LIFE FREW MUSIC

About LIFE FREW MUSIC

LIFE FREW MUSIC is a series hosted by Canadian rock icon Alan Frew — shaped by a lifetime lived through music. For decades, Alan's world has been built on stages, in studios, and in the in-between moments that most people never see. The friendships he's formed — with athletes, artists, entertainers, and leaders — all began the same way: through music. Around it. Because of it. Each episode feels like a reunion. Alan sits down with the people he met along the way (and still meeting to this day) to reflect on where they've been, what they've built, and how the world — and their industries — have evolved. Music is woven throughout the conversation: the songs, the scenes, the soundtrack to defining moments. But the dialogue goes far beyond it. From career highs and personal setbacks to reinvention, culture, and perspective earned over decades, these are thoughtful, candid conversations rooted in shared history. Season Premiere is dropping Monday, February 24th! Season 1 includes guests such as hockey legend Doug Gilmour, former Muchmusic VJ Erica Ehm, Glass Tiger, former politician Peter MacKay, former Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke, TV star Lauren Hammersly, and country music star Tim Hicks. Produced by BNV Media (bnvmedia.ca) Brought to you by Zoomer.com and Zoomerradio.com

Publisher

Alan Frew | BNV Media

Category

music · society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

13 Feb 2026

Latest episode

30 Jun 2026

Latest episodes

8 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   30 Jun 2026

   Tim Hicks on Success, Songwriting, and the Moments That Change Everything | S1E7

   On this season finale of LIFE FREW MUSIC, Alan sits down with Canadian country music star Tim Hicks for a conversation that goes far beyond music. Tim reflects on growing up in Niagara Falls, discovering music through his great-grandmother's organ, building a career one bar gig at a time, and eventually finding his place in Nashville and on some of Canada's biggest stages. The conversation explores songwriting, military support tours overseas, meeting heroes, raising musical children, the changing relationship between Canada and the United States, and why kindness remains one of the most important values we can pass on to the next generation. Most importantly, Tim shares what music truly means to him—and why performing still feels as essential as breathing. A thoughtful, funny, and deeply personal conversation to close out the season. Show notes: 00:00 - Introduction 05:35 - Growing Up in Niagara Falls 12:00 - Discovering Music & The Beatles 15:00 - Building a Career One Gig at a Time 16:20 - Touring With Canadian Forces Overseas 28:40 - Nashville, Canada & The Music Business 36:15 - Raising Kids in Today's World 39:45 - The Nashville Songwriting Process 44:15 - Heroes, Blue Rodeo & Bryan Adams 53:10 - What Music Really Means to Tim

2. 

   18 May 2026

   Lauren Hammersley on Storytelling, Performance Anxiety, and Canadian Culture | S1E6

   Lauren Hammersley joins Alan Frew for a candid and emotional conversation about acting, performance anxiety, comedy, music, and life in today's world. Known for her roles on Mr. D and Virgin River, Lauren opens up about the reality of auditions, self-doubt, stand-up comedy, and why music can transport us through memory and emotion. The two also dive into the changing entertainment industry, Canadian culture, and live performance nerves. A funny, honest, and deep episode of Life Frew Music. Show notes: 00:00 - Introduction 00:39 - Meeting Lauren Hammersley 02:25 - Why acting auditions are terrifying 05:03 - How the entertainment industry has changed 08:09 - Performance anxiety and live television 09:51 - Lauren's stand-up comedy background 11:38 - Behind the scenes of Mr. D 13:49 - Canada, politics, and today's world 20:55 - Comedy culture and women in stand-up 27:27 - Music, nostalgia, and growing up in the 80s 30:35 - Why music becomes the soundtrack of our lives 36:54 - Behind the scenes stories from Mr. D 52:00 - Creativity, acting, and emotional vulnerability 1:04:00 - Final thoughts and reflections

3. 

   4 May 2026

   Brian Burke on Legacy, Leadership, and the Leafs | S1E5

   Brian Burke joins Alan Frew for an unforgettable episode of Life Frew Music. Known as one of hockey's boldest voices, Burke opens up about far more than the game. He talks about growing up in a large Irish Catholic family, playing hockey, going to Harvard Law, becoming an NHL executive, being fired by the Toronto Maple Leafs, winning the Stanley Cup in Anaheim, and his deep respect for the military after visiting troops in Afghanistan. Burke also shares powerful reflections on the loss of his son Brendan, becoming an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, the importance of actually supporting the causes you believe in, and his current work in women's hockey. And, of course, Alan brings it back to music — including Brian's love of live concerts, the songs tied to his memories, and a wild Rolling Stones story from 1975. Show notes: 00:00 - Introduction 00:54 - Growing Up In A Big Irish Catholic Family 03:39 - Harvard Law & Early Hockey Career 0 8:14 - From Player Agent To NHL Executive 12:09 - Getting Fired By The Toronto Maple Leafs 15:39 - Afghanistan, Friendship & The Troops 18:08 - Losing Brendan & Life After Tragedy 28:15 - Becoming An LGBTQ+ Ally 32:17 - Pittsburgh, Sportsnet & Returning To Hockey 34:18 - How Hockey Has Changed 36:06 - Winning The Stanley Cup 37:16 - The Toronto Maple Leafs Today 38:46 - What Music Means To Brian Burke 41:38 - The Rolling Stones Story 45:13 - Politics, Kindness & Taking Action 49:37 - Women's Hockey & The PWHL 50:38 - Soccer, Hunting & Final Thoughts

4. 

   20 Apr 2026

   Peter MacKay on Politics, Music, & Service | S1E4

   Peter MacKay joins Alan Frew for a powerful and deeply personal episode of Life Frew Music. From East Coast roots and Celtic music to politics, military service, misinformation, AI, and the soundtrack of a life in public service, this conversation covers far more than headlines. Peter reflects on what's changed in politics, why public life has become more punishing, the sacrifices made by soldiers and their families, and how music helps shape memory, identity, and meaning. Along the way, Alan and Peter share stories about Nova Scotia, Afghanistan, the Royal Family, Ireland, Willie Nelson, Joel Plaskett, and the artists and moments that stay with us forever. This is Peter MacKay in a way most people have never seen him: thoughtful, grounded, emotional, and deeply connected to the people and places that shaped him. In this episode: - Peter MacKay's Scottish and Nova Scotian roots - East Coast music, Celtic culture, and kitchen parties - What's changed in politics and why public life feels more divided - AI, misinformation, and the danger of digital manipulation - Stories from Afghanistan and the importance of supporting troops - Funny and unforgettable moments involving Willie Nelson and the Queen - Why music becomes the soundtrack to our lives Subscribe for more conversations at the intersection of music, life, memory, and meaning. Show notes: 00:00 – Peter MacKay's name, heritage, and Nova Scotia roots 02:08 – East Coast music, Celtic culture, and growing up around song 05:05 – What's changed in politics and why the world feels more divided 08:14 – Why politics has become more self-serving and punishing 10:11 – How Peter MacKay got into politics 12:47 – Public attacks, family pressure, and the cost of public life 14:08 – AI, misinformation, and the danger of fake content 16:12 – Law, order, Ukraine, and the need for leadership 17:20 – Afghanistan, the troops, and music as a piece of home 21:28 – What music really means to Peter MacKay 24:22 – Music, stress, and life behind the scenes in politics 26:20 – Willie Nelson, tour stories, and star humanity 29:00 – The Queen, King Charles, and royal encounters 33:44 – Will Peter MacKay ever return to politics? 36:03 – Ireland, identity, and old assumptions 39:18 – Van Morrison, The Chieftains, and the soundtrack of life 40:22 – Peter MacKay sums up his life through music

5. 

   23 Mar 2026

   Glass Tiger on Finding Their Sound, Breakout Moments, and Legacy | S1E3

   This week we have a very special LIFE FREW MUSIC episode. Glass Tiger joins the pod! Alan sits down with bandmates Sam Reid and Al Connelly to tell the REAL story behind one of Canada's most iconic bands. From basement rehearsals in small-town Ontario… to grinding through bar gigs, high schools, and thousands of shows…  to global hits like "Don't Forget Me When I'm Gone" and "Someday"… This is the journey no one saw. They open up about: How Glass Tiger was actually formed (from TWO broken bands) The years of struggle before success Writing two hit songs in ONE day Touring with Journey & Tina Turner Meeting legends like Paul McCartney The sacrifices behind the music And what music really means at a human level This isn't just a music story — it's a story about persistence, identity, and legacy. Show notes: 00:00 - Opening banter & Halifax setting 02:12 - Family roots & early musical influences 05:23 - Discovering music (radio, piano, guitar origins) 08:40 - First bands & early struggles (incomplete lineups) 12:22 - The local scene: bars, high schools, and hustle 15:12 - The chaos of early touring (yes… including the pig story 🐖) 21:03 - Formation of Glass Tiger (from two broken bands) 25:17 - Parents, sacrifice, and basement rehearsals 32:53 - "Overnight success" myth vs reality 36:52 - Breakthrough moment & record deal 41:28 - Writing TWO hit songs in one day 54:36 - What music really means (life, grief, memory)

6. 

   9 Mar 2026

   Erica Ehm on MuchMusic Fame, Songwriting, and Staying Real | S1E2

   Erica Ehm joins Alan Frew for a conversation that goes far beyond nostalgia. From her early days at MuchMusic to becoming a songwriter, speaker, and fearless creative voice, Erica reflects on the moments that shaped her career and the mindset that helped her keep evolving. She opens up about being thrown into live television with little preparation, learning on the job in front of the entire country, and navigating the misogyny that came with being a young woman in the music industry. The conversation also dives into authenticity, aging, fear, resilience, and what success really means once the spotlight changes. Erica shares stories about songwriting, standing up for herself, touring with Glass Tiger, and why she believes being real matters more now than ever. It's funny, honest, and full of insight from two people who have lived extraordinary creative lives. Don't miss out on episode 2 of LIFE FREW MUSIC! Show notes: 00:00 Intro – Erica Ehm joins LIFE FREW MUSIC 00:22 Alan's approach to unscripted conversations 01:26 Erica on opening for Glass Tiger 03:15 Discovering Erica beyond MuchMusic 04:16 Fame, attention, and early experiences with men 05:19 Starting at CityTV and the road to MuchMusic 07:33 Being thrown into live television at 23 09:36 Criticism, insecurity, and growing into the role 11:33 MuchMusic as cultural curators for a generation 13:25 Misogyny and dealing with rock star entitlement 16:03 Erica's childhood and early musical influences 19:19 Touring with Glass Tiger and life on the road 22:37 Quitting MuchMusic over unequal pay 26:21 Authenticity, aging, and the modern world 40:47 What music means to Erica today Produced by BNV Media (https://www.bnvmedia.ca/) Brought to you by Zoomer.com and Zoomerradio.ca

7. 

   23 Feb 2026

   Doug Gilmour on Friendship, Family, and Old School Hockey | S1E1

   On the series premiere of LIFE FREW MUSIC, Alan is joined by hockey legend Doug Gilmour. This conversation begins in 1987 but doesn't stay there. Alan and Doug revisit the moment they first met during the Canada Cup, and from that starting point the episode opens into something much larger — a reflection on eras, identity, and what it meant to grow up in a time before everything was recorded. Doug talks about the mindset that carried him through a long NHL career, the reality of playing in a more physical league, and the balance between earning respect and staying true to yourself. There's no mythology here — just lived experience. As always with LIFE FREW MUSIC, the thread of music runs through it all. From dressing room playlists to songs that mark chapters of life, this episode explores how performance — whether on stage or on ice — is fueled by something deeper than adrenaline. Show notes: 00:00 - Introduction 01:00 - The first meeting: 1987 Canada Cup & how it all started 02:28 - The origin of "Charlie" → "Killer" & learning how to compete 03:18 - Playing undersized in a brutal era & the mindset advantage 04:01 - No contract, training in Düsseldorf & earning a roster spot 05:42 - From defenseman to centerman: early career adjustments 07:36 - Coaches, leadership styles & what separates players from great coaches 09:41 - Growing up in Kingston: music, Hockey Night in Canada & Canadian culture 13:43 - Calgary exit, Toronto legacy & what it means to be "a Leaf" 16:14 - Leafs pressure, playoff heartbreak & whether a "curse" exists 17:09 - Old-school NHL vs today: toughness, retaliation & respect 24:30 - The state of the world, Canada identity & generational concerns 31:27 - Family, kids in music, regret & what comes next Produced by BNV Media Brought to you by Zoomer.com (http://zoomer.com) and Zoomerradio.com

8. 

   13 Feb 2026

   LIFE FREW MUSIC Trailer

   LIFE FREW MUSIC is a series hosted by Canadian rock icon Alan Frew — shaped by a lifetime lived through music. For decades, Alan's world has been built on stages, in studios, and in the in-between moments that most people never see. The friendships he's formed — with athletes, artists, entertainers, and leaders — all began the same way: through music. Around it. Because of it. Each episode feels like a reunion. Alan sits down with the people he met along the way (and still meeting to this day) to reflect on where they've been, what they've built, and how the world — and their industries — have evolved. Music is woven throughout the conversation: the songs, the scenes, the soundtrack to defining moments. But the dialogue goes far beyond it. From career highs and personal setbacks to reinvention, culture, and perspective earned over decades, these are thoughtful, candid conversations rooted in shared history. Season Premiere is dropping Monday, February 24th! Season 1 includes guests such as hockey legend Doug Gilmour, former Muchmusic VJ Erica Ehm, Glass Tiger, former politician Peter MacKay, former Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke, TV star Lauren Hammersly, and country music star Tim Hicks.

Contact LIFE FREW MUSIC

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.