🎧 S’MAC TALK – Episode 15: Fiddlin' Around with Catherine Robertson
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💛 Title Sponsor: Happy Ending Divorce and Separation
♻️ Community Partner: Chop Value YYC

This week, Seth and Mac sit down with Catherine Robertson, a fiddle player, violinist, and luthier who’s been immersed in music since she was three years old. Catherine breaks down the real difference between “violin” and “fiddle” (hint: it’s not the instrument), how she moved from classical training into traditional music, and why chasing perfection can drain the joy from playing if you’re not careful.

They dig into her path from early gigs and music store life into full-time work with artists, touring, and instrument repair, including how being a luthier has saved the day on the road more than once. There’s lots of love for Alberta’s music community, her long-running connection with Ryan Lindsay, and what it’s like to move in and out of projects while keeping relationships intact.

And because it’s S'MAC Talk, the conversation takes a hard left into small-town road stops, A&W coffee club culture, and the internet-famous apple reviews, including the great Red Delicious debate. Plus, a perfectly chaotic tour story involving two identical SUVs, the Premier’s security team, and one very unlucky band member opening the wrong door.

🎶 Songs of the Week:
Jade Elephant – “Listen to the Beatles”
Jessie Dans - "Summer 2016"
Ryan Lindsay – “Three Long Hauls” (unreleased)

🎧 S’MAC TALK – Episode 14: Taking The Plunge
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💛 Title Sponsor: Happy Ending Divorce and Separation
♻️ Segment Sponsor: Chop Value YYC

Seth and Mackenzie are back in the studio for Episode 14 with Calgary musician, producer, and Plunge Audio partner Justin Kudding. After a laid-back (and slightly forced) holiday reset, the crew dives into Justin’s journey from junior high bass assignment to touring professionally, winning JUNO and CCMA recognition, and eventually stepping into entrepreneurship through custom in-ear monitors.

Justin breaks down how Plunge Audio grew from a tinkering side-hustle into a thriving company, why he’d rather be a Chief In-Ear Officer than a CEO, and what it’s like balancing a life in music with building a scalable business. They also talk bass inspirations from Flea to John Paul Jones, the realities of chasing a unique “lane” in the industry, and one of the most stressful live performance moments imaginable: learning a brand-new Bebe Rexha arrangement hours before going on national live TV.

The conversation wraps with a look ahead to 2026 goals, giving back to the music community through flexible creative-friendly work, and Plunge Audio’s support of the YYC Songwriter Showdown — including gifting in-ear monitors to the Elite 8 and Justin joining the judging panel.

🎶 Songs of the Week (Chop Value YYC):
Justine Vandergrift – “Stay”
Veronica Raine – “August”
Kaia Gamble – “Photographs”

🎧 S’MAC TALK – Episode 13: King of Monday Nights With DuddyPowered by Blue Willow Entertainment🏡 Title Sponsor: F1 Realty – Family First Realty with Dave Rogers💛 Episode Sponsor: Happy Ending Divorce and Separation

This week, Seth and Mac sit down with Jeff “Duddy” Dudder, host of The Deets With Duddy and self-proclaimed king of Monday nights. From late-night TV inspirations to building a full talk-show style set in his house, Duddy walks through how a simple idea to vlog with his son turned into one of Calgary’s most eclectic interview shows.

They dig into his journey from the bar and restaurant world into home sales and podcasting, what he’s learned from talking with artists, actors, entrepreneurs and community leaders, and how a Calgary Arts Development grant is helping him take the show live on stage.

The trio also dive into Calgary’s exploding music scene, the power of highlighting local charities and mental health work, and the realities of editing until 2 a.m. There’s plenty of side quests too: being recognized with and without the signature glasses, Christmas movies and alarm tones, Dave Chappelle at the ‘Dome, sports vs. theatre, and why everyone seems to know everyone in this city’s arts community.

🎶 Songs of the Week:
Kate Reed – “Christmas Stay With Us”
Carter Felker – “Nothing But Net”
Shy Friend – “Freaky Nightmare”

👕 Merch Partner: Rapid Artist Merch – Got Merch?♻️ Community Partner: Chop Value YYC