Best Acorn Studio Podcasts (2025)

1
Rise Against on All Your Friends Fest headlining show, 2025 tour & their forthcoming 10th studio album 'Ricochet' 16:09

1d ago16:09

16:09

With their 10th studio album, Ricochet, due out in August, and a headlining slot at All Your Friends Fest in Burl's Creek, Ontario on Saturday, June 28, 2025, Rise Against took some time with SWOMP for an interview at the Universal Music office in Liberty Village in Toronto. Listen to the full chat with Zach Blair (guitar/vocals) and Brandon Barnes…

1
Taylor Acorn on her jump to punk rock, debut album, 'Summer School' tour + opening for Avril Lavigne at All Your Friends Fest 18:19

3d ago18:19

18:19

Taylor Acorn will return to Canada this weekend as the opening act on the main stage at All Your Friends Fest, taking place Sunday, June 29 at Burl’s Creek. Set in one of Ontario’s most scenic summer spots, Acorn will be warming up the crowd for Avril Lavigne, who headlines the festival that night. The American artist has been called a “certified p…

1
Sino-US cooperation key to US economic growth 51:46

4d ago51:46

51:46

Today's guest, Kyle Chan, is a Sociologist at Princeton University. We talk about seeing the larger relationship beyond the trade war to the multiple dimensions of the USA and China. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
Should we fear AI? 55:00

5d ago55:00

55:00

According to Zhang Hongjiang, founder of Beijing Academy of Artificial Intelligence: ‘AI systems should never be able to deceive humans.’ But are there other reasons to fear AI? Alex Shi and Jason Smith explain. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
Econoline Crush chats with SWOMP ahead of their Bluewater Borderfest 2025 set in Sarnia 9:39

7d ago9:39

9:39

Vancouver rockers Econoline Crush kicked off Day #2 of the 2025 Bluewater Borderfest at Centennial Park in Sarnia on Friday, June 20. Right after their sound check, SWOMP caught up with vocalist Trevor Hurst for an interview. The band have several shows planned for the rest of the year, new music is set to be released later this year and a document…

1
Incubus bassist Nicole Row on joining the band, 2025 tour & their forthcoming album 'Something In The Water' 21:08

10d ago21:08

21:08

As far as high-voltage summer shows go, Incubus’ upcoming June 30th stop at Toronto’s Budweiser Stage is already looking like one of the season’s must-see moments. It’s the only Canadian date on the band’s 2025 schedule so far, and it lands right in the middle of a landmark year — new music on the way, a global touring sprint, and the continued evo…

1
Lessons from China's ascent 55:00

10d ago55:00

55:00

We interview author Carlos Martinez about China's economic system. He explains how China’s unique path to modernity can inspire the world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
Minority rights: China vs the USA 58:22

13d ago58:22

58:22

While minorities are being extradited without trials in the US, China relishes and celebrates its minority groups. What can the US learn from China's system of elevating and embracing its myriad differences? Find out more with BeiBei and Jason Smith. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
Canadian singer and multi-instrumentalist Sandra-Mae Lux on her latest album 'Seasons in Jazz' 9:39

14d ago9:39

9:39

Canadian singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Sandra-Mae Lux has released her latest studio album, Seasons in Jazz, marking a return to her jazz beginnings. SWOMP caught up with Sandra-Mae to discuss the new album. Now based in London, the Richmond, B.C. native explores the evolving nature of love through original compositions inspired by …

1
The Band Loula on their forthcoming EP, Opry debut & hitting the road with Dierks Bentley 14:45

16d ago14:45

14:45

Rising country duo The Band Loula is gaining momentum on the national stage this summer as part of Dierks Bentley’s Broken Branches Tour, joining fellow opener Zach Top for a run of high-profile dates across North America. The tour includes major stops at Los Angeles’ Intuit Dome and New York’s Madison Square Garden, offering a growing audience a c…

1
An American Vlogger in China 55:00

18d ago55:00

55:00

Garrett Parrish is an American Vlogger, living in China. He shares his perspectives of Asia, and of China. And how he views America as a ‘Toxic-Ex.’ Listen in. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
The cost of living: China vs the USA 55:00

19d ago55:00

55:00

Today we delve into the finances of the average American. When polled, 25% of Americans say they “Cannot pay some of their bills.” How bad is it and how painful is it at the grocery store? Find out more with Jason Smith and BeiBei. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
Canadian country rocker Devin Cooper on his new single 'Memories That Made Us' 11:17

22d ago11:17

11:17

Award-winning Canadian country rocker Devin Cooper is boldly stepping into a new chapter with the release of his timeless summer anthem “Memories That Made Us.” The new track marks the beginning of a jam-packed summer for Cooper, featuring performances at major festivals including three back to back nights at the Calgary Stampede after a run of sho…

1
Jet bassist Mark Wilson on 2025 North American tour, including Canadian shows & Fillmore Detroit stop 15:53

24d ago15:53

15:53

Australian rockers Jet are currently on their highly anticipated North America Tour 2025. The band kick started the tour at the end of May with back-to-back shows on Canadian soil, first at The Danforth Music Hall in Toronto and the following night at L'Olympia in Montreal. In between the Canadian performances, SWOMP caught up with Jet bassist Mark…

1
JJ Wilde shines at Meadows Music Festival, takes time with SWOMP for an interview 11:57

25d ago11:57

11:57

The sun broke through the clouds at the Meadows Music Festival on Saturday, May 31, 2025, as JJ Wilde performed a brand new, unreleased song - 'If I'm A Woman' - for the first time. "(Meadows) you were too good to us," the Canadian rockstar wrote on social media following her performance. "Best way to kick off the festival season." Prior to her sho…

1
Can Crypto Save the US Economy? 59:38

25d ago59:38

59:38

Economist Ben Norton joins us. We ask him about the state of the US economy. Whose foreign aid is helping the Global South? And, can crypto save the US from bankruptcy? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
Skye Wallace chats with SWOMP following her Meadows Music Festival performance 7:56

25d ago7:56

7:56

Canadian singer-songwriter Skye Wallace performed on the main stage at the Meadows Music Festival in Fergus, Ontario on Saturday, May 31, 2025. Shortly after her, Syke caught up with SWOMP for an interview. With a voice that soars and captivates, Skye Wallace has earned a reputation as one of Canada's most compelling artists. Her blend of folk, roc…

1
How the US lost its own trade war? 55:00

26d ago55:00

55:00

Despite the US-led trade war affecting the world, Americans' negative views of China remain surprisingly subdued. We examine how the US public perceives China, how Chinese view Americans, and whether the global community sees the US trade war as an act of bullying. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
Lowest of the Low frontman Ron Hawkins chats with SWOMP prior to their Meadows Music Festival performance 14:43

26d ago14:43

14:43

Fresh off the release of their 7th studio album, Over Years and Overnight, Lowest of the Low performed on the second day of the Meadows Music Festival in Fergus, Ontario on Saturday, May 31, 2025. About an hour before their set, SWOMP caught up with frontman Ron Hawkins inside their trailer. A milestone for the band, Over Years and Overnight marks …

1
Tyler Joe Miller chats with SWOMP ahead of 'Country Mixtape' show with Andrew Hyatt & Shawn Austin at Meadows Music Festival 4:20

26d ago4:20

4:20

Three of Canadian country’s top rising stars; Tyler Joe Miller, Shawn Austin and Andrew Hyatt; have been teaming up for their co-headlining 'Country MixTape' show. After touring throughout 2024, the trio brought their performance to the Meadows Music Festival in Fergus, Ontario on Friday, May 30, 2025. About an hour before they hit the stage, Tyler…

1
The Road Hammers rock Meadows Music Festival + SWOMP interviews frontman Jason McCoy 11:56

28d ago11:56

11:56

The Road Hammers roared back onto the live music scene Friday night, May 30, rocking the Meadows Music Festival stage in Fergus, Ont. Known for their gritty blend of ‘60s and ‘70s-inspired classic country and southern rock, the platinum-selling group delivered a high-octane set that had fans revved up from the first chord. Prior to the show, SWOMP …

1
Métis alternative pop artist Robin Cisek on her self-produced debut album 'Tempered' 12:14

30d ago12:14

12:14

As National Indigenous History Month approaches, Métis alternative pop artist Robin Cisek is using her platform to ensure Indigenous women have a place in Canada’s music industry. The Edmonton-based singer-songwriter just released her self-produced debut album Tempered on May 30, a project that delves into themes of self-discovery, healing and resi…

1
PEI's Norter on their sophomore album 'The Yearbook Club!!!' 10:39

1M ago10:39

10:39

Following their debut album 12:34, Norter has returned with their second release, The Yearbook Club!!! — a high-energy blend of indie rock grit, shoegaze textures and raw emotional urgency. The album is loud, unapologetic and deeply relatable, exploring themes of feeling unheard, unappreciated and forgotten. Described as a coming-of-age fever dream…

1
China: realities vs expectations 55:00

1M ago55:00

55:00

We interview a Chinese influencer on the realities of life in China. Kenny Wow, who lives in a 5th tier city, makes content about real life in China. We ask him about some of the myths. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
The Ataris on 'Breaking Bad' inspired video, sentimental vinyl pressing, new album & shows 34:29

1M ago34:29

34:29

The Ataris have released Car Song, the lead single from their forthcoming album and their first full-length release since 2007. The track, recorded using vintage tones and analog tape, is a tribute to frontman Kristopher Roe’s late father, William Roe, who was a longtime supporter and presence in the band’s community. Alongside Car Song, the band h…

1
Toronto's Wardrobe on his debut EP 'Common Touch', being released on May 29 9:05

1M ago9:05

9:05

Wardrobe isn’t a piece of furniture — it’s a shift in identity. It’s the feeling of change that comes from altering your environment, and for Toronto’s Laurent Bourque, it’s also the name of his new pop sonic project. Now, he’s gearing up to release his debut EP Common Touch on May 29 — a collection of vibrant, emotionally resonant pop songs that e…

1
Montréal pop artist Flara K on her forthcoming debut album 'Seasons' 12:27

1M ago12:27

12:27

Montréal-based pop artist Flara K is stepping into her spotlight with the release of Seasons — a bold, cinematic, and deeply personal debut album arriving independently on May 23, 2025. SWOMP caught up with Flara for an interview to discuss her new album. Raised just outside Montréal in a house filled with music and sisterhood, Flara K (a moniker t…

1
Terra Lightfoot on 'Four Chords and The Truth' + her JUNO-nominated album 'Healing Power' 11:03

1M ago11:03

11:03

Celebrating a decade of powerful storytelling and musical connection, Four Chords and The Truth returns to TD Music Hall at the Allied Music Centre in Toronto on May 22 at 7 p.m. ET for its 10th anniversary edition. The acclaimed semi-annual songwriter series brings world-class songwriters to the stage for intimate semi-round performances, and the …

1
Forget what you think you know about China 56:52

1M ago56:52

56:52

Today's guest is the host of Life in China with Patrick Freeman. Patrick actively seeks out folks with bad takes on China and tries to explain what China is really like. We ask him about his quest to spread the truth. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
Cabin Fever on their debut EP 'It’s Only Forever' 17:42

1M ago17:42

17:42

What began five years ago as three friends jamming around a campfire has now blossomed into Cabin Fever, Canada’s latest contribution to the international Americana music scene. Comprised of Kyle Faulkner on guitar and vocals, Jessica McKay on upright bass and vocals, and Colin Jolly on mandolin, Cabin Fever is primed to make a lasting first impres…

1
Montreal's Emi Jeen on her new single 'I’m (Not) Good' & her upcoming performance at the Osheaga Festival 9:18

2M ago9:18

9:18

Montreal-based alt-pop artist Emi Jeen just released her intoxicating new single 'I’m (Not) Good' on May 9 via all streaming platforms. The song was co-written by Emi Jeen, Lexie Jay (Featurette) and JUNO Award-winning Hill Kourkoutis (Aysanabee, Leela Gilday, Sebastian Gaskin), who also produced the track. Driven by an entrancing bass line and pul…

1
How the US began believing its own disinformation 57:59

2M ago57:59

57:59

Host of Silk and Steel Podcast, geopolitical commentator Carl Zha joins the show. He explains how the US has been drinking its own propaganda about China. And experts in the US no longer understand China, whatsoever. Listen to this. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
Chained Saint on their first-ever headline tour of the U.S. & major festival spots, including Louder Than Life 8:57

2M ago8:57

8:57

Teen metal band Chained Saint - comprised of four high school students Ethan Kahn (17, guitar), Sebastian De Avila (18, bass), Cameron Cottrell (19, drums) and Sean Sterling (18, vocals) - were one of the most hotly tipped bands of 2024. In just a few short months, Revolver, Guitar World, Loudwire, and Judas Priest legend Rob Halford praised the ba…

1
Andre Pettipas releases 'Gypsophila' in memory of his niece Blake Everleigh 11:30

2M ago11:30

11:30

East Coast rocker Andre Pettipas released his "most personal song to date" on Friday, May 9, 2025. "In memory of my niece, Blake Everleigh who passed away at three months old from SIDS. Gypsophila is my most personal song to date. It took two years after her passing to finally write about it - this is around the same time I got sober, nearly three …

1
Megan Russell: China is not our enemy 55:54

2M ago55:54

55:54

Today we speak with Megan Russell, “China is Not Our Enemy Campaign" coordinator. We ask Megan how we can get the Sino-US relationship back on track. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
Is panic shopping returning amidst the trade war? 56:15

2M ago56:15

56:15

Mass protests are erupting across the US against the current administration. 1,400 individual protests have rocked the USA recently. Recently, the US has levied massive tariffs on countries all over the world. How concerned should Americans be? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
Why the West misreads China's economy? 55:00

2M ago55:00

55:00

Today we take a dive into why the west doesn’t understand China’s economy, and some of what they are missing, with special guest, Dr. Warwick Powell. Dr. Warwick Powell is an adjunct Professor at Queensland University of Technology and a Senior Fellow at Taihe Institute, Beijing. He is the author of "China, Trust and Digital Supply Chains" and "Dyn…

1
How life-milestones are changing in the USA and China? 53:39

2M ago53:39

53:39

According to Pew Research, Americans want to get married in their late twenties and buy a home in their early thirties. Is that still achievable now? And how does life in China differ? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
China's view of the US trade crisis 51:12

2M ago51:12

51:12

Today’s guest is CEO and geopolitical analyst Arnaud Betrand. We discuss the US economic meltdown. How will China and the world deal with the fallout. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
Global investors sweeten to China, but why? 58:48

3M ago58:48

58:48

Bank of America has said that the China will outperform this year, predicting that the previously "unloved" tech stocks will gain ground on sagging US peers. Is China the new destination for global investors? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
British multi-instrumentalist Luke Marzec on his new album 'Something Good Out Of Nothing (Side A)' 14:45

3M ago14:45

14:45

"Nothing brings you back to yourself like seeing an old friend” says British multi-instrumentalist, producer, and singer-songwriter Luke Marzec who has returned with his evocative new single, "Growing Up With You". The track is a deeply personal tribute to the relationships that shape us. Blending warm, vintage R&B textures with modern production, …

1
Why the US is losing its own trade war… 54:20

3M ago54:20

54:20

Economist, Dr. Doug Guthrie joins us to discuss the ongoing trade war. Is it good for the US? Who's losing? And what are the next steps? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
Working class America unfiltered 58:13

3M ago58:13

58:13

Today’s guest is James Fauntleroy. We discuss homelessness and the squeeze on the American worker. Is there a better way forward for America? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
It's tax time in China too… 55:26

3M ago55:26

55:26

Tuesday, April 15th 2025 is the last day to file federal taxes without an extension. You may not know, it's also tax season in China. Taxes in China make it rain cash for the poor…Find out more with BeiBei and Jason. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
Tunisian-American artist EMEL discusses her latest album MRA + the April 5 show at TD Music Hall in Toronto 9:37

3M ago9:37

9:37

Tunisian-American artist, producer and activist Emel Mathlouthi, known as EMEL, is set to perform at the at TD Music Hall in Toronto on April 5, 2025. SWOMP caught up with EMEL to discuss the show, her career, touring plans and her latest album MRA. EMEL recently released a new remix of her track "Lose My Mind" featuring Nayomi. The remix, created …

1
China's rise and the new world 55:00

3M ago55:00

55:00

Today’s guest is SL Kanthan, a geopolitical analyst, columnist, writer, and podcaster. We discuss the rise of China and whether radical moves in DC are really hurting China, or Americans? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
The Chameleons discuss tour plans, stops in Toronto & Windsor, plus their forthcoming album 'Arctic Moon' 13:01

3M ago13:01

13:01

While Post-punk legends The Chameleons are gearing up for a brand new full-length album due later this year (their first full-length in over 20 years!), they've released two new EPs Where Are You? and Tomorrow Remember Yesterday - the former consisting of new material and the latter of archival material recorded with the current lineup. To celebrat…

1
From China to the USA: friendship saves lives 53:54

3M ago53:54

53:54

Evidence demonstrates that both social isolation and loneliness are linked to morbidity and mortality. Social isolation in China and the USA is a serious life-threatening disease. How can we save our lonely-hearts? Find out more with BeiBei and Jason Smith. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
Long Island indie rockers Arcy Drive discuss forthcoming debut album 'The Pit' 9:32

3M ago9:32

9:32

Northport, Long Island-based indie rock band Arcy Drive is currently on tour supporting flipturn, which includes two shows in Canada. They're set to perform a show on March 29, 2025 at The Danforth Music Hall in Toronto and the following night at the Théâtre Beanfield in Montreal. The Toronto show is sold-out, but get tickets to the Montreal perfor…

1
Life as an expat student in China 53:45

3M ago53:45

53:45

Today we take a look at university life in China with, Shanghai based journalist Andy Boreham. He explains what university life in China is really like. And he gives advice on getting a job in China. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Acorn Studio Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide