Homegirl Nation

Brigitte Truong

Being a woman has never been easy and when the going gets tough, we can all use a homegirl to lean on. Join entertainment host Brigitte Truong each week as she meets with courageous guests who have found their lane despite the odds. From business failures to mental health, sex to hate crimes, the candid discussions you hear will give you a new perspective on how freeing and empowering it can be when you own your story. Let’s make it easier to talk about tough things when it comes to womanhood because when we do, we’ll see that we’re more alike and connected than we think.

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#54 Lisa Chang | Reclaiming Your Time and Self-Worth in a Tech Driven World

#54 Lisa Chang | Reclaiming Your Time and Self-Worth in a Tech Driven World

In 2023, the US Surgeon General issued an advisory stating that “social media use is associated with harm to young people’s mental health.” With four Ontario school boards suing social media tech giants for its “widespread disruption to the education system" coupled with the recent new safety features Meta has launched for teens, we can no longer ignore the proven impacts social media and excessive screen time is having on young minds. From an increase in depression, anxiety, self harm and suicide, I think we have a collective duty to support our youth in navigating the digital world in healthy and supportive ways. My partner and I are producing our first event together in April of 2025 called OFFLINE - a one day inspofest for teens to encourage the power of in person connections, and a homegirl on the OFFLINE advisory board that we’re so blessed to have and who is one of the leading experts in digital wellness is Lisa Chang. Lisa knows a lot about this ongoing issue that is heavily impacting young people today, but let’s be honest, they're ongoing issues impacting people in general today. As we close out Season 4 - and what a season it has been - we gotta talk digital wellness and then some with Lisa.Let's hangout!

Episodes

#54 Lisa Chang | Reclaiming Your Time and Self-Worth in a Tech Driven World

#54 Lisa Chang | Reclaiming Your Time and Self-Worth in a Tech Driven World

In 2023, the US Surgeon General issued an advisory stating that “social media use is associated with harm to young people’s mental health.” With four Ontario school boards suing social media tech giants for its “widespread disruption to the education system" coupled with the recent new safety features Meta has launched for teens, we can no longer ignore the proven impacts social media and excessive screen time is having on young minds. From an increase in depression, anxiety, self harm and suicide, I think we have a collective duty to support our youth in navigating the digital world in healthy and supportive ways. My partner and I are producing our first event together in April of 2025 called OFFLINE - a one day inspofest for teens to encourage the power of in person connections, and a homegirl on the OFFLINE advisory board that we’re so blessed to have and who is one of the leading experts in digital wellness is Lisa Chang. Lisa knows a lot about this ongoing issue that is heavily impacting young people today, but let’s be honest, they're ongoing issues impacting people in general today. As we close out Season 4 - and what a season it has been - we gotta talk digital wellness and then some with Lisa.Let's hangout!

#53 Vritika Gupta | A Rising Star's Take On Courage, Confidence and Career

#53 Vritika Gupta | A Rising Star's Take On Courage, Confidence and Career

In the last 4 seasons of the podcast we’ve had a chance to hangout with a stacked roster of courageous and ambitious homegirls but none as young as Vritika Gupta. This 14 year old powerhouse already has a career as an actor and she is quickly becoming one of Hollywood’s rising talents. Fresh off her role as Reena Virk in the Hulu limited series Under the Bridge alongside Oscar nominee Lily Gladstone and Golden Globe nominee Riley Keough, Vritika joins us to talk about her breakout role and what it’s like being a self assured and go getting Gen Z today. We’ve created a community here at Homegirl Nation where secrets are traded and stories are shared so that we can all feel a little more empowered to show up more confidently as ourselves each day. I’m so grateful Vritika is popping by today to share her truth with us today so let’s hang out!

#52 Devery Jacobs | Navigating Identity, Passion, and Burnout

#52 Devery Jacobs | Navigating Identity, Passion, and Burnout

A powerhouse actor, activist, and all-around creative force who's redefining what it means to be a storyteller in today’s world. Today homegirls, we have Devery Jacobs hanging out with us! You might know her from her groundbreaking role in 'Reservation Dogs' or her fearless performances in films like 'Rhymes for Young Ghouls' and 'Blood Quantum.' But Devery isn’t just about stealing scenes on screen—she’s also out here advocating for Indigenous rights, gender equality, and more inclusive representation in the film industry. Devery brings passion, purpose, and a whole lot of talent to everything she does as heard and felt in her latest narrating role in 'In The Hands of Men,' where Devery takes on the role of Delilah, a woman who is haunted by the loss of her cousin and driven by a fierce need for justice and desire to take back the power stolen from generations of indigenous women before her.In our short but sweet conversation, Devery shares her thoughts on representing the indigenous community in her work, leading with passion and the reality of burnouts. Alright, let's hangout!

#51 Teresa Resch | The Making of Toronto’s WNBA Legacy

#51 Teresa Resch | The Making of Toronto’s WNBA Legacy

After 28 years of existence, the WNBA is finally seeing an expansion in Toronto and let me just say, it's about damn time! Joining us today for a homegirl hangout is the President of Toronto’s new WNBA franchise and the former Vice President of Basketball Operations and Player Development, Teresa Resch. The team won’t see its first game until the 2026 season but the excitement and anticipation is already high, and now’s the perfect time to get the latest developments from Teresa. Let’s hang out!

#50 Tonya Williams | The Power of Persistence and Breaking Boundaries For BIPOC Women

#50 Tonya Williams | The Power of Persistence and Breaking Boundaries For BIPOC Women

The Young and the Restless - what a show - and I can’t believe I’m saying this but today my homegirls, we have the woman behind a character of resilience, intelligence, and 360-degree badassery. I am referring to Ms. Tonya Williams, who gave us Dr. Olivia Barber Winters and many other memorable characters on film and television throughout the decades!Not only has Tonya entertained us since the 70s, but she has also given many of us BIPOC creatives and women from underrepresented communities hope, inspiration, and courage to notice the barriers around us and make the breakthroughs we deem necessary for change.She’s joining us for the next hour to talk about her journey from being the only daughter of ceiling-shattering parents to her own journey of breaking barriers. Tonya became one of the first people in the entertainment industry to push for and champion diversity and inclusion, and subsequently founded the ReelWorld Film Festival to support creatives of color. We have a lot to learn from her so let’s hang out!

#49 Alexander James McLean | Sobriety, Atypique, and Raising Daughters

#49 Alexander James McLean | Sobriety, Atypique, and Raising Daughters

This week’s guest is Alexander James McLean, better known as AJ McLean from the Backstreet Boys! Alex's solo journey as an artist and girl dad is heating up, and his latest ventures are rooted in what he calls his 'boundaries and authenticity.' I recently had a chance to catch up with Alex when he was in Toronto promoting his partnership with the ready to drink cocktail brand, Atypique! We talked about his sobriety, the sober curiosity community, his solo evolution, raising his two daughters, and more from this Backstreet Boy!This was a lot of fun, and Homegirls, this one’s for you! You ready to get down with the get down, everybody? Do want it this way or do you want it that way? Okay I’m going to stop before I drive you away.Let’s hang out!

#48 Stacy Lee Kong | Speaking Up and Leading With Our Values

#48 Stacy Lee Kong | Speaking Up and Leading With Our Values

Hanging out with us today is a very outspoken lady who’s a writer, editor, cultural critic, and a woman all about the data - Stacy Lee Kong! When it comes to speaking up and speaking out, Stacy is really good at it, in fact she’s made a career out of it in lifestyle journalism and her popular weekly newsletter Friday Things which is aimed at progressive millennials and Gen Zers who want to know the latest pop culture news and the context that gives it weight.Stacy is here to talk about what happens when we lead with our belief system. We have Stacy on standby in studio. Let’s hang out!

#47 Tanya Talaga | Rewriting Canadian History Through a Female Perspective

#47 Tanya Talaga | Rewriting Canadian History Through a Female Perspective

Today we have the unique pleasure of a homegirl hangout with acclaimed Anishinaabe author, investigative journalist, and documentarian, Tanya Talaga, who’s latest book The Knowing is getting a lot of buzz ahead of its release on August 27th. Throughout her career, Tanya has solidified herself as a leading voice in Indigenous rights, human rights and social justice in Canada - and in The Knowing, she gives us a deeply personal look at Canadian history and the ongoing impact of centuries of oppression on Indigenous communities.

#46 L.A. Wade | The Adventures of a Recovering Sex Addict

#46 L.A. Wade | The Adventures of a Recovering Sex Addict

According to the academic social network Academia, a third of all sex addicts are women—a problem we rarely hear about. This lack of awareness and conversation can contributes to a heavy stigma around addiction period and intense feelings of shame for those affected, and as we know when a problem is hidden in the shadows, it becomes difficult for those experiencing it to seek help or feel understood. Author, filmmaker, mental health strategist and recovering sex addict L.A. Wade is looking to change this by challenging preconceptions - supporting those on a similar path. She’s written two books—The Adventures of a Recovering Sex Addict Vol. 1: Married Men and F**k Boys and The Adventures of a Recovering Sex Addict Vol. 2: Friends with Benefits but Mostly Liabilities—and produced the short film, Thirsty AF: The Adventures of a Recovering Sex Addict.We have L.A on the line. Let’s hang out!

#45 Sophie Grégoire Trudeau | Knowing Ourselves and Loving Each Other

#45 Sophie Grégoire Trudeau | Knowing Ourselves and Loving Each Other

We have a very very special homegirl hanging out with us this week. She's a woman who embodies integrity in every step she takes and has been a steadfast advocate for mental health since bravely sharing her own struggles with eating disorders early in her career. Sophie Grégoire Trudeau's new book, Closer Together: Knowing Ourselves and Loving Each Other, takes us on a profound journey of self-discovery and self-love, guided by the insights and expertise of psychologists, psychiatrists, scientists, and thought leaders.Why is it so important to understand our thoughts, emotions, and how our childhood experiences, both good and bad, shapes our sense of self? We have Sophie on standby. Let’s find out and let’s hang out!

#44 Evelyn Chick | How To Get A Business Off The Ground

#44 Evelyn Chick | How To Get A Business Off The Ground

If you’re an aspiring business owner or currently running a small business and looking to take it to the next level, this episode is tailor-made for you! Evelyn Chick who is the founder of six ventures in Toronto’s competitive hospitality scene joins us on this episode to talk about how she got it all started. From her event space Ahma to her award winning restaurant and cocktail bar, Simpl Things, Evelyn has self-funded every business she’s created. No debt in an increasingly expensive world—how does she do it?We Evelyn on standby. Let’s find out and let’s hang out!

#43 Anthony Morgan | The Science Of Heartbreak

#43 Anthony Morgan | The Science Of Heartbreak

So, what happens to us when we’re heartbroken? What happens to our brains, our bodies and our cells when we’re navigating the world with a broken heart? Our guest this week is Anthony Morgan, the new and incredibly engaging host of CBC’s iconic series, The Nature of Things. In its latest season, Anthony sets out to answer the aforementioned question. His episode, titled "Love Hurts: The Science of Heartbreak," examines what happens to the human body and mind when we experience heartache. FASCINATING to say the least and a juicy topic that we gotta download with him!Let’s hangout!

#42 Sarah Haasz | Balancing Two Cultures and Gangnam Project

#42 Sarah Haasz | Balancing Two Cultures and Gangnam Project

Today, we have an Asian Heritage Month homegirl hangout with Sarah Haasz, the creator, co-showrunner, and executive producer of the new CBC Gem original series, Gangnam Project. This K-Pop drama-comedy follows Hannah, a Canadian/Korean teen wrestling with her identity and culture in the high-pressure world of a Korean entertainment company. The story is based on a trip to Korea that Sarah took as a teenager that led to an identity crisis she’ll never forget as a first generation Korean Canadian. Gangnam Project is Sarah’s heartfelt exploration of identity, belonging, and self-discovery, resonating deeply with anyone who understands the duality of being first or second generation — the struggle to fit in and be accepted, while also striving to remain true to our roots.Let’s hangout!

#41 Myles Sexton | The Courage To Move Forward and Beyond Perfectionism

#41 Myles Sexton | The Courage To Move Forward and Beyond Perfectionism

Welcome to the season 4 premiere of Homegirl Nation!We are tapping into the minds and hearts of resilient, courageous, good hearted homegirls and homies who know a lot about perseverance like Myles Sexton. Myles is in a league of their own. They are a Style Expert, TV personality, Makeup Artist, Podcast Host, successful Content Creator, and moreover, an HIV/AIDS and Sobriety Activist. They never shy away from the business of truth or potential backlash that can come from owning your truth which is why we're so pumped to have them kick off Season 4. Let’s hangout! Co-produced by Stephan Petar

Season 4 Trailer

Season 4 Trailer

Homegirl Nation is back for Season 4! We’re continuing to explore the nitty gritties of womanhood and much much more with our favourite homegirls who have at least one thing in common - a no bullshit attitude when it comes to persevering through life’s greatest obstacles. Expect new encouraging voices with the addition of homies and homeboys this season! We’ve also done some revamping with a fresh new studio, a vibrant new podcast look, and a new theme song with a dose of funk!If you’re into self improvement, get comfortable. This is Season 4 of Homegirl Nation.

#40 Mae Martin and Sabrina Jalees | Benefits With Friends

#40 Mae Martin and Sabrina Jalees | Benefits With Friends

Can't think of a better duo to wrap up Season 3 than comedians and best friends Mae Martin and Sabrina Jalees! Mae and Sabrina have been friends for two decades and they’ve respectively been crushing it around the world in their TV, steaming, and standup projects. They’re finally teaming up for a new best friend podcast called Benefits with Friends, where they chat about everyyyyything from love, sex, money, gender, shame, friendship and a whole lot more. Get ready for a good time with these two mega personalities. Let's meet Mae and Sabrina!

#39 Emily Hampshire | Fitting In

#39 Emily Hampshire | Fitting In

Today’s guest is none other than Emily Hampshire. The Montreal native may have rose to new heights when Schitt’s Creek became a household hit and name during the pandemic but it was no overnight success for her - no no no - like a lot of successful talents out there, Emily started the creative hustle younge at 16 when she moved to Toronto to pursue her passion for acting. Since then, she’s racked up over 90 acting credits credits to her name which includes her latest, Fitting In. This film delves into the coming-of-age tale of 16-year-old Lindy, portrayed by Maddie Ziegler, as she grapples with the challenge of fitting in and finding her identity following a diagnosis of MRKH syndrome, a congenital disorder affecting the female reproductive system. It’s a story that’s based on writer and director Molly McGlynn’s lived experience, with Emily taking the supportive role as Lindy’s mother, Rita. Let’s meet Emily!

#38 Molly McGlynn | Fitting In, Living, and Dating With MRKH Syndrome

#38 Molly McGlynn | Fitting In, Living, and Dating With MRKH Syndrome

Coming of age movies hold a special place in our hearts. Every generation has atleast one that defines it. Coming to theatres on February 2nd is a fresh take on the coming-of-age story, one that tackles the challenges of teenage-hood and dives into less-discussed problems that a number people are facing like MRKH syndrome. Fitting In, invites us into the world of 16-year-old Lindy, brilliantly portrayed by Maddie Ziegler. Lindy grapples with the universal struggle of fitting in, just like any teenager, while also navigating her identity after being diagnosed with the rare congenital disorder affecting the female reproductive system that is estimated to occur in approximately 1 in 4,500 to 1 in 5,000 female births. This powerful narrative is rooted in the real-life experiences of writer and director Molly McGlynn. I had the privilege of meeting Molly at the Toronto International Film Festival, where we chatted about her journey, the art of finding humor in life's uncomfortable truths, and more! Fitting In is not only funny and touching but also deeply authentic.Let's meet Molly!

#37 Sophie Nelisse | Exposed: The Ashley Madison Hack

#37 Sophie Nelisse | Exposed: The Ashley Madison Hack

In the summer of 2015, millions of cheaters who had been covertly using the dating website Ashley Madison were suddenly thrust into a harsh reality. Their real names, addresses, and even their intimate preferences were laid bare for the world to see, all organized in a searchable database. And worst of all, the unsuspecting partners of these users were about to discover their secrets simultaneously with the rest of the world. Needless to say, it was a far cry from what these users had originally signed up for. Back in the early 2000s, Ashley Madison had become the go-to platform for those seeking discreet extramarital connection, but then in a wild twist of fate, anonymous hackers seized control of Ashley Madison's treasure trove of user information and revealed it all to the public. Exposed: The Ashley Madison Hack is a new Canadian Audible Original that dives into this shocking story with Canadian actress Sophie Nelisse as the title presenter. And who better to learn more about this series out now, than Sophie herself."Let’s meet Sophie!

#36 Jessica O'Reilly | Navigating Love, Sex, and Relationships Between and Beyond the Sheets

#36 Jessica O'Reilly | Navigating Love, Sex, and Relationships Between and Beyond the Sheets

Joining us today is Dr. Jessica O’Reilly also known as Sex with Dr Jess! From the wildly popular show Swing on PlayboyTV to advice columns in Cosmo and SELF, to her successful podcast Sex with Dr Jess, she has built an incredible brand and career, making her not only a trusted voice in sex and relationships in Canada but in the field at large. From loneliness to sex clubs, the best vibrators in the market to cheating, Dr. Jess is answering a lot of your burning questions in this hour. Let’s meet Dr. Jess!