Backstage at the Vinyl Cafe
Backstage at the Vinyl Cafe welcomes listeners into the warm and comforting world of the Vinyl Cafe. Each episode features stories about Canada’s favourite fictional family: Dave, Morley and the kids, narrated by the late Stuart McLean and recorded live in concert. For the first time ever, long-time producer Jess Milton shares rare, behind-the-scenes stories from her 15 years touring, travelling, laughing, and recording with her close friend Stuart.
This is a world that is rooted in kindness, connection, and the laughter of recognition. A world that brings people together to rejoice in our ridiculousness. A world where we celebrate the small triumphs over the adversities of the everyday: like trying to find the perfect gift for someone you love, or the first Christmas without your sister; like trying to stage manage the school Christmas pageant, or trying to defrost a turkey with a hairdryer (we’ve all done that, right?).
Join us. New episodes every Friday.
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- Update frequency
- every 7 days
- Average duration
- 43 minutes
- Episodes
- 120
- Years Active
- 2022 - 2025
Getting Older - The Cruise & A Case of the Dwindles
“Bad things happen at sea.”
Today’s episode is all about aging – in the best possible way! Mistakenly booked onto a seniors’ cruise, Dave has more fun than he could ever have imagined. And in our seco…
Jobs - Newsboy Dave & On-Stage Defibrillator
“The door to days gone by is a strange little door.”
Today on the podcast, two stories about jobs and some of Dave’s more unusual work experiences. In the first, in a fit of nostalgia he gets a paper …
Remembrance – Zaidie’s story
“I will never forget that day.”
We have something very special for you this week. From one of the most-requested Vinyl Cafe episodes, this is Stuart’s re-telling of the life story of holocaust survivo…
Home - Rendi & Fire at the Old Town Hall
“How can you deny an old man his dying wish?”
This week’s episode is all about the powerful pull of home. We start with a story about Dave’s neighbours Eugene and Maria and their longing for their hom…
Myths and Magic – The Mermaid and Other Mysteries & Hello, Monster
“It was one of those moments that make you wonder if your life is cursed.”
In this week’s episode, two stories of a mystical flavour, with mysterious encounters for both Stephanie and Dave.
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In Over Your Head - Dave and the Cell Phone & Dave Goes Babysitting
“How was Dave supposed to know the Madden kids were all lactose intolerant.”
Today on the pod, two stories where Dave bites off more than he can chew. In the first he babysits a cell phone that is lef…
The Arthurs
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Listen Carefully - Music Lessons & Rock of Ages
“The day Annie began violin lessons was the most exciting day of her life."
This week’s episode is all about music. It was such an integral part of both the radio show and the touring show. We have tw…
Gone to the Dogs - Le Morte D’Arthur
“He was a great dog.”
Today on the podcast, two stories about dogs – one of my favourite subjects! The first is about Dave’s two dogs: Scout and, of course, Arthur. The second is a listener story abou…
Change - Stephanie Goes to University & Carl’s Retirement
“Carl didn’t want to retire.”
Today on the podcast, two stories about embracing change. Dave’s neighbour Carl Lowbeer (and his wife Gerda) get to grips with a major change in their lives: retirement! …
The Congregation of Adults - Sam’s Predictions
“I made predictions. They are all coming true.”
This week, we’re talking about kids and independence. In our story, Sam gets guidance from an unexpected source: a fortune teller named Madame Nina. And…
Dave Goes Back to School - Dave Gives a Speech & Planet Boy
“He came downstairs in a Grateful Dead t-shirt and a pair of bell bottoms.”
Welcome back for Season 4 of Backstage at the Vinyl Cafe! This week, two stories about school: Dave gets nervous about pres…
Season 4 – Starting September 6th
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Bonus Episode: The Boy Who Went Over the Falls
Bonus Episode: Bloopers II
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Summertime - Mexican Climbing Mint & Summer of Stars
“There is nothing like a neighbour throwing money about their garden to make you feel bad about yours.”
It's summer all the way on this week’s episode. In our first story, Mary Turlington unwittingly…
Sam - Boy Wanted
“It was Sam’s first year in high school. And it was not going well.”
Sam’s turn this week: We have a story about Sam’s first job and about finding his passion. Plus, an essay from Stuart McLean about…
Stephanie - Steph’s Statistics Exam & In the Weeds
“How bad could it be? Statistics. That’s how bad it could be.”
This week, two stories about Dave and Morley’s daughter, Stephanie – Stephanie at school and at work. Jess talks about Stuart’s goals in…
Road Trip! - Cat in the Car
“Whenever the cat is around, things seem to go wrong.”
This week, Dave discovers a stowaway on the family road trip, with hilarious consequences. And Jess shares two more of Stuart McLean’s Postcards…
Kindness - Wally
“Not everyone in the world is cut out to be a school janitor.”
We’re full of the milk of human kindness on this week’s podcast. We play Stuart’s heartwarming interview with one of our favourite Arthu…