Best Steven Sauder Podcasts (2025)

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Stephanie Malek 1:08:58

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1d ago1:08:58

1:08:58

About This Episode: This week, Phil Rickaby welcomes Stephanie Malek, performer and producer, to discuss the magic of improvised musicals, the history of Bad Dog Theatre, and the power of finding community through art. Stephanie, who is involved in the show Holiday, an improvised musical, shares insights into the rigorous training required for musi…

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Find Your Music and Play It Loud with Jimmy Funkhouser 40:31

2d ago40:31

40:31

This conversation with Jimmy stuck with me because it wasn’t really about retail, or gear, or even business strategy. It was about finding the thing you’re meant to play, and having the discipline to keep playing it when it feels like no one is listening. Feral didn’t work right away. There were moments where the numbers didn’t make sense, the mark…

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Letting Go Without Giving Up with Courtney Clark 51:06

2d ago51:06

51:06

“I don’t know that I believe everything happens for a reason.” Courtney Clark didn’t say that lightly. She said it as someone who survived cancer. Then survived it again. And then survived a brain aneurysm that doctors say would have killed her if they hadn’t found it in time. Courtney isn’t interested in shiny optimism or motivational slogans. She…

1
Kanika Ambrose 44:26

9d ago44:26

44:26

About This Episode: This week on Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby welcomes Kanika Ambrose, an award-winning playwright, librettist, and screenwriter whose work spans theatre, opera, and television. Kanika shares her path from writing poetry as a child to becoming one of Canada’s most exciting multidisciplinary storytellers, known for blending sharp s…

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Fiona Sauder 52:37

16d ago52:37

52:37

About This Episode: This week on Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby welcomes Fiona Sauder, co-founder and Artistic Director of Bad Hats Theatre. Known for their inventive, musical, family-friendly adaptations of classic literature, Bad Hats has become one of Toronto’s most celebrated indie theatre companies. Fiona shares the origin story of the company…

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Dian Marie Bridge 53:25

23d ago53:25

53:25

About This Episode: This week on Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby is joined by Dian Marie Bridge, Artistic Director of the Black Theatre Workshop (BTW) in Montreal. Dian discusses the legacy of BTW, which is celebrating its 55th anniversary this year , as one of Canada's oldest Black and ethnocultural theatre companies. The conversation delves into t…

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Aaron Joel Craig & Stephanie Hope Lawlor 50:51

30d ago50:51

50:51

About This Episode: This week on Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby welcomes Aaron Joel Craig (Same Boat Theatre) and Stephanie Hope Lawlor (Rooks Theatre) to discuss their co-production of Ibsen’s A Doll’s House in Hamilton. This episode explores: Reimagining A Doll’s House as a story for 2025 audiences The intersection of feminism, capitalism, and pe…

1
Will Parry 45:14

1M ago45:14

45:14

About This Episode:This week on Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby welcomes Will Parry, actor, singer, and content creator based in Toronto. Known for his work as a musical theatre performer and social media consultant for artists and theatre companies, Will shares insights into how creatives can better express their authentic selves online while build…

1
Steven Hao 50:19

1M ago50:19

50:19

About This Episode:This week on Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby welcomes Steven Hao, actor, director, and artistic director of Puckers Theatre Company. Currently in his second season at the Stratford Festival, Steven shares his journey from Victoria, BC, to the national stage, performing in acclaimed productions like Anne of Green Gables, Forgivenes…

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Emily Dix 1:02:42

2M ago1:02:42

1:02:42

About This Episode:This week on Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby is joined by Emily Dix, artistic executive director of Bygone Theatre and the lead behind their mixed use affordable arts space, The Bridge. Emily shares the company’s journey from its beginnings in classic theatre to its evolution into original Canadian works that blend vintage aesthet…

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Michael Esposito II 55:50

2M ago55:50

55:50

About This Episode: This week on Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby is joined by actor, singer, and producer Michael Esposito II. Michael discusses the challenges and rewards of mounting Daniel MacIvor's solo play, Monster, which he is producing and performing in Kelowna, B.C. He shares the creative process of integrating projections and music into the…

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Michael Kras 59:09

2M ago59:09

59:09

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Chloë Whitehorn 52:56

2M ago52:56

52:56

About This Episode:This week on Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby is joined by Chloë Whitehorn, who is currently based in Kingston, Ontario. Chloë, a former actor, discusses her journey to becoming a prolific writer, focusing on themes of women's rights and mental health. She talks about how her plays—which include The Pigeon, Blood River, and Fall Af…

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Courtney Stoltz 46:14

3M ago46:14

46:14

About This Episode:This week on Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby is joined by Courtney Stoltz, the production manager for a new community theatre company in Kenora, Ontario, called So I guess we're doing this. Courtney shares her journey from actor to production manager. She provides a look into the theatre scene in Northwestern Ontario and the exper…

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Manifesting Success in the Hardest Seasons with Mark Kuster 1:01:29

3M ago1:01:29

1:01:29

What happens when your passion collides with reality? In this episode of Through the Dip, I sit down with Mark Kuster, founder of Work Lab in Grand Rapids, to talk about the highs and lows of building a coworking business from the ground up. Mark shares openly about the massive risks of launching Work Lab, the financial and personal strain it creat…

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Liz Buchanan 56:00

3M ago56:00

56:00

About This Episode:This week on Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby is joined by Liz Buchanan, a Hamilton-based actor, writer, and director who is also the artistic director of 9M Theatre. Liz shares her journey as a playwright and performer, focusing on her two Hamilton Fringe shows Gnomes A Traumatic Comedy (2023) and Liz A Traumatic Comedy (2024). Sh…

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Chelsea Woolley 52:35

3M ago52:35

52:35

About This Episode:This week on Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby is joined by playwright Chelsea Woolley. Chelsea discusses her latest play, Enormity, Girl, and the Earthquake in Her Lungs, which is being produced by Nightwood Theatre. She shares the fascinating, eight-year journey of the play's development, from its original concept to a workshop pr…

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Solo: Funding cuts and the future of theatre in Canada 14:47

3M ago14:47

14:47

About This Episode:In a solo episode of Stageworthy, host and producer Phil Rickaby discusses the looming threat to Canadian theatre and arts due to government funding cuts. He reflects on the recent mandate that all government departments, including the Canada Council for the Arts, must find 15% in savings, which will result in significant cuts to…

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Virgilia Griffith 51:16

3M ago51:16

51:16

About This Episode:This week on Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby is joined by Toronto-based actor Virgilia Griffith, who is currently appearing in two shows at the Shaw Festival: Blues for an Alabama Sky and Murder on the Lake. In this conversation, Virgilia discusses the unique demands of each production and how they complement one another, keeping …

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Iain Moggach 54:24

4M ago54:24

54:24

About This Episode:This week on Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby is joined by Iain Moggach, former Artistic Director of Theatre by the Bay in Barrie, Ontario. In this thoughtful conversation, Iain shares his journey from actor, administrator, and ultimately artistic director, reflecting on what it means to build theatre outside of a major city centre…

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Nancy Kenny 1:00:06

4M ago1:00:06

1:00:06

About This Episode:This week on Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby is joined by Nancy Kenny, an actor, writer, and producer whose latest show, I Don’t Feel Pretty/Chu pas cute, will have readings at the 2025 Halifax Fringe Festival. In this warm and insightful conversation, Nancy shares the deeply personal inspiration behind her show, the balance betwe…

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Evan Bawtinheimer 1:12:49

4M ago1:12:49

1:12:49

About This Episode:This week on Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby is joined by Evan Bawtinheimer, a Toronto-based, Dora Award winning playwright. Evan shares the inspiration behind his play award winning play, Patty Picker. In this candid and thoughtful conversation, Evan opens up about playwriting, his journey of personal growth and mental health, an…

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Michelle Langille 1:08:09

4M ago1:08:09

1:08:09

About This Episode:This week on Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby is joined by Michelle Langille, an actor, director, and burlesque performer whose journey has taken her from Toronto to Cape Breton. In this deeply personal and wide-ranging conversation, Michelle talks about her roots in musical theatre, what it means to redefine success on your own te…

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ted witzel 1:03:46

4M ago1:03:46

1:03:46

About This Episode:This week on Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby welcomes ted witzel, Artistic Director of Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, to discuss the company’s 2025–2026 season and the vital role Buddies plays locally and globally. In this wide-ranging and passionate conversation, ted talks about the curatorial ethos behind the season, how queernes…

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Aisling Murphy 57:25

5M ago57:25

57:25

This week on Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby welcomes Aisling Murphy, theatre reporter for the Globe and Mail. In a wide-ranging and engaging conversation, Aisling shares the journey from musical theatre student to one of Canada’s leading theatre critics. They discuss her early roots in Baltimore, her move to Canada, and how a moment of personal uph…

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annemieke wade 1:05:22

5M ago1:05:22

1:05:22

This week on Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby welcomes annemieke wade, Executive Director of the Toronto Alliance for the Performing Arts (TAPA). annemieke shares insights from her first six months in the role, her vision for TAPA’s future, and her deep commitment to building frameworks of care and collaboration in Toronto’s arts sector. From revital…

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Toronto Fringe Extra 4 1:11:43

5M ago1:11:43

1:11:43

This week on Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby brings you a fourth and final Toronto Fringe Extra episode, featuring interviews with 4 Toronto Fringe Artists, in advance of the Toronto Fringe Festival, running July 2-13 at various locations around Toronto. In this episode:Ronit Rubenstein, creator and performer of Things My Dad KeptSHOW INFO AND TICKE…

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Laura Paduch & Rachel Kennedy 1:00:21

5M ago1:00:21

1:00:21

This week on Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby welcomes Rachel Kennedy and Laura Paduch, the co-leads of the Toronto Fringe Festival. With the 2024 edition just days away, Rachel and Laura share insights into what makes this year’s festival unique, including the exciting new partnership with Soulpepper Theatre, the return of beloved venues, and the co…

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Hiding My Truth Was Holding Me Back 1:00:06

6M ago1:00:06

1:00:06

For a long time, I thought being professional meant holding it all together. Smile. Deliver. Keep your personal stuff out of it. But in talking with Jude Charles, I realized something different: Sometimes, the most powerful thing you can do… is stop hiding. Jude shared a moment I can’t stop thinking about. He was sitting on the edge of his bed, hea…

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Toronto Fringe Extra 3 1:08:31

6M ago1:08:31

1:08:31

This week on Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby brings you a third Toronto Fringe Extra episode, featuring interviews with 4 Toronto Fringe Artists, in advance of the Toronto Fringe Festival, running July 2-13 at various locations around Toronto. In this episode:Laura Piccinin, co-creator and producer of the new musical ApothecarySHOW INFO AND TICKETS:…

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Ben Yoganathan 1:00:06

6M ago1:00:06

1:00:06

This week on Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby welcomes Ben Yoganathan, a Toronto-based actor, writer, and director whose latest work, Zeitgeist, will premiere at the 2024 Toronto Fringe Festival. In a lively and wide-ranging conversation, Ben shares the inspiration behind Zeitgeist, his theatre journey from Guelph to Toronto, his experience with unco…

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Toronto Fringe Extra #2 1:09:43

6M ago1:09:43

1:09:43

This week on Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby brings you another special Toronto Fringe Extra episode, featuring interviews with 4 Toronto Fringe Artists, in advance of the Toronto Fringe Festival, running July 2-13 at various locations around Toronto. In this episode:Emma Golden the writer and producer of the true Halifax story, Potato PotatoSHOW IN…

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Toronto Fringe Preview 1:10:43

6M ago1:10:43

1:10:43

This week on Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby assembles a who's who of Toronto theatre podcasters, to talk about Toronto Fringe, shows you should see, the Next Stage Festival, ticket prices and much more! This episode features podcasters:Alison Mullings from Creative Full TimeJanine Marley from A View From the BoxAlexandra Lean from Being DramaticRya…

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Toronto Fringe Extra #1 1:10:18

6M ago1:10:18

1:10:18

This week on Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby brings you a special Toronto Fringe Extra episode, featuring interviews with 4 Toronto Fringe Artists, in advance of the Toronto Fringe Festival, running July 2-13 at various locations around Toronto. In this episode:Dawna Wightman, playwright and performer in HOODY, an edgy retelling of Little Red Riding…

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Phil Rickaby: Solo 23:58

6M ago23:58

23:58

This week on Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby presents a solo episode. With the Toronto Fringe Festival on the horizon and multiple episodes currently in production, Phil takes a moment to reflect on the state of Canadian theatre, the importance of building audiences, and the challenges facing the industry today. In a passionate and thought-provoking…

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The deal that almost killed Jackson Hewitt 45:20

6M ago45:20

45:20

What if the thing that looks like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity… is actually a trap? When starting Jackson Hewitt, John thought he struck gold: a deal that would double his company’s footprint overnight. Instead, he inherited unpaid employees, sabotage from the inside, and a cashflow disaster so brutal it nearly took the company down. But here’s…

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Rebecca Perry 59:49

6M ago59:49

59:49

This week on Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby welcomes back actor, singer, playwright, and producer Rebecca Perry, marking a full-circle moment as Rebecca was Phil’s very first podcast guest nearly eight years ago. Rebecca shares the journey of her acclaimed solo show Confessions of a Redheaded Coffee Shop Girl, which debuted at the Toronto Fringe te…

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Javier Vilalta 51:24

7M ago51:24

51:24

This week on Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby welcomes Javier Vilalta, a Mexican-Canadian interdisciplinary artist, stage director, movement coordinator, translator, and co-founder of 8ROJO Theatre. Based in Calgary, Javier shares his journey through performance, directing, and devising unique and often non-verbal theatre experiences. He reflects on …

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Flying Through the Crash | Doug Booth & Multiply Technology 37:49

7M ago37:49

37:49

Doug Booth’s company started in a storage unit that was robbed before day one. There was no insurance, no justice, but a new mindset he calls cheerful expectancy, the belief that you show up, even when you don’t know how it’ll end. A decade later, his company was thriving. Then a major client cut a key contract. Layoffs followed. Fear set in. Doug …

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Nicole Obidiaka 50:30

7M ago50:30

50:30

This week on Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby welcomes Nicole Obidiaka, a passionate playwright, arts advocate, and business professional based in St. John's, Newfoundland. Nicole shares her journey from Lagos, Nigeria, to Newfoundland, her work as a playwright amplifying Black voices, and her mission to make theatre more inclusive. She also discusse…

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Ethan Persyko 56:28

7M ago56:28

56:28

This week on Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby welcomes Ethan Persyko, a multi-talented actor, playwright, and theatre creator. Ethan shares their journey in the theatre world, their creative process, and the inspiration behind their latest projects. They also discuss their experience working across different genres and the importance of storytelling …

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Amanda Lin & Julia Dickson 56:51

7M ago56:51

56:51

This week on Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby welcomes Amanda Lin and Julia Dickson, the co-leadership team behind the Paprika Theatre Festival, now celebrating its 24th season. Amanda and Julia share the story of Paprika’s evolution, recent strategic programming changes to prioritize artist and staff well-being, and the organization's commitment to …

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Confident Uncertainty | Andy Neillie & Aqua-Tots 35:37

7M ago35:37

35:37

What do you do when the floor caves in right after you’re handed an award for being the best? That’s what happened to Dr. Andy Neillie. One moment he was flying around the world as a top-tier keynote speaker. The next, he couldn’t afford a plane ticket to the ceremony where he was being honored. The speaking gigs dried up, the money disappeared, an…

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Ruth Lawrence 1:08:04

8M ago1:08:04

1:08:04

This week on Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby speaks with Newfoundland-based actor, writer, director, producer, and self-described instigator Ruth Lawrence. Ruth reflects on a career deeply rooted in community, mentorship, and creative activism. In this rich and thoughtful conversation, she discusses her early theatre influences, why she returned to …

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Tahirih Vejdani 55:37

8M ago55:37

55:37

In this episode of Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby speaks with Toronto-based performer, voice educator, and multidisciplinary artist Tahirih Vejdani. Born in Saint John, NB, and raised in Regina, Tahirih shares the inspiring and non-traditional journey that led her from classical music training in the Prairies to becoming a sought-after artist and e…

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Overcoming The Resistance | Brian Town & Michigan Creative 46:51

8M ago46:51

46:51

Hi there, my business friends 👋 I sometimes reach a point where I think, “Can I even keep doing this?” When it’s hard to get out of bed, hard to feel creative, hard to show up. When the voice in your head whispers that maybe you’re just faking it. I never had a name for that feeling. But Brian Town gave me one. In our latest chat, he shares how The…

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Cole Hayley 1:02:04

8M ago1:02:04

1:02:04

In this episode of Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby speaks with Cole Hayley, a theatre artist known for his innovative work and dedication to the Canadian theatre scene. Cole shares insights into his creative journey, the challenges and triumphs of working in theatre, and his latest projects.This episode explores: Cole’s path into theatre and his art…

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Mariel Kathryn Hunter 56:06

8M ago56:06

56:06

This week on Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby speaks with actor, director, and casting professional Mariel Kathryn Hunter. Based in Saint John, New Brunswick, Mariel has worked extensively in theatre, film, and television, both as a performer and behind the scenes.Mariel shares her journey from Saint John to Vancouver and back, discussing how an unex…

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Scott Garland 1:18:25

8M ago1:18:25

1:18:25

This week on Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby sits down with actor, writer, and theatre creator Scott Garland. A fixture in Toronto’s theatre community, Scott is passionate about playwriting, dramaturgy, and fostering creative spaces. He was one of the curators of Sing for Your Supper, a monthly play reading series that gave playwrights a chance to h…

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Transparency During A Crisis | Salem Thyne & EVA 51:40

9M ago51:40

51:40

In this episode, I talk with Salem Thine about his journey from high school dropout to nuclear Navy success to launching EVA, America's most advanced virtual reality gaming center. Salem shares how he faced a devastating financial crisis when expansion plans fell apart, losing nearly a million dollars in investment commitments, and how he navigated…