What if you’ve been thinking about podcast monetization all wrong? Greg Wasserman, Head of Relationships at RSS.com, breaks down what real ROI looks like—beyond ads and sponsorships. Whether you're a hobbyist or chasing full-time creator status, this conversation will reshape how you think about growth, strategy, and what it means to actually win in podcasting.

You'll learn:

• How to turn your podcast into a lead magnet for opportunities
• Why most podcasters fail—and how not to
• The overlooked value of community, trust, and long-term thinking
• Whether live shows and local partnerships are worth it
• What analytics actually matter

If you're serious about podcasting, this episode gives you the roadmap—and the reality check.

Subscribe for more interviews and unfiltered conversations about creative journeys, content strategy, and the real stories behind the mic.

In this powerful episode of Solo Spotlight, Ryan sits down with Alberta Sheriff and mental health advocate Jerry Galliford, the founder of the Alberta First Responders Association (AFRA).

From oil and gas layoffs to corrections and now sheriffs, Jerry’s journey into public service is a testament to resilience, reinvention, and purpose. What started as a peer-driven apparel initiative called Code 9 Canada has now grown into a non-profit that supports thousands of frontline workers with training, peer support, and mental health advocacy.

🔗 Links to AFRA, mental health resources, and support services are listed in the description below.

Official Website: ourafra.ca

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/company/ourafra

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ourafra/

Instagram: @albertafirstresponders

Alberta Health Services – Mental Health Helpline: 1-877-303-2642

In this powerful episode of Solo Spotlight, host Ryan MacDougall sits down with professional martial artist Alexander Krutskykh—a Karate Combat fighter, Golden Gloves boxing champion, certified nutritionist, and personal coach.

Born in Ukraine and now based in Canada, Alexander shares his journey from childhood competitions to global fight stages, revealing how hardship, discipline, and an unshakable mindset shaped his path. From overcoming immigration struggles to earning his shot in Miami with Karate Combat, Alex opens up about staying grounded, finding purpose, and what it truly means to “Stay Brave.”

Whether you're a combat sports fan, an athlete, or someone chasing their dream, this is a story of courage, persistence, and the will to rise—again and again.

🎧 Available on all platforms:

📍Follow Alexander: @alxndr_kru

📍Follow us: @Spare_Bedroom_Studios

In Episode 31 of Solo Spotlight, host Ryan MacDougall sits down with Shiloh Kenny, the founder of Operation Strong Dad. Shiloh shares his profound journey through childhood trauma, military service, mental health struggles, and the transformative power of fatherhood. This candid conversation delves into the complexities of healing, masculinity, and the courage it takes to break generational cycles.

Shiloh Kenny is the creator of Operation Strong Dad, a platform dedicated to supporting fathers navigating the challenges of trauma, mental health, and personal growth. Drawing from his own experiences with childhood adversity and military service, Shiloh offers insights and resources aimed at fostering resilience and intentional fatherhood. His mission is to empower men to heal and lead with authenticity.

If Shiloh's story resonated with you, consider following and supporting Operation Strong Dad:

Instagram: @operationstrongdad

In Episode 30 of Solo Spotlight, host Ryan MacDougall sits down with rising independent wrestler and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitor Jack O’Connor for a candid, unfiltered conversation about what it really takes to carve out space in the world of pro wrestling.

Born in the UK and raised in Alberta, Jack brings a unique perspective to the ring — combining a legit MMA and kickboxing background with the performance demands of being a heel on the indie wrestling scene. Together, Ryan and Jack unpack the psychology of in-ring storytelling, the struggle of balancing day jobs with passion, and the reality of mental and physical wellness behind the scenes.

From hecklers and small-town circuits to dream trips to Mexico and Japan, this episode is packed with insight, authenticity, and a behind-the-curtain look at what it's like to build something real while still finding your place in the spotlight.

In Solo Spotlight Episode 28, Ryan sits down with Oskar, a Serbian-born tattoo artist now thriving in Edmonton, Alberta. Oskar takes us through his fascinating journey from Serbia, detailing his initial inspiration to become a tattoo artist, his experiences fronting a metal band, and the challenges and triumphs of immigrating to Canada. Oskar reflects deeply on creativity, resilience, and the personal growth required to pursue his passions abroad. This episode explores the dynamics of working in tattoo shops, the emotional realities of immigration, balancing ambition with mental health, and embracing life's uncertainties.

Episode Timestamps:

00:00:00 - Intro & Meeting Oskar

00:05:00 - Fitness as a Creative Reset

00:10:00 - Starting Tattooing in Serbia

00:20:00 - Mentorship and Learning Tattoo Artistry

00:28:00 - Deciding to Immigrate to Canada

00:35:00 - Challenges of Immigration and Integration

00:42:00 - Managing Anxiety & Patience

00:49:00 - Music, Bands, and Creative Passion

00:54:00 - Importance of Collaboration and Community

01:00:00 - Client Relationships & Tattoo Shop Culture

01:05:00 - Reflections & Advice for Future Artists

01:10:00 - Episode Wrap-Up & Final Thoughts

🎧 Follow Oskar: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oskartattooer/

🎙️ Follow Spare Bedroom Studios:

YouTube: Spare Bedroom Studios

Instagram: @Spare_bedroom_studios

#SoloSpotlight #SpareBedroomStudios #TattooArt #ImmigrantStories #CreativeJourney #TattooArtist #SerbiaToCanada #EdmontonPodcast #PersonalGrowth #ArtistLife #CanadianCreators #TattooCulture

In this Bonus Episode 29 of Solo Spotlight, Ryan MacDougall sits down with the electrifying and fearless Amazing Boobzilla—a viral circus performer known for her outrageous stunts, sword swallowing, and unapologetic embrace of body positivity.

From touring with Paranormal Cirque IV across Canada to surviving a traumatic past and reclaiming her identity through performance art, Boobzilla shares an unfiltered look into the life of a sideshow star. This conversation is raw, eye-opening, and unforgettable.

🎟️ Catch The Amazing Boobzilla LIVE with Paranormal Cirque IV:

📍 Edmonton, AB – West Edmonton Mall 🗓️ May 2–12, 2025

📍 Red Deer, AB – Parkland Mall 🗓️ May 16–19, 2025

🔗 Follow Boobzilla on Instagram: @theamazingboobzilla

📣 Support the show & subscribe: Spare Bedroom Studios

💬 Leave a comment if this episode challenged your perspective.

#SoloSpotlight #TheAmazingBoobzilla #ParanormalCirque #BurlesquePerformer #BodyPositivity #Sideshow #SwordSwallower #CircusLife #SpareBedroomStudios #BonusEpisode

In Episode 27 of Solo Spotlight, host Ryan MacDougall sits down with Alberta-based hairstylist and entrepreneur Alex Charter for a deeply personal and wide-ranging conversation.

Alex opens up about her journey from small-town Nova Scotia to building a thriving independent business in Alberta, and how she navigated the emotional aftermath of experiencing a stillbirth while running her studio.

They dive into what it really takes to succeed in the beauty industry, how hustle culture collides with the new wave of work-life balance, and the lessons Alex learned about resilience, self-worth, and putting yourself back together after life shatters you.

This episode is raw, real, and relatable — for anyone who's ever had to rebuild from the ground up.

00:00:00 – Intro: Meet Alex Charter

00:03:45 – From Nova Scotia to Alberta: Her Journey

00:07:10 – Breaking Into the Hair Industry

00:12:25 – Going Independent & Running a Studio

00:17:40 – Navigating Burnout & Work-Life Balance

00:22:10 – The Reality of Hustle Culture

00:28:45 – Client Loyalty and Losing Clients

00:34:10 – Experiencing a Stillbirth: Her Story

00:42:20 – Grieving While Still Showing Up to Work

00:49:35 – Rebuilding Her Business & Mental Health

00:55:00 – Advice for Entrepreneurs & Young Stylists

01:00:15 – Outro Reflections: Growth Through Pain

🎙️ FOLLOW ALEX CHARTER

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acstyle.yeg/

🎧 SPARE BEDROOM STUDIOS LINKS

Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Sparebedroomstudios

Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spare_bedroom_studios

Email: ryanmacdougall44@gmail.com

for guest inquiries or partnerships.

👍 Like, comment, and subscribe to help us grow and keep telling real stories that matter.

#SoloSpotlight #SpareBedroomStudios #AlexCharter #HairstylistLife #WomenInBusiness #MentalHealthMatters #Entrepreneurship #GriefAndHealing #StillbirthAwareness #Resilience #CanadianPodcast #realtalk