping the transportation industry, and what it takes to scale a Canadian startup globally. In this conversation: - The unique HOVR business model: no commissions, fai...

In Episode 44 of Solo Spotlight, host Ryan MacDougall sits down with Edmonton-based certified trainer, entrepreneur, podcast host, and mental health advocate Bryce MacArthur. Bryce shares his personal and professional journey, from working in commercial gyms to building his own coaching business, B3 Coaching, specializing in helping clients train pain-free and develop a mindset built for long-term...

Rich is calling in from Ottawa, Lewis is back in the studio, and things get spicy fast. From a legit death threat in the DMs to $11 beers at Taste of Edmonton, Little Caesars “hot & ready” chaos, and the never‑ending mystery of the Epstein files—Ep. 44 is unhinged in the best way. We also hit AI paranoia, festival rip‑offs, and that classic Spare Bedroom Studios mic scramble to kick things off...

This episode of Solo Spotlight delivers an inspiring look at how martial arts—specifically Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu—can reshape the classroom experience. Host Ryan MacDougall sits down with Curtis Malin, a 3rd-degree black belt and director of The BJJ Program in Edmonton, to explore how he brought BJJ into local schools and why it's about so much more than physical fitness. From its grassroots origins...

Welcome back to The Conversationalist! In Episode 43, Ryan, Rich, Mark—and our guest “Sweet Lou” Lewis—take you on a wild ride from Calgary Stampede hijinks to Diddy controversies, AI deep‑fakes, and our brand‑new “Recycling Bin” cringe‑clip reactions. Plus: board‑game banter, movie hot takes, UFC talk, travel tales, and more!

Welcome to Episode 42 of The Conversationalist! Join Ryan, Lubin, and Mark as they break down the biggest news and hottest topics right now — from Diddy’s shocking racketeering trial and verdict to the latest NHL offseason moves impacting the Edmonton Oilers. They also share hilarious and wild stories about wrestling legend Rick Flair’s bar antics, dive into celebrity culture conspiracies, and ref...

In this deeply personal episode of Solo Spotlight, Ryan sits down with Canadian-Ukrainian photographer, TEDx speaker, and humanitarian Katanya Timinsky for a raw and reflective conversation on the power—and responsibility—of visual storytelling. Katanya opens up about her emotional volunteer mission to Ukraine in the wake of the 2022 invasion, where she documented the human toll of war while grapp...

In this episode of Solo Spotlight, Ryan MacDougall sits down with rising musician Mitch MacDonald for an honest, grounded conversation about staying consistent when no one’s watching, pushing through self-doubt, and building something meaningful without chasing algorithms. Mitch opens up about his journey from early inspiration to the internal battles of being a working artist — and why he continu...

We’re back after a short break with a jam-packed episode covering the chaos of the NBA Finals, Jon Jones’ shocking retirement, and a Disney breakfast that costs more than your rent. Ryan, Richard, and Mark break down Tyrese Haliburton’s heartbreaking injury, debate the real value of a championship, and question whether KD is worth trading generational talent. But it’s not all sports — we dive into...

In Episode 39 of Solo Spotlight, Ryan MacDougall sits down with returning guest David MacLeod—martial artist, black belt, and lifelong student of growth—for a raw and wide-ranging conversation about discipline, self-accountability, and the evolving world of combat sports. David opens up about his recent double bronze win in Judo, what competition looks like at the black belt level, and how martial...

In Episode 38 of Solo Spotlight, Ryan MacDougall sits down with Zyxon Ebenflow – a creator who wears many hats: musician, stand-up comic, podcaster, and aspiring ayahuasca shaman. This episode dives deep into Zyxon’s creative process, the power of vulnerability, the battle with ego, and his pursuit of spiritual clarity. We talk about how criticism shapes our identity, why he embraces imperfection,...

In this episode of Solo Spotlight, host Ryan MacDougall sits down with Jesse Watson—the owner of Boxcar Coffee, long-time Calder local, and candidate for Edmonton City Council. It’s a wide-ranging, candid conversation about what it takes to turn a “rough” neighborhood into a thriving community, the realities of small business ownership, and why grassroots leadership matters more than ever. From th...

In this special Q&A episode of The Conversationalist, hosts Ryan, Richard, and Mark dive headfirst into questions submitted by listeners from across Canada. Tune in for hilarious stories about chaotic neighborhood street parties, heartfelt confessions of skydiving fears, and engaging debates on the ethics of artificial intelligence and ancient civilizations. This lively episode covers everythi...

In this episode of Solo Spotlight, Ryan MacDougall sits down with Celia Bugno — art historian, educator, and host of Highbrow Honey — for a conversation that bridges the gap between academia and pop culture. With a Master's in Art History and a sharp eye for cultural nuance, Celia shares how she transforms complex art theory into compelling podcast content. From unpacking the myth of the "male gen...

What if you’ve been thinking about podcast monetization all wrong? Greg Wasserman, Head of Relationships at RSS.com , breaks down what real ROI looks like—beyond ads and sponsorships. Whether you're a hobbyist or chasing full-time creator status, this conversation will reshape how you think about growth, strategy, and what it means to actually win in podcasting. You'll learn: How to turn your podc...

In Episode 39 of The Conversationalist, Ryan, Richard, and Mark are back with a wild ride through everything from art history to air-fried wings. This episode kicks off with a heated debate over dramatized court cases and dives headfirst into Ryan’s attempt to brush up on history before interviewing an art historian. The trio shares hilarious university stories (including women’s studies, drama ex...

In this powerful episode of Solo Spotlight, Ryan sits down with Alberta Sheriff and mental health advocate Jerry Galliford, the founder of the Alberta First Responders Association (AFRA). From oil and gas layoffs to corrections and now sheriffs, Jerry’s journey into public service is a testament to resilience, reinvention, and purpose. What started as a peer-driven apparel initiative called Code 9...

In this powerful episode of Solo Spotlight, host Ryan MacDougall sits down with professional martial artist Alexander Krutskykh—a Karate Combat fighter, Golden Gloves boxing champion, certified nutritionist, and personal coach. Born in Ukraine and now based in Canada, Alexander shares his journey from childhood competitions to global fight stages, revealing how hardship, discipline, and an unshaka...

In Episode 38 of The Conversationalist, Ryan, Rich, and Mark welcome special guest Kelvin “Sweet Lou” Lewis—a viral sensation and transit officer with stories you wouldn’t believe. From his unexpected rise to Edmonton meme fame to unfiltered dating disasters and dark comedy film breakdowns, this episode is unpredictable in the best way. The gang dives into everything from NBA/NHL playoffs and publ...

In Episode 31 of Solo Spotlight, host Ryan MacDougall sits down with Shiloh Kenny, the founder of Operation Strong Dad. Shiloh shares his profound journey through childhood trauma, military service, mental health struggles, and the transformative power of fatherhood. This candid conversation delves into the complexities of healing, masculinity, and the courage it takes to break generational cycles...

In Episode 30 of Solo Spotlight, host Ryan MacDougall sits down with rising independent wrestler and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitor Jack O’Connor for a candid, unfiltered conversation about what it really takes to carve out space in the world of pro wrestling. Born in the UK and raised in Alberta, Jack brings a unique perspective to the ring — combining a legit MMA and kickboxing background with t...

In Solo Spotlight Episode 28, Ryan sits down with Oskar, a Serbian-born tattoo artist now thriving in Edmonton, Alberta. Oskar takes us through his fascinating journey from Serbia, detailing his initial inspiration to become a tattoo artist, his experiences fronting a metal band, and the challenges and triumphs of immigrating to Canada. Oskar reflects deeply on creativity, resilience, and the pers...

In this Bonus Episode 29 of Solo Spotlight, Ryan MacDougall sits down with the electrifying and fearless Amazing Boobzilla—a viral circus performer known for her outrageous stunts, sword swallowing, and unapologetic embrace of body positivity. From touring with Paranormal Cirque IV across Canada to surviving a traumatic past and reclaiming her identity through performance art, Boobzilla shares an...

In Episode 27 of Solo Spotlight, host Ryan MacDougall sits down with Alberta-based hairstylist and entrepreneur Alex Charter for a deeply personal and wide-ranging conversation. Alex opens up about her journey from small-town Nova Scotia to building a thriving independent business in Alberta, and how she navigated the emotional aftermath of experiencing a stillbirth while running her studio. They...