🎧 S’MAC TALK – Episode 12: The World of Micah Sage
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🏡 Title Sponsor: F1 Realty – Family First Realty (Dave Rogers)
👕 Music Support: Chop Value YYC + Rapid Artist Merch
This week, Seth & Mac sit down with rising Calgary pop artist Micah Sage for a conversation filled with creativity, honesty, and heart. Fresh off her EP release show and gearing up for the arrival of GIRLFRIEND, Micah dives into her artistic evolution, why this project feels like a fully imagined world, and how she blends pop, ballads, storytelling, and pure emotion into one cohesive artistic identity.
Micah opens up about her writing process (including spontaneous 48-hour songwriting trips to Edmonton), the joy of embracing pop unapologetically, and the importance of trusting your path as an emerging artist. They explore personal growth, navigating uncertainty, and why leaning into silliness, satire, and character is shaping her new sound.
The trio also revisit Micah’s journey from open mics to festival stages, the first time she met Seth and did a podcast in a field under a tent, and the magic of Calgary’s fast-rising pop scene. Plus: a heart-melting moment where Mac shares how much Micah’s music means to her daughter.
🎶 Songs of the Week:
• Jennie Harluk – Georgia
• Kailee Duggan – Lola
• Robert Adam – Moonlight Magic, Bailing Twine, Diane
• The Marias – Nobody Knows / Sienna (bonus picks)
A warm, inspiring, joy-filled episode with one of Calgary’s brightest young artists.
🎧 S’MAC TALK – Episode 11: Not So Silent Calgary with Lyle Peterman
This week, Seth and Mac sit down with Lyle Peterman – in-arena voice of the Calgary Wranglers, longtime Calgary Canucks game ops lead, realtor, and co-founder of A Not So Silent Night / A Not So Silent Summer – to explore where sports, community, and live music collide.
Lyle shares his path from junior hockey rinks to the Saddledome, what makes the AHL experience so special, and how Calgary can truly claim “music city” status. The crew dives into his work with Not In My City and the fight against human trafficking, the impact of intentional live-music fundraising, and why simply choosing venues with live music can change a scene.
They also chat about supporting local artists, Sundays with Blue Willow at Canucks games, and wrap with Songs of the Week featuring Amy Nelson, Justine Vandergrift, Micah Sage & Dempsey Bolton, Bon Iver, and Mariah Stokes.
🎧 S’MAC TALK – Episode 10: Streams, Splits & Sanity with Jasen Samford
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🏡 Title Sponsor: David Rogers – F1 Family First Realty
👕 Music Support: Rapid Artist Merch – Got Merch?
This week, Seth and Mac sit down with Jasen Samford, former Director of Education and Artist Relations at DistroKid, for a deep dive into the world of music distribution, royalties, and metadata — or, as Jasen calls it, “the plumbing that keeps your music flowing.”
From building DistroKid in its early days to helping thousands of artists make sense of their releases, Jasen shares hard-earned insight on how to protect your catalog, get paid cleanly, and avoid the fraud flags that can take down even legitimate songs.
The conversation spans Seattle’s evolving music scene, the challenges of venue closures, the rise of AI and “ghost artists,” and how independent creators can build sustainable careers in a noisy digital world. Plus, a look at Jasen’s annual Last Waltz benefit concert — a 40-artist tribute raising funds for Northwest Harvest.
🎶 Songs of the Week: Marcus Trummer – “Holding Out For You”, The Great Fuss – “Overdue”, Jeff Rosenstock – “Worry”
🎧 S’MAC TALK – Episode 9: Un-Conundrum Things with Kue Varo
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🏡 Title Sponsor: David Rogers – F1 Family First Realty👕 Music Support: Rapid Artist Merch – Got Merch?
This week, Seth and Mac dive deep with Kue Varo, Calgary’s art-rock powerhouse, for a conversation that blends music, mindfulness, and meaning.
From her YYC Music Award-winning year and performances at Germany’s Reeperbahn Festival to reflections on inner wisdom, advice culture, and creative authenticity, Kue brings insight and humour in equal measure. The trio explore why “internet time” makes the 2000s feel like yesterday, how to stay grounded in a digital world, and what it means to create honest art that connects.
They also touch on Calgary’s vibrant multi-genre scene, Lilo Music Fest, and the power of letters, community, and kindness in the creative process.
🎶 Songs of the Week: Emmett Jerome – “It Ain’t Me,” Ryan Lindsay – “If Your Heart Ain’t In It,” plus new releases from Kue’s world.
S’MAC TALK – Weekend Edition: Heart & Heritage with Ashley Ghostkeeper
Powered by Blue Willow Entertainment🏡 Title Sponsor: David Rogers — F1 Family First Realty👕 Music Support: Rapid Artist Merch – Got Merch?
Fresh off a 16-date tour and newly crowned YYC Music Awards Indigenous Artist of the Year, Ashley Ghostkeeper joins Seth & Mackenzie for a special weekend sit-down about love, lineage, and leveling up.
Ashley opens up about her next chapter: a 90s-country-inspired album (think Martina McBride, Faith Hill, Patty Loveless), steel and fiddle textures, and her first love song. She shares the story behind “Grandpa’s Song”—co-written with Evan Redsky, partially in Cree, and recorded with gospel piano and choir—honoring her family and roots in Paddle Prairie Métis Settlement. We also talk about the CBC x SOCAN Indigenous Music Residency, filming music videos in Texas, and her new fan community Backstage with Ashley.
Plus: mini-memories from U18 AAA hockey (hello, silver at Nationals), why caring about people > rules, and a cozy in-studio performance of “She’s Easy to Love.”
Live performances in this episode:
• “Grandpa’s Song” (unreleased)
• “She’s Easy to Love”
S’MAC TALK: Talk in the Truck with NIK POLI
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🏡 Title Sponsor: David Rogers – F1 Family First Realty
👕 Music Support: Rapid Artist Merch – Got Merch?
Lucky Episode #7 brings NIK POLI into the studio for a deep, hilarious, and heartfelt chat about life on the road, songwriting, and what it’s like to play 70+ shows in a year.
Seth, Mackenzie, and NIK break down everything from the Calgary Canucks game performance and Tilly’s anthem debut, to Stampede madness, touring through BC (and sleeping in a Denny’s), and how NIK’s writing process led to heartfelt tracks like “If God Made Me Blind” and “Talkin’ in the Truck.”
They also cover this week in Alberta’s music scene — from Celine at Mahogany to Erika Mae, Molly Ferdinand, and Anna Lewis at Heliopolis, and a packed Friends of Blue Willow night at Banquet. Plus: Shania Twain at Spanky’s, Blue Jays wins, hockey hot takes, and a live in-studio performance you’ll want to replay.
🎙️ Country, community, and chaos — that’s S’MAC Talk.
S’MAC Talk – Episode 6
Powered by Blue Willow Entertainment
🏡 Title Sponsor: David Rogers – F1 Family First Realty
👕 Music Support: Rapid Artist Merch – Got Merch?
This week, Seth and Mackenzie welcome Erika Mae — Calgary-based country-pop artist — for a fun and heartfelt conversation about life as an emerging musician, her Nashville songwriting journey, and releasing her debut single “Nobody’s Fool.”
The crew also dives into another jam-packed week in Alberta’s music scene — from Meera Sylvain at Semantics Café to Jaden Riley’s sold-out release party at The Attic, and an unforgettable night at The Palomino featuring The Ashley Hundred, St. Arnaud, and Daughter Dentist. Plus, a few late-night Wendy’s runs and conspiracy tangents (yes, Avril Lavigne came up).
Erika shares what it was like working with Grammy-nominated producer Matt Braun-Louis in Nashville, her dream collabs with Chris Stapleton, Kacey Musgraves, and Brandi Carlile, and plays a stunning live performance of “Nobody’s Fool” and her upcoming single “Back When It Mattered.”
🎸 Music, storytelling, and a little chaos — just how we like it.
S’MAC Talk – Episode 5
Powered by Blue Willow Entertainment
🎙️ Title Sponsor: David Rogers – F1 Family First Realty
🎶 Music Support: Rapid Artist Merch – Got Merch?
This week, Seth and Mackenzie sit down with Calgary artist Jessie Dans for an open and inspiring conversation about the hustle, heart, and hard truths behind pursuing music as a career. Jessie shares how she’s balancing three jobs while building her dream, recording in L.A., and finding her artistic identity through storytelling and collaboration.
From her vulnerable single “Sleeping Alone” to her empowering mindset that “nobody else wants your dream to come true,” Jessie brings honesty, humor, and wisdom to the mic.
Seth and Mackenzie also recap another action-packed week across Alberta’s live music scene — from Lewis Cardinal’s heartfelt Casa Musica show and Everly’s sold-out night at Semantics, to NIK POLI’s full-band takeover in Edmonton during CFR weekend. Plus, some laughs, life lessons, Taylor Swift talk, and a surprise art critique you’ll have to hear to believe.
As always, S’MAC Talk keeps the focus on the heartbeat of Calgary — where sports, music, and community come together.
S’MAC Talk – Episode 4Powered by Blue Willow Entertainment🎙️ Title Sponsor: David Rogers F1 Family First Realty🎶 Music Support: Rapid Artist Merch – Got Merch?
This week, Seth and Mackenzie sit down with Stephanie Hutchinson to dive into an inspiring conversation about her journey and impact in the music industry. Stephanie recaps the YYC Music Awards, which she leads, shares insights from her role at the National Music Centre, and discusses her experiences as an indie record label founder. She also highlights how music continues to shape stories and foster connections within Calgary’s creative community.
Seth and Mackenzie recapped last week’s shows, including Grace Dafoe’s fundraiser at ChopValue YYC, and dove into what’s coming up this week — including NIK POLI performing with a full band at Banquet Bar in Edmonton as part of this weekend’s CFR festivities.
The episode wraps with Stephanie’s song picks and recommendations, plus Seth & Mackenzie sharing laughs, updates, and their own weekly music highlights.
As always, S’MAC Talk keeps the focus on the heartbeat of Calgary — where sports, music, and community come together.
S’MAC Talk – Episode 3
Powered by Blue Willow Entertainment
🎙️ Title Sponsor: David Rogers F1 Family First Realty
🎶 Music Support: Rapid Artist Merch – Got Merch?
🙌 Shoutouts: ChopValue YYC + special thanks to Rviita for fueling the show with sample drinks (Grace tries her pick, while Seth and Mackenzie test new flavors).
In this episode, Seth and Mackenzie welcome Canadian skeleton athlete Grace Dafoe 🛷 into the studio. Grace shares her 14-year journey in skeleton racing, the serendipitous way she discovered the sport, and how music has become an essential tool for focus and performance.
The crew dives into conversations about:
🎶 Music as motivation in sport and life
🏟️ Creative fundraising and the challenges athletes face
🤝 Why community support is key for both athletes and artists
🎤 Calgary’s vibrant local music scene and upcoming events
Grace caps off the chat with her song picks and recommendations, adding a personal touch to the music-meets-sport theme.
As always, Seth & Mackenzie keep the laughs and banter flowing, while shining a light on the intersection of music, sports, and community.
Intro Song: Higher Ground - Eric John
Middle Song: In Time - Eric John
End Song: Lucky You, Lucky Me - Eric John
Backstage S’MAC Talk – Episode 2
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🎙️ Title Sponsor: David Rogers F1 Family First Realty🎶 Live Performance presented by: Rapid Artist Merch – Got Merch?
🙌 Shoutouts: ChopValue YYC + special thanks to Rviita for fueling the show with sample drinks (Mackenzie reviews Divine Strawberry, Seth takes on Black Cherry, and Lewis tries Speechless).
In this episode, Seth and Mackenzie kick things off with a recap of last week. Seth shares highlights from his trip to Kelowna for CCMA events, including showcases by NIK POLI and Ryan Lindsay at Red Bird, plus volunteering at the CCMA Waterfront Music Festival. Meanwhile, Mackenzie brings listeners along on her unforgettable Morgan Wallen adventure in Edmonton.
They look ahead to another packed week of live music, featuring shows at Banquet, Heliopolis, and a special release show for Erika Mae at The Attic, among others.
Joining the conversation in-studio is special guest Lewis Cardinal, who talks about his upcoming project and treats listeners to a live performance of Start Again—out September 19th. He closes out the show with his already released track Finally Feel Safe.
Of course, Seth & Mac deliver their weekly song recommendations, share laughs, and keep the banter flowing throughout.
Welcome to the debut episode of "Backstage S'MAC Talk" with Seth and Mac, powered by Blue Willow Entertainment. Join us as we dive into the vibrant world of live music, featuring artist showcases, behind-the-scenes insights, and the latest happenings in the music scene. This week, we spotlight the exciting venues and artists making waves, from the heart of Calgary to beyond. Tune in for a mix of humor, music, and the stories that bring it all together. Don't miss out on the rhythm of the backstage!
Backstage S’Mac Talk with Seth & Mackenzie takes you behind the curtain of the music world. Powered by Blue Willow Entertainment, this weekly podcast dives into real conversations with artists, industry pros, and community voices shaping the scene. Expect candid stories, laughs, and insights into life on and off the stage — plus recurring guest appearances from Blue Willow artists, sponsors, and live event moments you won’t hear anywhere else.
Whether you’re an artist, fan, or just love great conversations, pull up a seat and join Seth & Mackenzie for an unfiltered look at the music industry, one episode at a time.