The Gould Standard

In this episode of The Gould Standard, Alexander Neef, General Director of the Opéra national de Paris, joins Brian Levine to reframe how we think about opera, and to provide a user-friendly on-ramp for opera-curious newcomers. Beginning with its roots in Renaissance Italy, Neef traces opera’s evolution from courtly entertainment to a global cultural force,...

Artist Chris Levine takes listeners inside the cutting edge of portraiture, where art, science, and spirituality come together. From the technical challenges of holography, where even microscopic vibrations can ruin an image, to pioneering image making that led to his iconic portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, Levine reveals how precision and intuition shape his work. He recounts the surreal experience of photographing the Queen, the pressure of reimagining one of the most depicted figures in history, and how a second sitting unlocked the now famous Equanimity image. The conversation then turns to Elton John, exploring their creative collaboration, Levine’s contributions to the Elton John AIDS Foundation, and the challenge of capturing both the performer’s flamboyance and inner stillness. Blending innovation with introspection, Levine reflects on art as a path to healing, the power of light, and how moments of stillness can reveal something profoundly human beneath the surface.

Join Dr Gabor Maté and Brian Levine in this enlightening episode of The Gould Standard, as they explore the profound impact of music on the human experience. Delve into topics ranging from the primal elements of music and its role in early childhood development, to the therapeutic potential of music in trauma recovery. Maté and Levine recount powerful anecdotes, share personal experiences, and discuss the universality of music across different cultures. Discover how music, from lullabies to complex symphonies, serves as a profound source of emotional and psychological nourishment.

Join us for part one of a revelatory conversation (presented at The Promise of Music - The First World Congress on the Social Impact of Music presented by The Glenn Gould Foundation in October 2025). Dr. Gabor Maté is a world-renowned authority on trauma and its wide-ranging harms. Noted for his compassion, wisdom and holistic approach to mind and body, Dr. Maté is a best-selling author, and internationally sought-after speaker. Dr. Maté discusses his foundational understanding of trauma, and its destructive effects on mental and physical health, relationships and society at large. Discover how deep-seated psychic wounds influence physical diseases, addictions, and societal behaviours. The discussion also explores the intergenerational transmission of trauma and its socio-political ramifications, alongside the alternatives offered by different cultures, including those of Indigenous peoples. This episode delves into the unity of mind and body, the profound impact of unresolved trauma, and the broader implications for society and our collective history.

Join host Brian Levine on The Gould Standard podcast as he welcomes back the prolific and insightful Stephen Fry. In this episode, Fry reflects on his roles in 'Wilde,' 'V for Vendetta,' and 'Gosford Park,' and explores the future of art in an AI-dominated world. Touching on themes of creativity, persecution, and the intersection of technology and society, Fry provides thought-provoking insights into both his artistic journey and the ethical challenges posed by artificial intelligence. Don't miss this captivating conversation filled with humour, wisdom, and a call to cherish and safeguard human ingenuity.

Rick Beato is a musical and internet phenomenon. On this episode of The Gould Standard, host Brian Levine sits down with Rick, a renowned music educator, producer, and YouTube sensation. Starting with discussion around Rick's early influences, including his classical music background and exposure to jazz. Rick shares his journey from teaching to becoming a successful music producer and YouTuber with 4.5 million subscribers and over 1.5 Billion views. Rick shares the secrets to the success of his popular Youtube series “What Makes This Song Great?,” the vital importance of ear training, the impact of technology on music production, the negative impacts of music streaming services and the irreplaceable importance of live performance. Rick also discusses his interviews with legendary musicians and the role of harmony (musically and emotionally) in creating impactful music. It’s an in-depth and inspiring discussion about one man’s passionate love of music and his dedication to sharing a lifetime of joy, insight and brilliant communication with devoted audiences globally.

Dr. Ahmad Sarmast, founder of the Afghanistan National Institute of Music (ANIM), Afghanistan’s first modern music academy, established in 2010 to preserve the beautiful musical heritage of his country after years of rule under the Taliban had attempted to ban and eradicate all musical culture. Bringing together a diverse student body that included young women and children from the most disadvantaged rung of society, ANIM was founded both to teach music and promote human advancement and social justice. Dr. Sarmast, a true musical hero, shares his powerful journey in this episode of The Gould Standard. We dive into the origins of ANIM, his experiences in Afghanistan, and the institute’s saga of escape and survival as it continues its mission following the Taliban's return to power in 2021. Dr. Sarmast reflects on Afghanistan's rich musical heritage and its role in uniting a nation torn apart by ethnic, civil, and religious strife. Dr. Sarmast’s dedication to the music and people of Afghanistan comes into dramatic focus as he recounts the personal threats he faced, including surviving a Taliban-orchestrated suicide bombing at a performance. Despite the dangers, Dr. Sarmast remained resolute in his mission to use music as a tool for education and healing. Dr Sarmast’s inspiring love for music with its power to heal and unify, shines when discussing the work of his students, faculty and the pride that he has seen them bring to the people of Afghanistan as a beacon of hope and freedom in dark times.

The inimitable Stephen Fry joins us for a warm and witty conversation, sharing stories from his rich and varied career, as a writer, actor, director, TV host, memoirist and all around polymath. Stephen talks about his latest acting projects with his signature charm, giving listeners a peek behind the curtain of his work in television and film. Fry also reflects on his adventures filming documentaries and traveling across America, offering humorous and heartfelt insights into the people and cultures he encountered along the way. As the conversation turns to his writing, Fry opens up about his deep love for classical myths, explaining why these ancient stories still captivate him—and why they continue to speak to us today. He also shares his thoughtful views on religion, exploring the connections between mythology and belief with the kind of sharp intellect and humor that have won him renown the world over. Whether discussing his work, travels, or philosophical musings, Fry’s passion and warmth make this episode an engaging and entertaining listen.

For your *continued* pleasure: a second, special bonus episode. The response of our audience has been overwhelmingly enthusiastic about the world premiere of the private, recorded conversation between Tim Page and Glenn Gould. They wanted to learn more about this unique audio document, and we’re happy to oblige. In this special program, Tim Page reflects on his spontaneous phone conversation with Glenn, and contrasts it with a later scripted interview for the 1982 Goldberg Variations recording, and recounts personal anecdotes, including a private piano performance by Gould. The episode also highlights Gould's appreciation for in-depth conversations free from clichéd questions and his humour, expressed through his fictitious alter egos, Theodore Slutz, Nigel Twitt-Thornwaite and Karlheinz Klopweisser. The discussion encompasses Gould's enormous influence on restoring the reputations composers like Strauss and Sibelius.

For your pleasure: a special bonus episode. The response of our audience has been overwhelmingly enthusiastic about the world premiere of the private, recorded conversation between Tim Page and Glenn Gould. They wanted to learn more about this unique audio document, and we’re happy to oblige. In this special program, Tim Page reflects on his spontaneous phone conversation with Glenn, and contrasts it with a later scripted interview for the 1982 Goldberg Variations recording, and recounts personal anecdotes, including a private piano performance by Gould. The episode also highlights Gould's appreciation for in-depth conversations free from clichéd questions and his humour, expressed through his fictitious alter egos, Theodore Slutz, Nigel Twitt-Thornwaite and Karlheinz Klopweisser. The discussion encompasses Gould's enormous influence on restoring the reputations composers like Strauss and Sibelius.

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to have received one of the legendary nocturnal phone calls from pianist Glenn Gould? For the first time, Gould Standard listeners will have the chance to eavesdrop on such a conversation, albeit one that took place in the daytime. Pulitzer prize winning music critic, Tim Page, is widely recognized as one of America’s leading writers on music and the arts. From an early age, he was fascinated by the music and ideas of the Canadian pianist, Glenn Gould. In October 1980, Gould agreed to a print interview with him to appear in the SoHo News. Tim scheduled a telephone conversation to prepare his article, which he recorded on cassette tapes. Rediscovering the tapes years later, Tim realized what a precious souvenir and historical document he had preserved. During this candid conversation, Gould unabashedly expresses his innermost feelings on topics such as recording vs. live musical performance, the concept of “The Idea of North,” and his perspectives on various composers and their works. The Gould Standard is grateful to Tim Page for letting us share this unprecedented and intimate look into the musical philosophies and eccentricities of one of the most brilliant musical minds of our era, in this world premiere presentation.

The Gould Standard welcomes Robert Lepage, the 10th Laureate of the Glenn Gould Prize, for a provocative and illuminating dialogue on his trailblazing career as an actor, director, playwright, and stage director. Drawing from his Québecois roots, Lepage reflects on how his background has shaped his artistic sensibility, from grand productions like Wagner's Ring Cycle at the Metropolitan Opera in New York to the intimate exploration of memory in his stage work "887." His dedication to pushing his art to the limit of the possible and beyond, while maintaining a deep connection to both personal and universal themes, underscores his belief in art as a transformative experience that transcends conventional boundaries.

This episode of The Gould Standard delves into the personal and artistic relationships between Glenn Gould, Cornelia Foss, and her family. We begin with Cornelia relating her first captivating encounter with Gould at a concert during her marriage with famed composer-conductor Lukas Foss, leading to Cornelia and Glenn’s eventual love affair. We explore the complex dynamics between Cornelia, Glenn, and Lukas, highlighting Gould's multifaceted personality - from his perceived reclusiveness to his warm, playful and affectionate side as experienced by the Foss children. Cornelia Foss reflects on the challenges and transformations of their relationships, particularly focusing on Gould's the alterations to his state of mind, which she attributes to his misuse of prescription medications, leading to the eventual breakdown of their partnership. The episode also touches on broader themes of artistry, memory, and the lasting influence of Glenn Gould on the Foss family and beyond, all while revealing lesser-known facets of Gould's character and the deeply intertwined lives of those who were closest to him.

In a compelling episode of the Gould Standard podcast, listeners are treated to an intimate conversation with American painter Cornelia Foss alongside her children, Christopher and Eliza. Delving into the rich tapestry of their family history from Europe to Hollywood to New York, and the life and career of Cornelia’s husband, the great American composer and conductor, Lukas Foss, the trio shares poignant insights into their lives intertwined with art and music. This two-part conversation also includes reminiscences of Cornelia’s almost 5-year love affair with Glenn Gould, which saw her and the children moving to Toronto to be with Gould. A rare and poignant account of a relationship that offers unique insights into the great pianist’s life and personality, from three first-hand, very personal perspectives.

David (Trent) Jaeger embodies a spirit of limitless adventure and versatility in the musical world, excelling as a composer, producer, and performer. His early explorations at the University of Wisconsin and the University of Toronto underscored his pioneering spirit as an advocate for experimentation around the emerging field of electronic music which produced a profound influence on Canadian contemporary music. He helped establish a cutting edge digital sound synthesis facility at the University of Toronto during the early 1970s. Embracing a new chapter at CBC in 1973, Jaeger curated Two New Hours, a landmark weekly radio series dedicated to bringing contemporary music to a wide audience. His collaboration with Glenn Gould allowed Jaeger to glean and share insights into the brilliance of the Canadian pianist.

In this second part of his extended conversation with Brian Levine, acclaimed Icelandic pianist, Víkingur Ólafsson, discusses a variety of topics related to his craft and passion for music. He discusses the polarizing effect of Glenn Gould and how his influence has inspired Ólafsson's own interpretation and performance of music. Ólafsson also questions the idea of so-called 'classical' music, arguing that the term could be removed altogether, as music is not bound by time or specific periods. He reveals insights into his creative process and how he prepares for recorded sessions and live concerts, emphasizing the importance of fine-tuning dynamics and maintaining unpredictability.

Víkingur Ólafsson, Iceland's superstar pianist, engages in captivating dialogue in Part One of his interview on the Gould Standard. From Reykjavik to New York, Ólafsson delves into the profound influence of his Icelandic roots and reflects on his educational journey from early studies with his parents to Juilliard. The conversation unveils a multifaceted glimpse into his musical philosophy, exploring topics ranging from his insights into Bach's Goldberg Variations (which he has just recorded, and which he calls the greatest work of keyboard music ever written) to his nuanced views on music competitions. Ólafsson boldly contends that exceptional art should act as a catalyst for societal discourse, with the potential to overcome divisions, following in the footsteps of one of his inspirations, Glenn Gould.

In this special episode of The Gould Standard, Katie Hafner, an accomplished author and journalist renowned for her works like "A Romance on Three Legs," takes the reins as guest host. The book delves into the eccentricities of pianist Glenn Gould and his obsession with finding the “perfect piano” - fabled Steinway concert grand CD-318. Pianist and educator Jim Prosser, upon reading the book, presented a surprising revelation – one of the pianos discussed in Katie’s book is none other than his current instrument. Prosser provides a captivating account of the instrument's history, its encounter with Gould, and its subsequent evolution. The interview offers a unique blend of musical passion, historical context, and personal connection.

In the second segment of this exclusive podcast interview, we continue to explore the remarkable life and achievements of the extraordinary Cécile McLorin Salvant. Beloved for her enthralling narrative flair, impeccable vocal mastery, and passion for traversing an extensive spectrum of musical genres, Cécile McLorin Salvant is one of the few true reigning divas of jazz. But her creativity, curiosity, and wayfaring imagination take her well beyond the boundaries of any one style or genre of expression. Cécile reflects on her creative process, the inspiration of Abbey Lincoln, French culture, medieval poetry, folk traditions, and her exploration of early American jazz, musical theater, and storytelling within her mesmerizing performances. Cécile discerns parallels between her classical training and jazz vocals, on full display in her recent albums Mélusine and Ghost Song, underscoring her commitment to infuse her singing with depth of feeling, sentiment, and vivid character portrayal.

Beloved for her enthralling narrative flair, impeccable vocal mastery, and passion for traversing an extensive spectrum of musical genres, Cécile McLorin Salvant is one of the few true reigning divas of jazz. But her creativity, curiosity and wayfaring imagination take her well beyond the boundaries of any one style or genre of expression. In this revealing conversation, Cécile unveils her musical roots stemming from her Haitian father, French mother, and choir experiences in Miami, later deepening her musical studies in France, where she was originally immersed in classical and baroque music. Following her first prize win at the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition in 2010, Cécile embarked on a voyage into the jazz milieu. Cécile reflects on her creative process, the inspiration of Abbey Lincoln, French culture, medieval poetry, folk traditions and her exploration of early American jazz, musical theater, and storytelling within her mesmerizing performances. Cécile discerns parallels between her classical training and jazz vocals, on full display in her recent albums Mélusine and Ghost Song, underscoring her commitment to infuse her singing with profundity, sentiment, and vivid character portrayal.

From his humble beginnings in Chennai, India, to becoming an international sensation, legendary musician AR Rahman shares his life story and his remarkable musical journey. In Part 2 of this exclusive podcast interview, we delve deeper into the extraordinary life and accomplishments of this multifaceted artist. Rahman reflects on his groundbreaking work composing the Oscar-winning score for the film Slumdog Millionaire, and offers his philosophical insights on music education and music-making, and the inspiring story of his visionary KM Music Conservatory in Chennai. Looking towards the future, Rahman shares his thoughts on the ever-changing landscape of the music industry, the influence of technology on creativity, and provides glimpses into his latest musical endeavors.

A.R. Rahman's early life, marked by personal loss and perseverance, served as a catalyst for his musical genius and set the stage for his unparalleled success as one of the most beloved musicians of our time. At the age of nine, Rahman began supporting his family by playing the keyboard in orchestras and working as a session musician. Catching the attention of renowned Indian film directors, Rahman began scoring for cinema, and his soundtracks became massive hits. Since then, Rahman has scored over 150 films, has won multiple Oscars, Grammys, numerous other awards and has collaborated with talent across the globe including Michael Jackson, Mick Jagger, and Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber. Involved with numerous charitable causes, in 2009 Rahman founded the Sunshine Orchestra, India’s first youth symphony for economically and socially disadvantaged children that receive free music education from his KM Music Conservatory.

The Gould Standard welcomes back acclaimed pianist James Rhodes to once again share his profound insights on music and life. With refreshing honesty, Rhodes delves into the transformative power of music and its indelible impact on his own life journey, from trauma to triumph. James fearlessly discusses his mission to break down barriers and make classical music accessible to all, challenging conventions and igniting a newfound passion among a diverse generation of music enthusiasts. Elena Deslongchamps, app developer, joins the interview to introduce the new creativity enhancing app The Daily Muse, whose aim is to counter toxic on-line culture, and she discusses James’s influence on its creation.

Vraidden von Strykenbach is a self-taught composer and pianist, and a good friend of The Glenn Gould Foundation. His grandfather was a member of the Tahltan First Nation in British Columbia, and Vraidden experienced an abusive childhood and spent his teen years living with poverty, homelessness, trauma and despair. Meet this extraordinary man and artist, as he recounts how he discovered the power of music, taught himself to play and compose, and in so doing, transformed his life. Vraidden's message of hope carries the powerful lesson that none of us is without value and each possesses the potential to bring beauty into the world, no matter how afflicted their situation.

Legendary musician Loreena McKennitt sat down with The Gould Standard to recount the journey for her illustrious career that has taken her from Morden, Manitoba to the far reaches of the globe. Known for her unique blend of Celtic, Middle Eastern, haunting melodies and poetic lyrics, she reveals her early inspirations and the vast array of cultures and musical traditions that have influenced her work over the years. McKennitt is not only a masterful storyteller and multi-instrumentalist but a music-biz whiz. She founded her own record label that allowed her to maintain creative control of her music and be involved in production, marketing and distribution of her albums.

Best-selling novelist Charles Palliser is best known for his debut novel, The Quincunx, a vast mystery set in Regency England that deftly combines Dickensian elements with contemporary techniques such as the use of unreliable narrators. Published in 1989, after 12 years of research and writing, this 800 page tour de force became an international best-seller. The Anglo-American Palliser was praised for his intricate plotting, vivid characters, and a portrayal of London in the early 19th century so shockingly realistic that Dickens wouldn’t have dared expose social conditions with such brutal honesty. Palliser has published four other successful novels including Betrayals, The Unburied and Rustication. Palliser’s newest novel Sufferance is projected for release near the end of 2023.

Award-winning science fiction writer, blogger and activist Cory Doctorow rallies the creative class against an ever-expanding industry of monopolies and monopsonies. Co-written by Australian scholar Rebecca Giblin, Chokepoint Capitalism unveils the tricks Big Tech and Big Content use to lock-in users and suppliers, eliminate competition, and extort creators and producers, and extract value so that artists can’t survive and audiences pay through the nose. Doctorow shares his thoughts on how we can recapture creative labor markets to make them fairer and more sustainable.

This month we talk to acclaimed children’s author Sarah Ellis and Illustrator Nancy Vo, who made the life story of Glenn Gould accessible to a younger audience through their new children’s book, As Glenn as Can Be. Sarah Ellis is an acclaimed Canadian children’s author of over 20 books and has won numerous prizes, including the Governor General’s Literary Award and TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award. For “As Glenn as Can Be,” she teamed up with the talented artist Nancy Vo to bring to life the story of Gould’s childhood in Toronto during the 1930s, to present a moving portrait of a solitary, deeply creative child who experiences the world differently from his peers, and finds liberating solutions to his challenges through technology. Go behind the scenes and listen to the thought and process behind the beautiful illustrations and story of the book and discover musical easter eggs hidden in the pictures.

Legendary trumpeter, composer and educator Wynton Marsalis takes us on a journey through his early life and formative influences. He discusses his evolution into one of the most influential jazz musicians of our time, how he learned to love the pioneers of jazz, his triumphs as the director of Jazz at Lincoln Center, his experiences with classical music and how he brought all these elements together brilliantly in his own boundary-breaking compositions.

The outstanding Canadian stage and film actor Colm Feore is among the most accomplished Shakespearean performers of our time, but has appeared as everything from a mad scientist (Gotham) to a Frost Giant of Jotunheim (Thor) and from German rocket scientist Werner von Braun (For All Mankind) to a Renaissance Pope (The Borgias). Colm shares fascinating insights into his remarkable career, including his preparation for this year’s Stratford production of Richard III, as well as his incandescent portrayal of Glenn Gould in Thirty Two Short Films about Glenn Gould.

Kevin Bazzana is the world’s leading authority on Glenn Gould, and one of the most perceptive, wry and interesting commentators on music anywhere. The author of the Gould biography Wondrous Strange and the past editor of Glenn Gould Magazine, he joins us for an insightful conversation about Gould, his continuing impact on the arts, and the significance of his 90th birth anniversary. This is another special episode celebrating GlennGould@90. 

Glenn Gould was propelled to stardom by his 1955 recording of Bach’s Goldberg Variations. After a lifetime of study and contemplation, and in anticipation of his 50th birthday, Gould decided to return for another trip to the summit of this musical Everest. His radical rethinking of the Goldbergs became a new masterpiece, admired by music-lovers around the world. It was also a valedictory statement: released on his 50th birthday, the album preceded the stroke that would end Gould’s life by a few days, a tragic bookend to a storied musical life. As Sony Classical releases a brand new 11-CD set of the complete 1981 Goldbergs session material, we talk with two consummate musical minds who were there with Gould during the creation of the recording: distinguished composer and producer Richard Einhorn, who was part of the production team, and Gould’s friend and Pulitzer Prize-winning critic, Tim Page. Enjoy these amazing insights into Gould's life and work as we revisit the birth of a legend in the annals of recording.

Join us for an inside look at the making of a Canadian film classic, 32 Short Films About Glenn Gould, which was shot 30 years ago. Renowned film, theatre and opera director François Girard is joined by actor, screenwriter and director Don McKellar as they reveal the creative process behind one of the most memorable and structurally daring works about a musician ever committed to film—their inimitable portrait of Glenn Gould. Listen to their conversation on why Glenn Gould continues to be a powerful artistic presence in their lives and imaginations, four decades after his death. This episode continues our series of GlennGould@90 podcasts celebrating the 90th anniversary of Gould’s birth in 2022.

New from Tapestry Opera, Gould’s Wall is a contemporary opera from Canadian composer Brian Current. This audacious work invokes Glenn Gould’s dizzying pursuit of artistic perfection, defying expectations as well as gravity by literally shifting the plane of reality from horizontal to vertical. Featuring composer Brian Current, librettist Liza Balkan, director Philip Akin, and Tapestry Opera’s Artistic Director, Michael Hidetoshi Mori, this special conversation contemplates art in its highest forms.

In a special encore presentation, we’re highlighting one of our most popular episodes with Laurie Anderson and Bob Ezrin, originally published in February 2021. Two of the most transformative musical forces of our time—Laurie Anderson and super-producer Bob Ezrin—sit down for a talk with host Brian Levine. This intimate conversation is one of old friends reminiscing on career highlights, the creative passions that drive them and, of course, their shared love of Lou Reed. Listen to Laurie and Bob's remarkable stories of days past, thoughtful perspectives on our current moment, and plans for future collaboration.

In the annals of world cinema, a select group of artists—the composers of film music—have earned a special place of honour. Their work unlocks the inner emotions of films, builds suspense, and drives the action in masterpieces as well as mass market franchise features. In this select company, Howard Shore holds a unique position. His creations showcase immense psychological depth, and his stylistic range spans collaborations with directors such as David Cronenberg, Martin Scorsese, Tim Burton and Peter Jackson. Howard spoke with us about the four distinct careers he’s had over the past few decades. He was a member of pioneering Canadian jazz-rock fusion band Lighthouse, then the first Music Director at Saturday Night Live. He became a composer of serious concert works and, finally, wrote some of the most memorable music in film history. This conversation covers it all, including his ascent of that musical Everest: the many hours of unforgettable orchestral and choral music created for The Lord of the Rings.

Jordi Savall is the greatest living specialist in Early Music. As a conductor, composer, and viola de gamba player, he studies music pre-dating Bach, performed with its specific instruments and styles. Savall has placed his passionate stamp on a repertoire spanning 1,300 years and ranging across Europe, the Middle East, the Balkans, Africa and the Americas. From rocking dance rhythms to sacred splendour, Savall makes the peoples of these distant times and cultures come alive again, sharing their joys and sorrows with us, and demonstrating that nothing human is ever beyond our empathy. In this rare conversation, the UNESCO Artist for Peace discusses his 50 years of bringing forgotten worlds to life.

In Part II of our conversation with pianist and YouTube sensation Nahre Sol, we explore how she creates her hugely successful online content. Nahre also dives deep into her stint as a PBS cohost, the creative process underpinning her debut album, and the triumphs and tribulations involved in her daily life as an artist and creator. In a tribute to Glenn Gould on his upcoming 90th birth anniversary, Nahre displays the wit and grace that have made her a favourite among piano-philes and music lovers everywhere.

Nahre Sol is a real pathfinder. A classically trained pianist, she has swapped the concert stage for a very different platform, becoming a hit YouTuber with over 460,000 subscribers. Now a successful composer and broadcaster, Nahre breathes fresh life into the classics with her blend of wit, musical brilliance and incisive explorations of everything from musical styles to mini-concerts on toy pianos. In this first part of an expansive interview, Nahre discusses her classical training and transition to multimedia forms of creative expression, as well as her wide range of musical influences.

Academy Award-winning director of ground-breaking documentaries such as Roger and Me and Fahrenheit 9/11, Michael Moore joins us for a revealing conversation about the early experiences that shaped his worldview. As a kid growing up in Flint, Michigan, Michael learned about standing up for his principles, resisting censorship, corruption and greed, and battling systemic injustice. Long before he shot his first foot of film, he was telling stories as a way to speak publicly about uncomfortable, political issues. Here, he talks about the uneasy balance between navigating teenage insecurity and finding the grit to become an activist—as well as his special relationship with Canada.

Gene Kelly remains one of the most beloved and iconic stars of Hollywood’s Golden Age, renowned for his dancing and singing in musicals such as An American in Paris, Singin' in the Rain and On the Town to Brigadoon. But Gene Kelly was also a hugely influential innovator, who transformed dance on the screen from tie-and-tails elegance to an everyman art form infused with athleticism and combining classical, folk and popular styles. His groundbreaking contributions to choreography and direction had a huge impact on musical theatre, contemporary dance and filmmaking, setting the stage for the work of Bob Fosse, Jerome Robbins and Twyla Tharp. As an actor, singer and dancer, he projected a persona that audiences loved, could identify with and root for, even while being dazzled by his spectacular production numbers. Patricia Ward Kelly, Gene’s widow, gives a personal view on their relationship, his contributions to cinema, and her ongoing work celebrating his legacy.

In a career studded with dramatic and directorial milestones, Sir Kenneth Branagh has scored an artistic triumph with his most personal film ever, Belfast—the fictionalized story of his own childhood amidst the Troubles in Northern Ireland. In this candid and wide-ranging conversation, the virtuoso actor-director takes us inside his exploration of childhood under siege, along with other career highlights, including his lifelong love-affair with the works of William Shakespeare.

Kat von D, by any measure, is one-of-a-kind. One of the world’s most celebrated tattoo artists, Kat defies the idea that while life is short, art is forever, choosing a medium that is inherently perishable: the human body. She rose to fame for her starring appearances on two popular TV shows, Miami Ink and LA Ink, and parlayed that recognition into a wildly successful entrepreneurial career through her line of makeup, simultaneously becoming both an alternative fashion icon and a social media sensation. Music has always been central to her creative inspiration, and while her image evokes the worlds of punk, metal and goth, she is equally devoted to the classical piano, citing Beethoven and Glenn Gould among her heroes. We caught up with Kat on the eve of the release of her first album, “Love Made Me Do It,” for a conversation ranging from her modest beginnings to her rise to fame and her new musical adventures.

On September 30, Canada marks the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. As we reflect on the painful history and ongoing impacts of the residential school system, we are grateful to present Part 2 of our conversation with Glenn Gould Prize Laureate Alanis Obomsawin — visionary Abenaki artist and one of Turtle Island’s most passionate advocates for Indigenous Peoples. In Part 1 we spoke with Alanis about her early life and formative experiences. In Part 2, Alanis and host Brian Levine talk in depth about her films, including "Trick or Treaty”, "When All The Leave Are Gone” and the heartwarming “Christmas at Moose Factory.” Through a lens of immense empathy and understanding, Alanis’ 53 films document the pain and outrage caused by colonialism and intergenerational trauma, as well as the unparalleled love, resilience and dreams of a people on the road to justice. At 89 years old, Alanis currently has 8 more films in production. This episode also features a special guest conversation with Glenn Gould Protégé Prize Winner Victoria Anderson-Gardner, a young Ojibwe filmmaker chosen by Alanis to receive the award. Alanis Obomsawin’s films are available for free through the National Film Board of Canada. We encourage you to watch, listen and reflect. Thank you, Alanis.

Alanis Obomsawin is the laureate of the 13th Glenn Gould Prize. She is also a transformative artist, often hailed as the “grandmother of Indigenous cinema.” Her 53 documentary films chronicle a vast range of Indigenous experience — incendiary outrage at generations of colonial injustice, the path toward reconciliation, and joyous celebrations of love and solidarity. Alanis is also an inspired visual artist, a teacher, storyteller and musician, whose singing illuminated the folk movement of the ‘60s and ’70s. Above all, she is a noble spirit whose life and work have pointed the way towards pride, healing and justice, a calling she has embraced throughout her 89 years with compassion and grace. In Part I of this two-part conversation, Alanis recounts the formative experiences that shaped her, and gave her the courage and determination to pursue her calling as one of the great truth-tellers of our time.

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In encore presentation of The Gould Standard, we are bringing back a fan-favourite episode - our conversation with Tatiana Maslany, originally published in December 2020. Please enjoy, and stay tuned for a new season of The Gould Standard coming this fall with powerful conversations that inspire. If the mark of a great actor is the ability to transform herself completely, then Tatiana Maslany is one of the finest of her generation. With her Emmy-winning breakout playing multiple cloned “sisters” in the TV series Orphan Black, Tatiana not only showed the world her incredible versatility but her ability to infuse her characters with compassion, diverse experiences, and an intense longing for connection. In this exclusive conversation, Tatiana and Brian talk about her beginnings growing up in Regina, Saskatechewan, her failure in gymnastics, passion for improv, zombie flicks, her latest role as a Depression era radio evangelist in Perry Mason, and of course, Sarah Manning, Alison, Cosima, Helena, Beth and all the other “sistras” from Orphan Black... and her recent experience as a juror for The Glenn Gould Prize.

In a special encore presentation, we're delighted to highlight our conversation with Cory Doctorow, originally published in October 2020. Stay tuned for a new season of The Gould Standard as we bring you even more thought-provoking conversations. Has technology ushered in a Brave New World of creativity, connectedness and individual empowerment— or has it created an invisible tool to enable surveillance, manipulation and the invasion of our privacy? Few people alive speak more clearly and provocatively to these issues than Cory Doctorow, award-winning science fiction writer, blogger and activist for a more open, accountable and human-rights-focused digital future. In this in-depth conversation with host Brian Levine, Cory explores the deep social engagement, sense of wonder, and occasionally, the rage that inspires his fiction and non-fiction writing.

Austin-based singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Mobley describes his style as "post-genre," an evocative mix of pop, soul, rock with inventive touches that defy classification. What marks him as one of the most interesting emerging artists today is his beguiling blend of searing social criticism with captivating melodies, all brilliantly on display in his recent album, Young and Dying in the Occident Supreme. In this revealing conversation, Mobley talks about re-inventing himself as a one-man band who creates a richly layered ensemble experience while performing solo, his work in film and video and his unique and haunting collaborative video project inspired by the parlour game "Exquisite Corpse.”

Ai Weiwei is a unique presence in the world of visual art - equal parts avant-garde icon, activist and moral conscience for our times. His courage is legendary both in pushing the boundaries between the new and the traditional in art and between art and politics. He has inspired the world with his defiance in the face of authoritarianism. Join us for a deeply moving conversation, ranging from Ai's origins and formative influences, his struggles to defend freedom of expression against the forces of repression, his monumental installations and his equally bold provocations of the powerful and complacent through his documentary films.