Christopher Sweet is an author from New Brunswick. Christopher has been, in his words, “…a freelance writer, manager, waiter, bartender, event DJ, actor, children’s entertainer, truck driver, shopkeeper, call centre operator, concierge, office assistant, barista, supply teacher, and—most recently—a campground manager.” He’s a cinephile, a bibliophile, a lover of nature, and currently resides on a campground in New Brunswick on the other side of the Miramichi with, as he puts it, “his growing tribe of people and pets on a peaceful river in New Brunswick’s Acadian Peninsula.”

In this episode of Re-Creative, Mark Rayner and I talk to Christopher about, well, everything we could think of related to writing, books and publishing… including our darkest fears. We each have one! But you’ll have to listen to the podcast to discover what they are.

We explore Christopher’s love for Stephen King’s The Dark Tower series, and tumble headlong down rabbit holes containing more of King’s work, including The Shining.

Christopher shares his thoughts on indie publishing, his own budding career in writing, and even waxes poetically about em dashes—a subject upon which the three of us agree.

It’s a fun, illuminating conversation with a talent to be watched… and read.

For more information, check out the show notes for this episode.

Re-Creative is produced by Donovan Street Press Inc. in association with MonkeyJoy Press.

Contact us at contact@donovanstreetpress.com

Joe and Mark welcome back writer and editor Ira Nayman, returning to Re-Creative for a third time — we like him that much!

Ira has returned to the podcast to discuss the work of actor, comedian and filmmaker Buster Keaton, in particular his stunning 1924 action/comedy Sherlock Jr., which Ira describes as “an amazing exploration of the nature of film itself” and “astonishingly smart.”

A film of “multiple layers,” Sherlock Jr. was years ahead of its time in terms of conception and execution.

Ira, Joe and Mark examine the film on every level, including the amazing and dangerous stunt work, for which Keaton is justifiably famous, and the surreal nature of his imagery, which continues to inform Ira’s own work.

For more information, check out the show notes for this episode.

Re-Creative is produced by Donovan Street Press Inc. in association with MonkeyJoy Press.

Contact us at contact@donovanstreetpress.com

Author and critic Michael Antman joins Joe and Mark for Michael's second appearance on Re-Creative.

After discussing Michael's novel, Cherry Whip: the Twentieth Anniversary Edition, recently released by Donovan Street Press, which features a Japanese protagonist, Michael explains the origin of his love for Japanese culture. According to Michael, it all happened because he didn't know what a "porter" was (it's not what you think...)

Well, that and his discovery of a six volume history of haiku.

To Michael, haiku has always been "a wonderful diversion." It's a passion that Mark shares, both Michael and Mark having actually published haiku in The Mainichi Daily News.

"A writer writes," Michael reminds us, advice he received from fellow writer Scott Turow. "I'm a writer, that's what I do."

And to prove it (not that we needed proof), he shares with us all a choice morsel of his own haiku.

For more information, check out the show notes for this episode.

Re-Creative is produced by Donovan Street Press Inc. in association with MonkeyJoy Press.

Contact us at contact@donovanstreetpress.com

This is a special re-broadcast of an episode of Re-Creative as a part of Podcasthon: "The world’s largest podcast charity initiative, bringing together podcasters globally to raise awareness for charitable causes."

The charity we wish to support is Meals on Wheels.

Ruth Abernethy, sculptor of some of the most iconic public art in Canada, joins the podcast to discuss her work.

Ruth has been a sculptor for more than thirty years, documenting in bronze many quintessential Canadian figures, such as Glenn Gould, Oscar Peterson, and Margaret Atwood.

Her connection to the theatre world goes quite deep. She began her career at Stratford, creating the sets and decorations that helps the festival bring Shakespeare to life.

Her commissions can be found across Canada, including at Queen's Park, Ontario's legislature, where visitors can see her rendition of Queen Elisabeth II, near Queen Victoria.

Mark, Joe and Ruth have a fascinating conversation about Ruth's work, her passion for creation, and her recent book.

For fans of art, this is an episode not to be missed!

For more information, check out the show notes for this episode.

Re-Creative is produced by Donovan Street Press Inc. in association with MonkeyJoy Press.

Contact us at joemahoney@donovanstreetpress.com

The lads are joined by writer, director, comic book artist and creator Christian Gossett.

Christian is on the show to champion the groundbreaking Akira Kurosawa film, Seven Samurai (1954). But first, because it's near the holidays, they discuss their favorite Christmas movies.

Christian got an early chance to design for the Star Wars universe Old Republic, and, as part of that process, created the double-bladed lightsaber. As he did this work, he did a deep dive into George Lucas's influences. One of those was Seven Samurai. The movie has had a huge influence on Christian's work.

Christian is more than a fan of Kurosawa -- he's deeply engaged with the director's process and history and is knowledgeable about both.

If you enjoy the Star Wars universe, the work of Kurosawa, and how those two worlds tie together, don't miss this episode!

For more information, check out the show notes for this episode.

Re-Creative is produced by Donovan Street Press Inc. in association with MonkeyJoy Press.

Contact us at joemahoney@donovanstreetpress.com

Spencer Evans is a working musician in Kingston, Ontario. He joins Mark and Joe to discuss the influence that Ray Charles had on him as piano player and entertainer, as well as the impact that Charles had on the history of music in America and the world.

Spencer is an old pal of Mark’s, back from their days at Queen’s University (in Kingston, ON), when they were both members of the cabaret group, Queen’s Players.

“I know for a fact that Spencer can play the hell out of a Ray Charles song. And sing the hell out of it too!” Mark says of Spencer’s choice of musical pick.

“He embodies everything that music is to me. The passion, the artistry, the individuality, the fighting against chaos,” Spencer says. He talks about how many facts of Ray Charles’ early life were stacked against him, yet did not prevent him from becoming an incredibly influential figure in American music.

For more information, check out the show notes for this episode.

Re-Creative is produced by Donovan Street Press Inc. in association with MonkeyJoy Press.

Contact us at joemahoney@donovanstreetpress.com

Singer, podcaster and producer Lauren LoGrasso drops by to talk about one of her favorite pieces of music, Vienna, by Billy Joel.

The song is having a bit of a renaissance for its age-positive message and it's had a huge influence on Lauren's own work in music.

The Michigan State grad is a creative best known for her work as a singer/songwriter, public speaker, actor, and Webby Award Winning podcast host. She also interned on the Ellen DeGeneres show.

The three have a great conversation about her work on some of Joe's favorite podcasts, she dispenses some advice for young podcasters, and shares her hopes for her music.

For more information, check out the show notes for this episode.

Re-Creative is produced by Donovan Street Press Inc. in association with MonkeyJoy Press.

Contact us at joemahoney@donovanstreetpress.com

Joe and Mark are joined by Cathi Bond, Canadian writer, broadcaster and novelist.

Joe and Cathi used to work together at the CBC, where Cathi was the “Video Diva.” She had a great gig, watching movies and talking about them on air.

Music is another huge passion in Cathi's life, and informs her choice of art. It’s also an integral part of her writing process. She says her writing sessions often start with building a play list that she’d play while writing.

Cathi is the author of the Woman of Good Standing Trilogy.

It's a fun conversation about music, singing, and the joy of being creative!

For more information, check out the show notes for this episode.

Re-Creative is produced by Donovan Street Press Inc. in association with MonkeyJoy Press.

Contact us at joemahoney@donovanstreetpress.com