Once Upon a Time in Hollywood North

What does it take to build a cultural empire when the doors are closed to you? This episode comes courtesy of The Black Hum , produced by Knockabout Media and hosted by Cindy Charles. In this special feed drop, we bring you the extraordinary story of Rufus Rockhead, a Jamaican immigrant, First World War veteran, railway porter, bootlegger, and visionary entrepreneur who built Rockhead’s...

In the early hours of August 2, 1990, Iraq invaded Kuwait, setting off a chain of events that would draw Canada into the first Gulf War. In this opening episode of  Rocket War , we explore how Canada went from peacekeeping posture to active military engagement in the Persian Gulf. Featuring firsthand accounts from sailors, air force personnel, and military historians, we trace Canada’s early...

Before we head into a short break, we wanted to leave you with something special: a curious little detour into a very specific piece of Canadiana—“Tears Are Not Enough,” the all-star charity single that brought together some of the country’s biggest musical names in the 1980s. In this episode, Ryan is joined by Sean Quinlan—host of  Excursions Radio  and the voice of John Candy in o...

John Tartaglia, Creative Supervisor for Fraggle Rock, joins us for a wide-ranging conversation about  The First Snow of Fraggle Rock  and the enduring legacy of Jim Henson’s Fraggle universe. We talk about John’s extraordinary start as a 16-year-old puppeteer on  Sesame Street , the mentors who shaped him, and what it means to inherit a creative tradition built on empathy, humo...

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 broadcas...

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 nost...

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...

Consider supporting us by becoming a Patron: www.patreon.com/knockaboutmedia 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: On...

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 Cand...

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...

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 H...

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 hea...

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 Comed...

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 Can...

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 heartfel...

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...

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...

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. Consider supporting us by becoming a Patro...

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 movi...

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 st...

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 tak...

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 contro...

**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.  Consider supporting us by becoming a Patron: www.patreon...

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.  Consider supporting us by becoming a Patron: www.patreon.com/knockaboutmedia Where to find: Buster: A Life in Pictures Written and Produced by Ryan Barnett | Co-producer Sonia Gemm...

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.  Consider supporting us by becoming a Patron: www.patreon.com/knockaboutmedia Where to find: Buster: A Life in Pictures Watch the entire Kids in the Hall series on Amazon Prime. Written and Produce...