Tag Archives: podcasts

Stuart Coxe: Storyteller

Stuart Coxe heads up Canada’s largest independent podcast network, Entertainment One’s Podcast Network. Coxe was also an Executive Producer of The Secret Path and a founding board member of the Downie Wenjack Fund.

This is episode #136  of the Welcome! podcast.

Here are some of the things we talked about:

  • Stuart Coxe worked with Mr “Reality TV”, Mark Burnett
  • His experience working for CBC for 15+ years
  • Stuart Coxe helped to develop and launch Dragon’s Den in 2006
  • What his childhood was like.
  • Producing the “Becoming Canadian” series to celebrate Canada 150 in 2017
  • Stuart Coxe produced the Passchendaele interactive documentary called “Spurred On”
  • The current popularity of podcasts
  • How podcasts can monetize; especially in Canada with many independent podcastor’s and an overall small audience size.
  • Stuart Coxe teamed up with Gord and Mike Downie and the Wenjack family to start the Downie Wenjack Fund
  • Starting Antica
  • Where the name Antica came from
  • Working with Peter Mansbridge during 9/11

Listen below:

Girth Radio
MixCloud 
Apple Podcasts
Google Play Music
Stitcher 
TuneIn
Pocket Casts
You can also subscribe to the podcast via RSS Feed if you’re so inclined.

Music by Afraaz Mulji.

If you liked this episode you will also like the following conversations with other former podcast alumni:

The Message: It’s a podcast and so much more

This American Life’s podcast sister/brother, Serial was a huge hit last year. And just when will Serial hit my podcast waves again? If anyone knows, tell me.

But the success of Serial has given podcasts a revival of sorts. Even yours truly has a podcast. To be honest, I’ve been podcasting and videocasting since 2010.

One of these podcasts is called The Message. As soon as I heard it I was hooked. Reporter Nicky Tomalin reveals in the opening episode that she has gained access to a US government agency that has been tasked with deciphering a potential alien transmission. After episode 2 I thought to myself that this is too good to be true. and why haven’t I heard about this before.

Well, my hunches turned out to be true. The Message is too good to be true. According to TechTimes.com:

The Message will once again blur this line between sci-fi and real life as an eight-episode podcast debuting October 4. Each installment ofThe Message follows main protagonist Nicky Tomalin as she attempts to decode a 70-year-old message from outer space in her new job at an encryption think tank called Cypher.

Though The Message is a fictional podcast, the story is told through Nicky’s reports and interviews, giving it a more realistic feel. As a co-production between Slate’s podcast network Panoply and GE Podcast Theater, The Message also incorporates real GE technology into the narrative that will help Nicky crack the case, such as ultrasound therapy.

 

Best Baseball Podcasts

A friend of mine was bemoaning the state of sports radio in Toronto when I suggested that he look at podcasts as his source of sports talk “radio”. He’s a hockey and baseball fan. I can’t help with hockey because I’m only a fan every 4 years (hello Olympics!). So here are my favourite baseball podcasts:

And there are only two worth your time. And they are both brought to you by the same folks who brought to you the best damn sports mobile app of all time: The Score.

Drunk Jays Fans

Otherwise known as DJF, this podcast and blog provides everything a Toronto Blue Jays fan could ask for. The writers of the blog also provide everything you don’t want to hear such as why the Jays suck this year. Answer: Too many crap players. Writers Andrew StoetenDustin ParkesDrew Fairservice, and Scott Lewis provide amazing analysis that most writers and sportscasters ignore because of timelines, word count or just plain ignorance about the sport of baseball.

The DJF podcast is just as delightful. However, be careful. The content is NSFW so wear a headset if you listen to it at work or at home around kids. One thing you will notice is two things: Firstly, the crew are not shills for the team or ownership. Which means they tell it like it is. Secondly, they always provide insightful analysis no matter the colour of their language. So it’s both entertaining and educational.

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Getting Blanked

My favourite part of this baseball blog is the My Approach series by Drew Fairservice. If this is all the baseball you read then you will be 1000 times smarter than anyone else you listen to in Toronto sports radio – never mind your baseball drinking buddies. Drew has interviewed a dozen or so of the top baseball stars of today asking them about their approach to the game. He sometimes interjects the interview with thoughtful analysis backed up by stats and videos. You will be hard pressed to find better baseball writing anywhere else.

The Getting Blanked podcast is the best baseball podcast around. These guys know their baseball and can talk about it just as well as they can write about it. Expect analysis of breakout players, Mike Trout, the most underrated players, Mike Trout, thoughts on stats and moneyball and even everyone’s favourite player, Mike Trout. Oh, expect to hear the boys trashing Toronto’s baseball beat writers and radio hosts for being lazy…and stuff. If you want to be a well rounded and knowledgeable baseball fan, then the podcast and the blog are a must. And the bumper music they play is outstanding too!

Friday morning with Humble and Fred

On Friday June 7th I had the fortunate opportunity to sit in on a live taping of one of Canada’s legendary broadcast “couple”: Humble and Fred. For those of you not keeping track, I enjoy the whole podcast thing. I’ve hosted my own podcast called Social Media Show  and I presently host a YouTube show.

Personally, I listen to almost a dozen different podcasts. One of my favourite podcasts (especially if I’m in need of a laugh) is Humble and Fred Radio. I recently requested (via Twitter) that someone should make my “dream” come true and help me get on the show. So Mike Boon, known to many as Toronto Mike, came to my rescue and pulled a few strings (Him and H&F apparently go way back).

If you want to listen to the show I was on, click here -> Karim on Humble and Fred Radio

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EUL-W0hbKNU?rel=0&w=640&h=360]

Humble and Fred with Eileen. And My Adidas.

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The Humble and Fred Studio with Humble, Fred and Eileen.

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Humble (mostly) and Fred.

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(Humble and) Fred.

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“Let the madness take flight!”

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A happy guest with Humble and Fred.

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What podcasts do you listen to?

I’m in the need for some new and inspiring podcasts to listen to. I’m a Blue Jays and MMA fan.  I’m also an entrepreneur and a social marketer. So the podcasts reflect this.

Here is what I currently listen to:

Drunk Jays Fans – brought to you by the guys from The Score’s mosts popular blog on your Toronto Blue Jays.

ESPN UFC Podcast – from across the pond in England. This is one of the most unbaised podcasts on MMA around.

Freakonomics Radio – from the blog and book of the same name.

Humble and Fred Radio – because sometimes I need to relax and just have some unadulterated fun.

Q: The Podcast – Jian Ghomeshi is the best interview today.

The Ricky Gervais Podcast – Gervais is not actively podcasting these days. But when he does, it’s golden.

Six Pixels of Separation – Mitch Joel’s weekly conversations are very enlightening. And the monthly Media Hacks is entertaining and informative.

Spark – Nora Young helps us understand how our lives are being transformed by technology.

This American Life – Some of the best stories of people and their lives from south of the 49th.

This Week in Startups – Jason Calicanis is entertaining and his interviews and weekly news roundups are a must listen for all entrepreneurs in the tech space.

Under The Influence – Terry O’Reilly uses his unique story-telling style to bring today’s marketing and advertising trends to Canadians.

Wiretap – One of the best shows by CBC.  Jonathan Goldstein’s unique brand of humour and his band of characters always brings a smile to my face every week.

What’s your favourite podcasts? And why? Please share. Thanks!

Top Ten Reasons To Attend #PCTO13 This Weekend in Toronto

PodCamp Toronto 2013 is almost upon us. For myself, PodCamp, or PCTO has a special place in my heart. This will be my fifth year attending. The first year I went to learn how I could help a non-profit use social media to increase their reach and fundraising. The second year I presented on Community Management from my learnings leading a national tech-news website’s successful foray in to Toronto.

This year I’m attending because of 10 simple reasons.

1.) Learning. There is always something new to learn even if you think you know everything. And if were like me 5 years ago, there will also be something for you too.

2.) Friends. Over the past five years I have met many people who are now partners, associates and friends. PCTO is a great place to meet everyone in one place.

3.) Networking. Many of Toronto’s (as well as visitors from miles away) top digital influencers and marketing professionals will be in attendance. What beter way to grow my knowledge than by hanging around with these people.

4.) New talent. As a partner with thirdocean I am always looking for young, bright and enthusiastic people who are looking to make their mark in this world. If you’re one of these, make sure to seek me out and say hello.

5.) Speaking. Although I’m not scheduled to speak at PCTO this year, I am keeping my options open. If someone wants me on their panel or needs someone to interview, I am available. Hit me up on Twitter.

6.) Clients. Whether I can learn something that can help out a current client or meet someone who ends up being a client, PCTO is a great place to be. People will be attending to learn. And if I can help someone out, then all the better.

7.) Podcasting. Although I have hosted podcasts and shows on YouTube for more than 2 years, I still feel like I don’t know what I’m doing. One of my manin goals is to meet someone who can help me go from “zero to hero” in the world of podcasting.

8.) Carolyn Van. She’s my business partner and on a panel. So I have to go and support her. Or heckle her. Depends on how I feel. 🙂

9.) The Sessions. How could I not put the sessions here. I’m sure there will be sessions during this weekend that sound so outrageous that they deserve to be attended. Like this one. What does “GTFO” mean, anyways?

10.) I’m kinda helping out. I wasn’t with the organizing committee from day one. But I recently hopped on board to lend a hand. Why? I really enjoy PCTO and it has a special place in my heart.

These are my Top Ten Reasons To Attend #PCTO13. What is your reason that you’re attending?

New podcast in my ears

Many of you know I love listening to podcasts. Almost everyday I’m commuting 2-3 hours per day. So I spend most of this time listening to podcasts such as This American Life, Wiretap, This Week in Startups, and even the UFC ESPN Podcast.

Last week I discovered another podcast: Humble and Fred Radio.  I wasn’t a big listener of theirs when they where on the radio here in Toronto. However, these guys are gold. They are funny and raw. Besides their random musings they also have amazing interviews. Recently they had Toronto Blue Jays long time announcer Jerry Howarth on.  This was one of the best interviews I have ever heard.

Great job guys! And congrats on your new deal with Corus.

What podcasts do you consider required listening and why?

My Favourite Podcasts

Podcasts are what I refer to as the intersection between great radio and technology.

A few of the podcasts that I am going to list below can be originally heard on radio. However, most of the time I’m too busy to actually spend the time to listen to them live.  And that’s why I enjoy my podcasts. I can still enjoy great talk radio. But on my schedule – where ever and whenever I want to.

In no particular order…

  • Drunk Jays Fans. Published by The Score this podcast is digital heaven for Blue Jays fans. This no holds barred podcast includes everything a Blue Jays fan could want: stats, opinion and entertainment. The hosts are fans but they are also not homers.
  • ESPN UFC Podcast. Hosted from England this MMA-themed but very UFC-centric podcast is a must listen to for all fans of the fight game. A similar show from North America would not be able to lend the perspective that this show does. I think the distance from England to the UFC head offices in Las Vegas allows this show to lend more perspective and credibility.
  • Freakonomics Radio. If you’re a fan of the books and a reader of their blog you will love this podcast. Here’s what you can expect to learn from this podcast: the hidden side. Of everything.
  • This American Life. I got turned on to this podcast by Karim Awad, who is an avid podcast consumer himself. He also used to have his own podcast! Every week, This American Life brings to life stories from America. It’s not so much about flag-waving, red-neck gun-shooting America. It’s more about the neighbourhoods, people and stories that can be found in any city in any country. A recent episode, titled The Ghost of Bobby Dunbar will leave you hanging until the end more than any TV show has ever done.
  • This Week In StartUps. Want to hear conversations with some of Silicon Valley’s top entrepreneurs? Want to hear about the technology news of the week from the perspective of the insiders? Then this is a must listen to show.
  • Under The Influence. Get an insider’s perspective on the world of marketing and advertising and the implications for today’s company’s and consumers. The host’s delivery and the show’s production will leave you wanting more.
  • Wiretap. I stumbled across this program on CBC Radio. Ever since, I’ve been hooked. Wiretap, as I see it, is about how the world looks through the eyes of the host: Jonathan Goldstein. After just one listen you will feel like all the characters on the show are part of your family.

There are actually 13 podcasts that I subscribe to. But there are the 7 that I cannot do without.  What are some of your favourite podcasts?