Something terrible happened. 

The derecho thunderstorms that left parts of southern Ontario without power for two days on May 20 also left me without a podcast episode. 

The file containing part two of my chat with Nick Walsh was lost in the power outage, and while I’ve been trying to recover it since, it’s gone. Very, very disappointing, but Nick graciously agreed to do it over again so you can find out what his NSTS selected songs were.

However, Nick’s schedule is busy, so it may be a while. In the interim, I’ve decided to share a previously unreleased episode from 2018 I did with Big Sugar frontman Gordie Johnson about the upcoming tribute show for his recently-deceased bass player Garry Lowe. Gordie was calling in from his car and I initially shelved it because of the sound quality, but it’s actually not bad at all. 

Cheers everyone.  

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It took a while, but former Slik Toxik and current Famous Underground and Classic Albums Live singer Nick Walsh finally sat down with NSTS to talk about a few of the songs that make his skin vibrate.

Because our chat was so lengthy, we didn’t quite make it to those songs in part one of his time with us – but we did talk about his recent promotion at Classic Albums Live, Doin’ The Nasty on Spotify, what he learned when Slik Toxik opened for Yngwie Malmsteen, what his dad thinks of Famous Underground song “Love Grenade”, and why he’ll never do a Slik Toxik reunion. Come back to find out what Nick’s songs are in the next episode!     

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There haven’t been many times over the 240 odd episodes of the No Sleep ’til Sudbury podcast I’ve done where I’ve been lost for words. But I was here. 

The wonderful and immensely talented Sandra Bouza joined me at my home this week for the first live NSTS performance since 2020, and as usual, she was a delight. And this time I was not only impressed by Sandra’s performance, but also by her courage. 

Bouza’s playlist:

Alanis Morrisette – That I Would Be Good

Deftones – Be Quiet and Drive

Emiliana Torrini – On The Sunny Road

Ella Fitzgerald – Misty

Joan as Police Woman – Anyone   

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In the last episode of No Sleep ’til Sudbury, we paid tribute to the memory of Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins. But what about Dave Grohl? 

We thought it was important to celebrate an individual who despite his having brought joy to millions of people, has suffered some tremendous heartbreak.

This week’s episode is dedicated to Dave. 

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It’s always difficult when artists we admire pass on, but it’s a little more difficult when it happens so long before their time.  

This week on NSTS we pay tribute to Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins, an incredible musician and, as Queen’s Roger Taylor described him, “sunshine in human form”.   

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Completely by coincidence, my guest on NSTS this week is none other than longtime CHUM-FM Morning Show producer Tom Jokic. He was scheduled to appear in my studio two years ago to the day for his episode, but was forced to cancel due to a new concern people were calling COVID. 

Exactly two years later, Tom makes good on his appearance by turning up here in person to recount some of the great stories he’s amassed not only as a producer, but also as the cohost of Famous Lost Words, the excellent podcast he hosts alongside MuchMusic alum Christopher Ward. Great stories, great conversation – Tom’s among the best in the business.     

Jokic’s playlist: 

The Rolling Stones – Shattered

The Bee Gees – Nights on Broadway

Crosby, Stills, and Nash – Suite Judy Blue Eyes

Alanis Morrisette – You Oughta Know  

Max Webster – The Party

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Andy Curran’s image occupied a space on my teenage bedroom wall. The guy is an icon. But he’s also an extremely humble human being and a fantastic conversationalist. 

Andy joins me on NSTS this week to talk about the new musical project he’s working on with Rush guitarist Alex Lifeson called Envy of None, an experimental, industrial-flavoured musical foray that sounds nothing like Coney Hatch or Rush. We also chat about his obsession with shinny hockey, Creem magazine, the letter he wrote to the Scorpions fan club as a kid, and his upcoming doubles tennis match with Alex, Geddy, and Steve Harris from Iron Maiden. 

Curran’s playlist:

Massive Attack – Angel  

Scorpions – He’s a Woman, She’s a Man    

James Gang – Stop (live 1971)

Stone Temple Pilots – Sex Type Thing

Jeff Beck – Cause We’ve Ended as Lovers

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Singer songwriter Justine Giles is an amazing talent. And she’s a Sudbury girl! 

Justine joins me this week to talk about her upcoming new single “Save Myself” which drops Friday, February 18. We also chat about albums versus singles, the impacts of Alanis Morrisette, Stompin’ Tom Connors, and of course, Justine’s fave places to play in Sudbury.   

Giles’ playlist:

Serena Ryder – Weak In The Knees

Christina Perri – Jar of Hearts

Sara Bareilles – Basket Case

Matt Nathanson – Washington State Fight Song 

Rihanna – Stay

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Music therapist, author and speaker Jennifer Buchanan joins me this week on NSTS to discuss her new book, entitled Wellness, Wellplayed: The Power of a Playlist. The book focuses on how music playlists can improve mental health, making Jennifer pretty much my ideal guest.

Jennifer and I talk about first concerts, being brought to tears by music, pre-Alanis Morrisette Alanis, the ultimate feelgood song of all time, and the staying power of Shaun Cassidy.  

Buchanan’s playlist:

Shaun Cassidy – Da Doo Ron Ron   

Whitney Houston – Greatest Love of All  

Alanis Morrisette – All I Really Want

Adele – Rolling in the Deep

Bob Marley – Three Little Birds

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Last year Alex Huard, host of Release Day, and I created a video series called Thursday Night Record Club, where I introduce Alex, who is a rock fan but substantially younger than I am, to some records from my day he wasn’t previously familiar with – Van Halen, Aerosmith, Led Zeppelin, the Stones, and others. This week, he’s my guest on NSTS to talk about the songs he discovered as we recorded TNRC that made his skin vibrate. 

Huard’s playlist:

Led Zeppelin – Your Time is Gonna Come

Van Halen – Somebody Get Me a Doctor

Aerosmith – Seasons of Wither

The Rolling Stones – Can’t You Hear Me Knocking

The Rolling Stones – Exile on Main Street (entire album)

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