The Rocky Talky Podcast Rocky

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 kicked cancer in its crooked, stinking teeth.

A hell of a victory that left her missing a spleen, parts of her diaphragm, and a wicked vertical scar that will stop anyone in their tracks.

But, she is alive, grateful, and forever changed.

A journey beginning with a tumour the size of a grapefruit concludes with a Rachel that is wiser, softer, and stronger than she’s ever been.

I love her, and I am proud of her.

This is her story.

#interview #applepodcast #spotifypodcast #cancer #fuckcancer #hospital #strength #hope #faith #overcoming #healing #love

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 you a John guy, or a Paul guy?”

BILLY: “I’m actually a George guy….”

A good answer. I knew then, that I was in for a great interview.

This episode was captured live at the third @x.times.x event located at the impossibly cool @blindbellwether in Hamilton, On.

Enjoy

@billyrogers.music @the_rocky_talky_podcast
📷@untamedstraightshooter

#interview #livemusic #spotifypodcast #applepodcast #musician #drummer #singersongwriter #guitarist #music

This is just me and a microphone….

Trying to be honest. Trying to get better.

It’s been a hell of a year so far. I needed to get what’s in me off of my chest and out of my mouth.

Maybe together, we can find a window and let some light in.

Much love,

Rocky

#interview #spotifypodcast #applepodcast #cancer #loss #grief #mentalhealth #spirituality #talk

Work Hard. Stay humble.

A saying thrown around so much, it has become a bumper sticker, rather than a mantra.

But, there are people that do it for real….Chef John Forcier is one of them.

Birthed out of one of Canadas greatest restaurants (CANOE), John came to Hamilton, and helped build some of the coolest and most relevant hospitality entities in Ontario.

If you’ve tasted anything at The French, Aberdeen Tavern, The Diplomat, or anything to do with Equal Parts Hospitality, Chef Forcier was the true north that helped shape that experience.

His work is charming, clean, refined, and ALWAYS moving forward. I see leaps and evolutions regularly on his plates and his menus should make any gourmand in Hamilton proud.

Thankfully, his relentless and beautiful hard work has helped us all find a seat at the table.

Thank you Chef, for making Hamilton so delicious.

Enjoy.

#cuisine #gourmet #frenchcuisine #food #chef #kitchen #knifeskills #Torontofood #hamont #interview #podcast #applepodcast #spotifypodcast #ouichef

It took two years for Vanessa Heins and I to make this interview happen.

There was a global pandemic, a cross-province change of address, loss, healing, work, and LIFE.

Many times I wanted to leave her alone and stop pursuing the interview, but Vanessa always kept the door open and promised that when the time was right, she’d reach out.

And she did…

Her photographic work is everywhere; capturing some of the world’s most prolific artists, and though I’d love to name drop her list of major muses…I won’t, because I know that’s something Vanessa would never do.

She is still, kind, collected, honest, and can capture a perfect moment with apparent ease, as she is herself, an artist.

At the time of this episode going live, Vanessa will be on tour across Canada with City and Colour.

I dropped a name…

Enjoy.


#photography #picture #Rollingstonemagazine #interview #podcast #spotifypodcast #applepodcast #aof #cityandcolour #strombo #carlyraejepesen

Anna Di Carlo is a good human. The more time I spend with her, the more I am convinced of this.

I have seen her in action with DAY OF CREATIVE (her event planning outfit specializing in creative design & social engagement), and she is GOOD at what she does. If you wanna throw a soirée and look slick doing it…call Anna.

I loved working with her, and I hope to do so on the regular.

Perhaps my favourite thing she’s behind is her passion project, FUCK UP NIGHTS HAMILTON. A platform for business people and creatives to share their failures, blunders, and lessons in front of a live audience.

I spoke at one of these, as I have a PhD in f’ing up….and it was a humbling experience getting real about me and my shortcoming’s.

Anna has figured out that the more honest we are about the losses, the better chance we have at finding the wins. Genius.

Anna makes room for people. She is a host, and a giver. She is also, and equally strong, unable to put up with bullshit, and very direct….a super power I find very, very refreshing.

She smiles with her eyes. Volunteers at an animal shelter. Has a big heart. Owns a dog named Dorito, and is the kind of person I wanted to sit down and chat with.

So that’s what we did.

Enjoy

#design #eventplanner #creative #host #party #interview #podcast #spotifypodcast #applepodcast #catering #gala #fuckup #events