Best Sean MacDonald Podcasts (2025)

1
Kyle MacLachlan And Mark Frost On Twin Peaks And David Lynch: An Empire Podcast Interview Special 58:00

7h ago58:00

58:00

Here's a damn fine special episode of the Empire Podcast for you to enjoy. We're in the grip of Twin Peaks fever all over again — the seminal David Lynch/Mark Frost TV show is being celebrated this Sunday (June 15th) at the BFI Southbank in London with a special 35mm print screening of the show's pilot, and if that weren't enough, every single epis…

1
What if Macbeth was set in the world of biker gangs? 36:39

9h ago36:39

36:39

Acclaimed Canadian theatre maker Robert Lepage is back at the Stratford Festival with a new take on Shakespeare's “Macbeth.” This new production tells the same classic story of greed, betrayal and murder, but it’s set during the brutal Quebec biker wars of the ‘90s. Robert joins Tom Power to talk about putting a new spin on this Shakespearean trage…

1
Why Robert Adam won’t be singing their queer country music in the U.S. 14:54

9h ago14:54

14:54

Country artist Robert Adam is Calgary's self-proclaimed “Dream Angel Cowboy.” But they say celebrating queer identity isn’t always easy in their home province of Alberta or in Nashville, where they made their upcoming full-length album, “Governed by the Seasons.” Robert joins guest host Gill Deacon to talk about finding their musical community, mak…

1
Alessia Cara is an introvert in an extrovert’s industry 25:09

1d ago25:09

25:09

Alessia Cara has a unique talent for capturing the inner life of someone growing up in the digital age as they deal with love, acceptance and rejection. On the Grammy-winning Canadian singer-songwriter’s fourth and latest album, “Love & Hyperbole,” she opens up about her feelings of being an introvert in an extrovert’s industry. Earlier this year, …

1
What made Oscar Peterson so exceptional 27:39

1d ago27:39

27:39

Robi Botos is a Juno-winning Canadian jazz pianist who was hugely influenced by the late Oscar Peterson — one of the greatest jazz pianists of all time. He opened for Oscar in Switzerland and he even gave Oscar’s daughter piano lessons. In celebration of the Canadian jazz legend’s centenary (he would have turned 100 on Aug. 15), Robi sits down with…

1
How a Gay Brit Learned to "Come As You Are" 51:29

2d ago51:29

51:29

On this week’s OUT and About episode, Iese Wilson talks with James Grant, a gay, neurodivergent Latter-day Saint from England currently serving on his stake high council. James shares his journey of coming out after years of denial and the role community and connection played in that process. A former missionary leader introduced James to the Quest…

1
Teddy Swims was terrified to shift away from covers 36:19

2d ago36:19

36:19

Teddy Swims first won over the internet with his viral YouTube covers of hits like “You're Still The One” by Shania Twain and “I Can’t Make You Love Me” by Bonnie Raitt. But his success performing covers left him questioning whether he’d ever be capable of writing original songs that were just as good. Now, Teddy is one of the biggest artists in th…

1
Alicia Moffet's pop career had a few false starts 13:10

2d ago13:10

13:10

Alicia Moffet grew up being told she was going to be the next big thing. She was 12 when her covers started going viral on YouTube, 14 when she won the Canadian singing competition show “The Next Star,” and 16 when she placed second on another singing competition show, “La Voix.” But during that time, Alicia learned that if you’re not prepared for …

1
Blues Radio International June 9, 2025 Worldwide Broadcast feat. Terrie Odabi & Nick Schnebelen live on the Blues Radio International SoundStage at the 2024 Blues Music Awards, Sonny Boy Williamson, Eddie ... 29:29

3d ago29:29

29:29

Terrie Odabi and Nick Schnebelen perform live on the Blues Radio International SoundStage at the 2024 Blue Music Awards in Memphis on Edition 697 of Blues Radio International, with music from Sonny Boy Williamson, Eddie Boyd, and Bobby "Blue" Bland. Sound by Michael Wolf. Find more at BluesRadioInternational.net…

1
Mark Normand Is A Gay Dad | 2 Bears, 1 Cave 1:06:49

3d ago1:06:49

1:06:49

SPONSORS:- Upgrade your wardrobe and save on @trueclassic at https://trueclassic.com/BEARS ! #trueclassicpod - Head to https://acorns.com/bears or download the Acorns app to get started.- Get started at https://factormeals.com/bears50off and use code bears50off to get 50 percent off plus FREE shipping on your first box.This week on 2 Bears 1 Cave, …

1
514: Twin Peaks Special With Music Editor Lori Eschler & Longtime David Lynch Collaborator Dean Hurley 48:47

3d ago48:47

48:47

We are taking a deep dive into the world of Twin Peaks today with music editor Lori Eschler - who worked on the original series - and longtime David Lynch collaborator Dean Hurley, who did all kinds of work with him on numerous projects. It's an illuminating chat, shedding bright light on David's process and reminding us all what a seminal show it …

1
Hannah Moscovitch is trying to unredact her life 30:54

3d ago30:54

30:54

Hannah Moscovitch is a Governor General’s Award-winning Canadian playwright whose work often takes a sharp and uncompromising look at the internal lives of women. Her play “Red Like Fruit,” tells the story of Lauren, a journalist covering a high profile domestic violence case who starts to reexamine her own past experiences with men. Hannah tells T…

1
How writing about love is similar to writing about murder 21:19

3d ago21:19

21:19

Bestselling romance writer Uzma Jalaluddin is switching gears. Her new novel, “Detective Aunty,” is a murder mystery, set in a fictional neighbourhood in Scarborough, Ont. Uzma joins Tom Power to talk about the overlap between writing a romance and a “cozy” murder mystery, how writing about love is similar to writing about murder, and why she alway…

1
An Award-Losing Podcast (with guests Jai Courtney, Ian McShane, Dean DeBlois) 1:57:01

6d ago1:57:01

1:57:01

This week's episode of the freshly award-losing Empire Podcast sees the podteam lick their wounds after a demoralising defeat in the Best Podcast (Consumer) category at the BSMEs earlier in the week. How do they do this? By talking about movies, of course, as they discuss the week's news (a load of trailers, and a potential new James Cameron movie)…

1
Cynthia Erivo says her new album makes her feel “totally naked” 35:45

6d ago35:45

35:45

Cynthia Erivo discusses her vulnerable new record “I Forgive You”, and all the big musical theatre roles that built her career. From her childhood obsession with Brandy to her performance as Elphaba in the movie musical Wicked, Erivo talks to Tom Power about her life as a singer, and all the surprises she encountered along the way.…

1
Katie Tupper says that songwriting helped her settle into her identity 11:07

6d ago11:07

11:07

Hailing from Saskatoon, Katie Tupper didn’t have a big queer community to help her find herself. Now, she’s embracing her bisexuality, and singing soulful songs about the kinds of love she always wanted. Katie Tupper sits down to talk to Tom Power about bi erasure, and how fans are responding to her music.…

1
“It becomes more personal as you go along” — Wes Anderson on creating films about family 25:09

7d ago25:09

25:09

The Phoenician Scheme is Wes Anderson’s latest feature film. And if you are a fan of deadpan screw ball humour, meticulously shot and edited behind a colour pallet of muted earth tones, you will not be disappointed. But for his thirteenth feature film, Wes is leaning a little more into action and even violence to tell his new father daughter comedy…

1
Christopher Stowell on the future of the Royal Winnipeg Ballet 27:42

7d ago27:42

27:42

Christopher Stowell is the new artistic director of the Royal Winnipeg Ballet – Canada's oldest ballet company and the longest continuously operating ballet company in North America. He’ll speak with Tom about why ballet is his “family business,” his career as a principal dancer and ballet leader, and what the future holds for the Royal Winnipeg Ba…

1
Suddenly struck by pain, Gabrielle Drolet learned to write and draw again 23:39

8d ago23:39

23:39

A few years ago, the cartoonist and writer Gabrielle Drolet developed a condition that made her unable to use her hands. It kept getting worse over time, and as Gabrielle searched for a diagnosis, she also had to find new ways to make art. Her new memoir “Look Ma, No Hands” is the story of an artist coming to terms with disability, adapting to the …

1
Savannah Ré bet on herself, and it led to a creative breakthrough 23:09

8d ago23:09

23:09

Whenever life got tough, Savannah Ré’s mom always used to quote a specific, motivational verse from the bible. Those words have now inspired Savannah’s new album, “Formed.” She tells Tom Power about the creative turn she’s taken on her new record, and the risks and rewards that come with going independent. Fill out our listener survey here. We appr…

1
Advocacy is for Everyone (with Landon Phillips) 55:56

9d ago55:56

55:56

On this month’s ALL Together episode, hosts Liz Macdonald and Michael Soto sit down with Landon Phillips. Landon shares his journey of coming out, transitioning, and stepping into the world of LGBTQ+ advocacy. From focusing on faith-based spaces to working with Equality Arizona, Landon has used his voice as a trans person to foster change at both l…

1
Rebellious and reflective, Billy Idol looks back on a life in music 34:08

9d ago34:08

34:08

Turning 70 this year, legendary punk-rocker turned MTV Icon Billy Idol is back with his ninth studio album. “Dream Into It” reflects his life and career, with songs documenting his early days, his massive breakthrough, his drug addiction, and finally his rebirth. He tells Tom Power about why he’s looking back now. Fill out our listener survey here.…

1
Dawn Macdonald on the mess and beauty of growing up in the Canadian North 18:39

9d ago18:39

18:39

Dawn Macdonald is a poet based in Whitehorse, Yukon whose 2024 debut poetry collection “Northerny” takes an honest, raw and unsentimental look at growing up and living in Canada’s North. Now, “Northerny” is the winner of this year’s Griffin Poetry Prize, Canadian First Book Prize. Dawn tells Tom Power about growing up off the grid without running w…

1
Wade Eastwood On The Stunts Of Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning: An Empire Podcast Interview Special 41:20

10d ago41:20

41:20

Whether it's Tom Cruise risking his neck underwater, or above ground while clinging to the wing of a biplane, Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning is filled with stunts that might just turn your hair white. That's if you don't lose it completely. That's just one of the side effects discussed in this Empire Podcast interview special, as the fil…

1
Blues Radio International June 2, 2025 Worldwide Broadcast feat. Vanessa Collier live in South Florida, Willie Dixon and Southern Hospitality 29:29

10d ago29:29

29:29

Vanessa Collier performs live at the Funky Biscuit in South Florida in February, 2025 on Edition 696 of Blues Radio International, with Willie Dixon and Southern Hospitality (Victor Wainwright, Damon Fowler & JP Soars). Sound by Jeff Kissinger and Michael Wolf. Image by Allen Winkler. Find more at BluesRadioInternational.net…

1
Tom's Dad STOLE Dynamite & BLEW UP A Bridge w/ Barstool Big Cat | 2 Bears, 1 Cave 1:39:53

10d ago1:39:53

1:39:53

Check out the newest podcast from YMH Studios "Not A Damn Chance"! Hosted by pro skateboarder Neen Williams and Michelin-starred chef Phillip Frankland Lee https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ihy5odp5G9ASPONSORS:- Make life easier by getting harder and discover your options at https://BlueChew.com! And we’ve got a special deal for our listeners: Try yo…

1
513: Tom Basden & Tim Key On The Ballad Of Wallis Island 44:42

10d ago44:42

44:42

Our latest guests on Soundtracking are Tom Basden and Tim Key, writers and co-stars of The Ballad Of Wallis Island. Also starring Carey Mulligan, it tells the story of ex-lovers and former bandmates, who reunite for a private gig at the island home of an eccentric millionaire.By Edith Bowman

1
Losing her voice taught Melanie Fiona to speak up for herself 21:43

10d ago21:43

21:43

After over a decade away from the spotlight, Canadian singer Melanie Fiona is back with an EP. “Say Yes” is her first record since she won two Grammys in 2012. She tells guest host Talia Schlanger how her intense burnout led to her spiritual awakening, and why she’s saying yes to singing again.

1
The wrestling saga at the heart of The Halluci Nation’s new EP 20:28

10d ago20:28

20:28

When Bear Witness and Tim “2oolman” Hill of The Halluci Nation watched wrestling as kids, they had to look past stereotypes and tropes to find Indigenous heroes in the ring. Now, their new EP “Path of The Baby Face” uses wrestling to tell a more empowering story. The music duo tell guest host Talia Schlanger about their collaboration with wrestling…

1
Starting In The Middle (with guests Jesse Armstrong, Tim Key, Tom Basden & Carey Mulligan) 1:53:44

13d ago1:53:44

1:53:44

This week's episode of the Empire Podcast sees the podteam — Chris Hewitt, Helen O'Hara, James Dyer and Alex Godfrey — get to grips with the definition of in media res, as they discuss some of their favourite films that throw you right into the action. Elsewhere, they talk about the week's movie news, pay tribute to Empire's founding editor Barry M…

1
512: Shannon Murphy On The Music Of Dying For Sex 35:42

13d ago35:42

35:42

Our latest guest on Soundtracking is Shannon Murphy, director of the wonderful feature film Babyteeth, and TV shows like Killing Eve and Dope Girls to name but a few. Shannon joins us to discuss Dying For Sex, which you can watch now on Disney+. Based on a true story, Dying For Sex stars Michelle Williams as Molly, a woman diagnosed with terminal c…

1
Wiz Khalifa found peace in not needing praise 25:29

13d ago25:29

25:29

Wiz Khalifa just dropped his latest album ‘Kush + Orange Juice 2,’ the sequel to his 2010 mixtape that introduced him to the world. Khalifa joins Tom to talk about his early days as a hip-hop artist, why he’s never cared about being a celebrity, and what important lessons he learned from Snoop Dogg.

1
Sister Ray trades rejection for joy on their new album Believer 24:00

13d ago24:00

24:00

The Alberta folk singer-songwriter Sister Ray is known for writing songs about heartbreak and sadness. But they decided to try something different with their new album “Believer”— their latest record is all about love and connection. Ella Coyes of Sister Ray tells Tom Power about how “freeing” it is to write about joy, how growing up around Métis a…

1
Why Sook-Yin Lee adapted her ex’s memoir about paying for sex 24:46

14d ago24:46

24:46

In Sook-Yin Lee’s film, “Paying For It,” a couple whose romantic attraction is waning decide to open up their relationship. While Sonny explores dating, her introverted boyfriend, Chester, opts to hire sex workers. The story is based on Sook-Yin’s real-life former relationship with Canadian cartoonist Chester Brown, who released a bestselling graph…

1
Amy Millan realized grief didn’t need to be a secret, so she wrote an album about it 24:57

14d ago24:57

24:57

Amy Millan from the band Stars is back with her first solo record in fifteen years. Millan tells Tom how her album “I Went To Find You” was inspired by the loss of her father at five years old. Plus, she tells the story behind her new song “Make Way for Waves.”

1
Justice’s best advice for artists: revel in your mistakes 24:22

15d ago24:22

24:22

You might not remember every song on the radio from 2007, but if you were anywhere near a club or dancefloor, you might remember the electronic duo Justice. Their debut album, with that glowing cross on the front, was impossible to ignore. Justice redefined electronic music for a new generation, and became one of the most influential acts of their …

1
This choreographer thinks of her work as “painting” on dancers 15:16

15d ago15:16

15:16

Jennifer Archibald is one of North America’s busiest and most in-demand choreographers. At the end of May, she’ll debut her first piece for the National Ballet of Canada called “Kings Fall,” one of nine world premieres that she’ll go on this season. Archibald tells Tom Power about the commonality between chess and her journey in choreography and th…

1
God's Promise to His LGBTQ+ Children (with Charlie & Ben) 46:39

16d ago46:39

46:39

In this week’s OPEN Up episode, Ben and Charlie discuss the concept of deliverance, drawing parallels between the ancient Israelites and the LGBTQ+ community. They explore how the Spirit can push us to act, even when the path is difficult, scary or uncertain. They also acknowledge the trailblazers who helped pave the way for our deliverance and how…

1
“Having the space to fumble" shaped Hanorah’s music 13:09

16d ago13:09

13:09

Hanorah is a singer-songwriter from Montreal who’s opened for Mavis Staples, and grew up listening to Etta James and Joss Stone. On her latest EP “Closer Than Hell,” Hanorah moves beyond her early soul influences and explores a new voice. Hanorah tells Tom about surprising herself when she began songwriting, why she’s happy she didn’t win “La Voix”…

1
From CIA to Ohana: Courtney B. Vance stars as Cobra Bubbles in Lilo & Stitch 29:29

16d ago29:29

29:29

Courtney B. Vance is known for playing men of power and purpose — from Johnnie Cochran in “The People v. O.J. Simpson,” to Uncle George Freeman in “Lovecraft Country,” Vance now takes on Cobra Bubbles in the live action remake of Lilo & Stitch. He joins Tom Power to talk about the emotional depth of Bubbles in the new remake, how growing up as a Bl…

1
Blues Radio International May 26, 2025 Worldwide Broadcast feat. Monster Mike Welch live on the Blues Radio International SoundStage, Otis Rush and Floyd Jones 29:29

17d ago29:29

29:29

Monster Mike Welch performs live on the Blues Radio International SoundStage at the 2024 Blues Music Awards in Memphis on Edition 695 of Blues Radio International, with music from Otis Rush and Floyd Jones. Sound by Michael Wolf. Find more at BluesRadioInternational.netBy Blues Radio International with Jesse Finkelstein & Audrey Michelle

1
Tom Shows Harland Williams His Chocolate Starfish | 2 Bears, 1 Cave 1:19:39

17d ago1:19:39

1:19:39

Check out the newest podcast from YMH Studios "Not A Damn Chance"! Hosted by pro skateboarder Neen Williams and Michelin-starred chef Phillip Frankland Lee SPONSORS:- Get started at https://factormeals.com/bears50off and use code bears50off to get 50% off plus FREE shipping on your first box.- Make friends and grab some merch at https://www.drinkpo…

1
511: Benicio del Toro On The Phoenician Scheme 26:08

17d ago26:08

26:08

Our latest guest on Soundtracking is actor Benicio del Toro, who joins us to discuss his role in Wes Anderson's latest film, The Phoenician Scheme. Benicio heads an extraordinary ensemble cast as Zsa-zsa Korda, a wealthy businessman who appoints his only daughter, a nun, as sole heir to his estate. As Korda embarks on a new enterprise, they soon be…

1
Sarah Levy on finding her voice after Schitt’s Creek 22:17

17d ago22:17

22:17

Sarah Levy comes from a pretty funny family. Her dad is the comedy legend Eugene Levy, her brother is Dan Levy, and all three of them were on the Emmy-winning show “Schitt's Creek.” But Sarah says the funniest one of them all is her mom, who’s also the person in her family who’s had the biggest influence on her comedy. Sarah joins Tom Power to talk…

1
Dan Mangan’s new album was a surprise even to him 16:59

17d ago16:59

16:59

What happens when you let go? Dan Mangan found out when he stopped trying to make the best record of his career — and he ended up with one of the best records of his career. The Juno-winning singer-songwriter says it all goes to show that surrendering control might be the key to making something great. Dan sits down with Tom Power to tell us how a …

1
Christopher McQuarrie on The Final Reckoning, Benicio del Toro & Michael Cera on The Phoenician Scheme, Tony Gilroy on Andor s2 (spoilers), and Cannes You Dig It? 1:58:45

20d ago1:58:45

1:58:45

This week's episode of the Empire Podcast sees Chris Hewitt mark the release of Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning by doing a non-spoiler, non-epic (less than 20 minutes!) chat with that film's director, the legendarily loquacious Christopher McQuarrie, [26:00 - 43:06 approx] and have a lovely natter with the stars of the new Wes Anderson fi…

1
Michelle Zauner isn’t afraid to say no anymore 36:29

20d ago36:29

36:29

In 2021, Japanese Breakfast’s Michelle Zauner got everything she’d ever wanted: her memoir “Crying in H Mart” became a surprise New York Times bestseller, and her band’s breakthrough album “Jubilee” received multiple Grammy nominations. But all of that success came at the cost of her mental and physical health, so she moved to Seoul to regroup. Now…

1
How Crystal Shawanda found her peace through song 14:09

20d ago14:09

14:09

What do you do when the world around you is anything but calm? For the Juno-winning Indigenous blues artist Crystal Shawanda, the answer was to go inward. She joins Tom Power to talk about her powerful and deeply personal new track “This Peace,” which channels her family’s strength, her culture and her own journey of self-discovery to find calm in …

1
The Shameless Plug #3: Jurassic World Rebirth And Other Animals 39:22

21d ago39:22

39:22

The Shameless Plug — the show in which Chris Hewitt and Empire editor, Nick de Semlyen, sit down and talk you through the latest issue of Empire — is back for its third episode, folks. This one is dedicated to issue 441 of Empire (on sale now at all good, evil, and virtual newsagents), which features Jurassic World Rebirth on the cover, and Nick ta…

1
Yanic Truesdale was told he spoke too quickly after Gilmore Girls 31:29

21d ago31:29

31:29

When Yanic Truesdale was growing up in Quebec, he used to watch American TV with his grandmother — but he didn't speak any English, so she had to translate the whole show to him line by line. When he started getting cast in TV roles, no one was prouder of him than his grandmother. Since then, Yanic has become a beloved actor all over the world, par…

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