Podcast Summary: Under the Influence with Terry O'Reilly

Special Presentation: The Very First Episode of "Backstage at the Vinyl Cafe"

Date: August 28, 2025
Host: Terry O’Reilly, featuring Jess Milton and stories by Stuart McLean
Producer/Network: Apostrophe Podcast Network

Episode Overview

This special crossover episode of Under the Influence celebrates the launch of “Backstage at the Vinyl Cafe,” a podcast honoring beloved Canadian storyteller Stuart McLean. Hosted by his producer, Jess Milton, the show shares classic Dave and Morley stories, paired with behind-the-scenes anecdotes about life on the road with McLean. This inaugural episode features two signature Stuart McLean stories centered on fitness-related mishaps: “Tour de Dave” and “Attack of the Treadmill.”

Main Themes & Purpose

• Celebration of Storytelling: The episode introduces new and returning audiences to the signature warmth and humor of “The Vinyl Cafe,” reuniting fans with Stuart McLean’s unique storytelling style.
• Behind-the-Scenes Insights: Jess Milton lifts the curtain on how stories were inspired and crafted, offering personal memories and reflections on her time working with Stuart.
• Fitness Fiascos: Both feature stories are united by the theme of well-intentioned fitness gone comically awry.

Key Discussion Points & Episode Structure

1. Terry O’Reilly’s Introduction

[02:03–03:10]

• Terry O’Reilly praises Stuart McLean’s legacy and storytelling skill.
  • “One of my favorite storytellers of all time is the late great Stuart MacLean.” [02:07]
• He introduces “Backstage at the Vinyl Cafe” and encourages listeners to dive into the extensive archive of episodes.
• Sets up the episode’s format: Two stories plus backstage anecdotes from Jess Milton.

2. Jess Milton’s Welcome & Podcast Format

[03:10–04:45]

• Jess expresses gratitude and nostalgia, noting the bittersweet joy of stepping in for Stuart.
  • “I wish Stuart were in this chair, not me. Sorry. But I am super happy to be here and happy that you are here, too.” [03:13]
• Explains the weekly format: Two Dave and Morley stories, themed around “fitness gone wrong.”

3. Story #1: “Tour de Dave” by Stuart McLean

[04:45–19:55]

Summary:

Dave is captivated by his neighbor Ted’s obsession with cycling, culminating in a mishap with an expensive racing bike. When Dave attempts to live out his Tour de France fantasy, he finds himself accidentally stranded atop Ted’s car—still locked to the bike—which is then driven down the highway, producing chaos and destruction (of both nerves and Ted’s prized bike).

Key Moments and Quotes:

• Ted’s evangelical bike talk alienates the neighborhood.
  • “He’s not an enthusiast. He’s an evangelist.” [07:10]
• Dave’s fantasy of riding Ted’s luxury bike and his bumbling attempt to try it out:
  • “He knew it was Ted’s car because Ted’s bike was on the roof rack. … He just wanted to sit on it.” [10:40]
• Chaos ensues:
  • “Dave looked like the space shuttle bolted on top of a 747.” [13:31]
  • “Panic can be a wonderful thing. It helps you get a lot done in a short period of time, often without a lot of extra thought.” [15:30]
• The climax—Ted drives off, and Dave is mistaken for a bike accessory until his face appears upside-down on the windshield:
  • “There was a face on the windshield staring at him. An upside down face…” [17:45]

Memorable Quote:

• “Ted’s discovered the problem with proselytizing. When you preach, you never know who your converts will be.” [18:50]

4. Jess Milton’s Backstage Story: The True Inspiration for “Tour de Dave”

[19:55–25:59]

• Jess recounts how the story’s seed was planted when her own father, faced with Stuart’s chronic overpacking, offhandedly remarked that “if you get there and he has too much stuff, just tell him he’s got to ride on top of the car strapped into one of those bikes.”
• She shares quirky road-trip traditions, Stuart’s legendary inability to pack light, and the inside joke of his “wedge of cheese” back pillow, later discovered to be a birthing pillow.
  • “Just think of how much I could make fun of him for using a birthing pillow as a desk chair.” [22:27]
• Highlights the abundance of creative sparks that came from their offstage camaraderie.

5. Story #2: “Attack of the Treadmill” by Stuart McLean

[27:19–42:45]

Summary:

A simple shoelace mishap sets Dave off on a wild, unintended treadmill workout, courtesy of a marathon runner’s saved preferences. Trapped by his own improvised skate-lace, drenched in coffee, and beset by malfunctioning electronics, Dave finds himself literally running for his life.

Key Moments and Quotes:

• Dave’s relatable absent-mindedness sets the tone.
• The treadmill debacle:
  • “There must be an off button, when suddenly there was a bang and hey, someone had grabbed Dave’s left foot. … both ends of that overlong hockey lace were disappearing into the bowels of the machine.” [31:10]
• Machine confusion and electronic chaos:
  • “He didn’t know… that the mysterious Brendan, who had carelessly left his computer chip in training preferences, was training for the Boston Marathon.” [34:12]
• Comic humiliation as the kid from the pool delivers the ultimate comeback:
  • “You know what? You are old enough to know better.” [39:15]
• Rescue and revelation:
  • “Hey man, I think I left my chip in your machine.” [41:15]

6. Jess Milton’s Reflections & Favorite Moments

[42:45–43:57]

• Jess laughs about how the “pooled” (the neon sign missing an “L”) detail still cracks her up.
  • “Hotel pool with the L burnt out. Like, so funny to this day when I hear that, I burst out laughing.” [42:57]
• Reveals that the story was recorded at the Stephen Leacock Theatre, appropriately echoing the show’s comic Canadian roots.

7. Sneak Peek: Next Week’s Episode

[43:57–45:43]

• Stuart’s narration sets up a future story about Dave discovering a tiny plant growing in the car, marvelling at life’s small miracles.
  • “There was a tiny plantlet growing there. Dave’s first impulse was to pluck the little green thing off the floor. But he hesitated for a moment…” [44:19]

Notable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)

• “One of my favorite storytellers of all time is the late great Stuart MacLean.”
  — Terry O’Reilly, [02:07]

• “He’s not an enthusiast. He’s an evangelist.”
  — Stuart McLean, [07:10]

• “Dave looked like the space shuttle bolted on top of a 747.”
  — Stuart McLean, [13:31]

• “Panic can be a wonderful thing. It helps you get a lot done in a short period of time, often without a lot of extra thought.”
  — Stuart McLean, [15:30]

• “Ted’s discovered the problem with proselytizing. When you preach, you never know who your converts will be.”
  — Stuart McLean, [18:50]

• “Just think of how much I could make fun of him for using a birthing pillow as a desk chair.”
  — Jess Milton, [22:27]

• “You know what? You are old enough to know better.”
  — The kid from the pool, [39:15]

• “I love that story. But my favorite part is hotel pool with the L burnt out.”
  — Jess Milton, [42:45]

• “There was a tiny plantlet growing there… In the moment of hesitation, he was overcome with the miracle of it.”
  — Stuart McLean, [44:19]

Structure & Flow

• Warm introduction by Terry O’Reilly, honoring Stuart’s legacy and teasing the series’ format.
• Jess Milton’s warm, relatable style connects the behind-the-scenes world to the audience, mixing affection with humor.
• Stuart McLean’s stories—vivid, funny, and humane—are front and center.
• Personal backstories from Jess enrich the listening experience, tying the real lives of the storytellers into the fabric of the tales.

For New and Returning Listeners

This episode offers:

• A vibrant, laughter-filled welcome to both new listeners and longtime fans of “The Vinyl Cafe.”
• Immersive experiences in the gentle humor and “little guy” predicaments that define Stuart McLean’s beloved world.
• Behind-the-scenes insight from producer Jess Milton, adding authenticity, warmth, and another layer of narrative charm.

Listen For…

• Opening story (“Tour de Dave”): [04:45–19:55]
• Backstage story from Jess: [19:55–25:59]
• Second story (“Attack of the Treadmill”): [27:19–42:45]
• Sneak peek at next week: [43:57–45:43]

Closing Thoughts

Packed with endearing mishaps, witty observations, and reflective moments, this crossover episode is a joyful reintroduction to the spirit of Stuart McLean’s storytelling and a loving nod from those who created his world with him—all delivered in the trademark style of The Vinyl Cafe’s “Backstage” team.

“Good things happen when you travel with friends.”
— Jess Milton [25:44]