What happens when a familiar face from television news steps away from the newsroom and confidently creates an exciting new chapter? On this episode of Janette’s TV Podcast, Janette Burke catches up with former CP24 reporter and anchor Kayla Williams on the red carpet at the 2026 Vaughan International Film Festival Closing Night Awards Gala. Kayla—media personality, event MC, content creator and actor—shares her excitement about hosting one of VFF’s most important evenings and reflects on the skills, confidence and presence required to command a live stage. This lively red-carpet conversation explores career reinvention, embracing new opportunities and continuing to evolve after leaving a high-profile television role. It is a reminder—especially for SAVVY women over 40—that stepping away from one title does not mean stepping away from your talent, relevance or ambition. Sometimes it simply means it is time for a new stage. In this episode: • Kayla’s transition from CP24 to a multifaceted media career • Hosting the VFF 2026 Closing Night Awards Gala • The energy and unpredictability of live events • Confidence, communication and thinking on your feet • Expanding beyond one professional title • Reinvention, motherhood and creating your next chapter • Why film festivals matter to emerging filmmakers and creative communities The Vaughan International Film Festival is a registered nonprofit organization that supports emerging filmmakers and showcases international short films. Since 2012, VFF has received more than 1,900 submissions from over 65 countries and screened more than 140 films. Watch, comment and subscribe to Janette’s TV Podcast for celebrity interviews, red-carpet conversations, entertainment, lifestyle inspiration and stories created with SAVVY women over 40 in mind. QUESTION FOR YOU: Have you ever left a familiar role and discovered an entirely new side of yourself? Share your answer in the comments—and please send this episode to another SAVVY woman who is ready to embrace her next act! VFF background information verified through the festival’s official About page. About Kayla Williams Kayla Williams is a Canadian media personality, television host, event MC, content creator and actor. She is best known for her years as a reporter and anchor with CP24, Toronto’s breaking-news channel. Following her departure from daily television news, Kayla expanded her career into live-event hosting, content creation, acting and other media opportunities. Known for her warmth, relatability and commanding on-camera presence, she brings professional newsroom experience and vibrant energy to every stage. In July 2026, Kayla hosted the Vaughan International Film Festival Closing Night Awards Gala, helping VFF celebrate outstanding short films, emerging filmmakers and established members of the screen industry. About the Vaughan International Film Festival The Vaughan International Film Festival is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting emerging filmmakers and showcasing outstanding short films from Canada and around the world. Founded in 2012, VFF has grown into a creative hub offering international screenings, awards, networking opportunities, student competitions and educational programs. About Janette’s TV Podcast Janette’s TV Podcast is a four-time award-winning entertainment and lifestyle platform hosted by media personality, interviewer and red-carpet correspondent Janette Burke. With more than 700 interviews and a combined global following of over 15.2 million, Janette brings audiences candid conversations with celebrities, filmmakers, thought leaders, entrepreneurs and inspiring personalities. Created especially for SAVVY women over 40, Janette’s TV Podcast puts mature women at the centre of the conversation through entertainment, career reinvention, affordable luxury, wellness, lifestyle content and stories that encourage women to remain strong, visible and unapologetically ambitious.
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Fashion meets philanthropy, music and an unstoppable Toronto community in this special edition of Janette’s TV Podcast. Janette takes viewers inside Rock the Runway for SickKids – The Unstoppable Event at Toronto’s Avant Garde Gallery for an inspiring evening bringing together fashion, entertainment, community leaders and change makers in support of SickKids. Meet Rock the Runway founder and executive producer Sarah Tahseen, a model, actress, producer and model coach who returned to modelling after 50 and went on to walk runways internationally. Janette also catches up with guitarist and musician Michael Cavallo, inspirational speaker, coach and podcaster Warren Falkenstein of Walk With Warren, Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow, plus models, performers and other personalities who came together for the cause. Beyond the glamour of the runway, this episode explores something much bigger: What happens when people use their platforms, talents and personal stories to help others? For Sarah, the mission is deeply personal. Her own daughter was once a SickKids patient, inspiring her desire to give back through an event combining fashion, entertainment and community. From reinvention after 50 and overcoming adversity to giving back, finding purpose and refusing to allow age or circumstances to define your future, this is a night about being UNSTOPPABLE. Watch the fashion. Meet the personalities. Hear their stories. And discover what it means to turn your passion into purpose. Hosted by Janette Burke — Media Personality, Host, Interviewer, Speaker & Creator of Janette’s TV Podcast. FEATURED GUEST & EVENT LINKS Sarah Tahseen Website: modelincorporated.com Instagram: @maserati_mom72 Model Incorporated Instagram: @model_incorporated Rock the Runway Instagram: @rocktherunwaytoronto Email: info@modelincorporated.com Warren Falkenstein — Walk With Warren Website: walkwithwarren.com Instagram: @WalkWithWarren YouTube: @walkwithwarren Linktree: linktr.ee/WalkWithWarren Facebook: Warren Falkenstein / Walk With Warren LinkedIn: Walk With Warren TikTok: Walk With Warren Michael Cavallo Guitarist, songwriter, producer and touring musician associated with Manic Drive and Cavallo & Co. Rock the Runway Instagram: @rocktherunwaytoronto Mayor Olivia Chow City of Toronto / Mayor’s Office Website: mayoroliviachow.ca
Come Behind-the-Scenes with Janette as I get my hair refreshed and event-ready with Kam at Three Strands Studio in Thornhill! I'm heading to Montreal for a Bar Mitzvah and then into a busy season of fall events, so it's time to get my hair ready — and spend a little time taking care of me. In this episode, I'm taking you into the salon chair with me as Kam works his magic. We'll talk hair, getting ready for Montreal, my upcoming fall events and what goes into getting camera- and event-ready. But Janette Behind-the-Scenes is about much more than hair, clothes, events and red carpets. It's an up-close and personal glimpse into my real life as a media professional and entrepreneur — balancing work, caregiving responsibilities, everyday challenges and finding some time for myself while continuing to pursue the career and life I want. And for my fellow SAVVY women over 40, sometimes a salon appointment isn't simply about looking better. It's about taking a little time for yourself, hitting the reset button and walking out feeling refreshed and confident. So come along with me to Three Strands Studio and stay until the end to see my finished look! Tell me in the comments: What are YOU doing to refresh your look for fall? FEATURED IN THIS SEGMENT Three Strands Studio 4.9•Hair salon Directions•(905) 597-1450 8700 Bathurst Street, Unit 2 Thornhill, Ontario Hair by Kam / Kamran 📞 Kam Direct: 647-297-6070