Content Warning: This episode contains discussions of sexual assault, drug-facilitated sexual violence, and victim blaming. Listener discretion is advised. What happens when the justice system fails women, and why are we still asking victims to defend themselves instead of demanding accountability from men? Jann Arden, Caitlin Green and Sarah Burke are joined by Icelandic author, activist and Jann

In this episode of 'Behind the Song', Jann Arden delves into the inspiration behind her song 'Unloved', going back to living in a basement suite, a gift from her father, and the impact of literature on her songwriting. She details the creative process that led to its writing and recording. She reflects on themes of love, belonging, and the human experience, while also recounting her collaboration

Actor, educator, and community activist Sarah McVie joins Jann Arden, Sarah Burke, and Caitlin Green to talk about her run for Mayor of Toronto and the experiences that led her there. After facing housing insecurity and sewage flooding in her own home, McVie says she wants to change how the city plans and make residents’ voices count. The conversation explores housing and cooperative ownership, co

Jann welcomes back high school friend Holly Fortier to delve into the complex history of Indigenous peoples in Canada ahead of September 30th, focusing on the impact of residential schools, the legacy of the Indian Act, and the ongoing journey towards truth and reconciliation. Holly shares her personal connection to these issues through the lens of her mother's experience in a residential school.

Jann Arden invites friend and politician Janis Irwin to discuss the current political landscape in Alberta. They discuss the rise of misinformation, the importance of empathy in political discourse, and the need for civic engagement, especially regarding Alberta separatism. More About Janis Irwin: Janis Irwin was first elected to the Alberta Legislature as the NDP MLA for Edmonton-Highlands-Norwoo

On this sentimental September afternoon, Jann reflects on her song Ode to a Friend off her record Happy? , released on September 23, 1997 - 30 years ago next year! The song was released as a single in 1998 and received important recognition for the writing in Jann’s 1998 JUNO nomination for Songwriter of the Year. Jann reflects on her experiences in the studio letting some tears flow, the special

This week, Jann welcomes the legendary Canadian blues guitarist Colin James. They discuss Colin's journey in writing his memoir Playing the Changes , reflecting on his childhood, family dynamics, and the early days of his music career. Colin shares the pivotal moments that shaped his life and career. He also reflects on growing up with the music industry and what it’s like to have a career as a mu

Jann revisits the conversation we had with media powerhouses Laura Brown and Kristina O'Neill back in November 2025. They discuss their book, 'All the Cool Girls Get Fired.' Their discussion revolves around the challenges women face in the workplace, particularly the stigma associated with being fired. They share personal stories about their career setbacks and reframe failure as an opportunity fo

Rosie O’Donnell returns to The Jann Arden Podcast for a candid conversation about her return to the public eye, the privilege of aging, feminism, relationships, motherhood, politics, and what it means to keep using your voice when the stakes feel higher than ever. Rosie reflects on returning to television to guest-host Jimmy Kimmel Live, noting that he stuck his neck out for her, confirming the ap

Looking back at this conversation from October 2025, Jann revisits her conversation with WWE superstar Natalie "Nattie" Neidhart about her memoir, 'The Last Hart Beating.' They discuss Natalie's journey through wrestling, her family legacy, personal struggles, and the challenges of writing a book. Natalie shares her experiences with imposter syndrome, the importance of resilience, and the impact o

Jann, Caitlin, and Sarah invite Thordis to recap her experience at the couple’s wedding, but also to discuss the recent Meta settlement as a leader in digital safety. Jann and Thordis reflect on their transition into married life, discussing the public and private aspects of their lives, particularly regarding their wedding coverage in media. Thordis walks us through the $18 billion Meta settlemen

In this edition of Behind the Song, Jann and Sarah discuss the story behind Jann's hit song 'The Sound Of,' as inspired by a loyal listener's voicenote. They discuss the songwriting process and the themes of the song, including its exploration of one night stands and personal empowerment. This leads Jann to reflect on the challenges she faced with her record label and the legacy of her music. What

Jann, Caitlin & Sarah begin the show with a special tribute to Dolly Parton following the news of her passing. Along with reflections from the hosts, members of the OnlyJanns community share what Dolly meant to them during a recent book club gathering, celebrating the music, humour, generosity and spirit that made her so deeply admired. Shortly after, Jann welcomes bestselling author Carley Fortun

This week, Jann revisits her conversation with Emmy Award-winning journalist Adrienne Arsenault, the chief correspondent of CBC News and host of flagship program The National. The two discuss their 2025 New Year's Eve hosting duties for CBC, the significance of ethical reporting, the rise of misinformation, and the need for media literacy in today's society. They share how they met and reflect on

Jann, Caitlin, and Sarah recap Jann’s special day with Thordis! She recounts how the whimsical wedding theme came to Thordis in a dream via vintage circus. They discuss the emotional significance of this event for Jann, the creative elements that made it unique, and the heartfelt moments shared with family and friends. The conversation also touches on the knot ceremony's symbolism and the connecti

In this episode of Behind the Song, Jann Arden shares the story behind her iconic song 'Good Mother,' reflecting on gratitude in her early 30s, family relationships, and the song's profound impact on listeners. She recounts writing the lyrics with black eyeliner on the inside of a cigarette package in under an hour! She also speaks about how the song is equally about her father and mother, and bei

Friend of the show, actress & author Mary Jo Eustace joins Jann to discuss her recent return to live television! She tells Jann about her experience on Breakfast Television, while reflecting on her early challenges in the entertainment industry. They discuss the legacy of her cooking show 'What's for Dinner', which MJ would love to reboot. As always, they also talk love, relationships, and persona

This week's edition of Ask Jann includes her better half, Thordis Elva! Along with Caitlin and Sarah, Jann and Thordis reminisce about the early days of their love and reveal more of their wedding planning journey. They flashback to their initial and immediate romantic connection and the podcast episode where they both tried to hide it (Link below). They also discuss the unique traditions they are

This week Jann and Caitlin welcome Jen Agg, a prominent figure in the Canadian dining scene an intriguing author. She discusses her journey in the restaurant industry, her new memoir 'Table Boss', and the challenges of caregiving after her husband's stroke. They also touch on the evolution of Toronto's restaurant culture, and the importance of customer experience in dining. Jen shares her insights

In this deeply personal edition of Behind the Song , Jann Arden tells the story behind one of her most heartbreaking and beloved tracks, prompted by a moving voice message from longtime listener. Jann and Sarah discuss the song “Hanging by a Thread” from her 1997 album Happy? Jann opens up about the real-life family trauma that shaped the lyrics, sharing the painful memories of visiting her brothe