Congratulations Rick Campanelli and John Meyer on hitting #1 on the Toronto Star Bestseller List!

I first met John when I applied for a mentorship program and requested to be paired with the Executive Producer at ET Canada. It all felt very glamorous and exciting, and involved sitting in on the daily roundtable, where the writers and producers discussed that day’s hottest stories. I sat back and watched John, as Head Writer, lead the discussions with his trademark candour and wit, and knew we would become friends.

Over the years, I’ve admired him so much for his storytelling, both on and off the screen. Through his three previous publications, and the many times we’ve met to discuss whatever story he was dreaming up next, it has been so inspiring for me as a creative writer to watch John continue pursuing his dream.

I first met Rick around the same time, while I was working in the Marketing Ventures department at Canwest, and later Shaw Media. Before meeting him, I had watched his career as a fan — from “Rick the Temp” at MuchMusic to co-hosting ET Canada. He embraced his roots, seemed up for anything, and had a reputation for being one of the nicest guys in media.

After meeting him, and later working with him on various advertiser shoots, it was amazing to see that he absolutely lived up to that reputation. Every client wanted to work with him. He is an incredibly hard worker and so gracious with his time.

I applaud Rick and John for the work and dedication they put into this sometimes harrowing, but also beautiful, nostalgic and vulnerable story, Tempted. It’s amazing to hear how the two of you worked together on it after so many years as colleagues and friends.

Tempted is both a hopeful and cautionary tale, and a glimpse behind the curtain at the person we grew up seeing on our TV screens. I know so many of us were shocked to learn what Rick was dealing with off-screen, and I applaud his bravery in choosing to tell this story.

Thank you for sharing it with us, Rick — and huge congratulations to you both on hitting #1 on the Toronto Star Bestseller List! ❤️