The Firecracker Department
Award-winning actor Naomi Snieckus (Second City, Disney’s Zombies) is getting real with fellow artists about their struggles, successes, and everything in between. A new episode is out every 2 weeks.
- Update frequency
- every 9 days
- Average duration
- 60 minutes
- Episodes
- 238
- Years Active
- 2017 - 2025
Firecracker Dept LIVE with Julie Nolke!
We hit the stage at Toronto Sketchfest with the one and only Julie Nolke, and the energy was off the charts! In front of a packed crowd of Nolke-fans, we dived deep into building your own career an…
Ali Eisner, one of Canada’s most imaginative creators.
Standing Bold in Comedy: Kathy Greenwood on Improv, Acting, and Breaking Barriers
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…
Elvira Kurt is always evolving
Comedy icon Elvira Kurt joins us for a powerhouse conversation about aging in comedy, staying relevant, and the fearless boldness that has defined her career. She’s blazed the trail for so many …
Aleysa Young has learned to trust her gut
In this episode, we sit down with powerhouse director Aleysa Young, whose work has shaped some of the best comedy on TV. We dive into her journey as a director, the career-changing moment when s…
Rosa Laborde shares her writing process and how she deals with burnout
This week, we sit down with the powerhouse that is Rosa Laborde—award-winning playwright, screenwriter, director, and actor—whose work spans theatre, film, and television.
We dive into the creati…
Ashleigh Rains shares her creative journey from pointe shoes to production.
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 Sch…
Join us for an inspiring conversation with Liesl Lafferty: Multi-Hyphenate Creative Force in Canadian Film & Television
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 ha…
Jen Pogue reveals the challenges and triumphs of her creative journey
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 naviga…
Veena Sood says yes to opportunities
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 cal…
The Writers Lab - Elizabeth Kaiden and Nitza Wilon talk about amplifying the voices of women
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…
Nia Vardalos gets incredible advice from the most unbelievable sources
Actress and screenwriter Nia Vardalos has received advice and opportunities from some truly unexpected sources. While working the box office at Toronto’s Second City, she tells Naomi how she fell in…
Janet McMordie is living the ultimate double life, and celebrating the wins along the way
Janet McMordie is living the ultimate double life: she’s a practicing doctor and an actor, juggling two incredibly demanding careers with an impressive amount of energy and humor. She also hosts t…
Winnie Jong prides herself on delivering strong performances & finding magic in scripts
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 f…
Jennifer Liao will always remember her lighting bolt moment
Jennifer Liao’s journey from actor to writer and director is fueled by her passion for storytelling. Growing up dreaming of being a sitcom writer, she credits her love of Shakespeare and poetry for …
Melanie Scrofano gives herself permission to fail
In this special episode of The Firecracker Department Podcast, actor, writer, and director Melanie Scrofano (Letterkenny, Wynonna Earp) sits down with Naomi for a candid chat about their careers,…
Mia Bella wants to be best known for connecting to others through her art
At 15, actress and singer Mia Bella is carving a solid path for herself in the entertainment industry. Fueled by her passion for her craft and her parents’ unconditional support, Mia’s love of music…
Robin Duke is improvising through her funny life
Robin Duke is a comedy powerhouse whose talent spans all mediums. After getting her start on SCTV and transitioning to SNL as the first female cast member hired as a writer, Robin tells Naomi about h…
Adeline Bird is a champion of rest & resurgence
Adeline Bird is the true definition of a multi-hyphenate, unapologetic artist. As an actor, storyteller, director, author, podcaster and social worker (just to name a few), Adeline has taken all of …
Tasha Hubbard is learning to find moments of joy and look ahead
Documentary filmmaker Tasha Hubbard (We Will Stand Up, Two Worlds Colliding) always knew she wanted to be in the arts to help amplify and uplift Indigenous experiences. Although initially she was u…