In Episode 71 of Solo Spotlight, Ryan sits down with Adven Villa, creator of the Long-Term Podcast, psychology student, street-interview storyteller, and rising Edmonton creative.

This episode dives deep into:

• Growing up in chaos & building discipline from scratch
• How podcasting became a tool for self-improvement
• Imposter syndrome & interviewing older, more experienced guests
• What street interviews taught him about human connection
• The role of vulnerability in long-form conversation
• Balancing school, work, content creation, and personal growth
• How to stay consistent when nobody believes in you
• The psychology behind confidence, community, and storytelling

If you're a podcaster, creator, or anyone on a self-growth journey, this is the episode that reminds you why the long-term mindset matters.

New episodes weekly. Daily clips on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

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In this episode of Solo Spotlight, Ryan sits down with Edmonton hip-hop veteran Arlo Maverick — a storyteller, mentor, and cultural architect whose 25-year journey mirrors the evolution of Canadian hip-hop itself.

From his early days founding Politic Live to his solo albums Maybe Tomorrow, Soul Merchant, and Blue Collar, Arlo has spent decades building community through music and mentorship. As the current Chair of the Juno Awards’ Rap Advisory Committee, he continues to shape the future of Canadian hip-hop while documenting its past through film and storytelling.

This conversation dives deep into Arlo’s creative evolution — from the grind of early radio shows and family collaborations to finding his voice as a solo artist, filmmaker, and leader in Canada’s music scene. Arlo opens up about perseverance, ego, mentorship, and why documenting your journey matters more than ever.

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👉 Subscribe to Spare Bedroom Studios for weekly episodes and behind-the-scenes content.

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👉 Drop a comment sharing your favorite moment from Arlo’s story — we read every one.

💬 About Solo Spotlight:

Solo Spotlight features one-on-one, long-form interviews hosted by Ryan MacDougall, highlighting creators, thinkers, and builders with stories worth hearing. Each episode dives beyond headlines to explore the personal journeys, lessons, and philosophies shaping their work.

A year after running for Edmonton city council, Jesse Watson returns to Solo Spotlight to talk about life after the campaign.

He shares what the experience taught him — the scrutiny, the pressure, and how it changed the way he looks at politics and people. Ryan and Jesse get into accountability, trust, and the reality of putting yourself out there in a public way.

If you care about leadership, community, or what it’s really like behind the scenes of local politics, this one’s worth watching.

About the Guest

Jesse Watson is an Edmonton-based entrepreneur and former city council candidate. Known for his transparency and advocacy for practical, community-first politics, Jesse has continued to speak openly about the realities of civic engagement, media scrutiny, and the cost of leadership in the public eye.

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