In 1975 I was in first year at the University of Waterloo, living in residence on campus. My guest today, Salah Bachir, also lived there. We haven't been in touch since, but I have followed the trajectory of his life through various times when he has shown up in the Globe and Mail, most recently as the author of a book 'First to Leave the Party: My Life with Ordinary People ... who happen to be Famous'.

Just last Saturday, on January 27 one of the book chapters appeared in the Globe in tribute to the late Norman Jewison, one of Salah's ordinary but famous friends.

I'm grateful that first, Salah remembered me when I approached him about doing an interview, and second that he agreed to do it.

I realize that some of the references in this conversation won't be clear without reading the book. So read the book!