Once Upon a Time in Hollywood North

Follow! Subscribe! Once Upon a Time in Hollywood North is dropping next Tuesday, November 2, 2021. Once Upon a Time in Hollywood North is new podcast in which we deep  dive into the history behind your favorite Canadian Content. In each  series, author and producer Ryan Barnett tackles big topics like tax  shelter film-making, the disappearance of Casey and Finnegan, the meteoric rise of a little girl from Charlemagne, Quebec to her eventual   throne atop the world. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.Season One is dedicated to The Kids in the Hall; the history behind  this sketch comedy troupe and their influential series that ran for five  seasons on HBO and CBC.*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.

Once Upon a Time in Hollywood North is new podcast in which we deep dive into the history behind your favorite Canadian Content. In each series, author and producer Ryan Barnett tackles big topics like tax shelter film-making, the disappearance of Casey and Finnegan, the meteoric rise of a little girl from Charlemagne, Quebec to her eventual  throne atop the world. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Season 1 is dedicated to The Kids in the Hall; the history behind this sketch comedy troupe and their influential series that ran for five seasons on HBO and CBC.Full episodes of Once Upon a Time in Hollywood North premiere November 2, 2021. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.  Where to find: Buster: A Life in PicturesWritten & Hosted by Ryan BarnettAdditional Voices by Matthew Barnett*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.

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? Where to find: Buster: A Life in PicturesWatch the entire Kids in the Hall series on Amazon Prime. Try Prime for 30 days by using our link: https://amzn.to/3FbEcKRWritten and Produced by Ryan Barnett. Additional voices: Matt Barnett, Susan Passmore & Sonia Gemmiti. Special archival audio courtesy of Retrontario. Follow us @knockaboutmedia on TWITTER, INSTAGRAM & TIKTOKReading/Viewing List:Kids in the Hall: Complete Series https://amzn.to/3s5CCowOne Dumb Guy by Paul Meyers https://amzn.to/3MK4UNwThis Book Is a Book about the Kids in the Hall by John Semley https://amzn.to/3s8cn0L*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.

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. Where to find: Buster: A Life in PicturesWatch the entire Kids in the Hall series on Amazon Prime. Try Prime for 30 days by using our link: https://amzn.to/3FbEcKRWritten and Produced by Ryan Barnett. Additional voices: Matt Barnett, Susan Passmore & Sonia Gemmiti. Special archival audio courtesy of Retrontario.  Follow us @knockaboutmedia on TWITTER, INSTAGRAM & TIKTOKReading/Viewing List:Kids in the Hall: Complete Series https://amzn.to/3s5CCowOne Dumb Guy by Paul Meyers https://amzn.to/3MK4UNwThis Book Is a Book about the Kids in the Hall by John Semley https://amzn.to/3s8cn0L*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.

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.  Where to find: Buster: A Life in PicturesWatch the entire Kids in the Hall series on Amazon Prime. Try Prime for 30 days by using our link: https://amzn.to/3FbEcKRWritten and Produced by Ryan Barnett. Additional voices: Matt Barnett, Susan Passmore & Sonia Gemmiti. Special archival audio courtesy of Retrontario. Additional Music: Daniel Vodovoz Additional clips: UNMASKED podcast  Follow us @knockaboutmedia on TWITTER, INSTAGRAM & TIKTOKReading/Viewing List:Kids in the Hall: Complete Series https://amzn.to/3s5CCowOne Dumb Guy by Paul Meyers https://amzn.to/3MK4UNwThis Book Is a Book about the Kids in the Hall by John Semley https://amzn.to/3s8cn0L*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.

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. Where to find: Buster: A Life in PicturesWatch the entire Kids in the Hall series on Amazon Prime. *Content Advisory* This episode includes an archival excerpt from a sketch featuring a white actor in Yellowface.Written and Produced by Ryan Barnett | Co-producer Sonia Gemmiti.Additional voices: Matt Barnett & Sonia Gemmiti. Special archival audio courtesy of Retrontario. Follow us @knockaboutmedia on TWITTER, INSTAGRAM & TIKTOK Reading/Viewing List: Kids in the Hall: Complete Series https://amzn.to/3s5CCow One Dumb Guy by Paul Meyers https://amzn.to/3MK4UNw This Book Is a Book about the Kids in the Hall by John Semley https://amzn.to/3s8cn0L*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.

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. Where to find: Buster: A Life in PicturesWatch the entire Kids in the Hall series on Amazon Prime. Written and Produced by Ryan Barnett | Co-producer Sonia Gemmiti. Additional voices: Matt Barnett & Sonia Gemmiti. Special archival audio courtesy of Retrontario. Follow us @knockaboutmedia on TWITTER, INSTAGRAM & TIKTOKReading/Viewing List:Kids in the Hall: Complete Series https://amzn.to/3s5CCowOne Dumb Guy by Paul Meyers https://amzn.to/3MK4UNwThis Book Is a Book about the Kids in the Hall by John Semley https://amzn.to/3s8cn0L*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.

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. Donate here to the Welcome Collective. Where to find: Buster: A Life in PicturesSponsor Link: https://www.audibletrial.com/hollywoodnorthpodWatch the entire Kids in the Hall series on Amazon Prime. Try Prime for 30 days by using our link: https://amzn.to/3FbEcKRWritten and Produced by Ryan Barnett | Co-producer Sonia Gemmiti.Special archival audio courtesy of Retrontario. Follow  us @knockaboutmedia on TWITTER, INSTAGRAM & TIKTOKReading/Viewing List:Kids in the Hall: Complete Series https://amzn.to/3s5CCowOne Dumb Guy by Paul Meyers https://amzn.to/3MK4UNwThis Is a Book about the Kids in the Hall by John Semley https://amzn.to/3s8cn0L*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.

**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. Donate here to the Welcome Collective. Where to find: Buster: A Life in PicturesSponsor Link: https://www.audibletrial.com/hollywoodnorthpodWatch the entire Kids in the Hall series on Amazon Prime. Try Prime for 30 days by using our link: https://amzn.to/3FbEcKRWritten and Produced by Ryan Barnett | Co-producer Sonia Gemmiti.Special archival audio courtesy of Retrontario. Follow us on TWITTER and INSTAGRAM.Buy Mouth Congress' new double LP here: https://capturedtracks.com/artist/mouth-congress/Reading/Viewing List:Kids in the Hall: Complete Series https://amzn.to/3s5CCowOne Dumb Guy by Paul Meyers https://amzn.to/3MK4UNwThis Is a Book about the Kids in the Hall by John Semley https://amzn.to/3s8cn0L*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.

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 controversy, but his films were profitable, and in Ottawa, just like in Hollywood, money talks. 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.Donate here to the Welcome Collective. Where to find: Buster: A Life in PicturesConsider becoming a Patron: https://www.patreon.com/onceinhollywoodnorthWritten and Produced by Ryan Barnett | Co-producer Sonia Gemmiti. Additional voices: Matt Barnett & Sonia Gemmiti.Special archival audio courtesy of Retrontario.Follow us @knockaboutmedia on TWITTER, INSTAGRAM & TIKTOKFollow us @itsknockaboutmedia on FACEBOOK & YOUTUBETheme: Witches Brew by Party Store Music*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 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 you deep into the making of iconic movies and the stars who shaped the history of Canadian filmmaking.Where to find: Buster: A Life in PicturesConsider becoming a Patron: https://www.patreon.com/onceinhollywoodnorthWritten and Produced by Ryan Barnett | Co-producer Sonia Gemmiti. Additional voices: Matt Barnett & Sonia Gemmiti.Special archival audio courtesy of Retrontario.Follow us @knockaboutmedia on TWITTER, INSTAGRAM & TIKTOKFollow us @itsknockaboutmedia on FACEBOOK & YOUTUBETheme: Witches Brew by Party Store Music*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 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 stars who shaped the history of Canadian filmmaking.Donate here to the Welcome Collective. Where to find: Buster: A Life in PicturesConsider becoming a Patron: https://www.patreon.com/onceinhollywoodnorthWritten and Produced by Ryan Barnett | Co-producer Sonia Gemmiti. Additional voices: Matt Barnett & Sonia Gemmiti.Special archival audio courtesy of Retrontario, CBC, Efrom AllenFollow us @knockaboutmedia on TWITTER, INSTAGRAM & TIKTOKFollow us @itsknockaboutmedia on FACEBOOK & YOUTUBETheme: Witches Brew by Party Store Music*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**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 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 and the stars who shaped the history of Canadian filmmaking.Donate here to the Welcome Collective. Where to find: Buster: A Life in PicturesConsider becoming a Patron: https://www.patreon.com/onceinhollywoodnorthWritten and Produced by Ryan Barnett | Co-producer Sonia Gemmiti. Additional voices: Matt Barnett & Sonia Gemmiti.Special archival audio courtesy of Retrontario, CBC, Efrom AllenFollow us @knockaboutmedia on TWITTER, INSTAGRAM & TIKTOKFollow us @itsknockaboutmedia on FACEBOOK & YOUTUBETheme: Witches Brew by Party Store Music*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**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 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.Donate here to the Welcome Collective. Where to find: Buster: A Life in PicturesConsider becoming a Patron: https://www.patreon.com/onceinhollywoodnorthWritten and Produced by Ryan Barnett | Co-producer Sonia Gemmiti. Additional voices: Matt Barnett & Sonia Gemmiti.Special archival audio courtesy of Retrontario, CBC, Efrom AllenFollow us @knockaboutmedia on TWITTER, INSTAGRAM & TIKTOKFollow us @itsknockaboutmedia on FACEBOOK & YOUTUBETheme: Witches Brew by Party Store MusicArchival Material: https://www.youtube.com/@MickGarrisInterviews*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**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 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.Donate here to the Welcome Collective. Where to find: Buster: A Life in PicturesConsider becoming a Patron: https://www.patreon.com/onceinhollywoodnorthWritten and Produced by Ryan Barnett | Co-producer Sonia Gemmiti. Additional voices: Matt Barnett & Sonia Gemmiti.Special archival audio courtesy of Retrontario, CBC, Efrom AllenFollow us @knockaboutmedia on TWITTER, INSTAGRAM & TIKTOKFollow us @itsknockaboutmedia on FACEBOOK & YOUTUBETheme: Witches Brew by Party Store Music*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**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.

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 long-time fan or just discovering the magic that John brought to both the big and smalls screens, join me for this new 6-part series. *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.

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 performances of John Candy, star of hits like Splash, Planes, Trains and Automobiles, and Home Alone.Follow us on our socials: Instagram, Bluesky, LinkedIn, YouTube & SubstackWritten & Hosted by Ryan BarnettProduced by Ryan Barnett & Sonia GemmitiRecorded by Tyler RaumanAdditional voices by Matthew Barnett & Sean QuinlanA Knockabout Media Production*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.

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 Candy: The Lou Gehrig of Comedy is a series that honours the timeless humour and heartfelt performances of John Candy, star of hits like Splash, Planes, Trains and Automobiles, and Home Alone.Follow us on our socials: Instagram, Bluesky, LinkedIn, YouTube & SubstackWritten & Hosted by Ryan BarnettProduced by Ryan Barnett & Sonia GemmitiRecorded by Tyler RaumanAdditional voices by Matthew Barnett & Sean QuinlanA Knockabout Media Production*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.

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 series that honours the timeless humour and heartfelt performances of John Candy, star of hits like Splash, Planes, Trains and Automobiles, and Home Alone.Follow us on our socials: Instagram, Bluesky, LinkedIn, YouTube & SubstackWritten & Hosted by Ryan BarnettProduced by Ryan Barnett & Sonia GemmitiRecorded by Tyler RaumanAdditional voices by Matthew Barnett & Sean QuinlanA Knockabout Media ProductionAdditional audio material:Retrontario, The Bobbie Wygant Archive, Breadcrustcouncil, Dash Retro, Kamenliter, Ugazzovision*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.