Ego & Vice Podcast®
Ego & Vice Podcast has been supporting Ottawa’s music, art, and DIY spirit for 9 years strong. It’s not about flashy gimmicks or over-produced nonsense—it’s about real people telling real stories. From musicians to makers, comedians to creators, it’s a raw look at the talent driving Ottawa’s scene.
And we’re not stopping there. Alongside Ego & Vice, check out our new lineup: Mike & Vic’s Southie Stories (off-the-cuff banter, laughs, and songwriting talk), The South Hood Stereo (a showcase of Ottawa bands and artists), and the One Year Later Series (deep dives into how things change with time).
Ego & Vice Podcast and Ottawa venue Meow That’s Hot present Look What the Cat Dragged In — an intimate, interactive songwriting showcase where the audience gets up close and inside the mind of the featured artist. Stripped-down acoustic performances, honest conversation, and a live Q&A. Event is held the last Friday of each month throughout the year.
At the end of the day, it’s all about giving a voice to the artists, hustlers, and dreamers who make this city tick—unfiltered, inclusive, and 100% from the heart
Meet the Hosts
Mike Mitani
Mike Mitani is a music lifer, songwriter, and podcaster who’s been holding it down in Ottawa’s music scene for over 25 years. Mike has been grinding it out in the bands —I Refuse, RMistake, Heroes Offer Her, Hearts & Mines—before landing where he is now: fronting the rock/punk band GOAT! on vocals and guitar, and shredding lead with Canadian punk vets The Riptides. He also keeps it raw and stripped-down as a solo acoustic performer.
Mike’s played just about every stage you can think of—from packed basements to festivals like Ottawa Bluesfest, NXNE, Pouzza Fest, and more—touring across Canada and the U.S. along the way. He’s also no stranger to hosting, having run countless open stages, including LIVE 88.5’s “The Electric Frying Pan.”
The Vickler
Vic is a dynamic and driven musician and songwriter rooted in Ottawa’s punk / indie music scene, known for her energy, versatility, and anthemic creativity. She plays with multiple projects — notably Passenger Princess, Victor Complex (her own songwriting project), and The Hunt Club — and is recognized locally not just for her instrumental chops, but for her real presence in live shows, her bold collaborative work, and her ability to blend grit with melody
Follow Vic on IG
Max Trepanier
Max Trepanier is the charismatic front man, principal vocalist, and co-founder of Ottawa’s indie rock band The New Hires. Known for his melodic sensitivity, energetic stage presence, and deep roots in the local music scene, Max has positioned himself as a key voice among rising bands in the region — someone who balances honest songwriting with a flair for performance
Follow Max on IG
