The Pay Chen Show

A recap of a week's worth of eating and exploring new places in Toronto. Reasons not to accompany a friend's 4-year-old to the bathroom and why you are not the worst parent in the world (with a solid example shared.) Plus, Dr. Jason Fung talks about his latest book - The Obesity Code: Unlocking the Secrets of Weight Loss. A nephrologist (find out what that is) and founder of the Intensive Dietary Management Program, Dr. Fung has treated thousands of people struggling with obesity and explains why he says all diets work, and they don't work. And shares his tips for successful weightloss.

Pay takes a 5-person Syrian family on an outing to see sights in the city! If you've ever wanted to quit your job and do something totally different - that's what Steve Gill did when he quit his tech job to open up a Mexican restaurant that has almost 60 locations across Canada! Learn about different peppers - not all hot - and which ones are really, really, spicy. Steve shares tips on how to buy them and how to use them. If you're looking for a table at some of Toronto's hottest restaurants, a new app let's you make same-day reservations! Learn about Dinr and how you can score some of the city's hottest tables on short notice.

I got tired of hearing stories about government-sponsored Syrian refugees stuck in hotels and needing help so I decided to volunteer and if that interests you - you can help a family too! Pay chats with Virginia Johnson who is working to match volunteers and families who could use some help settling in Canada. Tune in to find out how you can donate time to show people around, and if you have furniture to donate, the Furniture Bank could use your gently used goods and pass them on to someone who could use it. What are the do's and don'ts when it comes to home renos? Designer Melissa Davis shares her money and time-saving tips when it comes to hiring a designer, trades and what to look for when getting help renovating your home. Plus the surprising low-cost decor fix she says gives you a great return on investment!

Do you remember how exciting it was to get a new book when you were a kid? Give that feeling to a kid who loves to read but may not be able to own a book of their own. A Good Book Drive is hoping to collect 1000 new kids books for the Children's Book Bank in Toronto. Radio host Lana Gay and Lindsay Timmins (Children's Book Bank) join the show to share stories of how a new storybook can make a huge difference in a kid's life. And somehow two of three people in studio end up crying... If you find health, dental or travel insurance confusing - you're not alone. Gavin Prout from Special Benefits Insurance Services breaks down what to look for when searching for personal insurance and the difference in coverage plans. Plus, why you'd be a fool to leave the country without travel insurance.

You don't have to live in the country or have a big yard to have some chickens! Food writer and author, Signe Langford joins the show to tell you all you need to know about having backyard hens and the perks of always having fresh eggs. The best way to keep your gals healthy and comfortable and tips on cooking the best eggs (and when fresh isn't always best.) Plus, the best type of eggs to buy at the grocery store. And if you're looking to add some art to your home or want to invest - the Artist Project is a great place to meet budding artists and pick up some unique pieces.

Chef Claudio Aprile (Origin restaurants) joins the show to talk about food, his favourite hidden gems, and the new season of MasterChef Canada. Plus, a hint at his new restaurant.... Ladies who love beer, or just think they might kind of like beer - have a welcoming environment to enjoy and learn about local craft beer with bevies put on by the Society of Beer Drinking Ladies. Renee Navarro talks about starting the series of events with 4 other Toronto women, how you can attend an event, what's there, the brews you can try and what to expect. (Spoiler: a really good time, unique craft beer and new pals.)But men are not left out! Tune in to find out more!

What food are you going to see more of that is actually full of nutrients? BUGS! EAT BUGS! Pay chats with Jarrod Goldin from Entomo Farms about farming edible insects, why they're good for you and why they're better for the environment. Plus, Pay tries the new desserts from Summerhill Market made with ground crickets and mealworms. Want to buy fresh fruits and vegetables at a lower price than what's at the grocery store? Want to get your kids to learn about growing and preparing healthy food? Find out what programs and services FoodShare offers and how you can score healthy food at a discount. And if you're looking for a way to support their programs AND have a tasty night out - consider buying a ticket to Recipes for Change on February 25th.

What classic Canadian show did I get to be a part of this year? Chef Tyler Shedden (Chase Hospitality Group, formerly of Cafe Boulud) gives us the lowdown on truffles (not the chocolate kind), including the  most expensive truffle sold, the difference between white and black and how people find these nuggets of gold in the ground. Tim Caulfield (Canada Research Chair in Health Law and Policy, a Professor in the Faculty of Law and the School of Public Health at the University of Alberta and Research Director of the Health Law Institute at the University of Alberta) returns to the show to talk about all the things we're doing wrong when it comes to health and diet. What's the Tom Brady and Gisele Bundchen diet and does it really work? And if you think celebrities don't influence your health and eating habits...wrong.  Tim shares the scientifically proven ways to be healthier (you may not like them, but they work.)

It's the first show of 2016 as Pay recaps highlights of her family trip to Taiwan with her parents! If you made it a goal to be healthier in 2016 - start with the food you eat. TV personality and holistic nutritionist Kim D'Eon joins the show with easy tips to incorporate healthy habits and the types of food you should eat. Plus, what are some of the top food trends of 2016 and what will you see more of this year? Pssst....what is the new kale? And the most annoying type of plane passengers. What's yours?

Christmas is over but that doesn't mean you're not going to entertain for NYE or into the new year! Jitin Gaba (restaurant chef at TOCA in the Ritz Carlton) talks about creating the best cheese boards and how to make the better. MY MOM AND DAD ARE IN TOWN and they reluctantly come on the show. Find out what my dad things I do for a living and listen to their general discomfort at being on the radio. Someone at the station was offered $1000 at Christmas if she loses 10-pounds. Would you?

Looking for a great gift for the foodie in your life? Buy them a ticket to Chefs for Change taking place in the new year! A group of Canada's best chefs will be cooking and preparing food for 5 different events in 2016. It's your chance to meet top chefs and enjoy fabulous food at a top-notch event that raises money for Community Food Centres Canada. Nick Saul joins to the show to talk about the events and the work CFCC does in your community. Don't call her the Grinch but nutritionist Theresa Albert has a list of things you really should avoid this holiday season and tips on how to still enjoy your favourite foods and treats.

Do you know the difference between a yam and a sweet potato? How about the date of National Farting Day? Professional Home Economist Mairlyn Smith (BT, Cityline) joins the show to chat about her latest cookbook, Homegrown, which celebrates everything that is grown and produced in Canada. With recipes featuring ingredients from coast to coast, Mairlyn gives tips and info on getting the most bang for your buck and shares food trivia you may not have known!

Could Toronto be the next King of Craft Beer? Steve Himel of Henderson Brewery sure hopes so. Hear about Toronto's history of making good brew and how you can get in on the new brewery opening in the Junction area of Toronto. Beer of the month clubs and new flavours honouring well-known Canadians are going to be available in the new year - so be the first to get in on it before they sell out! Find out why you shouldn't reboil that pot of water for your tea and how long you're really supposed to steep it for. And what flavours can you expect more of in 2016? Lana Sutherland, CEO of Tealeaves shares her tips and trends for tea drinkers. Want to pay it forward when you travel? Travel expert Mary Jean Tulley says not to buy candy when you go abroad, instead spend a few dollars on simple, inexpensive items that could really make a difference in someone's life (ok, one of the suggestions is to pack inexpensive reading glasses to give away).

Is the Toronto real estate bubble going to burst anytime soon? Are you barely making your mortgage payments? Mortgage specialist, Ron Alphonso was recently featured in a Toronto Life article as someone who offers private second mortgages to people the bank don't want anything to do with. He shares ways to avoid getting in over your head and what you need to know when thinking about getting another mortgage. Find out where he'd buy a home in today's market and what he'd avoid purchasing in the city.

What's replacing burgers and tacos as the new hot food in town? Chef Rob Braganolo of Carver (formerly of Marben restaurant) talks about the pros of slow roasting your meats and how to get it right. What is porchetta and is it something you would make at home? Chef Rob shares ideas on changing up your regular holiday meal and tells you the secrets to getting juicy meat and crispy skin. NOW magazine's Ecoholic columnist, Adria Vasil, talks about the nasty things you should know about your favourite instant noodle companies and soft drinks. Hear what she has to say before buying your next pack of ramen or soda! After Charlie Sheen's HIV announcement, a lot of people started talking again about HIV and Aids. Pay chats with someone from CANFAR about the current risks in Canada.