In the thrilling conclusion of Sara J’s deep dive with Kirk, the two pick up right where they left off—unpacking the heart and soul behind Discovering Downie, an 11-part passion project from Dewvre Podcasts & Such, exploring the solo work of Gord Downie, the legendary frontman of The Tragically Hip. Kirk shares how the series, which just celebrated its first anniversary, sparked not just insight but connection, bringing together four strangers whose shared love for Downie’s artistry led them on ...
May 27, 2025•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 293
This week on the show, host Sara J is joined by musician, podcast host, and producer Kirk Lane for an epic two-part episode you won’t want to miss. In Part One, Sara and Kirk dive deep into the idea of finding your "inner fame," the wisdom of Linda Wolf’s book Tribute, and Kirk's love for the Grateful Dead. They chat about the magic of seeing shows at The Sphere, the spark that led Kirk to pick up a guitar, and his journey through his first originals band. Kirk shares stories from the thousands ...
May 20, 2025•1 hr 21 min•Ep. 292
This week on the show, Sara J. sits down with RoughGauge’s May 2025 Featured Artist, Ben Kays. They dive into the guitarists who’ve shaped his sound, the pros and cons of being a left-handed player, and the rhythm guitarist he turns to for inspiration. Ben opens up about his songwriting process, the emotional and mental role music plays in his life, and what it means to be a well-rounded musician. He shares how his dad influenced his journey into guitar playing and gigging, and reveals the first...
May 06, 2025•33 min•Ep. 291
This week on the show, host Sara J is joined by Canadian woodworker and artist Ashley Dawes, the creative force behind Willow & Ash Designs. Ashley shares how she unexpectedly found her way into woodworking, how life as part of a military family shaped her journey, and what draws her to a craft that demands such precision and patience. She also opens up about the therapeutic power of woodworking and how it has become more than just a creative outlet. In this inspiring conversation, Ashley discus...
Apr 30, 2025•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 290
This week on the show, Sara J. sits down with RoughGauge’s April 2025 Featured Artist, Bill Hyland, for an honest, inspiring, and wide-ranging conversation that goes deep into the heart of music and creativity. Bill opens up about his first guitar god and the surprising instrument that kickstarted his musical journey — the accordion. From there, we follow his path through early influences, humbling experiences that challenged him to grow, and the transformative power of staying open to always le...
Apr 15, 2025•55 min•Ep. 289
This week on the show, host Sara J is joined by music industry pioneer and visionary leader Ralph Tashjian for an incredibly captivating conversation. With a career spanning over four decades, Ralph has worked alongside some of the most iconic artists of our time, and trust me, his stories are just as legendary! From backstage moments to pivotal shifts in the industry, he shares it all with a wisdom only time can grant. In this episode, Ralph takes us on a journey through 40 years of music indus...
Apr 08, 2025•54 min•Ep. 288
This week on the podcast, host Sara J. gets into the nitty-gritty of guitar gear with Dan Keclik the mastermind behind DK Pedals. They dive into Dan’s love for amps, the sparks of inspiration behind his pedal creations, and the transformative effects of audio therapy. Plus, Dan takes Sara on a tour and shares stories about his guitar collection. It’s an episode packed with insights and creativity, all in celebration of Dan being named RoughGauge's March 2025 Featured Artist. Where you can find t...
Mar 25, 2025•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 287
In this special bonus episode, DATC Media’s Editor-in-Chief, Nancy Weil, steps in for host Sara J. to share exciting updates on the future of DATC Media. Nancy reads an official statement about the company's transformation, from coverage revamps to bold expansions. Tune in for the inside scoop on what’s next for DATC Media! Sara J. will be back in your feed on Tuesday with a new episode! Donate to DATC Media Company: https://datcmediacompany.com/support Join the community on Patreon: [ https://w...
Mar 21, 2025•30 min•Ep. 287
The dynamic duo is back! Celebrate International Women's Day with the powerhouse ladies behind DATC Media, CEO Sara J. and Editor-in-Chief Nancy Weil! In this special episode, they dive deep into the legendary female musicians they're spotlighting this month on Patreon, sharing how these trailblazing icons have shaped and inspired the world of DATC Media. But that’s not all—Sara and Nancy also dish on Brian Eno and Bette A’s groundbreaking new book What Art Does, along with their latest adventur...
Mar 11, 2025•1 hr 26 min•Ep. 286
This week on the show, host Sara J. chats all things guitars, gear, and Jake blade with Justin Behn, guitarist for The Textures. This conversation is in conjunction with Justin being named RoughGauge's February 2025 Featured Artist.
Feb 25, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 285
This week on the show, host Sara J is joined by DATC Media team member Nancy Weil for an exciting and wide-ranging conversation! They dive into everything—music, journalism, and highlights from Nancy’s eclectic career, including some of the incredible people she’s interviewed. Nancy also shares her journey as a percussionist, how she built her impressive collection of instruments, and the story behind her decade as a lay minister at the oldest and longest-running congregation in North America—ye...
Feb 18, 2025•1 hr 47 min•Ep. 284
