The Firecracker Department with Naomi Snieckus

Latest Episodes:

Valerie Buhagiar Apr 10, 2017

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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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