The Secret Life of Canada Podcast Notes

Overview

• Hosts: Leah-Simone Bowen and Falen Johnson
• Focus: Uncovering Canada's lesser-known histories
• Season 6 premiere: February 22, 2024

Season 6 Episodes

Episode 1: Sorry not Sorry

• Duration: 32:15
• Key Topics Discussed:
  • Canadians' habit of apologizing: Is it a cultural norm?
  • Exploration of the origins of "sorry" and its connection to British roots
  • Historical context of dueling as a conflict resolution brought by the British and French
  • Indigenous perspectives on conflict resolution pre-contact
  • Examination of government apologies over the years
  • Investigation into whether Canadians apologize more than others
• Listen to the episode

Season 1 Recap

Episode: The Secret Life of Statues

• Duration: 26:41
• Discussion on the criteria for statue erection in Canada and debates on historical figures.

Episode: The Secret Life of Canadian Snacks

• Duration: 21:03
• Exploration of unique Canadian snacks like Pizza Pops and ketchup chips.

Episode: The Secret Life of the North

• Duration: 35:33
• Focus on Nunavut's history, forced relocation of the Inuit, and the government's actions.

Season 2 Highlights

Episode: Bay Blanket

• Duration: 37:31
• Discusses the Hudson's Bay Company and the controversial history of the Bay Blanket.

Episode: You don't wanna sleep here (Halloween Special)

• Duration: 31:33
• Investigates haunted locations across Canada.

Episode: The Gold Rush

• Duration: 32:54
• Examines the impact of the Klondike Gold Rush on Indigenous people.

Season 3 Themes

Episode: Crash Course on Friendship Centres

• Duration: 9:51
• Introduces the history and significance of urban Indigenous Friendship Centres.

Episode: Kanesatake 300 Years Later (Part 1)

• Duration: 33:44
• Looks back at the Oka crisis and its historical context.

Episode: Kanesatake 300 Years Later (Part 2)

• Duration: 52:26
• Continues the discussion on the Oka Crisis with in-depth insights.

Season 4 Summary

Episode: The Boy in the Picture

• Duration: 43:56
• Analyzes the story behind a pair of photos related to the residential school system.

Episode: The Punjabi Market

• Duration: 31:56
• Chronicles the history and significance of Vancouver's Punjabi Market.

Episode: The Fruit Machine

• Duration: 39:59
• Discusses Canada's historical attempts to purge queer individuals from the public service.

Episode: Shanawdithit

• Duration: 19:30
• Explores the myth of Indigenous extinction through the story of Shanawdithit, the last Beothuk.

Useful Links

• For transcripts of all episodes and additional resources, visit: CBC Radio - The Secret Life of Canada