People often ask us about the books, gear, and resources that fuel our creative projects and daily routines, so we’re pulling back the curtain. This isn’t a list of sponsored picks; it’s a genuine look at the tools and inspirations that have become part of our workflow and life here in Canada. From the camera that captures the steam rising from the sugar shack to the books on our nightstand, these are the items we consistently reach for and recommend to fellow creators and curious minds.
Books That Have Shaped Our Perspective
As an author and creator, the written word is both my craft and my fuel. The books we immerse ourselves in directly influence the stories we tell, whether in video for the Sugar Shack Sessions or on the page. We’re drawn to narratives that challenge perspectives, celebrate wit, and explore the human condition, with a special appreciation for voices from our own backyard.
Fiction That Fuels Imagination
Fiction is the playground for the mind, and our shelves reflect a love for clever storytelling and rich characters. Naturally, my own novel, Matthew McCully and the Matter of Principle, sits proudly here—a story born from a fascination with moral complexity and dry humour. For those who enjoy that tone, we consistently recommend the brilliant, satirical works of Canadian author Will Ferguson. His novels, like 419 or Happiness™, masterfully weave dark comedy with profound insights, demonstrating the power of a well-turned phrase and a unique perspective.
Non-Fiction for the Curious Mind
Our non-fiction reading tends to orbit around history, behavioural psychology, and the creative process itself. Books like Atomic Habits by James Clear provide a framework for the discipline needed in long-term projects, while works by Canadian historians like Margaret MacMillan offer a deeper understanding of the forces that shape societies. This blend of practical and philosophical reading helps ground our creative work in both process and purpose.
Our Creative & Filmmaking Toolkit
When we head into the woods to film an episode of the Sugar Shack Sessions, reliability is non-negotiable. Our gear needs to perform in humid shacks, cold mornings, and everything in between. After years of testing, we’ve settled on a core kit that balances professional quality with the portability required for a small, mobile team.
Essential Video & Audio Gear
Our visual cornerstone is a Sony mirrorless camera, specifically the Sony A7 series. Its combination of stellar low-light performance, excellent autofocus, and compact form factor makes it ideal for run-and-gun documentary-style filming. For audio, we never compromise. We rely on Rode microphones—their Wireless GO II systems for lavalier interviews and their shotgun mics for capturing ambient sounds, like the drip of sap into a bucket. Good audio is half the story, and Rode delivers consistent, clean sound.
- Primary Camera: Sony A7 IV
- Interview Audio: Rode Wireless GO II
- On-Camera Audio: Rode VideoMic NTG
- Support: A sturdy, lightweight carbon fibre tripod and a versatile gimbal for smooth motion shots.
Editing Software and Workflow
Post-production is where the story truly comes together. We use Adobe Premiere Pro as our primary editing suite, deeply integrated with the rest of the Creative Cloud. For colour grading, DaVinci Resolve is an unparalleled tool that brings the rich, earthy tones of our Canadian settings to life. Our workflow emphasizes organization from the start, with a clear folder structure and consistent file-naming conventions to keep multi-camera projects, like our sessions, manageable and efficient.
Daily-Use Tech and Office Essentials
Beyond the film set, our creative process is supported by a suite of reliable tech and organizational tools. We’re an Apple-based ecosystem, using MacBook Pros and iPads for their seamless integration and longevity. For capturing ideas, structuring book chapters, and managing project timelines, we’ve moved almost entirely to Notion. It acts as our digital brain—a place for everything from rough video shot lists to the editorial calendar for our site.
| Tool Category | Our Primary Choice | Key Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Laptop | Apple MacBook Pro (M-series) | Editing, writing, and all primary creative work |
| Note-Taking & Organization | Notion | Central hub for all project plans, research, and content databases |
| Cloud Storage & Sync | Dropbox & iCloud | File backup and team sharing; iCloud for device sync |
| Communication | Slack & Email | Internal team coordination and external correspondence |
Canadian-Made Brands We Love
Supporting Canadian innovation and craftsmanship is important to us. We seek out homegrown companies that produce quality goods, often blending performance with sustainability. For outdoor gear that stands up to Canadian seasons while we’re scouting locations, we turn to Arc’teryx. Their technical apparel is built to last and perform. For everyday goods with a conscience, we admire brands like Province of Canada, which offers thoughtfully designed, sustainable home and personal care items. It’s about investing in products that reflect a commitment to quality and community.
Kitchen Staples & Local Treats
Creativity is sustained by more than just ideas. The kitchen is a hub for our team, especially when developing content around Canadian traditions. Pure Canadian maple syrup is, of course, a staple—not just for pancakes but as a key ingredient and character in our Sugar Shack Sessions. We partner with a local roaster for our coffee, valuing the fresh, complex beans that fuel our morning edits. These local treats are more than consumables; they’re sensory touchstones that connect our work to place.
Resources for Fellow Creators
The journey of an author and creator is one of continuous learning. We’ve found immense value in online platforms that offer both education and community. For skill-building, Skillshare provides accessible, project-based courses on everything from video editing to creative writing. For writers looking to build an audience and publish independently, Substack has revolutionized the newsletter space, offering a direct path to readers. Engaging with these communities reminds us that creation, though often solitary, is part of a larger conversation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do you use Sony cameras specifically?
We’ve found Sony’s mirrorless cameras, like our A7 IV, offer the best balance for our hybrid needs. Their autofocus system is incredibly reliable for documentary-style filming where we can’t always control the action, and their image quality in variable natural light—common when filming outdoors in Canada—is consistently excellent.
Is your book, “Matthew McCully and the Matter of Principle,” related to your video projects?
While thematically separate, both the book and projects like the Sugar Shack Sessions spring from the same creative well: a desire to explore stories with depth, heart, and a distinctly Canadian sensibility. The book is a narrative exploration of principle and choice, while the videos often celebrate tradition and craft; both are facets of my work as a creator.
How do you discover the Canadian-made brands you recommend?
It’s a mix of intentional searching, word-of-mouth from other creators, and simply paying attention to the craftsmanship behind products we encounter in our daily lives and travels across the country. We prioritize companies with transparent practices and a clear passion for their craft.
What’s one piece of advice for someone starting their first creative project?
Start small and finish it. It’s better to complete a short, simple video or a single chapter than to be perpetually planning a grand masterpiece. The lessons you learn from finishing one project are infinitely more valuable than the plans for ten you never start. Tools like Notion or a simple notebook are great for breaking that big idea into manageable first steps.
In closing, this curated list is a snapshot of the tools and treasures that genuinely support our work and lifestyle as creators in Canada. They are tried, tested, and integral to our process. We hope you find a useful recommendation or two here, and we’d love to hear about the resources that inspire your own journey. Happy creating.