Episodes

  • Introducing: Don't Drink the Milk | Witch hunts – The medieval conspiracy that just won't die
    Oct 31 2024

    Don't Drink the Milk – The curious history of things from DW is a podcast that traces the unexpected backstories of everyday things that have traveled the world, by force, by chance, or by choice. In this episode, host Rachel Stewart unravels the history of witch hunts from deadly conspiracies in medieval Europe to use of the term today by powerful figures like Donald Trump. Why is it important to remember this history and how has the power shifted?


    More episodes of Don't Drink the Milk – The curious history of things can be found at: https://pod.link/1704462801

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    43 mins
  • S6: Canada's historic Palestinian immigration program you probably haven't heard of
    Oct 24 2024

    In 1955, Canada’s immigration officials began a special experimental program to bring in Palestinian refugees through Pier 21. Falen and Leah take a look back at this historic port of entry that saw almost a million immigrants and refugees arrive in Canada and then find out what has changed since Pier 21’s heyday. And then they try to find out if we are currently better or worse at responding to refugees in crisis zones like Gaza and Sudan.


    With special guests Jan Raska from the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 and Gauri Sreenivasan from the Canadian Council for Refugees.


    Related episodes:

    Crash Course on Ukrainian Canadians

    The Halifax Donair

    The province of Jamaica


    For more links and more about this episode visit us at cbc.ca/secretlife.


    Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Tik Tok.

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    19 mins
  • S6: I see dead people (in Winnipeg)
    Oct 10 2024

    In honor of spooky season, Falen and Leah are joined by producer Eunice Kim to learn why Winnipeg became known around the world for communicating with the dead. Together they’ll light some candles and find out why, in the mid-1900s, holding seances became sought after and then how that popularity inspired one of the most famous supernatural comedy films of all time — Ghostbusters.


    For more links and more about this episode visit us at cbc.ca/secretlife.

    Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Tik Tok.

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    21 mins
  • S6: A Brief History of Nudism
    Sep 26 2024

    Leah and Falen take a (fully clothed) deep dive into the history of nudism in Canada. They learn the origins behind the naturist movement which includes a love of the outdoors, embracing nudity in a non-sexual way and most importantly, the use of a towel when sitting down. So, when did it all start here, who were the members of the clubs and what happened when someone got ...visibly aroused? We have all the answers in this brief history of nudism.


    *Content warning: this episode contains sexual content and adult themes which may not be suitable for younger listeners.


    Recommended companion episodes:

    Eugenics in Canada

    Where is Japantown?


    For more links and more about this episode visit us at cbc.ca/secretlife.

    Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Tik Tok.

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    28 mins
  • S6: An American Indian in London
    Sep 12 2024

    In a lot of history books we hear the names of European explorers who “discovered” the Americas. Columbus, Cook, Champlain. All boo-worthy men. But what about the people who went the other way? Indigenous people have been crossing oceans and going to Europe, too. But why don’t we know their names? In this episode Leah and Falen look into the story of those who went willingly and those who did not, those who came home and those who did not. With special guests Caroline Pennock, Coll Thrush, and Peter Morin.


    For more links and more about this episode visit us at cbc.ca/secretlife. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Tik Tok.

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    44 mins
  • S6: The Caribana* Episode (*and yes we're still calling it that)
    Aug 29 2024

    How did this country end up with the biggest Caribbean Carnival in North America? Leah and Falen dive into history of how a small one time event during Expo ‘67 became one of the longest running street parties in Canada — all courtesy of Trinidad and Tobago. With special guests Michelle Walker and Martin Scott-Pascall.


    For more links and more about this episode visit us at cbc.ca/secretlife.

    Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Tik Tok.

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    26 mins
  • S6: The Live Show!
    Aug 15 2024

    The Secret Life of Canada went live at Hot Docs. Leah and Falen take a historical deep dive into the greatest thieves, crooks and liars that have made this country what it is today.


    Featuring guests, Sharjil Rasool and Brandon Hackett and music by Andrew Penner.


    For more links and more about this episode visit us at cbc.ca/secretlife. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Tik Tok.

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    22 mins
  • S6: Momma Beaver, a Canadian Burlesque Legend
    Aug 1 2024

    People have been taking their clothes off for as long as they’ve been wearing them, but when did people start doing it for entertainment? In this episode Leah and Falen look into the history of burlesque in Canada and talk to a legend of the stage who’s been delighting audiences across the world for decades. With special guest, Judith Stein.


    For more links and more about this episode visit us at cbc.ca/secretlife. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Tik Tok.

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    21 mins