B.C. Changes Course - Feb 2025
"Between the Wars: British Columbia 1919–1939" is a captivating podcast series that delves into the transformative years of British Columbia between the end of World War I and the onset of World War II. This often-overlooked period was one of profound social, political, and economic change, as the province faced the challenges of a post-war society while navigating the looming global crises of the Great Depression and rising international tensions.
Each episode examines key moments and figures that shaped British Columbia's landscape during these pivotal two decades. From the struggles of returning soldiers and labor unrest to the rise of political movements like the Cooperative Commonwealth Federation (CCF), and the impact of global economic forces on local industries such as forestry, mining, and fishing, the series paints a vivid picture of the shifting dynamics in the province. It also explores the cultural and social shifts as immigration, Indigenous issues, and urbanization redefined the identity of British Columbia.
"Between the Wars" brings to life stories of resilience and change, featuring firsthand accounts, archival recordings, and expert interviews. Historians, community leaders, and descendants of those who lived through these years provide unique perspectives on how British Columbia evolved in the face of adversity, setting the stage for its role in the larger Canadian and global context on the eve of World War II.
BC and World War II - Feb 2025
"British Columbia at War: 1939–1945" is a compelling podcast series that chronicles the impact of World War II on British Columbia, from the outbreak of hostilities in 1939 to the final days of the war in 1945. As Canada was drawn into the global conflict, British Columbia emerged as a key player in the nation’s war effort, transforming the province in ways that would leave a lasting legacy.
The series explores how British Columbia’s industries, communities, and people mobilized to meet the demands of a world at war. Episodes dive into the expansion of the shipbuilding industry on the Pacific coast, the role of Vancouver and Victoria as strategic naval bases, and the province’s contribution to the Allied forces through the production of war materials, timber, and resources vital to the war effort.
Listeners will also hear the stories of British Columbians who served on the front lines, as well as those who kept the home front running. From women entering the workforce in unprecedented numbers to the wartime internment of Japanese Canadians, the series presents a nuanced portrait of the social upheaval and challenges faced by the province during this time.
The podcast shines a light on Indigenous soldiers, war heroes, and the experiences of various immigrant communities, revealing the diverse contributions that helped shape British Columbia’s identity. Drawing from personal testimonies, historical archives, and expert analysis, "British Columbia at War" offers a vivid narrative that places the province’s role in the broader context of Canada’s wartime experience.
Whether you’re a history buff, educator, or curious about how British Columbia responded to one of the most pivotal events in modern history, this series provides an immersive and detailed look into the province's wartime history, its sacrifices, and the lasting changes that followed in the war’s wake.
Post War and the Rise of Social Credit - March 2025
"Postwar Boom: British Columbia 1945–1973" is an insightful podcast series that explores the dramatic changes and rapid growth that transformed British Columbia in the decades following World War II. This era, spanning from 1945 to 1973, saw the province emerge as a powerhouse of economic development, social change, and political realignment, laying the foundation for the British Columbia we know today.
Each episode traces the key developments that defined the province’s postwar era, from the explosive growth of industries like forestry, mining, and hydroelectric power to the expansion of cities like Vancouver and Victoria. The series examines how British Columbia leveraged its natural resources and geographic position to become a crucial economic hub on the Pacific Rim, while also grappling with the complexities of modernization, urbanization, and globalization.
Listeners will hear stories of immigration and settlement, as waves of newcomers from Europe and Asia shaped the cultural landscape, alongside Indigenous communities’ growing calls for recognition and rights. The series also delves into the province’s political scene, from the dominance of W.A.C. Bennett’s Social Credit Party and his ambitious infrastructure projects, like the development of BC Hydro, to the rise of the Cooperative Commonwealth Federation (CCF) and later the New Democratic Party (NDP), which challenged the status quo.
Social change is another major theme, as episodes explore the shifts in gender roles, the rise of environmental awareness, and the growing push for civil rights and equity across the province. From the postwar housing boom to the changing role of women in the workforce, British Columbia was a province in transition, reflecting the broader societal shifts taking place across North America.
With a mix of interviews, archival recordings, and expert commentary, "Postwar Boom" offers a deep dive into the forces that reshaped British Columbia between 1945 and 1973. Whether you’re interested in economic history, politics, or social movements, this podcast provides a detailed and engaging exploration of how British Columbia navigated a time of unprecedented prosperity and change, setting the stage for the challenges and opportunities of the modern era.
Perfect for history enthusiasts, scholars, and anyone curious about the postwar development of British Columbia, this series offers a richly narrated journey through one of the province's most dynamic periods.
In 1850, the colony of Vancouver Island was a nascent settlement with promising potential, situated along the rugged west coast of North America. The year marked the arrival of its first governor, Richard Blanshard, appointed by the Hudson's Bay Company (HBC) which held the trading rights to the region. Blanshard's appointment was met with anticipation, as he was tasked with establishing a functioning colonial administration and fostering economic growth. However, his tenure was fraught with conflict, particularly with the powerful Hudson's Bay Company. Blanshard found himself at odds with the company's dominance over trade and land allocation, as he aimed to promote settlement and encourage private enterprise. The tensions escalated as Blanshard struggled to assert his authority and fulfill his responsibilities, eventually leading to his resignation in 1851. While his time as governor was short-lived, Blanshard's struggles highlighted the complexities of colonial governance and the delicate balance between administrative authority and corporate interests during this pivotal period in the history of Vancouver Island.
In Barry Gough's insightful analysis of the arrival of Governor Richard Blanshard, the embryonic colony of Vancouver Island in 1850 emerges as a focal point of historical significance. Gough delves into the intricacies of Blanshard's appointment as Governor and the Hudson's Bay Company (HBC) participation, an event that initially held great promise for the fledgling settlement on the Pacific coast. As Gough adeptly explores, Blanshard's governorship was marked by a complex interplay of factors, including the clash of administrative ambitions and the formidable presence of the HBC. In his meticulous examination, Gough illuminates the pivotal moments of conflict and tension between Blanshard and the Hudson's Bay Company, shedding light on the intricate dynamics that shaped the trajectory of Vancouver Island's early colonial history. In this multi-part podcast series about Governor Blanshard, Part I is an overview of the situation.
