Before the fame, John Candy was a kid from the Toronto suburbs with a big heart and a knack for making people laugh. This episode looks back at his early years—from children's theatre stages to his first big break auditioning for Second City Toronto—marking the quiet start of a legendary comedic journey.

John Candy: The Lou Gehrig of Comedy is a series that honours the timeless humour and heartfelt performances of John Candy, star of hits like Splash, Planes, Trains and Automobiles, and Home Alone.

Follow us on our socials: Instagram, Bluesky, LinkedIn, YouTube & Substack

Written & Hosted by Ryan Barnett

Produced by Ryan Barnett & Sonia Gemmiti

Recorded by Tyler Rauman

Additional voices by Matthew Barnett & Sean Quinlan

A Knockabout Media Production

*This program and all relevant content is for educational purposes only and to the best of our knowledge is being used under Fair Dealing/Fair Use Act guidelines and within Canadian and United States standards of fair dealing/fair use*

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Starting May 22, 2025, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood North is back with a new season in which we deep dive into the life and career of comedy legend John Candy. And I won’t just cover Uncle Buck or Planes, Trains and Automobiles. I’m looking at the whole enchilada, from the stage of Second City Toronto to heights of Hollywood stardom, and a brief detour into Canadian Football. So, whether you’re a long-time fan or just discovering the magic that John brought to both the big and smalls screens, join me for this new 6-part series. 

*This program and all relevant content is for educational purposes only and to the best of our knowledge is being used under Fair Dealing/Fair Use Act guidelines and within Canadian and United States standards of fair dealing/fair use*

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In our final episode on the life and work of filmmaker David Cronenberg, we're transported with The Fly, and seeing double with Dead Ringers.

Discover the captivating stories behind Canada's film and television industry with 'Once Upon a Time in Hollywood North,' the must-listen podcast that takes you deep into the making of iconic movies and the stars who shaped the history of Canadian filmmaking.

Donate here to the Welcome Collective.

Where to find: Buster: A Life in Pictures

Consider becoming a Patron: https://www.patreon.com/onceinhollywoodnorth

Written and Produced by Ryan Barnett | Co-producer Sonia Gemmiti. Additional voices: Matt Barnett & Sonia Gemmiti.

Special archival audio courtesy of Retrontario, CBC, Efrom Allen

Follow us @knockaboutmedia on TWITTER, INSTAGRAM & TIKTOK

Follow us @itsknockaboutmedia on FACEBOOK & YOUTUBE

Theme: Witches Brew by Party Store Music

*This program and all relevant content is for educational purposes only and to the best of our knowledge is being used under Fair Dealing/Fair Use Act guidelines and within Canadian and United States standards of fair dealing/fair use*

*This program and all relevant content is for educational purposes only and to the best of our knowledge is being used under Fair Dealing/Fair Use Act guidelines and within Canadian and United States standards of fair dealing/fair use*

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, David uncovers the secrets behind Videodrome and has a brush with The Dead Zone!

Discover the captivating stories behind Canada's film and television industry with 'Once Upon a Time in Hollywood North,' the must-listen podcast that takes you deep into the making of iconic movies and the stars who shaped the history of Canadian filmmaking.

Donate here to the Welcome Collective.

Where to find: Buster: A Life in Pictures

Consider becoming a Patron: https://www.patreon.com/onceinhollywoodnorth

Written and Produced by Ryan Barnett | Co-producer Sonia Gemmiti. Additional voices: Matt Barnett & Sonia Gemmiti.

Special archival audio courtesy of Retrontario, CBC, Efrom Allen

Follow us @knockaboutmedia on TWITTER, INSTAGRAM & TIKTOK

Follow us @itsknockaboutmedia on FACEBOOK & YOUTUBE

Theme: Witches Brew by Party Store Music

Archival Material: https://www.youtube.com/@MickGarrisInterviews

*This program and all relevant content is for educational purposes only and to the best of our knowledge is being used under Fair Dealing/Fair Use Act guidelines and within Canadian and United States standards of fair dealing/fair use*

*This program and all relevant content is for educational purposes only and to the best of our knowledge is being used under Fair Dealing/Fair Use Act guidelines and within Canadian and United States standards of fair dealing/fair use*

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, David uses his art to work through his divorce and custody battle. He releases THE BROOD on a unsuspecting public, and the quickly follows it up with SCANNERS, his first hit in America.

Discover the captivating stories behind Canada's film and television industry with 'Once Upon a Time in Hollywood North,' the must-listen podcast that takes you deep into the making of iconic movies and the stars who shaped the history of Canadian filmmaking.

Donate here to the Welcome Collective.

Where to find: Buster: A Life in Pictures

Consider becoming a Patron: https://www.patreon.com/onceinhollywoodnorth

Written and Produced by Ryan Barnett | Co-producer Sonia Gemmiti. Additional voices: Matt Barnett & Sonia Gemmiti.

Special archival audio courtesy of Retrontario, CBC, Efrom Allen

Follow us @knockaboutmedia on TWITTER, INSTAGRAM & TIKTOK

Follow us @itsknockaboutmedia on FACEBOOK & YOUTUBE

Theme: Witches Brew by Party Store Music

*This program and all relevant content is for educational purposes only and to the best of our knowledge is being used under Fair Dealing/Fair Use Act guidelines and within Canadian and United States standards of fair dealing/fair use*

*This program and all relevant content is for educational purposes only and to the best of our knowledge is being used under Fair Dealing/Fair Use Act guidelines and within Canadian and United States standards of fair dealing/fair use*

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, David is raked over the coals for his film SHIVERS. Will he kowtow to critics and censors as he attempts to mount his sophomore effort, a horror picture called "Mosquitoes"?

Discover the captivating stories behind Canada's film and television industry with 'Once Upon a Time in Hollywood North,' the must-listen podcast that takes you deep into the making of iconic movies and the stars who shaped the history of Canadian filmmaking.

Donate here to the Welcome Collective.

Where to find: Buster: A Life in Pictures

Consider becoming a Patron: https://www.patreon.com/onceinhollywoodnorth

Written and Produced by Ryan Barnett | Co-producer Sonia Gemmiti. Additional voices: Matt Barnett & Sonia Gemmiti.

Special archival audio courtesy of Retrontario, CBC, Efrom Allen

Follow us @knockaboutmedia on TWITTER, INSTAGRAM & TIKTOK

Follow us @itsknockaboutmedia on FACEBOOK & YOUTUBE

Theme: Witches Brew by Party Store Music

*This program and all relevant content is for educational purposes only and to the best of our knowledge is being used under Fair Dealing/Fair Use Act guidelines and within Canadian and United States standards of fair dealing/fair use*

*This program and all relevant content is for educational purposes only and to the best of our knowledge is being used under Fair Dealing/Fair Use Act guidelines and within Canadian and United States standards of fair dealing/fair use*

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, David is back from the Cannes Film Festival and he has a fire in his belly to make movies. He pens the script for a horror film entitled Orgy of the Blood Parasites. But getting his picture funded proves harder than he thought.

Discover the captivating stories behind Canada's film and television industry with 'Once Upon a Time in Hollywood North,' the must-listen podcast that takes you deep into the making of iconic movies and the stars who shaped the history of Canadian filmmaking.

Where to find: Buster: A Life in Pictures

Consider becoming a Patron: https://www.patreon.com/onceinhollywoodnorth

Written and Produced by Ryan Barnett | Co-producer Sonia Gemmiti. Additional voices: Matt Barnett & Sonia Gemmiti.

Special archival audio courtesy of Retrontario.

Follow us @knockaboutmedia on TWITTER, INSTAGRAM & TIKTOK

Follow us @itsknockaboutmedia on FACEBOOK & YOUTUBE

Theme: Witches Brew by Party Store Music

*This program and all relevant content is for educational purposes only and to the best of our knowledge is being used under Fair Dealing/Fair Use Act guidelines and within Canadian and United States standards of fair dealing/fair use*

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

DEAD RINGERS. THE FLY. VIDEODROME. SCANNERS. The films of David Cronenberg have delighted horror fans, grossed out audiences and challenged censors for the last five decades. His name was at one time cursed in the halls of parliament for using public film funding—Canadian tax dollars—to make movies like SHIVERS and RABID; films that earned him the moniker the “Baron of Blood.” They inspired controversy, but his films were profitable, and in Ottawa, just like in Hollywood, money talks. 

Discover the captivating stories behind Canada's film and television industry with 'Once Upon a Time in Hollywood North,' the must-listen podcast that takes you deep into the making of iconic movies and the stars who shaped the history of Canadian filmmaking.

Donate here to the Welcome Collective.

Where to find: Buster: A Life in Pictures

Consider becoming a Patron: https://www.patreon.com/onceinhollywoodnorth

Written and Produced by Ryan Barnett | Co-producer Sonia Gemmiti. Additional voices: Matt Barnett & Sonia Gemmiti.

Special archival audio courtesy of Retrontario.

Follow us @knockaboutmedia on TWITTER, INSTAGRAM & TIKTOK

Follow us @itsknockaboutmedia on FACEBOOK & YOUTUBE

Theme: Witches Brew by Party Store Music

*This program and all relevant content is for educational purposes only and to the best of our knowledge is being used under Fair Dealing/Fair Use Act guidelines and within Canadian and United States standards of fair dealing/fair use*

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

**Warning** This episode contains language that some may find offensive. 

BONUS: In this episode, I have a conversation with the man in the towel, the legend, an "interesting physical specimen": Paul Bellini. We talk about the early days of the troupe, working as a writer on the show, and origins of the Touch Bellini contest. 

Donate here to the Welcome Collective.

Where to find: Buster: A Life in Pictures

Sponsor Link: https://www.audibletrial.com/hollywoodnorthpod

Watch the entire Kids in the Hall series on Amazon Prime. Try Prime for 30 days by using our link: https://amzn.to/3FbEcKR

Written and Produced by Ryan Barnett | Co-producer Sonia Gemmiti.

Special archival audio courtesy of Retrontario. 

Follow us on TWITTER and INSTAGRAM.

Buy Mouth Congress' new double LP here: https://capturedtracks.com/artist/mouth-congress/

Reading/Viewing List:

Kids in the Hall: Complete Series https://amzn.to/3s5CCow

One Dumb Guy by Paul Meyers https://amzn.to/3MK4UNw

This Is a Book about the Kids in the Hall by John Semley https://amzn.to/3s8cn0L

*This program and all relevant content is for educational purposes only and to the best of our knowledge is being used under Fair Dealing/Fair Use Act guidelines and within Canadian and United States standards of fair dealing/fair use*

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

BONUS: In this episode, I have a conversation with John Semley, author of This is a Book About the Kids in the Hall. We talk about each member of the troupe, the legacy of their show and their post-troupe careers. 

Donate here to the Welcome Collective.

Where to find: Buster: A Life in Pictures

Sponsor Link: https://www.audibletrial.com/hollywoodnorthpod

Watch the entire Kids in the Hall series on Amazon Prime. Try Prime for 30 days by using our link: https://amzn.to/3FbEcKR

Written and Produced by Ryan Barnett | Co-producer Sonia Gemmiti.

Special archival audio courtesy of Retrontario. Follow  us @knockaboutmedia on TWITTER, INSTAGRAM & TIKTOK

Reading/Viewing List:

Kids in the Hall: Complete Series https://amzn.to/3s5CCow

One Dumb Guy by Paul Meyers https://amzn.to/3MK4UNw

This Is a Book about the Kids in the Hall by John Semley https://amzn.to/3s8cn0L

*This program and all relevant content is for educational purposes only and to the best of our knowledge is being used under Fair Dealing/Fair Use Act guidelines and within Canadian and United States standards of fair dealing/fair use*

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S1, E6: In this episode, the Kids in the Hall embark on making their feature film debut. They struggle to stay together as a troupe as opportunities begin to spring up for them as individuals. 

Where to find: Buster: A Life in Pictures

Watch the entire Kids in the Hall series on Amazon Prime.

Written and Produced by Ryan Barnett | Co-producer Sonia Gemmiti. Additional voices: Matt Barnett & Sonia Gemmiti. Special archival audio courtesy of Retrontario. Follow us @knockaboutmedia on TWITTER, INSTAGRAM & TIKTOK

Reading/Viewing List:

Kids in the Hall: Complete Series https://amzn.to/3s5CCow

One Dumb Guy by Paul Meyers https://amzn.to/3MK4UNw

This Book Is a Book about the Kids in the Hall by John Semley https://amzn.to/3s8cn0L

*This program and all relevant content is for educational purposes only and to the best of our knowledge is being used under Fair Dealing/Fair Use Act guidelines and within Canadian and United States standards of fair dealing/fair use*

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S1, E5: In this episode, Kids in the Hall is in full swing on HBO and CBC. The guys are beginning to gain notoriety, and rub elbows with celebrities. Then, a network shakeup threatens to upset the apple cart. 

Where to find: Buster: A Life in Pictures

Watch the entire Kids in the Hall series on Amazon Prime. 

*Content Advisory* This episode includes an archival excerpt from a sketch featuring a white actor in Yellowface.

Written and Produced by Ryan Barnett | Co-producer Sonia Gemmiti.

Additional voices: Matt Barnett & Sonia Gemmiti.

Special archival audio courtesy of Retrontario.

Follow us @knockaboutmedia on TWITTER, INSTAGRAM & TIKTOK

Reading/Viewing List: Kids in the Hall: Complete Series https://amzn.to/3s5CCow One Dumb Guy by Paul Meyers https://amzn.to/3MK4UNw This Book Is a Book about the Kids in the Hall by John Semley https://amzn.to/3s8cn0L

*This program and all relevant content is for educational purposes only and to the best of our knowledge is being used under Fair Dealing/Fair Use Act guidelines and within Canadian and United States standards of fair dealing/fair use*

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S1, E4: In this episode, the Kids await the premiere of their HBO special, hoping it will lead to bigger things. Special archival audio courtesy of Retrontario. The Kids in the Hall series is available now on Amazon Prime.  

Where to find: Buster: A Life in Pictures

Watch the entire Kids in the Hall series on Amazon Prime. Try Prime for 30 days by using our link: https://amzn.to/3FbEcKR

Written and Produced by Ryan Barnett. Additional voices: Matt Barnett, Susan Passmore & Sonia Gemmiti. Special archival audio courtesy of Retrontario. Additional Music: Daniel Vodovoz Additional clips: UNMASKED podcast  Follow us @knockaboutmedia on TWITTER, INSTAGRAM & TIKTOK

Reading/Viewing List:

Kids in the Hall: Complete Series https://amzn.to/3s5CCow

One Dumb Guy by Paul Meyers https://amzn.to/3MK4UNw

This Book Is a Book about the Kids in the Hall by John Semley https://amzn.to/3s8cn0L

*This program and all relevant content is for educational purposes only and to the best of our knowledge is being used under Fair Dealing/Fair Use Act guidelines and within Canadian and United States standards of fair dealing/fair use*

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S1, E3: In this episode, the Kids find themselves apart. Bruce and Mark are in New York working as writers for SNL, while the other three tour Southern Ontario with Second City. But not all is going well. Their secret sauce may just be in performing together -- they just need to figure out how to stay together. 

Where to find: Buster: A Life in Pictures

Watch the entire Kids in the Hall series on Amazon Prime. Try Prime for 30 days by using our link: https://amzn.to/3FbEcKR

Written and Produced by Ryan Barnett. Additional voices: Matt Barnett, Susan Passmore & Sonia Gemmiti. Special archival audio courtesy of Retrontario.  Follow us @knockaboutmedia on TWITTER, INSTAGRAM & TIKTOK

Reading/Viewing List:

Kids in the Hall: Complete Series https://amzn.to/3s5CCow

One Dumb Guy by Paul Meyers https://amzn.to/3MK4UNw

This Book Is a Book about the Kids in the Hall by John Semley https://amzn.to/3s8cn0L

*This program and all relevant content is for educational purposes only and to the best of our knowledge is being used under Fair Dealing/Fair Use Act guidelines and within Canadian and United States standards of fair dealing/fair use*

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S1, E2: In this episode, the Kids are together, performing as a group in the back room of The Rivoli on Toronto's Queen West. But will they stay together as they catch the eye of a talent scout from Saturday Night Live? 

Where to find: Buster: A Life in Pictures

Watch the entire Kids in the Hall series on Amazon Prime. Try Prime for 30 days by using our link: https://amzn.to/3FbEcKR

Written and Produced by Ryan Barnett. Additional voices: Matt Barnett, Susan Passmore & Sonia Gemmiti. Special archival audio courtesy of Retrontario. 

Follow us @knockaboutmedia on TWITTER, INSTAGRAM & TIKTOK

Reading/Viewing List:

Kids in the Hall: Complete Series https://amzn.to/3s5CCow

One Dumb Guy by Paul Meyers https://amzn.to/3MK4UNw

This Book Is a Book about the Kids in the Hall by John Semley https://amzn.to/3s8cn0L

*This program and all relevant content is for educational purposes only and to the best of our knowledge is being used under Fair Dealing/Fair Use Act guidelines and within Canadian and United States standards of fair dealing/fair use*

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S1, E1: In this episode, we're focusing on the days before the Kids were the Kids. How did Kevin meet Dave? How did Bruce meet Mark? And where did Scott enter the picture? It's origin stories galore as we look back at the Canadian improv comedy scenes of the early 1980s.  

Where to find: Buster: A Life in Pictures

Written & Hosted by Ryan Barnett

Additional Voices by Matthew Barnett

*This program and all relevant content is for educational purposes only and to the best of our knowledge is being used under Fair Dealing/Fair Use Act guidelines and within Canadian and United States standards of fair dealing/fair use*

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

John Candy takes his first steps into professional comedy on the main stage at Second City Chicago, where he strikes up a friendship with a young Bill Murray. But just as he’s finding his rhythm, he’s called home to help launch a new chapter of Second City in Toronto. We trace Candy’s early days in improv—and the beginnings of a career rooted in collaboration, heart, and homegrown talent.

John Candy: The Lou Gehrig of Comedy is a series that honours the timeless humour and heartfelt performances of John Candy, star of hits like Splash, Planes, Trains and Automobiles, and Home Alone.

Follow us on our socials: Instagram, Bluesky, LinkedIn, YouTube & Substack

Written & Hosted by Ryan Barnett

Produced by Ryan Barnett & Sonia Gemmiti

Recorded by Tyler Rauman

Additional voices by Matthew Barnett & Sean Quinlan

A Knockabout Media Production

*This program and all relevant content is for educational purposes only and to the best of our knowledge is being used under Fair Dealing/Fair Use Act guidelines and within Canadian and United States standards of fair dealing/fair use*

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As SNL takes off, the Second City crew launches SCTV, carving out their own place in sketch comedy history. Hollywood soon comes calling, and John Candy lands a coveted role in Steven Spielberg’s 1941—his first real taste of movie stardom. This is the moment Candy begins to bridge the gap between cult favourite and big-screen contender.

John Candy: The Lou Gehrig of Comedy is a series that honours the timeless humour and heartfelt performances of John Candy, star of hits like Splash, Planes, Trains and Automobiles, and Home Alone.

Follow us on our socials: Instagram, Bluesky, LinkedIn, YouTube & Substack

Written & Hosted by Ryan Barnett

Produced by Ryan Barnett & Sonia Gemmiti

Recorded by Tyler Rauman

Additional voices by Matthew Barnett & Sean Quinlan

A Knockabout Media Production

Additional audio material:

Retrontario, The Bobbie Wygant Archive, Breadcrustcouncil, Dash Retro, Kamenliter, Ugazzovision

*This program and all relevant content is for educational purposes only and to the best of our knowledge is being used under Fair Dealing/Fair Use Act guidelines and within Canadian and United States standards of fair dealing/fair use*

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

John Candy enlists in Stripes, returns to the familiar chaos of Melonville on SCTV, and then makes waves in Hollywood with a breakout role in Splash. This episode follows a pivotal stretch in Candy’s career, as his comedic chops earn him big-screen attention and set the stage for stardom.

John Candy: The Lou Gehrig of Comedy is a series that honours the timeless humour and heartfelt performances of John Candy, star of hits like Splash, Planes, Trains and Automobiles, and Home Alone.

Follow us on our socials: Instagram, Bluesky, LinkedIn, YouTube & Substack

Written & Hosted by Ryan Barnett

Produced by Ryan Barnett & Sonia Gemmiti

Recorded by Tyler Rauman

Additional voices by Matthew Barnett & Sean Quinlan

A Knockabout Media Production

Additional audio material:

The Bobbie Wygant Archive, Later with Bob Costas, Late Night with David Letterman, Nebraska State Historical Society, Terrence Thompson, Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, Columbia Pictures

*This program and all relevant content is for educational purposes only and to the best of our knowledge is being used under Fair Dealing/Fair Use Act guidelines and within Canadian and United States standards of fair dealing/fair use*

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the late ’80s, John Candy's hit a rough patch with a string of underwhelming films—Hot to Trot, Speed Zone, and Who’s Harry Crumb. But a creative reunion with John Hughes soon put him back on track, leading to some of the most memorable roles of his career. In this episode, we chart Candy’s quiet resurgence and surprising pivot into sports ownership, as he becomes a co-owner of the Toronto Argonauts and proves there’s always more than one way to steal the show.

John Candy: The Lou Gehrig of Comedy is a series that honours the timeless humour and heartfelt performances of John Candy, star of hits like Splash, Planes, Trains and Automobiles, and Home Alone.

Follow us on our socials: Instagram, Bluesky, LinkedIn, YouTube & Substack

Written & Hosted by Ryan Barnett

Produced by Ryan Barnett & Sonia Gemmiti

Recorded by Tyler Rauman

Additional voices by Matthew Barnett & Sean Quinlan

A Knockabout Media Production

Additional audio material:

Later with Bob Costas, Late Night with David Letterman, Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, Columbia Pictures, CBC. CityTV

*This program and all relevant content is for educational purposes only and to the best of our knowledge is being used under Fair Dealing/Fair Use Act guidelines and within Canadian and United States standards of fair dealing/fair use*

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

John Candy spends the early ’80s steadily climbing the ranks—grinding out supporting roles, inching toward leading man status. He misses out on Ghostbusters, but gains something greater: a growing family with his wife Rose, and a career-defining turn in Planes, Trains and Automobiles. This episode traces Candy’s breakout moment and the beginning of a lasting creative bond with John Hughes—one that would shape the next chapter of his career.

John Candy: The Lou Gehrig of Comedy is a series that honours the timeless humour and heartfelt performances of John Candy, star of hits like Splash, Planes, Trains and Automobiles, and Home Alone.

Follow us on our socials: Instagram, Bluesky, LinkedIn, YouTube & Substack

Written & Hosted by Ryan Barnett

Produced by Ryan Barnett & Sonia Gemmiti

Recorded by Tyler Rauman

Additional voices by Matthew Barnett & Sean Quinlan

A Knockabout Media Production

Additional audio material:

The Bobbie Wygant Archive, Later with Bob Costas, Late Night with David Letterman, Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, Columbia Pictures, Sesame Workshop, TriStar Pictures, Paramount Pictures, AppleTV+, Tribune Media, CBC

*This program and all relevant content is for educational purposes only and to the best of our knowledge is being used under Fair Dealing/Fair Use Act guidelines and within Canadian and United States standards of fair dealing/fair use*

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Author Paul Myers talks about his new book John Candy: A Life in Comedy—exploring what made Candy funny, with anecdotes about Chevy Chase, Richard Pryor, Dave Thomas, and more.

Paul Myers is a Canadian writer and musician living in Berkeley, California. His previous books include The Kids in the Hall: One Dumb Guy, which was the source for the Canadian Screen Award-winning documentary The Kids in the Hall: Comedy Punks from Amazon Studios, and the critically acclaimed A Wizard a True Star: Todd Rundgren in the Studio; It Ain’t Easy: Long John Baldry and the Birth of the British Blues; and Barenaked Ladies: Public Stunts, Private Stories.

More About:

John Candy: A Life in Comedy

Drawing on extensive research and exclusive interviews with many of Candy’s closest friends and colleagues, including Dan Aykroyd, Chevy Chase, Tom Hanks, Ron Howard, Steve Martin, Catherine O’Hara, Martin Short, and many more, John Candy: A Life in Comedy celebrates the comedian’s unparalleled talent, infectious charm, and generosity of spirit. Through ups and downs, successes and failures, and struggles with anxiety and self-doubt, Candy faced the world with a big smile and a warm demeanour that earned him the love and adoration of fans around the world.

Get the book!

Written & Hosted by Ryan Barnett

Produced by Ryan Barnett & Sonia Gemmiti

Recorded by Tyler Rauman

A Knockabout Media Production

*This program and all relevant content is for educational purposes only and to the best of our knowledge is being used under Fair Dealing/Fair Use Act guidelines and within Canadian and United States standards of fair dealing/fair use*

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What makes a John Candy classic? Ryan Barnett invites Joe Ramoni (Hats Off Entertainment) and Tracey Morgan (author of Searching for Candy) to take a joyous, laugh-filled tour through John Candy’s entire filmography — from beloved hits to forgotten gems. Along the way, they debate, reminisce, and wrestle with the impossible task: narrowing it all down to the 10 essential John Candy movies. Biting The Big Picture's beloved format, this special episode is a celebration of heart, humour, and the man who could make anyone smile.

About our guests:

Tracey Morgan is an animal lover and John Candy biographer. She lives in Shrewsbury, UK, with her cats, boyfriend and chicken.

Joe Ramoni is a filmmaker and content creator, presenter of Hats Off Entertainment on YouTube and Co-host of Almost Cult Classics the podcast.

See John in Career Opportunities here!

John Candy: The Lou Gehrig of Comedy is a series that honours the timeless humour and heartfelt performances of John Candy, star of hits like Splash, Planes, Trains and Automobiles, and Home Alone.

Follow us on our socials: Instagram, Bluesky, LinkedIn, YouTube & Substack

Written & Hosted by Ryan Barnett

Produced by Ryan Barnett & Sonia Gemmiti

Recorded by Tyler Rauman

A Knockabout Media Production

*This program and all relevant content is for educational purposes only and to the best of our knowledge is being used under Fair Dealing/Fair Use Act guidelines and within Canadian and United States standards of fair dealing/fair use*

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if your middle school English project became a published book? That’s exactly what happened to Gordon Korman. At just 12 years old, he turned a classroom assignment into This Can’t Be Happening at Macdonald Hall—the start of a legendary career in children’s literature.

Featuring insights from cultural historian Ed Conroy (Retrontario) and Gordon Korman himself, this episode is a nostalgic, funny, and inspiring look at how a kid from Thornhill, Ontario became a household name in children’s literature.

For more reading:

Snoop by Gordon Korman here.

Follow us on our socials: Instagram, Bluesky, LinkedIn, YouTube

Written & Hosted by Ryan Barnett

Produced by Ryan Barnett & Sonia Gemmiti

Recorded by Tyler Rauman

Featuring Gordon Korman & Ed Conroy

A Knockabout Media Production

Additional audio material:

Newspapers.com, CBC

*This program and all relevant content is for educational purposes only and to the best of our knowledge is being used under Fair Dealing/Fair Use Act guidelines and within Canadian and United States standards of fair dealing/fair use*

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rejecting Monty Python: This week, we bring you this episode from our friends at We Regret to Inform You: The Rejection Podcast.

Lo! Upon the first breath of Monty Python’s Flying Circus o’er the enchanted waves of BBC One, scribes within the castle walls did trade many a curious whisper and scroll, to wit:

“This episode contained two really awful sketches.”

“The treatment of the national anthem is not amusing.”

 “Parts of this…are disgusting.”

And, “The death sequence was in appalling taste.”

Prithee, join us.

Listen to PART II

Major sources for this episode include:

TV Series: “Monty Python: Almost the Truth (Lawyer’s Cut)”  

BBC: “Monty Python at 50”

The Guardian: “Monty is 30”

The Sunday Post: “The Story of Monty Python” 

BBC: “‘It was a magical chemical balance’: How Monty Python and the Holy Grail became a comedy legend”

Smithsonian Magazine: “And Now For Something Completely Different”

Screen Online: “The Roots of Monty Python”

Vulture: “John Cleese on The Goon Show, His Earliest Comedy Influence”

Writer & Host: Sidney Hirst-O’Reilly

Executive Producer & Co-Host: Terry O’Reilly

Researcher & Series Producer: Allison Pinches

Director: Callie O’Reilly

Supervising Producer: Debbie O’Reilly

Engineer: Geoff Devine

Theme music: Casey Pick, Jeremiah Pick & James Atin

Tunes: APM Music

*This program and all relevant content is for educational purposes only and to the best of our knowledge is being used under Fair Dealing/Fair Use Act guidelines and within Canadian and United States standards of fair dealing/fair use*

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we explore the 50-year legacy of Toronto’s kids’ programming — from Uncle Chichimus and Canadian Howdy Doody to Razzle Dazzle, Today’s Special, The Kids of Degrassi Street, and the birth of YTV. Ed and Ryan discuss the early days of CBC children’s programming, the influence of Sesame Street, Francophone broadcasting in Ontario, and even the role of Christian programming in shaping the media landscape.

If you love production history, nostalgia, and behind-the-scenes stories of classic CanCon, this episode is for you.

Order Ed’s book, Imagination: The Golden Age of Toronto Kids’ TV, from Dundurn Press or your favourite bookseller.

Written & Hosted by Ryan Barnett

Produced by Ryan Barnett & Sonia Gemmiti

A Knockabout Media Production

Archival audio courtesy of Retrontario.

*This program and all relevant content is for educational purposes only and to the best of our knowledge is being used under Fair Dealing/Fair Use Act guidelines and within Canadian and United States standards of fair dealing/fair use*

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.