Knockabout Media

•

Channel • 9 Shows

History

History

Weekly series
History

History

Weekly series
TV & Film

TV & Film

Every-two-weeks series
History

History

Every-two-weeks series
Society & Culture

Society & Culture

Updated weekly
History

History

Updated weekly
Society & Culture

Society & Culture

Weekly series

SEASON 1, EPISODE 1

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.

S1, E1

•

25 min
SEASON 1, EPISODE 2

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.

S1, E2

•

26 min
SEASON 1 TRAILER

Rocket War

In 1990–91, Canada joined the first UN–sanctioned war against a sovereign state since Korea. Rocket War is a four-part documentary series exploring Canada’s role in the Persian Gulf War as told through the voices of those who served. Focusing on Operation Friction, the series traces Canada’s contribution at sea, in the air, and on the ground—from Royal Canadian Navy ships enforcing UN sanctions in the Persian Gulf, to CF-18 fighter pilots flying combat missions over Iraq and Kuwait, to a rapidly assembled Canadian field hospital treating coalition casualties and Iraqi prisoners of war under the threat of Scud missile attacks. Blending firsthand testimony with historical analysis, Rocket War examines how Canada adapted to modern, coalition warfare, and how this short, intense conflict reshaped the Canadian military in the post–Cold War world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S1 Trailer

•

1 min
SEASON 1, EPISODE 4

The Aftermath

In the final episode of Rocket War, we explore what happened after the guns fell silent in the 1991 Gulf War. From the rapid redeployment of Canadian forces and emotional homecomings to the difficult return to civilian life, this episode reveals the hidden costs of a “short” war. Veterans recount exposure to oil-well fires, the challenge of caring for the wounded after the ceasefire, and the long fight for recognition of service-related illness and death. 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.

S1, E4

•

29 min
SEASON 3, EPISODE 4

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.

S3, E4

•

36 min
SEASON 3, EPISODE 3

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 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: 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.

S3, E3

•

35 min
SEASON 1, EPISODE 3

Boots on the Ground

In this episode of Rocket War, the ground war begins. When Britain asks for help, 1 Canadian Field Hospital is rushed to the Saudi desert, where doctors, nurses, and medics prepare for chemical attacks, Scud missiles, and mass casualties. From training in Petawawa to treating wounded Iraqi soldiers on the front lines, Canadian medical staff confront the human cost of the Gulf War up close. Through firsthand accounts, we follow their journey into a fast-moving conflict. 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.

S1, E3

•

28 min
SEASON 1, EPISODE 1

Service Denied

Why did Canada not want a so-called "checkerboard army"? In 1914, the Canadian government called on all able-bodied men to serve their country in the Great War. However, when Black men went to enlist, they were turned away. In this first episode in our new series, we look at those early years of the war, when Black Canadians found themselves having to fight for the right to fight. Join us as we explore the remarkable history of No. 2 Construction Battalion, Canada’s only all-Black battalion during the First World War, uncovering their legacy, contributions, and the untold stories of Black Canadian soldiers in our latest podcast on military history, diversity, and heritage. *Download our Discussing Questions for your class* Written & Hosted by Cindy Charles Produced by Ryan Barnett & Cindy Charles Voice Director Sonia Gemmiti Recorded by Tyler Rauman This series features interviews with Lt. Jerome Downey, Sgt. Craig Smith, Douglas Ruck, and Lindsay Ruck. Additional voices by Keith Francis & Matthew Barnett A Knockabout Media Production This podcast was made possible thanks to funding from Veterans Affairs Canada’s Commemorative Partnership Program. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S1, E1

•

20 min
SEASON 1, EPISODE 3

Resonance

How does a forgotten piece of history become uncovered? In this, our final episode in the series, you will learn about what happened to the men of the No.2 after the war, and how their story came to light decades later. Join us as we explore the remarkable history of the No. 2 Construction Battalion, Canada’s only all-Black battalion during the First World War, uncovering their legacy, contributions, and the untold stories of Black Canadian soldiers in our latest podcast on military history, diversity, and heritage. *Download our Discussion Questions for your class* Written & Hosted by Cindy Charles Produced by Ryan Barnett & Cindy Charles Voice Director Sonia Gemmiti Recorded by Tyler Rauman This series features interviews with Lt. Jerome Downey, Sgt. Craig Smith, Douglas Ruck, and Lindsay Ruck. Additional voices by Keith Francis & Matthew Barnett Featuring a musical performance "How Great Thou Art" by Reeny Smith & Family A Knockabout Media Production This podcast was made possible thanks to funding from Veterans Affairs Canada’s Commemorative Partnership Program. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S1, E3

•

20 min
SEASON 1, EPISODE 2

The Notes of Endurance

If you were once rejected, would you still want to serve? It's 1915, and the Canadian Expeditionary Forces are taking heavy casualties. The growing need for more recruits leads Canadian military leadership to turn toward the very men they had previously barred from service. Join us as we explore the remarkable history of No. 2 Construction Battalion, Canada’s only all-Black battalion during the First World War, uncovering their legacy, contributions, and the untold stories of Black Canadian soldiers in our latest podcast on military history, diversity, and heritage. *Download our Discussion Questions for your class* Written & Hosted by Cindy Charles Produced by Ryan Barnett & Cindy Charles Voice Director Sonia Gemmiti Recorded by Tyler Rauman This series features interviews with Lt. Jerome Downey, Sgt. Craig Smith, Douglas Ruck, and Lindsay Ruck. Additional voices by Keith Francis & Matthew Barnett Featuring "I Want to Be Ready" & "Live a-Humble" by the Tuskegee Institute Singers A Knockabout Media Production This podcast was made possible thanks to funding from Veterans Affairs Canada’s Commemorative Partnership Program. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S1, E2

•

22 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.

Provider