Sasha Leigh Henry is a Canadian director and producer whose new comedy series, “Bria Mack Gets A Life,” follows the story of a 25-year-old Black woman who is navigating adulthood in a predominantly white world. Sasha talks to Tom about writing a show partly based on her own life experiences and making “weird” Canadian comedy.

After an unforgettable final lip sync to Whitney Houston’s “So Emotional” in 2017, Sasha Velour was crowned the Season 9 winner of “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” That performance went down in drag history and was even parodied on “SNL” two years later. Sasha’s latest book, “The Big Reveal: An Illustrated Manifesto of Drag,” chronicles drag’s history, interwoven with her own personal story. She tells Tom about her grandmother’s that encouraged her drag as a child, the moment she won “Drag Race” and how her mother’s battle with cancer inspired her signature bald look.

Plus, Rêve burst onto the scene with her dance hit “CTRL+ALT+DEL” in 2021, winning her dance recording of the year at this year’s Juno Awards. Now, Reve’s just released her debut studio album, “Saturn Return,” inspired by the major astrological event that marks a transformative time in one's life. Rêve tells Tom the story behind the album’s title track.

Acclaimed French director Justine Triet joins Tom to discuss her new film, “Anatomy of a Fall,” which was this year’s Palme d’Or winner. Set against the backdrop of a courtroom, the film puts the intimate details of a marriage on trial when a woman is charged with the murder of her husband after he falls to his death in their home.

Bobby Rush grew up in the cotton fields of Louisiana, going on to play the blues alongside the likes of Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf and B.B. King. Despite writing big hits like “Chicken Heads” and putting out music for decades, he only got his first Grammy at age 83. Now, at 89, Bobby is back with a new record, “All My Love For You.” He tells Tom about growing up in the South during segregation, playing alongside some of the greatest blues players of all time, and how it felt to finally win a Grammy in his 80s.

This month is the 30th anniversary of Nirvana’s multi-platinum final album, “In Utero.” Released months before the death of lead singer Kurt Cobain, “In Utero” was the last musical statement from one of the biggest bands in the world at the time. The producer of the album was Steve Albini, who was sought out by Kurt himself as Nirvana wanted the record to be the opposite of their biggest album, “Nevermind.” Steve tells Tom about recording the album and reflects on his iconoclastic career as one of the most divisive producers in rock.

Plus, Caroline Brooks of Good Lovelies calls in from a parking lot in Winnipeg to tell Tom about the group’s brand new song, “Tip to Toe.”

Julia Fox is the artist, actor and fashion icon who shot to fame after starring alongside Adam Sandler in “Uncut Gems.” Now, she’s sharing her story in her memoir, “Down the Drain,” which is a candid retelling of her journey with addiction, abuse and fame. Julia tells Tom about her childhood, how becoming a dominatrix changed her life for the better, and why being famous feels natural to her.

Sam Roberts tells Tom about his new album, “The Adventures of Ben Blank,” and reflects on the 20th anniversary of his hit debut record, “We Were Born in a Flame.”

The Canadian author Iain Reid writes electrifying, if unsettling, novels about what happens inside relationships. His first novel, “I’m Thinking of Ending Things,” was adapted for the screen by Charlie Kaufman. Now, his second novel, “Foe,” is coming out as a film, starring Saoirse Ronan and Paul Mescal. Iain wrote the screenplay himself. He talks to Tom about turning his dystopian novel into a movie filled with emotion, what it’s like to write novels that get adapted for the screen, and what draws him to writing about relationships.

Vivek Shraya’s coming-of-age play and book “How to Fail as a Popstar” has been turned into a new series for CBC Gem. Vivek talks to Tom about adapting her autobiographical play for the screen, the power of failure, and how she still hopes this show will make her famous.

Grammy-winning violinist James Ehnes is one of the most sought-after musicians in the world. Ahead of his shows with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, the Order of Canada member violinist drops by the studio to tell Tom about his life in music and what it was like growing up as a child prodigy in Brandon, Manitoba.