Fifty years ago, Chris' grandparents worked as psych nurses in Michener Center, where, at the time, over 1000 patients lived and learned. Alberta in the sixties, seventies, and eighties had more patients institutionalized, per capita, than any other province in Canada. It’s not a secret that Michener Center’s legacy included archaic and dehumanizing practices that needed to end. Abuse, neglect, and even forced sterilization were a part of the culture there.  The Proverbs say, “A good reputation and respect are worth much more than silver and gold.” How do we measure the reputation of a community? Can a city or town have values? Whose job is it to uphold them? When we pull down the walls of a mental institution or a residential school, do we convince ourselves that we have undone what went on behind them?  It’s not hard to imagine that there is more than dust and rubble buried in the piles that are left behind.
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Thanks to our harmonious friends at:
Blindman Brewing: www.blindmanbrewing.com
Veldhuisen Construction:  www.veldhuisen.ca
Cilantro and Chive: www.cilantroandchive.ca
The King's University: www.kingsu.ca

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit harmoniousgentlemen.substack.com

Get full access to The Harmonious Gentlemen Podcast at harmoniousgentlemen.substack.com/subscribe

In 1954, the face of the Prince of Darkness was discovered lurking in the Queen of England's hair... Inspired by the similarly-named blog post by Kevin Anderson (see link below), this episode is a departure from the usual format, but a return to the familiar topic of conspiracy theories. Conspiracy theories are an important part of our history, and taking a closer look at how a specific controversy was handled by a prominent Albertan can tell us a lot about who we are. The question is, what can we do about it?
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A special thanks to Kevin Anderson, author of Conspiracy Theories and the Canadians who Love Them, and instructor of Canadian history and Canadian Studies at the University of Calgary and Mount Royal University. His blog post on activehistory.ca was relied on heavily for this episode. Check it out at https://activehistory.ca/blog/2020/11/16/conspiracy-theories-and-the-canadians-who-love-them/
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Thanks to the anonymous voice actor who played John Blackmore.
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Thanks to our harmonious friends at:
Blindman Brewing: www.blindmanbrewing.com
Veldhuisen Construction: www.veldhuisen.ca
Cilantro and Chive: www.cilantroandchive.ca
The King's University: www.kingsu.ca

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit harmoniousgentlemen.substack.com

Get full access to The Harmonious Gentlemen Podcast at harmoniousgentlemen.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, the Gents were joined by author, pastor, and all-around great guy, John Van Sloten. In a back room, surrounded by oak barrels and beer, they discussed the challenges of discerning God's voice, alternative views of "Church", macro-zoom lenses, and John's beautiful new book, God Speaks Science.
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Thanks to our harmonious friends at:
Blindman Brewing: www.blindmanbrewing.com
Veldhuisen Construction: www.veldhuisen.ca
Cilantro and Chive: www.cilantroandchive.ca
The King's University: www.kingsu.ca

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit harmoniousgentlemen.substack.com

Get full access to The Harmonious Gentlemen Podcast at harmoniousgentlemen.substack.com/subscribe

In this reflective journey, the gents take a deep dive into their first 98 episodes, candidly exploring moments of changing their minds, grappling with hypocrisy, and confronting regrets. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation as they set the stage for a brand-new century of harmonious discussions.
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Thanks to Blindman Brewing, 5024 General Store, and Cilantro and Chive for making this possible. And thanks to Red Hart Brewing for hosting us.
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Come celebrate with us on September 16th at Blindman Brewing in Lacombe. It's their anniversary party, and there will be live music, games, and great beer. Plus, we'll be recording our 100th episode and giving away some cool, new merch!

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit harmoniousgentlemen.substack.com

Get full access to The Harmonious Gentlemen Podcast at harmoniousgentlemen.substack.com/subscribe

Who's into conspiracy theories now?
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Have you heard the news? Apparently, some pretty powerful people have been keeping secrets from the general public. This doesn't really surprise us, but when the secret involves space-age technology and alien bodies, it definitely piques our interest. After discussing our own thoughts on whether or not this is legit, we connect this story to other conspiracy theories and our feelings about their harmful impact on society.
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We'll be taking a few weeks off during August, but will be back in full force starting in September. Keep an eye out for special re-release episodes and details about our upcoming 100th Episode Celebration!

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit harmoniousgentlemen.substack.com

Get full access to The Harmonious Gentlemen Podcast at harmoniousgentlemen.substack.com/subscribe

In this special adventure episode, the Gents take part in Pub Quiz Night at Red Hart Brewing before heading in separate directions to enjoy the beginnings of their summer holidays. They keep each other in the loop as they adventure in their own unique ways. Summertime is here! Build community, have some fun, and keep it harmonious!

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit harmoniousgentlemen.substack.com

Get full access to The Harmonious Gentlemen Podcast at harmoniousgentlemen.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, we get together with Dave Dale to debrief Alberta's recent election and talk about the state of democracy as a whole. Dave ran in the Lacombe-Ponoka riding as a member of the NDP. He reflects on the experience of running for election, knocking on hundreds of doors, losing the race to Jennifer Johnson (and her cookie dough comments), and remaining harmonious while campaigning as an underdog. Full disclosure: we reached out to candidates from multiple parties in various Central Alberta ridings, but Dave was the only one who got back to us! What a gent!

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit harmoniousgentlemen.substack.com

Get full access to The Harmonious Gentlemen Podcast at harmoniousgentlemen.substack.com/subscribe

Join hosts Tyler, Chris, and Graham on The Harmonious Gentlemen Podcast as they dig into the intricacies of dissent, protest, and civil disobedience, all while savoring mouthwatering giant pancakes at Phil's restaurant. The gentlemen examine the distinctions between legal protest, civil disobedience, and revolutionary action, tackling profound questions about their personal thresholds for taking action against injustice.

With syrup flowing and plates piled high, Tyler, Chris, and Graham reflect on the historical significance of civil disobedience, drawing inspiration from influential figures such as Mahatma Gandhi, Rosa Parks, and Martin Luther King Jr. Then, they discuss their own willingness to engage in acts of civil disobedience, navigating the ethical complexities involved. They invite listeners to ponder their own moral compass and consider the role of dissent in shaping a more just and equitable society.

Prepare to be challenged and inspired as The Harmonious Gentlemen Podcast pushes the boundaries of civil discourse, inviting listeners to explore the power of collective action and personal convictions.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit harmoniousgentlemen.substack.com

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Buckle up! In this special episode, you can join the gents on their voyage to Cow-town for the East Town, Get Down music and food festival. Their adventure begins on a busy highway, and meanders through scenic cocktail establishments, too-small parkades, empty dive-bars, rockin' bowling alleys, and hoppin' Phillipino restaurants. The quest leads them to a Phillipino restaurant, where long-ago guest and favourite rapper, Homeboy Sandman performs. They deliver a t-shirt, and talk to a special guest before making the long, dark trek home.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit harmoniousgentlemen.substack.com

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With a particularly significant provincial election looming, the gents felt like attempting a harmonious conversation about politics. The conversation starts with general reflections on the state of our world and political discourse. Why does it seem to be getting harder and harder to have harmonious conversations about basically everything, but politics in particular? What's changed? Then, they share opinions about how democracy currently operates and whether or not this is the way it should be. How does privilege relate? Additionally, they talk about the horrible comments made recently by local UCP candidate, Jennifer Johnson. How much are voters willing to overlook when it comes to the integrity of their representative? When politicians say the quiet part out loud, does it actually help their campaign? Give the conversation a listen and let the gents know what you think. Whether you live in Alberta or not, this episode should start some good conversations about the state of our democracy. Keep it harmonious, or at least try!

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit harmoniousgentlemen.substack.com

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