Episode 1985 of Toronto Mike'd features culture writer Niko Stratis discussing her early life as a glazier in the Yukon, her move to Toronto, the arc of her music-writing career, and the albums and artists she calls the dad rock that shaped her identity.
The interview traces personal stories alongside music taste, with Stratis naming specific 'dad rock' influences that shaped her.
Episode 1985 runs 1:17:49 and is available across major podcast platforms, with an ad-free version for supporters on Patreon.
# Quick overview This episode of Toronto Mike'd (Episode 1985), published Oct 1, 2026, is a 1:17:49 interview between host Toronto Mike and culture writer Niko Stratis. The conversation moves between personal biography, trade work, city change, and music-writing life. It focuses on how Stratis's background shaped her tastes and career choices.
# Who is Niko Stratis Niko Stratis is introduced as a culture writer who previously worked as a glazier in the Yukon. The episode frames her as someone who carried practical, hands-on experience into a creative life in Toronto. The guest describes growing up and learning a trade, then relocating to Toronto and building a portfolio of music and culture writing.
# What the episode covers The interview is structured around three concrete threads:
Expect personal anecdotes, concrete career details, and music-affinity talk rather than abstract theory. Runtime allows for a layered conversation that balances biography and cultural commentary.
# How to listen This episode is distributed widely. Available listening options listed by the show:
An ad-free version of Toronto Mike'd is offered to Patrons on Patreon. The show is produced by TMDS and promoted on the host's site.
# Production notes and sponsors Host: Toronto Mike, who owns TMDS and hosts the Toronto Mike'd podcast. The episode page notes a runtime of 1:17:49. Sponsors named for the podcast include Great Lakes Brewery, Electronic Products Recycling Association, Palma Pasta, Nick Ainis, and Ridley Funeral Home. The episode page includes the episode image and standard site navigation for subscribing and following the podcast.
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