Every interview has moments that never make it to the final cut. These behind-the-scenes moments often reveal the process, candid thoughts, and shared experiences that give depth to the conversations. My recent interview with Vassy Kapelos, Chief Political Correspondent for CTV News, offered such moments—a glimpse into the intricate dance of journalism, politics, and authenticity.
The Art of Landing Politicians for Interviews
One of my first curiosities was about how Vassy secures interviews with top political figures. Is there a formal protocol? Are questions submitted in advance? Her response was…
“Oh my gosh, no!” she exclaimed. Vassy explained that a producer usually handles the outreach, often with something as simple as: ‘The minister is releasing an Arctic policy. Will they do an interview?’
She emphasized that most politicians are savvy enough not to expect prior access to her questions. “I’m not big on gotcha stuff,” she added. While she may provide broad topics when asked, her interviews remain unscripted, relying on her expertise and instinct to explore the conversation naturally.
As someone who’s interviewed high-profile guests, this resonated deeply with me. I recalled preparing for an interview with Minister Patty Hajdu, where her team requested general topics but no specifics. Like Vassy, I thrive on the unscripted, following the flow of a guest’s answers to uncover insights.
The Fine Line Between Gossip and Reporting
Journalists often walk a fine line between what they hear and what they can report. I asked Vassy how much she knows about Canadian politics that she can’t explicitly share.
“A lot,” she admitted with a laugh, before explaining how such information, often more gossip than fact, informs her discussions. For Vassy, it’s about discernment. She filters through the noise, trusting only reliable sources and vetting information rigorously.
“If I report it, it has to be better formulated,” she explained. Her role as a journalist demands that even casual remarks carry weight, reflecting her commitment to accuracy and integrity.
This struck a chord. While Vassy operates on a national stage, I’ve faced similar challenges—balancing what I know with what I can responsibly share. Her approach reminded me of the delicate responsibility we have as interviewers to shape public understanding without fueling unnecessary speculation.
The Humanity Behind Politicians
One of the most striking moments came when we reflected on the human side of politics. Vassy shared her experience interviewing politicians who, despite the weight of their roles, often surprise her with their authenticity.
“She was the most real person,” Vassy remarked about a recent guest, describing how rare it is to find such genuineness in a space often dominated by rehearsed talking points.
For me, this highlighted the importance of creating space for guests to reveal their humanity. Whether I’m interviewing politicians, rappers, or community leaders, my goal is always to uncover the nuance in their stories—the common thread that connects us all.
A Name Reflecting a Vision
As our conversation wound down, I shared my plans to rebrand the podcast from The Bigger Than Me Podcast to Nuanced with Aaron Pete. The new name reflects my commitment to exploring complexity and understanding perspectives beyond surface-level narratives.
“It’s a great idea,” Vassy encouraged, noting that a shorter, more memorable title would resonate better with audiences.
The Takeaway
This behind-the-scenes glimpse into my conversation with Vassy Kapelos reveals not just the logistics of high-stakes interviews but the philosophy underpinning them. Journalism isn’t just about asking tough questions; it’s about creating dialogue, seeking truth, and amplifying voices that matter.
Watch the full interview here:
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