Shows
Broadcast Dialogue - The Podcast'Happy Has Been' Bill WelychkaBill Welychka is best known for his time at MuchMusic, but what you might not know is that after his 13 years with the channel, he chose to go into local news, culminating in spending more than a decade at CKWS-TV in Kingston where he was part of cutbacks at Corus Entertainment last year and ultimately chose to walk away from media.Welychka has since published the second edition of his memoir, A Happy Has Been: Exciting Times and Lessons Learned.He joins Broadcast Dialogue - The Podcast to talk about his media journey, the aftermath...
2025-12-1632 min
Famous Lost Words1104 - Oasis, The Kinks, Yvonne Elliman, Cool Song Facts!First up, Christopher and Tom talk about artists who have come back when many people had bet against them – from Tina Turner to The Rolling Stones to Miley Cyrus to The Chicks. In light of the recent Oasis reunion, we have some incredible clips of both Liam and Noel Gallagher from almost 25 years ago, years before their split and decades before their reunion. It’s a great, and often very funny, collection of comments and insight from the brothers. Plus, we talk to our good friend Bill Welychka, whose interviews with Liam and Noel are what we’re highlighting...
2025-11-1443 min
WCNY Community FMNorth Words: Adirondack Writer and Naturalist Ed KanzeOn the latest edition of North Words, we talk with Adirondack writer and naturalist Ed Kanze about his new book - a collection of his columns and essays from the last couple of decades, and how he continues to see the natural world with fresh eyes. And Kingston's Bill Welychka (well-ITCH-kuh) shares his unusual life journey - from being a top entertainment journalist to local television, to selling cars – and why he’s content, no matter what he’s doing.
From North Creek to South Colton, from Old Forge to New Bremen, North Words host Mitch Teich brings you interviews, on-site...
2025-05-1355 min
And The Year Was 1985 The PodcastEpisode 90 - Bill Welychka - Part 2This week on And The Year Was 1985, we sit down with Bill Welychka—Canadian broadcast icon, music journalist, and one of the most recognizable faces from the golden era of MuchMusic.From interviewing global superstars to shaping Canadian music culture, Bill shares incredible behind-the-scenes stories from his time at Much, CHUM, and beyond. If you grew up in Canada in the 90s, this is one you don’t want to miss.🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple & more📺 Watch right here on YouTube👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more retro pop culture goodnessFollow us:📸 IG: @andtheyearwas1985🌐 Website: https://linktr.ee/theyearwas1985
2025-05-081h 07
Pickle Planet PodcastS7E29: Tara Pyfrom's memoir, The Ocean in Our Blood, recounts surviving Hurricane Dorian in the Bahamas and relocating to New BrunswickHurricane Dorian wasn't kind to Atlantic Canada, but it attacked the Bahamas. The 2019 storm recorded peak winds of nearly 300km/h and left roughly 70,000 people homeless. Among those was Tara Pyfrom, her wife, their daughter, and their dogs. The water entered the house. Tara and her family swam in their living room to survive. And when the winds quieted, they packed up and moved to New Brunswick. Tara has now published a memoir, The Ocean in Our Blood, about their experience. She joins Jenna & Tosh to talk about the process of confronting grief and trauma that led to the...
2025-05-0520 min
Music Stories with Tony LloydEpisode 169 - Bill Welychka - Canadian TV Personality and Music Artist InterviewerFantastic to catch up with fellow interviewer Bill Welychka in Canada and talk about his new book, 'A Happy Has-Been' second edition.We talk about the value of interviews ( he has done over 5000 ) and he gives great advice to anyone thinking about writing memoirs or getting into the every changing media world. Stripe the studio cat makes an appearance in the interview too!Bill has so many experiences and stories to tell, he has interviewed just about every music star you have heard of in his career.Take a look at his website...
2025-05-0421 minPickle Planet PodcastS7E28: Bill Welychka on storytelling, transitions in life, his memoir, and his days at Much MusicBill Welychka spent decades interviewing famous musicians around the world. The secret to his success is a beautiful mix of humble talent and honest respect: respect for the craft and respect for people. Tune in for his discussion with Jenna & Tosh covering journalism, his days at MuchMusic, the state of Canadian broadcasting, and transitioning between stages in our lives.The second edition of Bill's book, A HAPPY HAS-BEEN: Exciting Times and Lessons Learned by One of Canada's Foremost Entertainment Journalists, is published by FriesenPress, Inc. & is available now.The...
2025-04-2824 minPickle Planet PodcastS7E28: Bill Welychka on storytelling, transitions in life, his memoir, and his days at Much MusicBill Welychka spent decades interviewing famous musicians around the world. The secret to his success is a beautiful mix of humble talent and honest respect: respect for the craft and respect for people. Tune in...
The post S7E28: Bill Welychka on storytelling, transitions in life, his memoir, and his days at Much Music first appeared on Pickle Planet Moncton.
2025-04-2824 min
North WordsNorth Words: The April 2025 Radio Show(Apr 25, 2025) For those of you who like your podcasts in longer chunks, here's the full episode of North Words - the radio show - that aired on April 25, 2025, featuring naturalist and writer Ed Kanze, and former MuchMusic VJ Bill Welychka.
2025-04-2554 minNorth WordsHow to stay curious with Much Music VJ Bill Welychka(Apr 11, 2025) The former video jockey has interviewed almost everyone under the sun, but always managed to stay curious. In the last few years, he has stepped out of the limelight.
2025-04-1153 minNorth WordsThe kind of true story of Much Music VJ Bill Welychka(Feb 28, 2025) A new feature film features a semi-fictionalized version of former Much Music VJ Bill Welychka as he tries to revitalize his career.
2025-02-2836 min
Famous Lost Words1008 - MuchMusic: the early years, plus Bowie and Peter Gabriel, on music videos.2024 marked the 40th anniversary of MuchMusic – which, for our non-Canadian listeners, was essentially Canada’s version of MTV. And while MTV had a profound impact on the music industry, MuchMusic arguably had a massive impact on Canadian culture. So, we’re going to spend a bit of time talking about MuchMusic – and since Christopher is the original Much veejay, it’s kind of a no brainer. In fact, most of Tom’s “in-depth” research for this episode came from Christopher’s excellent book, “Is This Live: Inside The Wild Early Years of MuchMusic, The Nation’s Music Station”. So in other words, Chri...
2025-01-1740 min
Famous Lost Words1001 - Robert Plant, "Purple Rain", BB King and our fave rock stars! We are back with Season Ten! Christopher and Tom begin by talking about their favourite interviews ever. Then, we launch into one of the best interviews you’ll ever hear with one the most reluctant rock stars ever – Robert Plant. This 2005 interview with our friend Bill Welychka is very revealing. And within that interview is three episodes of “When Rock Stars attack… which are all pretty funny. Then, we talk about the making of the film, album and song “Purple Rain”, which came out 40 years ago. And we’ll talk to the author of a book about that movie – and all the stori...
2024-10-1150 min
And The Year Was 1985 The PodcastEpisode 51 - Meet Bill Welychka!This week on "And The Year Was 1985," we are honored to feature one of Canada's premier TV and music broadcasters, Bill Welychka. Formerly a CHUM editor and MuchMusic VJ, Bill is now a distinguished radio and TV host at CFMK-FM in Kingston, ON. Throughout his illustrious and ongoing career, Bill has hosted and interviewed some of the world's most prominent pop, rock, and movie stars of the 90s and 2000s. Known for his engaging and insightful interviews, he continues to captivate audiences with his unique style. He has recently written a book about his life and lessons learned called "...
2024-07-171h 20
Scott Radley ShowThe federal budget's political and economic implications, Bill Welychka recounts his time in entertainment & Exploring Ben Johnson's legacy in Mary Ormsby's new bookThe federal budget was announced today which means we can take a look at what the government plans to do with your tax money in the near future. How does it look and have any meaningful changes been made?Guest: Dr. Eric Kam, Professor of Economics with Toronto Metropolitan University-We keep with the theme of the budget but look at it from a different perspective, the political perspective and the implications on that side.Guest: Kate Harrison, Vice Chair of Summa Strategies-Since first...
2024-04-1754 min
London Live with Mike Stubbs'Happy Has-Been' Bill Welychka talks new book and long career in entertainmentBill Welychka, entertianment journalist, former MuchMusic host and radio DJ, joins 980 CFPL's Mike Stubbs to talk about his new book "A Happy Has-Been. Exciting Times and Lessons Learned by One of Canada’s Foremost Entertainment Journalists," which outlines his long career interviewing stars and music legends, traveling around the world hosting events, and also dives into his personal life and the lessons he learned along the way.
2024-04-1015 min
Beach BOOSTER Radio PodcastsBEACH CORNER with Dianna Chycki - March 05, 2024 - BILL WELYCHKASince making his debut in front of MuchMusic’s national cameras in 1992, Bill Welychka has emerged as one of Canada’s most enduring, recognizable, and respected television personalities.As the longest-running VJ for MuchMusic and MuchMoreMusic, Bill is commemorating the release of his debut memoir titled “A Happy Has-Been featuring a foreword by The Tragically Hip’s Paul Langlois”.Bill is widely acclaimed for his thoughtful interview approach and his deep passion and expertise spanning a broad spectrum of subjects, ranging from pop culture to politics.For decades, Bill has been urged to put pen to...
2024-03-0725 min
No Sleep 'til Sudbury with Brent JensenNSTS Episode 267 - MuchMusic Doc 299 Queen Street WestA few months ago filmmaker Sean Menard released his MuchMusic documentary entitled 299 Queen Street West, celebrating the history and cultural significance of what would come to be known as "The Nation's Music Station". I attended the premiere screening at Roy Thomson Hall in downtown Toronto, spoke to Rick Campanelli, Denise Donlon, Ed the Sock, Sook-Yin Lee, Bill Welychka, and other Much alum as they walked the red carpet, and offer my personal thoughts on the film here.
2024-01-1615 min
Famous Lost Words905 - Prince, Jimmy Buffett, former Much VJ Bill Welychka! This week... an absolute gem – a 2004 interview with Prince. You’ve never heard him sound so loose and relaxed as he talks about playing live, his legacy, working with his incredible band and his fight with his record label. He’s also very funny. After one fan asks about Prince’s legendary vault of unheard music, Prince looks at the guy and says “Hmmm….I’m trying to figure out if you fit the profile of a bootlegger”… Prince also explains why he loved the people of Toronto (where he lived for a while in the early 2000s) and he jokes about the Ca...
2023-11-101h 01
Kingston Live PodcastThe wild and wonderful life of Bill WelychkaFrom broadcast host at "The Nation's Music Station" to local TV anchor and music fan, Bill Welychka's storied career has not only brought him to many places, but also face-to-face with some of the world's most celebrated music acts. On this episode, hosts Ange Stever and Johnny San chat with Bill about his new autobiography, A Happy Has-Been, and how his life experiences have shaped his modest attitude, and his love for Kingston and its music scene.Hosts:Johnny San john@kingstonlive.caAngela Stever alegnarevets@gmail.comLinks:Bill Welychka https...
2023-10-3153 min
Toronto LegendsDenise Donlon, Fearless As PossibleOrder of Canada recipient Denise Donlon talks about moving from Whitesnake’s ‘Slide It In’ tour to The New Music, becoming an on-air personality/VJ at MuchMusic, launching MuchMoreMusic, her thoughts on Moses Znaimer/Christopher Ward/Rick Campanelli/Bill Welychka/George Stroumboulopoulos, going into labour while hosting a live television event with the Cowboy Junkies, taking over at Sony Music Canada precisely at the same moment the global recording industry began imploding, moving to our national broadcaster to run CBC Radio, producing Bill Clinton’s 60th birthday bash and raising $21MM in a single night, co-hosting TheZoomer tv show with Lor...
2023-10-231h 03
the Radical FabulatoriumBill Welychka (Author, MuchMusic VJ, TV Journalist/Host, Weather Presenter)In this episode, I chat with Bill Welychka about his new book A Happy Has Been, being featured in Sean Menard's MuchMusic documentary, 299 Queen Street West, how music is consumed these days, how production workflows have changed, and more!
Instagram
Twitter
Dot Com
2023-10-1157 min
Live from Machete ComicsBill WelychkaBill Welychka (Good Morning Kingston/Former VJ on Much Music) stops by to discuss his amazing career in broadcasting and the launch of his new book!Also, we dive into life at Much Music, the tour and documentary, and more!For all things Machete Comics Visit:https://www.machetecomics.ca/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2023-10-0454 min
House of CrouseBILL WLYCHKA + ASTRID YOUNGOn this episode of the Richard Crouse Show we’ll meet Bill Welychka. Fans of Much Music and MuchMoreMusic will remember Bill as the longest serving VJ on those channels, including a long stint as the host of the channel's country music series Outlaws & Heroes. These days Bill is still working in broadcast television, and has recently written a book about the lessons he learned from hanging out with many of the music industry’s biggest stars. The book is called “A Happy Has-Been (Exciting Times and Lessons Learned by One of Canada’s Foremost Entertainment Journalists.)”
Today we talk about the...
2023-09-2439 min
The Richard Crouse Show PodcastBILL WLYCHKA ASTRID YOUNG - 2023-08-31, 1.33 PMOn this episode of the Richard Crouse Show we’ll meet Bill Welychka. Fans of Much Music and MuchMoreMusic will remember Bill as the longest serving VJ on those channels, including a long stint as the host of the channel's country music series Outlaws & Heroes. These days Bill is still working in broadcast television, and has recently written a book about the lessons he learned from hanging out with many of the music industry’s biggest stars. The book is called “A Happy Has-Been (Exciting Times and Lessons Learned by One of Canada’s Foremost Entertainment Journalists.)” Today we t...
2023-09-2439 min
Toronto Mike'd: The Official Toronto Mike PodcastBill Welychka: Toronto Mike'd #1325In this 1325th episode of Toronto Mike'd, Mike chats with Bill Welychka at his $300 room without a toilet at The Rex Hotel Jazz and Blues Bar. They cover his backwards career from national television to Kingston where he's found true happiness. Toronto Mike'd is proudly brought to you by Great Lakes Brewery, Palma Pasta, Pumpkins After Dark, Ridley Funeral Home and Electronic Products Recycling Association.
2023-09-151h 09
Industry 45 - From the Drum ThroneIndustry 45 From The Drum Throne feat. Much Music's Bill WelychkaBill and I chatted about his early days as a MUCH VJ, his brand new book titled A HAPPY HAS-BEEN- Exciting Times and Lessons Learned by one of Canada's Foremost Entertainment Journalists. We talk about the documentary 299 Queen Street West tour that starts in Toronto on September 22nd and also makes a stop in Hamilton on NOV 4th. Who was your fav Much Music VJ?
2023-09-1420 min
Human Stories with Tony LloydEpisode 86 - Bill Welychka - Canadian TV PersonalityBill is a Canadian TV Personality and Author with many stories to tell about his career in Canadian broadcast media and it's all in his book 'A Happy Has Been - Exciting Times and Lessons Learned'.Originally from my podcast 'Music Stories with Tony Lloyd' the interview is very relevant here on Human Stories as Bill's story is about his career and other good work he does too.Having spent 35 years in the business he has interviewed so many international stars for TV, (over 5000) - including Ozzy Osbourne and Bill tells me an 'Ozzy Story' in this...
2023-09-0623 min
Music Stories with Tony LloydEpisode 79 - Bill Welychka - Canadian National TV PersonalityBill is a Canadian TV Personality and Author with many stories to tell about his career in Canadian broadcast media and it's all in his book 'A Happy Has Been - Exciting Times and Lessons Learned'.Having spent 35 years in the business he has interviewed so many international stars for TV, (over 5000) - including Ozzy Osbourne and Bill tells me an 'Ozzy Story' in this fascinating interview. He is very well known for presenting the music channel Much Music and Much More Music ( a Canadian MTV type channel) .He is still on air in Canada presenting today.
2023-09-0423 min
The Whiskey Wednesday ShowWhiskey Wednesday S3 Ep.35- Special Guest Bill Welychka talks about his new book "A Happy Has-Been”Send us a text1) Heartaches By The Number- George Jones2) Waste Your Time- Ken Tizzard3) RPD/This Town Of Mine- Ken Tizzard4) Whatta Ya At? Bill Welychka Part 1 Of Interview5) Dollar A Day- Ken Tizzard6) Ace Of Spades- Motörhead7) Whatta Ya At? Bill Welychka Part 2 Of Interview8) Barstools And Broken Hearts- Ken Tizzard9) Drunk Stoned And Broke- Ken Tizzard
2023-09-021h 29
What Barrie's Talking AboutDragons, Bill Welychka, A Village For People With Dementia And MoreHere we are with another episode of What Barrie's Talking About --- a podcast that brings you the local stories in Barrie that matter the most.On this week’s episode of What Barrie’s Talking About, we catch up with MuchMusic's Bill Welychka, talk about the Dragon Boat Festival this weekend, find out about an innovative village for people with dementia, and more! 1- Catching Up With Bill WelychkaBill Welychka interviewed thousands of celebrities, politicians, and more during his time VJing for MuchMusic and MuchMoreMusic. But what has he bee...
2023-08-1734 min
The Jann Arden PodcastThe Story Of...Bill WelychkaThis week's guest is iconic television personality and now author, Bill Welychka! On August 31st, he'll release his debut memoir, Bill Welychka: A Happy Has-Been. Exciting Times and Lessons Learned by One of Canada's Foremost Entertainment Journalists. You'll remember him as the longest-running MuchMusic VJ with countless interviews and awards under his belt. He's currently a morning television personality in Kingston, Ontario. Bill will tell Jann and Sarah about the Crave Original Documentary about MuchMusic entitled 299 Queen Street West ahead of it's release in September. You can find out more about his memoir and pre-order the book at...
2023-08-0444 min
Toronto LegendsBill Welychka, MuchMusic/MuchMoreMusicGlobal News Morning Kingston’s Bill Welychka talks about starting at MuchMusic the same week he graduated from Seneca College’s Radio and TV Arts program, the surreal experience of moving from WATCHING [on tv] to WORKING alongside Christopher Ward/Steve Anthony/Michael Williams/Laurie Brown/Denise Donlon, sliding from MuchMusic over to MuchMoreMusic, his anticipation for and involvement in the upcoming MuchMusic documentary '299 Queen Street West,' why the visionary Moses Znaimer’s Speakers Corner was way ahead of YouTube, how his move to Kingston allowed him to rekindle friendships with The Tragically Hip, his memories of fun [a...
2023-07-3152 min
Dope NostalgiaEpisode 181 - Bill WelychkaOur Muchmusic series continues with VJ Bill Welychka! Not only was he the host of shows such as ClipTrip and Outlaws & Heroes, he was a talented video editor at Much before becoming a VJ. Bill was instrumental in the development of the channel MuchMoreMusic, and continues to work in television. His new book "A Happy Has-Been" hits the shelves this fall, and you can see him on the documentary tour "299 Queen Street West" across Canada soon.
2023-07-2727 min
PTBO TODAY LIVE PODCASTJuly 24 - The Nation's Music Station!Graham and Jordan hear from former MuchMusic VJ Bill Welychka about his brand new memoir; what is your go to snack option; a deadly weekend on the water and on the trails
2023-07-2428 min
Music Explored PodcastBill Welychka: "A Happy Has-Been"Join us on this captivating episode as we delve into the extraordinary career of Bill Welychka, a beloved figure in the world of entertainment. In this episode, we unravel the fascinating stories behind Bill’s journey, from his early beginnings to his rise as a renowned MuchMusic host and journalist. We delve into his notable interviews, his unique approach to storytelling, and the moments that have shaped his career. We also discuss his debut memoirs titled “Bill Welychka: A Happy Has Been. Exciting Times and Lessons Learned by One of Canada’s Foremost Entertainment Journalists,” which is slated to be relea...
2023-07-1749 min
Ed & Red!Ed & Red! - Epi 87 - Kanye and J.K. Rowling are Crazy, How a Pig Drank 18 Beers before Fighting a Cow, MuchMusic Feud, & Much More!Kanye's Krazy - and so is JK Rowling! How did a pig steal (and drink) 18 beers before fighting a cow? and Muchmusic feud - why is Ed angry at former VJ Bill Welychka? Find out with Ed & Liana on this week's episode!
2022-10-0850 minToronto Mike'd: The Official Toronto Mike PodcastBill Welychka: Toronto Mike'd #987In this episode of Toronto Mike'd, Mike chats with Bill Welychka about his years at MuchMusic and MuchMore Music, hosting Outlaws and Heroes, interviewing Prince, Meat Loaf, Gord Downie and others, his relationship with The Tragically Hip, his love of wrestling, leaving for gigs in Edmonton and Ottawa and finding happiness in Kingston.
Toronto Mike'd is proudly brought to you by Great Lakes Brewery, Palma Pasta, Canna Cabana, StickerYou, Ridley Funeral Home and Patrons like you.
2022-01-241h 28
Bob's Basement: A Podcast About ChangeBILL WELYCHKA, TV HOST former MUCH VJBill Welychka was likely a staple on your television through the 90s and 2000s on Much Music and Much More Music - he has interviewed (and hugged even) the likes of David Bowie, Prince and Shania Twain. He is currently the morning host/producer in Kingston Ontario (where Bob works) for Global News CKWS. They talk about Bill's career arc and the changes it has seen and they even delve into the the technical advances in video editing and how that has changed the television game.
2021-12-2350 min
Erica Ehm: Reinvention of the VJBill WelychkaErica 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 w...
2020-12-2838 min
The Kingstonian PodcastBill Welychka – On the Other Side of the MicSend us a textWith almost 30 years in front of the camera, and 3,000 interviews under his belt, BILL WELYCHKA joins host, Dave Cunningham, for a conversation about his passion for interviewing others. Our theme music is “Stasis Oasis”, by Tim Aylesworth Follow us on Facebook, Linkedin, Instagram, & Threads Send comments & suggestions to thekingstonianpodcast@gmail.com Episodes also air weekly on CJAI at 101.3fm (Tue. at 4pm)
2020-01-0323 minThe Kingstonian PodcastBill Welychka – On the Other Side of the MicSend us a textWith almost 30 years in front of the camera, and 3,000 interviews under his belt, BILL WELYCHKA joins host, Dave Cunningham, for a conversation about his passion for interviewing others. Our theme music is “Stasis Oasis”, by Tim Aylesworth Follow us on Facebook, Linkedin, Instagram, & Threads Send comments & suggestions to thekingstonianpodcast@gmail.com Episodes also air weekly on CJAI at 101.3fm (Tue. at 4pm)
2020-01-0323 minNo Sleep 'til Sudbury with Brent JensenNSTS Episode 016 - MuchMusic's Bill WelychkaCanadian TV personality and MuchMusic alum Bill Welychka finally gets his invite to guest on NSTS Episode 16, fresh off of my appearance on his morning show on CKWS TV. During our chat Bill touches on The Hip's take on Jacques Cartier, his Aerosmith backstage listening experience, Liam Gallagher always being on his best behaviour in his presence, and just how expensive Justin Bieber's time can be. Welychka's playlist: The Tragically Hip - Nautical Disaster Oasis - Live Forever The Cure - A Hundred Years George Jones - H...
2017-06-2730 min