Backstage at the Vinyl Cafe
Fiction & Audio Drama
About
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...
Episodes
- Where We Gather - Fire at the Old Town Hall
This episode of Backstage at the Vinyl Cafe explores the significance of community gathering places. It features a piece about the Parliament buildings, a listener story about a town hall, and a story about a town hall in Dave's hometown.
- Grandparents are the Best Parents -The Mermaid and Other Mysteries & Summer of Stars
This episode features two stories from Dave's hometown of Big Narrows, Nova Scotia, focusing on grandparents who provide help and quiet magic. One story is titled "The Mermaid and Other Mysteries" and the other "Summer of Stars."
- Community – Defibrillator
This episode of Backstage at the Vinyl Cafe focuses on community, featuring a segment on the Smiths Falls Station Theatre and a Dave and Morley story. The hosts explore different types of community ventures.
- Cat show - Jim and Molly the Cat
This episode of Backstage at the Vinyl Cafe features two humorous stories about cats from Dave and Morley's neighbourhood. It is aimed at cat lovers.
- Feedback Episode - Odd Jobs & The Turlingtons’ Dog
This episode of Backstage at the Vinyl Cafe features two classic stories by Stuart McLean: "Odd Jobs" and "The Turlingtons' Dog." Listeners can enjoy vintage storytelling from the Vinyl Cafe.
- More Postcards from Canada – Tofino & Halifax
This episode of Backstage at the Vinyl Cafe features two of Stuart's "Postcards from Canada," focusing on Tofino and Halifax. The episode responds to listener requests for more content.
- Fun on Wheels - Cat in the Car & Dave and the Bike
This episode of Backstage at the Vinyl Cafe features two stories: "Cat in the Car" and "Dave and the Bike." Both stories involve transportation taking on a life of its own.
- Je Ne Sais Quoi - Petit Lac Noir & Montreal
This episode of Backstage at the Vinyl Cafe features Dave's stories influenced by his Quebec upbringing, including "Petit Lac Noir" and a "Postcard from Canada" from Montreal.
- In the Woods - The Man Who Punched Trees
This episode of Backstage at the Vinyl Cafe discusses the connection to the natural world. It includes an essay by Stuart McLean about a tree in Winnipeg and a story about a woodsman from Dave's childhood.
- The World of Work - Boy Wanted & Carl’s Retirement
This episode features two Dave & Morley stories by Stuart McLean: "Boy Wanted" and "Carl's Retirement." Jess also talks about her work on the Vinyl Cafe.
- Border Crossings - Dave Crosses the Border
This episode explores the relationship between Canada and the U.S. It includes a story about crossing the border and an essay about the Haskell Free Library and Opera House.
- Hardware Stores – Fireworks & Margaret Gets Married
This episode of Backstage at the Vinyl Cafe explores hardware stores through two Dave & Morley stories: Fireworks and Margaret Gets Married.
- Man and Beast - Arthur the Dog & Dave the Dog Walker
This episode of Backstage at the Vinyl Cafe features two fan favourites: stories about the animals, including Arthur the Dog and Dave the Dog Walker. The episode description mentions a beef-flavoured toothpaste.
- Hold the Phone - The Phone Message
This episode revisits memorable phone calls from the Vinyl Cafe radio show. It also features an essay by Stuart detailing his journalistic practice and a Dave and Morley story.
- Leacock - The Roundabout & Keswick
This episode of Backstage at the Vinyl Cafe explores the influence of Stephen Leacock on Stuart McLean's writing. The episode features a Dave & Morley story and a postcard from Leacock’s hometown, including memories of Peter Gzowski.
- Shout out to… - Code Yellow & Murphy’s Bar Mitzvah
In this episode, Jess shares the stories behind secret shout-outs Stuart McLean included in his work. The episode features two stories concerning Dave and his experiences with hospitals.
- Après Ski & Other Lessons – The Greatest Hockey Game
This episode of Backstage at the Vinyl Cafe explores winter sports through a Dave & Morley story about hockey, a listener story exchange, and insights into the research behind hockey-themed narratives. Jess also discusses her personal conn…
- New way to listen: Ad-free and much more!
This episode of Backstage at the Vinyl Cafe announces a new paid subscription option through the Apostrophe Podcast Network. Subscribers gain access to ad-free listening, early episode releases, and additional perks like virtual events and…
- Embracing Winter – Holland
This episode of Backstage at the Vinyl Cafe celebrates the winter season with a story exchange, an essay by Stuart about walking on ice, and a Dave and Morley story about skating on canals in Europe.
- Christmas Cheer - Christmas at the Turlingtons’ & Dave Cooks the Turkey
This episode features two classic Christmas stories by Stuart McLean, "Christmas at the Turlingtons" and "Dave Cooks the Turkey," along with a listener story from the Vinyl Cafe Story Exchange.
- Best Behaviour - Christmas at Tommy’s & Polly Anderson’s Christmas Party
This episode of Backstage at the Vinyl Cafe features two stories by Stuart McLean about Christmas visits. The stories focus on Dave and Morley’s visit to Tommy’s parents’ home and Polly Anderson’s Christmas party, accompanied by background…
- Dave on the Roof - Dave on the Roof & Christmas on the Road
This episode of Backstage at the Vinyl Cafe features two seasonal Dave and Morley stories, along with a story exchange centered on Christmas Eve. It marks the start of the show's festive December programming.
- Dave Plays Santa - Dave Plays Santa & Springhill
This episode explores the backstory behind the Vinyl Cafe story "Dave Plays Santa," including the challenges of creating Christmas magic. The episode also features the story "Springhill."
- Gobble Gobble - Dave Raises the Turkey & Dave and the Duck
This week's episode features two poultry-themed stories from Stuart McLean's Vinyl Cafe series: Dave Raises the Turkey and Dave and the Duck.
- Vinyl Cafe: The Musical - Rashida, Amir and the Great Gift-Giving
In this episode, host Jess discusses the creation and premiere of Vinyl Cafe: The Musical. The episode also features one of the original stories that inspired the production.
- We Shall Remember - Remembrance Day
In this episode, host Stuart McLean presents a Remembrance Day special featuring an essay on Canadian soldier George Lawrence Price alongside two Vinyl Cafe stories centered on wartime memories and the history of a family home.
- All Hallows Eve – Halloween
This episode of Backstage at the Vinyl Cafe features a story about an immigrant's first experience with Trick or Treating, along with a Stuart McLean story about Sam and Stephanie's Halloween. The episode explores themes of magical evening…
- Journeys - Vancouver & Kenny Wong's Practical Jokes
Stuart McLean presents a collection of stories about journeys and food, featuring a postcard from Canada, a listener story, and a Dave and Morley tale. The episode also highlights Kenny Wong's practical jokes and profiles a baker, a chef,…
- Amazing Spaces – The Library of Parliament, Museum of History & Gander International Airport
This episode of Backstage at the Vinyl Cafe features three of Stuart McLean’s opening monologues about notable Canadian locations: the Library of Parliament, the Museum of History, and Gander International Airport. Additionally, Jess share…
- More Arthurs!
This episode of Backstage at the Vinyl Cafe features the annual Arthur Awards, a Thanksgiving tradition highlighting stories of kindness from the archive.
- Quebec Connection - A Trip to Quebec
This episode features stories about Quebec, including Sam’s school trip to Quebec City and a Stuart McLean script about cheese making in the Eastern Townships. Jess also shares the backstory of the trip taken to write the cheese making sto…
- Cakes Gone Wrong - The Birthday Cake & Arthur Takes the Cake
In this episode of Backstage at the Vinyl Cafe, the show presents two stories about birthday cakes that do not go as planned once Dave and his companions become involved.
- Rodentia - Dave and the Mouse & Rat-a-tat-tat
Jess and Dave discuss their mutual phobia of rodents and how they have worked to overcome it. The episode also features two Vinyl Cafe stories about Dave's experiences with mice.
- Compromising Positions - The Bare Truth & Yoga Retreat
This episode of Backstage at the Vinyl Cafe features Dave and Mary Turlington in a series of compromising situations, alongside a discussion about how Stuart developed his stage presence.
- September - School Days
This episode of Backstage at the Vinyl Cafe focuses on back-to-school season. It features a story about Dave and Morley, an essay by Stuart for a student, and reflections from Jess on Stuart's time as a teacher.
- Season 6 - Starting September 5th
Season 6 of Backstage at the Vinyl Cafe premieres on September 5th. This season will feature Dave and Morley stories, Stuart McLean's essays, and behind-the-scenes content from Jess Milton.
- We Regret to Inform You: Rejecting Monty Python
In this episode of Backstage at the Vinyl Cafe, the show features an installment of "We Regret to Inform You: The Rejection Podcast." Host Sidney O’Reilly explores the history of Monty Python and the initial difficulty they faced in gettin…
- REWIND WEDNESDAY: Bloopers
In this bonus episode from 2011, Stuart and the host discuss bloopers from the Vinyl Cafe radio show. The conversation reflects on moments from the recording process.
- REWIND WEDNESDAY: Summertime – Mexican Climbing Mint & Summer of Stars
This episode of Backstage at the Vinyl Cafe features summer-themed stories about Mary Turlington and a memorable season for Sam and Murphy in Cape Breton.
- REWIND WEDNESDAY: Road Trip! – Cat in the Car
In this episode, Dave deals with a cat stowaway during a family road trip, and Jess presents two Postcards from Canada featuring St. John's, Newfoundland, and Powell River, British Columbia.
- The Beatlology Interviews: Actor Mark Hamill
In this episode of The Beatlology Interviews, host Terry O'Reilly speaks with actor Mark Hamill about his passion for The Beatles and his personal collection of memorabilia. The conversation covers Hamill's experiences with the band, meeti…
- REWIND WEDNESDAY: The Mistakes We Make – Petit Lac Noir & Dog Pills
This episode of Backstage at the Vinyl Cafe features Stuart McLean's Dave and Morley stories, 'Dog Pills' and 'Petit Lac Noir.' Jess also shares the backstory behind the inspiration for the mistake featured in 'Dog Pills.'
- REWIND WEDNESDAY: Summer – A Letter from Camp & The Waterslide
In this season finale of Backstage at the Vinyl Cafe, the show presents two summer-themed stories: A Letter from Camp and the fan-favorite The Waterslide. The episode includes a personal anecdote from Stuart and a memory from Jess about he…
- Bonus Episode: Meet Greg!
In this bonus episode, recording engineer Greg DeClute shares stories about his many years working with Stuart McLean on the Vinyl Cafe and Backstage at the Vinyl Cafe.
- Summer Trips - Canoe Trip & The Summer Cottage
This episode features two stories about summer vacations, including a canoe trip and time at a summer cottage. Jess also discusses the perspective gained from traveling further afield.
- Childhood - The One and Only Murphy Kruger & The Great Train Adventure
This episode of Backstage at the Vinyl Cafe features two stories about childhood titled The One and Only Murphy Kruger and The Great Train Adventure. Additionally, Jess discusses the development of the upcoming Vinyl Cafe: The Musical.
- Summer Things - Dave and Morley, Dancing
This episode of Backstage at the Vinyl Cafe explores summer themes through a Stuart McLean script about catching fireflies and a story set in Dave and Morley's neighborhood.
- Toys - Rhoda’s Revenge & Planet Stuart
This episode of Backstage at the Vinyl Cafe features two stories about childhood toys, focusing on Dave’s and Stuart’s personal experiences. Additionally, Jess shares the backstory regarding how the autobiographical story received its titl…
- Out and About - Cousin Dorothy & Have Snake, Will Travel
In this episode of Backstage at the Vinyl Cafe, Dave hosts his Cousin Dorothy during her visit from England, including a trip to Ottawa. In the second story, Dave, Sam, and Murphy go on an unusual delivery adventure.
- Birthdays! - Sam’s Birthday & Morley’s 40th Birthday Bash
This episode of Backstage at the Vinyl Cafe features vintage stories from Stuart McLean about Morley's 40th birthday and a tale about Dave not being at his best.