Todd's Café

Kira Meyers-Guiden is a playwright and performer from Ontario, and we sat down to talk about “Futch/Bemme” (directed by Evelyn Long), as well as the studies that play a part in her artistic resolve, creatively and on stage. You’ll be able of course, to see this in OutFest 2018, September 20th-22nd (featuring 3 one-act plays, 2 movement pieces and 3 musical numbers!). We also talk about the beauty in the tension of our time, and so much more. She was arriving via a hectic drive from Toronto, and I was in Sunday mode… Side-bar: Many apologies to Kira. Kira, I don’t think I’ve ever made more shame-based edits on an episode. To say that I wasn’t on my A-Game would be a compliment. In the future, I will not try to simultaneously entertain or be glib, or play equal part in a back-and-forth without preparation or fully formed thoughts. Thankfully, you were great, and come off exactly as the brilliant, kind and forgiving person I had the fortune of meeting and chatting with that day.

Isaac Mulé from Page 1 Entertainment is back on the show, joined by associate choreographer Jeff Fox; and we're chatting about OutFest 2018 which is September 20-22. I tried to not try this time, and it lead to a nice chance to listen to Isaac and Jeff talk about the productions and hearts behind the brains. Something like that... Are there any volunteers that would like to write these things? -Todd

So many changes in the last year and a half, a treasure chest of dicks inundating someone who originally conceived a sincere attempt to make her art uni-sexy, and listening to death metal for focus and relaxation. These are all things that alt-photographer-artist Camille Porthouse and I chatted about in her second interview with me, representing Fairy Goth Mother Studios. All I can say is that whenever we get on the mics, it's like smooth jazz.

We pretty much dive right into this one. Comedian and host of his own podcast (Master Race Debaiters) Count Gavin stops by to chat about society, pop-culture, the internet, and we deconstruct all of it. As heavy as that sounds, it's full of laughs, self-awareness and it flows like a river. So put on your thinking caps, pour yourself a nice cup'o coffee, and strap in.

Local Ladies is a fantastic video series that spotlights the stories and humanity of women. Katie Green and I (Todd) had plenty to talk about, both being broadcasters and empathetic peeps. We hope you dig the chit-chat, maybe feel a bit more enlightened. If you didn't already know about Local Ladies, you should, but now you do!? I don't know how to write these things!? Somebody?

It starts off with our first co-hosting segment with our friend & UW Improv’s Darel Dean, and we learn a new word. Then we introduce Tahnee & Nicole!!! We chatted about their awesome podcast Two Dimes on a Grapevine and what you can expect when they return with season 2; about being teenagers. Then you get to hear us mulling over a special mixtape selection, procurement, playlist, coming out for you tomorrow! Tomorrow being Friday, July 20th!

We welcome back newlywed Katy Warren, I mean Katy Topham, back on the show, and talk some shit. Then Todd sits down with Canadian poet and splendid company - Roshan James. We've been sitting on this interview record and salivating to share it with you, so stop reading this and go learn, or unlearn, about the universe and it's inhabitants, existence, our intellects, life, Tupac, and more! OR less!?

The heatwave is on and we're back at it; chatting with playwright & director Erika Reesor & actress Emily Schooley who are representing The Frog King, a mature stage-piece tackling gender, sexuality, identity, labels, and more. We went in-depth with each of those subjects, and learned more about the lovely folks behind the scenes, with acceptance and TC-style levity! Ps: podcasting 101 will tell you that staying 'on the rails', is only a suggestion. ;)

It's a very special thing to have this chat with longtime friend in the music scene; CityWide Panic's Matthew Jacobs joined me to catch up and talk about recording the new CWP EP. In true form, we have a laugh catching up, promoting the album and launch party (Sat, June 23rd @ Starlight Waterloo), and about getting older. CityWide Panic is insane good and this 5-track has serious legs, if you're looking for guitar rock with power! - Todd

In Part 2 (of 2), you'll hear more of Todd & Katy observing the sights and sounds around our tent on King St. on June 9th; we were joined in this one, by CAKFA's Glodeane Brown (aka Culture Fancier), volunteers Rai Madge, Sammy Duke (a local musician also), and local artist/performer Jessie T. We wrap up the night and the dog count. So there's plenty! It's all in there : D Todd's Café style.

For Episode 15: We have arrived at showcasing the ACTUAL EVENT! In Part 1 (of 2), you'll hear Todd & Katy observing the sights and sounds around our tent on King St. on June 9th; some what-have-you in there, and we chat with Banjo-ist James Ball, UW Improv's Darel Dean stops by and we meet Fred from Royal City Ukelele Ensemble. Did we mention Katy's dog-counting fascination? Enjoy!

Members of the band Hugo Alley join Todd to talk about performing at Summer Lights on Saturday (that's TOMORROW). Ps: We also go into detail about creating music collaboratively and maintaining band relationships... it gets really musical and nerdy. TOTALLY EXCELLENT, DUDE! :P

What?! We have an Improv troupe?! Yes! It's the UW Improv, located in UW. Not only that, but they'll be at Summer Lights in a couple of days performing in groups larger and smaller around the event and on a stage. Darel Dean stopped by to let Todd & Katy know how they feel about filling out 5 hours, and what you can expect from them at SLF! You should listen!

For Episode 12: Kylie Fladby & Charlene Le Duc join Katy and Todd to give us the lowdown on everything going on this weekend at Summer Lights, including our setup on King St. to record the show ON THE DAY. The day is Saturday, June 9th, 8pm-1am. We also talk about things that went into the festival you might not even realize, toss out some maaad props and talk about SLF reaching year 5!

JP Magic was a delightful entertainer to have on the show, magic is certainly one of his facets, but he's prone to giving any audience a full entertainment experience; complete with comedy, stunts and interactivity! He also shared his story of struggle and teaching himself skills that have helped along the way. Enjoy!

Aside from being a superb and wonderful folk act, the members of Onion Honey, are as sweet as they are savoury. I guess, I may not be doing the pun right. Hey, I don't get payed to write these! Join me as I chat with Esther and Dave about their roots, their folk, and their upcoming performance at Summer Lights! #sharethelove - Todd

What's the pitch for Social Art? It's in the name! Social Art's Lisa Braun has opened her door for many of our SLF interviews, and in this episode she chats with us about what they do. Also we chat with instructor Steph Dylke who you'll be able to see instructing painters (this could be you!) at Summer Lights 2018, at the Garment Street Hub (King St., Francis-College) in Downtown Kitchener.

Paige Warner is performing at the Accommod8u Hub Stage/Bob Blue stage as a part of June 9th's Summer Lights extravaganza. We talk about that, but also about releasing her debut EP "Revealed", as well as looking here & forward in her career, and being a female artist. Forgive the MP3's compression of her wonderful performance. There will be a HQ Soundcloud stream/download made available soon!

If you haven't noticed it, I love talking with other podcasts, on my podcast, it's like, META. There Was A Sale, is a media review podcast hosted by Kayla and Matt, they brought cookies (aww!) and we chatted about their show, some gripes with the overwhelming and never-ending surge of superhero films, mainly my gripes... and we even attempt to TWAS a Stanley Kubrick classic, collaboratively. - Todd

Michael Francis will be here and there during June 9th's Summer Lights in downtown Kitchener (SummerLights.ca). He sat down with Todd Donald & Katy Warren to chat about his unique and Guiness World Record breaking-style of performance, as well as his background, and more. This episode also features a small segment, with Charlene Le Duc chatting to our record location's host, Lisa Braun!