Q with Tom Power
CBC
Five days a week, Tom Power brings you candid conversations with the artists shaping our culture. Whether he’s chatting with A-listers or rising stars, his disarming warmth and meticulous research always gets below the surface, bringing us deeper into the art and lives of today's most compelling musicians, writers, actors and filmmakers.As a Canadian institution, Q has attracted the biggest names in the world. But it's never been about the fame. It's always been about the art.Since becoming the host of Q in October 2016, listeners have come to know Tom for his in-depth interviewing style (asking founding Wu-Tang Clan member RZA what was inside his teenage notebooks), his mischievous sense of humour (jokingly chiding actor Catherine O'Hara for her parenting skills in Home Alone), and his genuine enthusiasm and fearlessness (singing a duet with Mavis Staples).You’re just as likely to hear from celebrities and cultural icons as you are to hear from emerging artists at the beginning of their career. Tom gives each and every artist the space to tell their story in their own words. He also has a track record for interviewing artists on the precipice of stardom, like Lizzo, Billie Eilish and Daniel Caesar, who appeared on Q well before they hit the mainstream.On Q, we cover arts and culture in all its forms, including music, movies, film, TV, comedy, painting, photography, theatre, cinema, Broadway, fashion, dance, opera, documentaries, books, fiction and memoirs.Look to our archives to hear some of Tom’s award-winning artist interviews, including his moving and insightful conversation with the Canadian actor Michael J. Fox, which was awarded the prestigious gold medal for best interview at the 2021 New York Festivals Radio Awards.In 2022, Tom spoke with Friends star Matthew Perry in front of a live audience. Their warm and frank conversation about the actor's struggles with substance abuse struck a chord, leading to millions views on TikTok and Instagram, while also being picked up by news outlets internationally, including Vanity Fair and CNN.Tom’s impactful discussions with top talent have included Adele, Bono, Chappell Roan, Pamela Anderson, Cate Blanchett, Dua Lipa, Cher, Denzel Washington, Mick Jagger, Florence Pugh, Francis Ford Coppola, Kristen Stewart, Emma Stone, Jim Carrey, Billy Porter, Tom Hanks, Jerry Seinfeld, Tyler Perry, Alicia Keys, Alan Moore, Bruce Springsteen, Dolly Parton, Barbra Streisand, Darren Aronofsky, Harry Styles, Simu Liu, Sean Penn, Sandra Bullock, Michaela Coel, Ryan Reynolds, Katy Perry, Neil Young, Shakira, George Clooney, Ava DuVernay, Omar Apollo, Trixie Mattel, Orville Peck, Big Sean, Anil Kapoor, Jane Fonda, Robert DeNiro, Antonio Banderas, Elton John, Celine Dion, Kerry Washington, Chuck D, Steven Soderbergh, Mikey Madison, Cillian Murphy, Sean Baker, Steve McQueen, Paris Hilton, Taylor Tomlinson, Gwen Stefani, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Kylie Minogue, Stanley Tucci, Rufus Wainwright, Caroline Polachek, Hans Zimmer, Denis Villeneuve, Alex Garland, Alan Ritchson, Britt Lower, Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson, David Blaine, Brian Tyree Henry, Perfume Genius, Deepa Mehta, Tracy Chapman, Chloë Sevigny, Josh Hartnett and many more.
Episodes
Mentioned books
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Apr 2, 2025 • 30min
Brian Tyree Henry’s first role? Santa Claus
After finding success on the critically acclaimed show “Atlanta,” Brian Tyree Henry (The Book of Mormon, Causeway) has become one of Hollywood's busiest actors. His latest role is on the new series “Dope Thief” as Ray Driscoll — a complex character who’s dealing with generational trauma, addiction and grief. Brian joins Tom Power to talk about “Dope Thief,” his life on the stage and screen, and how he’s been drawn to acting since childhood. In case you missed it, check out Tom’s interview with actor Josh Gad, whom Brian shared the stage with in the musical “The Book of Mormon.”
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Apr 2, 2025 • 12min
Salin on her journey from Thai metal to Afrobeat and soul
Salin is a Montreal-based Thai drummer who’s just released her new album, “Rammana.” She got her start as a rock and metal drummer in Bangkok, but after living in Montreal, her sound morphed into a blend of Afrobeat, funk and indigenous Thai instruments. Salin joins Tom Power to talk about her unique journey in music and how she went back to Thailand to get inspiration. Plus, she sets up the title track from her album.
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Apr 1, 2025 • 25min
David Blaine gets his mind blown by magic too
The magician, mentalist and endurance performer David Blaine has been stunning audiences for decades with his card tricks, illusions, and extreme stunts that challenge both his mind and his body. He’s been buried alive, trapped in ice and suspended in the air while sealed inside a box for 44 days. But in his new series, “Do Not Attempt,” David is the one who's left speechless as he travels the world taking in amazing feats by some of the greatest masters alive — and even trying some of them himself. He talks to Tom Power about his career in magic, what he does to manage fear and pain, and how being a dad has changed the way he calculates risk.
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Apr 1, 2025 • 21min
Drake is a fan of this Canadian TikTok comedian
Hassan Phills is a comedian from Scarborough, Ont., who turns the mundane details of everyday life into comedy gold. Not only has it earned him millions of views on TikTok, but it’s allowed him to tour across the country. Hassan sits down with Tom Power to tell us why he gave up basketball for comedy, why he thinks even his most local jokes are hitting with folks around the world, and how he got a co-sign from Drake.
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Mar 31, 2025 • 23min
Michelle Buteau’s plus-size comedy is sexy, joyful and real
Michelle Buteau has been a working actor and comedian for more than 20 years. In that time, she says it was rare that she’d come across a role that celebrated plus-size women — so she decided to create her own. Her show “Survival of the Thickest” is now back for its second season. Michelle joins Tom Power to tell us why she wanted to create a story about plus-size folks that’s celebratory and joyful. If you like this conversation, take a listen to Tom’s interview with actor and comedian Ilana Glazer from last year.
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Mar 31, 2025 • 25min
Role Model's life changed when Mac Miller discovered his EP
Tucker Pillsbury, better known as Role Model, has quickly become one of this year's breakout stars with a hit album and a sold-out solo tour. This summer, he’ll be joining musician Gracie Abrams in arenas across North America. He sits down with Tom Power to tell us how homesickness inspired his latest album, “Kansas Anymore (The Longest Goodbye),” and how turning to Americana music helped him get back in touch with himself. If you enjoy this conversation, you might also like Tom’s interview with Gracie Abrams or his chat with The 1975’s Matty Healy.
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Mar 28, 2025 • 21min
Britt Lower on Severance, the circus and libraries
You might know Britt Lower as Helly R. on the hit series “Severance,” but she makes no less of an impression playing a librarian in the new Canadian indie film “Darkest Miriam.” The actor joins Tom Power to tell us how her love of libraries helped her bring her character Miriam to life and what it took to prepare for her “Severance” role — like studying trapped animals and people under interrogation. She also discusses her 2020 short film, “Circus Person,” and how it kind of comes full circle with her current projects. In case you missed it, last week Tom spoke with “Severance” stars Tramell Tillman and Zach Cherry. You can also check out guest host Talia Schlanger’s conversation with “Darkest Miriam” director Naomi Jaye.
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Mar 28, 2025 • 20min
Sum 41 is going out with a bang
This weekend, Sum 41 will perform one final time at the Junos in Vancouver. The legendary Canadian rockers will also be inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. Lead singer Deryck Whibley joins Tom Power live onstage at Hollywood Theatre in Vancouver to talk about the band’s journey and their swan song. If you want more Sum 41, check out Tom’s conversations with Deryck from this past February and last April.
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Mar 27, 2025 • 35min
Michael Bublé was told it was never going to happen
Michael Bublé is hosting the 2025 Juno Awards in his hometown of Vancouver. The Canadian crooner and five-time Grammy winner sits down with Tom Power in our studio to tell us his incredible story, including the time the legendary producer David Foster told him it was never going to happen for him. Plus, Michael shares how he really feels about those Christmas memes. If you enjoy this conversation, check out Tom’s interview with Canadian singer-songwriter k.d. lang or his chat with Canada's queen of R&B soul, Jully Black.
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Mar 27, 2025 • 15min
How much money is the planet worth?
Farah Ghafoor is an award-winning Canadian poet whose debut poetry collection, “Shadow Price,” is about the climate crisis. She sits down with Tom Power to explain the finance term her book is named after, and how she sees the role of the poet during a crisis. She also reads an excerpt from her book called “The Last Poet in the World.” If you’re looking for more conversations with writers and poets, check out Tom’s chat with Emily Austin on her poetry collection “Gay Girl Prayers,” or guest host Vivek Shraya’s chat with Haudenosaunee poet Kenzie Allen on her complex relationship to Pocahontas.
