Known as one of the most influential writers in the world, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s work has found its way into Beyoncé songs and multiple TED Talks. She’s challenged her readers to reflect on colourism in North America (“Americanah”), equality (“We Should All Be Feminists”), and even death (“Notes on Grief”). Now, she’s reflecting on family in her first children’s book, “Mama’s Sleeping Scarf,”written under the alias Nwa Grace-James. Chimamanda tells Tom how her late parents inspired her new alias, why she thought her style of writing would never make for a good children’s book, and how she’s dealt with rejection in her career.

The comic and actor Maria Bamford is well known for taking taboo subjects — like OCD, suicidal ideation and anxiety — and placing them at the heart of her comedy. But the joke isn’t that these things are funny, what’s funny is how she frames her own experience struggling with her mental health. With a new memoir out, Maria joins Tom to talk about her mental health journey, what attracts her to “cults,” and the comfort of having a rigid belief system.

The poet Raymond Antrobus is back with his second spoken word album, “An Investigator (of Missing Sounds).” Raymond tells Tom about how being a new dad affected his ability to write, and how his own relationship with his father made it onto the album. He also sets up one of his new poems, “The Perseverance.”

Over the years, Pamela Anderson’s story has seemingly been told by everyone but herself. Earlier this year, she decided to take back authorship of her life with a memoir (“Love, Pamela”) and Netflix documentary (“Pamela, A Love Story”). Pam sat down with Tom in studio to share her story in her own words and set the record straight.

Cherie Dimaline is an award-winning author who seems to move effortlessly between labels like “young adult” and “literary fiction.” She talks to Tom about finding inspiration everywhere — from cemeteries to Pinterest boards — and mining some of her own experiences for her latest YA novel, “Funeral Songs for Dying Girls.”

Debby Friday’s debut album, “Good Luck,” has been shortlisted for Canada’s prestigious Polaris Music Prize. She talks to Tom about the record, the influence that Montreal’s club culture had on her, and how sobriety changed her life and art.

For years, The Armed has been a highly acclaimed band that’s somehow kept their individual identities a secret. For the first time ever, they’ve come clean about who’s actually in the band, which turns out to have included more than 100 artists over the years. The big reveal is accompanied by the release of a new album, “Perfect Saviors.” Creative director and singer Tony Wolski talks to Tom about why now was the right time to unmask the group and release the arena rock record of the year.

For decades, Shania Twain has been inspiring fans with empowering anthems like “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!” and “That Don’t Impress Me Much.” Tom spoke with Shania back when the documentary about her life, “Not Just a Girl,” came out on Netflix. Shania talks about her humble beginnings in Timmins, Ontario, and the hard lessons she's learned about life and love.

Plus, it’s hard to pin down King Cruff’s music as it seamlessly blends hip-hop, dancehall, Afrobeats and reggae. London, Ontario’s King Cruff will tell you about his hit single “Soufflé” and how his grandfather, reggae legend Bob Marley, has influenced his approach to music and life.

Peter Berg, the creator of the hit TV show “Friday Night Lights,” is back with his latest series “Painkiller,” a gut-wrenching and relentless look at the opioid crisis and the role of Purdue Pharma, the makers of OxyContin. Peter breaks down the path from drugs made in labs to marketers, to doctors, to patients, and why he decided to feature actual testimonials from the families of overdose victims in the series.

Tim McGraw, one of the biggest country stars on earth, is back with his 16th studio album, “Standing Room Only.” Tim talks to Tom about his career, meeting his dad for the first time as a teenager, and how he knew Taylor Swift was going to be big the first time he met her.