Hitting Her Mark

Zarrin Darnell-Martin pulls back the curtain on her journey from background roles to series regular, sharing the resilience, self-belief, and kindness that shaped her path. From Montreal theatre to navigating industry barriers as a BIPOC artist, she offers honest insights into rejection, training, and staying grounded in your voice. Zarrin dives into self-taping, building craft, and why community matters, alongside her evolution as a writer. This episode is a powerful reminder that success is built through persistence, growth, and embracing failure. Zarrin shares how to keep going - even when the path feels uncertain.

Vanessa Matsui—actor, writer, and director—shares how she built a resilient career in film and TV, from indie projects to directing her first feature during COVID. She breaks down the realities of day-player roles, creating opportunities like Ghost BFF, and why community is everything. This episode is packed with honest insights on navigating the industry, embracing failure, and trusting your voice. A must-listen for artists ready to take bold steps and redefine success on their own terms.

Filmmaker Dana Solomon shares her inspiring path from small-town Manitoba to the stage at TIFF. In this episode, she opens up about how her cultural roots shaped her storytelling, the challenges of authentic representation in the industry, and the determination it takes to create your own opportunities. Dana also reflects on balancing motherhood with a demanding creative career and redefining success on her own terms. A powerful conversation about resilience, identity, and pursuing your vision in the film industry.

Award-winning filmmaker Lisa Rideout joins us to share how intimate storytelling can spark real social change. From building trust with patrons at a Toronto cross-dressing boutique, to navigating complex conversations around gender identity and sexuality, Lisa reveals the care, courage, and responsibility behind boundary-pushing documentaries. We go behind the scenes of crafting emotionally honest films that foster empathy, challenge stigmas, and amplify marginalized voices. This episode is a powerful look at how storytelling—when rooted in humanity—can truly shift culture.

In this heartfelt episode, we sit down with Megan Fahlenbock, a lifelong performer whose career began at just 13 years old. From show skiing and stunt performing to voicing beloved characters like Jen in 6 Teen and Gwen in Total Drama Island, Megan shares the evolution of her multifaceted career. She opens up about resilience in the industry, navigating motherhood alongside creative work, and redefining what success truly means. This conversation is an honest and inspiring look at passion, balance, and staying connected to what lights you up.

In this inspiring episode, actor, writer, director, and vocalist Kate Campbell shares her journey from a small town in Ontario to working with major entertainment companies like HBO and Disney. Kate reflects on her passion for music and acting, her experiences living and creating in Los Angeles, and the importance of staying true to your artistic calling. She also discusses her powerful project Boundless, which honors the women pilots of World War II and highlights her commitment to female empowerment and storytelling. A thoughtful conversation about creativity, courage, and purpose.

What happens when you trade a practical plan for a passionate calling? In this uplifting episode, we sit down with award-winning TV host Sangita Patel to talk about her unexpected journey from engineering and into the entertainment spotlight. Known for her magnetic presence on ET Canada and HGTV’s Home to Win, Sangita opens up about the pivotal moments that changed everything for her—taking risks, navigating rejection, and choosing joy even when the path wasn’t clear. This heartfelt conversation is about resilience, reinvention, and the power of showing up for yourself, again and again. A must-listen if you’re standing at the edge of your next leap. 

In this episode, award-winning actor, director, and coach Catherine McNally—fresh off her role as Mary Anne Trump in the award-winning film The Apprentice—shares highlights from her 37 year journey in the acting world. She opens up about resilience, creativity, and the power of being present, offering inspiration for both new and seasoned performers. Tune in for an enlightening conversation with a true industry veteran.

In this captivating episode, we sit down with Nicola Correia-Damude, a Guyanese Canadian actor whose career spans more than 25 years across stage and screen. Nicola reflects on her early beginnings in theatre, her evolution as an artist, and her standout roles in hit series including Shadowhunters and Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent. She speaks candidly about navigating the industry as a mixed-heritage actor, the value of rigorous training and craft, and the resilience required to sustain a long-term career. This inspiring conversation explores passion, perseverance, identity, and the ever-evolving journey of an artist committed to their work.

Award-winning editor Sandy Pereira joins the show to share her remarkable journey from acting in school plays to becoming one of the most respected editors in the industry. Sandy reflects on the mentors who shaped her path, the leap from assistant roles to leading major projects, and the emotional intuition required to craft powerful stories. She breaks down the unique rhythms of editing for feature films versus television, the pressures and pace of the industry, and how she balances a demanding creative career with family life. Packed with insights and encouragement, this episode is a must-listen.