Knockabout Media

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Channel • 9 Shows

History

History

Weekly series
TV & Film

TV & Film

Fortnightly series
History

History

Weekly series
Stories for Kids

Stories for Kids

Updated weekly
History

History

Fortnightly series
Society & Culture

Society & Culture

Updated weekly
History

History

Updated weekly

26 JAN

In for a penny...

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 HERE Written by William Patterson Host/Executive Producer Ryan Barnett This 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 Morin An original production of Knockabout Media Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

26 Jan

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25 min
6 DAYS AGO

Scramble Order

In this episode of Rocket War, we explore Canada’s air war during the first Persian Gulf War, tracing how Royal Canadian Air Force CF-18 fighter jets and aircrew deployed to the Middle East following Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait. Drawing on firsthand accounts from pilots and ground crew, as well as expert historical analysis, the episode examines the political decisions behind Canada’s commitment, the rapid transition from NATO bases in Europe to desert operations in Qatar, and the realities of flying Combat Air Patrols over coalition shipping lanes. This episode offers a ground-level look at Canada’s role in a modern air campaign, based on veteran testimony and contemporaneous records. DOWNLOAD OUR DISCUSSION QUESTIONS HERE Written by William Patterson Host/Executive Producer Ryan Barnett This 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 Morin An original production of Knockabout Media Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

6 days ago

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26 min
22/11/2023

Introducing: Among Equals | A New Way of Seeing

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. Download the listening guide. Hosted by Soleil Launière Produced by Ryan Barnett, Maia Foster-Sanchez and Nahka Bertrand Artwork by Caleb Ellison-Dysart Theme by Justin Delorme This 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 Donate here to the Welcome Collective. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

22/11/2023

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31 min
14/12/2021

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/knockaboutmedia Where to find: Buster: A Life in Pictures Written & Hosted by Ryan Barnett Additional 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.

14/12/2021

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22 min
SEASON 4 BONUS

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 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 HERE Written by William Patterson Host/Executive Producer Ryan Barnett This 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 Morin An original production of Knockabout Media *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.

Season 4 Bonus

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25 min
SEASON 4 BONUS

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 not amusing.” “Parts of this…are disgusting.” And, “The death sequence was in appalling taste.” Prithee, join us. Listen to PART II Major sources for this episode include: TV Series: “Monty Python: Almost the Truth (Lawyer’s Cut)” BBC: “Monty Python at 50” The Guardian: “Monty is 30” The Sunday Post: “The Story of Monty Python” BBC: “‘It was a magical chemical balance’: How Monty Python and the Holy Grail became a comedy legend” Smithsonian Magazine: “And Now For Something Completely Different” Screen Online: “The Roots of Monty Python” Vulture: “John Cleese on The Goon Show, His Earliest Comedy Influence” Writer & Host: Sidney Hirst-O’Reilly Executive Producer & Co-Host: Terry O’Reilly Researcher & Series Producer: Allison Pinches Director: Callie O’Reilly Supervising Producer: Debbie O’Reilly Engineer: Geoff Devine Theme music: Casey Pick, Jeremiah Pick & James Atin Tunes: APM 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.

Season 4 Bonus

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24 min
25/09/2025

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, funny, and inspiring look at how a kid from Thornhill, Ontario became a household name in children’s literature. For more reading: Snoop by Gordon Korman here. Consider supporting us by becoming a Patron: https://www.patreon.com/cw/knockaboutmedia ImagiNation: The Golden Age of Toronto Kids' TV by Ed Conroy available here. Follow us on our socials: Instagram, Bluesky, LinkedIn, YouTube Written & Hosted by Ryan Barnett Produced by Ryan Barnett & Sonia Gemmiti Recorded by Tyler Rauman Featuring Gordon Korman & Ed Conroy A Knockabout Media Production Additional audio material: Newspapers.com, 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.

25/09/2025

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32 min
17/04/2025

Maud-swap! with Kindred Spirits Book Club

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.

17/04/2025

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1h 9m
05/06/2025

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 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. Consider supporting us by becoming a Patron: https://www.patreon.com/cw/knockaboutmedia Written & Hosted by Ryan Barnett Produced by Ryan Barnett & Sonia Gemmiti Recorded by Tyler Rauman Additional voices by Matthew Barnett & Sean Quinlan A 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.

05/06/2025

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22 min
03/07/2025

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 performances of John Candy, star of hits like Splash, Planes, Trains and Automobiles, and Home Alone. Consider supporting us by becoming a Patron: https://www.patreon.com/cw/knockaboutmedia Written & Hosted by Ryan Barnett Produced by Ryan Barnett & Sonia Gemmiti Recorded by Tyler Rauman Additional voices by Matthew Barnett & Sean Quinlan A Knockabout Media Production Additional audio material: The Bobbie Wygant Archive, Later with Bob Costas, Late Night with David Letterman, Nebraska State Historical Society, Terrence Thompson, Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, Columbia Pictures *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.

03/07/2025

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36 min

Knockabout Media specializes in creative non-fiction storytelling. We are the makers of Once Upon a Time in Hollywood North, Story Girl, Among Equals, and The Black Hum.