Story Girl

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, 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.