This week I’m joined by VR expert and filmmaker Nelson Dunk, owner of Hammer & Anvil. Nelson builds full VR theatre installations for museums and creates immersive films designed to make people feel like they were actually there.
We talk about the concept of presence in VR, how his team avoids motion sickness, and why immersive storytelling can spark curiosity, empathy, and a deeper connection to history, science, and culture. Nelson also opens up about imposter syndrome, pioneering a new medium, and taking big creative dreams one step at a time.
I’ve known Nelson for years, and it’s been amazing to watch his work evolve — including his current exhibit at THEMUSEUM in downtown Kitchener.
Highlights:
How VR creates real presence and empathy
The science behind avoiding motion sickness
Making work that takes people somewhere new
Staying naturally curious
The weird world of building VR theatres
Imposter syndrome when you’re breaking new ground
Why the next step is the only step you need to take
A thoughtful, inspiring conversation. Let’s go.
https://www.hammeranvilvr.com/ (https://www.hammeranvilvr.com/)
https://x.com/HammerAnvilVR (https://x.com/HammerAnvilVR)
19 Dec 2025
#124: Actor: Dylan Simpson: "I'm different now."
#125: Actor: Dylan Simpson – “I’m Different Now.”
This week on the podcast, actor Dylan Simpson joins me to talk about the moment acting grabbed hold of him and connected him to a feeling he had not felt since he was a kid.
We talk about creativity, ambition, and the “zone” that shows up in sports, performance, and art. Dylan shares how one acting class changed the direction of his life, why creativity is not sacred but meant to be used, and how he approaches his work with a Swiss Army knife mindset through acting, writing, and constant learning.
We also get into imposter syndrome, inspiration versus doing the work, and what it feels like to be fully present inside a creative act.
A thoughtful, honest conversation about showing up, following the thread, and letting creativity change you.
For more information about the podcast, Ryan and his work, including the new horror zine Lonnie, visit
ryanleacock.ca
Follow Dylan on Instagram at
https://www.instagram.com/dylansimpson_/?hl=en (https://www.instagram.com/dylansimpson_/?hl=en)
4 Aug 2025
#123: Theatre Directors: Lori & Piper Distel: Penny & Pound Theatre: Training Up!
This week I’m joined by Lori and Piper Distel, the creative force behind Penny and Pound Theatre in Cambridge, Ontario.
pennyandpoundtheatre.com (https://pennyandpoundtheatre.com)
We talk about building a company that values community, the power of fellowship in the creative process, and how some shows just need to be born. They share how they’ve developed original musicals together and what it takes to keep a small theatre company going with heart, grit, and a lot of love for their people.
I’ve had the privilege of working with these two on a couple productions, including singing a solo in Little Heaven last September. It was a big moment for me, and they made it a great experience.
🎧 Highlights include:
Creating space for young artists to thrive
Balancing structure with inspiration
How collaboration fuels their work
The importance of kindness and trust in creative environments
What it feels like when a show clicks
Why theatre still matters, especially now
It’s a great one. Let’s go.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
1,041
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
4 ratings
Spotify
4.6 / 5
9 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 59 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
59
Social presence
0
YouTube
68
Engagement
82
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