This week, Rosalyn chats with Mohawk folk and soul artist Logan Staats. Logan reflects on some of the pivotal moments that have shaped his career, as well as his transformative time spent in Nashville, where he focused on writing new songs and honing his craft. He shares how sobriety, family, and a deep-rooted connection to his community help keep him grounded. Plus, he offers a glimpse of what’s ahead on his much-anticipated new album, set to be released later this year.

Find Logan Staats online:

Website & Upcoming Shows

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Facebook

TikTok

About Logan Staats

Mohawk folk and soul musician Logan Staats began as a diamond in the rough on the streets of Brantford, Ontario. He had no formal musical training, just a good ear and raw lyrical talent. He played the local circuit for years before his 2015 debut release ‘Goodbye Goldia’, an unvarnished yet hard hitting folk album. He went on to win CTV’s ‘The Launch’ in 2018, gaining commercial success and touring across North America and Europe. But traveling the world can really open your eyes to what's going on right at home, and the fight for indigenous sovereignty has become a focal point for Staats in recent years. It all intermingles with the music; the passion, the rage, the love, and most of all the healing. He's making roadtrippin' music for those traveling 'the red road'; a path towards reconnecting and relearning indigenous ways. This is the philosophy behind his sophomore album ‘A Light In The Attic’, released 2023. These songs are a healing salve, contemplatively composed and offered to listeners in need of comfort. Nowadays, he is gearing up for his newest release, a soulful americana album set to be released later this year.

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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

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:
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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

In this week’s episode, Rosalyn chats with Devin Latimer, an organic chemist specializing in green chemistry and the Artistic Director of Trout Forest Music Festival. They explore how community festivals can become powerful tools for climate action in that they offer unique opportunities to engage the public, spark dialogue, and promote environmental awareness. They also discuss the need for stronger policy support, sustainable funding, and delve into some lessons learned from climate-impacted festivals. At its core, the conversation is a call to empower communities and individuals to take meaningful action toward a more sustainable future, offering both inspiration and practical steps forward.

For more of Devin’s work, you can check out his presentation titled ‘Green Chemistry, Energy and Climate Conversations’ that he gave as part of Folk Canada’s Culture in Climate Conversations sessions at the 2025 Folk Alliance International Conference.

Find Devin Latimer online:

Website & Upcoming Shows

Instagram

Trout Forest Music Festival

About Devin Latimer

Devin Latimer is a faculty member in chemistry at the University of Winnipeg focusing on green organic chemistry and environmental communications, Artistic Director of Trout Forest Music Festival in northwestern Ontario, and a founding performer with Winnipeg music collectives Leaf Rapids and Juno award winners Nathan Music Co.

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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

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:

Website & Upcoming Shows

Instagram

TikTok

Bandcamp

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

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

Website & Upcoming Shows

Instagram

TikTok

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

*WARNING: This episode touches on themes of mental health struggles and sexual assault. If these are sensitive subjects to you, please listen with care*

In this week's episode, Rosalyn chats with Jessica Pearson as she reflects on the whirlwind that followed her unexpected moment of viral fame and the emotional fallout that came with it. They explore the double-edged sword of virality, the toll it can take on mental health, and how humor, vulnerability, and community became Jessica’s path to healing. Jessica also shares how the experience has reshaped her relationship with social media.

This conversation is a moving look at the resilience required to be an artist today — and the beauty that comes from holding space for one another in both the good and the hard times.

Find Jessica Pearson and the East Wind online:

Website & Upcoming Shows

Instagram

Facebook

TikTok

About Jessica Pearson and the East Wind

Like sirens calling from an ancient shore, the haunting three-part harmonies of Jessica Pearson & The East Wind will bind you in a timeless folkloric spell. Alchemizing roots, classic country, Americana and Celtic soundscapes, the trio spin tales of outlaw heroics, matriarchal power, resistance and resilience, and the unrelenting beauty of becoming who you are. With a nomination for "Performer of the Year" at Folk Music Ontario Awards 2024 and an upcoming two-part album produced by JUNO-winner Hill Kourkoutis featuring an all-women team, JPEW is rising up to offer a powerful musical battle cry against the status quo.

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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

In this week's episode, Rosalyn chats with Joel Plaskett. Joel takes us deep into the making of his latest album, ‘One Real Reveal’ released in 2024. Drawing from his long and varied career in music, he opens up about the creative journey behind making this record — from songwriting and theme development to the hands-on process of analog recording. Joel shares why analog matters to him, both technically and philosophically, and how it shaped the album’s distinct sound. He also reflects on how he balances discipline and inspiration in the studio, offering a candid look at his approach to making music.

Check out ‘One Real Reveal’, the latest album from Joel Plaskett.

Find Joel Plaskett online:

Website & Upcoming Shows

Instagram

Facebook

Bandcamp

About Joel Plaskett

For over three decades, Joel Plaskett has proven himself a spinning wheel of reinvention. The Nova Scotia songwriter's eclectic body of work reveals a restless and playful spirit, always transforming and expanding. Coast-to-coast and the world 'round, Joel has rocked crowds at clubs, festivals and grand old theatres with longtime Emergency bandmates Dave Marsh and Chris Pennell as well as drawn audiences close with intimate acoustic shows, both solo and with his father, Bill. Then there are the special events that have really allowed Joel to reach the rafters, like headlining Toronto’s Massey Hall with everyone in tow, playing the NAC in Ottawa backed by the national orchestra, and warming up huge stages for artists like The Tragically Hip and Paul McCartney. Joel and the Emergency have also been roundly celebrated within the music industry for their work, racking up awards and nominations from the JUNOs, the Polaris Music Prize, the East Coast Music Awards, Music Nova Scotia, and numerous others. For his latest release, the 4-track project One Real Reveal (2024), Plaskett strips his songwriting down to its raw materials, allowing everything in—all the human touches the tape could pick up.

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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

In this week's episode, we chat with Elizabeth Rodriguez of OKAN. Elizabeth reflects on the profound impact of her African ancestry on their music and takes us through her journey from classical music to rediscovering her roots in Cuban music and improvisation. She talks about the role of music in driving social change and how her personal experiences inspire her songwriting. Elizabeth also opens up about the challenges of parenting while pursuing a career in the music industry, highlighting the importance of belief, adaptability, and having a solid support system to navigate the ups and downs.

Find OKAN online:

Website & Upcoming Shows

Instagram

TikTok

Facebook

Bandcamp

About OKAN

Charged with the profound power of their African ancestry. OKAN takes their name from the word for heart in the Afro-Cuban religion of Santeria. Fusing these Cuban roots with jazz, folk and global rhythms, OKAN delivers songs about immigration, resistance and joy in Spanish, Yoruba and Spanglish. Hot off their Tiny Desk NPR Alt Latino debut and a tour supporting Grammy-winners Rodrigo y Gabriela, OKAN’s recent release Okantomi was awarded the 2024 Juno Award and included in NPR Alt Latino, Le Monde, and CBC Music’s “Best of 2023” lists. OKAN is co-led by Cuban-born Grammy & Latin-Grammy nominees: violinist and vocalist Elizabeth Rodriguez and her wife, percussionist & vocalist Magdelys Savigne.

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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