Claim OwnershipBackstage at the Vinyl Cafe
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Backstage at the Vinyl Cafe welcomes listeners into the warm and comforting world of the Vinyl Cafe. Each episode features stories about Canada’s favourite fictional family: Dave, Morley and the kids, narrated by the late Stuart McLean and recorded live in concert. For the first time ever, long-time producer Jess Milton shares rare, behind-the-scenes stories from her 15 years touring, travelling, laughing, and recording with her close friend Stuart.
This is a world that is rooted in kindness, connection, and the laughter of recognition. A world that brings people together to rejoice in our ridiculousness. A world where we celebrate the small triumphs over the adversities of the everyday: like trying to find the perfect gift for someone you love, or the first Christmas without your sister; like trying to stage manage the school Christmas pageant, or trying to defrost a turkey with a hairdryer (we’ve all done that, right?).
Join us. New episodes every Friday.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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“I think I have an alien.” This week, two wonderful stories about kids… and their parents. And Jess admits to a surprising source of inspiration for her own parenting journey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
“He didn’t understand that the organic confusion that’s at the heart of the Vinyl Cafe is, in fact, the thing that makes it work.” Is there anything that cuts to the heart quicker than music? On the pod today, we’re talking about the power of song. Jess shares a script Stuart wrote for the radio show, about a song that moved him to tears. And we have a story for you, about a song that has a hold over Dave. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
1“Crimestoppers. It’s synonymous.” We’ve got two of Stuart’s older stories on today’s episode. One from the very early days of the show; it’s one you may not have heard before. These two stories are both about…stealing! But, as Jess observes, they’re also about parenting, and love, and respect. And they’re both hilarious! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
“Of all of the theatres, in all the complexes, in all of the towns, she walks into mine.” This week on the pod we’re at the movies, basking in the light of the silver screen. We have Stuart McLean’s Ode to the Movies, recorded at the glorious Capitol Theatre in Port Hope; including a fascinating story about a celebrity interview (with Peter O’Toole) from Stuart’s journalism days. And we have a story about Sam and Murphy’s movie theatre adventures. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
“I have a genealogy, said Carl. Of the starter. Like a family tree. I have it in a frame in the den.” A pandemic favourite on this week’s episode: Dave and the Sourdough Starter! And we have two more stories for you, stories about deception! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
“In celebration of 100 years. Big Narrows, Cape Breton. Centennial Baby.” In our first story this week, Dave is jolted back in time by a sudden reminder of someone from long ago, someone he hadn’t thought about for years. And Jess shares the surprising reason why it took so many years to release our second story.You can find our latest CD, So Long for Now, at our store page on vinylcafe.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
“It’s funny the things that you miss.” For you love birds out there, we’re playing one of our most requested love stories today. The chocolate bar story! And Jess plays an entertaining story exchange and reflects on the somewhat less romantic side of Valentines Day. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
“I didn’t know you were a fan of Mr. Bond…” On this week’s episode we’re spending time in Dave’s childhood neighbourhood: Big Narrows, Cape Breton. Our first story is a hilarious tale of literary adventures, while the adventures in our second story are of the vehicular variety. And Jess shares the inspiration behind that story, inspiration from closer to home. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
“How could he explain skulking around their property when he was supposed to be inside eating”Oh Dave, how do you manage it! This week, two more hilarious stories from Stuart McLean, stories about good intentions gone awry.Plus, an exciting announcement about an upcoming project (hint: you’ll finally get to meet Dave). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
We’re on the road again! On this week’s episode, two of Stuart’s popular postcards from Canada, from two memorable spots across the country that we visited with the Vinyl Cafe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
“It’s a tricky thing to negotiate, the war of independence” Today on the pod, Sam and Stephanie step towards independence, while Dave and Morley learn to let go. And Jess shares a backstory about the inspiration behind Stuart McLean’s story, Dream Bunnies. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
“Two men who should have known better, climbing onto an old wooden toboggan” Happy New Year and welcome back to Season 5 of Backstage at the Vinyl Cafe! We’ll be with you all the way to summer. But right now, summer is the last thing on our minds: this week’s podcast is all about winter and the joys and perils of winter sports. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Happy New Year everyone! Join us in 2025 for a brand new season of Backstage at the Vinyl Cafe - featuring heartwarming and hilarious stories and essays by Stuart McLean. Plus behind-the-scenes back stories by longtime Vinyl Cafe producer, Jess Milton. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
“Light, said Dave, amidst the darkness.”An extra episode for the holidays with a special story about Dave and Sam out and about on a perfect winter’s night. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
“There is something about sitting on a plastic chair several sizes too small for you that puts you in touch with feelings you never knew you had.” Ah, the trials and tribulations of Christmas preparations! On today’s episode we have two wonderful stories for you: our first is the final Christmas story Stuart wrote. Jess tells the backstory of the recording of that story, and the strong emotions that came with it. Our second story is vintage festive Vinyl Cafe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
“It will snow. And it will be deep and crisp and even.”Some alternate approaches to festive gift giving on this week’s pod. In our first story a mysterious parcel keeps the family guessing, while in our second, Dave will go to any lengths to give Morley her Christmas wish. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
“He stuck his head in the dryer. It was not the wisest decision.”Today on the pod, two more stories of festive shenanigans. Mary and Polly try to outdo each other as the ultimate party planner, while the neighbourhood races to keep up. And in our second story, Sam smuggles home a fragrant guest for the Christmas holidays. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
“Genius should never be confused with desperation.”Woohoo! It’s time to play some Christmas stories. This week, two stories from Dave’s hometown of Big Narrows. In the first, Dave tries to find the perfect gift to win Morley’s heart; in the second, his homemade float causes chaos in the Christmas parade! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
“Bad things happen at sea.”Today’s episode is all about aging – in the best possible way! Mistakenly booked onto a seniors’ cruise, Dave has more fun than he could ever have imagined. And in our second story Morley learns that her mom’s independence is something to celebrate. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
“The door to days gone by is a strange little door.”Today on the podcast, two stories about jobs and some of Dave’s more unusual work experiences. In the first, in a fit of nostalgia he gets a paper route; in the second story he gets a taste of life on the road with a ‘vintage’ rock band.For more information about our brand new album, SO LONG FOR NOW, check out our website, www.vinylcafe.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
“I will never forget that day.”We have something very special for you this week. From one of the most-requested Vinyl Cafe episodes, this is Stuart’s re-telling of the life story of holocaust survivor (and my husband’s Zaidie) David Kilberg.This episode features music by the Manitoba band Finjan, from the album “Dancing on Water”. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
“How can you deny an old man his dying wish?”This week’s episode is all about the powerful pull of home. We start with a story about Dave’s neighbours Eugene and Maria and their longing for their hometown of Rendi. And in our second story, an event in Dave’s Big Narrows brings back a cascade of memories. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
“It was one of those moments that make you wonder if your life is cursed.”In this week’s episode, two stories of a mystical flavour, with mysterious encounters for both Stephanie and Dave. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
“How was Dave supposed to know the Madden kids were all lactose intolerant.”Today on the pod, two stories where Dave bites off more than he can chew. In the first he babysits a cell phone that is left in the store; in the second he attempts to babysit some neighbourhood kids, with hilarious consequences. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Our Thanksgiving tradition: The Arthur Awards! Two more of our favourite Vinyl Cafe Arthur Awards. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
“The day Annie began violin lessons was the most exciting day of her life."This week’s episode is all about music. It was such an integral part of both the radio show and the touring show. We have two music stories for you today. The first story is about the trials and tribulations of music lessons. In the second, a departed friend is celebrated in song. You’ll even briefly hear Stuart’s dulcet tones as he sings along! For more information about the sound sculpture Forty-Part Motet see https://www.gallery.ca/whats-on/exhibitions-and-galleries/janet-cardiff-forty-part-motet-2 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
“He was a great dog.”Today on the podcast, two stories about dogs – one of my favourite subjects! The first is about Dave’s two dogs: Scout and, of course, Arthur. The second is a listener story about a remarkably faithful friend. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
“Carl didn’t want to retire.”Today on the podcast, two stories about embracing change. Dave’s neighbour Carl Lowbeer (and his wife Gerda) get to grips with a major change in their lives: retirement! And Stephanie starts her new life at university. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
“I made predictions. They are all coming true.”This week, we’re talking about kids and independence. In our story, Sam gets guidance from an unexpected source: a fortune teller named Madame Nina. And we have a very special script: about trust, and hope, and goodness. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
“He came downstairs in a Grateful Dead t-shirt and a pair of bell bottoms.” Welcome back for Season 4 of Backstage at the Vinyl Cafe! This week, two stories about school: Dave gets nervous about presenting to a class at university; while Sam and Murphy go to their first school dance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
We’re so excited to be back next week with Season 04 of Backstage at the Vinyl Cafe. Join us for hilarious Vinyl Cafe stories and inspiring scripts by Stuart McLean. Here's a sneak peek... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this bonus episode you’ll hear my conversation with Roger Woodward, the boy who went over the falls. You loved hearing his remarkable story in our Niagara Falls episode (back in October 2023) and wanted to hear more. Roger and I had a great time catching up and I learned so much more about that momentous day. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
By popular request, for our first bonus episode of season 3, this is part II of Stuart and I in studio, back in 2011, talking - and laughing - about some of his most hilarious bloopers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
“There is nothing like a neighbour throwing money about their garden to make you feel bad about yours.” It's summer all the way on this week’s episode. In our first story, Mary Turlington unwittingly trips off a chain of events that get heated under the summer sun. And in the second, Sam and Murphy have the summer of a lifetime in Big Narrows, Cape Breton. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
“It was Sam’s first year in high school. And it was not going well.” Sam’s turn this week: We have a story about Sam’s first job and about finding his passion. Plus, an essay from Stuart McLean about his first jobs. Including his life-changing experience at summer camp. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
“How bad could it be? Statistics. That’s how bad it could be.” This week, two stories about Dave and Morley’s daughter, Stephanie – Stephanie at school and at work. Jess talks about Stuart’s goals in writing those stories and what they show us about success … and failure. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
“Whenever the cat is around, things seem to go wrong.” This week, Dave discovers a stowaway on the family road trip, with hilarious consequences. And Jess shares two more of Stuart McLean’s Postcards from Canada: from St John’s, NFLD in the east and Powell River, B.C. in the west. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
“Not everyone in the world is cut out to be a school janitor.” We’re full of the milk of human kindness on this week’s podcast. We play Stuart’s heartwarming interview with one of our favourite Arthur Award winners and Jess awards an Arthur of her own – to a Vinyl Cafe character! Plus, a Dave and Morley story that you may not have heard before. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
“A hive of bees is like a harvest kitchen. They gather up the summer: the heat of the sun, the warmth of the rain…” This week on the podcast, two Stuart McLean stories to whet your appetite for summer. In the first, Dave remembers an incredible woodland encounter from his youth in Cape Breton; in the second, Eugene puts Sam and Murphy on the trail of a bee line. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
“It started like a sprint. One moment you were standing still, and the next you were running as fast as you could.” Hold on tight! On today’s show, in time for Mother’s Day, two Vinyl Cafe stories about motherhood. And Jess shares a backstory about her own experiences – cue the bucking bronco! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
“It says it’s one of the most wonderful tastes in the world.” It’s a gastronomical episode of the podcast today. Stuart loved writing about his favourite foods – both in fiction and non-fiction – and Jess has gathered some great examples of both for today’s show. Plus a hilariously endearing story about Sam’s first passion. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
“He’s not well, Stuart.” We’re going way back today with two pieces from pre-Vinyl Cafe days! One is a favourite you’ve been requesting, back from Stuart McLean’s regular appearances on Peter Gzowski’s Morningside. (Spoiler alert: You’ll see what happens when two presenters get the giggles on live radio.) Excerpt from Morningside reproduced by permission of CBC Licensing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
“There are only so many holes a man can cut in his own house before he is told to stop.” Today on the show, two classic Stuart McLean stories, including Odd Jobs. That’s the one where Dave tries his hand at some home renovations, with hilarious consequences. And Jess has a backstory about the magic of Vinyl Cafe audiences. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
“I guess I figured having a fish head could come in handy.” On this week’s episode Stuart celebrates the joys of birding and the Spring bird migration. And we have two springy stories, including a favourite from the Vinyl Cafe story exchange. To submit your short, true story to the Story Exchange, send it to vinylcafe@vinylcafe.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
“There is nothing like a wedding to addle people’s minds.” Today on the pod we have two hilarious stories about marriage and proposal. In the first, Dave loses his wedding ring and fears it may have been swallowed by a duck! In the second, Dave’s mom Margaret surprises everyone by agreeing to marry again. And Jess shares her own experience of wedding rings and proposal. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
“Eugene’s fig tree is the best-known tree in the neighbourhood.” We’re all about gardening on the podcast this week, with two Dave and Morley stories about the act of faith and hope that goes into creating a garden. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
“It was 4:30 in the morning and Dave was having a nightmare about something that smelled bad.” On today’s episode we have a fragrant story from way back. And Jess chats in studio with Stuart’s old friends David and Elizabeth, who share how Morley got her name—and surprise Jess with some entertaining backstories of their own! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
“It is the best maple syrup I have ever had, said Sam.”We’re celebrating one of the wonders of spring on the pod this week: Stuart waxes lyrical about his favourite tipple, maple syrup, then tells a story about the time Dave tried to make his own. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
“The kids were always up to something in the Narrows.” This week’s episode is all about kids and what we can learn from them. The first story relates an adventure from when Dave was a boy. In the second, Dave’s adventures continue, with a little help from his son Sam. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
“By the end of the first trimester, Dave had put on 12lbs.” A surprising theme links our two stories this week. In the first, Dave has a hellish trip to the grocery store—and Jess has a backstory about what shopping with Stuart was really like. Our second story takes us back to the early days of Dave and Morley’s relationship, when Morley is pregnant with their first child. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Thank you so much for bringing Dave, Morley, their family, and, especially, Stuart back. I have missed the gentle humor. And it's just what I need now.
I didn’t realize how much I missed The Vinyl Cafe. Listening to these stories is reminding me how much I need to laugh more often. Thanks!
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hi, the 2nd story got cut off early. it cuts right when Dave is considering peeing on the antenna.
Thank goodness for this podcast! This is what is getting me through those long run days! If you see an old lady running along laughing out loud- it’s probably a Dave story that has cracked me up! Rest in peace Stuart McLean! You are unmatched!
fantastic! Love and miss him dearly!!
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