Top 20 Under 40 - Todd Shapiro

Todd Shapiro

Shalom Life is proud to present our 2nd annual ”Top 20 Under 40” list. This list encompasses 20 individuals of diverse occupations and backgrounds from businessmen and businesswomen and innovative entrepreneurs, to philanthropists, entertainers, doctors and more, the list places a spotlight on the myriad of talented, creative and passionate Jews, all under 40, who call Canada home.

Top 20 Under 40- Todd Shapiro

Age: 38

Todd Shapiro of 102.1 The Edge considers himself to be the “12^th most successful person to come out of his class.” We would have to disagree (although we don’t know who his peers were) because the combination of his talent and tenacity landed him on this year’s list.

While attending a Radio and TV program at an unnamed college (he wouldn’t name the school because they refused to pass him even after promising to), Shapiro decided he would try out for the Blind Date auditions in Toronto… as a joke. He arrived at Speaker’s Corner, recorded his audition, and never expected to think about the experience again.

“Turns out I was one of Five lucky guys who were chosen from almost 10,000 who tried desperately to make a fool of themselves on TV... including an old Jr. High School nemesis of mine Cory B who thought he had it in the bag,” Shapiro jokes.

When it came time for his episode to air, Shapiro found out that City TV was doing a cross-promotion with 102.1 The Edge. Humble and Fred were interviewing the “Blind Daters” on their show.

“Fortunately for me, Humble Howard Glassman laughed at a few quick retorts I had during my interview... even though I think he must have had a cold as he didn't notice the smell of urine as I for sure peed myself from nervousness. So when I asked Humble (from a distance) if I could be an intern (as I needed to fulfill 100 hours of internship to NOT graduate) he quickly and pleasantly replied ‘See ya tomorrow’!”

Five months later, Humble and Fred left 102.1 The Edge which lead to The Dean Blundell Show premiering in their time slot. After much contemplation, Shapiro decided to stay with The Edge instead of moving with Humble and Fred. It was the best career choice he could’ve made.

“I'm beyond thankful to Dean who from the get go embraced me and gave me a shot to prove myself ON AIR, which is something I'm still in disbelief of. He has been a phenomenal leader and an even better mentor. I can honestly say that to this day it's a massive privilege to work with Dean and to be able to have a voice to Millions of people... even though Dean still seems to always cut that Voice off!!!!”

Shapiro loves Toronto and everything it has to offer, but he claims to have so much fun at work that “it’s ruined us from having fun elsewhere”.

“As much as I've never gotten used to the insanely early hours there's always so much excitement at my job. I mean, where else in TO can I hang with Toronto Maple Leafs' Colby Armstrong? Laugh with Toronto Blue Jays' JP Arencibia? Sing along with Musical Artists from the SheepDogs to Flavour Flave? Ask SNL funny man Jason Sudeikis about his Love life? Pose with pictures of Victoria's Secret Models Lily Aldridge and Allessandra Ambrosia? Or watch Flying Dildo's with the Star of Jackass Johnny Knoxville?”

Shapiro loves being Jewish, but likes to consider himself a “3-Star All-Inclusive Jew”.

"I'll accept everyone, I'll feed everyone, I'll provide unlimited drinks to everyone, I don't have high expectations of anyone (other than respect, kindness, a sense of humour and honesty) and most importantly I'll provide comfy accommodations to anyone… I love that my awesome folks (Joel and Vivian) brought me up as a liberal-minded Jew who wasn't sheltered from the rest of the people on this world; as opposed to remaining friends with only my Hebrew School classmates of '86. I also love Jewish Holidays but not for religious reasons. I love them for the all the beautiful traditions, the incredible food and for the fact that they're always a great excuse to spend time with certain family members who you normally wouldn't make an effort to see... Especially your crazy, controlling, and condescending jerkweed of an Uncle.”

Finally, Shapiro has provided a list of the things he’d like to be when he “grows up”:

1. Retired on my couch.

2. The President of my Condo Board

3. Starting right winger for the Toronto Maple Leafs

4. An architect

5. In Scientology's Top 20 Under 40 (you know how rich I'd be if I were on that list!)

6. A race car driver

7. A loving husband

8. A comedic screen writer (fat chance!)

9. A good father

10. A hot shot lawyer... On Law and Order. CLANG.

Shalom Life is currently searching for the best and brightest Jews under 40 in New York who have gained recognition in business, entertainment, philanthropy, technology and more. Please send suggestions to top20NY@shalomlife.com

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