Marilyn Denis: The Radio, The Gummies, and The Love of Her Life

The Jann Arden Podcast

Dear friend and broadcasting icon Marilyn Denis joins the show this week! She shares her journey through broadcasting, family life, and the evolution of media. She reflects on the joys of Christmas with her family, the challenges of building a home, and the sacrifices she has made throughout her career. The discussion also touches on the impact of social media on broadcasting, the challenges posed by AI and technology, and the impact of scams on public figures. The conversation also touches on celebrity encounters and the balance between privacy and public life.

More about Marilyn Denis:

In 2023, Marilyn announced she would bid adieu as host of the popular Canadian Screen Award-winning series THE MARILYN DENIS SHOW, following 13 incredible seasons and a 34-year career of daily daytime television.

Formerly co-host of Roger & Marilyn, the veteran radio broadcaster now hosts Marilyn Denis and Jamar, weekday mornings on Toronto’s #1-ranked radio station CHUM 104.5. A definite trailblazer, Edmonton-born Marilyn became the first female DJ at KRPL in Moscow, Idaho. She then moved to Calgary where she held various radio and television positions including programmer, music director, and traffic reporter. But it wasn’t until she auditioned to become Roger Ashby’s co-host, that Marilyn found her niche. After interviewing dozens of broadcasters and actresses, Marilyn breezed into CHUM FM in July 1986. After chatting with her for a few brief minutes, Roger immediately remarked, “I think we’ve found the right one.”

Marilyn has always balanced her dynamic radio career with her candid television presence. She first began her career in television by reporting on sports, weather, and entertainment at CFCN-TV (CTV Calgary) and working as a freelance reporter for TSN. Marilyn also shared hosting duties on Bravo!'s Gemini Award-winning concert series LIVE AT THE REHEARSAL HALL and was host of the popular daily show CITYLINE for nearly 20 years.

A triple Gemini Award-winner (including back-to-back Viewers Choice Awards), Marilyn received The Rosalie Award, honouring Canadian women who have paved the way for others in radio broadcasting in 2006. Marilyn is the recipient of the Allan Waters Broadcast Lifetime Achievement Award, which was awarded at the 2017 Canadian Music and Broadcast Industry Awards;_ _listed as one of Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100 by WXN_;_ _selected as the University of Idaho’s (where Marilyn studied broadcasting) 2017 Commencement Speaker and Honorary Degree recipient.

Follow along with Marilyn on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marilyndenis

Read more about her Lifetime Achievement Award: https://broadcastdialogue.com/marilyn-denis-john-brunton-among-canadian-academy-special-award-recipients/

Listen to Marilyn on CHUM: https://www.chum1045.com/shows/the-marilyn-denis-show.html

Chapters

(00:00) Introduction to Marilyn Denis

(03:04) The Joys of Family and Christmas Traditions

(05:56) Building a Home: A Personal Journey

(09:02) Navigating Career Sacrifices and Responsibilities

(11:59) The Start of a Broadcasting Career

(14:56) The Evolution of Media and Personal Growth

(17:52) The Impact of Social Media on Broadcasting

(24:55) Navigating Social Media Challenges

(27:32) Embracing AI and Technology

(30:08) The Impact of Scams on Public Figures

(34:10) The Importance of Media Literacy

(38:06) Personal Safety and Aging

(41:41) Celebrity Encounters and Privacy

(44:44) Navigating Vulnerability in Social Situations

(47:39) The Impact of Personal Connections

(51:39) A Journey Through Love and Relationships

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