Finding Your Bliss

This week on Finding Your Bliss, we have a show devoted to Comedy!

Celebrity Interviewer and Bliss Coach Judy Librach is joined by comedy legend, Robin Duke.

Robin began her career writing and performing comedy at Second City Theatre in Toronto. Since then, she has written and performed on television’s SCTV and SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE, creating memorable characters and sketches, The Whiners and Mr. and Mrs. T’s Bloody Mary Mix.

You might just recognize her as “Wendy” from the Blouse Barn on SCHITT’S CREEK. Most recently she appeared in the CTV, CSA-nominated-half-hour comedy series SHELVED. She also appeared for three seasons on FX /HULU’s, MAN SEEKING WOMAN.

Her Film work includes the classic Harold Ramis comedy, GROUNDHOG DAY as well as his other films; CLUB PARADISE, STUART SAVES HIS FAMILY and MULTIPLICITY.

Robin continues to write with, perform and co-produce the all-woman comedy troupe, WOMEN FULLY CLOTHED with Jayne Eastwood, Kathryn Greenwood and Teresa Pavlinek. Since 2004, WFC have successfully toured Canada, the United States and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival to sold-out houses and rave reviews.

Now retired, as a Professor and full-time faculty in the comedy program at Humber College for 19 years, she taught everything from sketch writing, performing, and improvisation to Canada’s up-and-coming comedy stars.

Robin Duke also completed a Masters of Fine Arts Degree in Creative Nonfiction at King’s College in Halifax and plans to complete her memoir; My Funny Life and Improvising Through It, by 2024.

Her awards include a Star on Canada’s Walk of Fame for her work on SCTV, an Emmy nomination for writing on Saturday Night Live, a Canadian Screen Award for her ensemble work with Shelved, the David Broadfoot Comic Genius Award, and The John Candy Award, not to mention an Innovator of the Year award with Humber College.

She has her Grade Two Royal Conservatory Theory in piano and enjoys quilting.

This was a very special interview with lots of laughs and also some very heartwarming moments, with one of Canada’s leading comedy icons!

For more on Finding Your Bliss, you can follow us @theblissminute on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and Facebook. Or you can visit our online magazine at findingyourbliss.com and take one step closer to finding your bliss.

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This week on Finding Your Bliss, we have a show devoted to music. Celebrity Interviewer and Bliss Coach Judy Librach is joined by Gregory Childs & Heart Lung who are an alt-country band, converging on the corner where roots meets grunge. The band is led by songwriter Gregory Childs and consists of his wife Velvet Jean as well as a crew of long-time friends (Brent Kervin, Jonathan Billings, Luke Sutherland), who make up the gritty mix of musical accompaniment that includes harmonica, guitars, drums and screams. 

In October 2020, the band dropped their debut first release, the “Baby Blue” EP, which was distributed both digitally as well as physically, in a limited release of 7” Vinyl. The EP contained two tracks, “Baby Blue” and “Blood Ties,” both of which garnered play on local radio stations, including CIUT 89.5 FM, as well as internationally, on Galaxy FM in Kawerau, New Zealand where it was picked up by local music enthusiasts and broadcast regularly.

In 2022, the band released two new singles, “Lonesome” and “From the Chest.” Both were broadcast on numerous radio stations, including multiple shows on CIUT 89.5 FM and NZ's Galaxy 107FM. “From the Chest” reached number six on the Canadian Independent Country Countdown, run by Coyote 103 FM in Sarnia, Ontario.

In early 2023, Gregory Childs & Heart Lung were discovered by Alan Cross, who featured the band as an “undiscovered gem,” as part of The Edge 102.1 FM’s show, History of New Music. The band was described as “unplugged Nirvana… maybe a little dark Fleetwood Mac”.

In 2024, the band was featured by Canadian radio legend Jeff Woods on his Records and Rockstars podcast, the episode aired on April 5th.

Throughout the band’s existence, they have been regulars in the Toronto music scene, consistently gigging at places like The Dakota Tavern, Cameron House and Kensington Market. They have finished recording a full-length album and have been mixing in preparation for a release in the fall of 2024. The first single from the album, titled “Useless & Young,” was released on January 30th, 2024. 

To hear Gregory Childs and Heart Lung’s songs from our interview, click on the link below: 

“Useless and Young” - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DVFIgv1sHeM

“Lonesome” - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z7b5J19E3Qw

Also on the program, we have the super-talented Matt Bobkin.

Matt Bobkin is a Toronto-based arts journalist and music critic. Most of his work uses music as a lens to explore global issues such as identity, gender, disability, and gentrification. Matt was the Features Editor at Canadian music magazine Exclaim! from 2016 to 2022, and his work has also appeared in the National Post, VICE, and Brooklyn Magazine. His first book, In Too Deep: When Canadian Punks Took Over the World, co-written by fellow Toronto-based music critic Adam Feibel, will be released in June 2025 via House of Anansi Press.

Follow us @theblissminute on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and Facebook. Or you can visit our online magazine at findingyourbliss.com and take one step closer to finding your bliss.

Listen live every Saturday at 1pm on Zoomer Radio

On this episode of Finding Your Bliss, Celebrity Interviewer and Bliss Coach Judy Librach is joined by beloved fashion and style icon Jeanne Beker.

Jeanne Beker was the host of the hit show Fashion Television, which aired in over 130 countries for twenty-seven years and was one of the most successful shows in Canadian TV history. Prior to that, she hosted the groundbreaking show The NewMusic and was a founding member of MuchMusic. A seasoned newspaper and magazine columnist, Jeanne was editor-in-chief of FQ and SIR magazines from 2003 to 2009. Currently, she is a frequent keynote speaker and style editor for TSC, where she hosts her eponymous show Style Matters. Jeanne has received honorary doctorates from St. Mary’s University and OCAD University. She was named to the Order of Canada in 2013, inducted into the American Marketing Association’s Hall of Legends in 2015, and received a star on Canada’s Walk of Fame in 2016. Jeanne lives in Toronto, Canada.

In her latest outstanding accomplishment, Jeanne Beker delivers an uplifting and inspiring memoir, that walks us through a wardrobe of memory, one article of clothing at a time. Her latest book, “Heart on My Sleeve: Stories From a Life Well Worn” is her sixth book and her best to date!

Jeanne walks us through her recollections of specific pieces of clothing and jewelry, precious items that have made an indelible impact on her. She invites readers to think more deeply about how what we wear—whether it’s a thrift-store find or high-end couture—acts as a touchstone to our most treasured recollections, reminding us of who we once were or of loved ones we hold dear.

With Jeanne as our style guide, in her book, we get up close and personal with a star-studded cast, including Paul McCartney, Madonna, Karl Lagerfeld, Kate Moss, Oscar de la Renta, Beyonce?, and Keith Richards. But equally important, Jeanne introduces us to the family members and loved ones who form her closest entourage—including her wise Yiddish mother and her industrious father, both Holocaust survivors; her childhood neighbour Mrs. Jaskolka, a style maven ahead of her time; her two trailblazing daughters; and her many warm and exuberant friends who have seen her through the best and worst of times.

Jeanne proves that a life lived with style and substance is always in fashion. Bold, colourful, and authentic, this is Jeanne Beker at her very best and brightest.

This was a delightful interview! I can’t wait to share it with you all.

Also on the program, we have music from singer/songwriter Joey O’Neil’s latest album “Phantom Vibes.”

To hear Joey’s song “Mirroring” from this interview, click on the link below:

“Mirroring”- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awAYkDDxk-k

You can follow us @theblissminute on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook. Or you can visit our online magazine at findingyourbliss.com and take one step closer to finding your bliss. 

Listen live every Saturday at 1pm on Zoomer Radio

On this episode of Finding Your Bliss, Celebrity Interviewer and Bliss Coach Judy Librach is joined by Jake Gold.

Jake Gold is one of Canada’s most successful artist managers, and he is the long-time manager of Canada’s most iconic band “The Tragically Hip.” 

As well, he was a judge on the national television hit series, Canadian Idol for six seasons. In 1981, Gold started his artist management company, The Management Trust, through which he is best known for his role in establishing and transforming The Tragically Hip into a national icon. 

In 2020, Gold reunited with the band to direct their legacy in Canadian music history. He also manages acclaimed pop rock band The Pursuit of Happiness, and music producers Moe Berg, Laurence Currie, and Russell Broom, and co-managers the quickly rising Pop R&B act Ethan Surman alongside Ryan Hefford.

Gold has been recognized by the annual Canadian Music Industry Awards as Manager of the Year in 1991, 1993 and 1994. In 2009, Gold was elected to the board of CIMA (CIRPA) and has been Vice?Chairman of CIMA for 10 years. 

Jake was also a board member of the MMF (Music Managers Forum), and was instrumental in starting the organization in the 90s. In 2013 he was the recipient of the MMF Honour Roll Award for his lifetime work in the field of Artist Management.

In 2023 CIMA awarded Gold the “Change” award (formerly the Builder award), for his many years of service to the board.  Later that same year, he was also honoured along with his clients, The Tragically Hip, with the Founder award from Warchild Canada for their continued contribution to the charity. In 2024 Jake was inducted into the Canadian Music Industry Hall of Fame. 

Jake currently sits on the Connect Music board, as well as the Re: Sound board. 

To hear The Tragically Hip’s iconic music from this interview, click on the links below:

“Grace, Too”  SNL 29th Anniversary: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ih5GuoZaeZg

"Ahead By A Century": 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QE2joQsWXJg

You can follow us @theblissminute on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook. Or you can visit our online magazine at findingyourbliss.com and take one step closer to finding your bliss. 

Listen live every Saturday at 1pm on Zoomer Radio

This episode of Finding Your Bliss, Celebrity Interviewer and Bliss Coach Judy Librach is joined by Christina Ford, first-time author of an exceptional new book, called “In Search of Mr. Darcy: Lessons Learnt in The Pursuit of Happily Ever After.”

Christina Ford is a former award-winning TV and film executive who currently divides her time between the UK, the US, and Canada. She channels her wit and experiences into writing her amusing award-winning lifestyle blog, "A Broad in London: A Survival Guide for Life, Travel, and Being Sensationally Single." A semi-regular guest on BBC London Radio's 'A Week in Review,' Ford often rants about pop culture, single life,  

and social media trends. Other humble brags: recipient of the prestigious Women In Film and Television's Crystal Award for Excellence in Production, listed in  

Marketing Magazine's 100 Most Influential People In Canadian Communications.  

Her Genie Award-winning film 'Fugitive Pieces,' adapted from the award-winning novel by Anne Michaels, opened the 2007 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).  

Christina is known for her adventurous spirit and can often be seen travelling the world, searching for the nearest Starbucks, arguing with her GPS, or relishing a glass of Chardonnay (complete with a single ice cube).  

This book marks Christina's debut as an author.  

You can follow us @theblissminute on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook. Or you can visit our online magazine at findingyourbliss.com and take one step closer to finding your bliss.

Listen live every Saturday at 1pm on Zoomer Radio

Coming up this Saturday on Finding Your Bliss, we have a show devoted to musical theatre and a beyond gifted composer and theatre creator, that many are comparing to Stephen Sondheim. Celebrity Interviewer and Bliss Coach Judy Librach is joined by the masterful and uber talented Andrew Seok.

Andrew Seok began his career as a Musical Theatre Singer & Composer, moved onto Vocal Coach, then Singer / Songwriter, Record Producer, TV / Film Composer, Theatre Creator, and Filmmaker. After the success of his first musical, “ECHOES”, Andrew went on to produce and direct its feature film version, which screened at The Reelworld Film Festival, The Montreal World Film Festival, and Fort Meyers Film Festival. He is currently in the final stages of post production for his second musical film “What Am I Without You?”, and has written and directed the musical short film, “Because of You”, as well as the dance short film, “Everything” where the entire story is told through music and contemporary dance. In addition, Andrew created the short musical documentary, “Birth of a Song”. On top of all of this, in 2019, Andrew wrote the Toronto Fringe Festival hit, UNRAVELLED as his second live stage musical project, and followed that up with his critically acclaimed mega musical, “The Man With The Golden Heart” in 2023.

Most recently, in 2024, Andrew premiered, “Rosamund – A New Musical”, a reimagining of Sleeping Beauty, with the entire run selling out in a matter of days. Each night of the 11 night run not only had a sold out crowd, but was accompanied by very exuberant and lengthy standing ovations. The show was a runaway hit!

Everything Seok does is marked by a stroke of genius. He is a man of many talents; a modern-day media renaissance man!

As a Juno nominated music producer, he has written and produced music for worldwide campaigns for Nike, Coca-Cola, Samsung, Visa, Dove, X-Box, The Super Bowl, BMW, Dragonball Z, as well as numerous TV series such as: “Playmakers” (ESPN), “Global Morning Show”, “Canada’s Worst Driver”, numerous shows on the Discovery Channel, and “Addicted To Plastic” (Netflix). He has worked for Feist, Chantal Kreviazuk, Raine Maida (Our Lady Peace), Jully Black, Jeff Healey, and Stephen Flaherty & Lynn Ahrens (Ragtime, Anastasia). Among his recent projects, Andrew has written a short musical film “90 Days” – a love story during Covid times, and his upcoming feature-length musical film “Where Do We Go From Here?”, which delves into the intricacies of modern relationships. Andrew is also currently the artistic director of Eclipse Theatre Company in Toronto. 

Our interview was fascinating, fun and a wonderful glimpse into the magnificent artistry of this great talent.

To hear Andrew’s beautiful music from this interview, click on the links below:

Echoes: https://fb.watch/uZqRt2boJI/

Unravelled: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/rqPsBQ2a4wQnWQTu/

The Man With The Golden Heart: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/BFNwWwm2jvto71vo/

Rosamund:

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/9Zfi7MnEhJ67a1iM/

Andrew Soek’s Bandcamp: https://seok.bandcamp.com/

Andrew Seok’s Website: https://andrewseok.com/

Join us this Saturday at 1 PM on Finding Your Bliss. You can follow us @theblissminute on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook. Or you can visit our online magazine at findingyourbliss.com and take one step closer to finding your bliss. 

Listen live every Saturday at 1pm on Zoomer Radio

This week, on Finding Your Bliss, we have a show devoted to helping give you the insight to differentiate between your soulmate, your twin flame and the karmic relationships in your life. Wouldn’t it be great if you had a cheat sheet; telling you whether your relationship is meant to last?

Well, you’re in for a real treat! Celebrity Interviewer and Bliss Coach Judy Librach is joined by author Kate Rose, whose latest book is “Written in the Stars: The Astrology of Soulmate, Karmic, and Twin Flame Relationships.” She is also the author of “You Only Fall in Love Three Times.”

As a therapist, relationship expert, spiritual intuitive and astrologer, Kate uses the stars to help her clients clarify their purpose and recognize the blocks that are keeping them from living the life they are destined to live. She holds a Masters in Science in clinical art therapy from Springfield College and writes regular columns for YourTango, Elephant Journal, and her newsletter, “Unedited.” 

Visit her online at http://www.WordsOfKateRose.com.

Also on the show a wonderful Finding Your Bliss Giveaway, courtesy of @SoftStitches__ on Instagram! Soft Stitches by Sylvie are handmade crocheted stuffed animals, Lovies and patterns. It’s a wonderful new company and the artist Sylvie is super talented at making wonderful crocheted plushies and Snugglers. She has really found her niche creating these soft, lovable, cuddly little critters. To order yours, or to check it out, just go to @SoftStitches__ on Instagram, where you can also find her Etsy page and you can also DM her on Instagram if you want anything custom-made. 

(The contest Giveaway closes on Tuesday, October 1st, but you can still reach out to @SoftStitches__ on Instagram anytime for all the details.)

For more on Finding Your Bliss, you can follow us @theblissminute on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook. Or you can visit our online magazine at findingyourbliss.com and take one step closer to finding your bliss.

Listen live every Saturday at 1pm on Zoomer Radio

Coming up this Saturday on Finding Your Bliss, Celebrity Interviewer and Bliss Coach Judy Librach is joined by Bruce Fertman. Bruce brings sixty years of study as a movement artist and educator to his work, having trained in gymnastics, modern dance, ballet, contact improvisation, the Alexander Technique, tai chi chuan, aikido, chanoyu (Japanese tea ceremony), Argentine tango, and kyudo (Zen archery). For the past thirty years, Fertman has taught in Europe, Asia, and the Americas, helping people experience the interconnectedness of physical and spiritual life. 

To learn more about Bruce’s work, visit GraceOfSense.com and WalkingWell.com.

Bruce is also one of the co-authors of “Working Well: A New Approach for Comfort, Vitality and Inspiration In Every Step.” 

His co-author, Michael J. Gelb. is a pioneer in the field of creative thinking, executive coaching, and innovative leadership. 

Michael is a fifth-degree black belt in Aikido and a gifted teacher of tai chi and the Alexander Technique. He is also a professional juggler who performed with the Rolling Stones. He is the author of seventeen books — including the international bestseller “How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci” — which have been translated into 25 languages and sold more than one million copies. To learn more about Michael’s work, visit MichaelGelb.com and WalkingWell.com.

Also on the program, we have Laila, a dynamic Toronto-based pop artist renowned for her infectious anthems, raw vulnerability, and delightfully chaotic energy. Drawing comparisons to Ariana Grande, Chappell Roan, and Sabrina Carpenter, she captivated audiences nationwide with her debut EP, “Heart Doesn't Work Like That,” which earned significant airtime on CBC Radio and was celebrated at Toronto's Pride Festival. Her latest single, "TALK" (released on September 6th), heralds the launch of her next project. Laila has also made her mark as an actor, with a memorable role in the series finale of Netflix's Glamorous, sharing the screen with Sex and the City star Kim Cattrall. 

Follow Laila on Spotify and listen to her music here: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4EXZpEXNEw9idyyLvmdjhb?si=6fPThXlRRWGKKbVCwyLE-g

Check out her beautiful song “Sparks” on YouTube!  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZX-OvRhLGeY

For more on Finding Your Bliss, you can follow us @theblissminute on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook. Or you can visit our online magazine at findingyourbliss.com and take one step closer to finding your bliss.

Listen live every Saturday at 1pm on Zoomer Radio

Coming up this Saturday at 1pm on Finding Your Bliss, we have a show devoted to our annual back to school special! Celebrity Interviewer and Bliss Coach Judy Librach is joined by Acclaimed Parenting Expert Alyson Schafer. Alyson Schafer is an internationally acclaimed family counselor, parenting expert, speaker, bestselling author, and media personality. Armed with years of research and clinical experience, Alyson presents concepts from ‘depth psychology’ on stages around the world. Parents seek solutions and Alyson’s forté is delivering actionable tactics that arms parents with the skills and confidence they need to face modern life challenges. Using humour and relatable storytelling, she provides a fresh and positive understanding of family dynamics.

“The end goal is to raise resilient, caring and capable kids – and have fun along the way!” -Alyson Schafer

For more on Finding Your Bliss, you can follow us @theblissminute on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook. Or you can visit our online magazine at findingyourbliss.com and take one step closer to finding your bliss.

Listen live every Saturday at 1pm on Zoomer Radio

This week on Finding Your Bliss, Celebrity Interviewer and Bliss Coach Judy Librach is joined by Ellie Laks, the Founder of The Gentle Barn Foundation, a national organization that rescues and rehabilitates unwanted animals and heals people with the same stories of abuse and neglect. She is an animal communicator, powerful speaker, celebrated animal welfare advocate, humane educator, and is the author of “My Gentle Barn: Creating a sanctuary where animals heal and children learn to hope,” and “Cow Hug Therapy: How the animals at The Gentle Barn taught me about life, death, and everything in between.”

Ellie founded The Gentle Barn in 1999. She invented her own “Gentle Healing” method that allows old, sick, injured, and terrified animals to recover fully using a mixture of Western medicine, holistic healing modalities, holding therapy, and lots of love. Ellie is the creator of cow hug therapy and has hosted hundreds of thousands of people, who have come to The Gentle Barn seeking hope.

Ellie has appeared on some of the most influential media outlets, including: The Ellen Show, People Magazine, Life Magazine, Animal Planet, The Huffington Post, Turning Point, Women’s World, The New York Times, The Today Show, Good Morning America, and many more.

Ellie is a TEDx speaker and keynote speaker who motivates her audiences toward higher awareness, profound compassion, realizing dreams, and an enhanced sense of purpose.

To date, Ellie has saved thousands of animals and hosted over 500,000 guests. The Gentle Barn is currently home to approximately 200 animals. The Gentle Barn has three locations in Los Angeles CA, Nashville, TN, and St Louis, MO. It is her goal to be the voice for animals, share their stories, and open the hearts of humanity toward all living beings, “Teaching people kindness and compassion to animals, each other, and our planet.”

Also on the program, we have featured artist Kenzie Elizabeth. Kenzie is a singer-songwriter and composer, based in New York City. Her music has an Alt-Pop feel with similarities to artists such as Sara Bareilles, Regina Spektor, and Fiona Apple. She also takes inspiration from Lizzy McAlpine and WILLOW. Kenzie, a self-taught pianist, began her songwriting journey in 2013 as KZ Liz, releasing two albums and a few singles (one of which is an instrumental album).

On August 4th, 2023, Kenzie had the opportunity to open for Philip Labes for The Four Seasons Tour in Portland, OR. Two days after the show, Kenzie and her musicians (Trev Fischer & Kelly Miller) recorded the setlist and released it as an acoustic album titled, The Other Side.

In October 2023, Kenzie decided to leave behind KZ Liz and released an EP titled, Reminded, under Kenzie Elizabeth. She recently released two singles called, “Qualified” and "The Cards on the Wall", which will be featured in her sophomore album set for a September 1st release.

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TikTok: 250K+ Followers (@kenzieeofficial)

Instagram: 2,500+ Followers (@kenzieeofficial)

Spotify: 2,400+ Followers (KZ Liz, Kenzie Elizabeth)

Be sure to check out Kenzie Elizabeth’s “The Rain” on youtube:

https://youtu.be/iyXfiFNE7h8?si=f4fuCzqU_r4uBnWn

For more on Finding Your Bliss, you can follow us @theblissminute on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook. Or you can visit our online magazine at findingyourbliss.com and take one step closer to finding your bliss.

Listen live every Saturday at 1pm on Zoomer Radio