Céline Dion is having a moment. It’s not her first, and millions of fans are hoping it won’t be her last. While Céline’s international stardom seems obvious now, it was all so unlikely.Now, as a rare illness threatens to retire Celine’s more-than-four-decade long career, in Céline: Understood culture writer and Chosen Family co-host Thomas Leblanc reveals the surprising cultural, political and business alchemy that created one of the most enduring superstars the planet has ever seen.Understood is an anthology podcast that takes you out of the daily news cycle and inside the events, people, and cultural moments you want to know more about. Over a handful of episodes, each season unfolds as a story, hosted by a well-connected reporter, and rooted in journalism you can trust. Driven by insight and fueled by curiosity…The stories of our time: Understood.More episodes of Understood are available at: https://lnk.to/CelineUnderstood
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S3 E20: A Chosen Family Farewell: Gone with Miguel Gutierrez
It’s with a heavy heart and sense of pride that we bid you, dear listeners, farewell. Yes, this is the series finale of Chosen Family, but we’re not leaving without one last soulful, deep conversation. Joining us for this bittersweet episode is the brilliant Miguel Gutierrez, New York-based choreographer, composer, performer, singer, writer, educator and one of our favourite people. We spoke about Madonna, the complexity of gender identity, and the connection between sobriety and the creative process. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for listening to us for these last three seasons. Even though this is the last episode, these conversations are timeless and they will always be there for you to return to. We are so proud of this body work; it’s been a true honour to make this show. Sending you all our love!
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S3 E19: Everybody Say Love with Mitsou Gélinas
It’s a very special episode as we welcome one of our dream guests, Québecoise pop icon, Mitsou Gélinas! Mitsou has had one of the most varied and fascinating careers in Québec entertainment, from pop success with hits like “Bye Bye Mon Cowboy” to 20 years in radio to founding her own magazine—Mitsou has done it all! We spoke to her about the ups and downs of being a pop star, the slut shaming she experienced in the 90s, and how she has managed to continually reinvent herself. And, on Obsessions, we’re taking on the two most outrageous biopics of the year: Aline and House of Gucci!
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S3 E18: Release the Bimini!
Before rolling out the red carpet for a very special guest, Tranna talks to Thomas about the high school English teacher that changed her life and how she used her new live show, High School Reunion, to process the nightmare that was her high school years. Then the two are joined by drag royalty, RuPaul’s Drag Race UK runner-up and instant fashion icon, Bimini Bon Boulash, for a conversation about London, inspiration, and learning to release the beast within. Plus Thomas gets the chance to call Bilal Baig, the co-creator and star of Sort Of, the new CBC show that everyone is talking about. And this week’s Obsessions is all about working the runway and finding love.
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S3 E17: Broadway, Baby! with Michael R. Jackson
Thomas and Tranna let their inner theatre geeks out as they share memories of the fabulous Broadway shows they’ve seen. They couldn’t dream of a better guest to join them in their love of musical theatre than a person who’s being heralded as the future of the medium: the Pulitzer-prize-winning playwright, composer, lyricist, Michael R. Jackson. His breakthrough, groundbreaking musical, A Strange Loop, is Broadway-bound and Tranna and Thomas talk to him about the creative process, the 90’s female singer-songwriters who shaped him, and why being gay is more confusing than ever. Plus on Obsessions we’re talking the art of portraits and a brilliant new album by Swedish pop star, Agnes.
A podcast hosted by queer, cosmically-destined BFFs Thomas Leblanc and Tranna Wintour. Join the Montreal comedians every other week for deep and spontaneous conversations featuring renowned artists and and up-and-coming creators.