Q with Tom Power

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Tarsem Singh: On Dear Jassi and the real-life tragedy that inspired the film May 27, 2024

Show notes

The director Tarsem Singh first made a name for himself in the ‘90s making iconic music videos for bands like R.E.M. and Dream Warriors. In 2000, he captured moviegoers' imaginations with the sci-fi thriller, “The Cell,” starring Jennifer Lopez. His latest movie, “Dear Jassi,” is based on the real-life story of Jassi Sidhu, a young Sikh woman from Vancouver who was kidnapped and murdered while visiting the man she secretly married against the wishes of her family. Tarsem sits down with Tom to talk about this tragic love story, and why it was also pretty personal to him.

Alexander Stewart: His pop music journey, the devastating moment his voice changed, and his debut album May 27, 2024

Show notes

After blowing up on TikTok, the rising Canadian pop star Alexander Stewart has now released his debut album, “bleeding heart.” He sits down with Tom to discuss his journey, writing songs about eating disorders and body dysmorphia, how devastated he was when his voice changed, and how Shawn Mendes’s singing coach took him under his wing.

George Miller: Furiosa, what Mad Max is really about, and his early career as an ER doctor May 24, 2024

Show notes

The Australian director George Miller made his name with the post-apocalyptic “Mad Max” film trilogy that he launched 45 years ago. In 2015, he revived the franchise with a fourth film, “Fury Road,” which won six Oscars and introduced the character of Furiosa. Now, George has created a new film in the franchise that focuses on Furiosa’s origin story. He sits down with Tom to discuss “Furiosa” and his evolution as a filmmaker through the entire “Mad Max” franchise.

Jane Schoenbrun: I Saw the TV Glow, the trans experience, and their ‘90s TV obsessions May 24, 2024

Show notes

The director Jane Schoenbrun first became known for their 2021 movie “We're All Going to the World's Fair,” which tapped into a teenaged fascination with the culture of viral memes. Now, Jane has made a new film called “I Saw the TV Glow,” which follows two suburban teens who get emotionally enmeshed in a fictional ‘90s TV show called The Pink Opaque. The result is a moody investigation of identity, growing up and making decisions about who you want to be. Jane talks to Tom about how this film relates to transness, why ‘90s TV has a special place in the film, and their own experience getting intertwined in TV shows as they grew up.

Ethan and Maya Hawke: On Wildcat and their love of Flannery O'Connor May 23, 2024

Show notes

The father-daughter duo Ethan and Maya Hawke have teamed up for the new film called “Wildcat,” which follows the life of Flannery O'Connor while she was struggling to publish her first novel. Ethan and Maya join Tom to talk about their collaboration and why O’Connor’s work connected with them so deeply.

Zainab Johnson: How some big plot twists in her life led to a career in comedy May 23, 2024

Show notes

The comedian Zainab Johnson had dreams of being a professional basketball player until she got hit by a truck and started reevaluating her life. Now, more than a decade deep into her career as a comedian and an actor, Zainab has released one of the most talked about specials of the year, “Hijabs Off.” She talks to Tom about pulling through personal chaos, from growing up with 12 siblings to switching careers.

Harlan Coben: After 80 million copies sold, the bestselling author still suffers from self-doubt May 22, 2024

Show notes

Harlan Coben is one of the most successful writers out there today with more than 80 million books in print, published in 46 languages. In recent years, several of his books have been turned into series for streaming giants, including "Shelter," "The Stranger," “The Innocent,” “Gone for Good,” and the number one global Netflix hit “Fool Me Once.” And yet, despite his success, Harlan still suffers from imposter syndrome. He talks to Tom about his process, the tragic loss of his parents at a young age, and some of the secrets to his success.

Quick Q: Canadian saxophonist and composer Christine Jensen on her new song Fantasy on Blue May 22, 2024

Show notes

The Canadian jazz musician Christine Jensen is back with her third jazz orchestra album, “Harbour.” She tells Tom about a track called “Fantasy On Blue,” which was inspired by Miles Davis’s famous jazz album “Kind of Blue.”

Joyner Lucas: On his new album Not Now I'm Busy May 21, 2024

Show notes

Joyner Lucas is a rapper who has millions of streams and two Grammy nominations. He tackles big subjects in his music, from self-harm and addiction to police brutality. Joyner joins Tom in studio to talk about his new album, “Not Now I'm Busy,” and the sacrifices he's made to find success.

Alana Yorke: Her near-death experience and new album May 21, 2024

Show notes

After a near-death scuba diving accident that left her with PTSD, the Nova Scotia singer-songwriter Alana Yorke released the biggest album of her career, “Dream Magic.” But that’s not the end of the story. One morning in 2022, Alana woke up to find that she couldn’t move the left side of her body due to a stroke. Following a long recovery, she started recording her latest album, “Destroyer,” which is out now. Alana sits down with Tom to talk about the record and share her experience.

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