Episode 165 - December 17, 2016

'Tis the season to be jolly but it's not an easy time of year for everyone. Therapist Tenniel Rock shares tips and advice on how to reach out to friends or coworkers who might be having a difficult time during the holidays. Plus what you can do if this time of year is stressful or difficult for you.

Find out how sharing a story about your food hero can help raise money for the Community Food Centres Canada and what great work is being done with the donations.

Chef Andrea Buckett gives us a peek at the new food and eating trends we'll see more of in the new year - bugs? Food delivery? Seaweed? Get the details!

Episode 164 - December 10, 2016

Do you love your coffee machine with the pods and you think you're doing a good deed by recycling them? Guess what? They're ending up in the landfill.
Find out why your recyclable coffee pods aren't being recycled at all when the guys behind Go Java join the show to tell you how they will pick up your old pods and get them recycled properly.

Chef and restaurant owner Stefano Faita chats bout the new foodie subscription box called Food Trip To...and how he selected the products for the box featuring Italy.

Registered dietician Carol Harrison talks about the mistakes you're probably making with food this holiday season and the free hotline by Eat Right Ontario you can call to ask RD's any food related question - like, is that turkey still safe to eat? And  how long can you leave food out at a buffet?

Episode 163 - December 3, 2016

Everything you need to know about whiskey from Irish Whiskey Ambassador Conor Timmons as you get ready for the holidays (or just want to know what other people are talking about.)

Chef Lynn Crawford with entertaining tips to make the holidays easier and less stressful, and Sandra Oldfield from Tinhorn Creek Winery in British Columbia talks about her recent award and work in the wine industry.

Episode 162 - November 26, 2016

Pay is back from British Columbia and her first visit to Whistler (psst...winter is not the most popular season there.)

Find out what new oddities and unbelievable stories have been added to the new Ripley's Believe it or Not book....from one of the senior researchers who has to verify that these stories and photos are true!

If you're looking for a high-impact holiday gift - consider a gift basket from FoodShare...they're a great organization that works to make healthy food affordable and accessible for everyone. Buying a gift basket from them not only provides you with a stellar gift - but helps fund their amazing programs.

Lifestyle expert, Shoana Jensen, joins the show to share her essential holiday tips that will make entertaining easier for you this season.

Episode 161 - November 5, 2016

John Catucci from You Gotta Eat Here co-hosts this show!

Find out what it's been like shooting 5 seasons of the hit Food Network show - and what dishes have stood out to John as they shoot around the world.

Plus, tune in for details on where you can see him in person!

Episode 160 - October 29, 2016

Two entertaining and inspirational writers and cookbook authors join the show today!
And both of these fabulous cooks have been short listed for the Taste Canada Cookbook Awards!

Tara O'Brady of Seven Spoons (name of the blog AND her popular cookbook) talks about growing up in southern Ontario with Indian flavours at home, Canadian foods around her and the mix of other cultural spices and ingredients that influenced her cooking today. With dishes that are easy to make and simple tips to update old favourites, Tara has ideas for making meals delicious.

Plus, THE chocolate chip cookie recipe that will blow all others out of the water - a BuzzFeed blind taste test of top recipes even says so.

Professional Home Economist Mairlyn Smith chats about the challenges and the perks of cooking with Canadian-grown ingredients, which she highlights in her cookbook, Homegrown. With healthy tips on shopping, storing and cooking, this cookbook will get you to eat better and support local growers.

Episode 159 - October 22, 2016

Explaining Halloween to new Canadians...it's ok to take candy from strangers one day of the year.

Find out how you can meet some of your favourite designers and bid on a one-of-kind piece of furniture decorated by some of the city's best...including Norm Kelly! All to support the great work done by the Furniture Bank.

Food + Film = the Eatable Film Festival...in its second year, the festival co-founder explains what delicious things there are to eat and drink along with the screenings.

Toronto Star food writer Karon Liu visits the newly opened Poop Cafe. Yep.

Episode #158 - October 8, 2016

It's Thanksgiving weekend and what better way to give thanks than to support Restaurants For Change? Ruby Watchco chef, Lora Kirk, joins the show to tell you why you should dine out on Wed. October 19th at some of the best restaurants across Canada.

Confused about what sustainable seafood is? Do you know if you're really getting the more expensive fish you paid for or if it's been swapped with a cheaper variety? Learn about seafood fraud, how to make sure you get what you pay for and how to support sustainable fisheries around the world.

Episode 157 - October 1, 2016

Is Toronto ready for a new kind of plant-based restaurant?
Chefs David Lee and Tyler Shedden think so. The two chefs talk about the new restaurant Planta, and why they chose not to use the word "vegan to describe it.
What kind of food is on the menu and can it satisfy the most die-hard carnivore?
The chefs share some tips and and ideas for going meatless and talk about their inspiration and what they learned by living a plant-based diet.

Episode 156 - September 10, 2016

Away of for the next two weeks so everything is packed into this show!

Pay chats with Richard Goldhar (a licensed insolvency trustee and debt expert), as he shares some surprising ways you could be wasting money without knowing. And the monthly that you might not realized is affecting your credit rating. Plus...are you paying more for those loyalty or reward points...? 

The Toronto Garlic Festival is back with the garlic breath contest and all the different kinds of garlic and garlicy foods you could dream of. Find out how to grow your own (it's very easy) and learn why you should be cooking with local garlic. 

Episode 155 - September 3, 2016

Poke is popping up all over Toronto restaurant menus and neighbourhoods - but what is it?
The owners of the new Pokito restaurant at Queen and Spadina stop by the show to talk about the origins of poke, what's traditional and what new flavours they've brought to the city.

Registered nutritionist Lianne Phillipson, shares tips for getting back to your routine in September and prepping for back to school for the kids.

And Ikea's DIY dinner parties...

Episode 154 - August 27, 2016

It's another week with some awesome women. Pay is joined by actress and comedian Anne Marie Scheffler who is launching her one-woman comedy show MILF LIFE CRISIS for a two week run in Toronto. Anne Marie shares her personal story of getting married, having kids, getting divorced and realizing she's a MILF and should embrace it.

Parenting writer Sam Kemp-Jackson write a story calling for Home Ec. to be brought back because kids aren't learning the practical things they need! But, why learn when you can just hire people to fix things and make food?

Episode 153 - August 20, 2016

This podcast is for people who love dogs and who love food. Hopefully you fall into this category.
Do you love dogs but don't feel like you can commit to having a pet? Pay chats with Coveted Canines about their need for foster homes when they rescue dogs.
It's a 2-4 week commitment and they provide everything! Find out more about the dogs they rescue and how you could be a foster parent to a dog before they are adopted.

EnRoute Magazine has once again launched their Canada's Best New Restaurants list - and you can vote from a list of nominees. Vote for your favourite new spot and you could also win a trip for 2 with Air Canada. Food writer and cookbook author Amy Rosen joins the show to talk about the judging process and what it takes to make the list. Plus a preview of her new cinnamon bun business.

Plus a list of discontinued Olympic sports!

Episode 152 - August 13, 2016

It's the awesome ladies show! Talented comedy writers and performers Ashley Comeau (Second City,  Best Female Improviser 2015 - NOW Magazine) and Rhiannon Archer (Canadian Comedy Award nominee) join the show to talk about getting kicked out of traffic court, why you shouldn't offer Ashley beer, and what it's like doing stand-up and improv.

Keep your eyes out for Mnandi Pies...these savoury Zimbabwean pies are finding a permanent home in Toronto and you'll want to try them. Hear why Evis Chirowamhangu wanted to bring these flaky treats to Toronto.

Episode 151 - August 6, 2016

Interested in taking your outdoor cooking one step further? Why not experiment with smoking your own food? Kevin Castonguay from catering and events company Provisions T.O, shares tips on how to get the best smoked meat with the simplest equipment.

And world famous coffee artist, Michael Breach, shares his story of being discovered on social media and now traveling the world being hired by clients to do intricate coffee art.

If you get confused by gluten-free and what's ok if someone suffers from celiac versus a gluten sensitivity, Dr. Dina Kulik tells you what you need to know and what to look for when you're shopping.

Plus, someone celebrates their lonely birthday on Mars. Find out who.

Episode 150 - July 23, 2016

Do you know what's in your bottle of olive oil? There's a good chance it's not olive oil!
Val Vagopoulos from Olive That! joins the show to tell you all you need to know about buying and tasting extra virgin olive oil. Labels often don't tell the truth and what should you ask before you buy?

Does the more expensive bottle mean a better product? And how long does olive oil last? Find out so you don't get ripped off the next time you buy a bottle!

Episode 149 - July 16, 2016

This show is for all the meat-lovers.
Peter Sanagan from Sanagan's Meat Locker in Kensington Market joins the show with food writer, Ivy Knight.
Learn about Ivy's series of FREE food events at the Drake Hotel...every Monday evening and take part in Butcher Appreciation Night on July 25th.
Peter explains the difference between grass-fed and grain-fed beef and marbling, what some lesser-known but delicious cuts of meat are, and how to find the meats you're looking for.

Episode 148 - July 9, 2016

Pay is back from a trip to Nova Scotia where she walked in on her mom massaging lobsters. It's a real thing, apparently. Listen to find details.

Chef Rob Gentile (Buca) and Afrim Pristine (Cheese Boutique) join the show to talk about their love of dogs and how they're raising money for the Etobicoke Humane Society with a big BBQ event where dogs are welcome!

Have you heard of the Newcomer Kitchen? Did you know there are a group of Syrian moms making delicious Syrian meals that you can order to take hoe? Len Senater (The Depanneur) offered his kitchen space to a group of Syrian moms new to Toronto who were staying in hotels and didn't have a kitchen to cook in. With the help of Rahaf and Esmaeel (recently arrived Syrians who assisted in coordinating), that one event snowballed into many opportunities for the Syrian women including cooking for 1000 people at the recent Laminato arts festival and catering a private VIP dinner for guests that included the Mayor. Learn about how you can get involved with Newcomer Kitchen to help them grow and expand. 

Episode 147 - June 25, 2016

The secret lives of massage therapists...what you might be doing that they're talking about.

Pay is joined by Harry Lalousis - Mustard Sommelier for Maille mustards in the UK. There are many uses for mustard and you might be missing out on some of the most delicious ways to use them. Why dijon mustard is the base for some of your tastiest foods.

Matt Basile (Fidel Gastro food truck, Lisa Marie) shares his tips for making your homemade foods better and what you'll find more of on menus soon.

And the owner of DeeBee's Teapops is a doctor and mom of 2 who started her own business making healthy treats that actually taste good. Have an idea you want to turn into a business? She did it.

Episode 146 - June 18, 2016

Get your grills ready - Chef Rob Braganolo from Carver shares his favourite things to cook on the grill and they aren't sausages or burgers! Learn to make perfect fish, pizza and even mussels on the grill this summer. Plus, hear about the special offerings at Taste of Toronto taking place June 23-26 at Fort York.

Do you know what makes an Aussie meat pie unique? The two young women who own Kanga Aussie Meat Pies stop by the studio to talk about relaxing summer "sessions" and how they started making Aussie meat pies in Toronto.

And if you like the idea of visiting 3 different Toronto restaurants in one night and don't mind getting a little active - find out how you can do a CycleDine tour and join a small group that cycles and eats at hot spots in the city.

Episode 145 - June 11, 2016

Some of the best food in Toronto is just outside of Toronto. Have you ever driven past a plaza or a tiny hole-in-the-wall restaurant and been curious about what's being offered inside?
Food and drink writer, Suresh Doss, has become known as the unofficial food ambassador of Scarborough - becoming the go-to source for authentic and delicious multicultural dishes.

He shares the names of hidden gems all over the GTA from Scarborough to Rexdale and Brampton - and the must-try dishes that will delight your tastebuds. His popular 905 food tours have taken off with curious eaters wanting to try new flavours. Listen to his tips for finding new favourites and how to order from an unfamiliar menu.

Episode 144 - June 4, 2016

The Queen of Cakes and the woman who put beautifully designed cakes on the Toronto map - Bonnie Gordon - joins the show with the head pastry instructor of The Bonnie Gordon College of Confectionary Arts.
They discuss the trends in desserts and pastry, the flavours you'll see more of this year, and what it takes to make cake dreams come true. Plus, the popularity of the $12,000 cake!

Toronto BBQ week kicks off on June 6th and Harbord Room chef Cory Vitiello talks about the great menu items you can enjoy only during BBQ week!

Episode 143 - May 28, 2016

Gardening expert Frankie Flowers joins the show to answer your gardening questions and shares his tips on growing your own food successfully. Whether you have a large garden or just a small balcony, Frankie breaks down the essential items you'll need and the most important things to consider as your grow and harvest.
Did you know you can grow kiwi? Learn how to naturally get rid of pests, kitchen solutions to fertilize your plants and which plants grow well in little sun. Plus, the most useless watering tool you might be using and wasting your money on.

And you'll be surprised by some of the great new fruits and veg you can be growing this summer (pink blueberries and a plant called "ketchup and fries").

Chef Carl Henrich of Richmond Station chats about his involvement with Toronto Taste and previews what he'll be serving up.

Episode 142 - May 21, 2016

Back from Halifax with a story to share about my dad offering a scammer money over the phone.

To kick off the Victoria Day long weekend, Design and Lifestyle Expert Karl Lohnes, pops by to share ideas on updating high tea for your next event or gathering. Plus, the difference between High Tea and Afternoon Tea and hey...did you know one of them usually involves beer?

Karl shares easy ways to amp up your next shower, brunch or pool party with ideas inspired by traditional High Teas.

Toronto Taste is coming up o June 12th and Pay will be broadcasting live with Zane Caplansky. Tune into find out how Second Harvest rescues food and gets it to people who need it most.

Episode 141 - May 7, 2016

What is human Hungry, Hungry Hippo? Tune in to find out.

If you'd like to eat healthier, and make better meals for you and/or your family, cookbook author and cooking class instructor Nettie Cronish and Registered Dietician Cara Rosenbloom join the show to talk about their book: Nourish - Whole Food Recipes featuring Seeds, Nuts and Beans.

Find out if soy is really bad for you, or if it's gluten, maybe fat...or nuts. The women set the story straight and share some suggestions for cutting down your grocery bill and making delicious meals that are good for you.

And what would you do if you found over 4-million dollars deposited into your bank account? You'll never believe what one 21-year-old spent it on.

Episode 140 - April 30, 2016

Pay found the best way to get rid of old stuff (it's not new...she is just new to doing this.)

And someone got a grown-up BBQ and is conquering her flame fears after having a BBQ explode in her face once. Hear the pathetic story.

Joel MacCharles and Dana Harrison are the couple behind WellPreserved.ca - a great blog of recipes for preserving. Their new book, Batch, includes tips, techniques and recipes for preserving. Joel shares the 7 types of preserving (and chances are you're doing more than one without knowing it) and a few simple 10-minute recipes you could be doing at home without any extra equipment.
Some of them involve booze.

Plus - their kitchen experiments gone wrong...

Episode 139 - April 23, 2016

Pay's tooth fell out. That was fun.

Feel like an under-achiever? A guy is going to make over $100,000 this year by decorating bananas. You got that right. Bananas.

While you're packing away your fall and winter gear - make sure you do it right! Yes, there are many, many wrong ways to do it. Lifestyle Expert Shoana Jensen joins the show to talk about the best ways to store your clothes and what you can do to save time and money. Also...tips for getting the most out of your laundry detergent.
Design duo Colin and Justin share their tips for sprucing up your home and where to put your money. Plus, how to make your cabin or cottage a perfect second home.

Would you go to a naked restaurant? If you can...you have a chance to dine in the nude this summer. Tune in for details!

Episode 138 - April 16, 2016

It's tax time and Pay's accountant doesn't think chocolate is a work expense.

The sisters behind the popular cookbooks, Bite Me, and Bite Me Too, join Pay to talk about their latest book, Lick Your Plate.

Julie Albert and Lisa Gnat have been creating recipes and dishes to answer the question, "What's for dinner?" They talk about what makes their recipes easy to follow, working with family, and their favourite meals.

Episode 137 - April 9, 2016

Pay recaps her gluttonous trip out west to British Columbia where it actually FELT like Spring. A food-packed trip to Vancouver and Victoria to sample their delicious offerings and also some quality time with her niece. The girl with the reverse mullet.
Do you like your name? Have you ever wished you had a different name? Writer and author Duana Taha talks about her new book, "The Name Therapist" where she looks into how people feel about their names and the perception we have over unusual or uncommon names Pay and Duana share some of their favourites, including their "Starbucks Name" and what they wanted to change their names to when they were kids.
April 9th was Gin and Tonic Day! Mixologist Colin Turner joins the show to talk about HOW to taste gin (kind of involves chewing), how the G&T came to be and what to expect in different kids of gin.

Episode 136 - March 19, 2016

A frustrated mom sends her son an invoice totally almost $40,000 for the cost of supporting him since he moved back home 13-months ago. It includes $1000 for being an a**hole and not appreciating the support of his mom. Should adult kids be charged for moving back home?

Mom blogger and writer, Sonya Davidson, joins the show to chat about Macaron Day and it's roots in Paris.

Chef Ricardo conducted a survey for his food magazine and found some interesting results about the eating and meal habits of Canadians. Which provide is most concerned about healthy food? Where do people eat the fastest? And which province drinks the most wine with dinner?

How often do the guys in your life talk about their prostates? *crickets*
Ben Samaroo - a 28-year-old lawyer decided to write a cute picture book and donate proceeds to various men's health charities to encourage men to get their health checked more regularly.
Ben is a lawyer and wrote a book so let's all feel like underachievers.

Episode 135 - March 12, 2016

A recap of a week's worth of eating and exploring new places in Toronto.
Reasons not to accompany a friend's 4-year-old to the bathroom and why you are not the worst parent in the world (with a solid example shared.)

Plus, Dr. Jason Fung talks about his latest book - The Obesity Code: Unlocking the Secrets of Weight Loss. A nephrologist (find out what that is) and founder of the Intensive Dietary Management Program, Dr. Fung has treated thousands of people struggling with obesity and explains why he says all diets work, and they don't work. And shares his tips for successful weightloss.

Episode 134 - March 5, 2016

Pay takes a 5-person Syrian family on an outing to see sights in the city!

If you've ever wanted to quit your job and do something totally different - that's what Steve Gill did when he quit his tech job to open up a Mexican restaurant that has almost 60 locations across Canada!
Learn about different peppers - not all hot - and which ones are really, really, spicy. Steve shares tips on how to buy them and how to use them.
If you're looking for a table at some of Toronto's hottest restaurants, a new app let's you make same-day reservations! Learn about Dinr and how you can score some of the city's hottest tables on short notice.

Episode 133 - February 27, 2016

I got tired of hearing stories about government-sponsored Syrian refugees stuck in hotels and needing help so I decided to volunteer and if that interests you - you can help a family too! Pay chats with Virginia Johnson who is working to match volunteers and families who could use some help settling in Canada. Tune in to find out how you can donate time to show people around, and if you have furniture to donate, the Furniture Bank could use your gently used goods and pass them on to someone who could use it.

What are the do's and don'ts when it comes to home renos? Designer Melissa Davis shares her money and time-saving tips when it comes to hiring a designer, trades and what to look for when getting help renovating your home. Plus the surprising low-cost decor fix she says gives you a great return on investment!

Episode 132 - February 20, 2016

Do you remember how exciting it was to get a new book when you were a kid? Give that feeling to a kid who loves to read but may not be able to own a book of their own.
A Good Book Drive is hoping to collect 1000 new kids books for the Children's Book Bank in Toronto.
Radio host Lana Gay and Lindsay Timmins (Children's Book Bank) join the show to share stories of how a new storybook can make a huge difference in a kid's life.
And somehow two of three people in studio end up crying...

If you find health, dental or travel insurance confusing - you're not alone. Gavin Prout from Special Benefits Insurance Services breaks down what to look for when searching for personal insurance and the difference in coverage plans. Plus, why you'd be a fool to leave the country without travel insurance.

Episode 131 - February 13, 2016

You don't have to live in the country or have a big yard to have some chickens! Food writer and author, Signe Langford joins the show to tell you all you need to know about having backyard hens and the perks of always having fresh eggs.

The best way to keep your gals healthy and comfortable and tips on cooking the best eggs (and when fresh isn't always best.) Plus, the best type of eggs to buy at the grocery store.

And if you're looking to add some art to your home or want to invest - the Artist Project is a great place to meet budding artists and pick up some unique pieces.

Episode 130 - February 6, 2016

Chef Claudio Aprile (Origin restaurants) joins the show to talk about food, his favourite hidden gems, and the new season of MasterChef Canada.
Plus, a hint at his new restaurant....

Ladies who love beer, or just think they might kind of like beer - have a welcoming environment to enjoy and learn about local craft beer with bevies put on by the Society of Beer Drinking Ladies. Renee Navarro talks about starting the series of events with 4 other Toronto women, how you can attend an event, what's there, the brews you can try and what to expect. (Spoiler: a really good time, unique craft beer and new pals.)But men are not left out! Tune in to find out more!

Episode 129 - January 30, 2016

What food are you going to see more of that is actually full of nutrients?

BUGS! EAT BUGS!
Pay chats with Jarrod Goldin from Entomo Farms about farming edible insects, why they're good for you and why they're better for the environment. Plus, Pay tries the new desserts from Summerhill Market made with ground crickets and mealworms.

Want to buy fresh fruits and vegetables at a lower price than what's at the grocery store? Want to get your kids to learn about growing and preparing healthy food? Find out what programs and services FoodShare offers and how you can score healthy food at a discount.
And if you're looking for a way to support their programs AND have a tasty night out - consider buying a ticket to Recipes for Change on February 25th.

Episode 128 - January 23, 2016

What classic Canadian show did I get to be a part of this year?
Chef Tyler Shedden (Chase Hospitality Group, formerly of Cafe Boulud) gives us the lowdown on truffles (not the chocolate kind), including the  most expensive truffle sold, the difference between white and black and how people find these nuggets of gold in the ground.

Tim Caulfield (Canada Research Chair in Health Law and Policy, a Professor in the Faculty of Law and the School of Public Health at the University of Alberta and Research Director of the Health Law Institute at the University of Alberta) returns to the show to talk about all the things we're doing wrong when it comes to health and diet. What's the Tom Brady and Gisele Bundchen diet and does it really work? And if you think celebrities don't influence your health and eating habits...wrong. 

Tim shares the scientifically proven ways to be healthier (you may not like them, but they work.)

Episode 127 - January 16, 2016

It's the first show of 2016 as Pay recaps highlights of her family trip to Taiwan with her parents!

If you made it a goal to be healthier in 2016 - start with the food you eat. TV personality and holistic nutritionist Kim D'Eon joins the show with easy tips to incorporate healthy habits and the types of food you should eat. Plus, what are some of the top food trends of 2016 and what will you see more of this year? Pssst....what is the new kale?

And the most annoying type of plane passengers. What's yours?