The Firecracker Department with Naomi Snieckus

Latest Episodes:

Carla Gallo Jun 21, 2017

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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!