The F Words

In the PR industry, we often work with other partners in parallel industries such as marketing, advertising and media buying. And while we at NKPR always play well in the sandbox, it helps when you're working with someone who values strategy and thoughtfulness as much as we do. On today's episode, Natasha is happy to welcome Kris Menon, Founder and President of Your Brand Integrated Marketing who works with brands including Audi, Warner Brothers, Tag and more. Kris and Natasha have worked collaboratively, both running their own agencies, for almost two decades and today on the podcast they talk why honesty and transparency is so important, how the path to success isn't a straight line and what you don't see behind the scenes working in PR. Natasha loves to hear from you! Follow and DM her @natashaNKPR and be sure to subscribe and leave a review and rating!

INK Entertainment is synonymous when it comes to Toronto's restaurant, nightlife and hospitality scene. It's President and Founder Charles Khabouth started the company 40 years ago and has built it up with dozens of restaurants including Amal, Byblos and Sofia, The stunning Bisha hotel and employing over 3000 staff! On this episode of the podcast Charles and Natasha discuss the importance of listening to your critics, constantly learning and focusing on your vision. Natasha loves to hear from you! Follow and DM her @natashaNKPR and be sure to subscribe and leave a review and rating!  

Loyalty is one quality that Natasha highly values in the people she surrounds herself with and today's two guests have proven that's important to them as well over and over and over again.  NKPR's Vice-Presidents Rebecca Risen and Lauren Cohen have been with the agency for over 13 years and 11 years respectively and on this episode of the podcast they chat about first impressions, the importance of mentorship, a few of our favourite celebrity moments and Natasha's biggest retail regret. Natasha loves to hear from you! Follow and DM her @natashaNKPR and be sure to subscribe and leave a review and rating!

Olympic and Paralympic Sports Agent Brant Feldman and Natasha met at a party during the Toronto International Film Festival 14 years ago and hit it off right from the start. Over that time although they've never lived in the same place, they've found many ways to collaborate and support each other. On today's episode Brant shares his advice on expanding your network, the art of making meaningful connections and the importance of gender equity in business. Natasha loves to hear from you! Follow and DM her @natashaNKPR and be sure to subscribe and leave a review and rating!

When NKPR launched 20 years ago, today's guest Nicole Manes was instrumental in its success. One of Natasha's first hires, Nicole was with the agency from the very early days - through three office moves, and through significant growth. On this episode, Natasha and Nicole chat about the early days of NKPR, the importance of intuition, and some takeaways from working in an agency environment.  Natasha loves to hear from you! Follow and DM her @natashaNKPR and be sure to subscribe and leave a review and rating!

Matt Basile is a chef, author, entrepreneur and most importantly a down to earth and very kind person. The founder of street food brand Fidel Gastro, Matt took his background in advertising and paired it with his passion for food. The result? Food trucks, a restaurant, TV appearances, cookbooks, catering and more. Natasha and Matt share a love for food, building brands, and for following their passions. Natasha loves to hear from you! Follow and DM her @natashaNKPR and be sure to subscribe and leave a review and rating!

Several years ago Ebuka reached out to Natasha with a very personal note asking Natasha to be her mentor. A self-taught baker, Ebuka is super creative, talented and kind and you'll love her just as much as Natasha does. On today's episode the pair talk about the importance of mentorship and how being thoughtful in your approach can lead to the results you want.  Natasha loves to hear from you! Follow and DM her @natashaNKPR and be sure to subscribe and leave a review and rating!

Today's guest is not only one of the biggest names behind-the-scenes in the modeling and artist management industry, but one of Natasha's nearest, dearest and funniest friends. For over 20 years, Craig Lawrence has been working with the biggest and most influential names in the modeling and celebrity industry in New York, Miami, and around the world. Natasha and Craig met when NKPR was hired to act as the agency of record for FORD Models in NYC - because the thinking was that there are no barriers when it comes to working. Smart work is smart work, and Craig has exemplified that. On the podcast the pair talk about honesty, dealing with egos and when it comes to surrounding yourself with the right people - it's about the quality, not the quantity. Natasha loves to hear from you! Follow and DM her @natashaNKPR and be sure to subscribe and leave a review and rating!

Taylor Kaye and Natasha launched The F Words podcast together in September of 2016. It was a space for them to come together to chat, laugh and share everything about their favourite f words in their lives…like family, friends, fashion, finance.  Creating that podcast with Taylor was a highlight for Natasha over the past 20 years at NKPR, so of course Taylor had to be on Don't Just Talk, Say Something. On this episode, Taylor and Natasha share the importance of showing up for people in your life and also yourself, and some of the lessons they've learned from their previous relationships.  Natasha loves to hear from you! Follow and DM her @natashaNKPR and be sure to subscribe and leave a review and rating!

This episode is a walk down memory lane as Natasha welcomes two of her first ever clients at NKPR to discuss what it was like in the early days and how they've all evolved since. Kathryn Hicks is a marketing guru who specializes in footwear and athletics, working with brands including Sorel, Fila, and Timberland, and Sarah Saso, another marketing expert, has worked in community relations and corporate sponsorship for brands such as Green Shield, Manulife and CIBC. And wait until you hear about some of the things the three of them went through including sleeping on a hotel floor, a ski accident and a life changing book.  Natasha loves to hear from you! Follow and DM her @natashaNKPR and be sure to subscribe and leave a review and rating!

A true icon in the North American media landscape, George Stroumboulopoulos has done it all. Just to list a few of his accolades, George has hosted and executive produced shows on MuchMusic, to George Strombolopolous tonight on CBC, to Hockey Night in Canada and now he hosts a talk radio show on Apple Music. George is also heavily involved in several philanthropic endeavors, including the Artists for Peace and Justic board which he sits on with Natasha.  On this episode the pair discuss George's outlook on life, to his relationship with hope and optimism, breaking his own biases and making risky bets in business.

Natasha's dear friends and clients Briar de Lange and Rick Kaczmarek from the Bloor-Yorkville Business Improvement Area join her on the podcast today. As NKPR's longest clients, Rick and Briar have been with the agency through major evolutions and Natasha is so honoured and privileged to have been able to grow and learn with them. On this episode they discuss the strength in long-term partnerships, adapting and being open to change and how opportunities are whatever you make of them. Natasha loves to hear from you! Follow and DM her @natashaNKPR and be sure to subscribe and leave a review and rating!

On this episode of the podcast Natasha is joined by her close friends and power couple Yannick & Shantelle Bisson.  They discuss why we choose to surround ourselves with the people that we do and how that impacts us personally and professionally.  And be sure to have some tissues handy because things get emotional.  Natasha loves to hear from you! Follow and DM her @natashaNKPR and be sure to subscribe and leave a review and rating!

One of the most innovative and accomplished entrepreneurs in the world, Dax Dasilva is the Executive Chair of Lightspeed, one of Canada's biggest success stories, and the Founder of Age of Union, a non-profit environmental alliance to protect the planet's threatened species and ecosystems. Dax and Natasha started working together six years ago, and is a huge inspiration to her, not only for his business acumen, but for his deep commitment to making the world a better place. On this episode the pair discuss how philanthropy is integral to Dax's journey and how anyone can be a changemaker. Natasha loves to hear from you! Follow and DM her @natashaNKPR and be sure to subscribe and leave a review and rating!

There are not enough people in the world like this episode's guest Carrie Kirkman. With over 25 years of experience in management for top women's apparel brands, working at leading companies such as Hudson's Bay, Global Brands Group, Jones Apparel Group, and more, Carrie is established as a leader in the womenswear industry in Canada. Carrie is also deeply passionate and committed to supporting and empowering women. Not only does she do this through her philanthropic efforts, but Carrie is a mentor to many and is deeply encouraging of helping women rise in the corporate world with the mantra of “Empowered Women Empower Women!” Natasha loves to hear from you, follow and DM her @natashaNKPR and be sure to subscribe and leave a review and rating!

Jamie Haggarty is a business leader that's worked at some of North America's biggest brands, including Rogers, Corus, and Deluxe Entertainment. Jamie is one of the most strategic thinkers Natasha has ever met and over the many years of working together, she has learnt so much from him. On this episode of the podcast, Natasha and Jamie talk about how navigating tough times can make or break you, why listening to people is so important…and you'll want to remember this one thing Jamie says - ‘why not you'. 

Now a household name, Caitlin Cronenberg's photography and directing work have been published in the world's most established publications and festivals (Vogue, W, Harper's Bazaar, Drake's album cover and TIFF, just to name a few). Even though she's worked with some of the biggest brands and the most famous faces, Caitlin still manages to be one of the kindest and most loyal people. On this episode of the podcast Natasha and Caitlin discuss why taking risks are always worth it, why without fear there isn't growth and Caitlin recalls one moment on the red carpet she'll never forget.   Natasha loves to hear from you, follow and DM her @natashaNKPR and be sure to subscribe and leave and review and rating! 

After 5 years co-hosting The F Words with Natasha, Taylor is bidding farewell to the show. On this special episode we celebrate Taylor's time on the podcast and take a trip down memory lane to chat about the most popular episodes, and some funny moments over the years! Taylor also reveals her all time favourite f word!     Listen and tell us your favourite moment with Taylor!    Follow and DM Natasha @natashaNKPR, Eric @erichendrikx & Taylor @thetaylorkaye

On this episode of The F Words Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Zoomer Magazine Suzanne Boyd joins Natasha and Eric to talk work/life integration, how success doesn't happen overnight, the importance of mentorship and Natasha's inspiring new feature in Zoomer. The trio also chat about the upcoming Artists for Peace and Justice gala in support of Haiti.    Follow Natasha @natashaNKPR, Eric @erichendrikx and Suzanne @suzanneboyd_ 

On part 2 of our special series about Natasha The Residences, Natasha and Eric welcome renowned artist Peter Tunney.  Known for his incredibly moving and meaningful pieces, Peter will be the resident artist at Natasha The Residences.  Peter's art will be seen throughout the building including pieces with the text "the time is always now," "don't panic" and "own the day." They also discuss why words matter so much and take a trip down memory lane of when Natasha and Peter first met and when they took a ride on a vespa that may have ended with being stopped by the NYPD.   For more information about Natasha The Residences go to www.natasharesidences.com 

On this special episode of The F Words, Natasha and Eric announce an exciting project that's been in the works for a year and half...Natasha The Residences! Developed by Lanterra, Natasha The Residences is a 47 story luxury condo building coming to downtown Toronto's cultural district at John and Adelaide.  The building will carry the mantra of 'turn life on' and also Natasha's outlook of living life to the fullest.  That will be felt through the interior design and amenities which will be designed by Alessandro Munge. Studio Munge has designed some of the most stunning buildings in North America including the new Park Hyatt Toronto, 50 Scollard, Amal Toronto and so many more. Alessandro joins the show today to chat about this project and shares some exclusive details about the building and suite design, and amenities including the sky lobby, piano room, pizza kitchen and media room.    For more information about Natasha The Residences go to www.natasharesidences.com 

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos completed his first 11 minute journey to space today, which followed Sir Richard Branson's trip earlier this month.  So, how were these billionaire's trips different and will this pave the way for the average human to be able to buy a ticket to space? Joining Natasha and Eric on The F Words to talk all about this, and more, is Kate Howells, a Canadian Space Policy Advisor for the Planetary Society (the world's largest non-profit space organization). Kate is also the author of Space is Cool as F**k.    Listen and tell us if you'd ever want to travel to space! DM @natashaNKPR and @EricHendrikx  

On this episode of The F Words Natasha and Eric are chatting about their recent weekend away in cottage country and about some of their upcoming summer escapes.  Natasha also reveals how she packs for a weekend away up north!  

It's something almost every business and employer is seeing across all industries right now...the great resignation. On this episode of The F Words, Natasha and Eric discuss the reasons behind this, trends shaping the hybrid working world and the importance of human interaction when it comes to gen z entering the workforce.  Are you experiencing the great resignation and how do you feel about the hybrid work model? DM us @natashaNKPR @erichendrikx      

From Bitcoin to blockchain this episode of The F Words is all about cryptocurrency.  Financial Post reporter Stephanie Hughes joins Natasha and Eric and shares her insights on the market, the different ways to invest and how blockchain tech could work in different industries including real estate. Do you invest in crypto? How do you feel about the market? Listen and DM us! @natashaNKPR @Erichendrikx    And you can follow Stephanie on her social channels! Twitter: @StephHughes95 Instagram: @stephaniehughes95 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069029432281 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-hughes-15071754/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpdDpnG-3A-Vt4Y83UxB7VQ Website: https://stephaniehughesjournalism.com/  

On this episode of The F Words, Natasha and Eric are celebrating their recent wedding! The pair share all the details about their super low-key and intimate backyard nuptials, what Natasha wore and their mini-moon escape to Langdon Hall!  Natasha - @natashankpr  Eric - @erichendrikx

On this episode of The F Words Natasha and Eric welcome Ted Grant Michelin star chef and President and Co-Founder of Viveau sparkling mineral water. Ted shares his journey behind creating the exciting new brand, natural vs. real fruit flavouring and expanding into the U.S. market. 

In a recent installment of The Atlantic's How to Build a Life the author explains how seeking new experiences can enhance our well-being.  On this episode of The F Words Natasha and Eric share some experiences they've opened themselves up to that have brought them joy... one of which includes meeting each other on the dating app Raya.  What would you try this year that could bring you happiness? DM @natashaNKPR & @erichendrikx and let them know!  

Shop NK Drop 005 is officially live and it's the home collection - all about living intentionally with an increased connection to your living space. Today on the podcast Natasha and Eric are joined by NKPR's Vice-President Lauren Cohen to talk all things Shop NK! 

Wedding season is upon us and although covid is still a reality people can get excited for their upcoming weddings.  With summer almost here, outdoor gatherings will likely be allowed and people will eventually start getting their second vaccinations which will mean indoor weddings will be permitted. Joining Natasha and Eric on The F Words to talk all things love and marriage is event planner extraordinaire Ashley Lindzon and Co-Founder of bluboho Maggie Aurocco. 

On this episode of The F Words, Natasha and Eric take a deep dive into the reunion of Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck with The Social co-host Melissa Grelo.  Will J.Lo and Ben last? Why did they reignite the flame 17 years later? Who else could be good for J.Lo? Listen to find out all of the theories and DM your thoughts to @natashaNKPR & @erichendrikx. 

A New Work Times columnist recently wrote about how he entered his second phase of adulthood when he became friends with his kids. On this episode of The F Words Natasha and Eric chat about their different parenting styles and whether they feel they are more of a parent or a friend to their children. 

On this episode of The F Words Natasha and Eric are sharing their journey on the Keto diet. The pair discuss why they decided to go on the popular diet, how much weight they've lost, how they first adjusted (they both had the 'Keto flu') and what they eat for each meal. Have you tried Keto or another diet? DM us @natashaNKPR and @EricHendrikx! 

On this episode of The F Words we get to know guest co-host Eric Hendrikx a little bit better. Did you know Eric has written for Rolling Stone and Men's Journal magazines, has a degree in Anthropology and loves riding motorcycles? All true! Eric and Natasha also reveal how they are integrating their interests like rock 'n' roll and fashion into their home...and you'll never believe what they're doing to their dining room! 

A recent article from The New York Times says the name for the 'blah' you're feeling right now is called languishing. With Ontario experiencing a bad third wave of COVID-19, not enough support from the provincial government and a confusing and sluggish vaccine rollout, many are, rightfully so, feeling languished. On this episode of The F Words, Eric Hendrikx joins Natasha as guest host to discuss how they are feeling, their thoughts on the current state of the pandemic and a few things to remember to help stay positive.  

On this episode of The F Words Natasha and Taylor discuss a new feature that Tinder has introduced to help keep its users safe and why it's so important.  Natasha also has her own suggestion on how to evolve dating apps even further. Listen and let the hosts know what feature you'd like to see added! DM Natasha @natashankpr and Taylor @thetaylorkaye. 

On 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

One of Natasha and Taylor's favourite F words is...fashion... and after a year of being at home, they miss a good fashion moment! Well...Natasha really misses it. Joining the hosts on this episode is fashion stylist and TV personality Erica Wark. What are they most excited to wear again? What are some of the hottest fashion trends for spring and summer? Will Natasha still only wear black? Listen and find out! 

Rumours swirled last week that superstar couple Jennifer Lopez and Alex Rodriguez split up after his reported infidelity. The pair then released a joint statement saying that they're still together and working through some issues. Some big questions remain though...like what happened and will they last?  Joining Natasha and Taylor on this episode of The F Words is relationship expert and the founder of KMA Therapy - Kimberly Moffit. Kimberly and the hosts discuss trust in relationships and if cheaters are always cheaters. 

It's been a few days now since Meghan and Harry's big tell-all with Oprah about the Royal Family. The interview raised many questions about what really goes on inside the 'institution' and how it's run.  After the Palace responded saying the issues raised would be taken seriously and discussed privately, Natasha and Taylor are asking, should all of this been kept private and not been talked about publicly on the world stage? Joining the hosts to talk about all things Royal is Editor-in-Chief of Hello! Canada Alison Eastwood. Pick up the latest issue of Hello! Canada on newsstands or go to their website at www.hellomagazine.ca 

Taylor's mantra is the power of yes. Natasha's mantra is the power of no. On this episode of the podcast the hosts discuss and challenge each other about their respective beliefs when it comes to saying yes and no in life. 

Britney Spears has been thrust back into the spotlight after the premiere of a new documentary from The New York Times.  The film follows the growing free Britney movement and the pop stars fight to remove her father from her conservatorship she's been under for more than 10 years.  Joining Natasha and Taylor to talk all about this is Tim Chan a writer and the Director of Product and Commerce at Rolling Stone. 

On this episode of the podcast we're talking about Natasha's journey from living a life as a pescatarian to making the transition to full on carnivore. Fran Berkoff a Consulting Dietitian and Nutritionist joins the hosts and shares her wisdom when it comes to reintroducing meat back into your diet and other interesting nutritional tips!   

We're beginning to approach one year of living in this global pandemic so it's not a huge surprise that a recent poll showed Canadians were reporting their highest levels of anxiety and depression. Canada has also ranked third for the world's most stressed, sad and anxious people.  It's going to be a long winter...so how do we get through the next few months? Joining Natasha and Taylor on this episode of the podcast is Vaishnavi Nadesu - Registered Psychotherapist who shares some ways to help with anxiety.       Here is more information if you are looking to contact Vaishnavi:  https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/therapists/vaishnavi-nadesu-scarborough-on/168808

The struggle is real when it comes to balancing working from home and helping your kids with remote learning.  Today's Parent Senior Editor Ariel Brewster joins Taylor and Natasha on The F Words and offers up some practical tips and advice on how to make things a little easier for yourself and your children. 

Our favourite intuitive counselor Amy Renee is back and she's spilling on what we may be able to expect for 2021 and even 2022. Amy also shares what she sees for Natasha and Taylor in the year ahead. 

While some people think it's fine to travel during the pandemic, others aren't taking the risk. On today's episode of the podcast Natasha and Taylor discuss their differing opinions on this. The hosts also weigh in on the politicians who are finding themselves in hot water for going on vacation, and Air Canada's decision to pay influencers to promote travel.  

With the new year upon us, Natasha and Taylor wanted to hear from you, the listeners.  After posting on social inviting you on the show, we got an overwhelming response and we've asked a few F Words friends to be on this episode to talk about 2021. Our guests include Ainsley Kerr, Dr. Jennifer Pearlman and Kim Alexander. 

From Eric and Natasha's loved up year, to Taylor's TikTok obsession, and all of the trending moments (including toilet paper hoarding), this week's episode covers everything that went down over the past year.  Happy New Year from your F Words family! 

Happy Holidays from Natasha and Taylor! On this week's episode the hosts chat about their plans for the holidays including Taylor working on Christmas and Natasha spending it with Eric and his son in California.  Natasha is even planning on 'baking' a turkey! 

Natasha recently posted an Instagram story saying "You are free to make whatever choice you want, but you are not free from the consequences of the choice" and it sparked some conversation. On this episode of the podcast Taylor and Natasha are diving into this topic and exploring choice vs. consequence.