Toronto Mike'd: The Official Toronto Mike Podcast - Live From Christie Pits with Mike Richards, Rich Butler, et al: Toronto Mike'd Podcast Episode 1517

Episode Date: July 7, 2024

In this 1517th episode of Toronto Mike'd, Mike records live from the Toronto Maple Leafs baseball game at Christie Pits. He's joined by Mike Richards, former Blue Jay Rich Butler, Blair Packham, Marc Weisblott, Joel Goldberg, Robert Lawson, the VP of Salez and Maya the Mascot. Toronto Mike'd is proudly brought to you by Great Lakes Brewery, Palma Pasta, Ridley Funeral Home, The Advantaged Investor podcast from Raymond James Canada, The Toronto Maple Leafs Baseball Team and RecycleMyElectronics.ca. If you would like to support the show, we do have partner opportunities available. Please email Toronto Mike at [e-mail]

Music Fonella Callow of baseball games She knew the players and all of her names You could see her up there every day Shouting her essay play Her boyfriend by the name of Joe Took only out to West Coast Fonella started to fret and pout And hear my heart a shout Take me out to the ball game Take me out with the crowd Oh won't you buy me some peanuts and a cracker jam? Well I don't care if I never get past When you're rude, rude, rude for the home game

Every long win is a shame Look out there's one, two, three strikes You're out of the old ballgame Welcome to episode 1517 of Toronto Miked! Proudly brought to you by Great Lakes Brewery A fiercely independent craft brewery who believes in supporting communities as Mike Richards looks at his left field Leafs logger. But that's another story. Order online for free local home delivery in the GTA.

Palma Pasta. Enjoy the taste of fresh, homemade Italian pasta and entrees from Palma Pasta in Mississauga and Oakville. The Toronto Maple Leafs baseball team! The best baseball in the city outside the dome! To my right is a guy who played for the Toronto Maple Leafs baseball team, but we'll get to him in a moment! RecycleMyElectronics.ca, committing to our planet's future, means properly recycling our electronics of the past. And Ridley Funeral Home, pillars of the community since 1921,

and the official funeral home of Toronto Maple Leafs baseball. Today we're live from the Toronto Maple Leafs game that Christie Pitts, my cohost for this afternoon, is Mike Richards. Now I've never quite heard it that way before, and maybe you say it that way every time, but do you really wanna be the official funeral home of? Toronto Maple Leafs baseball? Everybody dies, Mike Richards. I was gonna say.

You know this, everybody dies. Maybe it's the Blue Jays. They should be the official. Did you say Blue Jays? Do you know the guy to my right played for the Toronto Blue Jays? Yes I do. You do know this. Okay let's introduce him and we can now officially call him an FO Tim and you and I Mike we'll catch up. I hear you probably have a big announcement to make because every time we chat you have a big announcement to make because every time we chat I love it okay so we're gonna catch up with you I want to ask you about Macco senior I want to ask you about Bob Cole we're gonna have a great chat but welcome to Toronto Mike Rich Butler welcome buddy East York legend I wouldn't say legend but okay who's more

of a legend than you and you my brother Rob? Oh, okay. You got the ring. Yeah. Yeah, he's got the rings, but he's a he's an older guy than You know, you got Alan Butler and those guys there too as well. How's it going? Good Did you throw the first pitch today? Yeah, yeah, I'm nice, but I'm okay, but did you throw a strike? No All right, well then the the Toronto May Blue Jays want to talk to you. They're looking for a guy who can go high and outside. Okay. So, Mike, and you are the co-host, okay?

I don't want to hog the microphone because I'm excited I got Rich Butler to my right here. You can ask Rich any questions you want, but can I ask you about Newfoundland? Okay. I remember talking to your brother on Toronto, Mike. We had a long chat in my basement and we were talking about Newfoundland and the butlers Can you remind me of this wonderful connection the butlers have to Newfoundland? My father was born in Newfoundland. So that's where he's from. But all butlers are from Newfoundland. Is that right?

They've been there for about 400 years. So it's deep-rooted. I think they're the first family of Newfoundland so yeah so my dad was born there okay and okay big catch in center field though we're playing Hamilton today here this gentleman's name is Nicholson number four big grab so I'm gonna react because I cannot react to what happens right in front of me but yeah my dad was born in Newfoundland. He grew up in basically a street called Butlerville. Well, how convenient. In Newfoundland. It's in the Bay Roberts area.

He can't get lost. Yeah. And he was one of 13. My grandparents had a lot of kids. Wow. Yeah, so deep rooted in Newfoundland, for sure. OK, so your family's from Newfoundland. And I was reading you you've done some

Baseball tutoring I had training. What's the proper nomenclature for that? But you've been you've been working with people in Newfoundland I've been going back and forth doing some lessons and some camps in there over the years Baseball is growing there Right in a st. John's area and the Bay Roberts area. Has Newfoundland ever produced a major leaguer? I would have to check the record books. I would say me and Rob are- Mike, what do you think? You're a trivia guy.

No, I'm terrible at that. I would say me and Rob are Newfield Blood. Newfield Blood? But we're not born there? As far as born, I don't know. That doesn't count. I'm not allowed. I'm going to ask Robert Lawson later to fact check that.

I'd say that doesn't count. You're an East York legend. Yeah, I can check the Almanac. You can't be a Newfoundland and an East York legend, okay Rich? Okay. Okay, so I mean, you're only here for a short time, hopefully it's a good time, but you played of course for the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Tampa Bay Devil Rays back when they were evil and they had devil in their name.

That's right. I kind of missed the devil, right? I know, and I actually run a program called the Ontario Devil Rays now. Smart. It's a travel team and that we're actually not even allowed to do Facebook ads because I have the word devil. Isn't that ridiculous? Our title. Yeah, so I'm proud that I play for the Devil Rays. I call myself a Devil Ray, right? Nothing wrong with that You know every kid plays baseball Mike you you probably dreamt of going to the majors one day.

No, baseball wasn't my DNA. But it's sort of what I want to talk about, because it's come such a long way. When I grew up, we had the Expos. Obviously, Gary Carter comes along. But for the most part, if you're talking about sports at the high school level, the kinds of conversations that you had,

they weren't necessarily baseball ones. So if someone is gonna go down that path, gonna play baseball from Canada, why don't you just explain, like for you and your brother, what that was like, because very often, people, you know, it's different than hockey, right? I mean, it doesn't really work the same way. There are some elements, but for the most part,

you're going to go and hopefully you can get a full ride, you know, somewhere south of the border, whether it's, you know, Florida school, you know, Tennessee, California, there's a lot out there, Texas. But for you making decisions at that time, like why baseball? What was the influence for you and your brother to do that? Not hockey? Well, I did play hockey. Back then it was baseball season and hockey season.

There was no baseball training facilities. You go all year round, it's all year round program stuff. Back then we played baseball, hockey, and then school, you played track and field, volleyball, all that stuff. So you just became an all-around athlete, you know, and just kind of... For me, you have to... I think you have to love the sport first, right? So that's how I grew up. I loved baseball and I loved hockey. When I got older, when I got, I'd say around 14, When I got older, when I got, I'd say around 14, I realized I'm only double A hockey, baseball I felt I loved a little bit more. Plus, I don't think I was,

in hockey you had to be a top at 15. 15, you know what I mean? It's so fast. Baseball you can develop a little more. I didn't really know it at the time, but the time was running out for me for hockey. I was out of the game probably by high school, I was out, even though I loved hockey.

I loved hockey. How much older is Rob than you? Three years. So how does that play into things that he gets, he's gotta go first and you can kind of follow his blueprint. He went to Team Canada, so Rob kind of opened the door to all the scouts,

right? We never talked about scouts, we never talked about scholarships. We just loved playing baseball and we had rivalries against Leeside, North York, right? And the rivalry was like really heated back then, right? So it's a little bit different nowadays. And, you know, Rob made Team Canada. All of a sudden, Scouts started coming to the field. Ron Runcetti, Bob Prentice, right? They started coming to the field and then they're asking questions, oh, you got a younger brother. So I started getting looked at at 15 years old, right? Rob was with Team Canada, right? But afterwards, Rob stayed with Team Canada, went to NBI, the National Baseball Institute in British Columbia, whatever. Anyways, the

history is, you know, whatever. So we signed, actually signed together. So Rob didn't go pro first. We actually signed together. Okay. And September of 23rd, 1990, we signed together, right. So. so but you know but see that also brings up another point where if you were serious about it when you're gonna start specializing at a certain age you had to travel like you had to go I mean you know sort of a hotbed out in Vancouver but now you actually you know we talked about my surgeon who basically saved my life, Shadi Ashamala, who's at Sunnybrook.

He and another group, they just bought the Ontario Blue Jays. Yeah. Yeah, I know Shadi yet. Yeah. So that's a, you know, now a place to funnel that talent. There's now a pathway. Much easier than when you did it. It was really tough when we were going up. But like I said, we never really thought about,

say, pro draft, D1, D2. We never really thought about that stuff when we were going up, because mid-80s, all we thought about was we gotta beat Leeside. Right. We gotta beat North York. I gotta beat Todd Betts. I gotta go against Todd Betts and you know all these other guys that you know

High Park right and those guys then that's all we thought about yeah right next thing you know a scout's coming up and saying you know you should come on to this walkout tryout right the Blue Jays used to have one and the Expos the Mets used to have one just walk on tryouts back then I don't know if they still have them anymore I really don't know I don't think so now you got to play for the Ontario Blue Jays you got gotta play for the Tron Mets and stuff like that, right? Right. But back then, walk on Tryout, and then I get a card from the Mets, I get a card from Texas, I get a card.

You know, this is a whole new world. Did you think you were good enough to do this? As a baseball player, for me personally, I always had doubt, which kind of drove me more. Is that, that makes any sense? No, that completely makes sense. So I guess I could have had a little more confidence as a kid. Maybe I should have had a little more,

I don't know, therapy or whatever. But that, that doubt drove me. We'll save that for your deep dive. That doubt drove me more to train more. I was kind of a fanatic. Like back then, I was just, it was 247 baseball after I was 14, 15 years old. Wow. But you made the big show. You know how many kids are out there dreaming of playing in the major leagues? You made it, buddy. You did it. You lived the dream. You're a major league baseball player.

Like they can never take that away from you. And here we are, our beautiful Christie Pitts. I'm just going to paint a scene here. Mike, you paint a beautiful scene here. I almost think, can Bob Cole paint the scene here? But like, this is a, like, we tried twice before to do this, right Mike? And it thunderstorms and mother nature got in the way and we had to postpone. But this is a gorgeous day at Christie Pitts.

Well, it's one of those things where, you know, the baseball announcers who enjoy a Sunday afternoon. I thought you were gonna do Vince Gully for a minute. Oh boy, well. enjoy a Sunday afternoon. Oh boy well it's a long sunny day here in Christie Pitch where that ball was caught just moments ago by Rafael Hernandez which by the way funny story his mother was from Zee Watt to Nail and invented the popsicle there's a pitch pitch outside that's like Jake. Yeah. That's good Mike. We got to talk more later about this, but I want to ask you Rich about your Toronto Maple Leafs career, okay? I have it on good authority and Robert Lawson can fact check me later, but you have the second highest batting average in the history of the IBL, you batted 484 during your four years of the Toronto

Maple Leafs. Yes. 484! One season I batted 484, not the career. Oh, not career. Yeah. Okay, I'm trying to pump your tires here. Okay, but still, you had a season, okay, so that's the second highest. Do you know who has, you don't have an idea who has the record. My brother. So, wait a minute. You hear this. So Rob Butler hit higher than 484 in a season for the Toronto Maple Leafs. I think he batted 489. Base hit for Hamilton. Is he going for second? No he's staying. Sorry. He's staying at first. Okay we're gonna do play by play too Mike okay. This is uh you have no idea what you're here for Mike. But that's an amazing uh fun fact that you have the second highest batting average

in the history of the IBL when you batted 44 So that means like one out of every two at bats you're getting on base. That's incredible, man So what was the difference going from the majors to IBL here? Because this is a very high caliber baseball, but you know, you're not you're not facing Nolan Ryan out here, right? So like when you were facing the Major League Baseball pitchers when you saw these guys you were like Oh, like this this ball's not moving the same way as it was moving in the Major League Baseball pitchers, when you saw these guys you were like, oh, like, this ball's not moving the same way as it was moving in the majors? I don't know, not really. You know, I never thought about... 484 is incredible.

Yeah, that's fine, but... Okay, he's got to be honest. There's a fly ball left field here, he catches it, and he's going to check the runner back. Yeah, not advancing. Runner went halfway, he's back to first base safe. Okay. All right. One-nothing Hamilton, by the way. We'll update you throughout the recording in the second inning.

Go ahead. Yeah, so like after my professional career, I actually, I wasn't ready to give up the game of baseball. It really, like my whole being was to be a baseball player and to be like out of the game. I was kind of, you know, I don't wanna say lost or whatever like that, but I needed to stay in the game I was kind of you know I want I don't want to I don't want to say lost or whatever like that but I needed to stay in the game somehow some way you wanted to play competitively I want to be competitive and

blah blah you know I was enjoying the the slow pitch the no no no I didn't want to be like a coach and affiliate ball you know I wasn't ready for that either I was only like 26 years old 27 right so I already played like almost a linear did you feel you were too young to be out of the game out of the majors? Yeah I thought I was pretty pretty young still and you know you know at the time I was you know released from baseball was around 2001 you know those golden years of whatever and so I felt like I had to stay in the game somehow and you know Mike Aslin my former player here at Toronto Maple Leaf, he told me and Rob about this team and, you know, we came, we checked it out and we thought it was going

to be okay, you know, let's keep playing somehow, right? It's very difficult and people who've not achieved your levels, it's hard maybe for them to understand but nobody wants to give it up. Nobody wants to give up that routine. No one wants to give up the locker room. No one wants to give up the traveling, the guys, the whole... I mean, it's why Brett Favre was 87 years old by the time he finally had to quit because he just didn't move. Why would you keep going on? Because that's who you are. It's what you do. What do I got to do now? Go to...

Remember that recital? You're supposed to go to the recital, it's Thursday night, you gotta take out the garbage. You're like, oh my God, is this how everybody else lives? Because I want the bus. Rich still had to take out the garbage. I was so used to that, like you said, that routine, I was structured and I was built a certain way after like 15 years of just being like that, boom, that boom boom boom and then all of a sudden it's gone. Right, so now what do I do? So I kind of, it was kind of a real adjustment period. It took me a few years, right? But you know, that's the reality of baseball. You're gonna be cut at some point.

You know, but at the time wasn't ready and then Toronto Maple Leafs filled that void for a few years and it was great. We had fun, right? It was competitive and the league's doing really well and I'm really happy to be here today. And your brother's the manager? And Rob is the manager. Wow. They need to get a couple more wins in their belt. It's been a tough year right? Yeah it's been pretty tough so far but you know hey things can turn around. Things can turn around do you think you and your brother should be put into the Canadian baseball hall of fame? That's not for me to decide. But would you like it? I would love it, absolutely. I'll make some call. The trouble is I make this promise to everybody so I can't get everybody in

there. I did an episode where Russ Taylor should get in. Russ Taylor was calling the Expos games from 1969. I had his kids on for a Father's Day episode. I think I told your brother I was gonna get him in there. We're gonna get you in there too, Rich. I'm gonna just make these promises but Dude, it's amazing to have a former Blue J. You're in an esteemed club here I'm gonna name former Blue J's who've actually been on Toronto Mike to get your brother Rob's been on Joe Carter has been on Jose Batista has been on Josh Donaldson's been on and you've been on how yeah You're in some

I loved rooting for the butlers because these guys are from Toronto. Like this was big, you know, we had like there's Rob Ducey, there's the butlers. Like these are these are guys that are, you know, Canadians playing for my team. That was exciting to me to see Rich Butler is at Toronto. Made by Toronto Blue Chain. It was great to be here. I loved it. Well, listen, man, have a left field, the Leafs logger before you get out of here. Appreciate this. Was this good for you?

You were- This was great. Okay, man. This was great. This was fun. Well, one day we'll do the deeper dive and we'll talk about those lost years. I want to talk to you about those lost years. Oh yeah?

Yeah. I'm interested. Yeah, see that's another thing no one wants to talk about their lost years. That's why they call them the lost years. Those dark, dark lost years. You know, when you're one-on-one in the basement, I'm going there, but it's like, okay, we're going to hit up a bunch of people at Christie Pitts. It's not really the time to go to the lost years. Those dark lost years. You know, when you're one-on-one in the basement, I'm going there, but it's like, okay,

we're gonna hit up a bunch of people at Christie Pitts. It's not really the time to go to the lost years, but Rich, I'm coming for those lost years, buddy. That's what we do, but thanks so much. Hey, I need a picture. Do you wanna take a picture of me and, I'm calling Joel Goldberg, creator of Electric Circus. Oh, use your phone, you can email it to me.

All right, hold on here, we're going in here. Should I move the mic? No let's get the mic in there. See it's very rare that you in radio stop down to take a picture where no one talks. You're supposed to do play by play. It's only so exciting you know but by the way really nice to see you here today. Yeah a big fan yeah that's awesome here today. That was great. Yeah, a big fan. Yeah, that's awesome. Keep going. Go Leafs. Hey, any chance you'd come out of retirement

and play for this team? You look like you could hit it a ton. I wish. Would you like to? Because I feel like four years. So why did you only do four years with the Maple Leafs? You've only batted 484 that season. Well, I actually got really, really busy with running the travel teams and lessons.

There was just no time. I just ran out of time. Ran out of time. By the way, I did a little research during the conversation. That's how quick I am. It turns out, yes, your brother Rob has the record. He hit 488 one season. So you were that close. You were 484. So Rob got the World Series ring and he got the record. So in the last year, the last game of the season, I was hitting around, I think it was around 490 something. Right? Rob Patterson comes to me and says,

hey, you're the all-time batting leader. Why don't you just take yourself out of the game? I said, I don't care, dude. I care. Robbie Alomar once you just take yourself out of the game? I said, I don't care, dude. I don't care. I'm just gonna keep on hitting. Robbie Alomar once sat on the last game of the season because he was batting 299.9 or something, and he wanted to save the 300.

You're a real gamer. You're like, no, I'm going out. This is like Ted Williams sitting on 400 and saying, I'm gonna play tonight. So I went one for four. My last that bat, I hit a line drive, second base and makes a dive and catch. Oh. That would have gave me like 490 or something.

Or 495 I don't know. And shout out to Ridley Funeral Home that guy who made the catch was never seen again. See comes in handy sometimes. I think you know there's a place in left field there where you can see the outline of a body buried underneath the grass that's where the guy you made this, that's where Rich put him. See that's the advertising you want. Fatalities. All right Rich, you were amazing. We got a picture thanks to my official photographer. Thank you guys, thank you, that was great. Outstanding. All right, so appreciate that. Yeah, just leave that. You're amazing. Rich Butler, former Toronto Blue J kicks it off for us, Mr. Richards. And I should tell the

listenership though it's not gonna be all sports all the time we're gonna leave sports we gotta talk to we're gonna talk about the guess who when Robert Lawson comes on we're gonna talk about Electric Circus when Joel Goldberg comes on we have Blair Packham from the Jitters coming up we have the guy who organized my birthday gift which was a kayak but let me ask you Mike Richards how the hell you doing? I'm doing good. Although I did have to fix something in the pool.

I had to use a rubber, yeah. Well la dee da. Yeah, rubber cement. So I look like a leper. Like I was like, people see my hands. I'm like, no, it's cement. It's weird. That's biblical, man.

It's weird, rubber, creepy rubber creepy you know I would not be a hands model today it's like I I don't know George Costanza was a hands model is that right you remember you know of course how's your health health is very good in fact you know we talked about Shaddy Asher Mallow's very involved with baseball Leeside his son playing in East York. And now I said he's one of the owners of the OBJs, as they call them. You know, I knew the previous, one of the previous owners,

I know very, very well. A good FOTM. Yeah. So it's interesting, I'll connect. So we just went through what, basically it was nine, 10 years now. And I don't think I have to have checkups anymore for all the bad stuff we have moved

on and cancer free and it's not coming back so I don't think I have to go for my yearly stuff anymore. Well this is good news Mike, we all love you man, all that matters is your health buddy. Without your health you have nothing and you look great. I saw you guys, oh this guy is aging in reverse, what the hell is going on with Mike Richards? Rye, I don't know why people don't listen. Rye solves everything. Do you want to draw, like tell us the status update on your professional broadcasting life because you came over last time you were on Toronto Mike's you came over and you

announced, what did you announce exactly? The new show? There's been so many... Give us the update. I'll shut up and listen. There's been so many dance partners. So the last time you know I announced oh, I'm now with this channel. Oh, I'm now this station I'm now with this group of guys. It's it has changed about four or five times simply because Trying to get something done in the way. I want to see it the way that it's expected that you know they it hasn't worked and and generally I find it hasn't worked

because you know you have to be in the same place at the same time with the people you go into the dance with and also be quite honest there are some of them who now have the keys to the car that is the ability to actually put sports broadcast on who are these people well Game Plus Plus Network, I wasted a year. I need to ask you somebody hard-hitting questions, I thought that was a done deal. You announced it like it was a it was happening. It was in Broadcast Dialogue magazine. That's normally pretty good. That's not quite not quite. So I thought it was a done deal too, but again the people that you

deal with at this point. did they fuck you over? Yeah Yeah, I mean that's the whole real talk you got fucked over. You've been fucked over a lot in your professional life but when you expect The outcome could possibly be that especially now back in the day it would have thrown me But now it's it's a day and age who, again, have the ability to put something together from a television perspective. Not so much radio because they've strangled sports right to the death. It's pretty much, it's blockbuster now.

There's really no reason to talk about it. But there certainly is a lot of room to put on sports broadcasts and we don't have any. There's no host driven television show. So what do you do next? Well this is what's coming. You're pivoting now. Yeah so is this the announcement? No. But I can't tell you. Wait a minute. I can't tell you that it is coming. Alright so I want to welcome to the show. We're not finished with that topic Mike Richards. Joel Goldberg hell of an

FOTM amongst his many many credits. You're still at Zoomer right my friend? Yes. Amongst your many many credits, Electric're still at Zoomer right my friend? Yes amongst your many many credits Electric Circus, he's a creator of Electric Circus. I know someone who was a dancer on Electric Circus The cowboy no John Carlos Campos Carlos JC. Yeah JC. Joe would know that name Joel. So Joel also directed many a great video in his time not just shuffle demons but maestro fresh wass do you remember the video for let your backbones slide course it was was groundbreaking do you remember the video for drop the needle I have a funny

bad story that should never be told about it but yes I know that let's hear it can we tell let me hear it well no because it led to a very bad stalking incident oh see some reason you seem to really enjoy the end of day stories. I didn't know where that was going. The down and out guys drinking themselves to death in Las Vegas. They're like, let's talk more about that.

Well, I think we should talk more about the darkness. We're always talking about the light, and then people listen and think, oh, no one else is in the dark. I live in the dark. Without the dark, there would be all my britches. You adopted the dark. I live in the dark. Without the dark, there would be no Mike Richards. You adopted the dark. I was born into it.

Yeah, absolutely. And sadly still continue to kind of dance with it. Okay, but you always have a place to share here on Toronto Mike. While you fix, you're not announcing anything, just that there's something to announce. But it is coming in the fall. And is it, can I ask, like is it a TV? Like the traditional television? It is coming in the fall. And is it, can I ask like is it a- Television. TV. But TV, like the traditional television?

Yes, like pick up the remote and click on it and you'll see me. So this is for boomers? No. I feel like, is it also on the internet? You can also stream this. You're talking like one of those seers of the seance people.

I see, I see, I see four leaf clovers. What does that mean? Just trying to narrow it down? Yes, okay. Is it a podcast? No. Well, it could be it might be a podcast I just need to find someone who could do that for me. I don't know who that can you know, I do that right really Yeah, I'm gonna write that down write that down my great. That's literally what I do Yes, but it is going to be television first and then whatever else we need to support it Which is probably that but I can figure that out later and you can't name who you're With what network because it's different. I can't say that there one of them is in the states and it will be Fox

That's who you know you Josh see you treat see you push me to area so that I end up sounding like Trump Joel you're your TV guy Everything Mike said was true too about this day and age with broadcasts. It's tough So why do you why not just cut him out? I don't have a partnership with any broadcast the zoomer never knocked on my door No, I bet you did it right you did it the right way for this day and age But Mike's Mike Richards is in but pretend like he's not here. He's in this day and age. We're talking now. He's got a name too.

It's July 20, 24. Why does Mike Richards need a broadcasting partner? Oh, I see what you're saying. Well, just cut them out. Just you have the Internet. You could be a YouTube show and a podcast. OK, but it still won't drive the numbers like someone sitting down and clicking on a television and seeing that.

Now it can it can work, you know, in relationship with the other thing. You think Joe Rogan's on television? Yeah, but Joe's a little more famous than me. Okay, but you have a name in this market. Yeah, but you have to find a way that fits. Okay, put it this way. If you want to do a sports podcast, how many are those? There's a lot of... A thousand?

Sure. Like, I don't know. and so there's really no money in it There's no there's no money in there not Mike Richards, right? You're you're ace in the holes that you're Mike fucking Richard, but it but it doesn't matter when you go to most they're like, okay Well, how many okay? So if you have it's it's you have to explain it. Okay, forget most and go to left field Go to Great Lakes Brewery. I'm okay. I look I'm not here to I'm here to say You have content that many people Desire and you don't need some big old old old a media partner to fuck you over Hold on because they over so many times correct, which is why this approach when I announce it

You'll see why it's different. Will you announce it on Toronto mic'd will you come back? You know what just to piss you I'm gonna do it on the zoomer. Zoomer radio. You're gonna do it? Joel, what are you up to these days buddy? Well, season seven of your all-time classic hit parade is coming back. And remind people what exactly that is. Fission TV every Friday night at 8.30, we have an amazing band and amazing singers and we perform songs from the Great American Songbook. Okay. And it's the highest rated. That's a fantastic idea. I didn't know that was a thing. Yeah. I had no idea. Check it out.

Did you just let your back go and slide on that playlist? No, no hip hop. But I keep in touch with Wes. He's had a great year. Yeah, his name's come up over the last year. Yeah, the Juneau Hall of Fame. Governor General's award. He's having a moment. He's having his moment. We worked hard for that. Which he deserves. Absolutely. He's a great guy.

I remember going to that show at Nathan Phillips Square. What was it called? Something of the Six. Legends of the Six? Yeah, it was Dream Wars, Mishy. I worked with all of them back in the day. You did, I know. And I was there and I saw you and your brother there Yeah, and I see you're rocking the guardian. Yeah Cleveland boy gotta love the Guardians man The third lowest payroll in the league and the best record in the American League See we took guys from Cleveland and we don't have the same results here, but I will go ahead. They those two

Were awful in Cleveland. You're talking about... Well, I can't... Schathkins. Yeah, Schathkins. I would like, I root against the Jays because I need those two removed. Yeah, we turned, when they left and Tito Francona came to the Guardians, it's success after success, six division titles, World Series.

But he did realign the seats at the dome. Right? And there's more places to drink there, but still no Great Lakes. I said a water and a hamburger was 30 bucks. Are you kidding me? I believe that. Are you kidding me? I easily believe that. Oh yeah, so I was just at the game a couple of Sundays ago because my daughter bought

me tickets for Father's Day. She bought you tickets? She work at a bank. She wanted a foot long. Okay. Uh, and then I'm like, okay, I'm, I'm going to buy you a foot long or whatever, but yet just the foot long. We were talking 18 bucks or something like that, right? This is like a hot dog. Okay. Hey, we talk Cleveland. So no Cleveland, no Bowie. Hey, who's moist is that? You're my homeboy, Michael Williams. Love that guy. Those are great days. Yeah. Wow

Yeah, yeah, no Cleveland. Yeah, we all grew up in that that little playground that Moses built, you know much music City TV That's where that was that's where I grew up. You were 99 Queen Street? Yeah, and I was at 99. You were at 99. I remember 99. Yeah Oh that was It was the Wild West right right you could you could create something Because you were promoted that way to do it and he took guys who took chances. That's what I miss That's honestly what I miss is you know people out there creating on the fly and taking a chance now It's it's the op everyone's afraid. That's you know, everybody's afraid They want to look like everybody else and and they think they're going to get fired the next day. I used to go in there when I was producing Toronto Rocks.

I'd grab a camera, hit the streets, shoot a couple things, hit the Etup Bay, and by 5 o'clock put it on the air. And the freedom that he created for all these young kids running around. We were a bunch of brats. So was that the John Major days or is this Brad? I took over after, at the very end of John.

Yeah. And most of my work was with Brad, but they're both amazing. Oh, and Brad is just like one of the most solid guys of all time. Great man. He's been on Toronto Mic too. Has he? Yeah.

Did you know Giffin is a fake name? I get emails from him. Look, I'm sick of your little trivia, your little interesting points. Or no, maybe he's the other way around. I don't know, buten is a fake name? I'm sick of your trivia, your little interesting points. Maybe he's the other way around. I don't know, but he has a different last name when I get emails from him. I can't tell which one's the fake one, which one's not here. But yeah, he's an FOTM, much like you two fine gentlemen. All right, so Joel, how hands-on is Moses at the Zoomerplex these days? He's step-to-side. He's incredibly engaged. Really? And you still get daily emails from him.

You know, I met him. I met him at that Electric Circus. That's right, the Electric Circus. And the thing about that is that there is a team, a production team, who are producing an Electric Circus documentary. Okay, this is the guy who, we just dropped the name, dropped the needle like 10 minutes ago.

Yeah. And I was, and so the gentleman who produced that great play to record documentary. Great doc. Yeah. And his name is? Rob Freeman. Rob Freeman. Oh he does, yeah that's fantastic work.

Yeah. And Neil Artura was the writer and he's going to be the writer for the Electric Circus too. Okay, I got a question about Electric Circus. So the weird thing about Electric Circus is it's kind of a Bell and Rogers thing, right? Because like City TV is Rogers and Much Music is Bell. So who do you, like which overlord do you have to deal with? Both of them? That's a really good question. I never thought that I can get with that question. When we started Electric Circus it was on City TV.

Right. And it moved over to Much. To the Cowboy. Yes. Should we tell Mike who the who the cowboy? Yeah, and his son so cowboy One of the most famous dancers The most famous okay. His name is Ken Rick Pompeii K Pompeii. He released an excellent song I still spin it periodically called summertime summertime 12 inch single. Okay, K Pompeii

It's funny cuz it all ties into the IBL which is the league where literally we get the best seats in the house by the way I want to ask you about that in a minute Joel but K Pompeii fathered he went on to father after he was a cowboy dancer two great ballplayers one of whom played for the Toronto Blue Jays Dalton Pompeii. Oh so Dalton Pompeii's dad. I didn't even, I didn't even don on me when you said that. Yeah, Dalton Pompeii's dad was the cowboy dancer on Electric Circus. Mike's not, his mind's not blowing like it should be. There should be good planes everywhere.

Electric Circus probably wasn't exactly in my field. Yeah, I would have been watching The Metal Hour and Gallagher show. Yeah, John. No, no, not John. No, that's Test Pattern. Test Pattern. Yeah, I worked on that as well. Test Pattern was hilarious.

It was a great show. It was great. He's a wonderful guy to work with too. Oh man, shout out to Ridley Funeral Home. Gone far too soon. Gone far too soon here. Wow, that was... So Joel, can I ask you more questions about this documentary?

So how far along are we in the... And is there any role in this documentary for the FOTM Hall of Famer known as Retro Ontario? Oh yeah, well, it came to be because of Mr. Retro Ontario. Ed and I were watching some old Electric Circus stuff that he was digitizing for me, and I said, you know what, I'm really interested in doing a doc and I want to direct it, cause that's what I do now. I direct documentaries.

And you're very good at it. Thank you. And then Ed said, I don't think you should do it. You're too close to it. You're part of the story. You shouldn't be directing it. And he said, I want you to look at this documentary

called Drop the Needle. And I did, and I thought it was fantastic, and we arranged a meeting with Rob and Neil, and we went and had some beers, and that's where it... Great Lakes beer? Just pretend. Of course. Octopus.

Yeah, they drank it at Ridley's Führer home. All right, continue. And yeah, so then Rob got in touch with Lana Morrow, who was the producer for the Robbie Robertson doc. And they are now in the process. Once We Were Brothers? Is that the one? Yes, yeah.

It's very good too. Yeah, she's, and she also did Hip Hop Nation with Banger Media. Yes. And that's where they were at right now is that we're there in the fundraising portion but it's gonna happen. So will you have to get clearance from Bell and Rogers to make this happen? I know we kind of... Yes. I mean we're not at that point. Good luck with that Mr. Goldberg. That sounds like hell on earth. Well I mean look what happened to the Much Music documentary. Do you have any

insight into that because it was promoted by Crave as debuting on a Friday. Right. It did not debut. I feel like it's Ron Howard's voice in the rest of development. Producers did not do their due diligence. They didn't pay for music. Can't he just re-edit it? That would cost a ton of money. I don't know. He's already out of a lot of money because he mortgaged his home to do the Roy Thompson Hall thing, right? Yeah. So like he's an FOTM too. And I root for, you know, I root for the creative guys who take big swings. Right. Like Sean Menard is his name. Yeah. Well, I was in the, in the dock and he, he's a great guy. He interviewed

me. He's, I thought it was good. I went to the Roy Thompson Hall thing. Yeah. He just, you got, you got to do your due diligence when you Do documentaries he consulted a lawyer apparently like an American lawyer. That's right here Okay, so but for those that don't know the issue Mike Richards into what is the issue with the much music doc? there are Musical sequences that were shot at much music that he used in the documentary but he didn't clear the rights to it and there's a US lawyer that he was consulting but for and the US lawyer said go ahead it's fair use it's

context and it's not the same in Canada as it is in the United States so he took some bad advice and that's where we're at now so I hope it does get shown on Crave at some point. It's funny, I was talking to somebody who, I won't even drop his name, but an FOTM, who's kind of in the know and all this stuff, and sort of like on the Monday, so it was supposed to air on Crave on the Friday, so I was naturally curious.

I'd seen it with you at the Roy Thompson Hall, but I was curious to watch this thing on demand, and it never arrived, so of course now I'm very interested in like what went wrong. And he's like, Oh, they got to clear up some licensing stuff. It'll probably be delayed a week. Okay. So that was a long time ago. That week is a long one. So it sounds like this is going to have to be traded on VHS cassettes and back alleys. Okay. Well meet me in the back alley, grab a graffiti alley and I'll sell you a VHS cassette of this 299 Queen Street. What did you think of the 299 Queen Street?

I thought it was pretty good, and you know, people should see it, I would like people to see it. Did you notice a lot of that early footage, although promoted as Bell Media opening up the library, I noticed a lot of that early footage was from the personal collection of Ed Conroy. That's right, retro Ontario. So think about that for a minute.

Ed's doing more to preserve the early years of much music than Bell Media. He is. And I mean that's a whole other issue. It's a huge issue. Apparently they were going to start digitizing all those archives and I think that's not happening. I don't know. You know, I'm out of that loop, but it's it's a shame Who's digitizing the early years of the Mike Richards morning show on 1050 TSM radio? I used to listen that all the time. Yeah, they're they've lost those

tapes they've Somehow I they recorded some old Movies, they had such balls. They were promoting some other product or something some internal thing or whatever and they used me in it I'm like wait a minute I'm the guy you you fired with the highest rating post firing I'm the guy with the highest ratings who you took my job away when I was Having a bowel resection wives when I had cancer Then you get rid of me so fucking cool, then, then you use my footage to promote a product?

I mean, this is what I'm saying. This is what you deal with. What I miss, what I really miss, because we can probably go back almost the same time. Probably. See, I love Chum. Chum was my home. The Waters family. I just, I cry every time.

See, I thought everything because it was my first job. Back in 1985, 86, I thought my whole life would be like it was my first job, back in the 80s, 85, 86, I thought my whole life would be like it was at Chum. And boy was I wrong. Because everyone doesn't have that sense of humanity. The dignity of how you treat people, I thought existed just like it did at Chum. And of course, it didn't. Very quickly.

I felt the same way at Chum Television. You know, at City, every project I did, it was just a little family and it was a blast. I thought the rest of my life, next thing you know, Bell took over and one by one everybody got laid up. And then what? Now one by one everybody got laid up. But hey, let's talk. I said, oh, let's talk is it oh let's talk oh my god I called I called it

a beard when I said I said it is it is a corporate beard so then they can gas everybody that they don't want to pay. Alright by the way I want to just point out I could reach out and grab them right now is Mark Weisblat 1230 are you gonna come on the mic today? Why? Why are you withholding your services from Toronto Mic'd? He's shaking his head. I thought he was Secret Service for a while. You know, because they never think it's gonna be those guys. Yeah, he does. He's actually kind of our heavy here on Toronto Mic'd. So, Mark, you're here but you're not gonna come on the mic. What's it gonna cost me? Another beer. He won't even. He's gesturing here. I'm gonna get Blair on.

That works well on radio. Yeah, he's playing. So, do's he's he's playing so first of all do you know Blair Packard of course okay yeah so how come the jitters were never played on electric circus what's going on well it's you know that's not hardcore dance you're next the jitters were phenomenal band they're more of you know roots rock that type of thing so how can people help make this Electric Circus thing and how can you get Monica Dior on Toronto Mic'd? Those are the two questions. Oh Monica would love to do it. I've had personal conversations where she seems very into it. Yeah. Until that moment of I slide into her DMs and say hey why don't we pick a day in time and then suddenly

she's busy. I'll talk to her. Yeah. She has shown, I've, I was a weird time where she was in town for a few things and I bumped into her like three times and, Oh, what's this controversy here? I'm just watching the game here. By the way, Joel, what do you think of the baseball? I love it. This is a perfect day for her too. I'm a, I grew up with baseball in Cleveland, of course. You're from Cleveland. So,, so back to the important... Monica, by the way, is attached to the doc. She's... Is she attached to the doc the way Erica Ann was attached to 299 Queen 3 Ways? No, no. Monica's in it. She has to be. She's the star. It's tough to do that talk without her. Yeah. Even though you know who the original host was. Well, I know you know. Well, it was Monica and Mike Williams.

Michael Williams, yeah. Michael Williams, is he part of this? I'm sure he will be at some point in time. But- No Cleveland, no Boeing. The show was created by Moses as a vehicle for Monica. So, but Monica and Michael- Was she there for the first episode?

Yes. Okay, so it's Michael and her. Oh yeah. And at some point, Michael's just, hey, yeah. And at some point Michael's just hey You can do other things Michael Michael had soul in the city had rap city and all this other stuff. So he was very busy. Do you know who introduced? maestro fresh west to the To Stevie B. Do you have the authority on that story? Michael Williams is taking credit for that intro

I know you're gonna be gentle here, but he's my homeboy if he said I Know I'll make it be you were there, right? I was in the basement when that when all that happened all I know is that Stevie B asked me Who represents him I said the big guy who's right right behind our reflex chorus I thought he represents him if you want to talk to somebody, talk to him. So I don't know, maybe afterwards Mike introduced him. I don't know.

Okay, well Mike doesn't look like a bullshitter. No, absolutely not. He's a Clevelander. All Clevelanders. We don't lie. Clevelanders don't even know the definition of the word lie. That's right. Right, Mike? We know lay. Well, if you're a Browns fan you might feel

differently about that. Ouch. Oh I forgot LeBron did deliver. Okay so LeBron delivered a championship for the Cavaliers. 2016. So if we put that aside which is kind of like saying if you put the Raptors championship in 2019 aside when was the last major championship for Cleveland if we put that aside? 48 for the Indians and now the Guardians and 64 for the Browns. So that's actually worse than Toronto, because Toronto, we have a 219, same thing, we got an NBA championship 2019. I said 219, like what the hell is that?

2019, but if you put that aside, we have to go back to 93. Right. Which sounds amazing compared to 48. Oh, yeah. And what about? I mean, the manager of this team was on that 1993 World Series team. What about the Leafs? The Leafs is 67. 67. I'm not sure, I mean, people of this team was on that 1993 World Series team. What about the Leafs?

The Leafs is 67. 67. I'm not sure, I mean people can't see this, but I believe the children are revolting against a higher power and I think it has something to do with Trudeau, I gotta be honest. I can't read what it says on the flag, but maybe I can't read that. So Joel, how can we help make this documentary on a larger scale? Not much we could do yet we're still waiting on to hear from some funding bodies to see if we got money and the minute it happens I'll let you know you

gonna come on Toronto Mike to announce it you got it maybe Mike Richards announces his new I'll do that I just want announcements always made on Toronto Mike that's what I asked for I will promise you, the minute I hear it, I'll announce it on Toronto Mic. Do you want to introduce, you introduced Blair Packham. Yeah. Joel, and then you give him your headset.

Okay, Blair, come on over. One of the greatest Canadian musicians ever. And one of my favorite bands back in the day, the Jitters. Blair, not Rick Emmett. Ladies and gentlemen, Geddy Lee. Landing on the roof. Mike, do you know the Jitters?

Yes, I do. Yeah, likewise. Can you sing with me, Red Hot Fools? Would you sing that with me? No. Must have been crazy, played it hot. Should have played it cool. I'm trying to think, in the video,

there was a pal of mine from Ryerson who ended up playing faking the keyboards in one of the videos. Yes it was Paul Greenberg. Paul Greenberg yeah yes yeah yeah who you know what he's doing now? No is he in LA? I don't know. He's in LA and he works with oh god I've forgotten his name now. Well Vito's down there you're talking about Karen Evans and Vito. They're all part of the- The vacant lot. The vacant lot, yes.

And- Did the vacant lot do Mr. Canoehead? Or is that- No. That's four on the floor. No, that was Peter- Okay, sorry. But Mark McKinney's brother is in the vacant lot.

Yes. Yes. That's right. Nick. Nick McKinney. Yeah, he likes to be known as Mark McKinney's brother. Well, I do remember his name, Nick McKinney. Yeah, he likes to be known as mark McKinney's brother And they had the sex pistols theme song pretty vacant

Yes, what's with all the trivia on the show? I gotta be on you to turn a mic. It's a little it's a little annoying It's a little off. What do you think of it? Oh, I love it. Oh No, I'll mute you cuz I, I love it, but it is a function of your a d a d h d. Okay, right deep flight. Hold on. We gotta let's see here. Watch, watch, watch. Oh no, he didn't make the catch and he was slow out of the box. I don't know if he tripped him about that. He only got a single out of that. I thought that was gladi for a second. I know he does have ladies old hair because let you get a hair. You know, I know I saw that best news to come out of the journal blue jays team in twenty, twenty four of lady, get haircut. I know he does have like his old hair because he got a haircut you know. I know I saw that. Best news to come out of the Toronto Blue Jays team in 2024.

I'm glad you got a haircut I guess. Okay so Blair, nice to see you. Nice to see you too Mike. How are things? I know you listened to the Ron James episode and then it prompted, you don't have to give any secret details, but it prompted a lovely exchange between you and Ron James. Well Ron James is one of the good guys. He's a great guy and and I've known him not very well for many years. So, you know. But he and you had a lovely exchange thanks to you, you know, sending him a note after hearing him on Toronto.

Yeah. And I just said how much I enjoyed it and I'm all, I'm going to say something. I enjoyed hearing about his multiple homes, but I was joking. I was needling him. Yeah, because that was my joke, right? Yes. Which is because I joked that he his multiple homes, but I was joking. I was needling him. Yeah, because that was my joke, right? Yes, and so I figured I... I joked that he had multiple homes. Yes, and he's sensitive about this, and I think if anybody deserves multiple homes, it's Ron James. He's worked really hard and he's so talented. He talks so fast, he could probably talk in all the homes at the same time.

Exactly, yes. I am glad... He's a great guy. ...to have FOTM Blair Packham and FOTM Mike Richards on the mic at the same time because I'm hoping we can spend a moment or two talking about Bob Makkowitz Sr. Yes. Now we'll start with you Mike. You worked for Bob right? Yeah. Eventually I did when he was asked to come in and run the fan. Right. And people would have thought well why would you bring in one of the most brilliant

sort of minds that you've seen for FM radio, for the classic rock radio format. Q107. For music. But, and now he makes this leap. So I finally get, I mean, I'd known him for years, but I now get to work with this man. And, you know, it should never be sold short. And you had just mentioned about being one of the good guys. Yeah. Because we don't have enough of them anymore.

It's like, you know, every time I see like Rob Salem will say something, you know, on Facebook or whatever, I'm like, FOTM Rob Salem. God, I miss people like that. You know, I do miss solid people and I've used this word already on this program, but it's the humanity that I miss. You know, so this dignity that you give people, this respect, and then the encouragement to do something that someone else hasn't done before. So he was always, as brilliant as he was, and trust me, he was

a brilliant guy But he always wanted to be surprised by someone else coming with something that he thought was entertaining or he thought was different or Whether it was even spoken word or a band Yeah, you know something cuz he could he could turn that switch and go back into the his his mental archives Which is deep and wide and then somehow tie it together intellectually that you could just sit there and I would just listen to him with that long neck. That's a long neck you got there. We had so many great moments and it just always reminds you that you think you have all the

time in the world and I thought we probably very shortly because I haven't seen a long time would sit down and have a beer yeah yeah I'm gonna sit down and talk with this guy and you just never know it was crushing when I saw the news it was certainly crushing for the industry I'm not sure if people beyond the q107 sort of scope realized that he he may have been one of the greatest radio executives that we've ever seen in this country. In this country, yeah. I agree. So Blair, did you know him from Q107? I knew him initially as a fan when I first started listening to Q107. And yeah, and I

was just an admirer of the work that he did. But then I met him through my band. And when we were in the Q107 contest and so forth and and He was just a great guy. He was you know, again one of the good guys as you say homegrown was the name of that Homegrown. Oh, yeah. Yeah homegrown contest. I think honeymoon sweet. There's a little tribute for you. Yeah, the first winners Where were you on that? Not heard honeymoons? Where are you on that one? My energy on that one Mike honeymoon so obvious, I didn't waste my energy on that one, Mike. Honeymoon Sweep. See, that one's turning into Trump and Biden.

You didn't know, he doesn't know where he is. He's searching for something to say. He doesn't know what he's doing. By the way, while we were talking about the legend that was Bob Macklewitz, a senior, by the way, Bob Macklew Jr. is an FOTM. Bob Macklew, senior, I always wanted to get on Toronto Mike, but he somehow escaped me.

I don't know how he managed to do that. But while we were chatting, there was a great bang bang play at the plate where the Maple Leafs did get the Hamilton guy out of the plate. But it was really, really, I'm just. What is that game going on over there? The baseball game.

Oh, it's a baseball game. I'm just waiting for the children to revolt. I don't know what that was. That was scary. It's so sunny that everybody's trying to find the shade from the trees. So every time there's shade from trees, everybody's like right beside each other. It is funny to look at. Yeah. Yeah. It's like everyone's desperate for shade out there on the, on the hill. It reminds me of, you know, you probably

played enough of these, but I love the outdoor gigs. You know, they have four or five bands on a, on a bill, no matter where it was. You must, they have four or five bands on a bill, no matter where it was. You must have had a ton of great moments of places that kind of, like this. I have two memories of outdoor gigs that I'll share with both of you. One of them was playing at the, I think, is it the Western Fair in London?

Yes. And it was at the end of the summer, and it happened to be a cool night, and I sweating because I do and when I was playing and my head started giving off steam in the lights and so I said to the audience you know other bands spend a lot of money on pyro and effects and we just have steam head and my band laughed and then started chanting steam head steam head and then the audience started chanting. The other memory is playing at Freedom Fest in Windsor.

So with Detroit across the river, and it was Shadfly season. So as I'm singing some long note in some song, a Shadfly flew right in my mouth. Oh no. Yeah, wasn't good. So those are my outdoor gig memories. But yes, I sure love those outdoor gigs. But otherwise amazing.

So Blair, you're not a big baseball fan. No, it doesn't mean I don't like it. Just don't know much about it. I like to go to a Jays game once or twice a year. But you could recognize decent baseball versus bad baseball. This is decent baseball. These guys can play. Yeah, and I love the idea that, you know,

no ticket required, right, Mike? Like, you can just come here on a beautiful sunny Sunday. You can just drop by. But I had to park so far away. Where did you park? I don't know if they're English speaking people. I have no idea where they're. So I biked here today, but I did drive here on Mother's Day,

which was the first day we recorded live from Christie Petz, May 12th, and I parked on that street I'm pointing to right now. There was no chance. I'm by a place called Farm Fiesta. Oh, sure. Yeah. Fiesta Farms.

Fiesta Farms. Fiesta Farms. Is that a long way off? It's a very popular grocery store in this neighborhood. I need to... I'm going in. Yeah. I'm going in. Apparently it's fantastic. Yeah. Yeah. Okay they're not a

sponsor so we'll be going to Palma's kitchen. I do know. Where is Anthony by the way? Mike's a big fan. Yeah where is Anthony? He's not here. I wasn't looking around but I actually wanted Palma Pasta to be the official food vendor of Toronto Maple Leafs baseball like I pitched that. Mmm. And it just never came to be. Well you'd have to serve the lasagna. Lasagna in the middle of summer. Yeah, that might be a tough one. Well, they do the taste of Little Italy. That's true, and it was at TMLX,

and the pasta was fantastic. Blair, thank you for coming. I actually did not expect to see you at TML. I know Mike has a long drive, so I didn't expect to see Mike at TMLX 15. But Blair, I didn't expect to see you because I knew you had a gig that night. And when I saw you there with your girl, your lady friend,

Lady Janet VandeGraaff. Yes. Future FOTM Janet VandeGraaff. I was like mind blowing because I didn't expect to see you. It was great to see you. I thought we would surprise you. Yeah, I was very surprised. And you were there in time for the speeches. Yep.

Yeah. And you were very emotional. Well, I did get emotional, but it was unrecorded. So I felt very free to be emotional. Well, there would have been echo all over. You miss it. You miss it. That's only if we let El Grego do it. Shout out to FOTML. Was there trivia? Did you drop in some trivia while you were crying? Any fun facts? While he was crying. You know, Richard, you didn't do that on your radio show. No fun facts or mind blows? No. I want to recreate the Jane Sibbery fun fact moment. If we could. Mike had a fun fact and-

I think it's a, can I tell Mike the fun fact? Yes, please. Okay. Yeah. Okay. You know Jane Sibbery, the singer? Yes, yes. One of her biggest hits.

Who are they booing here? Hold on. What was that? Home run. Home run. Was it to right field? Because when they do hit a ball to left, I'm gonna leave the mic and go try to catch the ball. Okay, so that's a,

Toronto Maple Leafs have hit a home run, but it was to right field, so we didn't get a chance to catch it. But Jane Sibiri, and now what is the score? I'm looking up there, my nice eye, one all,

if I'm reading that correctly. Good God, how can you see that? Yeah, if I'm reading that correctly. Okay. Good God, how can you see that? Yeah, really. My young 50 year old eyes. Okay, so, Jane Siberee had a big hit with Meet Me on the Beach. Oh yeah.

Meet Me on the Beach, Meet Me on the Beach. I remembered the song. The video for Meet Me on the Beach was directed by a guy, I believe his name was Richard Oleksiak. Richard would go on, sort of like the cowboy dancer going on to father Dalton and the other Tristan Pompey. Players waiting for the punchline here.

No, I'm just like, what are those references? Richard Oleksiak, who directed Mimi on the Beach, would go on to father the most decorated Olympian in the history of this country, Penny Oleksiak, who will be in Paris running some relay races. I guess they're swims. Do you race? I guess you're racing, you're swims. So Penny Oleksiak's father directed Meme on the Beach for Jane Sibri. So have you soaked all that in yet? Yeah.

I'll give you a moment. That was a long way to go for that. There's more. Oh no, no. So Mike says- This is like a Norm Macdonald bit. So Mike says- You left the light on.

Mike says to Jane Sibri, he recites what he just said, and he goes, that's a fun fact. Isn't that a fun fact? And Jane, who has been silent through all of this, goes, no, actually, I don't think that's a fun fact.

I don't think that's interesting. I don't think that's a fun fact. And then of course, I'm unable to let it go and proceed That's that was the money I have to revisit Because I love Jane and I think it's hooked me up with Jane Yeah, and I think it's excellent that she if she didn't think it was a fun fact She just said so, you know tell you what you want to hear but the fact that you had to try and I couldn't proceed and I stopped down and I'm like

Even if you don't give a shit about sports you can still acknowledge Ryan, you know. I couldn't proceed. And I stopped down and I'm like, even if you don't give a shit about sports, you can still acknowledge that. How can that not be a fun fact? Cause Mike, you are now gonna make your ruling. Yeah. Is that a fun fact? The Sibiri one? No, the fact that the director of Mimi on the Beach would go on to father the most decorated Olympian

in the history of Canada. But I think you're saying it because you like to emphasize most decorated. That's why you're saying it. So it's not actually the fact that... How else would you say it? Well I'd say the most decorated and then what she does actually. The human who has won more medals than any other Canadian in the history of the Olympic Games. Too bad though it's a pool event. Not big on it. Eh.

You know what? This is gonna be the summer of summer. Summer Macintosh is going to make you forget the name Penny Alexiak. Okay. I'm just shouting this out now. The one who makes the toffee. Yes. This, this I can get with. Okay. Mike Richard. I only want to see the track mostly in the basketball. I love all the Olympics. I'll watch shit. I'll never watch it for any, the kayak stuff?

I'll watch the, the Adam Bank. Like the canoe stuff's got to go. I'm a kayaker, you know, I have to watch it. That's what people do at the cottage after a couple of beers. I'll never watch it for any kind of moment. I'll watch the the atom like the canoe stuffs gotta go That's what people do at the cottage after a couple of beers, I don't need to see it on TV Larry as a non sports person will you tune in to the Olympics? No It's just my reality like it With broadcast TV. I could be flipping around and something could attract me. I could think, oh wow, I want to see this. But honestly, without that, I just would never see it.

It would never cross my mind. See, and that's why, for those that get the, how do I call it, the IPTV, the firestick where you can get every channel known to man. Right, right. The pirates. There is a Van Halen, there's a couple couple Van Halen channels, but one of them is just guys who pulled out like cameras and recorders. There's stuff that you know, so the quality is really bad. Yeah, but you know, it'll be from like

1980 or 1980 or whatever, some concert and and and all of a sudden something you've never seen before maybe maybe David Lee Roth hitting all his marks, but it's just phenomenal, even though he can get by the cold, you know, there's Eddie and the boys playing. That would be fascinating. It is. That would be fascinating. Blair, what do you think the odds are that your former CIUT colleague Mark Weisblat would pop on the mic for a moment?

I think- Do you remember being on the air with him? colleague Mark Weisblot would pop on the mic for a moment? I think... Do you remember being on the air with him? Yeah, I have vivid memories of being on the... We used to do a show together... I'm lying, completely lying. Okay, I'm going to come clean. I was only saying that we were on the air together to needle Mark, that's all, because he's ten years younger than me.

It did. Yeah, I could tell he got agitated. And you'd bring it up, and then he'd get agitated. And so, but I want to come clean. We used to record three hours a month together. That's right. Now I can't get him on this mic for two minutes. Would you do two minutes before Robert Lawson? You maybe even introduce Robert Lawson who's been waiting patiently in the wings.

Would you? Will he, will, will Mark, I'm asking now Robert, Robert, will Mark introduce you? There you go. That's a yes. Okay. So what's, what's going on in your life? Anything? How you go. Tessie, yes, okay. Okay. So what's going on in your life? Anything, how are things going?

Like, I don't know, give us a little update here before you disappear. Well, things are good. I've got a show with Scott and Scooter. That's my comedy music show with Janet Van de Graaff on the 27th of July. Who's very talented. Who is very talented.

And yeah, we're doing the Scott and Scooter show. What day? In a backyard on Saturday, the 27th of July what back here? I don't know I know no, it's not I know but it's it's you can do right here You can look it up under community out which amazing. Yeah, and it's a yeah, it's a gathering place and yeah, it'll be fun Okay, Blair pack. I'm thanks so much buddy Remember to go to recycle my electronics dot CA on the daily when you have the old tech, the old electronics, the old cables, and you need to know where to recycle them so the chemicals don't end up in our landfill. Mark's in two minutes. You'll be fine. Thank you, Blair. You're amazing.

Nice meeting you, Blair. That was a pleasure. So this is very special because in 2024, this voice has not been heard on the Toronto Mike airwaves and I'll bet you Mike Richards has no idea This greatness he's in the presence of right now Mark Weisblat Welcome back to Toronto Mike the amount of harassment that I was on the receiving end of and TML X-15 your 50th birthday party. Thanks for being there, buddy. At GLB. It's good to see you there. People wondering, when are you going back on Toronto Might? And my reaction is, he has not invited me.

And your response is, I'm the one who has to tell you when I'm coming on. We stopped the recurring event, and then I thought we left it where, when you're ready to come on, you'll let me know. And then we booked you once in 2023 I know you're over one. I was over twice in 2023 now maybe really early to come on the mic because I am a member like what is going on? I'm a member of the FOTM hall of fame and I wonder if if my status will be revoked i'll be pete rosed out of Toronto.

He never got into the Hall of Fame to get booted. If I don't renew my vows with you at least once during this calendar year. What happened to the 1236 newsletter? That's a whole other story, but I'm happily carrying on working in journalism, news, media. With Alan's why media Uh, yeah, I bumped in irons in the fire all over the place Saving jewish journalism in canada. Well, it's not gonna be canadian jewish news Bad hop on that one the blue the maple leaves. I must come the blue days. He's a play of the plate

He's safe at home Double that was an rBI double right there. Mike Richards, were you subscribed? And it's okay if you weren't. I'm just letting you know a lot of people in your industry. Don't put them on the spot. It's not worthwhile. No, but I would see it because you would actually write about things that no one else would write about. Right. Right. When it came to ratings and the goings-ons of what happened in corporate radio, which is very rare.

It's very rare. Very rare. And, you know... So, how long will you be holding your talents hostage? How do we get you back either regularly on Toronto Mic or back to the newsletter? How can we get more wise blot? We're starving. Everything is going all right.

You've seen me, Mike Mike twice in the past 10 days Does it seem like there's any hostility here? Oh, I have a problem with you I gave you a birthday hug a warm embrace. I was in on his birthday gift Did you know about this Mike? The FOTMs we bought Toronto Mike a kayak for his 50th birthday. I was not in on that. No, but I did get a list of everyone who submitted the money. I saw your name on it and it was like

warmed the cockles of my heart. Like, so we're fine. I never thought we weren't fine actually. So we're fine. But if you did want to come on Toronto Mike, I would happily book you to the last one. Well, it would be more, it would be an entertaining subplot. In fact, I was staying away trying to avoid

you I think that's what people were expecting at the party that there was some kind of falling out so we had a problem did you did you talk about Bob McAvoy senior who we lost weeks ago I know that was gonna be a topic about 15 minutes ago on your if they're back we We have to rewind and listen to it all. But what would you say about the loss? Because, yeah, we used to do the Ridley funeral home memorial segments together before I took that on and then I took it off. But what would you say about Bob McAwitt, senior?

Well, of the moment, more intriguing to me was the fact that you were talking to Joel Goldberg, who I caught up with On the flip side and I was reminding Joel Goldberg how I first knew who he was He was an after-school music video host on Channel 47 CFMT he did the show with Shirley McQueen called Something else yes, and he billed himself as else. Yes. And he billed himself as Jay Gold. Right. Then they changed the format of the show and all of a sudden he introduces himself as Joel Goldberg. And I'm thinking what is this made in Switch? This guy has been lying to me the

entire time using a fake name. But in fact he he came out as Joel Goldberg out in the in the open, reminded me here that that stint didn't last very long. He got recruited by City TV, ended up being the producer of Toronto Rocks with John Major, you remember this era, Mike. And then on to Electric Circus. So knowing that he's still collaborating with FOTM Hall of Famer Ed Conroy, Retro Ontario, on the EC documentary. I'm hoping for a better outcome than they had on 299 Queen Street West, whatever the debacle was over there. Yeah, we talked about that with Joel, absolutely. That's sad. That's sad. But I think a little less desperation involved in the Electric Circus documentary. That's gonna be a heroic story. And when I'm on with Toronto Mike T, he's always talking about how Maestro Fresh Wes was discovered on the show by Stevie B.

That came up today. And I've tried to correct the record over time. Yeah, do it before Robert Lawson gets here. You talk about Stevie B as if he was some sort of Bob Dylan figure of the hip hop movement, when in fact he was the cheesiest freestyle music performer with these Jerry curls who fluked in to having this number one hit song,

Because I Love You, the Postman song, but it all fell apart from after that. But you don't deny the facts, okay? I know the fact checker, the official fact checker of Toronto Miced is on deck, and you're gonna introduce him actually, but you don't deny the facts, you just think I put a little too much flavor

on the name Stevie B. Up next, LMR baby, LMR. All the way from the Sunrise Records Store at Cloverdale Mall, the official fact checker of the Toronto Mic'd podcast, emerging from the bushes in which he hides the one and only Robert Lawson. Woo! Mike, you have no idea what you're in for here. Mike, you're a rock and roll fan, right? You're a big fan of the Guess Who? Yeah, of course. Okay, so we're going to talk to a

guy who wrote the definitive book on the Guess Who, The Wheatfield Empire. Is that the name of your book, Mr. Lawson? Wheatfield Empire, yes. Okay, I always know these things. I don't have any notes in front of me do I Mike? I'm just remembering things. Mike Richards meet the official fact checker of Toronto Mike Des, Mark Weisblad just said. Robert Lawson meet each other. Well you must be very busy on a show like this. Because I think half the people lie. So that would keep you...

But guess who? That's interesting stuff because I think You know depending on your age group people may not realize just how crazy big that was at one point as in storming airports and you know it was I Guess that I don't know what year was when they actually go over to England, but there was just... He knows. There was, you know, that CBC doc they did like years ago and looking at some of those clips really quite remarkable and I think sometimes forgotten, sadly, which I don't know why.

I don't know because of the influence they've had and they had for generations after that they really probably don't get their due notice. I don't know I don't understand that. They don't for sure I agree 100% with that. They you know they're Canada's Beatles. When they were at their height you couldn't escape them. Top 10 singles, top 10 albums, number one singles, first Canadian band to have that much international success outside of the country. Unprecedented before they came along. And that's sort of gone, there's a few reasons probably for it and I have some ideas about it, but they don't have that name face recognition like a lot of groups kind of from that era do. So Mike

I'm gonna give you a little context about what I want to get into with with Robert Lawson here so here's the context that I had Randy Backman on Toronto Miked. And then I get a note from the great Robert Lawson who I already had on because he wrote the book on the guest who we already did a deep dive in the guest who people can find that in the Toronto Mike archives But then Robert said I have some issues with the things that Randy said and then I said Why don't you come over and tell me about these issues? And then we played clips of Randy and then we heard Robert Lawson call bullshit on this that and the other and it was

Quite something here. I'm distracted by this ball game And it was quite something here. I'm distracted by this ballgame. Who are they? OK, so just to give a quick score updated is now three to one for the good guys, the Toronto Maple Leafs baseball team. But, oh, I see, we have a race around. That's what's going on. There are these two. OK, there's a race around the field here at Christie Pits, which is, by the way, Robert, I've seen you at Christie Pits before.

What do you think of the the vibe here today? It's great. I'll get back to the guest. I've been coming here for years. I really like just everything about the environment. Now we have a left field on on on the premises, but it's a good time on the hill. You know, there's lots of fun and and you're wearing now you're here you're wearing a Karma Citra IPA shirt

so is that because you needed to bring some Great Lakes to this very left field environment well because your Great Lakes is one of your sponsors I felt I should represent Great Lakes today. Even though once you came over and you wore a left field hat. I did that was a faux pas on my part. I never forget these things Robert, I never forget. Okay so Robert, I need to find out what's going on with the imitation Guess Who. Like can you give us, for those of us who are only following it loosely, this Guess Who, what are their ties to the original Guess Who, how come they're able to use the name the Guess Who, and what's going on now where they're not allowed to play Guess Who songs that they didn't write? Give us this, the 4-1-1 on the Guess Who situation. So the legal name to the Guess Who original bassist Jim Kale

bought the rights to it, and there wasn't really any issue with it because at the time nobody thought that the name would be worth much. This is before... Wait, wait, who does he buy it from? Like, Burden and Randy? Like, who owns this? Like, do you have that info or is he just, he somehow got legal rights to it? Well, their original manager, Jack Richardson, was definitely a co-owner of it. But, you know, and I think we talked about this on the podcast, this is before classic rock kind of became a thing where everyone's rebinding all their old Bob Seeger and CCR albums and all stuff like that. So the idea of how much value the Guess Who name had, probably very little. Burton was having a very successful solo career.

Randy was very successful with BTO. So Jim Cale got the rights. He put out a couple of albums with original material that aren't great but at least it's new stuff and he had some other X Guess Who guys with him. Over the years that has changed into just kind of a tribute band. So is there any people left in the new Guess Who that were a member of the classic Guess Who lineup? So original bassist Jim Cale, he retired a couple years ago. Original drummer Gary Peterson is in the band,

although I know in 2023 or 2022, he missed a lot of dates. So when they tour, if you're lucky, you'll get the original drummer. There's a good chance there'll be no original members, or even members from like later eras of the Guess Who and it's weird because you see pictures and footage on social media of people lining up backstage with their copies of like the American Woman album to get signed by five guys who aren't on that album. So the Guess Who name really comes into play because you

can't guess who's actually probably playing on stage. But can we clarify though that's not happening in this country like that's typically in I don't know the American Midwest or something like like they're not able to play in Canada. Not really. They have people think that they're watching the same band that recorded American Woman. They know they can't really play up here. They can't get away with that here right Mike weird we're two guests who's happy so what is this move I kept reading about Bird and Cummings has made some legal move that prohibits the new guess who if you will from playing the classic hits of the guess who what's that so for a long time when they tour in the States, and they do play a lot of gigs, whether

there's any original members or not. Yeah, like festivals and stuff in the USA. And they do cruise ships and stuff. But when they play, they use original Guess Who music in the radio commercials and on the TV commercials, so you're hearing Randy's guitar, you're hearing Kurt Winter's guitar, you're hearing Burton's voice, and none hearing Kurt Winter's guitar, you're hearing Burton's voice and none of those guys are gonna be there. So that's more the issue that and Burton and kind of his team they let it go for a long time they would keep sending emails and reminding them and the band would say oh

this is our promoter we have no control we have no control. After a while they just got fed up with it. So as the primary owner, the publishing for those songs, he controls who he gives a license to who can perform them. So if there's somebody that he feels is... And to a degree, I do understand that. I mean, it's maybe not as harsh as Gene Simmons not letting poor Peter Chris wear the makeup anymore. I guess he just sits in his house watching all my children with a cat face. I don't know. But I do understand wanting to control the stuff

that you created. I get it. Got a ball coming right at us and. Amazing, right? That's like 20 feet away. That guy made the snag there. Okay, I love it. Please continue Mr. Richards.

But no, I do understand why someone would all of a sudden and I think he has you know full rights to control stuff that he created. I don't think that's unreasonable. But the issue being that they were issued so many numerous warnings to stop using the original Guess Who music in promoting their... Okay, so if I'm here right, they have the legal right to call themselves the Guess Who. That's right. Right. I'm here right. They have the legal right to call themselves the guest who. That's right. Right.

And then of course they had the legal right anyways to perform cover, like they can play, they can sell tickets and then play American Woman, Come Undone and all this stuff, right? Burton was letting them do that for years, yes. But what they can't do is promote the show with recordings from the classic lineup. Am I hearing that right? Well they shouldn't because it's deceiving their audience so

because they... It sounds like that's their game here. It absolutely is. So because they wouldn't stop doing it, Burton pulled the live performance licensing from them. Does that hurt his bank account though? Yes. For all the like... So he had... But let me ask you this. I've seen Trans Canada Highwaymen sing Come Undone. Is that the full name? Or is it a parentheses jam? Undone.

Maybe it's a parentheses jam. No. And Stephen Page does a great job on it, by the way. OK. So I've seen this recently. That is permitted because Burton has blessed their use of it. Yes. So it's not a blanket thing.

He can cherry pick who can do it. Yeah, there's a tribute band that he likes a lot that recently he took some photos with. They're loud. Obviously Lenny Kravitz can play in American Woman and at every concert one of his biggest hits. Sure. Yeah, it's really he's only, you know, I don't want to speak for him, but he's only doing that because they refuse to stop using the original Guess Who music. It's the last resort he had.

Yeah they could have avoided all this by just responding to the first email. Yeah years ago right yes yeah yes so I find about it so much that in answer your question Mike yes it does affect his bank account right because he loses out on performance royalties. Does it affect FOTM Randy Backman's bank account? A little bit. He has some publishing interest, not as much as Burton. Do you think Randy is like, I don't know, is Randy, did he bless this decision by Burton?

Yes, both of them went in on it together. Okay, don't you find this fascinating, Mike? This is like the greatest, I mean, my generation will say, oh, they're tragically hip, but before the tragically hip, there was the Guess Who, and as we mentioned, this is the first Canadian rock band to have international hits and a big US hit, and a big deal, the Guess Who.

To have this going on now is kind of fascinating, right? Well, I also think, too, that, you know, we just talked about the disastrous, sort of the 299 Queen Street to do with rights. I Think there's a way to do it. That is sort of a negotiated thing where both parties win Like it should be that way, you know with that documentary That's a shame because like what are you really getting out of you know a clip of? Music that's 27 years old like what what's your point, except to derail probably a project

that everybody wants to see. Like why, you couldn't honestly come to some kind of conclusion with Sean, you know, in dealing with this. But they're misrepresenting themselves, right? Like this is the, they're misrepresenting themselves as if they're the people who made No Time or whatever. Yeah, and as, yeah, I mean, that part I get, and as I said,

they could have easily, easily have gotten by this by just simply responding to the first couple of letters and saying, I get it, you created it, okay, what if we do this, what if we do that? There's always a way to find middle ground and that live performance group didn't do it. It goes further than that too, because they own the name of the guest who they they changed I think it's been changed back but for a while for a

long time if you looked on Spotify for the Guess Who it would show a picture of the current band right and then underneath it is the American Woman album the share the land album the so long Valentine album so again making it seem as if these guys and I've seen be honest, I've seen clips of these guys on YouTube Really almost making it in, they're implying that they're on the record, so. Right, well they're signing, if someone hands them the album they sign it, right? Yeah. But they don't, let me, the guy's not signing at Bird and Cummings.

No. Oh, I guess that would be worse. Sometimes I sign autographs Mike Richards. Huh, what happens there? They're like, who are you? I thought you were Troy Mike. This is bullshit. So, okay, so what's next for the, to put a bow on this Guess Who situation? Like, what's next? Like, is it just the lawyers negotiate or what's going on? The Guess Who filed counter suit against Burton saying that he's not allowed to say that he was the ex lead singer of the band. Jesus. Sass Jordan's husband is that

singer right? I think that's right. Okay now that's a trivia thing. That's a fun fact. Okay that is a fun fact. Yeah I'm here with the fun facts here and Sass Jordan delightful Toronto mic'd episode where I'm not too sure she knew I was recording things but anyways it was wild. It was wild. Of course she must have known but it was wild actually to hear that here. And Robert Lawson, thank you for coming to TMLX 15. Yeah, that was great. Many guests in a row who've been, Blair was there, Joel was there, you were

there, Mark Weisblat was there, and I'm going to kind of close with a guy who helped organize the whole kayak thing, but it was amazing to see you there. That was a good time. I was glad to meet everybody and find out that apparently I'm pretty infamous among them. Yeah, but do you listen, serious question, do you listen to Toronto Mike? Of course. Okay, you must hear the constant references to Robert Lawson hiding in the bushes if I think somebody's bullshitting me. Yeah, but I didn't believe that there was a meme. Oh

yes, that's true. There's a meme? Is there a meme? Remember Homer Simpson coming out of the bushes? Yes. We put Robert Lawson's face on it. And every time somebody says something we think it's bullshit, Robert Lawson's

coming out of the bushes. And it's great to have you in the not-so-secret FOTM WhatsApp group. Before you leave, because I'm gonna get Tyler on, we gotta talk just briefly here. You have a beautiful wife who is clearly 30 years younger than you. Wow this is starting to heat up now. Look at the woman here. Yes. Right here. Do you see her? What? She's like what? 31? 29? You don't do that. This is what you don't do. You're asking a woman her age.

I have her at 30 I could be wrong. Asking a woman her age. Well this is going sideways like I said I wouldn't mind smell alcohol at this point. So I'm just gonna congratulate you for punching above your weight. Clearly clearly. I asked her earlier we weren't recording but does Robert fact check you at home? And she says yes All the time look she's nodding right now And it's nice that you know, she'll come with you. Yeah, let's go to Christie Pitts Watch some Toronto Maple Leafs baseball and I'm gonna talk about the guess who of Toronto Mike and she's here

Not just here to support you. She's here taking video and photos. What is her first name? Vanessa Vanessa Vanessa, you're the real MVP as far as I'm concerned okay. I should change the meme you're coming out of the bushes now. You're the superstar so Vanessa you're welcome at every Toronto mic till the end of the show. She will never show up at an event like this ever again. Alright. Good on you Robert. I want to chat with Mike Richards ahehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehe Because Mike, you know Cloverdale Mall is gonna become like a like he says it's gonna become like a condo tower with commercial space I'm like, it's gonna redevelop the whole area there. Wow. I've never You know, I was at the Galleria Mall on a bike ride yesterday and I took a photo of the Galleria Mall because I was gifted a

Piece of the brick when they were demolishing the Galleria Mall somebody went and got a brick and gifted it to me the Galleria Mall okay I'll need a brick from the Cloverdale Mall I want you Robert Lawson to secure that for me but just so Mike Richards knows in fact maybe you should tell us Robert what store do you manage inside the Cloverdale Mall? So I manage Sunrise Records. Sunrise Records. Sunrise Records okay that was that was what was the big location on on Yonge Street in the day? Yeah there's one right across from Sam's. Yeah that was a big one. Absolutely and you do a great job every time I'm in Cloverdale I drop by and say hi to FOTM Robert last night.

Thanks for doing this big guy. Thanks guys. Hey Tyler. So Tyler's gonna come on here but Mike we're gonna I wanted to ask you uh when you learned that Bob Cole and we'll let we'll let Tyler listen to a little of this Bob Cole chat because he and I are similar vintage and we grew up with Bob Cole and Harry Neil calling Maple Leaf games. Oh baby. Fucking loved it right Tyler? Oh golly. Yeah. Oh baby but when I think of Bob Cole, I think about Mike Richards and his impressions of Bob Cole. When you learned he had passed, how did you feel when you learned that news? Well, you know, you kind of knew it was coming a little bit. Like he's 90?

You sort of brace yourself for, you know, any moment he would drop. And I just think that, you know, for, you know, using that voice or stealing it like I did for, oh God, 20, 30 years. You borrowed it. I, but you don't imitate people that either aren't so popular, you know, like it's like, you know, people can do obscure impressions. But Bob Cole is the voice, he's the soundtrack of our lives. I mean, if you had to go through some of the great moments in your life, there's going

to be a part of it where you're hearing Bob Cole talk about, Dun Kilmore, he's at it again, he's behind the net, it's out front, scores. You know, it's just, you hear that voice. And so it was years, I don't know what year it was exactly, but I thought, what if I kind of just take his voice and do something terrible like the game show every Friday, Bob Cole Chicks I Like. Where he's-

Well I hear he did like Chicks. He did, but not the way that apparently- I can't remember. Oh no, he wasn't, apparently his daughter thought it was funny, but he didn't think it was funny at all You know it's okay. Let's go to that next broad. No, let me tell you he oh he you know there's like I don't like it. How's he know brought I like did you did you meet Bob? I never did I got a cease-and-desist thought of a McDonald's ad from my agency because you know some of these guys You know if they're in this country, I mean they could have got the gig so why didn't McDonald's I guess just go and get Bob

Cole but it was the one you know the playing cards like collect them all get the Sundin and Gilmore and Clark You know should get a decision to siss for you. Yeah, so I didn't feel bad. He's taking money out of fucking Bob Cole's pocket He's on a budget. Yeah, I didn't feel bad Robin Robin leech tried to sue me like I don't know how many times but they kept putting me on to you know Like like global TV and to do just do these voiceovers and I said, you know, he's you know, his people are gonna call We don't want to pay Bob Kohl's enormous Cost we're gonna get Mike Richard 10% of the money The cheapo scumbag Bob Cole's enormous cost, we're going to get Mike Richards to do it for 10% of the money. The non-union Mexican equivalent.

Yeah, the cheapo scumbag will pay him in rye. He'll do it. Damn right, he'll do it. So McDonald's was okay with this? They attempt. I don't think McDonald's will be like, I don't think we can have Mike Richards do a Bob Cole impression. They were actively encouraging him.

But that was stupid stuff. I don't know what, I mean, it was probably Campbell's chunky soup or something and and this is the lifestyle in the Rich and Famous. Campbell's chunky soup, H eats delicious morsel. And the lads are like, you guys. That's a very good one. They're like, you know what, you guys are kidding. You'll get away with this. But he came after me, there's a Maco story. He came after me because I was doing stuff on the fan with Therringer So each because I was here and you're doing these days by the way. I don't know I

Have not talked to him. I've sent a couple of messages. I I have no idea. I hope he's doing well I mean that was that was some pretty tough times, but I have not talked to him but I used to do certain voices just because I know it would make him laugh and so his his Robin leach's agency that had like sabers and like a lion and a skull or something on it, they approached. And so Maco goes, he goes, they're coming after the radio station. I said, they are. He said, yeah, they are.

Mediators coming in with his people and Wilson one side. And this is back in the cassette recorder days and so Mackle said um The way we get under this is if we prove that the premise that this is actually Robin Leach The premise is so stupid so immature and juvenile That it couldn't possibly be him because Would you have any material like that? So I'm I put together this montage of absolute stupidity and, and that thing lasted, I think when they got into the,

to the Robin Leach aunt B debates, I think it was about five seconds into that and said, okay, stop it. Where he's like, oh yeah, well you're a fat pig. Shut up. You know, it's like, okay, all right. Alrighty. And it was over. It was, well you're a fat pig. Shut up, you're a rude, you know, and say, okay, all right, all righty. And it was over, it was, Mackle goes, it was over like 15 seconds. That's amazing. But he actually came after,

which normally guys don't do, cause the, you know, the fair usage and the parody rule, you kind of got away with it, but. Well, ask the guy from the 299 Queen Street West about that fair use, fair use lob, but they're showing the art. Showing the art. Okay, oh, in high and inside, you see that? Tyler. I saw that. I know VP of sales, by the lob, Sean Menard. Sean Menard. Oh, inside and inside, you see that?

Tyler, I know VP of sales, by the way, is Tyler, so I don't know which name I'll give him. But Mike Richards, you're sitting, this man here, I believe might be the guy, you'll confirm or deny right now, Mr. VP. Did you, are you responsible for the consortium of listeners that contributed to the kayak gift? I was one of. So it was me and Moose Grumpy and Steph Wilkinson and of course,

Levi Fomka. And yeah, the four of us kind of got together and put that group together, the WhatsApp group and started collecting contributions. Because Mike wants to give you a hundred bucks for that right now. I'll let you guys do that. Yeah, I'm a little short right now. I'll have to get back to you on that one. Of course, of course. Did you see me leave with the Leafs logger in my pants? You know there's gum over there too. It's delightfully warm candy in the VIP tent. And there's a young lady, a young lady, who's wearing, she was in the, is it a bear? What is the mascot? A dog? There's a costume, the Maple Leafs mascot was roaming around the field and she was dripping with sweat. On a day like this, can you imagine putting on the dog costume and doing your rounds

and, and, you know, meeting kids and taking selfies? But I watched her over there. I kind of need to talk to her. I think she sat down and she was about to take her mask off, but there were some kids here Oh, yeah, and so she didn't want to ask Them exactly like when Ronald McDonald broke character with me when I was working at McDonald's if I never forgot Yeah, it's the mascot code. You can't break it. Okay. Well, I'm gonna talk to her later, but Tyler Thank you so much you and the broad squad and everybody that blew me away It was... And I was on it again yesterday, my third time since that time.

It was a great night and we were happy to do it because you give so much to us and we wanted to give it back as best we could. Well, I really do appreciate it. No bullshit there. I'm glad you even got the great Mark Weisblad to contribute. He did. He willingly and happily contributed. How much did he give? Oh, it was a lot of money. Is that how much he gave? Seven or eight hundred dollars. How much of that CJN money did I score in that transaction? Did Allen's Y give anything?

Nothing. It's amazing how much that gift has shown up on this show today. I mean, it is incredible. You look at anything else. The mentioning of your gift. Have you ever had a new car, like a new, I don't know, a new Mustang or something? I look like I drove a new Mustang. You get a new car and it's like, all you talk about for a couple of weeks, and then it becomes normal again. The new car guy.

But I'm only three paddles into the new kayak. So eventually this will dissipate, you know, this won't be on the show. Is it fun though, really kayaking? Honestly, is it fun? You know, I mean, I think Mike's enjoying it, and that's what matters. So what I like is the fact I can I bike so no car required I bike with my kayak on my back and then I put it together and I'm out in the water and I kind of like this idea of like oh my god I'm on Lake Ontario now and I

can go wherever I want and then I'll start paddling so is it fun? Absa fucking lul dey. Yeah, but I also think when someone talks about their bike riding and their kayaking. That's also fun. I'm thinking, are times tough? Or are... You just don't get it. Yeah. It's not for everyone.

It's not for everyone. Is kiting next? Do you find biking boring? Yeah, I hate it. What do you do for exercise? Well, sometimes you gotta get ice. And you gotta get up and you gotta crack the ice. You gotta walk to the store.

There's a little, the biceps are moving. I mean, there's a lot of stuff going on. It's not as easy as I make it look. You're engaging the core, which is really what's important. That's right. That's right. Mike, I have to say, I'm Mike Richards, not Toronto Mike. OK.

I'm honored to be on the mic with you, because I was a longtime listener of you back in your fan days, even in your 195 days. Oh, wow. And the impression that really stuck with me was Victor Newman. And what I learned from you is that there are two modes for Victor Newman.

There's the quiet, just do your damn job Okay. Yes, and then there's the shut the hell up. All right, the very angry animated Victor Newman He he came in to The TSN studio. I really wish at that time they were still televising it because it was it was quite remarkable Because he is who he is. Yeah, so he comes in He's got a long black coat on with a beautiful white shirt. Like he looks like he just got out of the limo.

And he looks exactly how you think he would look. Like he's Victor Newman. And so he's just the most fascinating guy. Like I really got to know him quite well. But then, like I'm nervous because, I mean I gotta do the voice in front of him. And I'm terrified. Like I'm really scared at what he's going to think.

And when I first started doing the impression, because he was a little bit of a bastard, he was having fun with me. He was trying to throw me off my game. So I was doing the low voice. So I was saying stuff like, when I started all those years ago, what you've got to understand is the work that goes into it. And I don't think you give a damn. And he goes, what are you talking about? And he's like, one point, Lumbee's going, Lumbee's listening to it. Jeff Lumbee's listening to it and going, I didn't know which guy was which.

And that's the biggest compliment because he's also great at impressions. And so when I kept going and he wasn't going to get me off my game, then he breaks into the, you listen to me right now. All right. I'm Victor Newman. You got that? And he started doing the high voice and people, it was the greatest, the greatest moment of my life.

I don't, I mean, yeah, Joe Montana and you know, the prime ministers and Reggie Jackson and you name it. But that Eric Braden, Eric Braden, because after that, because if he was in town, I'd always want to have him on or see what he, how he was doing. And he'd call my cell phone and there'd be something to say like Beverly Hills or some, some ridiculous, like what the hell is this? And I didn't want to pick it up. Sometimes I wanted to hear the message. And, and he said the same thing every time. And I don't know why.

And I called back and I finally called, I had to tell him, because it'd be like, every time and I don't know why and I called back and I finally called I had to tell him because he'd be like boop I don't like riches This is a breeding Big done human from the young and the rest. Why are you saying that? Why do you have to tell me the character you've played for a hundred and seventeen years and that I have stolen Another voice that I have stolen to make money and finally I said you know Eric you could have left it in here you know you know bring up the rap patrol I mean you're not bringing up these other roles you know but yeah that thanks for bringing that up yeah no he's he's an

amazing interesting character I follow him on Twitter his Twitter account is still yeah he doesn't mess around. No. No. And yeah, no, he's a fascinating guy. Tyler, you're a fascinating guy. Oh, thank you, Mike. You know what I think of you? You made pizzas for my family recently. We did. We did have a pizza night. Which was amazing.

With the uni? Like the backyard uni? Yeah, I got a little wood-fired situation going on back there. How's that working out? Because I haven't bought one yet because they look great. I love it. Oh man. Yeah. Even Morgan loved it. That love it. Oh man. Yeah. Even Morgan loved it. That's how you know you were successful here.

So I will catch up. I'm going to wind down here, but I think it would be amazing if Mike Richards and I close the show with a very brief chat with the woman, the young woman who was wearing the very hot dog mascot costume on this steaming hot Sunday afternoon at Christie Pitts here. So we're gonna close with Maya, believe it or not. Okay Maya come on

over. This is exciting. Mike, did you ever think in your life that you would one day be interviewing the young lady in the mascot costume that runs around Christie Pitts during these Toronto Maple Leafs? Well see I'm always confused by certain teams that the mascot that they choose. You would assume it might be something related. So yeah so is there leafy? All right so now Maya? Yes. Welcome to Toronto Mike. Thank you. Okay Maya what exactly is the mascot for the Toronto Mabelese? Are you a dog? I believe I am a bulldog. A bulldog. Okay, so I have so many questions, Mike, and we can ask her anything, okay? But on a day like this, and I don't know what the temps are today. I think it's 27. Yeah, high 20s. Sunny 27. What's the

temperature inside the dog costume? 50 degrees, right? What's like the highest possible living temperature someone can be alive in? Okay, wow. That's okay. So how do you like, you're just drinking water all the time? You got to be, I mean, many, every kid who sees you wants a selfie with you. It's like, oh my god, there's a dog, like a giant dog. Like you got, the kids must go nuts when they see you. I know a bunch of adults. I know Blair Packham was excited when he saw you.

So you've got to be in character, running around, you're a happy dog, but you're melting inside, right? I'm melting inside, but when I see people and they see me, I'm just the happiest person ever. Oh, that's great attitude. I don't even notice like I'm drenching in sweat as they ask me for pictures. But like now you're in the VIP tent and VIPs can get their beer there and there's gum there and you can get lots of good stuff.

I don't get you some gum before you go. Okay, Maya, but you were there. I saw you, it's gonna sound dirty, but it's not, but you were stripping down, getting that costume off you because you were so damn hot so that's like a safety spot where the kids can't see the dog literally peeling off its skin like imagine the nightmares Mike well I think that's why they were running around the bases about an hour ago did you run around the bases Maya I encouraged the kids I was cheering them on from the side so I was basically running around

just wasn't doing the running part. Now, how do you get a job like this? Yeah, that's the next question. Why are you in a dog outfit? How do you get this gig? Because I got to think maybe the parents are going, eh. Well, it started, I actually went to a baseball game with my friend Daniel. And he said, you know, actually work with another baseball league.

And there's this mascot that he kind of quit a bit ago I was like, I've always wanted to be a mascot I've always wanted to be a mascot this happened like I think last Thursday So wait a minute. You only got this opportunity last Thursday. Is this your debut? Yes Is this your first day? And so so what's the experience did you did you have fun? Did you like it? It's pretty phenomenal. I love it. Will you be back? Well, hmmm.

Like if they have you back? That's a good question. I'm still, I'm still hungry. It was so phenomenal. She might quit the job after one day. Yeah, you loved it, but it's over. The dream's over. What do you not love about it? Is it the heat or is it the humidity? It's the humidity in the costume specifically. Because the heat right now, like I'm sitting in the shade. It's actually fine. No, I should ask this.

Is this a is this a paid job? It's not. So wait, wait. Whoa. So you're a volunteer. Okay, that explains why. See, but that makes you then extra special and nice as far as I'm concerned. Exactly.

That's what makes you special. Okay, so you met so your friend. Is this a Jays game you met him at? Yeah. Okay, so you're at a Blue Jays game and you're chatting it up and he's like, yeah, I work for the Toronto Maple Leafs baseball team. They play at Christie Pitts. Our mascot just quit.

And you're like, I want to be a mascot. So today you were the mascot, but you don't know, as you look at me, I'm looking in the eyes, you don't know if you'll ever be back because the pay is shit. Oh. Well, she never said that. She didn't say that. I didn't say zero. Yeah. That's pretty shitty.

Yeah. Well, hey, I've seen worth. You've seen worth? Oh, yeah. You don't want to know that story. He has. He's taken a few baths. He's it's it's not good. But you have to tell the ownership or whatever at some point. You're like, yeah, the dog's not for me. I know ownership. Do you want me to talk to them?

What do you need to make this more worthwhile? Like you need money or uh... Yeah, negotiate. You know what? Are you old? By the way, I don't think you're old enough to drink. How old are you? You don't have to tell me. Boy, you really get to the stuff with the girls, don't you? Well, no. How much do you weigh? What's your father do for a living?

No. But can you drink? Legally? What does this have to do with the interview? Yeah, exactly. Maybe your compensation is some left field beer. No, my favorite drink is actually water. So I'm glad they had that ice cold water back there. She painted a lovely picture. She's wondering where I'm going with that beer. You can't get a job, you weren't a dog head, and you do it for booze. But it was a great experience and for the rest of your life you can tell everybody that you were the...

Does it have a name, your mascot, the dog? Not yet, but we're going around asking people. I've got Lucy, I forgot the rest, but Lucy stuck with me. Lucy. What's a good name? Like this is Toronto Maple Leafs. I'm trying to think, like, I mean, obviously like, like Leaf would be a good name, like Leaf Erickson.

What about, better luck next year. To fit in with the theme of all Toronto teams. Butler, the Butler, the Bulldog. How about that? Butler. You like that? Because Butler is so intertwined. Butler sounds like a maid and a butler.

Right, but the manager is a butler and today Rich Butler opened us off. He's a former Toronto Maple Leaf baseball player and they both batted almost 500 in a season. Like maybe Butler is the name of this mascot. I'm actually going to pitch this to ownership. and they both batted almost 500 in a season. Like maybe Butler is the name of this mascot. I'm actually gonna pitch this to ownership. Butler the Bulldog, and I want you to be the official mascot of this, for this team.

Because I'll be back in early August. And Mike, I don't know, that drive almost killed you. So I don't know. It was the parking that killed me. Have they heard about that around here? Make some room already. You know. I swear to God, I parked in Manitoba! This was... that was a long drive!

To this? But what did you think of the vibe here? Oh, fantastic! This is... you can't beat this! I mean, you really can't beat this. This is a fantastic day. By the way, the visiting Hamilton team went on a little had a little Run there and I see they're now doubling us six to three. Hey, you have younger eyes Maya. Is that six to three? Oh

I have to admit. I'm not a huge baseball. These are just numbers. Okay, but I think it's six to three in the sixth How are you seeing what do you lean majors? How you see? Six three Tyler come well, I'm actually not good at reading stuff right here, but when it's far I'm like George Costanza It's in red red The letters well, I know it's a three six six. Yeah, okay, so that's it. Yeah, so if that's that's home inning guests No one's left. I know that Nobody nobody has this game. Nobody has left.

Maya, you're now in FOTM, okay? That means Friend of Toronto Mic'd. And if you ever wanted somebody or yourself to hear this, if you go to, memorize this. Okay. Toronto Mic. Toronto Mic. The city, the name, torontomic.com.

There will be a link to an episode recorded live at Christie Pitts with the great Mike Richards, and you are in that episode So you can tell everybody hey my podcast. Have you been on a podcast before? Never this is your podcast debut the same day your mascot debut. Yeah Okay, Maya. Thanks for doing this I was curious like how you can survive in that costume on a hot day and it sounds like it's tough sledding It's everyone's energy that's how I survive. All right well you

get it you're not done yet right it's only the sixth inning. What do you do next? Next? Actually I don't know people just tell me. This is this is actually where she sets herself on fire. The name of the mascot is now called Bernie. Okay well Butler the Bulldog Bulldog, played by Maya, what a pleasure it is to meet you. And Mike Richards, man, we tried to do this twice before and then the Mother Nature didn't cooperate but today was perfect. Oh, absolutely perfect. And I can't wait for the next big announcement. How long do I have to wait for the big announcement?

Oh, within a couple of weeks. I think probably we'll be doing this. That close? You can't make it right now? No, no, no. Just make it already. One more little hurdle and then we should be. We should. OK, probably sometime.

I would say hopefully in the beginning of August. I feel like Charlie Brown and you've got the football there. I've heard that exact sentence from you for this for me for five years. One little hurdle and then we're off to the races. I've got this new great partner. What? What do you mean? Is it Drake? You saw smoke from the building? What are you talking about? No, it's a...

No, this will be... I mean, because of the way I have to do it, that's why it's taking some time. But it will be worth it. Well, I'm rooting for you. I always root for you, Mike Richards. I think you're fantastic. You're such a great soul. And I want to tell you, I appreciate you co-hosting this episode with me today, buddy.

Anytime you want me to come down, well,, well, it's a birthday. You'd have to I was up north, but in all fairness Well, you'd have to park again. So You know what I'll get Blair Packham to pick you up next time. Yeah. Okay. Why is he out that way? No, I Had him pick up Rick Emmett from Burlington and he lives in East York and he did it So I thought maybe he might do it for you but thank you Mike Richards thank you Maya the mascot you're doing a great job keep it up and that brings us to the end of our 1517th show wow you know you got some catching up to do, Maya. Where do we send her first? Just don't start with the Molly Johnson.

Too many people start with Molly Johnson and they get the wrong idea what the show's all about. Why don't you start with Bob Ray? What episode number is that? It's very recent, maybe two weeks ago. You don't have to go back too far. Start with Bob Ray and then build your way up to Molly. Perfect. You can follow me. I'm at

Toronto Mike on Twitter and Blue Sky. Go to torontomic.com. Raw Mike Richards on Twitter. That's where we go to follow the great Mike Richards. Much love to all who made this possible. That's Great Lakes Brewery, Palma Pasta, RecycleMyElectronics.ca, the Toronto Maple Leafs baseball team who hosted us today. What a fantastic afternoon of baseball. Everybody get your butts to Christie Pitts for some live Toronto Maple Leafs baseball. And of course Ridley Funeral Home. See you all tomorrow when my special guest is Jill Dempsey from Metro Morning on CBC Radio 1. See you all then.