BIG ANNOUNCEMENT: Breaking Idol, a CBC documentary

BIG ANNOUNCEMENT: Breaking Idol, a CBC documentary

Author: Kristi Lee | Canadian True Crime November 24, 2025 Duration: 4:15

For years, J.B.’s identity was hidden behind publication ban.

Now, she steps forward in her own name to share her story of survival and resilience.


We're thrilled to announce the release of Breaking Idol, a powerful new documentary from CBC about "J.B.” — a survivor at the centre of the first sexual assault trial of Jacob Hoggard.


J.B.’s case against the former Canadian Idol finalist and frontman of the multi-platinum band Hedley, captivated the country and divided fans of all ages. 


Based on part on Canadian True Crime's series about that 2022 trial, Breaking Idol explores the collision of fandom, power, and truth, and follows J.B. as she confronts the aftermath of the trial and the culture that protected the man who assaulted her. 

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Stream Breaking Idol now on CBC Gem and YouTube

Currently available only in Canada, sorry.

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Media clips to come on Canadian True Crime Facebook and Instagram


Director Tiffany Hsiung

Supervising Producer Sally Karam

Produced by Frantic Films for CBC’s The Passionate Eye


Consulting Producer Kristi Lee

Special thanks to J.B. and Kelly Favro, Beyond The Verdict


Breaking Idol is based in part on Canadian True Crime’s podcast series The Trial of Hedley’s Jacob Hoggard 


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


Canadian True Crime is a podcast that explores the nation's most compelling criminal cases, hosted by Kristi Lee. This isn't just a recounting of facts; it's an immersive deep dive that moves from the snowy streets of small towns to the darker corners of major cities. With meticulous research and a trauma-informed perspective, Kristi goes beyond the sensational headlines. Each episode weaves together the intricate details of a case with the broader social and historical forces at play, aiming to unravel not only what happened but why it happened and the profound impact on those affected. Listeners will hear a thoughtful, detailed examination of true crime that respects the gravity of the subject matter while seeking a deeper understanding of the stories that have shaped communities across the country. The podcast provides a narrative journey that is both specific in its focus on Canadian cases and universal in its exploration of human nature and societal structures. By focusing on thorough research and contextual storytelling, Canadian True Crime offers a listening experience that is engaging, respectful, and consistently compelling for anyone interested in the complexities of real-life mysteries and the Canadian context from which they emerge.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Canadian True Crime
Podcast Episodes
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[Part 2 of 2] With the infant recovered and the suspects in custody, the investigation only grows more disturbing. Shifting stories, buried secrets, and mounting evidence collide in a dramatic courtroom showdown — the fi…
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[Part 3 of 3] A surprise witness comes forward to testify against Colin Thatcher. His own contribution from the stand? Deny, deny, deny. Even after the jury reaches a verdict, Thatcher continues to make headlines for dec…
Colin Thatcher and the murder of JoAnn Wilson [2] [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:15:39
[Part 2 of 3] As she recovers from her gunshot wound, JoAnn Wilson decides to back down from the custody fight with her former husband.Colin Thatcher has won this battle, but his fixation is far from over. A series of wi…
Colin Thatcher and the murder of JoAnn Wilson [replay] [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:10:52
A three-part series—A man walking home from work suddenly hears screams coming from a house... then a single sharp crack.He follows the sound to the garage, where he finds a woman bleeding out on the floor. It's JoAnn Wi…
The Twisted Story of Sergeant John Wilson [2] [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:34
[Part 2 of 2] After picking up his pregnant wife from Saskatoon train station, Sergeant John Wilson drives them north to their new home.They just have one stop to make on the way to take care of some "police business"...…
The Twisted Story of Sergeant John Wilson [replay] [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:46
A two-part series—A gripping, action-packed miniseries about a mountie who finds himself at the centre of a sordid love triangle.Pieced together from a treasure trove of real love letters, forged letters and police and c…
Quick update: new episodes return in April [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 4:40
A quick update and some thanks! Over the past 12 months... Canadian True Crime has had the opportunity to take on several meaningful projects alongside the usual podcast production. These included the CBC documentary Bre…
Robert Pickton: The Final Chapter [5] [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:47:29
Part 5 - The Final Episode.*Thanks for your patience - it's a long oneCONTENT WARNING: Graphic and disturbing details.WATCH:Robert “Willie” Pickton — Prolific serial killer’s jailhouse confession to undercover cop - The…
Robert Pickton: The Final Chapter [4] [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:06:57
[Part 4 of 5] A single tip-off finally leads police to raid the Pickton farm with a search warrant for illegal firearms. What they stumble into instead would unravel one of the most devastating investigations in Canadian…