Jennifer Liao will always remember her lighting bolt moment
Release Date: 11/20/2024
Firecracker Dept LIVE with Julie Nolke!
The Firecracker Department
We hit the stage at Toronto Sketchfest with the one and only Julie Nolke, and the energy was off the charts! In front of a packed crowd of Nolke-fans, we dived deep into building your own career and the incredible power that comes with owning your path in comedy and content creation. We also explored the fast pace of maintaining an online presence and—step by step—how to start and grow a successful YouTube channel. Julie, known for her viral hit "Explaining the Pandemic to My Past Self", shared her insights on navigating the world of digital content and how she turned her YouTube fame...
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Ali Eisner, one of Canada’s most imaginative creators.
The Firecracker Department
This week on the Firecracker Podcast, Naomi sits down with the wildly talented Ali J. Eisner — award-winning puppeteer, writer, director, and musician. Their incredible credits include Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock, Supernatural Academy, Lido Tv, The Sunny Side Up Show, Nanalan’, Mr. Meaty, The Lets Go Show, CBC Kids, TVO Kids & a variety of music videos for Canadian musicians they directed, produced and puppeteered. Ali brings a unique artistry to everything they do — whether it’s breathing life into a puppet, crafting a scene, or composing music. We...
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Standing Bold in Comedy: Kathy Greenwood on Improv, Acting, and Breaking Barriers
The Firecracker Department
Firecracker Department Podcast: Kathy Greenwood In this episode, we welcome the phenomenal Kathy Greenwood—improviser, actor, and comedy trailblazer! As the first woman to receive the Canadian Comedy Award for Funniest Female Improviser, Kathy has been paving the way for women in comedy for decades. We dive into the importance of standing your ground on stage in improv, making bold choices, and trusting your comedic instincts. Kathy shares what it was like to fully immerse herself in a multi-dimensional role in Wind at My Back, bringing depth and heart to period drama. We also get the inside...
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Elvira Kurt is always evolving
The Firecracker Department
Comedy icon Elvira Kurt joins us for a powerhouse conversation about aging in comedy, staying relevant, and the fearless boldness that has defined her career. She’s blazed the trail for so many comedians, proving that having something to say on stage only gets stronger with time. We talk about the courage it takes to keep pushing boundaries and why we are far from done—no matter our age! With a career spanning decades, Elvira’s one-of-a-kind wit and trailblazing spirit have shaped the comedy scene. From Baroness Von Sketch Show to The...
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Aleysa Young has learned to trust her gut
The Firecracker Department
In this episode, we sit down with powerhouse director Aleysa Young, whose work has shaped some of the best comedy on TV. We dive into her journey as a director, the career-changing moment when she interviewed for Baroness von Sketch Show, and how she’s built a reputation for creating safe, playful, and dynamic sets where comedy can truly ignite. Aleysa shares insights on her process, the challenges of directing comedy, and the importance of fostering an environment where performers feel free to take risks. From New Eden to Workin’ Moms, The Kids in the Hall to Run the Burbs...
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Rosa Laborde shares her writing process and how she deals with burnout
The Firecracker Department
This week, we sit down with the powerhouse that is Rosa Laborde—award-winning playwright, screenwriter, director, and actor—whose work spans theatre, film, and television. We dive into the creative process, the magic (and challenges!) of collaborating with friends, and the drive to make things happen. But what happens when burnout hits? Rosa shares her experiences with creative burn out, how to recognize it, and the ways she recharges to keep the fire burning. With acclaimed plays like Interior Design, Light, True, Marine Life, and Leo, multiple Dora Award nominations for best...
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Ashleigh Rains shares her creative journey from pointe shoes to production.
The Firecracker Department
Join us for an inspiring conversation with the multi-talented Ashleigh Rains! Naomi and Ashleigh dive deep into her fascinating journey from classical ballet training at Canada's National Ballet School to her current success as an actress and award-winning producer. You'll hear all about her creative philosophy, how she balances multiple artistic pursuits, and the story behind founding C'mon Mort Productions! This episode is packed with insights as Ashleigh shares her experiences working on hits like The Handmaid's Tale and My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2, plus her perspective as...
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Join us for an inspiring conversation with Liesl Lafferty: Multi-Hyphenate Creative Force in Canadian Film & Television
The Firecracker Department
Meet the dynamic Liesl Lafferty, a Jessie award-winning director whose journey from scriptwriter to industry leader embodies creative perseverance. As Head of Firecracker Writing Department, Liesl has transformed countless storytelling dreams into reality. Her latest ventures showcase her innovative spirit – from co-creating The Writers Lab Canada to producing the Comedy Film Igniter and the Bell Fibe TV1 series "Bagged." With experience spanning directing, writing, producing, and dramaturgy, Liesl brings a wealth of knowledge about navigating the entertainment industry. In this episode,...
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Jen Pogue reveals the challenges and triumphs of her creative journey
The Firecracker Department
Don't miss this heartfelt conversation between our host Naomi Snieckus and Jen Pogue 💫 Jen reveals the challenges and triumphs of her creative journey - from winning a CSA for County Blooms to navigating her cancer diagnosis. Through it all, her resilience, passion, and commitment to community shine through. This insightful discussion touches on finding your own path, the power of collaboration, and the importance of following your gut. This is a must-listen episode filled with inspiration, wisdom, and plenty of laughs. Thank you to the pod team: Naomi Snieckus (Host/Producer)...
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Veena Sood says yes to opportunities
The Firecracker Department
This week on the Firecracker Department podcast, host Naomi Snieckus teams up with the fabulous Jody Quine from our Vancouver chapter to chat with the incredible Veena Sood! From feeling a sudden calling at the age of 14, to her early days of Theatre Sports with Keith Johnstone, to her starring role in Children Ruin Everything for CTV, Veena shares inspiring stories, behind-the-scenes moments, and so much creative fire!
info_outlineJennifer Liao’s journey from actor to writer and director is fueled by her passion for storytelling. Growing up dreaming of being a sitcom writer, she credits her love of Shakespeare and poetry for teaching her how to dig into text and find its layers. She shares with Naomi how her experience as an actor shaped the way she approaches directing, helping her connect with performers and bring out the best in their work. She talks about directing her first short films with the help of friends who believed in her vision, showing how collaboration and community played a big part in her early success. Jennifer opens up about the challenges of the industry — balancing ambition with flexibility, learning to advocate for herself, and staying energized for the work she loves. While she still values producing her own projects, directing has become her main focus, giving her the chance to tell stories that matter and amplify new voices. Her journey is full of determination, creativity, and a commitment to always keep learning and growing.