In this recent podcast episode, Karim Kanji sat down with the renowned musician and producer, Orin Isaacs, for an engaging conversation that spanned Orin’s illustrious career, the significance of community in music education, and the intriguing connection between music and math skills. However, the two begin by discussing Orin’s work with CBC on this year’s 2024 Paris Olympics.

Orin then delved into his work with CBC for the Olympics, highlighting the collaborative effort behind the project. He discussed how the music theme was refreshed while adhering to CBC’s requirements, emphasizing the diverse musical approaches taken for different segments of the show.

Orin shared his career journey, from playing in bands to becoming a music producer and eventually working in television. He recounted various anecdotes about his collaborations within the television industry, including his experiences with the Toronto Pan Am Games. A chance encounter with a TV show producer marked his unexpected entry into television, leading to a successful career balancing creativity with client expectations.

The conversation then shifted to the role of music in education. Karim shared his son’s musical journey, prompting Orin to discuss the importance of specialized knowledge and the community built through music.

One of the highlights of the episode was Orin’s entertaining story from high school. He recounted how his music and math teachers collaborated to help him understand fractions through music. Despite arriving late for a music midterm, Orin finished the test quickly and confidently, even offering to mark others’ papers. His cocky attitude and love-hate relationship with his music teacher made for an amusing tale.

Karim and Orin then engaged in a lively discussion about the correlation between music and math skills. Orin shared personal anecdotes about how his musical background enhanced his math abilities in practical situations. They also touched on Orin’s impressive achievements in the music industry, including his work with Canadian Idol and the Juno Awards, and discussed his passion for staying current with music trends.

This episode offered a fascinating glimpse into Orin Isaacs’ world, highlighting his career journey, the impact of community in music education, and the intriguing connection between music and math skills. Karim Kanji’s insightful questions and Orin’s candid responses made for an engaging and thought-provoking conversation. Be sure to tune in and hear more about Orin’s impressive career and his unique insights into the world of music.