Knockabout Media

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Channel • 9 Shows

TV & Film

TV & Film

Biweekly Series
History

History

Biweekly Series
Stories for Kids

Stories for Kids

Updated Weekly
History

History

Weekly Series
History

History

Updated Weekly
History

History

Weekly Series
Society & Culture

Society & Culture

Weekly Series

06/19/2025

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.

06/19/2025

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35 min
07/03/2025

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.

07/03/2025

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36 min
06/05/2025

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.

06/05/2025

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22 min
07/31/2025

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 quiet resurgence and surprising pivot into sports ownership, as he becomes a co-owner of the Toronto Argonauts and proves there’s always more than one way to steal the show. 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: www.patreon.com/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: Later with Bob Costas, Late Night with David Letterman, Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, Columbia Pictures, CBC. CityTV *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.

07/31/2025

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54 min
08/28/2025

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 musician living in Berkeley, California. His previous books include The Kids in the Hall: One Dumb Guy, which was the source for the Canadian Screen Award-winning documentary The Kids in the Hall: Comedy Punks from Amazon Studios, and the critically acclaimed A Wizard a True Star: Todd Rundgren in the Studio; It Ain’t Easy: Long John Baldry and the Birth of the British Blues; and Barenaked Ladies: Public Stunts, Private Stories. More About: John Candy: A Life in Comedy Drawing on extensive research and exclusive interviews with many of Candy’s closest friends and colleagues, including Dan Aykroyd, Chevy Chase, Tom Hanks, Ron Howard, Steve Martin, Catherine O’Hara, Martin Short, and many more, John Candy: A Life in Comedy celebrates the comedian’s unparalleled talent, infectious charm, and generosity of spirit. Through ups and downs, successes and failures, and struggles with anxiety and self-doubt, Candy faced the world with a big smile and a warm demeanour that earned him the love and adoration of fans around the world. Get the book! Written & Hosted by Ryan Barnett Produced by Ryan Barnett & Sonia Gemmiti Recorded by Tyler Rauman 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.

08/28/2025

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1h 25m
05/22/2025

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 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. 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.

05/22/2025

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21 min
07/17/2025

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 episode traces Candy’s breakout moment and the beginning of a lasting creative bond with John Hughes—one that would shape the next chapter of his career. 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: www.patreon.com/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, Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, Columbia Pictures, Sesame Workshop, TriStar Pictures, Paramount Pictures, AppleTV+, Tribune Media, 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.

07/17/2025

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45 min
08/14/2025

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 wrestle with the impossible task: narrowing it all down to the 10 essential John Candy movies. Biting The Big Picture's beloved format, this special episode is a celebration of heart, humour, and the man who could make anyone smile. Consider supporting us by becoming a Patron: www.patreon.com/knockaboutmedia About our guests: Tracey Morgan is an animal lover and John Candy biographer. She lives in Shrewsbury, UK, with her cats, boyfriend and chicken. Joe Ramoni is a filmmaker and content creator, presenter of Hats Off Entertainment on YouTube and Co-host of Almost Cult Classics the podcast. See John in Career Opportunities here! 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 & Substack Written & Hosted by Ryan Barnett Produced by Ryan Barnett & Sonia Gemmiti Recorded by Tyler Rauman 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.

08/14/2025

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2h 15m
10/09/2025

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 Sesame Street, Francophone broadcasting in Ontario, and even the role of Christian programming in shaping the media landscape. If you love production history, nostalgia, and behind-the-scenes stories of classic CanCon, this episode is for you. Consider supporting us by becoming a Patron: www.patreon.com/knockaboutmedia Order Ed’s book, Imagination: The Golden Age of Toronto Kids’ TV, from Dundurn Press or your favourite bookseller. Written & Hosted by Ryan Barnett Produced by Ryan Barnett & Sonia Gemmiti A Knockabout Media Production Archival audio courtesy of Retrontario. *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.

10/09/2025

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1h 18m
12/19/2025

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, Ryan is joined by Sean Quinlan—host of Excursions Radio and the voice of John Candy in our John Candy series—to revisit the song, the moment, the cultural weirdness, and the earnestness of it all. It’s a morsel, not a meal. Consider supporting us here: patreon.com/KnockaboutMedia Cited: Tears Are Not Enough (1985), directed by John Zaritsky 'Tears Are Not Enough,’ performed by Northern Lights, written by David Foster, Jim Vallance, and Bryan Adams, with additional French lyrics by Rachel Paiement, released in 1985. *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.

12/19/2025

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32 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.

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