The Firecracker Department with Naomi Snieckus

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Astrid Van Wieren Dec 01, 2017

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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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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!

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