Cheryl Hickey: Entertainment Tonight to Today
- Tony Chapman
- 12 hours ago
- 4 min read
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Moments That Matter - Show Notes
Opening Expectations vs. Reality [00:00:04] – Tony explains he thought the show would be about celebrity life, but Cheryl’s journey reveals much more about resilience and reinvention.
Small Town Roots Shape Big Dreams [00:03:01] – Cheryl shares how growing up in Shallow Lake instilled values of connection, a slower pace, and grounded her throughout her career.
Parental Advice Leads to Career [00:04:42] – The story of Cheryl’s father suggesting she volunteer at a TV station because she “talks a lot,” jumpstarts her broadcast journey.
Persistence Against the Odds in Media [00:06:03] – Cheryl recalls being told there was no room in the business, but she reframes challenges as opportunities, “the landscape is huge.”
Creating Her Own Opportunity [00:07:42] – At the new VR, Cheryl hustles: shadowing camerapeople, producing her own segment (“Lather Up with Cheryl Hickey”), and learning by doing well out of the spotlight.
Facing Fear and Taking the Leap [00:10:18] – Despite a fear of heights and self-doubt, Cheryl accepts a helicopter job in Toronto, encouraged by a mentor to “lean into the fear.”
Getting the Entertainment Tonight Canada Job [00:12:43] – Cheryl shares she was initially passed over for ET Canada, felt unqualified amid “gorgeous” competition, but was chosen after all—ushering in 18 years that defined Canadian TV.
Interviewing Celebrities with Authenticity [00:17:32] – Cheryl explains how her small-town authenticity connected her with celebrities, focusing on genuine moments rather than fawning over fame.
Personal Health Crisis as a Wake-Up Call [00:26:55] – In 2018, Cheryl recounts her heart going into AFib after pushing herself too hard, prompting a major reevaluation of stress and self-care.
Transitioning After the End of ET Canada & Personal Loss [00:31:11] & [00:33:18] – Cheryl details losing her father and the end of ET Canada in 2023; she reflects on grief, choosing to focus on gratitude, new opportunities, and continuing to evolve.
Get to Know Cheryl Hickey
1. Where did Cheryl Hickey grow up?
Cheryl Hickey grew up in Shallow Lake, a small town near Owen Sound, Ontario. She credits her small-town upbringing with instilling in her a deep appreciation for connection, a slower pace of life, and the importance of meaningful relationships.
2. How did Cheryl Hickey get her start in broadcasting?
Cheryl’s journey began at age 16 when her dad suggested she volunteer at a local TV station because she was so talkative. She later attended Fanshawe College for radio and television arts, where she persisted despite being told the industry was hard to break into.
3. What was Cheryl Hickey’s big break on Canadian television?Cheryl’s big break came when she was selected to co-host Entertainment Tonight Canada after initially being passed over. Her determination and love for entertainment journalism played a pivotal role in ultimately landing her the job that defined 18 years of her career.
4. What role did courage and persistence play in Cheryl’s career?Cheryl frequently faced obstacles, from being told she didn’t fit the mold to overcoming her fear of heights for a job as a helicopter reporter. Her story highlights embracing fear, evolving, and putting in relentless effort to create opportunities.
5. Who influenced Cheryl Hickey’s values and resilience?Cheryl credits her parents, especially her mom for her positive mindset and her dad for his quiet strength. Her mom’s focus on gratitude, mindfulness, and finding the silver lining has been a guiding force in Cheryl’s life and career.
6. Has Cheryl ever experienced setbacks or health challenges?
Yes, Cheryl shared a significant health crisis in 2018 when she went into atrial fibrillation due to stress and overwork. This led to a new focus on setting boundaries, self-care, and listening to her own needs.
7. How did Cheryl handle negativity and criticism in the public eye?
Cheryl believes in focusing on positive feedback and not giving energy to negativity, including body shaming she experienced during her pregnancies. She emphasizes that critics’ comments often say more about the other person than about herself.
8. What does Cheryl Hickey say about work-life balance?
Cheryl is honest about the difficulty of achieving a perfect balance between her successful career and family life. She admits there’s no such thing as true balance—sometimes work takes precedence, other times family does, and that’s okay.
9. What approach does Cheryl take to celebrity interviews?
Drawing from her small-town roots, Cheryl treats celebrities as regular people, aiming for authentic and meaningful conversations rather than just fan-girling. She believes in being a generous listener to get real moments in interviews.
10. What is Cheryl Hickey’s outlook following the end of ET Canada? Cheryl views the end of ET Canada as an opportunity for growth and new beginnings. She’s excited about future projects and encourages others to embrace change, follow their energy, and not be afraid to start over or evolve.
11. What advice does Cheryl have for aspiring broadcasters and journalists?
Cheryl’s key advice is to focus on persistence, grit, and creating your own opportunities instead of waiting for them to appear. She urges future broadcasters not to be discouraged by pessimism, as there is always room for new voices in the evolving media landscape.
12. What does gratitude mean to Cheryl Hickey? Gratitude is central to Cheryl’s outlook—she is thankful for her upbringing, her mentors, her colleagues, her family, and even her challenges, seeing each as a stepping stone to the next stage of her life.
About Chatter That Matters and Host Tony Chapman
Chatter That Matters is one of Canada’s top-rated podcasts, showcasing stories and lessons from a diverse range of guests, including entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and everyday change-makers. Each episode illustrates how individuals transform challenges into triumphs through mindset and resilience.
Hosted by Tony Chapman—a renowned marketing strategist and three-time inductee into the Marketing Hall of Fame—this acclaimed show ranks among the top 0.5% of podcasts globally. Tune in weekly as Tony converses with guests who share invaluable wisdom on living a meaningful life.
🔥 Authentic voices. Remarkable journeys. Real strategies for success.
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