Q with Tom Power

Gary Oldman returns as Jackson Lamb for Season 6 of the hit spy thriller Slow Horses. The Oscar-winning actor joins Tom Power to talk about the secret to playing a crude, flatulent and brilliant MI5 agent — and why he’s relishing the chance to settle into a long-term role. He also shares the research behind some of his most iconic characters, from Commissioner Gordon in Batman Begins and George Smiley in Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy to Sirius Black in the Harry Potter franchise.

Canadian folk musician and singer-songwriter Le Ren (a.k.a. Lauren Spear) has toured the world with Jeff Tweedy and Andy Shauf, and earned co-signs from artists like Orville Peck. On her new album, Don’t Be Funny Without Me, she unpacks the chaos of her 20s and comes out on the other side with a new perspective on life and her career. Le Ren joins guest host Garvia Bailey to talk about the new album, finding humour in pain, and navigating the public-facing realities of being a performer.

Ins Choi, the creator of Kim’s Convenience, is back with a new play — and this time he’s getting even more personal. It’s called Son of a Preacherman and it’s about the Canadian playwright’s childhood as a “PK” (preacher’s kid), and how theatre and the arts took him away from becoming a man of the cloth. Ins joins Tom Power in the Q studio to talk about the production and how it all kind of came about by chance.

Toronto artist Kofi isn't interested in picking a lane. He’s one of Canada’s top-ranked volleyball players, currently training with the Canadian National Men's Volleyball Team ahead of the next Summer Olympics. At the same time, he’s also building an impressive career as a singer-songwriter and producer. Kofi joins guest host Garvia Bailey to talk about his new album, Phone Home, the discipline behind managing two full-time passions, and how he’s proving you can reach the top in both athletics and music. 

Zorga Qaunaq is a visual artist, a traditional Inuit tattoo artist, and an Inuktitut language educator — but she didn’t become an actor until just a few years ago. It took five rounds of auditions for her to land the part of Millie Maktana on the CBC sitcom North of North. Now, she’s attending the Toronto International Film Festival with two films making their world premieres: In the Heart of the South and In Alaska. From her very first acting role to two films at TIFF, Zorga sits down with Q’s Tom Power to talk about navigating imposter syndrome, tackling the heavy pressure to be a "digestible" representation of her culture, and how she realized her people-pleasing tendencies were going to ruin her burgeoning career.

For most of us, home is a place that we’re from, or a place of safety and comfort. For Canadian country-folk singer Spencer Burton, home took on a whole new meaning when he found himself at his son's bedside in the hospital, while he spent three months recovering from a major surgery. Spencer joins Q guest host Ali Hassan to talk about his new single, Bound for Home, what it was like writing his upcoming self-titled album in a hospital, and how the music became a way for his family to find — and hold onto — hope.

Philip Akin has been telling stories on Canadian stages for decades, and mentoring some of this country’s best theatre artists for just as long. In 2000, he co-founded the Obsidian Theatre Company, which trains, produces and showcases Black talent across the country. Now, he’s directing a new production of Ohio State Murders at the Shaw Festival in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Philip joins Tom Power to talk about the play, how he takes theatre to the precipice, and why he thinks Black artists are too polite. Plus, he shares how he’s feeling after being appointed a Member of the Order of Canada earlier this year.

Kathleen Robertson is no stranger to hit TV. She’s starred on hugely popular shows like Boss, Tracker and the ’90s cultural phenomenon Beverly Hills, 90210, where she played Clare Arnold. Now, she’s going toe-to-toe with Alan Ritchson on Reacher. Kathleen joins Tom Power to talk about her role on the hit action crime series, what it was like growing up as a child actor in Hamilton, Ont., and how being Canadian helped keep her grounded.

Singer Caity Gyorgy and pianist Mark Limacher have been making waves in the Canadian jazz scene with their duo and orchestral recordings. Now, they’re back with their third duo album, You Irritate Me So, which is a tribute to the late, great songwriter Cole Porter. Caity and Mark join Tom Power in the Q studio to talk about the secret to their creative partnership, how Caity likes to “rage bait” Mark on stage, and how they’re helping build an exciting pops orchestra scene in Calgary.

If you were a fan of MuchMusic in the ’90s and early 2000s, you’ll remember Rick Campanelli, better known as “Rick the Temp.” The bubbly, charming VJ was a mainstay on Canada’s answer to MTV, having won a temp gig that he successfully turned into an on-air job. In his new memoir, Tempted, Rick chronicles how a shy Italian Canadian kid from Hamilton, Ont., became one of this country’s most beloved VJs through sheer grit and positivity. But he also shares a revelation about the serious gambling addiction that was haunting him behind the scenes. Rick joins Tom Power in the Q studio to reflect on his early career at MuchMusic, how his love of winning evolved into a devastating addiction to sports betting, and the long road to recovery. He also explains why, after years of keeping this part of his life private, he felt now was the right time to share his story.

Anthony Hopkins (The Silence of the Lambs, The Father, The Remains of the Day) is best known as an Oscar-winning actor, but his first love was music. He’s just released a new album of his own compositions, conducted by Gustavo Dudamel with London’s Philharmonia Orchestra. Anthony joins Tom Power to talk about his lifelong connection to music, why this latest album was decades in the making, and why he says we should all stop thinking so much. His new record, Life is a Dream, is out everywhere now.

English actor Benjamin Evan Ainsworth practically grew up on the set of Son of a Critch. The CBC sitcom, based on Canadian actor and comedian Mark Critch’s memoir of the same name, stars Benjamin as a young, fictionalized version of Mark. Benjamin joins Tom Power to talk about the fifth and final season of the series, what he’s learned about his craft from his co-star Malcolm McDowell, and what it’s like to say goodbye to a show that’s been such a big part of his life. Plus, he plays a little game of “Getting to Know Q.”

Andrea Martin is known for her work in Godspell (1972), SCTV, My Big Fat Greek Wedding, and her Tony-winning performances in Pippin and My Favourite Year. A few months ago, she was honoured with the ICON Award from The Hollywood Reporter Women in Entertainment Canada. She joined Tom Power in the Q studio to look back on her long career.

Last year, Bob Odenkirk (Better Call Saul, Breaking Bad, Mr. Show) sat down with Tom Power to tell us how embarrassment has fueled some of the best decisions in his life and career. He reflects on chasing the things that scared him most — from early improv and groundbreaking sketch comedy to becoming an Emmy-nominated dramatic actor. But his biggest risk yet? Becoming an action star in his 60s.

Sanna Wani’s debut poetry collection, My Grief, the Sun, won the 2023 Trillium Book Award for Poetry. Now, she’s returned with her follow-up, Lantern. Sanna sits down with guest host Garvia Bailey in the Q studio to discuss the new book and read one of its poems.

Toronto musician Emily Steinwall grew up on classic rock, but her teenage years brought a new obsession: jazz saxophone. That passion led her to study under the legendary Juno Award-winning saxophonist Kirk MacDonald, who became a lifelong mentor to her. So years later, when it came time to record her latest album, Emily knew exactly who to call. She joins Q guest host Garvia Bailey to talk about her collaboration with Kirk and the enduring power of a musical education. Her new album, But, there’s beauty in the fall from Grace, is out now.

Lana Condor (To All the Boys I've Loved Before, X-Men: Apocalypse) isn’t afraid of switching things up and trying something new. Her latest role is in the live-action/animation film Coyote vs. Acme, which takes place in the Looney Tunes cinematic universe. She stars as a young law intern who helps Wile E. Coyote as he sues the Acme Corporation for selling him faulty products. Lana sits down with Q guest host Garvia Bailey to talk about the film, how her parents inspire her as an artist, and how she went from a quiet, rural life in Washington state to one of Hollywood’s busiest stars.

Growing up in Scarborough, Tyrique Clarke, also known as TyriqueOrDie, drew early inspiration from rap heavyweights like Lil Wayne and MF Doom. But after immersing himself in Toronto’s underground rave culture as an adult, his creative trajectory shifted. Today, Tyrique blends sharp rap delivery with high-energy electronic and club influences. He joins Q guest host Garvia Bailey to discuss how MuchMusic and rave culture sparked his musical evolution, and the story behind his latest single, Chanel.

Sami Landri is the proudest Acadian you’ll ever meet. The “trash-chic” Canadian drag queen has reached millions of fans with her Chiac accent and absurdly hilarious TikToks. After becoming a fan favourite on Canada’s Drag Race Season 6, Sami returned to compete as a finalist on Canada’s Drag Race All Stars. She joins Q guest host Garvia Bailey to talk about her Drag Race journey, her approach to drag, and how she’s helping pioneer a new Acadian drag scene in Moncton, New Brunswick.

The Philadelphia band SNACKTIME went from playing free shows in a city park to performing at some of the most coveted music festivals in North America. After selling more than 900 tickets to their first headlining show, the band’s momentum only grew. They’ve performed alongside Lauryn Hill, played a 76ers halftime show, and taken the stage at Lollapalooza, the Newport Folk Festival, South by Southwest and the Winnipeg Folk Festival. Band members Sam Gellerstein and Nico Bryant join Q guest host Talia Schlanger to talk about the inspiring ethos behind the band’s creation, their journey from Philadelphia’s Rittenhouse Square to major stages across North America, and what keeps them moving forward. Plus, they introduce their new single, Can’t Imagine Why You’d Stay.

Amalie Atkins is a multi-disciplinary Saskatchewan-based artist whose first feature documentary, Agatha’s Almanac, is a love letter to “solitude, seeds, and slow living.” It tells the story of Amalie’s now 92-year-old aunt, Agatha Bock, who lives on her ancestral farm in southern Manitoba, where she spends her days cultivating her garden. The film looks at how Agatha lives a fiercely independent and intentional lifestyle that’s both free from modern technology and deeply rooted in nature. Amalie joins Q guest host Garvia Bailey to talk about capturing her aunt’s quietly radical way of life.

Michaela Slinger is a Canadian singer-songwriter based in Vancouver who had an epiphany while listening to Q with Tom Power on CBC. She joins guest host Garvia Bailey to tell us how our show inspired her new album, Green and Trying.

Some artists do their best work alone. Others thrive on collaboration. Grammy-winning bassist, producer and singer-songwriter Thundercat — also known as Stephen Bruner — has always lived in both worlds. But coming from a musical lineage where music feels more like a conversation between artists, collaboration has become central to his creative life. His latest album, Distracted, features collaborations with Willow, A$AP Rocky, Tame Impala and, most importantly, his late friend Mac Miller. Thundercat joins Q guest host Ali Hassan to talk about a song he and Mac recorded together before Mac’s death in 2018, the memories attached to it, and why he felt the time was finally right to share it with the world.

If you’ve watched TV or gone to the movies at any point over the last 25 years, you’ve probably seen Will Forte. The actor and comedian is known for his work on Saturday Night Live, MacGruber, The Last Man on Earth and The Four Seasons. Now, he stars in Coyote vs. Acme, a new Looney Tunes film that follows Wile E. Coyote as he attempts to sue the Acme Corporation for selling him faulty products. Will joins guest host Garvia Bailey in the Q studio to talk about the film’s unlikely journey to the screen, from being shelved indefinitely to being rescued after a passionate fan campaign. Plus, he looks back on some of the most delightfully weird highlights of his career.

Martin Andrijasevic and Hamzah Al-Emad, best known for their YouTube channel Slushy Noobz, have experienced a meteoric rise since beginning their collaboration three years ago. Earlier this summer, they livestreamed their way across Canada, introducing their Gen Z audience to some of the country’s biggest attractions, overlooked destinations and classic tourist locales. Martin and Hamzah sit down with Q guest host Garvia Bailey to talk about their eight-stop Canada tour, their approach to their work, and what they’ve come to realize about this country.

Seven years after her last album, Sara Bareilles is back with Good Grief — a record born out of some of the hardest years of her life. The two-time Grammy winner, actor and Broadway lyricist lost two close friends, went through years of IVF, and found herself asking what we hold on to when the people we love are gone. Now, she’s turned those experiences into songs about memory, friendship, loss and resilience. Sara joins Q guest host Garvia Bailey to talk about finding hope on the other side of grief.

At first glance, punk and folk seem to live in two different worlds. But look below the surface and you’ll find the two genres have more in common than you might think. Nova Scotia folk duo Mama’s Broke (Amy Lou Keeler and Lisa Maria) sit down with Q guest host Garvia Bailey to talk about their new album, Reunion, and the kinship between punk and folk. 

Yesterday, the world lost one of country music’s greatest legends, Dolly Parton, who died at age 80 in Nashville. A few years ago, Dolly spoke with Tom Power about her extraordinary career, how growing up in a family of 12 kids turned her into a country icon, and the stories behind her best-loved songs, like Jolene, I Will Always Love You and Coat of Many Colors. In memory of Dolly Parton, we revisit that conversation.

Sometimes the songs just stop coming. Simone Schmidt, the songwriter behind Fiver, found themselves unable to write before finding their way back to song through an unexpected metaphor. Years after a psychic gave them a ritual to clear their apartment of "stuck energy," Simone realized they needed to do the same thing with their mind. They started sorting through old melodies, unfinished songs and ideas to create their latest album, Cleaning House. In this conversation with Q guest host Garvia Bailey, Simone reflects on their creative block, why they reject diaristic songwriting, and how the best songs leave space for listeners to find their own meaning.

Jean-Michel Blais has been a celebrated figure in the post-classical piano world since the release of his critically acclaimed debut album in 2016. This fall, he’s releasing a new concept album, mirador, inspired by his childhood memories and personal journey as a queer person living with Tourette syndrome. Ahead of the album’s release, he joins Q guest host Garvia Bailey to talk about the shift from minimalism to something he calls “generous maximalism," and reflect on how his childhood influenced his new album.

Justine Williamson and Greg Vardy are the Canadian sketch comedy duo behind Tracy and Martina, two fun-loving best friends from Cape Breton. Those characters got their start on YouTube, where their sketches racked up hundreds of thousands of views. Since then, Tracy and Martina have appeared on CBC Comedy, Trailer Park Boys+ (formerly SwearNet), and even landed their own Christmas special. Now, they’re releasing their first movie, Tracy & Martina: Goin’ Out West, which hits streaming services this September. They joined Q guest host Gill Deacon to discuss the origins of Tracy and Martina, how they stumbled into making a feature film, and what it was like to head out West.

It’s been 10 years since the iconic Canadian band The Tragically Hip performed together for the last time with their fearless frontman and friend, Gord Downie. To commemorate the anniversary, the band is releasing a live album documenting the group’s final tour, alongside a CBC re-broadcast of their historic 2016 farewell concert in their hometown of Kingston, Ont. The Hip band members Rob Baker and Paul Langlois join Tom Power to reflect on that final concert, what they miss most about playing with Gord, and how they remember him now, 10 years on.

When acclaimed playwright, actor and theatre director Jovanni Sy went back to school a few years ago, he was told to direct something funny. He originally wanted to take on The Way of the World — William Congreve’s British Restoration comedy from 1700. But over time, that morphed into a modern-day, fast-paced Asian rom-com set in Singapore. It’s called The Tao of the World, and it opens at the Stratford Festival tonight. Jovanni joins guest host Garvia Bailey in the Q studio to explain how and why that all happened.

Not too long ago, Max McNown was sitting on a pier in Southern California. He had just taught himself guitar and was busking for change. Though he grew up singing, he didn’t see himself becoming a professional musician. But busking gave him the confidence to go all in on music, and within a few years, he was performing on some of the biggest stages in the world. Now, he’s releasing his third record, Leave On A Light, which is a love letter to the people who’ve supported him along the way. Max sits down with Q guest host Garvia Bailey to talk about the new record, learning to love his voice, and how he went from a quiet life in Oregon to becoming one of country music’s fastest-rising stars. 

English singer-songwriter Laura Marling has spent years writing songs about imagined futures, family and motherhood. First she wrote the album Song for Our Daughter before she had kids, then Patterns in Repeat after becoming a mom. Now, she's surprised everyone with an entire album of Raffi songs. Laura speaks to Q guest host Garvia Bailey about discovering one of Canada's most beloved musicians, what she learned from his approach to making music for children, and how motherhood has completely changed the way she writes, performs and sees the world.

For 75 years, American Girl in Italy has been one of the world's most famous photographs. The image of a young woman walking through a crowd of men has been interpreted as everything from street harassment to female empowerment. To mark the anniversary, photographer Ruth Orkin's family is releasing a never-before-seen frame captured moments before the iconic shot. Ruth’s daughter, Mary Engel, joins Q guest host Garvia Bailey to share the story behind the image, the photo’s surprising Canadian connection, and why her mother was one of the most influential photographers you’ve probably never heard of. 

Following his 2024 breakout hit, Big Dawgs, Hanumankind has become a global rapper. Born in Kerala, India and growing up all over the world, Hanumankind quickly drew interest at local open mics in India for his Houston rap influences and his ability to freestyle on a whim. In 2023, he signed with Def Jam India and by the next year, he was playing Coachella and working with artists like A$AP Rocky. Earlier this year, he stopped by the Q studio to talk to Q guest host Garvia Bailey about his first North American tour, his album Monsoon Season, and how he continues to put South Indian hip-hop on the map with his own unique sound and aesthetic. 

Skiifall is a Montreal-based rapper and producer whose music exists at the intersection of grime, electronic music, hip-hop and forward-thinking bass culture. His unique sound brought him early success and caught the attention of artists like Drake and the late designer and DJ Virgil Abloh. Known for his distinctive vocal delivery and genre-defying approach, Skiifall continues to carve out a singular space within contemporary music. He joins Q guest host Garvia Bailey to tell us how Abloh became one of his biggest supporters, how he found early inspiration in the teen sitcom Wizards of Waverly Place, and his brand new song, Sun Up. 

Hannah Einbinder is the award-winning actor and comedian known for her breakout role in the HBO series Hacks. On the heels of the show’s series finale, she’s branching out with a new film, Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma. On the surface, it’s a bloody slasher, but underneath is a tender story about coming into your true identity and accepting yourself fully. Hannah joins Q guest host Gill Deacon to talk about the film, the final season of Hacks and her start in comedy. 

What would you do if you suddenly couldn't go out in the sun? That's what happened to dancer and choreographer Sara Porter in her early 20s after developing a rare autoimmune disorder that left her unable to tolerate UV light. She's now turned that experience into Hello Sunshine! — a new solo performance that blends dance, music and memoir to explore life with an invisible disability. Sara joins Q guest host Garvia Bailey to talk about learning to live in the shade, finding comedy in the unexpected, and making art from a life-changing diagnosis.

Husband-and-wife roots rock duo Whitehorse is back with their ninth studio album, All I Want Is All of It, which asks the question: can you really have it all? Luke Doucet and Melissa McClelland have been touring the new record with their family band, while also playing alongside musical friends and heroes like Bryan Adams and Sarah McLachlan. They join Q guest host Garvia Bailey to talk about what they’ve learned from navigating the music industry as a family, and the highs and lows of life as artists.

Rotterdam-born Naomi Sharon is part of a generation of European female artists attempting to break through to global audiences. She’s also the first female artist signed to Drake's OVO Sound, blending neo soul with an electronic influence rooted in her Dutch and Caribbean heritage. Naomi sits down with Q guest host Garvia Bailey to talk about stepping into her own on her second studio album, No Sleep in Paradise, and what competing on The Voice of Holland taught her about herself.

Megan Park (Sterling Point, My Old Ass, The Fallout) is a Canadian writer and director who got her start in front of the camera, starring in teen dramas like Life with Derek and The Secret Life of the American Teenager. But something about those early jobs never felt quite right. The roles often lacked authenticity, and there was little room for collaboration on set. Now, Megan has made it her mission to tell more honest and nuanced stories about young people. Her new series, Sterling Point, is one of the most anticipated releases of the summer. She joins Q guest host Garvia Bailey to talk about the show, how her experiences as a young actor inspired her to take on the YA genre, and what she hopes to do differently for the next generation of viewers.

The indie rock band Kiwi Jr. has been rocking, rolling and riffing for more than a decade. In Q’s recurring New Music segment, lead singer Jeremy Gaudet joins guest host Garvia Bailey to talk about their latest single, Photos Of The Reenactment, which was inspired by true crime podcasts. The band’s new album, Blowin’ Up, comes out on Aug. 14.

Candi Staton has been a gospel prodigy, a Southern soul powerhouse and a disco icon. Now in her 80s, she’s back in the spotlight with her Grammy-nominated album Back to My Roots, which marks her return to the gospel music where it all began. From segregated Alabama churches to ’90s dance floors, her career includes timeless hits like Young Hearts Run Free and You Got the Love. But it’s also a journey marked by hardship, heartbreak and long stretches of being overlooked. Earlier this year, Candi joined Q guest host Garvia Bailey to reflect on a remarkable seven decades in music — and what it means to still be singing, creating and finding her place in the spotlight.

Samar Hejazi is a Palestinian Canadian artist whose multidisciplinary work spans sculpture, textiles and printmaking, challenging traditional perceptions of reality. After spending years in Toronto, she now lives and works in Dubai. She’s one of the primary contributors to the Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute’s latest exhibit, Costume Art, which debuted at the Met Gala in New York. Samar tells Q guest host Garvia Bailey how she was recruited for the exhibit and why she chose to honour Arab designers on fashion’s biggest night.

In her new memoir, Even the Good Girls Will Cry, Montreal-born musician Melissa Auf der Maur pulls back the curtain on the alternative rock and grunge scene of the ’90s. Earlier this year, she joined Tom Power to talk about the chaotic, often destructive dynamics within Hole — and how, through it all, frontwoman Courtney Love emerged as one of rock’s most powerful feminist voices.

Les Louanges (a.k.a. Vincent Roberge) is one of the defining francophone artists of his generation in Québec, and yet he’s almost entirely unknown to anglophone Canada. He’s got two Juno Awards for francophone album of the year, and now his latest album, Alouette!, has been shortlisted for the prestigious Polaris Music Prize. Les Louanges joins Q guest host Garvia Bailey to talk about the stories that inspired his critically acclaimed new album, how listening to Leonard Cohen helped him write concise songs, and how taking care of his dying father-in-law helped him find his identity. 

Grammy-nominated neo soul singer Glenn Lewis is considered one of the forefathers of R&B in Canada. Born in Kitchener and raised in Toronto, he broke through in the early 2000s with his debut album, World Outside My Window. Now he's back with his first new album in more than a decade, Overture. Glenn joins Q guest host Garvia Bailey to look back on the early days of his career, reflect on his relationship with his father and their shared love of Stevie Wonder, and tell the unforgettable story of meeting his musical hero for the first time.

From an early age, violinist Vijay Gupta seemed destined for classical music greatness. He performed at Carnegie Hall at just eight years old, studied at Juilliard and Yale, and joined the Los Angeles Philharmonic at 19. But behind his success, he was struggling with anxiety, addiction and burnout. In his new memoir, Restrung, Vijay reflects on how an experience on Skid Row in Los Angeles changed his life, and why music’s true purpose is human connection — not technical perfection.