Marilyn Denis is a force to be reckoned with. “I’m one of the most powerful women in Canada,” Denis says over the phone, her voice brimming with charm and just a touch of sarcasm.
According to the Women’s Executive Network, Denis is one of Canada’s top 100 most powerful women.
“That’s an honour and I’m truly grateful,” Denis says. “But I tell my sisters that and they go, ‘Seriously?!’ ” Jokes aside, it’s clear she’s worked hard to reach this status.
Denis’s midnight clocks in at around 9 p.m. Her day begins with the birds when she rises at 3:30 a.m. before taking on her co-hosting duties at 104.5 CHUM FM’s Roger, Darren & Marilyn. After a lengthy stint on-air — from 5:30 to 9 a.m. — Denis is then off to hair and makeup before she ushers in the second part of her day. At 10 a.m. the media maven steps in front of the camera to host her namesake CTV show.
The Marilyn Denis Show has been a long time coming — her career simply didn’t happen overnight. Denis was born in Edmonton; later, she and her family migrated to Pittsburgh, following her father’s career and pursuit of another degree. “My father loved going to school,” Denis notes. She recalls being “very much involved in activities at school” and gained her love for football while there.
Following Denis’s high school graduation in ’76, she attended the University of Idaho, earning her bachelor’s degree in radio, television and advertising. She became the first female DJ at KRPL in Moscow, Idaho before migrating back to Alberta where she got her Canuck start in broadcasting.
Denis’s strong connections in both Pittsburgh and Calgary paved the way to Toronto. In 1986, she auditioned to be Roger Ashby’s co-host at CHUM FM, and she was chosen.
For 28 years, Denis has been a respected figure with 104.5 CHUM FM, Toronto’s number one–ranked radio station. With The Marilyn Denis Show, she’s now added another top-ranked program to her roster.
“I feel very fortunate that I have the jobs that I have because I love them,” Denis says. “My CHUM FM co-hosting role complements my role hosting The Marilyn Denis Show — not only in the content but in the people that support both projects.” The live television broadcast wraps up its fourth season this summer and prepares for its fifth this fall. It’s not in the least surprising that Denis has been reeling in some major Canadian and international celebrities — as well as top lifestyle experts — from the get-go.
Past celeb guests include chef Jamie Oliver and boldfaced Hollywood names, such as Diane Keaton and Hugh Jackman, along with Canucks Eugene Levy and chanteuse Jann Arden.
“I don’t always get to meet our celebrity guests before they come on-air,” Denis notes. Most of the time, she explains, their initial encounters are live on the show. “When you have such great guests who are experienced in doing media interviews on live radio and television, you know you’re going to have a good chat — it certainly helps keep the interview and conversation natural.”
However, it’s not all about the star power. Denis believes her live audience is equally as important as any guest on her show. “We can have great content, great back stories, great guests, but if your live audience isn’t with you, all the variables haven’t come together to make it a great show,” Denis says.
Her connection to the audience has made her a viewer favourite. “From what I understand, they have a great time. I would not want them driving in from all over Canada to come on the show and go, ‘Well, that wasn’t so much fun.’ ” Denis says. Fortunately, that doesn’t seem to be the case, according to Denis. Viewer satisfaction is a cornerstone of the show’s foundation: “I don’t want to waste anybody’s time.”
With an attitude like Denis’s, it’s no doubt that her show is always on point, fresh and fun. She says she doesn’t want her show “to look like a circus,” but she’ll try anything once. If it’s well-received, she’ll do it again. “The viewers’ input helps drive the content,” she notes.
Denis thrives in an industry known for ratcheting up stress levels, and she is focused on leading a healthy lifestyle outside of work. “How can you not when you’re listening to Dr. Oz who comes on your show?” Denis asks. “The most important thing to me is getting good-quality sleep, and that is what I attempt to do every night.”
She also makes sure to keep her energy levels up by eating at regular intervals. “I eat within the first half hour of getting up in the morning [and then] every three hours.” Protein and vegetables are essential. “I am on a [dietary supplement] plan called Isagenix — a few shakes a day and a meal — but I do supplement that with some snacks,” she notes.
Physical fitness is also a must for Denis. She’s at Totum Life Science at least three times a week where she works out with her trainer, Shawn. “That’s a non-intimidating gym,” Denis says. “The added bonus for me is to have a therapeutic massage by Carrie Ann as well. Hashtag it’s a good life.”
When asked about her approach to aging, Denis says she tries to get a facial every six to eight weeks with Amanda at Gee Beauty. For special occasions, she gets Miriam Gee to do her makeup there. Day to day, Denis works with her fashion stylist, Alexis Honce, to master a casual, current and comfortable look.
Health and wellness aside, Denis stresses the importance of keeping in touch with friends — despite a jam-packed schedule. Fortunately, her group of main squeezes has adapted to her hectic hours, heading out to early dinners to make time to see one another. “I’m not kidding you, a 5:30 dinner, and I’m out by 8, 8:30,” Denis says. “They’re really good.”
Her favourite places to eat and unwind are in her own backyard: Caffe Doria and Avant Goût. “It’s supporting the neighborhood and I enjoy the vibes,” Denis notes. “Those are good go-tos for me.”
The close-knit atmosphere is a real selling point for Denis, who finds smaller businesses particularly charming. Some hidden gems Denis has discovered in her neighbourhood include Artifacts, a stylish home and fashion store, a new juice spot Greenhouse Juice Co., Putti, where she heads for easy gifts, and Of Things Past — a consignment boutique with plenty of fun finds.
“I see them dealing with all the neighbours when they walk in,” Denis says. “I like to support my community and I’m still investigating. I’ve been in this neighbourhood for five years and I still have not investigated enough.”
Denis recommends some good exploring to everyone. Even with a bustling schedule like hers, she’s finding the time this summer to broaden her horizons, heading off on a road trip through the States with her son. “Then I’m going to be taking in some Blue Jays games this summer, and I’m going to go to the CN Tower and the aquarium,” Denis says.
“I’m going to take in Toronto this year.”
