Story Girl

New from Knockabout: Rocket War

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 08:00:00 GMT

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.

Story Girl presents: Brain Drain

Thu, 02 Oct 2025 09:00:00 GMT

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 Pictures

Watch 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.

Reading/Viewing List:

Kids in the Hall: Complete Series

One Dumb Guy by Paul Meyers

This Book Is a Book about the Kids in the Hall by John Semley

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Story Girl presents: The Atomic Particles of Your Tax Dollars

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 10:47:03 GMT

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 Pictures

Watch 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.

Reading/Viewing List:

Kids in the Hall: Complete Series

One 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.

Story Girl presents: Guys in Dresses

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 06:00:00 GMT

In this episode, we revisit the Kids in the Hall as they count down to the premiere of their groundbreaking HBO comedy special—a pivotal moment that set the stage for their rise to fame.

Featuring rare archival audio from Retrontario, this story captures the excitement, uncertainty, and ambition of Canada’s most iconic sketch comedy troupe. Stream The Kids in the Hall series now on Amazon Prime.

Where to find: Buster: A Life in Pictures

Watch the entire Kids in the Hall series on Amazon Prime. Try Prime for 30 days by using our link: https://amzn.to/3FbEcKR

Written 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 & TIKTOK

Reading/Viewing List:

Kids in the Hall: Complete Series https://amzn.to/3s5CCow

One Dumb Guy by Paul Myers https://amzn.to/3MK4UNw

This Book Is a Book about the Kids in the Hall by John Semley https://amzn.to/3s8cn0L

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Story Girl presents: Is America Ready for the Kids in the Hall?

Thu, 21 Aug 2025 06:00:00 GMT

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 Pictures

Written 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.

Story Girl presents: Fast Times at the Rivoli

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 06:00:00 GMT

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 Pictures

Written 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 Series

One 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.

Story Girl presents: Once Upon a Time in Hollywood North

Thu, 24 Jul 2025 08:00:00 GMT

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 Barnett

Additional Voices by Matthew Barnett

Where to find: Buster: A Life in Pictures

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Story Girl presents: Among Equals | The Image Makers

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 06:00:00 GMT

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 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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Story Girl presents: Among Equals | Breaking Glass

Thu, 26 Jun 2025 06:00:00 GMT

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 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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Story Girl presents: Among Equals | Daphne's Place

Thu, 12 Jun 2025 06:00:00 GMT

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 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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Story Girl presents: Among Equals | Indians at Expo 67

Thu, 29 May 2025 06:00:00 GMT

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 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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Story Girl presents: Among Equals

Thu, 15 May 2025 06:00:00 GMT

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 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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Homework | Mini-bios by Students

Thu, 01 May 2025 06:00:00 GMT

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 Arts

The Government of Canada

Le Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec (CALQ)

The Electronic Recycling Association

The Batshaw Foundation

Shell

Donors to the QWF Pyramid Campaign

Eric T. Webster Foundation

George Hogg Family Foundation

Fondation Charles Cusson

Hylcan Foundation

The Hay Foundation

Zeller 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.

Maud-swap! with Kindred Spirits Book Club

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 06:00:00 GMT

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.

The Bosom Friends Affair

Thu, 03 Apr 2025 06:00:00 GMT

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 Gros

I Hated You in High School by Kathleen Gros

Anne and Diana Were Totally Doing It by Rosemary Rowe

About 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 Barnett

Produced by Ryan Barnett & Sonia Gemmiti

Associate Producers Maia Foster-Sanchez & Kristi Prophet

Recorded by Tyler Rauman

This series features interviews with Kate Macdonald Butler, Kate Scarth, Jessica Young, Laura Robinson, Yuko Matsumoto, Rosemary Rowe & Kathleen Gros.

A Knockabout Media Production

This podcast was made possible thanks to funding from the Government of Canada.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Red-haired Anne : Anne Shirley in Japan

Thu, 20 Mar 2025 06:00:00 GMT

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.

About This Series:

Written & Hosted by Ryan Barnett

Produced by Ryan Barnett & Sonia Gemmiti

Associate Producers Maia Foster-Sanchez & Kristi Prophet

Recorded by Tyler Rauman

This series features interviews with Kate Macdonald Butler, Kate Scarth, Jessica Young, Laura Robinson & Yuko Matsumoto.

Additional voices by Candace Amarante & Junko Yamakawa

For more information on Hanako Muraoka, read Anne's Cradle by Eri Muraoka

A Knockabout Media Production

This podcast was made possible thanks to funding from the Government of Canada.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

An Ode (with an E) to Maud

Thu, 06 Mar 2025 07:00:00 GMT

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.

About This Series:

Written & Hosted by Ryan Barnett

Produced by Ryan Barnett & Sonia Gemmiti

Associate Producers Maia Foster-Sanchez & Kristi Prophet

Recorded by Tyler Rauman

This series features interviews with Kate Macdonald Butler, Kate Scarth, Jessica Young, Laura Robinson & Yuko Matsumoto.

Additional voices by Candace Amarante, Matthew Barnett & Becca Redden

A Knockabout Media Production

This podcast was made possible thanks to funding from the Government of Canada.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At Journey's End

Fri, 21 Feb 2025 03:24:19 GMT

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.

About This Series:

Written & Hosted by Ryan Barnett

Produced by Ryan Barnett & Sonia Gemmiti

Associate Producers Maia Foster-Sanchez & Kristi Prophet

Recorded by Tyler Rauman

This series features interviews with Kate Macdonald Butler, Kate Scarth, Jessica Young, Laura Robinson & Yuko Matsumoto.

Additional voices by Candace Amarante, Matthew Barnett & Becca Redden

A Knockabout Media Production

This podcast was made possible thanks to funding from the Government of Canada.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A Woman's Humble Name

Thu, 06 Feb 2025 07:00:00 GMT

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.

About This Series:

Written & Hosted by Ryan Barnett

Produced by Ryan Barnett & Sonia Gemmiti

Associate Producers Maia Foster-Sanchez & Kristi Prophet

Recorded by Tyler Rauman

This series features interviews with Kate Macdonald Butler, Kate Scarth, Jessica Young, Laura Robinson & Yuko Matsumoto.

Additional voices by Candace Amarante & Matthew Barnett

A Knockabout Media Production

This podcast was made possible thanks to funding from the Government of Canada.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Double Burden

Thu, 23 Jan 2025 07:00:00 GMT

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.

About This Series:

Written & Hosted by Ryan Barnett

Produced by Ryan Barnett & Sonia Gemmiti

Associate Producers Maia Foster-Sanchez & Kristi Prophet

Recorded by Tyler Rauman

This series features interviews with Kate Macdonald Butler, Kate Scarth, Jessica Young, Laura Robinson & Yuko Matsumoto.

Additional voices by Candace Amarante & Matthew Barnett

A Knockabout Media Production

This podcast was made possible thanks to funding from the Government of Canada.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Road to Anne

Thu, 09 Jan 2025 07:00:37 GMT

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.

About This Series:

Written & Hosted by Ryan Barnett

Produced by Ryan Barnett & Sonia Gemmiti

Associate Producers Maia Foster-Sanchez & Kristi Prophet

Recorded by Tyler Rauman

This series features interviews with Kate Macdonald Butler, Kate Scarth, Jessica Young, Laura Robinson & Yuko Matsumoto.

Additional voices by Candace Amarante & Matthew Barnett

A Knockabout Media Production

This podcast was made possible thanks to funding from the Government of Canada.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Spadework

Thu, 26 Dec 2024 14:53:21 GMT

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.

About This Series:

Written & Hosted by Ryan Barnett

Produced by Ryan Barnett & Sonia Gemmiti

Associate Producers Maia Foster-Sanchez & Kristi Prophet

Recorded by Tyler Rauman

This series features interviews with Kate Macdonald Butler, Kate Scarth, Jessica Young, Laura Robinson & Yuko Matsumoto.

Additional voices by Candace Amarante & Matthew Barnett

A Knockabout Media Production

This podcast was made possible thanks to funding from the Government of Canada.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Story Girl

Tue, 03 Dec 2024 20:15:06 GMT

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.

A Knockabout Media Production

This podcast was made possible thanks to funding from the Government of Canada.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.