Digging In with Allison Dore

Comedian /artist/podcaster Graham Clark (www.grahamclark.com) is one of the nicest guys out there. I managed to grab some time with him while he was in Toronto performing his Fringe show 'Graham Clark's Not Here' (a wonderful show if you get a chance to see it somewhere!). We talk about beards, being positive and his super successful podcast with Dave Shumka "Stop Podcasting Yourself", amongst other things.

Fashion designer Izzy Camilleri joins me to talk about the many MANY obstacles she has overcome in her career, the book that changed her life, and the new direction she is going in now. Her new book Izzy's Eating Plan is about how she came to terms with food, and a simple plan for eating healthy. Please check out her website izzycamilleri.com and see her beautiful designs and collections over the years.

I really hop Izzy will come back on the show, as I really feel there is much more to talk about with her!

Quite some time ago, Courtney Gilmour made a post about a book she said changed her life. Intrigued, I read the book. It changed my life. In this episode we come together and discuss it. The book, you will probably be unsurprised to hear, is You Are A Badass by Jen Sincero.

I know, I know, I've mentioned it a lot, but Courtney and I talk specifics about how it has affected us, and improved our lives. And it is not the only thing we talk about!

We also have a very important conversation about how to approach visibly different or impaired people. Even the most well meaning of people can sometimes be accidentally offensive. Oh, and we discuss wether or not God can make hands grow back.

Courtney is a hilarious comedian, you can check her out on YouTube or follow her on Twitter @courtgilmour

In 2015 I had the chance to interview Judy and Dennis Shephard, parents of Matthew Shephard and founders of the Matthew Shephard Foundation. They were in Toronto to receive the International Icon Award from the Inspire Awards, and we talked about how they created a legacy for their son after his brutal murder. This amazing couple tells me about why we all need to support kids, how a hug from Judy can change a kid's life, and how we could all do better. Find out more at www.matthewshepard.org and follow on Twitter and Instagram @mattshepardfdn

Rob Pue is a very funny comedian. He is also an angry man. I've always wondered where that anger comes from, and how he thinks about it and lives with it. So I finally just asked. This conversation was a challenge for both of us, but I think a great conversation comes out of it.

Rob's album Puegilist is available on iTunes, and you can follow him on Twitter @robpue_

Micah Barnes is not only a former Nylon and current world renowned jazz musician, but also just a really fun, lovely human being. In this conversation we find out we have the same drug of choice, and talk the different tools we used to quit doing drugs. Micah talks about his unconventional childhood, being the kind of artist he wants to be, and how being positive can change your life. You can find out more about Micah on his website micahbarnes.com, follow him on Twitter @micahbarnes, or Facebook micahbarnesmusic. His latest album, New York Stories is available anywhere music is sold!

What happens when you have TWO really hard to achieve dreams? Well if you have the drive and focus of Jeff "Boomer" Phillips - you become a firefighter and an actor. Boomer is one of the happiest, hardest working people I know and no matter what the people surrounding him said, he knew if he had the vision he could make it come true. He has a great attitude about failure and learning, and we have a lovely chat. In it he mentions a speech by Arnold Schwartzenegger and here is the link as promised: Speech link. You can follow Boomer on twitter @Boomer_Phillips

Kate Drummond left a secure job and home to take a chance on becoming an actor...in her mid 30's. Against all odds she has carved out a lovely career, after dealing with set backs and self doubt, and continues to chase her truth. She is a truly GOOD human being, always looking to be of service to the world and her fellow man. You can not get to know Kate without completely falling in love with her, so enjoy the fall!

You can follow Kate on Twitter@KateDrummond_

Comedian, motivational speaker, crafty lady and super mom Lori Gibbs joins me for a lovely and often emotional conversation about planting seeds of goodness now that will blossom in your life later, the ripple effect of good deeds, and how to top up your sparkle bank when you just aren't feeling sparkly. Lori is candid about her depression and anxiety, and what it means - both mentally and physically - to lose 120 pounds. You can follow Lori on Twitter @lorigibbs and check out her website lorigibbs.ca

Interior designer, artist, and human ball of joy Tiffany Pratt joins me to talk about personal style, the paper bag on your energy ball, and why she's basically a hokey ass hippy. "If you are not feeling joy, you're not on the path." a great quote from Tiffany in this conversation about giving to the world, and living the life creative.

Tiffany has a beautiful books of DIY projects called This Can Be Beautiful. She can also be seen on the HGTV show Home To Win, or you can check out her website tiffanypratt.com.