The Bluff

Join us as we explore the captivating world of music with our incredible guest, "the people's DJ", and a Cardinal Newman Original: DJ Danny D. From his early beginnings deejaying sock hops at Newman to commanding the airwaves at 12pm and 5pm to electrifying festivals and his own music production, Danny D has made waves in the industry that show no signs of stopping. Discover the secrets behind his success and his evolution as an artist.This episode marks the end of the school year, but stay tuned for more inspiring interviews with former students and staff. Follow us on social media, subscribe to our show, and let the rhythm keep you company until we return. If you know, you know!Support the show

In this episode of The Bluff Podcast, host Joe D'Aquila welcomes his longtime friend and talented AI artist, Joe Lynch. They discuss Joe's journey from being a visual artist and school principal to an up-and-coming AI artist, exploring the fascinating world of AI-generated art. They delve into the fears and excitement surrounding AI, addressing Elon Musk's concerns about potential risks and pondering the impact of AI on society. Joe shares insights about his popular Instagram page, dejaview.tv, and offers advice for aspiring AI artists. Join us for an engaging conversation at the intersection of art and technology, and let's embrace the possibilities that AI art has to offer.Check out Joe Lynch's A.I. Art here on Dejaview.tvSupport the show

This Bluff Bill-of-Fare features another truly savoury dish...an interview with Chef Patrick Kriss, founder and owner of the Alo Group.  The interview covers various topics, including the difference between successful and failing restaurants, the competitive world of the culinary arts, and what inspires Chef Patrick to pursue his passion. The episode concludes with advice for young people interested in pursuing culinary arts, emphasizing the importance of hard work, skill, and teamwork.  If you want to know what it takes to achieve success in the restaurant business--or any business for that matter, tune in to see what's on the menu.Music Credit: Music and SFX are licensed through Artlist.cohttps://alofoodgroup.com/Support the show

Our guest was a student at Newman from 1998-2002, who is currently doing post-doctoral work with the Civic Engagement Group,  We discuss the “good life”, how one goes about pursuing a Phd, the topic of financial literacy in education, and what our approach to financial literacy has revealed about what our society values. Please welcome to the show Dr. Agata Soroko.Music Credit:Miami Nights 1984 - Decelerated Miami Nights 1984 - Sentimentalhttps://agatasoroko.comSupport the show

The Finale (part 2) to this two-part series features stories from Ricky's already long and accomplished career.  From playing with a sax great, to touring and getting a compliment from a legend in a purple velvet room.  Playing at Lollapalooza,  getting a laugh backstage from Jack and a pat on the back from a boss at the bar.  Marco reminisces about his long and candid chat with one the greatest trumpet players of all time. This episode brings it all to a close. Don't miss these stories.FUN FACT 1:  "Salida" the song which plays at the beginning of Part 2 is a collaboration between Marco and Ricky.  FUN FACT 2: "Vineland" the song at the end of Part 2 and Part 1 is a collaboration between Marco, Ricky and another very formidable guitar player and alumnus, Peter Eratostene.  Music Credit:Marco Marrone (feat. Ricky Tillo on lead guitar) - Salida  Marco Marrone (feat. Peter Eratostene on bass and Ricky Tillo on lead guitar)- VinelandShuko and 3pmbeats - Last Sunrays  Background Sound Clips:Wynton Marsalis  - Aural Oasis, Carnival of VeniceLady Gaga - Edge of Glory (saxophone part)Brian Eno - Music for Airports, Apollo (Ascent)Daniel Lanois - Death of a Train...as well as...various clips from public sources...Links:https://soundcloud.com/marcomarronemusichttps://www.facebook.com/salidaprojectband/https://www.facebook.com/rickytillomusic/Support the show

Part one of this two-part series is all about Newman’s musical tradition and Ricky and Marco's experiences over the years at the school.   Overture  delves into Ricky's past, his growth from a young musician and his entry into the world of music and some of his early experiences in the music room at Newman.  Our two guests share their visions of music and composition in an intriguing dialogue on music and creativity in general.  All this builds to the finale (released next March. 4 2022).  Music Credit:Last Sunrays - Shuko  & 3pmbeatsGeezmo - Summer of 98Vineland - Marco Marrone (feat. Peter Eratostene and Ricky Tillo)Salida - Marco Marrone (feat. Ricky Tillo)  Links:https://soundcloud.com/marcomarronemusichttps://www.facebook.com/salidaprojectband/https://www.facebook.com/rickytillomusic/Support the show

Our guest today has been enjoying a fruitful career in finance, but lately has been a part of a group of volunteers from all walks of life for Vaccine Hunters Toronto.  They have been instrumental in providing helpful information for those wishing to learn about vaccines and have assisted in making appointments for thousands of people in our city. Please welcome a class of 2000 grad--like me, to the show today.  Great chat!Music Credit:Donkeychote and Mossala - Pear Porridge,Tom Doolie - FriendsLinks to Content:https://www.historyofvaccines.org/timeline/allhttps://vaccinehunters.ca/Support the show

This is a very important Listen!  Our guest has been reporting on events in Washington D.C. during the most politically and socially tumultuous times in America in recent memory.  Events south of the 49th parallel have become more of a concern for Canadians lately, and for many of his readers,  Ed Keenan has been an insightful, clear and articulate voice in a mire of fake news and un-truth in the world today.   Our show covers a number of topics from his beginnings as a writer, to what the job is really all about.  We also cover the way in which information and media has changed over the last decade and the various existential threats that currently face American and Canadian democracy.  I am so happy to have sat down with this guest and friend…our New-man in Washington. Music Credit:  Green Piccolo -  Traffic Night EPSupport the show

I had a lot of fun doing this one.  Our guest today has been the woodshop teacher for a number of years.  Today we will sit down and discuss his subject area; dispel some of the “trades work” myths we have all heard over the years, delve into his background and craft, and explore the various paths all students can take to get into the trades.  The following I know is true beyond any doubt: If you need to build something out of wood, concrete, steel or any other material commonly used in construction today, this is the man with the plan—and he can read and design those too! We sit down with  our very own Newman toolman Carm Natale.  Music Credit: Sumishi - Mo'vax, Parkbench, Epiphany - Antimidas Support the show

Our guest today is former graduate of what was then called Cardinal Newman High School.  Her voice has been described as energetic and the lyrics to her song as honest and soulful.  As a country music artist, she has accumulated a number of accolades already, specifically for her song-writing, being placed on the Nashville's  Songwriters Associations “one’s to watch” list in 2014.  With her bandmates in  New Moon Junction, she continues to perform on tour, make albums, create beautiful music and is enjoying the ride…please enjoy my interview with singer-songwriter Barbara Lynn Doran.   Episode Music Credit: Geezmo - Summer of '98, Our Samplus - Check it Out, C4C - I'm a Folk-Hoper, New Moon Junction - The Other Side of Goodbye (Live), New Moon Junction - Waiting on a Feeling, New Moon Junction - Real Good Kinda Thing (Live), De Ford Bailey - Don't Get Weary Children, De Ford Bailey - John HenryLink to Artist Content:·       New Moon Junction's website: https://newmoonjunction.com/home·       Barbara's personal webpage: https://www.barbaralynndoran.ca/ Support the show

Elizabeth Wicik is one of the first voices we all hear in the morning and usually the last one before the end-of-day bell.  As chaplain, she works to ensure that the school remains centered in the teachings and example of Christ.   Her commitment to faith development among our students is tireless, and aside from her many years of service in education as school Chaplain and religion teacher at Newman, she also has an adventurous side,. We had a great chat about the journey we are all on and what keeps people coming to Newman. Music cred: DECAP x Keifer - FamilyCentral Park ChillinDelayde, Anybodyy - Time Went BySupport the show

Our last episode of this season  features a guest whose career spanned over five decades, and every single one of those thirty-seven  years was at, what was then--Cardinal Newman…talk about having perspective!He taught history and economics mainly, but was also heavily involved with many productions put on at The  Newman theatre, having a starring role in a few of them.  The latter part of his career was spent coaching boys and girls soccer, and winning several TDCAA championships with both.  But how could a teacher spend so many years at the same school? As we find out, for him, it was an easy choice.He is that unmistakable laughter in the crowd, and a man of many names; some know him as Miles Gloriosus, some as D’Aq, some as Coach…some as Sir.  I know him simply as dad.  Enjoy listening to our conversation with the "Original" Joe D'Aquila. (Music: Isaintjames - Your Logic)Check out some of his written work here:Love Among the Ruinshttps://read.amazon.ca/kp/embed?asin=B092YTZ69N&preview=newtab&linkCode=kpe&ref_=cm_sw_r_kb_dp_2WYNW3K34SVGBW7WH1AJA New Earthhttps://read.amazon.ca/kp/embed?asin=B01LY6SGT6&preview=newtab&linkCode=kpe&ref_=cm_sw_r_kb_dp_Y9M7AZDZEHKBAHDANES9Maxhttps://read.amazon.ca/kp/embed?asin=B01EQOZ8R0&preview=newtab&linkCode=kpe&ref_=cm_sw_r_kb_dp_KTAH2WGJBXN55DXQ96WJRequiem For Justicehttps://read.amazon.ca/kp/embed?asin=B01E6ZSU4C&preview=newtab&linkCode=kpe&ref_=cm_sw_r_kb_dp_ME9Z1KDQSBPVR5B772DX...and so many more...check em out on Kindle.ca...Support the show

Our two guests on today's episodes have been teachers and coaches as Newman for many many years.  The Rugby program at school was once only for boys, but Eva and Sandro were instrumental in changing that, and all that work has benefitted countless young ladies to have come through our school over the years.   The program’s success is a testament to their hard work, but also to the special atmosphere they helped create in the program.  Today our guests trace the evolution of the program at Newman, recognize others that helped make it possible and show gratitude to all the players that helped foster a family atmosphere.  Today is all about the rugby family…a family that tries…please welcome Eva Roser and Sandro Mancino to the Bluff today.  (Music: Jinsang - Bliss)Support the show

Today’s guests have strong and long-standing ties to the Newman community.  The roots are strong…and they run deep.These two very talented musicians formed part of Toronto Rock band The Belvistas that toured alongside other notable artists, including the Tragically Hip, Blue Rodeo, Tom Cochrane, Jeff Healey and many more.These days Mark and Buzz still enjoy making music on their own, but they still get together to play as part of another musical project known as Stone Blue. Maybe some of our listeners, like myself, have had the privilege of hearing them play back when that was something that we did…  Today’s very enjoyable and light-hearted discussion explores their long and ongoing journey in music and reflect on all the gifts that a career in music has given them.  Please welcome to The Bluff, Mark Ripp and Bob Hamlyn. Links: Bandcamp Links (Stone Blue EP and The Bel-Vistas Live @ The Silver Dollar:https://stoneblue.bandcamp.com/releaseshttps://thebel-vistas.bandcamp.com/releasesMark Ripp's Website: https://www.markripp.com/Various Facebook Links:https://www.facebook.com/markripp/https://www.facebook.com/stonebluerockinbandhttps://www.facebook.com/thebelvistasYoutube:https://www.youtube.com/user/markrippSupport the show

Our Newman Alumnus is the incredibly talented Alicia K. Harris.  She is the most exciting young directors in the country.  She attended Newman not too long ago, but since leaving these hallowed halls, she has gone on complete a degree at Ryerson in Image Arts and her films have won multiple awards and have been feature on CBC, TVO, Bell Fibe TV, and most recently, her film Only Light Will Touch Us  was part of a short film series produced by Reel Canada and Netflix.  She recently directed film Scarborough, a touching portrayal of our fine city. During our interview we discovered an interesting connection with our lives and the City of Toronto Department of Arts and Culture.  The real meat and potatoes of our discussion had to do with her education, her craft, and what else she has in store for us.  We are  pleased to welcome the incredibly talented Alicia K. Harris to The Bluff today. (Music by: Mono Massive & Philanthrope, CYGN, Alcyboos & Gatz2Gatz)Links:Check out some of Alicia's body of work at  https://aliciakharris.com/Also, check out where our paths first crossed.  A fantastic summer art camp: https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/history-art-culture/cultural-centres-galleries/cedar-ridge-creative-centre/ Support the show

Today’s episode features a Newman alumnus who attended Newman with me  during the 1990’s, a period of demographic change in Scarborough.  Today’s guest went on to pursue a career in education and has been heavily involved in the Tamil community throughout her life.   Her family's story of leaving their native Sri Lanka during the war and the harrowing experiences they faced escaping the war were almost surreal to me.   Recently, she was instrumental in getting Tamil cultural celebrations within the board officially recognized by the TCDSB.   She is a science teacher, a school chaplain. a wonderful mother to a beautiful family and just a genuinely wonderful person.  It was great to catch up.   Support the show

Our guest today is currently the  Superintendent of Equity, Diversity and Indigenous Education.  For a time, he was also a teacher at Cardinal Newman, and is still connected to the community through the good relationships he still has with several current and former teachers.  Our conversation covers the current state of equity in our school board and what plans he and his department have to tackle some of the various issues surrounding equity and diversity in our schools.  Derek also weighs in on how de-streaming courses can lead to broader success among our students and the need for greater curricular diversity to create a more inclusive school environment for all of  students. This was a light-hearted discussion about some of the issues surrounding equity and anti-racism in schools.(Music: Marcos Caixa)Support the show

These two Newman Alumnae have been responsible for creating so many memorable musical moments for staff and former students over the years.  Some of you may have had the pleasure of being at some of their live performances over the years.  They are both very talented musicians, performers and just fantastic human beings…maybe Newman has something to do with this? Who knows! (Music: Vanilla Breeze,  Home Court, Burrito Brown)   Robbie and Matthew Live Music for Weddings and Events Website: http://www.robbieandmatthew.com/ Instagram: @robbieandmatthew Facebook: facebook.com/robbieandmatthew Matthew Winkler Find his music on all streaming platforms. Twitch: twitch.tv/matthewwinkler Website: https://www.matthewwinklermusic.com/ Robbie Wighton. First solo EP out in 2021! Instagram: @robbiewightonmusicSupport the show

Our guest has been a part of the Newman community—first as a student, and then as a teacher for over three decades.  Her contributions have enriched life at Newman for staff, students and parents in so many ways.  Our candid discussion focuses on her role as teacher, producer and director over the course of her long tenure, her methods, her philosophies on directing and her plans for the near future.    Sit back, relax and bask  in the warmth of her many positive memories.  We will explore her methods, her vision and putting it all together!  Art isn't easy, but the rewards are great indeed.  Enjoy this one listeners! (Music: Neon Hour)Support the show

Andrew Teggelove and Donald Lindo have run a very successful boys basketball program at Newman for a good long while now.  They led a group of boys in the 2019 season to a 15-1 record, to lose only in the final in the very last moments of the game.  A pretty formidable record, just one of the things we will touch on today in our candid discussion about what it takes to run a successful basketball program at this level.  (Music: SMUV, Loop Schrauber, 3pmbeatz)Support the show