Classical Guitarist Liona Boyd on Reinventing Herself

I grew up watching classical guitarist Liona Boyd’s television performances and being in awe of her talent and beauty. So when the opportunity to interview one of the finest guitar players in the world, I felt I already knew her. But of course, there was much to learn.

When Boyd first set out to create a career as a guitar player, she was met with many obstacles. In fact, she was told she would never make it as a woman in the guitar world, one that was a male-dominated industry.

Did she ever prove the naysayers wrong.

Over the course of her glamorous career, Boyd has performed for world leaders, and kings and queens. She has recorded 23 albums — many have gone “Gold” and “Platinum” — and has received numerous awards, including five Junos.

She has also worked with symphony orchestras such as The Boston Pops, and recorded with Sir Andrew Davis and the English Chamber Orchestra, Yo Yo Ma, Georges Zamfir and Michael Kamen. Breaking with classical tradition, she toured with Gordon Lightfoot and Tracy Chapman, and recorded with Chet Atkins, Eric Clapton, David Gilmore and Roger Whittaker.

In my interview with Boyd, we chat about her glamorous life and her latest album entitled Return to Canada With Love, an ambitious project that features guest performances by many celebrities such as Olivia Newton-John, Jann Arden, Dan Hill, Serena Ryder and even Chris Hadfield.

But at the heart of it, this is a story about reinvention.

Boyd was diagnosed with focal dystonia, a neurological condition that causes involuntary muscular contractions and abnormal postures. She was told she would never play guitar again. On that note, Boyd began the journey of reinventing herself.

“It was the biggest blessing in my life, says Boyd. “Sometimes you think it’s a tragedy when something bad happens to you. But I was able to turn it around, and open up a whole new chapter called singing and songwriting, which I would never have done.”

I invite you to watch my full interview with “The First Lady of the Guitar,” Liona Boyd, who speaks with passion about her success, love and how learning the art of singing and songwriting is changing her life.


Guests for Extraordinary Women TV airing on Rogers TV tonight: episode #23

Extraordinary Women TV with Shannon Skinner

 

 

 

Tonight’s guests on Extraordinary Women TV on Rogers TV: episode #23
Singer/songwriter Jully Black AND entertainment editor Gloria Martin

TORONTO, June 17, 2013 – Tune-in tonight for the 23rd episode of Extraordinary Women TV, when talk show host Shannon Skinner sits down to speak one-on-one with th Queen of R&B, singer/songwriter Jully Black; AND entertainment editor for 680 News and Rogers radio national, Gloria Martin. The show airs on Rogers TV Cable 10 & 63 in Toronto/Scarborough at 7:30 pm ET.

Extraordinary Women TV with Shannon Skinner is the first-of-its-kind web TV talk show that is an inspirational, relevant and informative resource for women who want to follow their hearts and dreams. In January 2013, the show began airing on Rogers TV Cable 10 & 63 in Toronto/Scarborough Monday nights at 7:30 pm ET, with repeats throughout the week.

Shannon’s guests are successful women from all walks of life – many high-profile — from Toronto and across Canada, from a range of industries, including: arts and entertainment, business, finance, charities, eco, media, experts – and more. Some notable guests include: singers/songwriters Suzie McNeil, Sarah Slean, Anna Cyzon and Amy Sky; news director/anchor, Kym Geddes; media personality/relationship expert Jen Kirsch; journalist/author Jan Wong; fashion designer and Canadian icon, Linda Lundstrom; businesswomen Rebecca MacDonald (Just Energy) and Kelsey Ramsden (Belvedere Place Development); actresses Sarena Parmar, Lisa Berry; Plan Canada’s Rosemary McCarney; former Chatelaine editor Rona Maynard; among many others.

More than 200 one-on-one, in-studio interviews have been conducted and archived since its inception in September 2010.

Rogers TV’s full scheduling information: click here.


Tonight’s guests on Extraordinary Women TV on Rogers TV

Extraordinary Women TV with Shannon Skinner

 

 

 

Up next on Extraordinary Women TV on Rogers TV
Disco Queen/filmmaker Claudja Barry, and artist Vivian Reiss

TORONTO, March 25, 2013 – Tonight on the next episode of Extraordinary Women TV, host Shannon Skinner sits down with special guests Disco Queen, Claudja Barry, best known for her hit song Boogie Woogie Dancin’ Shoes, who discusses her new film about Dance Hall Music; and the vivacious artist, Vivian Reiss, who talks about her wonderful art and the key to living joyfully. Tune-in to Rogers TV Cable 10 & 63 in Toronto/Scarborough tonight at 7:30pmET.

Extraordinary Women TV with Shannon Skinner is the first-of-its-kind web TV talk show that is an inspirational, relevant and informative resource for women who want to follow their hearts and dreams. In January 2013, the show also began airing on Rogers TV Cable 10 & 63 in Toronto/Scarborough Monday nights at 7:30pmET, with repeats throughout the week.

Shannon’s guests are successful women from all walks of life – many high-profile — from Toronto and across Canada, from a range of industries, including: arts and entertainment, business, finance, charities, eco, media, experts – and more. Some notable guests include: singers/songwriters Suzie McNeil, Sarah Slean and Amy Sky; news director/anchor, Kym Geddes; media personality/relationship expert Jen Kirsch; journalist/author Jan Wong; fashion designer and Canadian icon, Linda Lundstrom; businesswomen Rebecca MacDonald (Just Energy) and Kelsey Ramsden (Belvedere Place Development); actresses Sarena Parmar, Lisa Berry; Plan Canada’s Rosemary McCarney; former Chatelaine editor Rona Maynard; among many others.

More than 180 one-on-one interviews have been conducted and archived since its inception in September 2010.

Rogers TV’s full scheduling information: www.rogerstv.com/ExtraordinaryWomenTV

– 30 –

For information, contact:

Shannon Skinner
Producer/Host, Extraordinary Women TV
416-576-8809 (cell)
shannon@skinnerpublicity.com
www.ExtraordinaryWomenTV.com


Special guests appearing March 11 on Extraordinary Women TV on Rogers TV

Guest-line up for March 11 episode of Extraordinary Women TV on Rogers TV
Kym Geddes, news director, NewsTalk 1010; and Trey Anthony, actor/producer

TORONTO, March 11, 2013 – Tune-in to Rogers TV Cable 10 & 63 in Toronto/Scarborough tonight at 7:30pmET for another episode of Extraordinary Women TV when host Shannon Skinner speaks with special guests Kym Geddes, news director, NewsTalk 1010 radio in Toronto; and Trey Anthony, star/creator, ‘da Kink in My Hair.

Extraordinary Women TV with Shannon Skinner is the first-of-its-kind web TV talk show that is an inspirational, relevant and informative resource for women who want to follow their hearts and dreams. In January 2013, the show also began airing on Rogers TV Cable 10 & 63 in Toronto/Scarborough Monday nights at 7:30pmET, with repeats throughout the week.

Shannon’s guests are successful women from all walks of life – many high-profile — from Toronto and across Canada, from a range of industries, including: arts and entertainment, business, finance, charities, eco, media, experts – and more. Some notable guests include: singers/songwriters Suzie McNeil, Sarah Slean and Amy Sky; media personality/relationship expert Jen Kirsch; journalist/author Jan Wong; businesswomen Rebecca MacDonald (Just Energy) and Kelsey Ramsden (Belvedere Place Development); actresses Sarena Parmar, Lisa Berry; Plan Canada’s Rosemary McCarney; former Chatelaine editor Rona Maynard; among many others.

More than 180 one-on-one interviews have been conducted and archived since its inception in September 2010.

Rogers TV’s full scheduling information: www.rogerstv.com/ExtraordinaryWomenTV

– 30 –

For information, contact:

Shannon Skinner
Producer/Host, Extraordinary Women TV
416-576-8809 (cell)
shannon@skinnerpublicity.com
www.ExtraordinaryWomenTV.com


Guests for Feb. 11th on Extraordinary Women TV airing on Rogers TV

Extraordinary Women TV with Shannon Skinner

 

 

 

Tonight’s guests on Extraordinary Women TV airing  on Rogers TV
actress Lisa Berry and dancer/Extension Method founder, Jennifer Nichols

TORONTO, Feb. 11, 2013 – Tune-in to Rogers TV Cable 10 & 63 in Toronto/Scarborough tonight at 7:30pmET for the next episode of Extraordinary Women TV  when host Shannon Skinner speaks with Toronto-based actress, Lisa Berry, best known for her role on Combat Hospital, who talks about her success journey from makeup artist to actress on stage, in film and TV; and dancer/founder of the Extension Method, Jennifer Nichols

Extraordinary Women TV with Shannon Skinner is a first-of-its-kind web TV talk show that is an inspirational, relevant and informative resource for women who want to follow their hearts and dreams. The show now airs on Rogers TV Cable 10 & 63 in Toronto/Scarborough Monday nights at 7:30pmET, with repeats throughout the week.

Shannon’s guests are successful women from all walks of life – many high-profile — from Toronto and across Canada, from a range of industries, including: arts and entertainment, business, finance, charities, eco, media, experts – and more. Some notable guests include: singers/songwriters Suzie McNeil, Sarah Slean and Amy Sky; media personality/relationship expert Jen Kirsch; journalist/author Jan Wong; businesswomen Rebecca MacDonald (Just Energy) and Kelsey Ramsden (Belvedere Place Development); actresses Sarena Parmar, Lisa Berry; Plan Canada’s Rosemary McCarney; former Chatelaine editor Rona Maynard; among many others.

More than 170 one-on-one interviews have been conducted and archived since its inception in September 2010.

Rogers TV’s full scheduling information: www.rogerstv.com/ExtraordinaryWomenTV

– 30 –

For information, contact:

Shannon Skinner
Producer/Host, Extraordinary Women TV
416-576-8809 (cell)
shannon@skinnerpublicity.com
www.ExtraordinaryWomenTV.com


Extraordinary Women TV announces guests for episode two airing on Rogers TV

Extraordinary Women TV with Shannon Skinner

 

 

 

For Immediate Release

Extraordinary Women TV announces guests for episode two airing on Rogers TV
InteraXon’s Ariel Garten and stunt performer, Angelica Lisk-Hann

TORONTO, Jan. 13, 2013 – The special guest line-up for episode two of Extraordinary Women TV with Shannon Skinner , airing Jan. 14, 2013 at 7:30 p.m. ET on Rogers TV Cable 10 & 63 in Toronto/Scarborough are: Ariel Garten, CEO/Co-Founder, InteraXon, a Toronto-based technology company that develops thought-controlled computing – powered by brainwaves; and one of Canada’s top female stunt performers, Angelica Lisk-Hann, whose credits include Jumper, Kojack, Sacrifice and Total Recall.

“Both of these guests share some intriguing highlights about their fascinating careers that will give viewers insight into how to overcome self-doubt and fear in order to pursue what you desire,” says Shannon Skinner, producer and host, Extraordinary Women TV. “So tune in and get inspired!”

Extraordinary Women TV with Shannon Skinner is a first-of-its-kind web TV talk show that is an inspirational, relevant and informative resource for women who want to follow their hearts and dreams. The show is broadcast on Rogers TV Cable 10 & 63 in Toronto/Scarborough on Mondays at 7:30 p.m. ET.

Shannon’s guests are women – many high-profile — from a range of industries, including: arts and entertainment, business, finance, charities, eco, media, experts – and more. Some notable guests include: singers/songwriters Suzie McNeil, Sarah Slean, Serina Martin and Amy Sky; media personality/relationship expert Jen Kirsch; journalist/author Jan Wong; businesswomen Rebecca MacDonald and Kelsey Ramsden; game inventor Laura Robinson; actresses Sarena Parmar, Lisa Berry; Plan Canada’s Rosemary McCarney; former Chatelaine editor Rona Maynard; among many others.

More than 170 one-on-one interviews with successful women from all walks of life, from Toronto and across Canada, have been conducted and archived since its inception in September 2010.

Rogers TV’s full scheduling information: www.rogerstv.com/ExtraordinaryWomenTV

– 30 –

For information, contact:

Shannon Skinner
Producer/Host, Extraordinary Women TV
416-576-8809 (cell)
shannon@skinnerpublicity.com
www.ExtraordinaryWomenTV.com


Extraordinary Women TV hits Toronto airwaves on Rogers TV

Extraordinary Women TV with Shannon Skinner

 

 

For Immediate Release

Shannon Skinner’s Extraordinary Women TV hits Toronto airwaves on Rogers TV
getting to the heart of Toronto’s extraordinary women

TORONTO, Dec. 19, 2012 — Beginning January 7, 2013 at 7:30 pm ET, Shannon Skinner’s Extraordinary Women TVa unique web TV talk show on success, achievement and making a difference will air on Rogers TV cable 10/63 in Toronto/Scarborough.

“The purpose of the show is to inspire women to follow their hearts and I do that by profiling women who are already doing it,” says Shannon Skinner, producer, creator and host, Extraordinary Women TV. “I am grateful to be a part of Rogers TV’s platform because it provides the opportunity to reach many Toronto women with these inspiring and often life-transforming stories to encourage them to take action on their heart desires.”

Shannon’s guests are successful women – many high-profile — from all walks of life, from Toronto and across Canada. Some notable guests include: singers/songwriters Suzie McNeil, Sarah Slean, Selina Martin and Amy Sky; media personality/relationship expert, Jen Kirsch; journalist/author Jan Wong; businesswomen Rebecca MacDonald and Kelsey Ramsden; game inventor Laura Robinson; actresses Sarena Parmar, Lisa Berry; Plan Canada’s Rosemary McCarney; former Chatelaine editor Rona Maynard; among many others.

Extraordinary Women TV with Shannon Skinner is a first-of-its-kind talk show that is an inspirational, relevant and informative resource for women who want to follow their hearts and dreams. More than 170 one-on-one interviews have been conducted and archived since its inception in September 2010.

For full scheduling information, visit: www.rogerstv.com/ExtraordinaryWomenTV

– 30 –

For information, contact:

Shannon Skinner
Producer/Host, Extraordinary Women TV
416-576-8809 (cell)
shannon@skinnerpublicity.com
www.ExtraordinaryWomenTV.com


INTERVIEW: Suzie McNeil interview with Shannon Skinner (VIDEO)

She is talented, gorgeous, stylish — and powerful.

The moment Canadian pop rock star, Suzie McNeil, walked into the studio for my interview with her on my web TV show, Extraordinary Women TV with Shannon Skinner, a brilliant smile — and a breezy “Hi everyone!” — lit up the room. This burst of friendliness gave me insight into the woman whose music touches many hearts.

Suzie McNeil interview with Shannon Skinner on Extraordinary Women TV

What makes Suzie so unique and appealing is her magnetic presence — the energy that comes from the core of her being. It is so irresistible that I was naturally drawn-in to discover more about her. I found out that she is her own stylist, having picked up trade secrets over the years. I also learned she was saddened by the sudden death of her keyboardist. There is a warmth about her that is truly inviting. In a way, I felt like I was catching-up with an old friend.

As an award-winning artist of so many popular songs such as SuperGirl and Merry Go Round, Suzie came into my awareness in a significant way during the 2010 Winter Olympics. She so beautifully — and powerfully — performed the uplifting song, Believe, during the Closing Ceremonies. Her Olympic-inspired Believe video, which was created to encourage our athletes to do their best, was so moving. I can relate to the song’s lyrics — they are simple, yet profound:

“If you just believe
You can move mountains with dreams
The higher you climb
The better it gets
Cause you will see things
You’ll never forget
If you just believe”

That’s when I made a wish: “One day, I would love to interview Suzie McNeil. I just have to believe that I will.”

And so, I did.

Suzie McNeil interview with Shannon Skinner on ExtraordinaryWomenTV.com

In my in-depth, one-on-one interview with Suzie McNeil on Extraordinary Women TV with Shannon Skinner, I uncover what inspires Suzie’s heart — the heart of an extraordinary and gifted artist whose music has touched the hearts of people all over the world.

I asked her about the inspiration behind her latest CD, Dear Love.

I asked her if there was ever a time when she did not believe in herself.

I also asked her what is the secret of her success.

She generously and graciously shared that information with me. And for that, I am grateful.

After my interview with Suzie, my mother, who is the biggest fan of my show (probably because she is my mother) — and also my greatest champion whenever I experience self-doubt — sent me a text:

“Like Suzie says, you really need to believe in what you set out to do, and just keep doing it!”

I think that is a message for anyone — and everyone.

If you have a dream in your heart, and are looking for inspiration and courage to make it come alive, I invite you to watch my interview with the extraordinary, Suzie McNeil (click on link below):

INTERVIEW: Suzie McNeil interview with Shannon Skinner (VIDEO)

Cross-posted at Huffington Post Canada.

* photo of Suzie courtesy of Hype Music

copyright© Shannon Skinner 2012

 


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2 weeks ago

Shannon Skinner
I am hosting a tour of India for extraordinary women, in partnership with Sunspots Holidays, this September 2024.Join me as we explore India's stunning architecture, such as the renowned Taj Mahal, royal palaces and ancient forts. Discover Indian culinary delights, cultural places, authentic textiles and learn about everyday way of life of Indians, including yoga, through a female lens.We will explore 5 cities, as well as India's breathtaking desert region, Rajasthan. As well, we are now offering an *optional* tour extension of Varanasi, one of the oldest cities in the world and the spiritual capital of India, after the completion of our main tour, adding a 6th city to our itinerary.I am excited to share with you the India I fell in love with. Join me!🔸women's tour🔸Sept. 16-27, 2024🔸12 days/11 nights - 5 cities🔸Delhi-Agra-Jaipur-Jodphur-Udaipur🔸Optional Varanasi tour extension post-tour (2 days/1 night)🔸small group Presented by: Extraordinary Women TV. Book this exclusive offer now.For details, visit: ShannonSkinner.com.Contact: info@shannonskinner.com. *Tour can only be purchased with Sunspots Holidays (TICO registration 1030981).#shannonskinner #extraordinarywomentv #travel #india #toursforwomen #shannontravels ... See MoreSee Less
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3 weeks ago

Shannon Skinner
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3 weeks ago

Shannon Skinner
I recently had the opportunity to speak at a travel industry event, “Evolving Tourism Landscape in India,” hosted by the India High Commissioner in Ottawa and India's Consul General in Toronto.I spoke about my northeast India travels and why a Bengal Tiger is calling me back.Photo: Indo Canada Chamber of Commerce (thank you) ... See MoreSee Less
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4 weeks ago

Shannon Skinner
India is one of the most fascinating destinations in the world. Take it from me, a travel writer.This September, I am hosting a guided tour of India for extraordinary women, in partnership with Sunspots Holidays. Join me as we explore India's stunning architecture, such as the renowned Taj Mahal, royal palaces and ancient forts. Discover Indian culinary delights, cultural places, authentic textiles and learn about everyday way of life of Indians, including yoga, through a female lens.We will explore 5 cities, as well as India's breathtaking desert region, Rajasthan.I am excited to share with you the India I fell in love with. Join me!🔸women's tour🔸Sept. 16-27, 2024🔸12 days/11 nights - 5 cities🔸Delhi-Agra-Jaipur-Jodphur-Udaipur🔸small group Presented by: Extraordinary Women TV. Book this exclusive offer now.For details, visit: ShannonSkinner.com.Contact: info@shannonskinner.com. *Tour can only be purchased with Sunspots Holidays (TICO registration 1030981).#shannonskinner #extraordinarywomentv #travel #india #toursforwomen #shannontravels ... See MoreSee Less
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