The Q Interview is a new podcast series from the award-winning CBC show Q. It drops weekly on Friday mornings, starting Sept. 3. (CBC)
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Tom Power is in the unique position of chatting with some of the most fascinating artists and creators of our time. Now, the award-winning host of CBC Radio's Qis spotlighting some of the show's big conversations with a new podcast series, The Q Interview, launching Friday, Sept. 3.
The podcast takes an intimate look at Power's long-form interviews, including reflective commentary and extra content that doesn't make it to air on the broadcast. Some guests will be featured on The Q Interview before they appear on the radio show.
"In the past couple of years of the show, we've been fortunate enough to sit down with some really remarkable folks for 30 to 40 minutes or even more," said Power. "I'm really delighted that people will be able to hear a little more of our conversations through this podcast — also that my 15-year-old nephew will now believe me when I say I have a show."
This season of The Q Interview features conversations with artists such as Simu Liu, St. Vincent, Jerry Seinfeld, Alanis Obomsawin, Wynton Marsalis, Barbra Streisand, Seth Rogen, Denis Villeneuve, The Tragically Hip and more. Each episode will spotlight a single guest, with three episodes being released on launch day.
Listen to the trailer
The Q Interview0:31Introducing: The Q Interview
A new podcast series from the award-winning CBC show Q. Join host Tom Power for an intimate look at big conversations with some of the most inspiring artists and creators of our time. The Q Interview features some guests before they appear on the radio show, along with reflective commentary and extra content that doesn't make it to air. This season you’ll hear about the joke that got Jerry Seinfeld his first big laugh onstage, how Simu Liu landed his role as a Marvel superhero, and why Barbra Streisand has never let anyone tell her what she can or can’t sing… plus much, much more. It’s The Q Interview. Follow and subscribe now!
Available episodes
Find The Q Interview on CBC Listen and your preferred podcast app, or bookmark this page for streaming audio. It will be updated weekly as new episodes drop.
Episode 21: Billy Porter
Billy Porter's Unprotected is the life story of a singular artist and survivor in his own words. (Shavonne Wong)
Billy Porter is a Broadway legend, a red carpet superstar and an LGBTQ+ icon. In his new memoir, Unprotected, he writes about growing up Black and gay, which meant he was often afraid for his life. Porter joined Tom Power to talk about his life's story — including how playing the character Pray Tell on the TV show Pose allowed him to confront the traumatic parts in his life.
30:47Episode 21: Billy Porter
Billy Porter is a Broadway legend, a red carpet superstar and an LGBTQ+ icon. In his new memoir, Unprotected, he writes about growing up Black and gay, which meant he was often afraid for his life. Porter joined Tom Power to talk about his life’s story — including how playing the character Pray Tell on the TV show Pose allowed him to confront the traumatic parts in his life.
Episode 20: Bret Hart
Bret Hart is an inductee in the 2021 Canada’s Walk of Fame. (WWE)
Bret "the Hitman" Hart is a hero to generations of Canadian wrestling fans. Now, the five-time WWE Heavyweight Champion is honoured on Canada's Walk of Fame. He joined Tom Power to tell us what it was like growing up in a wrestling dynasty, why storytelling is so important to his work and how he managed to last for decades in the physically grueling world of wrestling. Watch the full interview here.
41:33Episode 20: Bret Hart
Bret “the Hitman” Hart is a hero to generations of Canadian wrestling fans. Now, the five-time WWE Heavyweight Champion is honoured on Canada’s Walk of Fame. He joined Tom Power to tell us what it was like growing up in a wrestling dynasty, why storytelling is so important to his work and how he managed to last for decades in the physically grueling world of wrestling.
Episode 19: Robert Plant and Alison Krauss
Robert Plant and Alison Krauss spoke with Tom Power about their latest album, Raise the Roof, and why they felt now was the time for a musical reunion. (David McClister)
Fourteen years after the release of their Grammy-winning album Raising Sand, Led Zeppelin's Robert Plant and bluegrass singer Alison Krauss have reunited on a new album, titled Raise the Roof. The unlikely duo spoke with Tom Power about the record and what it's taught them about themselves and each other.
40:55Episode 19: Robert Plant and Alison Krauss
Fourteen years after the release of their Grammy-winning album Raising Sand, Led Zeppelin's Robert Plant and bluegrass singer Alison Krauss have reunited on a new album, titled Raise the Roof. The unlikely duo spoke with Tom Power about the record and what it's taught them about themselves and each other.
Episode 18: Ringo Starr
Beatles drummer Ringo Starr spoke with Tom Power about his new EP, Zoom In, which is out now. (Scott Robert Ritchie)
When the pandemic derailed Ringo Starr's plans for a tour, he decided to record new music in his home studio instead of taking a break. His latest EP, Zoom In, holds multiple meanings in the age of COVID-19, but it's ultimately about gaining a new perspective, staying connected and finding joy. The legendary Beatles drummer joined Tom Power for a wide-ranging conversation about the EP, his love of Zoom and the important role friendship has played in his long career. Watch the full interview here.
24:07Episode 18: Ringo Starr
When the pandemic derailed Ringo Starr's plans for a tour, he decided to record new music in his home studio instead of taking a break. His latest EP, Zoom In, holds multiple meanings in the age of COVID-19, but it's ultimately about gaining a new perspective, staying connected and finding joy. The legendary Beatles drummer joined Tom Power for a wide-ranging conversation about the EP, his love of Zoom and the important role friendship has played in his long career.
Episode 17: Alanis Morissette
'Anger is such a powerful, beautiful emotion that can move worlds,' said Morissette. (Shelby Duncan)
In 2020, Alanis Morissette celebrated the 25th anniversary of her massive hit record Jagged Little Pill. The Canadian superstar joined Tom Power to reflect on her evolution from her 21-year-old self to the mother of three she is today. She also discussed how her changing approach to writing about topics like anger and abuse can be heard on her first new album in eight years, Such Pretty Forks in the Road. Watch the full interview here.
38:04Episode 17: Alanis Morissette
In 2020, Alanis Morissette celebrated the 25th anniversary of her massive hit record Jagged Little Pill. The Canadian superstar joined Tom Power to reflect on her evolution from her 21-year-old self to the mother of three she is today. She also discussed how her changing approach to writing about topics like anger and abuse can be heard on her first new album in eight years, Such Pretty Forks in the Road.
Episode 16: Adele
Adele sat down with Tom Power in Los Angeles to discuss her long-awaited album, 30, which is out now. (CBC)
Adele joined Tom Power for a Canadian exclusive interview about her personal new album, 30, and how it helped her through one of the most turbulent periods of her life. In this wide-ranging conversation, the British singer-songwriter also opened up about her struggle with fame, parenthood and her close friendship with Drake. Watch the full interview here.
Episode 15: Emily Ratajkowski
Emily Ratajkowski's new collection of essays, My Body, is out now. (Katherine Mendenhall)
Emily Ratajkowski is famous in part because she's beautiful — and she's the first to admit that. The model and actor has made a successful career off of her looks, but she's also had to contend with losing ownership and control of her image. Ratajkowski spoke with Tom Power about her first book of essays, My Body, which examines feminism, artistry and the commodification of sexuality. Watch the full interview here.
25:42Episode 15: Emily Ratajkowski
Emily Ratajkowski is famous in part because she's beautiful — and she's the first to admit that. The model and actor has made a successful career off of her looks, but she’s also had to contend with losing ownership and control of her image. Ratajkowski spoke with Tom Power about her first book of essays, My Body, which examines feminism, artistry and the commodification of sexuality.
Episode 14: Eddie Izzard
Comedian Eddie Izzard sat down with Tom Power in the Q studio in Toronto. (Christy Kim/CBC)
Eddie Izzard has got to be one of the bravest comedians out there. Her new stand-up show, Wunderbar, is everyone else's worst nightmare: performing live on stage in her second, third and fourth languages. Izzard sat down with Tom Power to tell us how she does it, and why her goal is to connect with as many people as possible at a time when we seem to be drifting apart. Watch the full interview here.
32:59Episode 14: Eddie Izzard
Eddie Izzard has got to be one of the bravest comedians out there. Her new stand-up show, Wunderbar, is everyone else’s worst nightmare: performing live on stage in her second, third and fourth languages. Izzard sat down with Tom Power to tell us how she does it, and why her goal is to connect with as many people as possible at a time when we seem to be drifting apart.
Episode 13: Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran's new album is called Equals. It's the latest in the singer-songwriter's symbol series, following up 2017's Divide. (Dan Martensen)
Ed Sheeran's musical success is measured in billions of streams, but he says that kind of fame can mess with your head — and your songwriting. The singer joined Tom Power to tell us how he shook off that baggage when he sat down to write his latest album, Equals. Watch the full interview here.
22:39Episode 13: Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran’s musical success is measured in billions of streams, but he says that kind of fame can mess with your head — and your songwriting. The singer joined Tom Power to tell us how he shook off that baggage when he sat down to write his latest album, Equals.
Episode 12: Alice Cooper
'The only place you can do a really good hard rock record is Detroit,' Alice Cooper told Tom Power. 'That's the home of hard rock.' (Jenny Risher)
Alice Cooper says when a hard rock band plays in Detroit, audiences expect a show that will "knock their faces off." The singer's love of Detroit — especially the hard rock scene of the '60s and '70s — is at the core of his latest album, Detroit Stories. In his conversation with Tom Power, Cooper transports us back to that time and place with stories about hanging out with Iggy Pop, The Who and one of his "best buddies," Jimi Hendrix.
31:21Episode 12: Alice Cooper
Alice Cooper says when a hard rock band plays in Detroit, audiences expect a show that will “knock their faces off.” The singer’s love of Detroit — especially the hard rock scene of the ‘60s and ‘70s — is at the core of his latest album, Detroit Stories. In his conversation with Tom Power, Cooper transports us back to that time and place with stories about hanging out with Iggy Pop, The Who and one of his “best buddies,” Jimi Hendrix.
Episode 11: Michael J. Fox
In his memoir, No Time Like the Future: An Optimist Considers Mortality, actor Michael J. Fox explores illness, aging and death — and discovers bright spots in his darkest times. (Mark Seliger)
In this award-winning interview, actor Michael J. Fox opened up to Tom Power about the long-term effects of Parkinson's disease and how he found his way back to optimism after experiencing an exceptionally terrible year.
34:46Episode 11: Michael J. Fox
In this award-winning interview, actor Michael J. Fox opened up to Tom Power about the long-term effects of Parkinson's disease and how he found his way back to optimism after experiencing an exceptionally terrible year.
Episode 10: Denis Villeneuve
Canadian filmmaker Denis Villeneuve sat down with Tom Power in the Q studio in Toronto. (Christy Kim/CBC)
It takes an experienced director like Denis Villeneuve to tackle a project like the sci-fi epic Dune. The Canadian filmmaker — who's also behind movies like Arrival and Blade Runner 2049 — joined Tom Power to discuss his lifelong love of Frank Herbert's classic sci-fi novel, and what it's like to adapt a book that's long been considered "unfilmable." Watch the full interview here.
35:42Episode 10: Denis Villeneuve
It takes an experienced director like Denis Villeneuve to tackle a project like the sci-fi epic Dune. The Canadian filmmaker — who’s also behind movies like Arrival and Blade Runner 2049 — joined Tom Power to discuss his lifelong love of Frank Herbert’s classic sci-fi novel, and what it’s like to adapt a book that’s long been considered "unfilmable.”
Episode 9: Seth Rogen
Seth Rogen's debut book, Yearbook, is out now. (Maarten de Boer)
Seth Rogen is known as a comedy titan with a penchant for smoking pot. Now, he's also an author. His debut book, Yearbook, features a collection of hilarious personal essays about his early life in Canada and his adventures in Los Angeles. The Vancouver-born actor, producer, writer and director spoke with Tom Power about the book, his famous use of cannabis and why he thinks comedy is undervalued. Watch the full interview here.
42:42Episode 9: Seth Rogen
Seth Rogen is known as a comedy titan with a penchant for smoking pot. Now, he's also an author. His debut book, Yearbook, features a collection of hilarious personal essays about his early life in Canada and his adventures in Los Angeles. The Vancouver-born actor, producer, writer and director spoke with Tom Power about the book, his famous use of cannabis and why he thinks comedy is undervalued. Watch this interview on our YouTube channel (Q on CBC)!
Episode 8: Wynton Marsalis
’In our country, the left and the right are both corrupt,’ Wynton Marsalis told Tom Power. (Lawrence Sumulong)
As the United States went through political unrest, jazz trumpeter Wynton Marsalis reflected on the connection between music and social change. The Grammy and Pulitzer Prize winner spoke with Tom Power about his latest album, The Democracy! Suite, and why he thinks jazz is the perfect metaphor for democracy. Watch the full interview here.
35:32Episode 8: Wynton Marsalis
As the United States went through political unrest, jazz trumpeter Wynton Marsalis reflected on the connection between music and social change. The Grammy and Pulitzer Prize winner spoke with Tom Power about his latest album, The Democracy! Suite, and why he thinks jazz is the perfect metaphor for democracy. Watch this interview on our YouTube channel and find more from Q on Twitter (@cbcradioq) and Instagram (@cbcq).
Episode 7: Dolly Parton
'I accept everybody for who they are. I am not a judgmental person,' said country icon Dolly Parton. 'I love everybody. I really do.' (Rob Hoffman)
Dolly Parton is one of the most important figures in country music with an appeal that crosses the boundaries of politics and religion. Even people who can't agree on anything else can agree that she's a beloved American icon. In her conversation with Tom Power, Parton explained why she wants to build a tent as wide as possible — especially in such a divided society. Watch the full interview here.
21:47Episode 7: Dolly Parton
Dolly Parton is one of the most important figures in country music with an appeal that crosses the boundaries of politics and religion. Even people who can’t agree on anything else can agree that she’s a beloved American icon. In her conversation with Tom Power, Parton explained why she wants to build a tent as wide as possible — especially in such a divided society.
Episode 6: Norm Macdonald
Canadian comedian Norm Macdonald died after a long and private battle with cancer. He was 61. (Fred Prouser/Reuters)
Norm Macdonald died this week at the age of 61. In this special rerelease of his conversation with Tom Power, the beloved Canadian comedian talks about his greatest influences and shares the stories behind some of his best jokes.
21:16Episode 6: Norm Macdonald
Norm Macdonald died this week at the age of 61. In this special rerelease of his conversation with Tom Power, the beloved Canadian comedian talks about his greatest influences and shares the stories behind some of his best jokes.
Episode 5: Jimmy Cliff
Grammy-winning reggae musician Jimmy Cliff spoke with Tom Power from Jamaica. (Vision Addict)
Reggae music wouldn't be what it is today if it weren't for Jimmy Cliff. He helped popularize the genre globally, particularly with his work starring in and providing music for the groundbreaking Jamaican film The Harder They Come. The Grammy-winning reggae legend joined Tom Power to talk about his latest single, Human Touch, and his incredible lifelong journey in music. Watch the full interview here.
31:42Episode 5: Jimmy Cliff
Reggae music wouldn’t be what it is today if it weren’t for Jimmy Cliff. He helped popularize the genre globally, particularly with his work starring in and providing music for the groundbreaking Jamaican film The Harder They Come. The Grammy-winning reggae legend joined Tom Power to talk about his latest single, Human Touch, and his incredible lifelong journey in music.
Episode 4: The Halluci Nation
Tim '2oolman' Hill, left, and Ehren 'Bear Witness' Thomas are The Halluci Nation, formerly known as A Tribe Called Red. (Rémi Thériault)
The Halluci Nation (formerly known as A Tribe Called Red) say their latest album, One More Saturday Night, is a love letter to the Electric Pow Wow gatherings that inspired members Tim "2oolman" Hill and Ehren "Bear Witness" Thomas to found the band in 2007. The duo spoke with Tom Power about the new record, the band's evolution from their early days as A Tribe Called Red, and why they decided on a name change. Watch the full interview here.
22:03Episode 4: The Halluci Nation
The Halluci Nation (formerly known as A Tribe Called Red) say their latest album, One More Saturday Night, is a love letter to the Electric Pow Wow gatherings that inspired members Tim “2oolman” Hill and Ehren “Bear Witness” Thomas to found the band in 2007. The duo spoke with Tom Power about the new record, the band's evolution from their early days as A Tribe Called Red, and why they decided on a name change.
Episode 3: Jerry Seinfeld
Jerry Seinfeld’s book Is This Anything? compiles some of the comedian’s best jokes. (Finlay Mackay/Trunk Archive)
Over the course of his 45-year career, comedian Jerry Seinfeld accumulated hundreds of jokes written on scraps of paper. He's now compiled those jokes into a new book called Is This Anything? The title refers to a common question comedians ask each other when trying out new material. He joined Tom Power to talk about the book, the longevity of his career and the stupidity of a "quick question."
27:39Episode 3: Jerry Seinfeld
Over the course of his 45-year career, comedian Jerry Seinfeld accumulated hundreds of jokes written on scraps of paper. He’s now compiled those jokes into a new book called Is This Anything? The title refers to a common question comedians ask each other when trying out new material. He joined Tom Power to talk about the book, the longevity of his career and the stupidity of a "quick question."
Episode 2: St. Vincent
St. Vincent’s album, Daddy's Home, was inspired by her father's release from prison in 2019. (Zackery Michael)
Grammy-winning musician St. Vincent has reinvented herself once again. She joined Tom Power to talk about her personal new album, Daddy's Home, and why she decided to embrace a '70s sound and aesthetic for the project.
26:07Episode 2: St. Vincent
Grammy-winning musician St. Vincent has reinvented herself once again. She joined Tom Power to talk about her personal new album, Daddy's Home, and why she decided to embrace a '70s sound and aesthetic for the project.
Episode 1: Simu Liu
Simu Liu stars in Marvel's latest superhero film Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. (Jasin Boland/Marvel Studios)
Canada's Simu Liu has leapt from the small screen to the big screen with a life-changing role in Marvel's Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. The actor sat down with Tom Power to talk about being the first Asian superhero to lead a Marvel film and how he felt saying goodbye to Kim's Convenience. Watch the full interview here.
26:15Episode 1: Simu Liu
Canada’s Simu Liu has leapt from the small screen to the big screen with a life-changing role in Marvel’s Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. The actor sat down with Tom Power to talk about being the first Asian superhero to lead a Marvel film and how he felt saying goodbye to Kim’s Convenience.
