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
Some conversations feel like a creative reset button — and this is one of them.
This week, Naomi Snieckus (@snieckus) sits down with Christel Bartelse (@cbartelse): comedian, powerhouse, and one of the beloved producers behind our Toronto Firecracker Comedy Café. Month after month, Christel shows up to champion the boldest, funniest female and non-binary voices in the comedy community — and in this episode, she opens up about what ...
We love this woman. Ava Val (@avavalcomedy) is an established and beloved force in Canada's comedy scene — a performer the press calls "unapologetic," and we'd call a positive powerhouse.
You've seen her light up Roast Battle Canada, Dating Unlocked, Second Act Actors,...
This week on the Firecracker Department Podcast, I sit down with the amazing Tricia Black, actor, writer, musician, improviser, and one of the most fearless and delightful performers I know. You've seen her in Band Ladies, Pretty Hard Cases, Kim's Convenience, TallBoyz, Workin' Moms, What We Do in the Shadows, Marry F Kill, Wayward, and Small Achievable Goals — and every time she shows up on screen, she brings heart, h...
This week on the Firecracker Department Podcast, I sit down with someone who I've known for a long time — my friend Rebecca Northan. This conversation was a long-overdue catch-up between two Second City alums who've shared stages, dressing rooms, hotel rooms, ideas, and deodorant.
Rebecca's career is extraordinary: Blind Date (creator/star), This Hour Has 22 Minutes, and so many more IMDb credits that show...
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.
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!
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