Explore every episode of the podcast Janette's TV Podcast
Dive into the complete episode list for Janette's TV Podcast. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.
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Behind Something Spontaneous: Jess Blackwell on Filmmaking, Creativity & VFF
08 Jun 2026
00:04:40
What happens when creativity, courage, and a little spontaneity come together? On this episode of Janette's TV Podcast, Janette chats with filmmaker, actress, writer, producer, and founder of Lumida Productions, Jess Blackwell, about her romantic comedy short film, Something Spontaneous, premiering at this year's Vaughan International Film Festival (VFF). Together they discuss: ✨ The inspiration behind Something Spontaneous ✨ Bringing a short film from script to screen ✨ The realities of independent filmmaking ✨ Wearing multiple hats as a filmmaker ✨ Why women-led stories matter ✨ The importance of film festivals for emerging creators ✨ What's next for Jess Blackwell Whether you're a filmmaker, film lover, creative entrepreneur, or someone pursuing a dream, this conversation is filled with inspiration, practical insights, and behind-the-scenes stories. Subscribe to Janette's TV Podcast for celebrity interviews, filmmaker conversations, entertainment news, lifestyle content, expert advice, and inspiring stories from around the world.
Why Arts Matter: MPP Laura Smith on VFF, Creativity, Culture & Community
01 Jun 2026
00:04:38
Join Janette Burke on Janette's TV Podcast as she talks with Laura Smith, MPP for Thornhill, about her longstanding support of the Vaughan International Film Festival (VFF) and the important role arts, culture, film, and community events play in enriching lives and strengthening communities. In this insightful conversation, Laura shares why supporting the arts matters, how organizations like VFF help showcase emerging talent, and the impact creative industries have on Vaughan and beyond. Whether you're passionate about film, community building, education, culture, or supporting local artists, this conversation highlights why investing in the arts continues to matter. In This Episode: ✔ Laura Smith's connection to VFF ✔ The importance of arts and culture in our communities ✔ Supporting emerging filmmakers and creative talent ✔ The impact of festivals and cultural events ✔ Why the arts continue to matter in Vaughan and Ontario Connect with Laura Smith 🌐 Website: Laura Smith MPP Website 📸 Instagram: @laurasmithmpp on Instagram 📘 Facebook: Laura Smith MPP on Facebook 💼 LinkedIn: Laura Smith on LinkedIn 📧 Email: Laura.Smith@pc.ola.org 📍 Constituency Office: 1136 Centre Street, Unit 4 Thornhill, ON L4J 3M8 ☎️ 905-731-1178
Laura was first elected as MPP for Thornhill in 2022 and re-elected in 2025. She currently serves as Parliamentary Assistant to Ontario's Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing.
Subscribe For celebrity interviews, inspiring conversations, lifestyle content, community leaders, entertainment, travel, health, wellness, and stories that matter.
Shift Your Mindset for Success, Make Your Eye & Face Makeup Last Hours Adele's Hiatus and more!
16 Sep 2024
00:22:17
Kim Kasparian is a growth coach with a passion for helping individuals take control of their personal and professional dreams and desires.
In this interview, we discuss the power of mindset & the role it plays in achieving your long-term personal and professional goals.
Drawing upon Kim’s own story of how she was able to shift her mindset and transform her life (and how you can too), we also delve into the most common mindset challenges most people face when pursuing their dreams & how to avoid them, why it is important to overcome limiting beliefs or negative thought patterns & the specific techniques or daily practices you can employ to cultivate success today, and much more!
Subscribe to Janette’s TV Podcast YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdAy9sY71BPZBiMrLI2rvnw
Janette’s TV Podcast – https://www.janetteburke.com/watch-listen
Claire Ames's Must-Read Book Victory Gazette!, Silky Dreams, Ben & Jen True Love or 2-Year Publicity Stunt?
02 Sep 2024
00:22:34
Claire Ames is a former food and travel writer, whose books include creative non fiction, cookbooks, columns, and history.
Her new book. Victory Gazette, released on July 7th , follows Justine Bertrand, a young Belgian woman who publishes an illegal Resistance newsletter in the fictional village of Ledrens during World War II. The newsletter counters Nazi propaganda despite constant threats of arrest.
The story intertwines the sacrifices and secret roles of the Resistance group, Willow’s Branch, and includes Justine's return to Belgium twenty years later to uncover her betrayer.
In this interview, we discuss how Victory Gazette resonates with Claire’s understanding of World War II and the role of women in the Resistance. And what ways Justine Bertrand's story mirrors the experiences of women during that era. We talk about Justine's journey and how her choices reflect the challenges and strengths of women, both historically and today. And how family dynamics play a big role in shaping women’s values and actions.
Femi Taylor's Star Wars Journey, Eye-Pop Tips, Gypsy Rose Rises & More!
26 Aug 2024
00:06:21
Nigerian-born British dancer and actress, FEMI TAYLOR is best known for portraying Jabba the Hutt's Twi'lek slave dancer “Oola” in the 1983 motion picture Return of the Jedi, the last film of the original trilogy. Fourteen years later, she reprised the role filming new scenes for the 1997 Special Edition release, and was the only performer from the original to do so. Because of this part, she appears at science fiction and Star Wars conventions around the world.
Taylor was cast as Tantomile in the 1981 original London production of the musical Cats, during which she learned she had been cast as “Oola” for Return of the Jedi. She appeared in the 1998 TV movie version of Cats as Exotica, a character that was created specially for her and exclusively for the film.
In this episode, we discuss her journey & passion for dance since childhood, being cast as a woman of colour in the 1970’s, pausing her 40-year career to be a wife & mom, what’ she’s up to with the writing of her memoir, and lots more!
Watch this Season 14 Episode and Consider Becoming a Member of Janette’s TV YouTube Channel. And hit the BELL to be notified of more upcoming Season 14 episodes!
Subscribe to Janette’s TV Podcast YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdAy9sY71BPZBiMrLI2rvnw
Janette’s TV Podcast – https://www.janetteburke.com/watch-listen
Femi Taylor Instagram:
Femi Taylor (@femitaylor) • Instagram photos and videos
Janette's Take On...- TODAY’S TAKE ON: Gypsy Rose Blanchard
25 Aug 2024
00:04:23
Does Gypsy deserve to continue profiting off her story? Or is she’s making headlines for all the wrong reasons and going too far trying to evoke sympathy from her fans and followers? PLEASE SHARE YOUR OPINIONS IN THE VIDEO’S COMMENTS
Janette's “Tips ‘N’ Sips”-TODAY’S “TIP ‘N’ Sip”: Make Your Eyes Pop Without Using Glue
25 Aug 2024
00:03:09
Pour Yourself a Cup-of-Tea & Join Me for Some Straight Girl Talk!
In this new Janette’s “Tips ‘N’ Sips” lifestyle segment, I share my time & money-saving beauty secrets, hacks, must-have product reviews, demos, recommendations, delicious low-carb recipes, and more!
Does Gypsy deserve to continue profiting off her story? Or is she’s making headlines for all the wrong reasons and going too far trying to evoke sympathy from her fans and followers?
From Sidelines to Spotlight: Raquel Zanardo on Reinvention, Red Carpets & Real Estate Power
27 Jan 2026
00:06:32
Raquel Zanardo is the definition of modern reinvention.
A former Toronto Argonauts Cheerleader, Raquel has successfully transitioned into a sought-after Vaughan & Greater Toronto real estate agent, while also stepping into the entertainment world as a 2025 Vaughan International Film Festival red carpet host.
In this Janette’s TV Podcast episode, we talk about:
Reinventing yourself after high-profile roles
Confidence, discipline, and personal branding
Hosting red carpets and commanding the spotlight
Building a powerful real estate business in the GTA
Why women should invest in real estate even in a down market
What it really takes to pivot—and win—at every stage of life
This is an inspiring, real-world conversation about ambition, visibility, and creating success on your own terms.
🎥 Hosted by Janette Burke, award-winning interviewer and media personality.
Unlock Jill Lublin's Media Secrets, Nature's Botox, Mental Health/10th Anniversary of Robin Williams Death & More!
19 Aug 2024
00:23:29
With 200+ speaking engagements each year, master publicity strategist and consultant, and bestselling author, Jill Lublin, consistently wows audiences worldwide with her entertaining and interactive keynotes, seminars, and training programs on publicity, networking, kindness and influence marketing.
Jill has shared her powerful networking and publicity strategies on the stages of Tony Robbins, T. Harv Eker, Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen, Loral Langemeier, James Malinchak, Lisa Nichols, Richard Simmons, and many others. Additionally, thousands of people have attended her popular Publicity Crash Course.
Over the past 25 years, Jill has worked with ABC, NBC, CBS, and other national and international media as a highly regarded publicity expert. She has been featured in The New York Times, Women’s Day, Fortune Small Business, Entrepreneur, Forbes and Inc. magazines.
Jill is the author of four bestselling books, including: Get Noticed…Get Referrals (McGraw-Hill), Networking Magic (Morgan James), and Guerrilla Publicity (Morgan James), which is regarded as the “PR Bible”, and her latest book The Profit of Kindness (Red Wheel Weiser), which went #1 in four categories.
She is acknowledged as the go-to person for building success through influence marketing, networking, and publicity. She helps authors to create book deals with agents and publishers and well as obtain foreign rights deals. She is also the Producer and Host of the TV show, “Messages of Hope”, which inspires people to take positive action to improve their lives and create a better world.
In addition to her speaking engagements, Jill trains and consults with executives, sales teams and marketing departments in Fortune 500 companies, as well as in small-to-medium-sized companies. Her innovative influence marketing and publicity techniques consistently increase bottom line results for her clients.
In this episode, we discuss why we need more women entrepreneurs to be visible & step into the spotlight, Jill’s illustrious PR career, her where & how secrets to getting publicity, and much more!
Watch this Season 14 Episode and Consider Becoming a Member of Janette’s TV YouTube Channel. And hit the BELL to be notified of more upcoming Season 14 episodes!
Subscribe Today
Janette’s TV Podcast – https://www.janetteburke.com/watch-li...
Benefits of Castor Oil for Maintaining Youthful Skin Over Using Expensive Botox and Fillers
17 Aug 2024
00:02:55
In This New Janette’s “Tips ‘N’ Sips” LifestyleSegment Filled with My Time-Saving Tips & Hacks, Must-Have Product Reviews, Demos, & Recommendations, Delicious Recipes, And More , I Discuss the Benefits of Castor Oil for Maintaining Youthful Skin Over Using Expensive Botox and Fillers.
Escape to The Royal Canadian Circus with Daredevil Extraordinaire, Joseph Dominik Bauer!
The Wheel of Destiny & Ringmaster joins me to talk about his 40 year career and journey as a 9th generation of pedigree circus performers.
Born to Swiss parents, Joseph’s circus accomplishments include aerial thrills, High Wire, Stunts, Skywalk, Sway Poles and the Inclined Motorcycle. Joseph has headlined Cirque du Soleil, Ringling Brothers, Barnum and Bailey Circus, Circus Sarasota, Equitana USA, Piccadilly Circus, to name but a few. He has also been featured on every major network in the United States - making him one of the most sought-after ringmasters in the circus world.
In this episode, we also chat about changes to the circus and how they blend traditional circus elements with contemporary styles in the acts to make them more interactive & immersive - and what challenges & rewards come with this to keep the audience glued. How he sees the role of women evolving in the circus industry and their various contributions from production to wardrobe, favorite memories & performances - and what makes them so special, things that go very wrong with this not-to-be missed show that is suitable for children of ALL ages, and lots more!
Other acts under the Big Top including The Guerrero High Wire, The Bollywood Aerialists, the Motorcycle Globe of Death, the fearless Leo Garcia Human Cannonball, the exciting Zeman Roller Skating Duo from AGT and Quick Change, plus the spellbinding “CHU” Diablo Acrobatics, a Canadian Tribute, Sebastian Videla on a 20’ Unicycle and Comedy, will also take your breath away!
Get your 2-for-1 promo code for shows in Mississauga & Burlington!
Enter promo code Toronto at www.royalcanadiancircus.ca .
Watch this Season 14 Episode and Consider Becoming a Member of Janette’s TV YouTube Channel. And hit the BELL to be notified of more upcoming Season 14 episodes!
Subscribe Today
Janette’s TV Podcast – https://www.janetteburke.com/watch-li...
Escape to The Royal Canadian Circus with Daredevil Extraordinaire, Joseph Dominik Bauer!
The Wheel of Destiny & Ringmaster joins me to talk about his 40 year career and journey as a 9th generation of pedigree circus performers.
Born to Swiss parents, Joseph’s circus accomplishments include aerial thrills, High Wire, Stunts, Skywalk, Sway Poles and the Inclined Motorcycle. Joseph has headlined Cirque du Soleil, Ringling Brothers, Barnum and Bailey Circus, Circus Sarasota, Equitana USA, Piccadilly Circus, to name but a few. He has also been featured on every major network in the United States - making him one of the most sought-after ringmasters in the circus world.
In this episode, we also chat about changes to the circus and how they blend traditional circus elements with contemporary styles in the acts to make them more interactive & immersive - and what challenges & rewards come with this to keep the audience glued. How he sees the role of women evolving in the circus industry and their various contributions from production to wardrobe, favorite memories & performances - and what makes them so special, things that go very wrong with this not-to-be missed show that is suitable for children of ALL ages, and lots more!
Other acts under the Big Top including The Guerrero High Wire, The Bollywood Aerialists, the Motorcycle Globe of Death, the fearless Leo Garcia Human Cannonball, the exciting Zeman Roller Skating Duo from AGT and Quick Change, plus the spellbinding “CHU” Diablo Acrobatics, a Canadian Tribute, Sebastian Videla on a 20’ Unicycle and Comedy, will also take your breath away!
Get your 2-for-1 promo code for shows in Mississauga & Burlington!
Enter promo code Toronto at www.royalcanadiancircus.ca .
Watch this Season 14 Episode and Consider Becoming a Member of Janette’s TV YouTube Channel. And hit the BELL to be notified of more upcoming Season 14 episodes!
Subscribe Today
Janette’s TV Podcast – https://www.janetteburke.com/watch-li...
Singer/Songwriter Jordyn Sugar's Secrets to Feeling Good, 5 Ways to Be in the Music Biz & More!
06 Aug 2024
00:00:24
Jordyn Sugar is “a Toronto born Singer, Songwriter, and Multi-Instrumentalist, who now resides in Montreal. The 21 year-old rallies against society’s unrealistic standards, particularly those related to Fashion, Beauty, and Body Image. A message she’s been preaching since launching her first single Leaves Me, which received over 300,000 views on YouTube as well as rotation on Virgin Radio. Her second release Summer High had 400,000 streams across all platforms. Jordyn’s third release Good in My Shoes was released in October 2022 and in addition to becoming a huge Indie hit, it was also chosen as the theme for the Reality Franchise “The Fashion Hero”. Her fourth song Stranger dropped in early January 2023 and it has continued to build on her string of hits.
Jordyn started playing Drums at age 3. Over the next 10 years, she picked up Guitar, taught herself Piano, and found her voice in her early teens. Refining her music in her basement, things really started taking off for her in 2021 after she caught Justin Bieber’s attention. On Instagram, he encouraged her to become a world class singer. She was then discovered by Celine Dion’s former Executive Producer and former SVP of A&R of Sony Music Vito Luprano who helped her perfect her unique vocal style and tone in what is a throwback to the empowered 90s and early Millennial Female Singer Songwriters.
That same year she was selected to be the host of the second season of The Fashion Hero Kids series, hosted by Backstreet Boy AJ McLean. The show features twenty-two diverse contestants as they compete in a bid to “break traditional standards and define a new kind of beautiful”. The series was renewed for a third season and Jordyn is taking on the newly created role of TikTok Correspondent.
I caught up with Jordyn just after she performed at The City of Vaughan’s Canada Day celebrations to talk about what made her want to be part of the music business, her influences, why she refused to conform and where she’s heading.
Watch this Season 14 Episode and Consider Becoming a Member of Janette’s TV YouTube Channel. And hit the BELL to be notified of more upcoming Season 14 episodes!
Janette’s TV Podcast – https://www.janetteburke.com/watch-li...
Singer/Songwriter Jordyn Sugar's Secrets to Feeling Good, 5 Ways to Be in the Music Biz As a Unique Woman, Prioritize Yourself Today, & More!
04 Aug 2024
00:03:14
Jordyn Sugar is “a Toronto born Singer, Songwriter, and Multi-Instrumentalist, who now resides in Montreal. The 22 year-old rallies against society’s unrealistic standards, particularly those related to Fashion, Beauty, and Body Image. A message she’s been preaching since launching her first single Leaves Me, which received over 300,000 views on YouTube as well as rotation on Virgin Radio. Her second release Summer High had 400,000 streams across all platforms. Jordyn’s third release Good in My Shoes was released in October 2022 and in addition to becoming a huge Indie hit, it was also chosen as the theme for the Reality Franchise “The Fashion Hero”. Her fourth song Stranger dropped in early January 2023 and it has continued to build on her string of hits.
Jordyn started playing Drums at age 3. Over the next 10 years, she picked up Guitar, taught herself Piano, and found her voice in her early teens. Refining her music in her basement, things really started taking off for her in 2021 after she caught Justin Bieber’s attention. On Instagram, he encouraged her to become a world class singer. She was then discovered by Celine Dion’s former Executive Producer and former SVP of A&R of Sony Music Vito Luprano who helped her perfect her unique vocal style and tone in what is a throwback to the empowered 90s and early Millennial Female Singer Songwriters.
That same year she was selected to be the host of the second season of The Fashion Hero Kids series, hosted by Backstreet Boy AJ McLean. The show features twenty-two diverse contestants as they compete in a bid to “break traditional standards and define a new kind of beautiful”. The series was renewed for a third season and Jordyn is taking on the newly created role of TikTok Correspondent.
I caught up with Jordyn just after she performed at The City of Vaughan’s Canada Day celebrations to talk about what made her want to be part of the music business, her influences, why she refused to conform and where she’s heading.
Watch this Season 14 Episode and Consider Becoming a Member of Janette’s TV YouTube Channel. And hit the BELL to be notified of more upcoming Season 14 episodes!
Janette’s TV Podcast – https://www.janetteburke.com/watch-li...
Blood, sweat, and tears. That is what it takes to prepare and vie as an Olympic athlete and win. If you’ve ever competed in sport or built something from scratch you know exactly what I mean.
As apart of a selected and accredited media panel, while preparing to make waves of excellence, in this episode, Mary-Sophies Harvey, Kylie Masse and Maggie Mac Neil, Team Canada’s Swimming Team Captions & Contenders, speak to me (and my fellow journalists) about their biggest influences or mentors in the sport, and how hey shaped their approach to swimming.
We also discuss Maggie Mac Neil’s hopes for the future of swimming in Canada, and how she sees the sport evolving in the coming years, especially for women. Much else is also revealed as we cheer these and all delegates of Team Canada on. Bring home the gold!
Watch this Season 14 Episode and Consider Becoming a Member of Janette’s TV YouTube Channel. And hit the BELL to be notified of more upcoming Season 14 episodes!
Subscribe to Janette’s TV Podcast YouTube Channel - / @janettestv
Janette’s TV Podcast – https://www.janetteburke.com/watch-li...
Surviving the Closet with LGBTQIA+ Author & Activist, Jo DeLuzio
22 Jul 2024
00:26:43
Sitting on the subway, on her way to work, Jo DeLuzio contemplates how she’s managed to survive the closet.
A member of the LGBTQIA+ community, Jo didn’t always understand her sexuality. She married a wonderful man who gave her a wonderful life and had 4 children. She also obtained a Master of Clinical Science, with a speciality in audiology, and a PhD in Speech-language Pathology, and began teaching in the graduate program of Speech-language Pathology at the U of T where she still works. But something didn’t feel right. Struggling with her identity and living an inauthentic life, Joe came out in her 40’s. Her experiences are the basis of the ideas shared in this unique volume of writing that is part memoir, part social discussion, and every part honest. Jo’s voice is unique. Outside the world of audiology, she writes about the oppression of people who are LGBTQ+ in Canada and globally.
In this interview, Joe sits down with me for a very real conversation about the challenges she faced coming out later in life as well as the many different ways members of her community may have a slow, sometimes painful journey to their authentic life. and how that differs from those faced by younger members.
She also imparts her wisdom and advice for older women seeking support within the LGBTQIA+ community, and what she wants readers to take away from this book, especially women who are still in the closet, struggling with their identity or facing oppressions/persecution. She details the steps middle-aged women can take to start living more authentically today, regardless of where they are in their journey. And much more!
Watch this Season 14 Episode and Consider Becoming a Member of Janette’s TV YouTube Channel. And hit the BELL to be notified of more upcoming Season 14 episodes!
Subscribe to Janette’s TV Podcast YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdAy9sY71BPZBiMrLI2rvnw
Janette’s TV Podcast – https://www.janetteburke.com/watch-listen
Don't Wait till You're 76 to Orgasm! The Pleasure Is All Mine with Filmmaker Vanessa Sandre
15 Jul 2024
00:08:40
Shot in Brazil, in the short film, The Pleasure Is All Mine, Filmmaker Vanesa Sandre raises two pertinent questions: why is female sexuality such a taboo subject? And why is it so rare to see a woman’s sexual journey carried out on screen, especially by a 76-year old who has never had an orgasm?
During our limited time on earth, most of us want to live the best life possible. That includes experiencing sexual pleasure. For some of us, this sensation can last well up into our 80’s, or even until death. We may not want to think of ourselves or our elders as having desires or being sexually active beyond our golden years. But, if you’re active in your youth, you may find little change in your sexual practices and urges as you age. In fact, they may even become more intense.
In this interview, Vanessa and I discuss these very real stats and truths of sexuality in retirement homes. We also talk about what led her to make this film, drawing upon her feminist film theory studies and her quest to present the female perspective as a counterpoint to the ever-so dominant male view in the film industry. Highly influenced by European feminist theorists, like Laura Mulvey, and female directors, like Agnès Varda and Chantal Akerman, Vanesa continues to shine a new light on telling women’s stories.
Through the main character Amélia (who married a young virgin, raised a family, put her own needs last and spouse doesn’t listen to her) the film depicts an elderly woman's journey to discover pleasure and explore her own sexuality. We witness her bittersweet experimentation towards freedom and pleasure without the typical shame or embarrassment associated with these topics. Instead, there is humor, joy and relief in her self discovery that we can all learn from.
Watch this Season 14 Episode and Consider Becoming a Member of Janette’s TV YouTube Channel. And hit the BELL to be notified of more upcoming Season 14 episodes!
Subscribe to Janette’s TV Podcast YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdAy9sY71BPZBiMrLI2rvnw
Janette’s TV Podcast – https://www.janetteburke.com/watch-listen
Vanessa Sandre
Home (vanessasandre.com)
The Pleasure Is All Mine Short Film
The Pleasure is All Mine (vanessasandre.com)
The Vaughan International Film Festival (VFF) https://www.vaughanfilmfestival.com
Janette’s Take On… - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0ZMKF6T7N-CSqisxfD5F_-WzZV3QGwQI
Up, Close & Personal with Actor, Lou Diamond Phillips
08 Jul 2024
00:09:27
You likely remember him as Ritchie Valens in the biographical drama film La Bamba (1987). And for Stand and Deliver (1988) for which he was nominated for a Golden Globe Award and won an Independent Spirit Award.
He then made his Broadway debut with the 1996 revival of The King and I, earning a Tony Award nomination for his portrayal of King Mongkut of Siam. His other notable films include Young Guns (1988), Young Guns II (1990), Courage Under Fire (1996), The Big Hit (1998), Brokedown Palace (1999), Che (2008), and The 33 (2015). In the television series Longmire, he played a main character Henry Standing Bear. He also portrayed New York City Police Lieutenant Gil Arroyo on Prodigal Son on FOX from 2019 to 2021.
Most recently he was Mantis on The Masked Singer.
He’s Lou Diamond Phillips. I caught up with Lou recently in Niagara Falls, ON at Niagara Falls Comic Con.
We had a terrific chat about his Filipino background, playing Latino role, the huge successes & lulls of his acting career that span decades, things most people don’t realize about actors, and lots more!
Watch this Season 14 Episode and Consider Becoming a Member of Janette’s TV YouTube Channel. And hit the BELL to be notified of more upcoming Season 14 episodes!
Laura Plancarte, Director, Producer & Writer Mexican Dream Official Selection Premier, Hot Docs 2024
26 May 2024
00:30:51
How do you regard Latin American women based on what you see in TV & film?
Laura Plancarte is the Director, Producer, and Writer of the film Mexican Dream, which was an Official Selection Premier at Hot Docs 2024 Toronto and also Winner, Best Film, DocsBarcelona 2024.
The documentary tells the story of Malena who, after felling an abusive relationship and working as a domestic in Mexico City, struggles to reunite with her teenage children, finish building her dream home, setup her business, and have a child with her new, younger partner while reversing a tubal tying and unedging IVF .
Laura and I discuss her goals in creating this film & how she achieved them, how the film speaks to women worldwide facing similar circumstances, the pressure Malena faced to have another child with her boyfriend & how other women and families can relate, how her story challenges audiences to see a different side of Mexican woman who come from poverty while breaking stereotypes & sheds light on the complexities of femineity, motherhood, and Mexico’s unjust social structure, and the importance of all Latinas represented in film.
. Watch this Episode and Consider Becoming a Member of Janette’s TV YouTube Channel. And hit the BELL to be notified of more upcoming Season 13 episodes!
7 Beats Per Minute with Yuqi Kang, Director and Writer
20 May 2024
00:08:43
Do your know your physical and emotional limits?
For holding her breath and submerging herself into the depths of the ocean from the Bahamas to Antarctica, Jessea Lu holds several national records in freediving. In 2018, she attempted to set a world record but fell short: after achieving her target depth of 93 metres. Lu suffered a blackout while returning to the surface. Rescued by her safety crew, she was lifeless for four minutes. The near-death experience was like a rebirth for Lu, who didn’t abandon the sport but rather challenged herself to face her fears and continue to chase new depths. All of this is featured in the documentary 7 Beats Per Minute, shown at Hotdocs, now on the Festival Film Tour around North America, before streaming on Crave & Other Platforms
I met up with Director and Writer Yuqi Kang in Toronto at Hotdocs to discuss the driving forces behind Lu’s decisions, the deep and intimate bond with Lu, following her intense training and joining her in the ocean as the two discover their similarities, and the vulnerability of coming to terms with past traumas and looking for fresh starts, and realize that trusting ourselves and others is a necessary part of the complicated human condition.
Watch this Episode and Consider Becoming a Member of Janette’s TV YouTube Channel. And hit the BELL to be notified of more upcoming Season 13 episodes!
Any Other Way: The Jackie Shane Story with Michael Mabbott, Director, Producer, Writer & Lucah Rosenberg-Lee, Director and Writer
12 May 2024
00:13:42
Do you free to live your life and be the person you were meant to be?Hear Jackie Shane sing once and you’ll never forget it. Yet, after shattering barriers as one of pop music’s first Black trans performers, this trail-blazing icon vanished from the spotlight at the height of her fame. From modest beginnings in Nashville, Shane soon recognized her talents and, in her late teens, made her way to Boston and Montreal, working the nightclub circuit while taking the stage with Frank Motley, a musician known for playing two trumpets at once. Her arrival in Toronto during its 1960s music explosion made her a highly sought-after headlining act who seemed destined to take her place among the R&B stars of the era. Blending her music with never-released phone conversations and soulful animated re-enactments, Any Other Way: The Jackie Shane Story brings Shane back to life in her own words, finally providing the recognition she so rightly deserves and introducing her to a generation fighting for their right to be their true selves.In this episode, I sit down with Michael Mabbott, Director, Producer, Writer, and Editor, Lucah Rosenberg-Lee, Director and Writer to talk about Jackie’s incredible talent, tragic life, and death.
Summer Lovin' in the Digital Age with Anneke de Lind van Wijngaarden, Director and Editor of the Documentary Sweeties, Playing at HotDocs
05 May 2024
00:14:05
Remember your first summer romance and how it made you feel?
Sweeties is a documentary that follows three 14-year-old girls as they embark on a summer holiday with their families to a campsite in the South of France. Feelings and aspirations of young love are in the air. The outdoor campsites, however, are in stark contrast with the online world, where a lot of the girls’ connections are rooted. Talk of what love is, the changes in how people approach romance, the pressures of social media, and the anxieties of coming of age are laid bare with poignant intimacy. For Malak, the camp experience offers a chance to find a new romantic connection. Celia longs for the partner she has but must face the unwanted distance between them. Meanwhile, the only connections Jae wants are those on her phone. The three girls have differing expectations going in but soon find that this summer holiday will be not only memorable but transformative as well.
I caught-up with Dutch Director & Editor, Anneke de Lind van Wijngaarden at HotDocs to talk about how, despite not having any children of her own, she was successfully able to become part of her teenage subjects’ private worlds and how mother’s & grandmother’s can do the same; why it was important to show the different stages of love & romance from the teenage girl’s perspective & how similar patterns repeat for women in life’s later years, why the adventures & misadventures the girls go thorough are to be seriously considered and why she wanted to avoid the negative stereotypes associated with teenage girls and focus on the positive.
Janette’s TV Podcast – https://www.janetteburke.com/watch-listen
JTV YouTube LIVE Short – Season 2 Playlist - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0ZMKF6T7N-BOfB72F2G_NZZRMKfrfKPu&si=Gj9whVvCbCfYpJcy
JTV Instagram LIVE Short Series – Season 1 YouTube Playlist – I https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0ZMKF6T7N-BocYXwQM5LoUyR40bXn-Me&si=DFWibHExDDbeKUrI
What’s your superpower? For actress and activist, Lenore Zann, best known for playing “Rogue” (based on Marvels comics superhero team) in the X-Men Series, the 90’s X-Men: The Animated Series Disney+ revival X-Men ’97, it’s fighting for the underdog. A skill she derives from her character as well as serving as a Member of Parliament and in the House of Commons of Canada for the Liberal Party for 12 years. Lenore’s passion for helping others began in Sydney, New Sout Wales, Australia where she was born and heavily influenced by her grandmother. She emigrated to Canada with her parents in 1968, first residing in Regina, Saskatchewan, then Truro, Nova Scotia where she graduated from Cobequid Educational Centre. She later attended York University to study drama, fine arts and political science. Prior to entering federal politics, an award-winning performer, Lenore has had various screen, voice-over, television and gaming roles since she burst on the entertainment scene at age 19 playing Marilyn Monroe in the live rock opera "Hey Marilyn!" She also represented the electoral district of Truro-Bible Hill in the Nova Scotia House of Assembly from 2009 until 2019 as a member of the Nova Scotia New Democratic Party and from June 9, 2019, until September 12, 2019, as an independent.
In this episode, she joins me to discuss what portraying “Rouge” means to her, how’s she’s adopted “Rouge’s” superpowers in her own life, what she wants women & girls to emulate from “Rogue’s” behaviour, her upcoming book “A Rouge’s Tale”, movie roles, Comicon appearances, and legislative endeavours!
Love at Sky Gardens with Actress, Jenny Raven & Director, Samantha Wan, Nominated for Best Lead Actress and Best Director at the 2023 Canadian Scree Actors Awards
15 Apr 2024
00:05:31
Are you a sucker for romance?
Love is in the air this Spring, and at Sky Gardens!
Released in 2021, the made-for-TV movie stars Hong Kong born Canadian actress, Jenny Raven, known for her work as “Gwen” on Kim’s Convenience, Irina Wong in the American film Flatliners and Sasha Dixon in the television series Designated Survivor. Another notable performance was as “Jasmine” in Arkangel, a Series 4 episode of the British television series Black Mirror.
In Love at Sky Gardens, Raven portrays “Deirdre” - a barista with a passion for designing rooftop gardens. When she accidentally spills coffee on regular customer, event planner Marcus, just before a big meeting with his boss, it sets the wrong tone for him to discuss a job promotion. Deirdre then offers to help Marcus get back on track by lending her rooftop-garden-design services for his boss' next big event: a wedding. His boss agrees to Deirdre's help but also wants Jacob, Marcus' competition for the promotion, to co-plan the wedding. As they work around the clock together, Marcus and Deirdre notice something more about each other and love takes root. But a series of misunderstandings threaten to wilt their growing love. It takes a small miracle to bring them back together where love blooms. Raven was nominated for Best Lead Actress at the 2023 Canadian Screen Actors Awards (CSA) for this role.
The film was directed by Samantha Wan, another Canadian actress, screenwriter, producer, and web series creator who was nominated for Best Director. Wan is best-known for co-creating, writing, and starring in the City television series Second Jen. Since 2017, she has starred in the Global Television Network series Private Eyes and in 2022 CBC's Run the Burbs. She is also of Chinese decent and has been outspoken about the need for more diversity and accurate Asian representation on television and in the media.
On the red carpet at CSA, I briefly caught up with the pair to discuss what things you must consider that make for a good director and how hard it is to be a lead character.
Subscribe to Janette’s TV YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdAy9sY71BPZBiMrLI2rvnw
Janette’s TV Podcast – https://www.janetteburke.com/watch-listen
JTV YouTube LIVE Short – Season 2 Playlist - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0ZMKF6T7N-BOfB72F2G_NZZRMKfrfKPu
JTV Instagram LIVE Short Series – Season 1 YouTube Playlist –https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0ZMKF6T7N-BocYXwQM5LoUyR40bXn-Me
Janette’s TV & Podcast Supplemental – https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0ZMKF6T7N-DfTVbHJa5WEecAitWdYucH
Janette’s Take On… https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0ZMKF6T7N-CSqisxfD5F_-WzZV3QGwQI
HEARTLAND’S stars Michelle Morgon, Aidan Moreno & Michelle Nolden on the Show's Popularity & More!
08 Apr 2024
00:08:29
How important is family and community to you? Heartland is a Canadian family comedy-drama television series that debuted in Canada on CBC Television and originally in the United States on The CW Plus syndication on October 14, 2007. Since 2010, the show's been airing on Up TV in first-run broadcast, and still continues to be broadcast as apart of the service's weekend schedule. The show is based on the Heartland book series by Lauren Brooke and follows Amy Fleming and her older sister Louise "Lou" Fleming on their Alberta-based family ranch, 'Heartland', where they live with their widowed grandfather Jack Bartlett, their father Tim Fleming and hired farmhand Ty Borden. While experiencing the highs and lows of life on the ranch, the family bonds and grows closer. With the airing of its 139th episode on March 29, 2015, Heartland surpassed Street Legal as the longest-running one-hour scripted drama in Canadian television history. On June 1, 2022, CBC renewed the series for Season 16 which consisted of 15 episodes and premiered on October 2, 2022 in Canada. In May 2023, the series was renewed for a 17th season with an unspecified number of episodes that premiered in Canada on October 1, 2023. In the United States, the series has wide distribution through broadcast syndication on weekends, including as part of the default national schedule for Up TV and The CW Plus and new episodes become available as of 2021, on Up Faith & Family, the network's streaming service months after full seasons finish their runs in Canada and later premiere in the US linearly on the main network and all later seasons are exclusive to Up Faith & family first before they go up to available for syndication on other American networks and streaming services that aren't affiliated with UP tv or its sister networks. Reruns of older episodes air on Hulu, Pluto TV, Crackle, Tubi, BYUtv, Retro TV, COZI TV, and Heartland (which is not named for the series). It was also a part of the schedule on the now defunct Light TV until it was rebranded as TheGrio TV on January 15, 2021. The show is also available on Netflix and various other streaming platforms in the US as well. No wonder the show was nominated for Best Dramatic Series at the 2023 Canadian Screen Actors Awards where I met up with cast members, Michelle Morgan (“Lou Flemming”), Aidan Moreno (“Ricke Aderly”) and Michelle Nolden (Jessica Cook”) on the red carpet to talk about the show’s appeal, storylines that embrace LGBT issues, family, immigrants, & community, and what will happen next.
The Joke's on You! with Canadian Stand-up Comedian, Salma Hindy & Executive Producer, Shane Corkery from Roast Battle Canada, Nominated for Best Sketch Comedy at the 2023 Canadian Screen Actors Awards
01 Apr 2024
00:07:15
Do you love a good laugh? How about when the joke is on you?
Roast Battle Canada is a Canadian television comedy series. it premiered on CTV Comedy Channel in October 2021 as an adaptation of the American series Jeff Ross Presents Roast Battle. The series presents battles in which pairs of comedians take turns roasting each other on stage, before a panel of judges who decides the winner of each battle.
The judges for the series are Russell Peters, Sabrina Jalees and K. Trevor Wilson, with Ennis Esmer serving as host of the series.
The first episode, featuring comedians Daniel Woodrow, Keith Pedro, Brittany Lyseng and Mike Rita, received a Canadian Screen Award nomination for best performance in a variety or sketch comedy program or series at the 10th Canadian Screen Awards in 2022. The second season premiere, featuring Salma Hindy, Sophie Buddle, Jean Paul and Ron Josol, was nominated in the same category at the 11th Canadian Screen Awards (CSA)) in 2023.
On the CSA red carpet, I caught up with Canadian Stand-up Comedian, Salma Hindy and Executive Producer, Shane Corkery Executive Producer to talk about the show, the best & worst aspects of roasting, and when a joke goes too far.
Subscribe to Janette’s TV YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdAy9sY71BPZBiMrLI2rvnw
Janette’s TV Podcast – https://www.janetteburke.com/watch-listen
JTV YouTube LIVE Short – Season 2 Playlist - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xNFQD-aPClM&list=PL0ZMKF6T7N-BOfB72F2G_NZZRMKfrfKPu
JTV Instagram LIVE Short Series – Season 1 – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ECdTRBeX61g&list=PL0ZMKF6T7N-BocYXwQM5LoUyR40bXn-Me
Do You Really Know Your Friends? With Laura Adkin, Director of the Movie, Re:Uniting
25 Mar 2024
00:19:58
How well do you ever really know someone you are friends with?
These is a question British Columbia’s actor turned writer and director, Laura Adkin, contemplates in her feature film debut Re:Uniting.
Released in Toronto on March 15th, the film is being shown in select CINEPLEX movie theaters across Canada before coming to various streaming platforms.
It features six best friends from college, now in their 40’s, reconnecting for their 25-year reunion. Secrets are revealed. And one forces them to re-evaluate their lives.
In this episode, Laura and I chat about why this reunion, which starts out light-hearted and quickly dives deep, focuses on friends approaching their retirement years and what happens when everything they planned for doesn’t quite work out; just how complex, nuanced & messy friendships can be, and lots more!
Inside Dusty: Actor & Filmmaker Travis Jeffery on the Darker Side of Grief
16 Dec 2025
00:06:02
Grief doesn’t always look quiet. And it doesn’t always heal neatly. In this Janette’s TV Podcast episode, on the red carpet at VFF, Janette talks with actor, producer, and writer Travis Jeffery to discuss his powerful short film, Dusty—a raw exploration of the negative, often unspoken side of grief and how loss can show up in unexpected, destructive ways. Travis opens up about storytelling as a form of truth-telling, the responsibility of portraying emotional pain honestly, and why Dusty challenges audiences to sit with discomfort instead of rushing toward resolution. This conversation is about loss, masculinity, vulnerability, and the courage to confront what we’d rather avoid. 🎬 Featuring coverage from VFF (Vaughan Film Festival) 👗 Sponsored by VFF Clothing Sponsor - Sasha BoutiqueGrief doesn’t always look quiet. And it doesn’t always heal neatly.
The Jackie Mason Musical Hits Toronto April 13th and 14th !
18 Mar 2024
00:33:09
Were you a fan of the late, great comedian Jackie Mason? Then you won’t want to miss The Jackie Mason Musical coming to Toronto, Prosserman JCC, Leah Poslun’s Theatre, Saturday, April 13th & Sunday, April 14th, 7pm both nights, plus a 2pm matinee on Saturday, April 13th.
Written and scored by playwright/songwriter/actress Ginger Reiter, the show, hosted by Kol Tov Productions/Jewish Comedy Festival, is based on true events and stars Sheba Mason (Jackie’s & Ginger’s real-life lovechild) & Ian Wehrle (as Jackie Mason).
With a hilarious cast of characters, the play addresses both sides of Jackie & Ginger’s famous 10-year whirlwind romance that began in Miami Beach circa 1977. Sixteen original songs, including “Ode to The Early Bird Special”, I Never Met this Yenta” and “The Finger”, highlight the romantic misadventures of Jackie Mason as his Broadway career soared and Sheba is born.
In this episode, I’m joined by Ginger & Ian and rejoined by Sheba to discuss why the play was created, what they want you to know about Jackie Mason, and much more!
Watch this Season 13 Episode and Consider Becoming a Member of Janette’s TV YouTube Channel. And hit the BELL to be notified of more upcoming Season 13 episodes!
Subscribe to Janette’s TV YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdAy9sY71BPZBiMrLI2rvnw
Janette’s TV Podcast – https://www.janetteburke.com/watch-listen
JTV Instagram LIVE Short Series – Season 1 – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ECdTRBeX61g&list=PL0ZMKF6T7N-BocYXwQM5LoUyR40bXn-Me
JTV YouTube LIVE Short –https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xNFQD-aPClM&list=PL0ZMKF6T7N-BOfB72F2G_NZZRMKfrfKPu
Janette’s TV & Podcast Supplemental – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kdl1rciIzkM&list=PL0ZMKF6T7N-DfTVbHJa5WEecAitWdYucH
The Jackie Mason Musical - www.jewishcomedyfestival.com Jackie Mason - Jackie Mason - Wikipedia
How Canadian Actress, Jennifer Finnigan Lands Role After Role & A Nomination for Best Lead Performer in CBC's Moonshine at the 2023 Canadian Screen Actors Awards
02 Mar 2024
00:06:30
Ex-Montrealer and Canadian Actress, Jennifer Finnigan, never stops hustling for roles. She is known for her portraying Bridget Forrester in the American soap The Bold and the Beautiful (2000 to 2004), for which she won three Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Younger Actress in a Drama Series. She also appeared on the CBS legal drama Close to Home (2005–2007) and the ABC sitcom Better with You (2010–2011). In addition, Finnigan starred on the FX series Tyrant (2014–2016). She later starred in the CBS sci-fi drama Salvation (2017–2018), as well as in Playing for Keeps, a CTV/Lifetime Original Movie, broadcast as What Color is Love. She co-starred with her husband, actor Jonathan Silverman (Brighton Beach Memoires, Weekend at Bernie’s, Weekend at Bernie's II ) with whom she shares a daughter, in Beethoven's Big Break, and the latest installment in the Beethoven film series - released direct-to-DVD in late 2008, as well as the ABC sitcom Better than You. Currently she plays Lidia Bennett - an architect and the eldest Finley-Cullen sibling on the CBC dramedy, Moonshine (now in Season 3), for which she was nominated for Best Lead Performer at the 2023 Canadian Screen Actors Awards. I caught-up with Jennifer on the red carpet to talk about her nomination, career longevity in both Canada and the U.S., and how actresses over 40 can keep landing dream roles in an industry that typically cuts them out.
Why Indie Films Are Good for Actresses with Canadian Actress, Laura Vandervoort, Indie Leader Recipient at the 2023 Vaughan International Film Festivals Awards Gala
17 Feb 2024
00:04:22
Related to Canadian Actor Gordon Pinsent, Actress Laura Vandervoort hails from Toronto and is best known for her roles as Sadie Harrison in the CTV teen drama series Instant Star, Arla "The Bolt-Gun Killer" Cogan in the Syfy supernatural drama series Haven, Kara Zor-El (Supergirl) in The CW serial drama series Smallville and as Lisa in the ABC science fiction series V. In 2014, she also starred as Elena Michaels in the Space channel drama series Bitten, a television adaptation of Kelley Armstrong's book series Women of the Otherworld.
I met up with Laura on the red carpet at the 2023 Vaughan Film Festival’s Awards Gala to discuss her win, why she turned to Indie film, and how she’s paving the way for women actresses everywhere. Subscribe to Janette’s TV YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdAy9sY71BPZBiMrLI2rvnw
Janette’s TV Podcast – https://www.janetteburke.com/watch-listen
Why Women Are Mean with Thea Sharrock, Director, of the movie Wicked Little Letters at TIFF movie premiere.
04 Feb 2024
00:04:24
Mothers, sisters, cousins, mentors, and friends, from birth to death, in both good & bad times, across every century, race and religion, women play a constant and significant role in each other’s lives.
Female bonds are indeed unbreakable. Yet how many times have you known or heard stories of women who appear at odds, behaving terribly towards one another? Or worse, been the one to spread the rumors and start the fight?
Women’s behavior hasn’t drastically changed since the 1920’s and the root causes of it, are just some of what Wicked Little Letters, starring British & Irish actresses Olivia Colman and Jessie Buckley, explores. It is also what Director Thea Sharrock and I discuss in this episode, noting that when women band together to support (rather than compete), amazing things happen. This can be seen from the movie’s beginning to the end with the lead character’s shifting attitudes and actions.
Watch this Episode HERE! And hit the BELL to be notified of more upcoming Season 13 episodes!
Growing-Up with a Famous, Abusive Mother - Antony Penrose & Ami Bouhassane TIFF red carpet premiere
29 Jan 2024
00:00:23
Have you been abused or grown up with an abusive parent or grandparent?
In this episode, I speak with Antony Penrose, and Ami Bouhassane, Lee Miller’s real-life son and granddaughter at the movie LEE TIFF red carpet premiere about what it was like to be around the former model, fine art photographer and noted war correspondent, Lee Miller, played by Kate Winslet. Admired by the outside world for doing marvelous things, Miller suffered from alcoholism and PTS that greatly affected her parenting and relationships. We discuss how they forgave her and what they want known about this strong woman.
Watch this Episode and Consider Becoming a Member of Janette’s TV YouTube Channel. And hit the BELL to be notified of more upcoming Season 13 episodes!
Growing-Up with a Famous, Abusive Mother - Antony Penrose & Ami Bouhassane TIFF red carpet premiere
29 Jan 2024
00:00:45
Have you been abused or grown up with an abusive parent or grandparent?
In this episode, I speak with Antony Penrose, and Ami Bouhassane, Lee Miller’s real-life son and granddaughter at the movie LEE TIFF red carpet premiere about what it was like to be around the former model, fine art photographer and noted war correspondent, Lee Miller, played by Kate Winslet. Admired by the outside world for doing marvelous things, Miller suffered from alcoholism and PTS that greatly affected her parenting and relationships. We discuss how they forgave her and what they want known about this strong woman.
Watch this Episode and Consider Becoming a Member of Janette’s TV YouTube Channel. And hit the BELL to be notified of more upcoming Season 13 episodes!
Stephanie Henry, Traffic reporter for Toronto's liveliest morning show, Breakfast Television. Blogger at She Auto-Know. And Host of the 2023 Vaughan International Film Festival's Awards Gala
22 Jan 2024
00:05:18
Born in Toronto and raised in Brampton, she admits to being a reality TV junkie. She’s been bullied for no reason. Shamed by her size, she dropped a considerable amount of weight the past year. She empowers women with knowledge about cars, lifestyle, and travel on her blog. She’s Stephanie Henry, Traffic reporter for Toronto’s liveliest morning show, Breakfast Television.
Drawn to media at an early age, Stephanie taught herself how to use various programs including Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and Flash. She fell in love with broadcasting after taking an introductory course at her high school.
She officially began her broadcast career at York University and Seneca College, where she completed a joint program, receiving a B.A in Sociology and a diploma for Broadcast Journalism. During her time in school, Stephanie received the Susan Anton Clark Award for excelling in writing and bringing empathy to important issues.
Prior to joining the BT team, Stephanie worked at 680 NEWS as a Traffic reporter, but often covered entertainment and award shows. On the weekends, Stephanie still gets on the radio at 680 NEWS to report on community events.
I caught up with Stephanie on the red carpet at the 2023 Vaughan International Film Festival’s Awards Gala where she was host to talk about her role and massive achievements.
Veteran Canadian Journalist Lisa LaFlamme – Women in Media Over 40 Overcoming Misogyny, Sexism, and Ageism
14 Jan 2024
00:04:38
Imagine spending 35 years at the top of your career and suddenly let go.
Bell Media didn’t renew 58-year-old Veteran Canadian Journalist, Lisa LaFlamme, former chief anchor, and senior editor of CTV National News contract, when executives opted to take the newscast in “a different direction.”
Blind-sided by their “business decision”, LaFlamme spoke out publicly about her dismissal, and went viral on social media.
Accusations of misogyny, sexism, and ageism over LaFlamme's termination sparked public outrage.
Bell Media published a statement that they would be "taking steps to initiate an independent, third-party internal workplace review.“
Bell Executive, Melling asked who approved the decision to 'let Lisa’s hair go grey.' The issue of LaFlamme’s hair colour came up again on set when Lisa’s hair began taking on a purple hue under studio lighting.
Bibic, another Bell Executive, contradicted CTV's explanation, stating that the leave was "pending the outcome of the workplace review." Journalists within the CTV newsroom issued a letter to Bibic, BCE's board of directors, and president "expressing a lack of confidence in Melling's leadership", "serious concerns" over LaFlamme's dismissal, and "toxic work culture that had developed at CTV prior to La Flamme’s departure. On December 19, 2022, the independent review concluded with Melling being reassigned away from CTV's news division, citing a need for civility, respect, and better working conditions in the newsroom.
On August 25, 2022 the Canadian branch of Wendy's restaurants changed the hair of their girl mascot from red to gray in support of LaFlamme. Dove Canada did not mention LaFlamme explicitly but also urged its followers to turn their pictures to grayscale in support of graying women, and announced a $100,000 donation to Catalyst, an organization for inclusive workplaces. The Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Twitter account retweeted the cover of its Maye Musk issue, who also had gray hair, and mentioned its support for the Dove campaign.
Jane Litwack, Kinder Transport Survivor, Saved by Nicholas Winton at ONE LIFE 2023 TIFF Movie Premiere
08 Jan 2024
00:07:29
Imagine being sent away by your mother as a child and wondering if you would ever see her or your father again.
That’s what happed to Jane Litwack and her sisters when all three young Jews escaped Nazism, making their way from Czechoslovakia to Holland to England aboard the Kinder Transport to reside with a foster family and rebuild their lives – all thanks to British humanitarian, Nicholas Winton
I met Jane at the 2023 TIFF ONE LIFE movie premier which tells the story of Winton (portrayed by actors Anthony Hopkins & Johnny Flynn). The movie opens in wide release this January. In this episode, Jane recalls her memories of survival and gratitude towards Winton.
In this promo video, Janette talks about her clothing sponsor, Sashay Boutique, dressing her for the red-carpets of tiff and how you too can find the perfect dress or outfit for any occasion with Sheva, owner.
Janette’s TV & Janette’s TV Podcast special holiday treat, behind the scenes at Nickelback LIVE in concert from 2023 TIFF.
23 Dec 2023
00:15:27
Janette’s TV & Janette’s TV Podcast special holiday treat, behind the scenes at Nickelback LIVE in concert from 2023 TIFF. Wishing you and yours the happiest holidays and best 2024! We’ll be back January 8th with all new episodes. In the meantime, be sure to follow me on Instagram to check out JTV Instagram LIVE Short, our newest series featuring speakers, book authors, coaches, consultants, and small business owners launched December 20th, 2023. New releases every Wednesday.
Straight from the 2023 Tiff Red-Carpet Premier, Ed Sinclair, Producer WICKED LITTLE LETTERS, starring his wife, actress, Olivia Colman
16 Dec 2023
00:06:29
Have you ever been involved in a scandal or the subject of idle gossip? How did you cope?
Wicked Little Letters is a 2023 British black comedy mystery film directed by Thea Sharrock and written by Jonny Sweet. Set to be released in 2024, the film stars Olivia Colman and Jessie Buckley in the lead roles, along with Anjana Vasan, Malachi Kirby, Eileen Atkins and Timothy Spall in supporting roles.
Based on a true scandal that stunned 1920s England, the story centers on neighbours Edith Swan (played by Colman) and Rose Gooding (played by Buckley) in the seaside town of Littlehampton, England. One day, a series of obscene letters begin to target Edith and others, with suspicion falling upon Rose. As the outrageous letters continue to escalate, Rose risks losing both her freedom and custody of her daughter. Police Officer Gladys Moss (played by Vasan) is determined to find the real culprit, and along with a group of other women, seeks to solve this perplexing mystery.
At their TIFF red-carpet premier, in this episode, I talk with producer/writer, Ed Sinclair (Olivia Colman’s husband) about the dangers of competition amongst women, what can be learned when rumors are started & lives are potentially ruined, and how the story serves as female empowerment piece.