Shows
Homegirl Nation#63 Jennifer Whalen and Meredith MacNeill | Menopause Buddies and Small Achievable Goals Season 2Today’s Homegirl hangout is about the kind of joy that unfolds when women come together and gab about menopause.My guests, Jennifer Whalen and Meredith MacNeill, are the creators behind Small Achievable Goals, a show that’s struck a deep chord with audiences by making space for honest conversations about menopause, womanhood, and everything we’re usually taught to whisper about.Jennifer and Meredith are no strangers to comedic collaborations. You might remember them slaying us in Baroness Von Sketch and This Hour Has 22 Minutes but it’s clear this partnership and project is on a much...
2026-01-2922 min
Miss Matched PodcastFrom Layoffs to Level-Ups: The Realities of Freelancing with Brigitte TruongThe freelance life looks shiny on Instagram—but what does it really take to build a multi-hyphenate career you can sustain? In this episode, I sit down with powerhouse host/producer/creator Brigitte Truong to unpack the business, the burnout, and the boundaries behind modern freelancing. Brigitte Truong knows the power of wearing all the hats. We unpack scarcity vs. abundance in Canada’s small media market, why “you don’t ask, you don’t get” is every freelancer’s mantra, and how to set phone limits before screen time wrecks your mental health. Brigitte also shares how she built Rally, a...
2025-10-0556 minHomegirl Nation#62 Kate Hudson and Kaia Gerber | Beauty Standards, Boundaries and BotoxOkay so we kind of have the hangouts of all hangouts today because Kate Hudson and Kaia Gerber are joining us! These two beautiful, talented and SPUNKY homegirls are the stars of Shell - a film that’s equal parts thriller, social commentary, and a wild ride into the future of beauty.Shell asks a chilling question: if you could restore your youth and guarantee longevity with just a few treatments, would you? Elisabeth Moss plays Samantha, an actress who takes the plunge and is transformed but soon discovers the glossy world of Shell isn’t what it se...
2025-10-0307 minHomegirl Nation#61 Nina Kiri | Out Standing and ResilientFrom her unforgettable turn as Alma in The Handmaid’s Tale to her latest role in Out Standing, Nina Kiri continues to bring women’s stories of strength and resilience to the screen.The film is based on the life of Sandra Perron, Canada’s first female infantry officer, who not only broke barriers in the military but also faced immense challenges, from gruelling physical demands to deep-rooted institutional sexism. Out Standing doesn’t shy away from those realities, and Nina brings Sandra’s resilience, vulnerability, and strength to the screen in such a compelling way, you can’t help...
2025-09-2520 minHomegirl Nation#60 Julianne Costigan | How to Turn Your Wardrobe into a Career AssetJoining us this week is celebrated fashion stylist from right here in Toronto, Julianne Costigan, who’s the founder of COSTIGAN, a newly rebranded personal branding studio helping ambitious women define their style and lead with clarity and confidence.Julianne’s team recently shared stats that stopped me in my tracks:- 93% of women leaders say their appearance directly affects how others perceive their confidence.- Nearly half have missed out on opportunities because of their image.- 92% say that when they feel good about how they show up, they perform better.So...
2025-07-2437 minHomegirl Nation#59 Heather Ogden | Discipline and ReinventionToday’s guest has spent over two decades dancing on one of the most demanding stages in the world. Heather Ogden is the Toronto-born, Principal Dancer with The National Ballet of Canada, and she has lived inside the iconic role of Odette/Odile in Swan Lake since 2003. Just weeks after her final bow, Heather is joining us, not just as a celebrated ballerina but as a woman stepping into something new. We’ve all been there; it’s exciting, nerve wracking, and you either lean into the unknowns or you let them stall you. Girl is leaning in! Heather...
2025-05-2731 minHomegirl Nation#58 Dr. Shirin Dason | Fertility 101 for Grown Ass WomenIf you’re someone who’s ever wondered if you really understand your body, like, truly understand how your fertility works, safe to say you are not alone. I’m in my late 30s, and recently, I walked into a fertility clinic for the very first time. What I saw surprised me: a room full of women, many around my age, quietly waiting, maybe searching for answers, just like me. And it got me thinking: Are more of us waking up to the fact that we should’ve been taught this stuff earlier? And what do we actually need to know...
2025-05-0846 minHomegirl Nation#57 Andrew Ahn | Remaking A Classic Rom Com With The Wedding BanquetAndrew Ahn has reimagined one of my favourite rom coms growing up, The Wedding Banquet which was brought to us by legendary filmmaker Ang Lee in 1993. It's a story about a Taiwanese man in New York who stages a marriage to please his traditional parents, only to have them show up for a full-blown wedding celebration. What unfolds is a story that’s both hilarious and heartbreaking, a sharp look at identity, cultural expectations, and the messy beauty of family.Andrew’s version brings the story into the now with a stellar cast including Bowen Yang, Han Gi-Ch...
2025-04-1611 min
I Am Not a Weather Girl PodcastBrigitte Truong: National morning show correspondent, freelance TV hostSend us a textBrigitte Truong has solidified herself as a go-to source in Canada for the latest in lifestyle and entertainment. She serves as a TV correspondent for "Breakfast Television" in Toronto and is a host of a digital series called "Sister Cities" for USA Today. She is also a producer and digital content creator for movies and TV shows in Canada. Plus, she also has her own podcast! In addition to her career duties, we talk about her upbringing, her wild work schedule, and how to break into the freelance hosting world. Brigitte wears a...
2025-04-1541 minHomegirl Nation#56 Emily O'Brien | From Incarceration to Business InnovationHomegirl Nation is now available to stream on Amazon Music and Audible! Another avenue to find our 5 seasons and counting featuring powerful female voices across Canada just like this week's guest.Emily O’Brien was on a path that, from the outside, looked pretty typical. She graduated with honours, started a social media agency, and carved out her place in the world. But life has a way of throwing curveballs, and for Emily, one fateful trip changed everything. She found herself as a drug mule, incarcerated, facing the weight of her choices, and navigating a system that ra...
2025-03-2040 minHomegirl Nation#55 Jessica Moorhouse | 5 Ways To Master Your Money MindsetFinancial stress is a common topic of conversation in 2025 so what better way to kick off a new season of the podcast than with money expert Jessica Moorhouse! Known as the millennial money expert, Jessica is a speaker, financial counsellor, host of the More Money podcast, and the bestselling author of Everything About Money: The Hidden Barriers Between You and Financial Freedom. For over 13 years, she’s empowered people to take control of their lives by mastering their money and today, she’s here to help us unpack negative financial cycles, tackle today’s economic uncertainties, and so much more.
2025-03-0643 min
Happy to See Me with Erika CasupananProtect your peace: How to set social media boundaries with Brigitte TruongIs social media comparison making you underestimate yourself? Brigitte Truong joins the pod to explore the pressures and mental health impacts of social media. Brigitte is a host, producer and “recovering influencer” who is advocating for healthy social media boundaries for teens. Brigitte and Erika open up their personal experiences of feeling the influencer comparison trap and share their coping strategies. Tune in for tips on how to navigate social media pressure and gain insights on maintaining mental well-being in the digital age.
Learn more about RALLY: https://timetorally.ca/
Follow Brigitte on Instagram https://www.inst...
2025-03-0341 minHomegirl Nation#54 Lisa Chang | Reclaiming Your Time and Self-Worth in a Tech Driven WorldIn 2023, the US Surgeon General issued an advisory stating that “social media use is associated with harm to young people’s mental health.” With four Ontario school boards suing social media tech giants for its “widespread disruption to the education system" coupled with the recent new safety features Meta has launched for teens, we can no longer ignore the proven impacts social media and excessive screen time is having on young minds. From an increase in depression, anxiety, self harm and suicide, I think we have a collective duty to support our youth in navigating the digital world in health...
2024-10-1052 minHomegirl Nation#53 Vritika Gupta | A Rising Star's Take On Courage, Confidence and CareerIn the last 4 seasons of the podcast we’ve had a chance to hangout with a stacked roster of courageous and ambitious homegirls but none as young as Vritika Gupta. This 14 year old powerhouse already has a career as an actor and she is quickly becoming one of Hollywood’s rising talents. Fresh off her role as Reena Virk in the Hulu limited series Under the Bridge alongside Oscar nominee Lily Gladstone and Golden Globe nominee Riley Keough, Vritika joins us to talk about her breakout role and what it’s like being a self assured and go getting Gen Z to...
2024-09-1227 minHomegirl Nation#52 Devery Jacobs | Navigating Identity, Passion, and BurnoutA powerhouse actor, activist, and all-around creative force who's redefining what it means to be a storyteller in today’s world. Today homegirls, we have Devery Jacobs hanging out with us! You might know her from her groundbreaking role in 'Reservation Dogs' or her fearless performances in films like 'Rhymes for Young Ghouls' and 'Blood Quantum.' But Devery isn’t just about stealing scenes on screen—she’s also out here advocating for Indigenous rights, gender equality, and more inclusive representation in the film industry. Devery brings passion, purpose, and a whole lot of talent to everythin...
2024-09-0513 minHomegirl Nation#51 Teresa Resch | The Making of Toronto’s WNBA LegacyAfter 28 years of existence, the WNBA is finally seeing an expansion in Toronto and let me just say, it's about damn time! Joining us today for a homegirl hangout is the President of Toronto’s new WNBA franchise and the former Vice President of Basketball Operations and Player Development, Teresa Resch. The team won’t see its first game until the 2026 season but the excitement and anticipation is already high, and now’s the perfect time to get the latest developments from Teresa. Let’s hang out!
2024-08-2223 minHomegirl Nation#50 Tonya Williams | The Power of Persistence and Breaking Boundaries For BIPOC WomenThe Young and the Restless - what a show - and I can’t believe I’m saying this but today my homegirls, we have the woman behind a character of resilience, intelligence, and 360-degree badassery. I am referring to Ms. Tonya Williams, who gave us Dr. Olivia Barber Winters and many other memorable characters on film and television throughout the decades!Not only has Tonya entertained us since the 70s, but she has also given many of us BIPOC creatives and women from underrepresented communities hope, inspiration, and courage to notice the barriers around us and make...
2024-08-1556 minHomegirl Nation#49 Alexander James McLean | Sobriety, Atypique, and Raising DaughtersThis week’s guest is Alexander James McLean, better known as AJ McLean from the Backstreet Boys! Alex's solo journey as an artist and girl dad is heating up, and his latest ventures are rooted in what he calls his 'boundaries and authenticity.' I recently had a chance to catch up with Alex when he was in Toronto promoting his partnership with the ready to drink cocktail brand, Atypique! We talked about his sobriety, the sober curiosity community, his solo evolution, raising his two daughters, and more from this Backstreet Boy!This was a lot of fun...
2024-07-2515 minHomegirl Nation#48 Stacy Lee Kong | Speaking Up and Leading With Our ValuesHanging out with us today is a very outspoken lady who’s a writer, editor, cultural critic, and a woman all about the data - Stacy Lee Kong! When it comes to speaking up and speaking out, Stacy is really good at it, in fact she’s made a career out of it in lifestyle journalism and her popular weekly newsletter Friday Things which is aimed at progressive millennials and Gen Zers who want to know the latest pop culture news and the context that gives it weight.Stacy is here to talk about what happens when we le...
2024-07-181h 07Homegirl Nation#47 Tanya Talaga | Rewriting Canadian History Through a Female PerspectiveToday we have the unique pleasure of a homegirl hangout with acclaimed Anishinaabe author, investigative journalist, and documentarian, Tanya Talaga, who’s latest book The Knowing is getting a lot of buzz ahead of its release on August 27th. Throughout her career, Tanya has solidified herself as a leading voice in Indigenous rights, human rights and social justice in Canada - and in The Knowing, she gives us a deeply personal look at Canadian history and the ongoing impact of centuries of oppression on Indigenous communities.
2024-07-0420 minHomegirl Nation#46 L.A. Wade | The Adventures of a Recovering Sex AddictAccording to the academic social network Academia, a third of all sex addicts are women—a problem we rarely hear about. This lack of awareness and conversation can contributes to a heavy stigma around addiction period and intense feelings of shame for those affected, and as we know when a problem is hidden in the shadows, it becomes difficult for those experiencing it to seek help or feel understood. Author, filmmaker, mental health strategist and recovering sex addict L.A. Wade is looking to change this by challenging preconceptions - supporting those on a similar path. She’s wr...
2024-06-2753 minHomegirl Nation#45 Sophie Grégoire Trudeau | Knowing Ourselves and Loving Each OtherWe have a very very special homegirl hanging out with us this week. She's a woman who embodies integrity in every step she takes and has been a steadfast advocate for mental health since bravely sharing her own struggles with eating disorders early in her career. Sophie Grégoire Trudeau's new book, Closer Together: Knowing Ourselves and Loving Each Other, takes us on a profound journey of self-discovery and self-love, guided by the insights and expertise of psychologists, psychiatrists, scientists, and thought leaders.Why is it so important to understand our thoughts, emotions, an...
2024-06-1326 minHomegirl Nation#44 Evelyn Chick | How To Get A Business Off The GroundIf you’re an aspiring business owner or currently running a small business and looking to take it to the next level, this episode is tailor-made for you! Evelyn Chick who is the founder of six ventures in Toronto’s competitive hospitality scene joins us on this episode to talk about how she got it all started. From her event space Ahma to her award winning restaurant and cocktail bar, Simpl Things, Evelyn has self-funded every business she’s created. No debt in an increasingly expensive world—how does she do it?We Evelyn on standby. Let’s find out...
2024-06-0644 minHomegirl Nation#43 Anthony Morgan | The Science Of HeartbreakSo, what happens to us when we’re heartbroken? What happens to our brains, our bodies and our cells when we’re navigating the world with a broken heart? Our guest this week is Anthony Morgan, the new and incredibly engaging host of CBC’s iconic series, The Nature of Things. In its latest season, Anthony sets out to answer the aforementioned question. His episode, titled "Love Hurts: The Science of Heartbreak," examines what happens to the human body and mind when we experience heartache. FASCINATING to say...
2024-05-2334 minHomegirl Nation#42 Sarah Haasz | Balancing Two Cultures and Gangnam ProjectToday, we have an Asian Heritage Month homegirl hangout with Sarah Haasz, the creator, co-showrunner, and executive producer of the new CBC Gem original series, Gangnam Project. This K-Pop drama-comedy follows Hannah, a Canadian/Korean teen wrestling with her identity and culture in the high-pressure world of a Korean entertainment company. The story is based on a trip to Korea that Sarah took as a teenager that led to an identity crisis she’ll never forget as a first generation Korean Canadian. Gangnam Project is Sarah’s heartfelt exploration of ident...
2024-05-1635 minHomegirl Nation#41 Myles Sexton | The Courage To Move Forward and Beyond PerfectionismWelcome to the season 4 premiere of Homegirl Nation!We are tapping into the minds and hearts of resilient, courageous, good hearted homegirls and homies who know a lot about perseverance like Myles Sexton. Myles is in a league of their own. They are a Style Expert, TV personality, Makeup Artist, Podcast Host, successful Content Creator, and moreover, an HIV/AIDS and Sobriety Activist. They never shy away from the business of truth or potential backlash that can come from owning your truth which is why we're so pumped to have them kick o...
2024-05-0947 minHomegirl NationSeason 4 TrailerHomegirl Nation is back for Season 4! We’re continuing to explore the nitty gritties of womanhood and much much more with our favourite homegirls who have at least one thing in common - a no bullshit attitude when it comes to persevering through life’s greatest obstacles. Expect new encouraging voices with the addition of homies and homeboys this season! We’ve also done some revamping with a fresh new studio, a vibrant new podcast look, and a new theme song with a dose of funk!If you’re into self improvement, get comfortable. This is Sea...
2024-05-0801 minHomegirl Nation#40 Mae Martin and Sabrina Jalees | Benefits With FriendsCan't think of a better duo to wrap up Season 3 than comedians and best friends Mae Martin and Sabrina Jalees! Mae and Sabrina have been friends for two decades and they’ve respectively been crushing it around the world in their TV, steaming, and standup projects. They’re finally teaming up for a new best friend podcast called Benefits with Friends, where they chat about everyyyyything from love, sex, money, gender, shame, friendship and a whole lot more. Get ready for a good time with these two mega personalities. Let's meet Mae and Sabrina!
2024-02-0719 minHomegirl Nation#38 Molly McGlynn | Fitting In, Living, and Dating With MRKH SyndromeComing of age movies hold a special place in our hearts. Every generation has atleast one that defines it. Coming to theatres on February 2nd is a fresh take on the coming-of-age story, one that tackles the challenges of teenage-hood and dives into less-discussed problems that a number people are facing like MRKH syndrome. Fitting In, invites us into the world of 16-year-old Lindy, brilliantly portrayed by Maddie Ziegler. Lindy grapples with the universal struggle of fitting in, just like any teenager, while also navigating her identity after being diagnosed wi...
2024-02-0115 minHomegirl Nation#39 Emily Hampshire | Fitting InToday’s guest is none other than Emily Hampshire. The Montreal native may have rose to new heights when Schitt’s Creek became a household hit and name during the pandemic but it was no overnight success for her - no no no - like a lot of successful talents out there, Emily started the creative hustle younge at 16 when she moved to Toronto to pursue her passion for acting. Since then, she’s racked up over 90 acting credits credits to her name which includes her latest, Fitting In. This film delv...
2024-02-0113 minHomegirl Nation#37 Sophie Nelisse | Exposed: The Ashley Madison HackIn the summer of 2015, millions of cheaters who had been covertly using the dating website Ashley Madison were suddenly thrust into a harsh reality. Their real names, addresses, and even their intimate preferences were laid bare for the world to see, all organized in a searchable database. And worst of all, the unsuspecting partners of these users were about to discover their secrets simultaneously with the rest of the world. Needless to say, it was a far cry from what these users had originally signed up for. Back in the early 2000s, Ashley Madison...
2024-01-2516 minHomegirl Nation#36 Jessica O'Reilly | Navigating Love, Sex, and Relationships Between and Beyond the SheetsJoining us today is Dr. Jessica O’Reilly also known as Sex with Dr Jess! From the wildly popular show Swing on PlayboyTV to advice columns in Cosmo and SELF, to her successful podcast Sex with Dr Jess, she has built an incredible brand and career, making her not only a trusted voice in sex and relationships in Canada but in the field at large. From loneliness to sex clubs, the best vibrators in the market to cheating, Dr. Jess is answering a lot of your burning questions in this hour. Le...
2024-01-1855 minHomegirl Nation#35 Diala Canelo | Creating for the Long HaulTo date, the influencer marketing industry is worth $21.1 billion dollars - this according to a recent shopify.com article. A booming industry to say the least, and having been a paid content creator on social media for the past 7-8 years now - I can say with confidence that this world is its own beast. One homegirl who knows exactly what I’m referring to and then some is Diala Canelo, known as Diala's Kitchen on social media, and in my cozy little world she’s known as one of my best friends. Diala...
2024-01-1143 minHomegirl Nation#34 Monday Girl Co-Founders Rachel Wong and Istiana Bestari | Networking Reimagined: Turning Values Into CommunitiesWhat comes to mind when you hear the word "networking"? For extroverts, it might be a breeze, effortlessly connecting with strangers, but for many others, it's a daunting prospect, especially for women eager to connect with like-minded peers. Enter the networking platform, Monday Girl.Dissatisfied with the status quo, Monday Girl founders Rachel Wong and Istiana Bestari set out to create something better—a community with real value. Today, we are going to uncover the early insights that fueled their vision and the strategies they employed to...
2024-01-0340 minHomegirl Nation#33 Jean Yoon | Mistletoe Murders 2 and Systemic Barriers For BIPOC PerformersIn our second sit down with the cast members of the Audible Original, "Mistletoe Murders 2," we are delighted by the legendary, Jean Yoon! Jean has spent the past 4 decades breaking down barriers in the entertainment industry and has managed to adapt and grow over her long career in showbiz. Her journey began in the early 1980s when she started in theater, and since then, she's become well-known for her role as Umma in the popular CBC series, "Kim's Convenience." Now, she's making her mark in audiobooks by joining the cast of the Canadian Audible Original production of "Mistletoe Murders 2,” st...
2023-12-1418 minHomegirl Nation#32 Anna Cathcart | Mistletoe Murders 2, Rejection, and RepresentationThis week we get to sit down with the stars of the Audible Original series, "Mistletoe Murders 2," which is now available for streaming! In part 1 of our sit downs, we meet with the star of the series, Anna Cathcart! You might recognize Anna from her breakout roles in the Netflix hits "To All the Boys I've Loved Before" and "XO Kitty." This holiday season she returns to the Audible hit to lend her voice alongside an all-star cast of fellow Canadian talents. We talk going back behind the mic, rising above the rejection in Hollywood, and representing her cultural ro...
2023-12-1420 minHomegirl Nation#31 Pay Chen | Let's Talk About Gig WorkI’ve worked in media for 16 years and I’ve had the privilege of meeting a lot of my heroes and inspirations in the space, one of whom being Pay Chen. Having met Pay a couple times in the past, it's pretty clear why this legendary Canadian media personality is a reigning queen in television and radio. Not only is she smart, quick witted, and KIND, Pay is one of the most honest people out there and when we chatted recently about gig work, she did not hold back about imposter syndrome, proving herself, and the realities of freela...
2023-12-071h 04Homegirl Nation#30 Catherine Fogarty | Our Fascination With True Crime StoriesIf you’re a true crime junkie like me, you’re going to really enjoy this episode because Catherine Fogarty is with us to talk about the wildly popular genre. Catherine has a really interesting storytelling background - she is the founder and president of Big Coat Media - the production company behind the award winning Love It or List It on HGTV. She’s also the writer, producer and voice of Story Hunter Podcast which is a narrative true crime podcast focusing on Canadian crime stories. And she’s parlayed her interest on this side of factual storytelli...
2023-11-2827 minHomegirl Nation#29 Erika Casupanan | Outwit, Outlast, Outplay the Competition with Survivor WinnerWhat does it take to outwit, outplay and outlast your competition? 45 people know for sure - 1 of which is Canadian homegirl Erika Casupanan who became the winner of Season 41 of Survivor in 2021. Erika's wild stint in Fiji saw her walk away as the first Canadian winner of the show, the first Filipino winner, and first female winner in 7 seasons. I caught up with Erika on the heels of her participation on the show The Traitors Canada and we talked about her extraordinary ride on Survivor, the best strategies to outwit competition, and living outside of our comfort zones.
2023-11-1952 minHomegirl Nation#28 Justin J. Lee | A Candid Conversation About DivorceAccording to Statista.com, there were more divorced women living in Canada than there were divorced men in 2022 ; there were 1.55 million divorced women vs. 1.23 million divorced men. Divorce is a common topic but uncommon when it comes to the honest social commentary around it, and this is where Justin J. Lee of J Lee Family Law comes in. Justin is a popular divorce lawyer in Toronto who has turned his traditional practice into successful social media channels that educate and entertain the public about the ins and outs of divorce. With over 300k followers on TikTok - we’re about...
2023-11-0538 minHomegirl Nation#27 Kelly Rutherford and Benjamin Buthman | Going for It and Getting WhyzzerFrom Generations to Melrose Place, Gossip Girl to tech investor, Kelly Rutherford has certainly been a homegirl that continues to roll the dice on herself and other people with purpose. Kelly joins us on this episode to talk about her latest venture called Whyzzer; a social networking app that encourages its users to speak freely, share knowledge, connect with people from any background and experience to get wiser together. Kelly tells us what encourages her to lean into the unknown, take new risks and more, along with Whyzzer’s founder Benjamin Buthman! Let’s meet Kelly and Ben...
2023-10-1925 minHomegirl Nation#26 Fotini Iconomopoulos | Negotiation Techniques To Get What You Truly DeserveWelcome to season 3 of Homegirl Nation! This feels like the perfect occasion to dive into an important topic that'll help us finish the year strong! Negotiating. Whether we're looking to negotiate in our professional lives or personal, there’s no better person to guide us through this kind of conversation than Fotini Iconomopoulos; a sought after speaker and Author of Say Less Get More: Unconventional Negotiation Techniques to Get What You Want. Let’s get more comfortable and confident with asking for what we want and are worth.Let’s meet Fotini!
2023-10-0544 minHomegirl Nation#25 Celine Song | Past LivesThe newly released romantic drama Past Lives really came out of the gates blazing hot when it made its world premiere at this year’s Sundance Film Festival. RollingStone.com is saying it's “already the best movie of the year.” While 76 reviews have given the film a certified fresh rating of 96% on Rotten Tomatoes. So what is this HIGHLY anticipated movie all about? Past Lives is a simple story about two childhood crushes in South Korea whose lives go in different directions when Na Young , later known as Nora played by the brilliant Greta Lee, is forced to immigrat...
2023-06-0814 minHomegirl Nation#24 Joanna Johnson | Taking Risks And Leaning Into The UnknownToday’s Homegirl guest is Jo Johnson aka Joanna Johnson aka @Unlearn16 aka the teacher a lot of us wish we had when we were in school. If you haven’t come across Joanna’s content on TikTok yet, well we’re going to give you a taste in today's one-on-one. This is a teacher that over 2 million people are pretty keen on being schooled by, and after spending an hour with her, I get it. I totally get it. Joanna has the smarts, the wit, and the charm to tackle any topic and criticism thrown at her and she's pr...
2023-05-2951 minHomegirl Nation#23 PEO Erin Urquhart | Self-Defense and Street Safety TipsThere have been 6,176 assaults so far this year in Toronto, this according to the Toronto Police, and if you live in the city you can feel a bit of angst in the air from the headlines. Following an unprovoked assault in downtown Toronto earlier this year, I quickly realized how unequipped I was to defend myself in these scary and threatening situations, and based on the thousands of comments I received from a video I posted about the incident, I don't think I'm alone in feeling this way. One of those comments came from Parking Enforcement and Bike Patrol Of...
2023-05-1924 minHomegirl Nation#22 AJ Fernandez Rivera | The Recognition Of Self Worth As A Trans Woman and Leader In TechToday’s guest is on a mission to change the narrative of what a successful person in tech looks like. AJ Fernandez Rivera is a trans woman who has made a name for herself and a mark in the industry with her coming out that continues to break down barriers and challenge stereotypes. She’s the managing director at Accenture Canada and her time with the company the past 25 years has seen her passion and advocacy for diversity and inclusion on full display. She’s made headlines with her mission and she’s making time for us today to share he...
2023-05-0846 minHomegirl Nation#21 Lisa Pasquin | Why Women Need To Know What Their Colleagues Are EarningToday we’re talking about that gender pay gap. According to Statistics Canada, women in this country continue to earn 89 cents for every dollar men earn. Pay transparency is what the Canadian Women’s Foundation calls one of three bold steps for companies and governments to take towards eliminating this gap. In February, Lisa Pasquin, the founder and president of Craft PR, did just that by sharing her company’s salary bands in hopes of encouraging her colleagues to band together to close the pay gap once and for all. Let’s meet Lisa!
2023-04-2833 minHomegirl Nation#20 Viviana To | Eco-Friendly Living: Tips and Tricks For Making More Sustainable ChoicesToday’s guest is the woman behind The Renewable Box which encourages consumers to discover and use eco products from Canadian small businesses. Her name is Viviana To - and although she’s recently paused the business, she’s now devoting her efforts on educating her audience on social media about sustainability. This year’s Earth Day theme is #InvestInOurPlanet with the sentiment of working together as people, governments and institutions to accelerate our efforts in creating a prosperous green economy worldwide. As we know to make a global impact we gotta start local. On this episode, Viviana br...
2023-04-2120 minHomegirl Nation#19 Lily Chu | Breaking Barriers with Rom ComsAuthor Lily Chu is really good at making women who romanticize their life in a big city feel as though they're not alone; that they're actually in pretty good company! She is the proud writer of two hit romantic comedy audiobooks set in Toronto with strong asian characters in the lead. Lily's debut rom com The Stand-In spent multiple weeks in the number one spot in Audible Top Plus Listens in the All and the Romance categories, and her second book The Comeback is currently an Audible Original, one of Audible’s Best of 2022, and it’s slated to be in...
2023-04-1036 minHomegirl Nation#18 Carolyn MacKenzie | Going At Your Own PaceToday’s guest is going to tell us that doing less is more. Yup! Carolyn Mackenzie has been a staple in Canadian television for over 2 decades now, which in an industry with as much competition as it has and as many changes as it does, her success really is a massive testament to her talent and how she navigates her day to day. I’m really thrilled to have Carolyn join the Homegirl Nation to talk about her career, The Morning Show on Global and how she’s been able to achieve success and happiness by going at her ow...
2023-04-0332 minHomegirl Nation#17 Ssonia Ong | How To Create Healthy Boundaries While Building An Online BrandSince May of 2020, Ssonia Ong has grown her family to seven and their family's audience from 100 followers to 9MILLION on TikTok alone, and having just launched their Youtube Channel last year, they have now hit 2million subs. Ssonia joins me to talk about her meteoric rise, her previous career in mental health and how her experience in the field, priorities as a mother, as well as time spent getting to know herself has prevented her from burning out. Let’s meet Ssonia.@ongsquad / @_ongsquad
2023-03-2435 minHomegirl Nation#16 Marriska Fernandes | 2023 Oscar Predictions and Where Are We At Post #OscarsSoWhite?The 2023 awards season has seen a lot more diversity and representation compared to years past. The 95th Academy Awards has asian nominees represented in 16 categories with Everything Everywhere All At Once really leading that charge with 11 nominations but we’re still struggling to see black leads and female directors recognized. Entertainment journalist and film critic Marriska Fernandes joins the podcast to discuss the mounting pressure on the industry to diversify, her personal journey in film as a woman of colour and the role of critics in today's digital world. Let’s meet the wildly talent...
2023-03-1038 minHomegirl Nation#15 Alicia Mccarvell | How To Love Yourself and The Body You're InIn the past six years, content creator Alicia McCarvell has amassed a global following to the tune of over 6 million people across social media platforms. If you haven't seen Alicia's videos you may be wondering, how did she do it?! Well, not only is her content anchored in self love and body positivity with messages of hope and truth for her followers to grasp onto, but she refuses to be anything but authentic especially within the body she calls home. She’s vulnerable, she’s courageous, and BOLD online and offline. Get ready for an inspiring conversation with this Nova S...
2023-03-0359 minHomegirl Nation#14 Melissa Leong | How To Improve Your Relationship With MoneyAre you keeping track of where your money is going? Do you know what your spending actually looks like? Are you prioritizing your savings accounts or setting short term or long term financial goals? Money talk isn’t for everyone I know BUT when we’re facing rising inflation, a looming recession, and increases in interest rates, it's time to have one. In this episode, Melissa Leong believes an emergency fund and confronting our spending is a non negotiable in uncertain times. Melissa is a Money Expert, author of Happy Go Money, the money guru for CTV’s The Soci...
2023-02-1750 minHomegirl Nation#13 Miranda Anthistle | Aging In the Public Eye and the State of JournalismThe societal pressures on women sure run the gamut - I mean they always have with how we look, how we pro create, how we carry ourselves - and does social media help things? Of course it doesn’t. Someone who knows a lot about this topic is Anchor and Producer at Global News Toronto, Miranda Anthistle. Like many other women who work in the spotlight, Miranda has the privilege of experiencing the pressures of existing as a woman in front of an audience day in and day out which adds another layer to this conversation. She joins us toda...
2023-02-0337 minHomegirl Nation#12 Angela Phung | The Advantages Of Doing Life ScaredKnown for her nickname Hubby by many, Angela Phung is a leader in Toronto’s fashion scene and retail community. On the surface her loyal followers may think that Angela is a fearless baddie who has it all but as you will hear from her personally, she’s a baddie who doesn’t necessarily want it all right now and like many of us, leans into all of her ambitious endeavours scared. Angela joins this episode of Homegirl Nation to talk about her lessons from doing life scared, the end of her online marriage and brand The Store On Queen...
2023-01-2739 minHomegirl Nation#11 Social Capital Should Be The Currency Of ChoiceOn this final episode of Season 1, I'm interviewed by my partner Keith Wallace about my journey from an aspiring entertainment reporter at 3 years old to a successful solopreneur in the world of media. While most solopreneurs may have money on their mind and social media fame as THE stepping stone to get to the top of that paper stack, this conversation breaks down why social capital should always be the currency of choice and why creating your own way will allow you to keep your skin in the game with a positive state of mind.
2022-12-0634 minHomegirl Nation#10 Vera Cheng | Confronting Ongoing Anti Asian HateHeadlines and posts around anti-asian racism has calmed down in 2022 but anti-asian hate is still very much alive. The grassroots organization Project 1907 conducted a survey earlier this year and found 943 reports of racist incidents in 2021, a 47% increase over the previous year with a 42% increase in asians reporting being coughed at or spat on. There are countless incidents that have and continue to go unreported and today's guest Vera Cheng joins the show to talk about the ongoing issue, how to cope, and how those within the asian community can continue spreading awareness to keep the conversation alive. V...
2022-11-0928 minHomegirl Nation#9 Sonya Singh | The Challenges of Getting Published As A BIPOC WriterThe thirst and demand for diverse storytelling has ramped up and some may attribute it to the success of Crazy Rich Asians which smashed the global box office in 2018 with almost $240 million. Yes, since then we have seen an increase in diverse representation in streaming and national ads, but are we seeing it in publishing? Bestselling author of this year's smash rom com, Sari Not Sari, Sonya Singh, joins me to discuss her literary hit, the challenges in publishing for South Asian authors, her journey to understanding her own identity, and advice for aspiring BIPOC writers to get pu...
2022-10-2832 minHomegirl Nation#8 Carly Stojsic | Women In WeedIt's the 4 year anniversary of legalizing cannabis in Canada and although we've seen significant progress in how weed is accepted, we're continuing to see challenges in how the industry fails to prioritize diversity and social equity. On this episode, trend forecaster, trend curator, trend director, cannavangelist and canna feminist, Carly Stojsic, pays us a visit to talk about women in weed, what needs to be done to move the needle forward towards a more inclusive and safer environment for women to work and thrive in.
2022-10-1738 minHomegirl Nation#7 Jane Johanson and Lisa Rideout | The Prolific Career of Sue JohansonShe's beauty and she's grace, she'll put a strap on to her face and tell you which sex toys are in fact the real deal; she's Sue Johanson! Now, if you grew up in the 90s/2000s, you may have learned a lot more about pleasure and the hottest sex products from Sue who spent decades blazing a liberating trail for today's social media sex educators, while empowering millions of people like myself to embrace sex with confidence. After years away from the spotlight, Sue is finally getting the documentary treatment with a W Network Original titled "Sex with S...
2022-10-0517 minHomegirl Nation#6 Jennifer Hallett | Confronting Our Reality and Connecting With Our True SelvesJennifer Hallet also known as Jeyla Loves is a successful life coach who prefers the professional title “Rule breaking life designer who’s carving life from nothing with others and for herself.” I bet you've never heard that job title before! I know I hadn't until I spoke with Jennifer, and I'm confident that after you listen to this episode, it'll all make sense. A challenging childhood coupled with valuable lessons she's gleaned from the corporate world, a successful career as a social media influencer, and everything in between has Jennifer dedicating her days (on and offline) to self con...
2022-09-2234 minHomegirl Nation#5 Caleigh Rykiss | The Reality Of Losing A Business To COVID-19“That was a really dark time, not just because of the loss of it but because of the loss of what existed within it.” The impact of losing a business to COVID continues to be felt by many including fitness professional and business consultant, Caleigh Rykiss, who's wellness facility in Toronto, BOLO, closed its doors at the end of 2020. In the short time it was open, BOLO amassed a huge following in Toronto - bringing together fitness enthusiasts and sparking a movement of body love and appreciation. On this episode, Caleigh shares the devastating reality of the closure, her secrets...
2022-09-0143 minHomegirl Nation#4 Kristen MacLellan | Managing Influencers And The State Of Influencer MarketingEver wonder what it takes to manage talents and influencers? How about the inner workings of brand and creator relations? According to Influencer Marketing Hub, influencer marketing as an industry is expected to become $16.4 billion industry in 2022. There's no denying its impact on community engagement and sales especially after the increase of partnerships for marketers to reach a wider audience at home during the pandemic. On this episode, Brigitte's long time digital manager, friend, and founder of Yesterday Inc. Digital and Talent Management, Kristen MacLellan, gives us the inside scoop of the growing needs and demands in influencer marketing.
2022-08-2448 minHomegirl Nation#3 Marlow | The World's First Lubricated TamponThe first modern tampon was patented in 1931 and since then we've seen the same players in the feminine hygiene space provide individuals with the same products and ultimately the same outcome. In comes Marlow, the world's very first lubricated tampon company that's not only disrupting the discomfort many individuals put up with when that monthly insertion is required BUT also, changing the way we embrace it. Every drop of it. On this episode of Homegirl Nation, Marlow co-founders, Nadia Ladak and Kiara Botha, tell us how their co-founder's struggle with vaginal dryness inspired four college friends to build a co...
2022-08-1727 min
Cast of CreatorsStaying True to Yourself with Brigitte TruongDo you want to be a social media influencer? Today, we will chat with Brigitte Truong who will tell us about her experience with Broadcasting and Social Media Influencing, and how she navigates the industry.Brigitte Truong is an executive producer at The Influence Agency, hosted a live TV broadcast at 19 years old, and has interviewed around 350 celebrities. Brigitte has been passionate about the broadcasting industry since the age of 4, but she first pursued a job in psychology. After realizing her true passion, she quickly rose in the TV industry and became successful. Join us t...
2022-08-1033 minHomegirl Nation#2 Cindy (Ha) Allison, RP | Post Lockdown Stress And Our Shift In PrioritiesAccording to a recent report by Deloitte, 53% of women surveyed claimed increased stress levels from a year ago and burnout being the reason why. With the residual affects of the pandemic seen and felt in different ways today, Registered Psychologist and Founder of Pathway Therapy, Cindy (Ha) Allison, joins this episode to break down common mental health struggles experienced in our post lockdown world and the new priorities being put into place for a happier life.
2022-08-0928 min
Homegirl Nation#1 Madelyn Chung | Turning Culture Into Community Madelyn Chung is a freelance journalist, music therapist and the founder of The RepresentASIAN Project; a platform dedicated to celebrating and amplifying asian voices in media and beyond. Her success story with RepresentAsian Project is an interesting one as Madelyn admits, unfavourable stereotypes and lack of asian success stories in mainstream media, pushed her way from owning her culture identity for many years. In a time when anti-asian crimes have seen a significant increase, Madelyn has now taken it upon herself to spread positive and uplifting stories from the asian Diaspora in her self made purpose driven car...
2022-08-0437 minHomegirl NationSeason 1 TrailerOne of the best ways to learn is from each other; the ups and downs, the good and the bad. And when it comes to all things womanhood, we know it can get complicated! So let's make things a little less complicated by getting honest with host Brigitte Truong and a new homegirl every week you didn't know you needed to hear from. From business failures to mental health, sex to hate crimes. The candid discussions you’ll hear from daring women will give you a new perspective on how freeing and empowering it can be when you own your s...
2022-07-2700 min
Néo Géo NovaL’intégral : le Live de Justin Adams & Mauro Durante, le Musikactu des luttes et un dernier salut à Alain ManevalVENT D'AILLEURSUn Vent d’Ailleurs souffle sur Néo Géo Nova avec Ekia Badou et ses impressions envoyées d’Abidjan où vient de se terminer la 12ème session du Marché des Arts du Spectacle avec des troupes de comédiens, danseurs, marionnettistes venus de tout le continent africain, espérant y trouver les programmateurs de leurs prochaines tournées. MUSIKACTUBienvenue dans un Musikactu à l'écoute des collectifs d'artistes qui se forment pour défendre leurs idées… Que ce soit une mobilisation pour la paix, les femmes ou encore le...
2022-03-131h 37
Don't Just Talk, Say Something!The Rise of Anti-Asian RacismOn this episode of The F Words Natasha and Taylor talk to host and producer Brigitte Truong about the troubling rise of Anti-Asian Racism in Canada and around the world. Brigitte shares her own personal experiences with racism, how important it is to have open and honest conversations about this topic, protecting the elder Asian community and social media activism. For more information on how you can help and donate go to: https://www.gofundme.com/c/act/stop-aapi-hate
2021-04-0613 min
DialnaJamais sans mon livre #50, avec Nesrine Slaoui, sur Dialna.frBienvenue dans Jamais sans mon livre, le podcast qui parle de littérature du point de vue des racisés.
Pour ce 50e épisode, notre invitée va nous parler de son rapport au livre, à la lecture, à la représentation. Il s'agit de Nesrine Slaoui, journaliste et auteure, dont le premier roman, Illégitimes, est sorti en début d'année, aux éditions Fayard. Nesrine a également ramené avec elle le livre qu’elle lit en ce moment, Les impatientes de Djaïli Amadou Amal, Prix Goncourt des lycéens, en 2020.
Dans cet épisode, Nesrine a cité de nombreux...
2021-03-181h 02
Soundtrack For The NightBrigitte TruongMultimedia Host, Producer and Brand Ambassador, Brigitte Truong joins the show for a chat.
2020-02-2436 min
and such podcastSeason 1: Episode 5 - On confidence...and suchThis week's episode is all about...confidence! Along with the multi-talented Brigitte Truong, we delve into confidence: how to get it, if it's earned or not, and how to maintain it once you've got it.
2019-07-0300 min
So-Called Normal#6: Brigitte Truong - Social media influencer on life transitions and pity partiesMark talks with digital content creator, storyteller, and Cineplex VIP host Brigitte Truong! Brigitte is no stranger to celebrity interviews and big life changes. They talk influencer life, social media, and how to have the healthiest pity parties ever!
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Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/socallednormal/message
2019-02-261h 00
The Tao of Self-Confidence532: When The Shackles Are Off With Brigitte TruongBrigitte Truong is a multi-media host and producer. She has solidified herself as the go-to source in Toronto for the latest trends in lifestyle and entertainment as the Cineplex VIP Pre Show Host, the Host of The Watchlist, and the Co-Founder of Quixote Media. She is also a forward thinking digital content creator and brand ambassador.
Brigitte shares what her life was like before she was able to find her confidence. She also shares how she was able to off the shackles to live life on her own terms and inspire others to do the same. Listen to Brigitte's episode to lis...
2018-10-1611 min
C.O.O.L. Radio50 Cent vs Empire! COOL Radio - September 24, 2015In this week's episode, along with my special guest On-air Talent Brigitte Truong, we discuss 50 Cent taking shots at Empire after its season premiere, nancy Grahn catching heat for what she said in regards to Viola Davis, What A Time to be Alive, and Azaealia Banks making headlines for everything except her music!
2015-09-2944 min