Nia Vardalos gets incredible advice from the most unbelievable sources
Release Date: 01/01/2025
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_outlineActress and screenwriter Nia Vardalos has received advice and opportunities from some truly unexpected sources. While working the box office at Toronto’s Second City, she tells Naomi how she fell in love with improv, deepened her passion for acting, and prepared herself for a breakthrough moment—stepping onto the stage when another actor fell ill. That pivotal experience set her on a path to Chicago and then Los Angeles, where, during a moment of panic, a cab driver encouraged her to take a breath and trust she would succeed—and she did. Inspired by her own Greek family, Nia decided to write a script based on their stories, and the project first came to life as a play before becoming the beloved movie My Big Fat Greek Wedding. Throughout her journey, she has remained open to the wisdom and opportunities that came her way, including surprising advice from her gynecologist about setting aside irrational thoughts. Nia shares with Naomi the importance of accepting tough but valuable feedback, her belief in letting creativity flow naturally, and her commitment to writing every day. Through it all, she’s learned to embrace her quirks, let her authentic self shine, and find strength in the unexpected.