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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.

The celebrated pianist Rachel Kiyo Iwaasa discusses the new short film Klavierklang (directed by Nettie Wild, and written by Hildegard Westerkamp) having its debut as part of Music on Main’s Modulus Festival, 07 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.   Music on Main’s Modulus Festival is on later this week, 07-10 November 2025. The biennial celebration of new and experimental music has many highlights including Klavierklang, a film directed by Nettie Wild, of a cinematic tone poem written by Hildegard Westerkamp, and performed by Rachel Kiyo Iwaasa. Rachel joins me now to talk about this piece that blends piano performance, spoken text, and environmental soundscapes that illustrate the piano, and the complex relationships that its players have. A lot of Westerkamp’s experiences, as well as Iwaasa’s contribute to the piece, as you’ll hear Rachel shortly describe the process that went into the writing of the text she performs in the film. For example, learning music at a high level can be difficult, and the structure around learning it can often be rigid. It’s a visually stunning piece, and the craftsmanship of piano, the wood, the wires, and the sounds that emanate from it are presented reverentially as well as in admiration of the instrument itself. Rachel Kiyo Iwaasa is recognised as one of Canada’s foremost contemporary pianists. She is also an interdisciplinary artist. Visit www.iwaasa.com for more. Unfortunately, tickets to the opening night concert of Modulus Festival on Friday night, November 7th are already sold out. However, check with the Music on Main office in case there are cancellations. Their website is at www.musiconmain.ca. I recorded this interview with Rachel a couple of weeks ago. Please welcome back to the Planta: On the Line program, Rachel Kiyo Iwaasa; Ms. Iwaasa, good morning. The post Rachel Kiyo Iwaasa first appeared on thecommentary.ca.

The co-artistic director of Glitch Theatre Adam Grant Warren discusses the new company and their first production, and first since the pandemic Alex K. Masse’s Faye’s Room, at the Vancity Culture Lab (1895 Venables Street, 07-23 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.   Glitch Theatre: Different By Design is a new theatre company, formerly known as Realwheels Theatre, and they’ve got their first show and the first mainstage production since the pandemic opening later this week, Faye’s Room by the playwright Alex K. Masse. Joining me now is Adam Grant Warren, co-artistic director of Glitch, who’ll tell us about the play, and what’s next for this new company. Faye’s Room previews Friday night, 07 November 2025, and opens the next night, Saturday, 08 November 2025 through to 23 November 2025 at the Vancity Culture Lab, 1895 Venables Street. The show is the story of Faye Murphy, an autistic lesbian who works at a queer cafe. Faye has the power to summon and hide in a magical sensory room at will, but in the course of the play gets trapped with her least favourite co-worker, the son of the founder, and the token heterosexual. I’ll ask Adam about the Masse play, the neurodivergent experience depicted therein, and what’s next for Glitch. Faye’s Room stars Hailey Conner, Mason Temple, Sabrina Symington, and Marlee Michael Pearl. The show is directed by Mily Mumford and Angelica Schwartz. Visit www.glitchtheatre.ca for tickets and more information. Please welcome to the Planta: On the Line program, Adam Grant Warren; Mr. Warren, good morning.  The post Adam Grant Warren first appeared on thecommentary.ca.

The singer-songwriter Sophie B. Hawkins talks about touring Western Canada with Paula Cole (Vancouver, 29 October 2025, and Victoria, 30 October 2025), her new album Whaler: Re-Emerging, and writing music, with Joseph Planta. Text of the introduction by Joseph Planta: I am Planta: On the Line, in Vancouver, British Columbia, at TheCommentary.ca.   Sophie B. Hawkins joins me now. The singer-songwriter is on tour through Western Canada with Paula Cole. They’re due into Vancouver Wednesday night, 29 October 2025 at the Playhouse, and Thursday, 30 October 2025 at Victoria’s McPherson Playhouse. Sophie joined me earlier this week from Brandon, Manitoba. I asked her about this tour, performing with Paula Cole, and her new album Whaler: Re-Emerging, which is a reimagined take on her iconic 1994 album. On the album she covers “As I Lay Me Down,” one of her bestselling records. I’ll ask her about writing that, and her other memorable music including the platinum-selling hit “Damn I Wish I Was Your Lover.” Visit www.sophiebhawkins.com for more. And for tickets to Wednesday night’s show at the Playhouse, go to the Ticketmaster website. Please welcome to the Planta: On the Line program, Sophie B. Hawkins; Ms. Hawkins, good morning.  The post Sophie B. Hawkins first appeared on thecommentary.ca.

The former MLA, British Columbia’s first minister of mental health and addictions, and labour leader Judy Darcy discusses her memoir Leading from the Heart: The Battles of a Feminist, Union Leader and Politician (Douglas & McIntyre, 2025), with Joseph Planta. Leading from the Heart: The Battles of a Feminist, Union Leader and Politician by Judy Darcy (Douglas & McIntyre, 2025). Click to buy this book from Amazon.ca: Leading from the Heart Text of the introduction by Joseph Planta: I am Planta: On the Line, in Vancouver, British Columbia, at TheCommentary.ca.   Judy Darcy joins me now. Her memoir has just been published, Leading from the Heart: The Battles of a Feminist, Union Leader and Politician. It’s an engaging book about her life and careers. She was born in Denmark and immigrated to Canada as a young child. She recounts the stories of her parents, her mother and her father, who came to Canada with the traumas of their individual experiences during the Second World War. The hatred and violence they each encountered would go on to shape their children’s lives, and in Judy’s case, though she didn’t know all of it right away. As she unravels threads of her parents lives, we as readers see as the book unfolds, the characters of her parents are fully revealed. Though Judy’s mother took her own life nearly fifty years ago, the meaning of her life is something that Judy contends with and honours in the book. Even their family name was something that her father had changed. The book also chronicles Judy’s college life in the late 1960s, through her labour activism which culminated in her being president of Canada’s largest union, CUPE, the Canadian Union of Public Employees. When she moved to British Columbia later on, she led the Hospital Employees’ Union starting in 2003. She recounts in the book labour negotiations at the highest level, and reflects on the importance of labour unions today. The book also looks at moving into the world of politics. She was elected an NDP MLA in 2013, serving through to 2020 as British Columbia’s first minister of mental health and addictions. This new book is from Douglas & McIntyre. We spoke one week ago, with Judy joining me from New Westminster. Please welcome to the Planta: On the Line program, Judy Darcy; Ms. Darcy, good morning.  The post Judy Darcy first appeared on thecommentary.ca.