First Up artwork

First Up

70 episodes - English - Latest episode: 2 months ago -

Simulcast of the morning radio show airing Mondays from 7:30 - 9am ET (formerly 6 - 7:30 ET live), on 93.3 CFMU (McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada) and at cfmu.ca. Any episodes not available on the CFMU website will (most likely) appear here. Additionally, most (if not all) individual episode descriptions and addenda will appear here as links to the CFMU counterpart webpage.

Hosted by Jomar Quilatan, a third-year student at McMaster University.

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Episodes

#64 | Darren McKee / Challenging Intelligence

February 26, 2024 14:00 - 44 minutes - 40.6 MB

A chat about AI!  What is it?  How is it impacting us?  How should we react to it?  In this episode, we chat with Darren McKee (host on The Reality Check podcast) whose newest publication, Uncontrollable: The Threat of Artificial Superintelligence and the Race to Save the World, seeks to provide some insight on these questions.

#63 | Ian Arden / (Re) Views of Today

July 03, 2023 13:05 - 1 hour - 66 MB

Chatting with Toronto-based singer-songwriter Ian Arden about his latest EP, "Songs For Rebecca", and our collective views on the word today.

#62 | Emma Cook / Life's Funny Ways

June 19, 2023 13:05 - 36 minutes - 33.4 MB

Chatting with Canadian singer-songwriter Emma Cook in advance (at time of original release) of a show in Hamilton.

#61 | John Barrett (Bass Drum Of Death) / Early Summer Kickoff

May 29, 2023 13:05 - 22 minutes - 21 MB

Chatting with John Barrett (Bass Drum of Death) on the band and their latest release, Say I Won't.

#60 | Ariana Fig / Taking a Little More than Just Five

April 03, 2023 13:05 - 57 minutes - 52.4 MB

Chatting with Hamilton's own Ariana Fig about her music - particularly her latest EP, Maroon - and leading off with a set of mostly "unusual" time signatures. -- Full details and episode addenda can be viewed at https://cfmu.ca/episodes/37696. Stay informed, stay safe, stay hopeful!

#59 | Lauren Howe (Revisited) / Just As Fresh As It Was... in 2020!

March 27, 2023 13:05 - 1 hour - 65.5 MB

Revisiting the highlights of one of my favourite conversations on the show, somewhat as part of the show's 3rd anniversary celebrations...with Lauren Howe! -- Full details and episode addenda can be viewed at https://cfmu.ca/episodes/37587. Stay informed, stay safe, stay hopeful!

#58 | Caity Gyorgy / How It All Ties Back to High School Music

March 20, 2023 13:05 - 1 hour - 69.6 MB

A chat with (now 2x JUNO award-winner!) Caity Gyorgy on her award-winning album, Featuring, as well as her other recent endeavours, what's ahead...and certain annoying e-mail requests. -- Full details and episode addenda can be viewed at https://cfmu.ca/episodes/37478. Stay informed, stay safe, stay hopeful!

#57 | The Most Music I've Ever Shared? (CFMU Fundraiser Special '23)

March 06, 2023 14:05 - 39 minutes - 35.9 MB

Special episode filled with music and a little bit about CFMU an First Up - consider it your First Up "litmus test".  Please consider supporting CFMU at https://cfmu.ca/fundraising. -- Full details and episode addenda can be viewed at https://cfmu.ca/episodes/37260. Stay informed, stay safe, stay hopeful!

#56 | Kees Gootjes / We're Gonna Need a Part Two

February 27, 2023 14:05 - 1 hour - 67.6 MB

Another full-length feature - this time with musician Kees Gootjes, just on the way back to Holland after a visit to Hamilton...and, of course, to his stomping grounds that is McMaster University (and CFMU!). -- Full details and episode addenda can be viewed at https://cfmu.ca/episodes/37151. Stay informed, stay safe, stay hopeful!

#55 | All Is Timely

January 23, 2023 14:05 - 1 hour - 82.7 MB

(Finally) kicking off our 4th year on the air!  Featuring a returning guest, Kristy Hagerman, in conversation about catching up and the release of her latest album, Right.   -- Full details and episode addenda can be viewed at https://cfmu.ca/episodes/36604. Stay informed, stay safe, stay hopeful!

#55 | Kristy Hagerman / All Is Timely

January 23, 2023 14:05 - 1 hour - 82.7 MB

(Finally) kicking off our 4th year on the air!  Featuring a returning guest, Kristy Hagerman, in conversation about catching up and the release of her latest album, Right.   -- Full details and episode addenda can be viewed at https://cfmu.ca/episodes/36604. Stay informed, stay safe, stay hopeful!

#54 | To Campus & Community Radio!

November 14, 2022 14:05 - 57 minutes - 52.9 MB

More bites of nostalgia, but also a lot about thanking campus and community radio while in conversation with Olivia Street aka King of Foxes. -- Full details and episode addenda can be viewed at https://cfmu.ca/episodes/35504. Stay informed, stay safe, stay hopeful!

#54 | Olivia Street (King of Foxes) / To Campus & Community Radio!

November 14, 2022 14:05 - 57 minutes - 52.9 MB

More bites of nostalgia, but also a lot about thanking campus and community radio while in conversation with Olivia Street aka King of Foxes. -- Full details and episode addenda can be viewed at https://cfmu.ca/episodes/35504. Stay informed, stay safe, stay hopeful!

#53 | Grateful & Great-full

October 18, 2022 13:05 - 1 hour - 59 MB

In conversation with the bane AHRF.  I totally didn't take eight months to release this episode... Full details and episode addenda can be viewed at https://cfmu.ca/episodes/35068. Stay informed, stay safe, stay hopeful!

#53 | AHRF / Grateful & Great-full

October 18, 2022 13:05 - 1 hour - 59 MB

In conversation with the bane AHRF.  I totally didn't take eight months to release this episode... Full details and episode addenda can be viewed at https://cfmu.ca/episodes/35068. Stay informed, stay safe, stay hopeful!

#52 | An Unofficial Anniversary / Solidarity & Soul

February 28, 2022 14:05 - 42 minutes - 39.2 MB

More music of interest.  This one's for those plagued with the war scene of late and its effects. Full details and episode addenda can be viewed at https://cfmu.ca/episodes/31457. Stay informed, stay safe, stay hopeful!

#51 | Filling, Stalling & Storytelling

February 14, 2022 14:05 - 48 minutes - 44.3 MB

Lots of music (and talking, as suggested by the titular verbs).  Can a sequence of songs tell a story?   Full details and episode addenda can be viewed at https://cfmu.ca/episodes/31231.   Stay informed, stay safe, stay hopeful!

#50 | Sides

February 07, 2022 14:05 - 44 minutes - 40.3 MB

Lots of new singles and fabulous B-sides (and even songs with only one side coming out) to welcome you back to Mac, if you are a student, or to kick off February in all other cases.   Full episode and addenda can be viewed at https://cfmu.ca/episodes/31118.   Stay informed, stay safe, stay hopeful!

BONUS: #49 | "Off-Air" with Sabrina Fallah

February 01, 2022 04:46 - 26 minutes - 23.9 MB

As mentioned on-air in E49, here is the extra conversation with Sabrina Fallah, which ultimately made our Zoom call last a little over an hour and a half.   Check out the full (original) episode at https://cfmu.ca/episodes/31005.

#49 | Sabrina Fallah / A New Year Bookended by Merseyside & Manchester

January 31, 2022 14:05 - 1 hour - 73.9 MB

A full episode's worth of conversation with epic punk rocker Sabrina Fallah and her time with two great BBC shows...and how we all never thought of trying to build a colossal snowman in our driveways during the snowstorm from a couple of weeks ago.   Full episode and details can be viewed at https://cfmu.ca/episodes/31005.   Stay informed, stay safe, stay hopeful!  I'm here for you if you need someone to talk to.

#48 | Alex Southey / Singles & 'Sembles of Songs

January 24, 2022 14:05 - 1 hour - 57.2 MB

Snow, songs and stalling are what make up this episode!  (I somehow have been stuck with the "S"-starting alliterations for this episode; don't mind me.)  Plus, speaking with singer-songwriter Alex Southey.   Full episode and details can be viewed at https://cfmu.ca/episodes/30892.   Stay informed, stay safe, stay hopeful!

#47 | Finding Music & Nostalgia

January 10, 2022 14:05 - 38 minutes - 35.3 MB

All sorts of music in an attempt to make up for all the missed episodes over the past 10+ weeks.  Nostalgia-basking recommendations included.     Full songs, details and episode addenda can be viewed and heard at cfmu.ca/episodes/30666.     Stay informed, stay safe, stay hopeful!

#46 | KICKSIE / Many Starts, Returns, Apologies & Thanks

January 03, 2022 14:05 - 1 hour - 65.4 MB

Getting back into things in many ways (most notably in the studio!).  Plus, a guest whose feature is long overdue out of my own fault.   The original direct stream file, as well as full details and episode addenda, can be viewed at cfmu.ca/episodes/30553.   Stay informed, stay safe, stay hopeful!

#45 | Renee Sekula / "Technology is Beautiful!"

October 05, 2021 16:39 - 43 minutes - 39.7 MB

Back at it (finally) for the first time in a while!  With a great guest, too - Hamilton-based singer/songwriter Renee Sekula - in for a chat to kick things off for the month of October.   Full episode and details / addenda can be viewed at https://cfmu.ca/episodes/29084. Stay informed, stay safe, stay hopeful!

#44 | Music, Music, Music, Music, Music, Music, and More Music

June 21, 2021 17:31 - 1 hour - 82.4 MB

I feel that I should have included one instance of "Music" for every song featured today...but I think you get the idea.   Full details and episode addenda can be viewed at https://cfmu.ca/episodes/27369.   Stay informed, stay safe, stay hopeful!

#43 | Catching Up with (Essential) Friends

May 17, 2021 13:05 - 1 hour - 82.4 MB

...and that means you, too, because every friend is an essential friend!  In conversation with two good friends of mine as well.   Full details and episode addenda can be viewed at https://cfmu.ca/episodes/26791.   Stay informed, stay safe, stay hopeful!

#42 | Sarah Jessica / The Hot (Seat[s]) & Me

March 22, 2021 15:30 - 1 hour - 83.3 MB

Getting to know music journalist Sarah Jessica, playing new music, and finding out just how shaky I can be.   Full details and episode addenda can be viewed at https://cfmu.ca/episodes/25855.   Stay informed, stay safe, stay hopeful!

#41A | BONUS CONTENT | Tim Newton / Shred Kelly

February 21, 2021 21:22 - 40 minutes - 37.5 MB

More for your E41 listening pleasure, in case you wanted to hear another voice aside from mine (given how much I realise I talked in the main episode) - this time, with Tim Newton of the BC-based band, Shred Kelly, on their latest single and festival page tour.  Plus, a great deal of discussion of real and virtual campfires.   Check out more info, plus a special CFMU-exclusive release, on the ON-AIR episode page, coming soon!   Stay informed, stay safe, stay hopeful!

#41 | Keeping Things As Most Possibly Short As Virtually Possible

February 15, 2021 12:35 - 1 hour - 82.4 MB

Lots of new music, plus an upcoming video feature and a revelation about the irony of this very title...   Happy Family Day!  Stay tuned for episode page content at https://cfmu.ca/episodes/25270, coming soon.   Stay informed, stay safe, stay hopeful!

#40 | Kate Drummond / "Stay the Course"

January 25, 2021 12:35 - 1 hour - 89.4 MB

A most interesting conversation about film, teaching and video games in a "timeless" interview.  Plus, some beyond-deserved recognition for some of the senior legends of world.    Full details and episode addenda can be viewed at https://cfmu.ca/episodes/24919.   Stay informed, stay safe, stay hopeful!

#39 | [Finally] Starting a New Year

January 11, 2021 12:30 - 1 hour - 82.4 MB

Starting it right, with new music to bring on 2021 no matter where it takes us.   Full details and episode addenda can be viewed at [TBA].   Stay informed, stay safe, stay hopeful!

#38 | [Finally] Starting a New Season

December 21, 2020 12:30 - 1 hour - 87 MB

Surprise!  I'm kicking off the second year of First Up (albeit a few weeks behind), which means looking back at the first year and looking ahead at every possible type of new year to come.  Also cramming in that wee bit of Christmas and New Year's into one episode.   Full details and episode addenda can be viewed at [coming soon!].   Stay informed, stay safe, stay hopeful!

#37 | Deanna Gowland / "The Answer Is..."

November 23, 2020 14:35 - 1 hour - 82.4 MB

In conversation with musician Deanna Gowland on her latest EP, as well as a wild (a very wild) tangent on game shows.   Full details and episode addenda can be viewed at https://cfmu.ca/episodes/23882.   Stay informed, stay safe, stay hopeful!

#36 | Falling Back, Looking Forward

November 03, 2020 20:51 - 1 hour - 82.4 MB

New music, and revisits of old fun in this out-of-the-ordinary episode...great to go along with that extra hour of sleep we got (and perhaps longed for).   Full details and episode addenda can be viewed at https://cfmu.ca/episodes/23531.   Stay informed, stay safe, stay positive!

#35 | Happenings Over Virtual Coffees / Calling Roger Ashby?

October 12, 2020 18:06 - 1 hour - 82.5 MB

Talking about a good amount of what seems to be a busy October, with a special guest in and an "honorary mention" out...   Full details and episode addenda can be viewed at https://cfmu.ca/episodes/23180. Stay informed, stay safe, stay positive!

#34 | Welcome (Back) Month

September 28, 2020 12:31 - 1 hour - 82.4 MB

(Finally) back into the swing of things with a lot of great music to kick off September...many weeks later.   Full details and episode addenda can be viewed at https://cfmu.ca/episodes/22945.   Stay informed, stay safe, stay positive!

#33 | Kim Mitchell / Your Good Ol' Morning Show

August 10, 2020 14:18 - 1 hour - 82.7 MB

Music galore, in an attempt at the closest to my usual "live" shows.  Also featuring a quick (but absolutely fun) chat with THE Kim Mitchell.   Full details and episode addenda can be viewed at https://cfmu.ca/episodes/22126.   Stay informed, stay safe, stay positive!

#32 | Hélène Caron / High-Quality Phone Calls

July 31, 2020 17:03 - 1 hour - 83.8 MB

A full-feature interview, back with Hélène for more about French in Hamilton and beyond.  Plus, guess who was on the phone...   Full details and episode addenda can be viewed at https://cfmu.ca/tenon/episodes/21892.   Stay informed, stay safe, stay positive!  

#31 | Mitchell Kos / New Day Material

July 20, 2020 19:15 - 1 hour - 83.3 MB

In conversation with Mac alumnus Mitch Kos about his take on the pandemic, plus a lot of catching up with him (having been a few months since meeting for the first time).  And, of course, morning jazz for a portion of the show...can't get enough of that!   Full details and episode addenda can be viewed at https://cfmu.ca/episodes/21775.   Stay informed, stay safe, stay positive!

#30 | Emma McCarty / All Sorts of Pauses

July 13, 2020 16:32 - 1 hour - 82.4 MB

Get to know who exactly Emma McCarty is...after a lot of explaining I have to do.   Full details and episode addenda can be viewed at https://cfmu.ca/episodes/21658.   Stay informed, stay safe, stay positive!

#29 | Sync & Shenanigans

June 29, 2020 15:03 - 1 hour - 82.4 MB

Pretty much just shenanigans, and, for the first time, an interview of...me!   Full details and episode addenda can be viewed at https://cfmu.ca/episodes/21424.   Stay informed, stay safe, stay positive!

#28 | Avery Jackman / Sharing the Tea

June 22, 2020 11:40 - 1 hour - 83.1 MB

Full details and episode addenda can be viewed at https://cfmu.ca/episodes/21307. Stay informed, stay safe, stay positive!

#27 | M Harrison Shin & Jani Panda / 11 Weeks Later...

June 01, 2020 21:53 - 48 minutes - 43.9 MB

Chatting (again) with M Harrison Shin & Jani Panda about their (first) year at CFMU. Full details and episode addenda can be viewed at [TBA].  There will be no new episode for next week, the 8th of June, as this one will rerun and its episode information will be provided accordingly. I encourage you to keep checking the original episode page, as it has been repurposed in solidarity with the particular motions of recent against racism towards Black people and against police brutality.  This...

#26 | Vishal Bhatia / Word on The Last Word

May 25, 2020 20:26 - 1 hour - 81.9 MB

Chatting with Vishal about his show, The Last Word, as well as insights on his past year with CFMU and graduating under unusual circumstances.   Full details and episode addenda can be viewed at https://cfmu.ca/episodes/20839.   Stay informed, stay safe, stay positive!

#25 | John Corr / Technical Communication: Eighth Ed. for 8x

May 18, 2020 11:35 - 1 hour - 85.1 MB

Catching up with John Corr, my former professor, about his first novel, Eight Times Up, released just over a year ago, amidst a plethora of technical communication references.   Also...karaoke in the background?   Full details and episode addenda can be viewed at https://cfmu.ca/episodes/20722. Stay informed, stay safe, stay positive!

#24 | From the CFMU Staff / & Maxine Gravina

May 11, 2020 11:30 - 1 hour - 109 MB

Chatting with my fellow colleagues (with mention of Maxine) in looking back at the past programming year at CFMU (in our respective positions).   Full details and episode addenda can be viewed at https://cfmu.ca/episodes/20605.   Stay informed, stay safe, stay negative in testing and positive in thinking!

#23 | Kristen Cudmore / The Solitaire Tangent

May 04, 2020 11:35 - 1 hour - 90.9 MB

A chat with Language Arts' Kristen Cudmore on the band's latest single, "Sprout", as well as what could possibly be the longest tangent (on Solitaire) I have ever gone on.   Full details and episode addenda can be viewed at https://cfmu.ca/episodes/20488.   Stay informed, stay safe, stay positive!

#22 | "Howe To" / The Uncommon Calm in Comm

April 27, 2020 11:35 - 1 hour - 88.5 MB

"Talking about talking" with Lauren Howe, alongside getting to know a bit more about her jewellery collection and an upcoming podcast.   Full details and episode addenda can be viewed at https://cfmu.ca/episodes/20370.   Stay informed, stay safe, stay positive!

#22 | Lauren's "Howe To" / The Uncommon Calm in Comm

April 27, 2020 11:35 - 1 hour - 88.5 MB

"Talking about talking" with Lauren Howe, alongside getting to know a bit more about her jewellery collection with NOGU and an upcoming podcast.   Full details and episode addenda can be viewed at https://cfmu.ca/episodes/20370.   Stay informed, stay safe, stay positive!

#21 | Prasann Pandya / '[O]M' is for Music...and Meditation

April 20, 2020 11:35 - 1 hour - 59.7 MB

A quick look at some of the latest in the local and indie music scene, featuring Ellis, Free Casino, and the Soul Motivators, as well as all things meditation with McMaster alumni Prasann Pandya.   Full details and episode addenda can be viewed at https://cfmu.ca/episodes/20253-21-prasann-pandya-om-is-for-meditationand-music.   Stay informed, stay safe, stay positive!