Maple Popcorn

In this episode, host Marriska Fernandes explores the prominent career of Canadian actress, comedian, writer, and director Mary Walsh. From her early days with the Newfoundland Travelling Theatre Company to co-founding CODCO, Mary has left an unforgettable mark on Canadian comedy. Her sharp wit and memorable characters, including Marg Delahunty on "This Hour Has 22 Minutes," have established her s...

In this episode, host Marriska Fernandes explores the fascinating career of Canadian actor and director Mark O'Brien. From his memorable roles in "Republic of Doyle," "Ready or Not," and "Halt and Catch Fire" to his award-winning portrayal as Terry Sawchuk in the biopic "Goalie," which earned him the Canadian Screen Award for Best Actor, Mark has consistently demonstrated his versatility as a perf...

In this episode, host Marriska Fernandes uncovers the story of Canadian filmmaker Atom Egoyan, celebrated for his diverse contributions to cinema. With internationally acclaimed films like "Exotica," "The Sweet Hereafter," and the upcoming film, "Seven Veils," Egoyan has consistently pushed cinematic boundaries, focusing on themes such as memory, isolation, identity, and more. His work has earned...

In this episode, host Marriska Fernandes explores the dynamic career of Cree actor and filmmaker Cody Lightning. Originating from Edmonton, Alberta, Cody gained recognition with standout performances in "Smoke Signals," "Four Sheets to the Wind," "Brick," and "Manic." "Hey, Viktor!," his 2023 directorial debut showcased his talents as writer, director, and star, earning him nominations for Best Le...

In this episode, Canadian Screen Award-nominated actor, singer, and performer Karen LeBlanc joins host Marriska Fernandes to talk about her multifaceted career. Karen's passion for performing led her to the renowned musical theatre program at Sheridan College. After graduating, she sang with several bands such as Glass Tiger and her own R&B band, Midnight Hour. On stage, she's performed in shows s...

Welcome to Season 3 of Maple Popcorn! In this season's inaugural episode, host Marriska Fernandes sits down with filmmaker and showrunner Kari Skogland, known for her Emmy-nominated and BAFTA-winning directorial work on "The Handmaid's Tale". Originally from Ottawa, Kari's journey in the industry has been nothing short of remarkable. Transitioning from editing to directing, her portfolio includes...

Lights, camera, action! Welcome to the Maple Popcorn Podcast hosted by Marriska Fernandes, where we take you behind the scenes of Canada's vibrant entertainment industry. This new season will bring you exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes scoops, and unforgettable moments with your favourite Canadian stars and emerging talents. From blockbuster hits to indie gems, we're turning up the excitemen...

In this episode, host Marriska Fernandes sits down with Joshua Jackson. You may have first discovered Joshua in his iconic role as Pacey Witter in the 90's sitcom series Dawson's Creek, but today, he is Chairman at Liquid Media Group, a business solutions company that offers end-to-end solution for film, TV, and video creators. He is also currently portraying Dr. Christopher Duntsch on the TV seri...

In this episode, host Marriska Fernandes sits down with Hamza Haq. You likely know Hamza from CTV's hit medical drama Transplant, now in its second season, where Hamza plays the lead role of Bash, a doctor who comes to Canada as a Syrian refugee during the ongoing Syrian civil war. The role earned him a Canadian Screen Award for 'Best Lead Actor' in 2021. At the age of nine, Hamza himself immigrat...

In this episode, host Marriska Fernandes sits down with Karen Robinson. Famously known for her role of Ronnie Lee in the award-winning smash hit comedy and global phenomenon Schitt's Creek, Karen is currently starring in the budding female cop series Pretty Hard Cases, and in a leading role in Echoes, the Netflix mystery thriller miniseries from 13 Reasons Why showrunner Brian Yorkey. Join us for...

In this episode, host Marriska Fernandes sits down with Michael Greyeyes, actor, director, scholar, educator, choreographer and graduate from Canada's National School of Ballet. Michael is Plains Cree from the Muskeg Lake First Nation in Saskatchewan, and you may know him for his iconic roles in award-winning Canadian horror film Blood Quantum, Canadian cult classic, Dance Me Outside, and more rec...

In this episode, host Marriska Fernandes sits down with Newfoundland's sweetheart, Allan Hawco! Allan is no stranger to the Canadian film and television scene. You likely know Allan as private investigator Jake Doyle from the hit TV show Republic of Doyle. Filmed in St. John's, NL, the comedy-drama fast became a Canadian weekly favourite, airing for six seasons. Over the years, Allan managed to cr...

In this episode, host Marriska Fernandes sits down with three up-and-coming Canadian filmmakers: Shasha Nakhai, Martin Edralin, and Priscilla Galvez. Shasha co-directed and co-produced Scarborough with fellow filmmaker Rich Williamson. The film won the Canadian Screen Award for Best Picture, and Nakhai and Williamson won the award for Best Director, at the 10th Canadian Screen Awards in 2022. The...

Ever wonder what goes on behind the scenes of your favourite homegrown films and TV shows? It's time for season 2 of Maple Popcorn! Discover exclusive interviews with Canadian icons and hear them talk about Canadian flicks and even break the fifth wall to share set anecdotes. Subscribe now and don't miss an episode; Maple Popcorn season launches August 8! A podcast hosted by Marriska Fernandes, pr...

From the stages of Stratford to Hollywood, all Canadians have watched Colm Feore in one of his extraordinary roles. You may have seen him on the big screen in films like Thor, or the hilarious 2006 buddy cop flick Bon Cop Bad Cop, alongside Patrick Huard. You've noticed him on your TV screen if you've watched 24, The Borgias, and The Umbrella Academy. From playing King Lear to playing former Prime...

In this episode, host Marriska Fernandes sits down with two Toronto-made filmmakers, Clement Virgo and Thyrone Tommy. Clement moved to Toronto from Jamaica as a young man and in 2015, he directed and co-wrote a six-part miniseries adaptation of The Book of Negroes, which captivated audiences across Canada and the US, winning a grand total of 12 Canadian Screen Awards. Clement is also behind the fo...

If you love a good scare, this episode is for you! This week on the podcast, our host chats with Adam MacDonald and Katharine Isabelle, two veterans of the horror genre, who call Canada home. Since he was a little boy, Adam MacDonald was captivated by the horror genre. The thrills and chills from classics like The Exorcist and Evil Dead had him wondering how directors figured out the perfect scare...

In this episode, we are joined by two impressive filmmakers, Tracey Deer and Elle-Máijá Tailfeathers. This conversation has them bravely sharing their vulnerabilities, addressing both their careers and the personal struggles they continue to experience as Indigenous women in Canada. Tracey was born and raised in the Mohawk community of Kahnawake, Quebec. She is an award-winning television director...

The landscape of Canadian cinema has changed drastically over the years, with our homegrown talent getting more international recognition for their unique and impactful work. In this episode, we sit down with three women who are changing the rules of the game in Canadian cinema and advocating for representation of diverse voices in today's film and TV industry. Gloria Kim, Supinder Wraich, and Mar...

You know him for his roles as the quintessential bad boy in both Canadian and American films and TV series, but behind Kim Coates' tough guy exterior is a proud Canuck, with humble roots in the Canadian Prairies. Growing up playing hockey on the rinks in Saskatchewan, Kim dreamt of making it into the NHL. That is, before he took a drama course that changed the trajectory of his adult life, and he...

Ever wonder what goes on behind the scenes of your favourite homegrown films and TV shows? It's time to pop the Maple Popcorn, go behind the camera and meet the people who are making it happen. Discover exclusive interviews with Canadian icons and hear them talk about Canadian flicks and even break the fifth wall to share set anecdotes. Subscribe now and don't miss an episode; Maple Popcorn launch...