Vox Talk

Let’s talk about cats!! The Founder of My Grandfather’s Cat, Angela Rafuse is helping animals, seniors and terminally ill people. Through her cat content, she has amassed a record following making her charity the most followed Canadian charity on Instagram. The charity was inspired by her personal experience adopting her grandfather’s 14-year old grumpy cat, Mackenzie, when he passed away. In only a few short years the charity has helped nearly 1000 cats. Her viral content has garnered her over 645,000 followers on TikTok. Angela’s dedication has earned her national and international recognition. Her work has been featured by People Magazine, Good News Network, and countless Canadian news outlets. She has been named one of Atlantic Canada Business Magazine’s Top 30 Under 30 Innovators, received a nomination for Forbes Top 30 Under 30, and the title of Animal Nonprofit CEO of the Year by the Canadian CEO Awards.
 
@angrafus3
@mygrandfatherscat
 
Intro and Outro Song: “Freetime: by Caledonia 
Produced by Mike Ryan: @michael_s_ryan
#goodpeoplebooked
#voxtalk

Steve Murphy is a beloved and respected personality in Atlantic Canada. How fun to share some time with him at the kitchen table and talk to one of our good people. Steve joined many maritimers in their homes at the dinner hour live from the CTV news desk for three decades. He is a firm believer in delivering the news based on facts and not opinions. After a lifetime of reporting news and showcasing the opinions of others, Steve now expresses his own opinions on the things he’s done and the people he’s met along the way. These days you’ll see Steve delivering keynote speeches, hosting events and a special correspondent, commentator and analyst for CTV Atlantic. 
 
@stevemurphyspeaks
 
Intro and Outro Song: “Freetime: by Caledonia 
Produced by Mike Ryan: @michael_s_ryan
#goodpeoplebooked
#voxtalk

Season 2 of VOX Talk is coming May 21st! Tune in to for thoughtful conversations with the best of the best in Canadian talent. 
 
Intro and Outro Song: “Freetime: by Caledonia 
Produced by Mike Ryan: @michael_s_ryan
#goodpeoplebooked
#voxtalk

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_

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 

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

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

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