Podcast · Society & Culture

Toronto Legends

by Andrew Applebaum · English · Society & Culture

'Toronto Famous' personalities share their stories and memories with host Andrew Applebaum!

New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 47 min
Latest: 12 Oct 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

12 Oct 2026 · 33 minNew

Ron Francis, Hockey Hall of Famer

Hockey Hall of Fame centreman Ron Francis talks about his back to back Stanley Cups in Pittsburgh, his 23 NHL seasons averaging more than one point per game, his Cooperalls experience in Hartford, scoring a goal on a deflection off of his eyeball, hanging out with the Phil & Tony Esposito Jack Lambert Bill Cowher Mario Lemieux Sidney Crosby Rod Brind'Amour Ulf Samuelsson, the origin of Wayne Gretzky’s #99 jersey with the Soo Greyhounds, suiting up for the Toronto Maple Leafs to end his career, and his deep Sault Ste Marie family ties to his current boss Kyle Dubas! The Ontario Sports Hall of…

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

E381 · 8 Oct 2026 · 38 min
Jonathon Power, Squash King
Former World's #1 Squash Champion Jonathon Power talks about living a fantastic lifestyle in Doha Qatar, moving to the UK at age 13 to practice six hours per day at Wembley Stadium under the tutelage of Jahangir Khan, moving to France to turn pro at age 16, becoming the first North American to reach #1 in the world rankings, playing in a ‘glass box’ at Grand Central Station and amongst Egypt’s pyramids, and returning to Toronto for his upcoming induction into the Ontario Sports Hall of Fame! The Ontario Sports Hall of Fame’s 2026 Induction Ceremony & Community Celebration takes place October…
E379 · 5 Oct 2026 · 51 min
Jennifer Botterill, Hockey Hall of Famer
Hockey Hall of Famer turned Broadcaster turned Author Jennifer Botterill talks about joining the NHL on TNT broadcasting team, writing her new memoir, her OT goal to win Harvard University’s only womens college hockey national championship, her 4 Olympic medals (3 of them Gold), her five World Championships, winning the Beanpot not once but twice with overtime goals, her interactions with Wayne Gretzky Ron Francis Charles Barkley Butch Goring Marie-Philip Poulin Gary Bettman, her 2025 induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame, and her impending induction into the Ontario Sports Hall of Fame!…
E379 · 2 Oct 2026 · 37 min
Bill Daly, NHL Deputy Commissioner
NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly talks about his 30 years working with Commissioner Gary Bettman at the National Hockey League, playing running back at Dartmouth College, his pre-NHL legal work on the USFL vs NFL case (involving some team owner named Donald Trump), his Canadian connections to Saskatchewan, the legacy of MLSE's Larry Tanenbaum, expansion possibilities in both North America and Europe, the death of CBC’s Hockey Night in Canada NHL telecasts, and whether he will serve as the next NHL Commissioner! And don’t forget to check out NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman’s interview at…
E378 · 28 Sep 2026 · 58 min
Mary Ormsby, Journalist/Author
Journalist, Author and Screenplay Writer Mary Ormsby talks about her 35 years writing for The Toronto Star, being a ‘day oner’ on 1430 The Fan alongside co-host Steve Simmons, her frequent appearances on The Bobcat Bob McCown’s Prime Time Sports, her nearly 40 years of covering Ben Johnson’s 1988 Seoul Olympics adventure (from being in the stands during the race to writing a best selling book with Big Ben himself), and why she is not the only celebrated former Toronto Star journalist in her own home! Mary Ormsby’s book World’s Fastest Man* The Incredible Life of Ben Johnson is available at…
E377 · 21 Sep 2026 · 37 min
ICYMI: Patrick Chan, Figure Skater
Ahead of his October 15th induction into the Ontario Sports Hall of Fame, in case you missed it from September 2024: 10x National Champion and 3x World Champion and 3x Olympic Medalist Patrick Chan talks about retiring at 27 as Canada’s most decorated figure skater, his transition to a decade of touring the world with Stars on Ice, training for his next career as a Financial Advisor, whether Kurt Browning chews his ear off about Reverse Mortgages, thriving through ‘six minutes of pressure’ at three different Olympic Games, his ‘pinch me’ moment meeting Roger Federer, receiving courtside…
E376 · 14 Sep 2026 · 50 min
ICYMI: Iron Mike Keenan, Hockey Coach
Ahead of his October 15th induction into the Ontario Sports Hall of Fame, in case you missed it from November 2024: legendary hockey coach Iron Mike Keenan talks about winning at every level over his 5 decade coaching career, getting his Iron-moniker not from Mike Tyson but from Mike Ditka, putting Gretzky Lemieux Hawerchuk (3 Centres!) on the ice at same time leading to that iconic game-winner at the 1987 Canada Cup, bringing The Moose Mark Messier to tears with his pre-Game 7 speech as the NY Rangers ended a 54 year Stanley Cup drought, coaching 50 future Hall of Famers (including Gretzky…
E375 · 7 Sep 2026 · 40 min
Greg Evigan, BJ and the Bear/My Two Dads
Actor Singer Songwriter Greg Evigan talks about BJ and the Bear, working with a chimpanzee, turning DOWN Knight Rider (which launched the career of 'The Hoff' David Hasselhoff), My Two Dads, working with Paul Reiser and William Shatner, Grease, Jesus Christ Superstar, competing in Network Battle of the Stars, writing a song for Meghan Trainor, his interactions with Mr T John Travolta Mickey Rooney Chuck Yeager Buddy Hackett Norman Lear Howard Cosell Claude Akins, and recording an album at Abbey Road studios backed by the London Philharmonic Orchestra! For everything Greg Evigan, please visit…
E374 · 31 Aug 2026 · 47 min
Karen Stintz, Recovering Politician Turned Author
Recovering politician turned author Karen Stintz talks about her new book Beyond Good Enough, why her crystal ball says Brad Bradford will be the next Mayor of Toronto, her time as a Toronto Councillor serving under the leadership of Mayors David Miller and Rob Ford, her time as TTC Chair working alongside TTC CEO Andy Byford, the craziness around Rob Ford’s crack cocaine smoking controversy, her friendships with John Tory Steve Paikin Tony Clement, her fond memories of Mel Lastman’s North York, and her magical national television appearance on Undercover Boss Canada! For Karen’s new book…
E371 · 24 Aug 2026 · 1 hr 9 min
ICYMI: Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Stunt Double Peter Kent
In case you missed it, from April 2025: Arnold Schwarzenegger’s stunt double Peter Kent talks about the OTHER Peter Kent (and meeting his brother the ‘Scud Stud’ Arthur), getting hired by fellow Canadian James Cameron for a little film called The Terminator (for $40/day), his working and personal relationship with The Austrian Oak on 14 films over 14 years, the pressure of standing in for the 7-time Mr Olympian championship bodybuilder, his interactions with Tom Cruise Richard Dawson Carl Weathers James Caan Vanessa Williams Linda Hamilton Danny DeVito Tom Arnold Rosanne Barr Jamie Lee…
E372 · 17 Aug 2026 · 1 hr 16 min
Jim Vallance on Bryan Adams and Tears Are Not Enough
Superstar Songwriter (and former Prism drummer) Jim Vallance shares his stories working with Bryan Adams, Tears Are Not Enough, Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, Gene Simmons, Tom Jones, Dusty Springfield, Joni Mitchell, Ann & Nancy Wilson, Ozzy Osborne, Glass Tiger, Larry Gowan, Rick Springfield, Tina Turner, Bruce Coburn, Neil Young, Quincy Jones, Martin Short, David Foster, Bruce Allen, Bruce Fairbairn, Bob Clearmountain, Dan Aykroyd and Bananarama! For everything Jim Vallance, please visit http://www.jimvallance.com/01-music-folder/00-pg-music.html TORONTO LEGENDS is hosted by Andrew Applebaum at…
E371 · 10 Aug 2026 · 52 min
Karl Hale loves Racquet Sports
Racquet Sports Impresario Karl Hale talks about his playing career, pivoting to coaching, building out his Premier Racquet Clubs empire, serving for two decades as Tournament Director at the National Bank Open (and his elevator pitch for why it should be the 5th Slam), his interactions with Shaggy Lennox Lewis Richard Branson Monica Seles Donovan Bailey Rafael ‘Rafa’ Nadal Venus Williams Serena Williams Jim Cuddy Geddy Lee Wayne Gretzky Michael Lee-Chin Sean Paul Daniel Nestor, and the differences between tennis pickleball padel badminton table tennis and road tennis! For Karl’s Premier…
E370 · 3 Aug 2026 · 25 min
Johnny Manchild plays Jazz Punk Piano Rock
Musical genre defying multi-instrumentalist Johnny Manchild talks about his new album, his North American tour that dips up into Canada, the learnings from his previous tour composed of fan-hosted shows, collaborating with No Doubt’s Adrian Young and Sublime’s Todd Foreman, the vital importance of beef snacks while on the road, and his upcoming Toronto show at The Monarch Tavern! For everything Johnny Manchild including his August 12th show in Toronto at The Monarch Tavern, please visit https://www.manchild.band/ TORONTO LEGENDS is hosted by Andrew Applebaum at [email protected] All…
E369 · 27 Jul 2026 · 48 min
Jack Campbell, NHLer turned Executive Coach
NHL Goaltender turned Executive Coach Jack Campbell talks about his three seasons with the Toronto Maple Leafs, staying connected with Freddie Andersen, his 2022 All-Star experience alongside Auston Matthews, playing with Mitch Marner Willie Nylander John Tavares AM34 Connor McDavid Leon Draisaitl, his appreciation for Kyle Dubas Jonathan Quick Bill Ranford, getting confused for that other Jack Cambell from Michigan (the pro bowl NFL linebacker), why he loves now living in Panama City Beach Florida, and how he’s made the career transition to helping others as an Executive Coach! For…
E368 · 20 Jul 2026 · 44 min
Peter Keleghan as Lloyd Braun
Gemini Award winning actor Peter Keleghan talks about playing the original Lloyd Braun on Seinfeld, bureaucracy preventing him from reprising that role in future episodes, taking over Mike Myers spot at Toronto’s Second City, his work on The Red Green Show and Murdoch Mysteries, working with George Clooney Jennifer Aniston Ted Danson Candice Bergen Jerry Seinfeld Michael Richards Jerry Stiller Steve Martin Hilary Duff, how at every Hollywood casting call he seemed to be up against Jon Hamm and Bryan Cranston, and keeping it all in the family with wife Leah Pinsent and father-in-law Gordon…
E367 · 13 Jul 2026 · 37 min
Howard Jones Loves Canada
British 80s SynthPop superstar Howard Jones talks about immigrating to Canada not once but TWICE, his time at Ottawa’s late great Confederation High School, watching The Who smash their instruments during a show at Lansdowne Stadium, refurbishing his original Roland Jupiter-8 keyboard to create new music, performance memories with OMD Barenaked Ladies China Crisis Stevie Wonder Herbie Hancock Thomas Dolby Ringo Starr Sheila E , his 1985 Live Aid piano solo in front of 100,000 fans at Wembley Stadium, and gearing up for his upcoming Toronto tour stop with Wang Chung The English Beat and…
E366 · 6 Jul 2026 · 56 min
Don Pyle from Shadowy Men on a Shadowy Planet
Shadowy Men on a Shadowy Planet co-founder and Author Don Pyle talks about his new memoir, their iconic instrumental ‘Having an Average Weekend’ serving as theme song for the Kids in the Hall, not being a favourite of Lorne Michaels, beating out David Foster and Liona Boyd for a Juno award, being at The Ramones first Toronto gig in 1976, catching reunion shows of Iggy Pop/The Stooges and the Sex Pistols, getting Mike Myers and Paul Myers mixed up at an REM show, hanging out with The B-52s Fred Schneider in a Parkdale garage, turning down opening slots for The Pixies and Jethro Tull,…
E365 · 29 Jun 2026 · 48 min
Dennis Drew from 10,000 Maniacs
10,000 Maniacs co-founder Dennis Drew talks about the band’s 45th anniversary, their roots just across the border from Toronto in Jamestown NY, coming up on a parallel path with Michael Stipe and REM, the impact of former lead singer Natalie Merchant, their landmark 1993 performance on MTV Unplugged, opening for the Grateful Dead in front of 80,000 at the Buffalo Bills old home at Rich Stadium, their appearances on Saturday Night Live The Tonight Show Late Night with David Letterman The Arsenio Hall Show, smoking up with Jerry Garcia, their interactions with Doug Flutie Paul McCartney Bill…
E364 · 22 Jun 2026 · 36 min
Pierre McGuire, Mr Hockey
Mr Hockey Pierre McGuire talks about growing up cheering for the Habs and Expos, his playing career ending after attending New Jersey Devils training camp, Scotty Bowman kicking off his coaching career, earning two Stanley Cup championship rings while ‘maintaining’ rather than ‘coaching’ Mario Lemieux, taking over the Hartford Whalers to become the 2nd youngest NHL head coach ever, pioneering his Inside The Glass reporting role between the benches for NBC’s NHL coverage, taking a stick to the head but getting saved by the latest US military medical technology, working with Jaromir Jagr Chris…
E363 · 15 Jun 2026 · 52 min
David Suzuki, Scientist
Scientist and Broadcaster David Suzuki talks about his genetic connection to the NHL Suzukis, his current status as a crotchety old man, his 44 years hosting the CBC’s The Nature of Things, his memoir Lessons From A Lifetime, enjoying his birthday party with guests Jane Fonda Al Gore Pierce Brosnan George Stroumboulopoulos, and why his 10 grandchildren (and one great grandchild) continue to propel his environmental advocacy onwards! David Suzuki’s memoir Lessons From a Lifetime: Ninety Years of Inspiration and Activism is available at…
E362 · 8 Jun 2026 · 59 min
Bob Egan, Blue Rodeo and Beyond
Former Blue Rodeo/Wilco’s Bob Egan talks about forsaking corporate riches to jump on Wilco’s tour bus at age 38 (on the advice of Johnny Cash and at the request of Jeff Tweedy), touring Norway with Bazil Donovan before joining Blue Rodeo for 17 years, bonding with Gord Downie while playing on the Tragically Hip’s Juno-award winning Bobcaygeon, his upclose and personal interactions with Keith Richards Sheryl Crow Gary Oldman William Shatner, playing on Austin City Limits with both Billy Bragg and Blue Rodeo, playing 2003’s SARSstock in front of half a million fans, and Jim Cuddy’s lessons on…
E361 · 1 Jun 2026 · 39 min
ICYMI: Ben Johnson, 9.79
In case you missed it, from November 2025: 1988 Olympic Gold Medalist and World's Fastest Man Ben Johnson talks about Charlie Francis, Dr Jamie Astaphan, Carl Lewis, Diego Maradona, Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi's son Al-Saadi, nearly joining the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys, and a complete breakdown of his blazing 9.79 second 100m Gold Medal winning run at the 1988 Seoul Olympics! For everything Ben Johnson, please visit https://ben979.com/ TORONTO LEGENDS is hosted by Andrew Applebaum at [email protected] All episodes available at https://www.torontolegends.ca/episodes/ Learn more about…
E362 · 25 May 2026 · 42 min
Joseph Rosendo, PBS Travel Journalist
PBS Travel Journalist Joseph Rosendo talks about visiting 104 countries around the world, his upcoming shooting schedule around the Thousand Islands, his popular PBS shows Joseph Rosendo’s Steppin’ Out and Joseph Rosendo’s Travelscope, his 21 episodes focused on Canada, why he respects the business model of his PBS stablemate and fellow travel expert Rick Steves, why he ends every episode with a Mark Twain quote, and how he manages to condense 100 hours of footage into each 26 minute and 46 second episode with a crew of only four people! For everything Joseph Rosendo, please visit both…
E359 · 18 May 2026 · 1 hr 8 min
Dave Hodge, Broadcaster
Legendary CBC Hockey Night in Canada host Dave Hodge talks about his Montreal origins, palling around with Chatham Legend Ferguson Jenkins, beating out Alex Trebek for the HNIC hosting job because Mr Jeopardy (allegedly) wouldn’t shave his moustache, working with Don Cherry Brian McFarlane Howie Meeker George Armstrong Gordie Howe Rick Azar Bob Cole, not getting along with that bully of an owner of the Toronto Maple Leafs Harold Ballard, hanging out with Larry King David Bowie Eddie Feigner Kathleen Edwards, and he resolves the question of whatever became of the actual pen from ‘The Pen…
E358 · 11 May 2026 · 56 min
Ritch Winter, NHL Player Agent
NHL Player Agent Ritch Winter talks about the business and lifestyle of his career, why the Head Coach is apparently never wrong, the key components of any contract being 'opportunity' FIRST and THEN 'money,' his made-for-marketing PWHL client Abby Hustler, his thoughts on Marty Walsh and the NHLPA, his positive relationships with the NHL’s Gary Bettman and Bill Daly, his interactions with entertainers Hilary Duff and Carrie Underwood, and that surreal dinner he enjoyed at the dearly departed Wayne Gretzky’s restaurant seated with Michael Jordan, Chris Chelios, John McEnroe, Cindy Crawford,…
E357 · 4 May 2026 · 56 min
Ben Mulroney, The Ben Mulroney Show
The Ben Mulroney Show’s Ben Mulroney talks about growing up at 24 Sussex Drive, his Dad teaching him about the birds and the bees using ‘the book,’ learning life lessons from Justin Trudeau, the ‘all conversation, no cancellation’ theme of his radio show, his experiences hosting Canadian Idol and ETalk, cohosting a prime time American network talkshow with Kelly Ripa, and why the Backstreet Boys did NOT appreciate his suggestion to rerecord their hit song in French! Ben Mulroney will be a featured speaker at the Departure Festival and Conference on Tuesday May 5th at the iconic Imperial Room…
E356 · 27 Apr 2026 · 37 min
Alexis Stefanovich-Thomson, Author
Historical crime fiction author Alexis Stefanovich-Thomson talks about his new second novel in the Patrick Bird Mystery Series called Opposite Sully’s Gym, the subset of ‘Maple Noir’ within ‘Noir Fiction’ writing, weaving actual Toronto landmarks and events into his historical fiction, using the story of James Earl Ray as the backdrop to his novel, the challenge of writing one thousand words per day while still holding down a regular nine-to-five job, grocery shopping alongside 'The Killer' Doug Gilmour in Kingston, and whether Nic Cage should be considered for a role in any future movie…
E355 · 20 Apr 2026 · 42 min
Evanka Osmak, Sportsnet Central
Rogers Sportsnet Central’s Evanka Osmak talks about her new memoir When The Game Changes, seeing her Dad on a Kellogg’s Corn Pops box, working for nearly 15 years alongside co-anchor Ken Reid, making the unique career pivot from civil engineering to television broadcasting, her career-changing interaction with Jamie Campbell, why she took up ice hockey at the age of 41, and why her broadcasting partnership henceforth shall be known as ‘Evanka and Ken’! Evanka Osmak’s When the Game Changes is available now at…
E354 · 13 Apr 2026 · 37 min
ICYMI: Valdy Horsdal, Folksinger/Storyteller/Troubadour
In case you missed it, from November 2024: Canada’s Folk Singer Valdy talks about touring the world for over 50 years, criss-crossing our country coast-to-coast-to-coast at a clip of about 200 shows per year, his guest spots on The Beachcombers (Relic was a gentleman) and Front Page Challenge, his interactions with Steve Martin Quincy Jones PM Paul Martin Karen Kain Kenny Rogers Glen Campbell Murray McLauchlan, why he prefers using a chainsaw for his woodworking projects, and why you shouldn’t confuse him for Vi-Valdy! Catch Valdy performing LIVE on Friday April 24th at Peterborough's…
E353 · 6 Apr 2026 · 39 min
Simon Dingley, Broadcast Journalist
Retired Broadcast Journalist Simon Dingley shares stories from 43 years on television with the CBC, Global, CTV as well as his radio time in Montreal and Toronto! Interactions with a diverse group of personalities including Sir Paul McCartney, Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, Alan Eagleson, President Donald Trump, Rompin’ Ronnie Hawkins, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Mr Donald S Cherry! Spoiler alert: Simon is not even the only retired CBC journalist in his own household! TORONTO LEGENDS is hosted by Andrew Applebaum at [email protected] All episodes available at…

About Toronto Legends

'Toronto Famous' personalities share their stories and memories with host Andrew Applebaum!

Toronto Legends is a English society & culture podcast from Andrew Applebaum. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: Andrew Applebaum
Language: English
Category: Society & Culture
New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 47 min
Latest episode: 12 Oct 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1614481842

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