A Cultural History of Canada

By Patrick & MackenzySociety & Culture History

A Cultural History of Canada episodes

September 28123 - Robertson Davies' Fortune My Foe
On the post-War cultural crisis as seen by Canada's premier man of letters.

Source:

Davies, Robertson. Fortune, My Foe. 1949.

--- Support: Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/historiacanadiana); Paypal (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/historiacanadiana); recommended reading (https://historiacanadiana.wordpress.com/books/) --- You can follow Patrick's university course here (for free) or wherever you get podcasts.
1 hr 1 min
August 03 122 - On poet A. M. Klein
In which we discuss the life and work of modernist Jewish-Canadian writer A.M. Klein.

Here are the referenced (or notable) poems, many more of which can be found on Internet Archive: "Out of the pulver and the polished lens"; "Ave atque vale"; "Political meeting". --- Support: Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/historiacanadiana); Paypal (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/historiacanadiana); recommended reading (https://historiacanadiana.wordpress.com/books/)
1 hr 19 min
July 13 Capitalism, Colonialism & Crises: An interview w/ historian Bryan D. Palmer
In which Patrick talks to Bryan D. Palmer about his final volume in his three-part Capitalism and Colonialism series, focusing on Canadian history from 1960 to today. Bryan is Professor Emeritus and former Canada Research Chair, Canadian Studies, Trent University. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, former editor of Labour/Le Travail, and has published extensively on the history of labour and the revolutionary left. Among his many books are Canada's 1960s and the co-authored Toronto's Poor: A Rebellious History.

Find the book here or at your local bookstore.

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Support: Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/historiacanadiana); Paypal (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/historiacanadiana); recommended reading (https://historiacanadiana.wordpress.com/books/)
1 hr 43 min
May 25 Updates & Vibes
Sorry for the delay. Is this anything? Who's to say...
55 min
April 13 121 - Italian-Canadians & 'Lives of the Saints'
In which we discuss the cultural impacts of Italians on Canada and - due to time constraints - make a brief detour on Nino Ricci's Lives of the Saints. --- Support: Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/historiacanadiana); Paypal (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/historiacanadiana); recommended reading (https://historiacanadiana.wordpress.com/books/)
1 hr 1 min
March 30 Betty Baxter: Outspoken Olympian
In which Patrick talks to former Olympian and LGBTQ sports activist about her new memoir Outspoken: A Journey from Olympic Athlete to Activist.

Find the book here or at your local bookstore.

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Support: Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/historiacanadiana); Paypal (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/historiacanadiana); recommended reading (https://historiacanadiana.wordpress.com/books/)
1 hr 12 min
March 16 120 - On Women's Suffrage in Quebec
For International Women's Day? --- Support: Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/historiacanadiana); Paypal (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/historiacanadiana); recommended reading (https://historiacanadiana.wordpress.com/books/)
1 hr 1 min
March 09 Shirley Horn & Joanne Robertson on Writing a 'Residential School Story'
In which Patrick talks to Shirley Horn and Joanne Robertson about their collaboration on the children's book, Shirley: An Indian Residential School Story - which is based on Horn's lived experiences at the school.

Find the book here or at your local bookstore. --- Support: Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/historiacanadiana); Paypal (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/historiacanadiana); recommended reading (https://historiacanadiana.wordpress.com/books/)
1 hr 2 min
February 02 119 - Joy Kogawa's Obasan & Japanese Internment Camps
In which, after a hiatus, your heroes return to discuss how the Canadian government locked up its own citizens (again) under the War Measures Act.
1 hr 18 min
December 15, 2025 118 - Keeping the content machine going
Giving you one last episode before the new year! Wherein we look back on the last year, both as a podcast and a country.
1 hr 2 min

About A Cultural History of Canada

From the publisher's feed

A bi-weekly discussion that critically (and flippantly) engages with the literature, culture, and people of this weird place known as Canada. Hosted by two English graduates, Patrick & Mackenzy. Sometimes features interviews with writers and academics.