The Firecracker Department with Naomi Snieckus
About The Firecracker Department Podcast Join award-winning actor Naomi Snieckus (Second City, Disney's Zombies) for raw, authentic conversations with fellow artists about their triumphs, challenges, and creative journeys. Over 7 years, The Firecracker Department has become more than a podcast—it's a thriving international community of women and non-binary artists supporting each other's creative growth. We're connecting creatives worldwide who believe in lifting each other up. The Firecracker Department: Where real talk ignites creative action.
Episodes
In this episode, Naomi sits down with Hila Di Castro—actress, international improviser, and teacher—to geek out about their shared love of improv. Hila opens up about how she got started, her deep commitment to teaching, and her passion for supporting women in the improv community.
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We're thrilled to welcome the one and only Ellie Harvie to the Firecracker Department Podcast!
You know her from her unforgettable roles as Morticia Addams in The New Addams Family, Dr. Lindsey Novak in Stargate SG-1 and Candace Wheeler in Some Assembly Required. With an incredible career that spans comedy, drama, voice work, and everything in between, Ellie brings brilliance, intelligence, humour and just...
This week, Naomi welcomes the incredible Tracey Erin Smith - theatre creator, TV host, and master storyteller extraordinaire!
From her award-winning solo shows in NYC to founding SOULO Theatre (with workshops spanning from Toronto to Tel Aviv), Tracey has spent her career proving that our personal ...
This week on the podcast, host
This week, Naomi Snieckus sits down with the incomparable Diana Frances—writer, performer, comedian, and creative dynamo—for an unforgettable conversation that dives deep into life, art, and everything in between.
Diana shares her experiences growing up as an adopted kid and the emotional journey of giving her son up for adoption, and how she brings her story into her work.. She opens up about what it trul...
We hit the stage at Toronto Sketchfest with the on...
Firecracker Department Podcast: Kathy Greenwood
In this episode, we welcome the phenomenal Kathy Greenwood—improviser, actor, and comedy trailblazer! As the first woman to receive the Canadian Comedy Award for Funniest Female Improviser, Kathy has been paving the way for women in comedy for decades. We dive into the importance of standing your ground on stage in improv, making bold choices, and trusting yo...
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In this episode, we sit down with powerhouse direc...
This week, we sit down with the powerhouse that is...
Join us for an inspiring conversation with the multi-talented Ashleigh Rains!
Naomi and Ashleigh dive deep into her fascinating journey from classical ballet training at Canada's National Ballet School to her current success as an actress and award-winning producer. You'll hear all about her creative philosophy, how she balances multiple artistic...
Meet the dynamic Liesl Lafferty, a Jessie award-winning director whose journey from scriptwriter to industry leader embodies creative perseverance. As Head of Firecracker Writing Department, Liesl has transformed countless storytelling dreams into reality.
Her latest ventures showcase her innovative spirit – from co-creating The Writers Lab Canada to producing the Comedy Film Igniter and the Bell Fibe TV1 series "Bagged." With expe...
Don't miss this heartfelt conversation between our host Naomi Snieckus and Jen Pogue 💫
Jen reveals the challenges and triumphs of her creative journey - from winning a CSA for County Blooms to navigating her cancer diagnosis. Through it all, her resilience, passion, and commitment to community shine through.
This insightful discussion touches on finding your own path, the power of collaboration, and the importance of following you...
This week on the Firecracker Department podcast, host Naomi Snieckus teams up with the fabulous Jody Quine from our Vancouver chapter to chat with the incredible Veena Sood!
From feeling a sudden calling at the age of 14, to her early days of Theatre Sports with Keith Johnstone, to her starring role in Children Ruin Everything for CTV, Veena shares inspiring stories, behind-the-scenes moments, and so much creative fire!
Naomi sits down with the powerhouse duo behind The Writers Lab - Nitza and Elizabeth!
We dive into their incredible journey of building a space that empowers underrepresented voices in screenwriting. From that first letter to Meryl Streep to the creative chaos of launching a groundbreaking initiative, their story is one of passion, perseverance, and purpose.
They share the personal sacrifices required, and their unwavering commit...
Actress and screenwriter Nia Vardalos has received advice and opportunities from some truly unexpected sources. While working the ...
Janet McMordie is living the ultimate double life: she's a practicing doctor Read more
Winnie Jong (Law & Order Toronto, Jane) may now be recognized as a director, but her journey started behind the scenes as a script supervisor. Growing up across the street from a movie theatre, she fell in love with cinema, watching Federico Fellini films and dreaming of directing her own someday. In her chat with Naomi, Winnie recalls how she initially saw script supervising as a detour but soon realized it was anythi...
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