Claim OwnershipThe Just Drew Podcast
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© Drew Walmsley
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Welcome to The Just Drew Podcast, where conversations flow as freely as the cocktails we craft. Join Drew and Drew on an unscripted journey through the lives and stories of fascinating individuals from all walks of life.
Our guests span a diverse spectrum of backgrounds and experiences. There's no agenda here, no pre-planned questions—just genuine curiosity and a desire to connect with others on a human level.
Explore the stories behind the people who inspire us and the paths that led them to where they are today.
Our guests span a diverse spectrum of backgrounds and experiences. There's no agenda here, no pre-planned questions—just genuine curiosity and a desire to connect with others on a human level.
Explore the stories behind the people who inspire us and the paths that led them to where they are today.
44 Episodes
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Hannah Dolson returns to the podcast — singer, performer, barista, theatre kid at heart, and one of the most versatile artists in Norfolk County. This time she’s here to talk about her role in Nice Work If You Can Get It, the prohibition-era comedy musical now running at the Simcoe Little Theatre until December 7th.In this episode we get intoWhat it really feels like to direct a full production and why “the buck stops with you”How she transforms into a 1930s bootlegger and slips in and out of wild accentsThe behind-the-scenes chaos of sound checks, live audiences, and unexpected laughterWhy performing onstage is somehow less stressful than directingLife with her hairless cat, Buddy, and the surprisingly intense grooming routinesTheatre culture in Norfolk and why the local arts scene hits differentIf you’re into theatre, local stories, comedy, jazz-era vibes, or just great conversation with a brilliant human who shows up everywhere in Norfolk’s arts community — this episode is for you.
From punk bands and cruise ships to jazz education and a full Charlie Brown Christmas tour — Hamilton musician Glenn Paul has lived one of the wildest music journeys you’ll ever hear.In this episode, Glenn breaks down how he went from high-school punk shows to studying jazz, touring the world by sea, and building a full-time creative career back in his hometown. We also dive into the rise of AI music, absurd cruise ship stories, and why live performance will always matter.In this episode we discuss:Growing up in Hamilton’s punk & post-rock sceneSwitching paths and learning jazz from scratchPlaying drums on cruise ships & traveling to 17+ countriesThe wild “pepper spray biking” storyThe return to Hamilton and building a teaching careerCreating the Charlie Brown Christmas jazz tourAI music, uncanny valley, and Spotify’s AI bandsCruise ship disasters & behind-the-scenes storiesPandemic life, teaching on Zoom & cultural shiftsLive music, rhythm patterns & how genres evolveHamilton venues, nostalgia & growing up in the cityFollow Glenn Hall:Instagram: @glennpaul.musicCharlie Brown Christmas Shows: Lighthouse Festival Theatre, Port Dover — Dec 13Follow The Just Drew Podcast:Instagram: @thejustdrewpodcastTikTok: @the.just.drew.podYouTube: @TheJustDrewPodcast
Jess didn’t plan to become Norfolk County’s most talked about baker...it just kind of happened.From her days as a sous chef at The Combine to waking up at 4 AM to bake bread, Jess shares how The Bread Shed became a small-town phenomenon built on passion, persistence, and connection.In this episode, Drew and Jess dive into the messy, magical journey of chasing creativity through flour, family, and the unknowns of entrepreneurship - one loaf at a time. 🎧 Topics We Cover: • How a sous-chef job at The Combine changed everything • Baking through burnout — and finding peace in the process • What it’s really like to start a business from home • The moment she “manifested” The Bread Shed • Balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship • Why community feedback matters more than perfection • Lessons learned from 4 AM mornings and hundreds of loavesFollow Jess & The Bread Shed:📸 Instagram: @thebreadshednorfolkFollow The Just Drew Podcast:🎙️ Instagram: @thejustdrewpodcast👕 Merch: www.justdrewpodcast.com📺 Watch full episodes on YouTube
This week, Top Chef Canada contestant and Food and Drink Ambassador of Norfolk County Jason Mayo joins Drew for a deep dive into what makes Norfolk County so special — the pride, the people, and the local traditions that keep small-town culture alive.We talk about:🎡 The wild energy of Young Canada Day and why the community fought to keep it alive👕 The connection between local pride and The Folk brand🍽️ Why atmosphere and service matter more than food when it comes to great restaurants🌾 The beauty of true farm-to-table living in rural Ontario💬 The fine line between growth and keeping Norfolk’s soul intactJason’s passion for this county runs deep — from his stories about teaching and food to his love of community events that bring people together. It’s real, it’s local, and it’s very Folk.🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.
From renting VHS camcorders in small-town Ontario to directing documentaries for CNN, Discovery Channel, and National Geographic, Dean Rainey has lived the filmmaker’s grind on a global scale. In this episode, Dean sits down with Drew to share his journey through Hong Kong’s TV scene, building a career in Norfolk County, and why he believes you don’t need film school to make it in the industry.We also dive into:The making of his feature documentary Why Can’t We Talk About This?Lessons learned from shooting across Asia and North AmericaThe realities of film school vs. real-world setsNostalgic VHS days, wild wedding stories, and the evolution of storytellingWhether you’re an aspiring creative, a film buff, or just love hearing how small-town kids carve global paths, this conversation is packed with honesty, laughs, and lessons.
Author Nick Baeta joins the podcast to share the story behind his debut novel, The Atlantean Chronicles: A Fight for Survival. After a battle with chronic illness left him isolated and searching for purpose, Nick turned to writing as therapy—transforming pain into creativity. We dive into his journey from hospital stays to international book sales, the inspirations behind his Atlantis-infused adventure, and how martial arts, conspiracy theories, and late-night rabbit holes all shaped his storytelling.
I’m joined by Mac Buchwald — a teacher, musician, actor, and lifelong lover of stories. We dive into his journey from local theatre stages to the classroom, and how literature shaped his outlook on life. Mac shares his thoughts on Mary Shelley and why the poets of the past were the rockstars of their time. We talk about the power of words, the role of education in today’s world, and what it means to pass on creative passion to the next generation.🎭 Community theatre📚 Teaching with meaning⚡ Literary legacies🧠 Finding identity in storiesWhether you’re an educator, artist, or someone who just loves a good book — this one’s for you.
What’s it really like seeing Formula 1 in person? In this episode, I sit down with my brother Hayden Walmsley. We get into the wild world of F1 fan culture, Max Verstappen’s insane driving style, the Red Bull double team controversy, and what it’s like being surrounded by 300,000 diehard fans. Plus, some classic sibling banter on current cinema, gaming and why grilled cheese should never be made with mayo.In this episode:What Formula 1 feels like in real lifeHow much it actually costs to attend a Grand PrixThe smartest (and dumbest) spots to sit at the trackWhy Verstappen drives like a cracked-out gamerThe Red Bull “double-team” advantageHis Airbnb horror story in MontrealDesigning the Neurospicy shirtCinema & gaming
What happens when a film-obsessed photographer from Norfolk County DMs a Juno-winning musician...with nothing but passion and a camera?In this episode, Jonah Atkins shares how a single message led to touring with Dan Mangan, why film photography still hits harder than digital, and what actually makes a good photo (hint: it’s not the gear).We get deep into colour grading, creative burnout, awkward portrait poses, and how to carve out a lane in a noisy, over-filtered industry. If you’re a creative, filmmaker, photographer or just someone who’s trying to turn their passion into a career. This one’s for you.🎞️ Topics Include:Why film feels differentTouring with Dan ManganCreative ruts and switching it upGear myths and artistic honestyColor grading horror storiesFollow Jonah on Instagram → @jonah.atkins_Follow the show @thejustdrewpodcastNew episodes weekly.
After cutting her teeth in wine media with editorial roles at Vines and Wine Access magazines, Amanda Vranckx pivoted from writing about wine to building a winery from the ground up. Now the co-owner of Front Road Cellars in Norfolk County, she oversees retail, marketing, and sales. And designs every label herself, drawing from her love of storytelling and place.In this episode, Amanda joins Drew to talk about the wild ride from magazine deadlines to distillation tanks, why her wines reference Taylor Swift lyrics, and how ice fishing almost became a near-death podcast recording. The two dive into Canadian oak barrels, the dream of bringing Italian aperitivo culture to Ontario, and what it means to create unforgettable guest experiences in a rural wine region still carving out its identity.Expect laughs, deep dives, and a behind-the-scenes look at the emerging Norfolk wine scene.
Brad & Melanie – Founders of The Urban Parisian, in Port Dover, Ontario. Over two decades ago, fate brought Melanie and Brad together when Melanie accepted Brad’s resume at the Beach House in Port Dover. Their shared passion for food and hospitality led them to work side by side in various local establishments, building not only a strong partnership but also a vision.That vision came to life with The Urban Parisian—a French-inspired bakery and café that blends Brad’s classical training from Le Cordon Bleu with Melanie’s expertise as a certified sommelier. Together, they focus on real ingredients, creating everything from timeless French pastries to innovative North American treats.The Urban Parisian is more than a bakery—it’s a neighborhood staple where the lunch menu changes daily, the bread is always fresh, and the coffee is top notch. Every detail reflects Brad and Melanie’s dedication to craft, quality, and community.
Todays guest is Cynthia Brink.She is a dedicated environmental educator and conservation advocate based in Norfolk County. She serves as the NatureHood and Priority Place Program Coordinator for the Long Point Biosphere Region, a UNESCO-designated area renowned for its rich biodiversity. In this role, Cynthia leads community outreach initiatives, biodiversity monitoring, and educational programs aimed at fostering a deeper connection between people and the natural world.Cynthia is also active in the conservation media space. She co-executive produced the feature-length documentary A Priority Place: Hope for a Forest, which highlights the ecological and cultural significance of the Long Point region. The film premiered to a sold-out audience in 2022 and continues to support environmental education efforts. At home, Cynthia embraces a sustainable lifestyle, often engaging in activities like foraging, hunting, and fishing to provide for her family. She is committed to reducing her carbon footprint and continues to expand her knowledge through studies in herbology and passive solar home design.For more information or to connect with Cynthia, you can reach her at education@longpointbiosphere.com
From Port Dover stages to touring with Canadian legend Fred Eaglesmith, Jesse Murphy brings the soul, swagger, and stories in this jam-packed episode. We talk funk about his career with the Jesse Murphy Trio, dive into life on the road with the New Velvet Frogs, and geek out over the surreal genius of David Lynch. Jesse also opens up about how becoming a father reshaped his outlook on art, touring, and what really matters. Tune in for riffs, real talk, and a whole lotta groove.
Just two friends speaking from the heart about what it means to be wired differently and why that’s something worth celebrating.This week we sit down with one of my closest friends, Josh — someone who’s been through it, grown through it, and isn’t afraid to talk about the messiness of mental health and striving to be your best self. We get into ADHD, anxiety, addiction, and what it feels like to live life with a brain that doesn’t always play by the rules. It’s honest, heavy at times, but full of laughter and love too. This episode means a lot to me — not just because of the convo, but because it drops alongside something we’ve talked about for a long time...being Neuro Spicy.
What does it take to grow high-quality produce using organic practices? Adam, a dedicated market gardener in Norfolk County, shares his journey to building a thriving, small-scale farm called Branching Path Farm alongside his partner Nica. Selling directly to customers at farmers’ markets, Adam is all about transparency—inviting people to see his crops, compost, and even the pests that come with farming naturally. We talk about the challenges of small-scale agriculture, the future of local food, and how he’s helping others grow their own fresh produce through consultations and workshops. 🌾👨🌾Tune in for a down-to-earth conversation about farming, food, and the power of community! 🎙️
In this episode, we sit down with Alex Franklin, a neurodivergent portrait photographer from Norfolk County, now based in Hamilton. Known for her authentic, thought-provoking images, Alex blends her emotions with those of her subjects to create powerful visual stories. She shares how photography became a tool for processing her own experiences, sparking conversations about mental health, and embracing vulnerability as a strength—both in art and in life. This is an inspiring conversation about creativity, self-expression, and the courage to be seen.
We took the podcast to the frozen bay of Long Point on Lake Erie and recorded straight from an ice fishing hut with Bayside Ice Fishing! Our official sponsor of this Episode. Joining us are fishing experts Bobby Maerz and Travis Hemsley to share their wildest ice fishing stories, pro tips for landing trophy fish, and behind-the-scenes insights from the world of winter fishing. This episode is packed with ice fishing tips & techniques, history, a free education on fish, Lake Erie perch of course and expert strategies for anyone looking to master the art of ice fishing!”
Today's guest is Jeff Bunton. Born in Burlington, Ontario and raised in Hamilton. Eventually leaving to live in Haldimand when he was 29. Jeff has worked in many industries from commercial kitchens, property maintenance, welding, fabrication and lastly brewing and entrepreneurship. Making good things makes Jeff happy.
Todays guest is Marie Walmsley. She was born and raised on Cape Breton Island in a coastal coal mining town in the 1940's and 50's. She later moved to Hamilton, Ontario where she worked as a phone operator for Bell Canada, raised a family of 5 and later worked and retired as a 911 dispatcher. She is now a loving grandmother of 9 grandchildren and one great grand child, myself being one of them. Yes today's guest is my Nana. She loves drinking beer and margarita's. She's a super fan of hockey and the Toronto Maple Leafs. she is also a card shark on the poker tables.
Today's guest is Martin Gaudet. Originally from Shediac NB, home of the Giant Lobster! Martin grew up a 2 minute walk from a fishing wharf and the beach on the North Humber land straight. He lived between a smoke fish factory and a crab factory. He was raised eating all things seafood, including oysters! Martin has since settled in Port Dover. A small town near water and a beach, where he felt home right away. He's never lost his love of the east coast and seafood and is now known locally as "The Shucking King". Martin now has a mobile Oyster Bar that brings his passion of oysters to Norfolk County! You can hire Martin directly or you can find him at many events around the area.
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