The Herle Burly

Dave Bidini—acclaimed journalist, author, and musician—joins The Herle Burly to explore his take on the rise of right-wing populism, local democracy, and the shifts in our culture today. Bidini, better known as a founding member of the Rheostatics, recently created a new, local, print newspaper in Toronto's West End called the West End Phoenix. A new book will also be released from Bidini later this year.

In a world where right-wing populism is reborn and classic rock is dying, a Canadian man rises so that Canadian stories might rise with him… an acclaimed journalist, an acclaimed author, a Gemini award winner. Dave Bidini of the Rheostatics and the West End Phoenix, speaks openly about democracy, local communities, and the roots of Canadian music. Coming to The Herle Burly podcast in just a few days.

Today we had the great opportunity to talk with Kory Teneycke. He has been on the ground floor of many Conservative campaigns and most recently ran the successful PC party campaign under Doug Ford. 

Thomas Frank is the author of two of the most important books on American politics in the last decade. “What's the Matter with Kansas” explored why lower socioeconomic voters vote reliably Republican in certain jurisdictions in the United States and the role that culture plays in that decision. And then “Listen Liberal” released in 2016 outlines the issues with the Democratic Party and why—if the Republicans govern for the 1 percent—Democrats don't govern for the 99 percent. Thomas Frank joins us to talk about those books, income inequality, and working-class voters in American politics. 

We’re back! Welcome to season two of The Herle Burly, and boy, what a time to pick things up. On our first episode back we’re talking about… what else, the Ontario PC leadership race. In our first ever panel discussion, my dear friends Jaime Watt and Scott Reid join me to offer their insight on what could be the most bizarre story in Canadian politics today (if not ever).

Welcome to part 2 of the conversation with New York Times bestselling author, Chuck Klosterman. From sports to music, Chuck is one of the most influential pop culture critics in North America today.On this episode, Chuck debates a point Rob Bowman made on a previous episode of The Herle Burly. Chuck gives us his take on how many rock bands will ultimately be remembered and who those musicians will be when the history books are written.Thanks for listening to our discussion about music and culture, and about what we can expect next from Chuck Klosterman.

Chuck Klosterman is the New York Times bestselling author who is known for his focus on American culture, sports and music. His books include Sex, Drugs, and Cocoa Puffs; Eating the Dinosaur; Killing Yourself to Live; The Visible Man; and Fargo Rock City. Chuck’s essays and columns have been featured in GQ, The New York Times, Spin, The Washington Post, The Guardian, and Grantland.Part 1 of our conversation is about the future of the NFL, Trump and American culture today, and the state of journalism in society.I'm thrilled Chuck could join The Herle Burly via telephone from his home in Portland.

Back again with Grammy award winner and world renowned musicologist, Rob Bowman.On this episode, we will discuss The Rock and Rock Hall of Fame—who belongs and who doesn’t—and who will matter when the history of music is written 100 years from now.But most of what we discuss on part 2 is the intersection of music and politics. Drawing from Rob’s expertise we’ll explore protest music from the sixties and seventies and what today’s sometimes ugly culture will mean for contemporary popular music.

If you’ve seen the movie Almost Famous, my guest Rob Bowman lived the life of that teenage journalist. Rob would take days off during high school to interview band’s like Jefferson Airplane and Pink Floyd, then would return to class with stories for all his friends.Rob Bowman is one of the world’s most recognized experts in popular music, travelling with bands, writing their liner notes, and being nominated for multiple Grammy awards.Join us for part one where we’ll talk about the Beatles, the Stones, the Band, Elton John, and everything in between.

In my conversation with Robbie Robertson, we talked about a lot of different things – the history of The Band, politics and the Trump era, his indigenous background, music and discrimination in the US south in the 60’s – but it is when we were talking about music that he most came alive.  You can just tell that music still has the power to move and amaze him.  In Part 2, we are going to talk about how “somewhere down The Crazy River” came together, the connection to New Orleans that inspired Storyville, and what music and artists he is listening to now.  Join me for another 40 minutes under the spell of this genius.