Vox Talk

Episode 10: Christina Bradshaw Talks Branding & Design for Events and the World of Colour

In the season finale episode of VOX Talk we feature my BFF (Best Friends Forever) Christina Bradshaw. We met over 20 years ago because of the events industry and have developed a beautiful and everlasting friendship at play and at work! Join us as we dive into the vibrant world of colour and design with Christina Bradshaw, a seasoned expert with an extensive background in building client brands both on social media and in print. With over 20 years of experience at Revolve (now Believeco), Christina has worn many hats, including account manager, graphic designer, and manager of corporate events and fundraising sponsorships.Christina is a graduate of Toronto's Ryerson University, where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in New Media with focused studies in Graphic and Interactive Design. Her background in art and design, combined with her spirited personality, adds a unique flair to every project she undertakes.Throughout her career, Christina has branded several marquee events, such as the Great Big Dig for the IWK, The Mental Health Foundation's Festival of Trees & A Different Stage of Mind, Junior Achievement Nova Scotia's Business Hall of Fame, and Hospice Halifax's Feeling The Love.Currently, Christina freelances as a graphic designer and offers Colour Analysis services through her business, High Chroma. Her passion for design and enthusiasm for colour have led her on an exciting journey into Colour Analysis.Christina empowers others with the knowledge of which colours best highlight their natural beauty. Her in-person sessions offer a personal consultation designed to boost confidence by understanding one’s optimal colour palette. Using principles of colour science and theory, this time-tested process helps individuals discover the colours that bring out their best selves.Tune in to learn more about Christina's journey, her insights into the world of design and colour, and how she can help find the perfect palette for you.
 
Christina, along with my podcast producer Mike Ryan help me wrap up Season 1 of VOX Talk. A big THANK YOU to them for all their support and to YOU the listeners for tuning in. 
Steph’s Sites:Vox Agency: https://www.voxagency.ca/Vox on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/voxagency/https://www.facebook.com/voxmanagementagency  Email Steph: stephanie@voxagency.ca Intro and Outro Song: “Freetime” by CaledoniaChristina’s Sites:@_high_chroma_

Episode 9: Danny Thomas is a Live Sound Engineer, Production Manager, and Technical Director with Over 40 Years Experience in the Music Industry

In this episode, we sit down with Danny Thomas, a seasoned professional in multiple areas of the music industry. Danny's impressive skills have seen him traverse Canada and beyond, collaborating with a wide range of performers, venues and festivals. His extensive portfolio includes significant events such as the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, the JUNO Awards, The Grey Cup, East Coast Music Week, The Halifax Pop Explosion, touring with Great Big Sea, and much more. Danny's expertise and passion for his craft also led him to co-own Rockbound Productions with his wife and partner Andrea Thomas, where he continues to leave his mark on the industry.He started playing drums in bands in 1982, and shortly after started “Peace Accord” where he organized festivals that both showcased music and highlighted social issues at the time.Before his illustrious career as a technical director, Danny was part of the Canadian funk rock band Thomas Trio and the Red Albino. Formed in 1988 in St. John's, Newfoundland, the band included Danny and his brothers Louis and David ("Lil") Thomas, with Jody Richardson joining soon after as the vocalist. The band gained recognition with their debut album "Jam It Inya" and hit singles "142 Thru" and "Sun Risin'". They drove 264,000km in 2 years with his band, crossing Canada 14 times in that span. Their dynamic live performances and critical success, including a CASBY Award for Favourite New Eastern Canadian Group, cemented their place in the Canadian music scene. Despite disbanding in 1993, Thomas Trio and the Red Albino left an indelible legacy, with Danny transitioning into a successful technical career supporting other prominent acts.Join us as Danny shares insights from his journey, from the energetic days of touring with his band to his pivotal role in managing large-scale productions and festivals. This episode is a treasure trove of stories and experiences that highlight the evolution of a dedicated professional in the ever-changing world of music and entertainment.Steph’s Sites:Vox Agency: https://www.voxagency.ca/Vox on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/voxagency/https://www.facebook.com/voxmanagementagency  Email Steph: stephanie@voxagency.ca Intro and Outro Song: “Freetime” by CaledoniaDanny’s Sites: @dannyt_thomas 

Episode 8: Karen Spaulding: From Boardrooms to Backstages, Navigating Business, Tech, and Halifax's Music Scene as the Owner of The Carleton

In this episode, we explore the intriguing journey of Karen Spaulding, a dynamic business leader with many accomplishments to her name. Karen's story is one of diverse experiences, from the world of corporate finance and tech startups to her passionate stewardship of a beloved music venue — The Carleton. 
Born and raised in Liverpool, Nova Scotia, Karen embarked on her academic journey by earning a BSc (Hons in Biology) from Queen’s University and an MBA from the University of Western Ontario. Her professional career began in Halifax, working first in Finance and then in IT. Karen's life took a turn when she moved to San Jose, California working as a business manager and later relocating to Burnaby, British Columbia, working in various roles, from insurance brokering to engagements with Orca Entertainment, supporting Vancouver sports teams.
Returning to Halifax, Karen continued freelancing, initially within her family business, Mersey Seafoods. Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to tech startup Metaworks, where she began as an investor and advisor before eventually becoming the owner and President.
A notable chapter in Karen’s journey is her connection with The Carleton, a renowned music venue in Halifax. As a long-time fan and patron, she attended her first major show there in 2009, featuring Ron Sexsmith—a pivotal moment for her. 
Years later, aware of the venue's struggles during the construction of the nearby convention centre, Karen was disheartened by the prospect of losing this iconic establishment.
In January 2017, after reading an article on AllNovaScotia.com about a failed sale attempt, Karen decided to take action. With her responsibilities at Metaworks winding down and having the financial capacity to invest, she met with the venue’s owner, Mike Campbell, and four months later, she officially purchased The Carleton. What began as a hands-off investment evolved into a hands-on role as Karen dedicated herself to restoring the venue to its former glory.
Under her leadership, The Carleton has flourished, earning numerous accolades, including two Nova Scotia Music Awards, three East Coast Music Awards, two Canada Live Music Awards, and one Restaurant Association of Nova Scotia Award.
Karen Spaulding’s story is a testament to her adaptability, business acumen, and passion for community and the arts. Join us as we delve into her multifaceted career and the inspiring journey that led her to become a pivotal figure in Halifax’s vibrant music scene.
 
Steph’s Sites:
Vox Agency: https://www.voxagency.ca/
Vox on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/voxagency/
https://www.facebook.com/voxmanagementagency 
 
Email Steph: stephanie@voxagency.ca
 
Intro and Outro Song: “Freetime” by Caledonia
 
Karen’s Sites:
https://www.thecarleton.ca/
@carletonhalifax

Episode 7: Liam Hennessey Found His Dad’s Old Camera 17 Years Ago, Quit His Job as a Pharmaceutical Rep, and Became One of the Top Photographers in Eastern Canada

Liam Hennessey was a pharmaceutical rep, massage therapist, and aspiring vet before he became a photographer.In this episode, we sit down with Liam Hennesey, a fearless entrepreneur and wildly talented photographer who has spent the last 15 years revolutionizing the photography industry. From the inception of Applehead Studio to the creation of Pineapple Studio, Liam shares his journey of shooting weddings across the globe, capturing portraits of high-profile figures, shooting concerts and special events and diving into the world of volume photography.We learn about how he learned about rejection from being a drug rep and how he applied it to being a business owner. We dive into his evolution as a wedding photographer into family shots and headshots, and how he created a full team of photographers at Applehead Studio.Starting Applehead Studio with a vision to reinvent the business of photography, Liam and his partner Steph have made waves in the industry, shooting weddings from New Zealand to New Waterford and creating stunning portraits for Premiers, Mayors, and Army Generals. Their latest venture, Pineapple Studio, has brought a fresh perspective to school photography. Liam's a risk-taker and boundary-pusher, never satisfied with the status quo. He's a devoted father to two teenage girls, Lola and Ruby, a long-standing member of the Ten Club, and an ultra runner with a newfound passion for trail running. Known for his brutal honesty and genuine passion, Liam is a huge supporter of the local photography community. His motto, “fuck it, let’s just see what happens if…”, perfectly encapsulates his approach to life and business.Steph’s Sites:Vox Agency: https://www.voxagency.ca/Vox on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/voxagency/https://www.facebook.com/voxmanagementagency  Email Steph: stephanie@voxagency.ca Intro and Outro Song: “Freetime” by Caledonia
Connect with Liam:
Website: Applehead Studio
Instagram: @appleheadstudio
Facebook: Applehead Studio

Episode 6: Dave Sampson has Gone From Playing Wing Night at his University Pub to Selling 1400 Tickets in Less Than 20 Minutes

In this episode, we dive deep into the heart and soul of Cape Breton Island's very own Dave Sampson. Known for his introspective lyrics and soulful melodies, Dave has become a beloved figure in the Canadian music scene. We'll explore his East Coast roots, the inspirations behind his music, and the journey that has led him to critical acclaim and a devoted fanbase. Tune in for an intimate session filled with stories, music, and the essence of what makes Dave Sampson a dynamic and engaging performer.
 
Dave talks about what songwriting means to him and how he developed into a session co-writer in Nashville. He has collaborated with some of Canada’s top exports such as Classified, Alan Doyle, Donovan Woods & Neon Dreams as well as being chosen as one of five in Canada’s Walk of Fame emerging artist program. Dave has been working hard to solidify his position as one of Canada’s top emerging songwriters. 
 
 In 2016 Dave's song "No Pressure" was sampled by Canadian Hip Hop icon Classified and released as his first single via Atlantic Records with Snoop Dogg. Since the release, the song went certified Gold in Canada. 
 
Steph’s Sites:
Vox Agency: https://www.voxagency.ca/
Vox on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/voxagency/
https://www.facebook.com/voxmanagementagency 
 
Email Steph: stephanie@voxagency.ca
 
Intro and Outro Song: “Freetime” by Caledonia
Produced by Mike Ryan: https://www.instagram.com/michael_s_ryan/
 
Dave’s Sites:
https://davesampson.ca/
@dave.sampson

Episode 5: Stefanie Purificati is Breaking Barriers as a Top Booking Agent in the Live Music Industry

In this inspiring episode, we dive deep into the career and insights of Stefanie Purificati, a renowned booking agent at The Feldman Agency. With nearly 20 years of experience in the live music industry, Stefanie shares her journey, challenges, and triumphs, highlighting her rise to prominence in a male-dominated field.
Stefanie began her career in the music business after earning her B.A. from York University and attending Harris Institute for the Arts. Some of her earlier roles include production coordinator and live music programmer at The Drake Hotel, and working at The Agency Group under the mentorship of Jack Ross, where she progressed to a full-fledged booking agent.
 
She provides insights on being a woman in the live music sector, detailing the unique challenges she has faced. Stefanie emphasizes the importance of supportive mentors and allies in her career and reflects on how the landscape has evolved for female agents over the years.
She discusses her love for music and her clients, how her and Steph have A LOT in common, and at multiple times in the conversation has Steph’s cat Maisie jump onto her lap for some cuddle time. 
 
Steph’s Sites:
Vox Agency: https://www.voxagency.ca/
Vox on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/voxagency/
https://www.facebook.com/voxmanagementagency 
 
Email Steph: stephanie@voxagency.ca 
 
Intro and Outro Song: “Freetime” by Caledonia 
Produced by Mike Ryan: https://www.instagram.com/michael_s_ryan/
 
Stefanie
https://www.instagram.com/stefffy_p/

Episode 4: Jennifer Parkhill is Elevating Event Planning Excellence: A Journey of Innovation and Detail

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Jennifer Parkhill, one of Halifax’s premier event planners. With over 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Jennifer specializes in event management, bringing unparalleled excellence to every project. In this episode, Jennifer shares her journey, insights, and the philosophy that drives her success: “work hard, have fun, laugh and be part of something to be proud of.” She shares tips for aspiring event planners, how to balance creativity with practicality, and the importance of attention to detail. Tune in to discover how Jennifer combines innovative concepts with practical solutions to create seamless, memorable events.Steph’s Sites:Vox Agency: https://www.voxagency.ca/Vox on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/voxagency/https://www.facebook.com/voxmanagementagency  Email Steph: stephanie@voxagency.ca Intro and Outro Song: “Freetime” by CaledoniaProduced by Mike Ryan: https://www.instagram.com/michael_s_ryan/Jenniferhttps://parkhillevents.com/

Episode 3: Danielle Lemieux is the Mastermind Behind Unforgettable Events, Orchestrating the Details with Precision and Care

In this episode we sit down with Danielle Lemieux, a seasoned veteran in working behind the scenes of events and productions. Danielle has a passion for creating unforgettable experiences and adding her flair to everything she works on. With a diverse background spanning the Northern Ontario music and film sector to her current endeavors in her home of Halifax, Nova Scotia, Danielle brings a wealth of knowledge and a unique perspective to the world of event production. Her approach is characterized by her meticulous attention to detail and her ability to see the bigger picture. Drawing from her diverse skill set, which includes expertise in live audio, festival management, talent negotiations, and promotional consulting, she navigates the complexities of event management with special attention to detail. From coordinating with suppliers and artists to liaising with venues and agents, Danielle is the driving force behind the scenes, ensuring that the production is ready for the talent's arrival and the artists are well cared for. Her organizational prowess and knack for problem-solving make her an invaluable asset to any team.
 
Steph’s Sites:
Vox Agency: https://www.voxagency.ca/
Vox on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/voxagency/
https://www.facebook.com/voxmanagementagency 
 
Email Steph: stephanie@voxagency.ca 
 
Intro and Outro Song: “Freetime” by Caledonia 
Produced by Mike Ryan: https://www.instagram.com/michael_s_ryan/
 
Danielle
https://www.voxagency.ca/our-team