The Current Nardwuar “blown away” by Order of Canada nod
Jan 28, 2026
Nardwuar, Canadian music journalist famed as Nardwuar the Human Serviette with a four-decade career, reflects on being named to the Order of Canada. He talks about his interview origins, meticulous gift-based research, memorable moments with stars and politicians, and how the internet amplified his reach. Short, quirky stories and his enduring drive to dig deep keep the conversation lively.
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Humble High-School Beginnings
- Nardwuar traced his interviewing start to a high-school PA announcement and booking bands, which led him to interview Art Bergman in 1985.
- That early campus radio and school event experience launched a lifelong media career rooted in local connections.
Research Turns Boring Into Memorable
- Nardwuar credits rigorous research as his core method for making interviews engaging and avoiding boredom.
- He treats preparation as the path from 'boring' to memorable interviews by digging into history and details.
Mother's Influence On His Craft
- He dedicates his Order of Canada to his mother, who taught him history, local media, and independent approaches.
- Her cable-access show and community involvement shaped his belief in back-door, independent media paths.
