Podcasts by Canadian History Ehx
Follow me as I explore the good, the bad and the weird of Canada's history from the pre-colonial era to 25 years ago. Whatever you want to know about Canadian history, this is your one-stop shop.
Further podcasts by Craig Baird
Podcast on the topic Geschichte
All episodes
The Storm of the Century: The 1998 Ice Storm from 2023-11-28T13:00
For five days in January 1998, a single storm brought havoc to eastern Ontario and western Quebec. In that time, upwards of 100 mm of freezing rain fell on the area, taking down hundreds of transmi...
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Night Justice: The Donnelly Massacre from 2023-11-21T13:00
The Donnelly family of Lucan were blamed for everything bad that happened in the area. Whether they were actually the cause of all the crime in the area is up for debate. Regardless, in 1880, the f...
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Fighting For Their Land: The Tsilhqot'in Uprising from 2023-11-14T13:00
After their numbers were decimated by smallpox, the Tsilhqot'in People were faced with road construction straight through their territory without permission. What happened next was the Tsilhqot'in ...
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Introducing... Uncharted: Crime and Mayhem in the Music Industry | The Lynyrd Skynyrd Plane Crash | 1 from 2023-11-11T05:00
The old days of air travel were quite risky…compared to today, the chances of your flight going down were far greater …every airport had kiosks and coin-operating vending machines where you could b...
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The Legacy of Pierre Berton from 2023-11-07T13:00
In the 1960s, it was said Canada had entered The Berton era. From the 1950s to the 2000s, Pierre Berton was omnipresent on television screens, radios and on the shelves of bookstores. He wrote 50 b...
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The Beloved&Wild Show: The Hilarious House of Frightenstein from 2023-10-31T12:00
Produced for one season of 130 episodes, this wild show ran for decades in syndication. Beloved by generations of Canadians, both children and adults, it blended psychedelics, slapstick humour, edu...
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The History Behind 24 Sussex Drive from 2023-10-20T12:00
From the 1950s to the 2010s, it was the home to the prime minister. It has seen royalty, presidents, dignitaries, hockey legends and 20th century icons. Yet, it has fallen into disrepair and is in ...
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Fighting For Change: Harold Cardinal from 2023-10-17T12:00
When the federal government looked to abolish the Indian Act with its controversial White Paper, Harold Cardinal put pen to paper and wrote An Unjust Society.For the next four decades, he emerged a...
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Small Steps To Rapid Change: The Quiet Revolution from 2023-10-10T12:00
For Quebec's first century as a province, the Catholic Church held an immense amount of control over everything from media and education to health care and social services. Beginning in the 1940s, ...
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The Oracle of Wheat: Ella Cora Hind from 2023-10-03T12:00
Ella Cora Hind was a genius when it came to crop predictions. For three decades, she travelled thousands of kilometres across the Canadian Prairies to inspect crops. Her bushel predictions were rar...
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True Story: An Interview With Dinae Robinson and Rebecca Gibson from 2023-09-30T12:00
September 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. As part of that, History Channel, Global and StackTV will be airing True Story Part 1 and Part 2. Narrated by Kaniehtiio Horn (Rutherf...
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The Voice From Heaven: Portia White from 2023-09-26T12:00
She was the first Black Canadian to achieve international success as a concert singer. Her singing voice was called a gift from heaven. While her career was all too short, her legacy continues to t...
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The Life and Tragedy of Abraham Ulrikab from 2023-09-19T12:00
Abraham Ulrikab could speak three languages, played the violin, was a natural leader and could read and write. Despite this, he was expected to act like a stereotype as part of a human zoo in Europ...
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The Longest Race: 100 Days By Canoe Across Canada from 2023-09-12T12:00
For over 100 days, across 5,000 kilometres of the Canadian landscape, ten teams of men canoed the nations rivers from Rocky Mountain House, Alberta to Montreal. All of this was done as a grand even...
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Tragedy and Censorship: The Laurier Palace Theatre Fire from 2023-09-05T12:00
Called The Saddest Fire, a theatre fire in Montreal in January 1927 killed over 70 children, most being crushed against the doors as they tried to flee the flames. The fire resulted in a ban on any...
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A CBC 90s Staple: Road To Avonlea from 2023-08-29T12:00
In 1990, a new show debuted on CBC that followed the adventures of Sara Stanley and the King family on Prince Edward Island. For six years, it was a ratings hit and brought in dozens of Gemini nomi...
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Pushing For Change: The We Demand Rally from 2023-08-22T12:00
Canada legalized homosexuality in 1969, but there was still a long way to go for equal rights for the LGBTQ community. In 1971, the first large-scale organized LGBTQ rally took place at Parliament ...
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Working For A Better Canada: Cairine Wilson from 2023-08-15T12:00
When it came time to choose the first woman to sit in the Canadian Senate, Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King chose a relatively unknown woman named Cairine Wilson. She would become a thorn...
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The King of Clayoquot Sound: Wickaninnish from 2023-08-08T12:00
When Europeans first arrived on the shores of Clayoquot Sound on Vancouver Island, they met Chief Wickaninnish. He was powerful, and he controlled the trade in sea otter pelts while growing his own...
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Toronto's Baby Boom: The Great Stork Derby from 2023-08-01T12:00
For ten years, from 1926 to 1936, many couples in Toronto attempted to win a fortune. The money came from the will of an eccentric millionaire, who was giving most of his fortune to the woman who h...
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Black Friday: The Edmonton Tornado of 1987 from 2023-07-25T12:00
On a hot day at the end of July, a tornado set its sights on Edmonton. By the end of the day, 27 were dead and hundreds were injured. Sincethen, the day has become known as Black Friday in Edmonton...
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The Event That Changed Canada: The Anti-Asiatic Riots of 1907 from 2023-07-18T12:00
Anti-Asian sentiment was brewing in Vancouver, and it exploded in several days of rioting as white residents attacked the homes and businesses of Chinese and Japanese residents. The event forever c...
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The Imposter and Conservationist: Grey Owl from 2023-07-11T12:00
The world knew him as Grey Owl, but in truth he was an Englishman named Archie Belaney. He posed as an Indigenous man, and brought a message of Conservation to the world. Artwork/logo design by Jan...
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My Own Origin Story: The Heritage Minutes from 2023-07-04T12:00
Without the Heritage Minutes, there would be no Canadian History Ehx. These short vignettes that debuted in the 1990s, opening up our history to millions of Canadians and inspired a young Craig Bai...
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The Golden Age of Canadian Comics: The War-Time Era from 2023-06-27T12:00
For a brief few years, with no American comics coming into Canada, four companies took up the mantle and created comics that filled the comic book void. After the Second World War, as American comi...
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The Sherlock Holmes of Saskatchewan: Frances Gertrude McGill from 2023-06-20T12:00
Before there was ever a Detective Columbo, there was Frances Gertrude McGill, the woman who solved gruesome crimes in Saskatchewan and earned the respect of the RCMP. There is a reason she was call...
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The Ambassador of Peace: Thanadelthur from 2023-06-13T14:26
Thanadelthur was a Chipewyan woman who only lived into her early-20s. Despite this, she brought peace to the Cree and Chipewyan and expanded the fur trading territory of the Hudson's Bay Company in...
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Introducing... Deadman's Curse: Slumach's Gold from 2023-06-09T06:00
This historical, true crime podcast hosted by Kru Williams from History Television's hit original series Deadman’s Curse: The Legend of the Lost Gold investigates the curse and legend surrounding t...
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Humanitarian and Visionary: Lucille Teasdale-Corti from 2023-06-06T12:00
Lucille Teasdale-Corti was not only a trailblazer as a female surgeon in her native Canada, she was also someone who helped hundreds of thousands of Ugandans over the course of nearly 40 years in t...
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Murder&Curses: The Lost Lemon Mine from 2023-06-02T12:00
The Lost Lemon Mine is the story of murder, a curse, and death for those who happen to find the legendary mine. It is a story, that has plenty of theories around it, but the mine itself remains hid...
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The Surreal World Of The Odyssey from 2023-05-30T12:00
Debuting in 1992 and lasting until 1994, The Odyssey was a surreal CBC show that blended mythology, psychology and social commentary in a way not seen in teen shows at the time. It also served as a...
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Canada's Folk Icon: Stan Rogers from 2023-05-23T12:00
In the late-1970s and early-1980s, Stan Rogers emerged as folk music icon as he documented the people, places and history of Canada in his music. Sadly, his life was cut far too short but his legen...
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The Whiskey War On Hans Island from 2023-05-16T12:00
Hans Island is a small island far to the north in the Arctic. It is the size of a city block, and for four decades, Denmark and Canada disputed over who truly owned it. Along the way, they waged a ...
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The Capital in Flames: The Ottawa-Hull Fire of 1900 from 2023-05-09T12:00
It all began as a chimney fire on a spring day in 1900. By the end of the day, most of Hull, Quebec was in ruins, and vast swaths of Ottawa were laid waste by the flames. Artwork/logo design by Jan...
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The Voice of Canada: Lorne Greene from 2023-05-02T12:00
Lorne Greene started his life in Ottawa, and began his career with the CBC as the Voice of Canada. Before long though, he became America's Dad thanks to Bonanza, and cemented himself as one of the ...
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The Tragedy and Mystery of the Franklin Expedition from 2023-04-25T12:00
It is the most famous Arctic Expedition in history. Two ships went into the ice with over 120 men. None of the men lived to tell the tale and the ships remained lost for over 150 years. Artwork/log...
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Violet King: Canada’s First Black Female Lawyer from 2023-04-18T12:00
Violet King was descendant from Black Americans who fled segregation in the United States, and then found racism also existed in Canada. Violet would make her parents and grandparents proud when sh...
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The Code Talker Secrecy of Charles Tomkins from 2023-04-11T12:00
Charles Tomkins grew up speaking Cree and English. That bilingual skill would aid him in his life when he helped translate Allied secret messages to and from Cree. Sworn to a secret oath, he kept t...
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Canada's Battlefield Surgeon: Dr. Norman Bethune from 2023-04-04T12:00
Part of a prominent Canadian family, Dr. Norman Bethune revolutionized battlefield medicine while helping the wounded during the Spanish Civil War. He then went to China, where he helped bring mode...
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Ottawa's Gangs Of New York Era: The Shiners War from 2023-03-28T12:00
For a few years in the 1830s, Ottawa was a very different place. Called Bytown at the time, it was more a Gangs of New York type of place, rather than a future capital of Canada. During the reign o...
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When Turtle Mountain Moved: The Frank Slide from 2023-03-21T12:00
On April 29, 1903 at 4:10 a.m., 30 million cubic metres, equaling 110 million tonnes, of limestone rock fell off Turtle Mountain onto the community of Frank, Alberta. It killed upwards of 100 peopl...
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Fighting for Workers Rights: Madeleine Parent from 2023-03-14T12:00
For her entire adult life, Madeleine Parent fought for workers right in Quebec and elsewhere in Canada. For her efforts, she was jailed, put on trial and vilified in the press. She never gave up, a...
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Canada's Largest Mass Execution:The Battleford Hangings from 2023-03-07T13:00
After the Frog Lake Massacre and the North West Resistance, eight Indigenous men were arrested and put on trial. The trial was a foregone conclusion, and all were put to death outside Battleford in...
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The People Who Came For A New Life: The Doukhobors from 2023-02-28T13:00
The Doukhobors came to Canada at the turn of the 20th century, and were welcomed with open arms by Canadians. However, as time went on, their communal living, pacifism and commitment to hard work l...
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The Jewel Of The Canadian Film Industry: The National Film Board from 2023-02-21T13:00
From the day it was formed, for the next eight decades and counting, the National Film Board of Canada has brought pride to Canada through its Oscar nominations and wins, the movies and vignettes t...
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The Crime Of The Century: The Kidnapping Of John Labatt from 2023-02-14T13:00
In August 1934, the head of Labatt, John Labatt, was driving to the office from his cottage. He suddenly found himself a victim of kidnapping and the entire country fell into a media storm for thre...
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A Day That Shook Canada: The Gretzky Trade from 2023-02-07T13:00
Aug. 9, 1988 is a day that will live in infamy in Edmonton and Canada, but the day Wayne Gretzky was traded was a day that forever changed the NHL and hockey in Canada. How did such a trade happen,...
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The Story of a National Crime, Episode Four from 2023-02-04T16:57
**This is a bonus episode provided by Knockabout Media, rather than Canadian History Ehx** He became the Chief Medical Health Officer of Ontario. He wrote the very first Health Code in Ontario. He ...
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North of 60 from 2023-01-31T06:00
In 1992, a show unlike any other debuted on CBC, and for the next five years it changed Canadian television forever. North of 60 continues to be popular to this day for its emphasis on Indigenous r...
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Henrietta Edwards from 2023-01-24T13:00
Decades before her fellow members of the Famous Five began their women's rights work, Henrietta Edwards was setting up organizations and helping women gain a voice. A complex figure, she fought for...
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Charlotte Small from 2023-01-17T13:00
David Thompson is my favourite Canadian historical figure, but there is another person who is part of his story and played a major role in his success; his wife...Charlotte Small. Together, the cou...
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Canada's Space History from 2023-01-10T13:00
From our first satellite in the early 1960s, to our role in the moon landing to the iconic Canadarm, Canada has helped drive the Space Age and achieved many notable accomplishments along the way. A...
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The 1885 Montreal Smallpox Epidemic from 2023-01-03T13:00
In the spring of 1885, a railway worker came into Montreal feeling ill. By September, the city was known as the centre of a smallpox epidemic. Efforts to limit the spread of the disease were met wi...
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Sgt. Gander from 2022-12-27T13:00
This episode is dedicated to my departed Newfoundland pup Boris, who would have been 11 on Dec. 31, 2022. Sgt. Gander was a Newfoundland dog beloved by the members of his regiment. During the Battl...
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Ipirvik and Taqulittuq from 2022-12-20T13:00
Growing up in Cumberland Sound, with whalers nearby, Ipirvik and Taqulittuq had a foot in two worlds. Their own of the Inuit, and the other of Western Civilization. With their unique skills and per...
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The Story of a National Crime, Episode Three from 2022-12-10T14:42
He became the Chief Medical Health Officer of Ontario. He wrote the very first Health Code in Ontario. He was president of the American Public Health Association. He was a North American expert on ...
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The SS Atlantic from 2022-12-06T13:00
In 1873, the company that became famous for its "unsinkable" ship The Titanic, had another terrible disaster. A lack of planning and experience resulted in one of the worst maritime disasters that ...
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Chief Piapot from 2022-11-29T06:00
The leader of a band of Cree in future Saskatchewan, Chief Piapot always put the welfare of his people first. He continually tried to establish a large reserve territory for the Cree, only to be ha...
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Thomas Darcy McGee from 2022-08-27T13:00
He was a Father of Confederation, who fought for religious minority rights, and is often referred to as Canada's First Nationalist. He is also, sadly, the first Canadian politician to be assassinat...
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Canada A Yearly Journey: 1867 from 2022-07-04T19:01:35
I've launched a new podcast called Canada: A Yearly Journey, which will look at every year in Canada's history, beginning with 1867.The first episode dropped last week, with 1868 coming Thursday.Ep...
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The History Of Ajax from 2022-05-24T11:00
Named for a famous British ship, the community of Ajax began as a munitions plant during the Second World War, and would adapt from that to become an important Ontario community with many diverse i...
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The History Of Wabamun from 2022-04-21T11:00:03
From its start as a resort community around one of Alberta's most popular lakes, to its powerplants, to an old log church and Canada's largest dragonfly, there is much to see in this community.<...
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The History Of Bragg Creek from 2022-04-20T11:00:29
The small foothills community of Bragg Creek was the site of a famous ranch, Canada's first-ever hostel, and also the filming location of the iconic CBC show, North of 60!
Get 20...
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The Great Vancouver Fire from 2022-04-16T11:00:27
On June 13, 1886, bush clearing fires merged and destroyed the new City of Vancouver in 45 minutes, burning down 600-1000 buildings & killing dozens in the process. The city was only two months ...
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The History Of Villeneuve from 2022-04-14T11:00:56
Nearby to the only Indigenous band who enfranchised in the 20th century, Villeneuve features a 737 sitting in a field that has been used for filming and training over the years.
Get 20% o...
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The History of Lumsden from 2022-04-13T11:00:51
Home to the Indigenous for at least 9,500 years, Lumsden grew into an important community near Regina. Known for its famous duck derby and historic churches, it has also seen several terrible fl...
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James Gladstone from 2022-04-09T11:00:53
An Indigenous activist through his life, James Gladstone became the first Indigenous person appointed to the Senate in 1958, two years before the Indigenous could vote. He served until 1971.
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The History Of Cochrane from 2022-04-07T11:00:07
What started as a large ranch on the prairie, would evolve into an important community in Southern Alberta.
Through fires, vice-regal visits, and many historic buildings, Cochrane has a g...
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The History Of Lac La Hache from 2022-04-06T11:03:15
This small community in British Columbia has a unique story behind its name, several famous ranches, Canada's longest log barn and much more to discover!
Get 20% off your Manscaped order ...
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Stompin' Tom Connors from 2022-04-02T11:00:47
If you want to know the history of Canada, listen to the music of Stompin' Tom. In a career that spanned 60 years, he wore his Canadian pride on his sleeve as he sang about the people, events an...
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The History of Rocky View County from 2022-03-30T11:00:26
Home to historic ranches, the first hostel in Canada, Balzac Billy, Squirt the Skunk, some great museums and even an atmosphereic phenomenon, Rocky View County has a fascinating history to disco...
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The 1989 Quebec Blackout from 2022-03-26T11:00:02
On March 13, 1989, the largest solar storm of the Space Age, and the biggest since 1930, slammed into the Earth. It would send the entire province of Quebec into darkness for nine hours.
From th...
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The History Of Crossfield from 2022-03-23T15:07:52
Home to an Indigenous bison jump site, Crossfield began as a stopping house along a wagon road.
Today, it is a community with a deep history, and a very cool atmospheric phenomenon!
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John Tootoosis from 2022-03-19T11:00:57
For over 60 years, John Tootoosis travelled Canada uniting Indigenous into large cooperative organizations to ensure they could protect their rights with the federal government. His entire life ...
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The History Of Lumby from 2022-03-16T11:00:24
Starting as a gold rush town, Lumby grew to become a major timber supplier in British Columbia. Through its history, it has been a Kraft Hockeyville, had a bank robbery & even bombed by the Japa...
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The History Of Lumby from 2022-03-16T11:00
Starting as a gold rush town, Lumby grew to become a major timber supplier in British Columbia. Through its history, it has been a Kraft Hockeyville, had a bank robbery&even bombed by the Japanese ...
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Canada Ends The Death Penalty from 2022-03-12T12:00:04
From 1867 to 1962, 710 people were put to death in Canada by hanging. After several tries, Canada finally ended the death penalty in 1976, although it almost came back in 1987.
Today, I l...
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The History Of Warren from 2022-03-09T12:00:43
The community of Warren Manitoba, which went through three name changes, features a great little museum, a dominant baseball team and a historic elevator that was saved from demolition.
S...
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The History Of Yellowhead County from 2022-03-07T12:00:17
From internment camps, to coal mining ghost towns, to many historical sites, a sea monster & even a terrible train crash, Yellowhead County has a fascinating history to explore.
Joan Bamford Fletcher from 2022-03-05T12:00:21
For six weeks in 1945, Joan Bamford Fletcher led 2000 Dutch civilians through the Indonesian jungle, dealing with monsoons, rebels and more to bring them to safety. She would earn the respect of...
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Ukrainians In Canada from 2022-03-04T12:00:23
In this special new episode, I am looking at the history of Ukrainians in Canada, who have helped shape Canada in many large ways since they first began arriving in 1891. From the first settlers...
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Jay Silverheels from 2022-02-26T12:00:30
A former lacrosse star in Canada, Jay Silverheels rose to fame as Tonto in The Lone Ranger in the 1950s. His role brought him fame and fortune, which he would use to help other Indigenous actors...
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The History Of Melville from 2022-02-23T12:00:10
The hometown of Sid Abel, Melville famously saw its population surge from 4000 to 60000 in June 1939 when the Royal Couple visited for a few hours. The town also briefly moved time zones for the...
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Black Immigration To The Prairies from 2022-02-19T12:00:57
From 1909-1911, 1,500 Black Americans left Oklahoma and Texas for the Canadian Prairies. They would form vibrant communities despite the racism they faced, and the difficulties put in their way ...
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The History Of Lacombe from 2022-02-16T12:00:44
Starting as a stopping house, Lacombe became the birthplace of a Governor General, and its history features a KKK tar & feathering, the world's largest lure, the oldest operational blacksmith sh...
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The Canoe River Train Crash from 2022-02-12T12:00:08
On Nov. 21, 1950, two trains collided in the mountains of northeastern BC. The crash would kill 21 soldiers on their way to Korea.
When the trial of the telegraph operator began, he was ...
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The History Of Onoway from 2022-02-09T12:00:30
Located near Lac Ste. Anne, which the Indigenous believed had a great serpent in it, Onoway's history includes a derailed train robbery, a great fire & even North America's largest pilgrimage si...
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The Log Driver's Waltz from 2022-02-08T12:00:48
The Log Driver's Waltz is a classic National Film Board vignette, created to fill programming gaps on the CBC, has become a part of Canadian culture. So, how di...
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The History Of Northern Sunrise from 2022-02-07T12:00:21
From the burial place of 12-foot Davis, to the historical buildings, museums and Indigenous history, Northern Sunrise County has a deep and fascinating history to explore.
Sir William Stephenson from 2022-02-05T12:00
William Stephenson was a Canadian spy and First World War veteran who helped create the CIA & turn the tide of the Second World War. He was also friends with Ian Fleming who likely based James B...
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The History Of Dauphin from 2022-02-03T12:00:56
Dauphin is a former HBC fort site and the home to Canada's most decorated soldier. It was also where guaranteed basic income was analyzed in an experiment and where a terrible flood once hit. Listen
The History of 100 Mile House from 2022-02-02T12:00:55
100 Mile House is a former stopping house along a fur trading trail, this community has seen a deadly unsolved plane crash, as well as a British Royal who ran a ranch nearby.
The History of Canora from 2022-01-27T12:00:37
Canora is a Ukrainian community that has many beautiful churches, a still-in-use railway station and three museums, including the famous Toy and Autograph Museum!
The History Of Athabasca from 2022-01-26T12:00:54
An important place for the Indigenous, Athabasca was also a major stopping point for gold seekers on their way to the Yukon. Athabasca would go through booms & busts, fires and triumphs to becom...
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The History Of Valemount from 2022-01-24T12:00:54
A supposed bigfoot sighting, one of the deadliest train crashes in Canadian history that changed Canadian history, and Mount Robson rising above the landscape, Valemount has a fascinating history t...
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Chief Joe Capilano from 2022-01-22T12:00:37
In 1906, Chief Joe Capilano travelled with a group of Indigenous to meet directly with King Edward VII over the issue of land claims and he would inspire his people to fight for their lands. He ...
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The History Of Vernon from 2022-01-20T12:00
The City of Vernon got its start during a gold rush, and today is a thriving place with a great history. From its historical buildings and ranches, to some of the unique events in its history, V...
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The History Of Innisfail from 2022-01-19T12:00
Home to some excellent museums, Innisfail has a deep history that dates back to its days as a stopping house along the Calgary-Edmonton Trail, as well as a huge wildlife park to visit that inclu...
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The History Of Trail from 2022-01-17T12:00
Home of a legendary hockey team, as well as some fascinating stories. The community played a critical role in the Manhattan Project, has a Victoria Cross winner from World War One and some fasci...
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The Quebec Winter Carnival from 2022-01-15T12:00
Started in 1894, and held annually since 1955, the Quebec Winter Carnival has become the largest winter festival in the Western Hemisphere. It has also brought Canada the enduring image of Bonho...
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The History Of Willow Creek from 2022-01-12T12:00
From an Indigenous UNESCO World Heritage Site, to the arrival of the NWMP, to its role in the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan, the MD of Willow Creek has a deep and fascinating history. I...
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The Edmund Fitzgerald from 2022-01-08T12:00
Launched in 1958, the Edmund Fitzgerald was called the Queen of the Lakes for its immense size.
It would pass into legend on Nov. 10, 1975 when it sank suddenly in Ontario waters, taking ...
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The History Of Taber from 2022-01-05T12:00
Taber, Alberta is a community features a long history that includes some interesting stories. From its role in Japanese Internment during the Second World War, to coal mining, a one-legged man o...
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The 1939 Royal Tour from 2022-01-01T12:00
One of the biggest events in Canadian history was the arrival of the first reigning monarch to set foot on Canadian soil, King George VI with his wife Queen Victoria. From May to June 1939, the ...
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The History Of White City from 2021-12-29T12:00
White City was formed in a field outside Regina in the 1950s thanks to the arrival of the Trans-Canada Highway. It quickly grew and was the home of Dad's Cookies for a time. Today its history co...
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The History of Chase from 2021-12-27T12:00
From the Secwepemc people who lived in the area for millennia, to the famous Salmon Runs, to one of the biggest saw mills in British Columbia for its time, Chase has a unique history. That histo...
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Merry Christmas! from 2021-12-25T12:00
No new episode today because it is Christmas, but we will be back next week with small town histories and a look at the 1939 Royal Tour, one of the biggest events to ever occur in Canada.
The History of Okotoks from 2021-12-23T12:00
Located just south of Calgary, Okotoks has a fascinating history. From the immense rock dropped by a glacier nearby, to its many historical buildings. It was visited by Robert Kennedy in the 196...
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The Avro Arrow from 2021-12-18T12:00
The Avro Arrow was a revolutionary aircraft that was faster than any other aircraft in the world. Before it could go into full production, and after $400 million had been spent, the program was ...
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The History Of Oliver from 2021-12-16T12:00
The official Wine Capital of Canada (seriously, the Queen proclaimed it!), this community has a history dating back over 100 years but it owes its existence to WW1 soldiers. Today, learn about i...
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The History Of Wetaskiwin from 2021-12-15T12:00
Founded at the site where an Indigenous peace was formed, Wetaskiwin became an important stopping point along the railroad, and features many museums and even an 1885 Rebellion Fort! It also fea...
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Joseph Brant from 2021-12-11T12:00
Joseph Brant was a skilled military leader and he spent much of his life trying to protect Indigenous land, & gain land for his people. Sadly, he was foiled in this attempt at every turn by Engl...
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The History Of Smithers from 2021-12-08T12:00
Located in the interior of British Columbia, Smithers is a town with a very interesting history.
This town started as a railway divisional point & grew to become an important city in BC. ...
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The History of Humboldt from 2021-12-06T12:00
Humboldt was an important site during the 1885 Red River Resistance, serving as the only telegraph link with Ottawa during the conflict. It also has many buildings that have stood for over a cen...
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Women's Suffrage from 2021-12-04T12:00
For decades, from the 1880s to the 1910s, women campaigned for the right to vote. While they would start to succeed in the 1910s, it was still a long road for many women in various provinces. It...
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The History Of Glenboro from 2021-12-01T12:00
The Halifax Explosion from 2021-11-27T12:00
On Dec. 6, 1917, two ships collided in Halifax Harbour. One of those ships was loaded with explosives, which ignited, producing the largest manmade explosion in human history to that point. In s...
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The History Of Sylvan Lake from 2021-11-24T12:00
This Alberta resort town started out as Snake Lake and became known for its waterslides and regattas, held each year. A former Kraft Hockeyville, Sylvan Lake also features one of the only lighth...
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The History Of Quesnel from 2021-11-22T12:00
Founded during the gold rush days of British Columbia, Quesnel has a history that is celebrated throughout the community in parks, museums and more. From a grisly murder that created a provincia...
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Canada's Great Depression from 2021-11-20T12:00
While the United States gets most of the notice of The Great Depression, Canada was severely impacted. From Saskatchewan where dust storms and grasshoppers made life miserable at times, to the s...
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The History of Fairview from 2021-11-17T12:00
Fairview was a community that began as another community before it moved location. Today, it has a thriving history, a stunning bridge and a deep history with many historical sites. It is also t...
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The History Of Duchess from 2021-11-15T12:00
Chief Dan George from 2021-11-13T12:00
Through his life, Chief Dan George would be a chief of his people, a poet, an activist and musicians. It was as an actor he found the most success though, earning an Oscar nomination in 1971. He...
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The Hillcrest Mine Disaster from 2021-11-06T11:00
On June 19, 1914, 237 men went down into the Hillcrest Mine at 7 a.m. At 9:30 a.m., the entire area was shaken by a huge explosion from the mine. By the end of the day, only 48 men had emerged a...
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The History of Brandon from 2021-11-03T11:00
Founded with the CPR railroad in 1882, many of the early buildings from Brandon's history still stand, despite a fire bug burning down a dozen in 1913. The birthplace of goalie Turk Broda, Brand...
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The History Of Nanton from 2021-11-01T11:00
Home to the Bomber Command Museum of Canada, Nanton has a great history dating back a century. Known as the Town of the Tap thanks to its spring water, there are many great antique stores, museu...
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The Red Green Show from 2021-10-30T11:00
Today, I am looking at the Red Green Show, which ran for 15 years and produced 300 episodes. A Canadian cultural icon, Red Green was nearly gone forever after three years but due to the love fan...
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The History of Fort Qu'Appelle from 2021-10-27T11:00
The area of Fort Qu'Appelle has a deep history that is fascinating. From its three forts, to the signing of Treaty 4, to its importance in the North West Resistance of 1885. The town has seen th...
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The History Of High Level from 2021-10-25T11:00
The northern Alberta town of High Level has a history that dates back thousands of years thanks to the Dene people, but the community itself dates to the mid-20th Century.
Today, it has t...
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The House Hippo from 2021-10-24T11:00
In 1999, a commercial debuted with the goal of encouraging people to question what they see on television. What no one expected was that the little House Hippo featured in that commercial would ...
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Gabriel Dumont from 2021-10-23T11:00
Today, I am looking at the life of Gabriel Dumont. A Metis leader, he would spend his life trying to preserve the culture and land of his people, while his requests were ignored by the Canadian ...
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The History Of Neepawa from 2021-10-20T11:00
Neepawa, Manitoba was formed when 30 Ontario settlers decided they like the area and settled down. The community would slowly grow and many of its original buildings still stand to this day. It ...
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The Great St. John's Fire from 2021-10-16T11:00
A dropped pipe on a hay stack would lead to the worst disaster in St. John's history. With high winds, a month of no rain and poor decisions by the city government and fire department, within 12...
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The History Of Fort Nelson from 2021-10-13T11:00
Today, I am talking about the northern BC community of Fort Nelson. While its settled history is short, only dating to about the Second World War, its Indigenous history goes back much farther, ...
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The History Of Thessalon from 2021-10-11T11:00
The town with the unique name has quite the history behind it, including a political scandal around its post office in 1905, Biddy the Moose who enjoyed a beer and Aubrey Falls, where the Group ...
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The Prohibition Years Of PEI from 2021-10-09T11:00
The History Of Nelson from 2021-10-06T11:00
Started as a mining town, the community of Nelson, British Columbia would adapt and grow and today is known for its arts and culture. It was also the filming location for the 80s classic movie, ...
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Canadians In The Spanish Civil War from 2021-10-05T11:00
For two years from 1936 to 1938, over 1,500 Canadians would travel to Spain, often on their own, to fight against Fascists in Spain during the Spanish Civil War. Eventually forming into the Mack...
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The History Of Oakbank from 2021-09-29T11:00
Today, in a shorter episode, I am looking at the history of Oakbank, Manitoba. From some great historical buildings, to its deep Indigenous history, there is plenty to see in this small rural co...
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The History Of Armstrong from 2021-09-28T11:00
The History Of Rocky Mountain House from 2021-09-27T11:00
One of the oldest European settlements in the Canadian Prairies, its history dates to the 1700s, and today that fur trade history is celebrated in the community, as is its connection to David Th...
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The History Of Halton Hills from 2021-09-25T11:00
This town, which is actually a geographical area made up of several towns, has a deep history that goes back over 200 years. Known for its many mills that helped fuel the early industries of Ont...
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The History of Tisdale from 2021-09-22T11:00
The hometown of Brent Butt, it has the largest honey bee statue in the world, produces 10% of the honey in the province and is home to the largest gun shootout in the history of Western Canada!<...
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The History of Barrhead from 2021-09-18T11:00
This town, northwest of Edmonton, was an important stopping point on the Klondike Trail. Long before that, an Indigenous trail cut through the region, and the first letter from BC to Montreal tr...
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The History Of Picture Butte from 2021-09-13T11:00
Located in southern Alberta, Picture Butte gets its name from a formation that has since disappeared, but the community remains.
From its role in irrigating southern Alberta, to its role...
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Mary Two-Axe Earley from 2021-09-11T11:00
Today, I am looking at the life of Indigenous activist Mary Two-Axe Earley, who fought against gender discrimination in the Indian Act.
I also speak with the director of a new documentar...
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The Man In Motion Tour from 2021-09-04T11:00
For 26 months from 1985-1987, Rick Hansen journeyed in his wheelchair 40,075 kilometres through 34 countries on 4 continents. Along the way, he raised $26 million for spinal cord research and ce...
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The History Of Devon from 2021-09-03T11:00
The history of Devon begins with Leduc #1, the huge oil discovery that completely changed Alberta forever. With that discovery, the new community of Devon would be built nearby in 1948. From the...
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The Presidential Visits from 2021-08-29T11:00
Beginning in 1923, it eventually became a right of passage for a US President to visit Canada early in their first term. While these visits were always cordial on the outside, sometimes the two ...
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The History Of Brooks from 2021-08-26T11:00
Founded as a small siding along the CPR, Brooks would grow to become an important community in southern Alberta.
It would see hard times, including a terrible 1906-07 winter that nearly ...
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The History Of Trochu from 2021-08-23T11:00
This small community in central Alberta boasts a history that stretches back millions of years thanks to a fossil bed nearby. Later in its history, three Frenchmen would start up a ranch that wo...
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The History Of Oyen from 2021-08-18T11:00
Oyen is a small community on the Alberta-Saskatchewan border with a unique history. Home to a beautiful centennial clock, it got its start during the time of the railroad and thanks to a man who...
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The History Of St. Mary's from 2021-08-16T11:00
A community with a history that goes back over 200 years, it was where Timothy Eaton got his first real taste of success and the community itself has several stone buildings that still stand fro...
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Elections: 1867, 1872 and 1874 from 2021-08-15T11:00
On my other podcast From John To Justin, I am releasing 36 straight days of podcast episodes about every election in Canadian history.
For the subsequent episodes in that series, make su...
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The History Of Blind River from 2021-08-14T11:00
This community was born from the timber trade, and when all seemed loss, uranium saved it from extinction. On top of that, it was the place Lester B. Pearson represented through his entire polit...
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The History of The Pas from 2021-08-11T11:00
In the Pas, you have a famous explorer who once spent time in the area of the future community, to important fur trading forts, an old museum made by one man, a ship used to skirt the rules of p...
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The History Of Lac Du Bonnet from 2021-08-09T11:00
This Manitoba community has a history that includes the first airmail flight in the province, an air force consisting of pigeons, a legendary curler and a very odd bridge with some very odd rule...
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The History Of Estevan from 2021-08-07T11:00
Located in southern Saskatchewan, the history of Estevan includes a terrible and deadly riot, a visit by a Royal, coal mining, bootlegging and much more. There is also a famous writer, and a by-...
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The History Of Maple Creek from 2021-08-04T11:00
This community in southwest Saskatchewan has a fascinating history. From the Cypress Hills Massacre and Fort Walsh, to its historic buildings and a unique hockey game that brings two cultures to...
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The History Of Kapuskasing from 2021-08-02T11:00
This northern Ontario town has a recorded history that dates back to the 1770s with fur traders and from there it would prosper. From a pulp mill that supplies all the paper for the New York Tim...
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The Friendly Giant from 2021-07-31T11:00
Before Mr. Dressup and Sesame Street, there was The Friendly Giant. For 27 years from 1958 to 1985 until it was cancelled by the CBC, Bob Homme brought the giant to life with his friends Jerome ...
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The History Of Selkirk from 2021-07-28T11:00
Today, I'm looking at the history of Selkirk, Manitoba, the Catfish Capital of the World. From the early fur trading forts, to Bullet Joe Simpson, to its marine museum and Chuck The Channel Cat,...
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The History of LaSalle from 2021-07-26T11:00
This small Ontario community has a deep history going back to the early days of New France. From the iconic Le Griffon ship, to the Battle of Windsor, to tornadoes, rock stars, floods and a grea...
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The Matheson Fire Of 1916 from 2021-07-24T11:00
It was the deadliest forest fire in Canadian history. Over the course of two days, a 64-kilometre long forest fire front blazed across Northern Ontario, destroying six communities. The fire woul...
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The History Of Drayton Valley from 2021-07-21T11:00
What was a small hamlet of 50 people in 1952, soon became a bustling town of 2,000 one year later after a major oil deposit was found. Drayton Valley is a young community, but it has an interest...
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The History Of Fort Frances from 2021-07-19T11:00
The first European settlement west of Lake Superior, it would have several important forts built in its location and its timber industry would fuel development throughout the region. It is the h...
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George Copway from 2021-07-17T11:00
The History Of Williams Lake from 2021-07-14T11:00
The home to the second-largest rodeo in Canada, Williams Lake's history as a community dates back to the Gold Rush, and as the homeland to the Indigenous before that.
The hometown of Ric...
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The Cypress Hills Massacre from 2021-07-10T11:00
It is an event nearly forgotten today in Canada, but on June 1, 1873, a group of American and Canadian wolfers descended on an Assiniboine camp, believing their horses to be stolen, and massacre...
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The History Of Melita from 2021-07-07T11:00
This small Manitoba town, nestled in the Banana Belt, is the hometown of Peggy Fox, features a giant banana statue, was the site of a daring 1922 bank robbery, suffered an earthquake and was the...
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An Update And Call For Input from 2021-06-30T16:24:33
After being knocked out by my second dose of the COVID vaccine for two days, my podcast schedule got a bit messed up.
Using this as an opportunity to reorganize and ensure that the conten...
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The Canadian Centennial from 2021-06-26T11:00
It was a party 100 years in the making and from coast-to-coast, Canadians found unique and innovative ways to celebrate the country's 100th birthday. From walking across Canada, to bathtub races...
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The History Of Weyburn from 2021-06-23T11:00
Located in southern Saskatchewan, Weyburn is not only the home to the Greatest Canadian, Tommy Douglas, but it is also a place with several great museums, a deep Indigenous heritage and even the...
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An Interview With Craig Cardiff from 2021-06-21T11:00
Today I am speaking with Craig Cardiff, the celebrated Canadian folk artist who has released several albums over the course of his 25-year career in Canada. We talk about his latest song and alb...
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Jean Cuthand Goodwill from 2021-06-19T11:00
Born on the reserve named for her ancestor Poundmaker, Jean Cuthand Goodwill would become one of the leading advocates for Indigenous health in Canada. Throughout her life she would devote herse...
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The History Of Medicine Hat from 2021-06-16T11:00
Today, I look at the community with the odd name, Medicine Hat. From its history as a gathering place for the Indigenous, to the stories of the rainmaker, its thriving clay and pottery industry ...
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An Interview With Brian Castner from 2021-06-14T11:00
Today, I speak with Brian Castner about his new book Stampede, which follows the Klondike Gold Rush. It is a historically-accurate story about the people who made the Klondike what it was, and h...
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The Chinese Head Tax from 2021-06-12T17:51:44
From 1885 to 1921, 82,000 Chinese immigrants came to Canada, all of whom paid a tax to do so. Upon arriving, they would be subjected to racism and discrimination. Even when the head tax ended, a...
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The History Of Entwistle from 2021-06-09T11:00
It is a small hamlet east of Edmonton, but it has a wonderful history that includes being a boomtown, a terrible fire and one of the most impressive and longest-serving bridges in Alberta.
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An Interview With Genevieve Graham from 2021-06-07T11:00
Today, I speak with author Genevieve Graham about her new book Letters Across The Sea, which is set during the Second World War. She has written several books, all of which have centered on Cana...
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The Inuit and the Franklin Expedition from 2021-06-05T11:00
The story of the Franklin Expedition is famous throughout Canada, but what about the Inuit who came across the expedition, interacted with the survivors and provided the clues to what happened t...
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The History of Chetwynd from 2021-06-02T11:00
Unlike many communities I have featured, Chetwynd got its start much later in the 20th century, and didn't get the railway until 1958. It even had a different name for 30 years. Since then, it h...
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The History Of Winkler from 2021-05-31T11:00
This southern Manitoba community's history features a tornado, a terrible flood, two bank robberies and more. From its days as a simple stop along the railway due to an overturned boxcar, to the...
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The Raccoons from 2021-05-29T11:00
Beginning with four specials in the early 1980s, followed by five seasons of the classic show from 1985 to 1992, The Raccoons remains a beloved cartoon for many Canadians.
Today, I look ...
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The History Of Prince Albert from 2021-05-26T11:00
From Frankenstein's Monster to three prime ministers representing the town to the volunteers who fought in the 1885 North West Resistance to an Englishman who pretended to be Indigenous, the his...
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An Interview With Kim Campbell from 2021-05-24T11:00
Today, I speak with Canada's 19th prime minister, Kim Campbell. Not only was she Canada's first female prime minister, but also the first female justice minister and first female defence ministe...
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The Blackfoot from 2021-05-22T11:00
Today, I'm looking at the pre-colonial history and the culture of the Blackfoot people, who occupied 28 million acres of land from the Rockies to Saskatchewan, from Edmonton to Montana. Often ca...
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The History Of Ponoka from 2021-05-19T11:00
Located in central Alberta, Ponoka was an important place for the Indigenous for centuries. Its history includes a NWMP fort, the first mental health hospital in Alberta and some great stories f...
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An Interview With Geoff Mynett from 2021-05-17T11:00
Today, I speak with Geoff Mynett, the author of Pinkerton's and the Hunt for Simon Gunanoot. It is the story of murder, a manhunt and some close calls.
Find the book here: Listen
Mona Parsons from 2021-05-15T11:00
Mona Parsons, a young woman from Nova Scotia, would put her life on the line to protect airmen in the Netherlands during the Second World War as part of the Dutch Resistance. Captured and impris...
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The History Of Spruce Grove from 2021-05-12T11:00
Hometown of hockey great Grant Fuhr, Spruce Grove's history involves the moving of a town, becoming a village twice, fires and even some moonshiners operating in the area.
Support the po...
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An Interview With John Boyko from 2021-05-10T11:00
There is a belief that Canada did not participate in the Vietnam War, but we did, and in a ways many Canadians don't know about. From Canadians who fought directly, to the arms we supplied, John...
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The CN Tower from 2021-05-08T11:00
The CN Tower was once the tallest free-standing structure on Earth. While it isn't anymore, it is still an iconic image of Canada. Today, I am looking at the construction of this immense structu...
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The History Of Fort St. John from 2021-05-05T11:00
Today, I'm looking at Fort St. John, B.C. In this city, you will find an Indigenous site that dates to 11,000 years ago, the site of the worst disaster in the history of the Alaska Highway const...
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An Interview With Tiffany Ayalik and Caroline Cox from 2021-05-03T11:00
Today, I speak to Tiffany Ayalik and Caroline Cox about their film, Food for the Rest of Us, which is an intimate look at the ways marginalized people are using food and farming to liberate them...
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Canada Mobilizes For War from 2021-05-02T11:00
Today, Canada's Great War launches on all podcast platforms. Enjoy this first episode of the show and please considering subscribing if you enjoy it!
When Britain declared war on Germany,...
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The History Of Yorkton from 2021-04-28T11:00
Yorkton, SK has seen visits from the Queen and the first Canadian-born Governor General, but also has several historic buildings, the story of a fire demonstration gone wrong, and the tragic dea...
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The History Of Olds from 2021-04-27T11:00
A unique aviator, the Sunnyslope Shelter, an attack by the Japanese during the Second World War, celebrating the end of World War One a week early and even a battle between residents and the rai...
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The History Of Altona from 2021-04-26T11:00
Today, I'm looking at Altona, Manitoba, a small community founded by Mennonites in the 1880s. From a tragic school shooting in 1902, to the fires that plagued it, to the fact two communities wit...
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The Alaska Highway from 2021-04-24T11:00
Today, I look at the 2,800 KM road that was constructed in eight months in 1942, the Alaska Highway. An engineering marvel of epic proportions that changed northwest Canada forever.
From...
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The History Of Roblin from 2021-04-22T11:00
Today, I'm looking at the history of Roblin, Manitoba. From hauntings, to outlaw treasure, to big events and historic buildings, this town has quite a bit when it comes to historical attractions...
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The History Of Alix from 2021-04-21T11:00
Alix, Alberta is a small community but it has quite an interesting history. From its creamery that was one of the largest in the province, to terrible fires, to the hometown of one of the Famous...
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An Interview With Reagan Pasternak from 2021-04-19T11:00
Today, I speak with actress and writer Reagen Pasternak about her new book Griffin's Heart, which is an interactive book to help get over the loss of a beloved pet.
Find it here: Listen
Kondiaronk from 2021-04-17T11:00
Without him, the Great Peace of Montreal in 1701 would have never happened. That peace brought forth 60 years of peace, but Kondiaronk would not live to see it, nor the signing of the treaty he ...
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The History Of Grande Prairie from 2021-04-14T11:00
Today, I am looking at the history of Grande Prairie, a large community in northern Alberta. Dinosaurs, visits by The Queen, a stunning bridge and many historical buildings to check out in this ...
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The History of Pincher Creek from 2021-04-13T11:00
Today, I look at the history of Pincher Creek, Alberta. From two huge living history villages, to a legendary lost gold mine, to Kootenai Brown himself, this town has a great history to explore....
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An Interview With Ryan Barnett from 2021-04-12T11:00
Today, I speak with author and filmmaker Ryan Barnett about his book The Raftsmen, which follows four Canadian men who sailed a raft across the Atlantic Ocean during the 1950s.
Find it h...
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Mary Pickford from 2021-04-10T11:00
She was called America's Sweetheart, but Mary Pickford always considered herself to be a Canadian. During the height of the silent film era, only Charlie Chaplin exceeded her worldwide fame. Listen
The History Of Prince George from 2021-04-07T11:00
Located in northern BC, Prince George started as a fur trade fort, became four settlements that finally merged into one. The home of Mr. PG, two excellent museums and even a few visits from the ...
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An Interview With Harrison Houde from 2021-04-05T11:00
Today, I speak with Harrison Houde, the producer and director of Stories of Kindness, an interview series that focuses on spreadking kindness, connection and storytelling through children.
<... Listen
David Thompson from 2021-04-03T11:00
Considered the greatest land geographer who ever lived, and my favourite Canadian historical figure, David Thompson started life on a bad note, and ended it on a sad note, but in between he mapp...
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The History of Swift Current from 2021-03-31T11:00
Today, I'm looking at Swift Current, SK. A place where you can find wagon ruts dating to the 1800s, a 6,000-year-old Indigenous burial site, a beautiful century old theatre and even some petrogl...
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The History Of Spiritwood from 2021-03-30T11:00
Today, I look at the history of Spiritwood, SK. It is a place that has seen two devastating fires, a legendary arm-wrestling club and even a piece of a Russian satellite crashing into a farmer's...
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The History Of Steinbach from 2021-03-29T11:00
South of Winnipeg, you will find the community of Steinbach. Home to the Mennonite Heritage Village, you will also find a beautiful windmill, the first Ford dealership in Western Canada and a pi...
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The Great Peace Of Montreal from 2021-03-27T11:00
On Aug. 4, 1701, 39 Indigenous Nations signed a treaty with New France in Montreal to end a century of conflict called The Beaver Wars. From that day, the treaty would have a long impact on our ...
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The History Of Kerrobert from 2021-03-25T11:00
Today, I'm looking at the history of Kerrobert, Saskatchewan. From the Great Wall of Saskatchewan, to its historic buildings, to its iconic water tower and the haunted courthouse, there is much ...
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The History Of Strathmore from 2021-03-24T11:00
Today, I look at the history of Strathmore, near Calgary. A town that moved to be closer to the irrigation network, it was the site of the first movie shot in Alberta, an early stampede and the ...
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An Interview With Georgia Waters from 2021-03-22T11:00
Today, I speak with Georgia Waters, who has recently appeared in SIREN, which will be airing on Disney+ and the film Toys of Terror. We chat about her projects, how the past year has been and wh...
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The Canadian Cyclist Battalion from 2021-03-20T11:00
From 1915 to 1918, the Canadian Cyclist Battalion provided a vital service to the war effort. Along with helping send important messages, serving as scouts and working in the trenches, they woul...
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The History Of Leduc from 2021-03-18T11:00
Today, I look named for a French priest, which would become the centre for an oil boom that changed Alberta and Canada forever. It isn't just about oil though, as there are many historical place...
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The History Of Fort Saskatchewan from 2021-03-17T11:00
Today, I'm looking at the history of Fort Saskatchewan. From its origin as a NWMP fort, to tales of a cannibal, to terrible fires and Royal visits, the city near Edmonton has a lot of history to...
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An Interview With Kurt Spenrath from 2021-03-15T11:00
Today, I speak with Kurt Spenrath, the co-creator of Snow Warrior. The film is a short documentary following Edmonton bike courier...
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The History of Morinville from 2021-03-10T12:00
What started as a French-Canadian colony in the 1890s has become a thriving community in central Alberta. Today, I look at the history of this community, from its stellar church, to a huge coal ...
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An Interview With Crawford Killian from 2021-03-08T12:00
Today, I speak with Crawford Killian, the author of Go Do Some Great Thing, which is the story of the black pioneers who settled in British Columbia in the mid-to-late 19th century.
Find...
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Canada's Piracy History from 2021-03-06T12:00
Today, I look at the 200 years from the 1600s to 1800s, when swashbuckling pirates patrolled the waters of Canada from Newfoundland down to Nova Scotia.
From the interesting to the evil,...
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An Interview With Camille Hollett-French from 2021-03-03T12:00
Today, I speak with Camille Hollett-French about her new film Endomic, which takes a humourous look at endometriosis, a chronic condition with a high burden and no cure that affects 200 million ...
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The History of Dawson Creek from 2021-03-02T12:00
Today, I look at the city that sits at Mile 0 of the Alaska Highway, the construction of which has defined the history of Dawson Creek. From a deadly explosion, to a history going back to early ...
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An Interview With MP Mumilaaq Qaqqaq from 2021-03-01T12:00
Today, I speak with NDP MP for Nunavut, Mumilaaq Qaqqaq. We talk about her goals for her first term, the main issues facing the Canadian North, what an NDP government would bring to Canada and m...
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Frederick Loft from 2021-02-27T12:00
Fred Loft was one of the foremost Indigenous activists of the early-20th century, and he would help found the League of Indians, which would inspire other Indigenous organizations later in the c...
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An Interview With Chad Reimer from 2021-02-24T12:00
Today, I speak with author and historian Chad Reimer, who recently wrote a book about a murder trial in late-19th century British Columbia. Called The Trials of Albert Stroebel, it looks at this...
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An Interview With Steve Smith from 2021-02-22T12:00
Today, I speak with the man who brought Red Green and Possum Lodge to life, Steve Smith. We chat about his new podcast, The Possum Lodge Podcast.
Find his podcast here: Listen
Chief Maquinna from 2021-02-20T12:00
In the late-1700s, Chief Maquinna would become the most important Indigenous leader on the BC coast through is dealing with European powers. For over 20 years, he brought prosperity to his peopl...
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The History of Claresholm from 2021-02-18T12:00
Today, I look at Claresholm, the town with the oldest motorized school bus in Canada, the hometown of one of the Famous Five, and the location where many WW2 pilots learned how to fly.
Su...
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An Interview with Lorna Poplak from 2021-02-17T12:00
Today, I speak with Lorna Poplak about her book, The Don, which looks at the history of the very notorious jail in Toronto that operated for 150 years.
You can learn more about her books...
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An Interview With Stephen Brown from 2021-02-15T12:00
Today, I speak with author Stephen Brown, who wrote a book about the rise and fall of the Hudson's Bay Company. We talk about the company, the people who made it what it was and the dark aspects...
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The Great Canadian Flag Debate from 2021-02-13T12:00
For a period of almost two years, Canada was embroiled in the debate over a new Canadian flag. It would grind Parliament to a standstill, protests on both sides would occur but in the end Canada...
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The History Of Kindersley from 2021-02-11T12:00
Today, I look at the community that features an original sod house, the Great Wall of Saskatchewan, the Great Sand Dunes and much more. A trip to Kindersley offers many amazing historical sites ...
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An Interview With Alexis Taylor from 2021-02-10T12:00
Today, I speak with Country music artist Alexis Taylor, who recently released a new single called Getaway. We talk about her single, the upcoming EP and how COVID impacts the music industry.
... Listen
The History Of Beaumont from 2021-02-09T12:00
Today, I look at the French community of Beaumont, located just south of Edmonton. From its founding as a French colony, to its stunning church, to the many historic buildings there is much to s...
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An Interview With Bruce Whitty from 2021-02-08T12:00
Today, I speak with Canadian nature filmmaker Bruce Whitty, who has made a number of films that look at nature in North America, including the recent America's Wild Border: Northern Exposure. Listen
The Shawinigan Handshake from 2021-02-06T12:00
It has been 25 years since a protester confronted Prime Minister Jean Chretien, sparking one of the most famous Canadian photos from the 1990s, and an event that is still talked about today.
... Listen
An Interview With Canadian Politics Is Boring from 2021-02-03T12:00
Today, I talk with the Rhys and Jesse about their excellent podcast Canadian Politics Is Boring. Each week, they look at something from Canadian history, often the stranger the better, and disse...
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An Interview With Daniel Schubert from 2021-02-01T12:00
Today, I speak with filmmaker Daniel Schubert about his film Martha, which follows his grandmother who survived the Holocaust. The film is available through the NFB for free.
Watch it her...
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The Littlest Hobo from 2021-01-30T12:00
The show with the song every Canadian knows the lyrics to. It is The Littlest Hobo and today I look at the history of this uniquely Canadian show beloved by generations.
I also speak wit...
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An Interview With Vera Maloff from 2021-01-27T12:00
The Doukhobors are a people who came to Canada in the early-1900s and helped shape the areas they settled in. They were also forced to deal with prejudice, intolerance and even imprisonment for ...
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An Interview With Kate McKenzie from 2021-01-25T12:00
Today, I speak with Kate McKenzie, a filmmaker who travelled with Martin Parnell to Afghanistan to run a marathon with the first woman in that country to run a marathon.
Their journey is...
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Sitting Bull In Canada from 2021-01-23T12:00
In 1887, Sitting Bull brought his people to Canada after the Battle of Little Big Horn. While he lived in peace and asked for a reserve, the Canadian government instead starved him into returnin...
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The History of Carlyle from 2021-01-21T12:00
Located in southern Saskatchewan, this community not only boasts a great provincial park steeped in history, but it also has a wonderful museum called Rusty Relics, that highlights the history o...
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An Interview With The Just Watch Me Podcast from 2021-01-20T12:00
Today, I speak with Kate and Liv about their podcast Just Watch Me, which looks at various people and events within Canadian history. It is a great show and you can find it on all podcast platfo...
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An Interview With Martin Parnell from 2021-01-18T12:00
Today, I speak with multiple Guiness World Record holder Martin Parnell about his new documentary, The Secret Marathon, which follows him and Kate McKenzie as they travel to Afghanistan to run a...
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Canada and Polio from 2021-01-16T12:00
From 1910 to 1955, polio was an increasing threat that left thousands handicapped, killed hundreds and was an ever-present danger for Canadians of all ages.
But Canada would play a huge r...
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An Interview With John Macfarlane from 2021-01-13T12:00
Today, I speak with John Macfarlane, who wrote a book with Lynn Salmon about Capt. George Voss, the man who took a dugout canoe around the world, from Victoria, BC to London, England.
Fin...
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An Interview With Loretta Todd from 2021-01-11T12:00
Today, I speak with acclaimed director Loretta Todd, whose film Monkey Beach premiered on Crave TV on January 6. We talk about Indigenous filmmaking, Monkey Beach, Coyote Science and much more.<...
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Smallpox and The Indigenous from 2021-01-09T12:00
From the moment Europeans arrived, they brought with them a deadly disease called smallpox. For the next 350 years, the disease would spread through the continent, decimating the Indigenous popu...
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The History of Maidstone from 2021-01-07T12:00
From the Battle of Cut Knife, to the noted artist who lived nearby, to the many historic sites around the community, Maidstone, Saskatchewan has a unique history that is well worth checking out....
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An Interview With Lorne Cardinal from 2021-01-06T12:00
Since he first reached our homes as Sgt. Davis on Corner Gas, Lorne Cardinal has continued to stay busy. From a recurring role on FBI: Most Wanted, to his work with Corner Gas Animated, to his n...
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An Interview With Bob Joseph from 2021-01-04T12:00
Today, I speak with Bob Joseph, the president of Indigenous Corporate Training and the author of 21 Things You May Not Know About The Indian Act.
Get the book here: Listen
Kosmos 954 from 2021-01-02T12:00
On Jan. 24, 1978 the residents of the NWT, Alberta and British Columbia saw something streaking through the sky. Little did they know that it was a Soviet satellite spreading radioactive debris ...
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An Interview With Jeremy Torrie from 2020-12-30T12:00
Today, I speak with Jeremy Torrie, the director of the The Corruption of Divine Providence, which was released this year and stars several notable actors including Tantoo Cardinal.
We ta...
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An Interview With Scott Renyard from 2020-12-28T12:00
Today, I speak with environmental filmmaker and the creator of The Green Channel, Scott Renyard. We talk about the streaming service, what we can do to help the planet and how films and document...
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The Indigenous and The Hudson's Bay Company from 2020-12-26T12:00
Today, I take a different look at the Hudson's Bay Company and explore how it impacted the Indigenous people of Canada, from its founding in 1670 all the way up to today.
Support the pod...
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An Interview With Jean Barman from 2020-12-23T12:00
Today, I speak with Professor Jean Barman of the University of British Columbia about her book On The Cusp of Contact, which is a collection of articles she has written about the history of the ...
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An Interview With Kenny Hotz and Spencer Rice from 2020-12-21T12:00
Today, I speak with Canadian comedy legends Kenny Hotz and Spencer Rice, creators of the fantastic Kenny vs Spenny. We talk about their recent special on CBC Gem called Paldemic, as well as Kenn...
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Female Firsts In Canadian Politics from 2020-12-19T12:00
From Hannah Gale, the first woman elected to a city council, to Kim Campbell, our first female prime minister, Canada has had over a century of women reaching important political posts at all le...
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An Interview With Keilani Rose from 2020-12-16T12:00
Today I speak with actor, director, dancer and DJ Keilani Rose. Appearing in several television shows, she is also involved in many projects including new projects such as her film FLIMSY and he...
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An Interview With Antonio Cayonne from 2020-12-14T12:00
Today, I speak with Antonio Cayonne, who has starred on Prison Break, The X-Files, iZombie and more. This month, he is the lead in the Hallmark movie Christmas In Evergreen: Bells Are Ringing. <...
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Shanawdithit from 2020-12-12T12:00
She is the last-known full-blooded Beothuk in history and her drawings and stories helped preserve her culture from being lost to history. Today, I look at the fascinating and tragic life of Sha...
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The History Of Milk River from 2020-12-11T17:01:48
From the nearby site with hundreds of ancient Indigenous carvings, to dinosaur eggs, to a history that includes being under eight different flags, Milk River has a fascinating history that stret...
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An Interview With Alan Doyle from 2020-12-09T12:00
Today, I speak with Alan Doyle, the lead singer and songwriter of Great Big Sea. We talk about COVID-19, what he is up to and his new book All Together Now.
Find his book here: Listen
An Interview With Dr. Colin Read from 2020-12-07T12:00
Today on the podcast, I speak with Dr. Colin Read about the 1837/1838 Lower and Upper Canada Rebellions. While the rebellions had a massive impact on the future of Canada, they are largely forgo...
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The Klondike Gold Rush from 2020-12-05T12:00
The most-orderly and last great gold rush in history, the Klondike Gold Rush of 1897-1899 changed Canada and the people who took part in it. With 100,000 people trying to get to the Yukon, it wa...
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An Interview with Dr. Roberta Bondar from 2020-12-02T12:00
Today on the podcast, I speak with the Canada's first female astronaut, Dr. Roberta Bondar. In all she spent 8 days, 1 hour and 14 minutes in space in 1992.
We talk about her foundation, ...
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An Interview With David Peck from 2020-11-30T12:00
Today, I speak with David Peck, who is the founder of SoChange and the host of Face2Face, a podcast you can find at www.face2facelive.ca
We talk...
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Mr. Dressup from 2020-11-28T12:00
Today, I look at the life of Ernie Coombs, who delighted millions of Canadian children for 30 years as Mr. Dressup. I speak with Fred Penner and Judith Lawrence (Casey and Finnegan) about his li...
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The History Of Wallace-Woodworth from 2020-11-26T12:00
Today, I look at the history of the Rural Municipality of Wallace-Woodworth in Manitoba. From the Antique Automobile Museum, to the many historic buildings and even a unique plane crash in 1942,...
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An Interview With Kirk Diamond from 2020-11-25T16:10:05
An Interview With Michael Posner from 2020-11-23T12:00
Today on the podcast, I speak with author Michael Posner, who has recently released his first of three books that look at the life of legendary artist and musician Leonard Cohen.
We talk ...
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The Wabanaki Confederacy from 2020-11-21T12:00
For 200 years, the Wabanaki Confederacy united five Indigenous nations in the Atlantic Canada region as they pushed back against the encroachment of the English on their traditional lands.
<... Listen
An Interview With Peter Mansbridge from 2020-11-18T12:00
For two decades, Peter Mansbridge was on our television screens as the host of The National. While retired now, he is still very busy and recently released a book called Extraordinary Canadians....
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An Interview With Brandon Doucet from 2020-11-16T12:00
Today, I speak with dentist Brandon Doucet who not only is working on a book on dental care history in Canada, but is also behind Coalition for Dentalcare, which works to make Universal Dentalca...
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An Interview With Miss Emily from 2020-11-12T12:00
One of Canada's top Blues musicians and a multi-award winning artist, I speak with Kingston-based musician Miss Emily about her new live album, what is upcoming and how COVID-19 has changed her ...
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Canada Year-By-Year: 1897 from 2020-11-11T12:00
It was a year that saw the birth of a man who inspired the character of James Bond, the Klondike Gold Rush hit full gear and one of our greatest prime ministers would enter the world.
To...
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An Interview With Ron Brown from 2020-11-09T12:00
Today, I talk with author Ron Brown about the unique ghost towns and places in Ontario, and about the reissue of his book Lost Villages of Toronto.
Visit his site here: Listen
The Sinking Of The Princess Sophia from 2020-11-07T12:00
The worst maritime disaster in the history of British Columbia, the Princess Sophia sat for 36 hours on a reef as waves lashed against the boat. Then, in the dark of night and a snowstorm, it sl...
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The History Of Sundre from 2020-11-06T12:00
From a man who rode a horse with a coyote on his shoulders, to a wonderful museum, to an amazing sculpture garden, Sundre is a unique place in Alberta with a lot of history along the Cowboy Trai...
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An Interview With Sam Roberts from 2020-11-05T12:00
He is one of Canada's leading musicians over the past 20 years, with hit records and many awards. Today, I speak with Sam Roberts about making music amid Covid-19 and his new album All of Us. Listen
The Battle of Valenciennes from 2020-11-04T12:00
The war was winding down, but there was still fighting to be done by the Canadians. The Battle of Valenciennes saw an overwhelming Canadian victory, many medals including a Victoria Cross and a ...
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An Interview with Roger Sarty from 2020-11-02T12:00
Today, I speak with Roger Sarty, a historian and professor with Wilfrid Laurier University about a book he helped compile about the Halifax Explosion.
Enjoy a great interview on a really...
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Weird Canadian Mysteries from 2020-10-30T11:00
In honour of the Halloween season, I have a special episode of the podcast all about the unsettling and weird mysteries of Canada. From the Headless Valley, to the death of Tom Thomson, to ghost...
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An Interview With Tom Jackson from 2020-10-29T11:00
He is one of the most celebrated Indigenous actors in Canadian history, as well as an activist and philanthropist. For years, he has been helping others, including through the annual Huron Carol...
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Canada Year-By-Year: 1896 from 2020-10-28T11:00
A huge year in Canadian politics that would see a massive shift int he political landscape, it was also the year where several important Canadians were born, and a tragic bridge accident would o...
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An Interview With Tim Cook from 2020-10-26T11:00
Today, I speak with Canadian War Museum historian, and Order of Canada recipient, Tim Cook about Canada's war history and his book The Fight For History.
You can find Tim's books here:
The History Of Didsbury from 2020-10-23T11:00
From a unique shelter located in a field nearby, to two devastating fires in its history, to an excellent local museum and many historic buildings, Didsbury has a history that is fascinating
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An Interview With Eric Alper from 2020-10-22T11:00
Today, I speak with Eric Alper, one of the leading music correspondents and industry experts in Canada. Along with representing artists such as Bif Naked and Fred Penner, he also hosts a show on...
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The Battle of Belly River from 2020-10-21T11:00
The last battle between Indigenous groups in Canadian history was fought in future Alberta and would have long lasting ramifications for both the Iron Confederacy and the Blackfoot Confederacy.<...
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An Interview With The Minute Women from 2020-10-19T11:00
The Canadian Heritage Minutes are a part of our culture these days and today I talk with Grace and Linnea of the Minute Women podcast about their show and Heritage Minutes.
You can find t...
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The VE Day Halifax Riot from 2020-10-17T11:00
When the Second World War ended, people celebrated worldwide. In Halifax, they celebrated a bit too hard, laying waste to the downtown core of Halifax in a drunken orgy of vandalism that resulte...
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An Interview With Rick Hansen from 2020-10-15T11:00
He is one of the most famous Canadians in the country, and an icon and hero from our history. His Man in Motion Tour cemented his legacy and today I speak with him about that legacy and the Rick...
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Canada Year-By-Year: 1895 from 2020-10-14T11:00
Today, I continue my look through every year of Canada's history with 1895. A year that saw the birth of a hockey legend, a prime minister and the first woman was elected to political office. Listen
An Interview With D'Arcy Jenish from 2020-10-12T11:00
Today on the podcast, I speak with author and historian D'Arcy Jenish about his new book on the lead-up to the October Crisis.
You can find his book here:
The October Crisis from 2020-10-10T11:00
50 years ago, Canada would see the only peacetime implementation of the War Measures Act, and only the third political assassination in our history. It was a time of unease and worry for many. Listen
An Interview With Colin Mochrie from 2020-10-08T11:00
One of Canada's most famous comedians, he has made a living performing improv around the world to the delight of millions. Today on the podcast, I talk with Colin Mochrie about improv, his new i...
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The Battle of Canal Du Nord from 2020-10-07T11:00
It was one of the last major battles for Canada in the First World War and it seemed nearly an impossible situation. Not only would the Canadians succeed, they would do so through days of tough ...
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An Interview With Cheryl Foggo from 2020-10-05T11:00
I speak with filmmaker and historian Cheryl Foggo today about John Ware and her film John Ware: Reclaimed, as well as the impact of Ware, his legacy and what we can learn about him today.
Chief Crowfoot from 2020-10-03T11:00
A prominent leader in the Blackfoot, Chief Crowfoot would be a major force during the last half of the 19th century, negotiating treaty and leading his people through difficult times.
Tod...
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The History Of Westlock from 2020-10-02T11:00
This episode is sponsored by the Town of Westlock.
A town that not only changed its name and moved, the history of Westlock has lots of stories to tell and I dive into those stories on to...
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An Interview With Hal Johnson from 2020-10-01T11:00
Today on the podcast, I interview someone very familiar to many Canadians, Hal Johnson from Body Break.
For over a decade, Hal and Joanne MacLeod appeared on our television screens, teach...
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Canada Year-By-Year: 1894 from 2020-09-30T11:00
It was a year that saw the death of another prime minister, the biggest rock slide in Canadian history, the death of a former NWMP commissioner and the birth of the man the German's called Hell'...
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An Interview With Andy English from 2020-09-28T11:00
Today, I talk with Andy English from the excellent podcast Hedley Boys, which looks at the men from Hedley, B.C. who served in the First World War. Find it here Listen
The Beachcombers from 2020-09-26T11:00
From 1972 to 1991, Canadians gathered together to watch The Beachcombers, one of the most-beloved shows in Canadian history. Today on the show, I talk with cast, crew and fans of the show about ...
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The Mi'kmaq War from 2020-09-23T11:00
After seeing their population decimated and their land stolen, the Mi'kmaq joined the Acadians in fighting against the English in a war from 1749 to 1755.
It would have a lasting impact o...
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An Interview With JP Bear from 2020-09-21T11:00
In 1941, Sgt. Gander, a Newfoundland dog, gave his life to save wounded soldiers in the Battle of Hong Kong.
His story is inspirational and wonderful and JP Bear is working to bring that...
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Tommy Prince from 2020-09-19T11:00
One of the most decorated soldiers in Canadian history, and a man who faced danger repeatedly in battle, and racism back home, Tommy Prince was a legend in Canadian military history.
Supp...
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The History of Sedgewick from 2020-09-18T11:00
Centuries ago, a meteorite crashed into the ground near future Sedgewick. That rock would become a pilgrimage place for the local Indigenous until 1866 when it was stolen by missionaries.
<... Listen
Canada Year-By-Year: 1893 from 2020-09-16T11:00
Today, I look at Canada in 1893, a year that saw a surprising number of First World War flying aces born. It was also a year that saw the death of a prime minister, an explorer, but the birth of...
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An Interview with Gurdeep Pandher from 2020-09-14T11:00
He is known on Twitter for his wonderful dance videos that have been a bright spot for Canada during the pandemic. Today, I speak with Gurdeep Pandher from his home in the Yukon about his life a...
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The Edmonton Grads from 2020-09-12T11:00
Between 1922 and 1940, the Edmonton Grads dominated provincial, national and international women's basketball. Boasting win streaks of dozens of games in length, and a 95% winning percentage, no...
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The History Of Camrose from 2020-09-11T11:00
This episode is sponsored by The City Of Camrose
Today, I look at Camrose, home of the Big Valley Jamboree, a railway museum and several notable historical sites, along with a very import...
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The Battle of Kapyong from 2020-09-09T11:00
The Chinese had broken through the British and Australians. All that stood in the way of 5,000 Chinese troops breaking the line towards Seoul were 700 Canadians.
This is the story of The...
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An Interview With Jean Teillet from 2020-09-07T11:00
Today on the podcast, I interview Indigenous rights lawyer and author Jean Teillet about her book The North-West Is Our Mother. The book is about the Metis nation and Teillet is the great grand ...
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The Anishinaabe from 2020-09-05T11:00
Each month, I am going to be looking at an Indigenous group's history in Canada and today, I look at the Anishinaabe. This group of people stretches from Quebec to Saskatchewan and have a long a...
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A History of Millet from 2020-09-03T11:00
This episode is sponsored by the Town of Millet
Named by Father Lacombe for a friend who had passed, Millet would prosper throughout the 20th century and survive a terrible fire in 1927 t...
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Canada Year-By-Year: 1892 from 2020-09-02T11:00
Today on the podcast, I look at the year 1892. It was a year that saw America's Sweetheart, Mary Pickford, born in Toronto, the death of our 2nd Prime Minister and the worst disaster in St. John...
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An Interview With Tommy Chong from 2020-08-31T11:00
Today, my interview with the legendary comedian and Canadian, Tommy Chong, who has spent the past 50 years delighting fans around the world.
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The Canadian Forestry Corps Of World War One from 2020-08-29T11:00
Without firing a single shot, the Canadian Forestry Corps saved lives and altered the course of the war for the Allies during the First World War.
Today, we learn the history of this ver...
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The History Of Wainwright from 2020-08-27T11:00
This episode is sponsored by the Town of Wainwright.
From a national park that saved the bison from extinction, to a 1929 fire that destroyed the community, to the German POW camp that wa...
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The Battle of Scarpe from 2020-08-26T11:00
While the 1918 Battle of Scarpe would see a few thousand casualties on the Canadian side, it was also a huge victory for the Allies. In all, 3,300 Germans were captured and several kilometres of...
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The History Of Beaverlodge from 2020-08-25T11:00
Beaverlodge, located a few hours north of Edmonton, is known for the giant beaver roadside attraction but there is much more to this community than that.
Today, on this episode sponsored...
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An Interview With Michael Long from 2020-08-24T11:00
Michael Long is the creator of Radio General, an excellent World War Two video game that centres on Canada and the battles Canada fought.
He took time to speak with me about creating the...
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The Kanesatake Resistance from 2020-08-22T11:00
For 270 years, the Indigenous at Oka had seen their land sold off and developed without consultation. Then, for several months in 1990, a group of Mohawk Indigenous stood up against developers t...
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The History Of Stony Plain from 2020-08-20T11:00
This episode is sponsored by The Town of Stony Plain.
It is my hometown and a place that takes history seriously. With dozens of murals, two amazing museums and a deep history that includ...
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Canada Year-By-Year: 1890 from 2020-08-19T11:00
Today on the podcast, I look at Canada in 1890, a year that featured three provincial elections, and the births of several very important Canadians, and the death of the legendary Chief Crowfoot...
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The History Of Stettler from 2020-08-18T11:00
This episode is sponsored by Destination Stettler.
Today on the podcast, I look at the history of Stettler, Alberta, from the story of a unique flying machine, to railway tours, to the la...
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An Interview With Kim Mitchell from 2020-08-17T11:00
Today, I talk to one of Canada's most successful musicians, Kim Mitchell, who has had a string of hits going back to the 1970s. Enjoy!
Register for my Aug. 30 Zoom History Conference at <...
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The Beatles In Canada from 2020-08-15T11:00
Beginning with a stop in Winnipeg in August 1964 to their last concert in Canada in August 1966, the greatest band in history left its mark on Canada with each stop and performance.
Today...
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The History of Vegreville from 2020-08-13T11:00
This episode is sponsored by The Town Of Vegreville.
Today, I look at the history of Vegreville, Alberta, from the visits by royalty, the hill steeped in myth near to it and of course, th...
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The Raid On Dieppe from 2020-08-12T11:00
On Aug. 19, 1942, 5,000 Canadians took part in a raid on Dieppe. Within nine hours, 67% of them would be dead, wounded or captured. Without that sacrifice though, D-Day may never have been succe...
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An Interview With Mark Hebscher from 2020-08-10T11:00
Today, I interview author Mark Hebscher, who wrote a book about George Orton, the first Canadian to win an Olympic medal. We talk about his book, Canadian sports and the life of Orton.
Su...
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Fred Sasakamoose from 2020-08-08T14:39
Taken from his family at the age of 6 and sent to Residential School, Fred Sasakamoose would overcome that trauma to become the first Indigenous person with treaty status to play in the NHL, as ...
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The 1918-19 NHL Spanish Flu Season from 2020-08-06T11:00
While the 1919 Stanley Cup Final gets most of the attention when it come to the Spanish Flu, the virus impacted the NHL even before the death of Joe Hall. Today, I look at the Spanish Flu season...
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Canada Year-By-Year: 1891 from 2020-08-05T11:00
I mixed up my episodes on accident, so 1891 is being covered before 1890. Nonetheless, it is a year that would see the death of a prime minister, a mining disaster and the birth of a great Canad...
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An Interview With Todd Caissie from 2020-08-03T11:00
Today, I talk with Todd Caissie, a member of the board of directors for the New Brunswick Internment Camp Museum. We talk about the history of the camp, the notable people kept there and the his...
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Bobbie Rosenfeld from 2020-08-01T11:00
One of Canada's greatest all-around athlete, Bobbie Rosenfeld would have a legendary athletic career that covered nearly every sport imaginable.
Today on the podcast, I look at Canada's ...
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The Battle of Assoro from 2020-07-29T11:00
In order to take Mount Assoro in the Battle of Sicily, a group of Canadian soldiers, including Farley Mowat, would scale a 1,000 foot cliff at night to accomplish their task. This is the story o...
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An Interview With The Alberta Railway Museum from 2020-07-27T11:00
Today on the podcast, my interview with Stephen from the Alberta Railway Museum in Edmonton.
Support the podcast for as little as $3/month at w...
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The Trans-Canada Highway from 2020-07-25T11:00
Today on the podcast, I look at the beginning of the Trans-Canada Highway and its construction from 1950 to 1971. It would become a unifying symbol of Canada.
Sign up for my Zoom history ...
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Canada Year-By-Year: 1889 from 2020-07-22T11:00
I continue my look at every year in Canada's history with 1889, closing out the third decade for the country. It was a quiet year overall.
Join my Zoom History Conference on the 1913 Whit...
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An Interview With Steven Kerzner (Ed The Sock) from 2020-07-20T11:00
Ed The Sock has been a staple of Canadian media for two decades, and today I speak with the man behind the legend of Ed the Sock; Steven Kerzner!
Register for my Zoom History Conference o...
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Stadacona and Hochelaga from 2020-07-18T11:00
When Jacques Cartier arrived in what would be Quebec, he found two villages. One, Stadacona, had 500 people and the other, Hochelaga, had 1,500-3,000. While these villages wouldn't last the cent...
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The Battle of Verrieres Ridge from 2020-07-15T11:00
From July 19 to 25, 1944, Canada would suffer its worst casualty numbers since the Dieppe Raid in 1942. It was the Battle of Verrieres Ridge, a battle that killed so many, the military pushed it...
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An Interview With Janet Tryhuba Of Fort Ed from 2020-07-13T11:00
Fort Edmonton Park is my favourite place to go in the summer. I love the history, and the feeling of the park. Unfortunately, its been going through renovations for two years.
Today, I t...
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Canada's Year Without A Summer from 2020-07-11T11:00
When Mount Tambora erupted in 1815, it was the largest eruption in recorded history. That eruption would have severe consequences for Canada in 1816 and 1817.
Let's look at the Year With...
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Canada Year-By-Year: 1888 from 2020-07-08T11:00
A quiet year in terms of events, but there were several notable births for Canada in 1888, including two Victoria Cross recipients and Grey Owl, while Canada would also lose Big Bear.
Jo...
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An Interview With Andy Kim from 2020-07-06T11:00
Andy Kim is one of Canada's most successful musicians. From his hit songs, such as Sugar Sugar and Rock Me Gently, to his 50 year career that has seen him work with music legends, Kim has had a ...
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Chief Poundmaker from 2020-07-04T11:00
He pushed for peace and saved lives during the North West Rebellion. Nonetheless, he was wrongfully convicted of treason by the government in 1885.
Today, I look at the legendary Cree Chi...
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The Raid On Black Rock from 2020-07-01T11:00
The War of 1812 had good battles and bad battles for Canada. Some battles started good but ended bad, despite being a victory. Such was the case with the Raid on Black Rock on July 11, 1813.
... Listen
An Interview With The History Wrangler from 2020-06-29T11:00
He is one of the top historians in Alberta, bringing the history of the province to life through books, song and his educational programs.
Today on the podcast, my interview with The His...
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The Regina Cyclone from 2020-06-27T11:00
On June 30, 1912, the deadliest tornado in Canadian history would tear through Regina, Saskatchewan for three minutes, leaving devastation behind it.
Today, the story of the Regina Cyclon...
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Canada Year-By-Year: 1887 from 2020-06-24T11:00
A year that saw a terrible mine disaster, the birth of two amazing Canadian athletes and the death of a noted explorer, 1887 was quite the year for Canada.
On June 29 at 2:30 p.m., I will...
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An Interview With Canadian Cemetery History from 2020-06-22T11:00
Canada has a lot of cemeteries, and a lot of history tied to them. Adam Montgomery looks at that history with his Canadian Cemetery History project, and he took time to speak with me about it. E...
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Chief Nicola/Nikola Of The Okanagan from 2020-06-20T11:00
Chief Nicola/Nikola was the chief of the Okanagan people for much of the first half of the 19th Century.
During that time he fostered good relations with the Hudson's Bay Company, launche...
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The Pig War from 2020-06-17T11:00
It was a war involving a few thousand soldiers, several ships and two great 19th Century powers. It would last four months, and in the end, one pig will have died.
Welcome to the Pig War...
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Canada's Slavery History from 2020-06-16T11:00
We like to think that Canada did not have a slavery history, but we did and it lasted nearly as long as the American Slavery Era. Today, I look that history from the 1600s to the 1800s.
R...
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An Interview With Sass Jordan from 2020-06-15T11:00
She is one of Canada's most accomplished musical artists. A Juno award winner, a Billboard Female Rock Artist award winner, with soundtracks and several hits to her name.
Today, my interv...
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The Indigenous And Vikings Meet from 2020-06-13T11:00
It is the first known incident of east meeting west, and it happened 500 years before John Cabot and Jacques Cartier arrived in what would be Canada.
This is the story of the first intera...
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Canada Year-By-Year: 1886 from 2020-06-10T11:00
After the year of 1885 that saw rebellion, the completion of a transcontinental railway and more, 1886 was a year that saw more stability and a return to normal for Canada.
Today, I look ...
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An Interview With Rod Pederson from 2020-06-08T11:00
For 20 years, Rod Pederson was the Voice of the Riders, and arguably one of the most famous individuals in Saskatchewan.
Today, he has his own show, the Rod Pederson Show, which is fast ...
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The On-To-Ottawa Trek/Regina Riot from 2020-06-06T11:00
What began as a trek to Ottawa by thousands of unemployed men in 1935, would end in a terrible riot in Regina. Wanting to get better pay and conditions at work camps, the protesters were met by ...
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The Battle At Ridgeway from 2020-06-03T15:16:47
It was the first time in 50 years a foreign invader attacked Ontario, and, to date, the last time.
When the Fenians crossed into Canada from the USA, they would find an under-trained and...
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An Interview With Bif Naked from 2020-06-01T14:32:12
She is one of Canada’s most iconic musicians. From the 1990s to today, she has filled venues and arenas, and rocked the world with her unique brand of music.
Today on the podcast, I talk ...
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Canada Year-By-Year: 1885 from 2020-05-27T20:46:49
It was a big year for Canada in 1885. The country would deal with a rebellion, a racist head tax and the completion of the transcontinental railway.
Several important people would be bor...
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An Interview With This Is A Disaster from 2020-05-25T14:14:50
There are many great podcasts out there, and one of the best in my opinion is This Is A Disaster, a podcast about disasters and the music they make us listen to.
I really enjoy this podca...
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The Victoria Steamship Disaster from 2020-05-23T14:09:18
It was a day of celebration on Victoria Day, 1881 but that celebration turned to horror after an overloaded Victoria steamship began to tip due to rowdy passengers.
What would follow is t...
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The Battle of Fort George from 2020-05-20T14:05:10
The War of 1812 is a vital part of Canada's early history. We, as Canadians, love to throw out the fact that we burned down the White House but the war was not all victories for Canada and Brita...
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An Interview With Fred Penner from 2020-05-18T14:34:21
He is an icon of 80s and 90s children's entertainment in Canada. Along with The Friendly Giant and Mr. Dressup, he helped shape a generation of kids with his show, Fred Penner's Place.
To...
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Terry Fox and The Marathon of Hope from 2020-05-16T15:02:10
It was 40 years ago this year that Terry Fox first set out his Marathon of Hope. While he had to end it near Thunder Bay, his legend has only grown in Canada.
Today, I speak with Bill Vig...
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Canada Year-By-Year: 1884 from 2020-05-13T14:18:31
The year starts with a terrible train accident, and through the year we see the modern era arrive in Ottawa, the birth of notable actors and politicians and the return of a polar expedition that...
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An Interview With Kevin Nikkel from 2020-05-11T15:08:10
Romance of the Far Fur Country, a documentary made by the Hudson's Bay Company in 1920, turns 100 years old this year. I had the chance to speak with filmmaker Kevin Nikkel, who restored the doc...
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Alberta's Eugenics History from 2020-05-09T14:55:47
From 1929 to 1972, Alberta would sexually sterilize 2,800 people that were deemed unfit to be parents. While IQ tests were used to determine who would be sterilized, women, minorities and Indige...
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The Battle of Hill 187 from 2020-05-06T14:28:15
It was the deadliest battle for Canadians during the Korean War, and while it was a victory, the battle was hidden from Canadians back home. Reports in newspapers were censored and today, the ba...
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Canada’s Documentary History With Mark Terry from 2020-05-04T15:58:55
Canada is a country that led the way when it came to documentary filmmaking. From the early days of the movie camera, used to bring settlers to our country, to the creation of feature length doc...
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350 Years Of The Hudson's Bay Company from 2020-05-02T14:50:33
May 2 is the 350th anniversary of the Hudson's Bay Company, a company that has shaped our country immensely through wars, economics and the founding of many of our western cities.
The st...
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Canada Year-By-Year: 1883 from 2020-04-29T15:19:29
It was another big year for Canada as we proceeded through the 1880s. A major newspaper was founded, Regina became a town, a legendary boxer is born and sadly some Fathers of Confederation would...
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Eva Tanguay: The Queen Of Vaudeville from 2020-04-27T15:10:17
In her heyday, she made more than Harry Houdini and may have been nearly as famous as Charlie Chaplin. A master at publicity, she was the template followed by future female stars such as Mae Wes...
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Canada in WW1: The Battle of Thipeval from 2020-04-26T14:19:49
Only a few weeks after the Battle of the Courcelette, Canada was once again through into the grinder of the Somme when they were ordered to help the British take Thiepval Ridge.
The next...
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Our Lacrosse History from 2020-04-25T14:19:55
Lacrosse was the likely the first team sport in North American history, it was played before Europeans ever arrived and today it is our official Summer National Sport.
The history of lacr...
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An Interview With Tyler Of Fight Stories from 2020-04-23T14:56:04
Today on the podcast, I interview Tyler Morrison of Fight Stories about the history of hockey, and how enforcers have changed over the years.
Enjoy the latest episode folks!
E-mail...
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The Japanese Internment Of WW2 from 2020-04-22T15:17:43
It is a dark chapter in Canada's history. After Pearl Harbour, fueled by anti-Japanese racism, the Canadian government authorized the internment of 22,000 Japanese Canadians, 80% of which were b...
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The Road To Medicare from 2020-04-20T15:00:43
Universal Health Care is something Canadians take a lot of pride in, but the road towards it was a long one that started years before any Act was signed.
From the First World War to the ...
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Canada's Epidemic History from 2020-04-18T19:10:13
Since the arrival of Europeans in the 1500s, Canada has seen epidemics come and go for centuries. From smallpox to cholera, from typhoid fever to more modern diseases like polio, our history has...
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An Interview With On The Bench from 2020-04-16T14:18:57
Steven Campbell and Ryan Russell, two friends from Airdrie, Alberta, came together to create On The Bench a few years ago, using their characters of Ollie and Jacob.
Since then, it has be...
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Canada Year-By-Year: 1882 from 2020-04-15T15:58:30
It was a year that would see the birth of a poet, two noted painters, the first female mayor and a future prime minister. It was also a year of elections, and important events that would shape C...
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The Lachine Canal from 2020-04-13T14:26:01
It took 130 years to get a canal built, and when it was finally finished it would transform Montreal into one of the most important cities on the continent.
The Lachine Canal operated for...
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Canada in WW1: The Battle Of Courcelette from 2020-04-12T14:57:29
The Battle of the Somme had raged for two months before the Canadian Corps would take part. That battle was the Battle of Courcelette, and it would feature the first use of tanks in warfare, and...
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The Siberian Expeditionary Force from 2020-04-11T14:26:51
As the First World War came to an end, the Canadian government would send troops to another part of the world to take part in a new fight, the Russian Civil War.
The Siberian Expeditionar...
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The INCO WW2 Mining Women With Sandra Battaglini from 2020-04-10T18:31:57
Today, we have an interview with Sandra Battaglini, who wrote her thesis on the women who worked at the INCO mine in Sudbury during the Second World War.
In her interview, and thesis, she...
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The Arrival Of The Loonie from 2020-04-08T15:00:47
Back in the mid-1980s, it was decided that the time was right to get rid of the dollar bill and replace it with a dollar coin.
Originally, the Mint had a design already ready but a decis...
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An Interview With Elvis Stojko from 2020-04-07T16:43:15
He is one of Canada’s greatest figure skaters, and throughout the 1990s his name was synonymous with the sport.
Today, I present my interview with the skating icon, who relates about his...
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The Prime Ministers of Newfoundland from 2020-04-06T14:41:12
For a period of just under 30 years, Newfoundland was not a colony, but a dominion. With that title, it also had a prime minister, not a premier.
During those 30 years, Newfoundland woul...
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The Persons Case from 2020-04-03T21:29:23
While women could run for provincial and federal office, and vote, by 1928 they still could not sit on the Canadian Senate. Seeing this, five women would come together to change things, not only...
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Canada Year-By-Year: 1881 from 2020-04-01T15:35:30
In a shorter episode today, since not much happened in the year, I am continuing my look at every year of Canada’s existence since Confederation with 1881.
A year of disasters, births and...
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The Queen of the Hurricanes: Elsie MacGill from 2020-03-30T16:08:38
She was the first female aeronautical engineer in Canada, and a leader in her industry. She would be help get the Hurricane aircraft off the ground and produced at a record production rate for t...
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Canada in WW1: The Battle of Beaumont-Hamel (Albert) from 2020-03-29T15:32:19
It was the first major engagement for the Royal Newfoundland Regiment in Europe during the war. In the space of 30 minutes, 85 per cent of the regiment would be killed or injured.
It was ...
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How Ottawa Became The Capital from 2020-03-28T14:55:12
It was once in a logging town in the middle of the frontier, before it eventually became the capital of the second-largest country on the planet.
It is a story of moving capitals, squabbl...
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The Amazing Life Of Big Bear from 2020-03-25T16:39:06
He was born the son of a chief, and he would rise up to become one of the leading Cree in the Canadian Prairies.
The last to sign Treaty 6, and only when he had no choice, he knew that t...
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The Palliser Expedition from 2020-03-23T16:15:41
From 1857 to 1859, five men set out from the Red River area and began exploring and surveying the Canadian West. Their surveys would help lead the railway through in three decades time, and also...
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An Interview With Baltej Dhillon from 2020-03-22T15:34:30
Back in 1989, Baltej Singh Dhillon made national news as a cadet with the RCMP in Regina. After passing all the entrance requirements, Dhillon faced the issue of a ban on turbans and beards with...
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The Beaver Wars from 2020-03-21T18:53:08
For nearly 100 years, through the entire 17th Century, the Iroquois Confederacy expanded on its territory through the use of European guns in an effort to control the beaver fur trade.
It...
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Canada Year-By-Year: 1880 from 2020-03-18T16:04:38
I continue my journey through Canada’s yearly history with a new decade! The 1880s!
In 1880, we will see Canada increase in size, the birth of the oldest Canadian ever, some notable death...
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Laura Secord: The Heroine of The War Of 1812 from 2020-03-16T14:49:43
With her husband recovering from a war wound, and Americans staying in her home, Secord would overhear battle plans and venture out on a 32-kilometre trek through the bush to warn the British. Listen
Canada In WW1: The Battle of Mont Sorrel from 2020-03-15T15:34:30
Once again, Canadians were thrown into a situation where their leaders did not prepare.
Over the course of two weeks, Canadians would lose and retake a hill that overlooked the Ypres are...
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When The Grey Cup Was Stolen from 2020-03-14T14:32:59
Next to the Stanley Cup, no trophy in Canada is more important than the Grey Cup.
It is the symbol of football supremacy in our country, and the Grey Cup game is often the most watched f...
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An Interview with An Irish Heart Author Sharon Doyle Driedger from 2020-03-13T21:13:27
Today, a special episode of the podcast.
At Christmas, my wife bought me the excellent book An Irish Heart by Sharon Doyle Driedger, which chronicles the community of Griffintown in Montr...
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The 1837-38 Canada Rebellions from 2020-03-11T14:53:47
The 1837 Lower Canada Rebellion and the 1838 Upper Canada Rebellion were significant events in our history, even if they are lost to history 200 years in the past.
The impact of these re...
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The Fire At Parliament Hill from 2020-03-09T14:47:48
On Feb. 3, 1916, a fire erupted during a session of the House of Commons. Within a few hours, the building was engulfed and the tower had collapsed. Seven people would lose their lives and the r...
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The KKK Thrives In 1920s Saskatchewan from 2020-03-07T16:22:39
For a brief few years, the KKK was found throughout Canada, with limited success to its efforts except in Saskatchewan.
In Saskatchewan, the Klu Klux Klan found a population hungry for t...
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Canada Year-By-Year: 1879 from 2020-03-04T16:00:17
We close out the 1870s in Canada with very few elections for once, the tale of a cannibal killer, and some notable births that would influence Canada going into the 20th century.
Hope you...
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Harriet Brooks: Canada’s First Female Nuclear Physicist from 2020-03-02T12:00
Harriet Brooks, the first female nuclear physicist in Canadian history, would go on to revolutionize nuclear science before choosing to end her career to focus on her family.
During her ...
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Canada in WW1: The Battle Of The St. Eloi Craters from 2020-03-01T16:23
One year after Canada first started seeing action in the First World War, we come to the terrible Battle of the St. Eloi Craters.
It was at this battle, begun with an explosion heard all...
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Francis Pegahmagabow: The Ghost In The Trenches from 2020-02-29T18:49:50
He was a highly-decorated Indigenous soldier who served the entire length of the First World War. He is credited with more sniper kills than any soldier of the war, and he added 300 German priso...
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The Trials and Triumphs of Africville from 2020-02-26T22:17:05
There was a community that existed for 150 years right next to Halifax. The black village of Africville dealt with racism, indifference from Halifax and plenty of tragedies. It was also a commun...
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Canada And Knighthoods from 2020-02-24T15:36:22
Why is John A. Macdonald knighted for serving as PM for 18 years, but John Tupper, who served for 68 days, also knighted?
Why don’t we see knighthoods for Canadians past the 1940s?
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The Spanish Flu Devastates Canada from 2020-02-22T12:00
In 1918, as the First World War began to come to an end, a new threat arrived on the shores of Canada.
It was the Spanish Flu and by the time it burned through the country in 1919, it ha...
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Sir Frederick Banting from 2020-02-21T11:00
A few weeks ago we decided to find out, out of 32 individuals, who listeners thought should be on the new $5 bill. The overwhelming choice was Sir Frederick Banting, the co-discoverer of Insulin...
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Canada Year-By-Year: 1878 from 2020-02-19T15:35:50
I continue my journey through Canada’s history, year-by-year, from 1867 to today.
In 1878, it was a year where nearly every province and the federal government changed leaders. It was a y...
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Bible Bill And The Alberta Press Act from 2020-02-17T17:37:27
Way back in 1937, Bill Bill Aberhart, the premier of Alberta, attempted to deal with the press that he saw as unfair. He would implement an act that would limit the freedom of the press, force n...
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Canada in WW1: The Battle of Festubert from 2020-02-16T19:30:49
The Battle of Festubert would be the second major engagement for the Canadian troops and it would be a relative disaster due to the lack of planning by British Commanders.
It was a battl...
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William Henry Wright from 2020-02-15T15:28:01
He may have been one of Canada’s luckiest men. He survived the Boer War, tripped on a rock that turned out to be gold, became a millionaire, survived the First World War and even had a horse bou...
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The First Cross-Canada Drive from 2020-02-12T12:00
It was in 1912 when two men, who hated each other, took a 52 day trip across the country. Becoming the first to cross Canada by car was no easy task. They dealt with empty gas tanks, no roads, m...
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The Demise Of The Bison from 2020-02-10T15:45:48
Once, the bison in North America could circle the Earth 1.3 times, but within a few decades, they couldn’t circle a city block.
This is the story of people killing without thought, govern...
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The Battle of Saint Eustache from 2020-02-08T17:46:42
It was a decisive battle in the 1837 Lower Canada Rebellion, and it would result in a literal massacre at a church by the British.
It was a battle that broke the Patriotes and their caus...
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Canada Year-By-Year: 1877 from 2020-02-05T12:00
We hit the 10 year anniversary of Canada becoming a country and it would be a year of amazing births, sad deaths and a tragic event or two.
As Canada moved into its second decade, it wou...
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The Province of Canada from 2020-02-03T12:00
Today, we know all the provinces but there was a time where only one province existed...the Province of Canada.
During its existence it would see open corruption among the Governor Genera...
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Canada in WW1: The Battles of Neuve Chapelle and Kitcheners’ Wood from 2020-02-02T12:00
The First World War kicked off in 1914, but it was not until March of 1915 that Canadians would see their first bit of conflict, albeit in a support role during the Battle of Neuve Chapelle. Listen
The Discovery At Leduc No. 1 from 2020-02-01T12:00
Prior to 1947, Canada produced 1/10th of the oil that it used domestically. Alberta was a have-not province, and Imperial Oil decided to drill one more well after 133 dry wells.
They chos...
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An Interview With Captain Phil Watson Of The Bluenose II from 2020-01-29T18:34:21
He has been captain of the Bluenose II, the replica ship of the legendary Bluenose, since 2001.
I had the chance to talk with him about the Bluenose and its place in our history recently...
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The Greatest Chin In Boxing: George Chuvalo from 2020-01-29T12:00
He was never knocked out, he took Muhammad Ali the distance twice and was called “the toughest guy I ever fought” by Ali. He is George Chuvalo, and he can be considered the greatest Canadian box...
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The Rise and Fall of Canada’s Grain Elevators from 2020-01-27T11:30
They once numbered over 5,000 and dotted the landscape of the Canadian Prairies. Today, less than 500 remain and fewer survive each year.
The grain elevator is a symbol of Canada and its...
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The Winnipeg General Strike of 1919 from 2020-01-24T18:48:57
It was the largest strike in Canadian history, and it involved 35,000 people from nearly every industry in the City of Winnipeg. It would last for weeks, result in deaths and change the landscap...
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Canada Year-By-Year: 1876 from 2020-01-22T15:54:24
Overall, as Canada moved into its ninth year, it was a pretty bland year overall. No big scandals, no big events, but there were still several notable governmental acts, elections, births, death...
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Rancher John Ware from 2020-01-20T15:59:10
He was born into slavery but by the time of his death in 1905, he would become a legend of the Canadian West and one of the most respected men Calgary has ever seen.
This is the story of...
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The Origins Of Tim Hortons from 2020-01-19T16:05:27
It is a coffee shop that is part of Canadiana. Love them or hate them, there is no denying the impact Tim Hortons has had on Canada.
In today’s episode, I look at not the company that it ...
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The Rocky History of Canada and Iran from 2020-01-14T16:09:46
The death of over 50 Canadians in the crash of a jet at Tehran has brought the relations between Iran and Canada to the forefront.
In this special episode of the podcast, I look back at t...
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Kit Coleman from 2020-01-13T15:45:33
Kit Coleman was the first female war correspondent in the world, the first syndicated Canadian columnist and one of the most popular journalists of the 1890s and 1900s.
Despite all that,...
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Canada Goes Metric from 2020-01-10T16:45:30
In 1970, Canada made the decision to ditch Imperial measurements and go metric.
If you think the carbon tax was a hot button issue, then the metric system was that multiplied by 1000. Listen
Canada Year-By-Year: 1875 from 2020-01-08T12:00
In the latest episode of Canada Year-By-Year, I look at 1875. It would see the birth of a future world’s oldest man, the beginning of the CPR, a law in PEI that stands to this day and several mo...
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The Republic of Canada from 2020-01-06T12:00
While Canada is a constitutional monarchy today with a parliament, there was a brief Republic of Canada for a few months in 1837 and 1838.
Its story is one of rebellion, open war with th...
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The Victoria Bridge Of Montreal from 2020-01-03T12:00
Once called the Eighth Wonder of the World, and for a time, the longest bridge in the world, the building of Victoria Bridge was a monumental effort in the 1850s that forever changed Montreal. Listen
The Fraser Canyon War from 2020-01-01T12:00
We don’t think of Canada as a place where a lot of wars have been fought, but this isn’t the case. Canada has seen several wars, including the Fraser Canyon War.
For a few months in 1858,...
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The Legendary Exploits Of Wop May from 2019-12-30T12:00
He was there when the Red Baron was shot down, saved hundreds of lives in the Race Against Death, participated in The Hunt for the Mad Trapper and above it all, had an immense impact on the hist...
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Canada Year-By-Year: 1874 from 2019-12-25T12:00
It was a pretty amazing year for Canada in 1874. Two future prime ministers were born, Riel was denied his seat in the House of Commons and some guy named Bell invented the telephone.
E-...
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George Orton: Canada’s Forgotten Olympian from 2019-12-23T12:00
George Orton was born and raised in Canada, but he would compete in the 1900 Olympics for an American university.
One of the greatest runners of his time, he took home first place in the...
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Monsters And More In Magog, Quebec from 2019-12-20T12:00
Magog and its history dates back over 200 years, all thanks to the American Revolutionary War. Along the way since then, they have had some great people, and some interesting characters, pass th...
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The Terribly Planned 1874 NWMP March West from 2019-12-18T12:00
It started off as a plan to get 300 NWMP officers to the Canadian west to bring law and order.
It became a legendary ordeal for those officers and recruits thanks to plagues of grasshoppe...
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The Race Against Death from 2019-12-16T12:00
It was the winter of 1929, fears of a diphtheria epidemic were high as a man had been diagnosed with the contagious disease. With no means of communication, and a limited supply of vaccines, it ...
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The Mining Years Of Bruce Mines from 2019-12-13T12:00
The first town in northern Ontario, and the second copper-mine town in North America, Bruce Mines had a brief but thriving mining industry for 30 years.
Today, I look at that history, be...
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Canada Year-By-Year: 1873 from 2019-12-11T12:00
As we continue through Canada’s second decade, we add in a new province, deal with a massacre, and two scandals, one of which ousts Canada’s prime minister and delays construction on the vital r...
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Daredevil Ken Carter: The Mad Canadian from 2019-12-09T12:00
The subject of the documentary Devil At Your Heels, Daredevil Ken Carter made a name for himself jumping cars. He tried to become the world’s greatest daredevil by jumping the St. Lawrence River...
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Carberry, Manitoba: Brushes With War and Fame from 2019-12-06T12:00
Carberry, Manitoba is a unique place. It played a pivotal war in both the First and Second World Wars for Canada.
Home to one of the only intact World War One trench systems in the world...
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The Battle of the St. Lawrence from 2019-12-04T12:00
For two years, U-boats patrolled the inland Canadian waterway of the St. Lawrence River. During that time, they would sink multiple ships, take the lives of dozens of Canadian sailors and put a ...
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The Half-Century Margarine Ban from 2019-12-02T12:00
For roughly half a century, margarine was a no-go in Canada. With the dairy industry successfully lobbying the federal government to keep margarine off Canada’s shelves.
Nonetheless, mar...
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Amber Valley: Grit and Determination from 2019-11-29T12:00
From 1909 to 1911, 1,000 African-Americans came from the American South to Alberta and Saskatchewan.
Before racist attitudes closed the door on the immigration, those black settlers would...
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The Halifax Explosion on This Is A Disaster from 2019-11-27T13:00
No new episode today because I had the pleasure of hosting on This Is A Disaster, a podcast you can find on all podcasting platforms.
In that episode, I talk all about the largest unplan...
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Canada and the Coronation from 2019-11-25T12:00
The Coronation of Queen Elizabeth in 1952 was a huge moment for the 20th century.
It was also a big moment for Canada as a member of the Commonwealth, and the efforts to bring the Coronat...
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Small Town Hockey Heroes: Albert Leduc from 2019-11-22T16:34:54
Known as Battleship for his hard-edged play, Albert Leduc would replace a legendary defenceman on the Canadiens roster and make his mark on the ice.
This is his story
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Canada Year-By-Year: 1872 from 2019-11-20T15:51:43
It was a year of strikes, leader changes, an election and some pretty notable births!
Today, I look at 1872, another big year in the history of Canada.
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Penny-Sized History: The Confederation Train from 2019-11-18T12:00
During Canada’s Centennial in 1967, the Confederation Train took Canada’s history to dozens of cities and hundreds of thousands of Canadians.
Over the course of the year, the train would ...
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Small Town Hockey Heroes: Lew Morrison from 2019-11-15T18:29:47
He joined a young Philadelphia Flyers team and was its unsung hero during the early years. Respected as a defensive forward, he would be claimed in two expansion drafts and have a solid career i...
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Eaton’s And Canada from 2019-11-13T12:00
It was the largest department store chain in Canada, and a defining part of our culture, and then it was gone.
This is the story of the rise and fall of Eaton’s, the most famous departme...
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Penny-Sized History: George Dixon from 2019-11-11T12:00
Considered to be the greatest featherweight boxer in history, and the first black person to win a world championship, George Dixon was a marvel of athleticism and a Canadian hero.
This i...
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Small Town Hockey Heroes: Edward Abbott from 2019-11-08T12:00
He never made the NHL, but he is still considered to be one of the greatest athletes to ever play in Regina.
Chances are, Edward Abbott would have made the NHL if not for his service in ...
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Canada Year-By-Year: 1871 from 2019-11-06T12:00
From the addition of British Columbia to Confederation, to the birth of a famous artist and the death of another, 1871 was a big year for Canada. Add in a treaty that would forge the peaceful re...
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Penny-Sized History: A Celebration Of Great Canadian Moustaches from 2019-11-04T12:00
Going through Canadian history, there have been many great moustaches. From the neat and tidy moustache of Sir Robert Borden, to the wild moustache of Lanny McDonald.
In celebration of M...
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Small Town Hockey Heroes: Murray Murdoch from 2019-11-01T15:01:08
Not only is Murray Murdoch remembered for his 508 straight regular season games (once the longest, now 26th all-time), and two Stanley Cups, but he is also the reason that Ken Dryden and Mark Me...
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A History Of Western Separation Movements from 2019-10-30T15:32:21
Since Confederation, provinces have been trying to leave Canada. These days, western or Alberta separation seems to be the hot-button topic but not only is it nearly impossible to accomplish, it...
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Penny-Sized History: The Alberta Rat Patrol from 2019-10-28T11:00
If you look at a large map of the distribution of brown and black rats, you will see they cover the planet. You will also see a large Alberta-shaped space on that map.
This is the story o...
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Small Town Hockey Heroes: Tom Lysiak from 2019-10-25T11:00
He is one of the greatest players to ever wear the sweater of the Atlanta Flames. An All-Star during the 1970s, Tom Lysiak from High Prairie, Alberta would have a great deal of success as an NHL...
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Canada Year-By-Year: 1870 from 2019-10-23T11:00
The year 1870 would see the first new province added to Canada since Confederation, the births of several important Canadians, as well as some elections that would shape the future of various pr...
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Penny-Sized History: Blairmore’s Communist Council from 2019-10-21T11:30
The thought of a Communist-led town council seems very unlikely today, but for a period of three years in the 1930s, Blairmore, Alberta had one such council and they brought in some unique chang...
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Small Town Hockey Heroes: Pat Egan from 2019-10-18T11:00
Pat Egan spent over 500 games in the NHL, patrolling the blue line for several teams, and even making it to an All-Star Game. The last surviving member of the New York Americans, Egan was a youn...
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Canada Year-By-Year: 1869 from 2019-10-16T11:00
The year 1869 was only two years after Confederation but it would become a watershed year for the country with several notable events, births and deaths.
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Penny-Sized History: Joseph Montferrand from 2019-10-14T11:00
Joseph Montferrand was a man of exceptional strength and moral code who became a hero to the French-Canadian loggers he worked with. Today, he has become a Canadian folk hero for his tales of am...
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Small Town Hockey Heroes: Jim McFadden from 2019-10-11T11:00
Arguably one of the greatest hockey players to ever come out of Ireland, which he did, until he moved to Miami, Manitoba, Jim McFadden had a decent few years of a career, complete with the Calde...
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A Century Of Canadian Elections from 2019-10-09T11:00
In today’s full-length podcast episode, I have election fever and am diving into the tales of elections past in Canada. From 1867 to 1965, I look at Canada’s first century of elections, from the...
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Penny Sized History: The Sunnyslope Shelter from 2019-10-07T14:44:05
In today’s brief look at various aspects of Canadian history, I explore the Sunnyslope Shelter. This small dugout in the middle of a field in Central Alberta was once home to two men over 100 ye...
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Small Town Hockey Heroes: Bert Gardiner from 2019-10-04T11:00
He may not have lit up the NHL with his goaltending, but during his 144 games in the big leagues, he was part of some very unique NHL events and records.
Today, I look at Bert Gardiner, ...
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