In this episode, Sara shares what it’s really like to turn a home into a venue. Hosting intimate concerts at The Brockton, the space Sara and Geoff created in their Toronto home.

They’ve welcomed artists like Ten Kills The Pack, Jenn Grant, Jim Bryson, and many more into their open-concept living room.

Sara talks about the joy and responsibility of inviting audiences into a personal space, the powerful feedback they receive from creating a safe and welcoming environment, and why hosting live music has become such a meaningful part of their lives.

If you’ve ever wondered what goes into running a house concert or why people open their doors to the community, this episode is full of honesty, heart, and the spirit of DIY live music.

https://www.instagram.com/thebrockton/

Ria Mae is a platinum-selling, Juno-nominated pop singer-songwriter from Halifax, Nova Scotia.

In this episode, Ria shares insights on finding balance between creative freedom and industry expectations, the role of collaboration in staying inspired, and the importance of staying grounded through success and change.

The conversation dives into growth as an artist in Canada, trusting instincts, and learning when to say no to protect creative peace. Whether navigating a first release or a fifth album, this episode offers honest reflections from an artist who continues to evolve with purpose and heart.

In this episode of The Side Door Sitdown, host Laura Simpson sits down with Michael Coll, one of the biggest DIY music fans she knows. For Laura, seeing Michael in the crowd is always a good sign that she’s in the right place.

Michael shares what it means to show up for artists as a fan. Paying fair ticket prices, buying merch, and letting musicians know when their set moved you. He talks about the joy of being part of the scene without organizing festivals or asking for guest lists, just supporting artists because you love what they do.