Woodstein Media Podcast Episode 13: Steve Ignorant discusses the relevance of CRASS songs, modern motivation with Slice of Life and ongoing creative plans

On episode 13, one of the founding members and lead shouter of the renowned anarcho-punk band CRASS, Steve Ignorant, discusses the protest songs they wrote over 40 years ago, which he continues to perform.

“Sad thing is, those songs are still relevant; you’ve just got to change a few politicians’ names.”

Woodstein Media Podcast Episode 12: Punjabi singer Hira Dhariwal speaks about passion for music and helping community

On episode 12, Punjabi singer Hira Dhariwal speaks about making changes in his early 50s to follow his passion for music and how he gives back to his community through volunteer work with the Multicultural Association of Perth Huron. His music has been received quite well by audiences worldwide with millions of listens to his songs on Youtube.

Woodstein Media Podcast Episode 11: Dunstan Bruce contemplates aging & purpose via Interrobang, Am I Invisible Yet? and Chumbawamba film

On episode 11, ex-Chumbawamba member Dunstan Bruce speaks about the contemplation of his place in this world through his contemporary art, whether it’s singing with his new band Interrobang‽, treading theatre stages in his one-person show, Am I Invisible Yet? or scrutinizing his place in the Chumbawamba legacy in the film, I Get Knocked Down. (All images copyright Dunstan Bruce)

Woodstein Media Podcast Episode Ten: Slaxx director Elza Kephart chats about films and climate emergency action

Episode ten features a discussion with Elza Kephart, director of the feature films, Graveyard Alive, Go in the Wilderness and most recently, Slaxx, a socially conscious satirical horror-comedy that sharply informs on the evils of fair trade, corporate globalization and, fast fashion.
Although we do discuss the films and series, Kephart is developing. Much of this conversation focuses on her climate activism with Extinction Rebellion, the Ministry of the New Normal, and as a member of SCALE (Sectoral Climate Arts Leadership for the Emergency), and the Directors’ Guild of Canada’s National Sustainability and Climate Action Committee.

Woodstein Media Podcast Episode Nine: Sam Tecle discusses what the call to Defund the Police means

This episode features a conversation with Sam Tecle about what is meant by the call to defund the police. Tecle works with Success Beyond Limits, a collaborative, youth-led, community-based movement providing youth with holistic support to complete their education and experience success in their lives and Jane and Finch Action Against Poverty, a resident-led grassroots coalition of community residents, activists, workers, organizations working to eliminate poverty. He is also an Associate Professor in the Sociology Department at Toronto Metropolitan University. His research and scholarly work span the areas of Black and Diaspora Studies, Urban Studies, and Sociology of Education.

Episode Eight: North Perth CoC Chair talks social media post promoting People’s Party event

On January 31, North Perth Chamber of Commerce Chair Sharon D’Arcy shared a Facebook post on the Chamber page promoting a People’s Party of Canada event, which upset some member businesses and organizations. The PPC and its leader Maxime Bernier have a reputation for being racist, misogynist, and homophobic.

The post was removed on February 2. However, before its removal, D’Arcy sat down with Woodstein Media to discuss the post, the PPC and more.

Woodstein Media Podcast Episode Six: It Takes a Village

Episode six features a conversation with Andrea Charest, Executive Director of It Takes a Village in Listowel, Ontario. It Takes a Village is a people-oriented, money-free, shop and social initiative offering community members support with food security, access to resources,  and assistance navigating systems such as court appointments, housing, and government support with a focus on being a welcoming and inclusive place to belong.

Episode Five: Roshan James talks about deconstructing normality through art and poetry

On episode five, artist and poet Roshan James talks about how her creativity has helped her deconstruct societal norms, allowing her to turn everything she was taught on its head and re-examine it to find out what little things might have been true or make sense and could be helpful to carry forward and what things are just the chaff that needs to go into the wind.

Woodstein Media Podcast Episode Four: Jillian Clair confesses MVLL CRIMES

On episode four, Jillian Clair, singer for MVLL CRIMES, talks about the release of their 12″ EP “YOU EMBVRRVSS ME” on Cursed Blessings Records, her day job dealing with Freedom of Information requests for the City of London, the need for punks to get involved in municipal politics, zines, the lack of all-ages venues in many music scenes, many bands currently active in Ontario, and much more.