Books & Looks: Real Books for Real Readers was started as a literary podcast to supplement Blaine Desantis’ website, ViewsOnBooks.com, and expand into audio and video interviews with authors.
With Books & Looks, Blaine’s goal is to focus on real books that real people will read. At least half of the books he reviews are either new authors or unknown authors that many in the general public are unaware of. After a segment reviewing books or interviewing authors, Blaine ends each episode with a discussion of the movies and TV shows he is currently watching.
Learn more about BookTrib’s partner and Blaine at ViewsOnBooks.com.
This Week’s Episode
In this definitive John Candy biography deep dive, author Paul Myers reveals the untold stories behind one of cinema’s most beloved figures. While we all know John Candy for his iconic roles in movies like Planes, Trains, and Automobiles, The Great Outdoors, and Cool Runnings, what was the man behind the laughter truly like? This conversation explores the incredible highs and heartbreaking lows of his life, from his early days in comedy to the secret pain he carried.
Paul Myers, author of John Candy: A Life in Comedy, shares intimate details sourced from those who knew him best. This episode unpacks the complex and admirable John Candy character, a man who stood up for pay equity for his female co-stars on SCTV and famously gave his own star trailer to screen legend Maureen O’Hara on the set of Only the Lonely. We explore his creative genius, tracing his journey from the legendary stages of Second City Toronto, where he honed his improv skills and developed characters like Yosh Shmenge, to his iconic status in Hollywood. The conversation also delves into the complex relationship between SCTV and Saturday Night Live, and how a single piece of advice from Candy inspired a young Mike Myers to pursue comedy.
This comprehensive interview with Paul Myers, author and comedy historian, doesn’t shy away from the difficult moments. Discover the story behind Candy’s infamous conflict on the set of Stripes over the demeaning mud wrestling scene, a moment that highlighted his career-long struggle with body-shaming. We also explore the immense pressure he was under during his time as a co-owner of the John Candy Toronto Argonauts, a dream that ended in heartbreak following a fraud scandal. Finally, learn about the unprecedented and moving tribute from the LAPD, who shut down the 405 freeway for his funeral procession. From his most celebrated John Candy movies to the private battles he faced, this episode paints a complete picture of a comedic genius and a profoundly decent human being, based on the research from this essential John Candy biography.
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