Solo Spotlight with Ryan MacDougall cover art

Solo Spotlight with Ryan MacDougall

Solo Spotlight with Ryan MacDougall

Written by: Spare Bedroom Studios
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About this listen

Solo Spotlight is where real people get real time. Host Ryan MacDougall sits down for unfiltered, long-form conversations with creators, entrepreneurs, athletes, and out-of-left-field thinkers. No scripts, no fluff—just honest stories, hard-won lessons, and the kind of moments you replay later.

Expect deep dives, left turns, and a host who actually listens. Episodes run 45–90 minutes and favor substance over sound bites. Recorded in Edmonton, built for anyone who likes their interviews candid, curious, and occasionally spicy.

New episodes weekly. Produced and published by Spare Bedroom Studios.

© 2025 Spare Bedroom Studios. All rights reserved.
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Episodes
  • The 3-Bus Grind, “Unforgotten,” and Building an Edmonton Sound: Karisse G
    Feb 19 2026

    In this episode, I sit down with Karisse G to talk about his journey as an Edmonton artist—how writing started for him on a family trip to Jamaica in 10th grade, how he linked up with producer Taylor, and what it really takes to build momentum in music.

    Karisse breaks down the behind-the-scenes reality most people never see: the COVID-era daily grind (including taking three buses just to get to sessions), dropping his project “Unforgotten” and landing his first manager, and why a song might take 2–3 hours to make… but a proper release rollout takes a month.

    We also get into release strategy, visuals, playlists, and how he’s planning to stay consistent this year—plus where new listeners should start if they’re hearing Karisse for the first time.

    👇 Where to start with Karisse G: “Established 23” (then work your way down).

    #SoloSpotlight #SpareBedroomStudios #EdmontonMusic #KarisseG #CanadianHipHop #IndependentArtist #MusicIndustry #ArtistInterview #Podcast #YEG

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    58 mins
  • Gear Won’t Save You: Studio Standards, Skill & Practice | Seriously Taylor
    Feb 9 2026

    Seriously Taylor joins Solo Spotlight for a real conversation about what actually matters in the studio.

    We talk the producer/engineer perspective, what separates artists who improve from artists who stay stuck, why “better gear” doesn’t fix weak habits, and how writing/rhythm/syllables can change the entire feel of a record. If you’re an artist, producer, or just curious how songs get built behind the scenes — this episode is loaded with practical insight.

    🎙️ Solo Spotlight is long-form conversations with people who are building something real.

    Subscribe for more interviews and drop a comment with your biggest takeaway.

    Guest: Seriously Taylor (artist / producer / engineer)

    #SoloSpotlight #SpareBedroomStudios #SeriouslyTaylor #Podcast #MusicPodcast #MusicProduction #Producer #AudioEngineer #Songwriting

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    1 hr and 9 mins
  • Trauma Lives in the Body: Burnout, Boundaries & EMDR | Lilly Gonoratsky
    Jan 29 2026

    Burnout. People-pleasing. Trauma.

    We hear these words everywhere — but most people are still unclear on what they actually mean, how they overlap, and what genuinely helps.

    In this episode of Solo Spotlight, Ryan MacDougall sits down with Lilly Gonoratsky, a Registered Provisional Psychologist and Certified EMDR Therapist, for a grounded, practical conversation about what’s really happening beneath the surface — both psychologically and in the nervous system.

    This episode is educational, conversational, and human — not therapy, not internet psychology, and not about quick fixes. It’s about understanding yourself better and knowing what direction to take next.

    This episode is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for therapy or medical advice. If something discussed resonates deeply, please consider reaching out to a qualified mental health professional.

    📍 Guest Info — Lilly Gonoratsky

    Registered Provisional Psychologist

    Certified EMDR Therapist

    Founder, Beyond Roots Counselling

    • In-person sessions in Calgary (SW)

    • Virtual sessions across Alberta

    • Free 15-minute consultations available

    🌐 Website: https://beyondrootscounselling.com/

    📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therapywithlilly/

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    1 hr and 17 mins
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