Chris Rock once described Leslie Jones as “about as funny as a human being can be.” She was a regular cast member on Saturday Night Live for six years, she’s a Ghostbuster and a three-time Emmy nominee. But before her big break Jones was a struggling comedian. By the time she turned 45, she had yet to make a steady paycheck in comedy and considered quitting altogether. Then Lorne Michaels called.
Author Archives: sidney
Peirson Ross
In this episode of Surviving Life, Les sits down with guitars in hand with singer songwriter Peirson Ross for part one of two parts. They go deep into music and activism along with the writers process.
Hap Wilson
Hap Wilson – the legend of Temagami, Ontario. An incredibly talented artist, author and outdoor adventure guide. But everything he does is rooted in his love of the natural world and his desire to protect it. Les and Hap sit sipping scotch and talk activism and canoeing.
Randy Bachman & Tal Bachman
This week we keep Season Two rocking and rolling along with legendary Canadian musician, radio host and storyteller, Randy Bachman! Randy then shines the spotlight on his son, Tal Bachman – a star in his own right.
S11E15 – Surprising Origin Stories
This week on Under The Influence, we tell the surprising origin stories of some famous products and brands. Because sometimes, backstories have backstories.
S11E14 – From Batawa To Port Sunlight: The Story of Company Towns
This week, we look at cities and towns that are actually named after companies.
S11E13 – My Best Mistake “Bonus” Pod to celebrate Canada Reads on CBC
To celebrate Canada Reads on CBC this week, here is the first chapter of Terry’s latest book, “My Best Mistake.” Enjoy!
S11E12- Lions, Panties & Hotel Keys: Hollywood Publicity Stunts
This week, we look at the most outrageous Hollywood Publicity Stunts. The crazier the stunt, the better.
S11E11 – Don’t Do It Advertising, Part 2
This week, it’s Part Two of our “Don’t Do It Advertising” episode. Last week we looked at ads that asked you NOT to do something. This week, it’s ads that ask you NOT to do something, but really want you to DO something. It’s reverse-psychology at work.
Rejecting The Rubik’s Cube
450 million Rubik’s Cubes have sold worldwide. Meaning, a Rubik’s Cube has been handled by 1 in 7 humans on planet earth. The colourful toy has inspired people in the arts, in mathematics, in engineering and pop culture. But when inventor Ernő Rubik first started showcasing his creation at toy fairs, he was rejected – by toy companies, distributors and investors. Told it was “too niche.” Then, once it finally made its way into stores and millions of homes across the globe, the New York Times declared the Rubik’s Cube dead. It’s a story full of twists and turns.