Refolkus
Monday June 1st, 2026 with Rosalyn Dennett
On Life, Love & Music w/ Natalie McMaster

In this episode, we sit down with Grammy-nominated fiddler Natalie McMaster to talk about her journey from growing up in Cape Breton’s rich musical traditions to building an internationally celebrated career in folk music. We discuss the role of love, family, and community in shaping her life and artistry, the decision to bring her children into her performances, and the importance of passing traditional music on to future generations. We also dive into Natalie’s new bestselling book ‘I Have a Love Story’, which is available wherever books are sold. Listen/Subscribe to Refolkus: https://refolkus.transistor.fm/subscribe Catch Natalie Online: Book: I Have a Love Story: https://go.ilovebooks.ca/i-have-a-love-story Website: https://www.natalieanddonnell.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nataliemacmasterofficial/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nataliemacmaster/ About Natalie MacMaster Hailing from Cape Breton Island, Natalie received her first fiddle at the age of nine, launching a career that has lasted for over three decades. Her first recording was released when she was only sixteen years old. Fifteen albums later, Natalie is a Grammy nominee and a two-time Juno winner. Natalie has received a host of awards in the US and Canada. She has recorded and toured with some of the world’s greatest performing artists, including Allison Krauss, Carlos Santana, The Chieftains, Thomas Dolby, Raffi, Sharon Lois & Bram and Yo-Yo Ma. In 2002, she married renowned fiddler Donnell Leahy of the Leahy family band and moved to Lakefield, Ontario. They have seven children and have performed and recorded together as a duo, occasionally including their children, who also play fiddle, in their performances. ‘I Have a Love Story’ is Natalie’s first self-written publication. _____________ Tune in to the latest episodes of Refolkus, featuring latest music releases from Folk Canada members and Refolkus guests, now broadcasting on CKCU FM 93.1 in Ottawa, CKUW 95.9 FM in Winnipeg and CFBX 92.5 FM in Kamloops. Presented by Folk Canada Hosted by Rosalyn Dennett Produced by Kayla Nezon and Rosalyn Dennett Mixed by Jordan Moore of The Pod Cabin Theme music “Amsterdam” by King Cardiac Artwork by Jaymie Karn