ABOUT THIS EPISODE
Broadcast Date – June 24, 2026
***You can find the player at the bottom of the page***
Our chats will be just that very conversational, not entirely sensible and with any luck totally enjoyable. Now, if you’ve been with me since this SEA AND BE SCENE adventure began some 16 years ago you’ll recognize today’s guest as one of my all-time favourites. In fact his first big on-screen role was in an East Coast Smash of a series I covered a ton during it’s 6 season run, and it was wonderful then to chat about his hilarious turn as the sidekick Des Courtney in REPUBLIC OF DOYLE – it has been pure joy watching his star rise to include countless starring roles in major motion pictures and award winning network TV too. In fact in the 12 years since the DOYLE finale there’ve been a non-stop stream of credits for acting, YES, but also for writing and directing too. Case in point his most recent work and the reason he was here in Halifax, Nova Scotia, a few weeks ago. For a special screening of his latest film THE VOICES OF OUR MOTHER which follows a dark chapter “when a family matriarch falls seriously ill, and her four estranged children return home to determine whether she has dementia or is possessed by evil forces.” It’s a supernatural horror in which he not only stars but also serves as writer and director. So indeed, there’s plenty to talk about about this movie including the leading ladies – Canadian screen legend Sheila MacCarthy and Mark’s real life costar Georgina Reilly. We’ll talk about how he came up with the fantastically frightening premise and discover some super cool details on how he managed the breakneck shooting schedule on his Hamilton set and dealt with the final edit amidst filming another movie over seas. We’ll also get the scoop on a few of his many upcoming projects including the crime thriller GOOD IN THE ROOM in which he stars, co-wrote and co-produced with his longtime pal Pat Kiely and the comedy/horror NICE PEOPLE for which he serves as director and co-star alongside Sosie Bacon, Ella Travolta and another dear friend and fellow Newfoundlander Shawn Doyle. We’ll also talk about his onscreen reunion with Oscar Winner Russell Crowe and his continued collaboration with mega award-winning composer Andrew Staniland. Plus we’ll play a custom round of 1st Things First, an epic turn of The Final Countdown and some of his favourite soundtrack music too. So with all that ahead let’s get to it… wait before we roll the interview there are a few things you should know. One – the Halifax hotel where Mark was staying – while lovely was no so great for recording audio, so this chat took place in my car. A show first, but honestly, given the quality of the sound might not be the last. Two – this was recorded back on Saturday, June 6th a week after his beloved Montreal Canadians were eliminated from the playoffs. That note will make sense later. And three – Mark’s schedule was bananas busy that weekend. He’d just flown in from a hometown screening in St.John’s amidst his filming of movie in Montreal and our interview was sandwiched in between meetings so even though I could talk to him for hours on end – our time was VERY limited so while we don’t exactly round out the full hour of our show I will be back at the tail end of the show with a special recap report from the CBMIC HALL OF FAME Ceremonies so stay tuned for that. Okay, I think that’s everything – and now without further ado here’s my long-awaited and wonderful sit-down conversation with the one and only Mark O’Brien.
Follow Mark O’Brien on Instagram
You can listen to our 2019 podcast chat with Mark here and our last chat in 2022 here.
For a great look at all the fun we’ve had with Mr. O’Brien through the years, from pints in pubs to on-set chats be sure to check out the #SABS10 Video Vault
To listen to my most recent podcast chat with Mark’s sister – singer/songwriter Melanie O’Brien here.
We played some amazing music on the show to get a copy for your collection from iTunes just click on the title – “The Mighty Rio Grande” by This Will Destroy You, “Oh Yeah” by Great Big Sea and “Paris” by Gordie Sampson
To see Amelie Sampson sing “Paris” at the CBMIC Hall of Fame Celebration in tribute to her father Gordie click here.
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