Oct. 16, 2026

From MuchMusic to TEMPTED: The Real Rick Campanelli

Show Notes

Jann welcomes Rick Campanelli, a well-known figure in Canadian broadcasting, to discuss his journey from becoming a MuchMusic VJ to admitting he had to face a gambling addiction. Rick opens up about his addiction, the impact it had on his life, and the support he received along the way. He shares insights into the writing process of his memoir 'Tempted', which reveals his personal battles and aims to caution others about the dangers of gambling. The discussion also reflects on the golden era of MuchMusic, highlighting the magic of that time in Canadian music history.

More About Rick Campanelli & TEMPTED

RICK CAMPANELLI has been one of the most recognizable fixtures in Canadian broadcasting for three decades, most notably for MuchMusic and ET Canada, and has appeared on The Traitors Canada. Currently he hosts the radio show Rewind with Rick Campanelli on CHFI and can be seen on Breakfast Television. Born in Hamilton, Ontario, he now lives close to home with his wife and two sons.

TEMPTED is a nostalgic, fast-paced ride through the world of music, entertainment. Recounting Rick "The Temp" Campanelli's journey from idyllic childhood in Hamilton to a complicated life in front of the camera during the peak years of MuchMusic and ET Canada, it will both delight and shock readers as Campanelli for the first time, reveals secrets that he faced behind-the-scenes that nearly destroyed his life. 

Get the book:

https://www.harpercollins.ca/9781443477437/tempted/

Listen to the book:

https://link.amazon/B0blIz15J

Get Help from CAMH:

https://www.camh.ca/en/patients-and-families/programs-and-services/problem-gambling--technology-use-treatment

Chapters:

(00:00) Introduction and Guest Introduction

(02:59) Rick Campanelli's Journey in Broadcasting

(06:07) The Impact of Gambling Addiction

(08:53) Support Systems and Recovery

(12:02) The Process of Writing 'Tempted'