Once Upon a Time in Hollywood North
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood North explores the fascinating history of Canada's film and television industry. It delves into the stories behind iconic movies and the stars who shaped Canadian filmmaking. The podcast offers an in-depth look at the production of beloved films and the creative forces behind them. Listeners can discover the untold tales of Hollywood North and its contributions to cinema.
Episodes
The Night's Most Important Man
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 Pa
New from Knockabout: Rocket War
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 res
Revisiting Tears Are Not Enough with Sean Quinlan
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 our&
Inside a Fraggle: John Tartaglia on Legacy, Puppetry, and Joy
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, humour, a
The Golden Age of Toronto Kids’ TV with Ed Conroy
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 On
Gordon Korman | Bestselling Author at 14
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
You Might Also Like: We Regret to Inform You
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 n
What Made John Candy Funny? Paul Myers on His New Biography
Consider supporting us by becoming a Patron: www.patreon.com/knockaboutmediaAuthor 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 Dum
John Candy Movie Hall of Fame with Tracey Morgan and Joe Ramoni
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
John Candy: The Argonaut Twist
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 To
John Candy: A First-first Banana
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 Hughe
John Candy: Bigger Fish
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
John Candy: The Lou Gehrig of Comedy
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
John Candy: Johnny Toronto
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 Cand
John Candy: Acting Chops
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
Dropping May 22 | John Candy: The Lou Gehrig of Comedy
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
David Cronenberg | Twins
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.
David Cronenberg | The New Flesh
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 Patron:
David Cronenberg | Breaking Through
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
David Cronenberg | Sex in the Snow
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 sta
David Cronenberg | How to Lose Friends and Alienate Funders
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
David Cronenberg | From the Drain
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
An Interview with Kids in the Hall writer Paul Bellini
**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.c
An Interview with Kids in the Hall biographer John Semley
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/knockaboutmediaWhere to find: Buster: A Life in PicturesWritten and Produced by Ryan Barnett | Co-producer Sonia Gemmiti
Kids in the Hall | Brain Drain
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/knockaboutmediaWhere to find: Buster: A Life in PicturesWatch the entire Kids in the Hall series on Amazon Prime.Written and Produced by
The Kids in the Hall | The Atomic Particles of Your Tax Dollars
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. Consider supporting us by becoming a Patron: www.patreon.com/knockaboutmediaWhere to find: Buster: A Life in PicturesWatch the entire Kids in the Hall series on Amazon Prime. *Conte
Kids in the Hall | Guys in Dresses
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. Consider supporting us by becoming a Patron: www.patreon.com/knockaboutmedia Where to find: Buster: A Life in PicturesWritten and Produced by Ryan Barnett.Ad
Kids in the Hall | Is America Ready for the Kids in the Hall?
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. Consider supporting us by becoming a Patron: www.patreon.com/knockaboutmediaWhere
Kids in the Hall | Fast Times at The Rivoli
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? Consider supporting us by becoming a Patron: www.patreon.com/knockaboutmediaWhere to find: Buster: A Life in PicturesWritten and Produced by Ryan Barnett. Additional voices: M
Kids in the Hall | Origin Stories
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. Consider supporting us by becoming a Patron: www.patreon.com/knockaboutmediaWhere to find: Buster: A Life in Pictures
