The Performers Podcast

Singer, songwriter Carole Pope is known for pushing the boundaries of sexuality, sexual politics and the status quo. Pope co-wrote the hit song "High School Confidential" for her band Rough Trade in 1980. It was one of the most sexually explicit songs in pop music. We talk about her songwriting process, her most recent recording "Music for Lesbians" and her book "Anti-Diva" a no-holds-barred look at her adventures in the music scene – on the concert stage, in the recording studio, and in the bedroom.

Director Jillian Keiley is originally from Newfoundland, currently she is the Artistic Director at The National Arts Centre in Ottawa. We met at The Stratford Festival where Jillian directed Wendy Kesselman's adaptation of "The Diary of Anne Frank." We talk about how tough it is to direct a powerful script, that has touched so many people's lives. We also discuss how Jillian approached the playwright with her own alterations to the script. In the past few years Jillian has auditioned over 800 actors, so she shares her audition process…and a few awkward audition moments.

Comedian Martha Chaves has been headlining comedy clubs for almost 20 years, She is also a keynote speaker using her poignant sense of humor to raise awareness about serious issues, including sexuality and oppression. More recently Martha has been writing plays. She discusses all of this and more.

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Michael and I discuss his long, and legal history with suspended Canadian senator Mike Duffy. Duffy went from suing Bate to acting as an informant for him. We also talk about National Lampoon editor Tony Hendra's motto "nothing is sacred."

Al and I discuss writing and performing comedy for the stage and TV. Al worked on a TV show with David Steinberg and does a great impersonation of Steinberg, on the set, calling for a lunch break. He also mentions comedians who influenced him including Ronnie Corbett, Dave Alan, Tommy Smothers and Bob Newhart. Al is a recovering alcoholic, who came out of the closet a few years ago and we discuss how that has influenced his comedy. Finally, he mentions how the careers of Burroughs and Bukowski inspire him. Don't miss this podcast with one of the most successful guys on the Canadian comedy scene.

Her writing has been featured in an anthology of great comedy, alongside that of Jerry Seinfeld, Chris Rock, Dennis Miller and Joan Rivers.

She's the host of NPR's trivia show "Ask Me Another" and a regular contributor to the popular storytelling event, podcast and radio program The Moth.

We talk about Ophira's life changing decision to leave the acting and comedy scene in Toronto and start from scratch in New York City, her writing routines and more.

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Laurie's had recurring roles on "The Red Green Show," "Video on Trial" and more. She's a 3-time winner at the Canadian Comedy Awards and has performed at the Just For Laughs comedy festival. Laurie also writes, and does voice work for animated TV series. These days her comedy often revolves around relationships and we discuss how her husband feels about being the target of her jokes. She says her parents don't mind the fact that she gets into sexual material, but she admits she tells them the naughty bits are "just made up jokes."

Investigative journalist Jesse Brown, the founder of the website and podcast Canadaland. I interviewed Jesse Brown at Podcamp Toronto, an unconference about podcasting, digital marketing, design, social media and more. The episode begins with a brief overview of Podcamp and moves into a discussion about how Jesse built Canada's most listened to podcast: Canadaland.

This podcast interview with A.J. Bridel was recorded in 2015.

A.J. had recently appeared in "Kinky Boots" with Alan Mingo Jr., whose Broadway credits include Sebastian in Disney's "The Little Mermaid" (Original Broadway cast member) and Tom Collins in "Rent."

A.J. graduated from Eastwood Collegiate in Kitchener as an "A" student, starring in the school play. She is candid about her early personal struggle that occurred two years earlier; while working through her parent's separation and lashing out, she had been kicked out of the school play because of her inability to focus and collaborate.

With the help of friends and family, A.J. managed to get back on track by focusing on theatre and her schoolwork.

It was impressive and courageous of A.J. to share this story, back in 2015 before many people discussed personal mental issues.

I was a producer on Mike's late night talk show. Mike is renown for his sharp wit and ability to engage in unscripted banter with his audience. As well as discussing the lack of opportunities for Canadian comics on TV today, we talk about how Mike dealt with the heartbreaking death of his father. He also shares the story of how, after his TV show was canceled, he avoided going out in public for 3 years.