Trust Me I'm a Decorator

Host Debbie Travis and Tommy Smythe are your personal travel advisors in this episode, detailing their favourite (and cost-effective) ways to enjoy the holiday season while travelling. They share their favourite holiday experiences in London and New York. You don't have to break the bank, but they will give you tips on everything from budget-friendly to luxury adventures. From The Plaza Hotel in New York to Kew Gardens' enchanting displays in London, this conversation is a delightful guide for anyone looking to celebrate the holidays in style. They highlight many iconic locations, dining options, and cultural events. They also share tips for public transit, music, and accomdations.

Here's a list of their favourite travel spots mentioned.

NEW YORK:

LONDON:

Keep up with Debbie and Tommy:

https://www.thetrustmepod.com/

https://www.instagram.com/thetrustmepod/

Chapters

(00:00) Christmas Countdown: Anticipation and Excitement

(01:08) Exploring London: A Christmas Wonderland

(02:11) Hidden Gems: Unique Places to Visit

(06:13) At Sloan: A Luxurious Hotel Experience

(10:39) New York Christmas: The Ultimate Experience

(12:32) Staying in Style: Iconic Hotels in NYC

(15:03) Affordable Adventures: Exploring London on a Budget

(19:30) Kew Gardens: A Magical Light Display

(22:03) Richmond Park: Nature and Wildlife

(24:47) Petersham Nurseries: A Hidden Culinary Gem

(25:39) Battersea Power Station: A Revitalized Landmark

(26:31) Exploring London's Battersea Power Station and Riverside Attractions

(27:59) Dining in London: Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

(30:15) The Woolsey: A Culinary Experience

(33:15) Navigating London's Christmas Crowds and Shopping Hotspots

(37:17) Cultural Experiences: The Albert Hall and Unique Events

(40:39) Christmas in New York: The Rockettes and Iconic Shows

(42:20) Public Transport and more.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tommy Smythe and Debbie Travis host a live show dedicated to laughter, while celebrating Debbie's new book, "Laugh More Stories from an Unexpected Life." They share typical Tommy and Debbie anecdotes through games and audience input. They also welcome back special guest, Cynthia Loyst of The Social. She talks about her book, "Find Your Pleasure" and her most memorable television experiences.

Get Debbie's New Book: Laugh More Stories from an Unexpected Life

Get Cynthia's Book: Find Your Pleasure

Big thanks to our sponsors Aperol and Basma Beauty! Use promo code TRUSTME50 at checkout for 50% off: https://www.basmabeauty.com/

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hosts Debbie Travis and Tommy Smythe welcome their former colleague Kirstine Stewart for a conversation about leadership and personal reinvention. Kirstine discusses her transformative career in the media and the importance of women in leadership roles. Kirstine also highlights the need for flexibility and self-awareness in career choices, advocating for personal fulfillment over societal expectations. She introduces a new course based on her book to help individuals navigate their careers effectively, emphasizing the need for individuals to define success on their own terms.

More About Kirstine Stewart:

An inspirational and transformational executive leading change, Kirstine has spent her career at the intersection of media, technology and digital transformation, core drivers of innovation and business growth. 

Kirstine was responsible for driving Twitter’s initial entry into Canada, pre-IPO, and was promoted to the corporate leadership in NYC as VP Media NA. As the head of the TV, radio and digital for the Canadian Broadcasting Company (CBC), Kirstine pioneered the broadcaster’s foray into digital media, catapulting ratings while delivering $1.1 billion in total revenue. At Alliance Atlantis, a Canadian media company with a large portfolio of lifestyle channels, she delivered 20% growth year-over-year for four consecutive years, positioning the company as an M&A play in which it was sold for $2.3 billion. Recruited to lead international broadcast programming for the Hallmark Channel, encompassing 30 channels and 80 countries, she successfully increased the subscriber base while expanding into new markets, the business was acquired by Sparrowhawk Media for $240 million due to her efforts. 

In her last role, Kirstine headed the Future of Media, Entertainment and Sport for the World Economic Forum and was a member of the executive committee. She also serves as an advisor to the Forum’s Young Global Leaders initiative.

Kirstine is the author of Our Turn, an award winning, best seller focused on leadership published by Penguin RandomHouse. Internationally recognized as an industry leader she has been named to the The Power 50: Canada's Most Powerful Business People by Canadian Business in 2016, Person of the Year by Playback Magazine for 2012, Woman of the Year by Canadian Women in Communications, Media Player of the Year by Marketing Magazine, Canada's Top 40 Under 40 Award in 2007, among others. 

Our Turn VIP is a course and community, inviting people to take control of their careers by building a playbook that guides them to leverage their unique strengths and not compromise to “fit in”. Like the book Our Turn was; it’s the anti Lean In, because it acknowledges we face challenges not of our making when trying to navigate our work. 

Find out more about Kirstine, her course and book: 

https://ourturn.vip/

Our listeners can get an extra 20% off Kirstine's course with the code TRUSTME20

LinkedIn.com/in/kirstinestewart14/ 

https://www.penguinrandomhouse.ca/books/240504/our-turn-by-kirstine-stewart/9780345814647

Chapters:

(00:00) Introduction to Kirsten Stewart

(02:48) Navigating Career Paths and Opportunities

(05:54) The Evolution of Media and Audience Engagement

(08:59) Understanding Audience Needs in Content Creation

(11:53) The Role of Women in Media

(15:03) Career Transitions and Personal Growth

(17:55) The Importance of Mentorship and Community

(21:07) Defining Success on Your Own Terms

(23:48) Creating Your Own Opportunities

(26:51) The Impact of Personal Branding

(29:56) Launching 'Our Turn' and Future Aspirations

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this engaging conversation, Tommy and Debbie explore the world of olive oil, discussing its health benefits, the importance of quality, and the alarming prevalence of fake olive oil in the market. They emphasize the need for consumers to be informed and proactive in choosing high-quality olive oil, particularly extra virgin varieties, while also sharing personal anecdotes and insights from their experiences in the food industry. The discussion highlights the significance of understanding food labels and the impact of dietary choices on health.

Links:

Read the Bloomberg article referenced in this episode: https://www.bloomberg.com/opinion/articles/2024-09-27/is-that-olive-oil-extra-virgin-or-unfit-for-consumption?embedded-checkout=true

Read the book referenced in this episode:

https://www.amazon.ca/Extra-Virginity-Sublime-Scandalous-World/dp/0393343618

On Monday October 28th, we're going to record an upcoming episode of our podcast at The Academy in Toronto (a beautiful space inside the record label Universal Music Canada). We're so excited to invite you to be a part of our live audience! After the show, you'll have a chance to mingle with us, take pictures, and even get Debbie to sign a copy of her new book, Laugh More: Stories From an Unexpected Life.

Tickets are on sale now: DEBBIE & TOMMY LIVE

Chapters

(00:00) Excitement for a Live Event

(03:24) The Ugly Side of Olive Oil

(12:07) Understanding Extra Virgin Olive Oil

(20:22) The Scandalous World of Olive Oil

(28:23) Cooking with Olive Oil: Myths and Realities

(35:08) Prioritizing Quality in Food Choices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Debbie Travis and Tommy Smythe are thrilled to welcome Fashion television icon Jeanne Beker to the show this week! She shares her journey through the fashion industry, her experiences as a journalist, and the personal stories that shaped her life. From her early days in media to her battle with cancer, Jeanne reflects on the lessons learned. The discussion previews her memoir, 'Heart on My Sleeve,' which intertwines fashion with personal anecdotes.

More About Jeanne Beker:

Jeanne Beker was the host of the hit show Fashion Television, which aired in over 130 countries for twenty-seven years and was one of the most successful shows in Canadian TV history. Prior to that, she hosted the groundbreaking show The NewMusic and was a founding member of MuchMusic. A seasoned newspaper and magazine columnist, Jeanne was editor-in-chief of FQ and SIR magazines from 2003 to 2009. Currently, she is a frequent keynote speaker and style editor for TSC, where she hosts her eponymous show Style Matters. Jeanne has received honorary doctorates from St. Mary’s University and OCAD University. She was named to the Order of Canada in 2013, inducted into the American Marketing Association’s Hall of Legends in 2015, and received a star on Canada’s Walk of Fame in 2016. Jeanne lives in Toronto, Canada.

Order Jeanne Beker's new memoir Heart on My Sleeve: Stories from a Life Well Worn

Follow along with Jeanne Beker on her website: https://www.jeannebeker.com/

Follow Jeanne Beker on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejeannebeker/?hl=en

Follow Debbie & Tommy's podcast: https://www.instagram.com/thetrustmepod/

Watch some of the interviews referenced in this episode:

Andy Summers & The Bath Tub: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X4DPoVtsw5Q

Iggy Pop Being Too Cool: https://www.dailymotion.com/video/xthwpp

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The changing of the seasons has hosts Debbie Travis & Tommy Smythe reminiscing about their summer experiences and childhood experiences returning to school. They reflect on the reinvention of identity, explore the concept of manifesting a desired identity and the importance of positivity. Tommy shares about his summer in Muskoka, reminiscing about family traditions and a magical place. Debbie talks about hosting family, friends & retreats. They also touch on the importance of summer traditions, the challenges tourism in Europe faces, and summer cooking.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and School Stories

03:04 Inventing a Persona and Manifesting

05:56 Emulating Inspiring Figures

09:27 The Power of Positivity

12:01 Childhood Summers in Muskoka

15:51 Traditions and Memories

19:02 Family Gatherings and Joy

23:40 Nostalgic Memories and Childhood Stories

32:15 Extravagant Summer Parties and Royal Encounters

37:47 Delicious and Simple Summer Recipes

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Debbie and Tommy welcome the fabulous Frances Mayes back to the podcast! The international bestselling author behind the now-classic Under the Tuscan Sun is back with a new book, and her third novel, A Great Marriage.

When a perfect wedding is called off just days before the big event, it sends two people—and their families—reeling, in this poignant novel from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Under the Tuscan Sun and Women in Sunlight.

Dara Willcox, in New York for a weekend, meets Austin Clarke at an art gallery. If love at first sight can happen, it happens to them. These two vivid, ambitious people are on different courses—he’s British, working temporarily in New York. She’s from North Carolina, set on law school. They don’t care. They will make their lives together happen. At their April engagement dinner at Dara’s family home, her mother, Lee, sets a beautiful table, and the family and close friends gather to celebrate. Rich, Dara’s father, raises a toast. Suddenly, Lee spills the wine, a brilliant red stain splashing onto the tablecloth and onto Austin.

Days later, Austin hears unsettling news from London that wrecks their plans. Dara abruptly cancels the wedding. She refuses to reveal the reason, not even to her best friends or her parents or grandmother, disrupting their family tradition of openness. As everyone knows, Lee and Rich have a great marriage, and Charlotte, her grandmother, had a colossal one, to the late Senator Mann. Charlotte literally wrote the book on the subject: She’s the author of international bestsellers on what makes a good or possibly a great marriage. 

While Dara escapes to California and Indigo Island, South Carolina, Austin, back in London, faces a major tragedy, the consequences of which are life-altering. But it’s Lee, Dara’s mother, whose impulsive visit to London alters their fate.

With her signature warmth, humor, and incisive style, beloved author Frances Mayes creates a multigenerational probe into the complexity of love and the great mystery ride of marriage. A novel of casual choices and fateful consequences, A Great Marriage introduces two unforgettable families and the arrival of a stranger who rearranges their futures.

Her other international bestsellers include Bella Tuscany, Everyday in Tuscany, A Year in the World, Women in Sunlight, and Bringing Tuscany Home, among others. She has written six books of poetry and The Discovery of Poetry. Debbie and Tommy also discuss her most recent cookbook, Pasta Veloce: Irresistibly Fast Recipes from Under the Tuscan Sun. Her books have been translated into more than fifty languages! She and her husband divide their time between North Carolina and Tuscany.

Get A Great Marriage, a new novel by Frances Mayes HERE.

Find out more about Frances Mayes and her work HERE.

Follow along on social media: https://www.instagram.com/thetrustmepod/

Leave us a voice message on our website: https://www.thetrustmepod.com/

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Debbie and Tommy discuss their summer holidays including family visits in Tuscany, Tommy's summer at the Lake, and the challenges of traveling during peak season. They share their experiences in different vacation destinations and the cultural differences they encountered. Debbie talks about the Italian holiday Ferragusto and the crowded beaches in Italy during August. They discuss the importance of creating memories during family gatherings and the dynamics of hosting large groups with some valuable tips for managing family vacations including renting a house during the off-season for more affordable and authentic travel experiences. They also touch on their favorite summer reads as they tease their upcoming episode with author Frances Mayes!

Summer reads mentioned in this episode:

The Friday Afternoon Club: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/203708995-the-friday-afternoon-club

Thursday Night Murder Club: https://www.goodreads.com/series/299267-thursday-murder-club

Strange Sally Diamond: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/62322008-strange-sally-diamond

Pre Order Debbie's Book: https://debbietravis.com/laugh-more/

Frances Mayes 'A Good Marriage:' https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/706935/a-great-marriage-by-frances-mayes/

Chapters

(00:00) Introduction and Summer Holidays

(08:12) Crowded Beaches and Cultural Differences

(14:01) Family Gatherings and Creating Memories

(19:03) Managing Large Groups and House Rules

(23:07) Funny Anecdotes and Tips for Family Vacations

(28:23) Camping Adventures and Funny Travel Stories

(34:22) Renting a House Off-Season for Authentic Travel

(39:07) Exploring Historical Sites: The Colosseum and More

(41:30) Summer Reads: 'Strange Sally Diamond' and 'The Thursday Night Murder Club'

(43:17) Upcoming Podcast with Author Frances Mayes & Happy Summer

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this conversation, Chef Lynn Crawford discusses her move to the country, her passion for gardening, and her upcoming book. She emphasizes the joy of growing and cooking with fresh ingredients and the importance of sharing food with family and friends. Tommy and Debbie ask her about creating new communities through food and the benefits of planting food to live off your land. They also touch on the challenges of being a chef and the decision to leave the restaurant industry. Listeners also get to hear about Chef Lynn's upcoming plant-based cookbook.

Chapters

(00:00) Living a Connected Life: Chef Lynn Crawford's Journey to the Country

(09:20) The Joy of Gardening: Teaching Children About Food

(18:06) Preserving the Harvest: Tips for Preserving Tomatoes

(23:57) The Generosity of Cooking: Sharing Food with Others

(24:44) Creating New Communities Through Food

(25:40) The Benefits of Working from Home

(27:23) The Next Chapter: Leaving the Restaurant Industry

(31:06) Surrounding Oneself with the Best People

(48:26) Chef Lynn's Upcoming Plant-Based Cookbook

More about Chef Lynn Crawford:

Acclaimed Food Network celebrity chef and bestselling author, Chef Lynn Crawford has over 25 years of culinary experience, including many years as executive chef for the Four Seasons Hotels in Toronto and New York. One of the highest profile chefs in the country and a genuine household name, she is continually sought after as a dynamic host, public speaker, brand ambassador, spokesperson and mentor.

Chef Lynn has released three best-selling cookbooks “Pitchin’ In” (2012), “At Home with Lynn Crawford” (2013) and the award winning “Farm to Chef” (2017). Chef Lynn is the winner of the 2017 Gourmand World Cookbook Award, and recipient of the 2018 Lifetime Achievement Award by Canada’s 100 Best.

Chef Lynn starred in Food Network’s hit series Pitchin’ In, which was nominated for Gemini Awards, both as a series and for her dynamic hosting, in 2010, 2011 and 2013.

She can also be seen competing as an Iron Chef in Kitchen Stadium on Iron Chef Canada. Chef Lynn has appeared as a competitor on Top Chef Masters and Iron Chef America. Chef Lynn was a regular judge on Top Chef Canada and Chopped Canada, co-host of The Great Canadian Cookbook and Restaurant Makeover and is an Expert on the Marilyn Denis Show.

Chef Lynn, a longtime supporter of the farm-to-table movement and sustainability, is also the Chef Ambassador for Egg Farmers of Canada. She is a dedicated philanthropist, giving back by participating in several charitable initiatives.

Follow her adventures on Instagram  and Twitter or visit her website: https://cheflynncrawford.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Television host Cynthia Loyst joins the show this week, a long-time friend of Tommy Smythe who is widely recognized as one of the hosts on popular Canadian television show The Social.

They discuss their friendship, the early days of The Social, cancel culture, and the challenges of being in the public eye. They also talk about the importance of speaking your mind and the pressure to please everyone. Cynthia opens up about her experience with burnout and depression, and the need for rest and self-care. They touch on the impact of social media and the lack of nuance in online discussions. Cynthia and Debbie discuss the fear and worry associated with the future and the need to question societal scripts and carve out a life that reflects one's values. Cynthia shares her three-step formula for dealing with burnout: stop, drop, and roll. They emphasize the importance of planting seeds of dreams and finding joy in life.

More about Cynthia Lloyst:

Cynthia Loyst is a National Bestselling Author, Producer, Television Host, and self-described “Professional Sensualist.” She is also the creator of Find Your Pleasure, a popular online destination that celebrates decadence, indulgence and pure, unadulterated joy.

Throughout her award-winning career, Cynthia has become one of Canada’s most recognized and respected TV personalities and producers. She is also a WXN Top 100 Women Award Winner - recognizing women who have shaped Canadian thinking, communications and culture.

Co-hosting CTV’s popular daytime talk show, The Social, Cynthia shares her fresh and genuine views to help people learn to appreciate life and all the pleasures it brings. She is also the go to relationship expert on Virgin Radio and has appeared on many other programs including The Marilyn Denis Show, CTV News, Etalk, and more. Most recently, Cynthia was the recipient of the Best Host award in the Lifestyle Category for The Social at the 2024 Canadian Screen Awards.

In 2023, Cynthia launched Cynthia and Josie’s Unmentionables, a successful podcast which has consistently been on the Top 10 streamed podcasts in Canada on Apple and Spotify. Her debut book, Find Your Pleasure, was published in early 2020, where it gained praise and notability on the Toronto Star and The Globe & Mail’s Best Selling Lists.

Follow Cynthia Loyst:

Cynthia Loyst Instagram | Twitter: @cynthialoyst

Find Your Pleasure Instagram | Twitter: @fypleasure

Website: www.findyourpleasure.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices