Decisive steps are taken toward Canada as a permanent colony. These footsteps echo in 2025. How? Why? Who?

Before he was a mapmaker, a mediator, or a founder of nations, Samuel de Champlain was simply a French lad; born into inherited religious wars… born into the grit of smoke, salt, and fire… born into the story of rolling humanity.

In Episode 3.2 of Canadian Grit: North of Ordinary, we trace Canada’s gritty national story back to 16th-century France, where the fortified Atlantic port of Brouage churned with war, ambition, & the scent of cannon smoke. Here, in a village gripped by the Wars of Religion and shaped by the crashing tides of empire, Champlain grew up watching his world burn... and quietly dreaming of another way.

This episode pulls back the veil on the early life of a boy who would change the course of history. Raised in the chaos of civil war, surrounded by butchers, fromagiers, and soldiers marching to opposing gods, Champlain was forged in a crucible of violence and uncertainty. 

But rather than becoming hardened, he grew curious. 

Observant. 

Strategic. 

And ultimately, hopeful.

Part immersive history, part poetic meditation on place and becoming, Episode 3.2 explores how the boy became the man, and how the man would someday offer a radically different vision for what a “New World” could be.

Champlain wasn’t an accident. He was an outcome.

🔍 Keywords:
Explore, Nature Relax, Outdoors, Canada, Canadian History, American History, technology, wilderness, society, philosophy, development, community, culture, identity, Champlain, fun, learning, exploration, geography, maps, Religion, France, England, nationalism, imperialism, Colonialism, Change, Tragically Hip, Popular History, Identity, Place, Explorer Mindset, Canadian Grit, Resilience, Adam Shoalts, indigenous history, Native American, Iroquois, Great Lakes, Quebec, Montreal, Toronto, Ontario, nature, camping, campfire, drama, cinematic, WWI, WWII, War of 1812, political history, humanity, economy, business, psychology, champion mindset, resilience, literature, world history, western world, European History, religion, tariff wars

🙏 Support the show & join the community:
Instagram: @canadiangritmedia
Facebook: Canadian Grit Page
Facebook Community Group: Join the Discussion 

Got a story? Want to reach out? Send me a message!

Support the show

I am so incredibly grateful that you stopped by. Thanks for listening to the show.

I hope you loved it. If you're interested, check me out on socials

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/canadiangritmedia/
OR: @canadiangritmedia

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573998726741

Facebook Discussion and Community Page:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573998726741

Remember, my friends: We're in this thing together. It means more than you know. We're just getting started!

If you know of anyone-- or if YOU have an amazing story of grit, or even something to share with the world, why not reach out and let me know?

I'd love to give voice to your stories.

All the very best.

Your good pal,

-Jamie

EMAIL: [email protected]