Homegirl Nation Thu, 18 Jun 2026 10:56:04 -0400 https://homegirlnation.buzzsprout.com en-ca © 2026 Homegirl Nation yes a1dec72c-d30e-54c0-847f-d6132601701d Brigitte Truong episodic false Being a woman has never been easy and when the going gets tough, we can all use a homegirl to lean on. Join entertainment host Brigitte Truong each week as she meets with courageous guests who have found their lane despite the odds. From business failures to mental health, sex to hate crimes, the candid discussions you hear will give you a new perspective on how freeing and empowering it can be when you own your story. Let’s make it easier to talk about tough things when it comes to womanhood because when we do, we’ll see that we’re more alike and connected than we think.

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) Brigitte Truong https://storage.buzzsprout.com/c5dtmdrgatyd1s1e6k2br07ifa9o?.jpg Homegirl Nation #68 Mary Deacon | The Three No's That Led to Canada's Biggest Mental Health Movement #68 Mary Deacon | The Three No's That Led to Canada's Biggest Mental Health Movement Today, I’m sitting down with Mary Deacon, the woman behind Bell Let’s Talk.

Before Bell Let’s Talk became one of the biggest mental health movements in Canada, it took three no's for Mary to finally find her yes. But what makes her story so powerful isn't just what she built, it's what shaped her long before Bell Let's Talk ever existed.

We talk about growing up at a time when mental health wasn't part of the vocabulary, when people didn't always have the words for depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, addiction, or suicide. And because they didn't have the words, a lot of people suffered quietly.

We also talk about the personal losses that shaped Mary’s life, and how she continues to dedicate her life to changing the way Canadians think and talk about mental health. Mary is also a member of RALLY’s advisory board, and it’s been such a gift to learn from and work alongside her.

Before we begin, a gentle note that this episode includes conversations about depression, suicide, and addiction. If this brings anything up for you, support is available by calling or texting 9-8-8 in Canada.

I’m so grateful you’re here. Let’s hangout!

]]> Today, I’m sitting down with Mary Deacon, the woman behind Bell Let’s Talk.

Before Bell Let’s Talk became one of the biggest mental health movements in Canada, it took three no's for Mary to finally find her yes. But what makes her story so powerful isn't just what she built, it's what shaped her long before Bell Let's Talk ever existed.

We talk about growing up at a time when mental health wasn't part of the vocabulary, when people didn't always have the words for depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, addiction, or suicide. And because they didn't have the words, a lot of people suffered quietly.

We also talk about the personal losses that shaped Mary’s life, and how she continues to dedicate her life to changing the way Canadians think and talk about mental health. Mary is also a member of RALLY’s advisory board, and it’s been such a gift to learn from and work alongside her.

Before we begin, a gentle note that this episode includes conversations about depression, suicide, and addiction. If this brings anything up for you, support is available by calling or texting 9-8-8 in Canada.

I’m so grateful you’re here. Let’s hangout!

]]> Brigitte Truong Buzzsprout-19354428 Tue, 16 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400 2652 full false #67 Nam Kiwanuka | The Courage to Be Seen #67 Nam Kiwanuka | The Courage to Be Seen Today’s conversation feels like a masterclass in resilience, reinvention, and what it really means to show up for yourself.

We have a snowflake of a woman and it's award winning journalist Nam Kiwanuka!  In this hangout, we talk about what it really means to step into your voice especially when the world has told you, time and time again, that you don’t quite belong. From Nam’s early days at MuchMusic to the powerful work she’s doing now with TVO and (MIS)Treated - a podcast that exposes how the healthcare system has long overlooked women, Nam reflects on the courage it takes to be seen, the lessons shaped by her upbringing, and how she’s learning to trust herself in a whole new way.

Get ready for a very gratifying conversation about change, being your own biggest supporter, and finding power not in what you can control, but in how you respond.

I have personally been a big fan of Nam’s since she gave us RAP CITY - if you know you know!  

Let’s hang out, homegirls!



]]> Today’s conversation feels like a masterclass in resilience, reinvention, and what it really means to show up for yourself.

We have a snowflake of a woman and it's award winning journalist Nam Kiwanuka!  In this hangout, we talk about what it really means to step into your voice especially when the world has told you, time and time again, that you don’t quite belong. From Nam’s early days at MuchMusic to the powerful work she’s doing now with TVO and (MIS)Treated - a podcast that exposes how the healthcare system has long overlooked women, Nam reflects on the courage it takes to be seen, the lessons shaped by her upbringing, and how she’s learning to trust herself in a whole new way.

Get ready for a very gratifying conversation about change, being your own biggest supporter, and finding power not in what you can control, but in how you respond.

I have personally been a big fan of Nam’s since she gave us RAP CITY - if you know you know!  

Let’s hang out, homegirls!



]]> Brigitte Truong Buzzsprout-19118072 Thu, 14 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400 3335 6 67 full true #66 Brandi Leifso | When You're One Decision Away From Changing Everything #66 Brandi Leifso | When You're One Decision Away From Changing Everything What would you do with 15 dollars, a laptop, and a spot in a women’s shelter? For some, this would be a survival story. For Brandi Leifso, it was the boardroom for a multi-million dollar beauty empire. 

Today, we have a really inspiring homegirl hangout with the founder of Evio Beauty on why she used a bootlegged version of Photoshop to stage a retail protest, how she survived 136 'No’s' from investors, and why she believes your greatest power lies in the 35,000 choices you'll make before tomorrow.

Her book, Fearless Choices: Make a Decision, Change Your Life, is out now and it’s the ultimate guide to moving away from 'hustle culture' and toward radical self-agency. Whether you’re feeling burnt out or just looking for the courage to make that next big pivot, I hope you stay a little while. This one’s for you.

Let’s hang out!



]]> What would you do with 15 dollars, a laptop, and a spot in a women’s shelter? For some, this would be a survival story. For Brandi Leifso, it was the boardroom for a multi-million dollar beauty empire. 

Today, we have a really inspiring homegirl hangout with the founder of Evio Beauty on why she used a bootlegged version of Photoshop to stage a retail protest, how she survived 136 'No’s' from investors, and why she believes your greatest power lies in the 35,000 choices you'll make before tomorrow.

Her book, Fearless Choices: Make a Decision, Change Your Life, is out now and it’s the ultimate guide to moving away from 'hustle culture' and toward radical self-agency. Whether you’re feeling burnt out or just looking for the courage to make that next big pivot, I hope you stay a little while. This one’s for you.

Let’s hang out!



]]> Brigitte Truong Buzzsprout-19021520 Thu, 16 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400 2254 6 66 full false #65 Teri Hart | Betting on Yourself #65 Teri Hart | Betting on Yourself This week's guest is a legendary broadcaster, a master storyteller, and a true veteran of the Canadian media landscape. Oh and this brilliant woman also knows a lot about courage. She’s the incredibly dynamic, Teri Hart!

After 30 years as a 'company girl' in major media, Teri stepped out to launch her own freelance career and new podcast, The Heart of It All. This podcast wasn’t just a career move - it was born out of a deeply personal season of caregiving for her late father. We recently caught up and discussed everything from that chapter in her life to the hustle trap, starting over at 55, and betting on yourself like you would your best friend. Teri is warm, she is candid, and she is a full on masterclass in how to 'create space' for what matters most. 

Let's hang out!



]]> This week's guest is a legendary broadcaster, a master storyteller, and a true veteran of the Canadian media landscape. Oh and this brilliant woman also knows a lot about courage. She’s the incredibly dynamic, Teri Hart!

After 30 years as a 'company girl' in major media, Teri stepped out to launch her own freelance career and new podcast, The Heart of It All. This podcast wasn’t just a career move - it was born out of a deeply personal season of caregiving for her late father. We recently caught up and discussed everything from that chapter in her life to the hustle trap, starting over at 55, and betting on yourself like you would your best friend. Teri is warm, she is candid, and she is a full on masterclass in how to 'create space' for what matters most. 

Let's hang out!



]]> Brigitte Truong Buzzsprout-18749653 Thu, 26 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500 3347 6 65 full false #64 Supinder Wraich | The Quiet Perseverance Behind Success No One Sees #64 Supinder Wraich | The Quiet Perseverance Behind Success No One Sees What does it really take to build a career when there’s no blueprint for someone like you? Today we’re hanging out with Allegiance star Supinder Wraich, and we’re talking about what it means to succeed in a space that was never built with you in mind.

Less than a year ago, the Indian Canadian actor picked up her first Canadian Screen Award for the Best Lead Performer in a Drama Series after 2 very successful seasons starring as police officer Sabrina Sohal. It was such a powerful moment. A few weeks ago, Supinder and I connected just before the release of Season 3 to talk about the success and the quiet perseverance behind it, you know the moments no one sees?  It became a really great conversation centred around trusting yourself when the path isn’t clear, and choosing to stay in the work anyway.

Let’s hang out!



]]> What does it really take to build a career when there’s no blueprint for someone like you? Today we’re hanging out with Allegiance star Supinder Wraich, and we’re talking about what it means to succeed in a space that was never built with you in mind.

Less than a year ago, the Indian Canadian actor picked up her first Canadian Screen Award for the Best Lead Performer in a Drama Series after 2 very successful seasons starring as police officer Sabrina Sohal. It was such a powerful moment. A few weeks ago, Supinder and I connected just before the release of Season 3 to talk about the success and the quiet perseverance behind it, you know the moments no one sees?  It became a really great conversation centred around trusting yourself when the path isn’t clear, and choosing to stay in the work anyway.

Let’s hang out!



]]> Brigitte Truong Buzzsprout-18669270 Thu, 12 Feb 2026 09:00:00 -0500 1228 6 64 full false #63 Jennifer Whalen and Meredith MacNeill | Menopause Buddies and Small Achievable Goals Season 2 #63 Jennifer Whalen and Meredith MacNeill | Menopause Buddies and Small Achievable Goals Season 2 Today’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 more personal level, and it shows! As Jennifer and Meredith step into season 2 of their hit CBC show, they open up about exploring more raw territory in mental health, relationships, and the commercialization of menopause while reminding us women of the power in advocating for ourselves and sharing our stories.

Let’s hang out! 



]]> Today’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 more personal level, and it shows! As Jennifer and Meredith step into season 2 of their hit CBC show, they open up about exploring more raw territory in mental health, relationships, and the commercialization of menopause while reminding us women of the power in advocating for ourselves and sharing our stories.

Let’s hang out! 



]]> Brigitte Truong Buzzsprout-18579170 Thu, 29 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500 1369 6 63 full false #62 Kate Hudson and Kaia Gerber | Beauty Standards, Boundaries and Botox #62 Kate Hudson and Kaia Gerber | Beauty Standards, Boundaries and Botox Okay 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 seems. At the center of it all is Zoe, the glamorous CEO played by Kate Hudson, and Chloe, a young woman played by Kaia Gerber, whose mysterious disappearance raises even bigger questions.

Directed by Max Minghella, Shell is a stylish thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat while also making us reflect on the extreme value we place on beauty.

Let's talk role models, beauty standards, personal boundaries and those botox appointments. 

Let's hang out!



]]> Okay 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 seems. At the center of it all is Zoe, the glamorous CEO played by Kate Hudson, and Chloe, a young woman played by Kaia Gerber, whose mysterious disappearance raises even bigger questions.

Directed by Max Minghella, Shell is a stylish thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat while also making us reflect on the extreme value we place on beauty.

Let's talk role models, beauty standards, personal boundaries and those botox appointments. 

Let's hang out!



]]> Brigitte Truong Buzzsprout-17951349 Fri, 03 Oct 2025 10:00:00 -0400 467 5 62 full false #61 Nina Kiri | Out Standing and Resilient #61 Nina Kiri | Out Standing and Resilient From 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 but be gripped from start to finish.

In our homegirl hangout, we dive into the film's latest TIFF world premiere, to the physical and mental prep behind her demanding role, to bigger themes of resilience, sexism, and what it means to portray women navigating systems stacked against them.  

Let’s hang out!



]]> From 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 but be gripped from start to finish.

In our homegirl hangout, we dive into the film's latest TIFF world premiere, to the physical and mental prep behind her demanding role, to bigger themes of resilience, sexism, and what it means to portray women navigating systems stacked against them.  

Let’s hang out!



]]> Brigitte Truong Buzzsprout-17904061 Thu, 25 Sep 2025 07:00:00 -0400 1255 full false #60 Julianne Costigan | How to Turn Your Wardrobe into a Career Asset #60 Julianne Costigan | How to Turn Your Wardrobe into a Career Asset Joining 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 today, we’re diving into the power of intentional style: What does personal brand mean in 2025? How can you align your image with your inner strength?
And how do you avoid the trap of trends and actually build a wardrobe that’s real and authentic to you?

Let’s hang out!



]]> Joining 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 today, we’re diving into the power of intentional style: What does personal brand mean in 2025? How can you align your image with your inner strength?
And how do you avoid the trap of trends and actually build a wardrobe that’s real and authentic to you?

Let’s hang out!



]]> Brigitte Truong Buzzsprout-17556747 Thu, 24 Jul 2025 08:00:00 -0400 2237 5 60 full false #59 Heather Ogden | Discipline and Reinvention #59 Heather Ogden | Discipline and Reinvention Today’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’s story is one of grit beneath all the grace, it’s a story of pushing through physical and mental limits, and of evolving alongside her art. If you’ve ever stood at the edge of change, wondering what’s next then this conversation is for you.

Let’s talk about identity, discipline, reinvention, and what it takes to leave something you love, ready to meet the next version of yourself.

Let's hang out!



]]> Today’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’s story is one of grit beneath all the grace, it’s a story of pushing through physical and mental limits, and of evolving alongside her art. If you’ve ever stood at the edge of change, wondering what’s next then this conversation is for you.

Let’s talk about identity, discipline, reinvention, and what it takes to leave something you love, ready to meet the next version of yourself.

Let's hang out!



]]> Brigitte Truong Buzzsprout-17224181 Tue, 27 May 2025 00:00:00 -0400 1868 5 59 full false #58 Dr. Shirin Dason | Fertility 101 for Grown Ass Women #58 Dr. Shirin Dason | Fertility 101 for Grown Ass Women If 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 now, especially if we’re looking at pregnancy and fertility later in life?

Today, I’m speaking with someone who brings both clinical expertise and lived experience to the conversation, Dr. Shirin Dason. She’s a physician trained in Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. She’s also someone who’s navigated her own journey with infertility and pregnancy loss. So this isn’t just medical, it’s personal. On this episode, we’re talking all about the changing landscape of fertility, common misconceptions, emotional resilience, egg freezing, surrogacy, and what every woman deserves to know about her reproductive health before it feels urgent.

We have Dr. Dason on the other side so, let’s hang out!



]]> If 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 now, especially if we’re looking at pregnancy and fertility later in life?

Today, I’m speaking with someone who brings both clinical expertise and lived experience to the conversation, Dr. Shirin Dason. She’s a physician trained in Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. She’s also someone who’s navigated her own journey with infertility and pregnancy loss. So this isn’t just medical, it’s personal. On this episode, we’re talking all about the changing landscape of fertility, common misconceptions, emotional resilience, egg freezing, surrogacy, and what every woman deserves to know about her reproductive health before it feels urgent.

We have Dr. Dason on the other side so, let’s hang out!



]]> Brigitte Truong Buzzsprout-17111993 Thu, 08 May 2025 00:00:00 -0400 2767 full false #57 Andrew Ahn | Remaking A Classic Rom Com With The Wedding Banquet #57 Andrew Ahn | Remaking A Classic Rom Com With The Wedding Banquet Andrew 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-Chan, Lily Gladstone, Kelly Marie Tran, Joan Chen, and Youn Yuh-jung, digging even deeper into themes of chosen family, queerness, and what it means to truly live authentically.

Without further ado, let’s hang out!



]]> Andrew 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-Chan, Lily Gladstone, Kelly Marie Tran, Joan Chen, and Youn Yuh-jung, digging even deeper into themes of chosen family, queerness, and what it means to truly live authentically.

Without further ado, let’s hang out!



]]> Brigitte Truong Buzzsprout-16991771 Wed, 16 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400 693 5 57 full false #56 Emily O'Brien | From Incarceration to Business Innovation #56 Emily O'Brien | From Incarceration to Business Innovation Homegirl 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 rarely offers second chances.

But instead of letting her past define her, she turned it into purpose. From inside prison walls, she came up with an idea that would not only rebuild her life but also open doors for others who had walked a similar path. That idea became Comeback Snacks, a popcorn company with a mission: to fight the stigma of incarceration by hiring and empowering formerly incarcerated individuals. With a bold slogan,"Popcorn so good, it’s criminal," Emily is proving that redemption isn’t just possible; it’s powerful as hell!

Today, we’ll talk about her journey from the innocence of childhood to the pressures that led her down an unexpected road, to what life was really like inside prison, and how she found the courage to start over. We’ll also dive into how she’s challenging perceptions and giving others a second chance through entrepreneurship.

This is a story of resilience, reinvention, and really good popcorn!

Let’s hang out!




]]> Homegirl 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 rarely offers second chances.

But instead of letting her past define her, she turned it into purpose. From inside prison walls, she came up with an idea that would not only rebuild her life but also open doors for others who had walked a similar path. That idea became Comeback Snacks, a popcorn company with a mission: to fight the stigma of incarceration by hiring and empowering formerly incarcerated individuals. With a bold slogan,"Popcorn so good, it’s criminal," Emily is proving that redemption isn’t just possible; it’s powerful as hell!

Today, we’ll talk about her journey from the innocence of childhood to the pressures that led her down an unexpected road, to what life was really like inside prison, and how she found the courage to start over. We’ll also dive into how she’s challenging perceptions and giving others a second chance through entrepreneurship.

This is a story of resilience, reinvention, and really good popcorn!

Let’s hang out!




]]> Brigitte Truong Buzzsprout-16824915 Thu, 20 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0400 2447 full false #55 Jessica Moorhouse | 5 Ways To Master Your Money Mindset #55 Jessica Moorhouse | 5 Ways To Master Your Money Mindset Financial 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.

We have Jessica in studio and ready to go. Let’s hang out!



]]> Financial 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.

We have Jessica in studio and ready to go. Let’s hang out!



]]> Brigitte Truong Buzzsprout-16726076 Thu, 06 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0500 2614 5 55 full false #54 Lisa Chang | Reclaiming Your Time and Self-Worth in a Tech Driven World #54 Lisa Chang | Reclaiming Your Time and Self-Worth in a Tech Driven World In 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 healthy and supportive ways. 

My partner and I are producing our first event together in April of 2025 called OFFLINE - a one day inspofest for teens to encourage the power of in person connections, and a homegirl on the OFFLINE advisory board that we’re so blessed to have and who is one of the leading experts in digital wellness is Lisa Chang.  Lisa knows a lot about this ongoing issue that is heavily impacting young people today, but let’s be honest, they're ongoing issues impacting people in general today.  
 
As we close out Season 4 - and what a season it has been - we gotta talk digital wellness and then some with Lisa.

Let's hangout!

]]> In 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 healthy and supportive ways. 

My partner and I are producing our first event together in April of 2025 called OFFLINE - a one day inspofest for teens to encourage the power of in person connections, and a homegirl on the OFFLINE advisory board that we’re so blessed to have and who is one of the leading experts in digital wellness is Lisa Chang.  Lisa knows a lot about this ongoing issue that is heavily impacting young people today, but let’s be honest, they're ongoing issues impacting people in general today.  
 
As we close out Season 4 - and what a season it has been - we gotta talk digital wellness and then some with Lisa.

Let's hangout!

]]> Brigitte Truong Buzzsprout-15843732 Thu, 10 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0400 3127 full false #53 Vritika Gupta | A Rising Star's Take On Courage, Confidence and Career #53 Vritika Gupta | A Rising Star's Take On Courage, Confidence and Career In 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 today. 

We’ve created a community here at Homegirl Nation where secrets are traded and stories are shared so that we can all feel a little more empowered to show up more confidently as ourselves each day.  I’m so grateful Vritika is popping by today to share her truth with us today so let’s hang out!



]]> In 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 today. 

We’ve created a community here at Homegirl Nation where secrets are traded and stories are shared so that we can all feel a little more empowered to show up more confidently as ourselves each day.  I’m so grateful Vritika is popping by today to share her truth with us today so let’s hang out!



]]> Brigitte Truong Buzzsprout-15741289 Thu, 12 Sep 2024 10:00:00 -0400 1633 4 53 full false #52 Devery Jacobs | Navigating Identity, Passion, and Burnout #52 Devery Jacobs | Navigating Identity, Passion, and Burnout A 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 everything she does as heard and felt in her latest narrating role in 'In The Hands of Men,' where Devery takes on the role of Delilah, a woman who is haunted by the loss of her cousin and driven by a fierce need for justice and desire to take back the power stolen from generations of indigenous women before her.

In our short but sweet conversation, Devery shares her thoughts on representing the indigenous community in her work, leading with passion and the reality of burnouts. 

Alright, let's hangout! 

]]> A 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 everything she does as heard and felt in her latest narrating role in 'In The Hands of Men,' where Devery takes on the role of Delilah, a woman who is haunted by the loss of her cousin and driven by a fierce need for justice and desire to take back the power stolen from generations of indigenous women before her.

In our short but sweet conversation, Devery shares her thoughts on representing the indigenous community in her work, leading with passion and the reality of burnouts. 

Alright, let's hangout! 

]]> Brigitte Truong Buzzsprout-15697900 Thu, 05 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0400 824 4 52 full false #51 Teresa Resch | The Making of Toronto’s WNBA Legacy #51 Teresa Resch | The Making of Toronto’s WNBA Legacy After 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!



]]> After 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!



]]> Brigitte Truong Buzzsprout-15614678 Thu, 22 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0400 1383 4 51 full false #50 Tonya Williams | The Power of Persistence and Breaking Boundaries For BIPOC Women #50 Tonya Williams | The Power of Persistence and Breaking Boundaries For BIPOC Women The 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 the breakthroughs we deem necessary for change.

She’s joining us for the next hour to talk about her journey from being the only daughter of ceiling-shattering parents to her own journey of breaking barriers. Tonya became one of the first people in the entertainment industry to push for and champion diversity and inclusion, and subsequently founded the ReelWorld Film Festival to support creatives of color.  

We have a lot to learn from her so let’s hang out!



]]> The 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 the breakthroughs we deem necessary for change.

She’s joining us for the next hour to talk about her journey from being the only daughter of ceiling-shattering parents to her own journey of breaking barriers. Tonya became one of the first people in the entertainment industry to push for and champion diversity and inclusion, and subsequently founded the ReelWorld Film Festival to support creatives of color.  

We have a lot to learn from her so let’s hang out!



]]> Brigitte Truong Buzzsprout-15588561 Thu, 15 Aug 2024 10:00:00 -0400 3416 4 50 full false #49 AJ McLean | Sobriety, Atypique, and Raising Daughters #49 AJ McLean | Sobriety, Atypique, and Raising Daughters This 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, and Homegirls, this one’s for you! You ready to get down with the get down, everybody? Do want it this way or do you want it that way? Okay I’m going to stop before I drive you away.

Let’s hang out!



]]> This 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, and Homegirls, this one’s for you! You ready to get down with the get down, everybody? Do want it this way or do you want it that way? Okay I’m going to stop before I drive you away.

Let’s hang out!



]]> Brigitte Truong Buzzsprout-15473171 Thu, 25 Jul 2024 09:00:00 -0400 911 4 49 full false #48 Stacy Lee Kong | Speaking Up and Leading With Our Values #48 Stacy Lee Kong | Speaking Up and Leading With Our Values Hanging 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 lead with our belief system. 
 
We have Stacy on standby in studio. Let’s hang out!



]]> Hanging 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 lead with our belief system. 
 
We have Stacy on standby in studio. Let’s hang out!



]]> Brigitte Truong Buzzsprout-15429233 Thu, 18 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0400 4051 4 48 full false #47 Tanya Talaga | Rewriting Canadian History Through a Female Perspective #47 Tanya Talaga | Rewriting Canadian History Through a Female Perspective Today 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.



]]> Today 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.



]]> Brigitte Truong Buzzsprout-15359817 Thu, 04 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0400 1215 4 47 full false #46 L.A. Wade | The Adventures of a Recovering Sex Addict #46 L.A. Wade | The Adventures of a Recovering Sex Addict According 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 written two books—The Adventures of a Recovering Sex Addict Vol. 1: Married Men and F**k Boys and The Adventures of a Recovering Sex Addict Vol. 2: Friends with Benefits but Mostly Liabilities—and produced the short film, Thirsty AF: The Adventures of a Recovering Sex Addict.

We have L.A on the line. Let’s hang out!



]]> According 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 written two books—The Adventures of a Recovering Sex Addict Vol. 1: Married Men and F**k Boys and The Adventures of a Recovering Sex Addict Vol. 2: Friends with Benefits but Mostly Liabilities—and produced the short film, Thirsty AF: The Adventures of a Recovering Sex Addict.

We have L.A on the line. Let’s hang out!



]]> Brigitte Truong Buzzsprout-15316511 Thu, 27 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0400 3209 4 46 full true #45 Sophie Grégoire Trudeau | Knowing Ourselves and Loving Each Other #45 Sophie Grégoire Trudeau | Knowing Ourselves and Loving Each Other We 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, and how our childhood experiences, both good and bad, shapes our sense of self? 

We have Sophie on standby. Let’s find out and let’s hang out!



]]> We 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, and how our childhood experiences, both good and bad, shapes our sense of self? 

We have Sophie on standby. Let’s find out and let’s hang out!



]]> Brigitte Truong Buzzsprout-15237536 Thu, 13 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0400 1586 4 45 full false #44 Evelyn Chick | How To Get A Business Off The Ground #44 Evelyn Chick | How To Get A Business Off The Ground If 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 and let’s hang out!



]]> If 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 and let’s hang out!



]]> Brigitte Truong Buzzsprout-15202499 Thu, 06 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0400 2687 4 44 full false #43 Anthony Morgan | The Science Of Heartbreak #43 Anthony Morgan | The Science Of Heartbreak So, 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 the least and a juicy topic that we gotta download with him!

Let’s hangout! 



]]> So, 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 the least and a juicy topic that we gotta download with him!

Let’s hangout! 



]]> Brigitte Truong Buzzsprout-15119144 Thu, 23 May 2024 00:00:00 -0400 2045 4 43 full false #42 Sarah Haasz | Balancing Two Cultures and Gangnam Project #42 Sarah Haasz | Balancing Two Cultures and Gangnam Project Today, 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 identity, belonging, and self-discovery, resonating deeply with anyone who understands the duality of being first or second generation — the struggle to fit in and be accepted, while also striving to remain true to our roots.

Let’s hangout! 



]]> Today, 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 identity, belonging, and self-discovery, resonating deeply with anyone who understands the duality of being first or second generation — the struggle to fit in and be accepted, while also striving to remain true to our roots.

Let’s hangout! 



]]> Brigitte Truong Buzzsprout-15080054 Thu, 16 May 2024 10:00:00 -0400 2126 4 2 full false #41 Myles Sexton | The Courage To Move Forward and Beyond Perfectionism #41 Myles Sexton | The Courage To Move Forward and Beyond Perfectionism Welcome 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 off Season 4. 

Let’s hangout! 


Co-produced by Stephan Petar

]]> Welcome 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 off Season 4. 

Let’s hangout! 


Co-produced by Stephan Petar

]]> Brigitte Truong Buzzsprout-15036946 Thu, 09 May 2024 00:00:00 -0400 2862 full false Season 4 Trailer Season 4 Trailer Homegirl 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 Season 4 of Homegirl Nation.




]]> Homegirl 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 Season 4 of Homegirl Nation.




]]> Brigitte Truong Buzzsprout-15025880 Wed, 08 May 2024 00:00:00 -0400 115 full false #40 Mae Martin and Sabrina Jalees | Benefits With Friends #40 Mae Martin and Sabrina Jalees | Benefits With Friends Can'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!



]]> Can'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!



]]> Brigitte Truong Buzzsprout-14459575 Wed, 07 Feb 2024 14:00:00 -0500 1197 3 15 full true #39 Emily Hampshire | Fitting In #39 Emily Hampshire | Fitting In Today’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 delves into the coming-of-age tale of 16-year-old Lindy, portrayed by Maddie Ziegler, as she grapples with the challenge of fitting in and finding her identity following a diagnosis of MRKH syndrome, a congenital disorder affecting the female reproductive system. It’s a story that’s based on writer and director Molly McGlynn’s lived experience, with Emily taking the supportive role as Lindy’s mother, Rita. 

Let’s meet Emily! 



]]> Today’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 delves into the coming-of-age tale of 16-year-old Lindy, portrayed by Maddie Ziegler, as she grapples with the challenge of fitting in and finding her identity following a diagnosis of MRKH syndrome, a congenital disorder affecting the female reproductive system. It’s a story that’s based on writer and director Molly McGlynn’s lived experience, with Emily taking the supportive role as Lindy’s mother, Rita. 

Let’s meet Emily! 



]]> Brigitte Truong Buzzsprout-14417263 Wed, 31 Jan 2024 19:00:00 -0500 803 3 14 full false #38 Molly McGlynn | Fitting In, Living, and Dating With MRKH Syndrome #38 Molly McGlynn | Fitting In, Living, and Dating With MRKH Syndrome Coming 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 with the rare congenital disorder affecting the female reproductive system that is estimated to occur in approximately 1 in 4,500 to 1 in 5,000 female births. 

This powerful narrative is rooted in the real-life experiences of writer and director Molly McGlynn. I had the privilege of meeting Molly at the Toronto International Film Festival, where we chatted about her journey, the art of finding humor in life's uncomfortable truths, and more! Fitting In is not only funny and touching but also deeply authentic.

Let's meet Molly!



]]> Coming 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 with the rare congenital disorder affecting the female reproductive system that is estimated to occur in approximately 1 in 4,500 to 1 in 5,000 female births. 

This powerful narrative is rooted in the real-life experiences of writer and director Molly McGlynn. I had the privilege of meeting Molly at the Toronto International Film Festival, where we chatted about her journey, the art of finding humor in life's uncomfortable truths, and more! Fitting In is not only funny and touching but also deeply authentic.

Let's meet Molly!



]]> Brigitte Truong Buzzsprout-14417204 Wed, 31 Jan 2024 19:00:00 -0500 933 3 13 full false #37 Sophie Nelisse | Exposed: The Ashley Madison Hack #37 Sophie Nelisse | Exposed: The Ashley Madison Hack In 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 had become the go-to platform for those seeking discreet extramarital connection, but then in a wild twist of fate, anonymous hackers seized control of Ashley Madison's treasure trove of user information and revealed it all to the public. Exposed: The Ashley Madison Hack is a new Canadian Audible Original that dives into this shocking story with Canadian actress Sophie Nelisse as the title presenter. And who better to learn more about this series out now, than Sophie herself."

Let’s meet Sophie!



]]> In 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 had become the go-to platform for those seeking discreet extramarital connection, but then in a wild twist of fate, anonymous hackers seized control of Ashley Madison's treasure trove of user information and revealed it all to the public. Exposed: The Ashley Madison Hack is a new Canadian Audible Original that dives into this shocking story with Canadian actress Sophie Nelisse as the title presenter. And who better to learn more about this series out now, than Sophie herself."

Let’s meet Sophie!



]]> Brigitte Truong Buzzsprout-14375882 Thu, 25 Jan 2024 09:00:00 -0500 970 3 12 full false #36 Jessica O'Reilly | Navigating Love, Sex, and Relationships Between and Beyond the Sheets #36 Jessica O'Reilly | Navigating Love, Sex, and Relationships Between and Beyond the Sheets Joining 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. 

Let’s meet Dr. Jess! 



]]> Joining 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. 

Let’s meet Dr. Jess! 



]]> Brigitte Truong Buzzsprout-14333516 Thu, 18 Jan 2024 10:00:00 -0500 3347 3 11 full true #35 Diala Canelo | Creating for the Long Haul #35 Diala Canelo | Creating for the Long Haul To 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 has found great success as a food content creator, author, a flight attendant *and* an upcoming food photographer.  It’s time for a very candid conversation about the creator economy, the importance of creating your way no matter the numbers and more! Obviously! This is homegirl nation hangout afterall. 

Let’s meet Diala! 



]]> To 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 has found great success as a food content creator, author, a flight attendant *and* an upcoming food photographer.  It’s time for a very candid conversation about the creator economy, the importance of creating your way no matter the numbers and more! Obviously! This is homegirl nation hangout afterall. 

Let’s meet Diala! 



]]> Brigitte Truong Buzzsprout-14288698 Wed, 10 Jan 2024 19:00:00 -0500 2607 3 10 full true #34 Monday Girl Co-Founders Rachel Wong and Istiana Bestari | Networking Reimagined: Turning Values Into Communities #34 Monday Girl Co-Founders Rachel Wong and Istiana Bestari | Networking Reimagined: Turning Values Into Communities What 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 attract and engage women who are too looking for a better way to network.

What you’re about to hear is a chat I had with Rachel and Istiana a few weeks ago where we explored their incredible growth story—how they've managed to scale Monday Girl while preserving their core values and the sense of belonging they've worked so hard to cultivate. Their story really is a testament to the power of collaboration and the unwavering pursuit of a vision that they set out to bring to life not too long ago. 

Let’s meet the Monday Girls!



]]> What 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 attract and engage women who are too looking for a better way to network.

What you’re about to hear is a chat I had with Rachel and Istiana a few weeks ago where we explored their incredible growth story—how they've managed to scale Monday Girl while preserving their core values and the sense of belonging they've worked so hard to cultivate. Their story really is a testament to the power of collaboration and the unwavering pursuit of a vision that they set out to bring to life not too long ago. 

Let’s meet the Monday Girls!



]]> Brigitte Truong Buzzsprout-14240860 Wed, 03 Jan 2024 10:00:00 -0500 2439 3 9 full false #33 Jean Yoon | Mistletoe Murders 2 and Systemic Barriers For BIPOC Performers #33 Jean Yoon | Mistletoe Murders 2 and Systemic Barriers For BIPOC Performers In 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,” stepping into the role of Sue - the owner of a local dinner and coffee shop.

Let’s meet Jean!



]]> In 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,” stepping into the role of Sue - the owner of a local dinner and coffee shop.

Let’s meet Jean!



]]> Brigitte Truong Buzzsprout-14147047 Thu, 14 Dec 2023 09:00:00 -0500 1131 3 8 full false #32 Anna Cathcart | Mistletoe Murders 2, Rejection, and Representation #32 Anna Cathcart | Mistletoe Murders 2, Rejection, and Representation This 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 roots in the roles she signs up for. 

Let’s meet Anna!



]]> This 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 roots in the roles she signs up for. 

Let’s meet Anna!



]]> Brigitte Truong Buzzsprout-14147005 Thu, 14 Dec 2023 09:00:00 -0500 1233 3 7 full false #31 Pay Chen | Let's Talk About Gig Work #31 Pay Chen | Let's Talk About Gig Work I’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 freelancing no matter how experienced you are.

Let’s meet Pay!



]]> I’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 freelancing no matter how experienced you are.

Let’s meet Pay!



]]> Brigitte Truong Buzzsprout-14106169 Thu, 07 Dec 2023 09:00:00 -0500 3886 3 5 full false #30 Catherine Fogarty | Our Fascination With True Crime Stories #30 Catherine Fogarty | Our Fascination With True Crime Stories If 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 storytelling into two books: Murder on the Inside: The True Story of the 1971 Kingston Penitentiary Riot and her latest SOMEONE YOU KNOW: An Unforgettable Collection of Canadian True Crime Stories.  Time to dive into our curiosity around true crime. 

Let’s meet Catherine! 



]]> If 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 storytelling into two books: Murder on the Inside: The True Story of the 1971 Kingston Penitentiary Riot and her latest SOMEONE YOU KNOW: An Unforgettable Collection of Canadian True Crime Stories.  Time to dive into our curiosity around true crime. 

Let’s meet Catherine! 



]]> Brigitte Truong Buzzsprout-14048608 Tue, 28 Nov 2023 09:00:00 -0500 1665 3 5 full false #29 Erika Casupanan | Outwit, Outlast, Outplay the Competition with Survivor Winner #29 Erika Casupanan | Outwit, Outlast, Outplay the Competition with Survivor Winner What 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.  

Side note: If you've ever dreamed of competing on Survivor, this is a cheat sheet with all the hot tips you want to save for later!

She is something else and you’re about to be delighted by her charm.

Let’s meet Erika! 



]]> What 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.  

Side note: If you've ever dreamed of competing on Survivor, this is a cheat sheet with all the hot tips you want to save for later!

She is something else and you’re about to be delighted by her charm.

Let’s meet Erika! 



]]> Brigitte Truong Buzzsprout-13997651 Sun, 19 Nov 2023 08:00:00 -0500 3176 3 4 full false #28 Justin J. Lee | A Candid Conversation About Divorce #28 Justin J. Lee | A Candid Conversation About Divorce According 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 to get real deep about divorce with him.  

This episode is dedicated to the homegirls who have been quietly considering divorce but may not have the legal advice to confidently plan their next steps.

Let’s meet Justin!



]]> According 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 to get real deep about divorce with him.  

This episode is dedicated to the homegirls who have been quietly considering divorce but may not have the legal advice to confidently plan their next steps.

Let’s meet Justin!



]]> Brigitte Truong Buzzsprout-13909545 Sun, 05 Nov 2023 07:00:00 -0500 2309 full false #27 Kelly Rutherford and Benjamin Buthman | Going for It and Getting Whyzzer #27 Kelly Rutherford and Benjamin Buthman | Going for It and Getting Whyzzer From 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 Benjamin.



]]> From 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 Benjamin.



]]> Brigitte Truong Buzzsprout-13808590 Thu, 19 Oct 2023 09:00:00 -0400 1542 3 2 full false #26 Fotini Iconomopoulos | Negotiation Techniques To Get What You Truly Deserve #26 Fotini Iconomopoulos | Negotiation Techniques To Get What You Truly Deserve Welcome 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! 



]]> Welcome 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! 



]]> Brigitte Truong Buzzsprout-13721717 Thu, 05 Oct 2023 08:00:00 -0400 2662 3 1 full false #25 Celine Song | Past Lives #25 Celine Song | Past Lives The 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 immigrate to Toronto with her family. 12 years later she’s reunited on Facebook with her childhood friend Hae Sung, played by Teo Yoo.  The reconnection turns into somewhat of a Facetime relationship where the adult connection becomes more intense than they HAD intended, especially for Nora, who in the early stages of her playwright career in New York, decides to pump the breaks on Hae Sung who’s still in Seoul, Korea.  It would take another 12 years for them to reunite in person at which point, Nora is happily married to another New York writer Arthur , played by John Magaro.  What happens next between the three; well you’re just going to have to go to the theatres to find out.  I’ve already seen it and I am excited to do just that AGAIN.  I LOVED IT.  Today’s guest is the woman, the writer, the director of Past Lives, Celine Song. This is her debut as a feature film director and Celine joins us to talk about the road to Past Lives.

Let’s meet Celine!

@helloellephanta



]]> The 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 immigrate to Toronto with her family. 12 years later she’s reunited on Facebook with her childhood friend Hae Sung, played by Teo Yoo.  The reconnection turns into somewhat of a Facetime relationship where the adult connection becomes more intense than they HAD intended, especially for Nora, who in the early stages of her playwright career in New York, decides to pump the breaks on Hae Sung who’s still in Seoul, Korea.  It would take another 12 years for them to reunite in person at which point, Nora is happily married to another New York writer Arthur , played by John Magaro.  What happens next between the three; well you’re just going to have to go to the theatres to find out.  I’ve already seen it and I am excited to do just that AGAIN.  I LOVED IT.  Today’s guest is the woman, the writer, the director of Past Lives, Celine Song. This is her debut as a feature film director and Celine joins us to talk about the road to Past Lives.

Let’s meet Celine!

@helloellephanta



]]> Brigitte Truong Buzzsprout-12996032 Thu, 08 Jun 2023 09:00:00 -0400 844 2 14 full false #24 Joanna Johnson | Taking Risks And Leaning Into The Unknown #24 Joanna Johnson | Taking Risks And Leaning Into The Unknown Today’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 pretty incredible at looking at the up side of things.  If you've been looking for a sign to just go after it, this episode is for you.

Let’s meet Jo!

@unlearn16

]]> Today’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 pretty incredible at looking at the up side of things.  If you've been looking for a sign to just go after it, this episode is for you.

Let’s meet Jo!

@unlearn16

]]> Brigitte Truong Buzzsprout-12940400 Mon, 29 May 2023 15:00:00 -0400 3099 2 13 full false #23 PEO Erin Urquhart | Self-Defense and Street Safety Tips #23 PEO Erin Urquhart | Self-Defense and Street Safety Tips There 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 Officer Erin Urquhart who used to be a self defense instructor, and as soon as I looked her up I knew I had to chat with her.  To help us react to and navigate street assaults safely, Erin joins us to break down self defence tips that we can easily adopt.

Let’s meet Erin!

@tps_bikehart



]]> There 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 Officer Erin Urquhart who used to be a self defense instructor, and as soon as I looked her up I knew I had to chat with her.  To help us react to and navigate street assaults safely, Erin joins us to break down self defence tips that we can easily adopt.

Let’s meet Erin!

@tps_bikehart



]]> Brigitte Truong Buzzsprout-12878041 Thu, 18 May 2023 21:00:00 -0400 1448 2 full false #22 AJ Fernandez Rivera | The Recognition Of Self Worth As A Trans Woman and Leader In Tech #22 AJ Fernandez Rivera | The Recognition Of Self Worth As A Trans Woman and Leader In Tech Today’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 her journey, challenges and vision for a more inclusive future.  

Let’s meet AJ!



]]> Today’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 her journey, challenges and vision for a more inclusive future.  

Let’s meet AJ!



]]> Brigitte Truong Buzzsprout-12805425 Mon, 08 May 2023 08:00:00 -0400 2818 2 10 full false #21 Lisa Pasquin | Why Women Need To Know What Their Colleagues Are Earning #21 Lisa Pasquin | Why Women Need To Know What Their Colleagues Are Earning Today 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!

@craftpr



]]> Today 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!

@craftpr



]]> Brigitte Truong Buzzsprout-12741713 Fri, 28 Apr 2023 10:00:00 -0400 2003 2 9 full false #20 Viviana To | Eco-Friendly Living: Tips and Tricks For Making More Sustainable Choices #20 Viviana To | Eco-Friendly Living: Tips and Tricks For Making More Sustainable Choices Today’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 breaks down some easy to implement ideas for a greener and more manageable lifestyle at home. 

Let’s meet Viviana! 

@therenewablebox



]]> Today’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 breaks down some easy to implement ideas for a greener and more manageable lifestyle at home. 

Let’s meet Viviana! 

@therenewablebox



]]> Brigitte Truong Buzzsprout-12695643 Fri, 21 Apr 2023 10:00:00 -0400 1240 full false #19 Lily Chu | Breaking Barriers with Rom Coms #19 Lily Chu | Breaking Barriers with Rom Coms Author 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 print this May. 

Lily join's Homegirl Nation this week to talk about self discovery through our work, the evolution of female leads in the stories we share, and writing for today's vocal audience. 
 
 Let’s meet Lily!

@lilychuauthor



]]> Author 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 print this May. 

Lily join's Homegirl Nation this week to talk about self discovery through our work, the evolution of female leads in the stories we share, and writing for today's vocal audience. 
 
 Let’s meet Lily!

@lilychuauthor



]]> Brigitte Truong Buzzsprout-12622683 Mon, 10 Apr 2023 14:00:00 -0400 2169 2 8 full false #18 Carolyn MacKenzie | Going At Your Own Pace #18 Carolyn MacKenzie | Going At Your Own Pace Today’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 own pace.

Let’s meet Carolyn!

@carolynglobal



]]> Today’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 own pace.

Let’s meet Carolyn!

@carolynglobal



]]> Brigitte Truong Buzzsprout-12577515 Mon, 03 Apr 2023 09:00:00 -0400 1964 2 7 full false #17 Ssonia Ong | How To Create Healthy Boundaries While Building An Online Brand #17 Ssonia Ong | How To Create Healthy Boundaries While Building An Online Brand Since 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 



]]> Since 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 



]]> Brigitte Truong Buzzsprout-12507197 Fri, 24 Mar 2023 08:00:00 -0400 2102 2 6 full false #16 Marriska Fernandes | 2023 Oscar Predictions and Where Are We At Post #OscarsSoWhite? #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 talented, Marriska.

@marriska.fernandes

]]> 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 talented, Marriska.

@marriska.fernandes

]]> Brigitte Truong Buzzsprout-12411101 Thu, 09 Mar 2023 20:00:00 -0500 2310 2 5 full false #15 Alicia Mccarvell | How To Love Yourself and The Body You're In #15 Alicia Mccarvell | How To Love Yourself and The Body You're In In 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 Scotian queen! 

Let’s meet Alicia.

@aliciamccarvell

]]> In 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 Scotian queen! 

Let’s meet Alicia.

@aliciamccarvell

]]> Brigitte Truong Buzzsprout-12368052 Fri, 03 Mar 2023 11:00:00 -0500 3563 2 4 full false #14 Melissa Leong | How To Improve Your Relationship With Money #14 Melissa Leong | How To Improve Your Relationship With Money Are 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 Social and a regular on The Drew Barrymore Show.  She's a pro with the money matters many of us shy away from and after you hear what she has to say, you'll be encouraged to confront your spending head on, talk about money with your closest circles and become finically empowered even when times might feel a bit rocky.

Let’s meet Melissa.



]]> Are 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 Social and a regular on The Drew Barrymore Show.  She's a pro with the money matters many of us shy away from and after you hear what she has to say, you'll be encouraged to confront your spending head on, talk about money with your closest circles and become finically empowered even when times might feel a bit rocky.

Let’s meet Melissa.



]]> Brigitte Truong Buzzsprout-12273348 Fri, 17 Feb 2023 10:00:00 -0500 3052 2 3 full false #13 Miranda Anthistle | Aging In the Public Eye and the State of Journalism #13 Miranda Anthistle | Aging In the Public Eye and the State of Journalism The 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 today to talk about it all as well as the state of journalism for up and coming storytellers. 

Let’s meet Miranda.



]]> The 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 today to talk about it all as well as the state of journalism for up and coming storytellers. 

Let’s meet Miranda.



]]> Brigitte Truong Buzzsprout-12172864 Thu, 02 Feb 2023 18:00:00 -0500 2269 2 2 full false #12 Angela Phung | The Advantages Of Doing Life Scared #12 Angela Phung | The Advantages Of Doing Life Scared Known 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, and the reality of dating as a serial entrepreneur.  

Let's meet Angela.



]]> Known 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, and the reality of dating as a serial entrepreneur.  

Let's meet Angela.



]]> Brigitte Truong Buzzsprout-12132031 Fri, 27 Jan 2023 13:00:00 -0500 2344 2 1 full false #11 Social Capital Should Be The Currency Of Choice #11 Social Capital Should Be The Currency Of Choice On 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.   

]]> On 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.   

]]> Brigitte Truong Buzzsprout-11823463 Tue, 06 Dec 2022 09:00:00 -0500 2072 1 11 full false #10 Vera Cheng | Confronting Ongoing Anti Asian Hate #10 Vera Cheng | Confronting Ongoing Anti Asian Hate Headlines 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. Vera is the founder of Talk Therapy with Vera and she works with Asian millennials who struggle with anxiety, depression, and self esteem.



]]> Headlines 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. Vera is the founder of Talk Therapy with Vera and she works with Asian millennials who struggle with anxiety, depression, and self esteem.



]]> Brigitte Truong Buzzsprout-11658642 Tue, 08 Nov 2022 18:00:00 -0500 1695 1 10 full false #9 Sonya Singh | The Challenges of Getting Published As A BIPOC Writer #9 Sonya Singh | The Challenges of Getting Published As A BIPOC Writer The 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 published. 



]]> The 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 published. 



]]> Brigitte Truong Buzzsprout-11582712 Thu, 27 Oct 2022 19:00:00 -0400 1957 1 9 full false #8 Carly Stojsic | Women In Weed #8 Carly Stojsic | Women In Weed It'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.



]]> It'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.



]]> Brigitte Truong Buzzsprout-11514718 Mon, 17 Oct 2022 10:00:00 -0400 2306 1 8 full true #7 Jane Johanson and Lisa Rideout | The Prolific Career of Sue Johanson #7 Jane Johanson and Lisa Rideout | The Prolific Career of Sue Johanson She'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 Sue." Written and Directed by Lisa Rideout with the help of Sue's daughter, Jane Johnson, the doc unpacks the prolific career of the Toronto native from her early days as a nurse all the way to her retirement as the host of, "Sunday Night Sex Show" and "Sex Talk." On this episode, Lisa and Jane join me to talk about the doc and Sue's unwavering courage to always go for it.


]]> She'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 Sue." Written and Directed by Lisa Rideout with the help of Sue's daughter, Jane Johnson, the doc unpacks the prolific career of the Toronto native from her early days as a nurse all the way to her retirement as the host of, "Sunday Night Sex Show" and "Sex Talk." On this episode, Lisa and Jane join me to talk about the doc and Sue's unwavering courage to always go for it.


]]> Brigitte Truong Buzzsprout-11445803 Wed, 05 Oct 2022 16:00:00 -0400 1028 1 7 full true #6 Jennifer Hallett | Confronting Our Reality and Connecting With Our True Selves #6 Jennifer Hallett | Confronting Our Reality and Connecting With Our True Selves Jennifer 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 connection and all the important things that result from it.



]]> Jennifer 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 connection and all the important things that result from it.



]]> Brigitte Truong Buzzsprout-11368977 Thu, 22 Sep 2022 16:00:00 -0400 2063 1 6 full false #5 Caleigh Rykiss | The Reality Of Losing A Business To COVID-19 #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 behind creating a 7 figure business within a few short years, and the lessons she gleans from dark times. 



]]> “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 behind creating a 7 figure business within a few short years, and the lessons she gleans from dark times. 



]]> Brigitte Truong Buzzsprout-11240516 Wed, 31 Aug 2022 22:00:00 -0400 2633 1 5 full false #4 Kristen MacLellan | Managing Influencers And The State Of Influencer Marketing #4 Kristen MacLellan | Managing Influencers And The State Of Influencer Marketing Ever 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. 

]]> Ever 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. 

]]> Brigitte Truong Buzzsprout-11193259 Tue, 23 Aug 2022 21:00:00 -0400 2920 1 4 full false #3 Marlow | The World's First Lubricated Tampon #3 Marlow | The World's First Lubricated Tampon The 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 community around menstruation and mental health. 

]]> The 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 community around menstruation and mental health. 

]]> Brigitte Truong Buzzsprout-11154202 Wed, 17 Aug 2022 10:00:00 -0400 1661 1 3 full false #2 Cindy (Ha) Allison, RP | Post Lockdown Stress And Our Shift In Priorities #2 Cindy (Ha) Allison, RP | Post Lockdown Stress And Our Shift In Priorities According 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.



]]> According 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.



]]> Brigitte Truong Buzzsprout-11107699 Tue, 09 Aug 2022 11:00:00 -0400 1730 1 2 full false #1 Madelyn Chung | Turning Culture Into Community #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 career.  

]]>  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 career.  

]]> Brigitte Buzzsprout-11033401 Thu, 04 Aug 2022 08:00:00 -0400 2250 representation, diversity, culture, anti-asian hate, asian representation 1 2 full true Season 1 Trailer Season 1 Trailer One 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 story and unapologetically share your most vulnerable lived experiences with the world.  

]]> One 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 story and unapologetically share your most vulnerable lived experiences with the world.  

]]> Brigitte Truong Buzzsprout-11033660 Tue, 26 Jul 2022 21:00:00 -0400 50 1 full false