Famous Lost Words

Bell Media

Famous Lost Words” unearths the greatest interviews of all time. Hosted by songwriter and legendary MuchMusic Veejay Christopher Ward and longtime CHUM radio producer (and archivist) Tom Jokic, “Famous Lost Words” is a weekly podcast on the iHeartRadio Canada app. It’s a deep dive into the extensive iHeartRadio archives – featuring classic interviews that haven’t been heard since they first aired.

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Episodes

FLW - Taylor Swift Special!
Feb 9 2024
FLW - Taylor Swift Special!
With Taylor Swift being a big part of the pop culture conversation lately, we thought we’d present three Taylor interviews from our archives, one that has never been heard on FLW. From 2019 – a great chat with Taylor and broadcaster Shannon Burns, talking about Swift’s album “Lover” and how it reflects a more positive outlook than the moodier “Reputation”. She also talks about putting “Easter Eggs” in her work as part of a fun dialogue with her fans. (Bonus content for Swifties: Taylor talks about her first meeting with her cat, “Benjamin Button”)From 2014 – Taylor joins Roger Ashby and Marilyn Denis to promote “1989”, her first pure pop album. Swift explains why she needed to be honest with her fans about the new direction of her sound. She also talks about the big house party she threw for Swifties. From 2010 – our earliest TS interview in which she tells interviewer Richie Favalaro about her album “Speak Now” and what that album means to her. She also explains how she was surprised that fans could relate to her songs even when they were specifically written for one person. She also talks about performing onstage with Katy Perry.Plus, we have some Cool Taylor Facts! Famous Lost Words, hosted by Christopher Ward and Tom Jokic, is heard in more than 100 countries worldwide and on radio stations across Canada, including Newstalk 1010 Toronto, CJAD 800 Montreal, 580 CFRA Ottawa, AM 800 CKLW Windsor, 610 CKTB St Catharines, CFAX Victoria, AM1150 Kelowna and 91x in Belleville.  It is in the Top 20% of worldwide podcasts based on the number of listeners in the first week.
910 - Carly Simon, Train, Gary Wright, Triumph... and the FLW Drinking Game??
Jan 26 2024
910 - Carly Simon, Train, Gary Wright, Triumph... and the FLW Drinking Game??
A Famous Lost Words drinking game?  Is this REALLY a good idea? Tom proposes a non-alcoholic version that is based solely on his own (many) verbal quirks. For our last episode of season 9, we begin with Carly Simon in conversation with broadcaster Ingrid Schumacher in 1987.  This was a great year for Carly because she had just worked on the soundtrack for the movie “Heartburn” and her new album “Coming Around Again” would prove to be a comeback for her. She talks about work with Mike Nichols on “Heartburn”, tussling with Clive Davis on song choices and how her close friend Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis convinced her to write a book.             Following that is a really fun encounter with the guys from Train, from a morning show encounter with Roger Ashby and Marilyn Denis.  The interview, from 2012, captures the goofiness of lead singer Pat Monahan.  Then, we have an early ‘80s chat with Gary Wright, who passed away in September of 2023. Gary only had three significant chart hits, but he was a well-respected musician who worked with George Harrison on a number of projects.  He also made synthesizers a staple on Top 40 radio.             We close out the show with a great chat with Triumph, a band that started in a bowling alley in Mississauga, Ontario forge their place in rock history.  The Canadian power trio are legendary here in their home country, but also had a great run in the U.S. and beyond.  Bassist Mike Levine has a ton of fun chatting with broadcaster Rick Ringer in this very entertaining and lively 1983 interview.
909 - CSN, The Hollies, Peter Tosh, Lee Aaron and the worst breakup ever!
Jan 12 2024
909 - CSN, The Hollies, Peter Tosh, Lee Aaron and the worst breakup ever!
This week, a very good example of the wide range of artists in the Famous Lost Words archives…             First up is a collection of early ‘70s conversations with Crosby, Stills & Nash, where David, Stephen and Graham cover the entire history of the group.  Plus, maybe Tom’s worst interviewing moment when Stephen Stills takes him to task for asking what we thought was a reasonable question.  That’s this week on When Rock Stars Attack! Plus, the excellent story behind one of the best hits of the ‘70s – from an important band that preceded CSN. It’s a story of intrigue and double-cross and it’s also pretty funny And we have an early ‘80s chat with reggae legend Peter Tosh – as he talks about working with Mick Jagger as well as the importance of marijuana to his religion, his creative process and his life. And we close out the show with a really fun new chat with Canadian rocker Lee Aaron – who has come a very long way since her Metal Queen days.  We talk about her career, the fine line between promotion and exploitation and how she felt being inducted into Canada’s Walk Of Fame just a few weeks ago.   Tom & Christopher also talk about the band breakups that affected them the most.  Christopher's answer was both unexpected and frankly hilarious!   Famous Lost Words, hosted by Christopher Ward and Tom Jokic, is heard in more than 100 countries worldwide and on radio stations across Canada, including Newstalk 1010 Toronto, CJAD 800 Montreal, 580 CFRA Ottawa, AM 800 CKLW Windsor, 610 CKTB St Catharines, CFAX Victoria, AM1150 Kelowna and 91x in Belleville.  It is in the Top 20% of worldwide podcasts based on the number of listeners in the first week.
908 - Soul, Disco & Hip-Hop pt 2 w Donna Summer, Michael Jackson, Arrested Development and more
Dec 22 2023
908 - Soul, Disco & Hip-Hop pt 2 w Donna Summer, Michael Jackson, Arrested Development and more
This week, part 2 of our series on R&B, Soul, Disco and Hip-Hop!  As usual, we have a great collection of interview clips with some of the greatest artists of the genre. -        Tina Turner breaks down her performing style (and explains why she didn’t like her voice) -        Michael Jackson recalls the earliest days of The Jackson 5 -        The O’Jays explain how they initially rejected one of their biggest hits -        Nona Hendrix talks about the recording and controversy of the classic soul hit, “Lady Marmalade” -        Gloria Gaynor tells the story of having to fight to release “I Will Survive” -        The Commodores talk about learning the tricks of the trade from The Jackson 5 -        Donna Summer reveals the song that inspired “Love To Love You” -        How Arrested Development created hip-hop music to reflect a different side of the African-American experience -        Anita Baker tells Marilyn Denis about her style (or lack of style) -        Diana Ross talks about the early days of The Supremes -        Plus, revealing clips from Barry White, James Brown, Stevie Wonder, Jully Black, The Chi-Lites, Deborah Cox, Lenny Kravitz, Billy Paul, Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr and Lou Rawls.   And we’ll tell the amazing story about the birth of hip-hop in an NYC house party on August 11, 1973.   Plus, Tom tells us about a whole bunch of Cool Soul Facts!   Famous Lost Words, hosted by Christopher Ward and Tom Jokic, is heard in more than 100 countries worldwide and on radio stations across Canada, including Newstalk 1010 Toronto, CJAD 800 Montreal, 580 CFRA Ottawa, AM 800 CKLW Windsor, 610 CKTB St Catharines, CFAX Victoria, AM1150 Kelowna and 91x in Belleville.  It is in the Top 20% of worldwide podcasts based on the number of listeners in the first week.
906 - Daryl Hall & John Oates, Steven Page, Brandi Carlile and the greatest debut albums ever!
Nov 24 2023
906 - Daryl Hall & John Oates, Steven Page, Brandi Carlile and the greatest debut albums ever!
In what can only be described as a hell of a coincidence, this week we feature a series  of clips with Daryl Hall & John Oates.  These are particularly interesting in light of the news of Daryl suing John, and even asking for a restraining order against his old friend and bandmate.  First up is both guys from 1981, around the time of the “Voices” album. Then about a year later in ’82, it’s Daryl Hall talking to us about the H20 album.             And then for our podcast listeners there’s some bonus content – it’s Tom’s 2018 interview with John Oates. In which John talks about how he and Daryl bonded over their love of music.  John also tells the story behind the hit “Maneater” in which he explains that the maneater isn’t about a woman, it’s about a city.             After Hall & Oates, we’ll chat with Steven Page, formerly of Barenaked Ladies and now a member of the very quirky new Canadian supergroup the Trans-Canada Highwaymen.  Their new album is a bit surprising on a number of levels.  We’ll talk about that plus some of Steven’s favourite memories of his time with Barenaked Ladies (including his reunion with BNL at the Juno Awards).             Then, we have a hidden gem from the FLW archives – so hidden that we didn’t even know it existed until we discovered a few days ago!  It’s a 2007 interview with the wonderful Brandi Carlile.  It’s great to capture a moment in time from when an artist is first starting out.  Brandi is so candid and refreshing in this early-career chat.             Plus, Christopher and Tom argue about the greatest debut albums ever.  Tom is impressed by Christopher’s choices, while Christopher is mortified by Tom’s! Famous Lost Words, hosted by Christopher Ward and Tom Jokic, is heard in more than 100 countries worldwide and on radio stations across Canada, including Newstalk 1010 Toronto, CJAD 800 Montreal, 580 CFRA Ottawa, AM 800 CKLW Windsor, 610 CKTB St Catharines, CFAX Victoria, AM1150 Kelowna and 91x in Belleville.  It is in the Top 20% of worldwide podcasts based on the number of listeners in the first week.
905 - Prince, Jimmy Buffett, former Much VJ Bill Welychka!
Nov 10 2023
905 - 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 Canadian accent. And there’s a subtle moment where Prince seems to take a shot at a famous rock star – and Christopher & Tom try to guess who he meant.   In light of the recent passing of Jimmy Buffett, we have some great clips of Jimmy talking to us in 1978.  This is during the peak of his chart success and he’s in excellent spirits, discussing his music, specifically the album “Son Of A Son Of A Sailor” (with the hit single “Cheeseburger In Paradise”.  He explains that he “doesn’t know too many chords” but that doesn’t seem to stop him.  Jimmy is very content at this point in his career… little did he know what the next 40 years held in store!   We wrap up the show by talking to legendary MuchMusic VJ Bill Welychka, as he talks about his new book “Happy Has-Been”, an excellent memoir of his life as an entertainment journalist, including his encounters with the biggest names in music.  Bill is not only a friendly guy, he’s a true talent with an impressive list of accomplishments. In our chat, Bill talks about working with Christopher, interviewing Prince (this week’s featured artist) and almost getting killed while interviewing Green Day in a golf cart! (Bill’s only concern at that moment was to protect the TV equipment!) Bill’s book, ““Happy Has-Been - Exciting Times and Lessons Learned by One of Canada’s Foremost Entertainment Journalists” is available now.  Partial proceeds go to The White Ribbon Campaign and also women’s shelters across Canada. Famous Lost Words, hosted by Christopher Ward and Tom Jokic, is heard in more than 100 countries worldwide and on radio stations across Canada, including Newstalk 1010 Toronto, CJAD 800 Montreal, 580 CFRA Ottawa, AM 800 CKLW Windsor, 610 CKTB St Catharines, CFAX Victoria, AM1150 Kelowna and 91x in Belleville.  It is in the Top 20% of worldwide podcasts based on the number of listeners in the first week.
904 - New Wave pt 3 - Human League, Pretenders, OMD & When Rock Stars Attack!
Oct 27 2023
904 - New Wave pt 3 - Human League, Pretenders, OMD & When Rock Stars Attack!
This week – it’s the finale of our epic three-part celebration of New Wave!  Among the shows highlights… ⁃ Phil Oakey of Human League talks about his musical ineptitude as well as the League’s worst concert ever⁃ Chrissie Hynde explains the meaning behind the Pretenders breakout hit “Brass In Pocket”⁃ OMD discuss how a love song about an infamous war plane became their first hit⁃ Boy George takes a shot at pretentious music journalists and explains how Culture Club got their record deal.⁃ Gary Numan discusses his transition from punk to new wave⁃ The guys in Madness explain the real reason for their high energy live performances⁃ The English Beat explain how their most senior member, Saxa, was in fact the most young-at-heart⁃ Ottawa’s Eight Seconds talk about their big break and working with the legendary producer Rupert Hine⁃ On “When Rock Stars Attack”, Jim Kerr of Simple Minds takes down that vile species known as Rock Critics⁃ And our guest co-host, Rob Preuss, talks about teaching Rami Malek how to convincingly play piano for his Oscar-winning role as Freddie Mercury in “Bohemian Rhapsody” Famous Lost Words, hosted by Christopher Ward and Tom Jokic, is heard in more than 100 countries worldwide and on radio stations across Canada, including Newstalk 1010 Toronto, CJAD 800 Montreal, 580 CFRA Ottawa, AM 800 CKLW Windsor, 610 CKTB St Catharines, CFAX Victoria, AM1150 Kelowna and 91x in Belleville.  It is in the Top 20% of worldwide podcasts based on the number of listeners in the first week.
902 - New Wave spectacular w Duran, Blondie, Devo, Spoons & more!
Sep 29 2023
902 - New Wave spectacular w Duran, Blondie, Devo, Spoons & more!
This week, we kick off our most ambitious series yet – it’s the music of New Wave.  We dove deep into the archives for classic interviews that encompass the “twitchy, but tuneful” music of the early ‘80s.  And for this episode, Christopher and Tom welcome former Spoons keyboardist (and Broadway music director) Rob Preuss!  Rob is a New Wave geek who was not only in the middle of the explosion of new music, but he worked with, toured with and talked with some of the biggest names of the genre.  And he has GREAT stories to tell! Among this week’s crop of New Wave artists… John Taylor talks about the original formation of Duran Duran and how fashion was an important part of the band’s image.Deborah Harry talks about the pushback she got for her onstage image. She also explains the genesis of the song “Rapture” (the first song with rap vocals to go to number 1)The guys from Devo explain how they were once paid 75 dollars to STOP playing their music!And on “When Rock Stars Attack – it’s Elvis Costello vs Led Zeppelin… and Andy Partridge of XTC vs Todd Rundgren!Our podcast listeners will hear bonus segments with The Boomtown Rats (Bob Geldof talks about the creation of their biggest hit) and Paul Young (who fights a battle between fame and artistry) So many synths!  So little time!  Enjoy part one of our celebration of New Wave! Special shout-out to our friend Rob Wells, who created a synth-y version of our theme music.  Thanks Rob!  Check out Rob's podcast - "Women In The Music Industry" Famous Lost Words, hosted by Christopher Ward and Tom Jokic, is heard in more than 100 countries worldwide and on radio stations across Canada, including Newstalk 1010 Toronto, CJAD 800 Montreal, 580 CFRA Ottawa, AM 800 CKLW Windsor, 610 CKTB St Catharines, CFAX Victoria, AM1150 Kelowna and 91x in Belleville.  It is in the Top 20% of worldwide podcasts based on the number of listeners in the first week.
901 - Season 9! Paul McCartney, Robbie Robertson & The Spinners!
Sep 15 2023
901 - Season 9! Paul McCartney, Robbie Robertson & The Spinners!
In our Season 9 premiere, we feature a couple of amazing interviews with Paul McCartney.  First up, from 1976, Paul tells Canadian broadcast legend Roger Ashby about his creative process, his influences and the long shadow of The Beatles.  And from 1980, Macca describes how he ended up playing the bass originally, the inspiration for making “Sgt Pepper” and the tensions in creating The White Album.  And in chilling comments made weeks before the death of John Lennon, Paul talks about the price of fame.             Also this week, a great series of interview clips with The Spinners.  Singer Pervis Jackson (whose deep voice makes Tom & Christopher sound like chipmunks) explains the deep history of the band (going all the way back to the ‘50s!) and the profound effect producer Thom Bell had on the band during their heyday in the ‘70s.  He also tells the stories behind the hits “Could It Be I’m Falling In Love” and “Then Came You”.              And we’ll also revisit our recent tribute to Robbie Robertson, featuring some great interview clips from the ‘70s when he was still with The Band – in which he talks about hooking up with Bob Dylan in the ‘60s – and how The Basement Tapes were created. Plus, a wonderful chat with Robbie from 1998 as he discusses his solo albums and his film work with Martin Scorsese.  Plus, Elton John talks about how he was more influenced by The Band than he was by Dylan. Famous Lost Words, hosted by Christopher Ward and Tom Jokic, is heard in more than 100 countries worldwide and on radio stations across Canada, including Newstalk 1010 Toronto, CJAD 800 Montreal, 580 CFRA Ottawa, AM 800 CKLW Windsor, 610 CKTB St Catharines, CFAX Victoria, AM1150 Kelowna and 91x in Belleville.  It is in the Top 20% of worldwide podcasts based on the number of listeners in the first week.
Special - Tina Turner (1939-2023)
May 26 2023
Special - Tina Turner (1939-2023)
Today, we’re digging deep into the Famous Lost Words archives as we remember Tina Turner.              First up is a series of interview clips with Tina from the early ‘70s as she recalls the early days of her career – from the moment that she first jumped up on stage to her years with Ike Turner and her work with Phil Spector.  She talks about her performing style and why she didn’t much care for her own voice.  And she recalls the breakthrough cover version of the CCR hit, Proud Mary – a song that became a trademark.             Then, we’ll revisit Christopher’s 1989 conversation with Tina – as she talks about her album “Foreign Affair”.  She discusses her early influences and also describes how she re-arranged a song and made it her own, until it became “The Best”.             And we’ll finish off with an extraordinary interview with Tina from the year 2000, in conversation with Marilyn Denis.             Tina talks about mentally preparing for her concerts, the secret to her longevity and why her greatest inspiration was NOT a performer, but a former first lady of the United States.  She also talks about why she loved touring with Lionel Richie and why she had a falling out with Elton John.             And we’ll hear Tina interacting with some of her fans in a way that is truly inspiring.  Plus, she pushes back at people who criticize other female performers.   All in all, it's an in-depth and astonishing collection of incredible moments. Tina Turner passed away on May 24, 2023 at the age of 83.
812 - Loverboy, Chuck Berry, The Sex Pistols!
Mar 3 2023
812 - Loverboy, Chuck Berry, The Sex Pistols!
We’re finishing off season 8 with a real banger!  First up is one of the best interviews from the archives – a 2007 chat with Mike Reno of Loverboy. Mike is a gifted storyteller as he explains the origins of the band’s name, why a legacy band creates new music, and why they were embraced by MTV immediately.             Mike also talks about their late bassist Scott Smith, who was declared missing when he was swept overboard by a large wave while sailing off the coast of San Francisco.             Mike then tells us the stories behind some of Loverboy’s biggest hits, including “Turn Me Loose”, “Working For The Weekend” and “The Kid Is Hot Tonite”.               Following the Loverboy chat, we have an amazing series of clips from Chuck Berry – the very first inductee into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Chuck breaks down a number of his biggest hits – and then veers off in a strange direction. But Chuck has a lot to say and it’s all good.  Great to have so much audio from one of the pioneers of rock and roll.               Next up is Tom’s very weird chat with Johnny Rotten of The Sex Pistols.  Johnny talks about The Pistols’ legacy and why life with Public Image Ltd was a much more rewarding experience.  Johnny also uses the opportunity to bash the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.  Strangely, Tom actually forgot we had this interview in our archives!  It’s definitely worth a listen!               And for our podcast listeners, Christopher has a very special tribute to the late Burt Bacharach, the musical genius behind dozens of hits that spanned decades.  Bacharach passed away on Feb 8, 2023 at the age of 94.   Famous Lost Words, hosted by Christopher Ward and Tom Jokic, is heard in more than 70 countries worldwide and on radio stations across Canada, including Newstalk 1010 Toronto, CJAD 800 Montreal, 580 CFRA Ottawa, AM 800 CKLW Windsor, Newstalk 1290 London, 610 CKTB St Catharines, CFAX Victoria, AM1150 Kelowna and 91x in Belleville.