Erica Ehm: Reinvention of the VJ

Performing Arts
Music History
Visual Arts

much music
canada
television
MuchMusic

Former VJ and host Erica Ehm gets personal with the MuchMusic personalities you probably grew up watching in the 80’s and 90’s, sharing stories and perspectives on how Much made them who they are today.

With the heady days of music television as a flashpoint, this podcast explores the theme of reinvention with entertaining anecdotes and useful insights to inspire listeners to face the next chapter of their lives.

A mix of music and memories, gossip and advice, secrets and successes, expect the unexpected every week. Make sure you SUBSCRIBE so you never miss an episode!

Erica has also set up a feedback line so you can leave your memories, questions and guest suggestions. 1-833-972-7272

Credits

Erica Ehm
Marc Aflalo
Matt Cundill

Steve Anthony

In the very first episode of Reinvention of the VJ, Erica Ehm gets personal with Steve Anthony about how he was headed for a life in jail in his early years, his reputation as the Bad Boy of MuchMusic, and why he chose to leave his broadcasting career as a morning show host when he was at the top. Erica Ehm sits down with long time friend Steve Anthony and the result is entertaining because they are polar opposites! Erica is more of the quiet type (trust us, she's an introvert), whereas Steve makes every room he walks in explode with energy! Steve shares stories that trace his evolution from classroom prankster to radio announcer , and eventually becoming 'your blonde VJ pal' on MuchMusic. The tree toss, the bands who loved and hated him, the demons he dealt with, Steven Anthony opens up on the very first episode of Reinvention of the VJ. There's more stories with Erica and Steve here. Please rate, review and follow the podcast! You can be apart of the show! Please leave your memories, questions and guest suggestions by calling 1-833-972-7272

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Rick Campanelli

On this episode of Reinvention of the VJ, Erica Ehm finds out about how Rick Campenelli really feels about the name "the Temp", why he became the go-to guy with all the Boy Bands, and what really happened the day he was fired from ETCanada. Listen as Erica sits down with one of the most enduring and beloved hosts of MuchMusic, Rick “The Temp” Campanelli. They travel back to 1994 when Erica announced that Rick Campanelli had won the MuchMusic Temp Contest, and how that contest changed his life. Rick also opens up about this life after Much, his years hosting ET Canada and how he dealt with being fired from the job he loved. Please rate and review the show, and subscribe! For more stories with Erica and Rick click here. Please rate, review and follow the podcast!

Please leave your memories, questions and guest suggestions by calling 1-833-972-7272

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jeanne Beker

On this episode of Reinvention of the VJ, Erica Ehm gets personal with Jeanne Beker about her experience in a limo with Kiss in the 80’s, the sacrifices she made to host Fashion Television for 27 years, plus the talented but troubled designer she’ll never forget. Though Jeanne Beker would say she's gotten softer over the years compared to the feisty MuchMusic host she once was, she sits down with Erica and sounds stronger than ever. How has she done it? By keeping her feet firmly planted on the ground and being 'down to earth'. Jeanne Beker credits her late parents for being who she is today, teaching her fierce work ethic, never to be afraid and never to give up. Jeanne Beker paved the way for Erica and so many other women in Canadian. She’s a trailblazer, a fashion icon, a proud mom and maybe one of the hardest working women in media. For more stories with Erica and Jeanne click here. Please rate, review and follow the podcast!

Please leave your memories, questions and guest suggestions by calling 1-833-972-7272

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

George Stroumboulopoulos

On this episode of Reinvention of the VJ, Erica Ehm gets personal with George “Strombo” Stroumboulopoulos about growing up on in poverty, the woman he considers his hero, how he faces his fears and why he invites random strangers into his home to listen to music. Strombo is equal parts punk rocker and social justice warrior. He’s been described as a superstar of MuchMusic and a mama’s boy. He’s had to navigate both failure and adoration, but hasn’t let either define him. Instead he innovates and stays true to himself. George talks about how he started his career in radio and why it continues to be his medium of choice. He tells tales about his early days on MuchMusic and doesn’t hold back about why he thinks Much ultimately failed. From bad boy growing up on the wrong side of the tracks to becoming one of the most respected broadcasters in Canada, this episode is riveting right to the end. Please rate, review and follow the podcast! You can be apart of the show! Please leave your memories, questions and guest suggestions by calling 1-833-972-7272

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Nam Kiwanuka

Erica Ehm gets personal with Namugenyi "Nam" Kiwanuka about the lasting impact of escaping Uganda as a child on her, why she turned down a VJ job at MuchMusic three times, and the interviews that had a profound effect on her. She tells the story of how a chance meeting with Master T changed her life, how her hair became a political statement, and why becoming a mother is her proudest achievement. Nam is a powerhouse, a trailblazer, a risk-taker and a talented, fierce journalist who continues to challenge herself and others. Be prepared for an emotional conversation with this former MuchMusic VJ who refuses to let her past define her. Please rate, review and follow the podcast! You can be apart of the show! Please leave your memories, questions and guest suggestions by calling 1-833-972-7272

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Teresa Roncon

Erica Ehm gets personal with Teresa Roncon about becoming the fair maiden of heavy metal of MuchMusic, how being a feminist helped her career, and why she left Much at the height of her popularity. Teresa talks about her early career as a news reporter and how she landed her gig at CityPulse Entertainment and eventually the Power Hour. She shares her father’s advice that gave her the confidence to leave TV, go back to school and completely reinvent. Also, Erica and Teresa have fun comparing notes on the men in their lives and discover some surprising connections. Please rate, review and follow the podcast! You can be apart of the show! Please leave your memories, questions and guest suggestions by calling 1-833-972-7272

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Catherine McClenahan

Erica gets personal with Catherine McClenahan about being the very first female VJ, what the wild early days of Much were like for her, and why she ended up suing MuchMusic and winning. Listen as Catherine opens up about the challenging relationship she had with the head of MuchMusic, how she’s learned to deals with rejection, and what life lessons she picked up while working at MuchMusic. While her time at Much was short, Catherine will forever be the very first female VJ on the Nation’s Music Station. Please rate, review and follow the podcast! You can be apart of the show! Please leave your memories, questions and guest suggestions by calling 1-833-972-7272

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Christopher Ward

Erica gets personal with Christopher Ward about the zany early days at MuchMusic, why his time at Second City was so important to him, and how being a successful songwriter ended his career at Much. Christopher shares his behind the scenes stories of some of his most memorable interviews, and sets the record straight about how his best buddy Mike Myers tried out his now famous character of Wayne on MuchMusic. An award winning songwriter, Christopher shares the story behind writing hits for Alannah Myles, why his experience working with Diana Ross was a huge disappointment and the one artist who stole his heart when he interviewed her on Much. In the episode, we make mention of Christopher's 2016 Book, "Is This Live? Inside the Wild Early Years of MuchMusic.: The Nation's Music Station. Christopher also mentioned that a new album is on the way in the Spring of 2020! You can be apart of the show! Please leave your memories, questions and guest suggestions by calling 1-833-972-7272 Please rate, review and follow the podcast!

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Bill Welychka

Erica Ehm gets personal with Bill Welychka about his journey from behind the scenes editor to becoming one of MuchMusic’s longest serving hosts, how he manages to put himself in the right place at the right time, and how an interview with David Bowie was the catalyst to make him leave MuchMusic. Bill Welychka has a knack for reinventing. He talks about the power of networking and how he continues to order thrive as a broadcaster in the current climate. While Bill’s latest reinvention is as a morning show host in Kingston, Ontario, he tells Erica why it was rock n' roll that pulled him there. Please rate, review and follow the podcast! You can be apart of the show! Please leave your memories, questions and guest suggestions by calling 1-833-972-7272

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Amanda Walsh

Erica Ehm gets personal with Amanda Walsh about being discovered in a bar, coping with life as the youngest VJ on Much, and how dealing with haters taught her valuable life lessons. Listen as Amanda opens up about why she chose to leave Much at the top of her game, how her role on the pilot of Big Bang Theory brought her great perspective, and how she ended up working on the hit TV series Schitts Creek. Please rate, review and follow the podcast! You can be apart of the show! Please leave your memories, questions and guest suggestions by calling 1-833-972-7272

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.