The Gould Standard

By The Glenn Gould Foundation

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Episodes: 42

Description

A conversational podcast about the arts, culture, and contemporary society. We talk with artistic heroes working to create a more inclusive and mindful world, hear their incredible stories, and get to know what makes them tick. Our featured guests are leaders in a wide range of fields, nationalities, and lived experience, including musical composers and performers, painters, poets, filmmakers, actors, dancers, broadcasters, and more.

Episode Date
Vraidden von Strykenbach: A Musical Journey of Redemption
02:08:26
Vraidden von Strykenbach is a self-taught composer and pianist, and a good friend of The Glenn Gould Foundation. His grandfather was a member of the Tahltan First Nation in British Columbia, and Vraidden experienced an abusive childhood and spent his teen years living with poverty, homelessness, trauma and despair. Meet this extraordinary man and artist, as he recounts how he discovered the power of music, taught himself to play and compose, and in so doing, transformed his life. Vraidden's message of hope carries the powerful lesson that none of us is without value and each possesses the potential to bring beauty into the world, no matter how afflicted their situation.
May 18, 2023
Loreena McKennitt - The Explorer
01:17:26

Legendary musician Loreena McKennitt sat down with The Gould Standard to recount the journey for her illustrious career that has taken her from Morden, Manitoba to the far reaches of the globe. Known for her unique blend of Celtic, Middle Eastern, haunting melodies and poetic lyrics, she reveals her early inspirations and the vast array of cultures and musical traditions that have influenced her work over the years. McKennitt is not only a masterful storyteller and multi-instrumentalist but a music-biz whiz. She founded her own record label that allowed her to maintain creative control of her music and be involved in production, marketing and distribution of her albums.

Loreena McKennitt:

The Glenn Gould Foundation:

 Apr 20, 2023
Charles Palliser and the Power of Five
01:27:23

Best-selling novelist Charles Palliser is best known for his debut novel, The Quincunx, a vast mystery set in Regency England that deftly combines Dickensian elements with contemporary techniques such as the use of unreliable narrators. Published in 1989, after 12 years of research and writing, this 800 page tour de force became an international best-seller. The Anglo-American Palliser was praised for his intricate plotting, vivid characters, and a portrayal of London in the early 19th century so shockingly realistic that Dickens wouldn’t have dared expose social conditions with such brutal honesty. Palliser has published four other successful novels including Betrayals, The Unburied and Rustication. Palliser’s newest novel Sufferance is projected for release near the end of 2023.

Charles Palliser discusses his life, career and influences as a writer and educator.

Charles Palliser:

The Glenn Gould Foundation:

 Mar 16, 2023
Cory Doctorow on Chokepoint Capitalism: How Big Tech Monopolies Devoured the Arts and How to Fight Back
01:32:43

Award-winning science fiction writer, blogger and activist Cory Doctorow rallies the creative class against an ever-expanding industry of monopolies and monopsonies. Co-written by Australian scholar Rebecca Giblin, Chokepoint Capitalism unveils the tricks Big Tech and Big Content use to lock-in users and suppliers, eliminate competition, and extort creators and producers, and extract value so that artists can’t survive and audiences pay through the nose. Doctorow shares his thoughts on how we can recapture creative labor markets to make them fairer and more sustainable.

Cory Doctorow:

The Glenn Gould Foundation:

 Feb 16, 2023
As Glenn as Can Be: The Inner Life of a Brilliant Child
00:31:58

TGS038

This month we talk to acclaimed children’s author Sarah Ellis and Illustrator Nancy Vo, who made the life story of Glenn Gould accessible to a younger audience through their new children’s book, As Glenn as Can Be. Sarah Ellis is an acclaimed Canadian children’s author of over 20 books and has won numerous prizes, including the Governor General’s Literary Award and TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award. For “As Glenn as Can Be,” she teamed up with the talented artist Nancy Vo to bring to life the story of Gould’s childhood in Toronto during the 1930s, to present a moving portrait of a solitary, deeply creative child who experiences the world differently from his peers, and finds liberating solutions to his challenges through technology. Go behind the scenes and listen to the thought and process behind the beautiful illustrations and story of the book and discover musical easter eggs hidden in the pictures.

As Glenn As Can Be:

Sarah Ellis:

Nancy Vo:

The Glenn Gould Foundation:
Wynton Marsalis and the Wisdom of Jazz
01:14:59

Legendary trumpeter, composer and educator Wynton Marsalis takes us on a journey through his early life and formative influences. He discusses his evolution into one of the most influential jazz musicians of our time, how he learned to love the pioneers of jazz, his triumphs as the director of Jazz at Lincoln Center, his experiences with classical music and how he brought all these elements together brilliantly in his own boundary-breaking compositions.

Wynton Marsalis:

The Glenn Gould Foundation:

 Dec 15, 2022
Colm Feore: Inhabiting My Roles and Myself
01:21:13

The outstanding Canadian stage and film actor Colm Feore is among the most accomplished Shakespearean performers of our time, but has appeared as everything from a mad scientist (Gotham) to a Frost Giant of Jotunheim (Thor) and from German rocket scientist Werner von Braun (For All Mankind) to a Renaissance Pope (The Borgias). Colm shares fascinating insights into his remarkable career, including his preparation for this year’s Stratford production of Richard III, as well as his incandescent portrayal of Glenn Gould in Thirty Two Short Films about Glenn Gould.

COLM FEORE:

THE GLENN GOULD FOUNDATION:

 Nov 17, 2022
Kevin Bazzana: Beguilingly BeGouldian
01:26:55

Kevin Bazzana is the world’s leading authority on Glenn Gould, and one of the most perceptive, wry and interesting commentators on music anywhere. The author of the Gould biography Wondrous Strange and the past editor of Glenn Gould Magazine, he joins us for an insightful conversation about Gould, his continuing impact on the arts, and the significance of his 90th birth anniversary. This is another special episode celebrating GlennGould@90.

KEVIN BAZZANA:

THE GLENN GOULD FOUNDATION:

 Oct 20, 2022
Gould's Glorious Goldbergs with Tim Page & Richard Einhorn
01:30:26

Glenn Gould was propelled to stardom by his 1955 recording of Bach’s Goldberg Variations. After a lifetime of study and contemplation, and in anticipation of his 50th birthday, Gould decided to return for another trip to the summit of this musical Everest. His radical rethinking of the Goldbergs became a new masterpiece, admired by music-lovers around the world.

It was also a valedictory statement: released on his 50th birthday, the album preceded the stroke that would end Gould’s life by a few days, a tragic bookend to a storied musical life. As Sony Classical releases a brand new 11-CD set of the complete 1981 Goldbergs session material, we talk with two consummate musical minds who were there with Gould during the creation of the recording: distinguished composer and producer Richard Einhorn, who was part of the production team, and Gould’s friend and Pulitzer Prize-winning critic, Tim Page.

Enjoy these amazing insights into Gould’s life and work as we revisit the birth of a legend in the annals of recording.

RICHARD EINHORN:

TIM PAGE:

THE GLENN GOULD FOUNDATION:

 Sep 29, 2022
François Girard & Don McKellar: 32 Short Memories of a Film Classic
01:27:14

Join us for an inside look at the making of a Canadian film classic, Thirty-Two Short Films About Glenn Gould, which was shot 30 years ago. Renowned film, theatre and opera director François Girard is joined by actor, screenwriter and director Don McKellar as they reveal the creative process behind one of the most memorable and structurally daring works about a musician ever committed to film—their inimitable portrait of Glenn Gould. Listen to their conversation on why Glenn Gould continues to be a powerful artistic presence in their lives and imaginations, four decades after his death. This episode continues our series of GlennGould@90 podcasts celebrating the 90th anniversary of Gould’s birth in 2022.

FRANÇOIS GIRARD:

DON MCKELLAR:

 Aug 18, 2022
Scaling the Heights with Gould’s Wall
00:44:58

New from Tapestry Opera, Gould’s Wall is a contemporary opera from Canadian composer Brian Current. This audacious work invokes Glenn Gould’s dizzying pursuit of artistic perfection, defying expectations as well as gravity by literally shifting the plane of reality from horizontal to vertical. Performed in The Royal Conservatory’s atrium, Gould’s Wall runs from August 4th to August 12th, 2022 in Toronto.

We spoke with the team behind the opera about the historical wall, the creative process and its challenges, and Gould’s presence throughout the work. Featuring composer Brian Current, librettist Liza Balkan, director Philip Akin, and Tapestry Opera’s Artistic Director, Michael Hidetoshi Mori, this special conversation contemplates art in its highest forms. It is also the first in our new series of GlennGould@90 podcasts celebrating the 90th anniversary of Gould’s birth in 2022. 

TAPESTRY OPERA:

 Jul 14, 2022
Laurie Anderson & Bob Ezrin: An Encore
01:19:59

In a special encore presentation, we’re highlighting one of our most popular episodes with Laurie Anderson and Bob Ezrin, originally published in February 2021.

Two of the most transformative musical forces of our time—Laurie Anderson and super-producer Bob Ezrin—sit down for a talk with host Brian Levine. This intimate conversation is one of old friends reminiscing on career highlights, the creative passions that drive them and, of course, their shared love of Lou Reed. Listen to Laurie and Bob’s remarkable stories of days past, thoughtful perspectives on our current moment, and plans for future collaboration.

 LAURIE ANDERSON:

BOB EZRIN:


THE GLENN GOULD FOUNDATION:

 Jun 23, 2022
Howard Shore: The Art of the Score
01:22:21

In the annals of world cinema, a select group of artists—the composers of film music—have earned a special place of honour. Their work unlocks the inner emotions of films, builds suspense, and drives the action in masterpieces as well as mass market franchise features. In this select company, Howard Shore holds a unique position. His creations showcase immense psychological depth, and his stylistic range spans collaborations with directors such as David Cronenberg, Martin Scorsese, Tim Burton and Peter Jackson.

Howard spoke with us about the four distinct careers he’s had over the past few decades. He was a member of pioneering Canadian jazz-rock fusion band Lighthouse, then the first Music Director at Saturday Night Live. He became a composer of serious concert works and, finally, wrote some of the most memorable music in film history. This conversation covers it all, including his ascent of that musical Everest: the many hours of unforgettable orchestral and choral music created for The Lord of the Rings.

HOWARD SHORE:

THE GLENN GOULD FOUNDATION:

 May 26, 2022
Jordi Savall: Music’s Greatest Time Traveller
01:40:15

Jordi Savall is the greatest living specialist in Early Music. As a conductor, composer, and viola de gamba player, he studies music pre-dating Bach, performed with its specific instruments and styles. Savall has placed his passionate stamp on a repertoire spanning 1,300 years and ranging across Europe, the Middle East, the Balkans, Africa and the Americas.

From rocking dance rhythms to sacred splendour, Savall makes the peoples of these distant times and cultures come alive again, sharing their joys and sorrows with us, and demonstrating that nothing human is ever beyond our empathy. In this rare conversation, the UNESCO Artist for Peace discusses his 50 years of bringing forgotten worlds to life.

JORDI SAVALL:

• Website
• Music Label
• Facebook
• Instagram
• Wikipedia

THE GLENN GOULD FOUNDATION:

• Official Website
• Twitter
• Instagram
• YouTube Channel
• Facebook
• GGF on LinkedIn

 Apr 21, 2022
Nahre Sol: Reinventing the Classical, Part II
00:46:32

In Part II of our conversation with pianist and YouTube sensation Nahre Sol, we explore how she creates her hugely successful online content. Nahre also dives deep into her stint as a PBS cohost, the creative process underpinning her debut album, and the triumphs and tribulations involved in her daily life as an artist and creator.

In a tribute to Glenn Gould on his upcoming 90th birth anniversary, Nahre displays the wit and grace that have made her a favourite among piano-philes and music lovers everywhere.

NAHRE SOL:

THE GLENN GOULD FOUNDATION:

 Mar 24, 2022
Nahre Sol: Reinventing the Classical, Part I
01:01:38

Nahre Sol is a real pathfinder. A classically trained pianist, she has swapped the concert stage for a very different platform, becoming a hit Youtuber with over 460,000 subscribers. Now a successful composer and broadcaster, Nahre breathes fresh life into the classics with her blend of wit, musical brilliance and incisive explorations of everything from musical styles to mini-concerts on toy pianos.

In this first part of an expansive interview, Nahre discusses her classical training and transition to multimedia forms of creative expression, as well as her wide range of musical influences.

NAHRE SOL:

THE GLENN GOULD FOUNDATION:

 Feb 24, 2022
Michael Moore: The Making of an Artist
01:33:04

Academy Award-winning director of ground-breaking documentaries such as Roger and Me and Fahrenheit 9/11, Michael Moore joins us for a revealing conversation about the early experiences that shaped his worldview. As a kid growing up in Flint, Michigan, Michael learned about standing up for his principles, resisting censorship, corruption and greed, and battling systemic injustice.

Long before he shot his first foot of film, he was telling stories as a way to speak publicly about uncomfortable, political issues. Here, he talks about the uneasy balance between navigating teenage insecurity and finding the grit to become an activist—as well as his special relationship with Canada.

MICHAEL MOORE:

THE GLENN GOULD FOUNDATION:

 Jan 27, 2022
Patricia Ward Kelly: On Gene Kelly's Dance Revolutions
01:16:38
Gene Kelly remains one of the most beloved and iconic stars of Hollywood’s Golden Age, renowned for his dancing and singing in musicals such as An American in Paris, Singin' in the Rain and On the Town to Brigadoon. But Gene Kelly was also a hugely influential innovator, who transformed dance on the screen from tie-and-tails elegance to an everyman art form infused with athleticism and combining classical, folk and popular styles. His groundbreaking contributions to choreography and direction had a huge impact on musical theatre, contemporary dance and filmmaking, setting the stage for the work of Bob Fosse, Jerome Robbins and Twyla Tharp. As an actor, singer and dancer, he projected a persona that audiences loved, could identify with and root for, even while being dazzled by his spectacular production numbers. Patricia Ward Kelly, Gene’s widow, gives a personal view on their relationship, his contributions to cinema, and her ongoing work celebrating his legacy.
Dec 09, 2021
Branagh’s Brilliant Belfast
01:03:56

In a career studded with dramatic and directorial milestones, Sir Kenneth Branagh has scored an artistic triumph with his most personal film ever, Belfast—the fictionalized story of his own childhood amidst the Troubles in Northern Ireland. In this candid and wide-ranging conversation, the virtuoso actor-director takes us inside his exploration of childhood under siege, along with other career highlights, including his lifelong love-affair with the works of William Shakespeare.

SIR KENNETH BRANAGH:

THE GLENN GOULD FOUNDATION:

 Nov 10, 2021
Kat Von D: Tunes, Tattoos and a Taste of Glenn Gould
00:56:14

Kat von D, by any measure, is one-of-a-kind. One of the world’s most celebrated tattoo artists, Kat defies the idea that while life is short, art is forever, choosing a medium that is inherently perishable: the human body. She rose to fame for her starring appearances on two popular TV shows, Miami Ink and LA Ink, and parlayed that recognition into a wildly successful entrepreneurial career through her line of makeup, simultaneously becoming both an alternative fashion icon and a social media sensation.  

Music has always been central to her creative inspiration, and while her image evokes the worlds of punk, metal and goth, she is equally devoted to the classical piano, citing Beethoven and Glenn Gould among her heroes.  We caught up with Kat on the eve of the release of her first album, “Love Made Me Do It,” for a conversation ranging from her modest beginnings to her rise to fame and her new musical adventures.

 Oct 21, 2021
Alanis Obomsawin – Part 2: Stories of Truth and Love
01:17:52

Today Canada marks the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. As we reflect on the painful history and ongoing impacts of the residential school system, we are grateful to present Part 2 of our conversation with Glenn Gould Prize Laureate Alanis Obomsawin — visionary Abenaki artist and one of Turtle Island’s most passionate advocates for Indigenous Peoples.

In Part 1 we spoke with Alanis about her early life and formative experiences. In Part 2, Alanis and host Brian Levine talk in depth about her films, including “Trick or Treaty”, “When All The Leave Are Gone” and the heartwarming “Christmas at Moose Factory.” Through a lens of immense empathy and understanding, Alanis’ 53 films document the pain and outrage caused by colonialism and intergenerational trauma, as well as the unparalleled love, resilience and dreams of a people on the road to justice. At 89 years old, Alanis currently has 8 more films in production.

Alanis Obomsawin’s films are available for free through the National Film Board of Canada. We encourage you to watch, listen and reflect. Thank you, Alanis.

ALANIS OBOMSAWIN:

THE GLENN GOULD FOUNDATION:

 Sep 30, 2021
Alanis Obomsawin – Part 1: Stories of Truth and Love
01:01:16
Alanis Obomsawin is the laureate of the 13th Glenn Gould Prize. She is also a transformative artist, often hailed as the “grandmother of Indigenous cinema.” Her 53 documentary films chronicle a vast range of Indigenous experience — incendiary outrage at generations of colonial injustice, the path toward reconciliation, and joyous celebrations of love and solidarity.
 
Alanis is also an inspired visual artist, a teacher, storyteller and musician, whose singing illuminated the folk movement of the ‘60s and ’70s.  Above all, she is a noble spirit whose life and work have pointed the way towards pride, healing and justice, a calling she has embraced throughout her 89 years with compassion and grace. In Part I of this two-part conversation, Alanis recounts the formative experiences that shaped her, and gave her the courage and determination to pursue her calling as one of the great truth-tellers of our time.
 
 Sep 16, 2021
This episode no longer available
00:00:08

This episode is no longer available.

 Aug 03, 2021
Tatiana Maslany: An Encore
00:59:30

If the mark of a great actor is the ability to transform herself completely, then Tatiana Maslany is one of the finest of her generation.

With her Emmy-winning breakout playing multiple cloned “sisters” in the TV series Orphan Black, Tatiana not only showed the world her incredible versatility but her ability to infuse her characters with compassion, diverse experiences, and an intense longing for connection.

Photo credit: BBC America.

In this exclusive conversation, Tatiana and Brian talk about her beginnings growing up in Regina, Saskatechewan, her failure in gymnastics, passion for improv, zombie flicks, her latest role as a Depression era radio evangelist in Perry Mason, and of course, Sarah Manning, Alison, Cosima, Helena, Beth and all the other “sistras” from Orphan Black… and her recent experience as a juror for The Glenn Gould Prize.

 Jul 14, 2021
Cory Doctorow: An Encore
01:58:17

Has technology ushered in a Brave New World of creativity, connectedness and individual empowerment — or has it created an invisible tool to enable surveillance, manipulation and the invasion of our privacy?

Few people alive speak more clearly and provocatively to these issues than Cory Doctorow, award-winning science fiction writer, blogger and activist for a more open, accountable and human-rights-focused digital future. In this in-depth conversation with host Brian Levine, Cory explores the deep social engagement, sense of wonder, and occasionally, the rage that inspires his fiction and non-fiction writing.

 Jul 06, 2021
Mobley: The One-Man Band
01:39:58

Austin-based singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Mobley describes his style as “post-genre,” an evocative mix of pop, soul, rock with inventive touches that defy classification.

What marks him as one of the most interesting emerging artists today is his beguiling blend of searing social criticism with captivating melodies, all brilliantly on display in his recent album, Young and Dying in the Occident Supreme. In this revealing conversation, Mobley talks about re-inventing himself as a one-man band who creates a richly layered ensemble experience while performing solo, his work in film and video and his unique and haunting collaborative video project inspired by the parlour game “Exquisite Corpse.”

 Jun 03, 2021
Ai Weiwei: The Conscience of An Artist
01:12:09

Ai Weiwei is a unique presence in the world of visual art – equal parts avant-garde icon, activist and moral conscience for our times.

His courage is legendary both in pushing the boundaries between the new and the traditional in art and between art and politics. He has inspired the world with his defiance in the face of authoritarianism.

Join us for a deeply moving conversation, ranging from Ai’s origins and formative influences, his struggles to defend freedom of expression against the forces of repression, his monumental installations and his equally bold provocations of the powerful and complacent through his documentary films.

 May 20, 2021
Barbara Hannigan: A Modern Maestra
01:41:26

If there is such a thing as a superstar in the world of contemporary classical music, soprano and conductor Barbara Hannigan ranks at the top of a very short list.

With her quicksilver voice, charismatic personality and the striking physicality she brings to each performance, she has done what most people considered impossible – making the music of Ligeti, Boulez and Schoenberg irresistible to the many. Add to that her growing fame in the still male-dominated filed of orchestral conducting, and you have Barbara Hannigan, one of today’s truly transformative musical forces.

From her beginnings in Waverley, Nova Scotia to the great stages of the world, we talked with Barbara about her meteoric rise, her work with today’s greatest composers and the joys of bringing modern masterpieces to life.

 May 06, 2021
The Passions of Viggo Mortensen: Part II
00:56:10

In Part II of our conversation with Viggo Mortensen, we delve into this protean artist’s multidimensional engagements following his landmark success in the film adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings.

From music, to photography, painting and publishing, his multilingual acting roles and even his fascination for a masterpiece of silent film, Viggo delights and astonishes with his boundless curiosity, creativity and passion.

 Apr 22, 2021
The Passions of Viggo Mortensen: Part I
01:17:12
Viggo Mortensen is a kaleidoscopically talented artist whose work spans a vast range of creative media from acting, directing, music, poetry, painting, photography and book publishing.
 
Enshrined in the hearts and minds of film lovers and fantasy fans as the perfect embodiment of Aragorn the King in Lord of the Rings, Viggo joins us during his time in quarantine via Zoom for Part One of a candid and far-reaching conversation of his formative experiences, creative passions and Tolkien-esque adventures.
 Apr 08, 2021
Sondra Radvanovsky: Opulently Operatic
02:01:09

Sondra Radvanovsky is one of the great dramatic sopranos of our time, a singing actress who has thrilled audiences around the world in her performances of Verdi’s operas as well as mastering the virtuoso bel canto repertoire. But this down-to-earth diva defies every operatic stereotype – she is warm, open and generous, enlightening us on the way we think of the word “diva” itself.

Join us for this inside look at Sondra’s career, the impact of Covid cancellations and her unlikely emergence as a podcast queen in her own right. A treat for newcomers to opera and seasoned aficionados alike.

 Mar 18, 2021
Hilary Hahn: Her Brave New World
01:55:13

Hilary Hahn is one of the most beloved violinists in the world, an artist whose musicianship, passion and brilliance has earned her devoted fans everywhere. Still, she is so much more – a strong, visionary woman, a role model, and an artist who looks to the future.

In this candid conversation, Hilary talks about her early life and career, staying active and engaged through the pandemic, her commitment to commissioning new music, her engagement with artificial intelligence and even her happy encounter with Mr. Rogers.

 Mar 04, 2021
Philippe Starck: Dreams Within Design
01:28:34

Philippe Starck is a force of nature in the world of creativity. He pioneered the concept of Democratic Design – the notion that design and creativity should make life better for as many people as possible. His energy, imagination and questioning have resulted in thousands of creations from household objects, eco-friendly homes, a space habitation module to Steve Jobs’ mega-yacht.

Join us as he shares his passionate commitment to community, advancing evolution and candid revelations about the early experiences that shaped his boundless drive to create.

 Feb 25, 2021
Laurie Anderson & Bob Ezrin: O Superwoman
01:22:53

Two of the most transformative musical forces of our time – Laurie Anderson and super-producer Bob Ezrin, sit down for a talk with host Brian Levine.

This intimate conversation is one of old friends reminiscing on career highlights, the creative passions that drive them and of course, their shared love of Lou Reed. Listen to Laurie and Bob’s remarkable stories of days past, thoughtful perspectives on our current moment, and plans for future collaboration.

 Feb 11, 2021
John Ralston Saul
01:58:04

John Ralston Saul is one of the world’s most provocative, insightful and prescient thinkers, and he has thought deeply about the erosion of democracy in our time — an issue of increasingly urgent concern in light of recent events.

We caught up with John for a lively and wide-ranging discussion about the role of the arts in promoting democracy and the common good, social engagement, what we can learn from Indigenous cultures, and the dangers of propaganda, ideology, corporatism in eroding and corrupting the public sphere. John’s passion, wit and lifelong love of the arts and freedom of expression make for a compelling listen.

 Jan 28, 2021
Harry Gregson-Williams
01:20:10

Harry Gregson-Williams is one of today’s most exciting and versatile film composers. He is noted for his unforgettable scores for such films as The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe, Kingdom of Heaven, Man on Fire, Mulan, The Martian, Prometheus, and of course, Shrek.

In a wide-ranging conversation, Harry talks about his evolution from choir boy to composer, his creative methods, the changing role of technology in his practice, and his collaborations with directors Tony and Ridley Scott, Nick Park, Ben Affleck, and Joel Schumacher.

 Jan 11, 2021
Tatiana Maslany
00:58:59

If the mark of a great actor is the ability to transform herself completely, then Tatiana Maslany is one of the finest of her generation.

With her Emmy-winning breakout playing multiple cloned “sisters” in the TV series Orphan Black, Tatiana not only showed the world her incredible versatility but her ability to infuse her characters with compassion, diverse experiences, and an intense longing for connection.

In this exclusive conversation, Tatiana and Brian talk about her beginnings growing up in Regina, Saskatechewan, her failure in gymnastics, passion for improv, zombie flicks, her latest role as a Depression era radio evangelist in Perry Mason, and of course, Sarah Manning, Alison, Cosima, Helena, Beth and all the other “sistras” from Orphan Black… and her recent experience as a juror for The Glenn Gould Prize.

 Dec 10, 2020
Chilly Gonzales
01:59:59

Ever wonder what makes a Musical Genius tick? Or how “Super Producers” keep churning out hits?  Well, Chilly Gonzales, with tongue (partly) in cheek has described himself as both of these terms. What Gonzo (to his friends) really is, is a true musical original.

From his hit solo piano records, his sold-out concerts around the world, to his collaborations with Feist, Drake, Peaches, Jarvis Cocker and Daft Punk— Chilly Gonzales is a musical explorer, who defies categories, combines humour with serious artistic ideals and has developed a captivating musical language all his own. In this feature conversation, Gonzo lets (most of) his hair down and gives us an intimate look at his idiosyncratic, endlessly fascinating inner life.

 Nov 26, 2020
Nyla Innuksuk
01:36:51

In the latest instalment of The Gould Standard, we welcome our friend Nyla Innuksuk, revolutionary Inuk filmmaker and VR content creator. Nyla spoke with host Brian Levine during her quarantine before travelling to Nunavut, to complete her debut feature film Slashback, a horror epic set in the Arctic tundra.

Nyla talks Virtual and Augmented reality as CEO of Mixtape VR, working with Indigenous musicians like A Tribe Called Red and Tanya Tagaq, even co-creating the world’s first Inuk Marvel Superhero, Snowguard, with Jim Zub. In this thought-provoking conversation, Nyla also shares details of her life threatening health crisis, and the importance of reconciliation through art.

 Nov 11, 2020
Cory Doctorow
01:57:40

Has technology ushered in a Brave New World of creativity, connectedness and individual empowerment — or has it created an invisible tool to enable surveillance, manipulation and the invasion of our privacy?

Few people alive speak more clearly and provocatively to these issues than Cory Doctorow, award-winning science fiction writer, blogger and activist for a more open, accountable and human-rights-focused digital future. In this in-depth conversation with host Brian Levine, Cory explores the deep social engagement, sense of wonder, and occasionally, the rage that inspires his fiction and non-fiction writing.

 Oct 26, 2020
Petula Clark - Part 2
01:02:23

Welcome back to Part Two of The Gould Standard’s exclusive conversation with Petula Clark. Petula and host Brian Levine talk about her Hollywood film career, an encounter with Elvis in Las Vegas, how she accidentally ended up on John and Yoko’s "Give Peace a Chance" record, and Petula’s adventures in the present moment.

 Oct 07, 2020
Petula Clark - Part 1
01:07:40

In Part One of this exclusive two-part conversation with the inimitable Petula Clark, host Brian Levine chats with Petula about her early life as a child star during WWII, being a Brit pop icon in America and a French chanteuse in Paris, her controversy with Harry Belafonte, as well as the charming, head-over-heels story of how she met Ella Fitzgerald.

 Oct 06, 2020