thecommentary.ca

The historian and writer J.D.M. Stewart discusses his new book The Prime Ministers: Canada’s Leaders and the Nation They Shaped (Sutherland House, 2025), with Joseph Planta.

Click to buy this book from Amazon.ca: The Prime Ministers

Text of the introduction by Joseph Planta:

I am Planta: On the Line, in Vancouver, British Columbia, at TheCommentary.ca.  

The new book from J.D.M. Stewart, The Prime Ministers: Canada’s Leaders and the Nation They Shaped, is a very fine overview of the men and one woman who have served as Prime Minister of Canada. It’s a book that looks back, but it’s very much of today in that we can look back at the time and tenure of each of the twenty-four prime ministers through how decisions turned out or how we might have evolved as a country. The book doesn’t cancel out certain prime ministers, in fact it contextualises each as to their achievements and errors. The book follows in the great tradition of assessments of prime ministers, books written by historians like Jack Granatstein, Norman Hillmer, Michael Bliss, or Robert Bothwell, and in Mr. Stewart’s hands the history is far from boring. J.D.M. Stewart is a writer, historian, and one of the country’s foremost experts on Canadian prime ministers. He taught high school history over a thirty-year teaching career. His previous book Being Prime Minister is one of my favourite books, and one that makes for engaging, even fun reading about politics. He is also a commentator that appears regularly at The Hub, The Literary Review of Canada, and The Globe and Mail, where a lot of us first got to know his name from the letters to the editor page; I think other than the late Eugene Forsey, James is one of its most frequent correspondents. This book is published by Sutherland House. We spoke last Wednesday, with James joining me from Toronto. Please welcome to the Planta: On the Line program, J.D.M. Stewart; Mr. Stewart, good morning.  

The post J.D.M. Stewart first appeared on thecommentary.ca.

The comedian, writer and podcast host Mark Malkoff discusses his new book Love Johnny Carson: One Obsessive Fan’s Journey to Find the Genius Behind the Legend (Dutton, 2025), with Joseph Planta.

Click to buy this book from Amazon.ca: Love Johnny Carson

Text of the introduction by Joseph Planta:

I am Planta: On the Line, in Vancouver, British Columbia, at TheCommentary.ca.  

Back in 2014, Mark Malkoff, who joins me now, took his interest, even obsession with Johnny Carson and The Tonight Show to another level, by starting The Carson Podcast, that delved into nearly every aspect of the late night television legend and how Carson and the show remade television and popular culture. With outstanding guests,known and unknown, over the next eight years, Mark brought an insider’s view into how the show was made, and what Carson was really like. He remains over twenty years after his death one of the more fascinating figures in show business, who leaned into stereotypes in the press as to his personality. For somebody so visible in the public eye, he remains so interesting, and Mark has captured so much of Carson and his legacy in a new book, Love Johnny Carson: One Obsessive Fan’s Journey to Find the Genius Behind the Legend. It’s such a wonderful read, because if you’re a fan of Carson and his version of the Tonight Show, you get all the good stories about what made the show appointment television. And if you’re a fan of Mark’s podcast, it’s wonderful revisiting the stories of the colourful people, including those behind the scenes, who intersected with Carson’s. I’ve already gotten the book a couple of times as Christmas gifts for people I know, who still love Johnny Carson as much as Mark does. Mark Malkoff is a comedian, writer, and podcast host. He has been featured on Today, Good Morning America, CNN, NPR’s Weekend Edition, and more. He wrote the book with the noted writer David Ritz. Visit www.markmalkoff.com for more, and of course www.carsonpodcast.com for all the episodes of his show. This new book is published by Dutton. We spoke last week, with Mark joining me from New York City. Please welcome to the Planta: On the Line program, Mark Malkoff; Mr. Malkoff, good morning.

The post Mark Malkoff first appeared on thecommentary.ca.

The director Chelsea Haberlin discusses East Van Panto: West Van Story, held over at the York Theatre until 11 January 2026, with Joseph Planta.

Text of the introduction by Joseph Planta:

I am Planta: On the Line, in Vancouver, British Columbia, at TheCommentary.ca.  

Chelsea Haberlin joins me again. She’s directed this year’s East Van Panto: West Van Story. It’s already opened at the York Theatre and has already been held over, running until 11 January 2026. Veda Hille is back with the music, to a play by Marcus Youssef with Pedro Chamale. The rent is still too damn high, there’s a housing crisis, as well as a holiday romance, dancing, and all those wonderful panto traditions that have been a fixture for thirteen years now. I’ll ask Chelsea about the show, and the Vancouver of today that it represents. It’s always so timely. Visit www.thecultch.com for tickets and information. We spoke on Friday. Please welcome back to the Planta: On the Lineprogram, Chelsea Haberlin; Ms. Haberlin, good morning.

The post Chelsea Haberlin first appeared on thecommentary.ca.

The acclaimed author Robert Hough discusses his latest novel Anarchists In Love (Douglas & McIntyre, 2025), with Joseph Planta.

Click to buy this book from Amazon.ca: Anarchists In Love

Text of the introduction by Joseph Planta:

I am Planta: On the Line, in Vancouver, British Columbia, at TheCommentary.ca.  

One of the more captivating novels of the season is the latest from the acclaimed author Robert Hough, Anarchists in Love. The book takes us into the 1890’s Gilded Age, and amidst the political violence and revolutionary idealism, is the love affair of Emma Goldman and Sasha Berkman. There’s a lot known about Goldman and Berkman, but there’s a lot that a work of fiction can illustrate, and in Mr. Hough’s hands it’s fascinating to see how the times especially the injustice around them fuels their attraction and moves them to anarchism and a violent act. Which in fact was in response to the industrialist Henry C. Frick’s order to have striking steel-plant workers in Pennsylvania shot. That Goldman was a captivating speaker also comes through in the book, as the reader quickly understands what made her a figure many were drawn to, Berkman especially. Comparisons abound as to where we are in society and the Gilded Age itself, and the book is illustrative and instructive as to how all of this might turn out. Robert Hough is the celebrated author of The Final Confession of Mabel Stark, The Stowaway, Dr. Brinkley’s Tower, The Man Who Saved Henry Morgan, Diego’s Crossing, and The Marriage of Rose Camilleri. His books have been critically acclaimed, and shortlisted for major prizes across Canada and abroad. Visit www.roberthough.ca for more. This new novel is published by Douglas & McIntyre. We spoke earlier this month, with Robert joining me from Toronto. Please welcome to the Planta: On the Line program, Robert Hough; Mr. Hough, good morning.

The post Robert Hough first appeared on thecommentary.ca.

The acclaimed jazz vocalist and songwriter Stevie Holland discusses her new album Talk to Your Tomatoes (2025) and more, with Joseph Planta.

Text of the introduction by Joseph Planta:

I am Planta: On the Line, in Vancouver, British Columbia, at TheCommentary.ca.  

Stevie Holland joins me now. The acclaimed jazz vocalist and songwriter has a new album out, Talk to Your Tomatoes. It’s a great collection of classics from the pop, jazz and American Songbook catalogues, as well as original songs penned by Holland and her longtime collaborator and arranger, the award-winning composer Gary William Friedman, who is also her husband. I’ll ask Stevie about some of the songs on the album and what went in to selecting which songs would be performed. I’ll ask her about the original music too, like the title song “Talk to Your Tomatoes,” which is not only fun and delightful but beautifully constructed. There are favourites of mine on this album like “East of the Sun” and “Pure Imagination” which is the song we all know and love, but in this new arrangement, all the more uplifting as you tap your fingers along to the jazz. I’ll ask Stevie about future projects and more. The album is available on CD and all the digital and streaming platforms. Visit www.stevieholland.com for more. We spoke two weeks ago, with Stevie joining me from New York City. Please welcome to the Planta: On the Line program, Stevie Holland; Ms. Holland, good morning.  

The post Stevie Holland first appeared on thecommentary.ca.

The poet and writer Lorne Daniel discusses his new collection of poetry What Is Broken Binds Us (University of Calgary Press, 2025), with Joseph Planta.

Click to buy this book from Amazon.ca: What Is Broken Binds Us

Text of the introduction by Joseph Planta:

I am Planta: On the Line, in Vancouver, British Columbia, at TheCommentary.ca.  

Lorne Daniel makes a return to literature with a collection of poetry, What Is Broken Binds Us. It’s an engaging book as the author engages with growing older, especially how aging can take the ground from under us, whether it’s illness or a loved ones illness. Injury can alter a life too, and that’s something that’s worked through in a couple of the poems. Being a parent can also bring these realities closer than we’d like. Mr. Daniel, who joins me now, talks about estrangement with uncanny relatability. There are poems in the collection where the author writes about the literal ground causing upset in one’s life, like earthquakes. We try and prepare for disaster, but we can never truly know if we’re prepared until confronted, and I guess the hope is we rise to the occasion. Another fascinating subject matter tackled in the collection is Lorne’s excavation of family histories and contending with slavery in its heritage. Lorne Daniel is a Canadian poet and non-fiction writer. He has published four books of poetry, edited anthologies, and literary journals. He’s been published in dozens of publications here in Canada, as well as the United States and the United Kingdom. This new collection is published by University of Calgary Press. We spoke about ten days ago, with Lorne joining me from Victoria. Please welcome to the Planta: On the Line program, Lorne Daniel; Mr. Daniel, good morning. 

The post Lorne Daniel first appeared on thecommentary.ca.

The former federal cabinet minister and ambassador the Hon. Sergio Marchi discusses his new book Pursuing a Public Life: How to Succeed in the Political Arena (Dundurn Press, 2025), with Joseph Planta.

Click to buy this book from Amazon.ca: Pursuing a Public Life

Text of the introduction by Joseph Planta:

I am Planta: On the Line, in Vancouver, British Columbia, at TheCommentary.ca.  

There’s a new book out now that’s more than just a memoir, but one that provides fascinating insights into public service and politics. Pursuing a Public Life: How to Succeed in the Political Arena presents seventy-eight lessons, each illustrated with insider anecdotes or useful examples from the writer, Sergio Marchi, who has in a thirty-year career served as a city councillor, member of Parliament, Cabinet minister, and ambassador. Mr. Marchi joins me now to talk about how he sees the world of politics here in Canada and abroad, and this book which gives us a look at how decisions at the highest level are made, or arrived at, or negotiated. He addresses how the public generally sees our political system, it’s often cynically, what with declining voter turnout and general low participation. The book is replete with practical advice, and ideas as to what voters might seek from the political leaders that they elect. I’ll ask Sergio about the work of the MP, as well as the rigours of campaigning. I’ll ask about the role of the opposition and later what it’s like being called to join the cabinet, as Mr. Marchi was first elected to the House of Commons in 1984, and appointed to the cabinet of Jean Chretien, when the Liberals were returned to power in 1993. He served as the minister for international trade, the environment, and citizenship and immigration. He later left political life when he was appointed ambassador to the World Trade Organization and UN Agencies in Geneva. This new book is published by Dundurn Press and is part of the new The Hon. Henry N.R. Jackman Series on Canada and the World. We taped this interview last Thursday, with Mr. Marchi joining me from Mont-Tremblant, Quebec. Please welcome to the Planta: On the Line program, the Honourable Sergio Marchi; Mr. Marchi, good morning.

The post Hon. Sergio Marchi first appeared on thecommentary.ca.

Disney On Ice: Let’s Dance! principal skater Nelson Sanchez Leemet previews the show that comes to Vancouver next week (26-30 November 2025 at the Pacific Coliseum), with Joseph Planta.

Text of the introduction by Joseph Planta:

I am Planta: On the Line, in Vancouver, British Columbia, at TheCommentary.ca.  

Disney On Ice returns to Vancouver next week, with Let’s Dance! Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy are DJ’s and remix memorable Disney songs for a new show that’s full of dance, cutting-edge figure skating, high-flying acrobatics, stunts, special effects, dazzling costumes, and stunning set designs. Joining me now is a member of the company, Nelson Sanchez Leemet, who plays the character of King Magnifico from Wish, one of the Disney works represented in the show, along with Frozen 2, The Lion King, The Little Mermaid, and Moana. I’ll ask Mr. Sanchez Leemet about being part of Disney On Ice; he joined Feld Entertainment at the age of 17, and has travelled the world as a performer for this company for nearly ten years now. I’ll ask him about what it’s like performing in front of audiences that love the world of Disney, who know all the songs and the characters. In fact, there’s Goofy’s Ho-Ho Holiday Sing Along before the show, a pre-show experience to get audiences into the holiday spirit. Visit www.ticketleader.ca for tickets and www.disneyonice.com for more information. Nelson joined me from Spokane, Washington, a week and a half ago, while on tour with the show. Please welcome to the Planta: On the Line program, Nelson Sanchez Leemet; Mr. Sanchez Leemet, good morning.  

The post Nelson Sanchez Leemet first appeared on thecommentary.ca.

The former Ontario premier Dalton McGuinty discusses how he views pursuing public life and his new book Be A Good One: Words to Lead By (Dundurn Press, 2025), with Joseph Planta.

Click to buy this book from Amazon.ca: Be A Good One

Text of the introduction by Joseph Planta:

I am Planta: On the Line, in Vancouver, British Columbia, at TheCommentary.ca.  

It’s easy for a lot of us to be cynical about politics and politicians. The people who run and are elected to office have always left much to be desired. Dalton McGuinty is somebody who has always retained the feeling that there’s something noble about politics, and that public service is a calling that aspires to higher purpose. You get that sense in reading his new book Be A Good One: Words to Lead By. It’s a collection of quotations from all sorts of philosophers, politicians, historical figures, writers, poets, that goes from the present back centuries. There’s a lot of wisdom, and it’s for politicians that this book is commended to, so that they can be good in public life, in the decisions they take for people they govern. As you’ll hear in this conversation, Dalton McGuinty was guided by principles that stayed with him while in office and which remain today, as he talks to those who might think about serving in elected office. They’re not always easy to adhere to, but they’ll serve a politician well, not to mention a reader who might want to vote for better representatives. Dalton McGuinty was Ontario’s premier from 2003 to 2013, and was the leader of the Ontario Liberal Party from 1996 to 2014. He ran to succeed his father as a Member of the Provincial Parliament in 1990, after his untimely death at just 63 years old. His younger brother is a Member of Parliament, andcurrently sits in the federal cabinet. He is a Senior Fellow at the University of Toronto’s School of Public Policy and Governance. This new book is published by Dundurn Press. We spoke this past Monday, with Mr. McGuinty joining me from Ottawa. Please welcome to the Planta: On the Line program, the 24th premier of the Province of Ontario, Dalton McGuinty; Mr. McGuinty, good morning. 

The post Dalton McGuinty first appeared on thecommentary.ca.

The poet Christina Shah discusses her debut collection If: Prey, Then: Huntress (Nightwood Editions, 2025), with Joseph Planta.

Click to buy this book from Amazon.ca: If: Prey, Then: Huntress

Text of the introduction by Joseph Planta:

I am Planta: On the Line, in Vancouver, British Columbia, at TheCommentary.ca.  

If: Prey, Then: Huntress is the debut collection of Christina Shah, who works in heavy industry and whose poetry has appeared in numerous Canadian literary journals. The collection is full of thoughtful and evocative poems that provide searing observations as well as illuminating sketches. You get a sense of the workplace, and a traditionally male-dominated environment at that, where women and visible minorities are making entries in the workforce. We see the truth and beauty in hard work and long hours, as well as the passing of time what with co-workers getting fired or dying, or industries modernising thanks to technology. Ms. Shah, who joined me just over three weeks ago, also evokes memory so well, not just in sights and sounds that she translates to the page, but food and the attendant smells. I’ll ask Christina about the poems in the collection, as well as the literary community that she finds herself in with her previous award-winning poems, as well as chapbooks that’s she published heretofore. The book is from Nightwood Editions. Please welcome to the Planta: On the Line program, Christina Shah; Ms. Shah, good morning.

The post Christina Shah first appeared on thecommentary.ca.