Rick Mercer, Margaret Atwood, Chantal Kreviazuk: What're You At? With Tom Power
Stay inside and hang out with Tom Power.
This episode aired Sunday, April 19 on CBC Television. Stream the whole episode now on CBC Gem.
Hey Canada, what're you at?
Tom Power is back to do a virtual check-in with Canadians across the country — from his living room. "What're you at?" is Tom's friendly Newfoundland way of asking, "How are you?"
In this episode, Tom catches up with Rick Mercer, Margaret Atwood, celebrity chef Matty Matheson, powwow dancer Laryn Oakes and a panel of first responders and front line workers. Tom's got a surprise guest in store for Toronto Maple Leafs fan Joe Reid, who celebrates his 100th birthday with his family over video chat.
Tom is joined by musical guests Chantal Kreviazuk and Haviah Mighty with special performances from their homes.
Rick Mercer
Canadian comedy icon and professional ranter Rick Mercer is no stranger to being in the host's chair. To keep his mind off the pandemic news, Rick's been "interviewing" friends like Jann Arden, his mother and even Tom Power. Before Tom can interview him back, Rick gives a playful jab at Tom's selection of musical instruments.
Rick stays on after the interview to play a version of the Quarantine Quiz.
Margaret Atwood
Nobody does dystopia better than acclaimed writer Margaret Atwood. The Handmaid's Tale author discusses the importance of the arts and how she's been keeping busy during the lockdown by sewing masks with her sister.
She shares some important bread-making tips with Tom after learning how his first attempt went.
.<a href="https://twitter.com/MargaretAtwood?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MargaretAtwood</a> gives <a href="https://twitter.com/tompowercbc?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@tompowercbc</a> her bread-making tips.<br><br>The Canadian author joined us on Zoom from her home in Toronto to share how she's making sense of our current world crisis. Watch the full interview here: <a href="https://t.co/4wu35aFEZU">https://t.co/4wu35aFEZU</a> <a href="https://t.co/tBi8EsPd6E">pic.twitter.com/tBi8EsPd6E</a>
—@cbcradioqMatty Matheson
Tom's been cooking at home a lot lately, and he admits that he could use some help in the kitchen. Celebrity chef and VICE personality Matty Matheson comes to the rescue to give Tom some tips for comfort cooking at home.
Matty walks Tom through a taco tutorial before his adorable son Mac joins the Zoom call.
Musical guests
Like many musicians, Chantal Kreviazuk has turned to intimate livestream concerts for her fans online. She joins Tom this week over Zoom to perform her new single Get to You.
The 2019 Polaris Music Prize winner Haviah Mighty has been active with virtual concerts on Instagram Live during the lockdown. The Toronto-based hip hop artist performs a track from her album 13th Floor in the later half of the episode.
Frontline workers
Tom joins a panel of frontline workers and first responders over video chat. University of Alberta vaccine researcher Joanne Lemieux, Vancouver paramedic Brian Twaites and Brampton social worker Martine Lopez share their experience during the pandemic. Martine offers tips on coping with the crisis and building resilience by practicing mindfulness.
Laryn Oakes
With so many events being cancelled, champion powwow dancer Laryn Oakes took to the streets of Saskatoon to record a women's fancy shawl dance.
The dancer from the Nekaneet Cree Nation in Treaty 4 territory posted her video to the Facebook group Quarantine Dance Specials 2020, where dancers from across the continent share their performances in self-isolation.
Laryn catches up with Tom about how dancing helps her cope.
Happy 100th birthday, Joe!
It's not every day someone turns 100 years old. Joe Reid celebrates with family, friends and Tom over a Zoom video call. Tom has a surprise guest in store for Joe.