The Artsy Raven Podcast about Writing and Art with host JF Garrard

JF Garrard
  • 4.5 (2)
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  • Updated Semimonthly

JF Garrard (writer, editor and publisher) has frank conversations with writers, editors, publishers, artists, actors, directors and other art professionals about what inspires them to create and what led to their success. Writers on the podcast will showcase their work by reading from their book. Main Artsy Raven website with access to 100+ episodes: https://artsyraven.com/ Artsy Raven merch: https://darkhelixpress.com/merchandise The Artsy Raven is on Feed Spot’s list of Top 60 Literature Podcasts & Top 10 Canadian Literature Podcasts on the web.

  1. Ep145 The Power of Meaningful Storytelling with Sharif Khan

    2d ago

    Ep145 The Power of Meaningful Storytelling with Sharif Khan

    Sharif Khan reflects on his journey from bookseller to writer, shares why he believes storytelling matters,and reveals the uplifting message he hopes readers will take from his work. Sharif Khan is the author of debut fantasy novel, Brave Fortune, and the inspirational book, Psychologyof the Hero Soul (As mentioned in Reader's Digest). He lives in Toronto, is a former bookseller and graduate of the Humber School for Writers.  He also served as a Writing Workshop Facilitator for Writers Collective of Canada as well as Director of the MetroActive Writers Club. Follow him on X/Instagram @sharifkhanbooks or his Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/khansharif In this episode, Sharif reads from Brave Fortune and an upcoming comedy novel (coming out summer 2026). Artsy Raven links: For more about The Artsy Raven Podcast or to join our exclusive Artsy Raven club to receive free books and other cool stuff, visit: https://artsyraven.com/ If you really like this show, please feel free to send us a digital tip https://ko-fi.com/jfgarrard Patreon subscribers remember to access your bonus content for each episode: https://www.patreon.com/jfgarrard

    36 min
  2. Ep144 The Road to Writing and Bookselling with JoAnn McCaig

    Jun 5

    Ep144 The Road to Writing and Bookselling with JoAnn McCaig

    JoAnn McCaig  shares her journey to becoming a writer and bookstore owner, the importance of handling rejection with resilience, and why she chose 1969 as the setting for her novel Beneficiary. JoAnn McCaig is the author of The Textbook of The Rose and An Honest Woman. She is the proud owner of Shelf Life Books, an independent bookstore in her hometown of Calgary, AB. In this episode, JoAnn reads from Beneficiary. Book link: https://joannmccaig.com/beneficiary/ https://shelflifebooks.ca/item/r5ypYwSBQz_hNTMssW3i2g Artsy Raven links: For more about The Artsy Raven Podcast or to join ourexclusive Artsy Raven club to receive free books and other cool stuff, visit: https://artsyraven.com/ If you really like this show, please feel free to send us a digital tip https://ko-fi.com/jfgarrard Patreon subscribers remember to access your bonus content for each episode: https://www.patreon.com/jfgarrard

    26 min
  3. Ep143A Creating Lucid’s Strange World with Deanna Milligan and Ramsey Fendall

    May 29

    Ep143A Creating Lucid’s Strange World with Deanna Milligan and Ramsey Fendall

    Deanna Milligan and Ramsey Fendall talk about turning theirown house into the set of an indie horror film, the mysterious talking chicken woman in their latest feature, and why collaboration is essential to filmmaking. Deanna Milligan & Ramsey Fendall are the co-founders ofSublunar Films and the co-directors of Lucid (2025), a surreal,punk-infused psychological horror feature that world-premiered at Fantasia and screened at Sitges in October 2025. Milligan, a veteran Canadian actor with dozens of film and television credits, is also a Leo-nominated director knownfor her visceral, emotionally charged storytelling rooted in the “beautiful grotesque.” Fendall, a cinematographer and visual artist whose credits include Seymour and Skatopia: 88 Acres of Anarchy, brings gritty, tactile imagery to their work, often shooting on 35mm and 16mm. Expanding Lucid from anacclaimed short into a feature, the duo transformed their own home into a film studio, embodying the fearless, resourceful spirit of DIY indie filmmaking. IMBD link: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt33306263/ Film screening: ·      Toronto, May 23rd, 2026 - The Paradise Theatre ·      Vancouver, May 29th & 31st, June 2nd & 4th - VIFF Centre ·      Victoria, May 30th at The Vic; June 10th & 11th at Cinecenta ·      Edmonton, May 29th - Metro ·      Wolfville, Nova Scotia, May 29th - Al Whittle Theatre ·      Kamloops, June 5th - Kamloops Film Society Artsy Raven links: For more about The Artsy Raven Podcast or to join ourexclusive Artsy Raven club to receive free books and other cool stuff, visit: https://artsyraven.com/ If you really like this show, please feel free to send us a digital tip https://ko-fi.com/jfgarrard Patreon subscribers remember to access your bonus content for each episode: https://www.patreon.com/jfgarrard

    26 min
  4. Ep143 Camp Memories Turned into Fiction with Amy Lorowitz

    May 29

    Ep143 Camp Memories Turned into Fiction with Amy Lorowitz

    Amy Lorowitz shares her experience of living in Tokyo, reveals how real-life events inspired her latest novel SummerHusband, and explains why writing every day is essential to her process. Amy Lorowitz is a lifelong New Yorker. She grew up in Brooklyn, attended University at SUNY Binghamton, and ultimately made her home in Manhattan with her husband and two daughters, only leaving New York for a three-year stint living in Tokyo, Japan, Summer Husband is her debut novel. In this episode, Amy reads from Summer Husband. Book link: https://summerhusband2026.ag-sites.net/works.htm Artsy Raven links: For more about The Artsy Raven Podcast or to join ourexclusive Artsy Raven club to receive free books and other cool stuff, visit: https://artsyraven.com/ If you really like this show, please feel free to send us a digital tip https://ko-fi.com/jfgarrard Patreon subscribers remember to access your bonus content for each episode: https://www.patreon.com/jfgarrard

    24 min
  5. Ep142A From Sitcom Star to Storyteller with Kathy Garver

    May 23

    Ep142A From Sitcom Star to Storyteller with Kathy Garver

    Kathy Garver reflects on her long career spanning childacting, voice work, and writing, shares what inspired her feel-good book about Hollywood love stories, and discusses the unique experience of filming a microdrama in China. Kathy Garver, best known worldwide as “Cissy” on the hit CBSseries Family Affair, has built a six-decade career that began as a child actor in The Ten Commandments and spans film, television, stage, and award-winning voiceover work. In addition to her iconic on-screen role, she became one of Hollywood’s most in-demand voice actors, voicing fan-favorites including Firestar in Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends and characters in Chuck Norris: Karate Kommandos, The New Yogi Bear Show, and more. Garver has narrated more than 80 audiobooks, earning fourAudie Awards and now a GRAMMY® nomination for her narration of Elvis, Rocky and Me: The Carol Connors Story. She is also a successful author with multiple titles, including Surviving Cissy, X-Child Stars, and The Family Affair Cookbook. Her latest book, 'Romancing With The Stars: Inspiring Hollywood Love Stories,' co-authored with Doug Hartline, highlights inspiring love stories that cast a different, positivelight on Hollywood relationships that have stood the test of time!  Today, Kathy continues to act, write, and record, remainingone of the most beloved and enduring talents of classic television and voice-over entertainment. In this episode, Kathy reads from Romancing With TheStars: Inspiring Hollywood Love Stories. Visit Kathy Garver online at Kathy Garver Artsy Raven links: For more about The Artsy Raven Podcast or to join ourexclusive Artsy Raven club to receive free books and other cool stuff, visit: https://artsyraven.com/ If you really like this show, please feel free to send us a digital tip https://ko-fi.com/jfgarrard Patreon subscribers remember to access your bonus content for each episode: https://www.patreon.com/jfgarrard

    18 min
  6. Ep142 Crafting Magic, Worlds, and Stories with F.T. Lukens

    May 22

    Ep142 Crafting Magic, Worlds, and Stories with F.T. Lukens

    F.T. Lukens, a New York Times bestselling author of YAspeculative fiction, shares how they became a writer, the inspiration behind their latest book The Last Best Quest Ever, and offers advice for new writers. F.T. Lukens is a New York Times bestselling author of YAspeculative fiction including the novels Love at Second Sight, Otherworldly, Spell Bound (2024 ALA Rainbow Booklist), So This Is Ever After (2023 ALA Rainbow Booklist; 2022 Goodreads Choice Awards nominee), In Deeper Waters (2022 ALA Rainbow Booklist; Junior Library Guild Selection), and the forthcoming The Last Best Quest Ever as well as otherscience-fiction and fantasy works. F.T. resides in North Carolina with their spouse, three kids, three dogs, and three cats. In this episode, they read from The Last Best Quest Ever. Book link - https://simonteen.com/book/the-last-best-quest-ever/ Artsy Raven links: For more about The Artsy Raven Podcast or to join ourexclusive Artsy Raven club to receive free books and other cool stuff, visit: https://artsyraven.com/ If you really like this show, please feel free to send us a digital tip https://ko-fi.com/jfgarrard Patreon subscribers remember to access your bonus content for each episode: https://www.patreon.com/jfgarrard

    24 min
  7. Ep141A Art That Documents Human Resilience with Olga Sunden

    May 19

    Ep141A Art That Documents Human Resilience with Olga Sunden

    Olga Sunden discusses why she curated a photographyexhibition featuring women soldiers, how art can connect people to the realities of the present moment, and why storytelling during an ongoing war matters. Olga Sunden was born in Kryvyi Rih and studied journalism at Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv. Through her work, she met Jed Sunden in Kyiv — an American journalist, founder of the Kyiv Post and KP Media publishing group. Together, they now live in the United States, actively supporting Ukrainian journalism, the military, and education. Olga is currently the curator of the photoexhibition Through Her Eyes and publisher of the accompanying album of the same name, featuring the work of six women soldiers. Co-founder of Ukrainian American Committee and a mother of 6. Exhibition dates: May 13 to June 8Official album presentation: May 14Location: IS GALLERY, 39 Lispenard Street, NY 10013 Links  https://www.amukr.org/news/through-her-eyes-new-york-spring-2026 Artsy Raven links: For more about The Artsy Raven Podcast or to join ourexclusive Artsy Raven club to receive free books and other cool stuff, visit: https://artsyraven.com/ If you really like this show, please feel free to send us a digital tip https://ko-fi.com/jfgarrard Patreon subscribers remember to access your bonus content for each episode: https://www.patreon.com/jfgarrard

    16 min
  8. Ep141 Music, Mental Health, and Healing with Cassidy Waring and Teresa Alfeld

    May 19

    Ep141 Music, Mental Health, and Healing with Cassidy Waring and Teresa Alfeld

    Cassidy Waring and Teresa Alfeld discuss their experiencescreating a documentary exploring family relationships, mental health, addiction, and the lasting impact of a traumatic family tragedy. Hearse Chasing will premiere on May 13th, 2026 on TELUS Optik TV Video on Demand channel 8 and TELUS Stream+. Simultaneously, the film will premiere on the TELUS originals YouTube channel at 7:00pm PT / 8:00pm MT on the same day and be available until May 31, 2026, in honour of Mental Health Awareness Month. HEARSE CHASING follows Cassidy Waring, a Vancouver-based singer-songwriter, as she returns to her hometown of Calgary with her brother Cooper to confront the unresolved family tragedy that shaped their lives. What begins as an attempt to better understand their mother’s death gradually gives way to a deeper reckoning, as long-buried memoriessurface and new questions emerge.  CASSIDY WARING is a queer Vancouver-based artist whotransforms her struggles into raw, indie folk songs that resonate with uncompromising honesty, sharp wit, and vivid storytelling. Growing up in suburban Calgary in the 90s, in what was initially a happy and stable household, a chain of events suddenly cracked the family’s foundation, and addiction, abuse, and violence erupted leading to an unthinkable tragedy. Years later, and well into her music career, Cassidy pursues therapy, receiving a diagnosis of Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD), and begins to unpack what happened within her family. TERESA ALFELD (she/her) is an award-winning documentary and dramatic writer/director from Vancouver, living and working on the unceded Coast Salish territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh nations. She is a member of the Director’s Guild of Canada and DOC Canada.  Feature directing credits include the documentaries DOUG AND THE SLUGS AND ME (CBC 2022, winner of the Audience Choice award at ALFF 2023, nominated for one CSA, four Leos, and two VCFC awards), and THE RANKIN FILE:LEGACY OF A RADICAL (Opening Night Selection at DOXA 2018, Knowledge Network premiere 2019). Recent mid-length and short film directing credits includethe Telus originals documentary HEARSE CHASING (CUFF Docs 2025), the Leo Award nominated Crazy 8s comedy drama TOE PICK (Vancouver International Youth FilmFestival Opening Night Selection 2025 and Best Actress Award winner), the short comedy drama BOSSBABE (Audience Choice Award Runner Up at Cinema Spectacular2023), the short comedy DAVID FOSTER’S EGGGPAA starring David Foster and Katharine McPhee (NFB Commission, 2022), and the short documentary JEAN SWANSON: WE NEED A NEW MAP (Crave, 2022). Artsy Raven links: For more about The Artsy Raven Podcast or to join ourexclusive Artsy Raven club to receive free books and other cool stuff, visit: https://artsyraven.com/ If you really like this show, please feel free to send us a digital tip https://ko-fi.com/jfgarrard Patreon subscribers remember to access your bonus content for each episode: https://www.patreon.com/jfgarrard

    21 min
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4.5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

JF Garrard (writer, editor and publisher) has frank conversations with writers, editors, publishers, artists, actors, directors and other art professionals about what inspires them to create and what led to their success. Writers on the podcast will showcase their work by reading from their book. Main Artsy Raven website with access to 100+ episodes: https://artsyraven.com/ Artsy Raven merch: https://darkhelixpress.com/merchandise The Artsy Raven is on Feed Spot’s list of Top 60 Literature Podcasts & Top 10 Canadian Literature Podcasts on the web.

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