Once Upon a Time in Hollywood North
by Knockabout Media
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: https://www.patreon.com/cw/knockaboutmedia
Episodes
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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...
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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…
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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...
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What Made John Candy Funny? Paul Myers on His New Biography
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…
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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...
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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...
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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…
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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...
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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...
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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…
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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...
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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...
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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…
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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...
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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…
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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...
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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/knockaboutmedia Where…
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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/knockaboutmedia Where to find: Buster: A…
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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/knockaboutmedia Where to...
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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…
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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...
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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/knockaboutmedia...
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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...
About this show
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: https://www.patreon.com/cw/knockaboutmedia
Hosted by
Knockabout Media