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Witness to Yesterday (The Champlain Society Podcast on Canadian History)

The Champlain Society
World War I
165th Battalion
World War II
Canadian Expeditionary Force
Acadian Soldiers
History Of Accidents In Canada
Canada
Isolation
Homesteading
New Brunswick
Brandon University
Fascism
Community Spirit
Superstitions
Folklore
Demonic Possession
Vancouver Island
Hudson Bay Company
St. John
Natural Resources

Immerse yourself in Canada’s history! Witness to Yesterday episodes take listeners on a journey to document a time in Canada’s past and explore the people behind it, its significance, and its relevance to today. If you like our work, please consider supporting it: bit.ly/support_WTY. To learn more about the Society and Canada’s history, subscribe to our newsletter at bit.ly/news_WT... more

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes341Founded8 years ago
Number of ListenersCategory
History

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Artwork for Witness to Yesterday

Latest Episodes

Nicole O'Byrne speaks with Alan MacEachern about his book Becoming Green Gables: The Diary of Myrtle Webb and Her Famous Farmhouse. In 1909 Myrtle and Ernest Webb took possession of a Cavendish, Prince Edward Island farm—ordinary except that it was a... more

Greg Marchildon speaks with Michael A. McDonnell about his book, Masters of Empire: Great Lakes Indians and the Making of America. Masters of Empire by Michael A. McDonnell reveals the vital role played by the native peoples of the Great Lakes in the... more

In this podcast episode, Greg Marchildon interviews Peter Neary. He is the co-author, with Melvin Baker, of Joseph Roberts Smallwood: Masthead Newfoundlander, 1900-1949, published by McGill-Queen’s University Press in 2021. This meticulously research... more

In her book The Art of Sharing: The Richer versus the Poorer Provinces since Confederation, Mary Janigan explores the history of equalization – one of Canada’s most important yet least understood social programs. Based on a simple idea of the federal... more

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Recent Guests

Michael McDonnell
Professor of Atlantic History at the University of Sydney and author of *Masters of Empire, Great Lakes Indians and the Making of America*
University of Sydney
Episode: Masters of Empire: Great Lakes Indians and the Making of America
Peter Neary
Professor Emeritus at the University of Western Ontario and author
University of Western Ontario
Episode: The Ambition and Vision of Joey Smallwood
Mary Janigan
Journalist turned historian, author of The Art of Sharing, examining wealth distribution in Canada
McGill Queen's University Press
Episode: The History of Equalization in Canada
Esyllt Jones
Professor of History at the University of Manitoba
University of Manitoba
Episode: The Origins of the Modern Canadian Healthcare System (2025 reissue)
Christopher Moore
One of Canada's most popular historians, author of several books including '1867, How the Fathers Made a Deal' and 'Three Weeks in Quebec City'.
Canada's History magazine
Episode: How George Washington Killed 10 French Canadians and Started a World War (2025 reissue)
Xavier Gélinas
Curator of Political History at the Canadian Museum of History
Canadian Museum of History
Episode: The Other 1968: Rene Levesque and the Founding of the Parti Quebecois
David MacKenzie
Professor of History
Ryerson University
Episode: Canada's Khaki Election of December, 1917 (2025 reissue)
Kevin Nikkel
Documentary filmmaker, educator, writer, and producer
Five Door Films
Episode: Founding Folks: An Oral History of the Winnipeg Folk Festival
Micah True
Professor of French and Folklore at the University of Alberta, author of The Jesuit Relations: A Biography
University of Alberta
Episode: The Jesuit Relations

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 89 ratings
  • Broad and interesting Canadian history podcast

    It is very hard to give anything other than a five-star review for a free podcast that covers such interesting and under-served territory, but I dock one star to offer this constructive feedback: the interviews are often quite obviously scripted, with the host reading a broad question and the guest reading a prepared response. I know hosting a dynamic, unscripted interview is challenging (and the hosts are full-time academics and not pro podcasters), but the podcast would benefit from some less ... more

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    DWLNO60
    Canada2 months ago
  • Interesting, intelligent Canadian history

    I love this podcast. It’s smart historians talking about fascinating pieces of Canadian history, with an emphasis on primary sources.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Airstrom
    Canada4 years ago
  • Delightful!

    I’ve only listened to their latest episode about Haldane, and what a delight! Probing storytelling, with the simplicity that comes with passion. Buoyed with well sourced knowledge rather than dredged with unfounded opinion. No matter your tastes, the Viscount Haldane episode, is a must for every podcast listener.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    greasemandan
    United States5 years ago
  • Great contribution

    These podcasts are fascinating. I am so glad to have subcscribed and look forward to every new episode.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Richard Patterson
    Canada5 years ago
  • Interesting interviews with serious historians

    This is a wonderful, serious, history podcast, centred around interviews with historians. There are many gems. I particularly enjoyed the segment on “How Canada Nearly Forgot the Second World War”.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    m_cuffa
    Canada5 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

There’s a general consensus that episodes are both entertaining and informative, making it an enjoyable resource for both history buffs and casual listeners.
Listeners appreciate the intelligence and thoughtfulness of the historical discussions, highlighting the podcast's ability to present complex topics in an engaging manner.
Many reviews mention the strong emphasis on primary sources and scholarly insights, which resonates deeply with those who value rigorous historical analysis.

Top History Podcasts

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Masters of Empire: Great Lakes Indians and the Making of America
Q: What was the strategic position of the Ottawa during the war between Britain and the 13 colonies?
The Ottawa maintained a distance from the conflict, as they viewed it as an internal war, which eventually left them vulnerable after the American Revolution.
Masters of Empire: Great Lakes Indians and the Making of America
Q: How did the Odawa help trigger the global conflict that became known as the Seven Years War?
The Odawa's strategic geographical position and ability to mobilize kinship networks were crucial in shaping French and English relations, leading to their significant involvement in the Seven Years War.
Masters of Empire: Great Lakes Indians and the Making of America
Q: What motivated you to research and write this book in the first place?
It started with a curiosity about Charles Long lad, a significant figure in the Odawa history, and evolved into a deeper understanding of the Odawa community's past and influence on North American history.
Becoming Green Gables: The Diary of Myrtle Webb and Her Famous Farmhouse
Q: What are you currently working on?
Alan is collaborating on a history of early weather observation and forecasting in Canada, focusing on the Meteorological Service from the 1870s to the 1930s.
Becoming Green Gables: The Diary of Myrtle Webb and Her Famous Farmhouse
Q: What did you learn about the famous author and her connection to Prince Edward Island by reading Myrtle's diary?
The diary illustrates the Webbs' important role in promoting Montgomery's literary brand, serving as caretakers of Green Gables and contributing to its status as a tourist destination.

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About Witness to Yesterday

What is Witness to Yesterday about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Presenting a rich tapestry of Canadian history, this series examines significant events, figures, and themes through in-depth interviews and discussions with historians and authors. Episodes vary widely, covering diverse topics such as military history, Indigenous studies, political narratives, and cultural transformations, all aiming to illuminate the complex forces shaping Canada today. Unique among similar offerings, it emphasizes primary sources and scholarly insights, striving to provide listeners with a deeper understanding of how past events resonate in the present and future, making it attractive to history enthusiasts and casual listeners alike.

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These podcasts share a similar audience with Witness to Yesterday:

1. Curious Canadian History
2. Ideas
3. Canadian History Ehx
4. The Sunday Magazine
5. The Herle Burly

How many episodes of Witness to Yesterday are there?

Witness to Yesterday launched 8 years ago and published 341 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Witness to Yesterday?

Recent guests on Witness to Yesterday include:

1. Michael McDonnell
2. Peter Neary
3. Mary Janigan
4. Esyllt Jones
5. Christopher Moore
6. Xavier Gélinas
7. David MacKenzie
8. Kevin Nikkel

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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