If you’re a fan of The Tragically Hip, chances are you’ve already been swept up into the whirlwind of nostalgia, fandom, and stories that is The Tragically Hip Top Forty Countdown. Hosted by JD Dew, this podcast has taken the Hipverse by storm, reaching No. 1 on Apple Podcasts Music Commentary in Canada, and charting in over 10 countries. Out now, JD drops one of the most anticipated episodes yet — an in-depth conversation with legendary broadcaster and fan Ron MacLean, just in time for the kickoff of the NHL playoffs.
This isn’t just another episode. This is a moment. MacLean — who was there in the trenches of Canadian culture, calling the games, quoting lyrics, and wearing his love for the Hip on his sleeve — joins JD for a candid conversation about the band’s legacy, personal memories of Gord Downie, and what it means to be Canadian in 2025. MacLean’s appearance adds a powerful new layer to a podcast already praised as “articulate,” “riveting,” and “the ultimate podcast for Hip fans.”
The Tragically Hip Top Forty Countdown is a passion project born from grief, memory, and celebration. Dedicated to JD’s friend Matthew Rona, who passed away from ALS in 2024, the podcast also serves as the anchor for a major fundraiser this fall — culminating in a live finale show at The Rec Room Roundhouse in Toronto on Oct. 4, featuring The Strictly Hip with all proceeds benefiting the ALS Society of Canada.
Each episode features fans sharing their personal stories, revealing how these 40 iconic Hip tracks helped soundtrack their lives. Whether it’s hearing from super-fans coast-to-coast or revisiting the glory of Blow at High Dough, Wheat Kings or Nautical Disaster, listeners return weekly not just for rankings — but for community.
JD has created more than a countdown — he’s curated a collective mixtape of Canadian memory. The Hip are gone from the stage, but through the TTH Top 40, they’re still playing, louder than ever.
Listen to the show on Red Circle, Spotify and Apple.
