In this captivating episode of Dripping Creativity, host Chris Corvan welcomes debut author Vanessa Penny, who takes us on a deep dive into her creative world. Hailing from the stunning landscapes of northern Newfoundland and rural Nova Scotia, Vanessa shares her journey of transforming her dark imagination into her upcoming novel, The Witch of Willow Sound, set to release on September 30, 2025. With a starred review from Forward Reviews and recognition as one of the most anticipated books of the year by the Canadian Independent Booksellers Association, Vanessa's work is already making waves.

As an introvert stepping into the public eye, Vanessa discusses how this transition has impacted her writing process and the importance of community support. She reflects on the role of her upbringing in shaping her storytelling, particularly how the isolation and beauty of her surroundings influence her work. The conversation delves into the themes of family, loneliness, and the gothic elements that permeate her writing, offering listeners a glimpse into the emotional depth of her characters and the haunting atmosphere of her novel.

With a passion for horror and the darker aspects of storytelling, Vanessa reveals her approach to crafting suspense and foreboding, sharing insights on how she builds tension on the page. As they explore the intricacies of writing and creativity, Chris and Vanessa discuss the balance between description and reader imagination, the art of character development, and the surprising discoveries that come with the writing process/

If you're a fan of gothic literature, dark fantasy, or simply love hearing the stories behind the stories, this episode is a must-listen.

🎧 Music by Gridlazer

🌐 Pre-order The Witch of Willow Sound at: https://www.ecwpress.com

🔗 Follow Vanessa Penny on Instagram: @vanessafpenney

🌐 Visit Vanessa's website: http://www.vanessapenney.ca

🔗 Follow Chris Corvan here: https://chriscorvan.bio.link

In this special anniversary episode, I sit down with legends of the stage and soul, members of Calgary’s longest-running drag troupe, Fake Mustache to celebrate 20 years of transformation, rebellion, and pure queer joy.

Born from a moment of spark on the other side of the world, Fake Mustache has become a cornerstone of Calgary’s underground performance scene. We talk origins, legacy, and the unapologetic evolution of drag culture through the lens of community. Founding members @kat_simmers, @evaangel86, @only4survivor, and @fakemustachedrag join me to reflect on the highs, the heartbreaks, and the hilarious moments that shaped a movement.

We also give you the inside scoop on their upcoming 20th Anniversary Show! A celebration of queer history, graphic storytelling, and drag performance you do not want to miss.

If you love drag, indie art, or stories that start in backroom bars and end in comic books... this one’s for you.

🎧 Music by Gridlazer

🌐 Find out more about Fake Mustache Drag Troop at: https://www.fakemustache.ca/

Fake Mustache 20th Anniversary show - https://www.showpass.com/fake-mustache-20/

🔗 Follow Chris Corvan here: @chrisofthevoid @creativecatalystcafe https://chriscorvan.bio.link

@only4survivor - LG Nails

@evaangel86 - Eva Angel

@fakemustachedrag - James Dean

@kat_simmers - Kat Simmers

In this thrilling episode of Dripping Creativity, host Chris Corvan takes us on a wild journey into the mesmerizing world of Paranormal Cirque, a cabaret experience that blends horror, acrobatics, and dark comedy. Joining Chris is the captivating Sandra, a sword swallower and one of the extraordinary performers behind this unique show. Together, they peel back the layers of this theatrical spectacle that promises to leave audiences spellbound.

Sandra shares her insights into the artistry and adrenaline that fuel Paranormal Cirque, discussing how this year's iteration leans deeper into horror while showcasing an array of jaw-dropping performances. Listeners will learn about the creative process behind the scenes, the camaraderie among the performers, and the challenges of adapting to audience reactions. With tales of unexpected surprises and the thrill of live performance, Sandra gives us a glimpse into the heart of a production that dares to push boundaries.

As the conversation unfolds, Chris and Sandra delve into the importance of transparency with audiences, the artistic freedom of performers, and the exhilarating vibe that makes this traveling circus a must-see. Whether you're a horror aficionado or simply curious about the unconventional, this episode offers an enticing look at a show that promises to be anything but ordinary.

🎧 Music by Gridlazer

🌐 Find out more about Paranormal Cirque at: https://www.paranormalcirque.com/

🔗 Follow Chris Corvan here: https://chriscorvan.bio.link

00:00 - This week's Dripping Creativity podcast features Paranormal Cirque

00:55 - Zilla is the amazing Zilla working with paranormal Circus

02:06 - Paranormal Circ 4 is the fourth iteration of this show

03:12 - How far in advance do you plan a tour like this

06:03 - How much time prepping do you guys start preparing for the show

08:08 - Having to adapt to changes on the Fly makes things way less stressful

09:14 - So going into it, was there the family vibe right away

10:19 - Is there any part of the show that still gives you chill in awe

11:36 - How much creative freedom do the performers have with the show structure

12:44 - There's a lot of blood, guts, and aspect along with circus arts

15:20 - Some people think that we are a cult; others think we're just traveling circus

16:43 - Has there been any weird or unexpected audience reactions to your work

17:33 - The show is more cabaret than burlesque

In this lively episode of Dripping Creativity, host Chris Corvan chats it up with the one and only Byron Fredrick, a.k.a. Suncatjah. Hailing from Calgary, this sonic storyteller and rhythm wizard takes us on a wild ride through his diverse musical influences—from reggae and soca to funk and techno. With a sound that’s like a cosmic jam session, he spills the beans on how he snagged his unique name and what fuels his love for electronic music.

Join us as Byron reminisces about his journey from jamming in a reggae band to diving headfirst into the electrifying world of live electronic music. He gets real about the bumps in the road, those “aha” moments, and how community plays a crucial role in his artistic adventure. You won’t want to miss his pearls of wisdom on live performance, the art of mixing genres, and the power of collaboration within the Oscill8 Collective.

As the convo flows, Byron paints a vivid picture of his music, the pivotal moments that shaped his career, and his dreams for future collabs. And stick around for the rapid-fire Q&A where he shares his creative process and what he hopes audiences feel during his electrifying sets.

🎧 Music by Gridlazer

Suncatjah (Byron Frederick):
SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/byronfredrick
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1037110587977508

Oscill8 Collective:
Website: https://www.oscill8.ca
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oscill8collective
SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/oscill8-collective
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCy7n4x5Aqoshvy9vFBjEjig

Anthony Appleby (Room Elephant):
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anthonyjappleby
Bandcamp: https://roomelephantlive.bandcamp.com

Leif Olson (Lokey):
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lokeybasslayer
Bandcamp: https://lokey.bandcamp.com

Enoque Carrancho:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/enoque-carrancho-94a7164a
SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/ENNOKARR
Bandcamp: https://breadnbutta.bandcamp.com

Chris Corvan (Host):
Bio Link: https://chriscorvan.bio.link

Creative Catalyst Cafe / Dripping Creativity:
Bio Link: https://creativecatalystcafe.bio.link

In this episode, we have the pleasure of speaking with Sara Elisabeth, the talented author behind the Pacific Northwest Boys series. Join us as we explore her latest release, Someone Like Me, a captivating MMF poly romance set against the vibrant backdrop of Vancouver.

Sara shares insights into the complex dynamics between the characters, the emotional themes woven throughout the story, and her creative process. If you love stories that blend heartbreak with heat and explore the depths of love and identity, this episode is a must-listen!

🎧 Music by Gridlazer
📖 Get the book here
🌐 Find Sara Elisabeth here
🔗 Follow Chris Corvan here

In this electrifying episode of Dripping Creativity, host Chris Corvan sits down with the legendary Rik Emmett, the iconic guitarist from the Canadian rock band Triumph. With a career that spans decades, Rik is not just a musician but also a poet, teacher, and a true creative force. Today, they dive deep into Rik's latest project, 10 Telecaster Tales, a poetic tribute that explores themes of truth, time, and tone through the lens of his beloved guitar, Babs.

Rik shares the inspiration behind this unique project, revealing how the simplicity of working with just one guitar allowed him to strip back the layers of his creativity. He reflects on the evolution of his musical truth and how his understanding of authenticity has changed over the years. Listeners will be captivated by his insights on the nature of truth, the impact of personal experiences on creativity, and the importance of embracing change.

The conversation flows into the artistic process, with Rik discussing the poetic narratives woven throughout 10 Telecaster Tales. He explains how each piece connects to his life experiences, from moments of joy to reflections on mortality. The episode also features a rapid-fire Q&A where Rik shares his thoughts on collaboration, the power of words, and the joys of live performance.

For anyone looking to explore the depths of creativity and the beauty of self-expression, this episode is a must-listen! Don't miss the chance to connect with Rik Emmett and grab your copy of 10 Telecaster Tales for an unforgettable journey into the heart of music and poetry.

Find Rik Emmett online at: rickemmett.com

And here’s where you can find Chris Corvan:

chriscorvan.bio.link

For all things Creative Catalyst Cafe, check out: bio.link/creativecatalystcafe

Music by: GRIDLAZER

Stay creative, stay inspired, and until next time, see ya!

Rik Emmett, Triumph, 10 Telecaster Tales, Guitar Stories, Canadian Music Legend, Songwriting, Creative Process, Poetry, Musical Truth, Artistic Integrity, Electric Tribute, Babs Guitar, Personal Evolution, Mentoring Musicians, Authenticity In Art, Live Performance, Music And Poetry, Emotional Expression, Musical Journey, Creative Collaboration

Hey there, creative souls! In this super exciting episode of Dripping Creativity, host Chris Corvan chats with the incredibly talented Sierra Zounes. She's not just a novelist but also a spoken word poet, martial artist, and teacher! Sierra's got her hands in all sorts of creative pies, from paranormal urban fantasy to poetry, comics, and even audio dramas. Trust us, you won’t want to miss her journey, especially with her novel, Sagittarius, hitting the shelves in Spring 2025.

Sierra opens up about her journey from dreaming of being a writer to becoming an English teacher, sharing the ups and downs she faced along the way. We dive into the pressures of family expectations and the struggle to keep that writing spark alive. After a big moment of self-reflection, she decided to chase her creative dreams, and it’s been a whirlwind of writing and success ever since!

As they get into the nitty-gritty of Sagittarius, you’ll be hooked by Sierra's unique mix of urban fantasy and astrology. Picture a medium who's down on her luck, navigating the supernatural scene in San Diego! Sierra talks about what inspires her characters, how she crafts those emotional stories, and why sticking with it is so important in the creative journey.

Stick around for a fun rapid-fire Q&A where Sierra spills her favorite writing snacks, shares her thoughts on spoken word poetry, and introduces the delightful chaos her furry friends bring into her life. This episode is packed with insights, laughs, and a whole lot of inspiration for anyone who loves to create!

Want to connect with Sierra? Hit her up on Instagram at zoneswrites and keep an eye out for her book cover reveal coming soon!

https://www.zouneswrites.com/

And here’s where you can find Chris Corvan:

https://chriscorvan.bio.link

For all things Creative Catalyst Cafe, check out: bio.link/creativecatalystcafe

Music by: GRIDLAZER

Stay creative, stay inspired, and until next time, see ya!

Get ready for a wild ride in this episode of Dripping Creativity! Host Chris Corvan hangs out with the fabulous Benjamin Twigg, an Aussie wordsmith who’s all about that authentic queer representation and whimsical storytelling. They dive deep into Benjamin's creative journey, starting from his childhood obsession with fantasy that sparked his writing passion, all leading up to his upcoming novel, Dad Magic, dropping on November 28th.

Benjamin takes us on a trip down memory lane, sharing how epic tales from legends like Terry Brooks and Tolkien inspired him, and how social media opened up a vibrant community for him. He chats about the importance of diverse characters and themes like fatherhood, grief, and the magical intersection of tech and fantasy that shapes his writing.

As they dig into the magic of Dad Magic, Benjamin spills the beans on its unique premise where dads wield magic in the most unexpected ways. You won't want to miss his insights on character development, the writing process, and crafting narratives that truly resonate with the queer experience.

Stick around for a lively rapid-fire Q&A where Benjamin shares his favorite fantasy worlds, quirky writing rituals, and the joys of being a proud dog dad. This episode is packed with laughter, inspiration, and a peek into the mind of a passionate storyteller!

Want to connect with Ben? Check out his world at:

https://linktr.ee/Benjamintwiggauthor

And here’s where you can find Chris Corvan:

chriscorvan.bio.link

For all things Creative Catalyst Cafe, check out: bio.link/creativecatalystcafe

Music by: GRIDLAZER

Stay creative, stay inspired, and until next time, see ya!