The television personality, satirist and bestselling author Rick Mercer discusses his new memoir Talking to Canadians (Doubleday, 2021), with Joseph Planta.

Talking to Canadians by Rick Mercer (Doubleday, 2021). Click to buy this book from Amazon.ca: Talking to Canadians

Text of introduction by Joseph Planta:

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

Rick Mercer joins me now. The beloved comedian has just published a memoir, Talking to Canadians. After fifteen seasons on television, he hit the stage as a stand-up comedian making appearances across the country. However once Covid-19 struck, he spent his time writing this book. He mines his memory for stories about his childhood in Newfoundland, and his less than stellar career as a student. He then found purpose on stage, first behind the scenes, then performing comedy in a troupe, to performing on stage in his satirical one-man show Show Me the Button, I’ll Push It, Or, Charles Lynch Must Die, which made him a national sensation. He reflects on his years in comedy, then his work on television at the CBC co-creating This Hour Has 22 Minutes. He provides marvelous insight to the creation of that landmark series, as well as stories about his fellow performers. We follow his career as he leaves to create and star in Made in Canada, as well his own show, which would become The Rick Mercer Report. He also talks about the personal life, like his regret at not finishing school, to his personal and professional relationship with partner Gerald Lunz. Visit www.rickmercer.com for more. This new book is published by Doubleday. Please welcome to the Planta: On the Line program, Rick Mercer; Mr. Mercer, good morning.

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