The Unknown Studio

Many of our regular listeners and readers will recall (you WILL recall, I demand it!) that we launched a contest at the end of August designed to bring new blood into the careening mass of weirdness we call The Podcast. We asked listeners to become contributors by pitching us segment ideas. Part of the reasoning was to provide a different persepctive and also to take some of the production pressure off of Scott and me. We love what we’re doing, of course, but it’s a lot of work. So if there were people out there who were interested, we thought we’d exploit them.

And, like a bunch of fame-seeking lemmings, many of you responded. Read the rest of this entry »

Popularity: 9% [?]

We love great content — content that focuses on the interesting stories in Edmonton that should be told to the masses. So we want you — our listeners — to help us create this content. We want YOU to produce a segment for the Unknown Studio.

As such, we’re holding a contest starting today, and ending on September 30. We want you to pitch us your segment idea. It can be hard news, comedy, skit-based, a radio play, a series of interviews — whatever you want. Read the rest of this entry »

Popularity: 27% [?]

Scott and I met for lunch the other day to discuss the forthcoming season of the Unknown Studio — our third since we launched this puppy back in June 2009. Originally, we’d agreed to take a short summer hiatus. That has turned into a full-on summer vacation from our beloved podcast. There are several contributing factors to our extended absence Read the rest of this entry »

Popularity: 17% [?]

This is my Dad. He was born over 60 years ago in a little Dutch town called Geleen. He and his family moved to Canada in the 50s eager to start new lives in this young land.

Dad has three boys, and I’m right in the middle. My eldest brother, Pieter, is a dad to an 18-month-old. Gilbert is his name. My little brother Josh hopes to be a dad one day soon too.

Dad imbued all of his children with a sense of discover and wonder, either by accident or by design. I’m sure that even he is really sure. But he’s always been a tremendous support and a loving man over the years.

Dad taught us it was OK to cry at movies. He taught us to own up to our mistakes. He taught us to be ambitious, to make our mark, and to be upbeat and positive. He taught us that good things do not come to those who wait; they come to those who get off their asses and work hard.

And he did all this by showing us how. A successful man in the twilight of his career, my dad is planning to retire soon. And I can’t wait for him to enjoy the fruits of his labors.

Dad’s had a long and storied work life. He owned a few businesses with some partners, including a gas station and a hotel in Edmonton — neither of which are around anymore. He hit a rough patch when he sold those businesses and had to work as a carpenter making cabinets for the Miseracordia Hospital expansion in the west end. It was tough for him and my mom to make ends meet during that time, but they never let us kids know they were struggling. They always tried to give us everything.

Dad pursued a career in human resources after that, mostly I think because he loved working with people. And people love working with my dad. We can’t go anywhere without him bumping into an old friend or acquaintance, and Dad always takes the time to catch up.

Dad’s taught me everything I know about being a man. And it isn’t any of that lumberjack, burly-man nonsense. It’s about being a positive force in my community, helping out friends, family and even strangers. And having a passion for people.

Thanks for making me the man I am today, Dad. Happy Fathers Day!

Popularity: 14% [?]

As you’ve no doubt noticed – the show didn’t go up on Wednesday!

Yes, we’re running a bit late again this week. Due to plenty of business cropping up as we move toward the end of our season, the show will once again be delayed until some time on Friday.

But it will arrive! Fret not! You’ll be able to listen to it over the weekend, blending it seamlessly with your other weekend activities.

So hold, tight!

Popularity: 11% [?]

Courtney Seguin isn’t your typical sedentary Canadian. She’s a vibrant, active 31-year-old Edmontonian. Her life changed in March 2011, however, when she was diagnosed with breast cancer.

Many of us think about the psychological and physiological impact of cancer. But most people don’t consider the financial impact of a cancer diagnosis. So Courtney’s friends have banded together to host the first fundraiser in what will hopefully become an annual event called Courtney’s Closet.

Sylvia Forster, one of the event organizers and Courtney’s close friend explains. Read the rest of this entry »

Popularity: 13% [?]