Welcome to this week's Open Mike. I'm Mike and I'll be your master of ceremonies for the day. Feel free to use this space to vent, rant, share a story and/or ask a question of the FOTM hivemind.
September 18, 2026
On Wednesday I shared the sad news that Andy Donato had passed away at the age of 89. Until very recently, Andy was still getting published in The Toronto Sun, a Postmedia-owned newspaper. I attached to that article his final editorial cartoon, a "That's all folks" farewell after 55 years.
Last night I attended the premiere of Neil Peart: No One's Disciple at TIFF. Geddy was there, Alex was there, and Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith was there. The doc was great and is coming soon to CBC Gem. At the reception and screening I bumped into so
In this 1973rd episode of Toronto Mike'd, Mike chats with Loverboy's Paul Dean about his years in Loverboy playing with Mike Reno, their induction into the Canadian Songwriter's Hall of Fame, Turn Me Loose, Working for the Weekend, and what's next for the band. This episode is exactly 54:51.
In this 1972nd episode of Toronto Mike'd, Mike chats with musician Don Breithaupt about his song-writing, winning an Emmy for writing the 6Teen theme song, all the great artists he's collaborated with, his love for Steely Dan’s Aja and his induction into the Mississauga Music Walk of Fame. This
Andy Donato was an editorial cartoonist, newspaper art director and painter who had been with the Toronto Sun from Day 1. He only fully retired earlier this month.
Gary McCracken was the drummer for Max Webster from 1976 to 1981. It's his voice you hear singing lead on "A Million Vacations".
In this 1971st episode of Toronto Mike'd, Mike chats with award-winning musician, producer, and indie cult icon Derek Downham about GRINDIG and the legendary artists with whom he's played and recorded. This episode is exactly 1:33:17. You can listen to this episode in a variety of ways: Listen
Bob Mackie was a fashion designer and costume designer for The Carol Burnett Show, and the creator of memorable ensembles for Cher, Dolly Parton, Elton John, and Sabrina Carpenter.
This past weekend, for TIFF, King Street was closed to vehicular traffic so I biked over and took in the scenes. I was even spotted as a "celebrity". I was most keen to check out The Fellini Forever Educational Tour which I found at King and Widmer. Fellini Forever is
Cheetah Chrome was a guitarist for Rocket from the Tombs and Dead Boys. While with Dead Boys he wrote the most excellent Sonic Reducer.
George Chuvalo was a five-time Canadian heavyweight champion and two-time world heavyweight title challenger who wasn't knocked down in any of his 93 fights. His personal life was riddled with tragedy, as he lost three children and his wife to suicide and/or drug abuse. Here's my lengthy conversation about
In 8 days I'll participate in the Terry Fox Run and I'm kindly asking you to donate what you can. Toronto MikeIn 1980 Terry showed us what courage, compassion and determination look like. Today that example is needed more than ever and I am inspired to join more than 100,
I wasn't on the waterfront last night, so I didn't see the Loblaws drone-powered ad that appeared in the night sky around 11pm. I only learned about the ad this evening on As It Happens, and to quote the urban planner Sean Galbraith: What dystopian hell are we in for
What used to be known as the Hollywood Suite Breakfast is now The Anthem Sports & Entertainment Breakfast. Anthem recently gobbled up Hollywood Suite and now own them and Game TV, Game+, Fight Network and AXS TV. But the annual breakfast, this year at The Royal York Hotel, continues to
Welcome to this week's Open Mike. I'm Mike and I'll be your master of ceremonies for the day. Feel free to use this space to vent, rant, share a story and/or ask a question of the FOTM hivemind.
In August I wrote about Bell Media's The Social becoming a "video podcast". I wasn't sure what that meant, but now that it debuted this week, we have some clarity. To be completely honest, it seems like the old show, only without the live studio audience. I'm not sure what
In this 1969th episode of Toronto Mike'd, Mike chats with legendary sports agent Leigh Steinberg about the ongoing Kawhi Leonard saga. This episode is exactly 33:13. You can listen to this episode in a variety of ways: Listen on Apple PodcastsFollow on SpotifyFollow on Amazon MusicSubscribe on Podcast AddictSubscribe
Barry Melrose was the former Toronto Maple Leaf best known for being the coach of the Los Angeles Kings in their run to the 1993 Stanley Cup Final. I'll never forget that Campbell Conference Final the Leafs lost to the Kings in 7.
In this 1968th episode of Toronto Mike'd, Mike chats with Ralph Benmergui about people who think they hate jazz but don't realize they actually love it. This episode is exactly 1:15:36. You can listen to this episode in a variety of ways: Listen on Apple PodcastsFollow on SpotifyFollow
I was linked to a forbes.com article about podcasting, because it's very kind to me and my podcast Toronto Mike'd. It references the podcast explosion here in Canada and includes these paragraphs. Another shining star is Mike Boon, who bills himself on his LinkedIn page as the "Canadian Godfather
I was gifted a last-minute ticket to see Wu-Tang Clan at the Amp last night. The weather was perfect as I biked over for a couple of hours of 90s hip-hop. I was on the floor, and it was great vibes and an even better times. The Final Chamber? We'll
In this 1967th episode of Toronto Mike'd, Mike chats with Gilberto Fernandes about his new book Militants, Mobsters and Mavericks: The Men Who Built Modern Toronto in the 1960s–70s. This episode is exactly 1:17:04. You can listen to this episode in a variety of ways: Listen on
I was at the Canadian National Exhibition yesterday, and took in the Canadian International Air Show. It was bittersweet as the this year's air show marks the final Toronto appearance of the Snowbirds, until their fleet is replaced in the 2030s at the earliest. A tear came to my eye
For a period of time, I wore Bluetooth headphones when riding my bike. I found the lack of wires convenient. I probably did this for a few years. Over time, the Bluetooth headphones needed charging more frequently. I could feel the battery deteriorate. Eventually, I had to charge my headphones
