Truth Is Golden

I had the pleasure to interview Saša Radulovic, Johanna Hurme and Colin Neufeld, the partners at 5468796 Architecture as part of our Truth is Golden series. I was impressed to discover, in the course of my research for this interview and after talking to the 3 partners how approachable, genuine and friendly they were, on top of being some of the most innovative and creative architects alive today.After doing the interview, I had the pleasure to meet Saša and Johanna by chance while they were in town and they proved to be just as nice in person over a drink.If you want to know where the future of Canadian Architecture is headed, do yourself a favour and listen to the interview below.About the podcast: The intent behind our podcast series "Truth Is Golden" is to look at renowned creatives and their work with a critical eye. We aim to ask deep questions in order to peel back the layers of marketing, clever one-liners and sexy branding. We want to show the world what it truly takes for genuinely creative forces to find their own voice build a career on what is very often nothing more than a drive to do things differently. We want to hear about the successes, the failures, the inspirational stories and the lessons gleaned from all of it. We want the truth, so that we can inspire other people to fulfill their own creative aspirations and in the process contribute to making the world a better place.Credits: ©2020 Revelateur Studio Inc.Post-Production: Ryan AktariMusic: Bounce Trio, Star Animal, © 2014, All rights reserved.

One founding half of GFDA and certified foulmouth, Jason Bacher is a talented designer, dedicated teacher and all-around decent human being. We talked about his humble beginnings selling wallpaper and how that eventually led him to found Good Fucking Design Advice with his long-time friend Brian Buirge. We also talked about failure, the strangeness of moving to new cities, firing your mother twice and the value of standing out using unbridled profanities.About the podcast: The intent behind our podcast series "Truth Is Golden" is to look at renowned creatives and their work with a critical eye. We aim to ask deep questions in order to peel back the layers of marketing, clever one-liners and sexy branding. We want to show the world what it truly takes for genuinely creative forces to find their own voice build a career on what is very often nothing more than a drive to do things differently. We want to hear about the successes, the failures, the inspirational stories and the lessons gleaned from all of it. We want the truth, so that we can inspire other people to fulfill their own creative aspirations and in the process contribute to making the world a better place.Credits: ©2020 Revelateur Studio Inc.Post-Production: Ryan AktariMusic: Bounce Trio, Star Animal, © 2014, All rights reserved.

This interview was initially published in July 2019. New-York-based, RISD-trained Canuck designer Theo Richardson spoke about his upbringing, creativity and the future of design. A genuinely nice and thoughtful guy, Theo revealed some of the secrets that led him to have such a successful career at a relatively young age. Listen in to hear more about his life and philosophy.About the podcast: The intent behind our podcast series "Truth Is Golden" is to look at (future) renowned creatives and their work with a critical eye. We aim to ask deep questions in order to peel back the layers of marketing, clever one-liners and sexy branding. We want to show the world what it truly takes for genuinely creative forces to find their own voice build a career on what is very often nothing more than a drive to do things differently. We want to hear about the successes, the failures, the inspirational stories and the lessons gleaned from all of it. We want the truth, so that we can inspire other people to fulfill their own creative aspirations and in the process contribute to making the world a better place.Credits:Produced by Revelateur StudioPost-Production: Ryan AktariMusic: Bounce Trio, Star Animal, 2014.Organ & Keys : Matthieu MarthouretTénor Sax : Toine ThysDrums : Gautier GarrigueComposed by Toine Thys (copyrights SABAM).Buy it on BandCamp :weseemusicstore.bandcamp.com/album/smal…big-riversMore info and music here :www.youtube.com/user/weseemusicwww.matthieumarthouret.comwww.facebook.com/MatthieuMarthouret.Music/

This interview was initially published in May 2019. Liam Gadsby is a veteran comic and all around creative force living and performing in Toronto. I met Liam one day at the local café and his larger-than-life personality is what drew me to him. Upon befriending him, I learned that he was an unstoppable creative force and came to appreciate being around him for a good laugh. He’s comfortable with things that most people would shiver at the mere mention of and goes through life doing his thing, regardless of what other people think.About the podcast: The intent behind our podcast series "Truth Is Golden" is to look at (future) renowned creatives and their work with a critical eye. We aim to ask deep questions in order to peel back the layers of marketing, clever one-liners and sexy branding. We want to show the world what it truly takes for genuinely creative forces to find their own voice build a career on what is very often nothing more than a drive to do things differently. We want to hear about the successes, the failures, the inspirational stories and the lessons gleaned from all of it. We want the truth, so that we can inspire other people to fulfill their own creative aspirations and in the process contribute to making the world a better place.Credits:Produced by Revelateur StudioPost-Production: Ryan AktariMusic: Bounce Trio, Star Animal, 2014.Organ & Keys : Matthieu MarthouretTénor Sax : Toine ThysDrums : Gautier GarrigueComposed by Toine Thys (copyrights SABAM).Buy it on BandCamp :weseemusicstore.bandcamp.com/album/smal…big-riversMore info and music here :www.youtube.com/user/weseemusicwww.matthieumarthouret.comwww.facebook.com/MatthieuMarthouret.Music/

In January 2019, I participated in a panel at the Interior Design Show (IDS) in Toronto. We discussed the nature of media in the representation in architecture and what representing architecture in this day and age means. This recording was our conversation.The panel was comprised of Peter Sobchak, Editor at Canadian Interiors and Moderator, Amanda Large, co-founder at Doublespace Photography, Babak Eslahjou principal at Core Architect, Kyle Bergman, architect and founder of the Architecture and Design Film Festival in NYC as well as myself.About the podcast: The intent behind our podcast series "Truth Is Golden" is to look at renowned creatives and their work with a critical eye. We aim to ask deep questions in order to peel back the layers of marketing, clever one-liners and sexy branding. We want to show the world what it truly takes for genuinely creative forces to find their own voice build a career on what is very often nothing more than a drive to do things differently. We want to hear about the successes, the failures, the inspirational stories and the lessons gleaned from all of it. We want the truth, so that we can inspire other people to fulfill their own creative aspirations and in the process contribute to making the world a better place.Credits: ©2019 Revelateur Studio Inc.Post-Production: Ryan AktariMusic: Bounce Trio, Star Animal, © 2014, All rights reserved.

This interview was initially published in February 2019.Fraser Greenberg and I spoke at length about his Toronto upbringing, how he stumbled into family business and transformed it to thrive an ever-changing market as well as his latest endeavour, the coffee shop Milky’s in Toronto’s West End. What struck me about Fraser is the consistency with which he bring passion, purpose and an amazing sense of craft to everything he touches. A fascinating guest with great ideas, check out Fraser’s interview to learn more about him.About the podcast: The intent behind our podcast series "Truth Is Golden" is to look at renowned creatives and their work with a critical eye. We aim to ask deep questions in order to peel back the layers of marketing, clever one-liners and sexy branding. We want to show the world what it truly takes for genuinely creative forces to find their own voice build a career on what is very often nothing more than a drive to do things differently. We want to hear about the successes, the failures, the inspirational stories and the lessons gleaned from all of it. We want the truth, so that we can inspire other people to fulfill their own creative aspirations and in the process contribute to making the world a better place.Credits:Post-Production: Ryan AktariMusic: Bounce Trio, Star Animal, 2014.Organ & Keys : Matthieu MarthouretTénor Sax : Toine ThysDrums : Gautier GarrigueComposed by Toine Thys (copyrights SABAM).Buy it on BandCamp :https://weseemusicstore.bandcamp.com/album/small-streams-big-riversMore info and music here :http://www.youtube.com/user/weseemusichttp://www.matthieumarthouret.comhttps://www.facebook.com/MatthieuMarthouret.Music/

This interview was initially published in January 2019.In Episode 16, I had a fascinating conversation with Toon Dreessen, principal at Architects DCA in Ottawa and past president of the Ontario Association of Architects. During our conversation, Toon spoke about his upbringing in the Netherlands, his early life and how that influenced his very early decision to become an architect around age 10, a decision he does not regret to this day. Toon spoke about his love of travel, cooking and his unstoppable drive to change architecture's perception in the public's consciousness.His take on the state of procurement in Canada is more than ever relevant, even all these years later.About the podcast: The intent behind our podcast series "Truth Is Golden" is to look at renowned creatives and their work with a critical eye. We aim to ask deep questions in order to peel back the layers of marketing, clever one-liners and sexy branding. We want to show the world what it truly takes for genuinely creative forces to find their own voice build a career on what is very often nothing more than a drive to do things differently. We want to hear about the successes, the failures, the inspirational stories and the lessons gleaned from all of it. We want the truth, so that we can inspire other people to fulfill their own creative aspirations and in the process contribute to making the world a better place.Credits: ©2019 Revelateur Studio Inc. Post-Production: Ryan AktariMusic: Bounce Trio, Star Animal, © 2014, All rights reserved.

This interview was initially published in December 2018.In Episode 209, I spoke with Polish-born designer and architect Jan Lorenc, principal of Lorenc Design, a leading experiential design firm based out of Atlanta. Jan spoke about his upbringing in communist Poland and his subsequent move to the US at age eight, when the weight of communist policies and constant shortages of basic goods became too much to bear for his family. He also spoke about how this early life experience shaped his drive and work ethic. Listen in to hear Jan's journey through life and how he got to become the respected designer he is today.About the podcast: The intent behind our podcast series "Truth Is Golden" is to look at renowned creatives and their work with a critical eye. We aim to ask deep questions in order to peel back the layers of marketing, clever one-liners and sexy branding. We want to show the world what it truly takes for genuinely creative forces to find their own voice build a career on what is very often nothing more than a drive to do things differently. We want to hear about the successes, the failures, the inspirational stories and the lessons gleaned from all of it. We want the truth, so that we can inspire other people to fulfill their own creative aspirations and in the process contribute to making the world a better place.Credits: ©2018 Revelateur Studio Inc.Post-Production: Ryan AktariMusic: Bounce Trio, Star Animal, © 2014, All rights reserved.

Aussie architect and internet entrepreneur Nic Granleese, did his interview with us during his last visit in Toronto. He talked about his shoeless upbringing in rural Australia and how during a sabbatical early on in his career, he decided to hop on his motorcycle, quit architecture and become a photographer. Subsequently, his path led him to create bowerbird, a growing online platform that links architects with publications. Listen in to hear Nic speak about his path.About the podcast: The intent behind our podcast series "Truth Is Golden" is to look at renowned creatives and their work with a critical eye. We aim to ask deep questions in order to peel back the layers of marketing, clever one-liners and sexy branding. We want to show the world what it truly takes for genuinely creative forces to find their own voice build a career on what is very often nothing more than a drive to do things differently. We want to hear about the successes, the failures, the inspirational stories and the lessons gleaned from all of it. We want the truth, so that we can inspire other people to fulfill their own creative aspirations and in the process contribute to making the world a better place.Credits: ©20XX Revelateur Studio Inc.Post-Production: Ryan AktariMusic: Bounce Trio, Star Animal, 2014.Organ & Keys : Matthieu MarthouretTénor Sax : Toine ThysDrums : Gautier GarrigueComposed by Toine Thys (copyrights SABAM).Buy it on BandCamp :weseemusicstore.bandcamp.com/album/smal…big-riversMore info and music here :www.youtube.com/user/weseemusicwww.matthieumarthouret.comwww.facebook.com/MatthieuMarthouret.Music/

For the last episode of our series on LA creatives, I interviewed Frances Anderton, host of the NPR radio show Design and Architecture on the Los Angeles radio station KCRW. Frances talked about her upbringing in the UK, her early aspirations to be an architect, how she fell in love with broadcasting and Los Angeles in the early 90’s, as well as living in a Frank Gehry-designed 1960’s apartment building.About the podcast: The intent behind our podcast series "Truth Is Golden" is to look at renowned creatives and their work with a critical eye. We aim to ask deep questions in order to peel back the layers of marketing, clever one-liners and sexy branding. We want to show the world what it truly takes for genuinely creative forces to find their own voice build a career on what is very often nothing more than a drive to do things differently. We want to hear about the successes, the failures, the inspirational stories and the lessons gleaned from all of it. We want the truth, so that we can inspire other people to fulfill their own creative aspirations and in the process contribute to making the world a better place.Credits: ©20XX Revelateur Studio Inc.Post-Production: Ryan AktariMusic: Bounce Trio, Star Animal, 2014.Organ & Keys : Matthieu MarthouretTénor Sax : Toine ThysDrums : Gautier GarrigueComposed by Toine Thys (copyrights SABAM).Buy it on BandCamp :weseemusicstore.bandcamp.com/album/smal…big-riversMore info and music here :www.youtube.com/user/weseemusicwww.matthieumarthouret.comwww.facebook.com/MatthieuMarthouret.Music/

In episode 206, the third instalment in our series on LA creatives, Paul Petrunia talked about his upbringing in the Canadian prairies, how Arthur Erickson influenced him to be an architect, his ill-fated career as a teen ballet dancer and his cultural confusion as an expat torn between American and Canadian cultures. Going back to the early Internet days when he started a dot-com business in the middle of the lake late 90's boom to today and his life as the man behind the popular Architecture website archinect.com.The intent behind our podcast series "Truth Is Golden" is to look at renowned creatives and their work with a critical eye. We aim to ask deep questions in order to peel back the layers of marketing, clever one-liners and sexy branding. We want to show the world what it truly takes for genuinely creative forces to find their own voice build a career on what is very often nothing more than a drive to do things differently. We want to hear about the successes, the failures, the inspirational stories and the lessons gleaned from all of it. We want the truth, so that we can inspire other people to fulfill their own creative aspirations and in the process contribute to making the world a better place.Credits:Post-Production: Ryan AktariMusic: Bounce Trio, Star Animal, 2014.Organ & Keys : Matthieu MarthouretTénor Sax : Toine ThysDrums : Gautier GarrigueComposed by Toine Thys (copyrights SABAM).Buy it on BandCamp :weseemusicstore.bandcamp.com/album/smal…big-riversMore info and music here :www.youtube.com/user/weseemusicwww.matthieumarthouret.comwww.facebook.com/MatthieuMarthouret.Music/

Dan Brunn’s early life in Tel Aviv, subsequent move with his family to Southern California at age 7 and his later nomadic lifestyle as an adult certainly did not make his life easy, yet set the stage for a highly creative and driven character to develop. Someone as uncompromising as he is a kind soul who wants to do good in the world. Dan is a young(ish) architect based out of LA creating buildings inspired by the Bauhaus aesthetic he grew up around in Tel Aviv, but also influenced by Southern California modernism. We chatted about what moves him, his very early love for architecture, his influences as well as his love of cars, music, food and travel. Listen in to hear Dan speak about his work and life.The intent behind our podcast series "Truth Is Golden" is to look at renowned creatives and their work with a critical eye. We aim to ask deep questions in order to peel back the layers of marketing, clever one-liners and sexy branding. We want to show the world what it truly takes for genuinely creative forces to find their own voice build a career on what is very often nothing more than a drive to do things differently. We want to hear about the successes, the failures, the inspirational stories and the lessons gleaned from all of it. We want the truth, so that we can inspire other people to fulfill their own creative aspirations and in the process contribute to making the world a better place.Credits:Post-Production: Ryan AktariMusic: Bounce Trio, Star Animal, 2014.Organ & Keys : Matthieu MarthouretTénor Sax : Toine ThysDrums : Gautier GarrigueComposed by Toine Thys (copyrights SABAM).Buy it on BandCamp :weseemusicstore.bandcamp.com/album/smal…big-riversMore info and music here :www.youtube.com/user/weseemusicwww.matthieumarthouret.comwww.facebook.com/MatthieuMarthouret.Music/

In episode 10, I interviewed veteran architect and globe-trotter Steven Ehrlich, founder and principal at EYRC, a Los Angeles based architecture studio working under the tenet of "Multicultural Modernism". Steven talked about his formative years on the east coast, his early career in Africa as a member of the peace corps, creativity and the challenges and inspiration that come with running a small, but mighty and well respected practice.The intent behind our podcast series "Truth Is Golden" is to look at renowned creatives and their work with a critical eye. We aim to ask deep questions in order to peel back the layers of marketing, clever one-liners and sexy branding. We want to show the world what it truly takes for genuinely creative forces to find their own voice build a career on what is very often nothing more than a drive to do things differently. We want to hear about the successes, the failures, the inspirational stories and the lessons gleaned from all of it. We want the truth, so that we can inspire other people to fulfill their own creative aspirations and in the process contribute to making the world a better place.Credits:Post-Production: Ryan AktariMusic: Bounce Trio, Star Animal, 2014.Organ & Keys : Matthieu MarthouretTénor Sax : Toine ThysDrums : Gautier GarrigueComposed by Toine Thys (copyrights SABAM).Buy it on BandCamp :weseemusicstore.bandcamp.com/album/smal…big-riversMore info and music here :www.youtube.com/user/weseemusicwww.matthieumarthouret.comwww.facebook.com/MatthieuMarthouret.Music/

In episode 9, I talked to David K. Levine a distinguished academic, political economist and popular author. We talked about his midwestern childhood, how economics can explain a lot of modern society challenges, his transplant life in Europe and how one of the biggest risks he took was a late-career change, taking on subjects he was not an expert in. Listen in to hear more about David and his accomplishments.About the podcast: The intent behind our podcast series "Truth Is Golden" is to look at renowned creatives and their work with a critical eye. We aim to ask deep questions in order to peel back the layers of marketing, clever one-liners and sexy branding. We want to show the world what it truly takes for genuinely creative forces to find their own voice make a go of a career at it. We want to hear about the successes, the failures, the inspirational stories and the lessons gleaned from all of it. In short, we want the truth, so that we can inspire other people to fulfill their own creative vision and in the process contribute to making the world a better place.

In episode 8, Stefan Hunt, recounted his -short- life story, from a typical western childhood in New South Wales, Australia, to his early foray into film making, crossing the US at 18 with no money, a bieber haircut and a drive to surf all 48 states, including the 20+ landlocked ones. His first film, self-described as “cringeworthy”, got him some attention and eventually led him to become the multi-talented professional filmmaker, artist and storyteller he is today; all the while continuing on his literally off the beaten path journey. Listen in to hear more about how one can be a highly creative, decent and compassionate human being at the same time.About the podcast: The intent behind our podcast series "Truth Is Golden" is to look at renowned creatives and their work with a critical eye. We aim to ask deep questions in order to peel back the layers of marketing, clever one-liners and sexy branding. We want to show the world what it truly takes for genuinely creative forces to find their own voice make a go of a career at it. We want to hear about the successes, the failures, the inspirational stories and the lessons gleaned from all of it. In short, we want the truth, so that we can inspire other people to fulfill their own creative vision and in the process contribute to making the world a better place.

In our first episode of season 2, John Dewolf, Vice President at Form : Media walks us through his youth in the Canadian Maritimes, his early career as a graphic designer before he realized, while working on a software to help people save for retirement and later on the redesign of the US census forms, the power of design to positively influence people’s lives. We also talked creativity, his design process and how his career is bridging the gap across many design disciplines to create places that people can relate to. Listen in to hear more about John and his captivating career.2022 update: John has since moved on from Form:Media and is now pursuing further endeavours.About the podcast: The intent behind our podcast series "Truth Is Golden" is to look at renowned creatives and their work with a critical eye. We aim to ask deep questions in order to peel back the layers of marketing, clever one-liners and sexy branding. We want to show the world what it truly takes for genuinely creative forces to find their own voice make a go of a career at it. We want to hear about the successes, the failures, the inspirational stories and the lessons gleaned from all of it. In short, we want the truth, so that we can inspire other people to fulfill their creative vision and in the process hopefully make the world a better place.

Nothing in her early life foreshadowed Jaime Derringer’s rise as a champion of contemporary design, through the development of her wildly successful design blog Design Milk and its sister sites, Dog Milk and Adorn Milk. A passion project if there is one, she turned - one step at a time - her love of contemporary design, architecture and beautiful things into a career that took her to places she probably wouldn’t have, had she stuck to a conventional path. Jaime was kind enough to open up and share with us what she was like growing up, her early career, her failures, her fears, her aspirations and what she’s hoping to accomplish in the future. I loved her willingness to be unconditionally open about her experiences and lack of pretense, particularly in light of the fact that she was a complete outsider to her industry and how she used that to her advantage, in building the indispensable design platform that Design Milk is today. Listen in to hear more about Jaime and her journey.About the podcast: The intent behind our podcast series "Truth Is Golden" is to look at renowned creatives and their work with a critical eye. We aim to ask deep questions in order to peel back the layers of marketing, clever one-liners and sexy branding. We want to show the world what it truly takes for genuinely creative forces to find their own voice make a go of a career at it. We want to hear about the successes, the failures, the inspirational stories and the lessons gleaned from all of it. In short, we want the truth, so that we can inspire other people to fulfill their creative vision and in the process hopefully make the world a better place.

Architect Matthew Rosenberg grew up in Saskatoon in an environment that did not predestine him to become the daring creative force he is today. A quiet suburban life and (admittedly overly) caring jewish family was more likely to be conducive to a humdrum suburban life. Attending the march of the living in Israel and Poland in his teens, awakened in him the desire to aspire to bigger and better things. Fast forward 20 years or so and the pudgy, quiet teen is now a well put-together, articulate and vocal advocate of nothing short of a revolution of the architectural practice. His integrated approach to practicing architecture, from pre-development to post-occupancy operations, from designing for a persona to designing the experience of end users, takes the master builder model one step further, by taking ownership of a building through its entire life-cycle.About the podcast: The intent behind our podcast series "Truth Is Golden" is to look at renowned creatives and their work with a critical eye. We aim to ask deep questions in order to peel back the layers of marketing, clever one-liners and sexy branding. We want to show the world what it truly takes for genuinely creative forces to find their own voice make a go of a career at it. We want to hear about the successes, the failures, the inspirational stories and the lessons gleaned from all of it. In short, we want the truth, so that we can inspire other people to fulfill their creative vision and in the process hopefully make the world a better place.

Ian French - a.k.a. IF the poet had a troubled youth. He rebelled against authority, did drugs and got into all kinds of trouble. Before his antics caught up to him, he started a business with his brother in his 20’s. They would go on to build one of the most successful and largest direct marketing agencies in the country. Not being one to fall asleep on his laurels, IF discovered slam poetry by chance at age 50 and fell in love with the discipline. It was all his overly curious, ADHD mind was craving for his whole life. A few years later, he’s a well-respected spoken-word artist, competing and performing all over the place. Listen to our latest episode of Truth is Golden - Slamming Into Fear to learn more about Ian, what makes him tick and what poetry has brought into his life.About the podcast: The intent behind our podcast series "Truth Is Golden" is to look at renowned creatives and their work with a critical eye. We aim to ask deep questions in order to peel back the layers of marketing, clever one-liners and sexy branding. We want to show the world what it truly takes for genuinely creative forces to find their own voice make a go of a career at it. We want to hear about the successes, the failures, the inspirational stories and the lessons gleaned from all of it. In short, we want the truth, so that we can inspire other people to fulfill their creative vision and in the process hopefully make the world a better place.

In this episode, we had the immense pleasure to interview Murray Legge, FAIA, an architect and Toronto native working in Austin, TX. Murray discussed his boundless creativity, the influence of growing up in Toronto, how is architecture is influenced by filmmaking and his love for Louis Kahn and Sigurd Lewerentz. Get on board for a journey through Murray’s creative mind to discover what makes him tick.About the podcast: The intent behind our podcast series "Truth Is Golden" is to look at renowned creatives and their work with a critical eye. We aim to ask deep questions in order to peel back the layers of marketing, clever one-liners and sexy branding. We want to show the world what it truly takes for genuinely creative forces to find their own voice make a go of a career at it. We want to hear about the successes, the failures, the inspirational stories and the lessons gleaned from all of it. In short, we want the truth, so that we can inspire other people to fulfill their creative vision and in the process hopefully make the world a better place.