'Tis the season to be jolly but it's not an easy time of year for everyone. Therapist Tenniel Rock shares tips and advice on how to reach out to friends or coworkers who might be having a difficult time during the holidays. Plus what you can do if this time of year is stressful or difficult for you. Find out how sharing a story about your food hero…

Do you love your coffee machine with the pods and you think you're doing a good deed by recycling them? Guess what? They're ending up in the landfill. Find out why your recyclable coffee pods aren't being recycled at all when the guys behind Go Java join the show to tell you how they will pick up your old pods and get them recycled properly. Chef a…

Everything you need to know about whiskey from Irish Whiskey Ambassador Conor Timmons as you get ready for the holidays (or just want to know what other people are talking about.) Chef Lynn Crawford with entertaining tips to make the holidays easier and less stressful, and Sandra Oldfield from Tinhorn Creek Winery in British Columbia talks about he…

Pay is back from British Columbia and her first visit to Whistler (psst...winter is not the most popular season there.) Find out what new oddities and unbelievable stories have been added to the new Ripley's Believe it or Not book....from one of the senior researchers who has to verify that these stories and photos are true! If you're looking for a…

John Catucci from You Gotta Eat Here co-hosts this show! Find out what it's been like shooting 5 seasons of the hit Food Network show - and what dishes have stood out to John as they shoot around the world. Plus, tune in for details on where you can see him in person!Door Pay Chen

Two entertaining and inspirational writers and cookbook authors join the show today! And both of these fabulous cooks have been short listed for the Taste Canada Cookbook Awards! Tara O'Brady of Seven Spoons (name of the blog AND her popular cookbook) talks about growing up in southern Ontario with Indian flavours at home, Canadian foods around her…

Explaining Halloween to new Canadians...it's ok to take candy from strangers one day of the year. Find out how you can meet some of your favourite designers and bid on a one-of-kind piece of furniture decorated by some of the city's best...including Norm Kelly! All to support the great work done by the Furniture Bank. Food + Film = the Eatable Film…

It's Thanksgiving weekend and what better way to give thanks than to support Restaurants For Change? Ruby Watchco chef, Lora Kirk, joins the show to tell you why you should dine out on Wed. October 19th at some of the best restaurants across Canada. Confused about what sustainable seafood is? Do you know if you're really getting the more expensive …

Is Toronto ready for a new kind of plant-based restaurant? Chefs David Lee and Tyler Shedden think so. The two chefs talk about the new restaurant Planta, and why they chose not to use the word "vegan to describe it. What kind of food is on the menu and can it satisfy the most die-hard carnivore? The chefs share some tips and and ideas for going me…

Away of for the next two weeks so everything is packed into this show! Pay chats with Richard Goldhar (a licensed insolvency trustee and debt expert), as he shares some surprising ways you could be wasting money without knowing. And the monthly that you might not realized is affecting your credit rating. Plus...are you paying more for those loyalty…

Poke is popping up all over Toronto restaurant menus and neighbourhoods - but what is it? The owners of the new Pokito restaurant at Queen and Spadina stop by the show to talk about the origins of poke, what's traditional and what new flavours they've brought to the city. Registered nutritionist Lianne Phillipson, shares tips for getting back to yo…

It's another week with some awesome women. Pay is joined by actress and comedian Anne Marie Scheffler who is launching her one-woman comedy show MILF LIFE CRISIS for a two week run in Toronto. Anne Marie shares her personal story of getting married, having kids, getting divorced and realizing she's a MILF and should embrace it. Parenting writer Sam…

This podcast is for people who love dogs and who love food. Hopefully you fall into this category. Do you love dogs but don't feel like you can commit to having a pet? Pay chats with Coveted Canines about their need for foster homes when they rescue dogs. It's a 2-4 week commitment and they provide everything! Find out more about the dogs they resc…

It's the awesome ladies show! Talented comedy writers and performers Ashley Comeau (Second City, Best Female Improviser 2015 - NOW Magazine) and Rhiannon Archer (Canadian Comedy Award nominee) join the show to talk about getting kicked out of traffic court, why you shouldn't offer Ashley beer, and what it's like doing stand-up and improv. Keep your…

Interested in taking your outdoor cooking one step further? Why not experiment with smoking your own food? Kevin Castonguay from catering and events company Provisions T.O, shares tips on how to get the best smoked meat with the simplest equipment. And world famous coffee artist, Michael Breach, shares his story of being discovered on social media …

Do you know what's in your bottle of olive oil? There's a good chance it's not olive oil! Val Vagopoulos from Olive That! joins the show to tell you all you need to know about buying and tasting extra virgin olive oil. Labels often don't tell the truth and what should you ask before you buy? Does the more expensive bottle mean a better product? And…

This show is for all the meat-lovers. Peter Sanagan from Sanagan's Meat Locker in Kensington Market joins the show with food writer, Ivy Knight. Learn about Ivy's series of FREE food events at the Drake Hotel...every Monday evening and take part in Butcher Appreciation Night on July 25th. Peter explains the difference between grass-fed and grain-fe…

Pay is back from a trip to Nova Scotia where she walked in on her mom massaging lobsters. It's a real thing, apparently. Listen to find details. Chef Rob Gentile (Buca) and Afrim Pristine (Cheese Boutique) join the show to talk about their love of dogs and how they're raising money for the Etobicoke Humane Society with a big BBQ event where dogs ar…

The secret lives of massage therapists...what you might be doing that they're talking about. Pay is joined by Harry Lalousis - Mustard Sommelier for Maille mustards in the UK. There are many uses for mustard and you might be missing out on some of the most delicious ways to use them. Why dijon mustard is the base for some of your tastiest foods. Ma…

Get your grills ready - Chef Rob Braganolo from Carver shares his favourite things to cook on the grill and they aren't sausages or burgers! Learn to make perfect fish, pizza and even mussels on the grill this summer. Plus, hear about the special offerings at Taste of Toronto taking place June 23-26 at Fort York. Do you know what makes an Aussie me…

Some of the best food in Toronto is just outside of Toronto. Have you ever driven past a plaza or a tiny hole-in-the-wall restaurant and been curious about what's being offered inside? Food and drink writer, Suresh Doss, has become known as the unofficial food ambassador of Scarborough - becoming the go-to source for authentic and delicious multicu…

The Queen of Cakes and the woman who put beautifully designed cakes on the Toronto map - Bonnie Gordon - joins the show with the head pastry instructor of The Bonnie Gordon College of Confectionary Arts. They discuss the trends in desserts and pastry, the flavours you'll see more of this year, and what it takes to make cake dreams come true. Plus, …

Gardening expert Frankie Flowers joins the show to answer your gardening questions and shares his tips on growing your own food successfully. Whether you have a large garden or just a small balcony, Frankie breaks down the essential items you'll need and the most important things to consider as your grow and harvest. Did you know you can grow kiwi?…

Back from Halifax with a story to share about my dad offering a scammer money over the phone. To kick off the Victoria Day long weekend, Design and Lifestyle Expert Karl Lohnes, pops by to share ideas on updating high tea for your next event or gathering. Plus, the difference between High Tea and Afternoon Tea and hey...did you know one of them usu…

What is human Hungry, Hungry Hippo? Tune in to find out. If you'd like to eat healthier, and make better meals for you and/or your family, cookbook author and cooking class instructor Nettie Cronish and Registered Dietician Cara Rosenbloom join the show to talk about their book: Nourish - Whole Food Recipes featuring Seeds, Nuts and Beans. Find out…

Pay found the best way to get rid of old stuff (it's not new...she is just new to doing this.) And someone got a grown-up BBQ and is conquering her flame fears after having a BBQ explode in her face once. Hear the pathetic story. Joel MacCharles and Dana Harrison are the couple behind WellPreserved.ca - a great blog of recipes for preserving. Their…

Pay's tooth fell out. That was fun. Feel like an under-achiever? A guy is going to make over $100,000 this year by decorating bananas. You got that right. Bananas. While you're packing away your fall and winter gear - make sure you do it right! Yes, there are many, many wrong ways to do it. Lifestyle Expert Shoana Jensen joins the show to talk abou…

It's tax time and Pay's accountant doesn't think chocolate is a work expense. The sisters behind the popular cookbooks, Bite Me, and Bite Me Too, join Pay to talk about their latest book, Lick Your Plate. Julie Albert and Lisa Gnat have been creating recipes and dishes to answer the question, "What's for dinner?" They talk about what makes their re…

Pay recaps her gluttonous trip out west to British Columbia where it actually FELT like Spring. A food-packed trip to Vancouver and Victoria to sample their delicious offerings and also some quality time with her niece. The girl with the reverse mullet. Do you like your name? Have you ever wished you had a different name? Writer and author Duana Ta…

A frustrated mom sends her son an invoice totally almost $40,000 for the cost of supporting him since he moved back home 13-months ago. It includes $1000 for being an a**hole and not appreciating the support of his mom. Should adult kids be charged for moving back home? Mom blogger and writer, Sonya Davidson, joins the show to chat about Macaron Da…

A recap of a week's worth of eating and exploring new places in Toronto. Reasons not to accompany a friend's 4-year-old to the bathroom and why you are not the worst parent in the world (with a solid example shared.) Plus, Dr. Jason Fung talks about his latest book - The Obesity Code: Unlocking the Secrets of Weight Loss. A nephrologist (find out w…

Pay takes a 5-person Syrian family on an outing to see sights in the city! If you've ever wanted to quit your job and do something totally different - that's what Steve Gill did when he quit his tech job to open up a Mexican restaurant that has almost 60 locations across Canada! Learn about different peppers - not all hot - and which ones are reall…

I got tired of hearing stories about government-sponsored Syrian refugees stuck in hotels and needing help so I decided to volunteer and if that interests you - you can help a family too! Pay chats with Virginia Johnson who is working to match volunteers and families who could use some help settling in Canada. Tune in to find out how you can donate…

Do you remember how exciting it was to get a new book when you were a kid? Give that feeling to a kid who loves to read but may not be able to own a book of their own. A Good Book Drive is hoping to collect 1000 new kids books for the Children's Book Bank in Toronto. Radio host Lana Gay and Lindsay Timmins (Children's Book Bank) join the show to sh…

You don't have to live in the country or have a big yard to have some chickens! Food writer and author, Signe Langford joins the show to tell you all you need to know about having backyard hens and the perks of always having fresh eggs. The best way to keep your gals healthy and comfortable and tips on cooking the best eggs (and when fresh isn't al…

Chef Claudio Aprile (Origin restaurants) joins the show to talk about food, his favourite hidden gems, and the new season of MasterChef Canada. Plus, a hint at his new restaurant.... Ladies who love beer, or just think they might kind of like beer - have a welcoming environment to enjoy and learn about local craft beer with bevies put on by the Soc…

What food are you going to see more of that is actually full of nutrients? BUGS! EAT BUGS! Pay chats with Jarrod Goldin from Entomo Farms about farming edible insects, why they're good for you and why they're better for the environment. Plus, Pay tries the new desserts from Summerhill Market made with ground crickets and mealworms. Want to buy fres…

What classic Canadian show did I get to be a part of this year? Chef Tyler Shedden (Chase Hospitality Group, formerly of Cafe Boulud) gives us the lowdown on truffles (not the chocolate kind), including the most expensive truffle sold, the difference between white and black and how people find these nuggets of gold in the ground. Tim Caulfield (Can…

It's the first show of 2016 as Pay recaps highlights of her family trip to Taiwan with her parents! If you made it a goal to be healthier in 2016 - start with the food you eat. TV personality and holistic nutritionist Kim D'Eon joins the show with easy tips to incorporate healthy habits and the types of food you should eat. Plus, what are some of t…

Christmas is over but that doesn't mean you're not going to entertain for NYE or into the new year! Jitin Gaba (restaurant chef at TOCA in the Ritz Carlton) talks about creating the best cheese boards and how to make the better. MY MOM AND DAD ARE IN TOWN and they reluctantly come on the show. Find out what my dad things I do for a living and liste…

Looking for a great gift for the foodie in your life? Buy them a ticket to Chefs for Change taking place in the new year! A group of Canada's best chefs will be cooking and preparing food for 5 different events in 2016. It's your chance to meet top chefs and enjoy fabulous food at a top-notch event that raises money for Community Food Centres Canad…

Do you know the difference between a yam and a sweet potato? How about the date of National Farting Day? Professional Home Economist Mairlyn Smith (BT, Cityline) joins the show to chat about her latest cookbook, Homegrown, which celebrates everything that is grown and produced in Canada. With recipes featuring ingredients from coast to coast, Mairl…

Could Toronto be the next King of Craft Beer? Steve Himel of Henderson Brewery sure hopes so. Hear about Toronto's history of making good brew and how you can get in on the new brewery opening in the Junction area of Toronto. Beer of the month clubs and new flavours honouring well-known Canadians are going to be available in the new year - so be th…

Is the Toronto real estate bubble going to burst anytime soon? Are you barely making your mortgage payments? Mortgage specialist, Ron Alphonso was recently featured in a Toronto Life article as someone who offers private second mortgages to people the bank don't want anything to do with. He shares ways to avoid getting in over your head and what yo…

What's replacing burgers and tacos as the new hot food in town? Chef Rob Braganolo of Carver (formerly of Marben restaurant) talks about the pros of slow roasting your meats and how to get it right. What is porchetta and is it something you would make at home? Chef Rob shares ideas on changing up your regular holiday meal and tells you the secrets …

Find out why more and more people are getting Type 2 diabetes when they're young. Are you at risk? What are the symptoms? How can you keep your kids from getting diabetes? There's an increase in young women being diagnosed and Dr. Richard Tytus, family physician in Hamilton, Ontario and Associate Professor of FamilyMedicine at McMaster University, …

Nutritionist Lianne Phillipson-Webb does some myth busting when it comes to winter health care. Does loading up on Vitamin C beat that oncoming cold? Can you get Vitamin D in your meals? Find out as she sets the record straight and learn what you need to boost your immunity as germ season rolls out. Food writer, Corey Mintz, joins the show to talk …

New day and new time! The Pay Chen Show moves to Saturday at 3pm. TV Host, cookbook author and chef, Mary Jo Eustace, co-hosts the show and chats about her days hosting "What's For Dinner?" with Ken Kostick, cooking on radio, and what inspired her to launch her latest cookbook. "Scared Wheatless" is a gluten-free book that won't make you crazy. Mar…

It's the last Sunday night show! Next week Pay's show moves to Saturday's at 3pm but you can still catch the podcasts here. Hassel Aviles (Toronto Underground Market) and Trish Magwood (author, Dish Cooking Studios) join Pay on the show to talk about their new project that will change the way you get lunch and dinner on the table. What's it like be…

Do good when you eat out on October 21st with Restaurants for Change. Nick Saul from Community Food Centres Canada and Ryan Donovan of Richmond Station talk about the great work done by CFCC across Canada and why it's important for the food community and diners to support the cause. The man who has spent 38 years traveling the world to find the wei…