Marilyn Denis Does a Podcast

Candid, savvy and joyful - designer, entrepreneur and lifestyle influencer, Jillian Harris, shares how she got started in the design biz and what it took to build her successful brand. Inspired by her entrepreneurial parents, Jillian also opens up about her mother's struggles with bipolar disorder – a subject she wanted to shed light on, above all else.

The legendary Sylvester Stallone chats about starring in his first ever TV series “Tulsa King”; how the film & TV industry has drastically changed over the years; and find out how our paths have crossed over the years and come full circle to this interview!    

Two conversations – one message – a good worth ethic sets the stage for success! Canadian businessman and Dragon's Den star, Wes Hall, chats about his memoir “No Bootstraps When You're Barefoot: My rise from a Jamaican plantation shack to the boardrooms of Bay Street;” then Canadian entrepreneur and personal finance expert, Kelley Keehn, gets real about the impacts of new work trends like ‘quiet quitting,' and how to carve out a career that brings you joy and money.   

No more slamming your ex! Breakup expert, Amy Chan, shares great advice based on her book “Breakup Bootcamp: The Science of Rewiring Your Heart,” including how to break up with kindness and compassion, and how to get over a breakup in the healthiest way possible.  

Country superstar, Thomas Rhett, chats about how he hopes his 6th studio album, “Where We Started,” will get people excited about going to live concerts again, being a dad to four girls who love to sing his songs on the way to school, and his dream collaboration with Katy Perry.    

Longtime L'Oréal Paris ambassador and iconic actress, Andie MacDowell, chats about representing women for over 35 years, portraying the journey of mental instability in her game-changing role in Maid, what it was like starring opposite her real-life daughter, and how she maintains her head-turning silver locks!

I catch up with Canadian music icon, Bryan Adams, while he's in London, England, promoting his 15th studio album “So Happy It Hurts.” We chat about what touring looks like these days, shooting the music video for his title track with his 94-years-young mum, and being a Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee.   

So what's life really like for one of the hardest working moms in showbiz? Catherine Reitman, the star and creator of the International Emmy Award nominated sitcom, Workin' Moms, dishes on everything from home-schooling and life in lockdown, filming in the middle of a pandemic, and what it takes to come up with some of the most relatable and funny storylines on TV.      

On the heels of his third studio album, “Bloor Street,” Kiefer Sutherland shares why he wrote a nostalgic love letter to his hometown of Toronto; how he had to strike a deal with his mother at age four to get his first guitar; and what it was like portraying President Franklin D. Roosevelt in the upcoming TV series “The First Lady.”    

On her visit to Calgary, Alberta, to see a science exhibit that she narrated, I chat with actor, model, writer and filmmaker, Isabella Rossellini, about pursuing her passion for animal behaviour and conservation later in life, moving from NYC to the country to run a 28-acre organic farm, and the joys of being a nonna!    

Just back in NYC from his Las Vegas residency, I chat with Sting about his 15th solo album, The Bridge – a pandemic project that inspired some amazing new music - and how he celebrated his 70th performing on the slopes of the Acropolis in Greece, earlier this year.     

Imagine having a poster of your music hero on your wall at 14, and then becoming one of their best friends by the time you're 19! On the heels of Duran Duran's 40th anniversary, founder and keyboardist, Nick Rhodes, dishes on the legendary band's 15th studio album, Future Past, the best advice he got from famous friends like David Bowie and Andy Warhol, and the secret to having a successful band four decades later.

On National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, and Orange Shirt Day, Anthony Johnson (Navajo/Diné) and Dr. James Makokis (Cree) share their personal journeys with residential schools in Canada, and how we can all step up and come together to help our nation heal.  

Who needs to online date when you've got a cup of tea and a Bible on standby? Jann Arden dishes on Season 3 of her original hit comedy “Jann,” and how much fun it is playing her TV self! From calling up her famous friends to guest star, to what it was like getting inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame by her music hero, Anne Murray, get ready for some funny stories only Jann Arden can tell!      

Once you hear this podcast, you'll understand why thousands of people around the world are loyal members of the Trinny Tribe! When my fashion stylist, Alexis Honce, told me Trinny Woodall, the Founder & CEO of the beauty company, Trinny London, is her industry idol, I had to unite them. From building a successful brand to finding your true sense of style at any age – this is one conversation you don't want to miss!   

It just so happens that Barenaked Ladies frontman, Ed Robertson, is my neighbour. So, when I asked him if we could chat about his new album, Detour De Force, he suggested we chat in my backyard. So, don't be surprised if you hear a leaf blower or two! From his new music, to the band's amazing success & longevity, this is a great chat you don't want to miss!      

“I Am Invincible” - not just the title of her amazing life story but also the mantra that got her to where she is today. It's no surprise that Norma Kamali is the muse of my dear friend & fashion stylist, Peter Papapetrou. It's a lovefest when they meet for the very first time in this podcast – enjoy!   

She talks about her role as Robin in The Conners, her lifelong obsession with The Wizard of Oz, and she gets real candid about inclusivity in entertainment. I talk with trailblazing transgender actress, teacher, singer, author and activist, Alexandra Billings.   

It's the 35th anniversary of Pretty In Pink and Andrew McCarthy almost didn't get the gig.  Not only that, he hated the Brat Pack label. He's had many offers to write about it and he rejected all of them … until now! He pulls back the curtain on his life and career in his new book Brat: An ‘80s Story.    

Can you imagine belonging to one of the biggest girl groups of all time and shielding something so important from your group because you believe the show must go on? We talk to Grammy winner & Destiny's child singer, Michelle Williams, about her first book Checking In: How Getting Real about Depression Saved My Life – and Can Save Yours.

Is it necessary to talk about past relationships with your current partner? Singer songwriter, Julia Michaels, has a very strong opinion about that! Falling in love and while writing “ If The World Was Ending” - that happened! You’ll hear her excitement about releasing her first solo album - “Not In Chronological Order.”

On finding her Skinnygirl successor through her new show “The Big Shot with Bethenny,” and what it takes to be successful in business.   

So great to catch up with Deborah Cox – Canada’s Queen of R&B! We had such a fun chat about her famous friends, family, and her future.  

Did Elizabeth & Margaret get along, or not? He’s the ultimate dinner guest! Princess Diana’s biographer, Andrew Morton, on his new book Elizabeth and Margaret: The Intimate World of The Windsor Sisters – what surprised him the most about their relationship, becoming a consultant for the award-winning series The Crown, and what the future holds for the Royal Family. 

Golden Globe and BAFTA winner, Jon Batiste, serenades Marilyn and invites her to do the Lindy Hop with him next time he’s in town! Jon talks about getting vaccinated, being bandleader on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, missing live performances, how he feels about Oscar night and his nod for Pixar’s Soul, and his new album We Are.    

Good friends like to talk about real estate … and that’s exactly what we’re gonna do! Canadian designer & contractor, Rasmin Khachi, shares his expert advice on building, renovating and moving. Not necessarily in that order! 2020 has been a wild ride in the housing business - let’s get the perspective from someone who deals with it every day

Television personality & best-selling author, Ross Mathews, opens up about his weight loss journey. Having lost 50 pounds in the middle of a pandemic, Ross reveals what motivated him, how he lost the weight, and what he’s doing to maintain his well-being, which as he puts it, is a constant “work in progress.”

The Shark Tank star and business mogul shares his advice for how businesses can survive heading into the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic, and reveals why he’s never “off” work – even at the dinner table. Plus, he offers up his top tips for acing your next virtual job interview.

Nicknamed “Comforter In Chief” by her peers and fans, country legend, Dolly Parton, shares how she’s  been busy this pandemic. In her signature story-teller style, Dolly takes us behind-the-scenes of how the recording of her new album “Holly Dolly Christmas” came together during lockdown with duets featuring her goddaughter, Miley Cyrus, Michael Buble, Willie Nelson and Jimmy Fallon. On the heels of her 75th birthday, Dolly is busier than ever with a new Christmas movie, and a new book about her life and songs in towe! Plus, find out which one of Dolly’s iconic songs sent fellow country superstar, Reba McEntire, into a tailspin!

He has one of the most recognizable voices in music, but Josh Groban almost didn’t choose a singing career. Marilyn chats with Josh about the importance of saying “yes”, the thrill of performing and how to fill the void in lieu of performing live.

Marilyn sits down with the legendary guitarist about his life-long love of music, the downside of fame at a young age and how it took his childhood friend David Bowie to get back in touch with his music.

Author, motivational speaker and lifestyle blogger Rachel Hollis talks to Marilyn about her latest book, her divorce from her husband of 16 years, and how to get through crisis and grief in your own life.   

In conversation with comedian, actor & television host Howie Mandel.  Howie chats about his new documentary Howie Mandel: But, Enough About Me, and takes us on a trip down memory lane sharing career highlights, his interest in social media, and the great success of America′s Got Talent. Howie also talks openly about his anxiety coping mechanisms, his partnership with Bell Let’s Talk, and how proud he is to be Canadian!

Former monk turned purpose coach, leading podcaster, and best-selling author of “Think Like A Monk”, Jay Shetty, reveals how he abandoned his aspirations of becoming a wealthy business tycoon to train as a monk in India. Jay shares the life lessons that he learned from how to reduce stress, to improving our relationships, and finding our own purpose in life. Find out how a former monk proved all of his naysayers wrong and became a social media hit with over 7 million Instagram followers, over a billion views for his YouTube videos, the host of the #1 Health and Wellness podcast in the world, and an instant international #1 best-selling author.

In conversation with the multiple Grammy award winning Queen of country, Reba McEntire. Following the recent re-release of her highly acclaimed album, “Rumor Has It,” Reba talks about recording new versions of her iconic songs, plus, how the pandemic inspired her to create a new music video for her classic song “What If.” Reba also shares what life was like during the first few months of the pandemic, including the heartbreaking loss of her mother and mentor, Jacqueline, and the precious gift of time with her sister and family.

You know him as the front man of the legendary Canadian rock band, “Glass Tiger,” but did you know that Alan Frew is also a  registered nurse? The multi-platinum selling singer-songwriter, public speaker, and best-selling author, once dreamed of becoming a doctor. Alan shares his fascinating journey of how he went from working shifts at the local hospital, to becoming the front man of one of the world’s most successful bands. Alan also shares how he was in the midst of planning a tour when Covid-19 slammed on the breaks. But as a stroke survivor, Alan offers a profound perspective on life and this pandemic, and how love and music have the universal power to heal. 

Founder and publisher of one Canada’s leading design magazines, House & Home, Lynda reveals some of her latest inspirations and current home trends. Discover how the pandemic’s changing the way we live in our homes to how pastel paints are making a comeback, right down to the exciting details on her latest personal project, building a dream lake house. Marilyn and Lynda’s conversation may just inspire you to start up an exciting home project of your very own.

Chef Daniel speaks to Marilyn from his current home base in NYC to reveal how he’s navigating his international food empire through unchartered waters, what his thoughts are on the current state of the restaurant industry and how he’s finding ways to give back to those who are still in need of some extra help during these challenging times.

Marilyn chats with her good friend, designer Tommy Smythe, about sustainable living and design.  Tommy shares how & why he has made recent changes, in his own life, towards becoming a better global steward, and how we can do the same.   

Famous for his Emmy Award winning role as mobster Ralph Cifaretto on HBO’s “The Sopranos”, actor, author and mental health activist Joe Pantoliano takes us behind the scenes of shooting his new film “From The Vine”, the story of a downtrodden CEO who travels back to his Nonno’s vineyard in Italy. The prolific character actor dishes on his roles in iconic films like “Risky Business”, “Midnight Run”, “The Matrix” and “Momento”,and opens up about his family and his own journey from mental illness, to wellness, to running his own charity “No Kidding, Me Too!”. Joe reveals what he thinks a post-Covid-19 theatre and film world will look like and laments the loss of value of his American passport during the pandemic.

One of North America’s most recognizable business leaders and media personalities, Robert Herjavec, shares his advice for what small business owners can do to help get through these unstable times. Robert has invaluable insight from his time as a business mentor and investor on ABC’s Emmy Award-Winning show, “Shark Tank,” and also speaks from personal experience. As the founder of Herjavec Group – a cybersecurity company that became one of North America’s fastest-growing technology companies - this business mogul’s advice can help you navigate a new normal as more people head back to work.

Two-time Grammy Award-winning reggae & dancehall superstar, Shaggy, celebrates the 20th anniversary of his diamond-selling album, “Hot Shot,” that brought us hits like “It Wasn’t Me” and “Angel.” To commemorate the milestone, Shaggy dropped “Hot Shot 2020” – a reissued album with revamped vocals and production on old and new fan-favourites, and never-before-heard tracks. Shaggy reflects on some of his remarkable achievements over his impressive career, including how he managed to bring dancehall into the mainstream of the music business. Shaggy continues to shake up the status quo, with his massive global hit on Tik Tok, embracing the platform that has changed the face of the music promotion industry. Mr. Boombastic’s talent and savvy are what make him a timeless superstar. 

Trusted film critic and host of CTV News Channel’s talk show, “Pop Life” and web series, “In Isolation With” reveals how the entertainment industry is moving forward during these uncertain times. Find out which blockbuster films have been rescheduled or delayed, how drive-ins are making a unique comeback and finally what you need to know for your family to “Quaranstream” in style! His insider tips will keep you connected for all of your entertainment needs.

Canadian YouTube star, transgender activist, model and author, Gigi Gorgeous shares her journey from male-presenting teenager doing makeup tutorials in her bedroom, to superstar transgender influencer! From hosting her town’s first ever Pride Black Lives Matter Walk, to how she has grown in her marriage to Nats Getty over the past year, Gigi shares the importance of celebrating uniqueness, and recognizing being different as a gift. 

One of America’s leading celebrity beauty and fashion experts, Denise Caldwell, opens up about how anti-Black racism has touched both her personal and professional life. From sharing family stories of what it was like growing up in St. Louis, Missouri, to working her way up in the competitive fashion industry with the determination of her "blood, sweat and heels," Denise shares her views on how love, faith, and understanding can help us build bridges to encourage and create meaningful and lasting change.

“Canada’s most trusted contractor” and star of several award-winning reno-reality shows, Mike Holmes shares how he’s getting back to business during the pandemic! He lets us in on his personal projects and predictions on where the industry is headed. As a father of three, including Mike Jr. and Sherry, who both followed his footsteps into the trades & TV world, Mike shares his case for why we need to de-stigmatize and encourage the younger generation to enter a career in the skilled trades – an industry that is virtually recession-resistant with high job security.   

In this episode, Marilyn continues to hold important conversations on race in Canada with Indigenous Executive Chef, Bill Alexander. Bill shares the special connection he has to Indigenous cooking learned through his mother, and how he’s translating those traditions into his life as a professional chef. Marilyn and Bill also talk about how sharing these culinary traditions can help people see different viewpoints and perspectives and enrich Canadian culture.

Marilyn has an open and candid discussion with Black media personalities and on-air colleagues Chef Roger Mooking, Hairstylist Janet Jackson, and Chef Bianca Osbourne about the impact that racism has had on their lives personally and professionally. Roger, Janet and Bianca also share their opinions on what needs to happen moving forward, to bring about meaningful and lasting change to end systemic racism.  

CTV News’ Science and Technology specialist and scientist, Dan Riskin delivers the most up to date facts surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. From revealing the benefits of wearing face coverings to where you’re most likely to come into contact with the virus. And how technology's being used to slow down the global spread through contact tracing right down to the power of a dog's nose for detection. This half hour will provide you with a scientific silver lining to this on-going crisis.

With over 300 film and TV credits to his name, Danny Trejo shares his life journey from ex-con, to addiction counselor, to Hollywood leading man, as told in his debut cookbook “Trejo’s Tacos,” named after one of his six Los Angeles restaurants – and in the upcoming documentary about his life “Inmate #1 – The Rise of Danny Trejo.” Full of gratitude, Danny shares how he is using his passion for food to give back to the community that has given him so much.

Comedian, actor, writer, producer, and best selling author, Jim Gaffigan shares his world famous observations on what life is like being quarantined with his wife and five “loud & expensive” kids (as he puts it) at their home in manhattan, New York. One of the most popular comedians in the world, Jim reveals how he’s continuing to share his relatable, family-focussed comedy through his numerous social media outlets.  Even though most of us continue to self-isolate, humour will always find a way to open the door to laughter, connecting us all.