Trust Me I'm a Decorator – Details, episodes & analysis

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

Tommy and Debbie discuss their recent trips and the advantages and disadvantages of they faced. Tommy shares his experience of traveling to Montreal to see the solar eclipse, while Debbie recounts her frustrating journey from Italy to London. They also talk about the importance of packing efficiently and decluttering before a move. The conversation then shifts to gardening and the joys of spring, with Debbie sharing her experiences of maintaining the gardens at her villa in Italy. They also reflect on their recent live podcast event and express excitement about their upcoming cruise to Budapest. Debbie and Tommy share other stories from past trips, highlighting the joys of when someone else organizes the details! Tell Tommy & Debbie about your upcoming travel plans, best and worst experiences, and lessons learned from your adventures! Send them a voicenote at thetrustmepod.com or on Instagram @thetrustmepod. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Debbie Travis and Tommy Smythe welcome multi-platinum, award-winning singer, songwriter, actor, author, and fellow podcaster Jann Arden to the podcast! They discuss her debut novel The Bittlemores and her creative process; Jann shares that it took her about 13 years to write the book, starting with a simple idea and gradually adding to it over time. She emphasizes the importance of storytelling and the enjoyment she finds in pursuing different creative endeavours. The conversation also touches on the editing process and the challenges of letting go of certain ideas. They touch on some themes covered in the book including teenage pregnancy, abandonment, alcoholism and animal cruelty. Jann also explains how her book also looks at making better choices regarding animal welfare and industrial farming. The hosts share funny and hateful experiences from the internet. They emphasize the need for joy, laughter, and manners in online interactions. The conversation covers various topics including poverty, the impact of COVID-19, the value of hard work, the importance of being authentic, the significance of home, and the joy of planting and nurturing. They also talk about the sacrifices and challenges of their careers and the misconception of fame. The conversation emphasizes the importance of living in the present moment and finding joy in simple things.  Topics The 13-Year Journey of 'The Bittlemores' The Challenges and Importance of the Editing Process The Joy of Storytelling: Jan Arden's Approach to Writing Awareness and Better Choices for Animal Welfare Funny and Hurtful Experiences with Online Hate Living Life to the Fullest and Exploring the World The Impact of Poverty and COVID-19 The Value of Hard Work and Authenticity The Significance of Home Finding Joy in Simple Things The Satisfaction of Planting and Nurturing Find out more about Jann Arden's The Bittlemores: https://www.jannarden.com/jann-arden-releases-new-novel-the-bittlemores/ Listen to The Jann Arden Podcast: https://www.jannardenpod.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To celebrate the launch of the Women in Media Network at the Dine Alone Store in Toronto, flagship creators Debbie Travis and Tommy Smythe record another fan favourite "Ask Us Anything" episode with a live studio audience. They talk about their first impressions of each other and how their podcast was born out a bored and restless time during covid. They cover their proudest and most embarrassing moments as television personalities and friends, sharing stories from many television sets and visits along the way. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode, Debbie and Tommy reflect on how important women are to society, in history, and in their lives. They touch on the traditional roles of women in society and the power of female friendship. The conversation also talks about embracing differences and striving for equality. From Frances Mayes to Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Debbie and Tommy also reflect on the changing roles of women in society, including the impact of women in politics, and the importance of supportive partnerships. They also explore the power of reversing traditional gender roles and the significance of trust and support in relationships. The conversation highlights the need to celebrate women's achievements and share success stories. They also announce another 'Ask Us Anything' episode with a live audience! Send in your questions at www.thetrustmepod.com! Topics Introduction and the Influence of Women The Importance of Coping and Support Gender Roles and Community The Power of Female Friendship Sharing Stories and Finding Inspiration The Multitudes of Women and Men The Influence of Women Throughout History The Changing Roles of Women The Influence of Women Behind the Scenes The Impact of Women in Politics Women Who Inspire Supportive Partnerships Reversing Traditional Gender Roles The Importance of Trust and Support Finding Balance in Relationships The Power of Sharing Success Stories Celebrating Women's Achievements Recording with a Live Studio Audience Recommendation: Conversations from a Long Marriage Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Tommy and Debbie are actually talking about design & decorating in honour of a special guest! Genevieve Gorder is one of America’s favorite interior designers for years. She is the founder and director of the Genevieve Gorder brand, a television host, designer, producer, a home product designer, contributing author, and global ambassador for home and human rights. Gorder has appeared and been featured in several dozen lifestyle shows around the world. Currently, you can find Genevieve on Netflix, HGTV, Bravo, TLC, Amazon, numerous talk shows, and now on Crackle TV with her new show At Home with Genevieve. A two time Emmy nominee and regular design host at the White House, Genevieve has built multiple lifestyle collections for home. From rugs and textiles to wallpaper, jewelry and a full line of furniture and decor. Off Air and internet, Genevieve designs and consults for a diverse group of clients and companies. While she has guided many hotels, restaurants, cruise lines, towns and private clients towards their design dreams, her latest project will open in 2025 as a Six Senses hotel in Mexico. She travels the world with Oxfam as a Sister on the Planet ambassador, using her influence to fight global poverty, hunger and injustice with a particular focus on home and empowering women and girls. Gorder’s work has been featured in numerous publications nationally and internationally. Currently you can find her on the cover and featured in the NYT best seller “In the Company of Women”. Genevieve resides with her husband and furniture designer Christian Dunbar and daughter Bebelle in Manhattan.  Debbie, Tommy & Genevieve discuss their early collaborations and the impact they had on viewers and future designers. They also reflect on the success of shows like Changing Rooms and Trading Spaces, which revolutionized the design industry. The conversation explores the democratization of design and the joy of teaching and communicating design to a wide audience. Genevieve and Debbie share their passion for creativity and the importance of finding inspiration in everyday life. They also discuss the challenges and rewards of the renovation process and the joy of creating spaces that bring happiness to people's lives. They touch on the realities of television production, filming challenges, finding drama in home renovations, and appreciating the realness of the process. Topics covered: Introduction and Admiration Early Collaborations and TV Shows Passion for Design from Childhood Impact on Viewers and Future Designers The Success of Changing Rooms and Trading Spaces The Rise of Reality TV and Design Shows Early TV Experiences and Real World Diplomacy and Creativity Translating Design and Joyful Approach Teaching and Communicating Design Design as a Calling and Teaching Process Democratization of Design and DIY Breaking Barriers and Changing the Industry Taking Ownership and Creating Collections Finding Inspiration and Learning from Italy Passion for Design and Teaching Balancing Creativity and Teaching Sharing the Renovation Process The Cost of Renovations Creating Destinations The Realities of Television Filming Challenges Finding Drama in Home Renovations Appreciating the Realness Continuing the Conversation Find more information about Genevieve's collections: Jewelry: https://monyajewelry.com/pages/genevieve-gorder Rugs: https://buymymagiccarpet.com/pages/genevieve-gorder-collection Wallpaper: https://tempaper.com/collections/genevieve-gorder?gad_source=1 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Debbie and Tommy discuss their experiences and feelings about Valentine's Day. They share childhood memories, embarrassing moments, and romantic gestures. Debbie talks about falling in love with Hans. Tommy talks about that time he walked into a hotel room to find something he wished he didn't...and reminds us not to go back to our exes. Outside of unfortunate Valentine's Day experiences, they also discuss how to keep romance alive and their plans for Valentine's Day. Finally, Debbie shares her chocolate mousse recipe from her latest book, Joy. Debbie's chocolate mousse recipe ingredients: 4 cups of whipping cream or heavy cream, 3 cups of chopped dark chocolate, a little over one pound. Icing powder Edible flowers or fresh mint. Directions: Pour the cream into a large bowl and whip with a whisk or electric mixer until stiff peaks form. Place the chocolate in a microwave safe bowl and microwave for 30 second intervals, stirring after each until all the pieces have melted and the mixture is hot and smooth. Alternatively, you can place the chocolate in a heatproof bowl and set it over a pot of boiling water and stir regularly until melted and smooth. While the chocolate is still melted, quickly fold in the whipped cream using a spatula, mixing gently and gradually until the mousse is fluffy and soft. Using a piping bag or Ziploc bag with a little hole in the corner, pipe the mousse into individual serving dishes and refrigerate for at least three hours until the mousse is chilled and the texture firm. When ready to serve, dust each portion with a little icing sugar and decorate with a little flour or some mint. Feel free to add the Debbie Travis touch; Grand Marnier. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, veteran beauty journalist Alice Hart-Davis joins Tommy & Debbie to discuss the world of beauty myths versus beauty truths. They explore the concept of 'tweakments,' which are non-surgical cosmetic procedures that can enhance one's appearance. Alice emphasizes the importance of finding the right practitioners and being thoughtful and careful when considering these procedures. They also discuss the mental health issues associated with the beauty industry and the balance between natural aging and cosmetic enhancements. The conversation concludes with a focus on hand treatments and addressing concerns about lip fillers. In this conversation, Alice Hart-Davis discusses various aspects of tweakments, including lip fillers, facial proportions, and the importance of skilled practitioners. She explains the impact of aging on lips and the potential benefits and risks of lip filler treatments. Alice also discusses the role of skincare in preparing for tweakments and shares tips for managing jaw clenching. She explores natural remedies for lip plumping and highlights the acceptance of non-surgical procedures. Additionally, Alice shares her worst tweakment experiences and discusses the potential of microneedling for hair growth. Alice has 25 years’ experience researching – and trying out - skincare and cosmetic treatments, so she knows what really works. She’s the creator of The Tweakments Guide, a content platform providing trusted, independent information about non-surgical procedures like fillers and lasers. Alice launched the site in 2019 to help people find out about what cosmetic tweakments involve, to help them choose the right products to treat whatever is bothering them, and to find the best practitioners to give them the results they're looking for. She writes for many national newspapers and magazines in the UK, and shares the latest treatments that she’s hearing about and trying on Instagram and her website. Alice also hosts consumer events where people can meet top practitioners and explore the latest tweakments technology, and attends aesthetic conferences around the world to stay up to speed in this fast-evolving area.  Follow Alice on Instagram: @alicehartdavis and @thetweakmentsguide Read about how an MRI scan showed 30ml of filler in her face, four years after her last treatment: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-12191489/AI-generated-image-shows-ALICE-HART-DAVIS-look-naturally.html Topics: Introduction and Background Understanding Tweakments The Tweakment's Guide Navigating the Beauty Industry Choosing the Right Practitioner Exploring Mental Health Issues Finding the Balance with Tweakments The Importance of Hand Treatments Preventative Treatments and Aging Addressing Concerns about Lips Lip Fillers and Facial Proportions The Importance of Skilled Practitioners Individualized Lip Filler Treatment The Effect of Aging on Lips The Philtrum and Lip Lift Surgery Lip Flip and Lip Lift Procedures The Importance of Smiling The Role of Skincare in Tweakments Wrinkle Relaxing Toxins for Jaw Pain Managing Jaw Clenching Natural Remedies for Lip Plumping Acceptance of Non-Surgical Procedures Facelifts and Non-Surgical Enhancements The Effects of Aging on the Face Alice's Worst Tweakment Experiences Hair Thinning and Hair Loss Microneedling for Hair Growth Exploring Hair Loss Treatments Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For the first episode of 2024, Debbie Travis & Tommy Smythe welcome back their friend and Nutritional Therapist Jacky Brown. 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.  Jacky shares her insights on healthy eating and dispels common misconceptions. The conversation covers the Mediterranean diet, the importance of eating plants, the benefits of beans and lentils, navigating conflicting information and trusted sources, the importance of fermented foods, and making things at home like kombucha and kefir. Jackie emphasizes the need for a varied and balanced diet and provides practical tips for incorporating healthy habits into daily life. Then, they share their New Year's resolutions and commitments to improving their health. They emphasize the importance of creating healthy habits, being mindful, and tracking progress. They also discuss the significance of movement, exercise, and improving sleep. They encourage trying new recipes and foods and emphasize the importance of enjoying food without suffering.  In this episode, Debbie and Jacky reference the following resources: https://drwilliamli.com/  https://zoe.com/ Find Jacky Brown's Kombucha recipe: https://www.thetrustmepod.com/new-year-new-habits/ Making Kombucha is a trial-and-error process and with experience you can increase or decrease the sugar and the flavourings. For inspiration read ‘The Art of Fermentation’ by Sandor Katz or Fermenting Food, Step by Step by Adam Elabd. www.jackybnutrition.com Instagram @jackybrownnutrition Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices