EP 370 | Juno Winner Aysanabee heads west on The Way Were Born Tour

November 1, 2025

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Juno Winner Aysanabee headlines his first national tour.

Two-time JUNO Award-winning Oji-Cree artist Aysanabee has been riding a powerful wave for over three years, and this fall he’s bringing it coast to coast.

Following the release of his June release album Edge Of The Earth on Ishkōdé Records, Aysanabee kicks off The Way We’re Born Tour on November 6 in Edmonton, with more than 20 dates across Alberta, BC, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Quebec, and Ontario.

Tour Dates: www.aysanabee.com/tour

Aysanabee once again announced that each show will feature local Indigenous opening artists.

“I had the best time featuring and connecting with local Indigenous artists on the first leg of my headlining tour this past winter, and I couldn’t wait to do it again for this next run.” –

“Every song on this record offers a window into very transitional moments in my life. Over the last few years I was faced with decisions that often took me inwards and made me question the core of my creativity, ‘What drives me to make art and how much would I be willing to sacrifice for it?’ I mulled over calling the record ‘Reflections” ‘or ‘Patterns,’ but landed on Edge of the Earth, because oftentimes these decisions would take me to the edge of an unknown and leave me wondering if I was ready to take a leap of faith. I can’t say I was ready , but I can tell you how it felt, and it is in these songs.”

My thanks to journalist Lynn Saxburg for taking all of us through the highs and lows of Aysanabee’s early childhood and adult life. Outstanding Journalism!!

https://ottawacitizen.com/entertainment/meet-aysanabee-the-first-artist-signed-to-ottawa-based-indigenous-label

EP 369 | Bahamas New Album ‘My Second Last Album’

October 26, 2025

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Afie Jurvanen (aka Bahamas) has announced My Second Last Album, his seventh studio release and the follow-up to Bootcut. The record arrived everywhere on October 24, 2025 and finds Afie back in Nova Scotia, trading Nashville’s storied studios for the coastal quiet of a backyard shed.
Recorded at DreamDate, the compact studio built by friend and collaborator Joshua Van Tassel, My Second Last Album was shaped almost entirely by the two musicians, who played every instrument across its 10 tracks. The result is one of the best Bahamas albums yet.
The first listen to My Second Last Album comes with the expected driving country-funk, equal parts groove and grit. As always, Afie’s lyrics capture both humour, heart and a
loose, spirited energy that defines the album.

Enjoy!!
My Second Last Album

EP 368 | Mariel Buckley releases New Album Strange Trip Ahead /Complete Canadian tour with Matt Anderson

October 19, 2025

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Americana singer-songwriter Mariel Buckley announces her just-released album – Strange Trip Ahead, out Friday, October 17, 2025, via Birthday Cake Records.

It finds Mariel venturing into new sonic ground for her, embracing an indie-rock song box that leans away from her country and Americana roots. The album reveals a deep dive into themes of adolescent shame, secrecy, and queer longing. With complex songs that take the listener through the emotional turbulence of youth, crafting a listening experience that feels like floating in uncertainty, suspended one moment, crashing the next.

Mariel begins a bold new direction with this Strange Trip Ahead.

“I was itching to try something a little heavier than my previous stuff,” she shares. “I wanted to move away from synths and keys in general, citing references from indie rock, pop music, and alt-country.”

The album offers an honest portrait of empty hotel rooms, long stretches of highway, and the quiet loneliness found in mundane rituals like pumping gas and loitering around with a bad cup of coffee. Almost Nomadland-like, it feels like a slice-of-life vignette; a glimpse into the less-than-glamorous underbelly of being a working artist.

Our interview starts with talking about our favourite track from the album. We both picked the last track…. Lucky. (A complete gem.) It also includes the album title in the lyrics.

Nashville Now – Builds slowly and gets darker with every bar and chord.

Somewhere else, which mentions drinking a $13.00 wine

Vending machine – glorious harmonies smothered in beautiful dark lyrics.

“Dreaming and drowning, disdain and devotion to a career spent adoring travel and the limelight. Packing and unpacking. Feeling sorry for myself.” Mariel calls these songs her most honest work to date. There is a glimmer of light, I hope you can find and shine on the corners of your mind.

That feeling is too dark to bear. Hang on, buddy – the best is yet to come.”

Mariel starts a complete coast-to-coast tour with Matt Anderson Jan 24 in Glace Bay, NS and finishes in Victoria, BC March 2.

(Feb 25 Calgary – Feb 26 Edmonton)

@mariel_buckley

www.marielbuckley.com

EP 367 | Terra Lightfoot Guests. New Album ‘Home Front’

October 11, 2025

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A long-distance pal returns to the podcast.

Sensational Singer- Prolific Songwriter – Road Warrior. Terra Lightfoot

Terra Lightfoot has a well-earned reputation as a tireless live performer, with a tour history mapped across the globe and awards testifying to every mile logged along the way. To date, Lightfoot’s marathon tours have touched down in eight countries across four continents. She also conceived, created, curated, produced and co-headlined The Longest Road Show, an all-female touring revue.

Most fans would reasonably assume that the singer-songwriter’s natural element is in the spotlight. But even accomplished touring artists like Lightfoot feel the insistent tug of home. That place, which for Lightfoot is a scenic hideaway, is captured in warm detail on the artist’s intimate new album, Home Front. In stark contrast to the anthemic alt-pop riffs of 2017’s New Mistakes and 2023’s Healing Power (each of which earned the artist JUNO Award nominations and Polaris Music Prize mentions), this is an unplugged session in more ways than one.

In Terra’s words …..

“This house is a special place. “It sits all by itself between woods and streams that go on for acres and acres, and a beautiful wetland teeming with wildlife. I find myself living more comfortably in my own bones than ever before when I’m here. There is a deep quiet here, in the house that backs onto the beaver marsh. Blue herons fly, and moose and bears walk the forest path out back. It is a place where I can’t help but be more connected to the natural world. Being so engrossed in the world of loud rock ’n’ roll guitar doesn’t leave a lot of space for field recording or softly strummed nylon strings. Home Front is the place where I can share all those softer and sweeter moments.”

Home Front releases Oct 17th.

Next Week – Mariel Buckley and her newest album Strange Road Trip, which premieres’ same day, Oct 17

Ep 366 | Ben Immanuel ‘Are We Done Now?’

October 4, 2025

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Award-winning writer/director/actor Ben Immanuel’s feature film Are We Done Now? was released for VOD in Canada on September 30. The film makes its U.S. Premiere at the SOHO International Film Festival from October 7-14.

Are We Done Now, starring Gabrielle Miller with Favour Onwuka, Natalie Farrow, Eliot Ramsey, Giacomo Baessato, Jennifer Spence, and Camille Sullivan, promises to resonate with audiences on both comedic and deeply emotional levels.

Ben Immanuel

The film won the Audience Award for “Most Popular Canadian Feature Film” at its Canadian Premiere at the Available Light Film Festival, and Natalie Farrow recently won a Leo Award for “Outstanding Supporting Performance in a Motion Picture” for her role as “Lennon.” This thought-provoking dramedy will resonate with audiences on both comedic and deeply emotional levels.

Shot between 2020 and 2024, Immanuel brings to the screen a profoundly relatable story following Pamela, a therapist (played by Gabrielle Miller of Corner Gas and Unspeakable: The Murder of JonBenét Ramsey), and her diverse young clients as they participate in a (fictionalized) documentary exploring the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on their mental health. Through this experience, they—and the filmmaker—gain unexpected self-insight, leading to a deeper understanding of their identities and roles in our transformed world.

The film’s cast features an array of talent, including Favour Onwuka (Dying to Belong), Giacomo Baessato (The Good Doctor), Jennifer Spence (The Trades), Camille Sullivan (Shoresy, Hunter, Hunter), Elliott Ramsey (UnREAL), and Natalie Farrow (Siren). Immanuel also appears as the documentarian, offering a unique perspective on the characters’ journeys

Our podcast interview is with Ben Immanuel Ratner – Director!!

EP 365 | Introducing Jeff Guignard. New CEO-President of Wine Growers of BC

September 27, 2025

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Not only is he outspoken and focused, but Jeff also spent 10 years in Ottawa. He knows well which doors to knock on or kick down.

Jeff Guignard

Jeff has been traveling to the various wine growing regions of BC and learning firsthand the challenges brought by climate and dealing with Crafted in BC wines.

We’ll talk about the future of specific varietals in BC (Syrah, Riesling, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and more)

Jeff brings comments on “generational opportunities“, getting more BC wines on store shelves and all the challenges ahead.

He brings strong commentary on Interprovincial shipping and relationships in Alberta.

Also, Jeff reminds us that Wine BC kicks off Fall For BC.

Inspiring visitors to explore BC Wine Country. Discover new memories and experiences. Get connected or reconnected to wine country.

Come meet the new voice and face of BC Wine. – Jeff Guignard.

www.winebc.com

EP 363 | Nigel, Derek, David and Marty – Back with Spinal Tap 2 – The End Continues

September 13, 2025

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Just when the world needs a laugh, here comes The Tap.

All three guest with Terry David Mulligan on Sunday.

Saturday he’s joined by their Director Marty DiBergi .

Forty-one years after the release of the groundbreaking mockumentary This Is Spinal Tap, the now-estranged bandmates David St. Hubbins, Nigel Tufnel, and Derek Smalls (Michael McKean, Christopher Guest, and Harry Shearer) are forced to reunite for one final concert.

Spinal Tap II: The End Continues also marks the resurrection of documentarian Marty DiBergi (Rob Reiner), who once again tries to capture his favourite metal gods as they contemplate mortality—and the hope that their 12th drummer doesn’t join them in The Great Beyond.

Joined by music royalty Paul McCartney and Elton John, Spinal Tap wrestles with their checkered past to put on a concert that they hope will solidify their place in the Hall of rock ’n’ roll.

Part 2 on Sunday with ‘The Tap”

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EP 362 | Madeleine Roger Nerve (Extended)

September 6, 2025

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Maddy reveals how the acoustic versions of four songs from Nerve were included on the just-released NERVE (extended) album.

Because they were about relationships and breakups, Madeleine wanted them to sound like they were recorded at a campfire. Warmer and less Conflicted.

(my words, not hers)

Madeleine is off on another Road Adventure. Touring with The Bros Landreth, Fretless and VASEN.

A number of dates come from being one of 6 winners of the famous Kerrville New Folk Winners Tour in Texas. Impressive list below.

Upcoming Performances:

Sep 15 – Winnipeg, MB @ Burton Cummings Theatre (opening for Noah Reid)

Sep 21 – Winnipeg, MB @ The West End Cultural Centre

Sep 23 – Seattle, WA @ The Triple Door *

Sep 25 – Ashland, OR @ Grizzly Peak Winery *

Sep 26-28 – Sisters, OR @ Sisters Folk Festival *

Oct 2 – Los Angeles, CA @ Hotel Cafe

Oct 40 – Portland, ME @ One Longfellow Square ^

Nov 2 – Northampton, MA @ The Parlour Room

Nov 9 – New Braunfels, TX @ New Braunfels House Concert ~

Nov 10 – Wimberley, TX @ MIlagro Springs House Concert ~

Nov 11 – Houston, TX @ McGonigel’s Mucky Duck ~

Nov 12 – Austin, TX @ 04 Center ~

Nov 15 – Fischer, TX @ Cabin 10 Presents: Old Folk New Folk Festival ~

Nov 16 – San Antonio, TX @ Bowman House Concerts ~

Nov 21 – McKinney, TX @ Guitar Sanctuary +

Nov 22 – Fort Worth, TX @ Magnolia Motor Lounge +

Nov 23 – Austin, TX @ Antone’s Nightclub +

*with The Fretless

^supporting Väsen
~ Kerrville New Fold “Winners Tour”

+Supporting The Bros. Landreth

EP 361 | Ron Sexsmith with 18th Album ‘Hangover Terrace’

August 30, 2025

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Our guest this week is songwriter, storyteller and singer with a one-of-a-kind voice, Ron Sexsmith.

I think the older I get, the clearer those memories become—and the more precious,”

Friday of this week, he released his 18^th album, Hangover Terrace.

It’s a wonderfully complex album born during Ron’s extended stay in the UK after his Sexsmith at Sixty tour. Recorded at London’s Eastcote Studios with longtime producer Martin Terefe, the sessions marked a turning point—ushering in a more introspective sound.

“This record speaks to the hangover I feel from the last few years of pandemic and life knocking us around,”

Gone is the gentle optimism of his recent work, The Vivian Line & Hermitage—Hangover Terrace is marked by personal loss, shifting friendships, and emotional grit.

Ron Sexsmith proves, once again, that no one captures life’s quiet truths quite like he can. “The version of me that wrote those early records couldn’t write these songs,” he says. “Don’t give up. Stay focused on what’s real.”

There was a celebration of Gordon Lightfoot and his songs at Massey Hall not too long ago. Missing was the biggest fan of Gord, Ron Sexsmith.

Ron organized his own celebration for Gord at Hugh’s Room in Toronto from Jan 31 to Feb 2. It was all Gord, and each show was sold out. For the Mulligan Stew Podcast and the Terry David Mulligan YouTube Channel, Ron lays the whole story out.

He also takes us through his new songs….

Easy for you to say, “I wear my heart on my sleeve, where’s your heart at?

Cigarette and Cocktail “what comes for us, we can’t outrun”

Damn well please – “I’ve got one life, that’s all I know”

Burgoyne Woods “up to no good in Burgoyne Woods. A band of misfits from the land of hosers.”

Must be something wrong with her, “she says I’m lovely but the mirror says otherwise”

Ron Sexsmith tour dates include

Oct 31 Festival Place Sherwood Park

Nov 1 The Grand Calgary

Nov 4 The Winspear. Sidney BC

Nov 5 Parksville, Vancouver Island

Nov 7 The Hollywood, Vancouver.

https://ronsexsmith.com/tours/

EP 360 | Rhiannon Giddens, 2 interviews – Edmonton Folk Music Festival

August 23, 2025

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“I started singing at an ungodly age, standing in my crib and warbling at passing family members. I didn’t really think of it as a career until I went to the School of Science and Math and realized that I never wanted to do another algorithm. So I went to Oberlin Conservatory and did the whole opera/recital thing, burned out and discovered the banjo! The rest is history.”

Rhiannon Giddens

Singer-songwriter Giddens is the co-founder of the GRAMMY Award–winning African-American string band Carolina Chocolate Drops, in which she also played banjo and fiddle. She began gaining recognition as a solo artist when she stole the show at the T Bone Burnett–produced Another Day, Another Time concert at New York City’s Town Hall in 2013. She sang Odetta’s Water Boy with, as the New York Times put it, “the fervor of a spiritual, the yips of a folk holler, and the sultry insinuation of the blues,”

The elegant bearing, prodigious voice, and fierce spirit that brought the NYC audience to its feet that night, and audiences around the world since, was also abundantly evident on Giddens’ Grammy-nominated solo debut album, “Tomorrow Is My Turn”. The recording masterfully blends American genres like gospel, jazz, blues, and country, showcasing her extraordinary emotional range and dazzling vocal prowess. She since followed that success with “Freedom Highway”, produced by T Bone Burnett. A record that traces the power of African-American song from 200 years ago to today.

It has become abundantly clear that Rhiannon Giddens was to take her place as a peerless and powerful voice in roots music, and her appearance at the festival was to be eagerly, enthusiastically, breathlessly anticipated.

“What was on display tonight was the performance of an artist on the cusp of a true critical and commercial breakthrough with a voice that was regal, confident and, at every turn, breathtaking.” -The Musical Box

A founding member of the landmark Black string band Carolina Chocolate Drops, and the all-female banjo supergroup, Our Native Daughters, Giddens is as much a curator as a creator. She is the current Artistic Director of the Yo-Yo Ma-founded Silkroad Ensemble, hosts a TV show on PBS, My Music with Rhiannon Giddens, and has hosted two podcasts (Aria Code from New York City’s NPR affiliate station WQXR, which ran for three seasons, and American Railroad from Silkroad). Giddens has published two children’s books and written and performed music for the soundtrack of Red Dead Redemption II, one of the best-selling video games of all time. She appeared as a recurring cast member on ABC’s hit drama Nashville and as a music history expert on Ken Burns’ Country Music series on PBS. This year, she launched her own music festival in Durham, NC called Biscuits & Banjos, to celebrate Black culture outside the mainstream.