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The Secret Life of Canada

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The Secret Life of Canada is a podcast about the country you know and the stories you don't. Join hosts Leah-Simone Bowen and Falen Johnson as they reveal the beautiful, terrible and weird histories of this land. Season 6 is here! New episodes every second Thursday.


Visit us at www.cbc.ca/secretlife for show links, transcripts and more!


Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.


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95 Episodes
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Gimli is more than a dwarf in J.R.R. Tolkien’s fantasy series Lord of the Rings, in fact the community in Manitoba is home to the world’s largest Icelandic population outside of Iceland. So how did Canada become home to all these Icelanders, why did they end up living on a reserve and what exactly happens during Islendingadagurinn?Listen to Part 1 of our episode The Mounties Always Get Their Land (referenced in the episode) here.Follow us on social media. We're on Instagram, Facebook and Tik Tok.
From PSAs to Euphoria, the identity of the teen on TV has shifted a lot over the years. Leah and Falen take a look back at the invention of the teen and teens on TV. They make the case that thanks to a little upstart franchise called Degrassi, the teen drama is a Canadian invention. Here is the link to our episode Bread and Cheese. And be sure to check out The Degrassi Kid Podcast!Follow us on social media. We're on Instagram, Facebook and Tik Tok.
It would become one of the key moments in Black history in Canada. In 1968, six Black students from Sir George Williams University in Montreal filed a complaint of racism against their biology professor. By 1969, the university denied their complaint and more than 200 students began a peaceful sit-in. By the end of it, a fire broke out, police in riot-gear were sent in and 97 people were arrested. Named “The Sir George Williams Affair” it is now considered to be the largest student protest in Canadian history. Here is a link to previous episode mentioned in this episode:The Province of Jamaica: https://link.chtbl.com/OOwfXRW2For links and more about this episode visit us at: www.cbc.ca/radio/secretlifeofcanada
S6: Sorry not Sorry

S6: Sorry not Sorry

2024-02-2233:363

Canadians are always apologizing, or are they? We are back for a sixth season and in this episode [1:29] Leah and Falen discuss how they use the word “sorry” and why [4:20] and take a deep dive into the theory that it comes from the country's British foundations. [8:33] We learn that the British and French brought dueling with them as a way to resolve conflict. [20:00] Then we look at how the word is connected to conflict resolution, which Indigenous people already were doing before contact [21:44] and examine the many apologies of the Canadian government [25:05] and try to find out whether or not Canadians actually apologize any more than anyone else.Here are links to previous episodes mentioned in this episode:Kanesatake 300 Years Later, Part 1: https://link.chtbl.com/eUDOXoMZKanesatake 300 Years Later, Part 2: https://link.chtbl.com/jeMsG6HUFor other links, references, transcripts and more about this episode, visit us at: www.cbc.ca/radio/secretlifeofcanada
Falen Johnson took to the stage at the Hot Docs festival to speak candidly about her experience of growing up on Six Nations, a place that was both idyllic and complicated — especially when it came to water and the lack thereof.
In this episode we talk about lost buildings across Canada. Falen and Leah look into the history of the now torn-down Shanghai Restaurant, owned by the Lee family for over 70 years and a long-time staple of downtown Winnipeg and find out if the #99 Wonton in sweet ketchup sauce is as good as former customers say it is? Featuring Raymond Biesinger. For more about this episode visit us at : www.cbc.ca/radio/secretlifeofcanada
S5: The Potlatch Ban

S5: The Potlatch Ban

2023-06-0139:39

In 1921, Chief Dan Cranmer held a secret Potlatch — a ceremony celebrated by many First Nations along the Pacific Northwest. But because the ceremony had been banned by the Canadian government, authorities arrested people and confiscated many ceremonial items. These items then ended up in private collections and museums all over the world. This episode traces the winding journey of the ripple effects of a ban that lasted almost 70 years. We sit down with Dan Cranmer's son Bill Cranmer from the U'mista Cultural Centre to learn about his father’s story and the long process of repatriation by the Kwakwaka'wakw people of these precious items. We also speak with educator Sara Florence Davidson to talk to her about the book Potlatch as Pedagogy, what she has learned through the Potlatch and how her father, Haida artist Robert Davidson, worked to reclaim ceremony and artistic practice after the ban. With guests Chief Bill Cranmer and Sara Florence Davidson. For links and more about this episode visit us at: www.cbc.ca/radio/secretlifeofcanada
Bread and Cheese. More than just two of Falen and Leah’s favourite foods. Did you know it’s also a day? In Falen’s community of Six Nations, every Victoria Day weekend people from the community get in line and walk through the local arena to get a big squishy slice of bread and a giant hunk of orange cheese. Delicious? Yes. But why? For more about this episode visit us at : www.cbc.ca/radio/secretlifeofcanada
In 1992, Leilani Muir decided to sue the government. Along with thousands of other people Muir was forcibly sterilized as part of a robust government plan for members of the population it deemed “unfit.” In this episode we learn why some of the most notable Canadians from history championed eugenics, what it is and why Leilani Muir’s decision to step forward and tell her story changed everything. With guests Dr. Megan Davies and Dr. Ericka Dyck from the Eugenics Archive. Warning: this episode contains strong language and content. For more about this episode visit us at: www.cbc.ca/radio/secretlifeofcanada
In the 1990s artist and activist Bonnie Briggs asked herself, “Why isn't there a memorial for homeless people?” In this crash course we look at the work of Bonnie and tie it to the housing crisis we are seeing across the country. For more about this episode visit us at : www.cbc.ca/radio/secretlifeofcanada
S5: The Forgotten War

S5: The Forgotten War

2023-05-0448:072

Not all Canadian history happens in Canada. Over 70 years ago, nearly 30,000 Canadians volunteered to fight in the Korean War. It was the third-deadliest overseas conflict in our nation’s military history — so why is it often referred to as “The Forgotten War”? In this episode, friend of the pod and producer Eunice Kim joins us as we learn what led to the conflict, why Canada got involved and the lasting impact of a war that technically never ended. Then, we learn how some Korean Canadians are making sure we never forget. With guests Andrew Burtch, Sun Choung and Eunice Kim. *Warning: this episode contains strong language and content. For more about this episode, visit us at: www.cbc.ca/radio/secretlifeofcanada
In every part of the world a patty is just a patty, but in Toronto they are often called a "Jamaican Patty" and the why is connected to one of the weirdest stories ever. We talk to Patty Vs. Patty director Chris Strikes to learn that in the early 80s inspectors from the Canadian department of Consumer and Corporate Affairs tried to fine store owners for selling patties under the name patty.  A battle ensued and guess who won? With guest Chris Strikes.
Deep below the city of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan lies a network of tunnels from the past. The stories connected to them have turned the passageways into a major tourist attraction. But which ones are true? Were they really used as hiding spaces for Chinese laborers to escape the racism of the time? Did American gangsters like Al Capone actually use them to smuggle goods during Prohibition? Or were they simply built to move heating oil below buildings? With the help of a young listener named Leo, we grab our flashlights and head underground to try to find out fact from fiction, in the famed tunnels of Moose Jaw. For more about this episode, visit us at: www.cbc.ca/radio/secretlifeofcanada
How much history is contained in a meal, a restaurant or even a sandwich? Falen and Leah journey into the culinary history of Montreal’s Jewish community. We learn the backstory behind some of Montreal’s most iconic restaurants and why people are so passionate about the city’s bagels. Then, we look into cookbooks like “A Treasure for My Daughter” which has been a staple for many Jewish women in Montreal, providing recipes but also a guide on how to be the perfect Jewish woman. But what can you learn when you read between the ‘latkes’? With guest Andrea Eidinger. For more about this episode visit us at: www.cbc.ca/radio/secretlifeofcanada For more about this episode, visit us at: www.cbc.ca/radio/secretlifeofcanada
Confederation took place in 1867 but Newfoundland only joined Canada in 1949. We find out why the province held out for so long, what it all meant for the Indigenous people in Newfoundland and Labrador and what the colour of margarine had to do with it. With guest Caitlin Maura Hanrahan. For more about this episode, visit us at: www.cbc.ca/radio/secretlifeofcanada
Is it true that Alberta is a rat-free province? Is there really a Rat Patrol? We find out the truth behind the province’s rat hating reputation. For more about this episode visit us at: www.cbc.ca/1.6789203
S5: Dead Malls

S5: Dead Malls

2023-03-2331:581

Where have all the malls gone? And what happens to a mall when it “dies?” In this episode we look into how the mall started, what it looked like in its heyday and what happened when it began to decline. So put on your acid washed jeans and turn up the muzak and join Falen and Leah as they head to the mall. With guest Deborah Cowen. For more about this episode visit us at: www.cbc.ca/1.6787552 For more about the show, visit us at: www.cbc.ca/radio/secretlifeofcanada
Hosts Leah-Simone Bowen and Falen Johnson are back with an all new season of conversations about the country you know and the stories you don't. Catch our premiere episode on March 23 with new episodes weekly every Thursday.
S4: Shanawdithit

S4: Shanawdithit

2022-06-3020:413

Throughout the years, the Beothuk people have been written about as an “extinct” nation, whose numbers were few at the time of European contact to Newfoundland. By 1828, they were all gone except one woman named Shanawdithit. She is now known as "the last Beothuk" but was she? In our final episode of the season, we look at one of the longstanding myths that Canada loves to tell itself — that Indigenous people are no longer here. With guest Yvette Nolan. For more about this episode visit us at : www.cbc.ca/radio/secretlifeofcanada For transcripts of this series, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/podcastnews/inappropriate-questions-transcripts-listen-1.6740372
How did this place end up being called Canada? We look into the lore behind the naming of the country and the push to reclaim Indigenous place names across this land. Links: Reclaiming Indigenous Place Names: https://yellowheadinstitute.org/2019/10/08/reclaiming-indigenous-place-names/ The Squamish Language Atlas: squamishatlas.com Visit us at: www.cbc.ca/radio/secretlifeofcanada
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Comments (26)

Anita Simaganis

cool

May 25th
Reply

Anita Simaganis

wow so disturbing

Feb 10th
Reply

Anita Simaganis

idk if I can listen to this idk man

May 20th
Reply

pat klugh

"the Edge"??? wtf? if you're going to tackle a hot topic like this then get the names right, c shoot or work. Adam Copeland portrays "EDGE" not what you said

May 9th
Reply

Elizabeth Barclay

great show! I knew a little bit but I learned so much more. thank you!

Jun 4th
Reply

DK Grainger

Hello, I am saddened, angered, and embittered, at the sordid and hidden history of Canada. I am also immensely grateful to all of you involved in the making of this Podcast. No stone forever remains unturned, and all secrets will eventually be laid bare. To the dear departed, we the living will never forget you.

Jun 3rd
Reply

Rai

Hello, I'm an English learner and i have to say thanks to you, listening to your podcast i can get fun and learn at the same time (sorry for my mistakes haha)

Dec 31st
Reply

Monica Kootenay Lange

A fascinating, informative episode. I live in subalpine forest in BC, and I witness the harvesting of the forests everyday. Logging trucks are a common sight. Thank you for encouraging me to learn more about the harvesting of Old Growth and especially Yellow Cedars. This is a topic close to my heart as a nature lover and community food security promoter.

Dec 2nd
Reply

Greg Kucharski

i love this podcast for shearing untold history of canada but ... propagating far left ideas of defunding the police is wrong.. im pretty sure we dont want to have big cities without a police. that would create total anarchy and would endanger everybody.. what we need is more funding for proper training for police and correct selection and evaluationof candidates to the force. training should include social studies and many psychological aspects like conflict de escalation

Nov 19th
Reply

Ken W

Where is part 2?

Oct 28th
Reply

Samp 75

Deadpool?!

Sep 9th
Reply

Samp 75

This is such an informative and educational podcast. Great research.

Sep 9th
Reply

habib mes

very heartbreaking to know about the calamities of the indigenous owners of the canadian land and how they were forced by the christians to convert to catholicism and leave their home land giving the worst modal of hypocrisy through the dishonesty of the priests.SHAME ON YOU FAKE PRIESTS. As for the british and the french colonialism it is the same story : spreading terror, hatred and injustice wherever they go.SHAME ON YOU COLONIALISTS AND ON YOUR DIRTY MISSION.

Jul 11th
Reply (1)

Ronald whitlock

Great Show!

Jun 16th
Reply

WWilder

is anyone else having trouble playing this episode? I keep getting an unknown error

Jun 14th
Reply

Lyna Johnston

Thanks for ths episode.After moving to the Vancouver area I have leaned much about the horrible treatment of the Japanese, Chinese and Indigenous communities. There are some great museums in Steveston BC that documents their history in BC and the fishing industry.

May 13th
Reply

Scott Hiles

great information yet the giggling gets to be too much.

Mar 20th
Reply

Emily Dawn Pearcey

I am sad that this doesn’t have the original podcasts 😭

Aug 23rd
Reply (2)

Om Eyehead

class act

Jul 11th
Reply

Mmm Taylor

that was great information. makes me feel connected as a Canadian Born Jamaican

May 30th
Reply
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