Digging In with Allison Dore

When Damhnait Doyle released her first solo album in over a decade this year, I was thrilled! Even more so when I got to interview her, and then invite her on Digging In. We talk about the pressure to look a certain way, aging as a women in show business, and the conversation we need to start having around alcohol in the arts. We also talk about what she reveals about her self in the songs on her new album 'Liquor Store Flowers', and how she found her way to being vulnerable. You can follow her on Facebook: @DamhnaitDoyle, on Twitter: @davnetdoyle and on Instagram: @damhnaitdoylesongs. Learn more about her and her music: damhnaitdoyle.com

Raffaela Weyman, professionally known as RALPH, is a thoughtful, conscientious, super cool synth-pop musician. We talk about the difference between Raffa and RALPH, why it's important to evolve your thoughts and language, why self-care matters, and which shocking celebrity she looks like.  Her latest single is Gravity, and 'No Muss No Fuss' will be out August 14, 2019. Her album 'A Good Girl' is available everywhere. Follow her on Facebook: @songsbyralph; on Twitter: @songsbyralph and on Instagram: @songsbyralph and you can learn more about her www.songsbyralph.com

Alli Walker realized one day that she wasn't making music that really mattered to her: "I was singing about booze, boys and break-ups because that’s what everyone else was singing about." So she made a change. Now she writes and performs 'mindful music' or 'conscious country' - songs that are authentic and uplifting, vulnerable and encouraging.  We talk about having a positive impact, how social media can affect your mindset, and the challenges that come with trying to change for the better. You can follow Alli on Facebook @alliwalkermusic, on Twitter @alliwalker, and on Instagram @alliwalkermusic and follow the hashtags #mindfulmusic and #consciouscountry Learn more about her at www.alliwalker.ca  

Author James FitzGerald used his writing as a way to start counter-acting years of silence and stigma in his family. Having lost his grandfather to suicide, and almost losing his father to it as well, he broke the cycle for himself by facing the mental illness in his family and telling his story. He joins Allison to talk about how silence and shame only add to the pain, and how he learned to speak up and take care of himself. You can learn more about James and his wonderful books at www.jamesfitzgerald.ca

Jully Black is a famous musician, but she is also a dynamic, inspirational, powerhouse human being. We talk changing your mind to change your life, why you need to stay rooted in the present, and how Jully found her vocation.  We also talk about Empowered In My Skin and the women's conference she co-founded. For more information click HERE. For all Jully's music, tour dates, and more go to jullyblack.ca

Laura Robinson is a multi-hyphenate: an inventor (she co-created the games Balderdash and Identity Crisis), singer/songwriter, actor, speaker, and producer (Identity Crisis became Celebrity Name Game, hosted by Craig Ferguson. Oh, and she contributed to TWO Chicken Soup For The Soul books: Hooked on Hockey and Count Your Blessings. We cover many topics, including: how to know an idea is a good one, the key to having your fingers in many pies, making sure you make time for yourself, and more. You can follow Laura on Twitter @balderdashgirl

Comedian Dave Merheje joins me for a candid conversation on anxiety, fashion, and why he felt he needed to change the way he approached his life and career. You can follow Dave on social media @davemerheje , check out his website davemerheje.com and watch his special here!

Nadia Elkharadly is the co-founder of Addicted Magazine (weraddicted.com; @weraddicted) and Handsome International Men (himpromotions.com; @himpromotions.com). We talk overcoming self-doubt, limiting beliefs, and why creativity is so important. Nadia really forged her own path, and explains how sometimes taking the first tiny step is often the hardest part. You can follow her on socials @thenadiae

Paul Nadeau has LOTS of stories. From his abusive childhood, to his many years in law enforcement, to his changing personal life, he is willing to share them all! He is the author of "Take Control of Your Life: Rescue Yourself and Live the Life You Deserve", a unique spin on how to turn negatives into positives in your life.  You can follow Paul on Twitter: @jpaulnadeau

Mike “Nug” Nahrgang is pretty much everywhere: stage, screen, and stream. In addition to talking WWE on Aftermath on Sportsnet 360, he is also active in the wrestling world in and around Toronto. He is an actor, improviser and his podcast “Illusionoid” is going into its 10th season. We talk taking control of your health, surrounding yourself with good people, the various tribes in comedy, and more! You can follow him on all social media @nugnahrgang

Monica Parker is a pragmatic positive thinker with a distaste for buzz words. We cover a lot of topics including: acceptance, awareness, and Pope Francis. Monica shares stories from her life, including a lovely one about Gilda Radner, and answers the question "Is George Clooney really a nice guy?" You can find out more about Monica on her website iammonicaparker.com 

The first person to do 3 episodes of this show, Jay Brody proves that he has layers! He shares more stories from his troubled childhood, we discuss how to learn to love yourself, having faith in yourself, and MORE. Jay is one half of The Dumb Show, heard on SiriusXM channel 168, Canada Laughs, at 8pm ET on Wednesdays, and my frequent cohost on The Breakdown, SiriusXM channel 167, 2-5pm ET Monday-Friday,

10 years ago, after a big heartbreak, Jesse Teran moved to a new city, changed his name, and started a new life. Today, he is reclaiming his life, facing his demons, and embracing who he is. Dealing with his Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, living openly as a bisexual, and taking back his real name, the man formerly known as Dean Young is energized and inspired.  For now you can find him on Twitter @ComicDeanYoung

Kristy LaPointe is the writer, producer and star of the new web series "Yoga 101" which is available at cbc.ca/comedy, and it combines just some of the many jobs she does. This conversation includes topics like balance, therapy, and making changes in your life. We both talk about how far we've come, how no one is ever perfect, and how small changes add up.  You can follow Kristy on social media: Twitter @kristylapointe Face book @kristylapointe and Instagram: @plant.based.kristy

Amira de Vera is a Toronto-based publicist who founded her own company, Project Four PR, just over a year ago. We talk about starting your company, if you are ever really ready to break out on your own, and how the universe lets you know you are on the right track. You can learn more about Amira by following her company on Twitter: @projectfourpr Instagram: @projectfourpr Facebook: facebook.com/ProjectFourPR or check out her website: projectfourpr.com

The show is taking a short hiatus, this is a brief episode where Allison explains why, when the show will be back, and gives some food for thought in the meantime.

Tara Shannon wears pretty much all the hats. A successful singer/songwriter who runs her own label Willow Sound Records, which is actually a co-op that empowers young artists to forge their own career. Mother to 7. C Suite Entrepreneur. Wife. But she has had her fair share of bumps in the road and has thought deeply about what really matters in life.  You can see more from Tara on her website tarashannonmusic.com or on Twitter @TaraShannonSW or Facebook and Instagram @tarashannonmusic

Chantel Marostica is a comedian and very patient human. They are a non-binary person living their transition very publicly on social media to help us all learn as they go through their own learning process. We talk a lot about the challenges that brings, both from strangers and family and friends. We also talk about evolving as a comedian and a person, as well as how in life - if you're trying you're doing okay.  You can follow Chantel on Twitter @ChantyMarostica and Instagram @chantelmarostica

Unstoppable Tracy Schmitt is the author of the book Unstoppable YOU, a decorated athlete, a motivational speaker, and a 4 way amputee. Her championship mindset is partly from being an athlete, but also really instilled in her by parents who challenged convention for her success.  We talk positivity, emotional output, and the need for self-care. And how to get what you want in life! Follow Tracy on Facebook @unstoppabletracy, on Instagram @unstoppabletracy, on Twitter @unstoppabletrac

For the holiday season I decided to make a super cut of answers to the final question I ask "If you could have everyone in the world realize, accept or understand one thing, what would it be?"  I used 12 answers and kept them pretty short, but I hope it's a little inspiration heading into the New Year! We have answers from: Graham Clark, Shawn Hogan, Adrienne Kress, Boomer Phillips, Erin Keaney, Shaun Proulx, Courtney Gilmour, Jay Brody, Rebecca Kohler, Illvibe, Tiffany Pratt, and Jon Dore!

Comedian Mike Storck is back to talk about his continued work on identifying and improving issues in his life. We talk new terms for old behaviours, what some of those terms really mean, and how working on yourself changes the rest of your life. We also talk new material as a comedian, authenticity, and why hecklers don't think they are a problem. You can follow Mike on Facebook @Mike-Storck-Comedian, on twitter @mikestorck and on Instagram @mike_storck

Comedian and all round good guy Hunter Collins joins me to talk about Atheism, life and being a good guy. We talk the many misconceptions people have about Atheism, why morality and religion are not the same thing, and why it's important to try to do, and be, your best. You can find out more about Hunter at his website huntercollinscomedy.com or follow him on Twitter @hunter_collins or Instagram @huntercomedy

Ann Pirvu is gorgeous inside and out. She has an infectious energy, and a kindness to her that is instantly endearing. She is also very smart, and we start this conversation talking about deliberate thinking. Find out what Ann thinks our "job" is in life, how social media can be a blessing and a curse, and why human connection and communication is so important. She has also created @pepmag http://thepepmag.com to inspire and encourage everyone, but particularly young people, to live their best life.  You can follow Ann on Instagram and Twitter @annpirvu

Calgary Police Officer and founder of Bullying Ends Here Tad Milmine is back, and we get more personal this time around. Is it healthy to dedicate your life to something 24/7? What about relationships? We both discuss our lack of romantic relationships and how it affects us.  You can follow Tad on Twitter and Instagram @tadmilmine and please check out his website bullyingendshere.ca

Danny Adhim comes ready to share his story. A writer, actor and filmmaker Danny draws from his unique perspective to share stories. We cover a LOT in this one: from who should host the Oscars to Danny's survival of sexual assault, depression to dating, and even more.  You can follow Danny on Instagram @dannyshowlive and on Facebook @dannyadhim

Comedian Alex Wood and I talk about addiction, his amazing podcast Alex Wood Quits Everything, and the various ways and reasons we stay sober and keep working on ourselves.  Alex also battles his addictions by channeling that energy into different positive activities, and is building a really great life. Take out Alex Wood Quits Everything , check out his website http://woodcomedy.com and follow Alex on Instagram @woodcomedy

Jess Beaulieu is a comedian, writer, feminist and activist, so naturally we start this episode talking about the post-Harvey wave that is going through the entertainment industry. We talk power dynamics, how sometimes you just can't win, and if it's possible to separate the art from the artist. (Not for us.)  Jess has created her own place in the industry, she co-produces The Crimson Wave with Natalie Norman every Sunday night at Comedy Bar in Toronto. This feminist, LGBTQ+, no rape jokes show caused quite the controversy in the community when it first started! Their podcast is still available on iTunes and rumour has it it might be coming back.  Follow Jess on social media @msjessbeaulieu, or find out more on her website jessbeaulieu.com

DIGGING IN TO A HOT MESS! Kathleen McGee, comedian and host of the podcast Kathleen McGee is a Hot Mess, and I are doing a crossover episode, and boy are we angry! We recorded this episode right after the Harvey Weinstein story broke, and we talk about being exhausted as women with harassment, stories of harassment, women not being believed - it's a lot to take! We also talk about how no one is a perfect feminist and why we need to recognize our allies. Check out more from Kathleen at her website kathleenmcgee.ca and on social media @kathleen_mcgee.

My best friend Amanda joins me to tell her 20+ year saga of dealing with her sister's drug addiction. It is a story so long and complicated that even this extra long episode couldn't contain it. We share it to educate people on the lengths addicts will go, how sometimes 2 cardiac arrests followed by comas aren't enough to change a person, and the people who get left behind. 

Katharine Ferns is a Canadian comedian currently based in the UK. She was in Toronto to perform her one person show In Stitches, and we sat down to talk about creating a show, the Edinburgh Fringe and how telling your darkest secret (to an audience) can help you and other people. Katharine's story is a dark one that she infuses with light, and shows us how comedy helped her to heal. 

Mike Wilmot is an internationally known comedian who has also appeared in dozens of movies and tv shows. We talk about how his success is traced back to a series of accidents, the importance of open mikes and continually writing, and why you should be nice. Also the health scare that changed his life. And more. You can follow Mike on twitter@mikewilmot1 and find out where you can see him near you www.mikewilmot.ca

Wrestler/actor/tv host RJ Skinner and I share a love of television, which I always want to talk about. However, some of his tweets made me realize there was more going on in his brain than just reruns of Maude. So in addition to Bea Arthur and television greats, we also talk about insecurity, about creating things and putting them out in the world, and the surprising inspiration for his villainous wrestling persona. You can follow RJ on Twitter @RJCity1 or on Instagram @rjcity; and check out his web series, The Cynical Crafter on CBC Life https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AEZ0tftoH9k

Dan Rodo, aka YouTube star The Danocracy, comes by for an amazing conversation about anxiety, positivity, and working on something until you get good at it.  Click HERE for Dan's YouTube Channel, and follow him on socials @TheDanocracy.

Actor and musician Dayle McLeod is a friend I haven't seen in 7 years. She graciously did my podcast before we even had a chance to catch up, and SHE BROUGHT THE HONESTY. Doyle surprises me with several big reveals about major events in her life, and we talk about how sometimes the worst things that happen to you end up weirdly being blessings. Dayle has an EP out, In Bloom, with a full length album coming out in a few months. You can follow her on Twitter @baby_dayle

Comedian Michelle Shaughnessy joins me for a real trip into the honesty cocoon. We talk about the rocky beginnings of our friendship, dealing with depression, Mean Girls, eating disorders and more. I have a bit of a personal breakthrough in terms of how I deal with an issue with Michelle, and we have some laughs. You can follow Michelle on Twitter and Instagram @michellesfunny or go to her website michellesfunny.com

WHEN SHE WAS 14 JENNIFER MCAULIFFE RAN AWAY...TO MEXICO. Who the hell does that? Why would she not bring that up the first time she was on this show????? We also talk about the crack house she owns in another city. This comedian is ridiculously smart and willing to take risks, and I think her second episode is better than the first. Follow Jen on Twitter @jenniferjokes or check out her website www.jenniferjokes.com

I didn't have a new interview for this week, so I decided to make a sibling mixtape, with clips from Jon filling in with me on my show Ward and Al on SiriusXM channel 167, and an interview we did with Jeff Sammut, host of Canada Now on SiriusXM, host of The Jeff Sammut Podcast available on iTunes and at jeffsammut.com, and actually he recorded this interview for an episode of The Nightside on Newstalk 1010 here in Toronto.  In these clips we discuss topics as varied as how to catch a comet to space; would Jon survive the post-apocalyptic world?; how Jon thinks I could defeat Isis; are our parents funny?; and MORE.

Comedian, TV writer and actor Jon Dore (aka my brother) is here and willing to be serious for much longer than I expected. An intensely private person, I thought it would be more of a verbal wrestling match, but Jon is always surprising and showed up ready to talk.  You can see more from Jon at www.jondore.com

Writer and podcast host Brent Jensen joins me for a great talk about leaving the safe job for the job you really want, firing people, being a loner, dealing with loss and so much more!  He is the author of No Sleep Til Sudbury, Leftover People: A Journey Through Post-Rock and Roll America, and All My Favourite People are Broken; and the host of the podcast No Sleep Til Sudbury, where guests tell stories from their lives in 8-10 songs. You can follow Brent on Twitter @nosleepsudbury.

Comedian /artist/podcaster Graham Clark (www.grahamclark.com) is one of the nicest guys out there. I managed to grab some time with him while he was in Toronto performing his Fringe show 'Graham Clark's Not Here' (a wonderful show if you get a chance to see it somewhere!). We talk about beards, being positive and his super successful podcast with Dave Shumka "Stop Podcasting Yourself", amongst other things.

Fashion designer Izzy Camilleri joins me to talk about the many MANY obstacles she has overcome in her career, the book that changed her life, and the new direction she is going in now. Her new book Izzy's Eating Plan is about how she came to terms with food, and a simple plan for eating healthy. Please check out her website izzycamilleri.com and see her beautiful designs and collections over the years.  I really hop Izzy will come back on the show, as I really feel there is much more to talk about with her!

Quite some time ago, Courtney Gilmour made a post about a book she said changed her life. Intrigued, I read the book. It changed my life. In this episode we come together and discuss it. The book, you will probably be unsurprised to hear, is You Are A Badass by Jen Sincero.  I know, I know, I've mentioned it a lot, but Courtney and I talk specifics about how it has affected us, and improved our lives. And it is not the only thing we talk about! We also have a very important conversation about how to approach visibly different or impaired people. Even the most well meaning of people can sometimes be accidentally offensive. Oh, and we discuss wether or not God can make hands grow back.  Courtney is a hilarious comedian, you can check her out on YouTube or follow her on Twitter @courtgilmour

In 2015 I had the chance to interview Judy and Dennis Shephard, parents of Matthew Shephard and founders of the Matthew Shephard Foundation. They were in Toronto to receive the International Icon Award from the Inspire Awards, and we talked about how they created a legacy for their son after his brutal murder. This amazing couple tells me about why we all need to support kids, how a hug from Judy can change a kid's life, and how we could all do better. Find out more at www.matthewshepard.org and follow on Twitter and Instagram @mattshepardfdn

Rob Pue is a very funny comedian. He is also an angry man. I've always wondered where that anger comes from, and how he thinks about it and lives with it. So I finally just asked. This conversation was a challenge for both of us, but I think a great conversation comes out of it.  Rob's album Puegilist is available on iTunes, and you can follow him on Twitter @robpue_

Micah Barnes is not only a former Nylon and current world renowned jazz musician, but also just a really fun, lovely human being. In this conversation we find out we have the same drug of choice, and talk the different tools we used to quit doing drugs. Micah talks about his unconventional childhood, being the kind of artist he wants to be, and how being positive can change your life. You can find out more about Micah on his website micahbarnes.com, follow him on Twitter @micahbarnes, or Facebook micahbarnesmusic. His latest album, New York Stories is available anywhere music is sold!

What happens when you have TWO really hard to achieve dreams? Well if you have the drive and focus of Jeff "Boomer" Phillips - you become a firefighter and an actor. Boomer is one of the happiest, hardest working people I know and no matter what the people surrounding him said, he knew if he had the vision he could make it come true. He has a great attitude about failure and learning, and we have a lovely chat. In it he mentions a speech by Arnold Schwartzenegger and here is the link as promised: Speech link. You can follow Boomer on twitter @Boomer_Phillips

Kate Drummond left a secure job and home to take a chance on becoming an actor...in her mid 30's. Against all odds she has carved out a lovely career, after dealing with set backs and self doubt, and continues to chase her truth. She is a truly GOOD human being, always looking to be of service to the world and her fellow man. You can not get to know Kate without completely falling in love with her, so enjoy the fall! You can follow Kate on Twitter@KateDrummond_

Comedian, motivational speaker, crafty lady and super mom Lori Gibbs joins me for a lovely and often emotional conversation about planting seeds of goodness now that will blossom in your life later, the ripple effect of good deeds, and how to top up your sparkle bank when you just aren't feeling sparkly. Lori is candid about her depression and anxiety, and what it means - both mentally and physically - to lose 120 pounds. You can follow Lori on Twitter @lorigibbs and check out her website lorigibbs.ca

Interior designer, artist, and human ball of joy Tiffany Pratt joins me to talk about personal style, the paper bag on your energy ball, and why she's basically a hokey ass hippy. "If you are not feeling joy, you're not on the path." a great quote from Tiffany in this conversation about giving to the world, and living the life creative. Tiffany has a beautiful books of DIY projects called This Can Be Beautiful. She can also be seen on the HGTV show Home To Win, or you can check out her website tiffanypratt.com.    

Tad Milmine is a police officer in Calgary, Alberta, and is the founder of www.bullyingendshere.ca He began going and speaking to kids after being profoundly affected by the suicide of teen Jamie Hubley - a boy he had never met, but whose story he could relate to. Tad goes to schools all over Canada to share his difficult childhood and let kids know there is support out there. He has written a book about his life, called Bullying Ends Here: My Life, a great read about overcoming hardship and being a positive and productive adult. This is the fifth time I have interviewed Tad, and he just gets more interesting. You can follow him on Twitter or Facebook.

Avi Federgreen is an independent film producer and distributor, who just produced his 50th film. He is also refreshingly honest and candid about the struggles in his life including a childhood spent being bullied, a suicide attempt and lifelong depression. It is an amazing conversation.  A couple of years ago Avi decided to expand into music as well, starting the indie label Indiecan Records to help up and coming musicians get a boost in the industry. To find out more about Avi and his films check out his website federgreenentertainment.com and follow him on Twitter.