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.
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.
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.
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.
Follow us @knockaboutmedia
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Follow us on our socials: Bluesky, LinkedIn, YouTube & Substack
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.
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.
Follow us on our socials: Bluesky, LinkedIn, YouTube & Substack
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.
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.
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, Gabriel 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.
Follow us on our socials: Bluesky, LinkedIn, YouTube & Substack
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.
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.
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.
A call to listeners: Working on this podcast has been rewarding, but also heartrending, because Maud lived a life. And we want to do something that celebrates that life and its legacy. This is where you come in. We're asking you to record a voice memo expressing your thoughts or feelings on Maud or any bit of her writing that resonates, and send it to ryan@knockaboutmedia.com by February 28th for a chance to be featured in an upcoming episode.
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.
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.
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.
A call to listeners: Working on this podcast has been rewarding, but also heartrending, because Maud lived a life. And we want to do something that celebrates that life and its legacy. This is where you come in. We're asking you to record a voice memo expressing your thoughts or feelings on Maud or any bit of her writing that resonates, and send it to ryan@knockaboutmedia.com by February 28th for a chance to be featured in an upcoming episode.
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.
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.
Maud is now a published author, and she is about to become a multi-hyphenate. In this episode, Maud also becomes a minister's wife, and a mother, and sadly she endures the greatest loss in her life.
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.
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.
Maud is now an adult. She attends teacher's 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:
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.
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.