Margot and Sonya interview Dr. Elsbeth Heaman, professor of Canadian history at McGill University, and discuss her book "Tax, Order, and Good Government: A New Political History of Canada, 1867-1917". We discuss the history of tax season, taxation, and how taxes have been used by both the Canadian and American governments.

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Earth Day is coming up, but how did this tradition get started? Join us this week, as Margot and Sonya explore the history of this unique holiday.

We talk climate change, environmental activism, and what Earth Day means in the grand scheme of things.

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This week, we are exploring the history of two important springtime holidays: Passover and Easter. We start with Passover and discuss the origins and observance of this holy time, both historically and in the modern age. Then, we switch gears to talk about Easter. In many languages, the word for Easter is Pasque/Pasqa/etc, all of which are derived from the word Passover. We discuss the origins of Easter, bust some myths, and explore the rich histories of these traditions.

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With April Fool's Day approaching, what better than to talk about the ultimate players of pranks - the trickster gods? Whether Loki, Lugh, or Anansi, tricksters push the limits of acceptable behaviour, and can reveal the beliefs, traditions, and practices of cultures. Greg Wright from The Godyssey Podcast is this week's special guest, and he guides us through the wild world of tricksters!

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Roman fertility rites, Slavic death gods, and Valkyrie worship all have one thing in common: the spring equinox! This week, Sonya and Devin talk about ways people have marked this equinox in history. From drowning effigies of the death goddess to a procession for phallic statues, this holiday is anything but ordinary.

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Margot and Sonya discuss The BabaYaga Proeject Season 2: The Ritual Life! In season 1, we looked at the Ritual Year - we've talked holidays, seasonal activities, and how to mark the passage of time. For season 2, we'e making it personal. We're going to look at everything from the folklore and history of pregnancy, coming of age, growing old, and so much more! We're so excited to explore the circle of life together!

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After the long, dark winter, the first green shoots and leaves are beginning to appear. Small flowers begin to bloom, and ivy starts creeping along the ground. Which of these plants are edible for the keen-eyed forager? And what are the myths and legends behind these delicious and nutritious plants? Find out this week, when Sonya and Margot talk all about spring foraging!

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Corn, beans, and squash have been planted together since time immemorial, and make up the staple crops of many Native American cultures. Why are these crops called The Three Sisters, and how do they work together to grow better than they would on their own? What is the legend of The Three Sisters? What is the historical significance behind these foods? And how does companion planting and sustainable agriculture play a role in maintaining ecosystems? Find out this week, as Margot and Sonya discuss the Three Sisters!

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Lent in the Middle Ages forbade eating animal products, drunkenness, and having sex for the 40 days leading up until Easter. In the 19th and early 20th century, moral reformers pushed for legislature to outlaw alcohol and birth control. What do these practices have in common? The moralisation of food, drink, and sex. This week, Sonya and Margot discuss how these moral frameworks developed, and how people went from a set 40 days of self restraint for spirituality, to thinking those limitations should be in place year-round. This week, we’re looking at all these rules, how people broke them, and how ideas of bodily autonomy are still under threat.

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The days leading up to the start of Lent were traditionally days of feasting and plenty, using up the last of the butter, eggs, and milk before they were forbidden (and before they went rancid after a long winter of storage). But does this ritual have pre-Christian roots? And how did this event evolve from a simple pancake feast to the elaborate festivities seen in New Orleans and Venice? Join us this week as Sonya and Margot talk about all things Mardi Gras!

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