Shows
What's Old is NewsFree Trade & Cultural DiplomacySean Graham is joined by Sarah E.K. Smith, author of Trading on Art: Cultural Diplomacy and Free Trade in North America. They talk about Sarah's interest in cultural diplomacy, what constitutes art in the context of free trade, and how cultural policies shaped artistic and curatorial expression at the end of the 20th century. They then discuss art as a form of resistance, the benefits and challenges of touring exhibitions across countries, and how contemporary questions on trade have influenced the book.Historical Headline of the Week"Mexico says Canada wishes it had its...2025-05-0752 min
What's Old is NewsJohn Turner,With the Canadian election days away, Sean Graham revisits his 2022 conversation with Steve Paikin about his biography John Turner: An Intimate Biography of Canada's 17th Prime Minister. They talk about Turner's lengthy career, which spanned the decriminalization of homosexuality and abortion, stagflation, and free trade. They also discuss Turner’s career, legacy, and what we can learn about modern politics from studying Canada’s 17th Prime Minister.Historical Headline of the WeekRobert Libman, "Will John Turner's Fate Befall Mark Carney?" Montreal Gazette, March 1, 2025.2025-04-2543 min
What's Old is News1921 Canadian ElectionSean Graham talks with Barbara Messamore, author of Times of Transformation: The 1921 Canadian General Election about one of Canada's turning point elections. They discuss the post-war economy's, including tariffs, role in the campaign, how suffrage influenced the election, and the emergence of William Lyon Mackenzie King on the national stage. They also chat about whether the lauded 'ballot question' truly exists, how historians and political scientists can differ in their approach to elections, and the legacy of the 1921 campaign.Historical Headline of the WeekJamie Bradburn, "Canada's first female MP and the federal election that...2025-04-1047 min
What's Old is NewsAbsintheSean Graham talks with Nina Studer, author of The Hour of Absinthe: A Cultural History of France's Most Notorious Drink. They talk about the drink's origins, its cultural importance in France, and its consumption by French soldiers. They also chat about the class distinctions associated with the drink, how gender dynamics influenced its perception, and the absinthe's an in France in 1915.Historical Headline of the WeekAlice Fisher, "Return of the green fairy: once-notorious absinthe enjoys UK revival," The Guardian, November 15, 2024. 2025-04-0248 min
What's Old is NewsSerafim 'Joe' FortesSean Graham talks with Ruby Smith Diaz, author of Searching for Serafim: The Life and Legacy of Serafim 'Joe' Fortes. They discuss Ruby's introduction to Serafim's story, how she went about researching the book, and some of the challenges she faced in the process. They also chat about how Ruby's artistic background shaped the book's structure, the importance of telling the whole story, and the impact the broader socio-cultural context had on his life.Historical Headline of the WeekAshley Moliere, "Vancouver's first lifeguard Joe Fortes died 100 years ago. What can be learned from his...2025-03-2638 min
What's Old is NewsPolitical Party Leaders' RolesSean Graham is joined by Amanda Bittner, author of Platform or Personality: The Role of Party Leaders in Elections. They talk about how polling data is used, partisan voting patterns, and the role of leaders in swaying voters. They also discuss policies v. personalities, the significance of branding leaders, and the challenges of attracting people to politics.Historical Headline of the WeekDouglas Todd, "Why Canadian journalists are entering politics at a rapid rate," Vancouver Sun, January 2, 2025.2025-02-191h 06
What's Old is NewsSteamship Empress of AsiaSean Graham is joined by Dan Black, author of Oceans of Fate: Peace and Peril Aboard the Steamship Empress of Asia. They talk about the ship's earliest voyage following its 1913 commissioning, its service during the First World War and the Chinese Labour Corps, and its refitting after the war. They also talk about its interwar service, its sinking during the Second World War, and how the ship's history is best told through the story of those who were on-board.Historical Headline of the WeekJohn Mackie, "Historic Chinese, Canadian Pacific Railway and Klondike Collections Unite...2025-02-1254 min
What's Old is NewsIndigenous Art & ReconciliationSean Graham is joined by Eugenia Kisin, author of Aesthetics of Repair: Indigenous Art and the Form of Reconciliation. They discuss what qualifies as 'art', how the intent shapes understanding of cultural materials, and how works are commoditized. They also chat about artistic agency, the impact of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and the value of having time to reflect on research before writing.Historical Headline of the WeekBen Fenlon, "B.C. Indigenous coffee company brews truth, reconciliation, one cup at a time," The Williams Lake Tribune, December 27, 2024.2025-02-0546 min
What's Old is NewsExeter Book RiddlesSean Graham is joined by Jennifer Neville, author of Truth is Trickiest: The Case for Ambiguity in the Exeter Book Riddles. They discuss the background of the riddles, who may have transcribed them and why, as well as the challenge of deciphering their meaning. They also talk about the literary tradition behind the riddles, the various interpretations and arguments surrounding potential answers, and what they can tell us about the nature of literature both 1,000 years ago and today.Historical Headline of the WeekJo Livingstone, "What do our oldest books say about us?" The New...2025-01-2948 min
What's Old is NewsNon-Professional TheatreSean Graham is joined by Robin C. Whittaker, author of Alumnae Theatre Company: Nonprofessionalizing Theatre in Canada. They discuss the establishment of the Alumnae Theatre Company and its place as Canada's longest-running women-led theatre group, how the group survived its early years, and the place of non-professional theatre in 20th century Canada. They also chat about the economics of amateur theatre, the challenges of writing original productions, and the legacy of Canada's non-professional theatres.Historical Headline of the WeekJoshua Chong, "A glimpse inside Canada's independent theatre sector, the forgotten lifeblood of the arts," Toronto...2025-01-2251 min
What's Old is NewsMass ConfinementSean Graham talks with Aidan Forth, author of Camps: A Global History of Mass Confinement. They talk about the definition of camps, the commonalties among camps, and the ubiquity of mass confinement. They also talk about studying these sites across cultures, how echoes of past camps inform modern confinement, and the continuing legacy of camps.Historical Headline of the WeekNurith Aizenman, "What World War II taught us about how to help starving people today," NPR, April 19, 2024.2025-01-1550 min
What's Old is NewsMonuments & National BelongingSean Graham is joined by Tonya Davidson, author of Inside the Snow Globe: Ottawa Monuments and National Belonging. They discuss Tonya's approach to monuments as a primary source, how publics respond to monuments, and how national monuments fit into local communities. They also talk about some of Ottawa's less known monuments, how memorials change public spaces, and how current events can alter a city's relationship with monuments and their sites.For more, you can listen to Sean and Tonya's previous conversation on the History Slam from 2018.Historical Headline of the WeekTim Cook, "...2025-01-0951 min
What's Old is NewsResidential Schools in the NorthSean Graham is joined by Crystal Gail Fraser, author of By Strength, We Are Still Here: Indigenous Peoples and Indian Residential Schooling in Inuvik, Northwest Territories. They discuss the lesser known story of northern residential schools, conducting oral history with survivors, and the Gwich'in concepts of individual and collective strength. They also chat about the significance of the Inuvik's school construction in 1959, the resistance to the system from students and their communities, and the legacy of residential schooling across the region.Historical Headline of the WeekJenna Dulewich, ''Long Overdue': Inuvik, N.W.T., looks...2024-12-1249 min
What's Old is NewsCoincidencesSean Graham is joined by Stephen Osborne, author of The Coincidence Problem: Selected Dispatches 1999-2022. They talk about Stephen's involvement in the launch of Geist magazine, what makes a good dispatch, and why the format is good for storytelling. They also discuss coincidences, how to write about them, and what makes them so entertaining.Historical Headline of the WeekKeegan Kozolanka, "New Erin logo's similarity to others is a 'coincidence', says branding company," Guelph Today, September 13, 2024.2024-12-0633 min
What's Old is NewsWorkplace Sexual HarassmentSean Graham is joined by Bonnie Robichaud, author of It Should be Easy to Fix. They discuss the timeline of her Supreme Court case calling for justice, her reaction to the case taking so long, and having other women reach out to her throughout the process. We also chat about the decisions leading to the Supreme Court case, the problem with non-disclosure agreements, and her advice for anyone going through a similar circumstance.Historical Headline of the WeekSean Previl, "Nearly half of women in Canada report workplace harassment," Global News, February 12, 2024.2024-11-3044 min
What's Old is NewsDeclassified Soviet ArchivesSean Graham talks with Cristina Vatulescu, author of Reading the Archival Revolution: Declassified Stories and Their Challenges. They talk about the Soviet archives that have been declassified over the past 20 years, how to approach newly available material, and how trustworthy the Soviet documents can be. They also discuss the individuals who were followed by the Soviet police as well as those who were creating the documents, how the material changes our understanding of the Soviet Union, and how historians can approach future declassifications.Historical Headline of the WeekTimothy Andrews and Susan Colbourn, "Canadians will...2024-11-2148 min
What's Old is NewsWomen's HockeySean Graham is joined by Ian Kennedy, author of Ice in their Veins: Women's Relentless Pursuit of the Puck. They talk about the challenge of finding sources for early women's hockey, the sport's development in the first half of the 20th century, and some of the challenges faced by women's hockey pioneers. They then discuss Ian's oral history interviews, the introduction of women's hockey in the Olympics, and how the PWHL changed the book's ending.Historical Headline of the Week"6 PWHL teams added to EA Sports video game NHL 25 to be released Dec. 5," The Canadian...2024-11-1449 min
What's Old is NewsAlaska, Indigenous Resilience, & the Second World WarThis week, Sean Graham talks with Holly Miowak Guise, author of Alaska Native Resilience: Voices from World War II. They talk about the lived memory of the Second World War in Alaska, the American occupation of Alaska, and the diversity of the local population. They also discuss local community responses to the war, forced relocation, and how colonial structures shaped the post-war experiences of those who fought.Historical Headline of the WeekZachariah Hughes, "Researchers locate and photograph 3 undersea shipwrecks, remnants of bloody WWII battle for Attu," Anchorage Daily News, August 4, 2024.2024-11-0745 min
What's Old is NewsWomen in TelevisionSean Graham talks with Jennifer Clark, author of Producing Feminism: Television Work in the Age of Women's Liberation. They discuss the role of women in the television in the 1970s, the ways in which women organized, and how societal changes were reflected in the industry. They also chat about the challenges of finding women in the archives, how production changes made their way to the screen, and the legacy of women's labour in television during this era.Historical Headline of the WeekChris Gardner, "Gender-Balanced Hiring Dips for Women Working in Television, Study Finds," The...2024-10-1652 min
What's Old is NewsMisinformationSean Graham talks with Bethany Kilcrease, author of Falsehood and Fallacy: How to Think, Read, and Write in the Twenty-First Century. They discuss the assumption that young people are well prepared for online misinformation, increased accessibility of quality sources, and the pros and cons of gatekeepers’ reduced power. They also chat about the CRAAP test, the benefits of short-form online writing, and proving causation.Historical Headline of the WeekAngela Haupt, "9 Ways to Respond to Political Misinformation," Time, October 9, 2024.2024-10-1059 min
What's Old is NewsIslam in Popular CultureSean Graham talks with Rosemary Pennington, author of Pop Islam: Seeing American Muslims in Popular Media. They discuss how Ms Marvel contributed to the book's origins, what forms of media are included in the book, and how stereotypes of Muslims are perpetuated in popular culture. They also chat about the challenges faced by Muslim stand-up comedians, how reality show editing influences perceptions, and how popular culture reflects society at large.Historical Headline of the WeekAnika Steffen, "'Ms Marvel' treats being Muslim as ordinary - and that makes it extraordinary," NPR, June 17, 2022.2024-10-0247 min
What's Old is NewsTelevision & American CultureSean Graham talks with Molly Schneider, author of Gold Dust on the Air: Television Anthology Drama and Midcentury American Culture. They talk about the origins of television anthologies, the transition from radio, and their popularity among audiences. They also discuss the role of anthologies in reflecting American culture, pushback from audiences and studios, and the legacy of anthologies and what they tell us about the significance of television programs.Historical Headline of the WeekJoshua Rothman and Erin Overbey, "How TV Became Art," The New Yorker, August 28, 2017.2024-09-251h 07
What's Old is NewsAirports & Local HistorySean Graham is joined by Eric Porter, author of A People's History of SFO: The Making of the Bay Area and an Airport. They talk about the importance of airports, telling local stories through the airport, and how battles over airports speak to questions of power. They also get into the specifics of San Francisco's airport, how its development shaped the city and region, and some of the major milestones in SFO's history.Historical Headline of the WeekTim Fang, "City files motion to stop OAK airport from using 'San Francisco Bay' name," CBS News...2024-09-1859 min
What's Old is NewsPrince RupertSean Graham talks with Blair Mirau, author of The City of Rainbows: A Colourful History of Prince Rupert. They talk about the benefits of the city's geography, the impact of colonialism on local Indigenous communities, and the different eras in the city's history. They also discuss Prince Rupert during the world wars and Great Depression, its challenges through the second half of the 20th century, and how the city's history speaks to local histories across the country. Historical Headline of the Week"Prince Rupert port to get busier with $1.35B gas export plant," The Canadian...2024-09-1146 min
What's Old is NewsLetters of the First World WarSean Graham talks with Marth Hanna, author of Anxious Days and Tearful Nights: Canadian War Wives During the First World War. They discuss Martha's entry into the world of First World War letters, the challenge of tracking down letters from over 100 years ago, and how women on the front lines managed their relationships with significant others fighting the war. They also chat about censorship of letters, the challenge of what to share and what to hide from your spouse during the war, and what happened to relationships following the war.Historical Headline of the Week...2024-09-041h 02
Redwolf PodcastsThe Conversation (Series 3 Episode 2) Billy Mcmanus & Mark Sykes: Sean Graham Bookmakers' MassacreBilly McManus and Mark Sykes speak about the Sean Graham’s Bookmakers’ Massacre and last week’s incursion into the small nationalist enclave of the Lower Ormeau Road by elements of the far-right and Loyalism. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2024-08-1435 min
What's Old is NewsSmokingSean Graham is joined by Daniel Robinson, author of Cigarette Nation: Business, Health, and Canadian Smokers, 1930-1975. They discuss Daniel's initial interest in studying smoking culture, the increase in smoking rates in the 1930s and 1940s, and the initial studies linking cigarettes to cancer in the 1950s. They also chat about the industry's and government's response, the social side of smoking, and the cultural significance cigarettes in Canada.Historical Headline of the WeekAurelia Foster, "What is the UK smoking ban, how will it work and when will it start?" BBC, April 23, 2024.2024-07-0843 min
What's Old is NewsSchool of RacismSean Graham is joined by Catherine Larochelle, author of School of Racism: A Canadian History, 1830-1915, which is also available in French. Recorded live in Montreal, they discuss Catherine's study of educational materials, the challenge of studying the history of schools, and the importance of exploring the history of both French and English language materials. They also chat about how colonialism influences curricula, how colonial ideas shape classroom programming, and the difficulty in confronting deeply engrained ideas.Historical Headline of the WeekSam Thompson and Daisy Woelk, "'Shock and disbelief' after Manitoba school trustee's Indigenous...2024-06-2835 min
What's Old is NewsPassportsSean Graham is joined by Patrick Bixby, author of License to Travel: A Cultural History of the Passport. They talk about the origins of the modern passport, the reaction to its introduction, and how artists and writers responded. They also chat about the role of the nation state in immigration, the relative value of nations' passports, and what the document tells us about its holder.Historical Headline of the WeekKanis Leung, "Hong Kong Invokes a New Law to Cancel Passports of 6 Overseas-Based Activists, Including Nathan Law," Associated Press, 12 June 2024.2024-06-1857 min
What's Old is NewsHow Prime Ministers Influence IdentitySean Graham is joined by Raymond Blake, author of Canada's Prime Ministers and the Shaping of National Identity. They discuss the role of the Prime Minister, how mass media changed the office, and the ways in which Prime Ministers have influenced national identity. They also chat about how international affairs shape domestic discussions, how the length of a government shapes public perceptions, and how retail politics influence conversations on identity.Historical Headline of the WeekErna Paris, "Canada's Multiculturalism is our Identity," Globe & Mail, April 27, 2018.2024-06-1156 min
What's Old is NewsWine & WarSean Graham welcomes Adam Zientek, author of A Thirst for Wine and War: The Intoxication of French Soldiers on the Western Front. They chat about how wine became a staple of French rations in the First World War, the perceived benefits of wine, and how it was transported to the front lines in such large quantities. They also discuss perception of liquor compared to wine, the role of alcohol in French mutinies, and the cultural legacy of wine's role during the First World War in France.Historical Headline of the WeekBrigit Katz, "Hundreds of...2024-06-051h 01
What's Old is NewsThe Curious Case of Canadian TelevisionSean Graham talks with Jennifer VanderBurgh, author of What Television Remembers: Artifacts and Footprints of TV in Toronto. They discuss the challenge of studying Canadian television, how to find old programs, and why television researches often rely on the public. They also talk about Toronto as a television Canada's television production centre, how the city stands in for other locations, and how that shapes what Canadians see on their screens. Historical Headline of the WeekKate Taylor, "For CBC fans, TV history is just out of reach," Globe & Mail, June 2, 2017.2024-05-2857 min
What's Old is NewsWomen's Sports & IdentitySean Graham is joined by Michelle J. Manno, author of Denied: Women, Sports, and the Contradiction of Identity. They talk about Michelle's personal experience with collegiate basketball, how personal identity mixed with team identity in sports, and how players navigate contested spaces. They also discuss how coaches police players' identities, the role of Title IX, and how players assert agency within college sports.Historical Headline of the WeekShireen Ahmed, "WNBA's Toronto Expansion will help Amplify Culture of Women's Basketball in Canada," CBC Sports, May 15, 2024.2024-05-2159 min
What's Old is NewsThe Canadian MindWe're back with Season 2 of What's Old is News and to kick it off, Sean Graham is joined by Andy Lamey, author of The Canadian Mind: Essays on Writers or Thinkers. They talk about Canadian literature in the second half of the 20th century, where nationalism fits into the story, and the how literary critics treated Canadian writing. They also chat about questions related to identity, language, and legacies and major literary figures.Historical Headline of the WeekBob Weber, "Vast Digital Trove of Recordings by Canadian Literature Greats Nears Completion," Canadian Press, November 4, 2023.2024-05-1439 min
What's Old is NewsDisability ActivismSean Graham talks with Dustin Galer, author of Beryl: The Making of a Disability Activist. They talk about Beryl Potter's entry into activism, how the 1970s public debates influenced her campaigns, and the financial challenges faced by disability activists. They also chat about Beryl Potter's personality and public encounters, her television program, and how many of the challenges she fought against persist in 2023. For further context, be sure to visit some of the activist organizations that continue to push for disability rights and accessibility.Historical Headline of the WeekRhianna Schmiunk and Michelle Ghoussoub, "Air...2023-11-2947 min
What's Old is NewsFood Security in the NorthSean Graham is joined by Kristin Burnett and Travis Hay, authors of Plundering the North: A History of Settler Colonialism, Corporate Welfare, and Food Insecurity. They discuss the geographic parameters of the 'North,' the challenges faced by northern communities, and the origins of food insecurity. They also chat about the colonial structures that have created the problem, how communities are trying to challenge these systems, and the resulting political and economic implications.Historical Headline of the Week"U.N. Reviews High Food Insecurity Rates in Canada's Northern Territories," APTN News, August 31, 2023.2023-11-2347 min
What's Old is NewsChaotic '35 CampaignSean Graham talks with David MacKenzie, author of King and Chaos: The 1935 Canadian General Election. They talk about the value of studying elections in history, the economic conditions leading into the election, and the fractured political environment at the time. They also discuss the leadership of R.B. Bennett, William Lyon Mackenzie King, J.S. Woodsworth, and William Aberhart, how foreign policy influenced the campaign, and the election's legacy.Historical Headline of the WeekMichael Gates, "History Hunter: Martha Black - Yukon Lady Parliamentarian," Yukon News, April 16, 2023.2023-11-091h 05
What's Old is NewsResidential Schools in Labrador & NewfoundlandSean Graham talks with Andrea Procter, author of A Long Journey: Residential Schools in Labrador and Newfoundland. They talk about how the residential schooling system there differed from Canada's in the early 20th century, student experiences at the schools, and how communities responded. They also discuss reconciliation in Labrador, why the province wasn't included in the initial national apology, and the Newfoundland and Labrador Healing and Commemoration Project. And be sure to check out the Them Days archives, where all the royalties for the book are being donated.Historical Headline of the WeekHealing and...2023-10-1143 min
What's Old is NewsThe AsianadianIn this episode, Sean Graham talks with Angie Wong, author of Laughing Back at Empire: The Grassroots Activism of The Asianadian Magazine, 1978-1985. They talk about the magazine's origins, its regular features, and how it built community across the country. They also discuss how it was funded, how it fit within the rise of conservatism in the 1980s, and its legacy nearly 40 years after its final edition. Historical Headline of the Week Winston Ma, "I Was Ashamed of Being Chinese Until I Learned About my Ancestors' First Years in Canada," CBC, May 30, 2023.2023-09-1453 min
What's Old is NewsBuilding LGBTQ2+ Communities in RestaurantsAlex Ketchum, author of Ingredients for Revolution: A History of American Feminist Restaurants, Cafes, and Coffeehouses, joins Sean Graham to talk about the book and how these sites build communities. They chat about what constitutes a "feminist' restaurant, the cultural significance of food, and how the cafes' business imperatives sometimes conflicted with their ideals. They also discuss the need to protect patrons, the role of racial discrimination, and how these sites are critical in the face of recent legislation.You can follow Alex's work on Twitter, Instagram, and through The Feminist Restaurant Project.Historical Headline of the...2023-06-2948 min
What's Old is NewsFighting Racism Through SportSean Graham is joined by Ian Kennedy, author of On Account of Darkness: Shining Light on Race and Sport, which explores how athletes from Chatham-Kent in southwestern Ontario fought racial discrimination through sports. They discuss Ian's interest in sports, Chatham-Kent's history as a terminus of the underground railroad, and why sports are a powerful tool for social change. They also talk about the Chatham Coloured All-Stars and Fergie Jenkins, the difference between amateur and professional sports, and the future of activism in sports.You can keep up with Ian's work on Twitter and at The Hockey NewsHistorical Headline of the...2023-06-2245 min
What's Old is NewsFilm in CanadaFor over a century, Canadians have maintained a love affair with Hollywood, both as producers and consumers. This week, we look at how that has played out with Mary Graham, author of Stunning Backdrop: Alberta in the Movies, 1917-1960, and Michael Gates, author of Hollywood in the Klondike: Dawson City's Great Film Find. We discuss the presence of the American film industry in Canada, how films portrayed Canada, and the industry's role in colonialism.Historical Headline of the Week'North Island Students Reeling in Film Training," Campbell River Mirror, March 9, 2023.2023-03-2339 min
What's Old is NewsNazi Prisoners of War in CanadaNathan M. Greenfield, author of Hanged in Medicine Hat: Murder in a Nazi Prisoner-of-War Camp and the Disturbing True Story of Canada's Last Mass Execution, joins Sean Graham to talk about POW camp 132 in Medicine Hat. They talk about how the camp came to be, the prisoners' relationship with the local community, and the internal culture that developed at the site. They also discuss the Nazi influence in the camp, the murder of two prisoners, and the resulting trial and execution.For more, you can read Nathan's editorial "When was it Unjust to Kill Seven Nazi Soldiers...2023-01-1243 min
BallSh!t | Ball Python Industry PodCast | EbNMedia.tvBallsh!t ~ Off Topic Tuesday LIVE with Sean & Graham Battison | Northwest Constrictors UKHere’s some SALTY SH!T… Join Sean as he has an earlier show than usual interviewing someone that gives even LESS fucks than himself, Graham Battison!! This is sure to be a fun crossover the pond since Graham is a salty cunt from the UK! Hopefully this LIVE EPISODE doesn't get banned from YouTube... SHOULD BE A STUNNER! WELCOME OUR NEWEST HEADLINE SPONSOR... THE OFFICIAL SHIPPER of the BALLSH!T PODCAST ~ Reptiles2You https://www.reptiles2you.com **COUPON CODE FOR SHIPPING** Create an account on reptil...2023-01-062h 39
What's Old is NewsNational Film Board & NatureSean Graham talks with Michael Clemens, author of Screening Nature and Nation: The Environmental Documentaries of the National Film Board, 1939-1974. They discuss the origins of the NFB, its approach to portraying the environment, and the influence of federal politicians. They also chat about the filmmakers who documented Canadian wildlife, how the films changed over time, and some of the best picks for people to watch today.If you want to watch some of the films discussed, you can check them out on the NFB website:Cree Hunters of MistassiniDeath of a...2023-01-0557 min
What's Old is NewsThe Importance of the PastFor as long as people have been doing history, there have been debates over how to best share the stories of the past. In recent years, this has revolved around discussions over teaching history and ways to better engage people with the history that shapes our daily lives. In this episode, Sean Graham explores these themes with Trilby Kent, author of The Vanishing Past: Making the Case for the Future of History. They discuss the ways in which history is taught across Canada, the importance of historical knowledge within public life, and ways historians can move beyond the insular...2022-12-1556 min
What's Old is NewsSubstance Use, Overdose Deaths, & Shared HumanitySean Graham explores the history of substance use disorders and overdose deaths in Canada, which have regularly be presented through a moral lens. By othering those experiencing substance use disorders, policymakers have created an environment where ensuring support is available to users and their families is not a priority. To highlight the importance of approaching this issue with humanity, Sean is joined by Tara McGuire, author of Holden After and Before: Love Letter for a Son Lost to Overdose. In telling the story of her son, Tara honours him while also sharing their collective story. Poignant and powerful, the...2022-12-0139 min
History Slam – Active HistoryHistory Slam 10th Anniversary Special: Life as HistoriansBy Sean Graham
On July 11, 2012, we released the first episode of the History Slam Podcast. It featured my conversation with Ian Milligan, which we recorded at the 2012 CHA Annual Meeting at the University of Waterloo, where Ian is now a full professor. The idea behind the show was simple: what if I talked to interesting people doing interesting historical work? I always wondered how faculty keep up with trends in the field and figured this could be a good way for me to maintain a broad understanding of where history and historical research was going.
...2022-07-071h 27History Slam – Active HistoryHistory Slam 220: Canada’s Abortion HistoryBy Sean Graham
Last Friday, the United States Supreme Court made its much anticipated decision in the Dobbs v. Jackson’s Women’s Health Organization case. In the majority opinion, the court overturned the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision, which ruled that the privacy clause in the U.S. Constitution protected a woman’s right to an abortion. In the week since, there have been protests across the United States in response. In Canada, there has been similar protests and great concern not only for what this will mean for Americans, but also the future of abortion rights in Can...2022-06-301h 11History Slam – Active HistoryHistory Slam 219: Canadiana & Historical Storytelling on the WebBy Sean Graham
Back in the summer of 2017, a new web series was released on YouTube. Telling viewers that they were on the hunt for the “most incredible stories in Canadian history,” Canadiana was a new type of Youtube channel. A documentary-style series, Canadiana combines archival and secondary research with outstanding visual elements to provide audiences with wonderful storytelling. And while the first season was bootstrapped by its creators, through its success in finding a big audience they have been able to secure additional funding and partnerships to expand and improve what was already a quality show. This s...2022-06-2345 minHistory Slam – Active HistoryHistory Slam 218: Local Culture, Tourism, & PEI’s Summer TradeBy Sean Graham
After two down years, tourism is rebounding as we head into the summer. From long lines at airports to rental car shortages to sold out hotels, there is a strong, pent up demand for travel. This is welcome news to communities where hospitality is the main economic driver as employees return to work and prepare to again welcome visitors.
One such location is Prince Edward Island, which welcomed 1.6 million tourists in 2019, contributing an estimated half billion dollars to the provincial economy. The two full years since have seen drastic decreases to those...2022-06-1651 minHistory Slam – Active HistoryHistory Slam 217: Storytellers, Colonialism, and Community in the Chilcotin PlateauBy Sean Graham
For every strong, thriving community, there are people actively keeping it alive at its centre. Whether that’s hosting events, checking in on others, or sharing the living memory of the place, these individuals build an environment where stories are shared and passed to the next generation. But when they’re gone, what happens to their stories? Who is there to take that central role in the community? Especially in some of Canada’s rural areas, where younger people are increasingly moving to urban centres, there is a threat to the longstanding regional cultures, storie...2022-06-0240 minHistory Slam – Active HistoryHistory Slam 216: Heroin & the History of Canada’s Drugs Laws & UseBy Sean Graham
In recent years, there has been no shortage of news stories on opioids and overdose deaths in Canada. What tends to be missing from these reports, however, is the historical context that shapes public understanding of these issues. The legal, social, and cultural processes that have shaped both access and perception of drugs and drug use in Canada require a critical assessment as communities across the country work towards reducing lethal outcomes.
A good source for that context comes in Susan Boyd’s new book Heroin: An Illustrated History. In tracing the hi...2022-05-261h 00History Slam – Active HistoryHistory Slam 215: Provincial Political Trends & Saskatchewan’s Transition from Left to RightBy Sean Graham
In the past two years, 7 provinces and territories have held elections, with Quebec and Ontario holding campaigns this year. And if that wasn’t enough, Jason Kenney’s resignation earliere this week further thrust provincial politics into the news. While campaigns and leadership changes generate plenty of interest, the pandemic has served as an important reminder of just how influential provincial/territorial governments are in our daily lives. At the same time, following provincial politics outside where you live, in particular during election campaigns, offers a great lens into local priorities and cultural differences acros...2022-05-1947 minHistory Slam – Active HistoryHistory Slam 214: Indigenous Voices, Resources, & Learning in Canadian ClassroomsBy Sean Graham
In its final report, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission included several Calls to Action regarding education. One of these was to develop and implement learning resources for all students in Canada so that more Indigenous voices, perspectives, and approaches were included in provincial and territorial curricula. As we’ve seen, however, some efforts to do this have not gone well. Fortunately, with better resources being made available to teachers, so many of whom are exhausted from over two years of pandemic teaching, the situation is slowly improving.
One such resource for teachers is...2022-05-1238 minHistory Slam – Active HistoryHistory Slam 213: Colonial Violence, National Myths, & the Lynching of Louie SamBy Sean Graham
On February 24, 1884, Louie Sam, a Stó:lo teenager, was accused by an angry mob of starting a fire that killed James Bell, a shopkeeper in the settler community Nooksack, in what is now Whatcom County, Washington, which borders British Columbia. Without any evidence, the assembled mob determined that Sam was responsible and, despite him being arrested by Canadian authorities, crossed the border, took him by force, and hanged him. Nobody was ever arrested for Sam’s death, which simultaneously stands a rare documented lynching in Canada as well as a powerful example of the vio...2022-05-0640 minHistory Slam – Active HistoryHistory Slam 212: Bernie Langille’s Death and the Long Journey Towards Truth, Healing, & TrustBy Sean Graham
*Bernie Langille Wants to Know What Happened to Bernie Langille has its World Premiere on Saturday April 30 at 8:30 at TIFF Bell Lightbox 4 as part of Hot Docs. You can also watch online from anywhere in Canada for 5 days starting May 1.
On a cold February night in 1968, Bernie Langille drove his friends to play darts and have a drink at CFB Gagetown. The next morning, his wife found him bloody and bruised in bed without knowing what happened. He was taken to the base’s hospital where it was recommended he be flown to...2022-04-2843 minHistory Slam – Active HistoryHistory Slam 211: Marcel Marceau, Movement, & the Art of SilenceBy Sean Graham *The Art of Silence is debuting as part of Hot Docs in Toronto, showing at 2:45 on Monday May 2 and 8:30 on Sunday May 8. The film can also be streamed in Canada for five days starting May 3. In 2022, mime is probably not what you think of when discussing popular culture. The image of... Read more »2022-04-2135 minHistory Slam – Active HistoryHistory Slam 210: Inter-Generational Healing & Love in Scratching RiverBy Sean Graham I always thought that I was alone in connecting my personal surroundings to those I was researching. From the First World War soldier who wrote about loving and missing going to the theatre to the CBC producer who hated the number of memos they got, relating to people from the past and connecting them to our current... Read more »2022-04-1437 minHistory Slam – Active HistoryHistory Slam 209: The Impact of R. Buckminster Fuller’s Visit to London in From Remote StarsBy Sean Graham In 1968, American architect R. Buckminster Fuller visited London, Ontario. Known for his geodesic domes, Fuller spent his time in the city meeting with students, artists, and industrial planners at Western. For years, Fuller’s visit has been part of the city’s lore, a moment in time where the city attracted praise from a one of the world’s... Read more »2022-04-0743 minHistory Slam – Active HistoryHistory Slam 208: The Story of Yonge St, a City’s Transformation, & The Heart of TorontoBy Sean Graham If you’ve visited Toronto for any length of time, you’ve probably found yourself on Yonge St. Starting on the shores of Lake Ontario, the street includes theatres, the Eaton Centre, the Air Canada Centre, and one of the city’s subway lines. Every day, thousands of people head to the street to work, shop, and socialize. As with... Read more »2022-03-311h 02History Slam – Active HistoryHistory Slam 204: Cultivating CommunityBy Sean Graham Each year, fall fairs fill schedules in communities across the country. While in recent years, plenty of attention has been given to the increasingly absurd food items that are sold, the fairs have retained some of their agricultural roots. Held in the fall to celebrate the harvest, fairs in the late 19th and early 20th centuries were... Read more »The post History Slam 204: Cultivating Community appeared first on Active History.2022-02-1755 minHistory Slam – Active HistoryHistory Slam 203: Flying to ExtremesBy Sean Graham If you read any edition of the Year in Review (100 Years Later) series, you’ll notice that I, to the great frustration of my co-author Aaron Boyes, insist on including advancements in aviation each year. There is something that I find completely riveting about flying – that we can get into a metal tube and a few... Read more »The post History Slam 203: Flying to Extremes appeared first on Active History.2022-02-1047 minHistory Slam – Active HistoryHistory Slam 202: The Racial MosaicBy Sean Graham In October 1971, Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau delivered a statement in the House of Commons to announce that multiculturalism was now an official government policy. Based on the recommendations of the Royal Commission on Bilingualism and Biculturalism, which had been appointed in 1963, the intent of the policy was to both recognize the contributions of diverse ethnic... Read more »The post History Slam 202: The Racial Mosaic appeared first on Active History.2022-02-0452 minHistory Slam – Active HistoryHistory Slam 201: A Canadian Canine War HeroBy Sean Graham In 2011, War Horse hit screens around the world. Telling the story of a British teenager’s horse being purchased by the military for service in the First World War, the film grossed over $175 million worldwide. Based on a 1982 novel, the story has also been successfully adapted to the stage and is probably the best known medium through... Read more »The post History Slam 201: A Canadian Canine War Hero appeared first on Active History.2022-01-2739 minHistory Slam – Active HistoryHistory Slam 200: Disruption & Disorientation in Queer Community SportsBy Sean Graham The Tokyo Olympics this past August set a new record for the number of out LGBTQS2+ athletes competing. When the 2022 Beijing games kick off in a couple of weeks, it’s likely that a new record will be set for the winter games. The increased visibility and support for out athletes has been mirrored at the grass... Read more »The post History Slam 200: Disruption & Disorientation in Queer Community Sports appeared first on Active History.2022-01-2046 minHistory Slam – Active HistoryHistory Slam 199: The Making of a MuseumBy Sean Graham In this episode of the History Slam, I talk with Judith Nasby, former Director of the Macdonald Stewart Art Centre/Art Gallery of Guelph and author of The Making of a Museum. We discuss the gallery’s style (1:51), the challenges facing smaller museums (5:21), and how a dedicated space changed the gallery’s prospects (14:12). We then chat about... Read more »The post History Slam 199: The Making of a Museum appeared first on Active History.2022-01-1338 minHistory Slam – Active HistoryHistory Slam 198: AtacamaBy Sean Graham In the 10 years that we’ve been doing the History Slam Podcast, I’ve learned that there is no correct way to tell historical stories. Over the years we’ve talked with playwrights, musicians, and literary authors about the ways in which they tell accurate (and moving) stories from the past within their respective media. One of my favourites to... Read more »The post History Slam 198: Atacama appeared first on Active History.2022-01-0635 minHistory Slam – Active HistoryHistory Slam Special: Best of 2021By Sean Graham Before we put 2021 to bed later tonight, I wanted to look back at some of the great conversations we’ve had on the History Slam this year. The past 12 months have not been the easiest for anyone, but I’ve been so energized by the discussions, insights, and expertise that has been part of the show. So... Read more »The post History Slam Special: Best of 2021 appeared first on Active History.2021-12-3130 minHistory Slam – Active HistoryHistory Slam 197: History Podcaster RoundtableBy Sean Graham When we started the History Slam back in 2012, podcasting was still pretty new. The major platforms were hosting shows, but the analytics weren’t very good, many people had difficulty accessing episodes, and a lot of academics – including every faculty member I talked to before starting the show – didn’t take them seriously, with one even... Read more »The post History Slam 197: History Podcaster Roundtable appeared first on Active History.2021-12-161h 13History Slam – Active HistoryHistory Slam 196: Becoming VancouverBy Sean Graham The first time I was fortunate enough to visit Vancouver, it was October and the weather was unseasonably cold. It was a damp cold – the type that feels like it sticks to you – so I spent 4 days struggling to get warm. Having lived in Regina since that initial visit to the west coast, I... Read more »The post History Slam 196: Becoming Vancouver appeared first on Active History.2021-12-0938 minHistory Slam – Active HistoryHistory Slam 195: Why Reconciliation Fails Indigenous People & How to Fix ItBy Sean Graham During the election campaign this fall, the major political parties all included Reconciliation in their platforms. Yet in the past couple of weeks, the protests around the country in support of the Wet’suwet’en hereditary chiefs have served as another example of how far there is to go towards meaningful Reconciliation. As Bruce McIvor notes, this will be a... Read more »2021-12-0243 min
Amidst The ChaosHow To Get Your Spouse On Board When Starting a Business, with Dana's Husband Sean GrahamWhen it comes to quitting your job and starting a small business as a mom, your spouse is likely going to have something to say about it. In this episode, I walk through my journey in entrepreneurship with my husband Sean to get his insight and mindset from the beginning of my photography business to now. He tells us his reservations at the beginning, how he was able to overcome them, and some things he did to encourage and support me along the way. If you're having a hard time getting your spouse on board as you plan to...2021-04-1557 min
Game of StonesHave a Heart: A Look Back at the Corner Gas Curling EpisodeIn this episode, Sean and Scott break down 'Have a Heart,' Season 2 Episode 11 of Corner Gas. In the episode, the guys go scene by scene analyzing the story, talking about some of their favourite jokes, and the curling continuity. 2020-05-141h 11Game of StonesBehind the Sounds: How Audio is Mixed in Curling BroadcastsIn this episode, Sean and Scott talk with Andrew Stoakley, the head audio mixer for the Grand Slam of Curling. They talk about what makes good audio on television, what goes into creating audio for curling, and the challenges associated with having players mic'd.2020-05-071h 23Game of StonesTalkin' Curling TermsIn this episode, Sean and Scott talk about curling vocabulary. Sean provides some alternative definitions for some of the most commons terms before the guys break down their favourite/least favourite curling words and talk about the challenges of inconsistent vocabulary between teams.2020-04-3041 minGame of StonesBest Games to Watch on YouTubeIn this episode, Sean and Scott give their recommendations for games available on YouTube. Sean ranks his top 5 while Scott goes through his list chronologically. They talk about what makes a game re-watchable and re-live some of the great moments from these games. 2020-04-2357 minGame of StonesUnsung Heroes of the Curling Club: League ConvenorsIn this episode, Sean and Scott talk with Maegan Hough, a league convenor at the Ottawa Curling Club. Maegan talks about the challenges of being a convenor, setting game schedules, and enforcing league rules. They also discuss the role of volunteers at clubs, the best and worst parts of running a league, and recap their season.2020-04-161h 03Game of StonesRanking Curling Commercials & News UpdateIn this episode, Sean and Scott rank the commercials that are in frequent rotation during TSN's curling coverage. They talk about Clubroot, Arabica beans, Manitoba tourism, chairlifts, and what is going on with the trunk in the Scotties commercial. They also talk about some of this week's news about the world championships and qualifying for the 2022 Olympics.2020-04-091h 18Game of StonesSimulating the Men's World ChampionshipIn this episode, Sean and Scott run a complete simulation of the 2020 Men's World Championship. Using the team's statistics, Scott ran a series of calculations to create a formula to simulate each game. Scott describes the math behind and they talk about the results of the round robin and simulate the playoffs live on the show.2020-04-0357 minGame of StonesWhat Does an Olympic Postponement Mean for Summer and Winter Athletes?In this episode, recorded before the official announcement of the Olympics being postponed to 2021, Sean and Scott talk about the challenges associated with changing the dates of Tokyo 2020. They talk about the financial issues for sponsors, television partners, and, most importantly, the athletes. They also look at the logistics of shifting the dates and how that might impact the winter games in Beijing in 2022.2020-03-2442 minGame of StonesEvents Are Cancelled & Lineups Are ShuffledIn this episode, Sean and Scott talk about the World Curling Federation and Curling Canada cancelling events in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. They also talk about the teams that have made lineup changes and hear the news about John Morris joining Team Koe live during the show.2020-03-1755 minGame of Stones2020 Women's World Championship PreviewIn this episode, Sean and Scott look forward to the 2020 Women's World Championship in Prince George. They talk about the 13 teams competing, which teams will threaten to win, and who they expect to stand tall at the end of the week. They also talk about the format and which games will be accessible on tv and online.2020-03-1247 minGame of StonesBrier Championship Sunday: 3x ChampsIn this episode, Sean and Scott talk about championship Sunday at the Brier. They talk about Saskatchewan's bronze medal, Alberta's third consecutive final loss, and Brad Gushue and Mark Nichols' incredible performances. They also break down the week that was in Kingston and talk about whether the 'best field ever' lived up to the hype.2020-03-0943 minGame of StonesBrier Day 8: Playoffs to Get in the PlayoffsIn this episode, Sean and Scott talk about all Saturday's action from the Tim Hortons Brier. They talk about the tie-breakers, what went wrong from Team Canada, and Wild Card's time management. They also talk about Ontario's struggle in the afternoon, Northern Ontario's marathon day, and Alberta earning their spot in the final. They also look forward to tomorrow's games, including what to expect out of the Saskatchewan-Newfoudland semi-final. In addition, they hear from Kevin Koe, Mike McEwen, John Epping, John Morris, and Brad Jacobs.2020-03-0847 minGame of StonesBrier Day 7: Anybody's GameIn this episode, Sean and Scott break down a crazy Friday from the 2020 Tim Hortons Brier. They talk about the tie-breakers, Team Saskatchewan finishing second, and Alberta continuing to role. They also talk about Newfoundland's advantage in the 3v4 game and what to expect in Saturday's game. They also hear from Matt Dunstone and Brad Thiesen.2020-03-0732 minGame of StonesBrier Day 6: Chaos Reigns!!Sean and Scott sit down to discuss the first day of Championship Round play at the 2020 Brier in Kingston. We discuss the mess of the standings, a tough day for Saskatchewan and how everyone still has a shot at playoffs with 2 games remaining. Sound clips with Marc Kennedy, Colin Hodgson and Adam Kingsbury. 2020-03-0634 minGame of StonesBrier Day 5: And Then There Were 8In this episode, Sean and Scott talk about Wednesday's action from the Brier. They talk about New Brunswick's missed opportunities, Ontario's big rally, and the lack of tie-breakers. They also look forward to the championship pool, debate who has the advantage heading into Thursday, and talk about the various possibilities for the playoffs. They also hear from Darren Moulding about how Team Alberta is preparing for the Championship Pool.2020-03-0531 minGame of StonesBrier Day 4 - moving day!Sean is back as he fights through illness to join Scott in discussing Tuesday's results from the Brier. It's moving day as the top teams separate themselves and the rest of the field fights for the last spots in the Championship Pool. Interviews from Rick Lang and Reid Carruthers.2020-03-0428 minGame of StonesBrier Day 2: Who is Shot?In this episode, Sean and Scott break down Sunday's action from the Tim Hortons Brier. They talk about the crazy finish to the Northern Ontario-Manitoba game, a big day for Team Canada, and Brendan Bottcher's perfect game. We also hear from Alec Bedard, Kevin Koe, B.J. Neufeld, and Mark Nichols.2020-03-0219 minGame of StonesBrier Day 1: A Roarin' StartIn this episode, Sean and Scott talk about the first day of the 2020 Brier. They talk about a dominant performance for Brendan Bottcher, a big win for John Epping, and Team Quebec as a crowd favourite. We also hear from Jason Gunnlaugson and Ryan Fry following their games.2020-03-0119 minGame of StonesBrier Wild Card - and we're off!Sean and Scott discuss the opening game of Brier 2020 between Mike McEwen and Glenn Howard live from Kingston 2020-02-2918 minGame of StonesBrier Mega PreviewIn this episode, Sean and Scott preview the 2020 Tim Hortons Brier. They talk about all 17 teams heading to Kingston, which pool is stronger, and who they expect to take it home at the end of the week.2020-02-261h 26Game of StonesScotties Championship Sunday - A Big-Time BreakthroughIn this episode, Sean and Scott talk about Sunday at the Scotties, including Kerri Einarson's breakthrough victory, Rachel Homan's second consecutive runner-up finish, and what's going on with Jennifer Jones. They also recap their picks and give an audio essay summarizing the week.2020-02-2548 minGame of StonesScotties Day 7: Playoff Matchups SetSean joins Scott from an undisclosed location to talk about the final two draws of the round robin and set up the playoff match-ups for Saturday at the Scotties. 2020-02-2226 minGame of StonesScotties Day 6: Thursday ThrowdownIn this episode, Sean and Scott break down Thursday's action at the Scotties. They talk about Saskatchewan and BC's marathon days, Manitoba, Wild Card, and Ontario clinching playoff spots, and Northern Ontario's advantage heading into Friday. They also debate TSN's game selection and what responsibility they have to show as many teams as possible.2020-02-2138 minGame of StonesScotties Day 5: Cut Down DayIn this episode, Sean and Scott talk about Wednesday's action from the Scotties. They talk about Saskatchewan's communication struggles, a tough day for Team Canada, and Northern Ontario sneaking out a win. They also look forward to Thursday's 2 tie-breakers and what they expect as the competition shifts to the Championship Pool. 2020-02-2031 minGame of StonesScotties Day 4: Some teams clinch, some teams flinchSean and Scott breakdown the action from a busy Tuesday at the Scottie in Moose Jaw. We talk about the emergence of Ontario and Manitoba at the top of the tables, an impressive win from Nunavut, and the historic 7-ender by New Brunswick. All that, plus a look ahead to what promises to be a great final day of pool play. 2020-02-1928 minGame of StonesScotties Day 3: A Fun Monday in Moose JawIn this episode, Sean and Scott break down all of Monday's action from the Scotties. They talk about Jennifer Jones escaping with a win, more struggles for Chelsea Carey, and an early contender for game of the week. They also talk about Dan Carey's interaction with an umpire and impressive performances from some of the teams lower in the standings.2020-02-1828 minGame of StonesEpisode 01 - Scotties Tournament of Hearts PreviewIn this episode, Sean Graham talks with his brother Scott about the 2018 Scotties Tournament of Hearts. They breakdown the new format and look at all 17 teams (counting the two wildcard contenders) and their chances this week. They give their picks for the playoffs and the winner before examining the Curling Canada's decision to play the final against the Super Bowl.2018-01-2748 min