Remembering with Jeff Sammut

Award-winning magician, inventor, producer, director, and writer Connie Boyd remembers the history of women in magic. Looking back at the evolution of her own trailblazing career, Connie honors both the predecessors who paved the way and the rising stars following in her footsteps. Reflecting on the unique struggles historical female magicians faced, she offers insightful perspectives on the futur...

Singer-songwriter and producer Terry Bush remembers his father, the renowned Canadian abstract painter and Painters Eleven co-founder, Jack Bush. Terry remembers how painting came to his dad later in life, how a doctor's advice sparked a path of artistic experimentation, and how Henri Matisse influenced his legendary style. Decades later, Terry's pride in seeing his father's international legacy o...

Singers and songwriters Matthew and Gunnar Nelson remember the extraordinary life of their father—pop icon, country-rock pioneer, and actor Ricky Nelson. T he twins open up about their celebrity-filled childhood and the reality of growing up with a largely absent father. They share how his incredible journey inspired them to forge their own paths in music, reflect on their family's multi-generatio...

Renowned film critic Richard Roeper remembers his iconic colleagues, legendary TV co-hosts, and rival Chicago newspaper journalists, Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert . Richard dives into their unparalleled passion for film, their distinct review styles, and how they elevated the entire profession of film criticism. He breaks down how their trademark phrase "Two Thumbs Up" transformed into a global phen...

The voice of the Chicago Bulls and Chicagoland Sports Hall of Famer, Chuck Swirsky, remembers his mentor, Joe Tait — the legendary voice of the Cleveland Cavaliers and an Ohio broadcasting icon. Chuck reflects on how Joe became such an important influence in his life, why he was so beloved throughout Ohio, and the incredible versatility he displayed behind the microphone, including his work callin...

Broadcasters David Alter and Rob Wong remember their friend and colleague, the accomplished and talented anchor and reporter Geoff Rohoman. They share stories of Geoff's incredible ability to instantly connect with people, his passion for radio, his love of wrestling and MMA, and the unforgettable pranks and running jokes that made him so much fun to be around. They also explain how Geoff rightful...

Author Joseph Natalicchio remembers some of the wildest and most unforgettable publicity stunts in baseball history, as chronicled in his book,  Baseball's Most Outrageous Promotions: From Wedlock and Headlock Day to Disco Demolition Night . From the legendary appearance of 3-foot-7 pinch hitter Eddie Gaedel with the St. Louis Browns, to the chaos of Disco Demolition Night at Chicago's Comiskey Pa...

Bret Gallagher remembers the life and legacy of his brother, broadcaster Dan Gallagher. Bret remembers Dan's remarkable ability to connect with people almost instantly and his genuine desire to make everyone around him feel valued and happy. He shares memories of Dan's natural talent for hosting and broadcasting, his versatility on the air, his passion for pushing creative boundaries, and the inno...

Emmy-nominated writer Shelley Herman, Game Show Network launch producer Bob Boden, and game show author Adam Nedeff remember  Classic Game Shows ! Drawing from their decades of collective experience, the trio shares backstage stories, analyzes the unique charisma that defines the  best hosts , breaks down why the genre has maintained its enduring appeal across generations, how a childhood passion...

Emmy Award-winning writer Ken Levine remembers the enduring legacy of the hit sitcom  Frasier . Having written for the character for more than two decades, Levine shares firsthand memories of how Frasier Crane was created and developed on  Cheers  before actor Kelsey Grammer carried the beloved psychiatrist into his own remarkable spinoff, which ran for 11 seasons and earned 37 Emmy Awards. Levine...

Actor  Dwier Brown remembers the beloved sports fantasy classic " Field of Dreams". Dwier remembers how he landed the role of "John Kinsella," the father of  Kevin Costner 's character just as Costner was becoming a major Hollywood star. Dwier also remembers working alongside legendary co-stars  Ray Liotta ,  James Earl Jones ,  Burt Lancaster , and  W. P. Kinsella , whose novel inspired the film....

Sixty years after they first met, Grammy winner  Judy Collins  remembers her enduring friendship with Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee  Leonard Cohen . How she was instantly captivated by his songs, how he encouraged her to begin writing her own music, and how she helped introduce him to the world by recording his song "Suzanne", what would be a breakthrough classic. Collins also shares the sto...

Academy Award winner and Emmy-winning actor  William Holden  — the biggest box office star of the 1950s — is remembered by two-time Emmy-nominated actress  Stefanie Powers . Holden's partner for the last decade of his life, Powers remembers their first meeting, his extraordinary demand as an actor, and his quiet dedication to wildlife conservation — work he never sought recognition for. She also s...

Former MLB reliever Roger McDowell and his memoir co-author Doug Feldmann remember Roger's 1986 World Series Champion New York Mets.  McDowell shares where he was during the team's dramatic World Series Game 6 comeback, how badly they wanted to beat the Houston Astros in the National League Championship Series, and the selfless culture that defined the clubhouse under manager  Davey Johnson . He a...

Baseball Hall of Famer Gary Carter is remembered by his former Montreal Expos teammate Ellis Valentine. Ellis reflects on how Gary earned the nickname "The Kid," what it was like playing alongside him in the outfield before his transition to catcher, and whether he recognized Hall of Fame potential in him early on. He also shares his thoughts on watching Carter win the World Series with the New Yo...

Longtime Milwaukee Brewers play-by-play announcer, former Major League catcher and TV/film actor Bob Uecker is remembered by his "Mr. Belvedere" co-star Ilene Graff. Ilene reflects on their on-screen chemistry, Bob's natural talent as an actor, and his exceptional comedic timing. She also shares personal stories—from visiting him at the ballpark to witnessing how he treated everyone around him wit...

William Elliott Hazelgrove, author of  Capone's Vault: The Real Story of the Biggest Disaster in Television History , remembers  The Mystery of Al Capone's Vaults —the wildly hyped 1986 television special hosted by Geraldo Rivera. He explores how the idea for the broadcast first came together, the extensive preparation behind it, and the ultimately underwhelming, go-nowhere reveal that disappointe...

Rock historian and author of " KISS '76: Twelve Months That Defined The Hottest Band In The Land"  Martin Popoff remembers the extraordinary year KISS had in 1976.  During that landmark year, one of the most iconic and decorated bands in rock history reached new heights—releasing two of their bestselling albums,  Destroyer  and  Rock and Roll Over , while captivating audiences across North America...

Hollywood icon Charlie Chaplin is remembered through the reflections of his son, Eugene Chaplin, and Olivia Baliguet of Chaplin's World, the museum dedicated to his life and legacy in Switzerland. Eugene offers an intimate portrait of his father at home, revealing how Chaplin's warmth and optimism shaped both his family life and his films, as well as the lasting impact of his exile from—and eventu...

Canadian country and folk legend  Stompin' Tom Connors —an Officer of the Order of Canada and one of the greatest storytellers in the nation's musical history—is fondly remembered by his longtime friend and collaborator  Duncan Fremlin . Over 25 years, Duncan recorded and toured with Tom, sharing stages and logging countless miles across Canada's highways. In this tribute, he recalls the honor he...

Jennifer Jones made history as the first African American Radio City Music Hall Rockette—and in this episode she remembers her remarkable journey with the world-renowned dance troupe, The Rockettes. She shares how she broke through a 62-year racial barrier, paving the way for generations of performers to follow, and what it was really like performing in the iconic kickline on the legendary Radio C...

Journalist, author, and fashion icon Jeanne Beker—an Officer of the Order of Canada with a star on Canada's Walk of Fame—looks back on her groundbreaking TV series  Fashion Television . Broadcast in more than 130 countries, the show helped bring the world of fashion into living rooms everywhere. Jeanne shares the untold stories behind the glamour: the relentless work that went into every episode,...

Canadian Bulldog of merchandiseandmemories.com steps back into the golden era of professional wrestling to relive the magic of Saturday Night's Main Event. From staying up past 11:30pm to catch it live, to programming the VCR for a late-night VHS or Betamax recording, this was can't-miss television for wrestling fans. In this episode, Canadian Bulldog remembers his favourite heroes and hated heels...

Actor, musician, visual artist, writer, and director Taylor Blackwell reflects on the life and legacy of teacher, mentor, dear friend, and "Uncle Burt," Hollywood icon  Burt Reynolds . Taylor shares heartfelt memories of his warmth, humility, and down-to-earth spirit—qualities that never faded despite his legendary status and larger-than-life circle of friends. Taylor offers a rare perspective on...

Film historian, Retrontario founder, and author of " ImagiNation: The Golden Age of Toronto Kids' TV" , Ed Conroy takes us on a nostalgic journey through the television shows that shaped generations of Canadian children. From "Polka Dot Door" and "Mr. Dressup" to "The Friendly Giant" and more, Ed remembers the programs that became cherished parts of growing up in Canada. He explores the arrival of...