PlayME

Chris talks with Jordi Mand about writing with vulnerability, mining family stories for inspiration, and confronting personal fears through her plays. Jordi opens up about her journey from performer to playwright, the delicate balance of using real life in fiction, and how becoming a mom has changed her work. They dive into the emotional roots of In Seven Days, the role of Jewish identity in her storytelling, and why she’s drawn to characters who live in the moral grey zone. Plus, Jordi explains how faith and culture quietly shape her plays. It’s an honest, funny, and moving conversation with one of Canada’s most fearless voices in theatre.

In Seven Days is by Jordi Mand.

As Sam’s time grows shorter, tensions and emotions run high. Rachel’s estranged boyfriend unexpectedly shows up to support her, leading to a heated confrontation with her father over past grievances. Amid a bittersweet celebration, the family tries to hold on to moments of joy—but they’re all painfully aware of what’s coming. When Rachel uncovers a long-held secret, it might be the key to changing her father’s heart.

Featuring: Mairi Babb, Ron Lea, Brendan McMurtry-Howlett, Shaina Silver-Baird, Ralph Small.

In Seven Days is by Jordi Mand.

When thirty-year-old Rachel returns home for Shabbat dinner with her ailing father and his girlfriend, she’s met with a life-altering announcement: her father, Sam Adleman, has chosen to end his life through Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD)—and he plans to do it in just seven days. Shocked and heartbroken, Rachel decides to stay the week, desperately trying to change his mind. But when she brings their Rabbi into the conversation, family tensions rise, and Sam’s decision grows even more complicated.

Featuring: Mairi Babb, Ron Lea, Brendan McMurtry-Howlett, Shaina Silver-Baird, Ralph Small.

In Seven Days is by Jordi Mand.

Playwright and performer Rachel Cairns joins Laura Mullin to discuss her acclaimed play Hypothetical Baby and the deeply personal experience that inspired it. Rachel shares her journey of facing an unplanned pregnancy despite having an IUD, the unexpected challenges of accessing abortion care, and the emotional and societal pressures that shaped her decision.

Despite growing up in a progressive and supportive family, Rachel found herself unprepared for the realities of navigating reproductive healthcare. She and Laura dive into the stigma, shame, and controversy surrounding a woman’s right to choose and how storytelling can challenge perceptions, spark dialogue, and empower change.

Hypothetical Baby is by Rachel Cairns.

After navigating the barriers to abortion access, Rachel now faces the emotional weight of the experience—her body, her relationships, and the choices that linger long after the procedure.

As she processes the physical toll of the abortion, a conversation with her mother reveals a hidden family history of reproductive decisions. Meanwhile, her boyfriend’s lack of emotional support forces her to question not only their relationship but the broader societal structures that leave women shouldering the weight of these choices alone.

Darkly funny and brutally honest, Hypothetical Baby isn’t just about abortion—it’s about power, partnership, and what it really means to have a choice.

Hypothetical Baby is by Rachel Cairns.

What happens when the "what if" becomes reality? In Hypothetical Baby, award-winning playwright and performer Rachel Cairns pulls back the curtain on the unspoken truths of abortion. Raw, darkly funny, and deeply personal, this fearless solo play goes beyond the question of “will she or won’t she?”—diving headfirst into the messy, complex, and often absurd journey of reproductive choice. From a dismissive doctor’s office to a relentless spiral of Google searches, Rachel navigates judgment, uncertainty, and the unexpected revelations that come with making one of life’s most personal decisions.

A Globe and Mail Critic’s Pick, Hypothetical Baby challenges taboos with sharp wit and unflinching honesty.

Hypothetical Baby is by Rachel Cairns.

PlayME is back! Your free ticket to bold, binge-worthy theatre. In this season’s trailer, hosts Laura Mullin and Chris Tolley present five powerful new plays turned audio dramas. Hypothetical Baby by Rachel Cairns explores the complexities of deciding to have a baby—or not. In Seven Days by Jordi, Mand follows a daughter fighting to change her father’s MAiD decision. The Green Line by Makram Ayache is a GG-nominated story of queer history in Lebanon. The Bidding War by Michael Ross Albert is a dark comedy about housing, gentrification, and sabotage. The Wrong Bashir by Zahida Rahemtulla delivers a sharp comedy of mistaken identity and self-discovery.

This season also features exclusive interviews with the playwrights, offering insight into their creative process and the stories behind their work. Tune in for compelling stories, unforgettable performances, and the best of theatre—anytime, anywhere.

Go behind the scenes with Laura Mullin and Chris Tolley as they discuss the creation of TUNNEL RUNNERS, their original seven-part scripted audio thriller. They dive into the writing process, the challenges of recording action-packed scenes, and the intricacies of foley and sound design. They discuss the series' themes, including anxiety, young adulthood, life on the margins, and hidden underground societies, while reflecting on the creative decisions that shaped the story. Plus, hear their thoughts on the rise of scripted fiction podcasts and get a sneak peek at the upcoming PlayME season.

Just take it. Why fight it? Give in to what you really are. 

Tunnel Runners is a new seven-episode original series from the creators of the award-winning PlayME Podcast.

Under the mist. Just me and her. Nothing else matters. -But I can’t shake the feeling we’re not alone. 

Tunnel Runners is a new seven-episode original series from the creators of the award-winning PlayME Podcast.