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In the Village of Nothing Much, everyday life is full of glimmers of ordinary magic. From the Inn on the Lake to the Farmer’s Market, from the bookshop in downtown to the cabin in the woods, enjoy soothing stories that lean into small pleasures and celebrate community. Based on the enormously popular podcast Nothing Much Happens, these family-friendly stories are an antidote to anxiety and a dose of simple goodness. Listen on your commute, on a walk, or whenever you want to visit a place whe ...
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A podcast that believes everyone has a story to tell as we hang out with everyday surfers from around the world and talk about the most unusual adventures they have had that were most definitely not a part of the plan. Hosted by Mark Imhoof, world traveler and surfer for over forty-five years who believes the best place to be is in a hammock and lives by the motto - "the best trips usually involve the least money and even less planning."
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Trust Me I'm a Decorator

Debbie Travis and Tommy Smythe

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Trust Me... I'm a Decorator! is a podcast hosted by renowned television personalities and designers Debbie Travis and Tommy Smythe. While you may know them best as decorators, they'll be covering all of their favourite things; travel, relationships, food and more with many special guests along the way. Debbie Travis is an international television host and producer, best-selling author, sought-after public speaker, and designer of the Debbie Travis Home Collection and holds women’s retreats a ...
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Debbie and Tommy welcome the fabulous Frances Mayes back to the podcast! The international bestselling author behind the now-classic Under the Tuscan Sun is back with a new book, and her third novel, A Great Marriage. When a perfect wedding is called off just days before the big event, it sends two people—and their families—reeling, in this poignan…
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Our stories today take us through some end of the summer moments. We’ll start with Camping out, gathering kindling for the campfire, setting up the tent, and talking through our troubles till they shrink and the stars come out. Next, we’ll step out onto the dock and catch a ride to see the sunset over the river in The Main Sail. Lastly, we’ll sneak…
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Our stories today are part of a larger arc that started with the most popular residents of the Village, Marmalade the Cat, and her little brother, Crumb the Dog. I’d set out to just tell the next part of their story but found a spark that would eventually lead to love. First comes Raining Cats and Dogs, where we can listen to the thunder, shuffle a…
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Debbie and Tommy discuss their summer holidays including family visits in Tuscany, Tommy's summer at the Lake, and the challenges of traveling during peak season. They share their experiences in different vacation destinations and the cultural differences they encountered. Debbie talks about the Italian holiday Ferragusto and the crowded beaches in…
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Our stories today take us through some gentle adventures for the near end of summer. We’ll start with The Potter’s Wheel, where we can dig our thumbs into the clay and see what can be created. Then, we’ll take a stroll through the aisles of The Corner Store to pick up a few things for supper, stopping to pursue the fizzy drinks and first squashes o…
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Our stories today celebrate some close-to-home summer pleasures. We’ll start with a Yard Sale, pulling our little red wagon along the sidewalks and browsing treasures. Then, we’ll find a shady spot to watch the wind in the branches and doze off in A Midsummer’s Afternoon Nap. Finally, we’ll pack the picnic basket and meet a couple of friends at the…
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In this conversation, Chef Lynn Crawford discusses her move to the country, her passion for gardening, and her upcoming book. She emphasizes the joy of growing and cooking with fresh ingredients and the importance of sharing food with family and friends. Tommy and Debbie ask her about creating new communities through food and the benefits of planti…
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Our stories today get you out of the house in the warm summer weather. We’ll start with Back to the Bakery, where we’ll tip fresh bagels from the trays as they come out of the oven and box up a treat for someone special. Then, we’ll fill our water bottles and head to the shore for Beach Walk, where sandpipers race the waves, and big thoughts can he…
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Our stories today get you out of the house in the warm summer weather. We’ll start with Back to the Bakery, where we’ll tip fresh bagels from the trays as they come out of the oven and box up a treat for someone special. Then, we’ll fill our water bottles and head to the shore for Beach Walk, where sandpipers race the waves, and big thoughts can he…
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Television host Cynthia Loyst joins the show this week, a long-time friend of Tommy Smythe who is widely recognized as one of the hosts on popular Canadian television show The Social. They discuss their friendship, the early days of The Social, cancel culture, and the challenges of being in the public eye. They also talk about the importance of spe…
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Our stories today take you through the fruit orchards on the edge of town, to a sunny spot on the back porch, and eventually to dreamland after a good, quiet day. We’ll start with Stone Fruit, where we’ll pick the perfect peach. Then we’ll check the mail, in A Letter in an Envelope, and spend some time flipping through photos and sheets of statione…
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Our stories today lean into the romance and sentimental feelings of the summer. We’ll start with In the Kitchen, During a Storm, as the wind picks up and the Pomodoro sauce simmers on the stove. This story, by the way, mentions alcohol, in case that doesn’t work for you and you need to skip it. Then we’ll put the river on our left and roll down the…
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On this episode, Tommy Smythe interviews his dear friend Debbie Travis to celebrate the cover reveal of her next book, 'Laugh More: Stories from An Unexpected Life'. The book is a collection of funny and poignant stories from Debbie's life, with each story sparking memories from different stages of her life. She includes tales of her grandmother, h…
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Our stories today follow three separate villagers through a summer day to see how they spend it. We’ll start with Magic Words, a story about starting out on the right foot, a walk into town for breakfast, and the joy of following the subtle signs of the world around you on your way. Then we’ll make a list of needful things and head out to The Hardw…
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Our stories today take us to one of the most popular spots in the Village, the Inn. We’ll start by chasing the morning mist, wading out to row boat, and watching the swans at the shore in The Lake at the Inn. Then we’ll wind our way back to the dock and enjoy a slow barefoot walk through the grass around the old house till we find a spot for a perf…
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Hosts Debbie Travis and Tommy Smythe welcome back Nutritional Therapist Jacky Brown to discuss ultra-processed foods (UPFs) and their impacts on our health. They explore the additives and preservatives commonly found in our foods, and the potential health risks associated with consuming them. They also touch on the importance of cooking with whole …
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Our stories today celebrate some of the joys of being outside in the changing weather of the summer. I wrote the first one, Wind and Wildflowers, a couple of years before the second two, which are meant to be heard together as a two-part series, but I realized they feel like they are happening at the same time and since many of our storylines cross…
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Debbie and Tommy recap their recent cruise in Eastern Europe, specifically Budapest and Vienna. They share funny and memorable experiences, such as Tommy's adventure in a Turkish bath and their visit to the magnificent library in Vienna. They detail their delightful trip with Scenic Cruises Debbie and Sarah recap their recent river cruise experienc…
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Our stories today have a bit of magic in them. Whether it is the mundane sort, like minnows swimming in schools beside the shore, or the more unexplainable type, like millions of fireflies blinking in unison. We’ll start at one of the favorite locations in the Village, with the original story of the Innkeeper, as she looks out from the porch and gu…
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Our stories today are about finding the right gift for a special moment and letting your imagination wander along the way. We’ll start with a red envelope waiting in the mailbox (it was delivered just one episode back in Daydreamer) and the party it announces in Housewarming. Then, we’ll step into the stationary shop downtown and pursue the pencil …
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Our stories today are about some of the delights of late spring and early summer. I should say, if you are new here, that all of our stories take place in the same universe, and sometimes you’ll recognize a narrator from a previous tale or see some overlap of storylines. We’ll see that today. We’ll start with The Lilac Thief as she pulls off a heis…
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Anya Lautenbach is a mum, a columnist, and a money-saving gardener. Anya returns to the podcast promote her new book, The Money-Saving Gardener: Create Your Dream Garden at a Fraction of the Cost. As we all face a cost-of-living crisis, The Money-Saving Gardener is packed with tips and tricks to help gardeners keep costs down without compromising o…
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Our stories today are about the joy of imagination and the creative ways people can add magic into life. We’ll start with a cup of coffee and some time at the window in Daydreamer. Then we’ll stroll through downtown as warm weather brings villagers out to play in A Dance in the Park. Finally, we’ll step into the school gymnasium to pick out some ne…
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Debbie Travis and Tommy Smythe take a trip down memory late in honour of the upcoming North American Mother's Day (Debbie gets to celebrate twice). They explore the different dynamics of motherhood and the challenges and joys that come with it. They also share personal stories and anecdotes about their mothers, highlighting the impact they had on t…
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Our stories today wind through sunny spring days. We’ll start with a trip into the country, a visit with someone dear, and some good advice from The Asparagus Patch. Then, we’ll roll up our sleeves and join in on a neighborhood effort in Spring Cleanup. Finally, we’ll let a memory lead us down a gravel drive, carry clippers into the field, and drea…
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Our stories today follow two women, one as she learns new things and the other as she resides in a frame, looking over one shoulder, with a book in her hands. We’ll start with the exciting arrival of the community ed catalogue in Back to School. Then we’ll step into the studio to clear away years of dust and soot in Restoration. Finally, we’ll appl…
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Tommy and Debbie discuss their recent trips and the advantages and disadvantages of they faced. Tommy shares his experience of traveling to Montreal to see the solar eclipse, while Debbie recounts her frustrating journey from Italy to London. They also talk about the importance of packing efficiently and decluttering before a move. The conversation…
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Our stories today highlight some of the loveliest simple pleasures of the spring. A walk, a road trip, a day in the garden. We’ll start with one of my all-time favorite stories and one that inspired me to write a whole book (coming soon!). It’s called Old Houses and if you’ve ever walked through a neighborhood and wondered about the stories of the …
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Our Stories today, as promised are about animals. We are continuing Crumb and Marmalade’s stories, if you missed their first episode, go back in the feed to the one called Marmalade and Crumb, then come back here. We’ll start with Crumb Comes Home, and see how his first few month after being adopted went, spoiler alert: they went great! Then we’ll …
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Debbie Travis and Tommy Smythe welcome multi-platinum, award-winning singer, songwriter, actor, author, and fellow podcaster Jann Arden to the podcast! They discuss her debut novel The Bittlemores and her creative process; Jann shares that it took her about 13 years to write the book, starting with a simple idea and gradually adding to it over time…
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Our Stories today bring together some favorite rites of Spring, splashing through puddles, opening the doors and letting the fresh air in and tasting the flavors of the new season. We’ll start with a stroll downtown with an umbrella by our side in April Showers. Then we’ll start the spring cleaning and make plans for the garden beds in The Front Do…
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Our stories today are about family coming together, one member at a time, as they’re found and recognized. We’ll start by following some tiny paw prints in the snow, digging through the cupboard to find food dishes and stoking the fire for any wandering visitors in need of some warmth in Lost and Found. Then we’ll watch the spring arrive, forsythia…
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To celebrate the launch of the Women in Media Network at the Dine Alone Store in Toronto, flagship creators Debbie Travis and Tommy Smythe record another fan favourite "Ask Us Anything" episode with a live studio audience. They talk about their first impressions of each other and how their podcast was born out a bored and restless time during covid…
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Our stories today revel in the feeling of freshness that comes with Spring. We’ll start with a plan to reset for the equinox with a drive to see the sun come up in Begin Again. Then we’ll pack away the mittens and snow boots and reclaim a calm and orderly space with some spring cleaning in First This, Then That. Finally, we’ll daydream about journe…
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Our stories today walk through memories of people and places that shape us as we grow up, and the small acts that fill our cup, literally and metaphorically. We’ll start in The Teashop, remembering the moment of finding your people in adolescence, we’ll drink a cup of matcha and say hello to a kitty with a crooked tail. Then we’ll open the Jewelry …
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On this episode, Debbie and Tommy reflect on how important women are to society, in history, and in their lives. They touch on the traditional roles of women in society and the power of female friendship. The conversation also talks about embracing differences and striving for equality. From Frances Mayes to Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Debbie and Tommy al…
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Our stories today celebrate the coming end of winter and arrival of spring…almost. We’re right on the cusp of the seasons in the Village but there are a lot of things to enjoy in those weeks. We’ll start with Sugar Snow, a story about a brief cold snap and the fond memories it brings. Then we’ll head out of town in Getaway and let sunny walks by th…
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This week, Tommy and Debbie are actually talking about design & decorating in honour of a special guest! Genevieve Gorder is one of America’s favorite interior designers for years. She is the founder and director of the Genevieve Gorder brand, a television host, designer, producer, a home product designer, contributing author, and global ambassador…
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Our stories today are set on the edge of winter, when you might need a bit more light and encouragement to get through to Spring. We’ll dip into some sweet nostalgia and warm blankets in Keepsake. Then we’ll venture out in Fog and Light, where a few stops downtown and the scent of orchids help lift a heavy heart. Finally we’ll gather with friends i…
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Today's stories look at projects and practices that can make us feel awake, alive, and connected. We’ll start with All Day, At Home, a story about quiet reflection and delicious food. Then, we’ll head to the Theatre on Opening Night to leave flowers in the green room and walk through the wings before the show. Finally, we’ll stop in for a hot drink…
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Debbie and Tommy discuss their experiences and feelings about Valentine's Day. They share childhood memories, embarrassing moments, and romantic gestures. Debbie talks about falling in love with Hans. Tommy talks about that time he walked into a hotel room to find something he wished he didn't...and reminds us not to go back to our exes. Outside of…
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Our stories today all hold a seed of love and romance for the villagers of Nothing Much. We’ll start with our title story, on a walk downtown as the not-quite spring sunshine warms hearts and faces. We’ll find a photo hiding in the back of a wallet and initials carved into a bench that has a story to tell. Next, we’ll build up a bit of courage and …
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Our stories today are from a three-part series called Snowfall at the Bakery, and they follow the Village baker as she readies her neighbors for a snow day. They’re also about a green glove in search of its owner, a secret ingredient in the hot cocoa, a field full of snowmen in the park, dogs and doughnuts, and days to yourself. Subscribe for ad-fr…
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In this episode, veteran beauty journalist Alice Hart-Davis joins Tommy & Debbie to discuss the world of beauty myths versus beauty truths. They explore the concept of 'tweakments,' which are non-surgical cosmetic procedures that can enhance one's appearance. Alice emphasizes the importance of finding the right practitioners and being thoughtful an…
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Our stories today are about mid-winter, the moments in it when we might need something to push us along till spring. We’ll settle our minds by doing something simple with great care in Little Rituals. Then we’ll step out into the sunshine and watch the icicles dripping from the eaves in A Break in the Weather. Finally, we’ll wrap up in a fluffy rob…
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Our stories today celebrate the winter and the fresh start of a new year. We’ll head downtown to peruse the stationary shop for supplies in A New Leaf, then bundle up for a long walk through the woods in All the Way Around the Lake, and finally, we’ll clear off the dining room table and pass around the snacks and decks of cards in Game Night. Subsc…
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Our stories today take us out to the big house on the edge of town where a bench is waiting in a sunny spot to help you recharge your battery in The Solarium, then to a snug apartment with big windows that look all the way out to the park where the kettle is just about to boil in Cold Snap and Crosswords. Finally we’ll sit in the quiet of the yoga …
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For the first episode of 2024, Debbie Travis & Tommy Smythe welcome back their friend and Nutritional Therapist Jacky Brown. A long-time friend to Debbie, Jacky is a graduate of the London College of Naturopathic Medicine, a qualified Nutritional Therapist, Dip CNM, and registered with BANT (British Association of Nutritional Therapists) CNHC. Jack…
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Our stories today take us away to a snowy mountainside and a cabin tucked into the trees. We’ll follow the bookseller as she rides the funicular and settles in at her cabin, then treks out to the chalet for tea and stunning views in parts one and two of Winter Getaway. Then, in part three, we’ll let Chef take over the narrative as they prepare a si…
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Our stories today start with a of couple friends, thinking back on what they’ve shared in the past year and an idea for a way to start the next one in Over the Fence. Then early on New Year’s Day, they’re joined by a few others around the bonfire as the sun comes up, to share a cup of kindness in Auld Lang Syne. Finally, in Clean Slate, we’ll stake…
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