Solo Spotlight with Ryan MacDougall

Spare Bedroom Studios
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  • SOCIETY & CULTURE

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. Gear Won’t Save You: Studio Standards, Skill & Practice | Seriously Taylor

    FEB 9

    Gear Won’t Save You: Studio Standards, Skill & Practice | Seriously Taylor

    Seriously Taylor joins Solo Spotlight for a real conversation about what actually matters in the studio. We talk the producer/engineer perspective, what separates artists who improve from artists who stay stuck, why “better gear” doesn’t fix weak habits, and how writing/rhythm/syllables can change the entire feel of a record. If you’re an artist, producer, or just curious how songs get built behind the scenes — this episode is loaded with practical insight. 🎙️ Solo Spotlight is long-form conversations with people who are building something real. Subscribe for more interviews and drop a comment with your biggest takeaway. Guest: Seriously Taylor (artist / producer / engineer) #SoloSpotlight #SpareBedroomStudios #SeriouslyTaylor #Podcast #MusicPodcast #MusicProduction #Producer #AudioEngineer #Songwriting

    1h 9m
  2. Trauma Lives in the Body: Burnout, Boundaries & EMDR | Lilly Gonoratsky

    JAN 29

    Trauma Lives in the Body: Burnout, Boundaries & EMDR | Lilly Gonoratsky

    Burnout. People-pleasing. Trauma. We hear these words everywhere — but most people are still unclear on what they actually mean, how they overlap, and what genuinely helps. In this episode of Solo Spotlight, Ryan MacDougall sits down with Lilly Gonoratsky, a Registered Provisional Psychologist and Certified EMDR Therapist, for a grounded, practical conversation about what’s really happening beneath the surface — both psychologically and in the nervous system. This episode is educational, conversational, and human — not therapy, not internet psychology, and not about quick fixes. It’s about understanding yourself better and knowing what direction to take next. This episode is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for therapy or medical advice. If something discussed resonates deeply, please consider reaching out to a qualified mental health professional. 📍 Guest Info — Lilly Gonoratsky Registered Provisional Psychologist Certified EMDR Therapist Founder, Beyond Roots Counselling • In-person sessions in Calgary (SW) • Virtual sessions across Alberta • Free 15-minute consultations available 🌐 Website: https://beyondrootscounselling.com/ 📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therapywithlilly/

    1h 17m
  3. Endurance, Ethics & Frontline Medicine in Gaza: Dr. Ian MacNairn

    JAN 22

    Endurance, Ethics & Frontline Medicine in Gaza: Dr. Ian MacNairn

    Dr. Ian MacNairn is an emergency medicine physician and anthropologist whose career has been shaped by resilience, responsibility, and a deep belief in treating people as kin — not cases. In 2006, Ian was the victim of a hit-and-run accident that changed the trajectory of his life. Recovery led him into ultra-marathon running, graduate studies, a PhD in anthropology, and eventually into emergency medicine — carrying with him a perspective that blends Western medicine with Indigenous knowledge, cultural humility, and lived experience. Recently, Ian returned from Gaza, where he provided emergency medical care during a humanitarian crisis. In this episode, we talk about the realities of practicing medicine in a conflict zone, the mental and emotional toll of frontline work, and how endurance — physical and psychological — has shaped the way he shows up for patients and communities. Follow Solo Spotlight for long-form conversations with people who have lived the story — not just talked about it. #SoloSpotlight #EmergencyMedicine #HumanitarianWork #Resilience #LongFormPodcast #SpareBedroomStudios #MentalHealth #MedicineAndCulture #FrontlineStories

    1h 13m
  4. Self-Belief, Small Town Pressure & Building as an Indie Artist: KYTE

    JAN 14

    Self-Belief, Small Town Pressure & Building as an Indie Artist: KYTE

    This week on Solo Spotlight, I’m joined by KYTE — an independent hip-hop artist from northern Alberta — for a real conversation about building music when nobody’s handing you a shortcut. We get into discipline, self-belief, staying consistent, how he approaches writing and recording, and what the “long game” actually looks like as an indie artist. Drop a comment: What matters more for an artist — talent or consistency? Follow KYTE: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kytemusic_/ Music: https://open.spotify.com/artist/49rST9N1Av8WCg8Dc6c5LL?si=1eW8JopFRsW5Ok9MqG-dPw Follow Solo Spotlight / Spare Bedroom Studios: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spare_bedroom_studios/ Spotify/Audio: https://open.spotify.com/show/7seh7SHxLvn3mznXV0rrlz #SoloSpotlight #SpareBedroomStudios #KYTE #KyteMusic #KyteMusic_ #CanadianHipHop #AlbertaHipHop #IndependentArtist #HipHopPodcast #RapperInterview #MusicPodcast #IndieArtist #Songwriting #CreativeProcess #ArtistJourney

    1h 19m
  5. Discipline, Self-Belief & The Long Game in Music: Caleb Hart

    JAN 10

    Discipline, Self-Belief & The Long Game in Music: Caleb Hart

    In this episode of Solo Spotlight, Ryan MacDougall sits down with independent reggae artist Caleb Hart for a focused conversation on longevity, discipline, and building a sustainable creative career outside the traditional music industry. Caleb shares his journey as a fully independent artist — from touring and live performance to adapting his hustle in the modern streaming era. Throughout the conversation, he breaks down the difference between short-term attention and long-term artistry, the role of feedback in growth, and how artists can stay grounded while navigating criticism, pressure, and changing industry expectations. This episode explores what it really means to build something over time — not just in music, but in any creative or entrepreneurial path. From finding balance between craft and accessibility to understanding the value of small wins, this conversation offers practical insight for artists, creators, and anyone working to build something on their own terms. Subscribe to Spare Bedroom Studios for more long-form conversations with artists, creatives, and builders from all walks of life. New episodes of Solo Spotlight drop EVERY WEEK! 🔗 Support the Guest — Caleb Hart If you enjoyed this conversation and want to support Caleb Hart, check out his music and ongoing projects below. Supporting independent artists directly helps them continue creating, touring, and building sustainable careers on their own terms. 🎶 Listen to Caleb Hart’s music: Available on all major streaming platforms 🌍 Follow Caleb Hart on youtube: @IAmCalebHart 🌍 Follow Caleb Hart on social media: Iamcalebhart

    1h 19m
  6. Untangling Stress, Hormones & Fertility: Sabrina Souto

    12/31/2025

    Untangling Stress, Hormones & Fertility: Sabrina Souto

    Stress, hormones, fertility, burnout… and the stories we tell ourselves about all of it. In this episode of Solo Spotlight, Ryan sits down with Sabrina Souto, an acupuncturist and comprehensive health practitioner who helps people untangle their nervous system, belief systems, and biology the right way. Sabrina has spent years working with stress, hormonal issues, fertility and cancer support, blending Traditional Chinese Medicine with a grounded, education-first approach. This isn’t fluffy “holistic” word salad — we get into what actually happens in a session, why “natural” isn’t always better, and how your identity and beliefs can quietly shape your health. If you’ve ever felt burnt out, stuck in patterns your body can’t explain, or you’re curious about fertility and hormones without the usual fear-mongering, this episode is for you.

    1h 29m
  7. The Craft of Hosting & Human Storytelling: Katanya Timinsky

    12/24/2025

    The Craft of Hosting & Human Storytelling: Katanya Timinsky

    Katanya Timinsky returns to Solo Spotlight for a deeper look into her evolution as a storyteller and the creation of her long-form interview series, The Ethos of Humanity. Our first conversation explored her humanitarian photography in Ukraine and how she learned to hold space for voices affected by conflict. In this follow-up episode, we shift into the present: Katanya has launched her own talk show and has already recorded multiple emotional, philosophy-driven conversations that explore human identity, emotional labor, lived experience, and the art of connection. Whether you’re a creator, host, filmmaker, listener, or someone who appreciates authentic dialogue, this episode offers a meaningful look at what it takes to tell human stories with intention, empathy, and trust. Follow Katanya & Ethos of Humanity -YouTube: @EthosofHumanity -Instagram: https://instagram.com/EthosOfHumanity -TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@EthosOfHumanity -Facebook: https://facebook.com/EthosOfHumanity -Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/EthosOfHumanity Daily clips • Weekly episodes • Community conversations • Behind-the-mic storytelling. Like, share, comment and subscribe to help us reach more people and keep amplifying meaningful stories. Becoming part of the audience is the single best way to support the work we put into storytelling, research, production and editing.

    1h 10m
  8. Conscious Rap, Self-Worth & Building a Platform for Artists: Vintage $oul

    12/18/2025

    Conscious Rap, Self-Worth & Building a Platform for Artists: Vintage $oul

    Edmonton’s got talent — and Vintage $oul is proof. In this episode, we sit down with the Edmonton-born artist to talk about conscious, self-aware, old-school leaning hip-hop, why he wants listeners to take a hard look at their lives, and how his music pulls from real experiences like homelessness, family history, and survival-mode independence. We also get into the behind-the-scenes reality of being an artist here: being picky with the craft (sometimes to the point of five masters on one song), switching producers, stepping away from “flex” music into meaning-first records, and the financial grind of trying to travel, perform, and keep creating. And then there’s River City Radio / North Web Media — something he built to create a bigger platform for local hip-hop, with the goal of helping unify the Edmonton scene. If you’re an artist, a music fan, or just someone trying to figure life out without pretending everything’s fine — this one’s for you.

    1h 2m
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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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