Joel Thomas Hynes talks Little Dog and his lifelong affinity for underdogs

Everyone loves an underdog story, but what happens once that underdog makes it to the top? That's a question Joel Thomas Hynes is facing right now. He's told underdog stories throughout the years in his novels, music, and most recently, on television. Hynes created and stars in the series Little Dog, which follows Tommy Ross, a worn-down boxer who's fighting for a comeback.

Hynes can personally relate to the underdog story because he's felt like one himself. Growing up in rural Newfoundland, Hynes worked in a fish factory and struggled with addiction. After a string of big wins in recent years — prestigious prizes for his writing, great roles on screen and a brand new season of Little Dog on TV — Hynes' continued success seems like a pretty safe bet now.

He spoke to guest host Laurie Brown about how much of himself he pours into a character like Tommy Ross. The new season of Little Dog premiered earlier this month and continues this Thursday on CBC. 

— Produced by ​Frank Palmer