The Firecracker Department

Mia Bella wants to be best known for connecting to others through her art Oct 23, 2024

At 15, actress and singer Mia Bella is carving a solid path for herself in the entertainment industry. Fueled by her passion for her craft and her parents’ unconditional support, Mia’s love of music at a young age has helped her pursue her dreams and she tells Naomi how much she looks forward to exploring more of her interests as her career progresses. Throughout her career, she’s learned to recognize when she’s about to burn out, how to deal with rejection and how to manage her expectations when auditioning. She shares how she’s learning to find the balance between going after her dreams and making time for her community, including her fellow castmates from the hit TV show The Popularity Papers, whom she loves collaborating with. Mia tells Naomi about her hopes to mentor younger generations of women and non-binary actors as she ages, to continue paving the way for up-and-coming talent. Although her career is just beginning, Mia is a remarkable talent with big dreams, big plans, and an even bigger future ahead.

Robin Duke is improvising through her funny life Oct 09, 2024

Robin Duke is a comedy powerhouse whose talent spans all mediums. After getting her start on SCTV and transitioning to SNL as the first female cast member hired as a writer, Robin tells Naomi about her mission to write sketches that painted women in different lights and showed their strengths. She talks about how much she loved writing for other people, showing that comedy by women isn’t all about boobs, and the pressure she felt to perform. Though her tenacity landed her the job, she also talks about the downfall after being replaced on the show and how that affected her confidence. She tells Naomi that her passion was reignited after teaching a course where a speaker claimed comedy was only for young people and not for women, and how she was determined to prove them wrong, creating comedy troupe Women Fully Clothed. Though open about her journey, Robin explains her decision to keep her cancer diagnosis private until she was ready to explore it in her writing, finding humor in the experience. Throughout her illustrious career, she vows to keep learning, growing, and working on projects that inspire her and keep her laughing.

Adeline Bird is a champion of rest & resurgence Jul 17, 2024

Adeline Bird is the true definition of a multi-hyphenate, unapologetic artist. As an actor, storyteller, director, author, podcaster and social worker (just to name a few), Adeline has taken all of her experiences in her various disciplines and used them to fuel her creativity and find her voice. She tells Naomi and Jennifer how important her Afro-Indigenous identity is, and leads them into a riveting conversation about the importance of rest amidst the hustle. While working on her current project, a sleep podcast called “Rest and Resurge”, Adeline creates decolonial stories, worlds without police and patriarchy, and encourages her listeners to rest through the constant struggle of having to explain themselves. She also shares how she strongly believes that as artists, we need to hold our stories in our heart, how our characters are spirits that live inside us, and that the world will conspire to make them come to life. And through practiced rest and relaxation, Adeline believes we can rise up stronger and be as unapologetic as we desire.

Tasha Hubbard is learning to find moments of joy and look ahead Jun 26, 2024

Documentary filmmaker Tasha Hubbard (We Will Stand Up, Two Worlds Colliding) always knew she wanted to be in the arts to help amplify and uplift Indigenous experiences. Although initially she was unsure where she fit in, when she met fellow Indigenous filmmakers Gil Cardinal and Doug Cuthand, her journey truly began under their mentorship. Throughout her career making documentaries, Tasha tells Naomi and Jennifer how she learned to give not only herself the space to heal and be supported, but also the brave subjects she features in her work. She’s also a seasoned academic, and shares the resiliency she developed as a single mom when she began teaching, and the village of people that helped raise her child. Tasha is embarking on a new journey as a narrative feature filmmaker with her upcoming project Birth of a Family (based on the documentary of the same name), and is reeling off of the success of her recent documentary film Singing Back the Buffalo. Even though Tasha has self-admittedly chosen to play the long game in her career, she shares insights on how the buffalo have inspired her to keep going, deal with hardship, find moments of joy, and always keep looking ahead.

For more information on the buffaloes, visit buffalosong.com.

To sign the buffalo treaty, visit buffalotreaty.com.

Jessica Matten wants to be best known for being of service to others Jun 12, 2024

From a young age, actress and producer Jessica Matten (Dark Winds) has been focused on creating Indigenous communities to support and be of service to. From her first group Positive Beauty at the age of 13, supporting young Indigenous models with an undercurrent of mental health and wellness, to running programs with the Indigenous Film School and her own company 7 Forward Entertainment, Jessica is focused on consistently pushing others forward towards their goals and healing people through the arts. She tells Jennifer and Naomi about how coming from a multicultural background has given her the capacity to hold so much space for others, and how she’s learned to create discipline in doing so. As she’s grown older and gained more life experience, she also shares how her intuitive guidance and connection to her culture has helped her to better understand and identify the “silences” and traumas affecting Indigenous youth, and her hopes to affect change through action. Her commitment, grace, and intention to heal and be of service to others through the arts is admirable, and her philanthropic work has been able to guide her and trust that this is her purpose for being on this earth.

Keilani Rose is on a lifelong journey to discover her voice May 29, 2024

The extraordinary Keilani Rose (Shoresy) is embracing the lifelong journey of self-discovery to find her voice as an artist. Born and raised in Lheidli (The Place Where the Two Rivers Flow Together - also colonially known as Prince George, BC), she tells Naomi and Jennifer how her roots in dance gave her a safe space to find herself and morphed into other areas of artistry she’s used to tell powerful stories. She also shares how her Indigenous cultural values serve as a reminder that all areas of creativity are interconnected, and how we can honour different parts of ourselves and allow them to inform each other through art. Keilani also shares her personal process into discovery and reclaiming her spirit after she experienced a traumatic incident, and how the healing process informed her work moving forward. In this enlightening conversation, Keilani, Naomi and Jennifer connect on the discipline, focus, and freedom we can find in our creative work and look towards the various “rivers” of possibility that open up once we connect with our true selves.

Jennifer Podemski & Naomi Sneickus believe there’s comedy to be found in trauma May 15, 2024

In our kickoff episode for the second season of The Blaze Sessions, Naomi sits down with this season's curator, Jennifer Podemski. As a multi-hyphenate artist, Jennifer’s creativity knows no bounds, and she’s committed to highlighting the importance of cultural sensitivity when it comes to Indigenous content and shining lights on aspects of the industry that still make her angry in an effort to force change.

In this discussion with Naomi, Jennifer shares her views on the importance of grieving, how both grief and comedy exist next to each other, and her desire to bring people together in moments big and small. She also shares her hopes for this new season of The Blaze Sessions, where she hopes to introduce us to incredible Indigenous creatives that are “doing the coolest shit” to change the landscape of our industry and the world.

The Blaze Sessions Season 2 Trailer May 01, 2024

Welcome back to The Blaze Sessions brought to you by the Firecracker Department! Season two is here, and we're thrilled! Hosts Naomi Snieckus (Mr.D, The Madness, The Social, Second City Toronto) and the incredible Jennifer Podemski, ("Little Bird", "Reservation Dogs" and founder of Red Cloud Productions and The Shine Network) have curated inspiring, engaging, and refreshingly honest conversations with women and non-binary individuals at the top of their game in the industry. From sharing insights on their creative journeys to discussing how they're changing the world through their art, these talks are the perfect blend of real, raw, and fun. Get ready to ignite your passion, and join us for a blazing good time. Starting May 15th, you’ll get a new episode every 2 weeks! Find us at www.firecrackerdepartment.com and all your favourite podcast platforms.

Alana Johnston wants to be the funniest she’s ever been Apr 17, 2024

For the past few years, performer and writer Alana Johnston has made it her mission to incorporate the theme of self-esteem into her artistic work. As the host of The Self-Esteem Party Podcast (on which this episode was first featured), she’s learned that the things we struggle with in regards to self-esteem might follow us forever, and that’s totally okay.

She also shares how her perspective has shifted after some major events occurred in her life in recent years, and how she’s now using her art to work through those traumatic moments.

Through this brave discussion, Naomi and Alana speak about the importance of surrounding yourself with people who support your artistic endeavours, bringing yourself back to reality through positive self-talk, and embracing your weirdness. And Alana shares that now - more than ever - her ultimate goal is to be the funniest she’s ever been.

Anne Rab finds bravery in being bold on stage & in life Apr 03, 2024

Anne Rab’s improv career all started when she met a clown and stumbled into the art form that would change her life.

Although it was difficult to make the transition from a city where she had stability and comfort to one completely unknown, she tells Naomi that learned that she didn’t want to play it safe and to make the choice to just go for her dreams.

Now, she carries this outlook through her teachings and thrives off of encouraging people to be comfortable with making mistakes and not worrying about “fucking it up” in her improv classes.

Ultimately, Anne tells Naomi that her favourite thing about art and life is having people around, connecting, and even throwing some killer parties. And through all of the confusion and uncertainty that she felt when starting her career, that improv helped her discover - for certain - that this is all she’s ever wanted to do.

Nadine Antler gives herself permission to do the things she loves Mar 20, 2024

One thing’s for certain about improviser Nadine Antler is that her strength lies in taking care of people.

From studying to be a social worker to putting on a decade-long improv festival and now running her own improv school, Nadine tells Naomi about her desire to help both actors and non-actors through the communication and boundary-setting skills that improv teaches.

But despite committing to help others with this, she reveals that her personal challenge is her inner critic and the disappointment she faces when it rears its ugly head on stage and takes her out of the present moment.

Although some of her shows go horribly wrong, she details how all she can do is pick herself up and continue on - and that making lists of how to improve helps her feel better. Even when improv can be challenging and scary, Nadine wholeheartedly believes that if you want to take a risk and try, there’s no need to wait for the right moment: that all you need to do is give yourself permission to do the thing you love.

Vanessa Matsui is a pro at taking things frame by frame Mar 06, 2024

With her wealth of experience as an actor, writer, improviser, and now a director, Vanessa Matsui always finds time to look back and thank her younger self for having the gumption and bravery to take chances. By stumbling through her experience creating, writing, directing, and acting in the award winning series Ghost BFF, Vanessa tells Naomi about how she learned to just keep going and follow through on her impulses in every role she played. She also recounts the discovery she made that all roads were pointing to her beginning to direct, and how much she loves that it allows you to access a different part of yourself. Naomi and Vanessa also have an enlightening conversation about the importance of looking back at your younger self and taking the time to grieve the dreams that didn’t come to fruition, before moving forward into the future. And although her fear and anxiety may take over in certain moments, Vanessa always reminds herself of the great advice she received when directing her first feature film Midnight at the Paradise: just take things frame by frame.

Inbal Lori has a plan to not have a plan Feb 21, 2024

Growing up in Israel, the multi-faceted Inbal Lori always knew she would be in the arts and fully embraced the holy trinity of acting, writing, and directing. But amidst her love for creation, she tells Naomi that before she moved to Berlin, she suffered when she played parts that she didn’t write because she wasn’t in control - even though she never had a “plan” in life. Little did she know that when she arrived in Germany, her love and passion for improv would take over her life and teach her how to work within a structure but also profoundly let go and play. As she began immersing herself in the world of improv and created her own school, she realized the power of improvising stories that are thought-provoking to an audience and exploring the depths of human emotion through this free-flowing art form. Inbal quickly became a leader in the world of Impro internationally as a teacher and performer. While she never had a concrete plan, Inbal tells Naomi how the most freedom comes from existing in your own story and allowing life to take you where it leads.

Maria del Mar paved the way for all of us with power and passion Feb 07, 2024

Maria del Mar has never let fear hold her back from anything in her extensive career and expansive life. As a young actress with a passion growing up in Ottawa, Maria took a chance and moved to Toronto to fake it ‘till she made it, with roles on incredible shows like Frasier, 24, and Hudson & Rex. The more Maria took chances, the more life presented her with opportunities to try new things and learn from everyone she’s worked with. She tells Naomi how she vowed to always remain open to everything in life, and how there’s no such thing as perfection - which has become all the more significant given the difficult years she’s faced. But although she has been thrown many challenges, Maria is embracing the spirit of hope and dancing the salsa with life, allowing it to lead her where she’s meant to go and enjoying the journey along the way.

Beatrix Brunschko navigates life with her three “me”s Jan 24, 2024

Beatrix Brunschko, aka Trixie, dives headfirst into every twist and turn of her incredible career. She's not just a director of the stage and screen – Trixie's a founding member of Theatre Bahnhof, a professor at the University of Hamburg, and the go-to guru for all things improv. Starting from the wild passion that birthed a theatre company to her game-changing improv workshops, Trixie's all about creating spaces where creativity runs wild and shakes things up for everyone – even our curious host, Naomi. She reveals her "say yes to everything first" approach, taking life as it comes. And in this chat with Naomi, Trixie peels back the curtain on her fascinating journey, where she juggles being a character, an actress, and, most importantly, herself in every scene and life experience. Join us for this enlightening convo that unravels the magic behind Trixie's "yes-to-it-all" philosophy, proving that embracing your various selves can create real-life magic along the way.

Firecracker Department 2024 Trailer Jan 10, 2024

Rev up your year with a brand new season of The Firecracker Department Podcast! Let's ignite 2024 with an explosive lineup of captivating conversations. Join our sensational host, Naomi Snieckus, and an array of global artists as they take you on a heart-pounding journey into the depths of creativity and inspiration. But that's not all – mark your calendars because later this spring, we're bringing you The Blaze Sessions, a special mini-season featuring the extraordinary co-host Jennifer Podemski. It's a dynamic duo that will set your imagination ablaze! Each episode promises an electric blend of insights and innovation you won't want to skip. So, whether you're strolling down the street, pumping iron at the gym, whipping up a storm in the kitchen, or lost in your own universe, tune in and let us transport you to an action-packed realm of unbridled creativity. Get ready to fire up your imagination and dive headfirst into a whirlwind of inspiration with The Firecracker Department Podcast – the ultimate destination for all things thrilling and ingenious!

Jennifer Holness immerses herself in stories Jun 14, 2023

Jennifer Holness is not only a force to be reckoned with, but she is a beacon of change in the industry. An award-winning filmmaker and the co-founder of Hungry Eyes Media (with her partner Sudz Sutherland), she is the first ever recipient of the Firecracker Department's Red Point Award, going to women over 50 who are still creating incredible content and leading the way in out community. After a life-changing health scare in her early twenties, Jennifer learned to go forth confidently in the direction of her dreams to direct and produce, and never look back. Throughout her incredible career, she shares with Naomi and Amanda how she is able to fully immerse herself in a story to help spark change, and how centering on a theme helps her pinpoint what the story will transform into. She also acknowledges that despite her increasing drive to change the world, she needs to be able to take care of herself and her family. And through the trials, stress, and pressure, Jennifer is still able to live a life that is full of joy.

Wendy Crewson stands up for herself Jun 07, 2023

With a career spanning decades and a multitude of incredible roles in beautiful shows, it’s no wonder actor Wendy Crewson is one of Canada’s brightest and most beloved stars. With credits like Air Force One, Good Sam, Pretty Hard Cases, she is also known as a staunch advocate for ACTRA and FilmOntario and for the role she’s played in helping change the landscape of the industry. But, Wendy says she’s learned the most important person to stand up for, ultimately, is herself. She tells Naomi and Amanda about how much she loves to celebrate her own accomplishments and those of her fellow actors (she still gets excited about award nominations), especially when it comes to the next generation. She also shares that even after all these years, nothing will ever beat the rush of going into an audition room. Wendy Crewson has courage to wear an orange formal gown to a casual event, to stand up for what she believes in and above all, to be herself.

Mary Young Leckie lives for her lightbulb moments May 31, 2023

In the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, Mary Young Leckie had one of her infamous lightbulb moments, which inspired her to produce such amazing shows as M.V.P and the brilliant and award- winning film Maudie. With an immense passion for telling Canadian stories and steadfast activism throughout her career, Mary reveals she has an unwavering belief in all of the stories she tells. She also details the determination she has found to push through the sometimes-long journeys to produce her work. She shares how reaching out within the artistic community can fuel you, why we should always forgive those who have wronged us and how often the best way to wind down is to belt it out with a rock ‘n roll choir at Carnegie Hall.

Jennifer Podemski acknowledges all her little wins May 24, 2023

Juggling a work-life balance is difficult for many of us, but perhaps even more so for the multi-hyphenate extraordinary talent that is Jennifer Podemski. As she has navigated her career through acting, writing, directing, producing and showrunning (with her beautiful film Little Bird coming up), not to mention her companies The Shine Network and Red Cloud Studios she has learned a few valuable lessons along the way. She tells Naomi and Amanda about how the art of fear management and the importance of celebrating the “little wins” have helped guide her through various iterations of her career. She also speaks to the freedom of owning your own artistic work, and how important it is to adapt the way we tell Indigenous stories so they are no longer extractive, but instead allow the community to maintain agency over their collective experience. Even though she’s achieved success on a global scale, Jennifer will always be thankful for the creativity her grandmother fostered in her, and how she sometimes just takes jobs to be able to spend some quality time with her equally gifted sisters, Sarah and Tamara.

Sheila McCarthy is just going to pretend May 17, 2023

Sheila McCarthy’s résumé truly reads like an adventure book with twists, turns and surprises that makes her one of the most versatile and unique artists in our community. From playing a maid in The Littlest Hobo to her profound performance as Greta Loewen in Sarah Polley’s Oscar award winning movie Women Talking, her command of the screen is unlike any other - and really makes Naomi and Amanda wonder why she doesn't yet have the Order of Canada. Despite her prolific career, even Sheila has experienced moments of doubt and fear. She shares how jumping around various mediums and always reinventing herself has helped her push through. That, plus a memory of Liza Minelli peeking behind the camera and giving her some magical advice that she’s held on to ever since. Catch this inspiring and motivating discussion with one of our industries best of the best.

Adrienne C. Moore never wants to be a GOAT May 10, 2023

Whatever Adrienne C. Moore is selling - we’re buying! As the unpredictable drug squad detective Kelly Duff on Pretty Hard Cases, with some other pretty big roles under her belt (hello, Orange is the New Black!) we’d assume Adrienne had achieved GOAT status. But she proudly proclaims that she’d rather just keep striving for it than have already reached it. After a successful career in marketing, Adrienne tells Amanda and Naomi how she learned how to think of herself as a product and work within her own acting wheelhouse to make the shift into acting. And although she’s a self-branded genius, she does make mistakes - and admits she is just as honest about them as the successes she’s had. And let’s not forget how she not only got “camera ready” for this interview in 3 min flat AND she continues to forge a path for BIPOC creatives to be accommodated on set. Yes - the word “unstoppable” comes to mind!

Grace Lynn Kung doesn't like labels May 03, 2023

Grace Lynn Kung has reached a milestone in her life and career - being number one on the call sheet for the very first time as Marissa Wong in the new crime dramedy Wong and Winchester - and she’s celebrating every moment!. The road to get there hasn’t been easy, but Grace tells Naomi and Amanda how she finds that tuning in to her vulnerability and authenticity helps feed into the various roles she’s played - both onscreen and off. She also divulges how we often use age as an excuse to stop listening to people, reminds us how important it is to reclaim your body and mind for yourself first and foremost, and how important it is to live life freely without labels. But maybe best of all, this intense, intellectually inspiring conversation ends with Naomi and Amanda getting an impromptu cartoon voice acting session from Grace. What does your pet's voice sound like?

Meredith MacNeill is best friends with failure Apr 26, 2023

We know Meredith MacNeill as by-the-book, yet frazzled detective Sam Wazowski on Pretty Hard Cases and for her absurd and hilarious comedic sketches on Baroness Von Sketch Show which she wrote and starred in….but the truth is - she’s more than just the wild roles she plays on screen. The depth that she carries through her work comes from recognizing the truth of her life and how she sees the world. She shares with Naomi and Amanda that part of her comedic process involves cozying up to her best friend: failure. From her upbringing in Halifax to performing on stages in the UK, Meredith held hands with her inner voice and her fearlessness to help her achieve her dream to fly.

Oh, and if you think perimenopause and chin hairs suck - she’ll definitely convince you otherwise.

The Blaze Sessions Season 1 Trailer Apr 19, 2023

Get ready for The Blaze Sessions! Award-winning actors and friends Amanda Brugel and Naomi Snieckus kick off their shoes and dive into honest conversation with eight women at the top of their game in the entertainment industry. It's a showbiz cheat sheet, a dose of creative inspiration and a great ride, all rolled into one. Coming at you April 26.

Amanda Brugel finds beauty in her daily “delights” Apr 12, 2023

The incomparable Amanda Brugel should truly be recognized as an artistic chameleon. With her seamless ability to transition from comedy to drama - in roles like Karina Duff on Pretty Hard Cases and Rita Blue and then effortlessly to her work on The Handmaid’s Tale - Amanda is constantly reinventing herself and breaking away from the proverbial “box” that many actors seem to fall into. But her successes haven’t come without setbacks, and she tells Naomi how she’s learned to be open about her struggles throughout her life, and also to take time to appreciate the little “delights'' that appear. She shares that one of the most valuable muscles for her is the one that helps her recognize the victories in her life, big or small. And, even though she knows life is a never ending journey, Amanda is learning to always show up as herself, and learning that no matter what role or struggle she may face, she can always find a way to Brugel-ize it.

Rong Fu Jun 08, 2022

Our guest this week is Chinese-Canadian actor, writer - RONG FU!

Rong was born in Qin-an, China and was raised in Toronto, Canada. She knew at a young age that she wanted to be an actor and started her classical training in theatre at Earl Haig, an arts high school in Toronto and then went on to graduate from York University’s Acting Conservatory in 2012.

Rong’s theatrical debut was in the critically acclaimed production of THE CRUCIBLE at Soulpepper in Toronto. She has since performed on stages across Canada in amazing productions including the Shaw Festival’s STAGE KISS and THE ORCHARD AFTER CHEKHOV in Niagara-on-the Lake, Vertigo Theatre’s SHERLOCK HOLMES and THE RAVEN’S CURSE in Calgary, Toronto Tarragon Theatre’s THE MILLENNIAL MALCONTENT, and Roseneath Theatre’s Dora Nominated THE MONEY TREE in Toronto.

You may recognize Rong on the small screen in shows such as: CBC and NBC’s PRETTY HARD CASES, CBC and Netflix’s WORKIN’ MOMS, CBS’s AMERICAN GOTHIC, ABC’s ROOKIE BLUE, CTV’s CARTER, and The CW’s BEAUTY AND THE BEAST. Most recently, on Paramount+’s STAR TREK: STRANGE NEW WORLDS, and Lionsgate and BuzzFeed Studios’ MY FAKE BOYFRIEND.

Rong plays the romantic lead Avery in CBC Gem’s original HELLO (AGAIN), a k-drama inspired rom-com created by Simu Liu and Nathalie Younglai, that recently won BEST DRAMA PILOT in the DIGITAL SHORTS SERIES in SeriesFest in Denver, Colorado.

MAY FLOWERS, ASIANS IN THE SIXTH is a short film that Rong wrote and it premiered on CBC: CANADA REFLECTIONS in 2020. She is a founding member of a community collective of Asian artists in film and television called ASIANS IN THE SIXTH as a Facebook group. In 2021, she curated a program of various free industry workshops to uplift and support fellow Asian artists, including workshops about The Business Side of Acting and another workshop on Authenticity and Wellbeing.

Twitter: @rongideas

Instagram: @rongideas

Website:

https://www.officialrongfu.com/

HELLO (AGAIN)

@watchhelloagain #watchhelloagain

@cbcgem

Watch: https://gem.cbc.ca/media/hello-again/s01

Podcast Team

Head Producer and Editor: Winnie Wong @wonder_wong

Editor: Shayne Stolz @shaynestolz

Graphic: Vicki Brier @brier2019

To listen to the podcast: https://linktr.ee/firecrackerdept

Subscribe to our newsletter at https://www.firecrackerdepartment.com and follow us @firecrackerdept!

Sally Shaar May 26, 2022

Our guest this week is Toronto-based Juno-winning vocalist, songwriter, director, music marketing specialist and Syrian-Canadian - SALLY SHAAR! Sally studied with Canadian vocal legends Christine Duncan, Lorraine Lawson, Falconer Abraham, and Micah Barnes. She has such an amazing voice and she’s constantly pushing the boundaries of her voice both on stage and in the studio. Through her studies at Humber College’s music program and an unfortunate bout of tonsillitis, Sally has become a veritable expert on vocal health and recovery.

Sally is a founding member of the alternative rock band MONOWHALES. They recently won a 2022 Juno for Breakthrough Group of the Year!

Sally has been the creative force behind numerous music videos, photos, and online marketing campaigns for the band. That’s right, Sally’s ingenuity and forward-thinking approach to music marketing has helped MONOWHALES establish themselves as one of the most exciting new bands in Canada and the WORLD!

MONOWHALES’ 2019 single RWLYD (Really Wanna Let You Down) broke the record for the highest-charting single by an unsigned Canadian band when it hit number two on the Mediabase Canada Alternative Rock Chart. They released their latest album DAYTONA BLEACH in early 2021 which included RWLYD along with Top 10 singles ALL OR NOTHING and OUT WITH THE OLD. By the way, OUT WITH THE OLD has over 1 million streams on Spotify!

Sally is no stranger to the stage, she has toured extensively with MONOWHALES. Performances include Reeperbahn in Hamburg, Germany, Canadian Music Week in Toronto, Canada, Festival d’ete in Quebec City, Canada and Yellowknife PRIDE. MONOWHALES has played in support of artists including K Flay, Our Lady Peace, Death From Above 1979, Marianas Trench, Sloan, I Mother Earth and many more.

MONOWHALES were just on a cross-Canada tour with indie-rock band Mother Mother and they have a new album slated for release Fall of 2022.

Fun Fact:

Three MONOWHALES songs off 2018's CONTROL FREAK were featured in Season 1, Episode 5 of 2020 Netflix series SPINNING OUT, which also included a cameo appearance by the band.

Twitter: @SallyShaar

Instagram: @sally_shaar

MONOWHALES

@monowhales - Instagram and Twitter

Facebook

Monowhales' Website

Monowhales on Spotify

Monowhales on Apple Music

Podcast Team

Head Producer and Editor: Winnie Wong @wonder_wong

Editor: Shayne Stolz @shaynestolz

Graphic: Vicki Brier @brier2019

Subscribe to our newsletter at https://www.firecrackerdepartment.com and follow us @firecrackerdept!

Veronica Martin May 16, 2022

Our guest this week is Greater Toronto-based Coach and Consultant, Crafter, Cook, Sewist, Bread Baker, Head of our Mentorship Department, Facilitator of Firecracker Artists Way Programme and Actioneer VERONICA MARTIN! Veronica has lead and developed both the Mentorship Department and Firecracker Artists Way Program with such heart. Both support women and non-binary folks in the arts who come together to listen and learn. The Mentorship Team includes Kathleen Harquail, Sarah Potter, Emilia Copeland and Rebecca Marquardt. Together they create things like helpful content, virtual events with experienced Mentors, meet and greets, panel events, one-on-one mentoring opportunities AND more! We’ve had mentorship workshops that have focused on writers, directors, indie producers, and they have some more cooking in the near future. Veronica describes herself as a recovering HR Director, who has a personal goals creativity coaching and small business human resources consulting company with clients in Canada, and the US. Veronica's love of languages led her to volunteer as a literacy tutor through the Oakville Literacy Council for over ten years. She also mentors HR practitioners through the Human Resources Professionals Association and students through the McMaster Alumni Association. No wonder the Mentorship Department was such a great fit for Veronica - she has that mentoring passion.

Speaking of taking her passion to another level, Veronica is currently developing an online programme for women and non-binary folks who want to amp up their happiness as they move through all their ages. Twitter: @veronicaamartin Instagram: @veronicaannemartin Facebook page: http://ow.ly/2OFu50Ii7NQ

Website: http://ow.ly/xEB650Ii7NS Mentorship team Kathleen Harquail @atkharquail Sarah Potter Emilia Copeland @insaninox Rebecca Marquardt @rebeccaloops Podcast Team Head Producer and Editor: Winnie Wong @wonder_wong Editor: Shayne Stolz @shaynestolz Graphic: Vicki Brier @brier2019

To listen to the podcast: https://linktr.ee/firecrackerdept

Subscribe to our newsletter at https://www.firecrackerdepartment.com and follow us @firecrackerdept!

Kathleen Harquail May 11, 2022

Our guest this week is Toronto-based policy advisor, workplace consultant, change maker, film producer AND Firecracker Actioneer and part of our mentorship department - KATHLEEN HARQUAIL!

Kathleen has a degree in Hispanic Studies from Trent University, in Peterborough, Canada, and Universidad del Valle de Mexico. As well as, a diploma in screenwriting from George Brown, in Toronto, and is a graduate of Women In Film and Television Toronto’s Media Business Essentials program. Kathleen can do it all! She could write a film in Spanish about media business essentials.

Kathleen, as an independent film producer, focuses on queer stories and projects led by women and non-binary folks. Kathleen associate produced the award-winning film TRU LOVE, a film written and directed by Kate Johnston and Shauna MacDonald, about a lesbian with commitment issues who befriends a widowed mother visiting her workaholic daughter. Some of the awards TRU LOVE won in 2014, include Best International Feature at the FilmOut San Diego Film Festival, Best Feature Film at the Inside Out Toronto LGBTQ plus Film Festival and Best Women’s Feature at the Long Island Gay and Lesbian Film Festival.

Kathleen founded, with Sandra McCallum - Reel Culture, a consulting firm focused on building sate and inclusive work cultures in the film and television industry. Their tag is “Reel Culture. Real Change.”

REEL CULTURE

Twitter - @reelcultureca

Instagram - @reelculturerealchange

reelculture.ca

Podcast Team

Head Producer and Editor: Winnie Wong @wonder_wong

Editor: Shayne Stolz @shaynestolz

Graphic: Vicki Brier @brier2019

To listen to the podcast: https://linktr.ee/firecrackerdept

Subscribe to our newsletter at https://www.firecrackerdepartment.com and follow us @firecrackerdept!

Laura Terruso May 04, 2022

Our guest this week is screenwriter, director and producer LAURA TERRUSO!

Laura is a graduate from NYU’s graduate film program at the Tisch School of the Arts. Her feature film debut as writer, director, producer is FITS AND STARTS which premiered at SXSW 2017. This comedy is about a struggling writer who can't seem to escape his wife's literary success. When a road trip to a publisher's salon takes an unexpected turn, he has to face his own creative shortcomings and find a way to regain control of his life and work.

Laura also co-wrote and directed the comedy GOOD GIRLS GET HIGH which won the Audience Award at the 2018 Santa Fe Film Festival and currently holds a 100% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes. HELLO, MY NAME IS DORIS, is a feature that Laura co-wrote and co-produced. It stars Sally Field. The film is about how a self-help seminar inspires a 60-something woman to romantically pursue her younger co-worker. HELLO, MY NAME IS DORIS is based on Laura’s short film DORIS AND THE INTERN. NOW, the feature HELLO, MY NAME IS DORIS is released by Roadside Attractions and went on to become one of the top grossing indies of 2016.

Laura directed the Netflix film, WORK IT. It premiered worldwide as the number one movie on Netflix US in its first weekend and it remained in the top ten for two weeks!

Laura is currently in post-production on the Lionsgate film ABOUT MY FATHER starring Robert DeNiro and Sebastian Maniscalco.

Instagram: @lauraterruso

WORK IT: https://www.netflix.com/ca/title/81132038

HELLO, MY NAME IS DORIS: https://www.netflix.com/ca/title/80050896

Podcast Team

Head Producer and Editor: Winnie Wong @wonder_wong

Editor: Shayne Stolz @shaynestolz

Graphic: Vicki Brier @brier2019

To listen to the podcast: https://linktr.ee/firecrackerdept

Subscribe to our newsletter at https://www.firecrackerdepartment.com and follow us @firecrackerdept!

Teresa M. Ho Apr 27, 2022

Our guest this week is Toronto-based executive producer, producer TERESA M. HO! Teresa has over 25 years of experience underneath her belt in production finance and management, along with over ten years as a Producer in Canadian Television. She has produced four seasons of CBC’s FRANKIE DRAKE MYSTERIES and two seasons of Corus’s DEPARTURE. Teresa also managed the hit Netflix Series ANNE WITH AN E, and multiple units on NBC Universal’s reboot TV Series HEROES REBORN.

Teresa recently launched on a CBC Gem original HELLO (AGAIN). A rom-com short-form nine episode series created by Simu Liu and Nathalie Younglai, with the support of CBC Gem, the Bell Fund, the CMF and Ontario Creates.

Teresa founded 100 Dragons Productions with the newest branch 100 Dragons Media launched in 2015. 100 Dragons focuses on cultivating and gathering diverse people and inclusive ideas to create innovative programming for the world.

Teresa is currently developing a feature film 15 KINDS OF CAUSAL SEX which was selected for the WIFT Toronto NBC-Universal Development Incubator, it was also selected for the National Screen Institute – EAVE on Demand Access Program and it was awarded development funds from the Harold Greenburg Fund and Telefilm. She is also developing WILD WILLIE with Nathalie Younglai who will be writing the feature. WILD WILLIE received financing through the new Telefilm development stream for Racialized Persons.

When Teresa isn't racing around sets, you can find her racing around the tennis courts working on her service game.

Twitter: @thetho

Instagram: @teresa.m.ho

https://100dragons.com/

HELLO (AGAIN)

@watchhelloagain #watchhelloagain

@cbcgem

Watch: https://gem.cbc.ca/media/hello-again/s01

Podcast Team

Head Producer and Editor: Winnie Wong @wonder_wong

Editor: Shayne Stolz @shaynestolz

Graphic: Vicki Brier @brier2019

To listen to the podcast: https://linktr.ee/firecrackerdept

Subscribe to our newsletter at https://www.firecrackerdepartment.com and follow us @firecrackerdept!

Mae Martin Mar 30, 2022

Our 150th guest this week is London-based award-winning Canadian comedian, actor, writer and producer MAE MARTIN! Mae began doing comedy at the age of 13 and dropped out of school at 15 to pursue comedy full time. They trained at The Second City, and was the youngest person to be nominated for the Tim Sims Encouragement Fund Award. At 16 they were nominated for a Canadian Comedy Award and recently they won a Canadian Comedy Award for their work as a writer on BARONESS VON SKETCH SHOW. Netflix's FEEL GOOD is a semi-autobiographical comedy drama series created and co-written by Mae and they play Mae. Lisa Kudrow stars as their mom and Charlotte Ritchie stars as their love interest named George . FEEL GOOD has a perfect 100% “Certified Fresh” score on Rotten Tomatoes. Mae’s performance earned them a Royal Television Society "Breakthrough Award", the Edinburgh TV award for “Best Comedy”, the “Best Comedy Drama series” at the C21 award and "Best Scripted Representation of LGBTQ+" at the MIPCOM Diversify TV Awards. Recently, FEEL GOOD won a Writers Guild of Great Britain Award for Best Situation Comedy.

Mae's last stand-up show, DOPE, focused on addiction, has since been turned in to a stand-up special for Netflix as part of their first global stand-up series, COMEDIANS OF THE WORLD. Mae wrote CAN EVERYONE PLEASE CALM DOWN?: A GUIDE TO TWENTY FIRST CENTURY SEXUALITY about the pros and cons of labels to coming out and the joys of sexual fluidity. You can grab a copy on Amazon or listen to it on Audible or Apple Books. You will soon be able to see Mae in their recurring guest star in a role in HBO’s THE FLIGHT ATTENDANT. Twitter: @TheMaeMartin Instagram: @hooraymae For info on CAN EVERYONE PLEASE CALM DOWN?: A GUIDE TO TWENTY FIRST CENTURY SEXUALITY and Tour Dates: https://www.maemartin.net/ Podcast Team Head Producer and Editor: Winnie Wong @wonder_wong Editor: Shayne Stolz @shaynestolz Graphic: Vicki Brier @brier2019

Subscribe to our newsletter at https://www.firecrackerdepartment.com and follow us @firecrackerdept!

Lisa Berry Mar 23, 2022

Our guest this week is Toronto-based actor, writer, producer, mindfulness and meditation coach and teacher LISA BERRY! Let’s celebrate LISA’s Canadian Screen Award Nomination for Best Lead Performance, Web Program or Series for playing Notice in Obsidian Theatre’s 21 BLACK FUTURES! You may recognize Lisa from her recurring roles as "Billie," aka Death, in The CW’s sci-fi-fantasy hit show SUPERNATURAL, as "Cleophas Garroway" in Freeform and Netflix’s SHADOWHUNTERS: THE MORTAL INSTRUMENTS, AND as “Natashia” on CBC and Netflix’s WORKIN MOMS. When Lisa was 17, she was cast in a community theatre production of FAME: THE MUSICAL as Mable Washington, this is where she fell in love with the stage and never looked back. She studied singing, acting and dance at the Randolph Academy College, in Toronto. Back in the day, Lisa made her screen debut in a small role playing the 'theatre manager' in DEGRASSI: THE NEXT GENERATION. Lisa was cast as "Tituba" in The Shaw Festival's productions of THE CRUCIBLE. Then she spent the next decade playing leading roles on Canada's top stages. In twenty seventeen, Lisa won the role of "Penny" in the Canadian Premier of Suzan-Lori Parks' FATHER COMES HOME FROM THE WARS and got a Dora Nomination for Best Actress in a Play. Lisa has 2 movies coming out on Lifetime next month, FALLEN ANGELS MURDER CLUB: FRIENDS TO DIE FOR on April 2 and FALLEN ANGELS MURDER CLUB: HEROES AND FELONS on April 8 both in 2022. Lisa is a strong advocate for self-care, dedicating her social platforms to promoting mental health Lisa has an Ebook with accompanying audiobook coming out in this month called, LOVE YOU: FALL IN LOVE WITH TAKING CARE OF YOURSELF. And a full-length book coming out at the end of the year called MIRACLES FROM THE MESS. A late bloomer's guide to loving yourself on the inside out. Lisa leads a mindfulness membership group called THE LOTUS LIFE. It helps artists who are new to meditation grow through, what they go through. When you join The Lotus Life community, you’ll have access to two of Lisa’s courses at no additional cost. Lisa is producing her first short film called BABY DADDY and Naomi is part of the cast. Twitter: @_LisaBerry

Instagram: @lisaberrylive

https://www.lisaberrylive.com/

LISA BERRY - CSA Nomination Best Lead Performance, Web Program or Series for 21 BLACK FUTURES

More about Lisa’s Book LOVE YOU: FALL IN LOVE WITH TAKING CARE OF YOURSELF and THE LOTUS LIFE go to: https://www.takeabreath.ca/

Podcast Team Head Producer and Editor: Winnie Wong @wonder_wong Editor: Shayne Stolz @shaynestolz Graphic: Vicki Brier @brier2019

To listen to the podcast: https://linktr.ee/firecrackerdept Subscribe to our newsletter at https://www.firecrackerdepartment.com and follow us @firecrackerdept!

Agam Darshi Mar 09, 2022

Our guest this week is Los Angeles-based, born in England, raised all over Canada, award-winning actor and filmmaker AGAM DARSHI!

You may recognize Agam from her role as Radha in Oscar-nominated director Deepa Mehta’s film FUNNY BOY. For Radha, she was nominated for a Canadian Screen Award for Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role and a LEO Award for Best Supporting Performance by a Female in a Motion Picture! Due out this Spring 2022, Agam will be in Emmy-winning Ava Duvernay’s HBO Max pilot episode of DMZ, she is playing the role of Mia Frankin.

DONKEYHEAD is Agam’s directorial debut and she also wrote the film. It’s about Mona, a failed writer who carves out a life of isolation while caring for her ailing traditional Sikh father. But when he has a debilitating stroke, her 3 successful siblings show up on her doorstep to take control of the situation. DONKEYHEAD is Executive Produced by Deepa Mehta and Kim Coates. Its World Premiere was the opening gala of the 2021 MOSAIC INTERNATIONAL SOUTH ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL at the TIFF BELL LIGHTBOX, in Toronto, where it won best Feature Film!

You can see DOCKYHEAD in the US, the UK, Australia and New Zealand on Netflix. It opens theatrically, in Canada, on Friday, March 11, 2022, in Regina, Saskatoon, Toronto and additional cities coming soon.

Agam is one of co-founders of the VANCOUVER INTERNATIONAL SOUTH ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL. Currently in its tenth year, this film festival focuses on bridging the gap between South Asian talent and mainstream audiences, by breaking stereotypes and expanding North American views on South Asian culture.

Twitter: @DarshiAgam Instagram: @agamdarshi

Facebook/website: https://www.facebook.com/officalagamdarshi https://www.agamdarshi.com/

DONKEYHEAD @donkeyheadthefilm #donkeyheadthefilm

VANCOUVER INTERNATIONAL SOUTH ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL https://visaff.ca/

Firecracker Department Scriptwriting Workshops Beginning April 10, 2022 https://tinyurl.com/2s7zavd3

Level Film @levelFILM

Route 504 PR @route504pr

Podcast Team Head Producer and Editor: Winnie Wong @wonder_wong Editor: Shayne Stolz @shaynestolz Graphic: Vicki Brier @brier2019

To listen to the podcast: https://linktr.ee/firecrackerdept Subscribe to our newsletter at https://www.firecrackerdepartment.com and follow us @firecrackerdept!

Shasha Nakhai Mar 02, 2022

Our guest this week is Toronto-based award-winning producer, director and storyteller SHASHA NAKHAI! Shasha’s storytelling work has taken her all over the world, like the Hawaiian coastline in THIRTY EIGHT MINUTES, a Cold War bunker in THE HOLE IN RESERVOIR HILL, the engine room of a decaying ship in THE UNSINKABLE CAPTAIN JOHN, the Philippine sugar mills in THE SUGAR BOWL and the front lines of Nigeria’s energy crisis with TAKE LIGHT. Shasha’s received a Canadian Screen Award nomination for Best Web Program or Series, Non-Fiction for LOVE LETTERS FROM EVEREST. She and her partner Rich Williamson, received another Canadian Screen Award nomination for Best Short Documentary for FRAME 394. It was named TIFF’s Top 10 and shortlisted for an Academy Award for Best Short Documentary. With over a decade of documentary experience, Shasha directed her first drama feature with partner, Rich Williamson, called SCARBOROUGH. It was adapted from the award-winning novel by Catherine Hernandez. Shot documentary-style over the course of a school year, the film follows 3 children from a low-income community that find compassion, community, and resilience in an unlikely place. At TIFF 2021, SCARBOROUGH was first runner up for the People's Choice award, received an Honourable Mention for Best Canadian Feature and won the Shawn Mendes Foundation Changemaker Award! Now, SCARBOROUGH has 11 Canadian Screen Award nominations! For Best Motion Picture, Achievement in Direction, Adapted Screenplay, John Dunning First Feature Award, and so much more!

Twitter: @ShashaNakhai SCARBOROUGH: @ScarbFilm

Instagram: SCARBOROUGH: @scarbfilm

Facebook Fan page/website: SCARBOROUGH: @ScarbFilm Scarbfilm.com

Kenya-Jade Pinto https://www.kenyajade.com/

SCARBOROUGH’s Canadian Screen Award Nominations Best Motion Picture, Achievement in Directing, Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role, Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role, Performance by an Actress in Supporting Role, John Dunning First Feature Award, Achievement in Cinematography, Achievement in Casting, Achievement in Sound Mixing, Achievement in Sound Editing, Adapted Screenplay @thecdnacademy https://www.academy.ca/nominees/?utm_source=nominees_announced&utm_medium=linktree_link&utm_campaign=nominee_announcement

Level Film @levelFILM

Route 504 PR @route504pr

Podcast Team Head Producer and Editor: Winnie Wong @wonder_wong Editor: Shayne Stolz @shaynestolz Graphic: Vicki Brier @brier2019

To listen to the podcast: https://linktr.ee/firecrackerdept Subscribe to our newsletter at https://www.firecrackerdepartment.com and follow us @firecrackerdept!

Martha Chaves Feb 23, 2022

Our guest this week is Toronto based award-winning comedian, actor, activist, emerging playwright and podcaster - MARTHA CHAVES!

Martha describes herself as, “the most famous LGBTQ-Nicaraguan-Canadian stand-up comic in the world.”

Martha first came to Montreal to study at Concordia University and when her student VISA expired she couldn’t return to Nicaragua to reunite with her family because they had to flee during the Contra War. She had to claim refugee status in Montreal and has been in Canada since.

Martha has two national comedy specials: CBC’s COMICS! and SOMETHING ABOUT MARTHA on the Comedy Network. She makes regular appearances on: CBC’s LAUGH OUT LOUD, the Just For Laughs Festival, Winnipeg Comedy Festival, and CBC’s THE DEBATERS. She’s also a regular on the hit CBC show, BECAUSE NEWS.

You may also recognize Martha on the big screen with Denzel Washington in JOHN Q, with Chris Rock in DOWN TO EARTH and with Fifty Cent in GET RICH OR DIE TRYING.

As an emerging playwright, Martha has written and performed several successful One Woman Shows like STAYING ALIVE and IN TIMES OF TROUBLE, featured in the Soulo Festival and the Aluna Theatre Festival in Toronto. AND she took THE DIARIES OF A YOUNG LEZBO to New York City’s SOLOCOM. Martha won Stand-up Comic of the Year at the 2018 Canadian Comedy Awards. Her album, CHUNKY SALSA, was featured among the 11 Best Comedy Albums of 2019 in Interrobang Magazine.

WHEN FEMINIST RULE THE WORLD is Martha’s podcast series where she talks to international feminist guests about the future that they are creating.

Twitter: @TheMarthaChaves

Instagram: @comedianmarthachaves

Facebook Fan page: @ComedianMarthaChaves

WHEN FEMINIST RULE THE WORLD https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/when-feminists-rule-the-world/id1485407600 https://www.feministsruletheworld.com/

Podcast Team Head Producer and Editor: Winnie Wong @wonder_wong Editor: Shayne Stolz @shaynestolz Graphic: Vicki Brier @brier2019

To listen to the podcast: https://linktr.ee/firecrackerdept Subscribe to our newsletter at https://www.firecrackerdepartment.com and follow us @firecrackerdept!

Susan Messing Feb 16, 2022

Our guest this week is Chicago-based award-winning actor, improviser, comedian and teacher SUSAN MESSING! Susan is a New Jersey native and a graduate of Northwestern University’s Theatre School. She has been an improviser and comedian for over 35 years! Susan is an alumna of Chicago’s beloved iO Theatre and The Second City’s Mainstage. Susan is a founding member of Chicago’s Annoyance Theatre. It’s an infamous theatre and associated ensemble that deals with absurd and outrageous humour. Some of her notable performances are with Blaine Swen in BLESSING at the iO, with Norm Holly in MOLLY, the critically acclaimed MESSING WITH A FRIEND at The Annoyance and with The Boys at The Second City. She was in the lineup for the TBS Just For Laughs festival all 5 years of its residence in Chicago. She presented BRAVING THE UNKNOWN at an independently organized Ted X event at the University of Chicago. Susan’s standup act with her puppet, JOLLY, has been featured at the HBO US Comedy Arts Festival in Aspen, on Comedy Central’s PREMIUM BLEND and NBC’s LATE FRIDAYS. Her most impressive bit movie role was as a bad stripper in a halo brace in LET’S GO TO PRISON! Susan created and taught her curriculum at Chicago’s iO and LA’s iO West, along with The Annoyance Theatre, The Second City and around the world. She was an adjunct instructor for Chicago’s Loyola University at DePaul University, The School at Steppenwolf, and now she teaches at The University of Chicago.

Twitter: @MessingSusan

Instagram: @susanalicemessing

World Comedy Expo, March 25-27, 2022 in Chicago, Susan will be performing with “Messing with Mason” and also the lady supergroup “1Zs”.

https://worldcomedyexpo.com/show/landry-and-summers-messing-with-mason/

https://worldcomedyexpo.com/festival-lineup/

Podcast Team Head Producer and Editor: Winnie Wong @wonder_wong Editor: Shayne Stolz @shaynestolz Graphic: Vicki Brier @brier2019

To listen to the podcast: https://linktr.ee/firecrackerdept Subscribe to our newsletter at https://www.firecrackerdepartment.com and follow us @firecrackerdept!

Liesl Lafferty Feb 09, 2022

Our guest this week is Vancouver-based scriptwriter, story editor, award-winning director AND our co-head of our Writing Department LIESL LAFFERTY! Liesl focuses mainly on creating and developing new works. In 2020, she facilitated scriptwriting workshops in Vancouver with WET INK COLLECTIVE, a writer-driven initiative for women, WESTERN GOLD THEATRE, a premier company that fcouses on sharing and celebrating the talents of senior professional theatre artists and REALWHEELS THEATRE, a threatre that creates and produces performances that deepens understanding of the disability experience. At REALWHEELS in 2020, Liesl was the dramaturg for their inaugural Playwright in Residence.

Liesl performed THE REPUBLIC OF INCLUSION, a short autobiographical one-person comedy about the isolation of disability, at Judith Fair 2020. She won the Jessie Richardson – Larry Lillo Award for Outstanding Direction of a Play for directing HOUSE, by Daniel MacIvor, and directing A TOWN CALLED HOCKEY at the Arts Club Theatre, which she also co-wrote. Liesl was dramaturg for Fugue Theatre’s VIA BEATRICE, by Jenn Griffin, which was nominated for a 2019 Jessie Richardson Outstanding Original Script Award. Liesl received Jessie nominations for directing and producing DRINKING WITH PERSEPHONE by Jenn Griffin, and for co-writing and directing BLOODLINE.

While Liesl was studying for her MFA in Creative Writing at the University of British Columbia, she created and produced the first six episodes of the LIESL LAFFERTY PODCAST where she interviewed theatre artists from around the world, including Canadian theatre greats Brad Fraser, Alison Kelly, and Yvette Nolan.

https://liesllafferty.com/

Write on the Clock @writeontheclock http://writeontheclock.com

Firecracker Departmnet Save the Cat Book Club Thursdays - Thu Mar 10 to Thu May 12 (except Apr 07 and May 05) Time: 7:15pm to 8:30pm ET. Application deadline: Thu Mar 03 To register: https://forms.gle/YeHuVzefjqyJ9KP56

Podcast Team Head Producer and Editor: Winnie Wong @wonder_wong Editor: Shayne Stolz @shaynestolz Graphic: Vicki Brier @brier2019

To listen to the podcast: https://linktr.ee/firecrackerdept Subscribe to our newsletter at https://www.firecrackerdepartment.com and follow us @firecrackerdept!

Nelu Handa Feb 02, 2022

Our guest this week is Toronto-based screenwriter, producer and actor NELU HANDA! Nelu wrote for and performed on multiple seasons of award-winning comedy series including: CTV and HULU’s JANN, PBS’s ODD SQUAD, CBC’s TALL BOYZ, and CBC and IFC’s BARONESS VON SKETCH SHOW. Nelu won a 2021 Canadian Screen Award for Best Writing, Variety or Sketch Comedy for BARONESS VON SKETCH SHOW. She is a Writer and Consulting Producer for CBC’s RUN THE BURBS, CBC and HBO MAX’s SORT OF. Nelu was a Staff Writer for Season 2 of NBC’s A LITTLE LATE WITH LILLY SINGH, with sketches that had 100+ views. She has been featured in episodes of STAR TREK: DISCOVERY on CBS, Amazon’s THE EXPANSE, ABC’s THE BOLD TYPE, and plays recurring character Jade on CBC and Netflix’s Emmy Award winning show WORKIN’ MOMS. You can also see her on some web series including Out TV’s AVOCADO TOAST and CBC Gem’s DECOYS. Nelu is a dedicated advocate for increasing diverse representation in the industry. In 2015, Nelu created MIRCHI COMEDY that is a live variety comedy night to amplify the funny voices of Women of Colour. This monthly groundbreaking show has featured hundreds of diverse voices, from first-time stand ups, to seasoned pros. Month after month it has brought in sold out audiences and thousands of laughs, even now on Zoom.

Twitter: @NeluHanda

Instagram: @neluhanda

Facebook: @neluhanda https://www.neluhanda.com/

MIRCHI COMEDY @mirchicomedyto https://www.facebook.com/MirchiComedyTO

Podcast Team Head Producer and Editor: Winnie Wong @wonder_wong Editor: Shayne Stolz @shaynestolz Graphic: Vicki Brier @brier2019

To listen to the podcast: https://linktr.ee/firecrackerdept Subscribe to our newsletter at https://www.firecrackerdepartment.com and follow us @firecrackerdept!

Jasmine Renée Thomas Jan 26, 2022

Our guest this week is Toronto-based actor and professional dancer JASMINE RENÉE THOMAS! You may recognize Jasmine from her starring role as Stacey in Disney’s Z-O-M-B-I-E-S 1, 2 and 3. By the age of 4 she was taking Acro, Jazz, Ballet, Hip-Hop, Lyrical, Contemporary, and Tap. After graduating high school, Jasmine knew she wanted to pursuit a professional career in dance and she developed her career with full-time training in Canada, Los Angeles and all across the U.S. Jasmine’s career as a professional dancer expanded to performing for major music artist, films, movies and television episodes, like FX’s WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS, Netflix’s GRAND ARMY and CBC’s FRANKIE DRAKE MYSTERIES. Her live stage performances include projects with amazing music artists such as Nick Jonas, Meghan Trainor and Fifth Harmony. Most recently, Jasmine starred, as Kelly, in Lifetime’s SECRETLY SANTA.

Twitter: @JasmineRT Instagram: @jasminert Facebook: @JasmineRTOfficial

DISNEY Z-O-M-B-I-E-S 1, 2, 3 @disneyzombies

Let’s Heal This Shit - @letshealthisshit Lunar New Year Celebration: Astro Map of 2022 - February 1, 2022 $10 discount code for Firecrackers: Fireup https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lunar-new-year-celebration-astro-map-of-2022-tickets-229009803487

https://www.letshealthisshit.com/

Podcast Team Head Producer and Editor: Winnie Wong @wonder_wong Editor: Shayne Stolz @shaynestolz Graphic: Vicki Brier @brier2019

To listen to the podcast: https://linktr.ee/firecrackerdept Subscribe to our newsletter at https://www.firecrackerdepartment.com and follow us @firecrackerdept!

Alanis Obomsawin Jan 19, 2022

Our first guest of 2022 is singer, songwriter, artist, director, producer, one of Canada’s most distinguished filmmakers and member of the Abenaki Nation ALANIS OBOMSAWIN! Her 53rd film in her 54 year career is HONOUR TO SENATOR MURRAY SINCLAIR ! It made its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival and shares the powerful speech Senator Sinclair gave when he accepted the WFM Canada World Peace Award and interspersed with the heartbreaking testimonies from former students imprisoned at residential schools. Alanis’s other films include: JORDAN RIVER ANDERSON, THE MESSENGER (2019) is a 7-film cycle devoted to the rights of Indigenous children and Peoples, which began in 2011 when she conducted her first interviews for THE PEOPLE OF THE KATTAWAPISKAK, KANEHSATAKE: TWO HUNDRED SEVENTY YEARS OF RESISTANCE that documents the 1990 Mohawk uprising in Kanehsatake and Oka, as well as her groundbreaking INCIDENT AT RESTIGOUCHE, a behind-the-scenes look at Québec police raids on a Mi’kmaq reserve. Alanis awards include: TIFF’s 2021 Jeff Skoll Award in Impact Media, DOC institute Honour’s 2020 Rogers-DOC Luminary Award at the DOC Institute Honours, Glenn Gould Prize, and she was honoured at The Gala Québec Cinéma with the IRIS HOMAGE 2020.

Twitter: @thenfb

Instagram: @onf_nfb

https://www.facebook.com/nfb.ca https://www.nfb.ca/directors/alanis-obomsawin/

The Children Have to Hear Another Story – Alanis Obomsawin Haus der Kulturen der Welt in Berlin January 23 to April 18, 2022 https://www.hkw.de/en/programm/projekte/2022/alanis_obomsawin/start.php

Let’s Heal This Shit - @letshealthisshit Lunar New Year Celebration: Astro Map of 2022 - February 1, 2022 $10 discount code for Firecrackers: Fireup https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lunar-new-year-celebration-astro-map-of-2022-tickets-229009803487 Let's Heal This Shit's website: https://www.letshealthisshit.com/

Virtual Red Carpet Team: Producer/Host - Naomi Snieckus @snieckus Head Producer/Director - Winnie Wong @wonder_wong Technical Producer - Anna Gustafson @goosegustafson Co-Producer - Juli Strader @rawsugarpr

Podcast Team Head Producer and Editor: Winnie Wong @wonder_wong Editor: Shayne Stolz @shaynestolz Graphic: Vicki Brier @brier2019

To listen to the podcast: https://linktr.ee/firecrackerdept

Subscribe to our newsletter at https://www.firecrackerdepartment.com and follow us @firecrackerdept!

Kylee Russell Dec 22, 2021

Our guest this week is California-based actor, singer, songwriter and dancer KYLEE RUSSELL! She starred as Karin Daniels in Disney Channel’s “JUMP IN!”, along side HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL’s Corbin Bleu and SCREAM QUEEN’s Keke Palmer. Kylee landed the lead role of Young Kari Peterson, with WESTWORLD’s Tessa Thompson playing the Adult Kari Peterson, in Tina Mabry’s award-winning film MISSISSIPPI DAMNED. Kylee’s love for singing shone through when she starred as Hayden Chase, a pop star sensation in the BAFTA children’s award, and International Emmy Kids award nominated film HANK ZIPZER’s CHRISTMAS CATASTROPHE. Kylee also sang on the film’s soundtrack. In 2018, Kylee debuted her role as ELIZA ZAMBIE, the empowering activist rebel zombie, in Disney’s “Z-O-M-B-I-E-S”. In 2020, she reprised her role in “Z-O-M-B-I-E-S 2”. Kylee is featured on both Movie Soundtracks and Official Music videos. Kylee also voiced SCORN, a purple and gray symbiote, in Marvel’s animated series SPIDER-MAN. Kylee is a singer-songwriter who has a single that was just released at the beginning of 2021 called STITCHES. Kylee also collaborated with her younger sister, HALLE RUSSELL and they wrote and performed “My Christmas Love” for TV-One’s ROYAL CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY. And look out for her in Z-O-M-B-I-E-S 3!

Twitter: @kylee_mrussell Instagram: @kyleerussell Facebook: @kyleemrussell https://kyleemrussell.com/

Kylee and Gavvin YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnrEamulT7SQWZzLalIML0A

Kylee’s song STITCHES https://open.spotify.com/track/7CKGlXCAdzX71bRLYzYquY?si=2365235b4af842fa

Halle Russell Instagram: @halle_russell

DISNEY ZOMBIES @disneyzombies

Podcast Team Head Producer and Editor: Winnie Wong @wonder_wong Editor: Shayne Stolz @shaynestolz Graphic: Vicki Brier @brier2019

To listen to the podcast: https://linktr.ee/firecrackerdept

Subscribe to our newsletter at https://www.firecrackerdepartment.com and follow us @firecrackerdept!

Reel Women's Network Spotlight: Joanne Hock Dec 15, 2021

Our 13th Reel Women’s Network spotlight guest is North Carolina-based, award-winning writer, director, producer and cinematographer - JOANNE HOCK! She directed features including: THE ULTIMATE LEGACY, DISCARDED THINGS, ANGELS UNWARE, TRINITY GOODHEART and REDNECK ROOTS. One of her latest features WHEN WE LAST SPOKE premiered in theatres October 2020. Set in 1966, it stars Academy Award winner Cloris Leachman, Melissa Gilbert, Darby Camp and Corbin Bernsen. She also directed over 30 episodes of true crime television, including Discovery’s SOUTHERN GOTHIC, FBI CRIMINAL PURSUIT, ICE COLD KILLERS and HAPPILY NEVER AFTER. Her documentary projects for Amazon and PBS include: CHARLES A. CANNON: A MIND OF BUSINESS A HEART FOR PEOPLE and FROM POVERTY TO POWER: THE JAMES B. DUKE STORY. She directed pop-culture documentaries, one is the award-winning audience favorite, PURPLE DREAMS, which premiered to a sold-out crowd at the Full Frame Documentary Film Festival and MARTIN HILL: CAMERA MAN, a film introduced by Leonard Maltin at its world premiere at the Modern Film Fest in 2012. CHILD OF THE FOREST is her latest project in development. It’s a seven-part limited series based on the book of the same name about a child that evaded the Nazis and survived alone in the woods for two years evading capture and became on the greatest living witnesses to the Holocaust.

Twitter: @JHockfilmmaker

Instagram: @joanne.hock

Facebook: @JoanneHockFilms https://www.joannehock.com/

REDNECK ROOTS on Reel Women’s Network https://watch.reelwomensnetwork.com/redneck-roots

Reel Women's Network Twitter: @ReelWomensNetw1 Instagram and Facebook: @reelwomensnetwork https://reelwomensnetwork.com/

Podcast Team Head Producer and Editor: Winnie Wong @wonder_wong Editor: Shayne Stolz @shaynestolz Graphic: Vicki Brier @brier2019

To listen to the podcast: https://linktr.ee/firecrackerdept Subscribe to our newsletter at https://www.firecrackerdepartment.com and follow us @firecrackerdept!

ENUKA OKUMA Dec 08, 2021

Our guest this week is award-winning actor, writer, producer, director ENUKA OKUMA! Currently, she is a writer on Netflix and CBC’s smash hit WORKIN’ MOMS and stars as Sloane Mitchell. You probably recognize her as the series regular, Traci Nash, on ABC and GLOBAL’s long-running police drama, ROOKIE BLUE. Enuka co-wrote, with Adriana Maggs, a sixth season episode of the show ROOKIE BLUE. She has also guest starred in Showtime’s MASTERS OF SEX, ABC’s HOW TO GET AWAY WITH MURDER and ABC’s GREY’S ANATOMY. Enuka recently starred in the Netflix’s THE SLEEPOVER and was a series regular on IMPULSE, one of the first scripted dramas for YouTube, produced and directed by Doug Liman (THE BOURNE IDENTITY). COOKIE, is a short film, written, directed and produced by Enuka and starring Jennifer Finnigan from MOONSHINE and Jonathan Silverman from WEEKEND AT BERNIE’S. COOKIE premiered at the Newport Beach Film Festival and then went on to conquering the world by screening in over 20 film festivals! Set for 2022, she is producing and starring as Annabelle in the short film WOMAN MEETS GIRL, and OUT COMES THE WOLVES, a feature written by Enuka that reunites her with ROOKIE BLUE alum, director Adam MacDonald.

Twitter: @enukaokuma Instagram: @enukaokumaofficial http://www.enukaokuma.com/

WOMAN MEETS GIRL Over a vodka-fueled game of Never Have I Ever, Annabelle, a 40-something year old virgin and Tessie, an 18-year old homeless sex worker, challenge each other to expose their vulnerabilities revealing their differences and similarities. Through the night, an undeniable chemistry emerges between them. @wmgfilm

WORKIN’ MOMS @workinmoms @workinmomsnetflix

ARE YOU MY MOMMY https://watch.reelwomensnetwork.com/are-you-my-mommy PAULA JEAN HIXSON @paulajeanhixson

Reel Women's Network Twitter: @ReelWomensNetw1 Instagram and Facebook: @reelwomensnetwork https://reelwomensnetwork.com/

Podcast Team Head Producer and Editor: Winnie Wong @wonder_wong Editor: Shayne Stolz @shaynestolz Graphic: Vicki Brier @brier2019

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Karen Walton Dec 01, 2021

Our guest this week is award-winning screenwriter, executive producer and founder of Ink Canada- KAREN WALTON! She is best known for penning the original cult classic horror film, GINGER SNAPS, along with writing and co-executive producing Bell Media and BBC America’s hit sci-fi series, ORPHAN BLACK. Other credits include: Showtime’s QUEER AS FOLK, CTV’s FLASHPOINT, THE LISTENER, THE ELEVENTH HOUR and CBC’s WHAT’S IT LIKE BEING ALONE, STRAIGHT UP, DROP THE BEAT. She also wrote 2 true-life MOWs, CBC’s HEART-THE MARILYN BELL STORY and THE MANY TRIALS OF ONE JANE DOE, which won a Canadian Screen Award for Best Writing in a Movie or Miniseries. Other accolades include: the prestigious Margaret Collier Award, ACTRA Toronto’s Nell Shipman Award, Women In Film and Television Toronto’s Crystal Award for Mentorship, the Writers Guild of Canada’s Writers Block Award, and the Banff Media Festival’s Fellowship Alumnus Award, Toronto International Film Festival Special Jury Citation for Screenplay, a Canadian Comedy Award, and Canadian Screen Awards for Best Dramatic Series. Karen founded INK CANADA - CANADIAN SCREENWRITERS AND THEIR SKETCHY FRIENDS on Facebook in 2007, and it has grown to over 9K screenwriting pros, students, fans of the art and industry colleagues from Canada and around the world.

Karen Walton Instagram: @helloiwrite

INK CANADA - CANADIAN SCREENWRITERS AND THEIR SKETCHY FRIENDS Twitter: @inkcanada Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/inkcanada/

Podcast Team Head Producer: Winnie Wong @wonder_wong Editor: Shayne Stolz @shaynestolz Graphic: Vicki Brier @brier2019

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Reel Women's Network Spotlight: Armin Sethi Nov 24, 2021

Our 12th Reel Women’s Network spotlight guest is writer, producer and crown attorney ARMIN SETHI! Armin has a superpower for making a vision come to life through Fly Away Films with her collaborator and sister Asis Sethi. She is a full-time Crown Attorney in Ontario and in the evenings or early mornings, Armin is the Editor-in-chief of Bollywood Film Fame magazine where she interviews many Bollywood icons. Since 2019, Armin as been a writer and producer for docu-series short films, including co-writing the historical DARSHAN DEKH JEEVA highlighting the story of the ten Sikh Gurus with conversations between young Sikh youth. Armin then went onto co-write with Asis, A BLOODY MESS, an award-winning film about a young South Asian woman, attempting to normalize conversations surrounding menstruation. Armin also wrote FUTURE SUPERHEROES, a film about children empowering each other to care for each other and the environment, specifically during the time of COVID-19.Armin co-wrote ROCK THE CRADLE, with Asis! ROCK THE CRADLE is a short film on postpartum depression and in November 2020, it was selected in the Top Ten Scripts at the Landed Entertainment’s Script Writing Contest.

Fly Away Films @flyawayfilmsinc https://flyawayfilms.ca/

Bollywood Film Fame Instagram: @bollywoodfilmfamecanada Twitter: @BFFCmag Facebook: @Bollywood.Film.Fame.Canada.Magazine https://bollywoodfilmfame.com/

On Reel Women’s Network https://reelwomensnetwork.com/armin-sethi/

A Bloody Mess https://watch.reelwomensnetwork.com/a-bloody-mess

Future Superheroes https://watch.reelwomensnetwork.com/future-superheroes

Asis Sethi’s Reel Women’s Spotlight https://open.spotify.com/episode/744g0lJOuUpgA80SjYkzH1?si=aeOwpdsfSHuy_aT5lgxjdQ

Reel Women's Network Twitter: @ReelWomensNetw1 Instagram and Facebook: @reelwomensnetwork https://reelwomensnetwork.com/

Podcast Team Head Producer: Winnie Wong @wonder_wong Editor: Shayne Stolz @shaynestolz Graphic: Vicki Brier @brier2019

Subscribe to our newsletter at https://www.firecrackerdepartment.com and follow us @firecrackerdept!

Jaime Moyer Nov 17, 2021

Our guest on the show this week is JAIME MOYER! Jaime voiced April and Colleen on FOX TV’s BOB’s BURGER, guest starred as the Female Snowflake, in FOX’s new animation series THE GREAT NORTH. She has had recurring roles on: PEACOCK’s AP BIO, Netflix’s THE BIG SHOW SHOW, ABC’s MODERN FAMILY, and Disney’s hit show KC UNDERCOVER. She also appeared on NBC’s PARKS AND RECREATION, CBS’s 2 BROKE GIRLS and Hulu’s FUTURE MAN. Jaime wrote for three seasons of Nickelodeon’s LEGO CITY ADVENTURES where she helped create many memorable original characters. Jaime has a lifetime love affair with live theater, and she wrote and starred in original revues as an alum of THE SECOND CITY - DETROIT. Jaime occasionally appears as Guillermo’s wife on JIMMY KIMMEL LIVE, and she was awarded the sole prize of Maestro at the Out of Bounds Comedy Festival in Austin, Texas in 2011.

Twitter: @Jaime_Moyer https://jaimemoyer.com/

Comfort Cases https://www.comfortcases.org/ @comfortcases

Wellness Department - Igniting Your Self Love: Mind, Body and Soul. November 21, 2021 - on Zoom https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/igniting-your-self-love-mind-body-and-soul-tickets-204073448177

Podcast Team Head Producer: Winnie Wong @wonder_wong Editor: Shayne Stolz @shaynestolz Graphic: Vicki Brier @brier2019

Subscribe to our newsletter at https://www.firecrackerdepartment.com and follow us @firecrackerdept!

Leesa Levinson Nov 10, 2021

Our guest on the show this week is Toronto-based actor, producer and advocate LEESA LEVINSON! She is a graduate of Wexford Collegiate’s prestigious Performing Arts Musical Theatre Program where Leesa began displaying strange neurological symptoms at 16. At 19, she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. Leesa continued to pursue her passion at Fanshawe College and attended Ryerson University’s Radio and Television Arts program. Some of Leesa’s credits include CBC and The CW’s CORONER and CTV’s JEFF LIMITED. She has been on the board of the OMDC, now ONTARIO CREATES, she was public adjudicator with the CANADIAN BROADCASTS STANDARDS COUNCIL. She has consulted for the CRTC, and the BBC, along with the Media Access Office of Hollywood and the Screen Actors’ Guild Disabilities Committee. Leesa is on the DIVERSITY & INCLUSION COMMITTEE at ACTRA Toronto, as an advocate for performers with disabilities and focuses on promoting the inclusion of talent with disabilities in mainstream arts and media.

Leesa Levinson Twitter @llevisnson1

Leesa would like to extend a huge thanks and gratitude for all the funders and collaborators who made Lights Camera Access a huge success.

The DIVERSITY & INCLUSION COMMITTEE at ACTRA TORONTO. https://www.actratoronto.com/committees/diversity-inclusion/

Firecracker Script Department Event November 14, 2021 https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/firecracker-script-dept-reading-november-tickets-164661475907

Podcast Team Head Poducer: Winnie Wong @wonder_wong Editor: Shayne Stolz @shaynestolz Graphic: Vicki Brier @brier2019

Subscribe to our newsletter at https://www.firecrackerdepartment.com and follow us @firecrackerdept!

Niccole Thurman Nov 03, 2021

Our guest on the show this week is a Los Angeles-based actor, writer, and the co-host of the podcast, THE SCROLL DOWN- NICCOLE THURMAN! Niccole and THE SCROLL DOWN’s co-host Marcella Arguello, talk about all things social media, unpacking the vibes and juicy topics from the week and they dissect the main characters—while cracking a few jokes in between. Niccole is the voice of Jabberjaw, Squiddly Diddly and Dee Dee Sykes in the HBO Max animated series JELLYSTONE. You can see Niccole in Netflix’s GRACE AND FRANKIE, NBC’s KENAN, NBC’s INDEBTED, NETFLIX’s DESPERADOS, HBO’s A BLACK LADY SKETCH SHOW, SHRILL on Hulu and SUPERSTORE on NBC. She was also a correspondent on Comedy Central’s THE OPPOSITION WITH JORDAN KLEPPER. Niccole has written for THE SEVENTY SECOND PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS, hosted By Jimmy Kimmel, AMC’s SHERMAN SHOWCASE and HAUTE DOG on HBO Max, Fox’s LET’S BE REAL and the upcoming Peacock Show, BAKING IT.

Niccole Thurman @niccolethurman THE SCROLL DOWN https://headgum.com/the-scroll-down #TheScrollDown Marcella Arguello @marcellacomedy Head Producer: Winnie Wong @wonder_wong Editor: Shayne Stolz @shaynestolz Graphic: Vicki Brier @brier2019

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Reel Women's Network Spotlight: Pearl Gluck Oct 27, 2021

Our 11th Reel Women’s Network (RWN) spotlight is award-winning writer-director-producer PEARL GLUCK. She creates both documentary and narrative films that explore themes of class, gender, and faith. Her first documentary feature film, DIVAN, is a Hasidic tale five years in the making that was developed in part at the Sundance Institute. It premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival and opened theatrically at the Film Forum in New York City and it broadcasted on the Sundance Channel. Her first narrative short, WHERE IS JOEL BAUM, won Best Actor at the Starz Denver Film Festival and Best Short Film at the Toronto Female Eye Film Festival. THE TURN OUT is Pearl’s first fiction feature film about a trucker, alienated from his family, who encounters an underage prostitute at a local truck stop and discovers that he is an unwitting participant in a sex trafficking ring. THE TURN OUT won Best Debut Feature at the Toronto Female Eye Film Festival, and the Critic’s Choice Award at the Iowa International Film Festival. Pearl founded Palinka Pictures, a multimedia production company with a twist that aims to collaborate with artists, media makers and educators to make a difference through the arts. In Pearl’s spare time she is an assistant professor at Penn State University teaching Screenwriting and Directing.

Follow Pearl Gluck and Palinka Pictures @palinkapictures

THE TURN OUT https://watch.reelwomensnetwork.com/packages/the-turn-out/videos/the-turn-out-1

Reel Women's Network Twitter: @ReelWomensNetw1 Instagram and Facebook: @reelwomensnetwork https://reelwomensnetwork.com/

Photo credit: from Pearl Gluck's personal collection

Podcast Team Head Producer and Editor: Winnie Wong @wonder_wong Editor: Shayne Stolz @shaynestolz Graphic: Vicki Brier @brier2019

Subscribe to our newsletter at https://www.firecrackerdepartment.com and follow us @firecrackerdept!

Kate James Oct 20, 2021

Our guest on the show this week is New York-based comedy writer, actor, improviser KATE JAMES. Not only does Kate write for WORK IN PROGRESS, she has also written for Comedy Central, NPR, Slate, The Second City, the band Phish and a ton of awards shows. Kate is the co-creator and writer of Schadenfreude, a nationally syndicated comedy show on Chicago Public Radio for two seasons. Kate also writes material for Sir Patrick Stewart's personal and award show appearances like The Golden Globes, BAFTA Awards, and many more. When Kate isn’t writing, she has appeared on TV shows including Netflix’s EASY, USA Network’s PLAYING HOUSE, Showtime’s SHAMELESS and stars as Miram in Showtime’s WORK IN PROGRESS. Kate plays Tricia on the cult-hit podcast HELLO FROM THE MAGIC TAVERN and is a regular contributor to the podcast TRUMPCAST.

Kate James on Twitter @katecjames

WORK IN PROGRESS stream Seasons 1 and 2 on SHOWTIME. @showtime https://www.sho.com/work-in-progress Stream WORK IN PROGRESS on CraveTV in Canada. @cravecanada https://www.crave.ca/en/tv-shows/work-in-progress

HELLO FROM THE MAGIC TAVERN https://hellofromthemagictavern.com/ Twitter @magictavern

Firecracker Department Work in Progress Facebook Live Panel (July 2020) https://www.facebook.com/firecrackerdept/videos/734380397129102

Work in Progress Facebook Live Panel (July 2020) Bonus Podcast Episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7jsWmLYi4XXSfbrJtSMCOD?si=VRw8JppuSlyCkIPjOa7Drg&dl_branch=1

Celeste Pechous’s episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4rOEOOA8fzODHSgAZY2qdS?si=n8ZISuAAS4GVdfPTQHRtWw&dl_branch=1

Mary Sohn’s podcast episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/51BQjQAGUUGjQslOSW8YSq?si=NhuJDVbRRn6o08ZOq973Uw&dl_branch=1

Women’s Voices Now - Girls’ Voices Now Under the Scarf. https://www.womensvoicesnow.org/films/under-the-scarf/ https://www.here.tv/video/girls-voices-now-under-the-scarf

Head Producer: Winnie Wong @wonder_wong

Editor: Shayne Stolz @shaynestolz

Graphic: Vicki Brier @brier2019

Subscribe to our newsletter at https://www.firecrackerdepartment.com and follow us @firecrackerdept!

Madeleine Sims-Fewer Oct 13, 2021

Our guest on the show this week is writer-director-actor-producer British-Canadian MADELEINE SIMS-FEWER. She has BFA. with honours in film production at York University and a MFA in acting at the Drama Centre London. She is an alum of the Berlinale Talent Campus 2016 and the Rotterdam Lab this year in 2021. Madeleine met Dusty Mancinelli at the 2015 TIFF Filmmakers’ Lab, and they founded DM FILMS. Their jam is a naturalistic performance style with their films exploring gender politics, human nature, and abuse of power. Their debut feature, VIOLATION, had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, where Madeleine was a TIFF Rising Star. VIOLATION won the Emerging Canadian Artist award at the Calgary International Film Festival, the Emerging Canadian Director award at the Vancouver International Film Festival, and Madeleine won the Vancouver Critics Circle award for Best Actress. VIOLATION had its international premiere at Sundance Film Festival, Texas premiere at South by Southwest, and has been nominated for Five Canadian Screen Awards, including the John Dunning Best First Feature Film Award and Best Female Actor in a Leading Role for Madeline playing Miriam.

Instagram: @madeleine_simsfewer

DM Films https://www.dmfilms.com/

VIOLATION https://www.dmfilms.com/violation

VIOLATION is available on digital and on demand https://itunes.apple.com/ca/movie/violation/id1551684339

Firecracker Shoutout Limor Markovzki @limormarkovzki For Alissa Abeler @winter_thistle Francesca Coviello @fran_creates Nadine Brito @nadine_brito Naomi Snieckus @snieckus

Head Poducer: Winnie Wong @wonder_wong Editor: Shayne Stolz @shaynestolz Subscribe to our newsletter at https://www.firecrackerdepartment.com and follow us @firecrackerdept!

Bilal Baig Oct 06, 2021

Our guest on the show this week is a queer, trans-feminine, Muslim playwright, performer and workshop facilitator BILAL BAIG. Their first play ACHA BACHA, had its world premiere in 2018 and it has been published by Playwrights Canada Press. Bilal develops and facilitates workshops for youth in under-resourced neighbourhoods in Toronto, at non-profits, such as RIVERS OF HOPE where they combat Islamophobia through the arts and STORY PLANET which focuses on creative writing and literacy. Bilal makes queerstory by becoming the first queer, trans-feminine, South Asian and Muslim performer in Canada to be cast in the lead role of a primetime TV series - on the new groundbreaking CBC and HBO Max original series SORT OF. They are starring as one of the first non-binary lead characters on North American mainstream network TV! Bilal leads the creative charge as the Executive Producer-Writer-Lead Performer-Co-Creator on this amazing new show! SORT OF follows a gender-fluid millennial character named "Sabi" who straddles various identities from sexy bartender at a queer bookstore-bar, to the youngest child in a large Pakistani family, to the de facto parent of a downtown Toronto hipster family. This must-see coming-of-age story exposes the labels we once poured ourselves into as no longer applicable to anyone. SORT OF is available to stream in Canada on CBC Gem; will broadcast on CBC TV beginning Tuesday, November 9 with back-to-back episodes starting at 9 p.m. (9:30 NT) @sortofbilal @cbc and @cbcgem https://gem.cbc.ca/media/sort-of/s01 #SortOfCBC River of Hope https://www.riversofhope.ca/

Story Planet https://storyplanet.ca/ @storyplanetto

Acha Bacha https://www.playwrightscanada.com/Books/A/Acha-Bacha https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/acha-bacha/9780369100900-item.html https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B08F2YCWCZ?ref=KC_GS_GB_CA https://www.kobo.com/ca/en/ebook/acha-bacha Podcast Team: Head Producer: Winnie Wong @wonder_wong Editor: Shayne Stolz @shaynestolz Subscribe to our newsletter at https://www.firecrackerdepartment.com and follow us @firecrackerdept!

Reel Women's Network Spotlight: Meosha Bean Sep 29, 2021

Our tenth Reel Women’s Network (RWN) spotlight is award-winning actor-director-writer MEOSHA BEAN. Meosha, founder of M.V.B Films, started filming and acting at the tender age of 7, inspired by watching horror films with her older brother and it grew from there. Meosha was voted the best upcoming director at the New Jersey Film Festival in 2012. Meosha directing projects include: the doc THE UNTOLD STORY OF MARIANO MENDOZA, MISS PEPPER an award- winning short that got over 30K views during its first week, horror film DELUSION and ANATOMY OF AN ANTIHERO: REDEMPTION (available on RWN), won Best Film at the Los Angeles Film Awards, the April Award at the New York Film Awards and the Best Action film at the Istanbul Film Awards.

Meosha Bean on RWN: https://reelwomensnetwork.com/meosha-bean/ Instagram: @meoshabeanofficial https://mvbfilmproductioninc.blogspot.com/

Photo credits Meosha Bean: from her personal collection Naomi Snieckus: David Leyes

Reel Women's Network Twitter: @ReelWomensNetw1 Instagram: @reelwomensnetwork https://reelwomensnetwork.com/

Social Justice Department presents Igniting Social Justice Part 1 Tuesday, October 5, 2021 Led by Sedina Fiati @bwheelsheels and Farah Merani @fa_me https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/igniting-social-justice-part-1-tickets-169552739809

Shoutout Catherine Gourdier @cathgourdier https://catherinegourdier.com/

Lara Margaret Marjerrison @insidestoriesto https://www.insidestories.ca/

Podcast Team Head Producer and Editor: Winnie Wong @wonder_wong Editor: Shayne Stolz @shaynestolz

Subscribe to our newsletter at https://www.firecrackerdepartment.com and follow us @firecrackerdept!

Bonus Episode: 2021 Live Blaze Award Presentation to Jo Vannicola Sep 22, 2021

Bonus Episode: the 2021 live red carpet Blaze Award presentation to screenwriter-author-advocate-and-Emmy Award-winning actor Jo Vannicola. The Blaze Award is presented to a spectacular woman or non-binary artist who has outstanding achievements in their artistic field and givebacks to their community. It was a unanimous decision to present this year’s Blaze Award to Jo. Whether they are in front or, behind the camera or at outACTRAto, they approach everything with integrity and a joyful heart that inspires others to want to create and lead with the same level of passion, vulnerability and drive.

LINKS:

@joannevannicola

@trashedshortfilm

https://joannevannicola.com/

Photo Credit: Denise Grant

BLAZE AWARD SPONSOR - Made You Look Jewellery

@madeyoulookjewellery

https://www.madeyoulook.ca/

RED CARPET SPONSORS - Zaza Espresso Bar and Resilientista

@zazaespresso

https://zazaespresso.com/

@resilientista

http://www.resilientista.com/

NAOMI TIFF ONE DRESS - Matin Mathris

@matinmithras

https://matinmithras.com/

RED CARPET GUESTS

Vinessa Antoine @therealvinessaantoine - KICKING BLOOD
Director Haya Waseem @haya_wsm - QUICKENING
Executive Producer-Writer-Lead Performer-Co-Creator Bilal Baig @sortofbilal - SORT OF (CBC/HBO Series - part of TIFF Primetime) @cbc and @cbcgem
Savonna Spracklin @savonna_spracklin - WILDWOOD
Director Alanis Obomsawin @onf_nfb -HONOUR TO SENATOR MURRAY SINCLAIR AND TIFF Cinematheque presents CELEBRATING ALANIS
Director Fawzia Mirza @thefawz and Writer/Actor Kaursar Mohammed @kausartheperson from THE SYED FAMILY XMAS EVE GAME NIGHT

To watch the red carpet got to: https://fb.watch/7-iOYo5kyC/

TIFF BRUNCH ROOMS

Photobooth - Host and Sponsor Rachel McCaig @rachealmc
Writing and Script Room - Hosts Fran Coviello @fran_creates and Liesl Lafferty
Wellness Room - Host Emily Churchill - sponsor Let’s Heal This Shit @letshealthisshit
Mentorship Room - Host Veronica Martin @veronicaannemartin - sponsor Fab in the City @uberfab
Trivia Room Sydney Neilson @sydney_neilson - sponsor Creemore @creemoresprings
Daily Fare @thedailyfare

PODCAST TEAM

Head Producer: Winnie Wong @wonder_wong

Head of Post Production: Sydney Neilson @sydney_neilson

Editor: Shayne Stolz @shaynestolz

Subscribe to our newsletter at https://www.firecrackerdepartment.com and follow us @firecrackerdept!

BONUS EPISODE: WORK IN PROGRESS July 2020 Panel Sep 01, 2021

This week’s episode is a throwback to our exciting Facebook Live WORK IN PROGRESS Panel from last July 2020.

WORK IN PROGRESS is about Abby, a forty five-year-old self-identified fat, queer dyke whose misfortune and despair unexpectedly lead her to a vibrantly transformative relationship.

Panel Guests:

Abby McEnany stars as Abby and is the co-creator of WORK IN PROGRESS
Celeste Pechous @celesteinclogs stars as Campbell, Abby’s bestfriend (Twitter: @cpechous)
Mary Sohn @maroldswan stars as Susan, Abby’s annoying officemate
Kate James stars as Miriam and is a writer for the show (Twitter: @katecjames)
Host: Naomi Snieckus @snieckus

Both Celeste and Mary were past podcast guests so check out their episodes.

WORK IN PROGRESS Season 2 is currently airing Sunday nights at 11pm ET/PT on SHOWTIME. @showtime

Stream WORK IN PROGRESS on CraveTV in Canada. @cravecanada

https://www.sho.com/work-in-progress

https://www.crave.ca/en/tv-shows/work-in-progress

Firecracker Department Virtual TIFF Brunch - Sunday, September 12, 2021

1:00pm ET/10:00am - TIFF Virtual Red Carpet - Live Facebook (@firecrackerdept)
2:00pm ET/11:00pm - TIFF Brunch (invite only)

The amazing production team for our Facebook Live WORK IN PROGRESS Panel are:

Winnie Wong as the main producer
Rebecca Marquardt as technical director @rebeccaloops
Anna Gustafson as the co-producer follow her @goosegustafson
Sydney Neilson as the social media manager

Podcast production team:

Head Producer and Editor: Winnie Wong @wonder_wong
Head of Post Production & Head Writer: Sydney Neilson @sydney_neilson
Editor: Shayne Stolz @shaynestolz

Subscribe to our newsletter at https://www.firecrackerdepartment.com and follow us @firecrackerdept!

Camille Beaudoin Aug 25, 2021

Our guest on the show this week is award-winning producer and the founder and executive director of Girls in Film and Television (GIFT) CAMILLE BEAUDOIN.

Camille is mixed blood Cree, Haudenosaunee, Métis, and French Canadian. She is an alum of the National Screen Institute and Banff Centre for the Arts, Facilitator for the Whistler Film Festival Indigenous Filmmaker Fellowship, as well as Edmonton YWCA’s 2014 Woman of Distinction in Arts & Culture and one of Avenue Magazine’s Edmonton's Top 40 under 40!

Camille founded Mosaic Entertainment with Eric Rebalkin. They produce and distribute hours of digital entertainment, nearly 100 episodes of television, 3 mobile games, and 3 feature length films featuring Danny Trejo, Colin Mochrie, and the late great Alan Thicke. Credits include: CAUTION: May Contain Nuts (APTN), Tiny Plastic Men (Super Channel), Roxy (#Roxy) starring Booboo Stewart from Disney’s Descendants and The Twilight films, which recently won Best Teen/Tween Movie at the Kidscreen Awards, and Best Feature Film at the Alberta Film and Television Awards. Their new teen brand SPESCH, which specializes in smart, empowering content for tween and teen girls.

Girls in Film and Television (GIFT) is a not-for-profit dedicated to addressing the need for gender parity and diverse representation on screen through hands-on learning and support.

Quick content warning: this episode does contain sensitive talk regarding the Indigenous lives taken by Canada's residential schools. If that's too much for you right now, skip this episode and take care of you.

Twitter: @mosaiccamille

Instagram: @mosaicent

Facebook: @mosaicentertainment

Twitter and Instagram: @girlsinfilmtv

Facebook: @mosaicentertainment

www.mosaicentertainment.ca

www.girlsinfilmtv.com

Indian Residential School Survivors - @IRSSurvivor www.irsss.ca

Shoutout from Kathleen Harquail (Actioneer, Mentorship Department) @atkharquail for Liesl Lafferty award-winning director, scriptwriter, story developer, and facilitator.

Head Producer and Editor: Winnie Wong @wonder_wong

Head of Post Production & Head Writer: Sydney Neilson @sydney_neilson

Editor: Shayne Stolz @shaynestolz

Subscribe to our newsletter at www.firecrackerdepartment.com and follow us @firecrackerdept!

Marina Cordoni Aug 18, 2021

Our guest on the show this week is superstar producer Marina Cordoni, the founder of Marina Cordoni Entertainment, aka MCE! This is going to be such a treat because Marina will also be one of the mentors for our Indie Producers mentorship workshop on September 25th!

Marina’s handled pre-sales and completed picture sales on hits including '4 Weddings and a Funeral', 'Dead Man Walking', 'Fargo' and 'Sleepers'! With all her amazing distribution smarts, Marina pivoted into the production world. Marina met her business partner Kelley Feldsott Reynolds when they both executive produced one of Hallmark Network’s highest-rated TV movies, 'Love on the Air'! Now, they’ve built a bridge between Canada and the U.S., with Marina producing from Toronto and Kelley from L.A. Some of Marina and Kelley's upcoming projects include Fear the Worst, a Linwood Barclay novel starring Jason Priestley, and Wanda Woman, with writer Bridget Canning, director Gia Milani, and producer, Mary Sexton in Newfoundland.

Marina shared exclusively about her journey to sobriety and how this opened up a whole new world of creativity.

Follow Marina Cordoni @mcordoni Website: www.marinacordoni.com Photo Credit : Liliana Reyes Fotography @lilianareyesfoto

Never Saw It Coming @neversawfilm - catch it on Amazon Prime American Hangman is on iTunes globally and Amazon in the US Love On the Air can be streamed on Hallmark Movies Now

Firecracker Department Indie Producers Mentorship Workshop on September 25, 2021! Link is posted on the Firecracker Department Members Page. Members have early bird registration. Join us! The Firecracker community/general public can register on August 24th. Stay tuned.

Shoutouts - Core member and Actioneer Anna Jane Edmonds (@atotheje) - support AJ's upcoming project Dark Highway by giving to the Seed&Spark page or spread the word. - a documentary film exposing the pervasiveness of sex trafficking in Ontario. Be a part of bringing this story to life: share, donate, and ask questions! Go to @darkhighwayfilm for links in their bio.

-Community member Anne-Marie Krytiuk (@itsannemariek) shouts out actor-comedian Robyn Deverett (@robyndeverett) who has a podcast Window Chats with Robyn.

Podcast Production Credits: Head Producer: Winnie Wong @wonder_wong

Head of Post Production and Head Writer: Sydney Neilson (@sydney_neilson)

Editors: Jordyn Giddens @jordyngiddens and Shayne Stolz @shaynestolz

Intro/Outro Writer: Winnie Wong @wonder_wong

Subscribe to our newsletter at https://www.firecrackerdepartment.com and follow us @firecrackerdept!

Reel Women's Network Spotlight: Asis Sethi Aug 11, 2021

Our guest on the show this week is director, writer, producer, TV personality, ASIS SETHI! Asis is not only an incredible creator whose work is featured on the Reel Women’s Network streaming platform, but is also part of our Firecracker Department Core Team!

Asis Sethi started her career as a Reporter on OMNI Television, quickly became a host! Asis has directed, written, and produced a ton of independent projects and founded Fly Away Films, a film company focusing on issues women and communities face that promote a cross-cultural understanding.

Her most recent short film titled 'A Bloody Mess' focuses on the taboo surrounding menstruation in the South Asian community living outside of India, with the specific goal of encouraging conversation to normalize menstruation. It has been screened at over 26 film festivals worldwide, won awards internationally, and is available now on Reel Women’s Network!

Asis believes that cinema has the ability to transcend borders, cultures and identities to bring everyone together and bring change into society and she hopes to use cinema as a tool to highlight issues facing women and bring about a change in society.

Instagram: @asis.sethi @flyawayfilmsinc @bollywoodfilmfamecanada

Twitter: @AsisSethi @FlyAwayFilmsInc @bffcmag

https://www.asissethi.com/

https://flyawayfilms.ca/

https://bollywoodfilmfame.com/

Head Producer: Winnie Wong @wonder_wong

Head of Post Production & Head Writer: Sydney Neilson @sydney_neilson

Editor: Jennifer Rowley

Subscribe to our newsletter at https://www.firecrackerdepartment.com and follow us @firecrackerdept!

Dotsie Bausch Aug 04, 2021

Our guest on the show this week is Olympic silver medalist, advocate, speaker, and the executive director of Switch4Good, Dotsie Bausch! She won her silver medal in cycling at the 2012 London Olympic Games, as well as two Pan American gold medals, eight US national championships, AND a world record!

Since concluding her professional cycling career, Dotsie’s become a major influencer for plant-based eating! She founded the non-profit Switch 4 Good and has been featured in two different Netflix documentaries: Personal Gold and The Game Changers.

We talk about Dotsie’s athletic and emotional journey, her struggle with eating disorders, her road to sobriety, and so much more. She speaks all over the world now, and she’s even got me ready to try going plant based with my eating!

Follow Dotsie!

Instagram: @veganolympian

Instagram: @Switch4Good

Facebook: @Switch4Good

Twitter: @Switch4GoodOrg

Instagram and Facebook: @gamechangersmovie

Twitter: @gcmovie

https://dotsiebauschusa.com/

https://switch4good.org/

https://gamechangersmovie.com/

Head Producer: Winnie Wong @wonder_wong

Editor: Jordyn Giddens @jordyngiddens

Head of Post Production: Sydney Neilson @sydney_neilson

Subscribe to our newsletter at https://www.firecrackerdepartment.com and follow us @firecrackerdept!

Reel Women's Network Spotlight: Emily Churchill Jul 28, 2021

Our guest on the show this week is actor, producer, writer, certified Reiki healer, and Firecracker Core Member, EMILY CHURCHILL! AND, Emily also just so happens to be a creator also featured on Reel Womens Network! Emily has trained and performed at Second City Chicago and Hollywood, UCB LA, AND The Comedy Central Stage. She’s been a writer and performer for groups and troupes, and her series Friends on A Bench was featured in LA at Hollyshorts, plus The Chicago Comedy Festival AND The Austin Comedy Film Festival. Emily’s been on your screens in Criminal Minds on CBS, in Sydney To The Max on Disney Channel (which you can both find now on Disney plus, of course). Em’s also in a ton of animation and voice over work, PLUS national commercial campaigns, including a beautiful moment in a purple bodysuit as The Flea for Simparica! Listen now!

Follow Emily: https://www.instagram.com/emchurchill/

https://www.instagram.com/letshealthisshit/

https://www.friendsonabench.com/

https://www.emilychurchill.com/reel

https://reelwomensnetwork.com/emily-churchill/

Head Producer: Winnie Wong @wonder_wong

Head of Post Production & Head Writer: Sydney Neilson @sydney_neilson

Editor: Jennifer Rowley

Subscribe to our newsletter at https://www.firecrackerdepartment.com and follow us @firecrackerdept!

AnnaJane "AJ" Edmonds Jul 21, 2021

Our guest on the show this week is filmmaker, actor, and firecracker CORE MEMBER, Anna Jane Edmonds, aka AJ! @atotheje is an emerging leader in the film industry, splitting her time between Toronto and Los Angeles working as a producer, director, performer and idea creator. AJ’s garnered over 10 years of experience in the entertainment and film industry as an actor, director, assistant director, production manager AND producer credited on over 40 commercials, short films and features.

AJ was awarded the Best Canadian Feature for producing the film POOR AGNES at the 2017 Fantasia Film Festival, and is one of the co-founders of the amazing POCKET FILM SCHOOL! She’s lived around the world, from Bosnia-Herzegovina and Croatia, to Toronto, Los Angeles, and more. AJ’s story is incredible and working with her is an absolute joy. Listen now!

Follow AJ

on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atotheje/

via Pocket Film School: https://www.instagram.com/pocket.film.school/

Donate to AJ’s upcoming documentary “Dark Highway” https://seedandspark.com/fund/dark-highway#story

Head Producer: Winnie Wong @wonder_wong

Head of Post Production: Sydney Neilson @sydney_neilson

Editor: Jennifer Rowley

Associate Producer: Saba Dolati Miab

Writer: Francesca Coviello

Subscribe to our newsletter at https://www.firecrackerdepartment.com and follow us @firecrackerdept!

Jeena Bloom Jul 13, 2021

Our guest on the show this week is transgender writer and stand up comedian, Jeena Bloom! Jeena has performed all over the country, including a headlining tour of the southern United States, shortly before the pandemic. She has previously been a winner of the Harlem Comedy Festival Competition and a finalist for the She Devil Comedy Competition in NYC. She has performed at the Hollywood Improv, Comedy Store and most NYC comedy venues. Her writing has been featured in the LA Times, New York Magazine and The AV Club. She has also appeared on Viceland and Sit N Spin for Comedy Central. In her previous life, Jeena had worked for eight years as an independent filmmaker. Jeena took over a decade off from filmmaking as a survivor of domestic violence and finally as an out trans woman!

LINKS

Follow Summertime: https://www.instagram.com/summertimemovie2021

See Summertime in theatres now! https://gooddeedentertainment.com/summertime/#get-tickets

More on Summertime: https://linktr.ee/SummertimeTheMovie

Follow Marquesha: https://www.instagram.com/ladi3lyrix

Marquesha performs “That Girl”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KhokgQh0_DY

Twitter: @jeenabloom

Instagram: @jeenabloom @antidepressantcomedyhour @morebananapods

Website: https://www.jeenabloomdoescomedy.com/

Jeena's Photo Credit: Noah Eberhard

Head Producer: Winnie Wong @wonder_wong

Head of Post Production & Head Writer: Sydney Neilson @sydney_neilson

Editor: Jordyn Giddens @jordyn_giddens

Subscribe to our newsletter at https://www.firecrackerdepartment.com and follow us @firecrackerdept!

Colleen Wheeler (with daughter Lily Reynolds) Jul 07, 2021

Our guest on the show this week is award-winning actor, producer COLLEEN WHEELER, and her daughter Lily Reynolds! This episode is super special, first because it’s our first mother/daughter episode, and second because it was recorded in PERSON, in Colleen’s backyard studio in Vancouver! Now, Colleen is originally from Toronto, and now lives in beautiful Vancouver, BC. She graduated from the University of Alberta with a BFA in Acting, and has since performed in over 75 stage productions across Canada, as well as over 50 onscreen roles in film and TV. She voiced Mystique on the animated X:Men Evolution series, was featured in 2018’s Tully with Charlize Theron and Mackenzie Davis, as well as the 2012 feature The Tall Man with Jessica Biel. And so many more!

LINKS:

The Transamorous Trilogy

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/discretion-short-film#/

https://www.instagram.com/artstarkiley/

https://www.instagram.com/transamoroustrilogy/

Instagram: @colleenwheeler123Instagram: @heelfactoryfilm

Twitter: @Colleen_WheelerTwitter: @heelfactoryfilm

Website: heelfactoryfilm.com

The Best Damn Podcast Game Show Ever https://art19.com/shows/the-best-damn-podcast-game-show-ever

Head Producer: Winnie Wong @wonder_wong

Head of Post Production: Sydney Neilson @sydney_neilson

Editor: Jennifer Rowley

Subscribe to our newsletter at https://www.firecrackerdepartment.com and follow us @firecrackerdept!

Reel Women's Network Spotlight: Farah Merani Jun 29, 2021

We have a brand new Reel Women’s Network creator spotlight for you AND it’s also a firecracker department CORE TEAM MEMBER! Our guest on the show this week is Muslim actor, filmmaker, educator and advocate, FARAH MERANI! Based in LA and Toronto, she is a graduate of the Drama Centre London and has performed in Canada and the US, throughout Europe and in Russia. She has been called by her peers a “revolutionary change maker” in the film industry. Farah heads up the Script Department which hosts a regular script reading series supporting women and non-binary writers.

Some of her TV and film credits include: Shadowhunters, Nikita, Lost Girl, Covert Affairs, Private Eyes and the upcoming feature film, Eat Wheaties!, featuring Tony Hale from Veep and Arrested Development!

In addition to being an actor, she has produced dozens of films with her company, Lifeguard Productions, co-founded a non-profit called Women on Screen, and serves as a diversity and inclusion consultant for film and tv with her former co-chair of the ACTRA Toronto Diversity Committee.

Follow Farah:

https://www.leaninusc.org/farah-merani

https://www.womenonscreen.ca/

www.lifeguardproductions.ca

@screenwmn - Instagram

@ScreenWMN – Twitter

@ScreenWomen – Facebook

@lifeguardproductions – Facebook

@lifeguardproductions – Instagram

Gillian Müller Twitter: @MullerGillian IG: @gillianmuller

Karen Walton Twitter: @inkcanada IG: @helloiwrite

Mika Collins Twitter: @mikacollinz IG: @mikacollinz

Sarah Dollard Twitter @snazdoll

Head Producer: Winnie Wong @wonder_wong

Head Editor: Sydney Neilson @sydney_neilson

Writer: Lauren Schell

Editor: Jennifer Rowley

Subscribe to our newsletter at https://www.firecrackerdepartment.com and follow us @firecrackerdept!

Georgia Grant Jun 23, 2021

Our guest on the show this week is Toronto-based singer and actor GEORGIA GRANT!

We’ve partnered with Sheridan College’s Music Theatre Performance Class of ‘95 to support their newly created Class of 95 BIPOC Bursary Fund! The new Bursary Fund at Sheridan is to support music theatre and technical production students who identify as Black, Indigenous and/or People of Colour. They have created this fund to help Sheridan in its efforts to dismantle systemic racism and create opportunities for underrepresented members of our community.

Now, since graduating from Sheridan college in 1995 Georgia has made her home on the stage, both in musicals or straight plays. Some of her favourite roles to date include Beatrice in Much Ado About Nothing, Grace Farrell in Annie, Dionne in Hair, Hippolyta in A Midsummer Night's Dream, and Lady of the Lake in Spamalot.

In May last year, Georgia was one of the incredible performers selected to participate in the first Firecracker Department Dust-Off, to sharpen up skills for musical theatre firecrackers mid-pandemic!

Head Producer: Winnie Wong @wonder_wong

Head Writer/Editor: Sydney Neilson @sydney_neilson

Editor: Jordyn Giddens

Subscribe to our newsletter at https://www.firecrackerdepartment.com and follow us @firecrackerdept!

Kelly McCormack Jun 09, 2021

Our guest on the show this week is actor, filmmaker, musician and executive producer, Kelly McCormack! Currently, Kelly is gearing up to shoot the Amazon Studios TV re-imagining of the 1992 classic A League of Their Own starring alongside Abbi Jacobson, D’Arcy Carden and Chanté Adams. You’ve seen Kelly onscreen in Ginny & Georgia, Departure, Letterkenny, Killjoys, A Simple Favor, Carter, The Expanse, and SO much more.

Kelly’s latest feature film, Sugar Daddy - which is breathtakingly gorgeous - was written and produced by Kelly. Sugar Daddy explores the ways in which young women are trained to perform femininity, and won Best Feature at the Canadian Film Fest, alongside Kelly winning Best Performance.

Kelly’s energy and candor make this episode a must-listen. We talk about the double-edged sword of society’s need to label and identify ourselves, we talk about anxiety, nature, workaholicking, and I just had the best time catching up with my friend Kelly.

Kelly McCormack

https://www.instagram.com/kellyandphyllis/

https://twitter.com/kelmccormack

Alok Vaid-Menon

https://www.instagram.com/alokvmenon/

https://linktr.ee/alokvmenon

Allegra Fulton

https://www.instagram.com/cinesylph/

https://twitter.com/allegra_fulton

Head Producer: Winnie Wong @wonder_wong

Head of Post Production: Sydney Neilson @sydney_neilson

Writer: Lauren Schell @Laurenschell_

Editor: Jordyn Giddens @jordyngiddens

Subscribe to our newsletter at https://www.firecrackerdepartment.com and follow us @firecrackerdept!

Chloe Van Landschoot Jun 01, 2021

Our guest on the show this week is queer artist, actor, AND registered nurse Chloe Van Landschoot! When @chlovls isn’t dancing or story telling, you can find her working as a nurse in downtown Toronto. Her onscreen credits include the critically acclaimed Canadian feature Jackie Boy and the biopic Chris Watts: Confessions of a Killer. Now she stars in the feature film, Lune which is written and directed by another firecracker community member, Aviva Armour-Ostroff.

Lune is making its Canadian Premiere at the Toronto Jewish Film Festival on June 4th and it won the prestigious Micki Moore Award for best narrative feature directed and written by a woman! @tjffgrams

The On Canada Project:

https://oncanadaproject.ca/settlerstakeaction

Chloe Links:

Instagram: @chlovls

Instagram: @lunethefilm

TJFF Links:

Follow TJFF: @TJFFgrams

TJFF Online Festival: https://tjff.com/toronto-jewish-film-festival-2021/

Donate to Mazon Canada

Donate to The Stop Community Food Centre.

Head Producer: Winnie Wong @wonder_wong

Head of Post Production: Sydney Neilson @sydney_neilson

Writer: Lauren Schell @Laurenschell_

Editor: Jennifer Rowley

Subscribe to our newsletter at https://www.firecrackerdepartment.com and follow us @firecrackerdept!

Sedina Fiati May 25, 2021

Our guest on the show this week is producer, performer, creator, activist, SEDINA FIATI! Sedina is proudly Black, queer, and deeply invested in artistic work that explores the intersection between art and activism. They’re currently the Artist-Activist in Residence at Nightwood Theatre, one of founding collective members of the Black Pledge, and former co chair of ACTRA Toronto’s Diversity Committee! Sedina is the creator of the web series Last Dance and producer/star of Super Zee, which they also starred in! Super Zee, which was directed by fellow firecracker and founder of BIPOC TV & Film, Nathalie Younglai AND produced by Firecracker core member and Script department head, Farah Merani! They’re also a part of our Social Justice department and have been instrumental in our core team as a workshop leader and social justice advocate.

Follow Sedina

Twitter: @bwheelsheels

Instagram: @bwheelsheels

Head Producer: Winnie Wong @wonder_wong

Head of Post Production: Sydney Neilson @sydney_neilson

Writer: Sydney Neilson

Editor: Jordyn Giddens

Subscribe to our newsletter at https://www.firecrackerdepartment.com and follow us @firecrackerdept!

Reel Women's Network Spotlight: Marem Hassler May 19, 2021

This month’s RWN spotlight is on Swiss-Trinidadian actor and filmmaker, MAREM HASSLER! Marem is the co-owner and co-founder of Viscus Film, an award winning avant garde boutique Film company. Her mother is a sculptor, her father a filmmaker, and she began a career in music as a lyricist, songwriter and recording artist. She’s produced albums, film scores, commercial jingles, as well as making herself known as an actor on international TV series, commercials and more. She works as active director, writer, and camera AC in LA! Marem is also founder of @thefaceyogachick!

Twitter @HasslerMarem

Instagram @maremhassler

Twitter: @ReelWomensNetw1

Instagram: @reelwomensnetwork

Head Producer: Winnie Wong @wonder_wong

Head Editor: Sydney Neilson @sydney_neilson

Writer: Lauren Schell

DONATE IF YOU CAN:

Redemption Paws (Toronto)

https://redemptionpaws.org/donate/

The Dog-Go Project (Mexico/Canada)

https://www.thedoggoproject.org/dona/

Women United for Animal Welfare (Los Angeles)

https://wufaw.org/

DIBS Rescue (Toronto)

Subscribe to our newsletter at https://www.firecrackerdepartment.com and follow us @firecrackerdept!

Wendy O'Brien May 12, 2021

Our guest on the podcast today is casting director WENDY O’BRIEN. She’s won a Peabody, three Artios awards and was nominated for an Emmy! She’s casted Sons of Anarchy, Mayans MC, You’re The Worst, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Prison Break, The Runaways, A.P. Bio (with firecracker Mary Sohn), Stumptown (with firecracker Camryn Manheim), Dave, American Vandal, Mr Mayor… and MORE! She also casted Bad Trip (the new Eric Andre movie on Netflix) and 2020’s The Way Back with Ben Affleck. Wendy’s also a mother, a rower, a quarantine gardener and an absolute DELIGHT! Listen now!

Sara Stockmann May 04, 2021

Our guest on the show this week is Producer Sara Stockmann! Sara is the founder of Sonntag Pictures and a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Science! Sara has produced OVER 25 international feature documentary films. She’s received accolades from all over the world, at Cannes, Tribeca, Amsterdam, at the EMMYS AND THIS YEAR’S OSCARS! Sara’s films spark debates in society, internationally. She’s also a mother, a twin, and an absolute firecracker.

LINKS!

I Hate Suzie https://www.hbomax.com/series/urn:hbo:series:GX6MziQh41pYSwwEAAAK4

Billie Piper https://www.instagram.com/billiepiper/

Lucy Prebble https://twitter.com/lucyprebblish

Photographer Caitlyn Rouse https://www.instagram.com/caitlynrousephotography/

Core Team member Alissa Abeler https://www.instagram.com/winter_thistle/

Listen to The Daily Fare https://www.thedailyfaremusic.com/

Instagram: @sonntagpictures

Instagram: @7yearsoflukasgraham

https://www.sonntagpictures.com/

https://lukasgraham-film.com/

Oscar Nominated Short “The Letter Room” LA Times review: https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/movies/story/2021-04-01/review-oscar-nominated-shorts-live-action-animation-documentary?_amp=true

Head Producer: Winnie Wong @wonder_wong

Head of Post Production: Sydney Neilson @sydney_neilson

Subscribe to our newsletter at https://www.firecrackerdepartment.com and follow us @firecrackerdept!

Ophira Calof Apr 27, 2021

Our guest on the pod this week is multi award winning Disabled writer, performer, and producer, OPHIRA CALOF! Ophira’s work weaves together music, comedy, and storytelling, centring disability and chronic illness experiences. Ophira’s journey is so unique and she is whip smart as well as hilarious. A Second-City-er, a trained opera singer, curator, workshop facilitator, consultant, and keynote speaker, Ophira is BUSY!

We talk about art in accessibility, who you grow up wanting to be in Beauty & the Beast, music, comedy, opera, chronic pain, body neutrality, Tallboyz, performance venue accesibility and more!

Their single, Still Standing, is available online including on Apple Music and Spotify! They co-created the Canadian Comedy Award Nominated sketch comedy revue Generally Hospital, and their solo show, Literally Titanium, was developed through the Buddies in Bad Times Emerging Creator’s Unit before premiering at the 2020 Next Stage Theatre Festival.

Twitter: @Ophira_C

Instagram: @ophira.c

Facebook Fan page/website: https://www.ophira.ca/

Head Producer: Winnie Wong @wonder_wong

Head of Post Production: Sydney Neilson @sydney_neilson

Editor: Jordyn Giddens @jordyn_giddens

Subscribe to our newsletter at https://www.firecrackerdepartment.com and follow us @firecrackerdept!

Reel Women's Network Spotlight: Tina Huang Apr 20, 2021

Our fifth spotlight is on actor, producer, director, writer, voice over artists, TINA HUANG. She’s been onscreen in Rizzoli & Isles, Days of Our Lives, Grey’s Anatomy, Shameless, The Office, Criminal Minds, and SO much more! She’s been onstage in Revenge Porn, Cult of Love, Brain Problems, and is a founding member of Ammo, the Ammunition Theatre Company in Los Angeles. Tina was also a member of IAMA Theatre Company and Co-Founder of 1 to 1 Productions. 1 to 1’s mission is to champion women of color in front of and behind the camera.

LINKS:

Follow Sedina Fiati https://www.instagram.com/bwheelsheels

Follow Farah Merani https://www.instagram.com/fa_me/

Sylvia Duckworth’s gender neutral graphic: https://www.instagram.com/p/CGr7GCahEHv/

Follow Sara Levine: https://www.instagram.com/saralevinedoodles/

Follow Mila Jam: https://www.instagram.com/themilajam/

Mila Jam - Pretty One music video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jU3BcCXicDM

Mommies: An American Parody: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WyR66F_peUc

Tina Huang on RWN: https://reelwomensnetwork.com/tina-huang/

Twitter: @tinahuang @1to1Productions

Instagram: @tinahuang381 @1to1productions

https://tinahuang.com/

http://www.1to1productions.com/

http://ammunitiontheatre.com/

Reel Women's Network social:

Twitter: @ReelWomensNetw1

Instagram: @reelwomensnetwork

Cory Mack Apr 15, 2021

Our guest on the show this week is comedian, emcee, writer, producer, CORY MACK! Cory has been living in Calgary and performing stand up comedy now for over 30 YEARS! She was the producer and founder of the YYComedy Festival, and ran the festival for 7 years. Cory has starred in her own Comedy Now Special on the Comedy Network, performed at Just For Laughs International Comedy Festival, the Hubcap Comedy Festival, she’s been nominated for two Canadian Comedy awards, featured on CBC radio’s The Debaters, and more! Now, this interview was recorded way before we had any idea what 2020 held for us, and in REAL LIFE!

Donate to The Daunte Wright Sr. Memorial Fund: https://www.gofundme.com/f/dauntewright

Black Lives Matter Resources: https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co/

Twitter: @corymack

Instagram: @corymackwilson

Website: https://corymack.ca/

Stand Up Alberta: https://open.spotify.com/album/50xs3cyknrzuJKcZudiwda

Cory Mack photo credit: David Kotisibie Persuasion Photography

Enid-Raye Adams Apr 06, 2021

Our guest on the show this week is actor ENID-RAYE ADAMS! Enid-Raye has been working in the industry for over 30 years, most recently in You Me Her (which you can find on Netflix or Crave) and Hospital Show on Youtube. She’s appeared on TV in Arrow, Lucifer, Riverdale, Van Helsing, and on the big screen in Good Boys, A Guy Thing, and Final Destination 2, to name just a few!

This is one of our last few recordings from the before times! That’s right, this episode was recorded IN! PERSON! It gets a little loud near the end of the interview, we were at the Whistler Film Festival, so finding any time and space was a miracle but we did it!

Follow Enid:

@enidrayeadams

@youmeher

@hospitalshow

@lifeXP_series

Follow FD: @firecrackerdept

Head Producer: Winnie Wong @wonder_wong

Head of Post Production: Sydney Neilson @sydney_neilson

Jennifer Hosten Mar 30, 2021

Our guest on the show this week is author, psychotherapist, radio broadcaster, former diplomat, and former Miss World, JENNIFER HOSTEN! She represented Grenada at the Miss World Contest in 1970 and won (!!!) making her the FIRST woman of colour to take the title.

Jennifer has worked in radio broadcasting, earned two Masters’ degrees, served as Grenada's High Commissioner to Canada, as a Canadian diplomat to Bangladesh, became a mother, a grandmother, AND a psychotherapist!

In 2020, Jennifer was played on screen in the film MISBEHAVIOUR starring Keira Knightley, Greg Kinnear, and Gugu M’Batha-Raw as JENNIFER HOSTEN!

We talk about growing up Grenada, becoming the first woman of colour to win Miss World, feminism, political movements of the 70s, her purpose, her confidence, her faith, Gugu M'Batha-Raw and the film Misbehaviour, her travels, journey in education, and so much more!

Follow Jennifer Hosten @missworld1970

Get Jennifer’s book: https://www.amazon.ca/Miss-World-1970-Craziest-Pageant/dp/1989555233

More about Jennifer : http://jenniferhosten.com/

To directly support the victims of the Atlanta shootings and their families: www.advancingjustice-atlanta.org

Visit the Chinese Canadian National Council - For Social Justice ccncsj.ca)

Butterfly Asian and Migrant Sex Workers Network (Toronto) @butterflycsw

SWAN Vancouver @swan_vancouver

Red Canary Song (NYC) @redcanarysong

Winnie’s episode of The Ling Podcast hosted by Marlene Benedicto drops April 1st.

Instagram: @thisislingblog

Facebook: @ThisIsLingBlog

Twitter: @m_benedicto

Follow FD: @firecrackerdept

Head Producer: Winnie Wong @wonder_wong

Head of Post Production: Sydney Neilson @sydney_neilson

Reel Women's Network Spotlight: Brooke Berman Mar 24, 2021

We have a brand new Reel Women’s Network creator spotlight for you! our FOURTH Firecracker Department Spotlight is playwright, filmmaker, author, teacher, BROOKE BERMAN.

Brooke has written and directed shorts Uggs For Gaza and All Saints Day, adapted her play SMASHING for Natalie Portman (!!!) and has written features for The Mark Gordon Company, Vox Films, and Red Crown!

Beyond her filmmaking and writing for the stage, Brooke is also the author of three nonfiction books including her memoir, No Place Like Home! The audiobook of her memoir, No Place like Home, is coming out in April!

She’s also been shopping around a new play and a pilot. And somehow she still finds the time to teach! This fall, she’s teaching screenwriting at NYU this Fall and in the Spring, playwriting at Bard College! Brooke is booked and BUSY!

Daniel Dae Kim on IG: https://www.instagram.com/danieldaekim/

Advancing Justice: https://www.advancingjustice-atlanta.org/

Brooke on Twitter www.twitter.com/berman_brooke

Brooke on IG: www.instagram.com/brookebermannyc

Brooke’s new short: https://www.facebook.com/filmprettydoesnthurt/)

Reel Women's Network social::

Twitter: @ReelWomensNetw1

Instagram: reelwomensnetwork

FB: ReelWomensNetwork

Melanie Oats Mar 16, 2021

Our guest this week is writer/producer/director MELANIE OATS! She has written, directed, and produced five short films, a digital comedy series AND was also the Costume Designer for two features! Lately, Melanie is currently in development with her second feature film, Sweet Angel Baby.

Follow Melanie Oats!

Twitter: @MelanieAHelena

Instagram: @mel.anie.oates @bodyandbonesfilm

Follow Melanie’s Shout Out, the St. John’s International Women’s Film Festival!

https://www.instagram.com/sjiwff/

https://www.womensfilmfestival.com/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAaMV1aHxf2gz5miXkKkhhw

Follow FD: @firecrackerdept

Editor: Jordyn Giddens @jordyngiddens

Head Producer: Winnie Wong @wonder_wong

Head of Post Production: Sydney Neilson @sydney_neilson

Rebecca Leib Mar 09, 2021

Our guest on the show this week is writer, podcaster, comedian REBECCA LEIB! Most recently, she’s been working as a writer-producer on NatGeo’s “Brain Games" reboot with Keegan Michael Key! Rebecca has also been a writer for Disney, CBS, NBC Digital, and Investigation Discovery! She’s written hilarious and brilliant stuff online for VICE, Reductress, LA-ist, LA WEEKLY, The Rumpus, and more! And you may have had this firecracker in your ears already, on her comedy-meets-strange history podcast "Ghost Town!"

Follow Rebecca!

@rebeccaleib

@ghosttownpod

https://losangeleno.com/strange-days/eulogy-local-restaurants-covid-19/

Follow us: @firecrackerdept, @snieckus

Head Producer: Winnie Wong @wonder_wong

Head Editor: Sydney Neilson @sydney_neilson

Nathalie Younglai Mar 02, 2021

Our guest on the show this week, our ONE HUNDREDTH Firecracker, is writer, director, producer, founder of BIPOC TV & Film NATHALIE YOUNGLAI Natalie’s gone from being a professional harpist to reality TV Director, to Screenwriter! Right now, Nathalie’s working on a few projects in development and is a Writer/Co-Producer on CBC’s Coroner, which you can catch new episodes of on Wednesdays at 8pm Eastern on CBC or the CBC Gem App.

Nathalie founded BIPOC TV & Film, a grassroots organization advocating for meaningful representation of Black, Indigenous and People of Colour in front and behind the camera. They recently launched the amazing HireBIPOC dot c-a, an online industry-wide roster of Canadian BIPOC creatives and crew working in screen-based industries. We’re big fans, to say the least. She’s truly a changemaker.

In 2020 she was the recipient of the 2020 Canadian Screen Awards special Humanitarian Award AND named one of NOW Magazine’s 2020 Trailblazers. She was even nominated for a Daytime Emmy for her writing on Dino Dana!

Twitter:

@nyounglai

@BIPOCtvandfilm

Instagram:

@nyounglai

@bipoctvfilm

www.nathalieyounglai.com

www.bipoctvandfilm.com

www.hirebipoc.com

Nathalie Photo Credit: Gezilayefa Azorbo

Head Producer: Winnie Wong @wonder_wong

Head Editor: Sydney Neilson @sydney_neilson

Ariane Thielenhaus Feb 23, 2021

Our guest on the show this week is filmmaker and Director of Programs and Partnerships for Women's Voices Now, Ariana Thielenhaus! Ariana oversees the entire Women’s Voices Now film festival, plus their online film collection and the Girls’ Voices Now youth program. She believes in the power of story and film to shift culture and accomplish positive change, and has a passion for womens and girls rights that seems to guide everything she does.

Now, if you haven’t heard of Women’s Voices Now or their Film Festival, it promotes women and femme-identifying filmmakers using social-change films to advocate for women’s and girls’ rights around the world.

The 2021 edition kicks off on March 11th, at 11am! The Women’s Voices Now festival event will feature a key-note speaker discussing the power of film in advancing women’s & girls rights, and introducing the award winning filmmakers.

Eventbrite link is active: https://standandbecounted2021.eventbrite.com

Follow Women’s Voices Now:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/WomensVoicesNow

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/womens_voices_now/

Head Producer: Winnie Wong @wonder_wong

Head Editor: Sydney Neilson @sydney_neilson

Editor: Jennifer Rowley

Reel Women's Network Spotlight: Emmalie El Fadli Feb 16, 2021

It’s that time of the month! We have a brand new Reel Women’s Network creator spotlight for you! Our THIRD Reel Women’s Network Spotlight guest is writer, director, editor, producer EMMALIE EL FADLI!

She made her directorial debut with the lesbian short film ‘Seasons’ (2016) which now has over a million views on YouTube! Emmalie co-wrote the 2018’s “The Date,” a lesbian short film which you can watch on Reel Womens Network! Now, lately, Emmalie is crowdfunding for her new short, From A to Q.

Emmalie’s been a favourite in our community ever since she stopped by our holiday party and absolutely schooled us all in the trivia room!

Follow Emmalie & her projects:

Twitter: @P_L_R_I_M / @fromatoqfilm / @thedatelesmovie

Instagram: @fromatoqfilm / @thedatelesbianfilm

‘From A to Q’ crowdfunding campaign: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/from-a-to-q-final-post-production-steps#

Watch ‘The Date:’ https://watch.reelwomensnetwork.com/romance/videos/the-date

Watch ‘Seasons:’ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0S-b7kM-pE&t=89s

Subscribe to our newsletter at www.firecrackerdepartment.com for upcoming events and updates!

Elaine Overholt Feb 09, 2021

Our guest today is singer, voice & performance coach ELAINE OVERHOLT! She has worked with SO many incredible performers and is an incredible performer herself! From John Travolta, Zac Efron and Michelle Pfeiffer on Hairspray, to Catherine Zeta-Jones, Renée Zellweger, and Queen Latifah for the Oscar-winning ‘Chicago‘.

She’s also worked with Shawn Mendes, Jim Cuddy, Alannah Myles, Jully Black, Jackie Richardson, and Megan Fox. As a Broadway coach, Elaine trained the lead singers for ‘Hairspray‘, ‘The Producers‘, ‘Mamma Mia‘, ‘Kinky Boots’ and so many shows of Mirvish Productions.

On her TV series “Big Voice” (OWN Network), Elaine took gifted but ‘untried’ singers, put them in a 6-week boot camp, culminating in their “dream” performance.

SO! MANY! THINGS! Elaine is amazing, and this episode is our most musical episode yet!

Follow Elaine on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/bigvoicestudios/

https://www.instagram.com/elaineoverholt

Follow Elaine on Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/bigvoicestudios/

https://www.facebook.com/elaineoverholt

Train with Elaine!

https://www.elaineoverholt.com/

Elaine’s Big Boice Vocal Warmup and Workout:

https://apple.co/3aL2Mnl

Jo Vannicola Feb 02, 2021

Our guest today is Emmy award winning actor, author, advocate, screenwriter, beautiful human, JO VANNICOLA! Jo has been acting in the industry for years, most recently in Slasher, Street Legal, Stonewall, and Being Erica. They sit as the chair of outACTRAto, the LGBTQ+ committee at ACTRA Toronto, and is the founder of Youth Out Loud, a non-profit dedicated to raising awareness about child abuse. Jo’s memoir, All We Knew But Couldn’t Say, was released in June 2019, and was shortlisted for the nonfiction Kobo Emerging Writer Prize in 2020! We talk about pronouns, their social justice work, creating during pandemic times, toxic positivity and so much more.

Follow Jo @joannevannicola on IG and Twitter!

Trashed the short film: https://www.facebook.com/Trashedthefilm/

All We Knew But Couldn’t Say: www.allweknewbutcouldntsay.com

Slasher on Netflix: https://www.netflix.com/ca/title/80105452

Youth Out Loud organization: www.youthoutloud.ca

Link to Working With Queer Performers Guidebook: https://www.actratoronto.com/working-with-queer-performers/

Link to Queer Your Stories PSA: https://youtu.be/163zfH1go8s

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Reel Women's Network Spotlight: Andrea Evans Jan 26, 2021

In November, we announced our partnership with Reel Women's Network, a new online streaming service that showcases films, series, documentaries, podcasts, and digital content created by women filmmakers and content creators. Our second Reel Women’s Network Spotlight guest is two-time Emmy Nominated Actor, Documentary Filmmaker, ANDREA EVANS! She has starred on four different soap operas on three different networks.

Andrea is the Executive Producer of the documentary “Rocking the Couch”. It’s hard hitting documentary revolving around the Hollywood “casting couch,” featuring emotional interviews and a true #metoo story. The documentary is streaming on Amazon Prime and, of course, Reel Women’s Network!

See Andrea now on Amazon Prime’s THE BAY!

Follow Andrea!

Twitter: https://twitter.com/andreaevansprod

Follow Reel Women’s Network!

Twitter: @ReelWomensNetw1

Instagram: reelwomensnetwork

FB: ReelWomensNetwork

Subscribe to our newsletter at https://www.firecrackerdepartment.com and follow us @firecrackerdept!

Emily Schmidt Jan 19, 2021

Our guest this week is TV writer EMILY SCHMIDT! Emily was the Writers' Assistant for Netflix's "Girlboss," staffed on the Netflix multicam "No Good Nick"and an on-set joke writer for Kay Cannon’s "Blockers." When she’s not writing or trying to write, Emily is usually watching "The Golden Girls" and baking!

She’s currently writing for a new series on FOX called ‘This Country,” led by Jenny Bicks & Paul Feig! It’s a mockumentary comedy based on a British series, following a pair of cousins as they go through their daily lives in “idiosyncratic surroundings.” The half-hour series also stars Seann William Scott, Aya Cash, and Taylor Ortega, and was actually FOX’s first pickup of the 2021-22 season!

Follow Emily

https://twitter.com/emilyrschmidt

https://www.instagram.com/emilyrschmidt

https://emilyschmidt.substack.com/

Stream No Good Nick, Blocker, and Girlboss on Netflix anytime!

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Nainita Desai Jan 12, 2021

This week on the podcast, our guest is sound designer and composer Nainita Desai!

Nainita’s worked on documentaries, film, tv, commercials, musicals, video games... her credits are amazing and so is she! She’s the first composer we’ve had as a guest!

She has scored countless BAFTA, Oscar, Emmy acclaimed productions including 2020’s FOR SAMA. Her most recently released project is the Sundance Doc Audience Award winning THE REASON I JUMP, an immersive film exploring the experiences of non speaking autistic people from around the world. It just came out this past Friday, along with the first single and music video! You can follow the film @reasonIjumpfilm to hear the music and find out where you can watch.

Over 95 percent of composers are men, and we need more Nainitas!

Follow Nainita Desai on Twitter: https://twitter.com/nainitadesai

Follow Nainita Desai on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nainita_desai/

Watch The Reason I Jump: https://thereasonijumpfilm.com/

Support Action For Sama: https://www.instagram.com/actionforsama

Listen to Nainita on Spotify! https://open.spotify.com/artist/6yyzlTFjuZqptozK4Q9wHO

Subscribe to our newsletter at https://www.firecrackerdepartment.com and follow us @firecrackerdept!

Daniela Kelloway Dec 08, 2020

Our guest on the pod this week is one of my favourite people, DANIELA KELLOWAY! Daniela runs CLUTCH PR in Toronto and is an amazing publicist. We spoke when she was just starting her amazing new Book & Brunch event series, co-founded with her sister Zuzanna! She hosts these awesome events with - you guessed it, books AND brunch, and it’s now in FORTY CITIES!

Follow Daniela @thekelloway, @clutchpr, & @booknbrunch

Daniela’s Website: www.clutchpr.com

Book n Brunch: www.booknbrunch.com

Gift Cards for the holidays at: https://www.booknbrunch.com/gift-cards

Upcoming Events:

Page Turners Book Club~ Be a Mensch: Unleash Your Power to be Kind and Help Others - December 9th

https://www.booknbrunch.com/events/224

Page Turners Book Club~The Chocolatier by Jan Moran- December 17th- https://www.booknbrunch.com/events/219

Virtual Book Club: Year of YES- December 18th -

https://www.booknbrunch.com/events/225

Mary Sohn Dec 01, 2020

Our guest on the podcast today is actor, writer, MARY SOHN! You’ve seen Mary on TV in Teachers, Comedy Bang Bang, Superior Donuts, Bajillion Dollar Properties, Work in Progress on Showtime, and A.P. Bio on NBC. You may remember her from the Work in Progress panel we hosted back in July, with Abby, Celeste, Kate, and Mary herself!

Stream A.P. Bio on Peacock!

Stream Work in Progress on Crave or Showtime!

Subscribe to our newsletter at https://www.firecrackerdepartment.com and follow us @firecrackerdept!

Reel Women's Network Spotlight: Crystal Chappell Nov 26, 2020

We’re officially launching a monthly Spotlight Series with the Reel Women’s Network!

Our first Reel Women’s Network Spotlight guest is Emmy winning actor and producer Crystal Chappell! Crystal, along with Linda and Jessica Hill, launched the Reel Women's Network in April of this year. She’s a longtime soap star and the creator and star of the Emmy-winning Venice the Series! It debuted in 2009 and Season 7 will be filmed next year. She was such a delight to speak with, and I’m so excited to start sharing these stories with you all!

Crystal Chappell's social handles:

Twitter and Instagram: @CrystalChappell

Facebook fan page: CrystalChappell2009

Reel Women's Network social::

Twitter: @ReelWomensNetw1

Instagram: reelwomensnetwork

FB: ReelWomensNetwork

Firecracker Aftershow: Molly McGlynn Nov 26, 2020

This week Veronica Martin joins Naomi, Emily and AJ to chat about Molly McGlynn's Episode. They discuss her confident approach to directing, hiding the internal chaos and how to identify and normalize failures. Enjoy!

Catch up with firecracker core members Naomi @Naomi Emily @emchurchill AJ @atotheje and core member Veronica Martin the newest Firecracker Aftershow now! If you haven't yet heard this week's episode yet, listen now wherever you find podcasts!

Molly McGlynn Nov 24, 2020

Our guest this week is writer, director, Molly McGlynn! Molly has directed a ton of TV, from Speechless and Bless This Mess on ABC to Grownish on Freeform, Workin Moms and Bad Blood for Netflix, the Emmy-nominated web series How To Buy A Baby! Her first film Mary Goes Round, premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2017, was nominated for AND won a bunch of amazing awards!

Molly also worked with BIPOC TV & Film to create a Booster Grant using the stipend from her TIFF residency, so congrats to the recipients Aisha Evelyna and Maya Bastian! We can’t wait to see what you both create!

Follow Molly on Instagram @mollymarymcglynn

Follow Molly on Twitter @therealmollymcg

Amanda Crew Fundraiser Story: https://www.instagram.com/amandacrew

Project Heal Donation Link: https://www.classy.org/fundraiser/3030276

Learn more about Project HEAL

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Live Spark Chat: Renuka Jeyapalan Nov 17, 2020

For the July Spark Chat, I caught up with director Renuka Jeyapalan! She’s directed episodes of Kim’s Convenience, Workin’ Moms, Murdoch Mysteries, and film too! We talk learning guitar and baking in quarantine, family lockdown routine, remote post production, and more! @rjeyapalan

Every first Sunday of the month, I talk to a past guest about what’s going on with them now, and we release it as a bonus episode on the pod! Look out for August’s Spark Chat with Tamara Podemski to be released as a podcast episode NEXT month!

Follow Renuka @rjeyapalanLife Support short: LINKShare Her Journey: LINK Stream Kim’s Convenience on Netflix and CBC GemGinny & Georgia coming to Netflix soon!

Subscribe to our newsletter at https://www.firecrackerdepartment.com and follow us @firecrackerdept!

Firecracker Aftershow: Erin Karpluk Nov 12, 2020

Naomi, AJ, Emily and guest Core Member Sarah Beaudin got together to talk about the one and only Erin Karpluk! All four could not get over her humility, kindness, and genuine excitement for the work she gets to do!

Catch up with firecracker core members Naomi @Naomi Emily @emchurchill AJ @atotheje and Sarah Beaudin on the newest Firecracker Aftershow now! If you haven't yet heard this week's episode yet, listen now wherever you find podcasts!

Erin Karpluk Nov 10, 2020

Today’s guest on the pod is actor, ERIN KARPLUK! She played the titular role on Being Erica, and you can see her soon in a recurring role on A MILLION LITTLE THINGS on ABC! She’s been on your TVs for years in Being Erica, Slasher, Rookie Blue, Masters of Sex, Saving Hope, Supernatural, and a TON of other shows. Her role as Pepper is the first crossover character to be featured in both 911 and 911 Lone Star on FOX!

We talk about how she’s doing in 2020, vision boards, having faith, being raised by artists, pep talks with yourself and just all about her journey so far!

Tami Reiker Oct 27, 2020

Our guest today is cinematographer TAMI REIKER! Tami is best known for her work on HBO’s Carnivàle, and with Gina Prince-Bythewood on The Old Guard and Beyond the Lights. Most recently, Tami worked with Regina King on her feature directorial debut One Night In Miami. She was the first woman to win an American Society of Cinematographers Award AND the first woman to ever be nominated!

We talked about her journey to cinematography, the magic of the darkroom, traveling with The Ramones, shooting One Night In Miami, problem solving on set, advice for up-and-comers, working with sloths on Christmas, and more!

Follow Tami on Instagram

Follow One Night in Miami on Twitter

Stream The Old Guard & Beyond The Lights now on Netflix.

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Firecracker Aftershow: TJFF Comedy Panel Oct 22, 2020

Naomi, AJ, Emily and guest Core Member Anna Gustafson got together to talk about the hilarious panel Naomi hosted at the Toronto Jewish Film Festival in 2019. On the panel were history-making comedians: Marla Lukofsky, Monica Parker, Gay Claitman and Rosemary Radcliffe. What a wild conversation they got into and the Firecracker team had a blast talking about the dedication, the fearless desire to do other things, and the guts it takes to be funny.

TJFF Women in Comedy Panel Oct 20, 2020

Our guest today is not just one, not just two or three, but FOUR iconic, hilarious, brilliant comedy trailblazers: Marla Lukofsky, Monica Parker-Savard, Gay Claitman and Rosemary Radcliffe. Last year during the Toronto Jewish Film Festival, I moderated a panel of these firecrackers, and we had so many laughs and great pieces of advice from these hilarious, storied, longtime comedy ladies!

TJFF's fall online edition is available for the first time Ontario-wide October twenty second to November first , it includes an online film Masterclass with Marc Lapadula on Cinema With A Cause, Live Special Guests for Zoom Q&As, and a ton of narrative, documentary, and short films from a variety of voices, like Emma Seligman's Shiva Baby, Caroline Link's When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit and Shari Roger's Shared Legacies: The African-American Jewish Civil Rights Alliance. For the full schedule and programme, visit tjff.com.

TJFF Links:

Follow TJFF: @TJFFgrams

TJFF Online Festival: TJFF 2020

Donate to Mazon Canada

Donate to The Stop Community Food Centre.

Marla’s Links:

Twitter: @marlalukofsky

Instagram: @mmlukofsky7

TED Talk: YouTube

Monica’s Links:

Twitter: @iammonicaparker

Instagram: @iammonicaparker

Gay’s Links:

Gay Claitman

Rosemary’s Links:

Rosemary Radcliffe

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Firecracker Aftershow: Laura Rivas Oct 15, 2020

Laura Rivas is the embodiment of joy and enthusiasm for her work. She and Naomi jumped into a conversation about her work ethic, the guilt and stress of no-budget creation and how our attitudes are what keep us focussed. Our team fell in love with her energy and excitement for her work and the collaborative process.

In this #firecrackerAFTERSHOW we talk about how much we all understand Laura's journey, our appreciation for natural familial comedy and how a story worth telling is worth fighting for. Catch up with firecracker core members Naomi @Naomi Emily @emchurchill AJ @atotheje and R.L. Read on the newest Firecracker Aftershow now!

Laura Rivas Oct 13, 2020

Our guest today is writer, director, producer, LAURA RIVAS! She’s worked on indie films, was an intern at NBC, moved up from a PA to an Associate Producer at Warner Brothers Television, wrote comedic copy for syndicated shows Two Broke Girls and The Middle! From there she’s directed web talk shows, dating docuseries, and has a killer short film lineup on deck.

The hilarious digital series she directed, wrote, and executive produced, TINY LAUGHS, is now available on Revry streaming platform with Live and On-Demand LGBTQ Movies, Shows, Music, News, and Podcasts all in one place!

Follow Laura on Twitter

Follow Tiny Laughs on Twitter

Follow Laura on Instagram

Follow Tiny Laughs on Instagram

Check out www.tinylaughs.com

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Firecracker Aftershow: Marquesha Babers Oct 08, 2020

Marquesha Babers is a legend in the making. She and Naomi had a genuine and inspiring conversation, discussed how life affects art and how an artist can be born without evening knowing it. Our team fell in love with her heart and mind!

In this #firecrackerAFTERSHOW we talk owning your history, not being afraid to feel and how we are all emotional beings working to bring our artists energy to the world! Catch up with firecracker core members Naomi @Naomi Emily @emchurchill AJ @atotheje and R.L. Read on the newest Firecracker Aftershow now!

Marquesha Babers Oct 07, 2020

Our guest today is poet, artist, mentor, public speaker, actor, Marquesha Babers. She was 15 years old and experiencing homelessnesss on the streets of Hollywood, when she met the filmmakers working on what would become a new documentary called AMERICAN STREET KID. Since then she’s performed on VH1's Verses & Flow, been featured in The New York Times, and performed for global icons like Angelina Jolie, Hillary Clinton, Princess Reema Al Sah-ood of Saudi Arabia, and Freida Pinto.

She studied poetry for four years with the youth poetry group GET LIT. Next year you’ll be able to see her a new film called SUMMERTIME, where she stars in a role based on one of her poems.

Marquesha’s Twitter is @LADI3LYRIX

Follow the doc at @AmericanStKid

Instagram: @americanstreetkid

Stream American Street Kid at https://www.americanstreetkid.com/stream-now

Donate to Get Lit at https://getlit.org/donate/

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Firecracker Aftershow: Eva Taylor Oct 01, 2020

Eva Taylor is a writer, script coordinator, former attorney, and the founder of Chicks with Scripts. Eva’s worked on The Red Line, Paradise Lost, High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, and more!

Catch up with firecracker core members Naomi @snieckus Emily @emchurchill AJ @atotheje and Nadine Brito on the newest Firecracker Aftershow now! 😍 If you haven't yet heard the episode, listen wherever you subscribe to podcasts!

Follow Eva on Twitter

Check out the 2019 Firecracker Chicks Awards on IG

Chicks With Scripts Website

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Eva Taylor Sep 30, 2020

Our guest today is writer, script coordinator, former attorney, founder of Chicks with Scripts, EVA TAYLOR!

Eva’s worked on “The Red Line” for CBS, “Paradise Lost” for Paramount Network, and “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series” for Disney +.

We talk about obligatory television, genetic mental illness, financial honesty, sending family to prison, scholarships, hierarchy of TV assistants, riding cows instead of horses… Go forth and listen!

Follow Eva on Twitter

Check out the 2019 Firecracker Chicks Awards on IG

Chicks With Scripts Website

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Firecracker Aftershow: Michelle Buteau Sep 24, 2020

Michelle has been on all our minds all year, just as she’s been on our TV screens all year! From Netflix’s Always Be My Maybe, The Circle, Tales of the City, and Work It!

In this #firecrackerAFTERSHOW we talk about being funny without making fun of people, fairy godmothers with back fat, honest conversations, getting dressed up to go to the kitchen, and what the team's up to lately!

Catch up with firecracker core members Naomi @snieckus Emily @emchurchill AJ @atotheje and FD community member Alissa Abeler on the newest Firecracker Aftershow now! 😍 If you haven't yet heard the episode, listen wherever you subscribe to podcasts!

Michelle Buteau Sep 17, 2020

Our guest this week is actress, comedian, writer, host, podcaster, producer MICHELLE BUTEAU! You know Michelle from Always Be My Maybe, Tales of the City, Russian Doll, and The Circle on Netflix, The First Wives Club on BET, Broad City, 2 Dope Queens, AND she’s this year’s Firecracker Department BLAZE Award recipient!

We met working together on Netflix’s Work It, and on September 29th, @netflix premieres her stand-up special WELCOME TO BUTEAUPIA! We talked about the different comedy circuits, embodying cilantro, 2020 times, mental health, standup, therapy, her ADORABLE twin babies and so much more.

Michelle on Twitter: https://www.instagram.com/michellebuteau/

Michelle on Instagram: https://twitter.com/michellebuteau

Welcome To Buteaupia on Netflix: https://www.netflix.com/title/81159106

Watch Work it: https://www.netflix.com/title/81132038

Pre-Order Survival Of the Thickest: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Survival-of-the-Thickest/Michelle-Buteau/9781982122584

Subscribe to our newsletter at https://www.firecrackerdepartment.com and follow us @firecrackerdept!

Firecracker Aftershow: Karen Graci Sep 11, 2020

Catch up with firecracker core members Naomi @snieckus Emily @emchurchill AJ @atotheje and Nadine Brito @nadine_brito on the newest Firecracker Aftershow now! 😍 If you haven't yet heard this week's ep with the glorious @thatgirlkarengraci, get on it!

In this #firecrackerAFTERSHOW we talk about unplanned decision-making, energy flow, what keeps you creating, planting seeds, actors dating non-actors, crying on the 405, shame vs accountability and more!

Karen Graci Sep 08, 2020

Tickets available NOW for our annual (now virtual) Firecracker Department TIFF Party on Sunday, September 13th!

Our guest this week is writer, improviser, actor, producer KAREN GRACI! Karen’s currently writing and producing a new, primetime animated comedy, The Harper House for CBS All Access! She’s worked on Tuca & Bertie and Girlboss on Netflix, co-written for Blue on Hulu, AND toured worldwide with the Secod City on their first ever USO tour. We talk about her FBI ambitions, taking the LSAT, not wanting to be a director, auditioning, the glacier of LA, being a fancy 80 year old, her experience in writing rooms, Fleabag, Forever, Dead To Me, Russian Doll, and MORE!

Follow Karen Graci:

@thatgirlkarengraci

@gumptionpictures

@westsidecomedy

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Firecracker Aftershow LIVE: Lesli Linka Glatter Sep 04, 2020

We streamed a new, LIVE Aftershow to talk about director and Emmy nominee Lesli Linka Glatter's podcast episode. 🧨 Come join us for the chat, streamed live on Facebook, Thursday Sept 3rd at 1pm PT / 4pm ET!

Catch up with firecracker core members Naomi @snieckus Emily @emchurchill AJ @atotheje and Firecracker Community Member Sedina Fiati @bwheelsheels on the newest Firecracker Aftershow now! 😍 If you haven't yet heard the episode, listen wherever you subscribe to podcasts!

Live Spark Chat: Jess and Eman Sep 01, 2020

Every first Sunday of the month, I talk to a past guest about what’s going on with them now, and we release it as a bonus episode on the pod!

For the May Spark Chat, I caught up with comedian couple Jess & Eman, The El-Salomons! Hear what they’re up to in 2020. Look out for July’s Spark Chat with director Renuka Jeyapalan to be released as a podcast episode NEXT month! But first, Jess & Eman!

Follow Jess and Eman solo, and together @TheElSalomons.

Just For Laughs special "Marriage of Convenience" is out NOW on Crave TV!

Comedians vs the News LINK

Firecracker Aftershow: Andrea Dorfman Aug 27, 2020

Catch up with firecracker core members Naomi @snieckus Emily @emchurchill AJ @atotheje and firecracker community member Alissa Abeler on the newest Firecracker Aftershow now!

Andrea has so many different outlets for her creativity, from animation to directing to tiny book creation, she really seems to do it all! This episode made our team think about how art can save you, being honest about how you're doing, COVID solitude, empathy, and what they're up to now!

Andrea Dorfman Aug 25, 2020

Our guest on the podcast this week is animator, writer, illustrator, director, artist, ANDREA DORFMAN! She’s written and directed shorts, documentaries, a feature-length musical drama, comedies with Ellen Page and most recently, the new comedy SPINSTER, with Chelsea Peretti. She’s been Emmy nominated, adapted a young adult graphic memoir, and even has a viral video under her belt… that was ALSO adapted into a book that she illustrated herself.

Follow Andrea @dorfmanorama

Follow Spinster @spinster_movie

Watch Spinster starring Chelsea Peretti!

Watch How to Be Alone

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Firecracker Aftershow: Mozhdah Jamalzadah Aug 20, 2020

Catch up with firecracker core members Naomi @snieckus Emily @emchurchill AJ @atotheje and Sarah Potter @ssass34 on the newest Firecracker Aftershow now!

This Aftershow episode, the team chats about Mozhdah’s vibrance and artistry, her selfless choices, triple threat status, attempting to understand fame, and what they’re up to now!

Mozhdah Jamalzadah Aug 18, 2020

Our guest this week is actor, singer, TV host, champion of women’s rights, “the Oprah of Afghanistan,” Mozhdah Jamalzadah! She’s inspired women all over the world on her talk show show The Mozhdah Show, braving death threats in Afghanistan to cover subjects like divorce, hijabs, child marriage, and violence against women. We talk about her being compared to Oprah, sleeping with a gun under her pillow, questioning the Quran, making your own armour, burkas, social media, reality TV, and so much more!

Twitter: @mozhdah

Instagram: @officialmozhdah

Facebook: Mozhy.J

Red Snow Film: LINK

Red Snow Soundtrack: LINK

White House Performance: LINK

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Firecracker Aftershow LIVE: Carmen Aguirre Aug 14, 2020

Happy 1st birthday to the Firecracker Aftershow! 🎈🎂🎈

We're celebrating with our first LIVE Aftershow to talk about actor/activist Carmen Aguirre's podcast episode. We chatted live on Facebook, Thursday August 6th at 1pm PT / 4pm ET!

Turn on live notifications so you don't miss future live streams!

Firecracker Aftershow: Lauren Kisilevsky Aug 13, 2020

Lauren and Naomi met on Disney’s Z-O-M-B-I-ES set, but their artist connection has extended way beyond actor + executive. Our team identified with learning to fail, writing to talk about how smart you are, the bullshit paragraph, systemic Canadian caution, not going to graduation, forward-critical-thinking, and learning conversations!

Catch up with firecracker core members Naomi @snieckus Emily @emchurchill AJ @atotheje and Sarah Deakins @deakinssarahc on the newest Firecracker Aftershow now! 😍 If you haven't yet heard the episode, listen wherever you're listening now!

Lauren Kisilevsky Aug 12, 2020

Our guest for your ears and soul today is LAUREN KISILEVSKY, the Vice President of Original Movies at Disney Channel! She’s in charge of creative development of the Disney Channel Original Movies, as well as those for Disney Plus! We talked about writing to sound smarter, musical theatre, development & jobs you don’t know about, shit sandwiches, resume typos, working as a parent, and so much more!

Subscribe to Disney Plus+ and stream all these DCOMs anytime!

Listen to Brené Brown’s podcast Unlocking Us wherever you listen to podcasts.

Listen to our episode with Annie Murphy, EMMY NOMINEE, wherever you’re listening to this one!

Live Spark Chat: Sarah McVie Aug 05, 2020

Every first Sunday of the month, I talk to a past guest about what’s going on with them now, and we release it as a bonus episode on the pod!

For the April Spark Chat, I caught up with actor SARAH MCVIE, from Workin’ Moms, The Handmaid’s Tale, Odd Squad, and Detention Adventure! This was actually our first spark chat during the pandemic! I was in LA and Sarah was just back from a vacation and in the first few weeks of Quar in Ontario. Get some pens and paper out for this one!

Look out for May’s Spark Chat with Jess Salomon and Eman El-Husseini, aka The El-Salomons to be released as a podcast episode NEXT month!

Sarah's IG/Twitter: @sarahmcvie Coco's IG: @coco_chiennelleDog Lady concept trailer: LINKSarah's website: www.sarahmcvie.com

Firecracker Aftershow: Jet Wilkinson Jul 31, 2020

Jet's episode and journey made everyone want to be a part of her work! In this #firecrackerAFTERSHOW we talk about identity, blending labels, leadership on sets, their favourite films, social media's effects on creativity, and what the team's up to lately! 🧨💥

Catch up with firecracker core members Naomi @snieckus Emily @emchurchill AJ @atotheje and Sarah Potter @ssass34 on the newest Firecracker Aftershow now! 😍 If you haven't yet heard the episode, listen wherever you're listening now!

Jet Wilkinson Jul 28, 2020

Our guest on the podcast this week is director/producer JET WILKINSON! Jet is from Sydney, Australia, and has directed some of Australia’s most popular shows including Wentworth and Home & Away. She moved into directing in the US about 5 years ago, and has directed and executive produced The Chi, How To Get Away With Murder Season 4, and Netflix’s newly released WARRIOR NUN, just to name a few!

We talk about having to slow the hell down during a pandemic, productions in the USA vs Australia, matching families, being a swan, what she’s learned from Viola Davis, her journey from PA to EP, and so much more!

Catch Season 3 of The Chi, Sundays at 9PM on Showtime.

Stream Warrior Nun on Netflix.

Read Samra Habib’s We Have Always Been Here.

Follow Samra Habib: @therealsamsam

Follow Firecracker Monique Madrid: @moniquemadrid

Firecracker Aftershow: Celeste Pechous Jul 25, 2020

Celeste made us all laugh this week in her episode and on our Work In Progress panel, and in this #firecrackerAFTERSHOW we talk about selfishness and comedy, playing yourself, improvisation as self-acceptance, crazy ballerinas, her amazing attitude, and what the team's up to lately!

Catch up with firecracker core members Naomi @snieckus Emily @emchurchill AJ @atotheje and Rebecca @rebeccaloops on the newest Firecracker Aftershow now!

Celeste Pechous Jul 21, 2020

This week's guest on the pod is actor, writer, comedian CELESTE PECHOUS! She’s currently a series regular on Showtime’s critically acclaimed dark comedy Work in Progress. You can also see her in Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Masters of Sex, Workaholics, and One Day at a Time! We talked about using your comedic voice as an artist during a crisis, 9/11, USO, making an impact by being vulnerable, impatience as drive, coming out as queer, the improv trenches, painting dogs, and all about her journey so far! AND You can get even more Celeste after this episode in a special event we're hosting with the cast of Work In Progress! LIVE on our public Facebook page Thursday, July 23rd, at 4pm PT / 6pm CT / 7pm ET. This chat will include the hilarious co-creator of Work in Progress, Abby McEnany, who stars as Abby, Celeste Pechous stars as Campbell, Mary Sohn stars as Susan, and writer Kate James, who also stars as Miriam! If you haven’t seen the show yet, you’ve got time! All 8 episodes, a perfect bingeable size, are on Showtime & Crave TV now. Like, right now! Get on it! Work in Progress Panel Details: Event link

Follow Celeste on Instagram: @celesteinclogs

Follow Celeste on Twitter: @cpechous

Stream Work in Progress

On Showtime: https://www.sho.com/work-in-progress

On Crave TV: https://www.crave.ca/en/tv-shows/work-in-progress

Firecracker Shout Outs:

Lockdown Series: YouTube Link

Inbal Lori: https://inbalori.com/

Subscribe to our newsletter at https://www.firecrackerdepartment.com and follow us @firecrackerdept!

Firecracker Aftershow: Kay Cannon Jul 16, 2020

Kay inspired and impressed the pants off our team in her episode. We talk about moving from acting to writing, Kay's philosophy of "jokes & songs" on set, self-care in quarantine, beautiful oops/happy accidents, and what the team's up to lately! 🧨💥 Catch up with firecracker core members Naomi @snieckus Emily @emchurchill AJ @atotheje and Sarah Deakins @sarahdeakins on the newest Firecracker Aftershow now!

Kay Cannon Jul 14, 2020

Our guest on the podcast today is writer, producer, director KAY CANNON! Kay is the writer of the Pitch Perfect franchise, a writer on 30 Rock and New Girl AND the creator of Netflix’s Girlboss. Her newest gig has her writing AND directing the upcoming musical comedy, a feature film reimagining of CINDERELLA, starring Camila Cabello, Idina Menzel, Billy Porter, Missy Elliot, and a cast that will blow your mind! We talk about the different chapters of her life, what production looks like during COVID, remote schooling, smart sets, tone, solving problems, the moment you call yourself a writer, and more!

Instagram: @kaykaycannon

Twitter: @kaykaycannon

Stream Pitch Perfect & Girlboss on Netflix anytime!

Ayaka’s Kitchen: https://baddogtheatre.com/ayakas-kitchen

Celeste Pechous: https://twitter.com/cpechous

Subscribe to our newsletter at https://www.firecrackerdepartment.com and follow us @firecrackerdept!

Firecracker Aftershow: Jerrica Long Jul 10, 2020

Jerrica shared so many goals, writing and career advice, and our team fell in love! We talk about all her wisdom, how you live affects your art, and coming out to yourself. 🧨💥 Catch up with Naomi @snieckus Emily @emchurchill AJ @atotheje and Rebecca @rebeccaloops on the newest Firecracker Aftershow now!

Jerrica Long Jul 07, 2020

Our guest this week is writer, actor, comedian JERRICA LONG! She’s called herself a ‘recovering Hollywood assistant,’ and has worked in writers rooms on Veep, Black-ish, Diary of a Future President, Love & Hip Hop: New York, and we talk about all of them and more! We get into her journey in stand up comedy so far, coming out onstage, being treated and feeling like the diversity hire, the burden of educating others, hearing your jokes on TV for the first time, and so! much! more!

Follow Jerrica on Twitter @jerricaLong_

Follow Jerrica on Instagram @jerricaLong_

Read Jerrica’s Hollywood Reporter Guest Column

Watch Diary of a Future President on Disney+ now!

Subscribe to our newsletter at https://www.firecrackerdepartment.com and follow us @firecrackerdept!

Lesli Linka Glatter Jul 02, 2020

Our guest on the podcast this week is Writer, Producer, Director, LESLI LINKA GLATTER! You may know her as the Executive Producer of a little show wrapping up its 8th and FINAL season, called HOMELAND! She’s directed episodes of Freaks and Geeks, ER, Weeds, The Walking Dead, Mad Men, The Newsroom, The Leftovers, and so many more! Her directorial debut, NOW AND THEN, is celebrating its 25 year anniversary this fall!

Twitter: @leslilinkag

Instagram: @leslilinka

Donate to #SupportOurCrews: https://www.gofundme.com/f/ItTakesOurVillage

Watch Homeland’s final season on Showtime!

Subscribe to our newsletter at https://www.firecrackerdepartment.com and follow us @firecrackerdept!

Carmen Aguirre Jun 30, 2020

Trigger Warning: This episode contains some sensitive talk about sexual assault.

Our guest this week is a literal revolutionary, CARMEN AGUIRRE. Carmen is an author, actor, playwright, and activist. She was born in Santiago, Chile and has lived a life that most people may never experience even a slice of. We talk about her journey to Vancouver from the revolution in Chile, building community pockets, auditioning, bravery, insecurities, her ongoing PTSD, the “right” time to speak vs. listen, and so so SO much more!

Bella Ciao! is streaming On Reel Causes online from June 25th to July 16th at 11:59pm PST.

Live Q&A will take place on July 9th at 5pm PST.

Stream now: https://www.reelcauses.org/bella-ciao/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bellaciaomovie/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/bellaciaomovie

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bellaciaomovie

Subscribe to our newsletter at https://www.firecrackerdepartment.com and follow us @firecrackerdept!

Firecracker Aftershow: Helen Zukerman May 29, 2020

Helen Zukerman is the Artist Director and Co-Founder of one of Toronto's best festivals, the Toronto Jewish Film Festival (TJFF). She leant Naomi her wisdom on leadership, being okay with the answer "no" and never taking less than best. We loved her episode!

Catch up with Naomi @snieckus Emily @emchurchill AJ @atotheje and Camille Adams @camilleadamsfilm on the newest Firecracker Aftershow now! 🧨💥

The online festival goes live this SATURDAY MAY 30th, and runs until SUNDAY JUNE 7th! Make sure to follow @TJFFgrams to keep up with the festival’s programming, get your virtual cinema tickets, and check out their existing catalog of J-Flix, available year round.

Follow TJFF: @TJFFgrams

TJFF Online Festival: TJFF 2020

Firecracker Department Audition Dust Off: Musical Theare Edition: Watch Here

Subscribe to our newsletter at https://www.firecrackerdepartment.com and follow us @firecrackerdept!

Helen Zukerman May 26, 2020

Our guest on the podcast today is HELEN ZUKERMAN! Helen is the Artist Director and Co-founder of the Toronto Jewish Film Festival (TJFF). Helen also runs the Zukerman Family Foundation with her daughters Aviva and Yona and she just has so many funny, awesome stories we’re able to get into this episode!

The online festival goes live this SATURDAY MAY 30th, and runs until SUNDAY JUNE 7th! Make sure to follow @TJFFgrams to keep up with the festival’s programming, get your virtual cinema tickets, and check out their existing catalog of J-Flix, available year round.

📷 Helen Zukerman’s photo: Ryan Emberly

Follow TJFF: @TJFFgrams

TJFF Online Festival: TJFF 2020

Firecracker Department Audition Dust Off: Musical Theare Edition: Watch Here

Subscribe to our newsletter at https://www.firecrackerdepartment.com and follow us @firecrackerdept!

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Andra Gordon May 19, 2020

Our guest on the pod this week is writer, producer ANDRA GORDON! We go through Andra’s journey from academia to festivals to Head of Development and Production at AEI! We dig into so many different aspects of the film industry, from developing to pitching to finance and everything in between. You can watch her newly released film CASTLE IN THE GROUND starring Neve Campbell and Imogen Poots on digital and on demand RIGHT NOW all across Canada.

Follow Andra on Instagram: HERE

Castle in the Ground Instagram: HERE

Castle in the Ground Facebook: HERE

Castle in the Ground Twitter: HERE

Stevie Announcement: HERE

Subscribe to our newsletter at https://www.firecrackerdepartment.com and follow us @firecrackerdept!

Firecracker Aftershow: Marie Clements May 15, 2020

Marie has been changing the world with her stories for decades and this week her new film Red Snow is being released! We loved listening to her interview and chatting about the incredible viewpoints she offers the world. Join us!

Catch up with Naomi @snieckus Emily @emchurchill AJ @atotheje and Camille Adams @camilleadamsfilm on the newest Firecracker Aftershow now! 🧨💥

Marie Clements May 12, 2020

Our guest this week is writer/director Marie Clements! Marie's first dramatic feature RED SNOW comes out digitally THIS FRIDAY! That’s right, Friday May 15th you can find RED SNOW on Apple TV. I had a chance to watch the film … which, by the way, is shot in FOUR languages! Truly incredible.

Follow her on Instagram @marie.clements

Red Snow I Trailer https://vimeo.com/313876027 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/redsnowthefilm/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redsnowfilm/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/redsnowfilm Website: https://www.redsnow.ca

Firecracker Aftershow: Sydney Poitier Heartsong May 08, 2020

Catch up with Naomi @snieckus Emily @emchurchill AJ @atotheje and Anna @tooconvoluted on the newest Firecracker Aftershow now! You know her from Carter, Deathproof, and Chicago PD - Sydney Poitier Heartsong is a gem and we loved chatting about her episode on this weeks After Show!

Sydney Poitier Heartsong May 06, 2020

Our guest this week is a beautiful soul I’ve been blessed to work with…. SYDNEY POITIER HEARTSONG! You know her from Carter, Quentin Tarantino’s Death Proof, Chicago PD, Veronica Mars, being one of two famous Sydney Poitiers (her father is the legendary Sidney Poitier) and more. I worked with her on the CTV series CARTER, with Jerry O’Connell, and this is officially our first shelter-at-home interview!

Sydney's IG/Twitter: @sydneypoitierheartsong

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Firecracker Aftershow: Jess Salgueiro May 06, 2020

Catch up with our firecracker core team members Naomi @snieckus Emily @emchurchill Anna @tooconvoluted and Avelyn @avelyn.graye and what they thought of the @JessSalgueiro episode! Jess Salguerio is a Canadian wonder, appearing on multiple television shows and giving back to her community. Avelyn, Anna, Naomi and Emily all loved her episode and are thrilled to share their thoughts. Let us know what resonated with you too! Reach out anytime @firecrackerdept and find this awesome Aftershow and more over on our Youtube channel! Come say hey!

Firecracker Aftershow: Ophira Eisenberg May 05, 2020

Catch up with our firecracker core team members Naomi @snieckus Emily @emchurchill AJ @atotheje and Anna @tooconvoluted, and what they thought of the @OphiraE episode! Let us know what resonated with you too! Reach out anytime @firecrackerdept and find this awesome Aftershow and more over on our Youtube channel! Come say hey!

Firecracker Aftershow: Jenna Ricker Apr 29, 2020

Catch up with our firecracker core team members Naomi @snieckus Emily @emchurchill AJ @atotheje and Chelsey @chelseymackenzie as we talk about the Jenna Ricker episode. She's sharp and focused, filled with wisdom and endless ideas! Let us know what resonated with you too! Reach out anytime @firecrackerdept, and find this awesome Aftershow in FULL over on our Youtube channel! Come say hey! 🧨💥 Find Jenna on twitter @rickernyc and on IG @rickster5000!

Firecracker Aftershow: Sarah McVie! Apr 24, 2020

Catch up with our firecracker core team members Naomi @snieckus Emily @emchurchill AJ @atotheje and Veronica Martin @veronicaannemartin as we talk about the Sarah McVie episode! Let us know what resonated with you too! Reach out anytime @firecrackerdept, and find this awesome Aftershow in video form over on our Youtube channel! Come say hey!

Find Sarah on social media @sarahmcvie.

Live Spark Chat: Kat Barrell Apr 15, 2020

Every first Sunday of the month, I talk to a past guest about what’s going on with them now! For the February Spark Chat, I caught up with actor KAT BARRELL, from Workin’ Moms and Wynonna Earp! We talk about the new season of Wynonna Earp, getting into character, bullying, The Artist’s Way, morning pages, and more!

Look out for April’s Spark Chat with Sarah McVie to be released as a podcast episode soon!

Raf: Double Feature! Apr 08, 2020

Our guests this week are a special combination of cast and crew from the same film, Raf! Producers Sara Blake and Charlie Wells are up first, followed by actor Jesse Stanley. We talked about the filmmaking process, features vs shorts, working with friends, producing as a team, seeing all the pieces of a puzzle, budgeting, taking ownership, improv onscreen, and more! It’s an indie film mini-masterclass, and you’re invited!

Follow the film: @RAFthefilm

Follow Jesse: @jpattys

Follow Sara: @saraluisablake

Film’s website: http://www.rafthefilm.com/

Subscribe to our newsletter at https://www.firecrackerdepartment.com and follow us @firecrackerdept!

Renuka Jeyapalan Mar 31, 2020

Our guest this week is director RENUKA JEYAPALAN! She’s directed award-winning shorts and films, episodes of Kim’s Convenience, Workin’ Moms, Murdoch Mysteries, The 410, and more! She’s also directing the upcoming GINNY & GEORGIA tv series which features another firecracker, Schitt’s Creek’s Jennifer Robertson! We talked about filmmaking, The Godfather, moving from film to TV, the CFC, their similar mothers, her journey from chemistry to directing, surprise awards and more!

Follow Renuka @rjeyapalan

Life Support short: LINKShare Her Journey: LINK Stream Kim’s Convenience on Netflix and CBC GemGinny & Georgia coming to Netflix later this year

Subscribe to our newsletter at https://www.firecrackerdepartment.com and follow us @firecrackerdept!

Jess Salomon & Eman El-Husseini Mar 24, 2020

Our guests on the podcast next week are Jess and Eman, aka The El-Salomons! These hilarious ladies are a married comedy duo and we chatted at the YYComedy Festival! We talked about Betty White, working with your partner, moving from law to comedy, the Canadian TV boom, political conversations in comedy, reading the comments, True Lies, and more!

Follow Jess and Eman solo, and together @TheElSalomons.

Just For Laughs special "Marriage of Convenience" is out NOW on Crave TV!

Jess has a monthly show in Brooklyn: @SandwichComedy

Jann Arden concert: LINK!

Jess Salgueiro Mar 17, 2020

This week’s guest on the pod is actor JESS SALGUEIRO! Jess is everywhere lately - Letterkenny, The Expanse, The Boys, Workin’ Moms, Canadian Strain. Later this year you’ll see her starring in Tiny Pretty Things and in Jupiter’s Legacy on Netflix. We got to chat in LA a few weeks ago, and TODAY, the film we worked together on, CANADIAN STRAIN, is available on iTunes in Canada!

Follow @jesssalgueiro @canadianstrain

Canadian Strain on iTunes: LINK.

Stream Letterkenny on Crave or Hulu.Stream The Boys on Amazon Prime.Tiny Pretty Things and Jupiter’s Legacy coming to Netflix later this year!

Subscribe to our newsletter at https://www.firecrackerdepartment.com and follow us @firecrackerdept!

Ophira Eisenberg Mar 10, 2020

This week’s guest on the pod is comic, writer, host, OPHIRA EISENBERG! 😍 Ophira hosts NPR’s comedy trivia show Ask Me Another, she’s a regular host and teller with The Moth, she’s a published author, and you can find her comedy special and albums on Amazon and iTunes! We talk about moving to NYC, mentorship, going for it onstage, victory bombs, comedy’s evolution, humorous uteruses, mentors, the concept of weekends, true crime, and more!

Follow Ophira on social media @ophirae

Ongoing comedy spots and tour info: Link

NPR’s Ask Me Another Tour Tickets: Link

Live Album Recording Tickets (New York): Link

Hosting Moth Mainstage (New York): Link

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Live Spark Chat: Astrid Van Wieren Mar 03, 2020

Every first Sunday of the month, I talk to a past guest about what’s going on with them now! For the January Spark Chat, I caught up with actor ASTRID VAN WIEREN, currently of Come From Away on Broadway! We talk about how you can do anything for 6 weeks, being a friend to yourself, being terrified of the gym, accountability, dodging people as a sport, fitbits, falling off a routine, and more.

Follow Astrid Van Wieren on Twitter @astridvanwieren and on instagram @astridvw2020.

Look out for February’s Spark Chat with Kat Barrell to be released as a podcast episode soon!

Join us on Instagram on the first Sunday of every month for a new chat with a new guest.

Subscribe to our newsletter at https://www.firecrackerdepartment.com and follow us @firecrackerdept!

Jenna Ricker Feb 25, 2020

This week’s guest is actor, writer, producer, director, JENNA RICKER! Meeting Jenna (Ben’s Plan, The American Side) was such a lucky catch with both our schedules - but we had our share of struggles to get to the start, let alone the finish line. We met up in NYC at a restaurant, and by the time we finally found a quiet spot... the restaurant staff decided to have their meal right next to us! Technical difficulties aside, I was not about to let this opportunity slip by. So plug in your headphones and pull up a seat at the table, we’re ready for you to join! We talked about being a “lazy actor,” Terms of Endearment, music in film, creativity in math, how to recharge, being patronized during financing, comebacks, problem solving, Janet Guthrie and more!

Follow her work at #jointheconspiracy #theamericanside #qualified #30for30film. She’s working on adapting several of her existing projects into new series’ - follow Jenna below to hear more!

Jenna on Twitter: @rickernyc

Jenna on Instagram: @rickster5000

Stream 30 for 30: Qualified

Subscribe to our newsletter and find more info at https://www.firecrackerdepartment.com/, and follow us @firecrackerdept!

Sarah McVie Feb 19, 2020

Our guest this week is brilliant human, actor, writer, dog mom, SARAH MCVIE! You know Sarah from her hilarious role as Val on Workin' Moms and in the latest season of The Handmaid's Tale. She's also an award-winning theatre actor and writer! For this chat, she stopped by my place while she was in LA, but we're actually neighbours in Toronto! She has a beautiful Bichon Frise Shih Tzu named Coco, and we see each other at the dog park all the time. My dog Rufus wasn’t having the best time, so he’s only around at the beginning, but I think he adds some cute ambient kinda sound, right?

Let us know either way @firecrackerdept!

***

Sarah McVie's IG/Twitter: @sarahmcvie

Coco's IG: @coco_chiennelle

Dog Lady concept trailer: LINK

Sarah's website: www.sarahmcvie.com

Stream Workin' Moms on Netflix & CBC Gem. Stream The Handmaid's Tale on Hulu.

LA Comedy Panel Feb 11, 2020

Our guests (plural!) on the podcast this week are coming to you LIVE from the launch of our LA chapter at the Impro Theatre in Los Angeles! We hosted a fierce panel of LA comedians led by Naomi @snieckus, including Alana Johnston, Madi Goff, and Katie Thomas, in front of our first-ever live firecracker audience!

This hilarious panel of ladies talk candidly about building your own reputation, Mary Tyler Moore, complaining vs self deprecation, feminism, elbows and more! AND we promise it doesn’t start with "What's it like to be a WOOOMAN in COOOMEDY?!?" ...because BLHSNCLVRPJGJPERVMS!

We had such a good crowd and I love these ladies so much! One wanted to be the first female player in the NBA, one has never booked a gig through an actual audition, one is pregnant, and they are ALL just fantastically funny firecracker women. Panel begins at 05:00!

***

Check out Katie Thomas @mskathrynrenee and her series @teachersseries!

Check out Alana Johnston @theonlyalanajohnston and @selfesteemparty and I Want My Phone Back!

Check out Madi Goff @msmadig and @ripley_improv. Get tickets for their new fully-improvised play, Tennessee Williams UnScripted: here! Subscribe to our newsletter and find out more out the Departments at https://www.firecrackerdepartment.com/, and follow us @firecrackerdept!

Aisling Chin-Yee Feb 04, 2020

Our guest this week is producer, writer, director AISLING CHIN-YEE! We met up during a super crazy festival schedule, and I feel so lucky that we got to make time for each other. Her directorial feature film debut, THE REST OF US, premiered at TIFF in 2019, and now is coming out in U.S. theatres and on V-O-D on February 14th starring Heather Graham, Sophie Nélisse, and Jodi Balfour. She’s produced award-winning documentaries, and in addition to her killer storytelling, she co-founded the #AfterMeToo movement. We talked about synesthesia, directing, laughing at funerals, her personal journey, tending to your “brain garden,” dealing with grief and the pursuit of human nature.

You can follow Aisling on social media @spectraversa, and her upcoming projects at #TheRestOfUsFilm, #BillyTiptonDoc, and #AfterMeToo.

Subscribe to our newsletter and find out more out the Departments at https://www.firecrackerdepartment.com/, and follow us @firecrackerdept!

Firecracker Aftershow: Chantal Kreviazuk Jan 28, 2020

Chantal Kreviazuk is has rattled the charts, radio stations and now, our minds. Join the Firecracker Core team as they discuss her amazing interview and the topics of resilience, fear and standing up for what you believe in.

This episode includes core team members Naomi @snieckus Emily @emchurchill AJ @atotheje and Sydney @sydney_neilson as we talk about the Chantal Kreviazuk episode!

Let us know what resonated with you too! Reach out anytime @firecrackerdept, and find this awesome Aftershow in video form over on our YouTube channel! Come say hey!

Lorraine D'Alessio Jan 24, 2020

This week’s BONUS guest is Lorraine D’Alessio! She’s an international immigration lawyer and we spoke at TIFF! We talk about her journey through sports, modeling, advocacy, becoming a lawyer, surviving cancer, running her own law firm, what inclusivity means, and of course, corsets and Joan of Arc! We talked about so much, because this firecrackEr has done SO! MANY! THINGS! We cannot wait for you to hear this one!

Chantal Kreviazuk Jan 21, 2020

This week's guest is songstress Chantal Kreviazuk! This fierce ball of fire has been making music for herself and the world for decades, and she's so authentically herself... I've been waiting to share this with you for so long! She has a new Christmas album (tisn't it always the season?!) and documentary with her husband Raine Maida of 20 years (!!!), directed by firecracker Annie Bradley called I'm Going to Break Your Heart. She's written for Drake, Pitbull, Kendrick Lamar, Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera and Josh Groban and countless others. You know her singing voice, come join our conversation and get to know the firecracker it comes from!

Let us know what you thought of the episode! @FirecrackerDept

Firecracker Aftershow: Caitlin Cronenberg Jan 14, 2020

Catch up with our firecracker core team members Naomi @snieckus Emily @emchurchill AJ @atotheje and Sydney @sydney_neilson as we talk about the Caitlin Cronenberg episode! Let us know what resonated with you too! Reach out anytime @firecrackerdept, and find this awesome Aftershow in FULL over on our Youtube channel! Come say hey!

Caitlin Cronenberg Dec 19, 2019

This week's guest is the insanely talented photographer & director CAITLIN CRONENBERG! We talked about how to bribe your children, needing to be at 100%, growing up on set, list-making, the “highlight of your career,” visualizing your goal, loving control, and more. @CaitCronenberg is a total boss that's shot COUNTLESS iconic photos including Drake's much-memed "Views" album cover, plus everyone from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to J.Lo! She was the Variety portrait photographer at TIFF this year, she has directed music videos, headed up campaigns for Apple... basically she seems totally fearless and confident and we dig into that beyond in this episode!

Firecracker Aftershow: Amanda Crew Dec 10, 2019

BONUS: Live Foodie Panel Dec 09, 2019

Naomi Snieckus moderates a panel of four female food & drink entrepreneurs, hosted by Pioneering Women.

Amanda Crew Dec 03, 2019

This week's guest is actor AMANDA CREW! Right now you can see her on Silicon Valley in its FINAL season now on HBO! I met Amanda at an ACTRA panel last year and we were fast friends. We talk about shit talking yourself, social media, the best/worst way of meeting Ryan Gosling, dark humour, writing, directing, dogs, therapy, boundaries, *takes breath* aaand even more! Listen & let us know what stuck with you. Aftershow coming next week!

Firecracker Aftershow: Allana Harkin! Nov 29, 2019

Catch up with our firecracker core team members Naomi @snieckus Emily @emchurchill AJ @atotheje and Winnie @wonder_wong as we talk about the Allana Harkin episode!

Let us know what resonated with you too! Reach out anytime @firecrackerdept, and find this awesome Aftershow in full over on our Youtube channel! Come say hey!

Find Allana on social @AllanaHarkin.

Allana Harkin Nov 19, 2019

This week's guest is actor, writer, director, ALLANA HARKIN! She's a producer and correspondent for Full Frontal with Samantha Bee (recently renewed for SEASON FIVE!), director of the short film The Godmother, a queen of improv, playwriting, acting, and more... this woman has so much to share and it was SO GREAT to really dig in in this chat! We talk about premature mom-casting, Oprah, playwriting, exercising muscles to make things happen, caring less, inspirations, relaxations, and some of the best “advice to yourself” that you HAVE to hear - I may make it my morning alarm. Seriously.

Get more Allana in your life @AllanaHarkin, and let us know what stood out and stuck with you @firecrackerdept and @snieckus!

***

The episode features a special look at a new podcast from actor Dakota Johnson - starring most recently in The Friend (get your tissues out for this one). You know her from How To Be Single, the Fifty Shades films, and this podcast is full of voices that need to be heard. Listen to Season 1 of The Left Ear podcast anytime, wherever you listen to podcasts. Connect with them @Spoke_Media.

Firecracker Aftershow: Jessica Ellis! Nov 11, 2019

Catch up with our firecracker core team members Naomi @snieckus Emily @emchurchill AJ @atotheje and Deanna @deanna_moffitt as we talk about the Jessica Ellis episode!

Let us know what resonated with you too! Reach out anytime @firecrackerdept, and find this awesome Aftershow in full over on our Youtube channel! Come say hey!

Find Jessica on social media @baddestmamajama.

Jessica Ellis Nov 01, 2019

Hey Firecrackers! I met up with writer/director Jessica Ellis in LA just a few weeks ago. We had this chat right before the premiere of her debut feature What Lies West. We got into SO many things! Seasonal creativity, LA, connecting to nature, open heart surgery (!!!), first time director feels, anxiety, chronic pain, crowdfunding, Twitter, and AHHhhjjjgkkg just so much more! Such a quotable episode. This was a super fun chat and I can't wait for you to hear it so go on, press play! (Tap play? Swipe play? Whatever you have to do, get into it!) Find Jessica on social media @baddestmamajama, and let us know what you what @firecrackerdept and @snieckus!

Firecracker Aftershow: Jann Arden! Oct 01, 2019

Catch up with our firecracker core team members Naomi @snieckus Emily @emchurchill AJ @atotheje and Sydney @sydney_neilson as we talk about the hilarious Jann Arden episode, how family shapes who you become, JANN on CTV, "becoming a person," slogan dads, casual bisexual icons, and more! Let us know what resonated with you too! Reach out anytime @firecrackerdept, and find this awesome Aftershow in full over on our Youtube channel! Come say hey!

Jann Arden Sep 16, 2019

Hey Firecrackers! I spoke with Canadian Queen, singer-songwriter, author, podcaster, actor, Jann Arden LIVE! at the YYC Comedy festival in Calgary a few months ago in May, and it was such an amazing, in-depth conversation to be able to share with an audience (and her dog Midi!). And now we finally get to share it with you! We talk about personal expectations, fears about acting, fighting for Calgary, moms, dads, dogs, Jann's production, finally "becoming a person" and oh my gosh so much more! We talk persistence, patience, and maintaining relationships over years, a career, your whole life. This past year, Jann has put out a new album (These Are The Days), a new book called Feeding My Mother, continued her fantastic podcast with Arlene Dickinson, The Business of Life, AND she’s heading into the second season of the amazingly popular CTV show: JANN. Find her on social media @JannArden!

Firecracker Dept is supported by Fab in the City! If you're house hunting in Toronto, get Fab in your life! You can find him at www.fabinthecity.com. Firecracker Dept is also supported by Feminist Thrilljoys, a podcast where three women take a break from smashing the patriarchy to chat about the feminist and feminist-adjacent things they love. Find them @femthrilljoys.

For more Firecracker Dept - our newsletter, event info & photos, sneak peeks, giveaways and more, make sure you're subscribed to our newsletter! Once a month we send an update to the FD community, and that includes you! Make sure you're subscribed at www.firecrackerdepartment.com

Firecracker Aftershow: Annie Murphy! Aug 02, 2019

Welcome to the new Firecracker AFTER SHOW chat!

Firecracker Flashback: Annie Murphy! Jul 29, 2019

Hey Firecrackers! We're celebrating Schitt's Creek's EMMY NOMINATIONS (!!!!!!) this week with an update on Annie Murphy! She's amazing as Alexis Rose on Schitt's Creek, now up for a bunch of Emmys, a first for Pop TV and SUCH a big win for the cast and the show! Love when Netflix spreads a show like wildfire to the masses! (Not usually a good thing....but in this case it is!!) Refresh your love for Annie on the updated episode now, and catch the new FD Aftershow about this episode on IGTV and YouTube today!

Talking with Annie Murphy is like hanging out with an old high school buddy. From a quiet life amongst the tulips of Ottawa to starring in Schitt’s Creek, we’re gonna talk about her journey. She chose acting over being a lawyer and I am so glad she did because she is a delight as Alexis Rose on Schitt’s Creek. We had a really fun, honest conversation about the fear of auditioning, her dislike of too much sunshine, and how writing can get you through the tough times.

This was one of my first ever FD episodes, so sit back (or keep cleaning, driving, whatever you’re up to!) and enjoy this blast from the past!

Firecracker Flashback: Dani Kind! Jul 05, 2019

Hey Firecrackers! This week we're celebrating none other than Dani Kind! You may have already heard this ep, but it's one of our FAVOURITES (and she is having an AMAZING 2019)! Enjoy this double dose of Dani Kind, and catch the new FD Aftershow about this episode next Friday (July 12!) on IGTV and YouTube.

Now you might know Dani from her role on CBC’s ‘Workin’ Moms’ or perhaps as Mercedes Gardner on ‘Wynonna Earp’, or maybe you just know her for being a kick-ass woman? Well, I first met Dani through the CBC, since we’re both on the network we would see each other at parties and what not, but I never really got a chance to connect with her beyond the basic pleasantries. However, I remember seeing her on a bus in New York City a little while ago, she was with another department member, Tommie Amber Pirie, and we got a chance to chat a bit further. I remember thinking how bold and vivacious she was. Then, we wound up having this really weird, kind of awful, but oddly connective experience together. We had both shown up to a fitting to find something to wear to one of these fancy events. Well, the more dresses I tried on the worse I felt. Nothing seemed to fit or look good, and it was quite the emotionally toll taking experience. Well, Dani (along with Juno Rinaldi from ‘Workin’ Moms’) showed up and as it turns out, they were in the same boat. It just made things a bit better, because we got to connect over the shared experience. Anyway, I’m really lucky to have gotten her to come on the show. I finally got the chance to get know Dani, where she came from, and her journey through life and this industry. Enjoy, Firecrackers!

Mary Walsh Jun 22, 2019

Hey Firecrackers! I got to speak with the legendary Mary Walsh (This Hour Has 22 Minutes, The Grand Seduction, Hatching, Matching and Dispatching) during Canadian Screen Week 2019 in Toronto, thanks to @TheCdnAcademy. She received the Earle Grey Award for lifetime achievement in TV, and had some stellar sentiments about aging and “embracing your third act” (which you can catch more of online in her Ted Talk)! We talk about becoming the subject of your own life, advice for aspiring comics, Schitt’s Creek, and what’s next for her now that she's also a novelist! Mary is on Instagram @officialmarywalsh, and on Twitter @marywalsh11. We’re on Insta and Twitter @firecrackerdept, plus wherever you find your podcasts! Let us know what you think of the episode, and connect with us on social so you don’t miss this episode’s all-new Aftershow!

Mary Walsh is best known for creating the award-winning CBC’s This Hour Has 22 Minutes, as well as writing and starring in Hatching, Matching and Dispatching. Recently, Walsh has performed in Little Dog, Sensitive Skin, Rookie Blue and Slasher. She is a Member of the Order of Canada and has received a Governor General’s Performing Arts Awards for Lifetime Artistic Achievement.

Gabrielle Rose May 30, 2019

In this week’s episode Naomi Snieckus sits down with Gabrielle Rose at the 2018 Toronto International Film Festival to discuss her extensive acting career, aging in the entertainment industry, choosing projects for her artistic interest, and learning lessons from every struggle and downfall she’s ever encountered. For more on Gabrielle follow her on Twitter @GabrielleRose79.

If you loved this episode feel free to leave a comment on our iTunes or even better share it! For more Firecracker Department podcasts be sure to subscribe on iTunes and for more awesome Firecracker Department content follow on Twitter and Instagram @firecrackerdept.

Gabrielle Rose’s acting credits include Unspeakable (2019), The Good Doctor (2018), Kingsway (2018), Sweet Virginia (2017), The Man in the High Castle (2016), Once Upon A Time (2011-2016), Proof (2015) and countless other roles.

Renee Beaulieu May 16, 2019

Renee Beaulieu’s film credits include Les Salopes (2018), Adrien (2015), Le Vide (2011), Coupable (2010), Qui (2008), and Le Ring (2007).

Welcome Firecrackers! In this episode Naomi Snieckus interviews director, writer, and filmmaker, Renee Beaulieu at the Toronto International Film Festival. Take a listen as Renee talks about her creative process, the incredible films she’s made, and following her instinct. For more on Renee follow her on instagram @renee_beaulieu and twitter @Reneeebee.

For more Firecracker Department episodes hit the subscribe button on iTunes and follow on Twitter and Instagram @Firecrackerdept. Thanks for listening all you bodacious firecrackers!

Kate Drummond May 03, 2019

Welcome back Firecrackers! In this episode Naomi Snieckus chats with the incredible Kate Drummond. Kate is multi-talented actor, director, producer, and writer with an extensive list of credits. Naomi and Kate take a moment to chat at the Toronto International Film Festival about Kate’s transition from being a full time elementary school teacher to full time actor, her venture to LA, and following her calling that has resulted in a crazy successful career. For more information on Kate check out her website, katedrummond.com and follow her on twitter @KateDrummond_ and instagram @kate_drummond. While you’re giving her a follow be sure to give the Firecracker Dept a follow @Firecrackerdept for all the latest Firecracker news, events, laughs, and inspirational content. And don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review on iTunes!

Carolina Hellsgard Apr 19, 2019

Carolina’s film credits include Ever After (2018), Wanja (2015), Runner (2013), & Heroes (2012).

Hey firecrackers tune in to this awesome podcast episode featuring Swedish born and Berlin based writer-director, Carolina Hellsgard. Host, Naomi Snieckus, and Carolina chat during TIFF where her latest feature, Ever After (Endzeit) was screening. Talk about awesome! Snieckus and Hellsgard dive into the world of directing, collaborative filmmaking, and her incredible work ethic. For more information please visit her website, www.hellsgard.com. And if you enjoyed this podcast don’t forget to leave a review and hit the subscribe button on itunes to stay up to date on more inspiring women in entertainment podcasts.

Ingrid Veninger Apr 05, 2019

Ingrid’s credits include: The World or Nothing (2019), Porcupine Lake (2017), He Hated Pigeons (2015), The Animal Project (2013), I Am a Good Person/I Am a Bad Person (2011), Modra (2010), Only (2008), Friday the 13th The Series (1987-1990), & Airwaves (1986-87).

Welcome back all you firecrackers! In this episode, Naomi and Ingrid sit down during the Toronto International Film Festival and talk about the beautiful mind behind projects such as Animal Project, Porcupine Lake and The World or Nothing. Ingrid started as an actor at a young age but soon discovered she had a voice that needed to be expressed as a writer and director. She has been part of the Canadian Indie Film scene for years creating some of the most interesting and original projects. What happens when you care less about what people think of you, or what you look like? According to Ingrid, “I’m not the popular girl. I never have been so how can I possibly make a film like that?” Ingrid talks about what it is to embrace your inner “freakdom” as she challenges her actors and her crew to dive deep into unknown creative territory. This talk will make you want to pick up a camera and discover what you can create! Enjoy and don’t forget to share your comments and reviews on iTunes and @firecrackerdept!

Tamara Podemski Mar 22, 2019

Hi Firecrackers! Join me, Naomi Snieckus, as I dive deep into conversation with Tamara Podemski (Coroner/CBC, Never Saw It Coming/Crave) into what it took for her to become the amazing, multi-dimensional artist that she is today. We sat down and talked about her early days doing “Annie” with her sisters (Jennifer and Sarah) and her keen snow shoveling skills she is teaching her husband (Jamie King) now that they are living in Canada again. I’m so honoured to have this heartfelt discussion about her acting life and her family life. I was a fan before but now I’m the president of her fan club.

Jackie Harris Mar 08, 2019

Hey Firecrackers! Join Jackie Harris (Second City, As Told By Ginger, Jenny McCarthy’s Bad Habits) and I for lunch, seriously. Jackie invited me over to her home for food and conversation about stepping in and stepping up in Los Angeles. I’ve been a fan of Jackie’s since seeing her fierceness on the stage at the Old Firehall Second City in Toronto and I have to say that my fandom is reaffirmed after talking with her! I love her approach to the business in Hollywood. She’s always authentic and forever funny. And as a bonus, her delightful husband, Paul Greenberg, joins us for some laughs at the end of our chat and they compare Paul McCartney stories. Amazing stories and an amazing salad…I love my job! Enjoy the podcast!

Arwen Humphreys Feb 22, 2019

Hi-ho! Hi-ho! Does everyone start their acting careers as one of Snow White’s assorted dwarves? Naomi and Arwen Humphreys (Saving Hope, Murdoch Mysteries) discover this about each other, as well as being an “Arwen” or a “Naomi” in schools filled with Megans, Ashleys and Jennifers is not always easy. Arwen was discovered at a very young age and put right to work. She has enjoyed playing Margaret Brackenreid on Murdoch Mysteries for 11 seasons that started as a small role!. She respects and understands the work that needs to happen, professionally, personally and spiritually and knows that sometimes the darker places in life can enrich your work as an artist.

Kat Barrell Feb 09, 2019

Join Firecracker host, Naomi Snieckus, as she chats with Kat Barrell! You know and love Kat from Wynonna Earp, Workin’ Moms, Girls Night Out, Murdoch Mysteries and so much more. Listen as Naomi and Kat talk about acting, directing, mental health, and general life advice. Follow Kat on Twitter and Instagram @katbarrell.

For more awesome inspiring Firecracker episodes don’t forget to subscribe on iTunes and visit our contact page to sign up for our monthly newsletter.

Cheri Oteri Sep 06, 2018

Firecrackers! What are you up to lately? Whatcha reading, listening to, watching? For me, I recently watched the Garry Shandling documentary on Netflix and it really stuck with me. Garry was one of the funniest, smartest minds of our time and watching the way he did things made me go back and take a look at my own process. It was so inspiring, but also a bit daunting, because to get to the level of someone like Garry is no easy task. It caused me to get a bit down on myself, but at the end of the day, I absolutely love to make people laugh and that is what drives me, so let’s keep at it! Anyway, I’d love to hear your thoughts on your own process and what keeps you inspired! Drop me a line at firecrackerdepartment@gmail.com or let's chat over social media at @FirecrackerDept or @Snieckus. Next up, we’ve got the INCREDIBLE Cheri Oteri! You might remember her from 'Saturday Night Live', or perhaps 'Curb Your Enthusiasm', maybe even 'Liar Liar', whatever it is though, you know this lady makes us all fall to our knees laughing, every time. We had a great chat about her journey through this crazy business and so much more. Enjoy, Firecrackers!

Second City Live Panel Jul 16, 2018

Hey Firecrackers, welcome to Second City! We're here at my old stomping grounds for a LIVE podcast panel with some real comedic geniuses! Joining us on stage for this chat is Ayaka Kinugawa, Musical Director for Second City Theatrical, Carly Heffernan, current Director of the main stage show 'The Best Is Yet To Come Undone', Teresa Pavlinek, writer, producer, and star of her own show called 'The Jane Show', and last, but not least, current star of the main stage show, Stacey McGunnigle! We're talking everything from how annoying it is to be asked "What is it like being a woman in comedy?" to how they keep themselves creatively fuelled. This chat was inspiring, insightful, and most importantly, absolutely hilarious. Enjoy!

Rebecca Kohler Jun 08, 2018

Hey Firecrackers! This episode we are talking to one of my favourite people, Rebecca Kohler. Now if you don’t know her, you need to go online right now to check out her stand up. She is just so funny and so ballsy. Now recently (we talk about this in the interview) she has been writing a lot for tv. She’s writing for “Working Moms”, “Kim’s Convenience” on CBC, and also “Schitt’s Creek”. And now, since we had this interview, she’s just been hired to write for a show called “Happy Together” on CBS starring Damon Wayans Jr! CBS! How’s that, huh? I know Rebecca from the comedy community in Toronto, and I’ve always admired her stand-up ‘cause she’s just so bold. We had such a great conversation and talked about what it’s like to be in writing rooms. It’s hard to stop talking after an hour but I think she’s just so interesting, and I know you’ll agree! Enjoy, Firecrackers!

Powerful Me - Bonus Episode 3 May 25, 2018

BONUS EPISODE!

Hey firecrackers! Every month we're asking you a new question, what we're calling the Spark Question of the month! We want to continue to inspire you and everyone in our community, so please tell us your answers so we can all share our experiences!

In April we asked you:

What makes you feel powerful?

The feedback you gave us was amazing, so much so that Naomi recorded and commented on your answers!! Give it a listen:

Jean Yoon May 18, 2018

Hey Firecrackers! This episode I got to speak with the incredible Jean Yoon! Right now you might know her from Kim’s Convenience, but she is an artist on so many different levels; she has been a creator, a producer, a writer, a poet – she’s done it all! I remember watching her from shows like The Yoko Ono Project way back when I was in theatre school, and being just astounded with her commitment to the character. She really throws herself into character, both feet in, and she’s bringing that into the film and television world with Kim’s Convenience. I love that after years of admiring her work I’m sitting down and talking with her about her life and her career and she is so fascinating. I think you’ll get really jazzed from this conversation. We talked for so long that I even had to take a pee break; but we did it, we came back and I’m excited to now share our chat with you. Enjoy Firecrackers!

Dani Kind May 09, 2018

Hey Firecrackers! This week I got to have an incredible discussion with none other than Dani Kind! Now you might know Dani from her role on CBC’s ‘Workin’ Moms’ or perhaps as Mercedes Gardner on ‘Wynonna Earp’, or maybe you just know her for being a kick-ass woman? Well, I first met Dani through the CBC, since we’re both on the network we would see each other at parties and what not, but I never really got a chance to connect with her beyond the basic pleasantries. However, I remember seeing her on a bus in New York City a little while ago, she was with another department member, Tommie Amber Pirie, and we got a chance to chat a bit further. I remember thinking how bold and vivacious she was. Then, we wound up having this really weird, kind of awful, but oddly connective experience together. We had both shown up to a fitting to find something to wear to one of these fancy events. Well, the more dresses I tried on the worse I felt. Nothing seemed to fit or look good, and it was quite the emotionally toll taking experience. Well, Dani (along with Juno Rinaldi from ‘Workin’ Moms’) showed up and as it turns out, they were in the same boat. It just made things a bit better, because we got to connect over the shared experience. Anyway, I’m really lucky to have gotten her to come on the show. I finally got the chance to get know Dani, where she came from, and her journey through life and this industry. Enjoy, Firecrackers!

Anusree Roy Apr 23, 2018

Hey Firecrackers! Welcome back to the department, this week we have none other than the amazing Anusree Roy as our guest! Anusree is a Dora Mavor Moore award winning playwright and actress. Her stage work includes the plays ‘Breathlessness’, ’Sultans of the Street’,‘Brothel #9’, and ‘Little Pretty and The Exceptional’, amongst many more. Her television work includes the shows ‘Saving Hope’ and ‘Remedy’, the latter she was a story editor on for the first season. Now I’ve know Anusree for quite some time. We first met when my company, The National Theatre of the World was doing this thing called ‘The Script Tease’. We’d ask a playwright to write two pages of a script and we’d read it for the first time on stage and then improvise the rest of the play. So, Anusree said yes and her direction was for the cast to be wearing a sari and speak with an Indian accent. This was a new challenge for me and I LOVED it! Oh and as a kicker, Anusree showed up with snacks, she brought us all samosas because she is just incredible. Our chat this time around is truly incredible, Anusree talks a lot about what its taken for her to become a writer and the challenges she faces as an artist. Enjoy, Firecrackers!

Possible Failure - Bonus Episode 2 Apr 16, 2018

BONUS EPISODE!

Hey firecrackers! Every month we're asking you a new question, what we're calling the Spark Question of the month! We want to continue to inspire you and everyone in our community, so please tell us your answers so we can all share our experiences!

In March, we asked you:

IF NEITHER SUCCESS NOR FAILURE WERE AN OPTION, WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU'D PURSUE?

The feedback you gave us was amazing, so much so that Naomi recorded and commented on your answers!!

CSA Live Podcast Mar 30, 2018

Hey firecrackers! If you've been following us on social media, you might recall that a few weeks ago we hosted our very first LIVE podcast!! The event was in conjunction with The Canadian Academy of Cinema and Television, and as a part of Canadian Screen Week, we assembled a panel of firecrackers at The Bell Media House and had an incredible chat. Oh and to top it off, we did this on International Women's Day, which made it that much better! Our guests were Friday Myers (Production Designer, 'Anne'), Sarah Kolasky (Writer, Actress 'Great Great Great'), Allie MacDonald (Actress 'Cardinal'), Rakhee Morzaria (Creator, Actress 'Note To Self') and Joyce Wong (Director 'Wexford Plaza'). The chat was intimate, funny, and each of these kick-ass women really opened up about their journey's in the industry. Man, we walked out of there so inspired! Give this a listen and enjoy!

Advice To Your Younger Self - Bonus Episode! Mar 28, 2018

BONUS EPISODE!

Hey firecrackers! Every month we're asking you a new question, what we're calling the Spark Question of the month! We want to continue to inspire you and everyone in our community, so please tell us your answers so we can all share our experiences!

In February, we asked you:

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO YOUR YOUNGER SELF?

The feedback you gave us was amazing, so much so that Naomi recorded and commented on your answers. Have a listen at this bonus episode, below!

Karen Bruce Mar 07, 2018

Hey Firecrackers! First of all, I want to talk about our ‘Spark of the Month’ question. At the beginning of every month, during our Facebook and Instagram Live we’re going to ask a question that we want all of you to answer! This month, we’re asking “If neither success nor failure were an option, what is something you would pursue?” Tell us your answers on social media or by e-mailing firecrackerdepartment@gmail.com! Next up, I’ve been knee deep in writing lately. Both Matt and I have been working out of our place here in sunny Los Angeles and even though the office is lovely, our craft services is seriously lacking. Haha! All kidding aside, writing can be tricky, and there are definitely times when I get angry, or upset, because I’m doubtful or stuck. But you know what, I push on, and I turn to Matt for support, and when I finally get over those hurdles, the feeling of accomplishment and happiness is amazing. Firecrackers, if you ever find yourselves in these situations, keep putting your mind to it, to you will overcome these obstacles and you will succeed. Speaking of firecrackers who put their minds to it, this week we have Karen Bruce as our guest! Karen is the Director, Membership & Fan Engagement for the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television and was previously the Director of Canadian Initiatives at the Toronto International Film Festival. Karen has done so much for the Canadian industry and through her work at the Academy, has been connecting talent with their fans. Karen is always so inspiring, with her energy and endless talents, I’m truly in awe of her. Give this one a listen and enjoy, Firecrackers!

Joanne Boland Feb 16, 2018

Hey Firecrackers! I hope you’re all doing well! What have you all been up too? This week I’m starting out by talking a bit about comedy. Now, I (obviously) love comedy and recently we went to see some stand up at the Hollywood Improv with our new friends Mark and Carla, and the line up was crazy! We got to see some incredible comedians, dare I say comedy legends, like Margaret Cho, Bobby Lee, Kevin Nealon, and Tom Arnold. What I really noticed was the calmness that each of these performers had on stage. For me, stand up makes me a bit sweaty, it’s not an easy thing to do. Improv is definitely more my style, Tina Fey once said “when you have a joke in improv, it’s a joke everyone shares on stage” but when you have a joke in stand up, its all on you. However the same goes for bombing on stage, in improv its a shared feeling of “well, that wasn’t great”, but with stand up, that pressure it totally on you. So, they’re definitely two different beasts, and I’m totally in awe of the calm, laid back energy these folks had! Next up, my guest this week is the incredible Joanne Boland! We first met on the show ‘Train 48’ which was an improv based, news oriented, daily TV show. Our mornings were super early, but we had such a good time on this set and of course, became great friends. You may also know Joanne from her roles on ‘Carter’, ‘Strange Empire’, or ‘Being Erica' or maybe films like ‘X-Men: Apocalypse’ or ‘Saw IV’. Wherever it may be from, you know she’s one talented gal. Have a listen firecrackers and enjoy!

Kathleen Phillips Jan 19, 2018

Hey firecrackers! What an amazing time we’re living in. Every time I hop onto social media, (which lets face it, is where I get my news), I’m seeing all of the courageous and powerful stories from these incredible women coming forward about their experiences. Their bravery is so inspiring and I just want to say it again, to all of these women, you are supported and keep speaking your truth! Keep speaking up and lets keep moving toward a better future! Next up, our guest this week is Kathleen Phillips, man this firecracker is truly a jacqueline of all trades! She’s been on ’Sunnyside’, ‘Mr. D’, and ‘Filth City’ amongst much, much more. I’ve always admired her and am thankful I get to call her a friend. Enjoy, firecrackers!

A Note From Naomi Jan 11, 2018

Firecrackers,

It’s been a big week for the Toronto theatre community. For those of you that don’t know, Albert Schultz, who was the AD at one of the countries largest theatre companies, Soulpepper, was accused of sexual harassment in the theatre. Four amazingly bold, brave women; Diana Bentley, Patricia Fagan, Kristin Booth, and Hannah Miller came forward with their stories. It’s been an intense, heart breaking time and I have searched with what to say about the whole thing.

I decided to leave this note for the Firecracker Department members and not to have a guest this week. Instead, I want to make YOU my guest. Get YOUR voice out there. Send me your emails, voice files, tweets with what advice you would give your younger self, If you want to leave your name and where you’re from you can, but you don’t have to! firecrackerdepartment@gmail.com.

I know your words will ring so loud with our community that our hearts will get stirred into action.

With love,

Naomi

Irene Sankoff Dec 20, 2017

Hey firecrackers! Where in the world are YOU!? Are you also in a freezing cold climate like I am? ‘Cause it’s pretty chilly up here in Toronto and I’m doing whatever I can to stay warm until I’m back in LA! Let me know what you do to stay warm over social media! Speaking of cold climates (yes, we’re using this as a transition, haha!) here’s the second episode from my trip to New York City! I sat down with Irene Sankoff, who has been doing incredible things in the world of theatre for quite some time now. She was one of the originators of “My Mother’s Lesbian Jewish Wiccan Wedding” which was a huge hit in Fringe and in the Mirvish theatres in Toronto. Now, the play she co-creater with her husband David, “Come From Away” is on Broadway! I’ve known Irene for some time now, through the Second City community and what not, but getting to sit down with her for this interview and talk all about her journey was more than a treat. I hope you enjoy this one as much as I did, firecrackers!

Astrid Van Wieren Dec 01, 2017

Hey firecrackers! First of all, I want to thank everyone who has been writing, tweeting, or commenting on our posts talking about the show and about the guests that have inspired you! We’re so happy that you are connecting with this podcast, our team works very hard to bring it to life and it means the world to us that you’re tuning in! Next up, we have Astrid Van Wieren from the Broadway musical “Come From Away”! I travelled to New York for this one and I want to talk about the idea of getting lost in a new city. While I was down there, I carved out some time and just hit the town and explored. It got me thinking a lot about those who move to a new city, or even a new country. So, I’m curious, for those of you whom have relocated in your life, how did you adjust to the new environment? How did you go about rebuilding your community? I’d love to keep this conversation up, please e-mail, tweet, or comment and tell me your stories! Anyway, this trip to NYC was amazing, I got to catch the show and then sit down with not only Astrid, but the creator, Irene Sankoff (whose episode will be next!). Astrid is incredible, we talked all about her life, career, and this incredible musical, if you can get down to NYC, I definitely recommend you go see “Come From Away”! Enjoy this one, firecrackers!

Natasha Negovanlis Nov 07, 2017

Hey firecrackers! We’re back after a bit of hiatus and we missed you guys! But believe me, a lot has been going on, both in my personal life and in general. So, I wanted to touch on what’s happening right now in our industry, and as much as I want to stay totally positive, I think its important to talk about the #metoo campaign. When this all started, I found myself thinking back on my experiences and how I brushed off a lot of inappropriate behaviour by saying “oh, they’re just creepy”. This is the common way to deal with it amongst a lot of women. We diminish our experiences because its not even close to what other women, even close friends of mine, experience. So, how do we help in this situation? How do we ensure we will continue moving forward? I don’t know the answer to these questions yet, but its on my mind and I think its more important than ever that both women and men support those who have come forward and continue to lift each other up! Firecrackers, lets keep these conversations going! Talk to me on social media, or even e-mail us at firecrackerdepartment@gmail.com, we want to hear from you! Anyway, on a lighter note, my guest this week is the incredible Natasha Negovanlis! You may know her from her digital series ‘Carmilla’, which was just adapted into a feature film, ‘The Carmilla Movie’, or perhaps from her roles in ‘Almost Adults’ or ‘Murdoch Mysteries’. Whatever the case, if you’ve seen her act, you know she’s one hell of a firecracker! We had a great chat about her journey so far in the industry, her family, and so much more. Enjoy!

Emma Hunter Sep 14, 2017

Hey firecrackers! I’m coming at you from Toronto this week where we’re in the middle of the Toronto International Film Festival. This time of year is always crazy and exhausting but most definitely exciting! My highlight so far this year was being a part of a charity event for Rainbow Camp with Colin Mochrie, Deb McGrath, and their daughter, Kinley. Rainbow Camp is a one-week camp for LGBTQ2+ and their families, its a safe place for them to go, be a part of this community, and most importantly, have fun! Man, what an amazing event to be a part of. I’m going to post a link below to their website, please check them out, donate if you can, help spread the word, and get inspired by the incredible things this organization is doing! Okay, so next we have Emma Hunter as our guest and I freaking love this woman. Her and I have been on ‘Mr. D’ together for a while now, but you also may know her from ‘The Beaverton’, ‘Royal Canadian Air Farce’, or even ‘Spun Out’. You also need to check out her video from ‘Just For Laughs’, which I’ve posted below! We talked about pretty much everything, but those topics include her family, what’s happening in her world, and so much more. Enjoy this one firecrackers and get inspired!

Melanie Scrofano Sep 06, 2017

Hey firecrackers! This week I found myself confined to my hotel room in Halifax and the more time I spent in there, I realized how easily hotels can make you feel shut in. So, I decided to get out there and do something creative, something away from the computer, something outdoors! I went out, got some paints, a canvas, and taught myself to paint. I’m definitely no artist, haha, but it helped with the mundanity of hotel living! And I want to know, what is it you guys do to get yourselves out of rut? To feel inspired and creative? Let me know on social media! Our guest this week is the kick-ass, hilarious, Melanie Scrofano! She’s blowing up our television screens right now as the lead on ‘Wynonna Earp’, but you may also remember her from ‘Designated Survivor’ ‘The Listener’ or ‘Being Erica’. We recorded this episode a little while ago, while it was still hush-hush that she had a baby, so when she showed up with her little guy, it was an incredible surprise! We talked all about her family, her path as an actress, creativity and learning to do new things, and so much more. I think you guys are going to be inspired by this vibrant firecracker. Enjoy!

Camryn Manheim Aug 17, 2017

Hey firecrackers! I’m coming at you from Halifax this week where I’m shooting ‘Mr. D’ and I want to give a huge shout out to our crew for the show! Our transport department, who gets me where I need to be, because lets face it, I don’t know where I’m going without them, our hair and make up team, our camera team, our production team, our writers and directors…there’s just too many to list but all of them are truly incredible! Next, our guest this week is Camryn Manheim! This woman is probably the definition of inspiration. You might know her from her golden-globe winning role on ‘The Practice’ or as Delia Banks on ‘Ghost Whisperer’, or maybe from her kick-ass performances on ‘Person of Interest’ or ‘Major Crimes’. Her resume is a mile long and every time she graces the screen, she knocks it out of the park! We had an amazing chat and really dove into it, so give it a listen, enjoy, and get inspired!

Annie Bradley Aug 10, 2017

Hey firecrackers! We’re back after a small hiatus and I have plenty to catch you up on! In this weeks episode I’m telling you all about an incident I had with a gentlemen whose car I accidentally backed into. He was quite angry with me but I was able to diffuse the situation with snacks and a hug, which I have to say might be the answer to all of life's problems, haha! It occurred on my father’s eightieth birthday and I’m telling you all about my parents and how they’ve influenced and made me into the person I am today. Next, we have Annie Bradley as our guest. This firecracker has been doing some incredible work behind the camera and she was such a joy to talk too. In fact, we talked for almost two hours! She’s hard at work on her next film, ‘Blowback’, and we just got right into all of it. Have a listen and enjoy!

Rachel Wilson Jul 19, 2017

Hey firecrackers! I’m back in Halifax shooting the next season of ‘Mr. D’ and I want to give a huge shout out to my amazing cast and crew out here! If you haven’t been to the east coast, you should get out here, it’s absolutely beautiful. Our guest this week is Rachel Wilson, an incredibly talented actress from shows such as ‘Republic of Doyle’, 'Total Drama’, and (throwback) ‘Breaker High’. Most recently she starred in the film ‘First Round Down’ which is available now in Canada on iTunes and On Demand. It will be available in the US, August 1st on iTunes and On Demand, so check it out! We talked for hours about how to balance our personal lives and career, all the amazing projects she’s been apart of, and she truly is a firecracker! Enjoy!

Gail Harvey Jul 12, 2017

Quiet on set, mosquitos! Hey Firecrackers, I’m up north in the Kawartha’s Lakes area this week and feeling inspired by my environment. Yet, I’m also thinking about what’s happening in the city since The Toronto Fringe Festival is currently on. Firecrackers, if you are in Toronto, I recommend getting out there and seeing a show. There’s nothing like live theatre and as you all know, I love it! I’ll post a link to the festival on our website, as I mention in my intro, I recommend seeing ’13 Ways The World Ends’ and ‘Hands Down’ but give it a peek and go see whatever you think you’ll find inspiring. Next, we have Gail Harvey as our guest this week! Gail’s career has been behind the camera, as a director. Her resume is a mile long those credits include ‘Lost Girl’, 'Heartland', and ‘Murdoch Mystery’s’. I got to sit down with her just before she left to shoot her next film, ‘Never Saw It Coming’, which is adapted from the novel of the same name by Linwood Barclay. We chatted about her work, her family, and much more. Enjoy!

Inga Cadranel Jul 06, 2017

Happy birthday Canada! This weekend we celebrated our countries 150th and many Canadians, including myself, escaped the city and spent some time with our beautiful landscapes. I spent my time by the lake and I have to say, there’s nothing like watching a lake in the those early hours of the morning, it’s really a sight to see. What did you guys do for your long weekend? Let me know on social media! Next, we have our guest, Inga Cadranel. You guys may know her from her roles on ‘Lost Girl’, or ‘Orphan Black’ and I’ve know her since we were young. We’re talking about those crazy years teenage years and the amazing career she embarked on thereafter. Enjoy!

Tracy Dawson Jun 28, 2017

Hey firecrackers! As we gear up for Canada Day, our big 150, I want to know what kind of music you’re listening to? Which Canadian musicians really resinate with you? Let me know on social media! Next, we have our guest, Tracy Dawson, who you might remember from ‘Call Me Fitz’ or ‘The Gavin Crawford Show’. Well, Tracy just sold her first sitcom to TBS and has another one in the works with another firecracker, Megan Mullally! Woot! We’re so excited for Tracy here at the department and so glad we got to dive into it all with her. Have a listen and enjoy!

Carla Gallo Jun 21, 2017

This week at the department, we have an exciting giveaway for passes to the advance screening of ‘The House’! Listen to the podcast and head to the “contest” tab on our website to find out how to enter! Next we have Carla Gallo as our guest! Her and I met through her husband, Mark, and you may know her from ‘Bones’, ‘Undeclared’, or ‘Carnivale’. We talked about motherhood, writing for film and television, and taking risks. She’s hilarious, smart, and super talented. Enjoy!

Marypat Farrell Jun 13, 2017

This week we’re starting off talking about that one magical person in your life, the person who’s always believed in you. For me, that was my Aunty Marie, always trusting me to take on these small but important tasks, which made me think “oh ya, I can do this”. This kind of respect definitely helped shape my personality and my confidence. Our guest this week is the lovely Marypat Farrell! We’re both Second City Toronto alumni and her acting credits include 'The Gavin Crawford Show’, ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ and ‘Anger Management’. We’re talking about the importance of happiness and pursuing everything you can in your career. She’s inspiring, hilarious, and an all around firecracker. Enjoy!

Laura Hall Jun 06, 2017

Laura Hall is one talented musician, one of the (many) things that makes her unique is her incredible influence on the comedy world. From being a pianist for 'The Second City’ to the band leader on ‘Whose Line Is It Anyway?’ her music has accompanied some of the most iconic comedic shows. You’d think this meant she came from a musically driven house hold, but that’s not the case. As Laura mentions in this episode, she thinks her father is tone deaf and she begged and begged for piano lessons. Well, that sure did pay off! You guys need to check out her band ‘The Sweet Potatoes’ and listen to this Firecracker light up the stage!

Colleen Murray Peyton May 30, 2017

Colleen Murray Peyton studied improv and sketch comedy at the infamous Second City in Chicago, from there she went on to do a variety of shows on the stage. While building her career, Colleen also dealt with the death of her mother, a topic that we dove into. Even though this was devastating, she went on to create and star in the comedic music video, “Shark Week: Attack of the Menses” and the comedic pilot “Darcy and Tess”. As she says, "even in death, there’s moments of joy and things are really funny - people do really weird shit”. I think you guys will take a lot from listening to this one, enjoy!

Jennifer Robertson May 23, 2017

During this interview, Jenn recounts that at a young age she would listen to her father call into a radio station and do comedy bits for a morning show - according to her, he did a pretty bang-on impression of Queen Elizabeth! This was Jennifer Robertson’s “norm” growing up and probably one of the (many) reasons I think she’s absolutely hilarious, and without a doubt, a comedy queen. We really dove into the beginning of it all, from her time on The Sean Cullen Show, to her struggling with her role on the Republican dominated This 1/2 Hour News Hour, right up to her current role as Jocelyn Schitt on CBC’s Schitt’s Creek. This Firecracker really knows how to light up the screen. Enjoy!

Zoie Palmer May 16, 2017

Sitting down with Zoie Palmer was more than a treat, this firecracker has had an incredible career thus far and it’s only getting better! We talked about her iconic character, Dr. Lauren Lewis, on Lost Girl and what it was like to see such an incredible response to the show. We dove into her newest role as the Android on Dark Matter, being born in England, and her family. She’s bold, smart, funny, and truly inspiring, enjoy!

Jennifer Whalen May 10, 2017

This firecracker is currently lighting up the world with her new series Baroness Von Sketch Show but her journey to this point has been anything by easy. Having started at the Second City Toronto to being the head writer on This Hour Has 22 Minutes, Jennifer has a long list of comedy credits. I got to sit down with her and dive into what it takes to be a such a kick-ass firecracker! Enjoy!

Grace Lynn Kung May 01, 2017

Grace Lynn Kung, what can I say? This firecracker has been lighting up the stage and the screen for sometime now, and I’m truly in awe of her. From her roles in The Strain and Away From Her to her incredible advice: “Nothing can replace the belief that YOU can do it” we chatted about the challenges we face as well as everything that inspires us about the film and television industry. Enjoy!

Diane Flacks Apr 24, 2017

From theatre, to radio, to television, to feature films, Diane Flacks does it all, literally. Her writing credits include 'Kids In The Hall', 'Baroness Von Sketch Show', and four one-woman shows for the stage. Her acting credits include 'Being Erica' and Sarah Polley’s 'Take This Waltz'. This wasn’t an easy journey though, Diane takes me back to what it was like writing for women in a time when we didn’t see powerful women on screen, and what she did to change that. This firecracker is a true inspiration to all women carving their own path. Have a listen and enjoy!

Jessie Gabe Apr 18, 2017

I’ve know Jessie for quite some time now, this firecracker has been influential in the writers room for a few series I’ve been been a part of, including the show I’m currently on, 'Mr. D'. I’ve always admired the way she’s been able to capture such unique characters, and how great she is at writing for my voice, especially. I love her style of comedy and I can’t get enough of it! From growing up in Montreal and working for 'Just For Laugh' to her feature film 'Cas & Dylan', starring Tatiana Maslany and Richard Dreyfus, all the way to heading the writers room of 'Mr D', I got a chance to hear and admire the incredible journey she’s on. Have a listen and be inspired!

Valerie Buhagiar Apr 10, 2017

You probably remember her from Bruce MacDonald’s Highway 61 and Roadkill, but Valerie Buhagiar is hard at work behind the camera now. She wrote and directed the feature comedy The Anniversary, starring my good friend Colin Mochrie, and is currently working on a new web series Life Coach. From being born in Malta, doing the one-woman show 9 Parts of Desire on stage, and being a professional Puppeteer, this firecracker is doing it all. I’m so happy we got to sit down and talk all about her journey, enjoy!

Mackenzie Donaldson Apr 03, 2017

Writing, Directing, and Producing, this firecracker does it all! Mackenzie Donaldson has been behind some of the most creative and well done shows we’ve seen in the past few years. From 'Orphan Black' to 'Whatever Linda', she’s taken the reigns on creating roles for women that we normally wouldn’t see them in. This week, we sit down and dive into her career thus far, the challenges she’s faces, and we get to hear what’s its taken for her to get these incredible shows on the air. Have a listen and enjoy!

Deb McGrath Mar 27, 2017

Deb McGrath, what can I say? This firecracker has had an incredible career and it just keeps getting better. From starting out at "The Second City", Toronto in 1983 where she was a writer, actress, and a director, to her work on “Little Mosque on the Prairie” and “The Ron James Show”, she truly is a queen of comedy. Deb and her husband, Colin Mochrie (another comedic genius, by the way!), are dear friends of mine so sitting down with Deb felt like old friends having a chat. But we weren’t just catching on the small things, Deb took me through her journey so far and I have to say, she’s a real inspiration!

Bette MacDonald Mar 20, 2017

As an actress, sometimes you get very lucky and you get to work with other incredibly talented people. It allows you to not only improve upon your own skills, but grow as a person. I have been very lucky to work alongside the legendary Bette MacDonald for the past few years on CBC’s 'Mr. D' and I can’t tell you how in awe I am of this comedic genius. From choosing to stay in Cape Breton early on in her career, to having the power to stand up for yourself, to taking her career in a new direction by becoming an author, we talked about so many inspiring things. So, here we go firecrackers, it's Bette MacDonald!

Tommie Amber Pirie Mar 13, 2017

Being brave and taking the reigns on your own path in life is not an easy task. It definitely takes a certain kind of firecracker to push through the obstacles and stick to following your passion. In this weeks episode I’m talking to Tommie Amber Pirie, someone who does this every day and we should all take note from her book. From her role in the film “What If” and her kick-ass character on “Bitten” to moving out and being on her own at the age of 18, I got a chance to dive into Tommie's incredible journey thus far. I think you’re all going to get a lot of inspiration from this firecracker!

Annie Murphy Mar 06, 2017

Talking with Annie Murphy is like hanging out with an old highschool buddy. From a quiet life amongst the tulips of Ottawa to starring in "Schitt’s Creek" and married to a rock star we’re gonna talk about her journey. She chose acting, over being a lawyer, and I am so glad she did because she is a delight as Alexis Rose on "Schitt’s Creek". We had a really fun, honest conversation about the fear of auditioning, her dislike of too much sunshine, and how writing can get you through the tough times.

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Jayne Eastwood Feb 27, 2017

Jayne Eastwood has built herself an illustrious acting career that has spanned almost 50 years. She left high school with no intentions of being and actress, and every intention of being a fine artist. Acting is what has been “keeping the wolves from the door” and painting is what keeps her grounded. And speaking of grounded if you ever need some advice on how to handle a career in show business with grace and a positive attitude, you need to listen to this interview.

Listen to a preview of the podcast here! Feb 26, 2017

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