Solo Spotlight with Ryan MacDougall

Spare Bedroom Studios
Spare Bedroom Studios
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Solo Spotlight is where real people get real time. Host Ryan MacDougall sits down for unfiltered, long-form conversations with creators, entrepreneurs, athletes, and out-of-left-field thinkers. No scripts, no fluff—just honest stories, hard-won lessons, and the kind of moments you replay later. Expect deep dives, left turns, and a host who actually listens. Episodes run 45–90 minutes and favor substance over sound bites. Recorded in Edmonton, built for anyone who likes their interviews candid, curious, and occasionally spicy. New episodes weekly. Produced and published by Spare Bedroom Studios.

  1. Oct 23

    Syonis: Finding Purpose Through Hip-Hop

    Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! After a workplace injury changed his working life, Syonis found a way to express his pain through hip-hop. The independent Canadian artist joins Ryan MacDougall on Solo Spotlight to discuss living with autism and learning disabilities, feeling underestimated, and developing his own voice. He shares the story behind his name, how comic books influence his songwriting, and what it takes to build connections across different music scenes. The conversation also explores promoting shows, learning through collaborations, adapting his live performances to a hearing difficulty, and his upcoming projects, The Cost of Existing and Homies for Hire. An honest conversation about creativity, belonging, and finding something worth building toward. Follow Spare Bedroom Studios on Instagram: @Spare_bedroom_studios

    Syonis: Finding Purpose Through Hip-Hop

  2. Oct 8

    Mitchell MacDonald on Winning a Josie Music Award

    Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! Nova Scotia singer-songwriter Mitchell MacDonald returns to Solo Spotlight following a major milestone in his music career: winning Social Impact Video of the Year (Male) at the 2026 Josie Music Awards in Nashville. In this conversation, Mitchell joins Ryan MacDougall to share the story behind "Signed, No Longer Yours," a deeply personal song inspired by a friend's experience with domestic violence. They explore how the song became a music video, what it takes to pursue music independently, and the unexpected journey from submitting his work online to accepting an award at the Grand Ole Opry House. Mitchell also reflects on the influence of his grandfather, the importance of family, navigating success without losing perspective, and what new opportunities could mean for the next chapter of his music. An honest conversation about independent music, personal storytelling, creative ambition, and finding your own definition of success. Solo Spotlight — Episode 107 Guest: Mitchell MacDonald Host: Ryan MacDougall Produced by Spare Bedroom Studios Listen to "Signed, No Longer Yours": https://open.spotify.com/track/7zqVSGQ7twzAmwR3OyME3T Follow Spare Bedroom Studios: @spare_bedroom_studios If you enjoy the conversation, follow Solo Spotlight and leave a rating or review. Content note: Includes discussion of domestic violence as the inspiration for a song.

    Mitchell MacDonald on Winning a Josie Music Award

  3. Sep 29

    I Thought I’d Have This Figured Out by Now

    Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! What did you expect would come more naturally by now? In this solo episode of Solo Spotlight, Ryan MacDougall reflects on the everyday parts of adulthood he thought he would have figured out: getting back to people, following through on plans, and enjoying a day off without feeling like he should be doing more. He brings research on adulthood, intentions, and leisure into a discussion about the expectations we place on ourselves. Why can deciding to change feel like you’ve already handled the problem? What might a specific “if–then” plan help with? And when you feel guilty about how you spent your time, can you name what you actually regret? The question he leaves with listeners: what’s something you thought you would have figured out by now, and what would figuring it out look like in everyday life? Hosted by Ryan MacDougall. Produced and published by Spare Bedroom Studios.

    I Thought I’d Have This Figured Out by Now

  4. Sep 9

    Colin Dingelstad: Chasing an Impossible MMA Dream

    Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! Colin Dingelstad started pursuing an MMA championship at 28, with limited combat-sport experience and a documentary crew following the attempt. In episode 105 of Solo Spotlight, Colin joins Ryan MacDougall to discuss IMPOSSIBLE, his ambition to become UFC lightweight champion, and what that commitment has required so far. Colin shares how fatherhood changed his priorities, why he chose MMA, and how he is funding the project while searching for the right coaches. The conversation also explores injury, rejection, the pressure of being filmed, and the tension between pursuing a dream for his son and spending time away from family. What does he hope his son learns from the experience? And can the documentary succeed even if the championship never happens? Follow the project and watch the trailer: IMPOSSIBLE documentary Follow Spare Bedroom Studios on Instagram for episode updates and clips. Starting a podcast? Support Spare Bedroom Studios through our RSS.com affiliate link. Follow Solo Spotlight, leave a rating or review, and share this conversation with someone who would connect with Colin’s story.

    Colin Dingelstad: Chasing an Impossible MMA Dream

  5. Sep 3

    Kempes Pandey: Confidence, Attention & Building @itsjustkempes

    Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! Edmonton creator Kempes Pandey, better known as @itsjustkempes, joins Ryan for a conversation about how he went from being terrified to post content to becoming one of Edmonton’s increasingly recognizable online creators. They discuss overcoming embarrassment, rejection, going viral, dealing with criticism, the pressure of having an online persona, creator burnout, credibility, controversial content, collaborations and what Kempes wants to build next. Kempes also explains why connecting people around Edmonton has become a bigger part of what he wants his platform to accomplish. 🎙️ Start your own podcast with RSS.comThinking about launching a podcast of your own? Check out RSS.com through our affiliate link and support Spare Bedroom Studios at the same time.Start here: https://rss.com/?via=9f1700 Follow Spare Bedroom Studios Subscribe for new episodes of Solo Spotlight and clips throughout the week. #SoloSpotlight #ItsJustKempes #KempesPandey #Edmonton #EdmontonCreators #ContentCreator #Podcast #YEG #SpareBedroomStudios

    Kempes Pandey: Confidence, Attention & Building @itsjustkempes

  6. Aug 29

    20 Years Later: Music for Mavericks | Arlo Maverick, Kreesha Turner & Habe Kitine

    Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! More than twenty years after their paths first crossed in Edmonton’s music scene, Arlo Maverick, Kreesha Turner and Habe Kitine come together to tell the story of Music for Mavericks. What began as a record label became something much bigger — a collective, a support system, a place for mentorship and artist development, and a community of people trying to create opportunities for themselves and each other. Arlo reflects on the responsibility that came with helping develop artists, why Music for Mavericks tried to establish a higher professional standard in Edmonton’s hip-hop, R&B and reggae scenes, and why knowing when to step aside can sometimes be one of the most important parts of mentorship. Kreesha looks back at the systems, relationships and opportunities that helped take her from Edmonton’s underground scene into national radio and the major-label industry. She also opens up about fame, the financial reality behind visible success, and why she has always viewed interaction with the people who support her as part of the job. Habe fills in a chapter of his story that largely disappeared from public view. He discusses losing his friend Theo Gully while his own career was gaining momentum, stepping away from music, turning grief into songwriting and eventually finding his way back on his own timeline. The three also revisit old performances, the Music for Mavericks “boot camp,” the people behind the scenes who rarely received recognition, and what it feels like to look back at the younger versions of themselves more than two decades later. As Arlo puts it: “If your city’s dead, then make it live.” This conversation was recorded on location at Electric Treehouse Rehearsal Space & Studio in Edmonton ahead of the E-LYMPIA celebration of Music for Mavericks. 🎙️ Solo Spotlight — Episode 103 Hosted by Ryan MacDougall

    20 Years Later: Music for Mavericks | Arlo Maverick, Kreesha Turner & Habe Kitine

  7. Jul 30

    Twig on Returning to Music, Starting Over at 30 and his new project

    Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! Edmonton hip-hop artist Twig joins Ryan MacDougall for Episode 102 of Solo Spotlight. Twig discusses the anxiety he experienced during his first performances, learning how to build confidence onstage and finding his identity within Edmonton’s music scene. He also reflects on stepping away from music, returning during a difficult period in his life and receiving support from ILLiam and Whole Heart Entertainment. Twig opens up about the years he feels he lost to drinking, the pressure of returning to rap at 30 and balancing a full-time job with his creative ambitions. The conversation also covers his upcoming album, Branching Out, which faced a bizarre series of distribution issues after being placed on the wrong Spotify artist profile and later flagged for possible AI use. This episode is about rebuilding, creative community and realizing that starting again does not mean starting from nothing. 🎙️ Start your own podcast with RSS.com Use our affiliate link to get started and support Spare Bedroom Studios. https://rss.com/?via=9f1700 Follow the guest: Instagram: @twig.official Follow the show: Instagram: @spare_bedroom_studios YouTube & Facebook: Spare Bedroom Studios

    Twig on Returning to Music, Starting Over at 30 and his new project

  8. Jul 25

    Mark Wvlker Returns: Touring, Authenticity & Building an Independent Music Career

    Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! A year after his first appearance on Solo Spotlight, Mark Wvlker returns to reflect on everything that's changed. When Mark first joined the podcast, we talked about rebuilding his identity as an artist, finding his authentic voice, and taking the first steps toward a new chapter in his career. Since then, he's released new music, toured Western Canada, launched merchandise, and continued building his brand as an independent artist. In this conversation, Mark shares what he learned from life on the road, earning respect in Edmonton's music scene, balancing creativity with family life, and why staying true to yourself matters more than chasing trends or numbers. Whether you're an artist, entrepreneur, creator, or simply working toward something meaningful, this episode offers an honest look at the patience, persistence, and resilience required to build something that lasts. Connect with Mark Wvlker Instagram: @wvlkerwvlker Facebook: Wvlker Mark Listen to Mark's music on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, and wherever you stream music. Connect with Solo Spotlight Hosted by Ryan MacDougall New conversations every Monday featuring creators, entrepreneurs, athletes, artists, and people with incredible stories. Enjoyed this episode? Please follow the podcast, leave a rating and review, and share this episode with someone who would appreciate Mark's story. Your support helps Solo Spotlight continue bringing authentic conversations to listeners every week.

    Mark Wvlker Returns: Touring, Authenticity & Building an Independent Music Career
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About

Solo Spotlight is where real people get real time. Host Ryan MacDougall sits down for unfiltered, long-form conversations with creators, entrepreneurs, athletes, and out-of-left-field thinkers. No scripts, no fluff—just honest stories, hard-won lessons, and the kind of moments you replay later. Expect deep dives, left turns, and a host who actually listens. Episodes run 45–90 minutes and favor substance over sound bites. Recorded in Edmonton, built for anyone who likes their interviews candid, curious, and occasionally spicy. New episodes weekly. Produced and published by Spare Bedroom Studios.

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