The Artsy Raven Podcast about Writing and Art with host JF Garrard

Miho Suzuki shares her love of comedy and improvisation,reflects on the differences between the acting industries in Japan and Canada, and reveals how she earned a Guinness World Record!

Miho Suzuki is an actor, improviser, and multidisciplinaryartist best known for her lead role in Warigami, her voice work in Assassin’s Creed Shadows, and appearances in feature films such as Cosmic Dawn.

Originally from Tokyo, she began her career in theatre andhas performed in numerous productions.  A graduate of Tama Art University and The Second City, her work with varioustroupes has earned recognition and awards in various competitions, including placing 5th in the World’s Biggest Improv Tournament 2025, highlighting her comedic and improvisational talents.

We are here today to discuss her latest work, the theatreproduction The Improper Identity playing at the 2026 Toronto Fringe Festival, which she wrote, directs, performs in, and choreographs, while also creating the music, paintings, and costumes for the show. A former competitive rhythmic gymnast and Guinness World Records holder, she brings remarkable discipline, versatility, and passion to every aspect of her artistic practice.

For tickets July 2-12, 2026, please visit: https://fringetoronto.com/fringe/show/improper-identity

Discover more of Miho’s works on Instagram and @mihyonvision and IMDb: https://www.imdb.me/suzukimiho

Warigami interview with co-star Emily Piggford: https://ricepapermagazine.ca/2019/10/emilypiggford/

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Brooks Kolb reflects on how the AIDS crisis affected his pursuit of gay freedom in San Francisco, explores the invisibleimpediments people face when coming out, and shares why perseverance matters for new writers.

Brooks Kolb was educated at the American College in Paris, University College London, and the University of Pennsylvania. At Penn he trained under Ian McHarg, famed author of DesignWith Nature, and with Laurie Olin, subject of the 2024 documentary Sitting Still. After coming out of the closet, he moved to San Francisco, where he witnessed two key periods of gay history: the post-Stonewall era of sexual liberation and the tragic AIDS epoch. The principal of Brooks Kolb LLC Landscape Architecture and an avid swimmer, Brooks lives inSeattle with his husband, Dennis, and their dog, Stella.

In this episode, Brooks reads from Landscape in Lavender.

Book link: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Landscape-In-Lavender/Brooks-Kolb/9798896363804

Artsy Raven links:
For more about The Artsy Raven Podcast or to join ourexclusive Artsy Raven club to receive free books and other cool stuff, visit: https://artsyraven.com/

If you really like this show, please feel free to send us a digital tip https://ko-fi.com/jfgarrard

Patreon subscribers remember to access your bonus content for each episode: https://www.patreon.com/jfgarrard

Ellis Scott discusses what inspired him to become a writer,why it is important to tell stories about the AIDS crisis, and how reading across genres can broaden a writer's perspective and strengthen their craft.

Ellis Scott was born in the U.K. and grew up in Canada. Hehas published nine stories in literary journals, including The Iowa Review, Yolk, and The Fiddlehead. His first short story was nominated for a 2020 Pushcart Prize.  Night Terminus is his first novel.

In this episode, Ellis reads from Night Terminus.

Artsy Raven links:
For more about The Artsy Raven Podcast or to join ourexclusive Artsy Raven club to receive free books and other cool stuff, visit: https://artsyraven.com/

If you really like this show, please feel free to send us a digital tip https://ko-fi.com/jfgarrard

Patreon subscribers remember to access your bonuscontent for each episode: https://www.patreon.com/jfgarrard

DeAndra Davis shares how the places that shaped her—NewYork, Florida, and Jamaica—influence her storytelling, why balance matters in writing, and how she manages the creative process while raising a busy household of kids and dogs.

DeAndra Davis is New York–born and Florida-bred. She’s ahopeless musical theater nerd (Wicked is definitely her favorite), a perpetual student and teacher, and always trailed by a kid or a dog because she has way too many of both. She has an opinion for everything, an argument ready, and ahug for everyone, and she thinks you should, too. She is the author of All the Noise at Once, winner of the William C. Morris Award for best young adult debut book, and The Lovers, the Liars, and Me. DeAndra can be found on most socials @DeAndraWrites.

Book link: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Lovers-the-Liars-and-Me/DeAndra-Davis/9781665952682

In this episode, DeAndra reads from The Lovers, The Liars, And Me.

Artsy Raven links:
For more about The Artsy Raven Podcast or to join ourexclusive Artsy Raven club to receive free books and other cool stuff, visit: https://artsyraven.com/

If you really like this show, please feel free to send us a digital tip https://ko-fi.com/jfgarrard

Patreon subscribers remember to access your bonus content for each episode: https://www.patreon.com/jfgarrard

Sharif Khan reflects on his journey from bookseller to writer, shares why he believes storytelling matters,and reveals the uplifting message he hopes readers will take from his work.

Sharif Khan is the author of debut fantasy novel, Brave Fortune, and the inspirational book, Psychologyof the Hero Soul (As mentioned in Reader's Digest). He lives in Toronto, is a former bookseller and graduate of the Humber School for Writers.  He also served as a Writing Workshop Facilitator for Writers Collective of Canada as well as Director of the MetroActive Writers Club.

Follow him on X/Instagram @sharifkhanbooks or his Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/khansharif

In this episode, Sharif reads from Brave Fortune and an upcoming comedy novel (coming out summer 2026).

Artsy Raven links:
For more about The Artsy Raven Podcast or to join our exclusive Artsy Raven club to receive free books and other cool stuff, visit: https://artsyraven.com/

If you really like this show, please feel free to send us a digital tip https://ko-fi.com/jfgarrard

Patreon subscribers remember to access your bonus content for each episode: https://www.patreon.com/jfgarrard