The Leake in Review

Jeff Leake
  • 0.0 (0)
  • MUSIC INTERVIEWS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The Leake in Review is your backstage pass to the world of music and entertainment, hosted by the award-winning music journalist, Leake. Tune in for in-depth interviews with your favourite artists, insightful industry analysis, and behind-the-scenes stories that you won't hear anywhere else. Whether you're a music enthusiast or just love a good story, Leake brings you the best of both worlds with wit, charm, and unparalleled expertise. Join us every week for a journey through the soundscape of today's most exciting musical talents and industry insiders.

  1. 1D AGO

    The Great Outdoors Comedy Festival on LIR

    Mike & Donovan Bring the Great Outdoors Comedy Festival to The Leake in Review In this lively installment of The Leake in Review, host Leake (@TheLeake) steps away from the music spotlight to dive into the world of live comedy with two key players behind one of Canada's most unique festivals: Mike and Donovan from the Great Outdoors Comedy Festival. Donovan — better known to fans as the hilariously strict "Park Ranger Donovan" (complete with uniform, questionable park rules, and a knack for improvised chaos) — joins alongside Mike to unpack what makes this outdoor comedy extravaganza stand out. The festival blends cabaret-style shows under the stars with big-name headliners  and rising local talent, all while turning parks and green spaces into roaring comedy clubs. The conversation kicks off with Donovan's origin story: how his over-the-top park ranger persona evolved from improv roots into the festival's official (and unofficial) mascot/spokesman. Mike provides the behind-the-scenes perspective, discussing the challenges and thrills of producing large-scale outdoor events — from scouting perfect natural venues to building community vibes, partnering with cities, and creating memorable experiences that feel more like a wild adventure than a standard comedy show. Sign up on the official site for updates: https://greatoutdoorscomedyfestival.com/ Here's the full list of 2026 locations, all dates, and confirmed main headliners/top billed acts (as of mid-February 2026 announcements): Edmonton, AB (Kinsmen Park) – July 17–19, 2026Friday, July 17 (Evening): TBASaturday, July 18 (Afternoon & Evening): Matt Rife & Friends (main headliner)Sunday, July 19 (Afternoon & Evening): TBAWinnipeg, MB (Assiniboine Park) – July 17–19, 2026Friday, July 17 (Evening): TBASaturday, July 18 (Afternoon & Evening): TBASunday, July 19 (Afternoon & Evening): Matt Rife & Friends (main headliner)Halifax, NS (Garrison Grounds) – August 6–9, 2026Thursday, August 6 (Evening): Matt Rife & FriendsFriday, August 7 (Evening): Matt Rife & FriendsSaturday, August 8 (Afternoon & Evening): Andrew Schulz (Saturday Evening in some listings; others TBA)Sunday, August 9 (Afternoon & Evening): Nikki Glaser (closing headliner, with Fortune Feimster & Steph Tolev) + Adam Ray as Dr. Phil LIVE (Sunday Afternoon)Calgary, AB (Prince’s Island Park) – August 28–30, 2026Friday, August 28 (Evening): Matt Rife & FriendsSaturday, August 29 (Afternoon & Evening): TBASunday, August 30 (Afternoon & Evening): TBAVancouver, BC (Stanley Park) – August 28–30, 2026Friday, August 28 (Evening): TBASaturday, August 29 (Afternoon & Evening): Adam Ray as Dr. Phil LIVE (Saturday Afternoon); others TBASunday, August 30 (Afternoon & Evening): Matt Rife (Sunday Evening headline); Jeff Arcuri (Sunday Afternoon)Spokane, WA (ONE Spokane Stadium) – August 29–30, 2026Saturday, August 29 (Evening): Matt Rife & FriendsSunday, August 30 (Evening): Bill Burr (confirmed headliner)Mississauga, ON (Erindale Park) – September 11–13, 2026Friday, September 11 (Evening): John Mulaney (with Nick Kroll, Mike Birbiglia, Fred Armisen)Saturday, September 12 (Afternoon & Evening): Adam Ray as Dr. Phil LIVE (Saturday Afternoon); others TBASunday, September 13 (Afternoon & Evening): Matt Mathews & Jordan Jensen (Sunday Afternoon); TBA for Evening

    30 min

  2. JAN 9

    Alan Cross CFNY The Spirit of Radio on LIR

    In this must-listen episode, host Jeff Leake sits down with legendary Canadian music historian and broadcaster Alan Cross to dive deep into the brand-new documentary CFNY: The Spirit of Radio. From its humble beginnings in a little yellow house in Brampton, CFNY (the station that inspired Rush's iconic hit "The Spirit of Radio") became a global force in punk, new wave, and alternative music during its groundbreaking years. Alan shares insider stories from the station's golden era, reflects on its massive influence on artists, and more, and discusses what makes this fresh documentary the definitive tribute to a true radio revolution. Whether you're a longtime Edge listener, a Rush fan, or just love the history of modern rock radio, this conversation is packed with nostalgia, behind-the-scenes gems, and pure musical passion. Tune in now! 🎙️📻

    23 min

  3. 12/16/2025

    John-Angus MacDonald of The Trews on LIR

    In this episode, John-Angus MacDonald joins host Leake to discuss touring, recording sessions with friends Gord Sinclair (of The Tragically Hip) and Brett and Jay Emmons (of The Glorious Sons), the new album The Bloody Light, busking, and more. Catch The Trews on Tour DateVenueCity January 15, 2026OLG Stage at Fallsview CasinoNiagara Falls, ONhttps://www.thetrewsmusic.com/February 13, 2026Commodore BallroomVancouver, BChttps://www.thetrewsmusic.com/February 15, 2026Midway Music HallEdmonton, ABhttps://www.thetrewsmusic.com/February 16, 2026The Palace TheatreCalgary, ABhttps://www.thetrewsmusic.com/February 18, 2026Coors Event CentreSaskatoon, SKhttps://www.thetrewsmusic.com/February 21, 2026Burton Cummings TheatreWinnipeg, MBhttps://www.thetrewsmusic.com/February 23, 2026Thunder Bay Community AuditoriumThunder Bay, ONhttps://www.thetrewsmusic.com/February 28, 2026The Colosseum at Caesars WindsorWindsor, ONhttps://www.thetrewsmusic.com/Tickets are available via Ticketmaster, Bandsintown, Songkick, and the band's website. Official Social Media PagesOfficial Website: www.thetrewsmusic.comFacebook: facebook.com/thetrewsmusicInstagram: @thetrewsmusic (via their Linktree)X (Twitter): @thetrewsYouTube: youtube.com/thetrewsAll Links (including Spotify, TikTok, etc.): linktr.ee/thetrews

    47 min

  4. 12/10/2025

    Steve Bays on LIR Part 2

    Steve Bays returns to the program after a power outage at his place. He and Leake talk about tech, and AI in music, new music coming as a solo project and an upcoming performance at the Andy Kim Christmas in Vancouver. Steve Bays' Social Media Profiles instagram.com/stevebays x.com/stevebays](https://x.com/stevebays www.youtube.com/@stevebays https://open.spotify.com/artist/SteveBays

    33 min

  5. 12/02/2025

    Steve Bays on LIR Part 1

    In Part 1 of Steve Bays’ appearance on The Leake in Review, the Hot Hot Heat frontman-turned-producer shares the pivotal role his mom played in his musical journey—never once telling him to turn down his basement drums or skip guitar lessons, instead becoming his biggest cheerleader and giving him the freedom to chase music without limits. He then takes listeners inside the exciting (and occasionally chaotic) process of building his brand-new, dream studio, plus Steve talks about how he ended up living on a boat.

    34 min

  6. 11/28/2025

    Menno Versteeg of Hollerado on LIR

    In this electric episode, Hollerado’s unstoppable frontman Menno Versteeg pulls up a chair and rewinds to the record that changed everything: 111 Songs for the Broken Hearted, the surprise 2024 reunion album that brought the band back from “indefinite hiatus” and instantly sold out every Canadian club date the second it was announced. A full-blown comeback, plus a recap of Demo in a bag with its production schedule.

    44 min

  7. 11/25/2025

    Piers Henwood on LIR

    In this week's captivating installment of The Leake in Review, host Jeff Leake welcomes Piers Henwood, the dynamic force behind Amelia Artists and a veteran of the music industry's highs and lows. From his roots as a guitarist in the indie rock outfit Jets Overhead to his evolution into a powerhouse manager and label executive, Henwood pulls back the curtain on a career that's as unpredictable as a sold-out festival set.

    36 min

  8. 11/19/2025

    Adam Baldwin on LIR

    While still on a cross-Canada tour with Blue Rodeo, Nova Scotia’s own Adam Baldwin makes a triumphant return to the podcast. The guys dive into the magic (and occasional chaos) of opening for one of Canada’s most legendary bands, the upcoming headline dates Adam has lined up, and why sharing the stage with Blue Rodeo still feels surreal after all these years. Adam gets real about how constant travel has shifted his perspective on everything from songwriting to small-town life, and why the road remains the best education a musician can get. Of course, no Baldwin episode would be complete without some candid talk about social media: Adam explains why TikTok has become a no-go zone for him, and how he’s happily retreated to more old-man platforms. Official Website: adambaldwin.ca Facebook: @adambaldwinmusicInstagram: @adambaldwinmusic (inferred from posts and standard handles)YouTube: @adambaldwinmusicSpotify: Adam BaldwinTikTok: Not actively used (as mentioned in recent podcast appearances, he avoids it as an unsafe space)  Adam Baldwin Tour Dates (2025-2026)Adam Baldwin is touring extensively in 2025-2026, including headline shows and as a special guest for Blue Rodeo's 40th Anniversary Tour.  For tickets, check adambaldwin.ca/tour or the respective platforms. Note: Some dates are subject to change; pre-sales are ongoing with code "CHEERS" for select shows.   DateCityVenue/EventNotesJul 10, 2025Cavendish, PECavendish Beach Music FestivalFestival appearanceJul 16, 2025Halifax, NSTD Halifax Jazz FestivalFestival headlineJul 18, 2025Woodstock, NBDooryard Arts Festival - Main StageFestival appearanceOct 16, 2025Winnipeg, MBBurton Cummings Theatrew/ Blue RodeoOct 17, 2025Winnipeg, MBBurton Cummings Theatrew/ Blue RodeoOct 18, 2025Brandon, MBAssiniboine Credit Union Placew/ Blue RodeoOct 23, 2025Sault Ste. Marie, ONGFL Memorial Gardensw/ Blue RodeoJan 17, 2026(TBD - Canada)Blue Rodeo 40th Anniversary TourSpecial guestJan 23, 2026(TBD - Canada)Blue Rodeo 40th Anniversary Tourw/ Blue RodeoJan 24, 2026(TBD - Canada)Blue Rodeo 40th Anniversary Tourw/ Blue Rodeo

    32 min
See All (32)

About

The Leake in Review is your backstage pass to the world of music and entertainment, hosted by the award-winning music journalist, Leake. Tune in for in-depth interviews with your favourite artists, insightful industry analysis, and behind-the-scenes stories that you won't hear anywhere else. Whether you're a music enthusiast or just love a good story, Leake brings you the best of both worlds with wit, charm, and unparalleled expertise. Join us every week for a journey through the soundscape of today's most exciting musical talents and industry insiders.

Information

  • Creator
    Jeff Leake
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    32
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Show Website
    The Leake in Review