Maple Popcorn

Canada's comedic force: a conversation with Mary Walsh

In this episode, host Marriska Fernandes explores the prominent career of Canadian actress, comedian, writer, and director Mary Walsh. From her early days with the Newfoundland Travelling Theatre Company to co-founding CODCO, Mary has left an unforgettable mark on Canadian comedy. Her sharp wit and memorable characters, including Marg Delahunty on "This Hour Has 22 Minutes," have established her status as a comedic force, seamlessly blending humour with sharp political commentary. Beyond entertainment, Mary Walsh is a dedicated advocate for social causes, lending her voice to campaigns supporting human rights and poverty eradication through organizations like Oxfam-Canada. As a director, she has overseen acclaimed films such as "Young Triffie" and showcased her acting talents in “Happy Days”, "Mambo Italiano", and "The Grand Seduction”. Mary will next be seen in Sam McGlynn’s “Deaner ‘89”, the sequel to the cult classic “FUBAR”. Join Marriska Fernandes as she speaks to Mary Walsh about how a haircut led to her character Marg Delahunty, her time as Princess Warrior, using comedy to deliver hard truths, changing the country's perception of Newfoundland and much more! A podcast hosted by Marriska Fernandes, produced by The Brand is Female and powered by Telefilm Canada.   Follow Telefilm Canada on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/telefilm_canada] Follow The Brand is Female on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thebrandisfemale] Watch the video of this episode [https://www.youtube.com/telefilmcanada]

Unbridled talent behind and in front of the camera: a conversation with Mark O'Brien

In this episode, host Marriska Fernandes explores the fascinating career of Canadian actor and director Mark O'Brien. From his memorable roles in "Republic of Doyle," “Ready or Not,” and "Halt and Catch Fire" to his award-winning portrayal as Terry Sawchuk in the biopic "Goalie," which earned him the Canadian Screen Award for Best Actor, Mark has consistently demonstrated his versatility as a performer. However, his talents extend beyond acting; he has also proven his skill behind the camera, notably in projects like "The Righteous," where he took on the roles of writer, director, and star.   Join Marriska as she explores Mark's creative journey in this conversation, where he talks about embracing inspiration from the classics, how being an actor made him a better director, and his enduring passion for captivating storytelling that resonates with audiences worldwide.   A podcast hosted by Marriska Fernandes, produced by The Brand is Female and powered by Telefilm Canada. Follow Telefilm Canada on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/telefilm_canada] Follow The Brand is Female on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thebrandisfemale] Watch the video of this episode [https://www.youtube.com/telefilmcanada]

A master storyteller who pushes cinematic boundaries: a conversation with Atom Egoyan

In this episode, host Marriska Fernandes uncovers the story of Canadian filmmaker Atom Egoyan, celebrated for his diverse contributions to cinema. With internationally acclaimed films like "Exotica," "The Sweet Hereafter," and the upcoming film, "Seven Veils," Egoyan has consistently pushed cinematic boundaries, focusing on themes such as memory, isolation, identity, and more. His work has earned accolades at Cannes, TIFF, and the Oscars, solidifying his reputation as a master storyteller.    Beyond filmmaking, Egoyan has also directed several operas, including Salome, Così fan tutte, and Jenůfa, for the Canadian Opera, Vancouver Opera, Pacific Opera Victoria, and elsewhere.    Join Marriska in conversation with Atom Egoyan, where they discuss his creative process and recall when Atom and Bruce McDonald screened their short films on a wall during TIFF. They also talk about the best ending he’s ever written, and more insights into his incredible journey.   ***TW: Atom Egoyan's films often explore the universality of trauma, and in discussing his work, there are mentions of sexual assault, child abuse and violence. Listener discretion is advised.   A podcast hosted by Marriska Fernandes, produced by The Brand is Female and powered by Telefilm Canada. Follow Telefilm Canada on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/telefilm_canada] Follow The Brand is Female on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thebrandisfemale] Watch the video of this episode [https://www.youtube.com/telefilmcanada]

From child actor to mockumentary star and award-winning director: a conversation with Cody Lightning

In this episode, host Marriska Fernandes explores the dynamic career of Cree actor and filmmaker Cody Lightning. Originating from Edmonton, Alberta, Cody gained recognition with standout performances in "Smoke Signals," "Four Sheets to the Wind,” “Brick,” and “Manic.” “Hey, Viktor!,” his 2023 directorial debut showcased his talents as writer, director, and star, earning him nominations for Best Lead Performance in a Comedy Film and Best Original Screenplay, at the 12th Canadian Screen Awards. Recently, he was seen as Cousin Biscuits, one of the leads of the Marvel Studios series “Echo” for Hulu/Disney+. Aside from filmmaking, Lighting is a competitive skateboarder and snowboarder. Join Cody Lightning and host Marriska Fernandes they discuss how losing a short film pitch led him to “Hey, Viktor!,” the art of meta joke writing, finding inspiration from kids and elders, and more! A podcast hosted by Marriska Fernandes, produced by The Brand is Female and powered by Telefilm Canada. Follow Telefilm Canada on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/telefilm_canada] Follow The Brand is Female on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thebrandisfemale] Watch the video of this episode [https://www.youtube.com/telefilmcanada]

From the stage to the screen: a conversation with Karen LeBlanc

In this episode, Canadian Screen Award-nominated actor, singer, and performer Karen LeBlanc joins host Marriska Fernandes to talk about her multifaceted career. Karen's passion for performing led her to the renowned musical theatre program at Sheridan College. After graduating, she sang with several bands such as Glass Tiger and her own R&B band, Midnight Hour. On stage, she’s performed in shows such as "Rent" and "Outrageous," and toured the world with the Legends In Concert series channelling Tina Turner. Her career spans film and television, with standout roles in "Nurse.Fighter.Boy," and series like "Trailer Park Boys," "Producing Parker" and "The Playboy Club." Recently, she starred as Vanessa King in Oprah Winfrey’s TV Series "The Kings of Napa," took on the role of Dr. Lilly Crawford, in CBS's "Fire Country," and plays Lynette Miller in "Ginny & Georgia." Karen and Marriska chat about chasing craft rather than fame, feeling seen by Charles Officer when filming "Nurse.Fighter.Boy," and how sometimes being your best self means saying no. A podcast hosted by Marriska Fernandes, produced by The Brand is Female and powered by Telefilm Canada. Follow Telefilm Canada on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/telefilm_canada] Follow The Brand is Female on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thebrandisfemale] Watch the video of this episode [https://www.youtube.com/telefilmcanada]