EPISODE 24: CHEF DENNIS TAY

dennis-tay_crop(1)Dennis Tay is Chef de Cuisine at DaiLo, Chef Nick Liu’s temple for new Asian cuisine. Born in Windsor from Scottish-Filipino parents, Dennis is a former B-Boy and contestant on Top Chef Canada. We spoke with Dennis about growing up in Windsor, working in Italy, and the limits of the North American palate. Dennis also talked about the insanity of reality television, running a successful Toronto restaurant, and making time for his family.

EPISODE 8: WRITER JOHN SEMLEY

shreksJohn Semley is a freelance writer living in West Queen West. The former city editor of the A.V. Club Toronto, his writing has appeared in the Globe and Mail, Toronto Star, and The Walrus. John and Barry also share the same barber. John spoke with us about why he hates self-identifying as a writer, reading for pain and pleasure, and The Onion‘s failure in Hogtown. He also talked about the fine line between being an asshole and a contrarian, NOW Magazine’s knack for survival, and why you don’t have to leave Toronto to be successful.

EPISODE 7: ACTRESS BRITTANY ALLEN

britt cropBrittany Allen is an actress, singer, and entertainer. She’s starred in All My Children, and appeared in numerous films and TV shows. And she graduated from Barry’s favourite circus, the Etobicoke School of the Arts. Brittany spoke with us about growing up in Scarborough, acting as therapy, and how Mirvish Productions can break hearts. She also talked about winning an Emmy, the ordeal of auditions, and the joy of rediscovering her hometown.

EPISODE 5: ENTREPRENEUR BRUCE CROXON

BRUCE DragonsDen_1396_HiResBruce Croxon is Managing Partner of Round13 Capital and a former star of CBC’s Dragons’ Den. A Scarborough boy, Bruce co-founded Lavalife, a company that pioneered online dating and social media. And aside from being the most successful person that Barry’s interviewed, Bruce is a pretty happy guy. He spoke with us about growing up in a mixed race family, dealing with loss, and how being ethical makes you money. Bruce also talked about why he would be a bad mayor, the uncertainty of Tinder, and fighting off retirement.