Canada doesn’t really have a ‘star system’ like our neighbours to the south. In fact, many of our celebrities have had to leave the country to find the work and recognition they deserve.

Well, THE CANADIAN STAR SYSTEM aims to change that. Each week, host Steve Patterson (CBC Radio’s The Debaters) and his producer/co-host Diana Frances (Canadian Screen Award winning comedy writer) interview a well-known Canadian celebrity who then shines the spotlight on someone THEY think should also be a star. That person joins the conversation and we learn why they are worthy of being a household name… in households other than their own.

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SHOW NOTES

Tommy Chong & Patrick Lane

In this episode, Steve and Diana go on an EPIC journey with none other than legendary comedian and weed aficionado, Tommy Chong. What do they talk about? WHAT DO THEY NOT TALK ABOUT?! In a beautifully unique twist, Tommy then shines a posthumous light on someone we should all know more about in Canada – poet Patrick Lane.

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Ron Sexsmith & Lori Cullen

This week, Diana and Steve chat with the songwriter’s songwriter of songwriters. None other than Mr. Ron Sexsmith. Ron then shines the spotlight on his fellow musician, songwriter and friend Lori Cullen.

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Mary Walsh & Dave Sullivan

This week we head east to celebrate Canada’s Queen (and Princess Warrior) of Comedy, Mary Walsh. Mary then shines the spotlight on her fellow Newfoundland comedian and writer, Dave Sullivan.

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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.

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Andrew Phung & Kimberly-Ann Truong

To kick off Season Two of the podcast, Steve and Diana chat with one of Canada’s brightest, energetic and positive personalities – star of the new CBC comedy ‘Run the Burbs’ – Andrew Phung. Andrew introduces us to the woman who plays his sister Carol on ‘Run The Burbs,’ Kimberly-Ann Truong!

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BONUS: An Episode About Episodes

In this week’s episode, we talk about upcoming episodes. Steve is busy preparing for The Debaters Live Tour so Diana and our technical director Donovan announce our Season Two launch date – plus how you can see both him and Steve live in person in the next few months.

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BONUS: The Canadian Star System Is…

In this special bonus episode, Steve, Diana and our technical producer, Donovan, recap some of the best answers from Season One to the question, ‘The Canadian star system is…’ Guests such as Allanah Harkin, Griffin Cork, Fred Penner, Bruce McCulloch, Terry O’Reilly, Colin Mochrie and Deb McGrath weigh in with what they think the Canadian star system is, should be and could be!

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BONUS: Terry O’Reilly

Welcome to the special bonus episode of The Canadian Star System, where our featured guest is none other than author, podcaster, keynote speaker, advertising guru, and *technically,* Steve and Diana’s podcast boss – Terry O’Reilly. If you’re a fan of Terry’s insanely popular CBC Radio show and podcast, Under the Influence, then you’re going to love this bonus episode.

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Jully Black & Vinessa Antoine

For our Season One finale, we are thrilled to have the Canadian Queen of R&B and soul, Jully Black. Jully then introduces us to the incredible actress, Vinessa Antoine.

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Fred Penner & JP Hoe

This week, Steve and Diana chat with none other than legendary musician and children’s performer Fred Penner. Fred introduces us to Winnipeg singer-songwriter and musician JP Hoe.

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Dave Bidini & Selina Martin

This week, Steve and Diana chat with musician, author and community newspaper entrepreneur, Dave Bidini. Dave then introduces us to fellow acclaimed singer/songwriter, Selina Martin.

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Darcy Michael & Jane Stanton

On this week’s episode, Steve and Diana talk to one of their dear comedy friends, stand-up, writer, producer and viral sensation, Darcy Michael. Which segues perfectly to the guest he shines a light on, fellow comedian, actor and his podcast co-host, Jane Stanton.

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Hawksley Workman & Jeremiah Brown

This week, Steve and Diana chat with one of Canada’s most eclectic and charming musicians, Hawksley Workman! Hawksley then shines the spotlight on his new Peterborough friend and Olympic medalist, Jeremiah Brown.

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The Sheepdogs & Dani Nash

This week, Steve and Diana chat with one of Canada’s hardest working rock bands, The Sheepdogs! Ryan and Ewan introduce us to one of Canada’s best drummers – Dani Nash.

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Lorne Cardinal & Christine Robinson

This week, Steve and Diana chat with Canadian Screen Award winning actor, Lorne Cardinal. Lorne then introduces us to Christine Robinson, the Executive Director of The Canadian Animal Assistance Team.

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Jann Arden & Rose Cousins

This week, Steve and Diana chat with none other than Canadian singer-songwriter/podcaster/author/activist/host/TV star/national gem, Jann Arden! Jann then shines the spotlight on fellow singer-songwriter, Rose Cousins.

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Tareq Hadhad & Houssam Alloum

This week, Diana and Steve chat with a brand new Canadian citizen, who is also a motivational speaker, author and the CEO/founder of Peace by Chocolate, Tareq Hadhad! Tareq then introduces us to another new Canadian, Syrian artist Houssam Alloum.

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Ron James & Dr. Shelley Boyd

This week Steve and Diana chat with Canadian comedy legend, Ron James! Ron then introduces us to his friend – scientist, ophthalmologist and entrepreneur Dr. Shelley Boyd.

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Les Stroud & Angie Nussey

This week, Steve and Diana chat with the original ‘Survivorman,’ Les Stroud! Les then introduces us to singer-songwriter Angie Nussey, who has not only recorded with Les, but nature also inspired her love of music.

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Allana Harkin & Lesley Hampton

This week, Steve and Diana talk to correspondent and producer for ‘Full Frontal with Samantha Bee,’ Allana Harkin. Allanna then shines the spotlight on Indigenous fashion designer and model, Lesley Hampton

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Dan Mangan & Veda Hille

This week, Steve and Diana chat with Diana’s favourite Canadian musician (Sorry Jim Cuddy, but you haven’t yet returned her calls), Dan Mangan. Dan then introduces us to the Vancouver-based powerhouse musician, composer and his neighbour – Veda Hille.

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Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi & Griffin Cork

This week, Steve and Diana chat with Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi, who was awarded the ‘World Mayor Prize’ in 2014. Mayor Nenshi then introduces us to Calgary actor, podcaster, producer and filmmaker, Griffin Cork.

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Annie Murphy & Antoine Yared

This week, Steve and Diana chat with Emmy award-winning actor, Annie Murphy! Then Annie introduces us to her best friend and incredibly talented Shakespearean actor, Antoine Yared.

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Colin Mochrie, Deb McGrath & Kinley Mochrie

This week, Steve and Diana chat with Canadian improv legend and nicest human alive, Colin Mochrie. Colin then shares the spotlight with his incredibly talented wife, Deb McGrath, who chats why she chose to step back from her career to raise Kinley Mochrie – who just happens to be our third guest!

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Bruce McCulloch & Folk Lordz

This week, Steve and Diana chat with Canadian sketch comedy royalty, Bruce Mcculloch of Kids in the Hall. Then Bruce shines his spotlight on improv duo, Folk Lordz.

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Silken Laumann & Arissa Roy

This week, Steve and Diana chat with none other than Olympic legend, Silken Laumann. Silken then shares the spotlight with 15-year-old youth activist, Arissa Roy.

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Sarah Slean & Ali Momen

This week, Steve and Diana chat with one of their favourite Canadian Sarahs – none other than Juno and Canadian Screen Award-winning singer-songwriter, Sarah Slean! Sarah then rolls out the red carpet for Iranian-Canadian actor turned political hopeful Ali Momen.

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Rick Mercer & Sophie Buddle

Our inaugural episode features Canadian comedy legend and Order of Canada member, Rick Mercer and fellow stand-up comedian, Sophie Buddle, the first woman to win a Juno for Best Comedy Album.

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Steve Patterson
Host

Best known to hundreds of thousands of comedy fans as the host of The Debaters on CBC Radio One/CBC podcasts and The Debaters Live which has delighted corporate and sold-out theatre audiences nationwide, there is no debate that Steve Patterson is North America’s funniest and least moderate debate moderator.

Twice named Canada’s Best Male Stand-Up at the Canadian Comedy Awards, Steve has also taken his award-winning humour to the literary world with The Book of Letters I Didn’t Know Where to Send and his latest book commissioned by Penguin Random House titled Dad Up! In 2021, Steve launched The Pattersonian, which delivers hilarious weekly articles to subscribers. 

Diana Frances
Producer/Co-Host

Diana Frances is a Canadian Screen Award-winning comedy writer for her work on Corner Gas: Animated, for which she was also nominated for a Writer’s Guild of Canada Award. Diana has also written for JFL Galas, The Beaverton, The Canadian Screen Awards and much more.
 
Diana has been nominated for 8 Canadian Comedy Awards for ‘Best Female Improviser’ and has entertained our Canadian soldiers in Bosnia, Egypt, Israel and Afghanistan. 

Steve Patterson  Host

Best known to hundreds of thousands of comedy fans as the host of The Debaters on CBC Radio One/CBC podcasts and The Debaters Live which has delighted corporate and sold-out theatre audiences nationwide, there is no debate that Steve Patterson is North America’s funniest and least moderate debate moderator.

Twice named Canada’s Best Male Stand-Up at the Canadian Comedy Awards, Steve has also taken his award-winning humour to the literary world with The Book of Letters I Didn’t Know Where to Send and his latest book commissioned by Penguin Random House titled Dad Up! In 2021, Steve launched The Pattersonian, which delivers hilarious weekly articles to subscribers. 

Diana Frances  Producer/Co-Host

Diana Frances is a Canadian Screen Award-winning comedy writer for her work on Corner Gas: Animated, for which she was also nominated for a Writer’s Guild of Canada Award. Diana has also written for JFL Galas, The Beaverton, The Canadian Screen Awards and much more.
 
Diana has been nominated for 8 Canadian Comedy Awards for ‘Best Female Improviser’ and has entertained our Canadian soldiers in Bosnia, Egypt, Israel and Afghanistan. 

Editor & Sound Technician: Donovan Deschner of Fracture a Femur Productions
Theme Music: Mark Camilleri of Imagine Sound Studios

This series is brought to you by the Apostrophe Podcast Network & powered by Acast.

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