The Firecracker Department with Naomi Snieckus

Latest Episodes:

Firecracker Aftershow: Jann Arden! Oct 01, 2019

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

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Welcome to the new Firecracker AFTER SHOW chat!

Firecracker Flashback: Annie Murphy! Jul 29, 2019

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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.