Q with Tom Power

Few voices in folk music captured a time and place quite like Joan Baez’s. Now, her incredible life is on display in the new documentary “Joan Baez I Am a Noise.” It follows her career as she became one of the definitive singers of her generation, and reveals an intimate look at her life, loves, and traumas through diary entries, recordings and performances. She talks to Tom about her career, what it means to leave behind an honest legacy, and what she’s most proud of.

When Patrick Stewart was first cast as Captain Jean-Luc Picard on the hit TV series “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” the Los Angeles Times referred to him as “an unknown British Shakespearean actor.” But it didn’t take long for him to become a household name. Sir Patrick has just released a memoir, “Making It So,” about his life in acting. He joins Tom to talk about it and share stories from his career.

Two-time Oscar winner Tom Hanks (Forrest Gump, Philadelphia, A League of Their Own) on his debut novel “The Making of Another Major Motion Picture Masterpiece,” the insecurities he’s felt throughout his career, and what drives his passion for filmmaking when it feels like “the odds are stacked against you.”

For his latest album, “Unreal Unearth,” Irish singer-songwriter Hozier looked to the nine circles of hell for inspiration. More specifically, “Dante’s Inferno.” Hozier talks to Tom about the new record and the resonance of his biggest hit, “Take Me to Church,” in 2023. Plus, Fawn Parker is a writer whose novel “What We Both Know” was longlisted for the Giller Prize in 2022. Now, she returns with her debut poetry collection, “Soft Inheritance.” Fawn tells Tom how her mother’s journey with cancer inspired the collection of poems. She also reads one of her poems, “Woof.”

The Beaches are in a season of change. The Toronto-based band left their major label deal, hired a new team, and started embracing social media to reach new audiences. Now, they have a number one single, a viral hit on TikTok, and a brand new album, “Blame My Ex.” Jordan and Kylie Miller of The Beaches talk to Tom about what happens when you’re told “this is your make it or break it album,” how TikTok has expanded their audience, and how writing a breakup record felt like going to therapy with your best friends.

It’s been 40 years since Talking Heads’ seminal concert film “Stop Making Sense” was released. Now, the film has been entirely restored and re-released in theatres. In a rare conversation, all four members of Talking Heads join Tom in studio to share some stories from the making of the film, what drew them together in the early days, and where the idea for the famous Big Suit came from.

Nicole Byer has made a living talking to people and being funny. She’s so good at it, she’s got three podcasts, two TV shows and a current Emmy nomination for hosting the reality show “Nailed It!” Now, somehow, Nicole has also found the time to take her stand-up on the road. She talks to Tom about growing up as a hyperactive kid, how having ADHD has helped her comedy career, and what you can expect at her show at this year's Just For Laughs.

Bernie Taupin, who wrote lyrics for Elton John’s biggest hits, has never chased the limelight. But in his new memoir, “Scattershot,” the Grammy-winning songwriter opens up. Bernie joins Tom to share how his love of music started, his memories of working with Elton, and what he credits for their unbreakable bond.

When Leslie Jones was in her late 40s, her brother — the last remaining member of her nuclear family — died. Leslie says that experience taught her to stop caring about whether or not people laughed at her jokes, and inspired her to become a more daring comic. In her new memoir, “Leslie F*cking Jones,” she details her journey to becoming a household name — the early days growing up in Memphis, the sense of identity she discovered in comedy, and her time as a writer and cast member on Saturday Night Live. She joined Tom to talk about the stories in her memoir, the advice she got from Jamie Foxx that changed her comedy career, and how she ended up on Saturday Night Live.

The Rolling Stones are back with “Hackney Diamonds,” the band’s first album of original material in 18 years. In a Canadian exclusive interview, frontman Mick Jagger talks to Tom about the record, the changing music industry and losing their drummer Charlie Watts.

One night in 2019, Paul Simon had a dream telling him to work on a new album called “Seven Psalms.” That led him to contemplating big existential questions about his beliefs. Tom visited Paul at the legendary musician’s home near Austin, Texas — in the studio where he recorded “Seven Psalms” — for a rare sit-down chat about the album.

For decades, Shania Twain has been inspiring fans with empowering anthems like “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!” and “That Don’t Impress Me Much.” Tom spoke with Shania back when the documentary about her life, “Not Just a Girl,” came out on Netflix. Shania talks about her humble beginnings in Timmins, Ontario, and the hard lessons she's learned about life and love. Plus, it’s hard to pin down King Cruff’s music as it seamlessly blends hip-hop, dancehall, Afrobeats and reggae. London, Ontario’s King Cruff will tell you about his hit single “Soufflé” and how his grandfather, reggae legend Bob Marley, has influenced his approach to music and life.

Tim McGraw, one of the biggest country stars on earth, is back with his 16th studio album, “Standing Room Only.” Tim talks to Tom about his career, meeting his dad for the first time as a teenager, and how he knew Taylor Swift was going to be big the first time he met her.

Singer-songwriter Feist on her latest album, “Multitudes,” what it was like becoming a new mom during the pandemic, and how her life changed after her song “1234” was featured in an iPod commercial in 2007. Plus, Charlotte Cardin performs “Next to You” off her Juno-winning sophomore album, “99 Nights.”

Grammy-winning rapper and producer Wyclef Jean (Fugees) joins Tom Power to reflect on his career and the big hits he’s produced for some of the most influential artists of the last three decades.

Sarah Polley’s Oscar-winning film “Women Talking” is a powerful story about three generations of women who sit down to debate their future after realizing they and their daughters have been regularly drugged and sexually assaulted by the men in their colony. Sarah tells Tom about her approach to adapting works of fiction, what it was like stepping back from the film industry after a concussion, and how she used her experience as a child actor to create the best environment possible for the children on the set of “Women Talking.” Plus, Celeigh Cardinal is a Juno-winning singer-songwriter who’s been praised for her soulful torch songs tinged with blues and R&B. She tells guest host Talia Schlanger the story behind her new song “Over Before It Began.”

John Legend is back with a new double album, Legend. He joined Tom Power for a feature interview about the record, his musical roots and what keeps him creating.

Fifteen-time Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, actor, producer and activist Alicia Keys tells Tom how an appearance on “The Oprah Winfrey Show” changed her life, what happened when she asked Prince’s permission to perform one of his songs, and what she learned about herself when writing her memoir “More Myself.”

If you know songs like “I Want It That Way,” “…Baby One More Time,” or “Blinding Lights,” then you’re already familiar with the work of Max Martin. Max is a super producer, known for writing some of the biggest songs of the last three decades. In a rare career-spanning conversation, Max tells Tom about his process for writing a hit song and collaborating with some of the world’s biggest stars, and what it’s like to have his music in the hit Broadway musical “& Juliet.” Plus, when Toronto-based R&B artist Erez Zobary isn’t writing and releasing music, she’s working as a teacher at a local high school. She talks to guest host Talia Schlanger about how she balances being an educator and a musician, and how her two biggest musical inspirations — Stevie Wonder and Amy Winehouse — influenced the sound on her new album, “Healthy Habits!”

Carly Rae Jepsen is known for her upbeat brand of pop music that looks at love, life's little joys and heartbreak through danceable melodies and catchy hooks. But when the pandemic hit, Carly found herself coping with a type of loneliness that inspired a whole new sound – resulting in her latest album, “The Loneliest Time.” She tells Tom about making the album and reflects on 10 years of her first hit song, “Call Me Maybe.” Plus, Montreal-based singer Bells Larsen is gearing up to release his sophomore album, “If I Was, I Am,” later this month. While it promises to feature the same tender lyricism and intimate sound as his debut, the record is Bells Larsen’s first since transitioning. He’ll preview the song “Ten Hands” off the album and talk about singing with his new baritone voice.

In a Canadian exclusive interview, Bruce Springsteen talks about his latest album of '60s and '70s soul covers, “Only the Strong Survive,” and how soul music shaped him as a performer and a songwriter.

You might know Tom Holland best as the web-slinging superhero in Marvel's “Spider-Man,” but now he’s taken on a new role in hopes of showing audiences a different side of himself. Tom talks to Tom Power about starring in the intense new miniseries "The Crowded Room," how he never meant to become an actor, and the unimaginable fame that comes with the role of Spider-Man.

Over his 45-year career in standup, Jerry Seinfeld had amassed tons of jokes jotted down on paper. He talks to Tom about compiling them into a book, called “Is This Anything?” — and along the way, they chat about how he got his start in comedy, the legacy of “Seinfeld,” and whether there’s an actual difference between day cereal and night cereal.

“Sex and the City” turns 25 this month, and for the first time since the show ended, it’s back in the form of a new revival series, called “And Just Like That.” Cynthia Nixon, a.k.a. Miranda Hobbes, tells Tom about the show's legacy, how she wanted the series to evolve, and what’s changed for her character 25 years after the original series ended.

Elliot Page (Juno, Inception, The Umbrella Academy) sits down with Tom to talk about his new memoir, “Pageboy,” how finally writing his story helped him heal from years of having to hide his true self, and what brings him joy now that he’s living openly as an out trans man.

Michael Render, a.k.a. Killer Mike from Run the Jewels, is over 20 years out from his first solo album. Now, he’s released a new one, called “Michael” – for his real name, and it opens up the story of the man behind the rapper. In a personal and emotional interview, Killer Mike talks to Tom about why he decided to tell his own story – and about the family and the city that helped make him who he is.

One January night in 2019, Paul Simon had a dream telling him to work on a new album called “Seven Psalms.” What came next were big, existential questions about his own beliefs. Tom Power visits Paul Simon at the legendary musician’s ranch near Austin, Texas – in the studio where Paul recorded “Seven Psalms” – for a rare sit-down chat about the new album and his early days in music.

After a long battle with mental illness, Andy Jones’s son, Louis, died by suicide at age 28. Now, Andy, a veteran of the comedy troupe Codco, has staged a one-man play about his son and his life navigating health-care with a mental illness.

Two-time Oscar winner Tom Hanks (Forrest Gump, Philadelphia, A League of Their Own) on his new novel “The Making of Another Major Motion Picture Masterpiece,” the insecurities he’s felt throughout his career, and what drives his passion for filmmaking when it feels like “the odds are stacked against you.”

Paul Sun-Hyung Lee (Kim’s Convenience) on his lifelong love of “Star Wars,” the unusual story behind how he got the role of Captain Carson Teva in “The Mandalorian,” and what the franchise needs to do better when it comes to Asian representation. Plus, Matt Berninger (26:00) on The National’s latest record, why he thought the band would never make a new album again, and their collaboration with Taylor Swift.

Author Angie Thomas (The Hate U Give) on her new novel “Nic Blake and the Remarkables: The Manifestor Prophecy,” how showing your kids fantasy books might be the best way to talk to them about racism, and the time Lisa ‘Left Eye’ Lopes from TLC saved her life. Plus, Saeed Teebi’s (37:05) debut story collection, “Her First Palestinian,” is up for the Rakuten Kobo Emerging Writer Prize. We revisit Tom’s conversation with Saeed.

Comedian Mae Martin (Feel Good, Baroness von Sketch Show) on their new Netflix special “SAP,” dropping out of high school to pursue comedy and the significance behind their oatmeal tattoo. Plus, Anosh Irani (32:30) on his new play “Behind the Moon,” feeling haunted by his characters, and how no two immigration stories are the same.

Actor Kiefer Sutherland (The Lost Boys, Stand By Me, 24) on his love of playing characters facing insurmountable odds, starring in the new TV series “Rabbit Hole,” and what living without the latest technology has done for his happiness. Plus, visual artist Shary Boyle (25:07) on feeling like an outsider, watching people shriek at her piece called “White Elephant,” and how she wants her latest exhibit, “Outside the Palace of Me,” to start a conversation about white supremacy.

Daniel Caesar talks about his major-label debut, “Never Enough,” the reality of fame and collaborating with Justin Bieber on “Peaches.” Plus, Emmy-nominated writer and actor Sharon Horgan (Pulling, Divorce, Bad Sisters) (36:22) on laughing through pain, turkey farming, and the significance of writing women as angry.

Dallas Green (Alexisonfire, City and Colour) on grief, questioning your faith and the honesty that goes into his songwriting. Plus, Debby Friday (26:11) on feeling rootless, Montreal's club culture, and how sobriety changed her life and art.

Oscar-winning director Guillermo del Toro (Pan's Labyrinth,The Shape of Water, Nightmare Alley) on the darkness within Pinocchio, why he included facism in his retelling of the classic story and the time he may have encountered a ghost. Plus, composer Jeremy Dutcher (35:24) and his mother Lisa Perley-Dutcher on the importance of language preservation and why they want to create the first-ever Wolastoqey immersion school (which is now up and running since they last spoke!!).

Actor Sheila McCarthy (Women Talking, I’ve Heard the Mermaids Singing) on working with Sarah Polley, meeting Robin Williams, and the best acting advice she’s ever received. Plus, comedian Vir Das (37:35) opens up about being labeled a ‘terrorist,’ turning criticism into comedy, and holding onto love during moments of hate.

Actor Taye Diggs (The Best Man: The Final Chapters) on his role in the Tony award-winning musical “Rent,” the universality of Black stories and whether or not he’ll return to Broadway. Plus, playwright Cliff Cardinal (21:25) on his confrontational play “The Land Acknowledgement, or As You Like It,” subverting the audience’s expectations and laughing in the face of trauma.

Filmmaker Anthony Shim on his award-winning film “Riceboy Sleeps,” the line between comedy and tragedy and how he just wants to make his parents proud. Plus, Afghan-Canadian filmmaker Fazila Amiri and singer Aryana Sayeed (34:04) on their documentary, “And I Still Sing,” which tells the story of how the reality singing show, "Afghan Star" made history when two courageous female contestants defied death threats to continue singing.

Singer-songwriter k.d. lang (Constant Craving, Miss Chatelaine) on feeling like public property, her love of Roy Orbison and why she has no plans to write another record. Plus, actor Patrick J. Adams (Suits, Plan B) (32:47) on being present, online scrutiny and what playing toxic characters teaches him about the person he wants to be.

Nickelback on their early days, being parodied and the evolution of the band’s identity. Plus, Avril Lavigne (36:36) on getting her first big break, her debut album “Let Go,” and her friendship with Olivia Rodrigo.

Grammy-nominated rapper Logic (Everybody, College Park) on finding his passion for music, early retirement and fatherhood. Plus, first-time JUNO nominee Preston Pablo (35:40) on figuring out what it means to be an “up and coming artist,” self criticism and learning how to trust yourself.

Eight-time Grammy-winning bassist Christian McBride on what happened when he met his hero James Brown, and why he wanted to write a suite for four civil rights legends: Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, Muhammad Ali and Rosa Parks. Plus, singer-songwriter Tate McRae (40:27) sets up a song for us off her debut album “i used to think i could fly.”

Prolific music producer Rick Rubin (Beastie Boys, Lady Gaga, Johnny Cash, Run-DMC) on staying true to yourself, his musical inspirations and what it was like working with Johnny Cash in the ‘90s. Plus, cartoonist Barbara Brandon-Croft (33:18) on rejection, growing up with a famous cartoonist father and how she’s breaking barriers with her comic strip “Where I’m Coming From.”

Saxophonist Lakecia Benjamin on playing for revered artists (Missy Eilliot, Stevie Wonder), the time she snuck her way past security to play sax at a Prince concert and how a near-death experience inspired her latest album, “Phoenix.” Plus, author Lindsay Wong (32:55) on the stigma around mental illness, growing up with “ghosts,” and what inspired her new book of short stories, “Tell Me Pleasant Things About Immortality.”

If you grew up in the mid-to-late 2000s, there's a good chance you know the band Paramore. Hayley Williams has fronted the pop-punk band for nearly 20 years. She tells Tom Power about the band's history, the advice she’d give her younger self and what inspired Paramore’s new album, “This Is Why.” Emma Mackey (32:38) stars in “Emily,” a film about the life of Wuthering Heights author Emily Brontë — a reclusive, free-spirited woman and an outsider in conservative 19th century England. She sat down with Tom Power during the Toronto International Film Festival to talk about the film.

The word uncompromising gets a bad rap. But if Neil Young wasn’t the uncompromising musician he is, you probably wouldn’t know him as the songwriting legend is today. In this career-spanning conversation, Neil tells Tom about making the music industry work for him and his uncompromising values when it comes to fighting climate change — a fight he’s so hellbent on, he may never go on the road again if the touring industry doesn’t become more ecologically sustainable. Plus, Da'Vine Joy Randolph has spent years being called “a breakout star.” Critics have been calling her that since her Tony-nominated performance in the stage production of "Ghost.” Then there was her scene-stealing role opposite Eddie Murphy in "Dolemite Is My Name.” And of course, her critically acclaimed performance in “Only Murders in the Building.” At some point, they have to stop calling her a breakout star... right? Da’Vine tells Tom about this “break out star” phenomenon and her latest movie, “On The Come Up.”

Pink never thought her success would last this long. In the 10th grade, she was voted “most likely to be behind bars in 10 years” when in actuality, she became one of the most beloved and enduring pop stars of the 21st century. In this conversation, Pink tells Tom about the highs and lows of her music career, what it took to survive the industry and what inspired her new album, “Trustfall.” Plus, the actor Sarah Gadon (True Detective, A Dangerous Method, Enemy) gravitates toward challenging characters — and her latest role is no exception. Sarah opens up to Tom (22:08) about making her onstage debut in “Yerma,” about a woman’s struggle with infertility, and why she says the character she plays is the “ultimate heroine.”

Pamela Anderson on taking her story back + Two Calgary Playwrights on the ‘other’ F word Pamela Anderson’s story is incredible, but you so rarely get to hear her tell it. For the first time, Pamela shares her story through her new documentary, “Pamela, A Love Story,” and memoir, “Love, Pamela.” Pam joins Tom Power to talk about growing up on Vancouver Island, the freedom that Playboy gave her, and how she’s taking back authorship of her story — one that’s so often been misconstrued by the media. Plus, the playwrights Keshia Cheesman and Bianca Miranda (34:05) want to end the stigma around the word “fat.” Keshia and Bianca tell Tom Power about their new play, “The F word,” and how they each found self acceptance and self-love.

Titanic celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. Canadian director James Cameron tells Tom about the movie's enduring legacy, how he got that perfect scene for Jack and Rose’s first kiss and what it was like eating PCP-laced clam chowder in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. Plus, in the new short film, “Dad and the Fridge Box,” Mary Walsh (This Hour Has 22 Minutes) tells a story of a time when people didn’t throw anything away. Mary tells Tom about recreating 1960s Newfoundland, and how her decision to embrace her “third act” in life and art is making way for her happiest times yet.