Trust Me I'm a Decorator
Trust Me... I'm a Decorator! is a new podcast hosted by renowned television personalities and designers Debbie Travis and Tommy Smythe. While you may know them best as decorators, they'll be covering all of their favourite things; travel, relationships, food and more with many special guests along the way. To ease their boredom during the pandemic, they began a weekly instagram series sharing stories about their respective lives. Tommy was in Toronto, and Debbie was in Tuscany and they found such joy inviting followers into their homes. Listeners enjoyed the content so much that they decided it was time to start their own podcast. Debbie Travis is an international television host and producer, best-selling author, sought-after public speaker, and designer of the Debbie Travis Home Collection and holds women’s retreats at her villa in Tuscany. She is also the creator and host of Debbie Travis' Painted House, Debbie Travis' Facelift, From the Ground Up, All for One and La Dolce Debbie. She has appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show, Regis and Kelly, The Today Show, The Marilyn Denis Show and has been featured everywhere from Marie Clare to People Magazine, Hello Magazine, The Telegraph and The Globe and Mail. Tommy Smythe spent almost two decades working with HGTV star Sarah Richardson on various shows and he’s a highly sought-after guest expert on national television including The Marilyn Denis Show and Breakfast Television. He recently started his own interior design firm called TOM Design Studio where he combines his love for both traditional and modern design. Off camera, he maintains an international portfolio of private residential design projects as well as an active presence in print media.
Episodes
May 7, 2024 • 39 mins
Debbie Travis and Tommy Smythe take a trip down memory late in honour of the upcoming North American Mother's Day (Debbie gets to celebrate twice). They explore the different dynamics of motherhood and the challenges and joys that come with it. They also share personal stories and anecdotes about their mothers, highlighting the impact they had on their lives. The two discuss parenting, discipline, generational differences, and some...
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April 22, 2024 • 37 mins
Tommy and Debbie discuss their recent trips and the advantages and disadvantages of they faced. Tommy shares his experience of traveling to Montreal to see the solar eclipse, while Debbie recounts her frustrating journey from Italy to London. They also talk about the importance of packing efficiently and decluttering before a move. The conversation then shifts to gardening and the joys of spring, with Debbie sharing her experiences...
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April 8, 2024 • 52 mins
Debbie Travis and Tommy Smythe welcome multi-platinum, award-winning singer, songwriter, actor, author, and fellow podcaster Jann Arden to the podcast! They discuss her debut novel The Bittlemores and her creative process; Jann shares that it took her about 13 years to write the book, starting with a simple idea and gradually adding to it over time. She emphasizes the importance of storytelling and the enjoyment she finds in pursui...
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March 25, 2024 • 48 mins
To celebrate the launch of the Women in Media Network at the Dine Alone Store in Toronto, flagship creators Debbie Travis and Tommy Smythe record another fan favourite "Ask Us Anything" episode with a live studio audience. They talk about their first impressions of each other and how their podcast was born out a bored and restless time during covid. They cover their proudest and most embarrassing moments as television personalities...
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March 11, 2024 • 41 mins
On this episode, Debbie and Tommy reflect on how important women are to society, in history, and in their lives. They touch on the traditional roles of women in society and the power of female friendship. The conversation also talks about embracing differences and striving for equality. From Frances Mayes to Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Debbie and Tommy also reflect on the changing roles of women in society, including the impact of women i...
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February 26, 2024 • 43 mins
This week, Tommy and Debbie are actually talking about design & decorating in honour of a special guest! Genevieve Gorder is one of America’s favorite interior designers for years. She is the founder and director of the Genevieve Gorder brand, a television host, designer, producer, a home product designer, contributing author, and global ambassador for home and human rights. Gorder has appeared and been featured in several dozen li...
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February 12, 2024 • 32 mins
Debbie and Tommy discuss their experiences and feelings about Valentine's Day. They share childhood memories, embarrassing moments, and romantic gestures. Debbie talks about falling in love with Hans. Tommy talks about that time he walked into a hotel room to find something he wished he didn't...and reminds us not to go back to our exes. Outside of unfortunate Valentine's Day experiences, they also discuss how to keep romance alive...
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January 29, 2024 • 59 mins
In this episode, veteran beauty journalist Alice Hart-Davis joins Tommy & Debbie to discuss the world of beauty myths versus beauty truths.
They explore the concept of 'tweakments,' which are non-surgical cosmetic procedures that can enhance one's appearance. Alice emphasizes the importance of finding the right practitioners and being thoughtful and careful when considering these procedures. They also discuss the mental health issu...
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January 15, 2024 • 37 mins
For the first episode of 2024, Debbie Travis & Tommy Smythe welcome back their friend and Nutritional Therapist Jacky Brown. A long-time friend to Debbie, Jacky is a graduate of the London College of Naturopathic Medicine, a qualified Nutritional Therapist, Dip CNM, and registered with BANT (British Association of Nutritional Therapists) CNHC.
Jacky shares her insights on healthy eating and dispels common misconceptions. The conve...
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December 24, 2023 • 25 mins
Debbie and Tommy discuss their Christmas plans in London after sharing two bottles of wine over lunch. They talk about touring the most festive areas of town, including their recent visit to Richmond Park. They also talk about how festive cities give a little joy back to their residents during the holiday season, including London and New York. The conversation turns to childhood memories of Christmas and the changing traditions as ...
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December 11, 2023 • 39 mins
In this episode, Tommy and Debbie discuss their favourite moments of the year. Tommy talks about firing a client for the first time in his career, Debbie talks about the process of writing and self-reflection, including the power of writing letters to oneself. They discuss their favorite travel moments, memorable parties and events, and their biggest laughs of the year. They also talk about their favorite books, films, and TV shows...
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November 27, 2023 • 37 mins
On this episode, Debbie and Tommy discuss how pets can impact our lives. They talk about the joy and companionship that pets bring, exploring the mental and physical health benefits of owning a pet. The conversation also covers the importance of choosing the right pet for your lifestyle and the responsibilities that come with pet ownership. They discuss the deep connection between humans and pets and the role of pets in therapy and...
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November 13, 2023 • 50 mins
Debbie and Tommy catch up with fellow television personality Mary Berg about her new television show on CTV, The Good Stuff with Mary Berg. It's a one-hour, daily talk and lifestyle series hosted by the multiple Canadian Screen Award-winning host and author. She tapes before a live studio audience weekday mornings from Bell Media’s iconic 299 Queen St. West location in Toronto. They discuss the joy of televion, the legacy of Marily...
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October 30, 2023 • 49 mins
What do Debbie Travis and Tommy Smythe have in common outside of decorating? They love enjoying delicious food in great company, especially with a drizzle of the perfect olive oil. On this episode, Debbie tells Tommy about harvest season in Tuscany, walking him through the process from garden to press and bottling to shipping.
Debbie and Tommy also go through the do's and dont's when shopping for olive oil in your town or city; som...
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October 16, 2023 • 50 mins
This episode was recorded before the October 7th attacks which have weighed heavy on our hearts. During this conversation with celebrity chef and television personality Rachael Ray, she reminds us how important it is to keep those suffering, "in our hearts, on our lips, and in our minds. We hope the episode inspires you to give back in whatever way you can, even if it's simply a conversation at the dinner table.
Late this summer, D...
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October 2, 2023 • 48 mins
Debbie and Tommy wrap up season one of their podcast with an episode inspired by their loyal listeners. ASK THEM ANYTHING! They will take you behind the scenes of television, transport you to Tuscany for some stories from Debbie's home, and Tommy gives us exactly what we were looking for...confirmation that he did once wear a speedo. But for good reason!
In this episode, Debbie and Tommy mentioned their upcoming Scenic Luxury River...
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September 18, 2023 • 43 mins
This week's guest is a beloved friend to Tommy and Debbie, and a beloved face and voice in Canadian broadcasting; Marilyn Denis! Together, they look back on their favourite memories of The Marilyn Denis Show, recount Marilyn's romance with Jim, and so much more.
In 2023, Marilyn announced she would bid adieu as host of the popular Canadian Screen Award-winning series THE MARILYN DENIS SHOW, following 13 incredible seasons and a 34-...
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September 4, 2023 • 38 mins
Tommy and Debbie take a deep dive into their hobbies and the joy they have brought them over the years. Debbie takes us back to her years with paint finishes, Tommy talks about rug-hooking on Fogo island, and they hope to inspire you to pick up a hobby, too! Tommy mentions a couple of accounts that are worth following: Hamish Powell and Steve Cordony. Debbie references Mrs Beeton's Househould Management which was first published in...
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August 21, 2023 • 53 mins
This week's guest is Tommy's friend Sophie Donelson, a design journalist and sought-after speaker, moderator, and consultant. She previously served as editor-in-chief of House Beautiful and is a favorite (and repeat) speaker for the annual Future of Home Conference, and is an advisor to high-profile brands such as Ann Sacks, Vrbo, and Business of Home. She makes regular guest appearances as a design expert on Good Morning America, ...
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August 7, 2023 • 28 mins
Weddings may seem picture-perfect when you're a guest, but there's always a story unraveling behind the scenes! On this episode, Tommy and Debbie discuss their best and worst wedding experiences. Tommy shares some observations from the set of hosting Where To I Do, while Debbie shares some personal stories from her kids tying the knot on her property in Tuscany. OH! And quite a memorable story from her own wedding that began with a...
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