Chosen Family - podcast cover

Chosen Family

A podcast hosted by queer, cosmically-destined BFFs Thomas Leblanc and Tranna Wintour. Join the Montreal comedians every other week for deep and spontaneous conversations featuring renowned artists and and up-and-coming creators.

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Episodes

S2 E14: Trigger Warning with Bret Easton Ellis

As a new year’s resolution, Thomas & Tranna want to talk to people who might not share their exact world view. Novelist Bret Easton Ellis, no stranger to controversy, joins the two for a feature chat about his provocative work, Millennials, and gay political correctness. Then, T&T share their first Obsessions of 2020: Bombshell and… Cats. You could now find an expanded version of T&T's Obsessions for every episode on Xtra! Read this week's here: https://www.dailyxtra.com/jennifer-hud...

Jan 15, 202042 minSeason 2Ep. 14

Live from RIDM with Benedetta Barzini & Beniamino Barrese

Recorded live at the RIDM documentary film festival in Montreal, Tranna & Thomas talk to Italian ex-supermodel Benedetta Barzini and her son, director Beniamino Barrese. Their film "The Disappearance of My Mother" looks at Benedetta’s revolt against the culture of image-making and her strong desire to fade away from view.

Dec 30, 201926 min

S2 E13: Sweet Fantasy with Owen Pallett

Tranna and Thomas recap the Celine Dion concert they attended together and look at the singer’s renaissance, the generational divide among her fans, and... her hair. Then the two are joined by multi-instrumentalist and composer Owen Pallett (aka Final Fantasy) to talk about utopian futures, the problems with fandom, and mental health struggles during the creative process. Plus: T&T's new Obsessions take us to 80s decadence and some horny places.

Dec 11, 201944 minSeason 2Ep. 13

S2 E12: The Power of Goodbye with Ira Sachs

Thomas confesses to Tranna that he can’t be monogamous and contemplates different configurations like polyamory and open relationships. Then, filmmaker Ira Sachs joins the two to talk about his new film Frankie, unconventional families, and why he no longer feels like an outsider. Plus, in the latest Obsessions, Thomas and Tranna explore why they’re drawn to two dynastic shows about the ultra rich: Succession and The Crown.

Nov 27, 201933 minSeason 2Ep. 12

S2 E11: Love At The End Of The World with Kai Cheng Thom

Moving into a new apartment brings up intense feelings around identity and safety for Tranna. Then, writer-performer and former social worker Kai Cheng Thom talks about cancel culture and chosen families in the wake of her new book “I Hope We Choose Love: A Trans Girl’s Notes from the End of the World”. Plus, Thomas shares his latest Obsession: the pilates reformer.

Nov 13, 201938 minSeason 2Ep. 11

S2 E10: Funny Girls with Matteo Lane

Thomas opens up about his grandmother’s passing and how comedy helps him in dark times. Then, standup comic and former opera singer Matteo Lane talks divas, chosen families and... his racy Instagram. Plus, a chat with comedian Robbie Hoffman on Judaism’s acceptance of queerness. This is our 25th episode, aka the Silver episode!

Oct 30, 201935 minSeason 2Ep. 10

S2 E9: Hanging By A Moment with Xavier Dolan

In a special episode of Chosen Family — part retrospective, part love letter — Thomas shares personal stories about award-winning Montreal filmmaker Xavier Dolan from throughout the years. Then, the Cannes darling himself opens up in a rare feature interview about love, family and friendship.

Oct 16, 201941 minSeason 2Ep. 8

S2 E8: Morphing Time with Amy Jo Johnson

Tranna and Thomas reminisce about celebrity sightings at TIFF. Then the two are joined by filmmaker Amy Jo Johnson, of pink power ranger and Felicity fame. Plus, Thomas shares his obsession with MTV dating show “Are You the One?”

Oct 02, 201930 minSeason 2Ep. 8

S2 E7: Teenage Dreams with Tegan and Sara

Thomas opens up to Tranna about the sister he never had. Then they go back to High School with Canadian rock royalty Tegan and Sara who talk about their new memoir on their teenage years, and what it was like to navigate their sexual identities separately, as twins. Plus, Tranna discovers a new queer icon in Netflix show Blown Away.

Sep 18, 201937 minSeason 2Ep. 7

S2 E6: Hot Goddess Summer with Guy Branum

Thomas and Tranna debate the nuances of American vs. Canadian fame. Then, a conversation at Just for Laughs with comic and writer Guy Branum — ”the gay uncle of standup.” Plus, T&T say goodbye to summer and hello to fall.

Aug 28, 201940 minSeason 2Ep. 6

S2 E5: Disrupting the Senses with Rodney Evans

Thomas and Tranna talk about not feeling queer enough. Then, a chat with filmmaker Rodney Evans on Vision Portraits – his moving documentary about the challenges and strengths of being a visually-impaired artist. Plus, in a very special Obsessions, Tranna gets answers to a certain Sex and The City episode that has plagued her, from the writer herself, Cindy Chupack.

Aug 14, 201940 minSeason 2Ep. 5

S2 E4: Red Carpet Jungle with Karla Welch

Tranna opens up to Thomas about the unrealistic beauty expectations she feels as a trans woman. Then the two get pointers from celebrity stylist Karla Welch who sees fashion as a form of activism. Plus, Basic City Gay Thomas talks wilderness with Quince Mountain — the first openly trans person to appear on the survival reality show Naked and Afraid.

Jul 31, 201939 minSeason 2Ep. 4

S2E3: The Notorious Life with Margaret Cho

In a very special episode, Thomas and Tranna welcome legendary stand-up comic and LGBTQ champion Margaret Cho for a feature chat on the radical nature of her comedy, educating millenials on queer sex… and John Travolta.

Jul 17, 201944 minSeason 2Ep. 3

S2 E2: Queer Is the New Straight with Lauren Morelli

Thomas and Tranna share their ideals of home and then talk about queer utopia with Lauren Morelli, writer-producer on Netflix’s Tales of the City and Orange Is the New Black. Plus, this week’s obsession: 50 percent off tags.

Jul 03, 201938 minSeason 2Ep. 2

S2 E1: Tell Me Lies with Ryan O’Connell

Thomas and Tranna reveal their personal delusions to each other and then talk lies with Ryan O'Connell, creator and star of the Netflix series Special — a comedy that draws on Ryan’s real-life experience hiding his cerebral palsy. Plus, T&T’s latest obsession: the rebranding of Ginger Spice.

Jun 18, 201934 minSeason 2Ep. 1

S1 E15: Together - A Season Finale

It's the season finale - talk about an ocean of emotions! Tranna and Thomas try to tie it all together as they assess where they find themselves in their lives right now.

Apr 19, 20181 hr 24 minSeason 1Ep. 15

S1 E14: Patsy Gallant and New Beginnings

Canadian icon and disco queen Patsy Gallant bursts into the studio like an unstoppable force of energy, as she prepares to record the album of a lifetime. Having Patsy in the studio was a dream come true for Tranna, who's been a die-hard fan for years.

Apr 04, 20181 hr 2 minSeason 1Ep. 14

S1 E13: Brendan Kelly and Céline Dion Gold

Journalist Brendan Kelly, who's been covering and interviewing Céline for the last 25+ years, joins Chosen Family in its extreme and hilarious Céline obsession. Prepare to dive deep into the universe of the Queen of Québec.

Mar 21, 20181 hr 14 minSeason 1Ep. 13

S1 E11: In Real Life with Féminin/Féminin

Chosen Family goes live in front of an audience for the first time! With guests Chloé Robichaud and Alexa-Jeanne Dubé from the hit show Féminin/Féminin, Thomas and Tranna dive into queer media and the industry changes that are slowly taking shape (en français).

Feb 21, 201856 minSeason 1Ep. 11

S1 E10: A Chosen Family Christmas

It's simultaneously the most wonderful and awful time of the year, but you better not pout because Thomas and Tranna are here to help you navigate the ups and downs of the holiday season in their first Christmas special!

Dec 21, 20171 hr 8 minSeason 1Ep. 10

S1 E9: Judith Lussier and Joyful Justice

Thomas and Tranna wonder if they should take an extended break from the toxicity of social media, as they are joined (en français) by Judith Lussier, a writer, producer and host, who's had her own share of difficult experiences on social media.

Dec 07, 20171 hr 7 minSeason 1Ep. 9

S1 E8: Arshad Khan and Finding Acceptance

A discussion about religion and spirituality goes so far beyond when filmmaker Arshad Khan, who's been touring the international film festival circuit with his acclaimed documentary, Abu, joins the table.

Nov 24, 20171 hr 1 minSeason 1Ep. 8

S1 E7: Dana Michel and A Place of Love

Tranna and Thomas reveal themselves in a way they haven't before - diving deep into the subject of love in the age of the dating app. Plus great conversation, comedy and music from guests Dana Michel, Ashley Moffatt, Ryan G. Hinds and Antony Carle.

Nov 09, 201757 minSeason 1Ep. 7

S1 E6: Eileen Myles and Radical Transparency

Tranna and Thomas are weary and worn as the world feels like an increasingly dark place. But inspiring guests Eileen Myles, Jonathan Van Meter and Chanty Marostica are here to save the day with their wit and wisdom.

Oct 26, 20171 hr 4 minSeason 1Ep. 6

S1 E4: Nantali Indongo and the Art of Being Real

Tranna calls up her hero and friend, Sandra Bernhard; Thomas obsesses over fashion satire queen, Mademoiselle Agnès; and Nantali Indongo joins the family live in studio for a deep conversation on race and art.

Sep 28, 20171 hr 10 minSeason 1Ep. 4

S1 E2: John Cameron Mitchell and Queer Identity

Thomas and Tranna discuss queer identity, the role of labels and the punk way of life with legendary writer, actor and director John Cameron Mitchell (Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Short Bus, Rabbit Hole). Plus, the hilarious Nadya Ginsburg dials in!

Aug 31, 20171 hr 1 minSeason 1Ep. 2

S1 E1: Jen Kirkman and the Madonna Connection

Meet Chosen Family hosts, Thomas Leblanc and Tranna Wintour, who share a unique friendship. Joining the family for the first episode are comedy superstar Jen Kirkman and choreographer Miguel Gutierrez.

Aug 17, 20171 hr 6 minSeason 1Ep. 1
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