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The playwright Robert Chafe discusses his play Between Breaths, inspired by the life and death of Dr. Jon Lien, who devoted his career to saving over five hundred whales off the coast of Newfoundland, which plays at the Firehall Arts Centre (until 23 November 2025), with Joseph Planta. Text of the introduction by Joseph Planta: I am Planta: On the Line, in Vancouver, British Columbia, at TheCommentary.ca.   Opening tonight at the Firehall Arts Centre is the Western Canadian premiere of Robert Chafe’s Between Breaths. It’s inspired by a true story, the extraordinary life of Dr. Jon Lien, the “Whale Man” who devoted his career to saving over 500 whales who were trapped in fishing nets off the coast of Newfoundland. I spoke to Robert Chafe earlier this week about this show, which debuted in 2018 produced by Artistic Fraud of Newfoundland, of which Mr. Chafe is its artistic director. I’ll ask Robert about his awareness of Lien and what he’s gleaned from writing the play, producing it and the interceding years since. It’s a story rooted in science and art, and particularly moving as it depicts Lien’s motivation and empathy, as well as his battle with dementia. I’ll ask Robert about the music in the show, which is written by The Once. Visit www.firehallartscentre.ca for tickets and information. The show runs until 23 November 2025. Robert Chafe is a writer, educator, actor, and arts administrator based in St. John’s, Newfoundland, where he joined me from. His plays include Oil and Water, Tempting Providence, Afterimage, Under Wraps, Between Breaths, Everybody Just C@lm the F#ck Down, and The Colony of Unrequited Dreams (adapted from the novel by Wayne Johnston.) He has been shortlisted three times for the Governor General’s Literary Award for Drama and he won the award for Afterimage in 2010. Please welcome to the Planta: On the Line program, Robert Chafe; Mr. Chafe, good morning.The post Robert Chafe first appeared on thecommentary.ca.

The broadcaster Andi Petrillo discussed her new memoir Just Call Me Andi: Sports Stories from a Trailblazer (ECW Press, 2025), with Joseph Planta. Just Call Me Andi: Sports Stories from a Trailblazer by Andria Petrillo (ECW Press, 2025). Click to buy this book from Amazon.ca: Just Call Me Andi Text of the introduction by Joseph Planta: I am Planta: On the Line, in Vancouver, British Columbia, at TheCommentary.ca. Andi Petrillo joins me now. She’s just published a memoir, Just Call Me Andi: Sports Stories from a Trailblazer. It’s a terrific read because it’s engaging and full of stories from Ms. Petrillo’s career in broadcasting, covering hockey, soccer, and the Olympics. It’s insightful because there are lessons of character and determination, as Andi has had to contend with criticism, scrutiny, and being sexualised throughout her career. And it’s not just from bosses in her business, or the audience, it’s colleagues, even athletes she’s covered. She’s experienced the ridiculous and unacceptable as a woman, stuff she talks about that men in her business would never be asked of. Her love of sport though, her own ability to tell stories about the games she’s covered comes through the book as well. And of course, the story of a second-generation Canadian, child of immigrants will resonate with readers. A CBC Sports host, she’s also great on the Thursday night NHL Coast to Coast broadcasts on Prime. It’s her second season helming the whiparound studio show that looks in on all of Thursday’s games with analysis in studio as well as interviews. She also appears on Prime’s Monday broadcasts as well. She’ll be back anchoring coverage of the Olympic Games in February; I think it’ll be her seventh Olympic Games. She was the first full-time female in studio personality on Hockey Night in Canada, and she hosted Leafs Lunch on TSN Radio, becoming the first woman in Canada to host her own daily sports talk radio program. She’s won multiple Canadian Screen Awards for her work as a host.  This new book is published by ECW Press. We spoke two and a half weeks ago, with Andi joining me from Secaucus, New Jersey. Please welcome to the Planta: On the Line program, Andi Petrillo; Ms. Petrillo, good morning. The post Andi Petrillo first appeared on thecommentary.ca.

The television host, podcaster and blogger Ardra Shephard discusses her new memoir Fallosophy: My Trip Through Life with MS (Douglas & McIntyre, 2025), with Joseph Planta. Fallosophy: My Trip Through Life with MS by Ardra Shephard (Douglas & McIntyre, 2025). Click to buy this book from Amazon.ca: Fallosophy Text of the introduction by Joseph Planta: I am Planta: On the Line, in Vancouver, British Columbia, at TheCommentary.ca. There are over one million people in North America who live with Multiple Sclerosis. It’s a disease that we hear about, we might even know a person who has it, but we know little about what it’s like living with it. Ardra Shephard has just written a memoir about getting diagnosed with MS at twenty-three years old, and now, having lived with it for twenty years. She’s candid and revealing, but she’s also hilarious and engaging. The book is called Fallosophy: My Trip Through Life with MS. She talks about struggling to see, and then her diagnosis, which terrifies her. Despite how bleak it might appear; she presses through with help from loved ones and soon appreciates that life doesn’t have to be joyless. She faces the challenges, the physical limitations, not necessarily with enthusiasm but necessity, and manages to adjust with every new challenge to lead a highly productive life, including becoming an award-winning blogger and podcaster and the creator and host of AMI-TV’s Fashion Dis. I spoke to Ms. Shephard three weeks ago about the book and more. Visit www.trippingonair.com for more. This new book is published by Douglas & McIntyre. Please welcome to the Planta: On the Line program, Ardra Shephard; Ms. Shephard, good morning. The post Ardra Shephard first appeared on thecommentary.ca.

The writer Bill Arnott discusses his new book A Perfect Day for a Walk By the Water: Exploring Vancouver’s Shores (Arsenal Pulp Press, 2025), with Joseph Planta. A Perfect Day for a Walk By the Water: Exploring Vancouver’s Shores by Bill Arnott (Arsenal Pulp Press, 2025). Click to buy this book from Amazon.ca: A Perfect Day for a Walk By the Water Text of the introduction by Joseph Planta: I am Planta: On the Line, in Vancouver, British Columbia, at TheCommentary.ca. When one lives in Vancouver, it’s easy to take living on the west coast for granted, especially the proximity to the water. Bill Arnott, who joins me again, has just published a new book, A Perfect Day for a Walk by the Water: Exploring Vancouver’s Shores. The book, like some of Bill’s previous books, make for a nice, needed meditation on why the coastline around Vancouver is not just easily accessible but endlessly fascinating and worth getting out to see and walk amongst. The book looks at how history has shaped Vancouver’s shores, like the ways the waterways have been used by commerce and trade. Bill’s gift is his ability to illustrate with words how bucolic it all is, and why one should get out to walk near or even go underwater. The interesting people, cultures, as well as history and various narratives, in Bill’s hands, bring the book to life. Bill Arnott is the bestselling author of A Perfect Day for a Walk, A Season in the Okanagan Valley, and the Gone Viking travelogues. He is a fellow of the Royal Geographical Society. The website for more is at www.billarnottaps.wordpress.com. This new book is published by Arsenal Pulp Press. We spoke just over two weeks ago. Please welcome back to the Planta: On the Line program, Bill Arnott; Mr. Arnott, good morning. The post Bill Arnott first appeared on thecommentary.ca.

The primatologist and author Dr. Keriann McGoogan discusses her new book Sisters of the Jungle: The Trailblazing Women Who Shaped the Study of Wild Primates (Douglas & McIntyre, 2025), with Joseph Planta. Sisters of the Jungle: The Trailblazing Women Who Shaped the Study of Wild Primates by Keriann McGoogan (Douglas & McIntyre, 2025). Click to buy this book from Amazon.ca: Sisters of the Jungle Text of the introduction by Joseph Planta: I am Planta: On the Line, in Vancouver, British Columbia, at TheCommentary.ca.   One of the more important and timely books of the season is Sisters of the Jungle: The Trailblazing Women Who Shaped the Study of Wild Primates. Its author Keriann McGoogan joins me now to talk about the remarkable women, and one man that she writes about in the book. She illustrates why people became interested in studying primates, and not to learn more about them per se, but to understand humans more. We see how Jane Goodall, who died recently, Dian Fossey, Biruté Galadikas, and Alison Jolly got into the field of study, as well as why women were considered ideal to pursue primatology, not to mention what these women have added to the knowledge we have. The book is timely in that we remember Jane Goodall and the lessons we can derive from her life, but it’s another example as to why we as a culture need to encourage more young women to take up STEM. Women are underrepresented in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields. Keriann McGoogan holds a PhD in Biological Anthropology from the University of Toronto, and her Master’s from the University of Calgary. Her memoir, Chasing Lemurs: My Journey Into the Heart of Madagascar was published in 2020. This new book is published by Douglas & McIntyre. We spoke two and half weeks ago, with Keriann joining me from Guelph, Ontario. Please welcome to the Planta: On the Line program, Keriann McGoogan; Dr. McGoogan, good morning. The post Dr. Keriann McGoogan first appeared on thecommentary.ca.

The sports broadcaster and author Mark Hebscher discusses his new book Madness: The Rise and Ruin of Sports Media (ECW Press, 2025), with Joseph Planta. Madness: The Rise and Ruin of Sports Media by Mark Hebscher (ECW Press, 2025). Click to buy this book from Amazon.ca: Madness Text of the introduction by Joseph Planta: I am Planta: On the Line, in Vancouver, British Columbia, at TheCommentary.ca.   Mark Hebscher joins me now. He’s got a new book out, Madness: The Rise and Ruin of Sports Media. It’s such an engaging book, there’s so much to talk to Mark about. He chronicles his work in radio and television, and the world of broadcasting around Canada and United States before and after. It’s a great primer on the personalities that brought the sports we all love and watch, as well as the big business that sports telecasts have become. These colourful, unforgettable people, Hebscher included, augmented the sports viewing experience for generations. Something Mark does in the book is chronicle how our viewing habits have changed, and how programs like Wide World of Sports, Hockey Night in Canada, and Monday Night Football have changed with it. In the book, he reflects on the cultural phenomenon that made Sportsline a hit in Central Canada, a show he co-hosted for many years. And Hebscher’s memorable encounters with Wayne Gretzky, MC Hammer, Youppi!, Doug Flutie, and Howard Cosell, make for such an enjoyable book. Mark Hebscher was co-anchor of the wildly popular Sportsline on Global TV, and helped revolutionise the way sports is presented on television. He spent forty-five years in sports media, and joined me from Toronto, Ontario last week. This new book is published by ECW Press. @hebsyman is his Instagram handle. Please welcome to the Planta: On the Line program, Mark Hebscher; Mr. Hebscher, good morning.   The post Mark Hebscher first appeared on thecommentary.ca.

The composer and conductor Bryan Perri discusses his career and his new album Few Words, with Joseph Planta. Text of introduction by Joseph Planta: I am Planta: On the Line, in Vancouver, British Columbia, at TheCommentary.ca.   Earlier this year, the composer and conductor Bryan Perri celebrated his debut album Few Words with a performance at Carnegie Hall. The concert featured a 13-piece orchestra, and noted Broadway vocalists including special guest Aaron Tveit. There will be concerts including in Palm Beach as part of the Glazer Hall Performing Arts Center’s inaugural 2026 season. Mr. Perri joins me now to talk about Few Words. I’ll get him to talk about this album and the compositions on it. There are a few words, but through the variety of music, like neoclassical, rock, electronic music, ambient music, there is a reverence for the instruments. I’ll ask about the sounds on this album and the feelings that the music he’s composed has evoked in him and listeners. Bryan Perri is an award-winning music supervisor, orchestrator, arranger, music director, and conductor. He’s worked on some of the most widely recognised Broadway musicals of the twenty-first century: Jagged Little Pill, Wicked, Chaplin, Next to Normal, among many others. He was most recently music supervisor and conductor of Almost Famous. He was nominated for a Grammy Award for the world premiere cast recording of Stephen Schwartz’s Snapshots. He holds a Bachelor of Music from NYU in Vocal Performance, as well as a Master’s Degree in Music from Cincinnati Conservatory of Music in Orchestral Conducting. He is a founding member of ACT of CT, where his husband Daniel C. Levine is its artistic director, and serves as Resident Musical Supervisor. Visit www.bperri.com for more. The album is available on Apple Music and Spotify. We taped this interview two weeks ago, with Bryan joining me from Ridgefield, Connecticut. Please welcome to the Planta: On the Line program, Bryan Perri; Mr. Perri, good morning.  The post Bryan Perri first appeared on thecommentary.ca.

The author, comedian, and speechwriter Charles Demers discusses his new book The Eh Team: A Celebration of Canadianisms from Elbows Up to Poutine (Greystone Books), with Joseph Planta. The Eh Team: A Celebration of Canadianism from Elbows Up to Poutine by Charles Demers (Greystone Books, 2025). Click to buy this book from Amazon.ca: The Eh Team Text of the introduction by Joseph Planta: I am Planta: On the Line, in Vancouver, British Columbia, at TheCommentary.ca.   Charlie Demers joins me again. He’s got a new book out, The Eh Team: A Celebration of Canadianisms from Elbows Up to Poutine. It’s a celebration of being Canadian through the unique phrases, words, and expressions that define a lot of the country and its people, culturally, politically, and linguistically. It highlights the quirky and the hilarious, in a time when we perhaps need it most. I’ll ask Mr. Demers about the book, why he wrote it, and what he hopes Canadians from coast to coast to coast might glean, or perhaps find useful as we wrestle with the feelings we have about Canada. Charlie Demers is a stand-up comedian, author, playwright, speechwriter, and voice actor. He has appeared on CBC Radio’s The Debaters over sixty times in over twenty years. His first stand-up album Fatherland (604 Records) was nominated for the 2018 Juno for Best Comedy Album. He is the author of three plays and six books, including Property Values, which was optioned by Pioneer Pictures. His recent comedy special, Fish From the Jar is out now. This new book has a foreword by Dakota Ray Hebert, and is published by Greystone Books. Please welcome back to the Planta: On the Line program, Charlie Demers; Mr. Demers, good morning. The post Charles Demers first appeared on thecommentary.ca.

The recording artist, author and activist Bif Naked discusses an event at the Rio Theatre, Tuesday, 04 November 2025, the screening of a new documentary on her life, a Q&A and an acoustic set, her life and career, with Joseph Planta. Text of the introduction by Joseph Planta: I am Planta: On the Line, in Vancouver, British Columbia, at TheCommentary.ca.   Bif Naked joins me now. The Platinum recording artist, bestselling author, activist and actor is in Vancouver for a special evening at the Rio Theatre, Tuesday night, 04 November 2025. The new documentary on her life aptly titled, Bif Naked directed by Pollyanna Harwicke-Brown, will be screened, followed by a Q&A and an acoustic set. I talked to Bif yesterday, about the film, her life and career, and the qualities that have endeared her to fans for three decades now, her honesty, candour, courage, sense of humour, generosity, and positivity. From the underground punk scene of the late 1980s and early 1990s, she rose to prominence with her raw and empowering lyrics and captivating stage presence. Her life isn’t just about music and fame, but it’s about advocacy and survival. Whether it’s cancer, sexual assault, addiction, or a brutal music industry, Bif Naked has seemingly triumphed. Tuesday’s event at The Rio is sold out, but I’m sure if you call down or visit the box office the night of, you might be able to get in thanks to a cancellation or no show; it is Vancouver after all. Visit www.bifnaked.com for more. The film will be available for streaming and on demand later in November. Please welcome to the Planta: On the Line program, Bif Naked; Dr. Allen, good morning. The post Bif Naked first appeared on thecommentary.ca.

The journalist and author Rod Mickleburgh discusses the new memoir he co-wrote John Horgan: In His Own Words (Harbour Publishing, 2025), with Joseph Planta. John Horgan: In His Own Words by John Horgan with Rod Mickleburgh (Harbour Publishing, 2025). Click to buy this book from Amazon.ca: John Horgan Text of the introduction by Joseph Planta: I am Planta: On the Line, in Vancouver, British Columbia, at TheCommentary.ca.   Rod Mickleburgh joins me again. After John Horgan resigned as premier of British Columbia in 2022, Mr. Mickleburgh began interviewing him for posterity at Royal Roads University. The conversations about Horgan’s life and times, as well as his political career, began again in 2024, when Horgan, by now Canada’s ambassador to Germany, was diagnosed with cancer for a third time. By then, a book would be put together using Horgan’s recollections prodded on by Rod, and later organised and shaped into the new book John Horgan: In His Own Words. It’s a compelling read, as Horgan is candid, honest, and leaves very little as to how he feels on various issues, as well as the variety of people he encountered in his years in public life, culminating in serving as premier from 2017 to 2022. Rarely in British Columbia’s political history has a politician been so conversational. There are marvelous insights into how to organise and run for political office, as well as how to be a member of the Legislature, and caucus member, loyal to one’s leader. The anecdotes about how to form a cabinet and manage people in the civil service are fascinating. And the inside stories of successes in the consequential Horgan government, as well as the missteps and miscues, like the Royal BC Museum or his famous temper, are invaluable. Rod Mickleburgh was a former labour reporter for the Vancouver Sun and Province, and China correspondent and senior writer at the Globe and Mail. He’s been on the program in the past with his two previous books On the Line: A History of the British Columbia Labour Movement, and The Art of the Impossible: Dave Barrett and the NDP in Power 1972-1975, which he co-authored with Geoff Meggs. Those books, as this new one are from Harbour Publishing. I spoke to Rod last Tuesday. Please welcome back to the Planta: On the Line program, Rod Mickleburgh; Mr. Mickleburgh, good morning. The post Rod Mickleburgh first appeared on thecommentary.ca.