Trust Me I'm a Decorator

In this reflective episode, Tommy and Debbie discuss their 2024 highlights and experiences including both personal milestones and their most impactful conversations with their podcast guests. They explore themes of creativity, the significance of live experiences, and the healing power of art, travel, writing, design and gardening. Listen to any conversation from this year's podcast at www.thetrus...

Hosts Debbie Travis and Tommy Smythe get to spend just over a half hour with author, former broadcaster and de facto First Lady, Sophie Grégoire Trudeau. She discusses her new book 'Closer Together', which emphasizes the importance of mental health, connection, and self-acceptance. They explore many themes including the impact of social media on loneliness, the effects of childhood trauma, and the...

Host Debbie Travis and Tommy Smythe are your personal travel advisors in this episode, detailing their favourite (and cost-effective) ways to enjoy the holiday season while travelling. They share their favourite holiday experiences in London and New York. You don't have to break the bank, but they will give you tips on everything from budget-friendly to luxury adventures. From The Plaza Hotel in N...

Tommy Smythe and Debbie Travis host a live show dedicated to laughter, while celebrating Debbie's new book, "Laugh More Stories from an Unexpected Life." They share typical Tommy and Debbie anecdotes through games and audience input. They also welcome back special guest, Cynthia Loyst of The Social. She talks about her book, "Find Your Pleasure" and her most memorable television experiences. Get D...

Hosts Debbie Travis and Tommy Smythe welcome their former colleague Kirstine Stewart for a conversation about leadership and personal reinvention. Kirstine discusses her transformative career in the media and the importance of women in leadership roles. Kirstine also highlights the need for flexibility and self-awareness in career choices, advocating for personal fulfillment over societal expectat...

In this engaging conversation, Tommy and Debbie explore the world of olive oil, discussing its health benefits, the importance of quality, and the alarming prevalence of fake olive oil in the market. They emphasize the need for consumers to be informed and proactive in choosing high-quality olive oil, particularly extra virgin varieties, while also sharing personal anecdotes and insights from thei...

Debbie Travis and Tommy Smythe are thrilled to welcome Fashion television icon Jeanne Beker to the show this week! She shares her journey through the fashion industry, her experiences as a journalist, and the personal stories that shaped her life. From her early days in media to her battle with cancer, Jeanne reflects on the lessons learned. The discussion previews her memoir, 'Heart on My Sleeve,...

The changing of the seasons has hosts Debbie Travis & Tommy Smythe reminiscing about their summer experiences and childhood experiences returning to school. They reflect on the reinvention of identity, explore the concept of manifesting a desired identity and the importance of positivity. Tommy shares about his summer in Muskoka, reminiscing about family traditions and a magical place. Debbie talk...

Debbie and Tommy welcome the fabulous Frances Mayes back to the podcast! The international bestselling author behind the now-classic Under the Tuscan Sun is back with a new book, and her third novel, A Great Marriage. When a perfect wedding is called off just days before the big event, it sends two people—and their families—reeling, in this poignant novel from the #1 New York Times bestselling aut...

Debbie and Tommy discuss their summer holidays including family visits in Tuscany, Tommy's summer at the Lake, and the challenges of traveling during peak season. They share their experiences in different vacation destinations and the cultural differences they encountered. Debbie talks about the Italian holiday Ferragusto and the crowded beaches in Italy during August. They discuss the importance...

In this conversation, Chef Lynn Crawford discusses her move to the country, her passion for gardening, and her upcoming book. She emphasizes the joy of growing and cooking with fresh ingredients and the importance of sharing food with family and friends. Tommy and Debbie ask her about creating new communities through food and the benefits of planting food to live off your land. They also touch on...

Television host Cynthia Loyst joins the show this week, a long-time friend of Tommy Smythe who is widely recognized as one of the hosts on popular Canadian television show The Social. They discuss their friendship, the early days of The Social, cancel culture, and the challenges of being in the public eye. They also talk about the importance of speaking your mind and the pressure to please everyon...

On this episode, Tommy Smythe interviews his dear friend Debbie Travis to celebrate the cover reveal of her next book, 'Laugh More: Stories from An Unexpected Life'. The book is a collection of funny and poignant stories from Debbie's life, with each story sparking memories from different stages of her life. She includes tales of her grandmother, her experiences in Italy, and her adventures in Vie...

Hosts Debbie Travis and Tommy Smythe welcome back Nutritional Therapist Jacky Brown to discuss ultra-processed foods (UPFs) and their impacts on our health. They explore the additives and preservatives commonly found in our foods, and the potential health risks associated with consuming them. They also touch on the importance of cooking with whole foods, the benefits of eating seasonally and local...

Debbie and Tommy recap their recent cruise in Eastern Europe, specifically Budapest and Vienna. They share funny and memorable experiences, such as Tommy's adventure in a Turkish bath and their visit to the magnificent library in Vienna. They detail their delightful trip with Scenic Cruises Debbie and Sarah recap their recent river cruise experience, highlighting the beautiful destinations, the ex...

Anya Lautenbach is a mum, a columnist, and a money-saving gardener. Anya returns to the podcast promote her new book, The Money-Saving Gardener: Create Your Dream Garden at a Fraction of the Cost. As we all face a cost-of-living crisis, The Money-Saving Gardener is packed with tips and tricks to help gardeners keep costs down without compromising on style or impact. With creative advice on everyth...

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,...

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,...

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 an...

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...

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 socie...

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 an...

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 als...

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...

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 dispe...