Elvira Kurt is always evolving
The Firecracker Department with Naomi Snieckus
Release Date: 04/23/2025
Tracey Erin Smith: From Solo Stage to Streaming Success
The Firecracker Department with Naomi Snieckus
This week, Naomi welcomes the incredible Tracey Erin Smith - theatre creator, TV host, and master storyteller extraordinaire! From her award-winning solo shows in NYC to founding SOULO Theatre (with workshops spanning from Toronto to Tel Aviv), Tracey has spent her career proving that our personal stories have the power to transform lives. Now, she's bringing that magic to television as the creator and host of DRAG HEALS, streaming on multiple platforms and earning her two Canadian Screen Award nominations. In this heartfelt conversation, Tracey opens up about: Why vulnerability is her...
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Karen Robinson: On Acting, Legacy, and Living Fully
The Firecracker Department with Naomi Snieckus
Join us for an inspiring conversation with Karen Robinson, an award-winning Canadian actor whose remarkable career spans stage, film, and television. Best known for her roles in Schitt's Creek, Narc, Lars and the Real Girl, Star Trek: Discovery, Pretty Hard Cases, and Law & Order, Karen brings depth and authenticity to every performance. As a Canadian Screen Award winner and member of the SAG Award-winning Schitt's Creek ensemble, Karen has established herself as one of Canada's most versatile and compelling performers. Her work consistently demonstrates a commitment to truth...
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Cazhhmere Downey continues innovating and learning
The Firecracker Department with Naomi Snieckus
This week on the podcast, host Naomi Snieckus is joined by powerhouse director Cazhhmere Downey. From her recent work on Law & Order to working with live bisons on Heartland, Cazhhmere approaches everything with curiosity and a deep artistic commitment. She dives into what it means to stay innovative in an ever-changing industry, and how she keeps her artistic voice at the center of every project. They also chat about the specific skills she leaned into while directing the hilarious series Shelved, and celebrate her award-winning short film I...
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Diana Frances dives deep into life, art, and everything in between.
The Firecracker Department with Naomi Snieckus
This week, Naomi Snieckus sits down with the incomparable Diana Frances—writer, performer, comedian, and creative dynamo—for an unforgettable conversation that dives deep into life, art, and everything in between. Diana shares her experiences growing up as an adopted kid and the emotional journey of giving her son up for adoption, and how she brings her story into her work.. She opens up about what it truly means to pour your heart into your art, and reflects on the cheerleaders who helped her find her voice and fuel her passion. With many Canadian Comedy Awards and WGC nominations,...
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Firecracker Dept LIVE with Julie Nolke!
The Firecracker Department with Naomi Snieckus
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 with Naomi Snieckus
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 with Naomi Snieckus
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 with Naomi Snieckus
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 with Naomi Snieckus
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 with Naomi Snieckus
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...
info_outlineComedy 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 Debaters and Popcultured, she’s done it all. And the awards? A Canadian Comedy Award winner, a Gemini Award nominee, and a Women in Film & Television Award recipient—just to name a few.
And she’s still going strong! Catch her on tour with the hilarious Girls Night Out comedy group alongside Diana Frances, Karen Parker, and Jennine Profeta
💥 Tune in for a conversation that’s inspiring, hilarious, and full of fire!