BrentonOnTour Podcast

Brent Fitz (Slash, Toque, Gene Simmons) returns to the podcast to talk all things coffee! Touring around the world feeds Brent’s coffee addiction and we discuss about some of his favourite coffee places and stories from around the world. Growing up in Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada how did Brent start his “Journey for Java”  and who...

Ray Zahab is a Canadian Explorer, Ultra Marathon distance runner, founder of the non-profit Impossible2Possible and Kapik1 Coffee! What does a World Explorer drink for coffee in the Arctic or Sahara desert? Ray Zahab made his own brand called Kapik1, takes it with him to share with his fellow adventurers and is here this week...

Brian Wheat is the bassist and Co-Songwriter of the multiplatinum selling band TESLA. Brian stops by this week to talk about his brand new book, “Son of a Milkman” that details his life in the band, his upbringing, mental and physical health struggles, the sex drugs and rock and roll lifestyle and so much more!...

What happens when you go to work thinking it’s a regular day and then your life get’s turned upside down? Well for Sarah Ayres and her husband David that’s exactly what happened February 23, 2020. After getting an emergency call to play goal for the Caroline Hurricanes in Toronto against his hometown Toronto Maple Leafs...

In Part 2 of “Coffee Snobs and A**holes”, I’m joined again by the Vancouver Coffee Snob, The Coffee Snobs Podcast from North Carolina and Darren “Danger” Grieve from News 1130 and the soon to be heard “That’s Vancouver Podcast” to try and define what the difference is? We cover coffee myths, the amazing Siply coffee...

In Part 1 of “Coffee Snobs and A**holes”, I’m joined by the Vancouver Coffee Snob, The Coffee Snobs Podcast from North Carolina and Darren “Danger” Grieve from News 1130 and the soon to be heard “That’s Vancouver Podcast” to try and define what the difference is? You may ask yourself which category you fall into...

The Artery Community Roasters are located in Ottawa, Ontario Canada. Today their founder Will Wells joins me to tell their amazing tale and hopefully inspire you along the way. Who are they? – The Artery Community Roasters, help people living with disabilities find worthwhile employment, and freshly roasted speciality coffee.  – All the employees who are roasting and packaging their...

Veronika Galova is a 5 time barista champion and head of marketing for Roest out of Oslo, Norway. Just before a Pandemic took over the world, the “Coffee Queen” took some time out of her busy schedule to sit down and talk about her Journey for Java and tells her story. We discuss how she...

Jeremy Gursey burst into Hollywood on Movie and TV set’s with his unique brand of coffee and style and never looked back! Jeremy became the basis of the character “Mocha Joe” from HBO’s “Curb Your Enthusiasm”, became Tom Cruise, Cameron Diaz and Dr Phil’s personal Barista, opened an amazing Roastery in Las Vegas, worked with...

The “Journey for Java” podcast is coming and in today’s final preview I give you a little bit of information on what to expect! Also, we will revisit my highlight reel from the first “Coffee Cast” series  that included a ton of guests including Jeremy Gursey (J Gursey Coffee), Tim Wendelboe, Todd Kerns (Slash/Toque), Dave...

The Journey for Java is almost here and I give a little preview of what’s to come? Also, is there more caffeine in Dark Roast Coffee? I spend some time debunking some myths for you.

2021 is here and I have an update on where the podcast is headed! You asked, so you got! Coffee returns with the launch of the “Journey for Java” series!  The “Coffee Cast” series were some of my most popular episodes so please join me again as I take you on the “Journey for Java”...

Twin-sister serial entrepreneurs Miki and Radha Agrawal change lives world-wide with their brands Tushy, Thinx, and Daybreaker. Slice, the first gluten-free pizza place in New York (later the successful franchise, WILD), Thinx, the period underwear for women, Daybreaker, starting people’s days with an alcohol-free rave, and Tushy, the portable bidet helping you properly clean your...

Fred Penner’s Place was and is one of the most iconic kid shows in Canadian Television history and he joins me today to talk about the show and so much more! In this episode we break down: How did the show all come together? Growing up in Winnipeg and where he got his inspiration from?...

Episode #51 is here!! In this quick episode, I just wanted to say thanks eh! Thanks to you the listener, the production people, sponsors, and everyone involved in making this so much fun for me! Through the first 50 we explored coffee from around the world, mental health in music, travel tips, amazing travel stories...

Raine Maida (Our Lady Peace) is my guest this week on the “Life Cast” series! Fronting one of the most successful bands in Canadian rock history is just one of his many jobs. In this episode, we break down Breaking OLP in Toronto When did he feel he finally wrote “The Song” and how it...

Bif Naked joins me this week to discuss her life and how she kicked the walls down to live it her way! Bif continues to inspire women around the world with her fearless attitude and positive energy!  She has battled through an industry traditionally dominated by men and left many in her wake, beat breast...

Since leaving WWE Renee Paquette has been relatively quiet but still one of the busiest people on the planet!  Whether it’s writing a book, building a new show, staying in touch with her over 3 million followers on social media, or balancing the multitude of media requests (including this one), Renee still finds a way...

Darryl Hurs has a 25+ year history in the music business including launching and running one of Canada’s largest indie music festivals and conference, Indie Week, and is also the current director of market development for CD Baby in Canada. In this episode Darryl stops by to discuss: How he started his 25 year +...

Paul Mercs is a staple in the Canadian Music Industry and beyond, working over the years with the likes of David Bowie, Pearl Jam, Heart, Brian Wison and so many others!  Paul is a mentor of mine;  has been a Manager, Publicist, Promoter and so much more!  We chat about: The current state of the...

Ted Fleming formed his award winning Alcohol Free Craft Beer brand “Partake” 10 years ago when he was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease and had to quit drinking! The only way Ted was to enjoy a Craft Beer again was to create a product without Alcohol that would rival any beer in taste and has formed...

Best selling Author and Blogger Clare Pooley (The Sober Diaries/The Authenticity Project and The Sober Mummy Blog) joins me this week on the “Life Cast” to talk about her Life. In 2019 I chose a life without alcohol and found “The Sober Diaries” on a bookshelf. After reading through a few chapters I reached out...

In 1980, Canada was introduced to one of its greatest Canadians when Terry Fox set out on his Marathon of Hope run across Canada to raise money and awareness for cancer research. After 143 days and over 5,000 kilometres (all on one leg), the journey abruptly ended when Terry’s cancer returned. Terry was forced to...

Ray Zahab is a Canadian Explorer, Ultra Marathon distance runner, and founder of the non-profit Impossible2Possible! Ray joins Mercedes and I this week to wrap up the “Travel Cast” series with stories of his journey across The Sahara, Arctic, and his adventures around the world! Ray also breaks down his amazing charity Impossible2Possible and taking...

Chris Trew is a stand-up comedian living in New Orleans and host of the “Good Morning to Gamble” Podcast on the BootKrewe Media and Dean Blundell Network! Chris joins me this week to discuss: – The looming double hurricane that is about to hit New Orleans and shares advice on how to prep for it?...

‘Live vs Live’ is an independent Instagram live show where music industry professionals get together to share their experiences, promote their work and discuss the future of the industry after the pandemic. Recently I was asked to be a guest on the show and had a great chat with host Elena Cabal Rodríguez! We chatted...

It’s the last week of school in Canada and my kids return to talk about their homeschooling experience and what might be next for them? Also, I’m getting a lot of questions about the return of concerts and the music business so I’ll weigh in the best I can here. Finally, I am also getting...

What will the future of travel hold for us all? Travel and Food blogger Paul Feinstein of the “Paul Cast” podcast joins Mercedes and I this week to discuss just that! In this episode we breakdown: New Rules for Checking in New Rules for actually flying and what that will look like Are people ready...

Q-Unique (King’s Bounty, Stillwell, NYC original) returns to the podcast to give us an update on what’s happening in New York City. Since the COVID-19 has reared its head to the world, few cities have suffered more. Q breaks down the different personalities, the politics, what’s next for the city and how he thinks it...

Abbie Simpson is better known as “Abby the Tweet” on twitter and moved to Vancouver from Eastern Canada 13 years ago. I moved from Eastern Canada 15 years ago. Given our timeline almost lined up I thought I would ask Abby about the “East vs West” battle and opinions and if it’s even a “thing?”....

What will the world of travel look like after the COVID19 Pandemic ends? Addie Bell of Jet Set and Travel Luxury Services joins Mercedes and I this week to discuss.  Addie sends people all over the world to luxurious travel destinations and like the rest of industry’s, hers has been affected by the current state...

Ben Leavitt paid off his college tuition through his You Tube Channel! How the hell did he do that? Ben joins me today to explain and guide you through the steps. Plus, we dive into the pros and cons of what the world of social media is like to market your product or business and...

Todd Hancock of the very successful Todd Cast Podcast, longtime friend and also fellow blogger at deanblundell.com joins me today to discuss a variety of topics. In this episode we try to wrap our heads around America’s choice to open up given the amount of COVID-19 madness still happening, Todd’s entry into the world of...

Chris Machete of HM Music, Machete Comics and long time friend stops by to discuss a bunch of cool stuff! In Episode 2 we get into: Going to the Joe Kubert School in New Jersey to perfect his inking and drawing skills and perfecting the art of comic design. His Journey to Canada and starting...

In Episode 5, Mercedes and I are joined by fellow Team Canada Olympians Maelle Riker, Britt Janyk and Derek Livingston. We discuss: –  The postponement of the 2020 Summer Games – How it effects athletes in training – The Financial ramifications for the team and Athletes – What are they all doing to stay busy,...

Mike and I chatted so much we had to break it down to 2 episodes. In Part 2 we discuss: The WWE’s decision to press ahead with Wrestlemania Weekend Should they have called it Wrestlemania? Should they shut the whole thing down for a while? We dive into our history together reflecting on first meeting...

If you think you’ve heard Mike Pongracz’s voice before you would be right. Not only is he the producer of THIS podcast and does the intro, but Mike’s voice can be heard all over the place on Commercials, Cartoons, Sportsnet and even WWE!  We chatted so much that we had to break it up into...

I tested positive for the Coronavirus/Covid-19. Now what? Well I was isolated away from the famly for 14 days and in a room by myself. In that time I played guitar , wrote some blogs and tried to pass the time as best I could. I’m joined in this special edition by my 11yr old...

I recently returned from 6 weeks in Europe/UK and upon my return was faced with all 4 symptoms of the Coronavirus/Covid-19 Pandemic. Given the restrictions placed on Canadians post International travel like 14 day quarantine etc, I felt it necessary to look into getting tested. In this dedicated episode to the process I break down:...

What happens when you go to work thinking it’s a regular day and then your life get’s turned upside down? Well for Sarah Ayers and her husband David that’s exactly what happened. After getting an emergency call to play goal for the Caroline Hurricanes in Toronto against his hometown Toronto Maple Leafs and then beating...

Ever wonder how the stars of the NHL travel from game to game or what happens after they have been traded and need to scramble to the next team? Former NHL player Shawn Matthias (Panthers, Canucks, Leafs, Avalanche, Jets) joins Mercedes and myself to discuss all things NHL Travel. Also, Mercedes recently returned from the...

Are you a Travel Asshole?  In Episode 2 of the “Trave Cast” i’m joined once again by my co-host Mercedes Nicoll and also Paul Feinstein from the “Paul Cast” travel podcast to discuss all the ways you might be one! We get into properly checking in, metel detector protocol, middle seat rules, hygien and so...

In Episode #1 of the travel cast, Mercedes Nicoll joins me to talk: Her Journey to become an Olympian Growing up in Whistler, BC Her amazing comeback story from an almost career and life altering fall What’s next for her Travelling the World! ABOUT Mercedes Nicoll about Dean Blundell’s News, Sports & Podcast Network  

It’s time to review the “Music Cast”! Join me this week as I review some clips from some of the amazing guests who joined me for these episodes. You might have missed: Barry Kerch (Shinedown) discussing their new album, his coffee brand and band struggles Karen Bliss (Music Journalist/Samaritan Mag Founder) discussing her journey and...

In Part 2 we discuss: The state of Music Production in today’s age… The state of radio and options for artists to be heard The continued rise of streaming and the effect on all aspects of the business The state of live music and it’s roll in the rise of the artist + Dave Roberts...

We are live in front of a studio audience at Nimbus School of Recording Arts in Vancouver, Canada. Joined by Producers: Garth Richardson (Rage Against the Machine, Biffy Clyro, RHCP) and Doug Fury (Bif Naked), along with Todd Hancock (ToddCast Podcast), Lyle Chausse (LCE Music), Corrine Lea (Rio Theatre), Dave Roberts (The Washboard Union), J.J....

Topics discussed include: Venues past, present and future Saving the Rio Theatre  The role of the producer in today’s world Artist Development changes over the last 10 years www.brentonontour.com www.nimbusrecording.com www.toddhancock.ca www.thewashboardunion.com www.gggarth.com www.riotheatre.ca www.scraperecords.com www.lcemusic.ca www.kristinalao.com www.deanblundell.com www.variabrewing.com  

From touring the world over with Public Enemy in his hip hop band “The Arsonists” to forming the band “Stillwell” with Fieldy of the Heavy Metal band Korn to forming “Kings Bounty” with some NYC Hard Core legends to growing up Brooklyn, there is no shortage of things to talk about with “Q-Unique”. Live from...

Dave Palmer has a storied history in the music business playing with ABC, The The, Duran Duran and as long standing drummer for Rod Stewart. Ben Melman is a professional tour manager, promoter and entrepreneur currently on tour as the tour manager for Rod Stewarts band! We breakdown touring in the past, present and future...

In 2004 Darrell “Dimebag” Abbott was tragically taken from the world on stage in Columbus, Ohio. The impact his death had on heavy metal music, guitar players and touring bands everywhere was devastating. I spend episode #6 of the Music Cast taking  you on my personal journey of discovery finding Pantera, meeting his brother many...

Franks Sidoris (Slash ft Myles Kennedy and The Conspirators) returns this week to continue his story. In this episode we chat staying fit on tour, dealing with adversity and family emergencies on the road, what’s next for him as the tour cycle winds down, his favourite coffee from around the world and so much more! 

Franks Sidoris (Slash ft Myles Kennedy and The Conspirators) joins me this week to discuss his beginnings in Las Vegas, the music scene there and his influences. We also discuss how he landed the audition with Slash and his band and nailing it to become the new guitar player. What’s is like touring with Slash,...

In his latest book, bestselling author, musician, and cultural historian Aaron Chapman looks back at the most famous music entertainment venues in Vancouver, a city that’s transforming so fast it has somehow lost some of its favourite nightspots along the way. Are the great days of Vancouver’s nightlife behind us? Or does it endure in...

Karen Bliss is one of the most respected Music Journalists in the land and joins me this week on the “Music Cast”. Karen has won Music Journalist of the Year, Is the Canadian Correspondent for Billboard Magazine, has written countless articles for Billboard, Rolling Stone, Pollstar to name a few, has interviewed the likes of:...

In the first episode of the “Music Cast”, Barry Kerch and myself discuss the new Shinedown album “Attention, Attention”, touring the world in 2019 and how it has changed from when they first started, keeping healthy on tour, Mental Health and how it has affected the band over the years, how it continues to play...

The first 10 episodes of the “Coffee Cast” are in the books and I spend episode 11 reviewing some of my favourite moments! Catch gear chat with Darren Grieve (News 1130), Seinfeld coffee talk with Todd Kerns (Slash, Toque, Age of Electric), Breaking into Hollywood with celebrity barista and the real “Mocha Joe” Jeremy Gursey,...

The goal of Tim Wendelboe is to “be among the best coffee roasteries and espresso bars in the world and to be a preferred supplier of quality coffee and a preferred resource for coffee innovation and coffee knowledge.” Well, I would agree with this statement as it was my number one coffee discovery in 2018!...

Ray Luzier (Korn, KXM) and Brent Fitz (Slash, Toque, Gene Simmons Band) are two of the best and busiest drummers in the world! They are also coffee addicts and tour the world searching for the best coffee as well! Ray and Brent joined me for not one but two giant episodes! In Part 2 we...

Ray Luzier (Korn, KXM) and Brent Fitz (Slash, Toque, Gene Simmons Band) are two of the best and busiest drummers in the world! They are also coffee addicts and tour the world searching for the best coffee as well! Ray and Brent join me for not one but two giant episodes! In Part 1 we...

In this episode Lex Albrecht and myself discuss competing around the world as a member of Team Canada’s National Cycling Team as well as a member of the elite Team Tibco out of California, her love of motorcycles and biking, tasting coffee around the world, the amazing portable coffee gear she travels with, her charity...

In this episode Lex Albrecht and myself discuss competing around the world as a member of Team Canada’s National Cycling Team as well as a member of the elite Team Tibco out of California, her love of motorcycles and biking, tasting coffee around the world, the amazing portable coffee gear she travels with, her charity...

In this episode I’m joined by Megadeth bassist David Ellefson to talk about his excellent coffee brand; Ellefson Coffee! We discuss branding and marketing coffee in today’s day and age, the various brands he has made for other artists, touring the world and maintaining the brand, quality and new way’s to market, what kind of...

Jeremy Gursey burst into Hollywood on Movie and TV set’s with his unique brand of coffee and style and never looked back! Join me for Part #2 as we continue to discuss how Jeremy became the basis of the character “Mocha Joe” from HBO’s “Curb Your Enthusiasm”, became Tom Cruise, Cameron Diaz and Dr Phil’s...

Jeremy Gursey burst into Hollywood on Movie and TV set’s with his unique brand of coffee and style and never looked back! Join me as we discuss how Jeremy became the basis of the character “Mocha Joe” from HBO’s “Curb Your Enthusiasm”, became Tom Cruise, Cameron Diaz and Dr Phil’s personal Barista, opened an amazing...

Seinfeld just turned 30 years old and at the core of it is Coffee! Todd Kerns (Slash, Toque, Age of Electric) and I breakdown the top five coffee scenes from the show, discuss travelling the world in search of amazing coffee, the brand new album from Toque and all things Todd Kerns.