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.
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.
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:
Tune-in tonight for Extraordinary Women TV on Rogers TV: episode 17
Tonight on Extraordinary Women TV on Rogers TV: episode #17
special guests: recording artist Anna Cyzon; PLUS Toronto icon and hairstylist, Mary Tripi
TORONTO, May 6, 2013 – On tonight’s episode of Extraordinary Women TV, host Shannon Skinner speaks with Canadian recording artist, Anna Cyzon about her latest EP release, inspiration behind her music and her career as a host of eTalk and MTV; PLUS Toronto icon and hairstylist, Mary Tripi, owner of The Private World of Mary Tripi salon, who talks about beauty and the importance of taking care of ourselves, and why, at 73 years of age, she is opening a new salon. Tune-in to Rogers TV Cable 10 & 63 in Toronto/Scarborough tonight for this 17th episode 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 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.
Extraordinary Women TV’s upcoming guests for episode three on Rogers TV
For Immediate Release
Extraordinary Women TV’s upcoming guests for episode three on Rogers TV
Canadian rock star Suzie McNeil and Dana Florence, co-founder, Three to Be
TORONTO, Jan. 18, 2013 – The special guest line-up for episode three of Extraordinary Women TV with Shannon Skinner airing on Monday, Jan. 21, 2013 at 7:30 pm ET on Rogers TV Cable 10 & 63 in Toronto/Scarborough are: Canadian singer/songwriter, Suzie McNeil, best known for her popular single Believe, who discusses the inspiration behind her music and why believing in oneself is key to success. Plus, Dana Florence, co-founder, Three To Be, a Toronto-based organization dedicated to helping children and others living with neurological disorders that she created when her own triplets – all three — were born with cerebral palsy.
“These two guests have different background and stories, yet they both share something in common, which is the desire to express what is in their hearts and help others in their own unique ways,” says Shannon Skinner, producer and host, Extraordinary Women TV. ‘Whether you have a dream of being a famous rock star or making a difference in the lives of those who need it the most — disadvantaged children — there is something to learn from these guests.”
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.
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 Sarah Slean, Selina Martin and Amy Sky; media personality/relationship expert Jen Kirsch; journalist/author Jan Wong; businesswomen Rebecca MacDonald (Just Energy) and Kelsey Ramsden (Belvedere Place Development); 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
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For information, contact:
Shannon Skinner
Producer/Host, Extraordinary Women TV
416-576-8809 (cell)
shannon@skinnerpublicity.com
www.ExtraordinaryWomenTV.com
The gift of courage
Courage is the ability to do something scary. It requires bravery to start a business, ask for a job promotion, travel the world solo, direct a film, rock climb, or make a lifestyle change. It takes courage to pen a memoir, and to share your dreams and innermost fears with the people around you.
It also takes courage to follow your heart.
On my web TV talk show, Extraordinary Women TV with Shannon Skinner, I have had the privilege of interviewing many successful women and unearthing what inspires their hearts, as well as the core of their bravery. These are women from all walks of life who boldly take inspired action, do something beyond the ordinary and, in their own ways, make a difference in the lives of others.
All of these women have a gift to share as a result of their courage. Here are a few of them:
Author Jan Wong is renowned for being one of Canada’s toughest and most courageous journalists. After experiencing workplace depression while working for The Globe and Mail newspaper, she did something extraordinarily brave: she penned her personal story about her depression in the memoir, Out of the Blue: A Memoir of Workplace Depression, Recovery, Redemption and, Yes, Happiness. Today, Wong’s gift is helping raise awareness about depression and the workplace by sharing her journey.
When Marilyn Field worked as a teacher, she discovered that a student’s character could be developed by applying the arts. This put her on an inspired mission. She found the courage within herself to create the not-for-profit organization, DAREarts, which aims to help children at risk develop self-confidence and motivation through the arts, so they can have bright futures. In 2003, as a result of her service, she was awarded the prestigious Canadian Meritorious Service Medal by the Governor General. Today, the lives of many kids – the future generation of Canadians – have been touched, thanks to Field.
In 2008, at the tender age of 24, motivational speaker, Shellyann Siddoo, lost her eyesight and use of both hands, and had much of her body burned, in a laboratory accident. Before the accident, she dreamed of being a neurologist. Today, she has a greater vision: spreading an inspired message of hope and love to people around the world. She now sees the world not through her physical eyes, but rather through her heart. Remarkably, she paints canvases by using her knuckles and visualization from her inner world. As a result of Siddoo’s courage, we now have her gift of “in-sight.”
Singer/songwriter and producer, Amy Sky, is making the kind of music that is in her heart to create. She took a risk to make the music she wants, despite once having been at odds with what the industry wants, and has proven that Canadian recording artists can do it and be successful. Now we have the gift of her beautiful music, such as Phenomenal Woman, her musical interpretation of Maya Angelou’s poem, and her latest song, A Mother’s Love from her recently-released CD, Alive & Awake.
All of these women are brave because they took action. They had a dream or desire in their hearts, and they pushed past fear, got over the hurdles and made it happen. If they did not have courage, we would not have their gifts. I invite you to find out more about them and get inspired at www.ExtraordinaryWomenTV.com.
Note: cross-posted at HuffingtonPost.ca.
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.
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.
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
