Trust Me I'm a Decorator

This episode was recorded before the October 7th attacks which have weighed heavy on our hearts. During this conversation with celebrity chef and television personality Rachael Ray, she reminds us how important it is to keep those suffering, "in our hearts, on our lips, and in our minds. We hope the episode inspires you to give back in whatever way you can, even if it's simply a conversation at the dinner table.

Late this summer, Debbie and Rachael Ray were part of a fundraiser for Ukraine. Debbie invited her to come on the podcast with Tommy to shine the light on some wonderful humanitarian work she's been doing. Tommy and Debbie cover a variety of other topics with Rachael, from her soon-to-launch podcast to her dogs and building her dream home.

Find out more about the Wear Hope Help Ukraine Jewelry Collection made in Italy, designed and crafted with love by Rachael Ray and DelBrenna Jewelry with 55% of proceeds going directly to Ukrainianians. In this episode, Rachael also mentions that you can donate to Ukrainians directly via UNBROKEN.

Over the years, Rachael Ray has published nearly thirty cookbooks, has been a resident chef on The Food Network, and a host for programs like 30 Minute Meals, Inside Dish, $40 a Day,Tasty Travels, and The Rachael Ray Show. After 17 seasons, her final episode aired back in May (2023) and she's been busy launching her production company, Free Food Studios. She promises more details will be coming soon. Find out more about Rachael Ray on her website: https://rachaelray.com/

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Debbie and Tommy wrap up season one of their podcast with an episode inspired by their loyal listeners. ASK THEM ANYTHING! They will take you behind the scenes of television, transport you to Tuscany for some stories from Debbie's home, and Tommy gives us exactly what we were looking for...confirmation that he did once wear a speedo. But for good reason!

In this episode, Debbie and Tommy mentioned their upcoming Scenic Luxury River Cruise along the Danube River.

P.S. If your question didn't make it into the episode, don't worry. They loved this so much that they will DEFINITELY do it again. Send us your questions anytime @TheTrustMePod on Instagram, or leave us a voicenote on our website: www.thetrustmepod.com.

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This week's guest is a beloved friend to Tommy and Debbie, and a beloved face and voice in Canadian broadcasting; Marilyn Denis! Together, they look back on their favourite memories of The Marilyn Denis Show, recount Marilyn's romance with Jim, and so much more.

In 2023, Marilyn announced she would bid adieu as host of the popular Canadian Screen Award-winning series THE MARILYN DENIS SHOW, following 13 incredible seasons and a 34-year career of daily daytime television. Throughout her years on television, Canada’s Queen of Daytime always placed her fans at the centre of it all, as she provided a unique blend of entertainment and topical lifestyle information, from fashion, food and fitness, to viewers across the country weekday mornings. 

Formerly co-host of Roger & Marilyn, the veteran radio broadcaster now hosts Marilyn Denis and Jamar, weekday mornings on Toronto’s #1-ranked radio station CHUM 104.5. A dominating presence in Toronto radio and Canadian television, Marilyn’s quick wit, connection with her audience, and charm have made her a much-beloved figure in her 30+ year history at CHUM FM and a favourite among viewers nationwide. 

Marilyn continues to bring her iconic entertainment and lifestyle interviews to listeners on MARILYN DENIS DOES A PODCAST which is available on the iHeartRadio app and everywhere podcasts are found. 

A definite trailblazer, Edmonton-born Marilyn became the first female DJ at KRPL in Moscow, Idaho. She then moved to Calgary where she held various radio and television positions including programmer, music director, and traffic reporter. 

Marilyn has always balanced her dynamic radio career with her candid television presence. She first began her career in television by reporting on sports, weather, and entertainment at CFCN-TV (CTV Calgary) and working as a freelance reporter for TSN. Marilyn also shared hosting duties on Bravo!'s Gemini Award-winning concert series LIVE AT THE REHEARSAL HALL and was host of the popular daily show CITYLINE for nearly 20 years. 

A triple Gemini Award-winner (including back-to-back Viewers Choice Awards), Marilyn received The Rosalie Award, honouring Canadian women who have paved the way for others in radio broadcasting in 2006. Marilyn is the recipient of the Allan Waters Broadcast Lifetime Achievement Award, which was awarded at the 2017 Canadian Music and Broadcast Industry Awards, and she is listed as one of Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100 by WXN. In May of 2017, Marilyn was selected as the University of Idaho’s (where Marilyn studied broadcasting) 2017 Commencement Speaker and Honorary Degree recipient. 

Listen to Marilyn's podcast HERE.

Follow Marilyn Denis on Instagram @MarilynDenis. 

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Tommy and Debbie take a deep dive into their hobbies and the joy they have brought them over the years. Debbie takes us back to her years with paint finishes, Tommy talks about rug-hooking on Fogo island, and they hope to inspire you to pick up a hobby, too! Tommy mentions a couple of accounts that are worth following: Hamish Powell and Steve Cordony. Debbie references Mrs Beeton's Househould Management which was first published in 1861; read more about that HERE.

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This week's guest is Tommy's friend Sophie Donelson, a design journalist and sought-after speaker, moderator, and consultant. She previously served as editor-in-chief of House Beautiful and is a favorite (and repeat) speaker for the annual Future of Home Conference, and is an advisor to high-profile brands such as Ann Sacks, Vrbo, and Business of Home. She makes regular guest appearances as a design expert on Good Morning America, Today, and Open House. 

As a speaker, author, and strategist, Sophie delivers insights to industry professionals and design lovers about how our homes can shape our lives for the better.

Her new book, Uncommon Kitchens (Abrams, Summer 2023) remains in the home/design bestseller list after debuting at #1. The book expresses not just Sophie's take on kitchens, but her ethos that decoration and design are best used as tools for living, not for show — that homes are for living in, not looking at. Sophie is inspiring a new generation of design lovers to embrace color and happiness at home.

Sophie has held top editor posts at Elle Decor, Martha Stewart’s Blueprint, and Hampton Cottages & Gardens magazines, and has contributed as an author and expert to the New York Times, New York magazine, the Wall Street Journal, and the Globe & Mail. Her national broadcast appearances include the TODAY Show, Good Morning America, and Open House.

Sophie lives in Montreal with her two young sons. Find her on Instagram @sophiedow

Get Sophie's Book Uncommon Kitchens. Find out more about Sophie Donelson on her website.

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Weddings may seem picture-perfect when you're a guest, but there's always a story unraveling behind the scenes! On this episode, Tommy and Debbie discuss their best and worst wedding experiences. Tommy shares some observations from the set of hosting Where To I Do, while Debbie shares some personal stories from her kids tying the knot on her property in Tuscany. OH! And quite a memorable story from her own wedding that began with a car crash...

Tommy & Debbie encourage you to send in a voicenote to tell them about your best and worst wedding experiences @TheTrustMePod or on their website at https://www.thetrustmepod.com/.

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When you ask Anya Lautenbach for her bio, she'll tell you she's a mum, a columnist, and a money-saving gardener. She's known for creating her beautiful garden at a fraction of the cost you'd spend at the nursery while simplifying the process with her social media audiences along the way. She wants us all to have an amazing garden without breaking the bank!

She grew up in Poland surrounded by people who were passionate about nature and simple pleasures which is now her chosen way of life. She loves to prioritize mental health discussions and bring the future of our planet to the forefront of conversations on and off social media. Anya is also very passionate about raising awareness about neurodivergence and in particular ADHD, dyslexia, and autism; she's been diagnosed with ADHD and traits of autism in adulthood and one of her sons is dyslexic. She'll talk more about all of the above in this episode, but please follow along with her on Instagram where she is the most active in sharing tips & tricks: https://instagram.com/anya_thegarden_fairy

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This week, Debbie and Tommy welcome special guest Sheri Salata for a conversation about TRANSFORMATION. Sheri Salata is an author, world-class producer and transformation doula. She is the founder + CEO of The Support System global membership group for women dedicated to creating real-life transformation. Sheri's memoir, The Beautiful No: And Other Tales of Trial, Transcendence and Transformation is an Amazon Editor's Choice Best Memoir and an Apple Must-Listen audiobook. Sheri spent 20 years in the land of Oprah finishing that glorious run as the final Executive Producer of The Oprah Winfrey Show, President of Harpo Studios and President of OWN as captured in the cable hit series Season 25: Oprah Behind the Scenes. Sheri currently lives in the Napa Valley with her bulldog babies Dolly + Buzz the Wonder Boy and they'll be on the move to Georgia soon!

Find out more about Sheri on her website: https://sherisalata.com/

Follow Sheri on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/SheriSalata/

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Find two people who know more about traveling than Debbie Travis and Tommy Smythe! On this episode, they share valuable tips and tricks for dreaming up your perfect vacation. They will touch on how travel has changed since before the pandemic and how television has informed this year's hottest destinations. They'll cover everything from working with a travel agent to booking the best accommodations. They discuss the best ways to travel in groups to save money on beautiful locations, food, and adventures. They'll also talk about planning the best solo adventure to take time for yourself, perhaps away from a busy work schedule or your kids. You'll hear Tommy and Debbie talk about different types of retreats and even their upcoming river cruise next year!

Big thanks to travel consultant Mary Joy Morgan of MJ Enterprise for the invaluable information she shared for this episode, find out more here: https://www.travelfortravellers.com/

Tommy's Travel Agent Robert Townshend: https://totaladvantagetravel.com/

Join Debbie & Tommy on their upcoming Scenic Luxury River Cruise along Europe’s Danube River!

This journey offers an abundance of cultural, historical, and culinary pursuits. Home to a remarkable array of European capitals and wonderful attractions, the Danube is the second-largest waterway in Europe and one of the most popular amongst cruisers. In true Bavarian fashion, guests can taste local beers in rock-cut cellars under the city of Nuremberg; hop aboard an e-bike for a self-guided cycle around the medieval city of Regensburg; learn how to craft regional delicacies by taking part in a traditional cooking class; and hike up Buda Hill. Guests will also enjoy a Scenic Enrich exclusive event - a classical evening concert in Vienna’s luxuriously opulent Palais Liechtenstein.

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Hosts Debbie Travis & Tommy Smythe welcome Nutritional Therapist Jacky Brown to the podcast this week, a long-time friend to Debbie. Jacky is a graduate of the London College of Naturopathic Medicine, a qualified Nutritional Therapist, Dip CNM, and registered with BANT (British Association of Nutritional Therapists) CNHC. Debbie and Jacky met year ago at a bar in Tokyo when they were both modeling in Japan; they've been best friends ever since. Tommy, Debbie & Jacky recently spent time together at the latest retreat they hosted in Tuscany; her role is to help guests make sense of all the nutritional noise that surrounds us today. She is the voice behind Debbie's bestselling book JOY. She says, “my interest in nutrition comes from my love of eating good food. I wanted to educate myself further in how to eat effectively, for longevity, vitality, and optimal health. Luckily cooking and eating are two of my favourite passions. The power of good and delicious food has a positive effect on our health and educating others and supporting others is one of my goals.” Find out more about Jacky on her website: www.jackybnutrition.com

Jacky is based in the United Kingdom, however, in the summer she can be found in Italy working with Debbie with the Tuscan Getaways. You may enjoy this approach; you can find unique and personalized ways to improve your health as a guest, starting with small changes in food and lifestyle choices while enjoying a life-changing retreat in the Tuscan countryside. http://www.tuscangetaway.com/

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