Story Girl

Story Girl: The Life of Lucy Maud Montgomery is a 7-part narrative series about the beloved author of Anne of Green Gables.Lucy Maud Montgomery once wrote that biography is a “screaming farce,” adding that the best biographies give only a two-dimensional portrait of its subject, while everyone has a half-dozen “different sides.” Aware of this fool’s errand, we're leaning in, and examining the different-sidedness of Maud. Each episode explores her personal triumphs and struggles, her creative inspirations, and the ways in which her "scribblings" left a lasting impact on literature and culture.Follow us on our socials: Bluesky, LinkedIn, YouTube & SubstackA Knockabout Media ProductionThis podcast was made possible thanks to funding from the Government of Canada. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we explore the formative years of author Lucy Maud Montgomery. We delve into her early life in Prince Edward Island and discuss the influences and experiences that shaped her writing, including the loss of her mother and the complexities of growing up in a strict household. Join us as we uncover how Montgomery’s youth laid the foundation for her beloved novels.Regional Mental Health Resources.Follow us on our socials: Bluesky, LinkedIn, YouTube & SubstackAbout This Series:Discover the life and legacy of L.M. Montgomery in this insightful 7-part podcast, in which we explore her childhood, literary journey, and the timeless impact of Anne of Green Gables on generations of readers.Written & Hosted by Ryan BarnettProduced by Ryan Barnett & Sonia GemmitiAssociate Producers Maia Foster-Sanchez & Kristi ProphetRecorded by Tyler RaumanThis series features interviews with Kate Macdonald Butler, Kate Scarth, Jessica Young, Laura Robinson & Yuko Matsumoto.Additional voices by Candace Amarante & Matthew BarnettA Knockabout Media ProductionThis podcast was made possible thanks to funding from the Government of Canada. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Maud is now an adult. She attends teachers college, gets engaged and falls in love (not necessarily in that order). She also begins writing the novel that will change her life: Anne of Green Gables.Follow us on our socials: Bluesky, LinkedIn, YouTube & SubstackAbout This Series:Discover the life and legacy of L.M. Montgomery in this insightful 7-part podcast, in which we explore her childhood, literary journey, and the timeless impact of Anne of Green Gables on generations of readers.Written & Hosted by Ryan BarnettProduced by Ryan Barnett & Sonia GemmitiAssociate Producers Maia Foster-Sanchez & Kristi ProphetRecorded by Tyler RaumanThis series features interviews with Kate Macdonald Butler, Kate Scarth, Jessica Young, Laura Robinson & Yuko Matsumoto.Additional voices by Candace Amarante & Matthew BarnettA Knockabout Media ProductionThis podcast was made possible thanks to funding from the Government of Canada. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

By the time Anne of Green Gables became a worldwide success, L.M. Montgomery had transformed from a small-town teacher into a celebrated author. But behind the literary fame came profound change — and heartbreak. In this episode of Story Girl: The Life of Lucy Maud Montgomery, Maud becomes a minister’s wife, a mother, and a creative force balancing family and writing. Yet amid her triumphs, she endures the greatest loss of her life, shaping the depth and empathy found in her later novels.Follow us on our socials: Bluesky, LinkedIn, YouTube & SubstackAbout This Series:Discover the life and legacy of L.M. Montgomery in this insightful 7-part podcast, in which we explore her childhood, literary journey, and the timeless impact of Anne of Green Gables on generations of readers.Written & Hosted by Ryan BarnettProduced by Ryan Barnett & Sonia GemmitiAssociate Producers Maia Foster-Sanchez & Kristi ProphetRecorded by Tyler RaumanThis series features interviews with Kate Macdonald Butler, Kate Scarth, Jessica Young, Laura Robinson & Yuko Matsumoto.Additional voices by Candace Amarante & Matthew BarnettA Knockabout Media ProductionThis podcast was made possible thanks to funding from the Government of Canada. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Learning that she is under a bum publishing deal, Maud makes the decision to take on her long-time publisher, the shewed, Boston-based L.C. Page.Follow us on our socials: Bluesky, LinkedIn, YouTube & SubstackAbout This Series:Discover the life and legacy of L.M. Montgomery in this insightful 7-part podcast, in which we explore her childhood, literary journey, and the timeless impact of Anne of Green Gables on generations of readers.Written & Hosted by Ryan BarnettProduced by Ryan Barnett & Sonia GemmitiAssociate Producers Maia Foster-Sanchez & Kristi ProphetRecorded by Tyler RaumanThis series features interviews with Kate Macdonald Butler, Kate Scarth, Jessica Young, Laura Robinson & Yuko Matsumoto.Additional voices by Candace Amarante & Matthew BarnettA Knockabout Media ProductionThis podcast was made possible thanks to funding from the Government of Canada. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Maud faces some of the toughest years of her life : nuisance lawsuits, an unwanted pursuer, social ostracism, personal humiliations, and drug dependency colour her final days.Regional Mental Health Resources.Follow us on our socials: Bluesky, LinkedIn, YouTube & SubstackAbout This Series:Discover the life and legacy of L.M. Montgomery in this insightful 7-part podcast, in which we explore her childhood, literary journey, and the timeless impact of Anne of Green Gables on generations of readers.Written & Hosted by Ryan BarnettProduced by Ryan Barnett & Sonia GemmitiAssociate Producers Maia Foster-Sanchez & Kristi ProphetRecorded by Tyler RaumanThis series features interviews with Kate Macdonald Butler, Kate Scarth, Jessica Young, Laura Robinson & Yuko Matsumoto.Additional voices by Candace Amarante, Matthew Barnett & Becca ReddenA Knockabout Media ProductionThis podcast was made possible thanks to funding from the Government of Canada. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode, we're doing something a little different. We are taking a pause from our narrative series to hear from you, the listeners. We asked you to send in voicemails with your feelings on Maud and her work, and you answered. A big thanks to Mike DiMascio, Irina Levchenko, Rebecca Sullivan, Laura Leden, Gabrielle Fortier, Naomi Burger, Kelly Gerner & Ragon Duffy, and Lois Adamson for your contributions to the show.Here is a link for information regarding the book collection rebuild for Kelly Gerner, following the LA wildfires.Follow us on our socials: Bluesky, LinkedIn, YouTube & SubstackAbout This Series:Discover the life and legacy of L.M. Montgomery in this insightful 7-part podcast, in which we explore her childhood, literary journey, and the timeless impact of Anne of Green Gables on generations of readers.Written & Hosted by Ryan BarnettProduced by Ryan Barnett & Sonia GemmitiAssociate Producers Maia Foster-Sanchez & Kristi ProphetRecorded by Tyler RaumanThis series features interviews with Kate Macdonald Butler, Kate Scarth, Jessica Young, Laura Robinson & Yuko Matsumoto.Additional voices by Candace Amarante, Matthew Barnett & Becca ReddenA Knockabout Media ProductionThis podcast was made possible thanks to funding from the Government of Canada. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How did Anne of Green Gables become an icon in Japan? This is the story of Hanako Muraoka, the writer who faced grave danger in translating Maud's book—an enemy text—for future generations of Japan.Follow us on our socials: Bluesky, LinkedIn, YouTube & SubstackAbout This Series:Discover the life and legacy of L.M. Montgomery in this insightful 7-part podcast, in which we explore her childhood, literary journey, and the timeless impact of Anne of Green Gables on generations of readers.Written & Hosted by Ryan BarnettProduced by Ryan Barnett & Sonia GemmitiAssociate Producers Maia Foster-Sanchez & Kristi ProphetRecorded by Tyler RaumanThis series features interviews with Kate Macdonald Butler, Kate Scarth, Jessica Young, Laura Robinson & Yuko Matsumoto.Additional voices by Candace Amarante & Junko YamakawaFor more information on Hanako Muraoka, read Anne's Cradle by Eri MuraokaA Knockabout Media ProductionThis podcast was made possible thanks to funding from the Government of Canada. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we explore queer interpretations of Anne of Green Gables. In conversation with playwright Rosemary Rowe and cartoonist Kathleen Gros, we delve into the deep bond between Anne and Diana, often dubbed the "Bosom Friends Affair." For more: Carousel Summer by Kathleen GrosI Hated You in High School by Kathleen GrosAnne and Diana Were Totally Doing It by Rosemary RoweFollow us on our socials: Bluesky, LinkedIn, YouTube & SubstackAbout This Series:Discover the life and legacy of L.M. Montgomery in this insightful 7-part podcast, in which we explore her childhood, literary journey, and the timeless impact of Anne of Green Gables on generations of readers.Written & Hosted by Ryan BarnettProduced by Ryan Barnett & Sonia GemmitiAssociate Producers Maia Foster-Sanchez & Kristi ProphetRecorded by Tyler RaumanThis series features interviews with Kate Macdonald Butler, Kate Scarth, Jessica Young, Laura Robinson, Yuko Matsumoto, Rosemary Rowe & Kathleen Gros.A Knockabout Media ProductionThis podcast was made possible thanks to funding from the Government of Canada. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, we're recommending the Kindred Spirits Book Club to our Maud-obsessed listeners. In this episode from their first season, Kelly and Ragon gush about why Gilbert Blythe was their first imaginary boyfriend, what the heck was wrong with Anne, and contemporary successors to Gilbert’s true good guy prototype. They also discuss a year in reading and where they stand on the “rivals to lovers” trope. Kindred Spirits Book Club is the podcast all about Anne of Green Gables, kindred spirits, and the books that make us who we are! Ragon Duffy and Kelly Gerner are two grown ladies geeking out about Anne of Green Gables, and other books by L.M. Montgomery. They blend modern perspectives with classic storytelling in their engaging discussions of beloved stories and characters. Come for the deep dives on theme and character arcs, stay for the friendship, cozy community and laughter. You can find Kindred Spirits Book Blub anywhere you listen to podcasts! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, I'm sharing a little extracurricular work. While in production on Story Girl, I was also teaching a podcasting course at Ratihén:te High School. In this class, the students researched, wrote and hosted their own historical biographies. This episode features two stories from the world sports, two world-class snipers, a fashion designer, and rock royalty. The work featured here was produced by the students of Ratihén:te High School as part of Writers in the Community, a program run by the Quebec Writers’ Federation. The Writers in the Community program would not be possible without the support of:The Canada Council for the ArtsThe Government of CanadaLe Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec (CALQ)The Electronic Recycling AssociationThe Batshaw FoundationShellDonors to the QWF Pyramid CampaignEric T. Webster FoundationGeorge Hogg Family FoundationFondation Charles CussonHylcan FoundationThe Hay FoundationZeller Family Foundation*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 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 response to the crisis, the political calculations of Prime Minister Brian Mulroney, and the rapid deployment of Canadian naval and air assets under Operation Friction. From Halifax Harbour to the Strait of Hormuz, listeners hear what it was like to prepare for war, enforce the UN embargo, and confront the reality of a modern conflict unfolding on live television.Thirty-five years later, Rocket War revisits the decisions, risks, and human experiences that defined Canada’s role in the Gulf War—beginning with the moment everything changed.DOWNLOAD OUR DISCUSSION QUESTIONS HEREWritten by William PattersonHost/Executive Producer Ryan BarnettThis podcast was made possible thanks to funding from Veterans Affairs Canada’s Commemorative Partnership Program.Featuring original interviews with Tim Courtney, Harold Davis, David Deere, Chris Linford, Donald MacPherson, Dr. Sean Maloney, Nathasha Mohr, Paul Molnar, Jean Morin, Claude St.Onge, and the Honorable Rebecca Patterson Voice direction by Sonia Gemmiti Series consultant is Jean MorinAn original production of Knockabout Media Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Norval Morrisseau explodes onto the Canadian art scene with his inaugural exhibit at Toronto's Pollock Gallery. Daphne Odjig nurtures her gift as a precocious visual artists, and struggles with her identity as an Indigenous woman in 1930s Parry Sound.Fifty years ago the Professional Native Indian Artists Incorporation (PNIAI) transformed the art world forever. As part of Indigenous activism happening across the Americas in the 1970s, the “Indian Group of 7” (as they were dubbed by the press at the time) asserted First Nations artistic expressions and self-determination in the face of forced assimilation policies. Their goals: encourage other First Nations artists to paint, create space in national and commercial galleries for First Nations art, and inspire youth. From Expo 67 to their groundbreaking exhibition at the Winnipeg Art Gallery and beyond, learn more about the lives and artistic practices of the PNIAI and its members, and the Group's on-going influence, today.Download the listening guideHosted by Soleil LaunièreProduced by Ryan Barnett, Maia Foster-Sanchez and Nahka BertrandArtwork by Caleb Ellison-DysartTheme by Justin DelormeThis series features interviews with Bonnie Devine, Greg A. Hill, Michelle Lavallee, Carmen Robertson, Pauline Beardy, Philip Gevik, Corey Dingle, Donna Feledichuk and Joseph M. Sanchez.A Knockabout Media Production | Funded by the Government of Canada Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we’re looking at the quiet aftermath of Norval Morrisseau's Pollock Gallery exhibition, and what happened next for First Nations artists in the wake of his celebrated debut, including the Indians of Canada Pavilion at Expo 67.Download the listening guideHosted by Soleil LaunièreProduced by Ryan Barnett, Maia Foster-Sanchez and Nahka BertrandArtwork by Caleb Ellison-DysartTheme by Justin DelormeThis series features interviews with Bonnie Devine, Greg A. Hill, Michelle Lavallee, Carmen Robertson, Pauline Beardy, Philip Gevik, Corey Dingle, Donna Feledichuk and Joseph M. Sanchez.A Knockabout Media Production | Funded by the Government of Canada Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we meet Joseph Sanchez and Eddy Cobiness, and Daphne reconnects with her roots and opens her own little shop inspired by Andy Warhol's famed studio: The Factory.Download the listening guideHosted by Soleil LaunièreProduced by Ryan Barnett, Maia Foster-Sanchez and Nahka BertrandArtwork by Caleb Ellison-DysartTheme by Justin DelormeThis series features interviews with Bonnie Devine, Greg A. Hill, Michelle LaVallee, Carmen Robertson, Pauline Beardy, Philip Gevik, Corey Dingle, Donna Feledichuk and Joseph M. Sanchez.A Knockabout Media Production | Funded by the Government of Canada Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Daphne, Jackson, Alex, Eddy, Carl, Joseph and Norval begin exhibiting together. And then, an idea starts to take form. The seven of them will form a collective; one of the first self-organized art activist groups in Canadian history. One of its main goals: to fight to establish a forum and the spaces for the voices and perspective of Indigenous artists.Download the listening guideHosted by Soleil LaunièreProduced by Ryan Barnett, Maia Foster-Sanchez and Nahka BertrandArtwork by Caleb Ellison-DysartTheme by Justin DelormeThis series features interviews with Bonnie Devine, Greg A. Hill, Michelle LaVallee, Carmen Robertson, Pauline Beardy, Philip Gevik, Corey Dingle, Donna Feledichuk and Joseph M. Sanchez.A Knockabout Media Production | Funded by the Government of Canada Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we look at the factors that resulted in the dissolution of the PNIAI, what happened to the artists in the years that followed, and the group's ongoing legacy, today.Download the listening guideHosted by Soleil LaunièreProduced by Ryan Barnett, Maia Foster-Sanchez and Nahka BertrandArtwork by Caleb Ellison-DysartTheme by Justin DelormeThis series features interviews with Bonnie Devine, Greg A. Hill, Michelle LaVallee, Carmen Robertson, Pauline Beardy, Philip Gevik, Corey Dingle, Donna Feledichuk and Joseph M. Sanchez.A Knockabout Media Production | Funded by the Government of Canada Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hey Story Girl listeners!I hope you enjoyed the repost of our series Among Equals. We’re busy at work right now on our follow up series to Story Girl, which I’ll have more information about that soon. But, in the meantime, we're sharing a season from another Knockabout podcast: Once Upon a Time in Hollywood North.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, we're focusing on the days before the Kids were the Kids in the Hall. How did Kevin meet Dave? How did Bruce meet Mark? And where did Scott enter the picture? Its origin stories galore as we look back at the Canadian improv comedy scenes of the early 1980s.  Written & Hosted by Ryan BarnettAdditional Voices by Matthew BarnettWhere to find: Buster: A Life in Pictures Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 PicturesWritten and Produced by Ryan Barnett. Additional voices: Matt Barnett, Susan Passmore & Sonia Gemmiti. Special archival audio courtesy of Retrontario. Reading/Viewing List:Kids in the Hall: Complete SeriesOne Dumb Guy by Paul Myers This Book Is a Book about the Kids in the Hall by John Semley Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 PicturesWritten and Produced by Ryan Barnett. Additional voices: Matt Barnett, Susan Passmore & Sonia Gemmiti. Special archival audio courtesy of Retrontario.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.