Bedard's Unofficial Podcast

NOTE: Because of some technical issues, Stephen does not appear on video but he comes through loud and clear. An interesting discussion with author Stephen Riley about the old times in Winnipeg, including how he came to be introduced to Ted Byfield, whose chair Riley sat in on the Winnipeg Free Press city hall desk . If you like Winnipeg nostalgia, and stories of the old times, this podcast is for you. Management apologizes for our video issues but not for Stephen's first person accounts of Steve Juba's Winnipeg. Ted Byfield and Mayor Juba were the best of friends and compatriots. Great oral history in this 20 minute podcast.

Stephen joins me today in a brief and far ranging meandering discussion about God's Paddlers. If you've already read the book or are thinking about it, join us as we talk about what lessons we think we learned.

Stephen Riley joins Pierre to talk about Stephen's documentary - The Old Boys' - which aired in Manitoba in February 1990. The big question - where is the video? How can we see it online? Neither of us have found it - but this is the internets. If anyone out there has a copy, let us know!

Join us as Stephen Riley, author of God's Paddlers, joins Pierre and Dr. James Arnold. It's Stephen's first appearance on the podcast so we talked at length about his writing process and the experience of writing a book 50 years in writing. If you haven't read the book, now's the time to get multiple copies for Christmas for your family and friends. I'm thinking hard of soliciting in River Heights with copies before the holidays. We can all carry baskets full of books... (every once in a while I flashback to meat selling).

Pierre and Crazy James talk baseball. Specifically, the World Series, the condition of Rogers Centre, and the Montreal Expos. Local politics creep in as we celebrate 16 years of James' service to his city, High Prairie on the city council. I likely insulted someone somewhere along the way, but Crazy James kept it on track. Oh yeah, and we chat briefly about the new book out by Stephen Riley - God's Paddlers. Note: when recording this, we were still in the bliss of a possible Blue Jays win in Game 7 of the 2025 World Series.

Pierre and Dr. Arnold break down about the Supreme Court of Canada's decision in the matter of R. v. Sheppard. The Doctor and I have followed the Sheppard case and podcasted about it in the past. Now that we have a decision by the nation's highest court. We talk about the Court's findings and legal reasoning. The ruling was clear in its purpose and intent. Sheppard was reincarcerated and the Court sent a message to all the provinces: sexual violence is not to be trifled with when making sentencing decisions. The Friesen case toughened the standards: Sheppard reinforces it. Sheppard is now precedent. We end this presentation by asking "What's up with the convicted pedophile's perjury in his trial?" Sheppard never disclosed a 1987 Ontario conviction at his Alberta trial. (Chief Justice) Wagner: "You ask him the question — he's the one who knows — he said no. Is that perjury?"Beresh (Sheppard's attorney) replied, "I suggest it isn't," saying he also didn't know about any prior criminal record.

Pierre and Crazy James talk about recent civic activities, including upcoming local elections in October where James is running for city council again. Pierre shared his reappointment to the Library Commission for another four years. Pierre and Crazy tried to discuss Dungeons & Dragons, and James explained the significance of rolling a natural 20. Things go downhill from there.

Pierre and Doctor Arnold talk about the Sheppard case after having some time to reflect about its importance in Canadian jurisprudence. The Canadian Supreme Court's decision to uphold the original sentence of 6 years for sexual assault was meant to send a strong signal about their expectations - specifically around the Friesen case, which tries to make sure that sentences are fair and reflect current understanding of crimes, rather than what might be a more lenient past. Enjoy.

Pierre and Crazy James discuss the 2025 Stanley Cup Final between the Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers. We focus on goaltending, defense, and offensive capabilities, all the while hating on the Maple Leafs, because, you know, Toronto.

A frank discussion about ptsd of all sorts. We talk about its history - when ptsd started making its way into our society, the symptoms, and how to deal when it's really hard to deal. Post Traumatic Shock Syndrome is so ingrained in us that its acronym itself is a trigger to many people.

Jim and Pierre talk His Majesty the King v. Sheppard . Decided on 23 April 2025, Paul Sheppard was ordered back to jail to serve his full six-year term. We talk about the Canadian parole system, the legal process, and the costs associated with legal proceedings, especially when a case goes to the Supreme Court. A crisp discussion topping off a series of podcasts about the case. You can see it on youtube at https://youtu.be/Kb_n959lUEM

Hernani by Victor Hugo, premiered on February 25, 1830. The historical significance of the play, its popularity throughout the 19th century as a mainstay of French theatre, and even its influence on opera is unparalleled. First translating the play in 1978, my adaptation has been read by many drama students, giving them a clear view of Hugo’s mind in 1830. Set in 16th-century Spain, the play has four protagonists - Hernani, the outlaw, Don Carlos, a king, Don Ruy Gomez, a decrepit old man, and his niece, Dona Sol. The play is about relationships, generational conflict, personal codes, and love. Hugo is best known for Les Miserables and Notre-Dame de Paris (known as the Hunchback of Notre-Dame). Join me for a short informative presentation on Victor Hugo’s Hernani.

The Raoul Wallenberg Foundation filed a Factum in the case of R v. Paul Sheppard to be heard on 23 April 2025. Dr. Arnold and I go through the highlights of the argument and discuss how and why the Sheppard case made it to the Supreme Court of Canada. You can see the video at https://youtu.be/M-mtbZnHTM0 for the full presentation.

Pierre and Dave reminisce about their time in the meat crew, discussing the production and sale of pork products like back bacon and pepperoni. We prove beyond a doubt that selling honey is for slackers and go indepth into the production of St. John's meat products.

Pierre and Crazy James discuss the effects of Trump's executive orders on their local communities. Revisiting their previous podcast, they discuss the current state of affairs, a little than a month later. Measles has made it to Calgary. Elbows Up!

James and Pierre, two lowlife St. John's alumni, one from Alberta, one from Canada, grossly discuss the Trump Executive Orders. It's an interesting take you won't hear anywhere between an Albertan (-36 Celsius) and a Californian (59 Fahrenheit - in the shade).

Holy shit on hardtack! The case of His Majesty the King v. Paul Sheppard is scheduled to be heard by the Supreme Court of Canada on April 23, 2025 in Ottawa. It is currently scheduled to start at 9:30am. It will be webcast. See https://www.scc-csc.ca/cases-dossiers/search-recherche/41126/ for the latest information on the case. For a video, including presentation, see https://bedard.com

Bruce and Martin join Pierre to talk about an exciting project the two are working on, The Flag of Humanity. They've set up a charitable foundation that makes a difference, built around some solid St. John's values. Bruce is on location in Guatemala. Read about the project at  https://theflagofhumanity.com/ Bruce's story:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CNJhxHczOt0 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theflagofhumanity You can donate at ⁠https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/the-flag-of-humanity-foundation/

Pierre discusses the upcoming Sheppard case, which is going before the Supreme Court of Canada in 2025. The Alberta Crown Prosecution Service appealed the reduction in sentence to His Majesty the King. Find out why this case was taken on by the Court and why it's important to Canadian law. Pierre makes good use of his St. John's degree and the five years he spent sitting in law school to sort things out. Enjoy! Check out the video at https://bedard.com/supreme-court-steps-in/

Pierre posits an idea for resurrecting the school as a hockey hell school, on par with the Sutter Brothers farm. Where to place it remains to be seen, though James is more than willing to go along and put it up in High Prairie, Alberta, which is just fine by Pierre. Our first post-election podcast of no import. Enjoy.