The Rocky Talky Podcast

One of the greatest gifts someone can give you is their time. Jason Matos has done exactly that for me. He walked into my life just when I needed him to, as I was about to push into video/YouTube…and really, really needed HELP. We met over instagram (he obliged my request to pick his brains), grabbed a coffee, and set out on a structured plan to make my podcast finally go to the next phase. Withou...

Jamie Ricottone is a Project Designer at Spin Master Ltd (Paw Patrol/Kinetic Sand/Air Hogs to name a few), and recently became the Design Lead on the wildly successful PRIMAL HATCH toy line. If you knew my cousin, you would know that this is a full circle story. I’ll explain.. Jamie was a little boy infatuated with the dinosaur. He spent literally years walking, eating, growling, and stalking like...

I must’ve sat down twenty times to write this synopsis, and Im still having a hell of a time making it make sense. Kevin Makins is a little bit too hard to quantify...so I’m gonna tell you to just take a listen. I will say this though, Kevin will use any means necessary to put his message out into the world. He has used comedy, philanthropy, and high art to make us think, and reconsider our positi...

When I approached Alexander Notarangelo to be a guest on this platform, he said yes, followed by this caveat: “So, just so we’re on the same page, I am not a well liked artist in the city…” He was giving me an out, which was thoughtful, but I was not having it. I wanted to hear his story, because honestly, I’d heard about him perhaps more than I’d beheld his work. He was like a talented rumour wit...

Hamilton, Ontario is like a high school hallway…especially within the arts/hospitality/maker space. We all move through the same orbit, waving at each other on the way to class, but never really landing at a locker for a good convo or a cafeteria hang. We all kinda know each other, and we all kinda don’t. Jump to this interview: Tania LaCaria is the perfect example of that “cool kid” I always bump...

When you have a shared experience with another person, a friendship isn’t far behind. Somehow, there is a safety and muscle memory when two people have felt the world in the same way. Cue Clare Chiappetta… Like me, Clare wrestled with obesity, body image, building a brave face, and living as a hostage in unwanted skin. We both underwent bariatric surgery, lost the weight, and set out on our respec...

After a long break, our passion project TIMES jumps back with a fifth installment of “X Night”. This was an evening of firsts for us: - New location ( shout out Ooey Gooey’s). - 2 guests. - Bigger live audience. - Full length performance from Drummer/Producer Danny Miles (July Talk) The room was loud, packed, and exactly what we hoped it would be. Illustrator, Tyson Bodnarchuck’s art adorned the w...

I’ve had a hard time writing a synopsis for this episode, because in a way..I don’t feel like I’m supposed to. When someone shares their story the way Bethany Kenyon did with me, it just doesn’t need any help. So, I won’t be adding any of my words to hers. If you want an example of honesty, and courageous story telling - this is the interview, and you just need to listen. I will say this.. Bethany...

Nicole Rae is one of those people that when you meet her, you immediately want to join her club. She is gracious, kind, and very, very easy company. I have been watching her sip latte’s, and sit at some of the areas finest tables these last couple years (Instagram)….and, as luck would have it, I had the chance to have her at my own table and hear her story. We only had an hour to chat, but we pour...

The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new lands but seeing with new eyes." - Marcel Proust  I’ve known Becky Sutherland for the better part of ten years. The woman she is today, is worlds apart from the girl that I first met. She has been on an odyssey of self discovery, and she, along with her sister Sarah, are helping others to do the same. More on that in the interview…. Becky &a...

Stephanie Rico & Connor Marquis-Young have birthed a beautiful thing, and it’s JUNQ. An independent literary magazine gathering works of writers, poets, and wild-eyed makers. It is beautiful, very cool, and above all else, a love letter to the tactile experience of print. Take a listen.

Walking away is never easy. Losing a piece of you….whatever it is, will cost its pound of flesh. Some retreat while they recover, and others do what Krys has done; pressing record and documenting the journey on social media. Alcohol. Drugs. Food. Whatever the habit, people like Krys are letting us all know….we are not alone. Take a listen.

Bruce Lee famously said, “Be like water”. Go with the flow. Take the many forms, and always be moving. This is Jeremy Potvin… He is a masterclass in the art of reinvention, and his current costume change is the one that will likely stick… It looks good on him, and what he’s doing is delicious. Take a listen.

I heard about Jay Perry far before I ever met him. For a while he was a philanthropic rumour; a guy doing good deeds, and a local figure pushing noble causes up big hills. Word on the street was, he was a good guy. After this interview, I can confirm that the reports are all true. Jay is refreshingly candid & honest; with a humility that somehow comes off as courageous….one of his many super power...

I knew Ellie Di Julio was a writer. But, I didn’t know how GOOD of a writer until this last month. She’s damn good. Her recent release, “The Order & The Way” is more than a mere novel. It is a noble cause, a passion project, and a gift. Our friend Phil Owen dreamt the idea for the book, hoped on completing it, and then he got really sick. Enter Ellie… She came to the hospital, sat bedside with Phi...

Poised in the upper room of a cubist, flat black barn, lives Pearl Morissette…one of Canada’s premiere dining destinations, and recent recipient of the precious Michelin star. This is where you go to experience food that moves you and your palate. But…it is so much more than that. Pearl Morissette is an ecosystem. A patch of land that gives up its crops, and co-conspires with the chefs on what the...

I’m impressed with Bianca Metz. She’s done some big things, with the Tiny Home movement. For those looking for a way forward into that world..chances are Bianca forged the path in which they will walk & build. She’s a domestic, business-savvy, policy maker, and she WILL convince you that less, is almost always more. Enjoy #tinyhome #permaculture #simplify #interview #applepodcast #spotifypodcast #...

This is my second interview with my kids Sam & Layla. We had just finished a big summer together, and welcomed a new year of school the same day we recorded this. I wanted to remember. I want them to remember. Is this the best interview you’ll hear this year? No. Were they distracted and impossible to reign in? Yes. Am I doing this because I’m an emotional sap? YUP. Enjoy! #kids #summervacation #s...

When my friend Phil was diagnosed with cancer, I had planned to conduct an interview with him. A type of time capsule holding his voice & story for the loved ones left behind. We knew that, whether he lived or died…it had to be accomplished. We made a plan and set the date. But, it never happened. He was gone only twelve days later. Throughout that hurricane called cancer, there was an ever-presen...

Peter Elkas has a unique, lived-in feel about him. A cross between ease and a kind of reclined wisdom. 
 It’s how he carries himself, tells a story, and especially, how he writes a song (as you’ll hear in this interview/performance.) 
 You get the sense that he has lived a hundred lives…and in many ways, he has. 
 If you know good Canadian music, you’ll know Peter Elkas. If you don’t, I can guaran...

Viktor & Samantha Radics grabbed a tiger by the tail with this one simple idea: create a way for motorcycle enthusiasts to connect. As they themselves, we’re looking for connection. See a need, fill a need…. It worked, and The Moto Social was born. Take a listen to how these early hangout sessions in Toronto evolved into a global community on two wheels. Enjoy #spotifypodcast #applepodcast #in...

Dr. Mark Miller returns to blow up my mind, in a twofold discussion highlighting: 1. the allure and benefit of watching horror movies 2. understanding, embracing, and leaning into the eventuality & nature of death This interview was originally recorded weeks ago, and I am still thinking about it. I know you will too. Take a listen. Here’s Marks CV: Philosopher. Cognitive Scientist. Happiness Afici...

Jesse Warren, aka “WASTËD ŸØVTH” is the first guest to reach out to me wanting to share their story. This isn’t something I do, as I handle the vetting & inviting…and I’m leery of anyone telling me why they should be a guest on the platform. BUT, this brief message in my inbox made me change my mind, take a chance, and get Jesse at my table: “Hey man, I have a real story to tell. I would love to d...

In “What Sarah Said” Death Cab For Cutie perfectly says: Love is watching someone die. Its a devastating thought. And it is true. I did that very thing this year. And I can’t do it again. Cancer. The bully. The bastard. The thief. It took my close friend Phil, and it made plans to steal my best friend Rachel. However, after a two year dance with the disease, I’m happy to report that she has deftly...

I don’t wanna give a lot away with this one. You should discover the story like we did when this was recorded…in real time, up close, and personal. It’s a worthy listen. However, I will share this: One of my favourite moments chatting with Billy, actually took place over dinner. We were talking music, and of course, The Beatles topic came up. I casually asked him the age-old question: ME: “So, are...