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.
Special guests on tonight’s episode nine of Extraordinary Women TV on Rogers TV
NEWS RELEASE:
Special guests on episode nine of Extraordinary Women TV on Rogers TV
TV personality Debbie Travis, PLUS actor/entrepreneur, Melissa-Jane Shaw
TORONTO, Nov. 11, 2013 – Tune-in tonight for episode nine of season two’s Extraordinary Women TV, when host Shannon Skinner speaks with one of Canada’s most successful women, TV personality and designer, Debbie Travis, about her career start, success and challenges (part one of a two-part interview). PLUS, Melissa-Jane Shaw, actor (Hard Rock Medical) and founder, Seventh Stage Productions, about her unique company that is dedicated to helping women tell women’s stories. The show airs at 7pm ET on Rogers TV Cable 10 & 63 in Toronto/Scarborough.
The hit television series began as the first-of-its-kind web TV talk show for women in Canada, and has grown into an inspirational, relevant and informative resource for women who want to follow their hearts and dreams, and live extraordinary lives. In January 2013, the show began airing on Rogers TV in Toronto/Scarborough. This past summer, the show was also picked up on Rogers TV Mississauga and Richmond Hill.
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 past notable guests include: singers Jully Black, Sarah Slean and Suzie McNeil; entertainment editor at 680 News, Gloria Martin; dean of law faculty at the U of T, Mayo Moran; fashion designer and Canadian icon, Linda Lundstrom; president/CEO, ROM, Janet Carding; Rebecca MacDonald, founder, Just Energy; actress Sarena Parmar; Plan Canada’s president/CEO, Rosemary McCarney; beauty expert, Cheryl Gushue; among many others.
More than 230 one-on-one, in-studio interviews have been archived since its inception in September 2010. Extraordinary Women TV is produced and owned by Shannon Skinner and Comfy Chair Productions Inc., and is filmed in Toronto.
Rogers TV Toronto’s full scheduling information: click here.
Tonight’s guests on episode 7 on Extraordinary Women TV on Rogers TV
NEWS RELEASE:
Tune-in tonight for episode seven of Extraordinary Women TV on Rogers TV
Special guests soprano Simone Osborne & burlesque/women sexuality historian Kaitlyn Regehr
TORONTO, Oct. 28, 2013 – Tune-in tonight for episode seven of season two’s Extraordinary Women TV, when host Shannon Skinner sits down to chat with soprano Simone Osborne, a rising star with the Canadian Opera Company; and Kaitlyn Regehr, burlesque/women’s sexuality historian, who talks about women and body image, and her upcoming film about the iconic U.S. “queen of burlesque,” Tempest Storm. The show airs at 7:00pm ET on Rogers TV Cable 10 & 63 in Toronto/Scarborough.
The hit television series began as the first-of-its-kind web TV talk show for women in Canada, and has grown into an inspirational, relevant and informative resource for women who want to follow their hearts and dreams, and live extraordinary lives. In January 2013, the show began airing on Rogers TV in Toronto/Scarborough. This past summer, the show was also picked up on Rogers TV Mississauga and Richmond Hill.
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. The show’s second season will also include insightful interviews with one of Canada’s most successful women, TV personality and designer, Debbie Travis; and many more.
Some past notable guests include: singers Jully Black, Sarah Slean and Suzie McNeil; entertainment editor at 680 News, Gloria Martin; dean of law faculty at the U of T, Mayo Moran; fashion designer and Canadian icon, Linda Lundstrom; president/CEO, ROM, Janet Carding; Rebecca MacDonald, founder, Just Energy; actress Sarena Parmar; Plan Canada’s president/CEO, Rosemary McCarney; beauty expert, Cheryl Gushue; among many others.
More than 230 one-on-one, in-studio interviews have been archived since its inception in September 2010. Extraordinary Women TV is produced and owned by Shannon Skinner and Comfy Chair Productions Inc., and is filmed in Toronto.
Rogers TV Toronto’s full scheduling information: click here.
– 30 –
Media contact:
Shannon Skinner
416-576-8809
www.ExtraordinaryWomenTV.com
http://www.ShannonSkinner.com
shannon@skinnerpublicity.com
Dr. Vivien Brown & Tanya Chernova special guests tonight on Extraordinary Women TV
Dr. Vivien Brown, Tanya Chernova tonight’s guests on Extraordinary Women TV
airs on Rogers TV Toronto, episode two
TORONTO, Sept. 23, 2013 – Tune-in tonight for the second episode of season two’s Extraordinary Women TV, when host Shannon Skinner speaks with special guests Dr. Vivien Brown, Toronto-based physician and Vice President, MEDISYS Health Group, about the key to women’s health. Plus, Tanya Chernova, author and co-founder, Courageous Living, who discusses how we self-sabotage and ways to prevent it. The show airs at 7:00pm ET on Rogers TV Cable 10 & 63 in Toronto/Scarborough, with repeats throughout the week.
The hit television series began as the first-of-its-kind web TV talk show in Canada, and has grown into an inspirational, relevant and informative resource for women who want to follow their hearts and dreams, and live extraordinary lives. In January 2013, the show began airing on Rogers TV in Toronto/Scarborough. This past summer, the show was also picked up on Rogers TV Mississauga and Richmond Hill.
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. The show’s second season will include insightful interviews with one of Canada’s most successful women, TV personality and designer, Debbie Travis; as well as Joelle Adler, CEO of Diesel Canada and founder of the organization, OneXOne; to name a few.
Some past notable guests include: singers Jully Black, Sarah Slean and Suzie McNeil; entertainment editor at 680 News, Gloria Martin; dean of law faculty, U of T, Mayo Moran; fashion designer and Canadian icon, Linda Lundstrom; president/CEO, ROM, Janet Carding; Rebecca MacDonald, founder, Just Energy; actress Sarena Parmar; Plan Canada’s president/CEO, Rosemary McCarney; beauty expert, Cheryl Gushue; among many others.
More than 230 one-on-one, in-studio interviews have been archived since its inception in September 2010. The show is produced and owned by Shannon Skinner and Comfy Chair Productions Inc., and is filmed in Toronto.
Rogers TV Toronto’s full scheduling information: click here.
– 30 –
Media contact:
Shannon Skinner
416-576-8809
www.ExtraordinaryWomenTV.com
http://www.ShannonSkinner.com
shannon@skinnerpublicity.com
Jully Black, Queen of R&B, shares her success secret [VIDEO]
Jully Black, fondly known as Canada’s “Queen of R&B,” is a magnetic artist whose abundant energy is seemingly superhuman, and has a list of accomplishments as long as your arm. In fact, CBC named her one of Canada’s 25 greatest singers ever. An honour, indeed.
Creatively influenced by Etta James and Tina Turner, Black has that rare talent and ability to powerfully rock a venue filled with thousands of fans. And yet, sit down with her one-on-one, as I recently had the privilege of doing for my show, Extraordinary Women TV, you will find a humble soul who, in a quiet place at the core of her being, is committed to following her heart and making a difference in the lives of others.
In my interview with Black, I asked her what her key to success is. Her answer is not only reflective of a deeply spiritual woman who is striving to live her life’s purpose, it is a lesson for us all:
“Believe in yourself and in a higher power,” says Black. “When you’re feeling doubtful and wonder if this dream, goal, purpose in life will ever be fulfilled — stop, take a moment and believe you are called to do what you love to do.”
I invite you to watch my interview with the Queen of R&B, Jully Black, where you will discover what drives this highly accomplished artist, her influences, and why empowering women and girls is near and dear to her heart (watch below):
Extraordinary Women TV with Shannon Skinner airs Mondays at 7pm ET on Rogers TV Cable 10 & 63 in Toronto/Scarborough. View it online at ExtraordinaryWomenTV.com.
Shannon Skinner’s Extraordinary Women TV now airs on Rogers TV Mississauga, Richmond Hill
Extraordinary Women TV now airs on Rogers TV Mississauga, Richmond Hill
TORONTO, July 8, 2013 – Starting today, Rogers TV viewers in the Ontario communities of Mississauga and Richmond Hill (York Region) can now view Extraordinary Women TV with Shannon Skinner, a talk show for women about success, achievement and making a difference. The show continues to air weekly on Rogers TV Cable 10 & 63 in Toronto/Scarborough at 7:30 pm ET.
Extraordinary Women TV with Shannon Skinner got its start as 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 for Toronto: click here. Rogers TV Mississauga: click here. Rogers TV Richmond Hill (York Region), click here.
Guests for Extraordinary Women TV airing on Rogers TV tonight: episode #23
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.
Six reasons why I’m grateful for my dad
Every year, my birthday falls on or around Father’s Day. This makes the occasion that much more special to me. And this year’s celebration has me reflecting more than ever about life with my dad.
Here are 6 reasons why I am grateful for my dad:
1. My Laugh: People often comment about my laugh. I have heard it described as distinctive and infectious, which really means my laugh makes others laugh. This is something my genes have inherited from my dad. It’s my dad’s laugh.
Pirate Dad on family vacation in Florida '06
2. Survival Skills to Take on the World: My dad never coddled or over-protected me from the harsh realities of the world to the point of wrapping me in a cocoon; that was my mom’s role. Instead, my father, armed with his Scottish “suck it up attitude,” gave me a kick in the butt when I needed it most. He taught me to think and use my head (even when I didn’t listen), and make decisions from a cerebral place when it was called for. Not that this always worked, mind you, but I did get some street smarts that have enabled me to make important life decisions, such as buying a home as a single woman and kept me safe when traveling the world solo as a woman.
3. Greatest Challenger: Typical of anyone with an artistic side, I’m filled with creative ideas. When I was younger, I would often share my ideas with great excitement and enthusiasm at the dinner table, which was usually the only time I was able to get the attention of my father, who worked hard and long hours. Until I got wiser, that is. Because more often than not, my ideas would be met with a wet blanket. While I naturally wasn’t thrilled to have the kibosh put on my ideas, I now see that it likely prevented me from making big mistakes.
4. My Start in Broadcast: Having been born and raised in a family of broadcasters, I spent a lot of my childhood in and around television and news production. I was always in awe of the magic before my eyes and truly there was no other place I would have rather been than in our family’s television station. Today, I work in the broadcast field as a talk show host and producer. So instead of just watching the magic before my eyes, I now create it with my talk show Extraordinary Women TV, which I managed to launch and produce with the generous support of my father (an idea that DIDN’T get the wet blanket!).
5. Our Family Rock: My dad is the rock that keeps our family solid and grounded, and is the proverbial pillar of strength. While women are typically the ones who bind the family together with their focus on nurturing and relationship, which my mother does so well, it is my father who has that quiet strength and courage that gives us a sense of stability and security.
6. Value on Education: I have a high value on higher learning and I can thank my father for that. But I didn’t always. My value of learning has taken me to some of the most interesting places around the world, studying with some of the brightest minds, and also gave me an opportunity to attend the prestigious Oxford University. Through it all, I believe the best thing we can do for ourselves in life is to get educated, in whatever form that may be, whether it is college or world travel. Because education leads to empowerment.
Happy Father’s Day, dad! Thank you for all that you have done for me over the years. I feel blessed to have you as my father.
To my readers: what makes YOU grateful for your dad?
Shannon’s guest-line up tonight on Extraordinary Women TV on Rogers TV
Tonight’s guests on Extraordinary Women TV on Rogers TV: episode #21
Beauty expert Cheryl Gushue AND PR expert Shauna Ireland
TORONTO, June 3, 2013 – Tonight on the 21th episode of Extraordinary Women TV, host Shannon Skinner sat down to speak with one of Canada’s leading beauty and fashion experts, Cheryl Gushue, about beauty and her line of jewelry and swimwear; PLUS PR expert, Shauna Ireland, whose business philosophy is to “align and shine” – and talks about why collaboration vs competition is key. 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.
My interview with Sarah Slean (VIDEO)
Over the course of her 15-year career, Sarah Slean has made nine albums, starred in two short films and a movie musical, published two volumes of poetry, held exhibitions of her paintings, written two string quartets, and shared the stage with five of the country’s leading orchestras. She has been nominated for three Junos, two Geminis, and her records have been released in more than 10 countries worldwide.
In my in-depth interview with “The Baroness,” she spoke about the inspiration behind her latest album, Land & Sea, her amazing art and deeply philosophical poetry. She talks about how a personal crisis in her 20’s changed the course of her path, and the influence of author and mythologist, Joseph Campbell, in her life.
What is the key to her success? Given Campbell’s influence, the answer is no surprise: “Follow your bliss,” says Slean.
I invite you to watch my interview with the multi-talented singer, poet and artist, Sarah Slean:
