September 27, 2009
(Mini) Episode 17
On this short episode, I talk about being called a whore and the conclusion I came to justifying it. I also spend a few minutes talking about my friend Verkuylen Blilie. She’s a woman of many hats, and also a good friend of mine. Which is awesome. She happens to be one of the strongest, most positive women I know.
I met her years ago after doing a thingy for CBC Radio 3 about her band Red Light Sting. We became fast friends and started watching Top Model together every Wednesday. When I was going through a bad breakup, she’d regularly take me swimming at Eileen Dailly out in Burnaby. She’s also a former gymnast and coach, and once took me to this bouncy gym that’s full of stunt people just hanging out, practicing stunts. It was super fun, except I jarred my back within five minutes. Here’s a picture of Zoë doing her thing:
Anyhow, she’s since moved to Seattle and continues to do amazing things. Some of these things include tour managing TV on the Radio and managing Sebastian Grainger. But the project I’m most excited about finds her behind the mic in a studio out in LA. She somehow managed to score a co-hosting position on a delightful radio show called Left In La, alongside David Cousin. They’re really fun to listen to and I suggest you tune in. The first episode has Tunde Adebimpe, of TV on the Radio, and their second episode has thespian and songstress Scartlett Johansson. So be sure to listen to Left In La. It’s really fun and Zoë and David’s positivity is infectious. 
September 13, 2009
Episode 16 – The Paul Anthony Experience
To listen to Episode 16 of the People’s Program Project, click here!
Paul Anthony is a actor, “singer” and host of Talent Time. Here are some links to things we talked about on this podcast episode…
- Here’s a video of the Candy Girls Cabaret, performed without irony, which is aok!
- When Paul is asking me if I seduced comedian Ryan LaChance, he’s referring to this article, which features an interview I did for Vice with our friend (and my favourite comedian) Phil Hanley.
- Here’s a video for the movie SUCK. There are quite a few big names in it but Paul plays a lead role. It apparently is getting a lot of press at the Toronto Film Festival.
- Fred and Sharon, who are real and genuine. I interviewed them for the Canadian Press. (Though I can’t find the article anywhere online.)
On a personal note, I’ve been busy making the most of the end of summer and working on some contracts and freelance and stuff. This week I’m starting a course so no more fun party times for me, or at least a scaled back version. I went to Harrison Hot Springs earlier this week for a last minute getaway. I would highly recommend it, especially if you’re from Vancouver. It’s so darn close. Lovely place, lovely people and the hot springs are magical. Except for the adult pool, in which couples who are lovingly floating each other around on their backs give anyone trying to reenact So You Think You Can Dance dirty looks. Here’s the view from our room:
There’s some exciting news I’d like to share but can’t just yet. So stay tuned.
September 1, 2009
Episode 15 – The Nathan Fielder Experience
To listen to episode 15, click here.
When I was in university, I wanted to write for television. I imagined being the next David E. Kelly. I had this idea to create a series about ordinary people, like Sri Lankan dishwashers and gawky substitute teachers. Unfortunately UVic’s writing program didn’t focus on that style of writing so I gave up on that dream. (I write the news for City TV on occassion, but it’s totally different.) So it was real neat to meet Nathan Fielder. The Vancouver-born comedian has been writing for TV since he was 23. (He’s now 26.) He currently lives in LA where he writes for Important Things with Demetri Martin.
I also share an anecdote about a weird chain of restaurants here and their unavoidable hostesses.
I had some technical problems with my audio, which is why my intro sounds like I’m in an echo chamber but I kind of like it.
Also on this episode, I got my writing partner Ayma Letang to sit in and help me find my voice. Here’s a picture of her and her beautiful cheekbones.
Next episode will be devoted entirely to Paul Anthony, everyone’s favourite man about town. Until then, check back here for news. There’s some coming on the way. And check out the Links to Click section, cause they are all worth clicking. Today I added my dear friend Sarah Steinberg’s blog, which is one of my most favourite blogs ever. She’s real funny and smart and stylish.
August 31, 2009
Easy like Sunday Morning
Look, an S&M swing horse.
My friend Daniel Perlmutter started a podcast called Sundays with Dan. He interviews me on episode two. I tried to be kind of funny but I think I need help. Dan’s also one of the guys from Automatic Vaudeville, which is a funny filmmaking studio thing.
My podcast is coming soon.
August 25, 2009
Point Break
A few announcements.
First off, I did a really interesting interview with Nathan Fielder. You might recognize him from the times you went to your parents house and they were watching This Hour Has 22 Minutes. Well, he’s in LA now, where he was hired to write for Important Things with Demetri Martin. I’m going to work on editing in the next few days and hope to have something out soon-ish.
Other upcoming episodes include the lovely and talented Lisa Joyce, Paul Anthony and Andy Dixon, who turns 30 tomorrow.
Also, my arm candy is co-hosting a show tomorrow (August 25) at the Biltmore. It’s called Arrogance and it’s co-hosted by Dave Shumka of Stop Podcasting Yourself (of which I’m a big fan.) It pits improvisers against comedians in the ultimate showdown. Here’s the flyer.
Finally, Lightning Dust has a new album out. They’re the beautiful little band who let me use their song “Wind Me Up” as the theme for my podcast. Anyhow, their new album is called Infinite Light and it’s delightful. They’re playing the Biltmore on Thursday here in Vancouver so be sure to come down if you’re in town.
