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.

www.vinylcafe.com

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Recent Episodes

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Recent Reviews

Mary-London

Laughing loudly again!!

So great to listen to and then I can’t stop laughing sometimes. What a treat again!
idahoclearwater

Thank You

I cannot begin to thank you enough for bringing Stuart’s voice back - I’ve missed hearing him more than I can believe.
2niknam

Love Stuart!

I love to hear Stuart’s voice - too much time spent on lead up to the recordings.
EvenTallerDude

Delightful Pleasure

Every new episode is like a breath of fresh air for the soul.
Brett 828

Thank you!

Thank you for these wonderful stories! Hearing Stuart’s voice is like visiting with an old and very funny friend. Love the backstories too! Delighted to have this podcast returning this autumn.
DONINSEATTLE

Some of the best storytelling ever!

Thank you so much for this! I can not tell you how much I have missed Stuart’s wit and wisdom!
Skip Walla Walla

You will laugh til it hurts!

Stuart McLean was a brilliant storyteller … and thanks to Jess Milton we are privileged to hear Stuart again, as well as Milton sharing her time as producer of the original Vinyl Cafe. There is no one on TV or radio that begins to compare to Stuart McLean. I miss his stories, his insight, his sense of humor but most of all I miss most of all knowing is not part of the human race. He gave this Earth such a valuable gift. I so, so appreciate Jess Milton for sharing him with us again.
Ron99876

Ron: A fellow traveler on this crazy planet called earth.

Hi, like many of you, discovered vinyl Café on a road trip in northern New England. We were able to pick up CBC stations, and one evening we came across the vinyl Café We became hooked almost immediately and followed Stewart for many years. What Jesse is doing with these we broadcast is excellent. Her lead ends and farewells complement the shows exactly my comment is don’t change anything you’re doing great. And we miss him
Go to Glacier

Do not shorten!

It’s already become a favorite friend on my walks, long car trips and kitchen meal prep time. I love it. And now my spouse loves it. And so does my sister - plus numerous friends. What an inspired idea it was to bring back these wonderful stories and the delightful peeks into your treasured backstage moments. Keep them coming, please Thank you! Jane in Montana
lesdut

Fantastic podcast

Thank you so much for doing this podcast. It’s my favorite. Two stories is not too much, it’s perfect. (There are definite breaks, so you can always pause and then resume - just more to savor!) And Jess is a great host - warm, funny, engaging. What a privilege to have her share her own stories of working with Stuart.
RetiredMike2

An oasis of sweet, funny, human kindness

Thank you for bringing Vinyl Cafe back. Each of Stuart’s performances awakens my humanity. I am left with a happy, long lasting smile to share. Good be on you.
deadhead76

Morley and Dave

I had read these stories but had never had the pleasure of hearing them read by a consummate speaker!
Forever a listener, Crystal

I missed this

I missed listening to these stories. Brings back memories of listening to Stewart in the car on a Sunday drive to the country. I’d laugh at the ridiculousness of Dave and his shenanigans and loved how brilliant a story teller Stewart was. So, Thankful that I can listen to his stories again, here, anytime, but will probably keep it on Sundays.
Becky Onward

I forgot the genius of Stuart’s storytelling

And now I miss him so much. There was absolutely nothing to compare to the compassion, comedy, and poignancy of Vinyl Cafe. Thanks, Jess, et al for bringing this back and for the wonderful commentary you share.
Crime Soup Podcast

Too good!

Stuart’s storytelling is 💯 hilarious. I’m gonna recommend this to all my friends!
LibrarianAvi

Oh my Goodness, thank you!!

It is so great to hear Stuart’s voice again!! These stories were the soundtrack to our family road-trips for years. I’m so happy to listen to them again.
Greg-a-tron

When!?

I'm so excited to start listening to this upcoming show! But what day will the first episode be released!? I crave more certainty in my life.
CayMil

Tears of Joy

Literally. I am crying tears of joy. Being able to listen to Stuart’s stories again on a weekly basis is a prayer answered. No one has ever been able to make me laugh, cry, and ponder the mysteries of the human soul like Stuart. From the bottom of my heart, Jess, THANK YOU for making this possible!
NJPIRATE1

Thank You!

Jess, I have so missed the Vinyl Cafe! I live in New Jersey and would make it a point to listen to the episodes on my trips up north. Twice I had the privilege of being on the audience for his broadcasts, and one time got to meet and chat with you. I’m so excited with what you’re doing and am looking forward to each of the episodes! Howard in NJ
amtmw

Vinyl Cafe—Best Podcast Ever!!!

What a wonderful idea! I just listened to the trailer and can hardly wait for Jess Milton’s new podcast. I know I won’t be disappointed as I was an avid fan of Stuart McLean’s podcast and books. I miss him so much and am delighted that Jess’s new podcast will undoubtedly result in new fans. When I first encountered Stuart, I shared his works with everyone I knew. I’m so happy to be able to do that again!
Alkapal1

Stuart is amazing

I am so excited to hear Stuart again! Thanks Jess for thinking of us fans and our love for The Vinyl Cafe!