Kevin Bracken on Toronto, The Lies of Silicon Valley, the Urban Playground Movement, Radical Event Marketing & Getting Investigated by the Feds

Kevin Bracken left New York when he was 18 years old. He made good on a public promise in 2004 to move to Canada if George W. Bush were re-elected. Bush was re-elected, and Kevin now calls Toronto home most of the year. 

 

Part event planner but mostly a philosopher, Kevin is the instigator behind his global events juggernaut Newmindspace, founded in Toronto. He has produced thousands of events in over 200 cities around the world. His contribution to culture has impacted hundreds of thousands of people. 

 

With Jake, Kevin discusses his idea of the “urban playground movement” (a phrase he coined), how he and his team have evolved the rave culture and why it’s so important to him re-imagine how urban centers are used. He talks about the lies of Silicon Valley (he’s received venture capital funding for two startups) as well as breaking rules, causing chaos, marketing smartly and being genuine. 

 

Today, October 27, it’s election day in Toronto, and Kevin is planning an event called “Rob Ford: The Business as Usual Party” which celebrates the departure of crack addict Toronto Mayor Rob Ford. The fun starts at 9PM at Toronto City Hall.  

 

At the top of the show, Jake and Cait discuss Caitlin's desire to bring a third person (a second woman) into her relationship in the bedroom to spice things up and a meeting that followed with the $100 million founder & CEO of AshleyMadison.com in Toronto. 

 

The Jake Sasseville Show is produced by Jake Sasseville, Gregory Stuhtzer, Vivienne Kelly, Caitlin Engel in New York City, Christopher G. Keene in Massachusetts and Kodi Seaton in Washington D.C. (c) 2014