Refolkus
Folk Canada
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Top 10 Refolkus Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Refolkus episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Refolkus for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Refolkus episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
05/14/25 • 32 min
In this week’s episode, Rosalyn is joined by Tamara Lindeman of The Weather Station. Tamara reflects on how climate grief has shaped her music, a theme that emerged with her previous album Ignorance. She discusses her latest record, Humanhood, which explores themes of personal disconnection and healing, while continuing to resonate with the emotional weight of climate grief and broader political tensions. Tamara also shares her perspective on the current political climate and its impact on touring, speaking candidly about the emotional burden of climate change—particularly on younger generations—and offering thoughtful insights into how artists can balance their roles as advocates. Overall, it’s a powerful and timely conversation about art’s role in expressing complex emotions, creating connection, and sparking action in the face of an uncertain future.
Tamara’s recommendations for climate organizations, thinkers and speakers include: 350.org, Environmental Defence, Nature Conservancy Canada, Music Declares Emergency, Bill McKibben and Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson.
Buy, download or listen to The Weather Station’s latest record, Humanhood.
Find The Weather Station online:
Website & Upcoming Shows
Instagram
Facebook
About The Weather Station
The Weather Station — the project of Toronto based songwriter Tamara Lindeman — returns with new album Humanhood on January 17th via Fat Possum Records. The last few years have seen The Weather Station release two albums: the career defining Ignorance (2021) and its ethereal, mostly live recording companion piece, How Is It That I Should Look At The Stars (2022). In that time, The Weather Station have gone on to headline tours across North America and Europe, play major festivals, and perform on the televised Austin City Limits as well as Jimmy Kimmel Live. Ignorance was named Best New Music (Pitchfork), and landed in year-end Top 10 lists from The New Yorker (#1), Spin, New York Times, Uncut, Pitchfork, The Guardian, and many others. Called "a heartbroken masterpiece" in The Guardian, the record was a complex evocation of climate grief that struck a chord worldwide. As a writer, Lindeman is known for her detail. “Her writing can feel ... like the collected epiphanies from a lifetime of observing” (Pitchfork). Over the course of six albums, her music has moved from home recorded, mostly acoustic folk to the “ornate act of world building” (New Yorker) that was Ignorance. The throughline, though, is a focus on ideas; her lyrics walk the line between the personal and the conceptual, forever tying small moments to larger metaphysical quandaries. Nominated for three Juno Awards, a Socan Songwriting Award, and shortlisted for the Polaris Prize, her albums have made a mark both critically and conceptually.
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If you’re interested in submitting questions for our upcoming episodes, be sure to follow Folk Canada on Instagram where we will be posting our upcoming guests.
Tune in to the latest episodes of the Refolkus Podcast, featuring the latest music releases from Folk Canada members as well as some of our special guests, now broadcasting on CKCU FM 93.1 in Ottawa, CKUW 95.9 FM in Winnipeg and CFBX 92.5 FM in Kamloops.
Presented by Folk Canada
Hosted by Rosalyn Dennett
Produced by Kayla Nezon and Rosalyn Dennett
Mixed by Jordan Moore of The Pod Cabin
Theme music “Amsterdam” by King Cardiac
Artwork by Jaymie Karn
Welcome to ReFolkUs
Refolkus
02/15/23 • 1 min
Introducing ReFolkUs. A new podcast by Folk Music Ontario, for folk artists and music industry professionals who want to learn how to make money, find their creative community, and stay grounded and healthy in this intensely stressful but heart-centred industry.
Each episode, we tap into the most inspirational minds from every corner of the music industry and discuss how to build your business, protect your mental and physical health, and ultimately, create a life and a living of your dreams, without burning out.
Hit that subscribe button now, and never miss an episode!
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Presented by Folk Music Ontario
Hosted by Rosalyn Dennett
Produced by Kayla Nezon (Folk Music Ontario), Rosalyn Dennett (Folk Music Ontario), Tim Fraser + Tanya Chopp (Murdoch Entertainment)
Recorded by Kayla Nezon, and Jordan Moore of The Pod Cabin
Edited by Jordan Moore of The Pod Cabin
Theme music “Amsterdam” by King Cardiac
Artwork by Jaymie Karn
The ReFolkUs Project is made possible through the generous support of the Department of Canadian Heritage
04/23/25 • 31 min
In this week's episode, Rosalyn chats with multi-talented artist Tommyphyll. They discuss his journey as an Afrobeats innovator and his signature fusion of sounds, which he calls Afrodiem. Tommyphyll shares insights into his creative process and the importance of connecting with his audience online — emphasizing quality content as a driver of social media and audience growth. He also reflects on how he navigates the balance between creativity and burnout.
Tommyphyll also introduces his new EP, 'Love Me Like the First Day,' which explores the nuances of love and connection.
Find Tommyphyll online:
Become an ‘Inphylltrator’ & Join the Mailing List
About Tommyphyll
Born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria, and now based in Canada, Tommyphyll is an Afrobeat innovator crafting a sound that transcends borders. Coining the term Afrodiem to define his unique fusion of Afrobeats, 80s synth-pop, and classical music, Tommyphyll blends futuristic electronic textures with deep-rooted tribal percussion, creating anthems of empowerment, unity, and self-discovery. Since his professional debut in 2018, Tommyphyll has remained an independent force, producing all his own music and pushing creative boundaries. His 2020 self-produced debut album laid the foundation for a sonic journey that has taken him to Multiple Live performances, including a standout halftime show at the Winnipeg Sea Bears before an audience of 7,000. His ability to captivate crowds with high-energy performances and thought-provoking lyrics has solidified him as an artist to watch. More than just an artist, Tommyphyll is a cultural bridge, weaving together his Yoruba heritage with modern and futuristic influences. His lyrics, often introspective and spiritually conscious, speak to resilience, joy, and the unbreakable will of the human spirit. He envisions his fanbase—INPHYLLTRATORS—as a warrior family, a movement of individuals who find strength in music and their joint desire to break barriers in spaces they have been denied. His music is more than sound; it is a call to action, an invitation to dream, move, and conquer.
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If you’re interested in submitting questions for our upcoming episodes, be sure to follow Folk Canada on Instagram where we will be posting our upcoming guests.
Tune in to the latest episodes of the Refolkus Podcast, featuring the latest music releases from Folk Canada members as well as some of our special guests, now broadcasting on CKCU FM 93.1 in Ottawa, CKUW 95.9 FM in Winnipeg and CFBX 92.5 FM in Kamloops.
Presented by Folk Canada
Hosted by Rosalyn Dennett
Produced by Kayla Nezon and Rosalyn Dennett
Mixed by Jordan Moore of The Pod Cabin
Theme music “Amsterdam” by King Cardiac
Artwork by Jaymie Karn
11/15/23 • 49 min
Welcome back to season 2 of ReFolkUs. We have a very exciting season ahead where we chat to artists and music industry professionals about building sustainable careers as creative workers, with a focus on folk.
This week’s episode is a recording of a live listening party and conversation with folk legend Sylvia Tyson that took place at this year’s Folk Music Ontario Conference. We chat to Sylvia all about her new album, ‘At The End Of The Day’, her writing process, the inspiration behind the lyrics and get a preview of some of her new songs.
Sylvia Tyson’s new album At The End Of The Day was released on November 3, 2023, three weeks after this was recorded, on Stony Plain Records.
Buy or stream the album here
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Sylvia Tyson, known as Canada's ‘folk-country music matriarch’, emerged as an internationally respected songwriter during the 1960s Greenwich Village folk scene. Originally from Chatham, Ontario, she moved to Toronto at 18, gaining acclaim for her polished alto voice and forming the influential folk duo Ian & Sylvia with Ian Tyson .The duo led the singer-songwriter movement from 1961 to 1975, releasing 13 albums and achieving commercial success. Sylvia's breakthrough songwriting included the hit "You Were on My Mind," covered by numerous artists. The album Great Speckled Bird has long been recognized as pioneering the genre of country-rock. After the duo's era, she embarked on a solo career, releasing albums like "Woman's World" and contributing to Quartette. Tyson's impact extends to her roles in various music organizations, and she is honored in the Canadian Music and Country Music Halls of Fame, the Order of Canada, and the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame.
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Presented by Folk Music Ontario
Hosted by Rosalyn Dennett
Produced by Kayla Nezon and Rosalyn Dennett
Edited by Jordan Moore of The Pod Cabin
Theme music “Amsterdam” by King Cardiac
Artwork by Jaymie Karn
06/05/24 • 34 min
Welcome back to the third season of ReFolkUs. In this week's episode, we chat with Jennifer Roe, the Executive Director of Folk Alliance International.
Jennifer dives into all things Folk Alliance, sharing insights about the organization's history, growth, and exciting plans for the future. She also discusses their annual conference, highlighting what makes next year's 2025 event in Montreal, Quebec unique. Additionally, Jennifer introduces FOLK+, an online music conference featuring expert panels, networking opportunities, showcases, and more.
FOLK+ is taking place from June 5-6th, 2024. Registration is still open throughout the event here.
Official Showcase applications are open for the 2025 Folk Alliance International Conference in Montreal, QC. Apply here
Find Folk Alliance online:
About Jennifer Roe
Jennifer Roe is the Executive Director of Folk Alliance International (FAI) and the leader of the team and folk music community. Jennifer joined the FAI team in 2013 igniting a passion for folk music. With over a decade of private sector experience, she assumed a pivotal role in leading FAI's staff and contractors and overseeing the day-to-day operations. She plays a key role in orchestrating the international conference. Jennifer's journey began in Washington, DC, where she worked on Capitol Hill for the Majority Leader of the Senate before transitioning to serve on a Presidential campaign. Jennifer channels her political background to advocate for arts and culture at both federal and state levels through her position at FAI. Jennifer is a strong steward of folk music culture and the connections between FAI's members. Her long history with the organization has stabilized operations and funding over her tenure.
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This episode is brought to you by Bandzoogle. Bandzoogle makes it easy to build a stunning website and online store for your music in minutes. Our podcast listeners can go to Bandzoogle.com to try it free for 30 days, and use the promo code “refolkus” to get 15% off the first year of any subscription.
Catch the latest episodes of the ReFolkUs Podcast with music from some of our special guests now broadcasting on CKCU FM 93.1.
Presented by Folk Music Ontario
Hosted by Rosalyn Dennett
Produced by Kayla Nezon and Rosalyn Dennett
Mixed by Jordan Moore of The Pod Cabin
Theme music “Amsterdam” by King Cardiac
Artwork by Jaymie Karn
Pitch Craft with Valerie Denn
Refolkus
09/20/23 • 26 min
ReFolkUs is back with a special pre-conference drop, where we will be releasing four episodes prior to the Folk Music Ontario Conference being held in London, Ontario on October 12th-15th.
One-on-one meetings, also known as pitch meetings or speed meetings, are a dedicated time for two people to meet - at Folk Music Ontario, we call them ‘Lightning Talks’. They take place online pre-conference and participants are given the chance to connect with industry experts and other conference attendees before the event begins.
In this week’s episode, we chat to Valerie Denn about her workshop ‘Pitch Craft’ and how to get the most out of these lightning talks. Valerie explains how folks can best represent themselves in these meetings, what materials to bring, how to be memorable and stand out from the crowd, and guides listeners through some do’s and don'ts.
Follow Valerie online:
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Valerie is very active in the World Music/Roots/Americana/ community as an agent and a manager. She is passionate about her artists and especially adept at helping her clients with export development and building global careers. Val served for four years on the Board of Directors for Folk Alliance International where she also served a term as President. Val teaches and partners with other industry events to lead workshops/panels for the enrichment of the creative/artistic process.
She has been a mentor at SXSW, Mundial Montreal, WOMEX, Folk Music Canada, ECMA’s and participated on numerous panels at industry events. She currently is on the board as interim President of Folk Music Canada and a board member of the Live Music Society- which gives grants to small venues in the US. Val is the Canadian Ambassador for The House of Songs based in Austin, Texas. This organization matches songwriters globally for co-writing experiences and has residencies in Austin, Bentonville, AR, New York City, and opening new “houses” in Nordic countries.
In her spare time, she is an organic farmer and potter with her husband of 41 years in Nova Scotia Canada.
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Presented by Folk Music Ontario
Hosted by Rosalyn Dennett
Produced by Kayla Nezon and Rosalyn Dennett
Edited by Jordan Moore of The Pod Cabin
Theme music “Amsterdam” by King Cardiac
Artwork by Jaymie Karn
06/26/24 • 34 min
Today, we are releasing the first episode in our series, ‘On the Air’, where we explore the wonderful world of radio. In this week's episode, we chat with Art Menius about the specialized field of folk radio promotion.
Art provides valuable insights on the state of folk radio and discusses the vital role that radio still plays in the music industry today. He also shares his process of promoting records to radio programmers and provides tips for artists on promoting their live shows through local radio.
Download Art Menius’s eBook, ‘The Basics of Promoting Recordings to Folk Radio’ here.
Find Art Menius online:
About Art Menius
Art Menius operates Art Menius Radio and hosts “The Revolution Starts Now” on WHUP, Hillsborough, NC. Beginning in 1983 on the crew of Fire on the Mountain on The Nashville Network, he has produced concerts, festivals, and conferences and worked as a fundraiser, marketing director, emcee, stage manager, writer, and non-profit executive. The first Executive Director of IBMA (1985-1990), he served as FAI’s initial President in 1990 and Manager (1991-1996). MerleFest’s Associate Director (1997-2007), Menius then served as Executive Director of Appalshop in Whitesburg, KY and The ArtsCenter in Carrboro, NC, before starting Art Menius Radio in January 2015. He published several hundred music reviews, features, and previews over 40 years. He has hosted radio shows on four stations since 2007. In 2007 he received IBMA’s Distinguished Achievement Award and was inducted the next year into the Blue Ridge Music Hall of Fame, whose Trustees he now chairs. Married to bluegrass DJ and photographer Becky Johnson, Dar Williams called him a “true giant of American folk music.”
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This episode is brought to you by Bandzoogle. Bandzoogle makes it easy to build a stunning website and online store for your music in minutes. Our podcast listeners can go to Bandzoogle.com to try it free for 30 days, and use the promo code “refolkus” to get 15% off the first year of any subscription.
Tune in to the latest episodes of the ReFolkUs Podcast, featuring the latest releases from Folk Music Ontario members as well as some of our special guests, now broadcasting on CKCU FM 93.1.
Presented by Folk Music Ontario
Hosted by Rosalyn Dennett
Produced by Kayla Nezon and Rosalyn Dennett
Mixed by Jordan Moore of The Pod Cabin
Theme music “Amsterdam” by King Cardiac
Artwork by Jaymie Karn
04/30/25 • 32 min
In this week's episode, Rosalyn catches up with Acadian singer-songwriter Lisa LeBlanc for a fun and wide-ranging conversation about what it means to put on a truly compelling show. They talk about Lisa’s bold performance style and aesthetic, her recent collaboration with an artistic director to create visually striking live shows, and how pushing creative boundaries keeps things fresh. Lisa also shares how her love for traditional music continues to shape both her sound and her presence on stage. Lisa also reflects on her musical journey, from her early days in the industry to her recent symphonic album, Live avec l’Orchestre symphonique de Québec.
Find Lisa LeBlanc online:
About Lisa LeBlanc
Not long after earning major praise at the Festival international de la chanson de Granby, Lisa LeBlanc unveiled her greatly acclaimed, self-titled debut album in 2012. She then released Highways, Heartaches and Time Well Wasted in 2014, followed two years later by the Polaris short-listed Why You Wanna Leave Runaway Queen?. She opted to sing in English on these last two efforts, thus expanding her creative potential and reaching out to new audiences. Those three records sold over 140,000 copies. A few years later, with a new background as a music producer, she returned in 2022 with the highly anticipated Chiac Disco, which garnered critical and public acclaim, as well as another spot on the Polaris Music Prize shortlist and a Juno nomination. The success of the album led to several European tours, as well as a tour of the United States. During the same period, she gave close to 100 concerts across Canada. The renowned Acadian singer-songwriter returned on October 11th, 2024 with Live avec l’Orchestre symphonique de Québec, an album recorded at the Grand Théâtre de Québec during an extravagant orchestral show.
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If you’re interested in submitting questions for our upcoming episodes, be sure to follow Folk Canada on Instagram where we will be posting our upcoming guests.
Tune in to the latest episodes of the Refolkus Podcast, featuring the latest music releases from Folk Canada members as well as some of our special guests, now broadcasting on CKCU FM 93.1 in Ottawa, CKUW 95.9 FM in Winnipeg and CFBX 92.5 FM in Kamloops.
Presented by Folk Canada
Hosted by Rosalyn Dennett
Produced by Kayla Nezon and Rosalyn Dennett
Mixed by Jordan Moore of The Pod Cabin
Theme music “Amsterdam” by King Cardiac
Artwork by Jaymie Karn
06/14/23 • 41 min
In this episode Rosalyn sits down with Ben Whiteley, a talented bassist and multi-instrumentalist from Toronto. Ben comes from a family of professional musicians and has an impressive career performing with renowned artists such as Basia Bulat, Julia Jacklin, and Sarah Harmer. He has also made appearances on NPR's Tiny Desk concerts and various international festivals.
Ben dives into his musical journey, starting from his early experiences as a teenager in a rock band to his first paid gig at the Rivoli in Toronto. Ben shares how his father, Ken Whiteley, played a crucial role in his development as a musician and how performing with him helped him find his own path as a side player. They discuss the importance of being present on stage and the joy that comes from making music together.
Ben shares valuable insights on embracing mistakes and finding the balance between precision and spontaneity in live performances. He also reflects on the role of entertainment in music and the responsibility of bringing joy and connection to the audience.
The conversation takes an interesting turn as they explore Ben's additional roles as a tour manager for artists like Basia Bulat and the Weather Station. He explains how diversifying his responsibilities as a musician has helped him support artists in a more comprehensive way while navigating the challenges of touring.
Join Rosalyn and Ben in this insightful episode as they uncover the intricacies of a musician's life and the various roles they play on and off the stage.
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Ben Whiteley is a Toronto-based multi-instrumentalist. Born into a family of professional musicians, he developed his musical sensibilities at a young age. By 18, he was performing regularly with his father, Canadian roots artist and producer, Ken Whiteley. Since then, Ben has recorded and performed internationally with revered artists including Basia Bulat, Julia Jacklin, The Weather Station, Sarah Harmer, Hannah Georgas, Tim Baker, Fred Penner and Raffi. He has performed on multiple Juno award-winning and Polaris shortlist records and has preformed on NPR’s Tiny Desk, Jools Holland, Jimmy Kimmel, Austin City Limits, KEXP, Q on CBC, and most major international folk and rock festivals.
Follow Ben on Social Media:
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Presented by Folk Music Ontario
Hosted by Rosalyn Dennett
Produced by Kayla Nezon (Folk Music Ontario), Rosalyn Dennett (Folk Music Ontario), Tim Fraser + Tanya Fraser (Murdoch Entertainment)
Recorded by Kayla Nezon, and Jordan Moore of The Pod Cabin
Edited by Jordan Moore of The Pod Cabin
Theme music “Amsterdam” by King Cardiac
Artwork by Jaymie Karn
The ReFolkUs Project is made possible through the generous support of the Department of Canadian Heritage
03/12/25 • 27 min
In this week's episode, we chat with Andrew Cash, President and CEO of the Canadian Independent Music Association (CIMA).
Rosalyn and Andrew discuss CIMA’s role in advocating for the Canadian independent music sector and the impact of Bill C-11. They also dive into the current political landscape affecting artists, emphasizing the importance of supporting Canadian artists and the need for a stable environment for the music industry. Andrew also highlights the upcoming events including CIMA's 50th anniversary celebrations and the Make It Music Conference, which focuses on the future of the Canadian music industry.
Find CIMA online and become a member:
About Andrew Cash
Andrew Cash is the President and CEO of the Canadian Independent Music Association (CIMA), the voice of Canada’s independent music sector. As a Member of Parliament from 2011 to 2015 Cash championed the music sector while raising awareness of the realities of making a living in Canada as an arts and culture worker. He continued this mission post-Parliament, co-founding the non-profit Urban Worker Project. As a singer/songwriter, producer and performer Cash spent 25 years touring and recording, first in the post punk band L’Etranger followed by a successful solo career as well as several collaborations including the Cash Brothers, with Peter Cash, Skydiggers and Jason Collett. He has created soundtrack music for television, including as series composer for Dragons Den. Cash has released over a dozen records and his contributions as an artist have earned him a Juno award and three SOCAN awards.
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If you’re interested in submitting questions for our upcoming episodes, be sure to follow Folk Canada on Instagram where we will be posting our upcoming guests.
Tune in to the latest episodes of the Refolkus Podcast, featuring the latest music releases from Folk Canada members as well as some of our special guests, now broadcasting on CKCU FM 93.1 in Ottawa, CKUW 95.9 FM in Winnipeg and CFBX 92.5 FM in Kamloops.
Presented by Folk Canada
Hosted by Rosalyn Dennett
Produced by Kayla Nezon and Rosalyn Dennett
Mixed by Jordan Moore of The Pod Cabin
Theme music “Amsterdam” by King Cardiac
Artwork by Jaymie Karn
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FAQ
How many episodes does Refolkus have?
Refolkus currently has 67 episodes available.
What topics does Refolkus cover?
The podcast is about Canada, Music, Folk Music, Music Industry, Folk, Podcasts, Arts and Performing Arts.
What is the most popular episode on Refolkus?
The episode title 'Pitch Craft with Valerie Denn' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on Refolkus?
The average episode length on Refolkus is 34 minutes.
How often are episodes of Refolkus released?
Episodes of Refolkus are typically released every 7 days.
When was the first episode of Refolkus?
The first episode of Refolkus was released on Feb 15, 2023.
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