OJT: On The Job Training
By Logan Maclean
It’s a podcast about the creative process, making progress, and hands-on learning.
Each interview looks at just what makes us so excited about the things we love to work on— the hobbies and hustles, the big dreams and movements. Each episode ends with a Progress Report from the host about one aspect of building a DIY platform for journalism — from hosting and producing, to marketing and promotion.
OJT: On The Job TrainingDec 07, 2020
The Wildlife Biologist's Many Hobbies — Ep. 26
Natasha Pentyliuk was here a few months back to talk about her science background and masters’ research.
Today, we step away from work and into the woodshop as Natasha shares some of her other interests.
We talk about ham radio, search and rescue and the joys of owning the shop where everyone wants to hang out.
You can find Natasha online at natashalynn.ca.
Natasha also suggested listeners check with their local governments for invasive species in their area and what they can to prevent the spread of problem-causing plants and animals.
Follow OJT and Logan MacLean on Instagram @ojt_podcast and logan.maclean.75 and on Twitter @ojtpodcast and @loganmaclean94. The Facebook page is OJT: On The Job Training.
The Wildlife Biologist Talks Invasive Species — Ep. 24
Today, she gets into her master’s research around the invasive Prussian Carp.
We talk about the role of citizen science, the challenges of crafting a survey and the political climate around Alberta’s rivers.
Listen after the interview for this month’s Progress Report about my long battle against perfectionism.
You can find Natasha online at natashalynn.ca.
Natasha also suggested listeners check with their local governments for invasive species in their area and what they can to prevent the spread of problem-causing plants and animals.
Follow OJT and Logan MacLean on Instagram @ojt_podcast and logan.maclean.75 and on Twitter @ojtpodcast and @loganmaclean94. The Facebook page is OJT: On The Job Training.
The Wildlife Biologist — Ep. 23
Before her academic work, Natasha had a long background in research and education.
We talk today about how she got into science and exploration, why she enjoys working with kids, and how that brought her to her master’s work.
Listen after the interview for this month’s Progress Report, where I talk about my efforts to become more professional with my photography.
You can find Natasha online at natashalynn.ca.
Natasha also suggested Natasha also suggested listeners check with their local governments for invasive species in their area and what they can to prevent the spread of problem-causing plants and animals.
Follow OJT and Logan MacLean on Instagram @ojt_podcast and logan.maclean.75 and on Twitter @ojtpodcast and @loganmaclean94. The Facebook page is OJT: On The Job Training.
The Poet Laureate Talks Storytelling - Ep. 22
The Poet Laureate — Ep. 21
Today we’ll get to know Julie’s background before getting into life as the poet laureate.
We talk about her Dad’s storytelling, other positive role models, and being in a hurry to grow up too fast.
And stick around after the interview for this month’s Progress Report about balancing life as a podcaster and working journalist.
You can find Julie’s work online at juliepellissierlush.wordpress.com.
Julie also suggested listeners check out her theatre companies, Mi’kmaq Legends, at mikmaqlegends.com, and Mi’kmaq Heritage Actors, on Facebook.
Follow OJT and Logan MacLean on Instagram @ojt_podcast and logan.maclean.75 and on Twitter @ojtpodcast and @loganmaclean94. The Facebook page is OJT: On The Job Training.
The Tarantula Collector — Ep. 20
Daisy is an aspiring pharmacist, but she spends her downtime tending to her garden, reptiles and 14 tarantulas.
We talk about a chameleon named Steve, the difference between venom and poison, and the social benefits of an apartment full of spiders.
And stick around after the interview for this week’s Progress Report about my first three weeks as a working journalist.
You can follow Daisy on Instagram @later.daze. She also asked that I shout out the Satanic Temple, which we talk about in a later part of the interview. She says to check out their website, thesatanictemple.com, or social media if you’re curious about Satanic stuff or want to do your own research.
Follow OJT and Logan MacLean on Instagram @ojt_podcast and logan.maclean.75 and on Twitter @ojtpodcast and @loganmaclean94. The Facebook page is OJT: On The Job Training.
OJT: Deadlines #2
As many listeners now know, I've started a full time job at The Guardian, P.E.I.’s daily newspaper.
So, while I’m still planning to release some Deadlines episodes in the coming months, weekly OJT is not going to be permanent. Not yet.
For now, though, enjoy this episode where we listen to some new music, shout out some more Heroes of 2020 and discover a new species, before meeting some leaders of the Camp Furaha writing workshop.
Follow OJT and Logan MacLean on Instagram @ojt_podcast and logan.maclean.75 and on Twitter @ojtpodcast and @loganmaclean94. The Facebook page is OJT: On The Job Training.
The Mental Health Podcaster — Ep. 19
NOTE: This episode of OJT is part of a crossover with Matty’s Mental Health Podcast, hosted by today’s guest.
Mattys Mental Health Podcast is a place where people share their real-life stories about mental health. Matty also does personal training under his business Move Forward Fitness.
Be sure to check out my story on Matty’s show, where I talk about living with Crohn’s disease and how chronic physical illness impacts mental health.
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Matty Burke is back to talk about Matty’s Mental Health Podcast.
When he experienced a tragic loss in his early 20s, he knew he had to do something to give back and raise awareness.
We talk today about how he came to podcasting, what it’s done for him, and why he’s working to destigmatize mental illness.
Stick around after the interview for this week’s Progress Report about some unexpected news.
Follow Matty’s Mental Health Podcast, also on Instagram and Facebook. You can stream it everywhere, including Youtube. Follow Matty’s Move Forward Fitness on Instagram and Facebook.
Follow OJT and Logan MacLean on Instagram @ojt_podcast and logan.maclean.75 and on Twitter @ojtpodcast and @loganmaclean94. The Facebook page is OJT: On The Job Training.
OJT: Deadlines #1
While regular, biweekly OJT will continue to bring the longform interviews you know, Deadlines episodes feature audio versions of my written work, along with radio-style broadcast pieces. Some stories will be up to date, while others are interesting enough to share any time.
This week, we take a look at some of the local Heroes of 2020 and the state of the Holland College food bank, before saying a final farewell to Christmas activities. Check out the Written Stories section for transcripts.
Follow OJT and Logan MacLean on Instagram @ojt_podcast and logan.maclean.75 and on Twitter @ojtpodcast and @loganmaclean94. The Facebook page is OJT: On The Job Training.
The Personal Trainer — Ep. 18
Mattys Mental Health Podcast is a place where people share their real-life stories about mental health. Matty also does personal training under his business Move Forward Fitness.
Be sure to check out my story on Matty’s show, where I talk about living with Crohn’s disease and how chronic physical illness impacts mental health.
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Matt Burke is 25-year-old entrepreneur from Charlottetown, PEI.
In the first part of our interview, Matt discusses his work as an independent personal trainer.
We talk about going solo as a business, growing an audience during a pandemic, and what it means to care about health.
Stick around after the interview for this week’s Progress Report about getting some valuable real-world experience.
Follow Matty’s Move Forward Fitness on Instagram and Facebook. Follow Matty’s Mental Health Podcast, also on Instagram and Facebook. You can stream it everywhere, including Youtube.
Follow OJT and Logan MacLean on Instagram @ojt_podcast and logan.maclean.75 and on Twitter @ojtpodcast and @loganmaclean94. The Facebook page is OJT: On The Job Training.
The Radical — Ep. 17
Today features our talk about protests. Strange as it seems, the Wet’suwet’en crisis was a year ago.
After a continued year of unrest, this seems a good time to release an episode about what strikes really do, why people stand in solidarity, and what it means to be an ally.
Stick around after the interview for this week’s Progress Report about getting into the groove of my last semester of J-school. You can also find an article I wrote about our interview in the Written Stories section.
Follow Daniel on Instagram @introductiontothemeaningoflife and on Twitter @hegelianouthaus. Follow his band, Discontinuity on IG @dis.continuity and like their Facebook Page.
Follow OJT and Logan MacLean on Instagram @ojt_podcast and logan.maclean.75 and on Twitter @ojtpodcast and @loganmaclean94. The Facebook page is OJT: On The Job Training.
The Foster Kid Returns Home — Ep. 16
Declan Rockwell is back for part two.
Today, the 17-year-old singer-songwriter continues his journey through the P.E.I. foster system.
We talk about who he met in foster care, his experiences around drugs and crime, and what he learned along the way.
Listen after the episode for the Progress Report about your workaholic host’s attempt at holiday relaxation.
You can follow Declan on Instagram @declanrockwell, or find him at the Boys and Girls Club in Summerside, where he’s helping set up a new recording studio for club kids.
Declan also wanted me to shout out Parker Murray for producing his EP, Isolation.
Follow OJT and Logan MacLean on Instagram @ojt_podcast and logan.maclean.75 and on Twitter @ojtpodcast and @loganmaclean94. The Facebook page is OJT: On The Job Training.
The Foster Kid Who Became a Songwriter — Ep. 15
But he didn’t get here the easy way.
I joined Declan at his house in Summerside to talk about life in foster care, the thrill of discovering music, and what it took to get back home to his father.
Listen after the episode for the Progress Report where I reflect on the last semester of J-school classes.
You can follow Declan on Instagram @declanrockwell, or find him at the Boys and Girls Club in Summerside, where he’s helping set up a new recording studio for club kids.
Declan also wanted me to shout out Parker Murray for producing his EP, Isolation.
Follow OJT and Logan MacLean on Instagram @ojt_podcast and logan.maclean.75 and on Twitter @ojtpodcast and @loganmaclean94. The Facebook page is OJT: On The Job Training.
The Future Pharmacist — Ep. 14
Daisy Dalton is back today to continue her story about overcoming addiction after moving to British Colombia.
Since getting clean, she’s been working as a pharmacy technician.
We talk today about her plans to become a qualified pharmacist, how she wants to give back, and what it means to come out on the other side.
Listen after the episode for the Progress Report about how it feels to finally be getting published.
You can follow Daisy on Instagram @later.daze. She also asked that I shout out the Satanic Temple, which we talk about in a later part of the interview. She says to check out their website, thesatanictemple.com, or social media if you’re curious about Satanic stuff or want to do your own research.
Follow OJT and Logan MacLean on Instagram @ojt_podcast and logan.maclean.75 and on Twitter @ojtpodcast and @loganmaclean94. The Facebook page is OJT: On The Job Training.
The Hitchhiker — Ep. 13
After struggling with heroin addiction, Daisy is dedicated to helping others in B.C. survive the opioid crisis.
We talk about her journey across Canada, life on the streets, and how overcoming difficulty made her who she is today.
Listen after the episode for the Progress Report. This week is about my trip to the past via old recorded conversations from my time in Halifax.
You can follow Daisy on Instagram @later.daze. She also asked that I shout out the Satanic Temple, which we talk about in a later part of the interview. She says to check out their website, thesatanictemple.com, or social media if you’re curious about Satanic stuff or want to do your own research.
Follow OJT and Logan MacLean on Instagram @ojt_podcast and logan.maclean.75 and on Twitter @ojtpodcast and @loganmaclean94. The Facebook page is OJT: On The Job Training.
The Librarian Talks Politics — Ep. 12
Keri McCaffrey is an academic librarian who works at UPEI’s Robertson Library in Charlottetown, P.E.I.
Keri is back today to get into the political side of who controls access to information.
We talk about anti-racism, the true power of knowledge, and how the library model could be adopted by other industries.
Make sure to listen to this week’s Progress Report where I discuss how I’ve been adjusting my approach to P.E.I. journalism.
You can follow the Robertson Library on Instagram @robertsonlibrary.
Keri also requested that I mention BIPOC USHR as an organization to check out. That stands for black and indigenous people of color united for strength home relationship. They can be consulted for resources and help with anti-racist training. Follow them on Instagram @bipoc.ushr, on Twitter @BIPOCUSHR, and at Facebook.com/bipoc.usher.
Follow OJT and Logan MacLean on Instagram @ojt_podcast and logan.maclean.75 and on Twitter @ojtpodcast and @loganmaclean94. The Facebook page is OJT: On The Job Training.
The Librarian — Ep. 11
Keri McCaffrey is an academic librarian who works at UPEI’s Robertson Library in Charlottetown, P.E.I.
Keri is a true educator who is dedicated to critical thinking and helping library clients access knowledge.
We talk about her background in books, the from history buff to librarian, and the value of free information.
After the interview, the Progress Report looks at the concept of pre-interviews and why this conversation with Keri could have used one.
You can follow the Robertson Library on Instagram @robertsonlibrary. Keri also requested that I mention BIPOC USHR as an organization to check out. That stands for black and indigenous people of color united for strength home relationship. They can be consulted for resources and help with anti-racist training. Follow them on Instagram @bipoc.ushr, on Twitter @BIPOCUSHR, and at Facebook.com/bipoc.usher.
Follow OJT and Logan MacLean on Instagram @ojt_podcast and logan.maclean.75 and on Twitter @ojtpodcast and @loganmaclean94. The Facebook page is OJT: On The Job Training.
The Band Manager — Ep. 10
Today, Jack Vanden Broek is back for Part 2. He’s the university graduate who went to college for a career path as a band and event manager.
He’s also a guitar player and vocalist in Discontinuity, the band of another past guest, Daniel Platts.
Jack and I discuss planning live events, playing onstage with a manager’s perspective, and his band’s first gig.
This week’s Progress Report is a Back-to-School classic: “What I did During Summer 2020,” where I talk gardening, cooking, and OJT’s Associate Producer Cat, Emma.
Follow Jack on Instagram @jacqustarr97.
Follow his band Discontinuity on IG @dis.continuity. Top Tracks from their EPs Disc_01 and Projections are linked below and available to stream.
Follow OJT and Logan MacLean on Instagram @ojt_podcast and logan.maclean.75 and on Twitter @ojtpodcast and @loganmaclean94. The Facebook page is OJT: On The Job Training.
The Journalism Student Talks Politics — Ep. 9
This episode features Part 2 of my interview with fellow journalism student Alex MacIsaac.
We talk about defunding the police, the role of journalists in public discourse, and stepping away from it all by working with your hands.
Listen after the interview for this week's Progress Report about balancing health and hobbies, and what I think a host owes to their audience.
Follow Alex on Instagram @alexmacisaac
Follow OJT and Logan MacLean on Instagram @ojt_podcast and logan.maclean.75 and on Twitter @ojtpodcast and @loganmaclean94. The Facebook page is OJT: On The Job Training.
The Christian Musician — Ep. 8
This is part 2 of my interview with P.E.I. musician Parker Murray, AKA Zebedee.
Despite early success in music, health problems have posed obstacles for the 18-year-old performer.
Today we discuss the interplay of health and religion, the healing and spiritual power of music, and the career prospects of musicians who are Christian.
Listen after the interview for this week’s Progress Report about my newfound love for photography.
Follow Parker on Instagram @_zebedee and like the Zebedee Page on Facebook. His music is linked and available to stream.
Follow OJT and Logan MacLean on Instagram @ojt_podcast and logan.maclean.75 and on Twitter @ojtpodcast and @loganmaclean94. The Facebook page is OJT: On The Job Training.
The Solo Bassist — Ep. 7
Parker Murray is an 18 year old singer-songwriter and multi instrumentalist based in Summerside, PEI.
He’s been playing music most of his life and is currently working on his debut album, “Seizure,” set to be released under the artist name Zebedee.
He joined me to talk about growing up playing music, his unusual favorite instrument, and art as a mode of self- expression and reinvention.
Follow Parker on Instagram @_zebedee and like the Zebedee Page on Facebook. His music is linked and available to stream.
Follow OJT and Logan MacLean on Instagram @ojt_podcast and logan.maclean.75 and on Twitter @ojtpodcast and @loganmaclean94. The Facebook page is OJT: On The Job Training.
The Journalism Student — Ep. 6
Alex MacIsaac is a journalism student, enrolled in the same program as me at Holland College in Charlottetown, PEI.
While Alex’s first year was a success, a future in journalism is under question.
We met in Charlottetown to discuss the love of sharing ideas, the pandemic outlook on J school, and the possibility of a career in writing.
Listen after the interview for this week’s Progress Report about getting back into journalism after the pandemic shutdown.
Follow Alex on Instagram @alexmacisaac.
Follow OJT and Logan MacLean on Instagram @ojt_podcast and logan.maclean.75 and on Twitter @ojtpodcast and @loganmaclean94. The Facebook page is OJT: On The Job Training.
The Academic — Ep. 5
We caught up again to talk about political currents in the academy, life as a Master’s student, and the role of the public intellectual.
Stick around for this week's special edition of the Progress Report—the Pandemic Report.
Follow Daniel on Instagram @introductiontothemeaningoflife and on Twitter @hegelianouthaus. Follow Discontinuity on IG @dis.continuity and like their Facebook Page. Top Tracks from their EPs Disc_01 and Projections are linked and available to stream.
Follow OJT and Logan MacLean on Instagram @ojt_podcast and logan.maclean.75 and on Twitter @ojtpodcast and @loganmaclean94. The Facebook page is OJT: On The Job Training.
The Uni Grad Who Went to College — Ep. 4
Jack Vanden Broek is a student at Humber College in Toronto who enrolled there after graduating from University in Halifax.
He’s in an event management program now and taking a music business course this summer.
I reached him in Toronto to discuss the transition from university to college, the importance of communal gathering, and the prospect of pursuing a career around music.
Stick around after the interview for this week’s Progress Report about launching OJT and my experiences with Social Media marketing and promotion.
Follow Jack on Instagram @jacqustarr97.
Follow his band Discontinuity on IG @dis.continuity. Top Tracks from their EPs Disc_01 and Projections are linked and available to stream.
Follow OJT and Logan MacLean on Instagram @ojt_podcast and logan.maclean.75 and on Twitter @ojtpodcast and @loganmaclean94. The Facebook page is OJT: On The Job Training.
Black Lives Matter Protest (Charlottetown, PE) — Special Episode
This is a special, unplanned, non-interview episode of OJT. On June 5th, 2020, thousands rallied in Charlottetown PEI for what may well have been the largest protest in Island history. It was organized by the Black Cultural Society of PEI, BIPOC USHR (that’s Black and Indigenous People of Colour United for Strength Home Relationship, and Black Lives Matter PEI. They each have pages on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, and the BIPOC USHR website is BIPOC.ca
Video and photos of the gathering and march are available through my website, OJTPod.ca, as well as on Instagram @ojt_podcast and the OJT Facebook page.
However, I also wanted to share audio from the speeches, uncut, and a little noisy, but honest and accurate. I’m also leaving out the progress report for this episode, as my commentary isn’t needed. Photos of speakers with names will be available through my social media and website.
Enjoy.
The Bookshop Owner — Ep. 3
Nancy Quinn owns Seaside Books in Summerside, PEI. It used to be Avonlea Books until she bought it in 2019.
These days, it’s a warm, lively gathering place that reflects the character of its owner.
I joined Nancy in the bookshop last December to talk about how she’s changed the store, her relationships with books and patrons, and the role of business in giving back to the community.
Stick around after the interview for this week’s Progress Report about recording on location in the bookstore. And make sure to check the Written Stories page for an article about our interview.
Follow Nancy on Twitter @itsanancything under the handle Seaside Books.
Follow OJT and Logan MacLean on Instagram @ojt_podcast and logan.maclean.75 and on Twitter @ojtpodcast and @loganmaclean94. The Facebook page is OJT: On The Job Training.
(Trailer) The Bookshop Owner — Ep. 3
Nancy Quinn owns Seaside Books in Summerside, PEI. It was Avonlea Books until she bought it in 2019.
These days, it’s a warm and lively gathering place that reflects the character of its owner.
I joined Nancy in the bookshop last December to talk about how she’s changed the store, her relationships with books and patrons, and the role of business in giving back to the community.
Stick around after the interview for this week’s Progress Report.
The Bass Player & His New Band — Ep. 2
Daniel Platts (pictured far right) is a musician from Calgary who went to University in Halifax and recently moved to Toronto.
He plays bass there in a band called Discontinuity that he describes as "an explosive combination of electronica, hardcore metal riffs and catchy choruses.”
We also played in a band together when we were both students in Halifax.
I caught up with Daniel in Toronto over Skype to talk about the band’s debut EP, adjusting to life in Toronto, and taking on its intimidating music scene.
Stick around after the interview for this week’s Progress Report about recording over Skype. You an also find an article I wrote about our interview in the Written Stories section.
Follow Daniel on Instagram @introductiontothemeaningoflife and on Twitter @hegelianouthaus. Follow Discontinuity on IG @dis.continuity and like their Facebook Page. Top Tracks from their EPs Disc_01 and Projections are linked and available to stream.
Follow OJT and Logan MacLean on Instagram @ojt_podcast and logan.maclean.75 and on Twitter @ojtpodcast and @loganmaclean94. The Facebook page is OJT: On The Job Training.
(Trailer) The Bass Player & His New Band — Ep. 2
Daniel Platts is a musician from Calgary who went to University in Halifax and recently moved to Toronto.
He plays bass there in a band called Discontinuity that he describes as "an explosive combination of electronica, hardcore metal riffs and catchy choruses.”
We also played in a band together when we were both students in Halifax.
I caught up with Daniel in Toronto over Skype to talk about the band’s debut EP, adjusting to life in Toronto, and taking on its intimidating music scene.
Stick around after the interview for this week’s Progress Report about recording over Skype. You an also find an article I wrote about our interview in the Written Stories section.
Follow Daniel on Instagram @introductiontothemeaningoflife and on Twitter @hegelianouthaus. Follow Discontinuity on IG @dis.continuity and like their Facebook Page. Top Tracks from their EPs Disc_01 and Projections are linked and available to stream.
Follow OJT and Logan MacLean on Instagram @ojt_podcast and logan.maclean.75 and on Twitter @ojtpodcast and @loganmaclean94. The Facebook page is OJT: On The Job Training.
The Stand-up Comedy Host — Ep. 1
James Brown is a 24-year-old Montreal-based comedian originally from Richmond, PEI.
He hosts Squad Laughs, a stand-up show that challenges traditional comedy with its inclusivity and distinct James Brown weirdness. And, full disclosure, he’s also an old friend.
James joined me in Summerside to talk about what comedy can do for people, how Squad Laughs operates, and the merits of 4 Loko punch.
Stick around after the interview for this week’s Progress Report where I share with listeners some of the challenges and triumphs of getting a podcast off the ground.
Follow James on Instagram @badjamesbrown and on Twitter @atjamesbrown. Be sure to like the Squad Laughs Facebook Page.
Follow OJT and Logan MacLean on Instagram @ojt_podcast and logan.maclean.75 and on Twitter @ojtpodcast and @loganmaclean94. The Facebook page is OJT: On The Job Training.
(Trailer) The Stand-up Comedy Host — Ep. 1
James Brown is a 24-year-old Montreal-based comedian originally from Richmond, PEI.
He hosts Squad Laughs, a stand-up show that challenges traditional comedy with its inclusivity and distinct James Brown weirdness. And, full disclosure, he’s also an old friend.
James joined me in Summerside to talk about what comedy can do for people, how Squad Laughs operates, and the merits of 4 Loko punch.
Stick around after the interview for this week’s Progress Report where I share with listeners some of the challenges and triumphs of getting a podcast off the ground.
Follow James on Instagram @badjamesbrown and on Twitter @atjamesbrown. Be sure to like the Squad Laughs Facebook Page.
Follow OJT and Logan MacLean on Instagram @ojt_podcast and logan.maclean.75 and on Twitter @ojtpodcast and @loganmaclean94. The Facebook page is OJT: On The Job Training.