Episode 564

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Published on:

6th Oct 2025

WCA #564 with Steve Dierkens – Career Path Shift, Joy in Work, Financial Balance, Global Collaborations, and Redefining Success

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes Engineer, Producer, Mixer Steve Dierkens. In this conversation, Steve shares his journey from as a succesful enginer working in film in California to a professional audio engineer and producer living in Canada. He discusses his early influences, the transition to a professional career, and the lifestyle changes that came with moving to Canada. Steve reflects on the challenges of building a studio, the importance of family, and the reevaluation of his career goals. He emphasizes the need for joy in music production and offers insights into financial perspectives in the audio profession. The conversation also touches on remote collaborations, social media challenges, and the definition of success and happiness in the industry.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

  • Career path shift
  • Family-driven choices
  • Moved to Canada
  • Studio-building challenges
  • Joy in work
  • Financial balance
  • Valued client relationships
  • Global collaborations
  • Social media pressure
  • Redefining success

Links and Show Notes:

Matt's Rant: More on Streaming vs Physical Media

Credits:

  • Guest: Steve Dierkens
  • Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
  • WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
  • The Voice: Chuck Smith
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About the Podcast

Working Class Audio
Navigating the World of Recording With a Working Class Perspective
Peel back the glamour of the professional recording world. Guests from the world of audio for music, film, games, restoration, and more share their insights on how they made their journey, how they survive, their advice on the real things including wins, losses, working with other people, money, and career advice. 
Hosted by audio engineer Matt Boudreau.
The Working Class Audio Podcast - Navigating the World of Recording with a working class perspective.
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Matt Boudreau