27 episodes

Trust Me... I'm a Decorator! is a new 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. 
To ease their boredom during the pandemic, they began a weekly instagram series sharing stories about their respective lives. Tommy was in Toronto, and Debbie was in Tuscany and they found such joy inviting followers into their homes. Listeners enjoyed the content so much that they decided it was time to start their own podcast. 
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 at her villa in Tuscany. She is also the creator and host of Debbie Travis' Painted House, Debbie Travis' Facelift, From the Ground Up, All for One and La Dolce Debbie. She has appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show, Regis and Kelly, The Today Show, The Marilyn Denis Show and has been featured everywhere from Marie Clare to People Magazine, Hello Magazine, The Telegraph and The Globe and Mail.
Tommy Smythe spent almost two decades working with HGTV star Sarah Richardson on various shows and he’s a highly sought-after guest expert on national television including The Marilyn Denis Show and Breakfast Television. He recently started his own interior design firm called TOM Design Studio where he combines his love for both traditional and modern design. Off camera, he maintains an international portfolio of private residential design projects as well as an active presence in print media.

Trust Me I'm a Decorator Women in Media Network

    • Society & Culture
    • 4.8 • 13 Ratings

Trust Me... I'm a Decorator! is a new 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. 
To ease their boredom during the pandemic, they began a weekly instagram series sharing stories about their respective lives. Tommy was in Toronto, and Debbie was in Tuscany and they found such joy inviting followers into their homes. Listeners enjoyed the content so much that they decided it was time to start their own podcast. 
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 at her villa in Tuscany. She is also the creator and host of Debbie Travis' Painted House, Debbie Travis' Facelift, From the Ground Up, All for One and La Dolce Debbie. She has appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show, Regis and Kelly, The Today Show, The Marilyn Denis Show and has been featured everywhere from Marie Clare to People Magazine, Hello Magazine, The Telegraph and The Globe and Mail.
Tommy Smythe spent almost two decades working with HGTV star Sarah Richardson on various shows and he’s a highly sought-after guest expert on national television including The Marilyn Denis Show and Breakfast Television. He recently started his own interior design firm called TOM Design Studio where he combines his love for both traditional and modern design. Off camera, he maintains an international portfolio of private residential design projects as well as an active presence in print media.

    Whizz Air, Marmite Sandwiches, and Other Travel Tales

    Whizz Air, Marmite Sandwiches, and Other Travel Tales

    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 then shifts to gardening and the joys of spring, with Debbie sharing her experiences of maintaining the gardens at her villa in Italy. They also reflect on their recent live podcast event and express excitement about their upcoming cruise to Budapest. Debbie and Tommy share other stories from past trips, highlighting the joys of when someone else organizes the details! Tell Tommy & Debbie about your upcoming travel plans, best and worst experiences, and lessons learned from your adventures! Send them a voicenote at thetrustmepod.com or on Instagram @thetrustmepod.
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    • 37 min
    Inside the Creative Mind of Jann Arden

    Inside the Creative Mind of Jann Arden

    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. She emphasizes the importance of storytelling and the enjoyment she finds in pursuing different creative endeavours. The conversation also touches on the editing process and the challenges of letting go of certain ideas. They touch on some themes covered in the book including teenage pregnancy, abandonment, alcoholism and animal cruelty. Jann also explains how her book also looks at making better choices regarding animal welfare and industrial farming. The hosts share funny and hateful experiences from the internet. They emphasize the need for joy, laughter, and manners in online interactions. The conversation covers various topics including poverty, the impact of COVID-19, the value of hard work, the importance of being authentic, the significance of home, and the joy of planting and nurturing. They also talk about the sacrifices and challenges of their careers and the misconception of fame. The conversation emphasizes the importance of living in the present moment and finding joy in simple things. 
    Topics

    The 13-Year Journey of 'The Bittlemores'

    The Challenges and Importance of the Editing Process

    The Joy of Storytelling: Jan Arden's Approach to Writing

    Awareness and Better Choices for Animal Welfare

    Funny and Hurtful Experiences with Online Hate

    Living Life to the Fullest and Exploring the World

    The Impact of Poverty and COVID-19

    The Value of Hard Work and Authenticity

    The Significance of Home

    Finding Joy in Simple Things

    The Satisfaction of Planting and Nurturing


    Find out more about Jann Arden's The Bittlemores: https://www.jannarden.com/jann-arden-releases-new-novel-the-bittlemores/
    Listen to The Jann Arden Podcast: https://www.jannardenpod.com/
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    • 52 min
    Ask Us Anything Live

    Ask Us Anything Live

    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. They cover their proudest and most embarrassing moments as television personalities and friends, sharing stories from many television sets and visits along the way.
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    • 48 min
    Women Who Inspire Us

    Women Who Inspire Us

    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 also reflect on the changing roles of women in society, including the impact of women in politics, and the importance of supportive partnerships. They also explore the power of reversing traditional gender roles and the significance of trust and support in relationships. The conversation highlights the need to celebrate women's achievements and share success stories. They also announce another 'Ask Us Anything' episode with a live audience! Send in your questions at www.thetrustmepod.com!

    Topics

    Introduction and the Influence of Women

    The Importance of Coping and Support

    Gender Roles and Community

    The Power of Female Friendship

    Sharing Stories and Finding Inspiration

    The Multitudes of Women and Men

    The Influence of Women Throughout History

    The Changing Roles of Women

    The Influence of Women Behind the Scenes

    The Impact of Women in Politics

    Women Who Inspire

    Supportive Partnerships

    Reversing Traditional Gender Roles

    The Importance of Trust and Support

    Finding Balance in Relationships

    The Power of Sharing Success Stories

    Celebrating Women's Achievements

    Recording with a Live Studio Audience

    Recommendation: Conversations from a Long Marriage


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    • 41 min
    The Real World of Design with Genevieve Gorder

    The Real World of Design with Genevieve Gorder

    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 for home and human rights. Gorder has appeared and been featured in several dozen lifestyle shows around the world. Currently, you can find Genevieve on Netflix, HGTV, Bravo, TLC, Amazon, numerous talk shows, and now on Crackle TV with her new show At Home with Genevieve. A two time Emmy nominee and regular design host at the White House, Genevieve has built multiple lifestyle collections for home. From rugs and textiles to wallpaper, jewelry and a full line of furniture and decor. Off Air and internet, Genevieve designs and consults for a diverse group of clients and companies. While she has guided many hotels, restaurants, cruise lines, towns and private clients towards their design dreams, her latest project will open in 2025 as a Six Senses hotel in Mexico. She travels the world with Oxfam as a Sister on the Planet ambassador, using her influence to fight global poverty, hunger and injustice with a particular focus on home and empowering women and girls. Gorder’s work has been featured in numerous publications nationally and internationally. Currently you can find her on the cover and featured in the NYT best seller “In the Company of Women”. Genevieve resides with her husband and furniture designer Christian Dunbar and daughter Bebelle in Manhattan. 
    Debbie, Tommy & Genevieve discuss their early collaborations and the impact they had on viewers and future designers. They also reflect on the success of shows like Changing Rooms and Trading Spaces, which revolutionized the design industry. The conversation explores the democratization of design and the joy of teaching and communicating design to a wide audience. Genevieve and Debbie share their passion for creativity and the importance of finding inspiration in everyday life. They also discuss the challenges and rewards of the renovation process and the joy of creating spaces that bring happiness to people's lives. They touch on the realities of television production, filming challenges, finding drama in home renovations, and appreciating the realness of the process.
    Topics covered:

    Introduction and Admiration

    Early Collaborations and TV Shows

    Passion for Design from Childhood

    Impact on Viewers and Future Designers

    The Success of Changing Rooms and Trading Spaces

    The Rise of Reality TV and Design Shows

    Early TV Experiences and Real World

    Diplomacy and Creativity

    Translating Design and Joyful Approach

    Teaching and Communicating Design

    Design as a Calling and Teaching Process

    Democratization of Design and DIY

    Breaking Barriers and Changing the Industry

    Taking Ownership and Creating Collections

    Finding Inspiration and Learning from Italy

    Passion for Design and Teaching

    Balancing Creativity and Teaching

    Sharing the Renovation Process

    The Cost of Renovations

    Creating Destinations

    The Realities of Television

    Filming Challenges

    Finding Drama in Home Renovations

    Appreciating the Realness

    Continuing the Conversation


    Find more information about Genevieve's collections:
    Jewelry: https://monyajewelry.com/pages/genevieve-gorder
    Rugs: https://buymymagiccarpet.com/pages/genevieve-gorder-collection
    Wallpaper: https://tempaper.com/collections/genevieve-gorder?gad_source=1
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    • 43 min
    Tunnel of Love

    Tunnel of Love

    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 unfortunate Valentine's Day experiences, they also discuss how to keep romance alive and their plans for Valentine's Day. Finally, Debbie shares her chocolate mousse recipe from her latest book, Joy.
    Debbie's chocolate mousse recipe ingredients:

    4 cups of whipping cream or heavy cream,

    3 cups of chopped dark chocolate, a little over one pound.

    Icing powder

    Edible flowers or fresh mint.


    Directions:
    Pour the cream into a large bowl and whip with a whisk or electric mixer until stiff peaks form. Place the chocolate in a microwave safe bowl and microwave for 30 second intervals, stirring after each until all the pieces have melted and the mixture is hot and smooth. Alternatively, you can place the chocolate in a heatproof bowl and set it over a pot of boiling water and stir regularly until melted and smooth.
    While the chocolate is still melted, quickly fold in the whipped cream using a spatula, mixing gently and gradually until the mousse is fluffy and soft. Using a piping bag or Ziploc bag with a little hole in the corner, pipe the mousse into individual serving dishes and refrigerate for at least three hours until the mousse is chilled and the texture firm.
    When ready to serve, dust each portion with a little icing sugar and decorate with a little flour or some mint. Feel free to add the Debbie Travis touch; Grand Marnier.
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    • 32 min

Customer Reviews

4.8 out of 5
13 Ratings

13 Ratings

alixjben ,

Very entertaining.

I feel like I was listening in on discussion at the next table over in a restaurant. The one that seems to be having the most fun in the dining room. Thanks for inviting us into the conversation.

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