Podcast by Drea Macdonald
10 September 2026
It's episode 50! I would say that I've surprised myself in getting this many episodes done, but I am extremely stubborn and relentless in my creative pursuits. This episode was super fun. Tom Froese is an illustrator based on the West Coast of Canada. He has built a varied and interesting art career that involves commercial illustration, teaching art, publishing a book (Drawing is Important), offering coaching sessions, and podcasting. We talked about his lively and colorful style of illustrating and how wonderful it is to create art specifically to bring joy into people's worlds, how an artist can work to develop their unique style, and the value of practice, practice, practice. If you're interested in his work, lessons, book and everything Tom Froese, head over to his website.
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03 September 2026
Scott Pound has been an English professor for over 20 years. He wasn’t sure about being on my podcast but I’ve really enjoyed our chats over the years (we’re cousins) and I knew that we’d have a really great conversation about the craft of writing. We also talked about his journey through school and finding his groove in a poetics grad program in Buffalo, how what we love as kids shows up in our adult lives, how consuming poetry and literature can give you permission to grow and explore, and oh so much more.
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44:59
27 August 2026
Digital artist Sue Gilbert has been turning heads recently with her “Love in Transit NYC” project - allowing millions of people to see her vibrant, colorful images while making their way through the NYC subway system. We had a wonderful, insightful chat about how that came to be. We also talked about art school and her first art job at a greeting card company, the inspiration found in transit hubs and in travel, how art can mean tapping into a child-like freedom of expression, and so much more! You see the Love in Transit show on Instagram and Tiktok. Sue’s website is where you can buy her work.
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20 August 2026
Steve is a musician, teacher, writer and illustrator of children's books, and author of teaching materials that help schools incorporate pop and rock courses alongside traditional band programs. We had a wonderful chat about how music can set a kid up for success, the value of learning notes along with learning by ear, and how great it is to simply play music with friends. You can find out about Steve, his teaching resources and his line of children's books and associated learning materials on his website. You may also see him on a stage this fall with the Charlottetown Jazz Ensemble.
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13 August 2026
Adam is a writer, teacher and musician based in North Carolina. It was great to meet him and talk about his new collection of short stories which will be published this fall. We also talked about how moving around a lot as a kid informs his stories, what his #1 job is as a creative writing teacher, and how writing involves both magic and working on a craft. We also talked about his band - The Mayflies USA - getting back together recently after being apart for 20 years or so. Oh and Virginia Woolf. You can find out more about Adam and his books on his website. He also has a Substack newsletter you can sign up for here. You can buy his band’s albums on Bandcamp and stream them pretty much anywhere.
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06 August 2026
I met Hamilton's Matthew De Zoete as he toured through PEI to support his first few records. He's not touring as much as he used to, but continues to make music, record albums and play shows. We talked about his favorite venues to play in (and how house concerts break down the barriers between performer and audience), how he tries not to obsess about the past and stay in the present, and what gives him goosebumps. You should listen to his music - you can find it on Bandcamp.
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