Sean Graham welcomes Adam Zientek, author of A Thirst for Wine and War: The Intoxication of French Soldiers on the Western Front. They chat about how wine became a staple of French rations in the First World War, the perceived benefits of wine, and how it was transported to the front lines in such large quantities. They also discuss perception of liquor compared to wine, the role of alcohol in French mutinies, and the cultural legacy of wine's role during the First World War in France.

Historical Headline of the Week

Brigit Katz, "Hundreds of Liquor Bottles, Downed by British Soldiers During WWI, Found in Israel," Smithsonian Magazine, March 24, 2017.

Sean Graham talks with Jennifer VanderBurgh, author of What Television Remembers: Artifacts and Footprints of TV in Toronto. They discuss the challenge of studying Canadian television, how to find old programs, and why television researches often rely on the public. They also talk about Toronto as a television Canada's television production centre, how the city stands in for other locations, and how that shapes what Canadians see on their screens.

Historical Headline of the Week

Kate Taylor, "For CBC fans, TV history is just out of reach," Globe & Mail, June 2, 2017.

Sean Graham is joined by Michelle J. Manno, author of Denied: Women, Sports, and the Contradiction of Identity. They talk about Michelle's personal experience with collegiate basketball, how personal identity mixed with team identity in sports, and how players navigate contested spaces. They also discuss how coaches police players' identities, the role of Title IX, and how players assert agency within college sports.

Historical Headline of the Week

Shireen Ahmed, "WNBA's Toronto Expansion will help Amplify Culture of Women's Basketball in Canada," CBC Sports, May 15, 2024.

We're back with Season 2 of What's Old is News and to kick it off, Sean Graham is joined by Andy Lamey, author of The Canadian Mind: Essays on Writers or Thinkers. They talk about Canadian literature in the second half of the 20th century, where nationalism fits into the story, and the how literary critics treated Canadian writing. They also chat about questions related to identity, language, and legacies and major literary figures.

Historical Headline of the Week

Bob Weber, "Vast Digital Trove of Recordings by Canadian Literature Greats Nears Completion," Canadian Press, November 4, 2023.

Sean Graham talks with Dustin Galer, author of Beryl: The Making of a Disability Activist. They talk about Beryl Potter's entry into activism, how the 1970s public debates influenced her campaigns, and the financial challenges faced by disability activists. They also chat about Beryl Potter's personality and public encounters, her television program, and how many of the challenges she fought against persist in 2023. For further context, be sure to visit some of the activist organizations that continue to push for disability rights and accessibility.

Historical Headline of the Week

Rhianna Schmiunk and Michelle Ghoussoub, "Air Canada Makes Changes After Passengers with Disabilities Share 'Dehumanizing' Experiences.' CBC News, November 9, 2023.

Sean Graham is joined by Kristin Burnett and Travis Hay, authors of Plundering the North: A History of Settler Colonialism, Corporate Welfare, and Food Insecurity. They discuss the geographic parameters of the 'North,' the challenges faced by northern communities, and the origins of food insecurity. They also chat about the colonial structures that have created the problem, how communities are trying to challenge these systems, and the resulting political and economic implications.

Historical Headline of the Week

"U.N. Reviews High Food Insecurity Rates in Canada's Northern Territories," APTN News, August 31, 2023.

Sean Graham talks with David MacKenzie, author of King and Chaos: The 1935 Canadian General Election. They talk about the value of studying elections in history, the economic conditions leading into the election, and the fractured political environment at the time. They also discuss the leadership of R.B. Bennett, William Lyon Mackenzie King, J.S. Woodsworth, and William Aberhart, how foreign policy influenced the campaign, and the election's legacy.

Historical Headline of the Week

Michael Gates, "History Hunter: Martha Black - Yukon Lady Parliamentarian," Yukon News, April 16, 2023.

Sean Graham talks with Andrea Procter, author of A Long Journey: Residential Schools in Labrador and Newfoundland. They talk about how the residential schooling system there differed from Canada's in the early 20th century, student experiences at the schools, and how communities responded. They also discuss reconciliation in Labrador, why the province wasn't included in the initial national apology, and the Newfoundland and Labrador Healing and Commemoration Project. And be sure to check out the Them Days archives, where all the royalties for the book are being donated.

Historical Headline of the Week

Healing and Commemoration Portal, The Rooms, St. John's.

Honouring the Truth, Reconciling for the Future: Summary of the Final Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, 2015

If you’re experiencing trauma, a National Residential School Crisis Line has been set up to provide support for former residential school students. You can access information on the website or access emotional and crisis referral services by calling the 24-Hour National Crisis Line: 1-866-925-4419.