Podcast Summary: The Dream – Episode "Hyperfixed Feed Drop! Two Birds, One Hundred Stones"

Hosted by Little Everywhere

Release Date: August 8, 2025

Introduction

In this compelling episode of The Dream, hosted by Little Everywhere, listeners are treated to a heartwarming and inspiring journey that intertwines personal dreams, familial bonds, and the power of perseverance. The episode, titled "Hyperfixed Feed Drop! Two Birds, One Hundred Stones," features a special guest, Alex Goldman, who brings his unique podcasting expertise to help resolve a deeply personal family story.

Guest Introduction: Alex Goldman and Hyperfix

Jane Marie, co-host of The Dream, introduces Alex Goldman, the creator and host of the podcast Hyperfix. Alex's show revolves around solving listeners' problems, both big and small, through thorough research and investigative storytelling.

Notable Quote:

Alex Goldman [03:00]: "If you've ever watched the 11 o'clock news and they've got the consumer advocate reporter who's like, you know, it's like John, it's on your side. That's who I think of myself as."

The Central Story: Kenan Tamblyn and Megan Banning's Unfulfilled Dream

The episode unfolds with Alex Goldman delving into the poignant story of Keenan Tamblyn and his mother, Megan Banning. Despite Megan's extraordinary career in film and television, she harbors a long-standing regret over her unfulfilled dream of becoming a songwriter and pop star in the 1970s and 1980s.

Megan's Musical Aspirations

Megan, a Second City performer in Toronto, had dreams of sharing her songwriting talents with the world. Encouraged by a house piano player to collaborate with Katie Lang, Megan recorded her songs but never received a response, leading her to abandon her musical pursuits.

Notable Quote:

Keenan Tamblyn [09:00]: "She was a massive Katie Lang fan. She saw her perform at the Cameron House, which is like a not very large music venue here in Toronto. She did a week-long residency and my mom was there every night, sitting in the front row by herself."

Kenan's Quest for Resolution

Driven by his mother's lingering passion and unspoken regrets, Kenan reaches out to Alex Goldman seeking assistance in restoring and sharing Megan's lost recordings. His goal is not only to honor his mother's legacy but also to help her overcome the fear and regret that have kept her music hidden.

Notable Quote:

Keenan Tamblyn [11:46]: "I feel like, yeah, me too, me too. She really felt as though she had something to say through these songs. And other than a handful of people, nobody's ever heard it."

The Journey to On Air Fest 2025

Alex Goldman takes on the challenge of integrating Megan's story into an upcoming live show at On Air Fest 2025. The process involves multiple stages, including technical hurdles, emotional conversations, and the relentless pursuit of bringing Megan's music to a broader audience.

Overcoming Initial Hurdles

The team faces logistical issues such as locating and restoring old cassette tapes and dealing with unforeseen obstacles like a snowstorm in Nova Scotia. Despite these challenges, their determination to see Megan's dream realized never wavers.

Notable Quote:

Alex Goldman [13:57]: "I'm the type of guy who has a reel-to-reel in his attic. It's because I'm cool. But I had a feeling he was wrong about something else, which is that I don't think that this project was entirely for his mom."

Megan's Emotional Reveal and Decision

After persistent efforts, Alex and Kenan arrange a call with Megan, who initially resists the idea of revisiting her musical past. However, through honest and heartfelt dialogue, Megan begins to open up about her deep-seated desires and the emotional toll of her unachieved dreams.

Notable Quote:

Megan Banning [27:25]: "I am a musician. By this point, I'd let myself down. When I didn't do something that I should have done, I didn't do something I was supposed to do. And it's a regret, but in my heart of hearts, I'm a musician."

Megan's Offer and Transformation

While Megan declines to perform herself due to personal insecurities, she expresses a heartfelt desire to have her songs performed by someone else. This willingness marks a significant turning point, symbolizing her readiness to embrace her past and share her art with the world.

Notable Quote:

Megan Banning [33:18]: "I would love to have someone else sing. Like to have my music heard and my song heard. That would be. I would die to hear that."

Technical Challenges and Triumphs

The episode chronicles the intense week leading up to the live performance, highlighting the collaborative efforts of the team to digitize Megan's deteriorating cassette tapes. With the help of local musician Rich O'Coyne, the team successfully restores the recordings, enabling the eventual performance of Megan's song.

Notable Quote:

Alex Goldman [43:18]: "The moment we hear them, it's like, look, I don't believe in destiny, but over the course of my life, I have experienced alignments that certainly felt like they were fate. I'm going to start crying."

The Live Performance: "Rooms" by Megan Banning

The culmination of the episode is a live rendition of Megan Banning's song "Rooms," performed by Eliza McLam. The performance is deeply emotional, resonating with Megan and Keenan as they witness her music finally being heard.

Notable Quote During Performance:

Eliza McLam (Performer) [44:18]: "Smoke filled rooms and lonely afternoons. Empty faces going nowhere places. Idle chatter as we gather at no-name bars. No introductions needed. I've been here before."

Emotional Aftermath

Post-performance, Megan expresses her gratitude and emotional relief, signifying a newfound peace and inspiration to rekindle her musical passion.

Notable Quote:

Megan Banning [48:27]: "What you've done is something, Eliza. Thank you. You did a great job, sweetheart. Really great."

Conclusion and Reflections

The episode closes with reflections on the transformative journey undertaken by Alex, Kenan, and Megan. Megan’s rediscovery and sharing of her music not only heal old wounds but also inspire her to return to her first love—music. The team's dedication exemplifies the essence of The Dream: overcoming obstacles to achieve personal and collective aspirations.

Notable Quote:

Alex Goldman [50:22]: "I'm running out of time. No, you're great. Thank you both so much for sharing this part. I'm gonna start crying again. Thank you both so much."

Key Takeaways

• Pursuit of Dreams: Megan Banning's story underscores the importance of not letting fear and regret overshadow one's passions and dreams.

• Family Bonds: Kenan's unwavering support and dedication to his mother's unfulfilled aspirations highlight the profound impact of familial love and understanding.

• Community and Collaboration: The successful restoration and performance of Megan's music demonstrate the power of community support and collaborative efforts in overcoming challenges.

Notable Moments with Timestamps

• Introduction of Alex Goldman: [02:52]

• Megan's Initial Story: [09:00]

• Proposal to Megan: [13:57]

• Megan's Emotional Share: [27:10]

• Live Performance Begins: [44:18]

• Post-Performance Reflections: [48:27]

Final Thoughts

"Hyperfixed Feed Drop! Two Birds, One Hundred Stones" is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of dreams. Through authentic storytelling and emotional honesty, The Dream episode not only honors Megan Banning's musical legacy but also inspires listeners to support and pursue their own unspoken dreams.

Stay Connected:

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