Best Mattea Podcasts (2025)

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3 writers on finding their voices — and the power of personal stories 54:54

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6d ago54:54

54:54

To wrap up our first season, Bookends is bringing you to the Festival of Literary Diversity in Brampton. Tanya Talaga, Morgan Campell and Amal Elsana Alh'jooj may be memoir writers from different walks of life — but a common thread in their work is how they continually use their voices to negotiate challenging conversations. They recently joined Ma…

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Bonus: Cory Doctorow chats about his new novel on Bookends with Mattea Roach 41:48

19d ago41:48

41:48

In this special bonus conversation, Cory Doctorow sits down with Bookends host Mattea Roach to discuss his latest novel, Picks & Shovels. The book is the third in his series about forensic accountant Martin Hench, who investigates financial crime in Silicon Valley. When the book ends, the conversation begins. Mattea Roach speaks with writers who ha…

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Episode 214: Magnifier with Mason Jennings 34:04

4d ago34:04

34:04

This episode of Across The Margin : The Podcast features an interview with acclaimed singer-songwriter Mason Jennings. Mason is a Minnesota-based artist who is well known for his simple yet catchy melodies, intimate lyrics, intensely literary and historical themes, and deep tenor’s voice. With the release of his latest album Magnifier (Loosegroove …

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From the Ground Up: Purpose, Pivoting & Personal Evolution” 1:29:10

5d ago1:29:10

1:29:10

Let us know how much you enjoyed this episode! In this inspiring episode, host Mattea Hunter sits down with powerhouse entrepreneur Jasmin Perkins for a transparent conversation about what it really takes to build something from nothing. Jasmin shares how she launched her brand and dance studio in her early 20s—without a blueprint—and the lessons l…

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Tom Hearn is still paying off Beyoncé 29:40

8d ago29:40

29:40

This week on Because News with Gavin Crawford, the G7 meets and one leader bolts early (wonder which one?) Meanwhile, back in Canada, Drake finds out Jagmeet Singh was at a Kendrick concert and slides into his DMs. Is Drake ok? Also: what will be the song of the summer? Can The Smurfs soundtrack compete with Mariah’s high notes? Join our panel with…

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What makes Montreal a transgender city? 26:28

10d ago26:28

26:28

For Montreal writer Chris Bergeron, the power of transgender storytelling is revolutionary. Her novel Valid is about a 70-year-old trans woman who is forced back into the closet to survive in a dystopian Montreal. Valid, translated from French by Natalia Hero, was chosen for this year’s One eRead Canada campaign. Chris sat down with Mattea Roach at…

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1,055 - The War & Treaty, Johnnyswim, Olivia Ellen Lloyd 1:45:50

11d ago1:45:50

1:45:50

This episode was recorded on April 13th, 2025 at the Culture Center Theater in Charleston, WV. The lineup includes The War & Treaty, Johnnyswim, and Olivia Ellen Lloyd. https://bit.ly/4jTLFkuBy West Virginia Public Broadcasting

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Weaving a story of family trauma and celebrating the beauty in survival 35:01

13d ago35:01

35:01

For Chyana Marie Sage, being “soft as bones” means accepting that humans are both strong and fragile — and have immense capacity for healing. Her new memoir, Soft As Bones, is her quest to better understand the childhood trauma that scarred her family. It's also a tapestry of poetry, history, Cree language, traditional ceremony and folklore — and d…

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Kris Siddiqi gets juiced for the Enhanced Games 31:30

15d ago31:30

31:30

Enhanced athletes, enhanced armies, and maybe a slightly enhanced Gavin? This week, Because News brings you a panel featuring Kris Siddiqi, Martha Chavez, and Craig Lauzon tackling a jam-packed week. From steroid-fuelled sports to a teen science fair that blows minds in Fredericton, NB. Plus, we strive for less screen time with the help of a moveme…

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For Indigenous players, ice hockey is a ceremony of its own 20:55

17d ago20:55

20:55

Before becoming a writer, Kyle Edwards had dreams of playing hockey … and as an Indigenous player, he grapples with complex feelings about the game and its place in Canadian culture. He explores this in his debut novel, Small Ceremonies. The story follows the Tigers, a hockey team made up of Indigenous teens from Winnipeg. The teens are coming of a…

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Episode 213: It's All Gonna Break with Stephen Chung 32:40

17d ago32:40

32:40

This episode of Across The Margin : The Podcast features an interview with Stephen Chung, an award-winning cinematographer with well over twenty years of experience in moving images. Stephen's career began as a stills photographer, working in the commercial, fashion, and music industries in Canada and Europe for over a decade. In the 90s, his photo…

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1,058 - Dan Tyminski, Darrell Scott, I Draw Slow, Kieran Kane & Rayna Gellert, and Jacob Jolliff Band 2:35:08

17d ago2:35:08

2:35:08

This episode was recorded on May 18th, 2025 at Culture Center Theater in Charleston, WV. The lineup includes Dan Tyminski, Darrell Scott, I Draw Slow, Kieran Kane & Rayna Gellert, and Jacob Jolliff Band. bit.ly/3HLCyoCBy West Virginia Public Broadcasting

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Legacy, love & the literary hustle: A deep dive with an urban fiction icon 55:06

19d ago55:06

55:06

Let us know how much you enjoyed this episode! In this powerful and inspiring episode, host Mattea Hunter sits down with legendary author Omar Tyree, the creative force behind the iconic novel Flyy Girl and more than 30 published works. Together, they unpack the journey of a literary giant—exploring the highs and lows of life, the complexity of rel…

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Taylor Jenkins Reid is among the stars — on and off the page 36:08

20d ago36:08

36:08

Taylor Jenkins Reid is a literary superstar. She’s known for writing epic settings, complex women and love stories that stretch across time and place — you might know her from novels such as The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo or Daisy Jones and the Six. Her new novel, Atmosphere, is a space thriller that captures all of her signatures. It’s about ou…

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Brandon Ash-Mohammed believes in Carney Claus 27:53

22d ago27:53

27:53

This week on Because News, we're joined by Brandon Ash-Mohammed, Jan Caruana and Courtney Gilmour. It was a busy news week as the premiers met in Saskatoon where Doug Ford made a musical entrance and Mark Carney was dubbed 'Santa Claus.' We also check in on the Oilers’ playoff run and ask, "why do the guys play Pink Pony Club in the locker room?" P…

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Alison Bechdel on making money and seeing Fun Home in a new light 37:14

24d ago37:14

37:14

Nearly 20 years after her breakout memoir, Fun Home, cartoonist Alison Bechdel is still unearthing new truths about her life in that time. The memoir and its Broadway adaptation changed Alison’s life and brought a degree of success she was unaccustomed to. She explores these themes in her latest work, a comic novel called Spent. It’s about a cartoo…

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1,057 - Medium Build, Susan Werner, Maya de Vitry, The Arcadian Wild, and Them Coulee Boys 2:19:57

24d ago2:19:57

2:19:57

This episode was recorded on May 11th, 2025 at the Culture Center Theater in Charleston, WV. The lineup includes Medium Build, Susan Werner, Maya de Vitry, The Arcadian Wild, and Them Coulee Boys. https://bit.ly/4jTLFkuBy West Virginia Public Broadcasting

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David A. Robertson puts stories at the heart of reconciliation 39:11

27d ago39:11

39:11

Through his books and public speaking, David A. Robertson has dedicated his career to sharing stories about Indigenous people. His latest book, 52 Ways to Reconcile, is a guide for all of us to take action when it comes to reconciliation — and shows how small acts can have a big impact. Like all of David's work, the book tackles hard truths with a …

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Andrew Phung says 'Night Bro' to The Bay 38:31

29d ago38:31

38:31

This week, Because News does a collective curtsy as King Charles graces Canada with a royal visit. But does anyone actually care? Host Gavin Crawford puts panellists Emma Hunter, Chris Sandiford, and Andrew Phung through the news wringer, covering everything from Trump’s golden dome fantasy to the great Hudson’s Bay mannequin sell-off (finally, som…

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Episode 212: Songs of Black Folk with Haley Watson & Justin Emeka 27:33

1M ago27:33

27:33

This episode of Across The Margin : The Podcast features an interview with the directors of Songs of Black Folk, Haley Watson & Justin Emeka. Songs of Black Folk is a documentary that explores the Pacific Northwest’s largest annual gathering of Black musical talent. At its heart is Ramón Bryant Braxton, who — alongside his uncle, Rev. Dr. Leslie Br…

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An opera singer gives voice to the Grenadian revolution 33:31

1M ago33:31

33:31

The 1983 revolution in Grenada was a major moment of the Cold War era ... and writer Zilla Jones grew up hearing stories about its connection to her own family. She transports readers back to that time in her debut novel, The World So Wide. It follows a Canadian opera singer named Felicity who is caught up in the military coup and placed under hous…

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1,056 - Eric Bibb, Moira Smiley & The Rhizome Quartet, Twisted Pine, The McCrary Sisters, and Yasmin Williams 2:33:58

30d ago2:33:58

2:33:58

This episode was recorded on May 4th, 2025 at Canady Creative Arts Center in Morgantown, WV. The lineup includes Eric Bibb, Moira Smiley & The Rhizome Quartet, Twisted Pine, The McCrary Sisters, and Yasmin Williams. https://bit.ly/3Fsk1NqBy West Virginia Public Broadcasting

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Kick 'Em in the Dongle 41:20

1M ago41:20

41:20

It's 2025. President Trump is back, and the richest men in tech are on stage with him. What started as a dysfunctional internet run by tech giants, and enabled by failed legislation, has morphed into something even more dangerous: what economist Yanis Varoufakis calls technofeudalism. Host Cory Doctorow traces how U.S. trade pressure dragged Canada…

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"Clear Space, Clear Mind: Organizing Your Closet, Home & Life with Essense Heel" 48:17

1M ago48:17

48:17

Let us know how much you enjoyed this episode! In this episode, we're joined by personal organizer and clutter coach Essense Heel, who shares her expert insights on how to bring order to your closet, your home—and your life. From tackling that overflowing junk drawer to creating sustainable systems that reduce stress and increase clarity, Essense w…

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When young men murder, what can we learn? 32:58

1M ago32:58

32:58

There’s no easy answer to that question — and Vijay Khurana’s debut novel, The Passenger Seat, takes a closer look at how complicated it really is. Drawing on aspects of a real string of murders that took place in British Columbia in 2019, the story follows two high school boys as they set off on a road trip that turns violent. It examines male fri…

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Best of Because News: Billionaires 27:08

1M ago27:08

27:08

Let's check in on the super-rich and why they're creeping into our newsfeed. Featuring Eric Peterson, Martha Chaves, Tom Howell, Alice Moran and Jim Cuddy of Blue Rodeo.

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Music, sex and finding the soundtrack to queer joy 32:29

1M ago32:29

32:29

Growing up in the midst of the HIV/AIDS epidemic left Pete Crighton with a huge fear of sex … and he threw himself into music as a way to cope with his anxieties. Decades later, he realized that he needed to face his fears and live his queer life to the fullest. Pete writes about this journey in his new memoir, The Vinyl Diaries, where he uses his …

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In God We Antitrust 36:33

1M ago36:33

36:33

American antitrust laws were designed to stop companies from wielding the power of kings. But in the 1970s, a legal scholar named Robert Bork convinced Washington to ignore those laws. Host Cory Doctorow traces how Bork's influence gave digital giants like Amazon a decades-long free pass to dominate markets, crush competitors, exploit their own bus…

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Weightlifting made Casey Johnston stronger — in muscle and mind 30:14

1M ago30:14

30:14

For years, Casey Johnston thought fitness was all about shrinking down. She was terrified of weightlifting and what it would do to her body. Now, she’s a writer and fitness advocate with a massive following of fellow lifters. Her latest book, A Physical Education, tells the story of how stepping into the weight room changed her life — body, mind an…

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Is Craig Lauzon DOING IT? 34:44

1M ago34:44

34:44

This week, our panel finds out who's actually fresh faced in Carney's cabinet, we hear about Trump's MAGA bank full of spunk, and who's absolute dynamite on the baseball diamond. Featuring this week Martha Chaves, Miguel Rivas and Craig Lauzon take the news quiz with host Gavin Crawford.

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Fans asked for another happy ending — Carley Fortune delivered 32:05

2M ago32:05

32:05

During the pandemic, journalist Carley Fortune turned to romance writing as an outlet … and her debut novel, Every Summer After, was a life-changing success. The nostalgic summer love story was a massive hit, launching her into the world of book lists, devoted fans and screen rights. This spring Carley is back with One Golden Summer, the much-antic…

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Episode 211: Copaganda with Alec Karakatsanis 52:26

2M ago52:26

52:26

This episode of Across The Margin : The Podcast features an interview with Alec Karakatsanis. Alec is the Founder and Executive Director of Civil Rights Corps and as one of the country’s leading experts in constitutional civil rights he has pioneered cases to challenge the size, power, profit, and everyday brutality of the punishment bureaucracy ac…

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Bookends Introduces | Understood: Who Broke the Internet 38:29

2M ago38:29

38:29

It's not you — the internet really does suck. Novelist, blogger and noted internet commentator Cory Doctorow explains what happened to the internet and why you're tormented by ads, bots, algorithms, AI slop and so many pop-ups. Spoiler alert: it wasn't an accident. In Understood: Who Broke the Internet, Doctorow gets into the decisions made by powe…

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Ctrl, Ctrl, Ctrl 28:34

2M ago28:34

28:34

In 1998, the United States Congress tried to tame the wild internet with a new law: the Digital Millennium Copyright Act. But buried in its fine print was a provision that would end up giving tech giants ultimate legal protection and control, and stop innovators from fixing what's broken. Host Cory Doctorow traces how a law written for a different …

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Ocean Vuong finds beauty in a fast food shift 36:59

2M ago36:59

36:59

Long before he became a bestselling writer, Ocean Vuong sold rotisserie chickens at Boston Market. In his latest novel, The Emperor of Gladness, he explores the meaning that can be found in the daily grind of a fast food restaurant. The book follows a young addict named Hai as he unexpectedly becomes caretaker to an elderly woman and makes unlikely…

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Ivan Decker also thinks the President is 'transformational' 30:38

2M ago30:38

30:38

It's a Eurovision extravaganza! This week the panel talks about Carney's latest performance, Europe's largest music contest, and the possible Alberta referendum. Featuring Ivan Decker, Ajahnis Charley and Jan Caruana.

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1,054 - Al Stewart, Livingston Taylor, Sweet Honey In The Rock, The Nighthawks, and Cristina Vane 2:29:27

2M ago2:29:27

2:29:27

This episode was recorded on April 6th, 2025 at Hylton Performing Arts Center in Manassas, VA. The lineup includes Al Stewart, Livingston Taylor, Sweet Honey In The Rock, The Nighthawks, and Cristina Vane. https://bit.ly/4lWtFIyBy West Virginia Public Broadcasting

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Writing about catastrophe gives Madeleine Thien courage 36:23

2M ago36:23

36:23

As a child, Madeleine Thien loved to sit on her father’s lap as he flipped through the newspaper. Later on, she became fascinated by the newspaper archives at the Vancouver Public Library. Her exploration of history and storytelling continues with novels such as Do Not Say We Have Nothing. Now she's back with her long-awaited new novel, The Book of…

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Don't Be Evil 36:47

2M ago36:47

36:47

Google Search was the gold standard — a product born in a dorm room during the internet’s early, idealistic era. But when internal emails surfaced they revealed a deeper conflict inside the company: was Google making Search worse, on purpose, to boost ad revenue? Google says its changes are all about benefiting users. Critics say it’s all part of a…

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Roots and Rhythm: The evolution of Steven Thad, rising R & B artist 43:24

2M ago43:24

43:24

Let us know how much you enjoyed this episode! In this episode, Mattea Hunter sits down with rising R&B artist Steven Thad to explore his musical journey—from singing gospel with his sisters in a family group to stepping into the spotlight as a solo artist. Stephen shares how his gospel roots shaped his signature sound and how he’s now using his ha…

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Fighting for an unlawful love in Uganda 32:05

2M ago32:05

32:05

Iryn Tushabe says she loves Uganda “like a problem.” Her debut novel, Everything Is Fine Here, dives into what exactly those words mean. Aine is coming of age at a boarding school in Uganda … and her world is turned upside down when she learns that her beloved older sister is gay. She’s happy to see her sister in love, but disapproving parents and …

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Alice Moran shows up in a dress made of hockey cards 35:54

2M ago35:54

35:54

Election hangover edition. Panel talks potential new Pope, Mark Carney’s victory speech, and the latest millionaire venture: sperm racing. Featuring Eric Peterson, Alice Moran and Chris Locke.

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NOT CLICKBAIT! She stole her dead twin sister’s identity!? 29:57

2M ago29:57

29:57

Inspired by her own experience as a skincare influencer, Liann Zhang’s debut novel, Julie Chan is Dead, is a wild ride into the world of social media. Julie Chan’s estranged twin sister Chloe is a famous mega-influencer … while Julie leads a less glamorous life. When Chloe mysteriously dies, Julie makes a split-second decision to take over her life…

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1,053 - Loudon Wainwright III, Janiva Magness, John Ellison & Joe Beard, Dan Navarro, and Ali McGuirk 2:22:04

2M ago2:22:04

2:22:04

This episode was recorded on March 21st, 2025 at Kodak Hall in Rochester, NY. The lineup includes Loudon Wainwright III, Janiva Magness, John Ellison & Joe Beard, Dan Navarro, and Ali McGuirk. https://bit.ly/4jxGpUBBy West Virginia Public Broadcasting

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Introducing Understood: Who Broke the Internet? 3:49

2M ago3:49

3:49

It's not you — the internet really does suck. Novelist, blogger and noted internet commentator Cory Doctorow explains what happened to the internet and why you're tormented by ads, bots, algorithms, AI slop and so many pop-ups. Spoiler alert: it wasn't an accident. In a four-part series, Doctorow gets into the decisions made by powerful people that…

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What if your dreams could land you in jail? 36:29

2M ago36:29

36:29

In The Dream Hotel, Laila Lalami imagines a world where the government has access to data about people's dreams … and uses it to decide if someone is likely to commit a crime. When Laila's protagonist, Sara, is flagged as high risk, she’s sent to a retention centre and subjected to constant surveillance. Laila talks to Mattea Roach about her intere…

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Brandon Ash-Mohammed can't wait to watch Canada Shore 27:08

2M ago27:08

27:08

Bring home the Cup! The panel shares their excitement for possibly an all Canadian NHL final. Also, they comment on the political ads right before election, as well as Canada’s exciting new reality show. Featuring Ashley Botting, Miguel Rivas and Brandon Ash-Mohammed with host Gavin Crawford.

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Episode 210: Count Me In with Mark Lo 42:15

2M ago42:15

42:15

This episode of Across The Margin : The Podcast features an interview with Mark Lo. Mark has worked on films and TV across many genres for over twenty years, first as a music agent and supervisor, collaborating with composers and artists to bring music to films, and then as an Executive Music Producer. As an Executive Music Producer, he worked on f…

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1,052 - MC Taylor Goldsmith Show, Kat Edmonson, Ken Pomeroy, Jonny Fritz, and Scott Mulvahill 2:12:07

2M ago2:12:07

2:12:07

This episode was recorded on March 9, 2025 at the Culture Center Theater in Charleston, WV. The lineup includes The MC Taylor Goldsmith Show (featuring Taylor Goldsmith of Dawes and MC Taylor of Hiss Golden Messenger), Kat Edmonson, Ken Pomeroy, Jonny Fritz, and Scott Mulvahill. https://bit.ly/4iftS6O…

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Meet the winner of the 2025 CBC Short Story Prize 21:13

2M ago21:13

21:13

You may not be familiar with Dorian McNamara yet … but his story, You (Streetcar at Night), is the winner of the 2025 CBC Short Story Prize. If you’ve spent time in Toronto, you’ll know its trademark red streetcars. Dorian grew up on those streetcars, which is why he chose one as the backdrop for his story of a young transgender person reflecting o…