The Firecracker Department - The Blaze Sessions Season 02
Award-winning actor Naomi Snieckus (Second City, Disney’s Zombies) is getting real with fellow artists about their struggles, successes, and everything in between. On Season 02, Jennifer Podemski (Little Bird, Reservation Dogs) joins her to curate inspiring, engaging, and refreshingly honest conversations with women and non-binary individuals at the top of their game in the industry. A new episode is out every 2 weeks.
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The Blaze Sessions Season 2 Trailer
05/01/2024
The Blaze Sessions Season 2 Trailer
Welcome back to The Blaze Sessions brought to you by the Firecracker Department! Season two is here, and we're thrilled! Hosts Naomi Snieckus (Mr.D, The Madness, The Social, Second City Toronto) and the incredible Jennifer Podemski, ("Little Bird", "Reservation Dogs" and founder of Red Cloud Productions and The Shine Network) have curated inspiring, engaging, and refreshingly honest conversations with women and non-binary individuals at the top of their game in the industry. From sharing insights on their creative journeys to discussing how they're changing the world through their art, these talks are the perfect blend of real, raw, and fun. Get ready to ignite your passion, and join us for a blazing good time. Starting May 15th, you’ll get a new episode every 2 weeks! Find us at and all your favourite podcast platforms.
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Alana Johnston wants to be the funniest she’s ever been
04/17/2024
Alana Johnston wants to be the funniest she’s ever been
For the past few years, performer and writer Alana Johnston has made it her mission to incorporate the theme of self-esteem into her artistic work. As the host of The Self-Esteem Party Podcast (on which this episode was first featured), she’s learned that the things we struggle with in regards to self-esteem might follow us forever, and that’s totally okay. She also shares how her perspective has shifted after some major events occurred in her life in recent years, and how she’s now using her art to work through those traumatic moments. Through this brave discussion, Naomi and Alana speak about the importance of surrounding yourself with people who support your artistic endeavours, bringing yourself back to reality through positive self-talk, and embracing your weirdness. And Alana shares that now - more than ever - her ultimate goal is to be the funniest she’s ever been.
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Anne Rab finds bravery in being bold on stage & in life
04/03/2024
Anne Rab finds bravery in being bold on stage & in life
Anne Rab’s improv career all started when she met a clown and stumbled into the art form that would change her life. Although it was difficult to make the transition from a city where she had stability and comfort to one completely unknown, she tells Naomi that learned that she didn’t want to play it safe and to make the choice to just go for her dreams. Now, she carries this outlook through her teachings and thrives off of encouraging people to be comfortable with making mistakes and not worrying about “fucking it up” in her improv classes. Ultimately, Anne tells Naomi that her favourite thing about art and life is having people around, connecting, and even throwing some killer parties. And through all of the confusion and uncertainty that she felt when starting her career, that improv helped her discover - for certain - that this is all she’s ever wanted to do.
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Nadine Antler gives herself permission to do the things she loves
03/20/2024
Nadine Antler gives herself permission to do the things she loves
One thing’s for certain about improviser Nadine Antler is that her strength lies in taking care of people. From studying to be a social worker to putting on a decade-long improv festival and now running her own improv school, Nadine tells Naomi about her desire to help both actors and non-actors through the communication and boundary-setting skills that improv teaches. But despite committing to help others with this, she reveals that her personal challenge is her inner critic and the disappointment she faces when it rears its ugly head on stage and takes her out of the present moment. Although some of her shows go horribly wrong, she details how all she can do is pick herself up and continue on - and that making lists of how to improve helps her feel better. Even when improv can be challenging and scary, Nadine wholeheartedly believes that if you want to take a risk and try, there’s no need to wait for the right moment: that all you need to do is give yourself permission to do the thing you love.
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Vanessa Matsui is a pro at taking things frame by frame
03/06/2024
Vanessa Matsui is a pro at taking things frame by frame
With her wealth of experience as an actor, writer, improviser, and now a director, Vanessa Matsui always finds time to look back and thank her younger self for having the gumption and bravery to take chances. By stumbling through her experience creating, writing, directing, and acting in the award winning series Ghost BFF, Vanessa tells Naomi about how she learned to just keep going and follow through on her impulses in every role she played. She also recounts the discovery she made that all roads were pointing to her beginning to direct, and how much she loves that it allows you to access a different part of yourself. Naomi and Vanessa also have an enlightening conversation about the importance of looking back at your younger self and taking the time to grieve the dreams that didn’t come to fruition, before moving forward into the future. And although her fear and anxiety may take over in certain moments, Vanessa always reminds herself of the great advice she received when directing her first feature film Midnight at the Paradise: just take things frame by frame.
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Inbal Lori has a plan to not have a plan
02/21/2024
Inbal Lori has a plan to not have a plan
Growing up in Israel, the multi-faceted Inbal Lori always knew she would be in the arts and fully embraced the holy trinity of acting, writing, and directing. But amidst her love for creation, she tells Naomi that before she moved to Berlin, she suffered when she played parts that she didn’t write because she wasn’t in control - even though she never had a “plan” in life. Little did she know that when she arrived in Germany, her love and passion for improv would take over her life and teach her how to work within a structure but also profoundly let go and play. As she began immersing herself in the world of improv and created her own school, she realized the power of improvising stories that are thought-provoking to an audience and exploring the depths of human emotion through this free-flowing art form. Inbal quickly became a leader in the world of Impro internationally as a teacher and performer. While she never had a concrete plan, Inbal tells Naomi how the most freedom comes from existing in your own story and allowing life to take you where it leads.
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Maria del Mar paved the way for all of us with power and passion
02/07/2024
Maria del Mar paved the way for all of us with power and passion
Maria del Mar has never let fear hold her back from anything in her extensive career and expansive life. As a young actress with a passion growing up in Ottawa, Maria took a chance and moved to Toronto to fake it ‘till she made it, with roles on incredible shows like Frasier, 24, and Hudson & Rex. The more Maria took chances, the more life presented her with opportunities to try new things and learn from everyone she’s worked with. She tells Naomi how she vowed to always remain open to everything in life, and how there’s no such thing as perfection - which has become all the more significant given the difficult years she’s faced. But although she has been thrown many challenges, Maria is embracing the spirit of hope and dancing the salsa with life, allowing it to lead her where she’s meant to go and enjoying the journey along the way.
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Beatrix Brunschko navigates life with her three “me”s
01/24/2024
Beatrix Brunschko navigates life with her three “me”s
Beatrix Brunschko, aka Trixie, dives headfirst into every twist and turn of her incredible career. She's not just a director of the stage and screen – Trixie's a founding member of Theatre Bahnhof, a professor at the University of Hamburg, and the go-to guru for all things improv. Starting from the wild passion that birthed a theatre company to her game-changing improv workshops, Trixie's all about creating spaces where creativity runs wild and shakes things up for everyone – even our curious host, Naomi. She reveals her "say yes to everything first" approach, taking life as it comes. And in this chat with Naomi, Trixie peels back the curtain on her fascinating journey, where she juggles being a character, an actress, and, most importantly, herself in every scene and life experience. Join us for this enlightening convo that unravels the magic behind Trixie's "yes-to-it-all" philosophy, proving that embracing your various selves can create real-life magic along the way.
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Firecracker Department 2024 Trailer
01/10/2024
Firecracker Department 2024 Trailer
Rev up your year with a brand new season of The Firecracker Department Podcast! Let's ignite 2024 with an explosive lineup of captivating conversations. Join our sensational host, Naomi Snieckus, and an array of global artists as they take you on a heart-pounding journey into the depths of creativity and inspiration. But that's not all – mark your calendars because later this spring, we're bringing you The Blaze Sessions, a special mini-season featuring the extraordinary co-host Jennifer Podemski. It's a dynamic duo that will set your imagination ablaze! Each episode promises an electric blend of insights and innovation you won't want to skip. So, whether you're strolling down the street, pumping iron at the gym, whipping up a storm in the kitchen, or lost in your own universe, tune in and let us transport you to an action-packed realm of unbridled creativity. Get ready to fire up your imagination and dive headfirst into a whirlwind of inspiration with The Firecracker Department Podcast – the ultimate destination for all things thrilling and ingenious!
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Jennifer Holness immerses herself in stories
06/14/2023
Jennifer Holness immerses herself in stories
Jennifer Holness is not only a force to be reckoned with, but she is a beacon of change in the industry. An award-winning filmmaker and the co-founder of Hungry Eyes Media (with her partner Sudz Sutherland), she is the first ever recipient of the Firecracker Department's Red Point Award, going to women over 50 who are still creating incredible content and leading the way in out community. After a life-changing health scare in her early twenties, Jennifer learned to go forth confidently in the direction of her dreams to direct and produce, and never look back. Throughout her incredible career, she shares with Naomi and Amanda how she is able to fully immerse herself in a story to help spark change, and how centering on a theme helps her pinpoint what the story will transform into. She also acknowledges that despite her increasing drive to change the world, she needs to be able to take care of herself and her family. And through the trials, stress, and pressure, Jennifer is still able to live a life that is full of joy.
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Wendy Crewson stands up for herself
06/07/2023
Wendy Crewson stands up for herself
With a career spanning decades and a multitude of incredible roles in beautiful shows, it’s no wonder actor Wendy Crewson is one of Canada’s brightest and most beloved stars. With credits like Air Force One, Good Sam, Pretty Hard Cases, she is also known as a staunch advocate for ACTRA and FilmOntario and for the role she’s played in helping change the landscape of the industry. But, Wendy says she’s learned the most important person to stand up for, ultimately, is herself. She tells Naomi and Amanda about how much she loves to celebrate her own accomplishments and those of her fellow actors (she still gets excited about award nominations), especially when it comes to the next generation. She also shares that even after all these years, nothing will ever beat the rush of going into an audition room. Wendy Crewson has courage to wear an orange formal gown to a casual event, to stand up for what she believes in and above all, to be herself.
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Mary Young Leckie lives for her lightbulb moments
05/31/2023
Mary Young Leckie lives for her lightbulb moments
In the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, Mary Young Leckie had one of her infamous lightbulb moments, which inspired her to produce such amazing shows as M.V.P and the brilliant and award- winning film Maudie. With an immense passion for telling Canadian stories and steadfast activism throughout her career, Mary reveals she has an unwavering belief in all of the stories she tells. She also details the determination she has found to push through the sometimes-long journeys to produce her work. She shares how reaching out within the artistic community can fuel you, why we should always forgive those who have wronged us and how often the best way to wind down is to belt it out with a rock ‘n roll choir at Carnegie Hall.
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Jennifer Podemski acknowledges all her little wins
05/24/2023
Jennifer Podemski acknowledges all her little wins
Juggling a work-life balance is difficult for many of us, but perhaps even more so for the multi-hyphenate extraordinary talent that is Jennifer Podemski. As she has navigated her career through acting, writing, directing, producing and showrunning (with her beautiful film Little Bird coming up), not to mention her companies The Shine Network and Red Cloud Studios she has learned a few valuable lessons along the way. She tells Naomi and Amanda about how the art of fear management and the importance of celebrating the “little wins” have helped guide her through various iterations of her career. She also speaks to the freedom of owning your own artistic work, and how important it is to adapt the way we tell Indigenous stories so they are no longer extractive, but instead allow the community to maintain agency over their collective experience. Even though she’s achieved success on a global scale, Jennifer will always be thankful for the creativity her grandmother fostered in her, and how she sometimes just takes jobs to be able to spend some quality time with her equally gifted sisters, Sarah and Tamara.
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Sheila McCarthy is just going to pretend
05/17/2023
Sheila McCarthy is just going to pretend
Sheila McCarthy’s résumé truly reads like an adventure book with twists, turns and surprises that makes her one of the most versatile and unique artists in our community. From playing a maid in The Littlest Hobo to her profound performance as Greta Loewen in Sarah Polley’s Oscar award winning movie Women Talking, her command of the screen is unlike any other - and really makes Naomi and Amanda wonder why she doesn't yet have the Order of Canada. Despite her prolific career, even Sheila has experienced moments of doubt and fear. She shares how jumping around various mediums and always reinventing herself has helped her push through. That, plus a memory of Liza Minelli peeking behind the camera and giving her some magical advice that she’s held on to ever since. Catch this inspiring and motivating discussion with one of our industries best of the best.
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Adrienne C. Moore never wants to be a GOAT
05/10/2023
Adrienne C. Moore never wants to be a GOAT
Whatever Adrienne C. Moore is selling - we’re buying! As the unpredictable drug squad detective Kelly Duff on Pretty Hard Cases, with some other pretty big roles under her belt (hello, Orange is the New Black!) we’d assume Adrienne had achieved GOAT status. But she proudly proclaims that she’d rather just keep striving for it than have already reached it. After a successful career in marketing, Adrienne tells Amanda and Naomi how she learned how to think of herself as a product and work within her own acting wheelhouse to make the shift into acting. And although she’s a self-branded genius, she does make mistakes - and admits she is just as honest about them as the successes she’s had. And let’s not forget how she not only got “camera ready” for this interview in 3 min flat AND she continues to forge a path for BIPOC creatives to be accommodated on set. Yes - the word “unstoppable” comes to mind!
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Grace Lynn Kung doesn't like labels
05/03/2023
Grace Lynn Kung doesn't like labels
Grace Lynn Kung has reached a milestone in her life and career - being number one on the call sheet for the very first time as Marissa Wong in the new crime dramedy Wong and Winchester - and she’s celebrating every moment!. The road to get there hasn’t been easy, but Grace tells Naomi and Amanda how she finds that tuning in to her vulnerability and authenticity helps feed into the various roles she’s played - both onscreen and off. She also divulges how we often use age as an excuse to stop listening to people, reminds us how important it is to reclaim your body and mind for yourself first and foremost, and how important it is to live life freely without labels. But maybe best of all, this intense, intellectually inspiring conversation ends with Naomi and Amanda getting an impromptu cartoon voice acting session from Grace. What does your pet's voice sound like?
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Meredith MacNeill is best friends with failure
04/26/2023
Meredith MacNeill is best friends with failure
We know Meredith MacNeill as by-the-book, yet frazzled detective Sam Wazowski on Pretty Hard Cases and for her absurd and hilarious comedic sketches on Baroness Von Sketch Show which she wrote and starred in….but the truth is - she’s more than just the wild roles she plays on screen. The depth that she carries through her work comes from recognizing the truth of her life and how she sees the world. She shares with Naomi and Amanda that part of her comedic process involves cozying up to her best friend: failure. From her upbringing in Halifax to performing on stages in the UK, Meredith held hands with her inner voice and her fearlessness to help her achieve her dream to fly. Oh, and if you think perimenopause and chin hairs suck - she’ll definitely convince you otherwise.
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The Blaze Sessions Season 1 Trailer
04/19/2023
The Blaze Sessions Season 1 Trailer
Get ready for The Blaze Sessions! Award-winning actors and friends Amanda Brugel and Naomi Snieckus kick off their shoes and dive into honest conversation with eight women at the top of their game in the entertainment industry. It's a showbiz cheat sheet, a dose of creative inspiration and a great ride, all rolled into one. Coming at you April 26.
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Amanda Brugel finds beauty in her daily “delights”
04/12/2023
Amanda Brugel finds beauty in her daily “delights”
The incomparable Amanda Brugel should truly be recognized as an artistic chameleon. With her seamless ability to transition from comedy to drama - in roles like Karina Duff on Pretty Hard Cases and Rita Blue and then effortlessly to her work on The Handmaid’s Tale - Amanda is constantly reinventing herself and breaking away from the proverbial “box” that many actors seem to fall into. But her successes haven’t come without setbacks, and she tells Naomi how she’s learned to be open about her struggles throughout her life, and also to take time to appreciate the little “delights'' that appear. She shares that one of the most valuable muscles for her is the one that helps her recognize the victories in her life, big or small. And, even though she knows life is a never ending journey, Amanda is learning to always show up as herself, and learning that no matter what role or struggle she may face, she can always find a way to Brugel-ize it.
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Rong Fu
06/08/2022
Rong Fu
Our guest this week is Chinese-Canadian actor, writer - RONG FU! Rong was born in Qin-an, China and was raised in Toronto, Canada. She knew at a young age that she wanted to be an actor and started her classical training in theatre at Earl Haig, an arts high school in Toronto and then went on to graduate from York University’s Acting Conservatory in 2012. Rong’s theatrical debut was in the critically acclaimed production of THE CRUCIBLE at Soulpepper in Toronto. She has since performed on stages across Canada in amazing productions including the Shaw Festival’s STAGE KISS and THE ORCHARD AFTER CHEKHOV in Niagara-on-the Lake, Vertigo Theatre’s SHERLOCK HOLMES and THE RAVEN’S CURSE in Calgary, Toronto Tarragon Theatre’s THE MILLENNIAL MALCONTENT, and Roseneath Theatre’s Dora Nominated THE MONEY TREE in Toronto. You may recognize Rong on the small screen in shows such as: CBC and NBC’s PRETTY HARD CASES, CBC and Netflix’s WORKIN’ MOMS, CBS’s AMERICAN GOTHIC, ABC’s ROOKIE BLUE, CTV’s CARTER, and The CW’s BEAUTY AND THE BEAST. Most recently, on Paramount+’s STAR TREK: STRANGE NEW WORLDS, and Lionsgate and BuzzFeed Studios’ MY FAKE BOYFRIEND. Rong plays the romantic lead Avery in CBC Gem’s original HELLO (AGAIN), a k-drama inspired rom-com created by Simu Liu and Nathalie Younglai, that recently won BEST DRAMA PILOT in the DIGITAL SHORTS SERIES in SeriesFest in Denver, Colorado. MAY FLOWERS, ASIANS IN THE SIXTH is a short film that Rong wrote and it premiered on CBC: CANADA REFLECTIONS in 2020. She is a founding member of a community collective of Asian artists in film and television called ASIANS IN THE SIXTH as a Facebook group. In 2021, she curated a program of various free industry workshops to uplift and support fellow Asian artists, including workshops about The Business Side of Acting and another workshop on Authenticity and Wellbeing. Twitter: @rongideas Instagram: @rongideas Website: HELLO (AGAIN) @watchhelloagain #watchhelloagain @cbcgem Watch: Podcast Team Head Producer and Editor: Winnie Wong @wonder_wong Editor: Shayne Stolz @shaynestolz Graphic: Vicki Brier @brier2019 To listen to the podcast: https://linktr.ee/firecrackerdept Subscribe to our newsletter at https://www.firecrackerdepartment.com and follow us @firecrackerdept!
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Sally Shaar
05/26/2022
Sally Shaar
Our guest this week is Toronto-based Juno-winning vocalist, songwriter, director, music marketing specialist and Syrian-Canadian - SALLY SHAAR! Sally studied with Canadian vocal legends Christine Duncan, Lorraine Lawson, Falconer Abraham, and Micah Barnes. She has such an amazing voice and she’s constantly pushing the boundaries of her voice both on stage and in the studio. Through her studies at Humber College’s music program and an unfortunate bout of tonsillitis, Sally has become a veritable expert on vocal health and recovery. Sally is a founding member of the alternative rock band MONOWHALES. They recently won a 2022 Juno for Breakthrough Group of the Year! Sally has been the creative force behind numerous music videos, photos, and online marketing campaigns for the band. That’s right, Sally’s ingenuity and forward-thinking approach to music marketing has helped MONOWHALES establish themselves as one of the most exciting new bands in Canada and the WORLD! MONOWHALES’ 2019 single RWLYD (Really Wanna Let You Down) broke the record for the highest-charting single by an unsigned Canadian band when it hit number two on the Mediabase Canada Alternative Rock Chart. They released their latest album DAYTONA BLEACH in early 2021 which included RWLYD along with Top 10 singles ALL OR NOTHING and OUT WITH THE OLD. By the way, OUT WITH THE OLD has over 1 million streams on Spotify! Sally is no stranger to the stage, she has toured extensively with MONOWHALES. Performances include Reeperbahn in Hamburg, Germany, Canadian Music Week in Toronto, Canada, Festival d’ete in Quebec City, Canada and Yellowknife PRIDE. MONOWHALES has played in support of artists including K Flay, Our Lady Peace, Death From Above 1979, Marianas Trench, Sloan, I Mother Earth and many more. MONOWHALES were just on a cross-Canada tour with indie-rock band Mother Mother and they have a new album slated for release Fall of 2022. Fun Fact: Three MONOWHALES songs off 2018's CONTROL FREAK were featured in Season 1, Episode 5 of 2020 Netflix series SPINNING OUT, which also included a cameo appearance by the band. Twitter: Instagram: MONOWHALES @monowhales - and Podcast Team Head Producer and Editor: Winnie Wong @wonder_wong Editor: Shayne Stolz @shaynestolz Graphic: Vicki Brier @brier2019 Subscribe to our newsletter at and follow us @firecrackerdept!
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Veronica Martin
05/16/2022
Veronica Martin
Our guest this week is Greater Toronto-based Coach and Consultant, Crafter, Cook, Sewist, Bread Baker, Head of our Mentorship Department, Facilitator of Firecracker Artists Way Programme and Actioneer VERONICA MARTIN! Veronica has lead and developed both the Mentorship Department and Firecracker Artists Way Program with such heart. Both support women and non-binary folks in the arts who come together to listen and learn. The Mentorship Team includes Kathleen Harquail, Sarah Potter, Emilia Copeland and Rebecca Marquardt. Together they create things like helpful content, virtual events with experienced Mentors, meet and greets, panel events, one-on-one mentoring opportunities AND more! We’ve had mentorship workshops that have focused on writers, directors, indie producers, and they have some more cooking in the near future. Veronica describes herself as a recovering HR Director, who has a personal goals creativity coaching and small business human resources consulting company with clients in Canada, and the US. Veronica's love of languages led her to volunteer as a literacy tutor through the Oakville Literacy Council for over ten years. She also mentors HR practitioners through the Human Resources Professionals Association and students through the McMaster Alumni Association. No wonder the Mentorship Department was such a great fit for Veronica - she has that mentoring passion. Speaking of taking her passion to another level, Veronica is currently developing an online programme for women and non-binary folks who want to amp up their happiness as they move through all their ages. Twitter: Instagram: Facebook page: http://ow.ly/2OFu50Ii7NQ Website: http://ow.ly/xEB650Ii7NS Mentorship team Kathleen Harquail Sarah Potter Emilia Copeland Rebecca Marquardt Podcast Team Head Producer and Editor: Winnie Wong Editor: Shayne Stolz Graphic: Vicki Brier To listen to the podcast: Subscribe to our newsletter at and follow us @firecrackerdept!
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Kathleen Harquail
05/11/2022
Kathleen Harquail
Our guest this week is Toronto-based policy advisor, workplace consultant, change maker, film producer AND Firecracker Actioneer and part of our mentorship department - KATHLEEN HARQUAIL! Kathleen has a degree in Hispanic Studies from Trent University, in Peterborough, Canada, and Universidad del Valle de Mexico. As well as, a diploma in screenwriting from George Brown, in Toronto, and is a graduate of Women In Film and Television Toronto’s Media Business Essentials program. Kathleen can do it all! She could write a film in Spanish about media business essentials. Kathleen, as an independent film producer, focuses on queer stories and projects led by women and non-binary folks. Kathleen associate produced the award-winning film TRU LOVE, a film written and directed by Kate Johnston and Shauna MacDonald, about a lesbian with commitment issues who befriends a widowed mother visiting her workaholic daughter. Some of the awards TRU LOVE won in 2014, include Best International Feature at the FilmOut San Diego Film Festival, Best Feature Film at the Inside Out Toronto LGBTQ plus Film Festival and Best Women’s Feature at the Long Island Gay and Lesbian Film Festival. Kathleen founded, with Sandra McCallum - Reel Culture, a consulting firm focused on building sate and inclusive work cultures in the film and television industry. Their tag is “Reel Culture. Real Change.” REEL CULTURE Twitter - @reelcultureca Instagram - @reelculturerealchange Podcast Team Head Producer and Editor: Winnie Wong @wonder_wong Editor: Shayne Stolz @shaynestolz Graphic: Vicki Brier @brier2019 To listen to the podcast: Subscribe to our newsletter at and follow us @firecrackerdept!
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Laura Terruso
05/04/2022
Laura Terruso
Our guest this week is screenwriter, director and producer LAURA TERRUSO! Laura is a graduate from NYU’s graduate film program at the Tisch School of the Arts. Her feature film debut as writer, director, producer is FITS AND STARTS which premiered at SXSW 2017. This comedy is about a struggling writer who can't seem to escape his wife's literary success. When a road trip to a publisher's salon takes an unexpected turn, he has to face his own creative shortcomings and find a way to regain control of his life and work. Laura also co-wrote and directed the comedy GOOD GIRLS GET HIGH which won the Audience Award at the 2018 Santa Fe Film Festival and currently holds a 100% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes. HELLO, MY NAME IS DORIS, is a feature that Laura co-wrote and co-produced. It stars Sally Field. The film is about how a self-help seminar inspires a 60-something woman to romantically pursue her younger co-worker. HELLO, MY NAME IS DORIS is based on Laura’s short film DORIS AND THE INTERN. NOW, the feature HELLO, MY NAME IS DORIS is released by Roadside Attractions and went on to become one of the top grossing indies of 2016. Laura directed the Netflix film, WORK IT. It premiered worldwide as the number one movie on Netflix US in its first weekend and it remained in the top ten for two weeks! Laura is currently in post-production on the Lionsgate film ABOUT MY FATHER starring Robert DeNiro and Sebastian Maniscalco. Instagram: @lauraterruso WORK IT: HELLO, MY NAME IS DORIS: Podcast Team Head Producer and Editor: Winnie Wong @wonder_wong Editor: Shayne Stolz @shaynestolz Graphic: Vicki Brier @brier2019 To listen to the podcast: Subscribe to our newsletter at and follow us @firecrackerdept!
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Teresa M. Ho
04/27/2022
Teresa M. Ho
Our guest this week is Toronto-based executive producer, producer TERESA M. HO! Teresa has over 25 years of experience underneath her belt in production finance and management, along with over ten years as a Producer in Canadian Television. She has produced four seasons of CBC’s FRANKIE DRAKE MYSTERIES and two seasons of Corus’s DEPARTURE. Teresa also managed the hit Netflix Series ANNE WITH AN E, and multiple units on NBC Universal’s reboot TV Series HEROES REBORN. Teresa recently launched on a CBC Gem original HELLO (AGAIN). A rom-com short-form nine episode series created by Simu Liu and Nathalie Younglai, with the support of CBC Gem, the Bell Fund, the CMF and Ontario Creates. Teresa founded 100 Dragons Productions with the newest branch 100 Dragons Media launched in 2015. 100 Dragons focuses on cultivating and gathering diverse people and inclusive ideas to create innovative programming for the world. Teresa is currently developing a feature film 15 KINDS OF CAUSAL SEX which was selected for the WIFT Toronto NBC-Universal Development Incubator, it was also selected for the National Screen Institute – EAVE on Demand Access Program and it was awarded development funds from the Harold Greenburg Fund and Telefilm. She is also developing WILD WILLIE with Nathalie Younglai who will be writing the feature. WILD WILLIE received financing through the new Telefilm development stream for Racialized Persons. When Teresa isn't racing around sets, you can find her racing around the tennis courts working on her service game. Twitter: @thetho Instagram: @teresa.m.ho HELLO (AGAIN) @watchhelloagain #watchhelloagain @cbcgem Watch: Podcast Team Head Producer and Editor: Winnie Wong @wonder_wong Editor: Shayne Stolz @shaynestolz Graphic: Vicki Brier @brier2019 To listen to the podcast: Subscribe to our newsletter at and follow us @firecrackerdept!
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Mae Martin
03/30/2022
Mae Martin
Our 150th guest this week is London-based award-winning Canadian comedian, actor, writer and producer MAE MARTIN! Mae began doing comedy at the age of 13 and dropped out of school at 15 to pursue comedy full time. They trained at The Second City, and was the youngest person to be nominated for the Tim Sims Encouragement Fund Award. At 16 they were nominated for a Canadian Comedy Award and recently they won a Canadian Comedy Award for their work as a writer on BARONESS VON SKETCH SHOW. Netflix's FEEL GOOD is a semi-autobiographical comedy drama series created and co-written by Mae and they play Mae. Lisa Kudrow stars as their mom and Charlotte Ritchie stars as their love interest named George . FEEL GOOD has a perfect 100% “Certified Fresh” score on Rotten Tomatoes. Mae’s performance earned them a Royal Television Society "Breakthrough Award", the Edinburgh TV award for “Best Comedy”, the “Best Comedy Drama series” at the C21 award and "Best Scripted Representation of LGBTQ+" at the MIPCOM Diversify TV Awards. Recently, FEEL GOOD won a Writers Guild of Great Britain Award for Best Situation Comedy. Mae's last stand-up show, DOPE, focused on addiction, has since been turned in to a stand-up special for Netflix as part of their first global stand-up series, COMEDIANS OF THE WORLD. Mae wrote CAN EVERYONE PLEASE CALM DOWN?: A GUIDE TO TWENTY FIRST CENTURY SEXUALITY about the pros and cons of labels to coming out and the joys of sexual fluidity. You can grab a copy on Amazon or listen to it on Audible or Apple Books. You will soon be able to see Mae in their recurring guest star in a role in HBO’s THE FLIGHT ATTENDANT. Twitter: @TheMaeMartin Instagram: @hooraymae For info on CAN EVERYONE PLEASE CALM DOWN?: A GUIDE TO TWENTY FIRST CENTURY SEXUALITY and Tour Dates: Podcast Team Head Producer and Editor: Winnie Wong @wonder_wong Editor: Shayne Stolz @shaynestolz Graphic: Vicki Brier @brier2019 Subscribe to our newsletter at and follow us @firecrackerdept!
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Lisa Berry
03/23/2022
Lisa Berry
Our guest this week is Toronto-based actor, writer, producer, mindfulness and meditation coach and teacher LISA BERRY! Let’s celebrate LISA’s Canadian Screen Award Nomination for Best Lead Performance, Web Program or Series for playing Notice in Obsidian Theatre’s 21 BLACK FUTURES! You may recognize Lisa from her recurring roles as "Billie," aka Death, in The CW’s sci-fi-fantasy hit show SUPERNATURAL, as "Cleophas Garroway" in Freeform and Netflix’s SHADOWHUNTERS: THE MORTAL INSTRUMENTS, AND as “Natashia” on CBC and Netflix’s WORKIN MOMS. When Lisa was 17, she was cast in a community theatre production of FAME: THE MUSICAL as Mable Washington, this is where she fell in love with the stage and never looked back. She studied singing, acting and dance at the Randolph Academy College, in Toronto. Back in the day, Lisa made her screen debut in a small role playing the 'theatre manager' in DEGRASSI: THE NEXT GENERATION. Lisa was cast as "Tituba" in The Shaw Festival's productions of THE CRUCIBLE. Then she spent the next decade playing leading roles on Canada's top stages. In twenty seventeen, Lisa won the role of "Penny" in the Canadian Premier of Suzan-Lori Parks' FATHER COMES HOME FROM THE WARS and got a Dora Nomination for Best Actress in a Play. Lisa has 2 movies coming out on Lifetime next month, FALLEN ANGELS MURDER CLUB: FRIENDS TO DIE FOR on April 2 and FALLEN ANGELS MURDER CLUB: HEROES AND FELONS on April 8 both in 2022. Lisa is a strong advocate for self-care, dedicating her social platforms to promoting mental health Lisa has an Ebook with accompanying audiobook coming out in this month called, LOVE YOU: FALL IN LOVE WITH TAKING CARE OF YOURSELF. And a full-length book coming out at the end of the year called MIRACLES FROM THE MESS. A late bloomer's guide to loving yourself on the inside out. Lisa leads a mindfulness membership group called THE LOTUS LIFE. It helps artists who are new to meditation grow through, what they go through. When you join The Lotus Life community, you’ll have access to two of Lisa’s courses at no additional cost. Lisa is producing her first short film called BABY DADDY and Naomi is part of the cast. Twitter: @_LisaBerry Instagram: @lisaberrylive LISA BERRY - CSA Nomination Best Lead Performance, Web Program or Series for 21 BLACK FUTURES More about Lisa’s Book LOVE YOU: FALL IN LOVE WITH TAKING CARE OF YOURSELF and THE LOTUS LIFE go to: Podcast Team Head Producer and Editor: Winnie Wong @wonder_wong Editor: Shayne Stolz @shaynestolz Graphic: Vicki Brier @brier2019 To listen to the podcast: Subscribe to our newsletter at and follow us @firecrackerdept!
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Agam Darshi
03/09/2022
Agam Darshi
Our guest this week is Los Angeles-based, born in England, raised all over Canada, award-winning actor and filmmaker AGAM DARSHI! You may recognize Agam from her role as Radha in Oscar-nominated director Deepa Mehta’s film FUNNY BOY. For Radha, she was nominated for a Canadian Screen Award for Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role and a LEO Award for Best Supporting Performance by a Female in a Motion Picture! Due out this Spring 2022, Agam will be in Emmy-winning Ava Duvernay’s HBO Max pilot episode of DMZ, she is playing the role of Mia Frankin. DONKEYHEAD is Agam’s directorial debut and she also wrote the film. It’s about Mona, a failed writer who carves out a life of isolation while caring for her ailing traditional Sikh father. But when he has a debilitating stroke, her 3 successful siblings show up on her doorstep to take control of the situation. DONKEYHEAD is Executive Produced by Deepa Mehta and Kim Coates. Its World Premiere was the opening gala of the 2021 MOSAIC INTERNATIONAL SOUTH ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL at the TIFF BELL LIGHTBOX, in Toronto, where it won best Feature Film! You can see DOCKYHEAD in the US, the UK, Australia and New Zealand on Netflix. It opens theatrically, in Canada, on Friday, March 11, 2022, in Regina, Saskatoon, Toronto and additional cities coming soon. Agam is one of co-founders of the VANCOUVER INTERNATIONAL SOUTH ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL. Currently in its tenth year, this film festival focuses on bridging the gap between South Asian talent and mainstream audiences, by breaking stereotypes and expanding North American views on South Asian culture. Twitter: @DarshiAgam Instagram: @agamdarshi Facebook/website: DONKEYHEAD @donkeyheadthefilm #donkeyheadthefilm VANCOUVER INTERNATIONAL SOUTH ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL Firecracker Department Scriptwriting Workshops Beginning April 10, 2022 Level Film @levelFILM Route 504 PR @route504pr Podcast Team Head Producer and Editor: Winnie Wong @wonder_wong Editor: Shayne Stolz @shaynestolz Graphic: Vicki Brier @brier2019 To listen to the podcast: Subscribe to our newsletter at and follow us @firecrackerdept!
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Shasha Nakhai
03/02/2022
Shasha Nakhai
Our guest this week is Toronto-based award-winning producer, director and storyteller SHASHA NAKHAI! Shasha’s storytelling work has taken her all over the world, like the Hawaiian coastline in THIRTY EIGHT MINUTES, a Cold War bunker in THE HOLE IN RESERVOIR HILL, the engine room of a decaying ship in THE UNSINKABLE CAPTAIN JOHN, the Philippine sugar mills in THE SUGAR BOWL and the front lines of Nigeria’s energy crisis with TAKE LIGHT. Shasha’s received a Canadian Screen Award nomination for Best Web Program or Series, Non-Fiction for LOVE LETTERS FROM EVEREST. She and her partner Rich Williamson, received another Canadian Screen Award nomination for Best Short Documentary for FRAME 394. It was named TIFF’s Top 10 and shortlisted for an Academy Award for Best Short Documentary. With over a decade of documentary experience, Shasha directed her first drama feature with partner, Rich Williamson, called SCARBOROUGH. It was adapted from the award-winning novel by Catherine Hernandez. Shot documentary-style over the course of a school year, the film follows 3 children from a low-income community that find compassion, community, and resilience in an unlikely place. At TIFF 2021, SCARBOROUGH was first runner up for the People's Choice award, received an Honourable Mention for Best Canadian Feature and won the Shawn Mendes Foundation Changemaker Award! Now, SCARBOROUGH has 11 Canadian Screen Award nominations! For Best Motion Picture, Achievement in Direction, Adapted Screenplay, John Dunning First Feature Award, and so much more! Twitter: @ShashaNakhai SCARBOROUGH: @ScarbFilm Instagram: SCARBOROUGH: @scarbfilm Facebook Fan page/website: SCARBOROUGH: @ScarbFilm Kenya-Jade Pinto SCARBOROUGH’s Canadian Screen Award Nominations Best Motion Picture, Achievement in Directing, Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role, Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role, Performance by an Actress in Supporting Role, John Dunning First Feature Award, Achievement in Cinematography, Achievement in Casting, Achievement in Sound Mixing, Achievement in Sound Editing, Adapted Screenplay @thecdnacademy Level Film @levelFILM Route 504 PR @route504pr Podcast Team Head Producer and Editor: Winnie Wong @wonder_wong Editor: Shayne Stolz @shaynestolz Graphic: Vicki Brier @brier2019 To listen to the podcast: Subscribe to our newsletter at and follow us @firecrackerdept!
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Martha Chaves
02/23/2022
Martha Chaves
Our guest this week is Toronto based award-winning comedian, actor, activist, emerging playwright and podcaster - MARTHA CHAVES! Martha describes herself as, “the most famous LGBTQ-Nicaraguan-Canadian stand-up comic in the world.” Martha first came to Montreal to study at Concordia University and when her student VISA expired she couldn’t return to Nicaragua to reunite with her family because they had to flee during the Contra War. She had to claim refugee status in Montreal and has been in Canada since. Martha has two national comedy specials: CBC’s COMICS! and SOMETHING ABOUT MARTHA on the Comedy Network. She makes regular appearances on: CBC’s LAUGH OUT LOUD, the Just For Laughs Festival, Winnipeg Comedy Festival, and CBC’s THE DEBATERS. She’s also a regular on the hit CBC show, BECAUSE NEWS. You may also recognize Martha on the big screen with Denzel Washington in JOHN Q, with Chris Rock in DOWN TO EARTH and with Fifty Cent in GET RICH OR DIE TRYING. As an emerging playwright, Martha has written and performed several successful One Woman Shows like STAYING ALIVE and IN TIMES OF TROUBLE, featured in the Soulo Festival and the Aluna Theatre Festival in Toronto. AND she took THE DIARIES OF A YOUNG LEZBO to New York City’s SOLOCOM. Martha won Stand-up Comic of the Year at the 2018 Canadian Comedy Awards. Her album, CHUNKY SALSA, was featured among the 11 Best Comedy Albums of 2019 in Interrobang Magazine. WHEN FEMINIST RULE THE WORLD is Martha’s podcast series where she talks to international feminist guests about the future that they are creating. Twitter: @TheMarthaChaves Instagram: @comedianmarthachaves Facebook Fan page: @ComedianMarthaChaves WHEN FEMINIST RULE THE WORLD Podcast Team Head Producer and Editor: Winnie Wong @wonder_wong Editor: Shayne Stolz @shaynestolz Graphic: Vicki Brier @brier2019 To listen to the podcast: Subscribe to our newsletter at and follow us @firecrackerdept!
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