Sean Graham talks with Nina Studer, author of The Hour of Absinthe: A Cultural History of France's Most Notorious Drink. They talk about the drink's origins, its cultural importance in France, and its consumption by French soldiers. They also chat about the class distinctions associated with the drink, how gender dynamics influenced its perception, and the absinthe's an in France in 1915. Historical Headline of the Week Alice Fisher, "Return of the green fairy: once-notorious absinthe enjoys UK revival," The Guardian, November 15, 2024.
Sean Graham talks with Ruby Smith Diaz, author of Searching for Serafim: The Life and Legacy of Serafim 'Joe' Fortes. They discuss Ruby's introduction to Serafim's story, how she went about researching the book, and some of the challenges she faced in the process. They also chat about how Ruby's artistic background shaped the book's structure, the importance of telling the whole story, and the impact the broader socio-cultural context had on his life. Historical Headline of the Week Ashley Moliere, "Vancouver's first lifeguard Joe Fortes died 100 years ago. What can be learned from his legacy," CBC, February 5, 2022.
Sean Graham is joined by Amanda Bittner, author of Platform or Personality: The Role of Party Leaders in Elections. They talk about how polling data is used, partisan voting patterns, and the role of leaders in swaying voters. They also discuss policies v. personalities, the significance of branding leaders, and the challenges of attracting people to politics. Historical Headline of the Week Douglas Todd, "Why Canadian journalists are entering politics at a rapid rate," Vancouver Sun, January 2, 2025.
Sean Graham is joined by Dan Black, author of Oceans of Fate: Peace and Peril Aboard the Steamship Empress of Asia. They talk about the ship's earliest voyage following its 1913 commissioning, its service during the First World War and the Chinese Labour Corps, and its refitting after the war. They also talk about its interwar service, its sinking during the Second World War, and how the ship's history is best told through the story of those who were on-board. Historical Headline of the Week John Mackie, "Historic Chinese, Canadian Pacific Railway and Klondike Collections Unite in new UBC Museum," Vancouver Sun, April 26, 2024.
Sean Graham is joined by Eugenia Kisin, author of Aesthetics of Repair: Indigenous Art and the Form of Reconciliation. They discuss what qualifies as 'art', how the intent shapes understanding of cultural materials, and how works are commoditized. They also chat about artistic agency, the impact of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and the value of having time to reflect on research before writing. Historical Headline of the Week Ben Fenlon, "B.C. Indigenous coffee company brews truth, reconciliation, one cup at a time," The Williams Lake Tribune, December 27, 2024.