Life & Work with Christine Blanchette

Today we’d like to introduce you to Christine Blanchette.

Hi Christine, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I was working in print media when the financial crisis happened in 2008.  I’d been laid off and figuring out my options when one day, I had an epiphany. I wanted to start my own TV show. I reached out to a former associate at Rogers TV who suggested that I submit a proposal for  new show ideas. The process was arduous, yet ultimately rewarding. I’d envisioned a show about health and fitness because it was a passion of mine, and combined with the fact there was nothing on television to compare it to, I convinced the powers that be to give it a chance.  The show would be called, Run With It and would be about running, health, and fitness and be presented in an entertaining manner. I would interview experts from coaches, athletes, medical professionals and nutritionists that would offer their valuable insights into health. Eventually, I would interview professional entertainers such as actors, singers and dancers, all of whom are generally fit, as part of my “fitness entertainment.” My show was accepted and started airing on my Youtube channel and Shaw Cable TV. Other opportunities for airing would soon take place.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I think at first, finding the right team to work with was a bit of a challenge. It takes time to build a show and have a team that also believes in the project. Finding the sponsors and partners to align with your brand was essential to build the show as well.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m the creator, producer, and host of Run With It, which is Canada’s only running, fitness and health show, airing currently on Novus (TELUS) TV and my YouTube channel. My other show on Novus (TELUS) TV and YouTube channel is, The Closing Act, which profiles musicians and other movers and shakers in the entertainment industry. I’m a nationally published health and fitness/lifestyle writer. I write a weekly column in Quebec’s second largest English language newspaper, The Sherbrooke Record and I freelance for other publications, including Livid Magazine, NY City, and have written stories for The Seattle Times, The Vancouver Sun, Snowshoe Magazine, Canadian Running Magazine, Huffington Post, Women’s National Post, Optimize Magazine, iRun Magazine, and Get Out There Magazine. When I am not busy hosting and writing, I am a running instructor at the University of British Columbia.

What I am most proud of is my interviewees often convey a sense of satisfaction after filming.  I do extensive research to get the most out of my subjects and have a successful interview.  It is about the guests telling their story and my role is to simply ask the right questions. 

Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
I think finding a mentor that can help you in your field is invaluable. Also, attend network functions and ask for informational interviews. Don’t be afraid to ask questions from others who are working in the role that you would like to be in.

I could have started earlier in my broadcast career, but better late than never. It took getting laid off from my job to light a fire under me and understand what I needed to do.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.runwithit.ca
• Instagram: christineblanchette_tv
• Facebook: christineblanchette
• Twitter: @christineruns
• Youtube: Run With It @RunWithIt and The Closing Act @TheClosingAct

Image Credits
David Naman John Moe