History Slam Podcast

Jul 07 2022 1

History Slam Podcast artwork

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 Whether we talk with a historian about their new book or a musician about including historical references in their songs, History Slam focuses on the stories of the past, how those stories influence us today, and their role in shaping our shared culture.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 history while highlighting stories from the past. We’re always looking for new suggestions for topics and guests so any ideas or feedback can be sent to [email protected] and you can follow Sean on Twitter @drseannyfever.

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10th Anniversary Special: Life as Historians

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 […]

Canada’s Abortion History

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, […]

Canadiana & Historical Storytelling on the Web

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 […]

Local Culture, Tourism, & PEI’s Summer Trade

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 […]

Storytellers, Colonialism, and Community in the Chilcotin Plateau

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? […]

Heroin & the History of Canada’s Drugs Laws & Use

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 […]

Provincial Political Trends & Saskatchewan’s Transition from Left to Right

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

Indigenous Voices, Resources, & Learning in Canadian Classrooms

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 […]

Colonial Violence, National Myths, & the Lynching of Louie Sam

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 […]

Bernie Langille’s Death and the Long Journey Towards Truth, Healing, & Trust

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 […]