How do authors make time for their creative process? How do they decide what to write about? And what is it like to actually sit down and write? Three local authors, David Berry, Lisa Martin and Zeina Sleiman, speak with contributor and guest host Zachary Ayotte about their recent books, the process of writing and what inspires them to keep writing.

In this episode:

How Artists Make Money and How Money Makes Artists, by David Berry

A Story Can Be Told About Pain, by Lisa Martin

Where the Jasmine Blooms, by Zeina Sleiman

• (00:36) - Introducing David Berry
• (08:45) - The time to create
• (19:01) - How artists make money
• (24:40) - Introducing Lisa Martin
• (30:44) - The structure of storytelling
• (38:47) - Introducing Zeina Sleiman
• (47:41) - Solving problems in fiction

Guest hosted by Zachary Ayotte

Produced by Odvod Media

Audio Engineering by Steve Glen

Production assistance by Caitlin Hart

Original music by Darrin Hagen

Publisher Trudy Callaghan chats with two Edmonton restaurateurs — Juju Paul of Golden Sparrow and Ed Donszelmann of Otto Food and Drink and the new Tulip Sandwich Shoppe.

Juju explains why he believes Edmonton diners are more sophisticated than ever, how collaboration between chefs makes the scene stronger and the meaning behind the name Golden Sparrow — a hidden gem with big ambitions.

Next, Trudy and Ed discuss the value of supporting local, what it takes to build something in this city and the vision that fuels Otto.

• (01:12) - Golden Sparrow’s origins
• (10:25) - A healthy culinary scene
• (19:02) - Ed Donszelmann’s long career in Edmonton restaurants
• (22:27) - Best Restaurants event
• (29:50) - Why local matters

Hosted by Trudy Callaghan

Produced by Odvod Media

Audio Engineering by Steve Glen

Production assistance by Caitlin Hart

Original music by Darrin Hagen

How is former Calgary mayor Naheed Nenshi faring in Edmonton? The Alberta NDP leader sits down with host Omar Mouallem to discuss his new role, the issues facing Alberta’s big cities and whether he’ll start cheering for the Oilers.

• (02:21) - Introducing Naheed Nenshi
• (10:40) - Filling Rachel Notley’s shoes
• (18:52) - Addressing Edmonton’s local issues
• (26:50) - Changing the way cities respond to mental health

Hosted by Omar Mouallem

Produced by Odvod Media

Audio Engineering by Steve Glen

Production assistance by Caitlin Hart

Original music by Darrin Hagen