The Jann Arden Podcast

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 on love, relationships, and the realities of running a restaurant in today's world, all while making us laugh. She shares insights on the challenges faced by women in the restaurant industry and her connection with the late Anthony Bourdain, and the importance of self-care practices for resilience.

More About Jen Agg:

Jen Agg is a restaurateur in Toronto, owner of Bar Vendetta, Grey Gardens, Rhum Corner, Le Swan, General Public and Cocktail Bar. She is the co-host of Restaurant Impossible: Last Call on Food Network. She’s the author of I Hear She’s a Real Bitch and Table Boss: How To Build a Restaurant When Your Life Falls Apart (A Love Story). Her writing has appeared in the New Yorker, the New York Times, and more.

https://www.instagram.com/jen___agg/

https://torontolife.com/food/jen-agg-restaurant-impossible-last-call-reality-tv-show/

Read Jen's books:

https://www.penguinrandomhouse.ca/authors/2134211/jen-agg

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Leave us a voicenote!

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Chapters:

(00:00) Introduction to Jen Agg and Her Impact on Canadian Dining

(02:49) Rapid Fire Questions: Getting to Know Jen Agg

(06:04) The Journey of Success and Its Challenges

(08:52) The Evolution of the Toronto Restaurant Scene

(12:02) The Black Hoof: A Turning Point in Dining

(14:58) The Reality of Restaurant Ownership Today

(18:01) The Importance of Customer Experience in Dining

(20:47) Caregiving and Its Impact on Love and Relationships

(23:57) Navigating Love and Caregiving After a Stroke

(29:24) Navigating Caregiver Burnout

(30:00) Public Perception and Misunderstanding

(31:47) The Impact of Social Media on Public Figures

(34:58) The Role of Criticism in Public Life

(38:12) Understanding Anthony Bourdain's Influence

(43:24) Self-Reflection and Personal Growth
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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 brother in Bowden Penitentiary, the haunting words her mother said in a prison parking lot, and the moments that became the emotional core of the song.

She reflects on addiction, shame, unresolved questions around her brother’s conviction, and the lasting sorrow for the victims. Jann also talks about navigating media sensationalism, the complicated love she has for her family, and why “Hanging by a Thread” remains one of the most important (and most requested) songs of her career.

Which song do you want to hear more about?

#ASKJANN - want some life advice from Jann? Send in a story with a DM or on our website.

Leave us a voicenote!

⁠www.jannardenpod.com/voicemail/⁠⁠

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This week, we are joined by a pop culture enthusiast and bestselling author! Elamin Abdelmahmoud is the host of CBC Radio’s daily arts, pop culture and entertainment show COMMOTION, and a former writer for BuzzFeed News.

Jann and Elamin discuss big stars revisiting smaller shows like Shania Twain’s recent pop-up at the Horseshoe Tavern in Toronto. Elamin reflects on the energy in the room and gives us his take on her new album. He shares his story from growing up in Sudan to becoming a national CBC host. They also explore everything from celebrity success and social media to Canadian film and the power of surprise in entertainment with an interesting take on reality tv, let us know what you think!

More About Elamin:
His work has appeared in the Globe and Mail, Maclean's, Rolling Stone and others. Elamin is the author of Son of Elsewhere: A Memoir in Pieces, a number one national bestseller, a Globe 100 book, and a New York Times notable book.

Find out more about Elamin and his show Commotion:

https://link.mgln.ai/commotionxjann

#ASKJANN - want some life advice from Jann? Send in a story with a DM or on our website.

Leave us a voicenote!

⁠www.jannardenpod.com/voicemail/⁠⁠

Get access to bonus content and more on Patreon:

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On this week's edition of ASK JANN, Jann and Sarah read listener comments and listen to some voicenotes. They discuss everything from activism & advocacy to grief over losing pets and dedicate this episode to a special OnlyJann, Sheila. Jann also leaves our listeners with a question about summer and body image, encouraging everyone to live authentically in their bathing suit of choice!

Thanks to Karen for telling us about her wellness dog treats:

https://www.instagram.com/poppysgemsdogtreats/

#ASKJANN - want some life advice from Jann? Send in a story with a DM or on our website.

Leave us a voicenote!

⁠www.jannardenpod.com/voicemail/⁠⁠

Get access to bonus content and more on Patreon:

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Chapters:

(00:00) Introduction and Welcome

(02:02) Sharing Personal Summer Moments and Reflections

(04:55) The Power of Voice in Social Activism

(08:58) The Role of Local and Sustainable Choices

(12:56) Dealing with Pet Loss and Grief

(18:03) Men's Role in Addressing Toxicity and Violence

(22:01) The Importance of Speaking Out and Taking Responsibility

(25:54) Promoting Compassion and Community Support

(27:54) Body Image, Summer Confidence, and Self-Love
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Jann Arden, Caitlin Green, and Sarah Burke catch up! Did Caitlin find her dream house? Is Jann ready for her wedding yet? Where will Jann go on her honeymoon? How’s Sarah’s small-town summer been? A particularly memorable moment involves a cannabis chocolate incident..and it wouldn’t be a true Jann Arden Podcast episode with some giggles about Trump’s tariff tantrum.

#ASKJANN - want some life advice from Jann? Send in a story with a DM or on our website.

Leave us a voicenote!

⁠www.jannardenpod.com/voicemail/⁠⁠

Get access to bonus content and more on Patreon:

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