Culture Junkie

Culture Junkie
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Society & Culture

Culture Junkie is a creative business solutions agency that helps organizations bridge the gap between where they are today and where they want to be tomorrow. Listen us as we explore the unique journeys and experiences that shape the diverse world of art, media and technology. Tune in to be inspired by the tales of creativity and ambition in the pursuit of storytelling. Join our Patreon for more exclusive content Culture Junkie | Patreon Follow along on social media on our YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@CultureJunkieCa or visit our website www.culturejunkie.ca to submit questions, business inquiries, ideas or even petition to be on the podcast!

  1. 4d ago

    Episode 59: AI Agents, Social Media & the New Battle for Your Attention

    Meta AI’s newest moves raise a bigger question: **Who really controls your online experience — you, or the platforms you use?** In this episode of the **Culture Junkie Podcast**, Keith and Xandra take a closer look at the evolving social media landscape as AI becomes increasingly embedded in the platforms we use every day. From Meta AI and the new **Muse** rollout to Threads, Bluesky, and Canadian-friendly alternatives like Gander Social, we explore why social networks are becoming increasingly automated, unpredictable — and sometimes strangely disconnected from the people who actually use them. We discuss: • Why billionaires keep buying platforms, media outlets and digital tools • How friendly, "cute" AI interfaces can make privacy concerns feel harmless • The growing problem of AI-generated marketing, fake personas and synthetic engagement • Why authenticity and trust are becoming increasingly valuable online • What media literacy means when even established platforms constantly change • How to recognize when a brand's online presence feels authentic — versus engineered to extract attention • Why marketers and businesses need to think beyond traditional social media • The growing role of AI agents in how we search, discover and interact online Keith brings the perspective of a longtime online marketer who has watched platforms rise, evolve and sometimes quietly turn against the communities that helped build them. Xandra pushes the conversation toward the human side of the equation: **What does authenticity actually mean when your feed may contain more synthetic content than human connection?** The issue isn't simply whether AI is "good" or "bad." It's whether we're still asking questions about **who built the system, what it wants, what it's collecting — and why it's showing us what we're seeing.** For creators, marketers, business owners and anyone trying to navigate the modern internet, this conversation is about more than social media. It's about **trust.** 🎙️ About Culture Junkie Culture Junkie explores the intersection of **culture, technology, creativity, business and the changing digital world** — with conversations that don't always follow the algorithm. Subscribe and join Keith & Xandra as they explore what's happening behind the headlines, trends and technologies shaping the way we live. 🌐 **Culture Junkie:** https://culturejunkie.ca ▶️ **YouTube:** https://www.youtube.com/@culturejunkieca 🎙️ **Podcast:** Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and other major podcast platforms Follow Culture Junkie #CultureJunkie #CultureJunkiePodcast #ai #ArtificialIntelligence #AIAgents #socialmedia #metaai #Meta #digitalmarketing #marketing #medialiteracy #digitalculture #onlineprivacy #Privacy #SocialMediaMarketing #contentcreators #Creators #AIContent #authenticity #technology #canadiancreators #canada #eh #gandersocial

  2. Sep 23

    Episode 58: Belleville, Ed Sheeran & the AI Threat: What’s Going On?

    This week on the Culture Junkie Podcast, Keith and Xandra dive into three very different — but surprisingly connected — stories shaping the world around us. First, they discuss the Belleville synagogue shooting and the broader questions surrounding violence, community, and the increasingly complicated political climate. Then the conversation turns to politics in music, including the controversy surrounding Ed Sheeran and the question of where artists, politics, and public opinion intersect. When does an artist's political expression become part of their work — and when does it become something else? Finally, Keith sits down with longtime Culture Junkie sponsor Dr. Jim of Dr. Jim's Computer Repair for a deep dive into one of the biggest challenges facing computer users today: AI-powered scams and increasingly sophisticated cyber threats. Phishing isn't what it used to be. AI is making scams more convincing, spyware more difficult to detect, and even seemingly legitimate emails, messages and websites harder to trust. Keith and Dr. Jim discuss what has changed, what users should be watching for, and how everyday people can better protect themselves in an increasingly AI-driven digital world. In this episode: • The Belleville synagogue shooting and the issues surrounding it • Politics, music and the Ed Sheeran controversy • How AI is changing phishing and online scams • The growing threat of spyware • Why traditional cybersecurity habits may no longer be enough • Practical advice for protecting yourself in the age of AI It's another wide-ranging Culture Junkie conversation about what's happening, why it matters, and what comes next. 🎙️ Subscribe to Culture Junkie for conversations about culture, technology, creativity, politics, business and the strange world we're living in. #CultureJunkie #podcast #ai #cybersecurity #Phishing #spyware #EdSheeran #belleville #technology #DrJimsComputerRepair #digitalsecurity #canadianpodcast

  3. Sep 16

    Episode 57: Politics and other Nonsense. Politics, Pop Culture & What’s Happening in Our Backyard

    This week, Xandra and Keith catch up on the stories, conversations and happenings that have been grabbing their attention — from pop culture and the latest media buzz to the increasingly interesting world of local politics. One of the big topics is the upcoming Elizabeth Holmes documentary ***You Can See Everything***, the new A24 documentary from Nathan Fielder and Lance Oppenheim. The film takes an unusual look at Holmes and the final period before she began her prison sentence, giving us plenty to talk about when it comes to fame, ambition, technology, storytelling and the way we build — and sometimes destroy — public personas. We then turn our attention closer to home as the 2026 Ontario municipal election season gets underway. Xandra and Keith reflect on the recent Toronto candidates' debate and discuss some of the issues, personalities and questions emerging as communities across Ontario prepare to head to the polls. And for a closer look at what is happening right here in the Bay of Quinte, we sit down for an in-depth conversation with Belleville Town Council candidate Maury Flunder to hear about his perspective on the community, municipal government and the issues facing Belleville. As always, it's a conversation about what's happening around us — without pretending there's only one way to look at it. **In this episode:** 🎙️ The latest Culture Junkie conversations 🎬 You Can See Everything — the new Elizabeth Holmes documentary 💻 Theranos, technology, fame and the documentary's unusual approach 🗳️ The 2026 Ontario municipal election 🏙️ A look back at the Toronto candidates' debate 📍 Belleville municipal politics 🎤 An in-depth interview with Maury Flunder 💬 What actually matters when local politics becomes personal **Useful Links & Further Reading** 🎬 Elizabeth Holmes — You Can See Everything Nathan Fielder and Lance Oppenheim's new documentary is scheduled for theatrical release in October 2026. 🏛️ City of Belleville — Municipal Election Information [City of Belleville](https://www.belleville.ca/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) 🗳️ Belleville 2026 Municipal Election Candidate Information The City of Belleville has published its 2026 municipal candidate information and nomination listings. 📅 2026 Ontario Municipal Election Election Day is Monday, October 26, 2026. 🎥 Previous Elizabeth Holmes Documentary — The Inventor: Out for Blood in Silicon Valley For anyone wanting to revisit the Theranos story before watching the new documentary. --- **Listen, watch and join the conversation.** Follow Culture Junkie for more conversations about culture, creativity, entertainment, technology, business, politics and the people shaping the world around us.

  4. Sep 9

    Episode 56: Media Literacy 911 Memories and Modern Politics

    Nine eleven, media literacy, AI fakery, and why the more things change, the more they stay the same. Keith and Xandra turn a September check-in into a sharp, funny, and unexpectedly personal reflection on memory, propaganda, and how we decide what history means. Keith starts with family - from his parents' 64th anniversary to stories about grandparents who lived through world wars - and uses those lived generations to frame a bigger question: why do some events feel ancient to younger people while feeling immediate to everyone who was there? From there, the conversation widens into the uncanny valley of AI, the difference between real and manufactured media, and why polished content can feel more suspicious than rough edges. You'll hear them break down: how to spot fake AI-generated images and voices why media literacy matters more than ever in an internet full of perfect-looking content how September 11 changed news, sports, culture, and public opinion why documentaries, press tours, and viral stories often have a hidden agenda what Valheim, community, and “second life” style digital worlds reveal about how people actually behave The team also get into the ripple effects of 9/11, from the way younger generations talk about it to how politics, memorial culture, and media narratives have evolved since then. Along the way, he connects the dots between Toronto, Canada, New York, Gander, sports patriotism, AI political clips, and the modern fight to understand what is real. Then there’s the lighter side of the episode: Valheim’s long-awaited 1.0 release, TIFF, local politics, hockey chaos, Barlow's new single and the constant churn of culture all crowding into one week. It’s a classic Culture Junkie mix of personal history, sharp commentary, and side-eye at the media machine. Perfect for anyone who loves cultural commentary with a skeptical edge, smart conversation about media and memory, and the kind of episode that makes you rethink what you’re seeing online. Where to find us: Our Patreon www.patreon.com/c/CultureJunkie Our Website www.culturejunkie.ca Our YouTube / @culturejunkieca Listen on: I Heart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-cu... Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/.../cultur... Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4dsQG4G... #CultureJunkie #911 #september11th #medialiteracy #ai #AIFakes #Deepfakes #Misinformation #disinformation #MediaCriticism #canadian #history #CulturalCommentary #criticalthinking #podcast

  5. Sep 2

    Episode 55: Burning Man Was Better Before the Tech Bros Took Over

    September is when the pace changes, the culture shifts, and the most interesting conversations start happening. Keith and Xandra open up on everything from Thatcher-era politics and media as education, to the sports season, online beef, and the strange evolution of Burning Man from counterculture experiment to lottery-only, influencer-adjacent spectacle. What starts as a loose September catch-up turns into a sharp look at how fast trends, politics, and communities move now. Keith reflects on Margaret Thatcher’s lasting impact, why shows like The Crown shape historical memory, and how social media has changed who gets heard and who gets left behind. Then the conversation pivots into the return of fall sports, media relevance, and the bizarre new rules of attention in 2026. You’ll discover: Why the UK often feels like a preview of political and cultural shifts elsewhere How media can educate while still entertaining Why online relevance is now a full-time strategy for public figures What Burning Man was like before the cameras, sponsorship pressure, and lottery system took over, How art, tech, and community collided in the early 2000s festival era. Xandra also shares vivid memories from his years attending Burning Man, including the early DIY days of projection mapping, giant installations, and camera licenses attached to the gear itself. He breaks down how the event changed over time, why tech bros of the past felt very different, and how the festival’s ethos of gifting and leave-no-trace has been tested by scale. If you care about culture, media, festivals, sports, or just hearing someone make sense of the messy way everything changes, this one is packed with perspective. Perfect for listeners who like their commentary smart, skeptical, and a little nostalgic—with enough Burning Man lore to make you want to see the 2003 documentary. Subscribe to Culture Junkie for conversations with creators, innovators, entrepreneurs, artists, and cultural disruptors shaping the world around us. Where to find us: Our Patreon www.patreon.com/c/CultureJunkie Our Website www.culturejunkie.ca Our YouTube / @culturejunkieca Listen on: I Heart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-cu... Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/.../cultur... Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4dsQG4G... Sponsored By: On The Fly Insurance, 100% online, 100% secure, 100% Canadian. Get a QUOTE in Minutes online at www.ontheflyinsurance.com/quote #CultureJunkiePodcast #podcastgrowth #BuildingAnAudience #behindthescenes #creator #media #marketing #film #television #creators #television #film #movies #CultureJunkie #burningman #festivalculture #counterculture #podcastclips

  6. Aug 26

    Episode 54: Computer Programmer to Studio Producer, Learning to Adapt

    What happens when a self-taught drummer, a former programmer, and a lifelong creative refuses to let gatekeeping define their career? Dave Lowe shares the unlikely path that took him from basement drums to Humber College, cruise ships, sync licensing, and a thriving music production studio - and why he still believes the soul of music can’t be replaced. Dave opens up about the moment a drummer’s lap in Barbados changed everything, how he taught himself to read music, and why going back to school at 47 was both the hardest and most natural decision he ever made. He also reveals what it was like to walk into Humber as an older student surrounded by musicians who seemed to speak a different language - and how that experience reshaped everything he thought he knew. You'll discover: How Dave built a music career without formal mentorship Why learning by ear became his superpower The difference between performing on cruise ships and producing in the studio How sync licensing became an accidental income stream Why he sees AI as a tool, not a threat, for working musicians Keith and Dave and Xandra also get into the realities of being a multi-hyphenate creative in Toronto's music scene, the pressure to market yourself, and the strange balance between playing for the song and chasing mastery. If you’re a musician, producer, or creative trying to turn skill into opportunity without losing your identity, this conversation hits home. Dave also shares how his production work turns a simple piano idea into a full arrangement with strings, horns, percussion, bass, and polish - and why live musicianship still has something no algorithm can touch. Perfect for anyone who loves the craft behind the performance and the hustle behind the art. Subscribe to Culture Junkie for conversations with creators, innovators, entrepreneurs, artists, and cultural disruptors shaping the world around us. Where to find us: Our Patreon www.patreon.com/c/CultureJunkie Our Website www.culturejunkie.ca Our YouTube / @culturejunkieca Listen on: I Heart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-cu... Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/.../cultur... Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4dsQG4G... Sponsored By: On The Fly Insurance, 100% online, 100% secure, 100% Canadian. Get a QUOTE in Minutes online at www.ontheflyinsurance.com/quote #CultureJunkiePodcast #podcastgrowth #BuildingAnAudience #behindthescenes #creator #media #marketing #film #television #creators #television #film #movies

  7. Aug 20

    Episode 53: Bot Fueled Chaos

    Spider-Man might be the excuse, but this episode is really about the media habits, political moods, and algorithmic traps shaping how we think right now. Keith and Xandra kick off the first Culture Junkie Podcast with a fast-moving conversation that jumps from a theater review to social media toxicity, bot-driven outrage, and why being provocative online is often a dead end. They break down what made the new Spider-Man feel different, from the immersive camera work and hallway fight choreography to the way the film handles character motivation, emotional payoff, and even a surprise Gene Gray reveal. Keith also shares why certain action scenes work because they let your nervous system breathe instead of overwhelming you the whole time. From there, the conversation widens into a sharp look at social media in 2026 - why platforms feel more divisive, how bots distort public discourse, and why the pressure to chase views can push creators and brands toward controversy instead of sustainability. You’ll also hear thoughts on Russell Brand, InfoWars, the business of outrage, and why Canadian creators face a very different incentive structure than their U.S. counterparts. Keith and Xandra also get into politics, municipal engagement, and why people often ignore civic life until it becomes personal. Along the way they touch on the rise of AI tools like Chat GPT, the importance of doing real research before trusting an answer, and how younger and older generations search for information in very different ways. You’ll hear: What Spider-Man gets right about motion, perspective, and pacing Why hallway fights have become a signature of Marvel street-level heroes How bots and algorithms shape what rises online Why outrage is easy to reward but hard to sustain What political “heel turns” reveal about belief, identity, and self-preservation Why AI is useful, but only if you already know enough to question it If you’re interested in pop culture, media criticism, internet culture, Marvel movies, or the way politics and algorithms bleed into everyday life, this one’s for you. It’s smart, funny, a little chaotic, and very much in the spirit of two people trying to make sense of the world while talking about the things they love. Perfect for listeners who like their culture commentary with personality, honest takes, and a few unexpected detours. Subscribe to Culture Junkie for conversations with creators, innovators, entrepreneurs, artists, and cultural disruptors shaping the world around us. Where to find us: Our Patreon www.patreon.com/c/CultureJunkie Our Website www.culturejunkie.ca Our YouTube / @culturejunkieca Listen on: I Heart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-cu... Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/.../cultur... Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4dsQG4G... Sponsored By: On The Fly Insurance, 100% online, 100% secure, 100% Canadian. Get a QUOTE in Minutes online at www.ontheflyinsurance.com/quote #CultureJunkiePodcast #PodcastGrowth #BuildingAnAudience #behindthescenes #creator #media #marketing #film #television #creators #television #film #movies #marvel #spiderman

  8. Aug 12

    Episode 52: The SURPRISING things we've learned

    One year, 52 episodes, 44 guests, and a whole lot more behind-the-scenes work than most listeners ever realize. Keith and Xandra look back on how Culture Junkie began, what surprised them most, and why the show has become a conversation about media, marketing, creativity, and the internet world we all live in. What started as a simple idea after great conversations with friends, colleagues, and business associates has turned into a wide-ranging archive of artists, entrepreneurs, journalists, sports figures, filmmakers, and creators with something real to say. Along the way, they unpack what it actually takes to make a podcast work - from first-time camera nerves and technical scrambles to the hidden value of consistency, better prep, and learning to trust the process. You’ll hear them revisit standout moments with guests like Nick Clough, Angel Hamilton, Barlow, Danny Marks, Michel Neray, Dawn Chubai, Gail Harvey, Paulo Gibney, Ian Harvey, Kent Steffes, Darius Domingues, Jessica Dory, Sonia Zaback, Leah Hamilton, and more. They also reflect on unforgettable conversations about independent filmmaking, live selling, AI ethics, women in film, sports careers, health journeys, creative pivots, and the kind of candid moments that only happen when the mic is supposedly off. Keith and Xandra also break down what they’ve learned from a year of interviewing people on and off camera - how to ask better questions, how to keep a conversation moving, why some of the best episodes don’t always get the biggest push, and why the audience has mattered more than any algorithm. The episode also touches on the show’s growth across countries, shorts, and social platforms, plus the goal for the next stretch: get 1% better every time. Perfect for listeners who love creators talking honestly about the craft, the work, and the weirdly rewarding process of building something episode by episode. If you’re curious about what really happens behind a podcast that reaches far beyond the studio, this anniversary reflection is a great place to start. Subscribe to Culture Junkie for conversations with creators, innovators, entrepreneurs, artists, and cultural disruptors shaping the world around us. Where to find us: Our Patreon www.patreon.com/c/CultureJunkie Our Website www.culturejunkie.ca Our YouTube / @culturejunkieca Listen on: I Heart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-cu... Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/.../cultur... Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4dsQG4G... Sponsored By: On The Fly Insurance, 100% online, 100% secure, 100% Canadian. Get a QUOTE in Minutes online at www.ontheflyinsurance.com/quote #CultureJunkiePodcast #PodcastGrowth #BuildingAnAudience #behindthescenes #creator #media #marketing #film #television

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About

Culture Junkie is a creative business solutions agency that helps organizations bridge the gap between where they are today and where they want to be tomorrow. Listen us as we explore the unique journeys and experiences that shape the diverse world of art, media and technology. Tune in to be inspired by the tales of creativity and ambition in the pursuit of storytelling. Join our Patreon for more exclusive content Culture Junkie | Patreon Follow along on social media on our YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@CultureJunkieCa or visit our website www.culturejunkie.ca to submit questions, business inquiries, ideas or even petition to be on the podcast!

Information

  • Creator
    Culture Junkie
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    59
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Culture Junkie