Documentary details fall of former broadcaster once dubbed ‘sexiest man in Winnipeg'
A former sportscaster, college instructor and executive with True North Sports and Entertainment, Vogelsang helped several Winnipeggers shape their careers.
So when the Saskatoon native was arrested in 2017 for sticking up banks in Saskatchewan and Alberta, his once made-for-TV persona became rife with static.
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
'It raises a lot of questions,' said Charlie Siskel, a director and producer for 'The Sexiest Man in Winnipeg,' a new documentary detailing Vogelsang's rise and fall that releases Friday on Amazon's Prime Video.
'What happened to this guy? Why did he end up robbing a bunch of banks? Why did he do it in such theatrically ridiculous fashion?'
Vogelsang was sentenced in 2019 to six and a half years in prison after pleading guilty to a string of bank robberies in Saskatchewan and Alberta between July and October 2017.
In one case, he walked into a Regina bank with a fake bomb strapped to his chest, slid a note to the teller demanding $50,000 and pleaded for help, saying 'They've got my grandson.'
On its face, it's a ridiculous but tragic story, says co-director Ben Daughtrey.
'We decided to embrace both sides of Steve's personality,' he said in an interview.
'He is genuinely a funny person, but there's also something ultimately tragic about a person going to these depths to try to change his life.'
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
In an interview from Washington state, Siskel said the documentary has been in the works since Vogelsang's release from prison. Vogelsang himself was involved in its making, re-enacting elements and sharing his thoughts for the cameras.
The documentary also hears from several current and former Winnipeg reporters who knew Vogelsang and recall their shock at learning he had been arrested.
'The film is a character study, ultimately,' he said. 'Not so much a whodunit because we know who committed the crimes, but a whydunit.'
Vogelsang's trial heard the former broadcaster's marriage had fallen apart, his prescribed medication for depression wasn't working and he was deep in debt from lengthy unemployment.
Asked why Vogelsang gets a documentary when ordinary people convicted of bank robberies don't, Siskel said humans are obsessed with true crime and fame. His crimes were minor, so it's all the more surprising, the director said, that Vogelsang thought it was his way back.
'What is it about these crimes and criminals and crime stories that so fascinates the public and makes such a ready market for these kinds of stories ... Is this all fame seeking on his part? ... What role do we have in turning these people back into celebrities?'
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
Siskel said the viewer should 'play jury' when watching the documentary. Was Vogelsang 'some sort of monster,' he said, or an ordinary person who got a taste of fame, lost it and went about a 'weird way' of getting it back?
Siskel adds that Vogelsang routinely points out in the film that he doesn't want 'that much fame.'
But Siskel thinks otherwise.
'I do think that fame and fame seeking is at the heart of Steve's story,' he said. 'I think there is an element of redemption in the sense that Steve is coming to terms with his own past and his choices.
'Is it a redemption story, is it exposing the deep flaws of another human being, or is it something in between?'
This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 9, 2025.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Winnipeg Free Press
a day ago
- Winnipeg Free Press
One Great City to miss
'You say that you're leaving. Well, that comes as no surprise.' — Hasn't Hit Me Yet by Blue Rodeo The Macro On Monday morning of this week, I had one of the best breakfasts ever. I had always wanted to visit Modern Electric Lunch on Main Street but for some reason, I never made it happen. However, having been forced to flee our house while potential buyers kicked the tires, we needed sanctuary. MEL provided that sanctuary. The Cochinita Hash was heavenly. Poached eggs, wonderful soft mini potatoes, pulled pork, pickled onion, pineapple salsa, feta and lime. It may seem like a lot, but it all came together in an angelic blend. As I mopped up my plate, I was suddenly struck by a sad thought: on this, one of the last days I can count myself a Winnipegger, I found another place to miss. I can now officially confirm I will be leaving Winnipeg after 39 years. Thankfully, I won't be leaving the Free Press . I came here in 1986 after working for the Calgary Herald . And I can actually say that I've never regretted a moment of my time at the Free Press . I've had chances to leave, but before I could pull the ripcord, the paper gave me a better job. The more I reinforced my decision to stay, the greater the defender of Winnipeg I became. Advertisement Why this ad? Winnipeg is an isolated, fiercely independent place that really has all of the things you could want from a city, save for the buzz that comes from a bigger population. It has given me the opportunity to hang art on my walls from artists I have met, eat in restaurants where I know the chef, and listen to music played by musicians I know. Those are not things that many people in larger cities get to say. More importantly, it is a place that does not really seek the approval of people who live in other places. Winnipeggers will lustily criticize their hometown, to be sure, but criticize us from away and we'll drop the mitts in a heartbeat. The future for me will be different, but also thankfully the same. I will continue to write columns, news stories, editorials and this newsletter for the FP from Picton, Ont., where my lovely wife has accepted a wonderful job. Now, as we have only days left before our departure, I want to provide a list of the things I will miss the most. It's not comprehensive, but may be the single longest paragraph I've ever written: The Winnipeg Art Gallery including its rooftop gardens, patio and art rental gallery; the Exchange District and all of its wonderful, hidden treasures; the Martha Street printmakers studio; Canada Life Centre during a Winnipeg Jets Whiteout playoff game; the Alt and Mere hotels, where we enjoyed all our staycations; my favorite breakfast spots including the Falafel Place, Stella's, Clementine and (now) Modern Electric Lunch; the Oval Room at the Fort Garry Hotel; the Pyramid Cabaret; the Burton Cummings Theatre (even with the lack of leg room in the balconies); the Manitoba Legislature; the St. Boniface Cathedral; the immense power and awe of Lake Winnipeg; Hecla Island resort in all of its incarnations; Quarry Oaks Golf Course near Steinbach; the Trappers Tavern in Thompson; Cargo Bar and the gardens, ponds and cricket fields in Assiniboine Park; Birds Hill Park during the Winnipeg Folk Festival; Falcon Lake, both the park and the golf course; The Beer Can near the Osborne Street Bridge; Park Alleys and the Park Theatre; RAW:Almond restaurant on the river ice; Dinner for 1200 (various locations); The Forks Market Common and patio; Nuburger; JCs Tacos and More; Wako Sushi Cafe; The Grove; Chosabi; Ramallah Café on Pembina; the late (but hopefully not forgotten) Winnipeg Free Press News Café; CJNU Nostalgia Radio; We Heart Winnipeg/House of Local on Watt Street; the Elgin Avenue street markets; my tattoo artist Wes Harcus; G is for Glasses on Taylor; my barber Jeremy Regan; Strive Fitness; the Ukrainian babas who made our perogies in a North End church basement; any youth hockey arena in Winnipeg hosting a playoff game; all the hard-working, on-ice officials, coaches and players I met while refereeing hockey; the spectacular Canadian Museum for Human Rights and accompanying Riel Esplanade; and the profoundly friendly confines of Riverview, the neighborhood that gave us so many great experiences and friends. This list does not include all of the incredible people we met here in Winnipeg, both through my job and through community events, youth sports and just hanging around at the right places at the right time. This is a city of great thinkers and creators and I'm very proud to call many of them friends. We weren't looking to leave Winnipeg, even though we talked quite a bit about leaving. Someday. Now that someday has come, we are as sad as we are excited about our new adventure. To borrow again from Blue Rodeo (with a dash of Weakerthans), over nearly four decades living in this One Great City, the great dark wonders of Winnipeg worked their way into the waves of my heart. Go forth without me, Winnipeg. And thrive.
Vancouver Sun
2 days ago
- Vancouver Sun
Should Liquid I.V. be on Canadian concertgoers' must-pack list?
I love small indoor venues with regulated temperatures and assigned seats, but Kesha , Barenaked Ladies , Cyndi Lauper , Our Lady Peace and many other headliners this summer are at the very popular outdoor Budweiser Stage, located in Toronto on the shores of Lake Ontario. Toronto is having a very hot summer, so I appreciate Liquid I.V. 's messaging around proper hydration. The popular electrolyte drink mix ( available on Amazon ) first came to Canada in the summer of 2023 and went after the concertgoer and fitness community across the country. The brand is not slowing down. It continues to partner with Budweiser Stage and other Canadian venues and events to share its messaging around the importance of hydration. Discover the best of B.C.'s recipes, restaurants and wine. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of West Coast Table will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. I see two angles for consuming Liquid I.V. First, it's important to replenish electrolytes in hot and/or sweaty environments, and it's easy to do so with convenient packets of powder. Secondly, it's more fun to drink water when it tastes like a delicious treat. However, know what's in the packets before consuming them. Liquid I.V. offers sugar-free and sugar-full variations ( learn more about the sugar options ); however, the former have yet to make it to Canada ( Organika, a Canadian-made electrolytes powder , has a sugar-free option). In terms of use and cost, Liquid I.V. packets are not cheap, but also not small. At over $2 per pack, the cost of the drink mix can add up if used frequently. However, it can also be a more affordable option compared to drinks at a concert venue. Just bring an empty reusable plastic bottle (some venues, including Budweiser Stage , often don't allow metal containers), Liquid I.V. and find a water fountain. Also, it's recommended to mix one pack of Liquid I.V. with two cups of water, but I prefer a more diluted taste and only use half the pack for two cups (the packets are easy to fold to save for later). With a reusable plastic water bottle and a pack of Liquid I.V. in hand, I headed to the Kesha concert. (If you completely want to stay out of the sun, check out VEEPS , a new streaming service in Canada, where you can watch live concerts.) There was a Liquid I.V. pop-up at Budweiser, handing out samples. I've now tried most of the flavours and my favourite is the strawberry . As mentioned, I can appreciate the added benefits of Liquid I.V. compared to straight water, but would save it for super hot days (like the Kesha-concert day) or days when I'm exerting a lot of energy (like going for a long summer run or bike ride). I enjoyed having Liquid I.V. during the Kesha concert, as it was hot, crowded and sweaty, and I needed every excuse to stay hydrated so I could focus on the music. Aside from the convenience of electrolyte packets, I wanted to learn more about Liquid I.V. and what sets it apart from its competitors, so I connected with its brand manager, Courtney Dodds. Q: Why is Liquid I.V. looking to connect with concert-goers this summer? A: Concerts are about more than just the music – it's about the full experience. From getting ready with friends, to spending the days or nights under hot summer skies, to recovery the next day, they can take a lot out of you. The hot and long days and crowds can often lead to less hydration and electrolyte imbalance as the heat and sweat drains your body of electrolytes like potassium. When you aren't hydrated and your electrolytes drop, your body feels it fast. It's what makes Liquid I.V. such a perfect hack for concert season. Whether you're heading to a major festival or a local outdoor venue, Liquid I.V. is designed to enhance your hydration and help to fuel the whole experience. Q: What's Liquid I.V.'s goal in the Canadian market? A: As wellness continues to be prioritized by Canadians, proper hydration is also becoming even more important. Despite this, in a survey Liquid I.V. conducted last year , we found 63 per cent of respondents reported feeling regularly dehydrated. Even more alarming, younger Canadians ranked highest in feeling dehydrated, with Gen Z (77 per cent) and Millennials (74 per cent) identifying they feel dehydrated weekly. Our goal now is to continue helping Canadians stay hydrated wherever their life takes them, including summer nights spent seeing their favourite artists. Q: When do you suggest consuming a packet of Liquid I.V.? A: While individual needs vary, Liquid I.V. is designed to enhance hydration anywhere you want to support your body, whether you're active, spending time outdoors or just going about your daily routine. The key is to make hydration a habit and be proactive because by the time you notice signs of being less hydrated, you're already behind. Adding Liquid I.V. to your water helps replenish electrolytes, making it easier to stay properly hydrated throughout the day. With 63 per cent of Canadians feeling regularly dehydrated, adding Liquid I.V. into your daily routine can be a simple way to keep your hydration on track, no matter what your day holds. Q: How can Liquid I.V. support your summer wellness routine? A: According to the Liquid I.V. survey, most Canadians know how much water they should be drinking, but more than half still fall short of that goal and often feel dehydrated . In the summer, the heat makes us sweat even more, losing essential electrolytes that are crucial in helping our bodies stay hydrated and balanced. There are a few easy tips to help Canadians stay hydrated and support their wellness routines: Q: Is there a recommendation on how many packets of Liquid I.V. should be consumed? A: We recommend one stick per day mixed with 500mL of water for hydration on the go. Q: What differentiates Liquid I.V. from other electrolyte drinks like Gatorade? A: Liquid I.V. has 3x the electrolytes of the leading sports drink in Canada, but it also contains more than just electrolytes. It has five essential vitamins – B3, B5, B6, B12 and Vitamin C – to keep you feeling your best in the summer heat. On top of that, Liquid I.V. comes in travel-friendly, single-serve packets, making it easy to stay hydrated anywhere. It's these qualities that have made Liquid I.V. Canada's top powdered hydration brand. Q: What's your favourite Liquid I.V. flavour? A: I truly love every flavour, but I'm really a fan of the new Tropical Punch that we just launched. It has tangy notes of tangerine nectar, pineapple and cherry. I'm also loving Firecracker , it's a blend of lemon-lime, cherry and raspberry that delivers a refreshing burst just like summer celebrations. We brought Firecracker back this year because Canadians loved it so much last summer! Q: What's one thing on Liquid I.V.'s horizon that you're looking forward to? A: It's impossible to name one thing! There's so much to be excited about with Liquid I.V. as we'll be keeping Canadians hydrated coast-to-coast this summer! We'll be at Budweiser Stage all season, hitting Badlands in Calgary during Stampede week, and soaking up the vibes at Fvded in the Park in B.C. But what I'm most excited about is getting Liquid I.V. into more hands across the country and showing people just how easy – and game-changing – it is to stay hydrated. We're also listening closely to our community and can't wait to bring even more exciting new flavours to the country. Shopping Essentials , a category written by research-obsessed shopping fanatics, is now on Canoe . Explore in-depth product reviews, expert recommendations and exciting collaborations — plus get behind-the-scenes info on your favourite brands and trending products — learn more here or sign up for our newsletter rmann@postmedia Looking for savings? Look no further than our coupons page for discounts on your favourite brands. Love concerts, but can't make it to the venue? Stream live shows and events from your couch with VEEPS, a music-first streaming service now operating in Canada. Click here for an introductory offer of 30% off. Explore upcoming concerts and the extensive archive of past performances.
Calgary Herald
2 days ago
- Calgary Herald
Should Liquid I.V. be on Canadian concertgoers' must-pack list?
Article content I love small indoor venues with regulated temperatures and assigned seats, but Kesha, Barenaked Ladies, Cyndi Lauper, Our Lady Peace and many other headliners this summer are at the very popular outdoor Budweiser Stage, located in Toronto on the shores of Lake Ontario. Article content Toronto is having a very hot summer, so I appreciate Liquid I.V. 's messaging around proper hydration. The popular electrolyte drink mix (available on Amazon) first came to Canada in the summer of 2023 and went after the concertgoer and fitness community across the country. Article content Article content Article content I see two angles for consuming Liquid I.V. First, it's important to replenish electrolytes in hot and/or sweaty environments, and it's easy to do so with convenient packets of powder. Secondly, it's more fun to drink water when it tastes like a delicious treat. However, know what's in the packets before consuming them. Article content Article content Liquid I.V. offers sugar-free and sugar-full variations (learn more about the sugar options); however, the former have yet to make it to Canada (Organika, a Canadian-made electrolytes powder, has a sugar-free option). Article content In terms of use and cost, Liquid I.V. packets are not cheap, but also not small. At over $2 per pack, the cost of the drink mix can add up if used frequently. However, it can also be a more affordable option compared to drinks at a concert venue. Just bring an empty reusable plastic bottle (some venues, including Budweiser Stage, often don't allow metal containers), Liquid I.V. and find a water fountain. Also, it's recommended to mix one pack of Liquid I.V. with two cups of water, but I prefer a more diluted taste and only use half the pack for two cups (the packets are easy to fold to save for later). Article content Article content With a reusable plastic water bottle and a pack of Liquid I.V. in hand, I headed to the Kesha concert. Article content (If you completely want to stay out of the sun, check out VEEPS, a new streaming service in Canada, where you can watch live concerts.) Article content There was a Liquid I.V. pop-up at Budweiser, handing out samples. I've now tried most of the flavours and my favourite is the strawberry. As mentioned, I can appreciate the added benefits of Liquid I.V. compared to straight water, but would save it for super hot days (like the Kesha-concert day) or days when I'm exerting a lot of energy (like going for a long summer run or bike ride). I enjoyed having Liquid I.V. during the Kesha concert, as it was hot, crowded and sweaty, and I needed every excuse to stay hydrated so I could focus on the music. Article content
