History Chats is a podcast series from Activehistory.ca. Each Saturday we will post a different talk from our collection of world class historians. These will include conference sessions, public lectures, and roundtable discussions. So get your weekend started on a high note with History Chats.
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Activehistory.ca Podcasts
History Slam is a conversational podcast that features discussions and debates around various historical topics or issues relevant to the understanding of history. Whether we talk with a historian about their new book or a musician about including historical references in their songs, History Slam focuses on the stories of the past, how those stories influence us today, and their role in shaping our shared culture. Within a relaxed environment we’re going to try and have some fun with histor ...
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In this 10th Anniversary Special, Sean Graham catches up with the first 3 guests from the early days of the podcast to reflect on life as historians over the past decade. He starts by talking with Ian Milligan about his shift towards digital methodology, where he sees history going, and his advice for prospective graduate students. He then chats wi…
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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 …
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In this episode of the History Slam, I talk with Adam Bunch and Kyle Cucco of of the outstanding web series Canadiana, which has its Season 3 debut on Tuesday June 28. We talk about the delays to season 3 caused by Covid (3:27), how they pick topics for the show (12:07), and the benefits of filming on location (17:40). We also chat about their part…
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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 lo…
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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 …
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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 …
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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 impo…
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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 ef…
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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 arres…
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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 Halifax for immediate treatment. After a 4-hour delay in orderin…
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In 2022, mime is probably not what you think of when discussing popular culture. The image of an individual with their face painted white, probably acting like they are trapped in a box, doesn’t demand attention within the ever-so-crowded cultural landscape. At the same time, however, the idea of movement as medicine remains popular. For many of it…
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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 world was a fun thought experime…
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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 most inf…
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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 any major street, how…
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Over the past two years, the onslaught of misinformation has increasingly attracted public and government attention. From the Covid pandemic, to election results, to protest movements, we are bombarded by a daily avalanche of information and it can be, at times, challenging to distinguish reputable sources from those peddling nonsense. Many creator…
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On July 29, 1987, the Supreme Court of Canada issued its ruling in the case Robichaud v. Canada. In its decision, the court noted that the Canadian Human Rights Act places “responsibility for an organization on those who control it and are in a position to take effective remedial action to remove undesirable conditions.” For Robichaud, the case was…
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As a child, William Dumas’ father told him the story of European fur traders arriving on what is now commonly referred to as Hudson Bay. The encounter between the Asiniskaw Ithiniwak (Rocky Cree) people and the Europeans resulted in an endemic. greatly reducing the local population. In telling the story, Dumas’ father explained how elder âhâsiw pro…
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In this episode of the History Slam, Sean Graham talks with Jodey Nurse about her new book Cultivating Community: Women and Agricultural Fairs in Ontario. They chat about what happened at fairs, who was involved in the planning, and the evolution of what constituted ‘acceptable’ women’s activities. They also discuss the economic challenges and bene…
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In this episode of the History Slam, Sean Graham talks with Dominique about his experience flying in the North of Canada, as told in his book Flying to Extremes: Memories of a Bush Pilot. They chat about Dominique’s entry into aviation (7:16), the skillset required to be a pilot (11:28), and the day-to-day of flying in the North (15:26). They also …
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In this episode of the History Slam, Sean Graham talk with Daniel R. Meister, author of The Racial Mosaic: A Pre-History of Canadian Multiculturalism. They discuss how he defines the pre-history of multiculturalism and pluralism, how these have contributed to colonialism, and the changing interpretation of race in the interwar years. They also chat…
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In this episode of the History Slam, Sean Graham talks with Grant Hayter-Menzies about Muggins, a purebred Spitz who raised thousands of dollars for charities during the First World War in Victoria, British Columbia. They chat about how Grant’s new book Muggins: The Life and Afterlife of a Canadian War Hero, including how Grant approaches his biogr…
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In this episode of the History Slam, Sean Graham talks with Claire Carter, author of Who’s Coming Out to Play: Disruption and Disorientation in Community Sports. They discuss what draws people to queer community leagues (5:39), how players have built social networks through sport (12:56), and challenging stereotypical depictions of women in sports …
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In this episode, Sean Graham talks with Judith Nasby, former Director of the Macdonald Stewart Art Centre/Art Gallery of Guelph and author of The Making of a Museum. They 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). They then chat about the galle…
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In this episode of the History Slam, Sean Graham talks with Carmen Rodriguez, author of Atacama: A Novel, tells the story of two 12-year-olds in Chile in the early 20th century, brought together at a time when workers’ rights and collective action around the world were changing the face of Chilean life. Together they forge a lifelong connection thr…
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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 in this special edition, we re-visit a few of th…
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In this special edition of the History Slam, Sean Graham shares an episode from the documentary series How We Helped, which explores the history of the Eastern Branch of the Ontario Association of Social Workers. This episode explores the Eastern Branch’s role in creating a community of social work in the region and the support provided to members.…
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In this episode of the History Slam, Sean Graham talks with three outstanding history podcasters to explore the past, present, and future of history podcasting. David Borys of Cool Canadian History, Kathy Kenzora of History of the 90s, and Craig Baird of Canadian History Ehx discuss the origins of their shows, telling historical stories in an audio…
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In this episode of the History Slam, Sean Graham talks with Daniel Francis, author of Becoming Vancouver: A History. They discuss civic history, Indigenous communities in what is now Vancouver, and the city’s early development through natural resources. They also chat about housing prices, inequality, racism, 1960s protests, and the city’s cultural…
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In this episode of the History Slam, Sean Graham talks with Bruce McIvor, author of Standoff: Why Reconciliation Fails Indigenous People & How to Fix It, about Reconciliation and his new book. They talk about his background as a lawyer challenging colonial laws, the pervasiveness of colonialism, and treaty obligations. They also discuss the the cur…
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In this episode of the History Slam, Sean Graham chats with John Sandlos, one of the co-authors of Mining Country: A History of Canada’s Mines and Miners. They talk about displacement and mining as part of the colonial project, the popular imagery associated with mining, and the how rural mining sites influence urban industries. They also discuss t…
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In this episode of the History Slam, Sean Graham talks with Bob Gordon about his new book The Bad Detective: The Incredible Cases of Nic Power. They chat about uncovering the story of Nic Power, his ability to manipulate the press during his life, and his rise to power during tensions with the Fenians. They also discuss Power’s unscrupulous behavio…
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In this episode of the History Slam, Sean Graham talks with Lynn Gehl about her new book Gehl v. Canada: Challenging Sex Discrimination in the Indian Act, which follows her case through real-time articles she wrote over the past 30 years, as well as some contemporary reflection on the case. They discuss Lynn’s challenge of the Indian Act, the 30-ye…
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In this episode of the History Slam, Sean Graham talks with Amanda Bittner of Memorial University about the significance of political leaders. 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 chall…
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In this episode of the History Slam, Sean Graham talks with Habiba Cooper Diallo, author book #BlackinSchool, which documents the systemic racism and stereotypes found in the education system and how she processed and resisted this while in school. They discuss her experiences in school, system racism in education, and the impact on racialized stud…
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In this episode of the History Slam, Sean Graham talks with Tyler Wentzell, author of Not for King or Country: Edward Cecil-Smith, the Communist Part of Canada, and the Spanish Civil War. They chat about the benefits of biography, the mystery and hearsay surrounding Cecil-Smith’s life, and the challenges of researching someone who didn’t leave much…
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In this episode of the History Slam, Sean Graham re-visits his conversation with Second World War veteran Jim Parks. They talk about his experience during D-Day, the sights and sounds of the war, and his feelings towards the Germans. They also discuss his memories of training, his time in London, and where he was on Victory in Europe Day. https://m…
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In this episode of the History Slam, Sean Graham joined by historian of hip hop culture and Black music in the Americas Francesca D’Amico-Cuthbert to talk about their ideal road trip playlists. They talk about the connection between playlists and mixed tapes, the art of creating a playlist, and what makes a good playlist for a road trip. They then …
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In this episode of the History Slam, I talk with Ken Mather about the updates to the book. We talk about the gold rush in Barkerville, BC, the popularity of Wagon Road North: The Saga of the Cariboo Gold Rush, and the updates included in the new edition. We also chat about what makes for good popular history, the challenge of using photographs in b…
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In this episode of the History Slam, Sean Graham talks with Game of Stones Podcast co-host Scott Graham about the fine line between innovation and cheating in curling. They talk about which innovations were deemed to be in violation of the ‘Spirit of Curling’, why others weren’t as controversial, and general resistance to new technology. They also …
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In this episode of the History Slam, I talk with Lucie, one of the archivists from the ArQuives, Canada’s LGBTQ2+ archive. We talk about the history of the collection, the acquisition process for a community archive, and importance of preserving voices underrepresented in government archival collections. We also talk about the transitions the ArQui…
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In this episode of the History Slam, I explore the Ottawa’s LGBTQ2+ history as profiled in the Village Legacy Project. Before heading out to downtown Ottawa, I chat with Glenn Crawford, who led the project. We talk about the project’s origins, the research process, and what people can expect when they use the app. I then head to Bank Street and exp…
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In this episode of the History Slam, Sean Graham talk with Catherine Marie Gilbert, author of A Journey Back to Nature: A History of Strathcona National Park. They talk about the discovery of new photos of the park, how they were useful in writing the book, and the initial idea of Strathcona as ‘Banff West.’ They also chat about tourism as natural …
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In this episode of the History Slam, Sean Graham talks with Rita Shelton Deverell about her new book American Refugees: Turning to Canada for Freedom. They discuss her personal story and its influence on the book, American immigration to Canada in the popular imagination, and what has traditionally drawn American immigrants to Canada. They also cha…
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In this episode of the History Slam, Sean Graham talks with Ron Chapman, director of the new documentary Shelter, which profiles Jewish real estate developers in Toronto in the years following the Second World War. They discuss the origins of the project, the decision to go into detail about anti-Semitism in Europe, and immigration following the Se…
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In this episode of the History Slam, Sean Graham talks with Marion McKinnon Crook about her new book Always Pack a Candle: A Nurse in the Cariboo-Chilcotin. They talk about her motivation for telling her story, her background in nursing, and the practical challenges of public health work. They also chat about the realities of working in such a vast…
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In this episode of the History Slam, Sean Graham talks with Brian about his new book Stampede: Gold Fever and Disaster in the Klondike. They talk about how Brian’s personal background influences his writing, his research process, and how his work differs from traditional histories. They also chat about the people included in the book, the colonial …
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In this episode of the History Slam, Sean Graham talks with David Borys, author of Civilians at the Sharp End: First Canadian Army Civil Affairs in Northwest Europe. They explore the military’s use of abbreviations, the evolution of civilian treatment by the military, and the colonial elements that influenced Civil Affairs in the Canadian military.…
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In this episode of the History Slam, Sean Graham revisits his conversation with Brian Chick, author of Written in Stone: A Modern History of Curling. They talk about the Olympics, the boycotts over sponsorship at the Brier and Scotties, and the TV controversies of the mid-2000s. They also talk about the changes in fitness, the professionalization o…
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In this episode of the History Slam, Sean Graham shares the second segment of the 5-part documentary series How We Helped: Stories from Eastern Ontario Social Workers. Using first-hand accounts, the episode looks at who becomes a social worker and delves into their stories. From social workers enlisting in the army during the Second World War to le…
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In this episode of the History Slam, Sean Graham talks with Samantha Cutrara, author of the new book Transforming the Canadian History Classroom: Imagining a New ‘We’. They discuss who constitutes the ‘we’ in Canadian history, the power of the nation state in historical narratives, and ensuring all people are reflected when telling stories of the p…
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