Bob's Basement: A Podcast About Change

Hey there! Been too long, I know. There is a little life news I hint at in the start of this episode, that I can't quite go into yet...and then my episode of WISHLIST from Pearl Jam Radio. I hope you enjoy. More podcasts to come more often - I promise.

Had some technical difficulties with this one...and we are a little late getting it out. One of the best Hard Rock bands to come out of the 90s is and was FILTER. Richard Patrick is the founder of Filter. Well, he really IS Filter. In August Bob had the pleasure of talking to Richard about his days in Nine Inch Nails, the new Filter album "The Algorithm", his sobriety and of course how does it feel to write a song like "Take a Picture" and see it grow and grow and grow

Sure he was in The Spoons.

Sure he was in Honeymoon Suite

Sure he is one of the most talented musicians the great city of Burlington ever produced...but he is by far known most as Bob's Duke Cousin Co-host of TOAST on Toronto Mike'd Podcast.

Monthly Bob and Rob join Mike and talk about music of all kinds.

This time Bob and Rob talk about change...in Rob's storied career!

In December 2022 Bob travelled to Treasure Beach Jamaica. And oh what a treasure it was! There he met entrepreneur and real estate developer Kirin Singh. A fellow Canadian Kirin had visited Jamaica in 2017 and thought "I'd really like to live here!" ....something most Canadians think when they travel south. The difference here is - She has done it! Talk about change!

Also check out the listing for her villa that is available for rentals - it's stunning!

https://jamaicaescapes.com/treasure-beach-jamaica-destiny

Award-winning actress and activist, Loretta Swit, who received the BETTY WHITE Award from Actors & Others for Animals in 2017, joins Bob to talk about her new fragrance and her new book available at www.switheart.org.

Of course they also talk about her many years as a stage and screen actor....and dive deep into the many changes that happened on the iconic television show MASH. 

WARNING:  There is Forty Creek Whisky consumed during this episode.

Adam Robinson knows about change.  He was the head of engineering at Evanov Radio Group for many years and during those years the company grew from 3 stations to something like 19.  All of those stations needed studios built.   Including 103.9 PROUD FM where Bob and Adam met.  If you are a fan of Bob's Basement then you know we owe Adam a huge thanks - as he helped Bob put together his basement studio and still to this day Bob records on a mic that Adam has "lent" him.  

This episode was recorded in early December of 2022.  

Jim Lang is celebrating 9 years as the morning show host on 105.9 The Region this year.   He has done television.   He has done radio.  He has done play by play.  He has done talk radio.   He has done sports radio.  And now he is in the basement to talk "change"

Bob and Jim talk about how growing up in a military household prepared him for all the unexpected changes that can come with a career in broadcast.   

Jim and Bob also discuss how technology has greatly changed the evolution of how traditional radio is made and consumed.

Talk about change!  One minute you're doing your successful morning show with a side hustle of a little voice work here and there...and the next you're on CNN, Good Morning America and Ryan Seacrest?!!?!?

That's what happened to Kat Callahan when she revealed that she is the voice of Tik Tok.

(Trust me you've heard her)

BUT Bob and Kat go waaaay back.  The currently work for the same company and it is the second time they have.  (Radio is a very small industry)

Take a listen!

Joel Carriere is responsible for bringing us some of the most iconic music in modern Canadian music history.  His record label and launched the careers of bands like Alexisonfire, City and Colour, Arkells, Monster Truck, The Dirty Nil, The Sheepdogs and many many more.  He has a unique viewpoint on how radio and records and band management have changed over the last twenty years.  Oh and he also recently broke his penis.  No joke.  SO WE HAD TO TALK ABOUT THAT.

About Karl Wolf:Karl Wolf is a Lebanese-Canadian musician raised in Dubai and based in Toronto. He is a singer, songwriter and producer who has released 5 certified Gold singles in addition to his 4X platinum international hit, “Africa”. Having collaborated with the likes of Timbaland, Juicy J, Fatman Scoop, among others, the MTV Europe and 6-time SOCAN award winner has now released 9 studio albums and is still going strong!

Karl and Bob have a very candid conversation about the changes in the music and radio industry.  Karl talks about the negative feedback he received after putting his own spin on what is considered a classic 80s tune.  And Karl talks about his upcoming cross Canada DIY live tour!

Jeff Domet and Bob began their broadcast journey's as interns on Edge 102's Humble and Fred Show.  Listen in as they discuss changes in the media landscape and changes in their personal lives.  Shawarma - is the first person to actually record INSIDE Bob's Basement.   A momentous occasion to be sure!

That was the original description of Episode 66.   But thanks to a technical glitch (aka Bob messing up) that one hour + episode is gone....forever.   In the meantime take a quick listen to an update from Bob and him talking to some youths about change.  Yes.  Youths.

Rob Daniels is what you might call a "journeyman" announcer on radio. Approaching 20 years in the business he's worked with some of the biggest names in Canadian radio including Tom Rivers, Tarzan Dan and Roger Rick and Marilyn. He and Bob worked together briefly as well. Rob has written a book called "Beyond The Mic" where he talks about all the changes in his life around radio and more. Mental health, physical health and career satisfaction are all covered.

James Sharman came to Canada from England when he was 16 years old with a love of sports and what turned out to be a passion for pie! James joins Bob this week to talk about change from being a "Headline Sports" PRE-day-oner to now proprietor of Sharman's Proper Pies. From Footy to Flaky Crusts and everything in between this episode is tasty!

Chris Brodbeck is the lead singer of See Spot Run. A lifetime musician Chris has had a "masterplan" that has had plenty of change. Chris and Bob discuss the ever changing role radio has to play in the success of a band. They talk about how to deal with label issues as a musician and what it is that gets Chris "through" the tough times.

You probably know Paul Romanuk best from his days as the play by play man for the World Juniors Hockey Tournament. He has been play by play for The Raptors and the Olympics. Paul talks about coming home to Canada from London England to take on his dream job as a play by play announcer on Hockey Night In Canada and dealing with the change of losing that position only four years in.

Rob Snoek has called play by play for over 20 Olympic events for the CBC. After his own successful career in track and field at the Paralympics Rob called his first events at the 2002 Salt Lake City Games. He's called over 1000 OHL hockey games. He is the sports director at Durham Radio. This guy knows broadcast and knows how it has changed.

If you are from Newfoundland there is a very good chance you have heard of Larry Foley...there is a very good chance you've seen him perform and you probably have even spoken to him. Larry started the band "The Punters" over 25 years ago and has been playing music ever since. Newfoundland had a major change right around the same time with the Cod fishery collapse. Bob and Larry also discuss how you keep traditions alive when faced with so much change.

Longtime Q107 morning show host John Derringer is the latest radio personality to join Bob in the Basement to talk change. Bob and John talk about what kind of changes need to be made to have the kind of longevity he has in an uber competitive market like Toronto. They also discuss John's sobriety and how having a family is truly the best way to change...for the better.

Sandra Plagakis is a morning radio veteran. She just celebrated 17 years with KiSS 105.3 in Ottawa. But longevity doesn't mean there hasn't been change. Bob and Sandra go over her career including her years with The Humble and Fred Show and Dean Blundell. They delve deep into sandra's unique perspective on change all the while having some great laughs. Oh and she swears. A Lot. It is great.

Who better than kids to talk about change these days? Google Classroom...Zoom classes...remote learning..."Fun Squares" (listen to find out more). Kids have been affected greatly by the pandemic and the changes it has caused. In this episode Bob talks to his two daughters Evangeline and Genevieve about how they feel about "change".

Andrea Houston is in the basement this week to talk about the ever changing world of Journalism. Andrea may be best known as one of Xtra! Magazines most prolific reporters. Bob met Andrea while he was the Program Director at 103.9 PROUD FM. Listen in as they discuss the evolving landscape of reporting, trans rights, sex worker rights and so much more.

A politician visits the basement this week. Now in his second term as Member of Parliament for Beaches-East York in Toronot Nathaniel Erskine Smith (aka Nate) is not your average backbencher. He and Bob discuss the ever changing role the parliamentarian along with the changes that came with the pandemic. Nate also sheds some light on the controversial Bill C-10 with Bob. They discuss if there are any real "checks and balances" with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's findings. Bob also reveals how Nate helped him personally while in Cuba at the very beginning of the pandemic.

Jennifer Sylvester is the co-host of Indigenous Waves on CIUT radio 89.5FM She is in her second year as a PhD Student in Social Justice Education @ U of T. She is an Indigenous Rights Activist. She is Indigenous . Oh, she also grew up with Bob. They've known each other for nearly 40 years! Take a listen to two old friends talk about change on a personal level and about the many changes happening with the Indigenous community and it's relationship to Canada. Follow Jennifer @jjsylvester04 on Twitter.

When it comes to change Dee Snider has a story to tell. In the mid 1980's his band Twisted Sister was at the top of the world with a massive album, major tour, and one of the most iconic videos of all time for "We're Not Gonna Take It". Fast forward a few years and Dee found himself broke and working a desk job. Dee shares his perspective on change as only a Metal Legend can. Take a listen and be sure to make it to the end where Dee goes off on many current events. Look for Dee Snider's latest solo record "Leave A Scar" on Napalm records on July 30 2021.

Cody and Kevin are an epic sounding prog rock two piece from Oshawa Ontario. Bob met them while Music Director at 94.9 the Rock. They are about to embark on their first headlining tour of Canada this fall. They have opened for Jack White and are Juno Award winners. Listen as they discuss how the pandemic actually saved the band. They also discuss the meaning of the band's name and how important Indigenous Rights are to them.

Fellow Torontonian Stu Stone is in the basement this week to talk all things change. Stu embodies the concept of change you just need to take a look at his resume. From Donnie Darko to My Pet Monster to Pandemic Fridays to Rollin' with Bob Saget Stu is a truly a jack of all trades. We also take a deeper look into Stu's history with pro wrestling and revisit some shared memories about Maple Leaf Gardens.

Bob shared an office with Pete Walker for nearly 4 years at Durham Radio. Pete has been the Music Director for what is essentially Canada's #1 Country Radio station for 24 years. He has seen much change in his personal life, in radio and in country music. Also - old school CFNY/Edge/Toronto Mike'd listeners should tune in because Pete has a very interesting perspective on an enigmatic personality that has been much talked about.... he went to high school with Martin Streek.

Fresh off their first performance with someone other than Gord Downie, Paul Langlois of The Tragically Hip joins Bob in the basement to take a deep dive into the concept of change. How have things changed in Paul's life since his best friend passed away? How did the writing process evolve for The Tragically Hip over 30+ years? How many attempts did it take before they had a beer that was suitable for the Tragically Hip name? Take a listen as Bob Basement welcomes another member of Canada's greatest band into discussion.

The Sheepdogs were the first unsigned band to appear on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine. So you wanna talk change huh? These guys have experienced change in many ways. They have a new album out called NO SIMPLE THING. Find out how the pandemic changed the making of the album and how they used Sidedoor access to attempt to break a world record......for shotgunning beers.

Happy PRIDE MONTH! Pearse Murray met Bob in the mid 2000s at 103.9 PROUD FM. Pearse was known at the worlds oldest intern...as he was semi-retired from Real Estate at the time Pearse volunteered his time at the world's first LGBT radio station where Bob was the Program Director. Pearse is passionate about telling the stories from the gay community around Toronto. He served on the board for nearly a decade of the Gay and Lesbian Archives. He came out in 1962 in Toronto and has been with his partner since 1977. A great story teller and a great person - take a listen to Pearse Murray.

On the heels of the release of "I Wanna Play" John Angus of the Trews joins Bob in the virtual basement on change in this episode. They talk about the evolution of writing as a band ages. They speak about John Angus' thoughts on how technology has changed the process of recording an album. And of course they talk about that latest banger "I Wanna Play" a song that directly was inspired by the frustrations of being in the middle of a Global Pandemic.

Don't fuck with the truck in the basement kids. Jon Harvey joins Bob in the Basement to talk pandemic life and what it is like to go from performing for 10s of thousands of people to taking a job at a steel factory to pay your bills. Even if you aren't a fan of his band - give Jon some time here. He is pragmatic, funny and his perspective is truly unique.

The Standstill aka Renee and Johnny are a married 2 piece rock n roll band! They've toured with Nickelback. They've won awards. They've opened for Lenny Kravitz. They've covered Alice Cooper. And now they are in the basement talking change. What is it like to write and make music with your spouse? Does that change the dynamic of your marriage? How did Johnny end up spending a weekend at Chad Kroeger's place? And most importantly: Is Bob's cat related to their cat? Ok that's not most important - when will we hear new music from The Standstills? Listen and find out.