Nowhere Fast
By Wesley O'Driscoll
Nowhere FastAug 25, 2022
Episode 108. Dustin Henry.
A Conversation with Skateboarder, Dustin Henry.
Dustin is a Skateboarder, one of the 4 Founders of Nations Skate Youth, and a Dad, among many other things.
In this episode we discuss: being a proud Calgarian, but first coffee, his beading, what Nations Skate Youth is doing, type 2 fun, portraits, fatherhood, the simplicity of being a dishwasher, and his Brother's photography.
Episode 107. CHUE THR.
A Conversation with Graffiti Writer, CHUE THR.
CHUE is a Graffiti Writer from California, among many other things.
In this episode we discuss: zine titles, bus hopping, is Spraycan Art the most shoplifted book of all time?, Tower Records, a bit of THR's history, Portland's abundance of swords, Palo Alto, Daria (the cartoon), ORFN buying a cop car, and Henry Darger.
Episode 106. Kluane Dylan.
A Conversation with Dylan Lynch, of Kluane Mountaineering.
Dylan is the new Owner / Operator of 53-year-old Outerwear Company "Kluane Mountaineering", among many other things.
In this episode we discuss: the correct pronunciation of Kluane (clue-ah-knee), Great Western Garment Co, being exactly as busy as you want to be, he's got receipts, legible handwriting, Yuki Matsuda, toxic optimism, ghost stories, and James H. Brown and Associates.
Episode 105. ARE VTS.
A Conversation with Graffiti Writer, ARE VTS.
ARE is a Graffiti Writer from Vancouver, among many other things.
In this episode we discuss: the 1994 Vancouver Canucks, picture books > word books, www.visualorgasm.com, perpetual fandom, travel tips, what his parents think of graffiti, FARIO, and some major crew love.
Episode 104. Ian de Beer.
A Conversation with Painter, Ian de Beer.
Ian is a Painter, someone who has recently taken up interviewing, and a former graffiti writer (who served the second longest prison sentence in US history for graffiti), among many other things.
In this episode we discuss: graffiti writers showing face on main, Buffalo's inherent work ethic, Andy Warhol being from Pittsburgh, ATAK BF, Trompe-l'oeil paintings, the Scream franchise, and Basque Tree Carvings.
Episode 103. TEEN.
Episode 103 (Episode 001). A Conversation with TEEN, of Crack Gallery.
TEEN is the founder of Crack Gallery, a graffiti writer, and an undeniable staple in the Vancouver art scene, among many other things.
This was actually our inaugural episode, 001. I had been stocking Crack Gallery items at my shop for a couple years before actually meeting TEEN in Vancouver in 2021. We talked for a while, it was really inspiring... I pretty much decided by the end of the talk, we should talk way more, record it, and have it be the start of my podcast. He agreed, we recorded for too long, I put it out, here we are. I've always wanted to re-release it to the audience we have now, I finally get to, I just wish it was under better circumstances.
TEEN was recently diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma, which is a type of cancer that affects one's blood cells, and bones.
A gofundme has been started for TEEN's cause, please read more if you have a minute, and consider contributing if you have the means to.
Keep in mind, not everything we discuss in this episode is super current, or as relevant as it was when we recorded almost two years ago. I knew even less then than I do now about interviewing, recording, editing...
You got this TEEN, much love!
Episode 102. Caitlin Thompson.
A Conversation with Caitlin Thompson, of Racquet Magazine.
Caitlin is a Journalist, a Tennis Player, and the co-founder of Racquet Magazine, among many other things.
In this episode we discuss: being an Alberta Apologist, the 4 year plan, her episode of How Long Gone, Marlboro 100s, Tyler Brûlé, sense of mission, Ava Wallace's reporting, alliteration, Racquet's Rennae Stubbs Tennis Podcast, under Caitlin's umbrella, and WNYC 93.9 FM Radio.
Episode 101. DJ D.DEE.
A Conversation with DJ D.DEE.
D.DEE is a DJ, founder of Pacific Rhythm, and a co-founder of Paradise Vancouver, among many other things.
In this episode we discuss: fake ids, failure being totally fine, reading the room, first thought best thought, No Fun Radio, Remio, RHEK, Pacific Rhythm's 10 year anniversary (as well as Paradise's 5), and the "stay out late it feels great" logo.
Episode 100. Ben Fenton.
A Conversation with Ben Fenton, of Balancing Acts.
Ben is the Founder of Balancing Acts, a Climber, and a Designer, among many other things.
In this episode we discuss: What's with all the cool people from Calgary? Ben offers the most concise and honest reasoning for why GORP happened, the inspiration behind Balancing Acts, the Drum and bass / Bouldering Venn diagram, comparing old skate videos to old climbing videos, outdoor > indoor, and we didn't invent anything.
Episode 099. A Conversation with Music & Media Studies Professor, Brian Fauteux.
A Conversation with Music & Media Studies Professor, Brian Fauteux.
Brian is a Professor at the University of Alberta, the co-host of WDWK on CJSR, and a Polaris Prize juror, among many other things.
In this episode we discuss: Doing a PHD in College Radio, Brian's part in the Cultural Capital Project, Green Day's album 'Dookie', Reverb Toronto, Pros and Cons of Local Radio, Staff Picks, Dune 2, and not skipping songs.
Here's an Invite to our Discord, if you need one.
Episode 098. A Conversation with Artist, Jonathan Wolfe.
A Conversation with Artist, Jonathan Wolfe.
Jonathan is a Painter, a Drawer, and an Animator, among many other things.
In this episode we discuss: Jonathan's time spent at ACAD, which discipline came first?, self-criticism, ULINE Catalogues, working with rocks, how NFTs work, Sora AI, and making Podcasts long again.
Episode 097. A Conversation with Annaliza Toledo & Trevor Peters, of Rust Magic.
A Conversation with Annaliza Toledo and Trevor Peters, of Rust Magic.
Trevor and Anna co-founded the Rust Magic Mural Festival together.
*I had attempted to start a Podcast before this one. This is an interview that I did years ago for that platform (2021) that I've always wanted to re-purpose and release again. Due to a scheduling mix up with a guest, I was able to this week.*
Keep in mind, not everything we discuss in this episode is super current, or as relevant as it was when we recorded.
I knew even less then than I do now. About interviewing, recording, editing... Please enjoy!
Episode 096. A Conversation with Thrifter, Mark Gujelde.
A Conversation with Thrifter, Mark Gujelde.
Mark is a Thrifter, a connoisseur of used stuff, and the owner of multiple Herman Miller Office Chairs, among many other things.
In this episode we discuss: Finding an Urn (full of ashes) at the Thrift, second-hand Sex Toys, Murder Memorabilia, Google Lens, is sustainability real?, vintage Shein, how much Arc'teryx is too much Ard'teryx?, and the dystopian hellscape that is the Goodwill Bins.
Episode 095. A Conversation with Author, Kate Black.
A Conversation with Author, Kate Black.
Kate is an Author, a former HorseTopia User, and an adorer of West Edmonton Mall, among many other things.
In this episode we discuss: Kate's new book "Big Mall", swearing too much, Hauntology, people living in the Catacombs of West Edmonton Mall, cockroaches at the Waterpark, Horse Girl Culture, Nexopia Plus, being emo for her Book Launch, the meaning of "City of Champions", Hooters on Bourbon Street, and how they should film a season of White Lotus at the Fantasyland Hotel.
Episode 094. A Conversation with Climber, Brennan Pratt.
Brennan is a Climber, a Route Setter, and a former Snowboard Coach, among many other things.
In this episode we discuss: Trading snowboarding for climbing, unpretentious communities, Route Skeletons, bouldering lingo, Climbing Photography, Third Spaces, and Stage Fright.
www.nowherefaststudio.com
Episode 093. A Conversation with DJ, Dane MacDonald.
A Conversation with DJ, Dane MacDonald.
Dane is a dance music DJ, an Ex Record Store Manager, and a fan of isolated sound, among many other things.
In this episode we discuss: Treehouse Records, Edmonton After Hours Clubs of the early 2000s, the Save the Rave Protest, Napster, DJ Tripswitch, flyer budgets, message boards, the sound system at 9910, and the book "Last Night a DJ Saved my Life".
Episode 092. A Conversation with Graffiti Writer, Demer.
Demer is a Graffiti Writer, among many other things.
In this episode we discuss: the notion of relevancy, being a toy, RIP Chazmo, is Devon Alberta the Hip-hop Mecca of Canada?, demonic paintings, Pogo Punks, and what he thinks about his children hypothetically doing graffiti.
www.nowherefaststudio.com
Episode 091. A Conversation with Community Helper, Veronica Fuentes.
A Conversation with Community Helper, Veronica Fuentes.
Veronica is a Community Helper, an Artist, and a Climate Advocate, among many other things.
In this episode we discuss: the STOP THE SWEEPS Stickers, !@#$ the Ice District, Camp Pekiwewin, Veronica's work with Indigenous Peoples Power Project, Sixties Scoop, booking Hardcore Shows at 16, and of course... Bowling.
Episode 090. A Conversation with Social Worker, Rachelle Gladue.
A Conversation with Social Worker, Rachelle Gladue.
Rachelle is a Social Worker, Co-Founder of Tawaw Outreach, and a Mother, among many other things.
In this episode we discuss: the number 7, Cree Naming Ceremonies, Rachelle getting involved in Social Work through initially pursuing Policing, ways to better effect change in Indigenous Communities, what exactly is happening with these Encampment Sweeps (STOP THE SWEEPS!), the ethics of documenting marginalized people, Contemporary Colonialism, and the importance of working collectively.
If you would like to take a moment to sign the letter to the Mayor of Edmonton and City Council on the threat to Treaty and Human Rights posed by Encampment Sweeps, please do so HERE.
Episode 089. A Conversation with Harm Reduction Outreach Nurse, Tabatha Plesuk.
A Conversation with Harm Reduction Outreach Nurse, Tabatha Plesuk.
Tabatha is a Harm Reduction Worker, a Registered Nurse, and has a Masters in Library and Information Studies, among many other things.
In this episode we discuss: being hyper-organized, Naloxone and how it works, building trust with clients, everyday advocacy, the Northgate Mall Walmart Pharmacy, and a potential bowling marathon.
Episode 088. A Conversation with Local Meme Page Admin, Yego Death.
A Conversation with Local Meme Page Admin, Yego.Death
Yego is a popular Edmonton Meme Account, they are feeling good when they're on Whyte Ave, and they definitely were not nervous to be on this Podcast.
In this episode we discuss: all things Yego.Death, we answer some listener submitted questions, and Yego says a few affirmations. Please enjoy our Christmas Special! From our families to yours, happy holidays everyone!
Episode 087. A Conversation with Community-Based Researcher, Rylan Kafara.
A Conversation with Community-Based Researcher, Rylan Kafara.
Rylan is a Researcher, an Advocate, and an Ethnographer, among many other things.
In this episode we discuss: his Non-Alcoholic Beer reviews, competitive swimming, community development, compersion, the non-profit industrial complex, ethnography, the ethics of being an Oilers fan, The Lofts (a comic Rylan made, illustrated by artist Spyder Yardley-Jones), and Darryl Katz's $613,000,000 loan.
Episode 086. A Conversation with Omar Mouallem.
A Conversation with Omar Mouallem.
Omar is a Filmmaker, an Author, and a Journalist, among many other things.
In this episode we discuss: prematurely pitching stories to The New Yorker, lessons learned growing up in an immigrant family, The Lebanese Burger Mafia documentary, clickbait, a Burger Baron coffee table book, giving away secret recipes, and Omar's foray into indie wrestling.
Episode 085. A Conversation with Harm Reduction Worker, Will Cardinal-Mawer.
A Conversation with Harm Reduction Worker, Will Cardinal-Mawer.
Will is a Harm Reduction Worker in Edmonton's Inner City, among many other things.
In this episode we discuss: what initially brought Will to a career in Harm Reduction, leaving Christianity, much needed policy changes, the absurdity of the Oilers Entertainment Group, Harm Reduction resources in Edmonton, and five-pin bowling.
Episode 084. A Conversation with Photographer, Zachary Ayotte.
A Conversation with Photographer, Zachary Ayotte.
Zach is a Photographer, a Writer, and an owner of multiple Dogs, among many other things.
In this episode we discuss: the elephant in the room (Zach being a Photographer without an Instagram), Annie Murphy Paul, Dog Influencers, Entomology, making mistakes on purpose, Nan Goldin, before phones were smart, and Zach's Substack, "Plain Sight".
Episode 083. A Conversation with Girl Boss, Kyla Kazeil.
A Conversation with Girl Boss, Kyla Kazeil.
Kyla co-owns Bamboo Ballroom, The Common, 9910, Fu's, Dolly's, Double Dragon, and is a Mother of two, among many other things.
In this episode we discuss: what Kyla wanted to be when she grew up, community hubs, opening her store in 2005, Crystal Lounge, Whyte Ave now and then, the first Common location, Peruvian food, not everyone's going to like everything all the time, and the coming soon Christmas pop-up at Dolly's.
Episode 082. A Conversation with Justin, Pat, and Mac, of FOOSH.
A Conversation with Justin, Pat, and Mac, of FOOSH.
Justin founded FOOSH in 1999, Pat came on in 2006 and is now a Partner in the Company, and Mac joined in 2015 and is now the Head Buyer for the Store.
In this episode we discuss: iconic FOOSH releases in the early years of the shop, what inspires their continued relevance, trusting staff, learning to be okay with delegating, three generations of marketing, make Whyte Ave great again, and window shoppers.
Episode 081. A Conversation with Photographer, Mark Webber.
A Conversation with Photographer, Mark Webber.
Mark is a Photographer, a retired videographer, and a fan of small towns, among many other things.
In this episode we discuss: what led to his interest in Photos, simple living, the pros and cons of instant film, the anxiety of putting negatives in the mail, no flash photography, how Mark ended up with his first camera, early adoption of the word SUS, and constantly being mistaken for a NASCAR Driver.
Episode 080. A Conversation with Jason Purcell, of Glass Bookshop.
A Conversation with Jason Purcell, of Glass Bookshop.
Jason is a Writer, a Reader, and a Bookshop Owner, among many other things.
In this episode we discuss: Having it all, just not all at once, being a precocious child, wanting to open an Independent Bookshop despite working in a Chain Bookstore for years, a downturn in Standardized Spaces, the pros and cons of mall retail, how vital Libraries are, Glass publishing books as well, Zachary Ayotte, being published for the first time, City Pop, and almost being Chris Issac.
Episode 079. A Conversation with Winnie Chen, Executive Chef of Fu’s Repair Shop.
A Conversation with Winnie Chen, Executive Chef of Fu’s Repair Shop.
Winnie is a Chef, a Consultant, and a Payer of Attention, among many other things.
In this episode we discuss: Winnie actually liking working retail, when Streetwear meant something, kitchen nightmares, strict parents, Chicken Cordon Bleu, The Food Network, her Dad's Beef Noodle Soup recipe, Dolly's Cocktails, and Van Loc Subs.
Episode 078. A Conversation with Dalia Kohen, of Wild Folk.
A Conversation with Dalia Kohen, of Wild Folk.
Dalia is the Founder of Wild Folk, an Interior Designer, and a fan of word-of-mouth marketing, among many other things.
In this episode we discuss: Dalia's background as a Restaurant Owner, what inspired her to start her company, recommended Wild Folk recipes, attention to detail, happy accidents while drink testing, neither of us liking the term "Mocktails", ideal ways to market, and not being shy.
Episode 077. A Conversation with Patrick Daniel Campbell of INDEX, Department of Interest, ETC.
A Conversation with Patrick Daniel Campbell of INDEX, Department of Interest, ETC.
Patrick is the Founder of INDEX Afterhours, Department of Interest, and about to be a Dad, among many other things.
In this episode we discuss: Travel strategies, using a Tony Hawk Cameo to propose, why he started DOI, Selling Sunset, shout out Patrick's Uncle Brian, the architecture of John Lautner, his beautiful new website, the Vancouver housing market, the Porsche Rennsport Reunion, the legend of INDEX Afterhours, DJ D.DEE, 100% illegal, and getting sober.
Episode 076. A Conversation with Painter, Jacob Ross Dutton.
A Conversation with Painter, Jacob Ross Dutton.
Jacob is an Artist, a Skateboarder, and a deep thinker, among other things.
In this episode we discuss: Coming back to painting after a lengthy break, his version of a Notes Folder, book recommendations, Immersion Reading, Midjourney, Jacob's upcoming Solo Show, Live Podcasts, and having the same last name as characters in Yellowstone.
Episode 075. A Conversation with Dan Zimmerman, of Soft Gallery.
A Conversation with Dan Zimmerman, of Soft Gallery.
Dan is a Gallery Owner, an artist, and a Rollerblade Enthusiast, among other things.
In this episode we discuss: Spending money at Galleries, the motivation and inspiration behind Soft, Brando Fest, debt, should you show work in your own space, Artist Talks, and how he finds time to work on his own art.
Episode 074. A Conversation with Gabriella Bergsten, of Garneau Block.
A Conversation with Gabriella Bergsten, of Garneau Block.
Gabriella is a Sustainability Student, an Olive Connoisseur, and a Wine Agency Owner, among other things.
In this episode we discuss: how a Masters Degree in Sustainability birthed a Natural Wine Agency, The famed Garneau family, knowledge gaps, Edmonton's Wine Tourism Industry, converting people to Natty, shipping schedules, Wonderwerk LA, and her least favourite wine adjectives.
Episode 073. A Conversation with Kylie & Elliott, of Bad Dad Rad Dad.
A Conversation with Kylie & Elliott, of Bad Dad Rad Dad.
Kylie and Elliott are fellow Podcasters, movie recommenders, and Metro Cinema annual pass holders, among other things.
In this episode we discuss: Bad Dad Rad Dad lexicon, The Blair Witch Project, seeing movies in the theatre compared to at home, watching 365 movies this year, Elliott being the YouTube Reaction Video to Kylie's Substack Newsletter, and trying out for Big Brother Canada.
www.nowherefaststudio.com
Episode 072. A Conversation with It Girl, Alyssa Lau.
A Conversation with It Girl, Alyssa Lau.
Alyssa is an Influencer, a Content Creator, and a Shop Owner, among other things.
In this episode we discuss: The ethics of being a Mom and a Content Creator simultaneously, lookbook.nu, negotiating Brand Deals, the simplicity of The Blog Era, her Store "New Classics", and Par-asocial Relationships.
Episode 071. A Conversation with Marathoner, Austin Watt.
A Conversation with Marathoner, Austin Watt.
Austin is a Marathoner, a run community leader, and an event director, among other things.
In this episode we discuss: The less obvious benefits of running, how costly running can be, the last race he planned, inclusivity in sport, what he does during the winter months, *EXCLUSIVE* details regarding his next event "Flash Friday", the 6 Major Marathons, and if there's too many Ciele hats.
Episode 070. A Conversation with Charlotte Kruszewski, Co-Founder of the Queer Climbing Collective.
A Conversation with Charlotte Kruszewski, Co-Founder of the Queer Climbing Collective.
Charlotte is the Co-Founder of the QCC, an Arc'teryx Ambassador, and the ACC Edmonton EDI Chair, among other things.
In this episode we discuss: Her first job being at a Climbing Gym, the Origin Story of the QCC, climbing posers, route planning, how grades work, their Weekly Meetups, and how important representation in sports is.
Episode 069. A Conversation with Stewart Burdett, President of Quarters Arts Society.
A Conversation with Stewart Burdett, President of Quarters Arts Society.
Stewart is also the Senior Volunteer at CO*LAB.
As some of you may already know, CO*LAB has recently fallen under some hard times, and is facing a potential shut-down. A GoFundMe has been started for them and their cause.
In this episode, Stewart is as upfront and transparent as he possibly can be: Speaking in detail about everything currently happening, surrounding the Fundraiser and impending closure. Expressing overwhelming gratitude, addressing criticism, and putting himself out there for further conversations to be had.
Episode 068. A Conversation with Sare, Daniela, Kaitlyn, and Zane of Stem Champ.
A Conversation with Sare, Daniela, Kaitlyn, and Zane of Stem Champ.
We discuss: Each of their roles in The Band, Equine Photography, over priced ice cream, being Besties, songs getting shorter, gardening failures, sneaking pints out of The Black Dog, EPs and LPs, Taylor Swift ruining the Vinyl Industry, scaling up, and Less Than Jake.
Episode 067. A Conversation with GB, of ANNMS Shop.
A Conversation with GB, of ANNMS Shop.
We discuss: Language barriers, practical accessories, the shift from running a brand to running a retail space, the research that goes into a brand before bringing it in, agreeing on imagery with his staff, markdowns being a necessary evil, and how to actually say ANNMS.
Episode 066. A Conversation with Photographer, Jan-Micheal Stasiuk.
A Conversation with Photographer, Jan-Micheal Stasiuk.
We discuss: Self Publishing hiccups, Aaron Pedersen, anywhere but here, the old HAVEN Blog, Tiny Vices, misappropriating student loans, the Hackney Half Marathon, McDonald's Happy Meal cameras, grasshopper photography, and giving the Internet what it wants.
Episode 065. A Conversation with Martinus Pool, of Adrian Martinus.
A Conversation with Martinus Pool, of Adrian Martinus.
We discuss: What led him to the work he does now, shipping anxiety, 6 degrees of Royal Bison, imitators, all things griptape, having AVE's mom as a client, the Zuck VS Musk cage match, and home deliveries.
Episode 064. A Conversation with Mike Frank, of The Evan Shaw Accessibility Foundation.
A Conversation with Mike Frank, of The Evan Shaw Accessibility Foundation.
We discuss: Mike's past as a Commercial Elevator Constructor, Accessibility in general, why he started the Foundation, similar Organizations, trying not to take no for an answer, Wheelchair Rugby, seeking advice from Disabled People on Disability Issues (a novel concept), striving to use Inclusive language, Nothing About us Without us, and the pros and cons to their fundraising model. Evan Shaw Forever!
Episode 063. A Conversation with Artist, Kaela Moggey.
A Conversation with Artist, Kaela Moggey.
We discuss: Kaela not loving Tattoos early on, getting bad advice from Guidance Counselors, posting automotive on main, Dentists on TikTok, almost becoming a Paramedic, what happens at Car Shows, client loyalty, the Origin Story of the POLITESLUT username, and tattooing her mom.
Episode 062. A Conversation with Mikhail Miller and Rachel Ziriada, of Nasarimba.
A Conversation with Mikhail Miller and Rachel Ziriada, of Nasarimba.
We discuss using your car as a lift, grant writing, their recent residencies in Mexico, how Alberta seems to love murals but really hates graffiti, the meaning (and correct pronunciation) of Nasarimba, unauthorized installations, Revs, what they were doing before they were doing this, and the yin and yang of artist duos.
Episode 061. A Conversation with Sign Painter, Jennifer Konanz.
A Conversation with Sign Painter, Jennifer Konanz.
We discuss the pros and cons to anonymity, how many years she's been active, incorporating her Husband's Industrial Design background into Konanz & Co offerings, Computer Numerical Control machines, Letterhead Meets, taking a Dave Smith and Noel Weber joint workshop, expensive Business Cards, the first signs she painted, New Bohemia Signs, and treating her Instagram like a Scavenger Hunt.
Episode 060. A Conversation with Sign Painter, Cody Swinkels.
A Conversation with Sign Painter, Cody Swinkels.
We discuss how the bond between Edmonton and Calgary used to be stronger, is EMO a thing again, Internet Beef, how everyone's Youth is the best Youth, Cody's Mentor Rick Janzen, Jennifer Konanz, the permanence and also impermanence of Sign Painting, Chris and Stuart Dobell, Benjamin Knight, new school ways of promoting old school art forms, the Sign Painters Documentary, John Lennig, and new generations not being fully doomed.
Episode 059. A Conversation with Penny Frazier, of Zine & HEARD.
A Conversation with Penny Frazier, of Zine & HEARD.
We discuss The Youth in Care Chronicles, hand delivering Newsletters, the validation of being published, what led Penny to a career in Youth Care in the first place, iHuman, chivalry at Punk Shows, and I find out I went to high school with her son.