Janette's TV Podcast

What happens when technology decides which emotions are acceptable?
In this Janette's TV Podcast episode, Janette sits down with filmmaker Sarah D’Ambrosio, writer and director of the thought-provoking short film Good Vibes Only, an Official Selection at the 2026 Vaughan International Film Festival (VFF).
Set in a future where artificial intelligence encourages relentless positivity and emotional control, Good Vibes Onl...

What happens when creativity, courage, and a little spontaneity come together?
On this episode of Janette's TV Podcast, Janette chats with filmmaker, actress, writer, producer, and founder of Lumida Productions, Jess Blackwell, about her romantic comedy short film, Something Spontaneous, premiering at this year's Vaughan International Film Festival (VFF).
Together they discuss:
✨ The inspiration behind Something Spontaneou...

Join Janette Burke on Janette's TV Podcast as she talks with Laura Smith, MPP for Thornhill, about her longstanding support of the Vaughan International Film Festival (VFF) and the important role arts, culture, film, and community events play in enriching lives and strengthening communities.
In this insightful conversation, Laura shares why supporting the arts matters, how organizations like VFF help showcase emerging talent, an...

What if the story you thought you knew… was only part of the truth?
In this Janette’s TV Podcast episode, I sit down with acclaimed actor Thaao Penghlis (General Hospital, Days of Our Lives) to discuss his powerful new podcast The Great Escape.
Inspired by his personal pilgrimage through Egypt and the Holy Land, Thaao retraces the journey of the Holy Family, explores the origins of the Three Wise Men, and uncover...

What happens when tradition meets imagination?
Hi my Dear SAVVY Ones, I’m Janette Burke—and today, we’re diving into a story that blends faith, family, and a little unexpected magic.
I sit down with award-winning journalist and author Danyael Halprin to talk about her beautiful children’s book: A Magical Passover (Starring the Tooth Fairy).
Yes… you heard that right.
We explore:
✨ Why p...

In this powerful Janette’s TV Podcast episode, I sit down with lawyer, advocate, and activist Caryma Sa'd to discuss free speech, protest law, and the real risks and protections surrounding public expression.
But this conversation is especially important for Savvy Women 40+.
Why?
Because at this stage of life:
• We have reputations to protect.
• We have businesses, careers, and families connected to our public ...

On this Janette’s TV Podcast episode, I sit down with Rose Barroso, luxury real estate developer, serial entrepreneur, and author of Indestructible: Transforming Survival into Success.
From a broken home and shaped by abuse and trauma, Rose refused to let her past define her future. Born in Portugal and raised in Toronto, she built a powerful career in male-dominated industries—while balancing leadership, femininity,...

Raquel Zanardo is the definition of modern reinvention.

A former Toronto Argonauts Cheerleader, Raquel has successfully transitioned into a sought-after Vaughan & Greater Toronto real estate agent, while also stepping into the entertainment world as a 2025 Vaughan International Film Festival red carpet host.

In this Janette’s TV Podcast episode, we talk about:

• Reinventing yourself after high-profile roles
• Confidence, disc...

Grief doesn’t always look quiet. And it doesn’t always heal neatly.
In this Janette’s TV Podcast episode, on the red carpet at VFF, Janette talks with actor, producer, and writer Travis Jeffery to discuss his powerful short film, Dusty—a raw exploration of the negative, often unspoken side of grief and how loss can show up in unexpected, destructive ways.
Travis opens up about storytelling as a form of...

In this special Vaughan International Film Festival (VFF) edition of Janette’s TV Podcast, Janette talks with Kevin Courtney, director of the powerful short-film documentary GOODRIDGE: THE PRICE OF GLORY — a gripping look at the rise, fame, and heartbreaking reckoning of MMA and K-1 pioneer Gary Goodridge.

Courtney opens up about:
✨ What drove him to tell Goodridge’s story
✨ The emotional and physical cost of...

Join Janette on the red carpet at the Vaughan International Film Festival (VFF) as she chats with two influential Ontario leaders — Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines and MPP for King–Vaughan, and Laura Smith, MPP for Thornhill and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing.
In this exclusive political-meets-arts conversation, they break down:
• Why festivals like VFF matter ...