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Sleepless
Behind the Mic with Michael and Marianna from The Sonar Podcast Network
Robin and Tom chat with Michael Mongiardi and Marianna Miniotis from the Sonar Podcast Network, diving into how they built an award-winning podcast empire from scratch. They share the origin story of going from a small indie collective to producing hits like StanLand (starring Bobby Moynihan, Rhea Seehorn and Jon Hamm ), and discuss the highs and lows of creative work.
Along the way, they cover networking, burnout, and why community matters in podcasting. Plus a few laughs about millennial slang and meeting your heroes. A must-listen for creators and podcast fans alike.
Listen now - and as always, stay sleepless.
For your new favourite podcast, follow The Sonar Network
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Or search for The Sonar Network in your favourite podcat app!
Check out the new hit podcast StanLand starring Bobby Moynihan, Rhea Seehorn, Jon Hamm, John Waters and more at www.standlandseries.com
Follow Sleepless Studios on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/sleeplesssocials/
And Listen or watch the Sleepless Podcast at:
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/sleepless/id1742839487
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/39oExSG7o0vAh48xLwahRL?si=02f46a21a48346ea
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ty-VM2J9ibs&list=PLLwseAJLDjWtWJ7zLMSdJ4JBRd0wy0kBK
And if you're an artist in the Toronto area, come check out Sleepless Studios https://www.sleeplessstudios.io/
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2. From Open Decks to Opportunity with Cylla from Carepackage.fm
51:57||Season 3, Ep. 2In this episode of Sleepless, we sit down with Cylla. A multidisciplinary creative, DJ, and founder of Care Package. We explore his path through Toronto’s music scene. and we discus the rise of Care Package, the struggle to break into DJing, and how he built his own opportunities through community-driven events. Cylla shares his musical influences, dream gigs, and hopes for transforming Care Package into a platform that connects DJs with venues and expands creative opportunities across the city.Please enjoy this fascinating discussing, and as always, stay sleepless.Check out Care Package at:Website: https://www.carepackage.fm/Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/carepackage_fmInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/carepackage.fmRadio: https://soundcloud.com/carepackagefmFollow Sleepless Studios on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/sleeplesssocials/And Listen or watch the Sleepless Podcast at:Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/sleepless/id1742839487Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/39oExSG7o0vAh48xLwahRL?si=02f46a21a48346eaYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ty-VM2J9ibs&list=PLLwseAJLDjWtWJ7zLMSdJ4JBRd0wy0kBKAnd if you're an artist in the Toronto area, come check out Sleepless Studios https://www.sleeplessstudios.io/
1. Manifesting Success with Superstar Simone Denny of Love Inc.
01:00:39||Season 3, Ep. 1In this episode, Simone Denny shares her journey from Toronto talent shows to international dance music stardom. She discusses the making of "You're a Superstar," the realities of the music industry, and the importance of staying true to yourself. The conversation is filled with insights on creativity, resilience, and the power of music to inspire.So sit back, enjoy this in depth interview with an actual Superstar, and as always, stay sleepless.Listen to Simone Denny: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5iksvBurqxFh3zWac6GZGsListen to Love Inc.: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3l92Uh3rqMSv8blPDWNTZx Listen to Home Crowd: https://open.spotify.com/track/0yPbuyPwMwUNBUICoHywKsListen to "You're a Superstar" - Country: https://open.spotify.com/track/3e9ivkCu0NrE48rxlHc1yeFollow Simone on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/simonedennymusic/Follow Sleepless Studios on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/sleeplesssocials/And Listen or watch the Sleepless Podcast at:Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/sleepless/id1742839487Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/39oExSG7o0vAh48xLwahRL?si=02f46a21a48346eaYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ty-VM2J9ibs&list=PLLwseAJLDjWtWJ7zLMSdJ4JBRd0wy0kBKAnd if you're an artist in the Toronto area, come check out Sleepless Studios https://www.sleeplessstudios.io/
11. Unpacking Creativity with Cody Crain
50:14||Season 2, Ep. 11It's the season finale of SLEEPLESS! The boys are taking a much-needed break but will be back in November for Season 3! But for now, we have one more special episode, and for this season finale, hosts Robin and Tom sit down with special guest Cody Crain (CBS's Ghosts) to dive deep into the creative process. Together, they explore the challenges and triumphs of bringing ideas to life, sharing personal stories, late-night inspirations, and the realities of working in creative fields. Cody opens up about his journey, the moments that keep him up at night, and the strategies he uses to stay motivated and inspired. And most importantly watch Robin get absolutely SCHOOLED by Tom and Cody on the topic of brunch. Tune in for an honest, engaging, and humorous discussion about creativity, persistence, and the art of staying Sleepless.Listen to Cody's Podcast Spooked! as it approaches its 500th episode and SERIES FINALE at www.thesonarnetwork.com/spookedFollow Cody on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/cocrain/Follow Sleepless Studios on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/sleeplesssocials/And Listen or watch the Sleepless Podcast at:Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/sleepless/id1742839487Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/39oExSG7o0vAh48xLwahRL?si=02f46a21a48346eaYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ty-VM2J9ibs&list=PLLwseAJLDjWtWJ7zLMSdJ4JBRd0wy0kBKAnd if you're an artist in the Toronto area, come check out Sleepless Studios https://www.sleeplessstudios.io/
10. The Art of Starting Over with Elaine Empalmado
45:03||Season 2, Ep. 10In this episode of Sleepless, hosts Robin and Tom welcome their special guest Elaine Empalmado, a multi-talented musician, content creator, and former hospitality professional. Elaine shares her inspiring journey from working in the service industry to embracing sobriety and building a thriving career as a full-time content creator. She opens up about her struggles with addiction, the challenges of changing careers, and the realities of life as an entrepreneur in the digital age.Elaine discusses the importance of creative outlets, the ups and downs of social media, and how she found her unique voice online. The conversation also dives into the pressures of content creation, the value of authenticity, and practical advice for anyone looking to start their own creative journey. Whether you’re an aspiring creator or just looking for an honest, motivating story, this episode is packed with insights and real talk.Follow Elaine on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/itselaineempalmado/Follow Sleepless Studios on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/sleeplesssocials/And Listen or watch the Sleepless Podcast at:Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/sleepless/id1742839487Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/39oExSG7o0vAh48xLwahRL?si=02f46a21a48346eaYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ty-VM2J9ibs&list=PLLwseAJLDjWtWJ7zLMSdJ4JBRd0wy0kBKAnd if you're an artist in the Toronto area, come check out Sleepless Studios https://www.sleeplessstudios.io/
9. Beyond the Wig: Finding Family and Self in Drag with Hillary Yaas
48:32||Season 2, Ep. 9Join hosts Robin and Tom as they welcome the multi-talented drag artist Hillary Yas for a candid, funny, and insightful conversation about the creative process, the evolution of drag, and the importance of chosen family. From theater school stories to the realities of performing, improv, and podcasting, this episode dives deep into identity, community, and the power of self-expression, with plenty of laughs and behind-the-scenes tales from the world of drag.And as always, stay sleepless.Follow Hillary:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hillaryyaasYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@happytoseemepodCheck out her upcoming shows here: https://hillaryyaas.com/shows-1Listen to her comedy album here: https://music.apple.com/ca/album/part-time-everything/1793497040 Or listen to Hilllary on her award-winning podcast, Squirrel Talk, on The Sonar Network:https://thesonarnetwork.com/squirrel-talk/Follow Sleepless Studios on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/sleeplesssocials/And Listen or watch the Sleepless Podcast at:Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/sleepless/id1742839487Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/39oExSG7o0vAh48xLwahRL?si=02f46a21a48346eaYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ty-VM2J9ibs&list=PLLwseAJLDjWtWJ7zLMSdJ4JBRd0wy0kBKAnd if you're an artist in the Toronto area, come check out Sleepless Studios https://www.sleeplessstudios.io/
8. The Creative Hustle: Acting, Auditioning, and Podcasting with Alexa Steele
52:04||Season 2, Ep. 8In this episode of the Sleepless Podcast, Robin and Tom are joined by special guest Alexa Steele. Alexa is known for her roles in 'Degrassi' and the 'Jan' sitcom, as well as her own podcast 'Steele My Story'. Alexa shares insights about her acting career, the creative process, and the challenges of the industry. They discuss the significance of staying true to oneself in auditions, the ups and downs of the acting world, and how the pandemic changed the audition process.Follow Alexa:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexasteeleYouTube: https://youtube.com/watch?v=qkphuvNE3uUListen to Alexa on her hit podcast, Happy To See Me, on The Sonar Network:https://thesonarnetwork.com/steele-my-story/Follow Sleepless Studios on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/sleeplesssocials/And Listen or watch the Sleepless Podcast at:Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/sleepless/id1742839487Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/39oExSG7o0vAh48xLwahRL?si=02f46a21a48346eaYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ty-VM2J9ibs&list=PLLwseAJLDjWtWJ7zLMSdJ4JBRd0wy0kBKAnd if you're an artist in the Toronto area, come check out Sleepless Studios https://www.sleeplessstudios.io/
7. Underestimated and Unstoppable with Survivor-winner Erika Casupanan
51:43||Season 2, Ep. 7In this episode, we sit down with Erika, the first Canadian winner of Survivor, to unpack her journey from a decade in PR to reality TV stardom—and the pivotal moment she quit her stable job, betting on herself no matter the outcome.And as always, stay sleepless.Follow Erika:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erika_casYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@happytoseemepodOr book her to speak at your next event: https://www.erikacasupanan.com/keynote-speakerListen to Erika on her award-winning podcast, Happy To See Me, on The Sonar Network:https://thesonarnetwork.com/happy-to-see-me/Check out the new hit podcast StanLand starring Bobby Moynihan, Rhea Seehorn, Jon Hamm, John Waters and more at www.standlandseries.comFollow Sleepless Studios on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/sleeplesssocials/And Listen or watch the Sleepless Podcast at:Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/sleepless/id1742839487Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/39oExSG7o0vAh48xLwahRL?si=02f46a21a48346eaYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ty-VM2J9ibs&list=PLLwseAJLDjWtWJ7zLMSdJ4JBRd0wy0kBKAnd if you're an artist in the Toronto area, come check out Sleepless Studios https://www.sleeplessstudios.io/
5. Studio Stories with Scotty Hard
58:27||Season 2, Ep. 5In this raw and unfiltered episode, legendary producer and engineer Scotty Hard takes us through his journey from Vancouver’s underground scene to the heart of New York hip-hop’s golden era. He shares wild studio stories—like the time RZA dropped $30K at Guitar Center in one trip—and reflects on how hip-hop has changed since its early days. From the chaotic sessions behind Wu-Tang Forever to his thoughts on Spotify’s impact on creativity, Scotty doesn’t hold back. Plus, he drops wisdom for aspiring artists. Whether you’re a music nerd or just love a good behind-the-scenes tale, this one’s a must-listen.Listen now - and as always, stay sleepless.Follow Scotty Hard:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thescienceofseshLinktree: https://linktr.ee/scottyhardFollow Sleepless Studios on Instragram at: https://www.instagram.com/sleeplesssocials/And Listen or watch the Sleepless Podcast at:Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/sleepless/id1742839487Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/39oExSG7o0vAh48xLwahRL?si=02f46a21a48346eaYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ty-VM2J9ibs&list=PLLwseAJLDjWtWJ7zLMSdJ4JBRd0wy0kBKAnd if you're an artist in the Toronto area, come check out Sleepless Studios https://www.sleeplessstudios.io/