Soft Revolution
117 episodes - English - Latest episode: 10 months ago -The intersection of art, culture and politics. Hosted by Torquil Campbell and Ali Momen.
Each week Torquil and Ali get together with fellow musicians, actors, and artists to discuss the latest in the world of art, society, culture, and politics. The conversation is lively, free of crap, and with a unique perspective that only these two guys can bring.
Send your comments to [email protected]! Join us on Patreon and get BONUS EPISODES, EXTENDED INTERVIEWS, and MORE! www.patreon.com/softrevolution
Homepage Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed
Episodes
Let's get caught up
October 03, 2023 23:36 - 1 hour - 95.8 MBAli and Torq haven't spoken in months so we figured why not just let people hear unfiltered what a catch-up between these two would sound like.
All Bark, No Bite
April 07, 2023 11:00 - 1 hour - 68.9 MBStrikes everywhere. There's one job AI can replace and that's a politician. Speaking of "politicians", Trump is indicted...now what? Thanks, as always, to EFFIN' BIRDS
Jenny oh Jenny feat. Jennifer Lena
March 18, 2023 11:00 - 1 hour - 77.8 MBThe Jennifer C. Lena joins the pod to discuss her insights of the last five years, how AI is like spell check on steroids, how nationalization might be the key to solving our woes, and Ali wonders, "where was our hazard pay?"
Just Gotta Riff feat. Chilly Gonzales
January 31, 2023 11:00 - 1 hour - 61.8 MBLast week we received an email from our European correspondent Chilly Gonzales demanding to address Torquil's insane desire to kill all the robots. Well, here he is in all his glory.
I'm a Racist Against Robots feat. David Maggs
January 16, 2023 12:00 - 1 hour - 101 MBIn this episode, we sit down with David Maggs of the Metcalf Foundation to discuss his recent report, "Art and the World After This." David delves into the ways in which the pandemic has affected the art world, both in terms of the financial struggles of artists and institutions, as well as the shift towards digital and online mediums. He also touches on the importance of supporting artists and arts organizations in the recovery process, and the potential for a more equitable and inclusive ar...
Into The Metaverse feat. Michael Wheeler
November 20, 2022 12:00 - 1 hour - 83.5 MBMichael Wheeler of the SpiderWebShow joins to discuss how technology and theatre intersect. But first: Swifties battle the Ticketmaster monopoly, the mid-terms were not as expected, and Elon is up to something at Twitter headquarters.
Lack of a Moral Compass
October 26, 2022 11:00 - 1 hour - 60 MBCompass Artist Management has stopped paying their clients to the tune of over $500k and it's time we step up and change the system. Please help these affected artists at www.compassactorsfund.com Other topics : Torq thinks throwing oil on Van Gogh is amazing while Ali thinks it's merely a first draft, and what to do when we get so caught up in identity politics and Doug Ford actually does big things?
Brush Up Your Farsi feat. Tara Grammy
October 09, 2022 01:44 - 1 hour - 83.6 MBActor, writer, producer, and activist Tara Grammy joins the pod to discuss the ongoing major protests in Iran. But first - Ali has an idea to massively increase voter turnout, Torq thinks it's time to Cancel Kanye, and Bros. flops!
Mahogany and Ivory
September 22, 2022 11:00 - 1 hour - 69.2 MBThe Queen is dead. Trudeau is a little pitchy. Apple has a maybe-Oscar winner with Will Smith and they don't know what to do about it.
Arcade Dumpster Fire
September 06, 2022 11:00 - 1 hour - 74.8 MB- Torq visits England and as usual, has thoughts. - Audiences won't go to your show if you make it kinda a bummer. - Arcade Fire's Win Butler is accused of multiple instances of sexual misconduct, and Feist leaves the tour. - WTF is tipping?
Sometimes I Just Wanna Watch 90 Day Fiancee - feat. Kevin Vidal
August 17, 2022 12:00 - 1 hour - 73.6 MBKevin Vidal, star of Workin' Moms and Strays joins the pod to discuss what comedy does for his soul, and how to be funny in this current age. But first, Torq and Ali discuss Trumps impending indictment, the brutal attack on Salman Rushdie, and Drake's high-flyin' all the way to Hamilton.
WARNING, It's an Algorithm
July 24, 2022 15:04 - 1 hour - 57.4 MB1. Why is the New York Times trying to ruin your summer? 2. Oh, critics. 3. It's like Star Wars and we gotta be the Jedi. 4. The new season of Serial is playing at Congress Soft Revolution is brought to you by Effin' Birds - www.effinbrids.com
White People Cosplay
July 13, 2022 13:31 - 1 hour - 60.3 MBBojo is out, Rogers is down, and we have thoughts. Soft Revolution is brought to you by Effin' Birds - www.effinbirds.com
It's Just The States of America feat. Stephen Marche
June 29, 2022 10:00 - 1 hour - 77.5 MBStephen Marche rejoins the pod to discuss his book The Next Civil War - Dispatches from an American Future, whether Roe's overturning is indeed the catalyst for another civil war, and how Canada can inoculate itself from it all.
I No Longer Leave My Heart In San Francisco
June 21, 2022 11:00 - 1 hour - 70.8 MBTorq is back from tour and he has "thoughts". Also, after two years, the questions is finally asked, "is capitalism inherently evil?"
The Progressive Way Through feat. AJ Mawani
June 09, 2022 18:50 - 44 minutes - 41.1 MBAfter the dismal performance of progressives in June 2nd's Ontario provincial election, Ali sits down to talk the future of the progressive movement with AJ Mawani, Sr. Manager, Communications for Mitzie Hunter, one of the 8 Ontario Liberal MPPs who were elected to the legislature.
Strategic Podcasting
May 26, 2022 18:52 - 1 hour - 68.6 MBAnother massacre involving children. What ever are we going to do? Then, a conversation about the merits and perils of strategic voting with a cameo by the great Michael Healey.
Airplane Mode feat. Lucy Ellis and Naomi Jijina
May 17, 2022 11:00 - 1 hour - 70.9 MBRecent George Brown Theatre School graduates Lucy Ellis and Naomi Jijina join the pod to discuss their wild and revelatory journey going through theatre school during a pandemic. First, Ali and Torq discuss Kendrick's incredible new album, how it relates to our current state of politics, and Torq is more than happy with people protesting outside a Supreme Court Justice's house.
I Believe In Art feat. Alanna Mitchell
May 03, 2022 11:00 - 1 hour - 80 MBJournalist, author and theatre-maker Alanna Mitchell (https://alannamitchell.com) on how from the depths of the climate crisis there is profound hope. Plus, will the affordability crisis make hobbyist artists of us all?
We May Be Old, But We're Good feat. Sarah Slean
April 19, 2022 11:00 - 1 hour - 85.2 MBPolymath Sarah Slean joins the pod to discuss artistic longevity in an impermanent world and all these past two years have taught there. But first, a new segment called, "Rapid Fire with Ali Momen" where Torq throws a bunch of topics to get Ali's response.
Stop Playing Darts
April 13, 2022 17:51 - 1 hour - 64.4 MBHopefully our final conversation on COVID arguing an end to hysteria and that going forward we should accommodate the immunocompromised in the arts sector and a discussion on Jonathan Haidt's article in the Atlantic (WHY THE PAST 10 YEARS OF AMERICAN LIFE HAVE BEEN UNIQUELY STUPID). Also, Torq really dislikes Elon Musk.
We're Broke! Help! feat. Tim Ziegler
April 05, 2022 11:00 - 1 hour - 77.6 MBFinancial guru Tim Ziegler with big advice on how to manage your finances and how the most important investment you can make as an artist isn't what you think it is. First, a big conversation on appropriation in art, and how sustainable art has huge potential.
A Summer of Slaps feat. Jennifer Lena
March 30, 2022 10:00 - 1 hour - 83.8 MBUS correspondent Jennifer Lena joins the pod to chat The Oscars debacle, Marina Abramovic's fundraiser in support of Ukraine, and how loss has permeated our existence and how we move past it.
Throw That Record Out The Window feat. Michael Barclay
March 15, 2022 10:00 - 1 hour - 84.6 MBMusic journalist and writer extraordinaire Michael Barclay has a new book coming about the incredible Canadian music scene from the early 2000's and he joins us to talk about it.
Dyido Says feat. Andrew Kushnir
March 01, 2022 11:00 - 1 hour - 73.7 MBPlaywright, actor, and artistic director Andrew Kushnir sheds a personal light on the war in Ukraine. NOTE : This episode was recorded hours before it was announced that Canada would halt oil imports from Russia.
Sorry About Your Wordle
February 23, 2022 10:00 - 1 hour - 68.9 MBJust us chickens on the futility of cancelling your New York Times subscription; Cosby, Jian, and the cult of personality; and a reminder that "all you need is love.”
The Welcome Mat feat. Sean Devine
February 15, 2022 12:00 - 1 hour - 84 MBArtist and activist Sean Devine (www.seandevine.ca) ventured into the streets of Ottawa to speak to some protestors and he joins the pod to share his insights.
I Love You Torq. Happy Valentine's Day feat. Chris Abraham
February 09, 2022 18:02 - 1 hour - 73.6 MBIt was almost two years in the making, but finally, Artistic Director of Crow's Theatre, Chris Abraham joins the pod to discuss his show 'Assembly', life in Lithunia, polarization, and how to be a father and a husband while being an artist.
Ryan Reynolds Needs a Nap feat. Diana Frances and Steve Patterson
February 02, 2022 12:00 - 1 hour - 89 MBDiana Frances and Steve Patterson join to discuss their podcast The Canadian Star System and how we can create a system of success in Canada. First, an update on Joe Rogan and Spotify, and sadly…The Convoy.
Where Do We Begin?
January 28, 2022 14:21 - 1 hour - 58 MBJust us chickens running the gamut on the news of the week including Neil Young and Spotify, Democrats' loss of support approaching the midterms, Boris Johnson's partying, and Taylor Swift being simply too rich to have to care.
Back With Our European Correspondent feat. Chilly Gonzales
January 18, 2022 12:00 - 1 hour - 80.6 MBMusical genius and Soft Revolution's European Correspondent, Chilly Gonzales is back with his take on the future of cities, finding true independence as an artist and whether or not he will join Cameo.
I Am Not Defined By Last Week's Episode - feat. Kate Taylor
January 11, 2022 21:54 - 1 hour - 62.5 MBKate Taylor of the Globe and Mail discusses her latest piece : "Arbitrary shutdowns show that most Canadian leaders don’t value artists." First, Torq and Ali respond to some incredible listener mail and celebrate the end of The Golden Globes.
Working Rock Musician feat. Michael Rubinoff
January 06, 2022 12:00 - 1 hour - 88.9 MBCome From Away producer Michael Rubinoff joins the pod to discuss the show's closing in Toronto, why commercial theatre matters, and how government support could have saved the show. Also, in a panic-attack fuelled move, Torquil goes DaVinci.
The End of the Pandemic Will Not Be Televised
December 21, 2021 01:54 - 1 hour - 62.5 MBA lot has happened since we got together last, and we were here to talk about it all.
Ali Momen - HVAC Expert
December 01, 2021 12:00 - 55 minutes - 50.6 MBAli went to a Giveon concert and was shook, Torq rants again on the media, Stephen Sondheim is like Shakespeare, and don't be so hard on Yoko Ono.
If Music Be the Food of Love feat. Zorana Sadiq
November 23, 2021 12:00 - 1 hour - 75.6 MBCreator and performer of MixTape, Zorana Sadiq joins the pod on how sound and music has been a protagonist in her life and how to be a better listener.
Two Eyed Seeing feat. David Suzuki & Tara Cullis
November 16, 2021 12:00 - 1 hour - 65.5 MBThe cast and crew of What You Won't Do For Love by Why Not Theatre, including the inimitable power couple David Suzuki and Tara Cullis on their new foray as actors and how artists are key to solving the climate crisis.
Travis Scott and his Minions
November 09, 2021 20:07 - 1 hour - 64.6 MBIs 77.5% capacity the new 100%? A peak Torq-rant on the tragic disaster of Astroworld. What happened in Virginia and how we as progressives must learn to share values, and to talk "to" and "with" and not "at" and "over".
Swallowing the Alarm Clock feat. Liisa Repo-Martell
November 02, 2021 21:42 - 1 hour - 78.2 MBActor extraordinaire and climate activist Liisa Repo-Martell on how her hope on combatting climate change springs from action. But first, the tragic shooting on the set of 'Rust'; should there be more than one heritage minister in Canada; and how does the for-profit entertainment world survive when not everyone wants back inside.
Supply Chain Proof
October 22, 2021 11:00 - 1 hour - 60 MBBC's revival of Footloose!, a long follow-up on Dave Chapelle, will the not-for-profit theatre world become more humane and Torq hates the Macintosh.
Life Is a Piano feat. James Smith
October 16, 2021 01:36 - 1 hour - 69.3 MBJames Smith, a musician, actor, and creator of LESSONS IN TEMPERAMENT on how we are all pianos and how his show opens beautiful windows into the world of neurodiversity. Oh, and Dave Chapelle.
Everything is a "Must See!"
October 06, 2021 21:47 - 1 hour - 65.7 MBCliff Cardinal's AS YOU LIKE IT is amazing, and it doesn't matter what any critic thinks. Stratford is re-auditioning their company of CHICAGO...huh? Facebook is the worst, and even Facebook knows it. Justin goes to Tofino on our first day of Truth and Reconciliation...why?
Well, That Happened feat. Michael Healey
September 23, 2021 13:05 - 1 hour - 67.6 MBOur first ever guest Michael Healey rejoins the pod to discuss the results of the 44th Canadian election.
Wonk Revolution
September 15, 2021 15:51 - 1 hour - 60.9 MBThe boys go wonky breaking down the culture platforms of all major parties, and a discussion on the People's Party of Canada being a continuing thing in Canada.
This is About Civilization feat. Nobu Adilman
September 08, 2021 11:00 - 1 hour - 75.1 MBChoir master and co-head of Choir!Choir!Choir! Nobu Adilman asks is there even a point doing a show right now? Plus, how choral singing can never end. But first, they're throwing gravel at the Prime Minister, social media is tearing the moral, intellectual and cultural fabric of society, and the Tyndall Centre creates a blueprint for zero carbon concerts.
Due Diligence feat. Jesse LaVercombe
September 01, 2021 11:00 - 1 hour - 85.3 MBActor and screenwriter Jesse LaVercombe joins the pod to discuss Deep Canvassing and how it changes votes and minds. But first - do we have a real plan with these vaccine passports? Where's Drake's vaccine selfie? What's up with DONDA? And with the news of artists being murdered in Afghanistan, let's fight to save them.
Context is King feat. Kevin Hanchard
August 19, 2021 11:00 - 1 hour - 74.6 MBKevin Hanchard joins the pod to discuss the use of the N-word, now and in the future in response to the Shaw Festival's cancellation of Assassins. Torq and Ali first discuss the Canadian election, and how Afghanistan teaches us again, that if you can't change culture, it doesn't matter how many bombs you drop.
Artivists feat. Tess Benger and Julia McLellan of Canadian Green Alliance
August 12, 2021 11:00 - 1 hour - 65.4 MBTess Benger and Julia McLellan from the Canadian Green Alliance join the podcast to discuss what being an Artivist really means and how we can be making theatre as eco-friendly as possible. But first, Torq ate beside the Clintons and Bernie Sanders and wonders what's up with their secret service; Ali had a nice chat with Allan Detsky on what the pandemic to endemic path looks like; and how in the world do you make someone take a vaccine if they think it makes them infertile?
The Middle Place
August 04, 2021 22:59 - 1 hour - 58.9 MBJust us, and it's a great one. Simone Biles and stage fright. Vaccine passports...again. How can we articulate what the actual "New" New Normal is going to look like? Can we relinquish the fear?
What Does 'It' Mean Now?
July 27, 2021 15:44 - 1 hour - 72.1 MBAmanda Smith and Emily Hill from the AFC join the pod to discuss the AFC's new mental health initiatives aimed at curbing the mental health crisis in the arts industry. But first, are vaccine passports inevitable? Are producers and tour managers about to be put into impossible situations? But none of this really matters if we keep destroying our climate.