Welcome with Karim Kanji karim kanji

Welcome to the podcast....Mary Ormsby!

Mary and I discuss Mary's upcoming book, "World's Fastest Man*," which focuses on Ben Johnson's life and career including the process of researching and uncovering new perspectives on events from the past. We also delved into the 1988 Seoul Olympics, discussing our individual experiences during the event and the cultural significance of the Ben Johnson and Carl Lewis rivalry.

Mary recounted her journey to writing Ben Johnson's book, detailing her initial resistance due to her lack of experience and discomfort with the subject matter. She explained how she eventually agreed after retiring from her job at the Star and receiving encouragement from Ben, despite feeling uncomfortable with the idea of being the one to tell his story. Mary also reflected on her belief in the miscarriage of justice surrounding Ben's story, expressing her determination to do her best to understand and tell his story.

This episode also explored the complex dynamics between Ben Johnson and his coach, Charlie Francis, shedding light on Francis's coaching techniques and the introduction of performance-enhancing drugs into Johnson's training regimen. We also examined the prevalent culture of drug use in the 1980s athletic community and Johnson's decision to use steroids despite the ethical implications.

The discussion provided insight into the blurred lines between fair competition and rule-breaking, as well as the impact of these factors on Johnson's mindset and career trajectory.

For more information on Mary Ormsby's book please visit: https://sutherlandhousebooks.com/product/worlds-fastest-man/


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Welcome to the podcast, Kris Siddiqi!

We talked about the Canadian comedy scene, Siddiqi's experiences in television, and his personal life. We also discussed the death of the Just for Laughs Festival and the need for more exposure for local comedians across Canada.

We also talked about Siddiqi's roles in Law & Order and the presence of Canadian actors in the show. Kris and I also discussed his experiences hosting galas at the Winnipeg Comedy Festival and the challenges of raising children in the entertainment industry.

The conversation also touched on the shifting terrain of comedy, with Kris and I raising questions about the impact of the democratization of comedy content and the absence of traditional gatekeepers. We explored the challenges of navigating the vast quantity of comedy specials on platforms like Netflix and the need for comedians to carve out their unique voices in this new comedic landscape.

The meeting ended with Kris sharing details about his recent projects in television, such as the Netflix show, I Woke Up A Vampire, and Apple TV's The Changeling.

Visit Kris on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/thesiddiqs/?hl=en


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Karim Karim and Dan Speerin engaged in a reflective conversation, sharing personal stories and memories from the past. They discussed the unexpected turns in their lives, including personal losses and the impact of the pandemic on their plans and experiences. The conversation also touched on their shared experiences, such as attending a concert together, and how their perspectives have evolved over time. Throughout the discussion, there was a sense of camaraderie and mutual understanding as they navigated the changes and challenges in their lives.



Dan Speerin reflected on his journey to Toronto Metropolitan University, recounting his early struggles and experiences in the Canadian entertainment industry. He emphasized the need for universities to play a role in supporting and incubating talent, drawing from his own experiences of navigating the industry without guidance. Speerin highlighted the value of mentorship and industry insights in incubator systems, and expressed his hope for such initiatives to spread across the country to provide support for aspiring creators and entrepreneurs, both within and outside of academic institutions.



The conversation delved into the significance of storytelling, using the case of Elizabeth Holmes and Theranos to illustrate its power in shaping perceptions and behaviors. Dan Speerin and Karim Kanji emphasized the need to bridge generational divides to foster better understanding and communication, highlighting the challenges of ageism and the importance of listening to different perspectives. They also discussed the potential for improved global relations if people took the time to pause and listen to others, emphasizing the impact of effective communication in promoting harmony across different generations and cultures.



Dan Speerin and Karim Kanji engaged in a discussion about the complexities of monetizing podcasts, especially for passion projects, and the repercussions of the pandemic on events-based organizations. They also examined the difficulties in persuading local businesses to invest in podcast advertising and the potential for local podcasting networks to foster an ecosystem for local communities. Additionally, they touched on the impact of the decline of local radio stations and the need for retired salespersons to promote podcast advertising to local businesses.



Listen to Dan's podcast here -> https://globalnews.ca/national/program/toronto-tomorrow


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Dive into an inspiring conversation on our latest episode featuring host Karim Kanji in dialogue with the incredible Beth French! They kicked off by exploring their shared affinity for the sea and the diverse accessibility it presents across different regions.



Beth, a force to be reckoned with, shared insights into her health journey, her son's passion for water activities, and her awe-inspiring participation in the Ocean Seven Challenge. This entails conquering seven global channels solo, without any assistance - talk about an extraordinary feat!



Get ready for a raw and honest conversation as Beth opens up about her challenging battle with ME, shedding light on the physical pain, bedridden moments, and the often overlooked struggles of her condition. Her journey into channel swimming post-single motherhood underscores her determination to overcome health barriers and navigate the unique challenges of solo parenting.



The dialogue also unpacks their differing perspectives on open water, with Beth embracing it as a transformative experience while Karim grapples with a hint of apprehension.



Beth delves into the significance of documenting her channel swimming exploits, sharing her transformative journey of pushing personal boundaries and conquering mental and physical hurdles. Hear her reflections on self-discovery, mental fortitude, and the decision to attempt all seven channels in a single year - a testament to her resilience and a challenge to understand her body's capabilities.



But that's not all – the conversation extends to the trials Beth faced while filming her swimming adventures and parenting Dylan, her son with autism.



Tune in for an exploration of resilience, self-discovery, and the incredible journey of Beth French as she navigates the seas and life's challenges.


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Welcome to a sonic journey on the latest episode of "Welcome To The Music" with your host, Karim Kanji, alongside Gregg Tilston. Join us as we unravel the captivating story of Grant Avenue Studio's Control Room, featuring insightful conversations with the brilliant minds behind the scenes, Mike Bruce and Andrew Lauzon.



Immerse yourself in the heart of Hamilton's musical legacy as we explore Grant Avenue Studio's rich history. From hosting notable visitors to maintaining a distinct "house sound," we dive into the personal anecdotes that breathe life into this iconic space.



Mike and Andrew take us behind the curtain, sharing their journey and offering exclusive insights into the intricacies of the studio. The mixing and editing suite is unveiled, showcasing high-end gear thoughtfully designed for independent producers.



Delve into the allure of vintage gear, spotlighting unique sonic qualities like the Neumann M49B mic. Andrew passionately underscores the irreplaceable value of vintage gear, crafting a sonic signature that echoes the concept of "house sound."



Our conversation echoes the sentiment that a studio's historical legacy serves as an inspiration for artists, fuelling the creation of new musical stories. Join us as we conclude with exciting hints about upcoming talent in Hamilton, promising a vibrant future for the local music scene.



This episode celebrates the essence of musical storytelling and its power to shape the future of sound. Tune in and explore the magic of Grant Avenue Studio!


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Title: A Musical Journey with Steven Page: Exploring Explosive Hits, Scarborough Roots, and Beyond



Hey there, music enthusiasts! Karim Kanji here, and I'm thrilled to bring you another exciting episode of our show. Today, we have the incredibly talented Steven Page joining us, and it's bound to be a conversation you won't want to miss.



We kick off the episode diving into the behind-the-scenes magic of the Trans Canada Highwaymen album Explosive Hits Vol 1. Gregg Tilston and I sit down with Steven to unravel the mysteries of this K-Tel tribute album. We explore the fascinating journey of selecting songs, navigating remote recording challenges during the pandemic, and the creative process behind the album's infomercial. It's a deep dive into the creative minds that brought this explosive project to life.



As we traverse the musical landscape, we also touch upon the profound impact that growing up in Scarborough had on Steven's musical journey and personal identity. We delve into the multicultural environment and the influential music programs that shaped his perspectives, ultimately paving the way for the formation of the iconic band, the Barenaked Ladies.



Steven Page generously shares personal anecdotes about his enduring friendships with fellow musicians, reflections on past collaborations, and his current endeavors, including work on a new record. The conversation takes an emotional turn as he recounts the powerful experience of singing Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah" at Jack Layton's memorial service, shedding light on the pressure and honor of fulfilling Layton's request.



But that's not all – Steven treats us to a live performance, showcasing a song from his recent album. We also explore his regular live streams during the pandemic, where he shares his own creations and covers that resonate with his audience.



Our discussions extend to the world of music, touching on lost venues, Steven's eclectic music preferences, and the exciting details of an upcoming show on Easter weekend. Trust me; you won't want to miss the insights and revelations Steven has to offer.



If you're hungry for more details or itching to explore the musical world of the Trans Canada Highwaymen, head over to their official website at https://transcanadahighwaymen.ca/. There's a treasure trove of information waiting for you.



So, buckle up, music aficionados! Join Gregg Tilston and me as we embark on this captivating journey with the one and only Steven Page. It's a musical ride you won't soon forget.


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