The Conversationalist with Ryan MacDougall & Richard Lubin

In Episode 37 of The Conversationalist, Ryan, Rich, and Mark link up for one of their funniest and most brutally honest conversations yet. From creating ridiculous political platforms (Cheese Stick Mondays, anyone?) to reflecting on fatherhood, theme park PTSD, and the ethics of emojiing your baby’s face online—this episode is packed with wild stories, hilarious takes, and meaningful insights. The...

In this episode of Solo Spotlight, host Ryan engages in a profound conversation with Nimir Raval, a seasoned coach, counselor, and leadership consultant based in Edmonton. With over two decades of experience spanning corporate, non-profit, and entrepreneurial sectors, Nimir offers a wealth of knowledge in holistic wellness and leadership development. The discussion delves into the multifaceted nat...

In Episode 36 of The Conversationalist, we mark ONE YEAR of the show with a raw, no-filter deep talk between your hosts, Ryan and Rich. From how podcasting has changed us, to navigating conflict, personal growth, politics, and building something that actually matters—we reflect on where we've been and where we're headed. If you’ve been riding with us since the beginning—or just finding us now—than...

Kaya DeMaria joins Solo Spotlight to talk about her evolution as a hairstylist, content creator, and digital educator. From growing up on music video sets to building her brand in Edmonton’s salon scene, Kaya shares the real side of being a modern creative. We dive deep into topics like imposter syndrome, authenticity online, launching her first social media masterclass, and the power of putting y...

We’re kicking off Episode 35 with beard energy, baseball stories, and bathroom drama in the skies. The crew reunites with fan-favorite William Constantine, now officially the most frequent guest in Spare Bedroom Studios history (even if some episodes were legally removed 👀). They celebrate the show’s one-year anniversary, roast each other for being out of breath after 10 steps, and debate the pow...

In Episode 24 of Solo Spotlight, Ryan MacDougall sits down with recording artist and creative force Mark Wvlker to talk about everything from the origin of his former rap name "Epidemic" to what it means to create with purpose today. Mark opens up about: -The early days of writing poetry in grade 8 -Transitioning from “Epidemic” to embracing his real name -How becoming a father shifted his priorit...

In this episode of Solo Spotlight, Ryan sits down with Davis — a tow truck operator with the Alberta Motor Association — for an honest, grounded conversation about what it means to help people on their worst days… and still keep your own peace. Davis opens up about the unpredictability of roadside calls, the risks that come with working inches from highway traffic, and the emotional regulation it...

We’re back with Episode 34 of The Conversationalist — and this one’s a wild ride through politics, pop culture, and playoff predictions with a side of unsolicited life advice. From ranting about the carbon tax and how it’s gutting Canadians at the pump, to dissecting the absurdity of Fast & Furious physics, we don’t hold back. We also break down the bizarre internet persona of Bill Blunderfiel...

Tim “Shady” Smith is a name well known in Canadian MMA. With over 30 professional fights under his belt and a reputation for bringing war into the cage, Tim has earned his stripes. But what most don’t see is the fight he faced outside of it—addiction, homelessness, and the mental toll of hitting rock bottom. This isn’t just a comeback story—it’s a testament to resilience, second chances, and the p...

In this raw and powerful conversation, Ryan sits down with Jeremy McPherson — a former nightclub and casino security professional turned law enforcement officer — who shares his journey through PTSD, addiction, and the road to recovery. Jeremy opens up about hitting rock bottom, relapsing multiple times, and the pivotal moment he decided to change his life. With nearly 2 years sober, a 120lb weigh...

Mark’s off to defend his adult league basketball title and we’re starting Episode 33 with chaos. Lubin shares how his license plate got stolen—and swapped—which spirals into conversations about criminal creativity and police station red tape. From there, we dive into April Fool’s pranks (Kevin Hart’s NPR skit, gravy lip balm?!), bizarre tech (tap-to-pay teeth), and a heated breakdown of tipping cu...

In this powerful episode of Solo Spotlight, host Ryan MacDougall sits down with Sheridan Taylor—a combat veteran, former corrections officer, and suicide survivor—who transformed his darkest moments into a message of hope. Sheridan opens up about his battle with trauma, the emotional toll of uniformed service, and the raw honesty that shaped his book Not Okay? Okay.​ This conversation is unfiltere...

In this deeply moving episode of Solo Spotlight, Ryan MacDougall sits down with Alana—an advocate for epilepsy awareness and mental health, and the organizer behind Edmonton’s Steps for Epilepsy walk happening March 30 at Victoria Park. Alana opens up about her brother’s journey with epilepsy, the trauma it created for their family, and how she turned pain into purpose by launching a grassroots in...

Buckle up for Episode 32 of The Conversationalist! Ryan and Richard hold it down in Mark's absence, diving into wild stories including astronauts trapped in space earning shockingly little, the real history behind the Stanley Cup, and a friend’s unforgettable $6000 Vegas stripper nightmare. The guys also touch on dating disasters, outrageous social media trends, and reflect on movie CGI flops. Fro...

In this episode of Solo Spotlight with Ryan MacDougall, we dive deep with Nathanial Blais—a rising real estate professional, formidable strongman competitor, and the innovative force behind the clothing brand Realm. Nathanial shares his journey of relentless hustle, revealing how his passion for strength sports and a community-first mindset led him to create "The Yoke" event in Northwest Edmonton,...

In Episode 31 of The Conversationalist, hosts Ryan, Mark, and Rich dive into a no-holds-barred discussion covering everything from sports drama and outrageous airplane incidents to controversial personal confessions and everyday absurdities. They kick off with behind-the-scenes tech talk before shifting gears into NBA woes, bizarre industry mishaps, and even some shockingly explicit Reddit revelat...

In this episode of Solo Spotlight with Ryan MacDougall , Chris Dennis joins the show for a raw and hilarious conversation about trying new things, pushing boundaries, and embracing adventure. From his son wanting to pick up Jiu-Jitsu or Lacrosse to his first-time fishing experience , Chris reflects on the moments that made him step outside his comfort zone. 🔥 Topics Covered: Why Chris pushes his...

This week on The Conversationalist, Ryan, Rich, and Mark are joined by Chris Dennis for an unfiltered, laugh-out-loud episode packed with wild stories, ridiculous bets, and unexpected twists. From surviving beer fests and near-death experiences to dodging traffic tickets and debating destination weddings, this episode has it all. We also get into: ✅ Chris’s EMS and security experiences – includin...

Welcome to Episode 7 of The Conversationist! This week, Ryan and Mark tackle the heated world of fantasy football—complete with crazy punishments and the players who refuse to pay up. We also debate whether this could be LeBron James’ final shot at MVP glory—is his reign finally coming to an end? Plus, we look ahead at the future of gaming with AI and cloud technology—are traditional consoles beco...

Join us for another wild ride on "The Conversationalist" as Ryan and Mark dive into the week's hottest topics and personal anecdotes. In this episode, we tackle everything from Olympic breakdancing scandals to the future of Neuralink and brain-computer interfaces. We discuss the unexpected rise of meme culture surrounding the Olympics and share our thoughts on the current state of gaming and sport...

In Episode 5, Part Two of "The Conversationalist," Ryan and Rich return with heartfelt reflections and intense discussions. The episode opens with a somber acknowledgment of the devastating wildfires in Jasper, expressing deep empathy for those affected. The hosts delve into the theme of survival, sharing incredible stories of resilience and bravery, from escaping wildfires to overcoming personal...

In Episode 4, Part One of "The Conversationalist," join Ryan and Rich as they dive into their busy weeks, upcoming trips, and some exciting plans for August. Richard shares stories about preparing for his trip home and his side projects, while Ryan talks about the hustle of maintaining Spare Bedroom Studios. They chat about the local music scene, including Bryce Kenneth's event and the vibes of di...

In this episode of The Conversationalist, Ryan, Lubin, and Lawson dive deep into the discussion about the recent assassination attempt on Donald Trump. They compare it to past attempts on other world leaders and discuss the training and preparedness of security forces in high-stakes situations. The conversation spans a wide range of topics, from historical assassination attempts on U.S. presidents...

Join us for Episode 2 of "The Conversationalist," where we dive into a mix of hilarious and heartwarming stories! 🐶🏃‍♂️🏀 From the antics at the dog park to an epic journey running across Canada, and some spicy NBA drama, this episode is packed with engaging and candid conversations. Don't miss out on the fun and insights!

join us for the second part of episode one of The Conversationalist where we continue to talk to Damian on sports, mentality towards training, and some fun stories in between! don't forget to check us out on all social media's