Best Witness To Yesterday Podcasts (2025)

1
The Writings of David Thompson, Volume 1 38:19

6h ago38:19

38:19

Larry Ostola speaks with William E. Moreau about his book, The Writings of David Thompson, Volume 1.Between 1784 and 1812, David Thompson explored and traded across much of western North America, from Athabasca to the Missouri and from Lake Superior to the Columbia River's mouth. In his later years, he recounted these experiences in his autobiograp…

1
Almost Yesterday: Elam Vangilder Makes it Big in the Big Leagues 1:45

3d ago1:45

1:45

It seems like Almost Yesterday that Elam Vangilder was playing baseball in the major leagues. “Big Elam,” was born in Cape Girardeau, Missouri on April 23, 1896, and began playing baseball at an early age.By Frank Nickell

1
Windfall: Viola MacMillan and Her Notorious Mining Scandal 27:28

7d ago27:28

27:28

Larry Ostola speaks with Tim Falconer about his book, Windfall: Viola MacMillan and Her Notorious Mining Scandal.Viola MacMillan was a trailblazing prospector and mining executive who rose to prominence in a male-dominated industry. In 1964, after decades of success, she became the central figure in a major stock scandal. Shares in her company, Win…

1
Almost Yesterday: The Great Brush Fire of 1867 1:45

10d ago1:45

1:45

It seems like Almost Yesterday that Southeast Missouri and Southern Illinois experienced an unusually hot and dry summer. The year was 1867 and rainfall remained scarce well into the autumn. Temperatures were high, humidity low, and the landscape turned brown and crunchy.By Frank Nickell

1
Supervising a Peace that Never Was: Recollections of Canadian Diplomatic Personnel in Indochina, 1954–1973 44:49

14d ago44:49

44:49

Larry Ostola speaks with Nick Etheridge and Phil Calvert about their book, Supervising a Peace that Never Was: Recollections of Canadian Diplomatic Personnel in Indochina, 1954–1973.Supervising a Peace that Never Was: Recollections of Canadian Diplomatic Personnel in Indochina, 1954–1973 is a collection of essays written by former Canadian diplomat…

1
Almost Yesterday: The Rivers of St. Francois County 1:50

17d ago1:50

1:50

It seems like Almost Yesterday that the legendary origin of the four rivers of St. Francois County was recorded by the writer and historian Allan Hinchey.By Frank Nickell

1
Prairie Justice: The Hanging of Mike Hack 38:54

21d ago38:54

38:54

Nicole O’Byrne speaks with Wayne Sumner about his book, Prairie Justice: The Hanging of Mike Hack.Prairie Justice explores the 1928 murder of George Edey in Saskatchewan and the swift conviction and execution of Mike Hack, a deaf and mentally disabled farmhand. Denied clemency, Hack was hanged in 1929 at the age of twenty-seven. Author Wayne Sumner…

1
Almost Yesterday: Ulysses Grant Becomes a Brigadier General 1:48

24d ago1:48

1:48

It seems like Almost Yesterday that the city of Ironton, Missouri installed a series of historical markers to identify Civil War sites in the community. Of all the important historic sites in the Arcadia Valley, one that has great significance is where Ulysses S. Grant, on August 8, 1861, received notice of his promotion to the rank of brigadier ge…

1
Canada and the Korean War: Histories and Legacies of a Cold War Conflict 43:06

28d ago43:06

43:06

Larry Ostola speaks with Andrew Burtch about his book, Canada and the Korean War: Histories and Legacies of a Cold War Conflict.The Korean War was the first major conflict of the Cold War and Canada’s most significant military engagement after the two world wars. Canada and the Korean War brings together leading scholars to examine key battles and …

1
Almost Yesterday: Dedication of Cape Central High School 2:00

1M ago2:00

2:00

It seems like Almost Yesterday that the first Cape Girardeau High School was dedicated. The date was December 17, 1915, and the event serves as a turning point in the educational history of Cape Girardeau and Southeast Missouri.By Frank Nickell

1
Picturing the Game: An Illustrated Story of Hockey 32:05

1M ago32:05

32:05

Larry Ostola speaks with Don Weekes about his book, Picturing the Game: An Illustrated Story of Hockey.Hockey has a long, surprising connection to editorial cartooning and sports illustration—one as storied as the game itself. While writers and photographers have captured the action on the ice, cartoonists have offered a rawer, more mischievous tak…

1
Almost Yesterday: Dr. Andrew Ivy 1:50

1M ago1:50

1:50

It seems like Almost Yesterday that Andrew Conway Ivy was one of the most well-known and celebrated physicians in the world. Born and raised in Farmington, Missouri, Dr. Ivy graduated from Southeast Missouri State Normal School in 1913, where his father, Henry Ivy, was a member of the science faculty.…

1
Punching Above Our Weight: The Canadian Military at War Since 1867 38:28

1M ago38:28

38:28

Larry Ostola speaks with David A. Borys about his book, Punching Above Our Weight: The Canadian Military at War Since 1867. Punching Above Our Weight offers a comprehensive history of the Canadian military, covering 150 years of evolution from a small, poorly equipped militia to a modern, effective force. It highlights key events such as the Red Ri…

1
Almost Yesterday: Puxico's Fast Break 2:00

2M ago2:00

2:00

It seems like Almost Yesterday that the Puxico, Missouri basketball team achieved state and national recognition. Their story is told in Matt Chaney’s 1994 publication, My Name is Mr. Ryan, and it is a remarkable story.By Frank Nickell

1
My Life in Politics 33:32

2M ago33:32

33:32

Greg Marchildon speaks with Lloyd Axworthy about his book, My Life in Politics.In this memoir, Lloyd Axworthy reflects on his journey from a Canadian prairie boy to a prominent politician. He served 21 years in parliament, playing key roles in Canada’s Charter of Rights, the Canada-US free trade debate, and global efforts to ban landmines. Axworthy…

1
Almost Yesterday: What May Have Been the Last River Boat Race on the Mississippi 1:46

2M ago1:46

1:46

It seems like Almost Yesterday that the last of the unplanned and unscheduled steamboat races occurred on the Mississippi.By Frank Nickell

1
A History of Canadian Income Tax Volume II, 1948-71 32:31

2M ago32:31

32:31

Nicole O’Byrne speaks with Colin Campbell and Robert Raizenne about their book, A History of Canadian Income Tax Volume II, 1948-71.This book offers an in-depth analysis of the creation and enforcement of the 1948 Income Tax Act and its subsequent amendments. It details the policy discussions among senior officials and finance ministers on various …

1
Almost Yesterday: The Missouri Origins of Texas 1:47

2M ago1:47

1:47

It seems like Almost Yesterday that the territory Americans know as Texas began – from its origins in Southeast Missouri.By Frank Nickell

1
Cultural Change among the Algonquin in the Nineteenth Century 32:03

2M ago32:03

32:03

Nicole O’Byrne speaks with Leila Inksetter about her book, Cultural Change among the Algonquin in the Nineteenth Century.The nineteenth century was a time of disruption for the Algonquin people as they encountered fur traders, missionaries, settlers, and other outside forces. Despite this, they retained some control over the changes they faced, ada…

1
Almost Yesterday: Franck's Gardens 1:48

2M ago1:48

1:48

It seems like Almost Yesterday that the landscape of Cape Girardeau featured a number of special places where residents could relax and enjoy a pleasant change of scenery. In the middle of the nineteenth century Franck’s Gardens on the hill along Jackson Road, now Broadway, was such a place.By Frank Nickell

1
Time Flies: A History of Prince Edward Island from the Air 27:36

2M ago27:36

27:36

Nicole O’Byrne speaks with Joshua MacFadyen about his book, Time Flies: A History of Prince Edward Island from the Air.Time Flies provides a unique perspective on Prince Edward Island’s transformation over 85 years (1935–2020) through aerial photography and historical analysis. The book showcases iconic landscapes, highlighting changes in land use …

1
Almost Yesterday: Carleton College in Farmington, Missouri 2:00

2M ago2:00

2:00

It seems like Almost Yesterday that Miss Eliza Ann Carleton began a log cabin college north of Farmington, Missouri. Her goal was to establish a college of high quality for the young people of the region.By Frank Nickell

1
How Story Made a People (Almost) Disappear 35:31

3M ago35:31

35:31

Greg Marchildon speaks with Christopher Patrick Aylward about his book, Beothuk: How Story Made a People (Almost) Disappear.The Beothuk were once thought to be an isolated people made extinct in 1829 due to conflicts with settlers and the Mi’kmaq. This narrative became widely accepted in history. In Beothuk, Christopher Aylward critiques how extern…

1
The North Star: Canada and the Civil War Plots Against Lincoln 34:23

3M ago34:23

34:23

Greg Marchildon speaks with Julian Sher about his book, The North Star: Canada and the Civil War Plots Against Lincoln.The North Star explores the complex and often overlooked role of Canada during the American Civil War, focusing on its unexpected involvement in both supporting the Confederate South and plotting against President Abraham Lincoln. …

1
Thresholds of Accusation: Law and Colonial Order in Canada 32:52

3M ago32:52

32:52

Nicole O’Byrne speaks with George Pavlich about his book, Thresholds of Accusation: Law and Colonial Order in Canada.This socio-legal history examines pretrial accusations in colonial criminal law in western Canada, focusing on Alberta, 1874–1884. The establishment of the Northwest Mounted Police aimed to enforce Dominion law, using accusatory proc…

1
Building a Special Relationship: Canada-US Relations in the Eisenhower Era, 1953–61 31:10

3M ago31:10

31:10

Greg Marchildon speaks with Asa McKercher about his book, Building a Special Relationship: Canada-US Relations in the Eisenhower Era, 1953–61.Building a Special Relationship explores a lesser-known period in U.S.-Canada relations during the 1950s, when officials from both countries developed a strong culture of bilateral cooperation amid the escala…

1
A Region of the Mind: U.S. Northern Plains and Canadian Prairies (2025 Reissue) 35:28

4M ago35:28

35:28

In this podcast episode, Greg Marchildon interviews Molly P. Rozum, the author of Grasslands Grown: Creating Place on the U.S. Northern Plains and Canadian Prairies. This book was jointly published by the University of Nebraska Press and the University of Manitoba Press in 2021. Molly Rozum is currently the Ronald R. Nelson Chair of Great Plains an…

1
The American Century in Canada: Canadian-American Relations from 1945-1960 (2025 reissue) 29:50

4M ago29:50

29:50

In this podcast episode, Simon Nantais talks to Asa McKercher and Michael D. Stevenson about their co-edited book North of America: Canadians and the American Century, 1945-60, which will be published by UBC Press in October 2023.North of America: Canadians and the American Century, 1945-60, is an edited volume that looks at postwar Canada and Cana…

1
Pierre Poilievre: A Political Life (2025 reissue) 36:15

4M ago36:15

36:15

On this week's re-issue of Witness to Yesterday, Greg Marchildon talks to Andrew Lawton about his book, Pierre Poilievre: A Political Life.When Pierre Poilievre was elected leader of Canada’s Conservative party in 2022, he vowed to put Canadians back in control of their own lives.He took aim at the country’s elites and “gatekeepers” as well as gove…

1
John A. Macdonald and “The Crisis” of 1885 (2025 reissue) 18:41

4M ago18:41

18:41

How did Macdonald leverage the Northwest Rebellion to further his own interests? In this week’s re-run, we revisit Greg Marchildon’s conversation with Bill Waiser, Professor Emeritus at the University of Regina, as they explore this intriguing question. Waiser explores these documents in the Champlain Society’s Finding/Trouvaille: Prime Minister Ma…

1
Sir John A. Macdonald: And The Apocalyptic Year 1885 40:28

5M ago40:28

40:28

Greg Marchildon speaks with Patrice Dutil about his book, Sir John A. Macdonald - And The Apocalyptic Year 1885.In 1885, Sir John A. Macdonald faced a series of unprecedented challenges during his long political career. These included threats to Canada's sovereignty, armed resistance in the North-West, food insecurity among Indigenous peoples, a fi…

1
Tommy Douglas and the Quest for Medicare in Canada 39:12

5M ago39:12

39:12

Nicole O’Byrne speaks with Greg Marchildon about his book, Tommy Douglas and the Quest for Medicare in Canada.Tommy Douglas and the Quest for Medicare in Canada examines how Tommy Douglas led the creation of universal health care in Saskatchewan during the 1930s Depression. It explores his efforts to implement hospital insurance and build support f…

1
The Prince 28:27

5M ago28:27

28:27

Greg Marchildon speaks with Stephen Maher about The Prince.The Prince is a comprehensive biography of Justin Trudeau's time as prime minister, written by Stephen Maher. Based on over 200 interviews, it details how Trudeau transformed the Liberal Party from third place to a majority government in 2015. The book examines his political skills, achieve…

1
Boosters and Barkers: Financing Canada's Involvement in the First World War 28:14

5M ago28:14

28:14

Larry Ostola speaks with David Roberts about Boosters and Barkers: Financing Canada's Involvement in the First World War.Boosters and Barkers by David Roberts explores Canada's efforts to finance its participation in World War I through public contributions, particularly war bonds. The book examines how Ottawa appealed to citizens for financial sup…

1
An Accidental History of Canada 38:23

5M ago38:23

38:23

Nicole O’Byrne speaks with Geoff Hudson, Megan Davies, John Belshaw, Darrel Manitowabi, and Sasha Mullally about An Accidental History of Canada published by McGill-Queen’s University Press in 2024.An Accidental History of Canada explores the often overlooked smaller-scale accidents in Canadian history, from the 1630s to the 1970s. Covering inciden…

1
Lost in the Crowd: Acadian Soldiers of Canada's First World War 39:36

6M ago39:36

39:36

Larry Ostola talks to Gregory Kennedy about his book, Lost in the Crowd: Acadian Soldiers of Canada's First World War.In December 1915, Acadian leaders in New Brunswick expressed concerns about their soldiers being "lost in the crowd" within the Canadian Expeditionary Force during World War I. They successfully lobbied for the creation of a French-…

1
The Curious Passage of Richard Blanshard: First Governor of Vancouver Island 39:10

6M ago39:10

39:10

Larry Ostola talks to Barry Gough about his book, The Curious Passage of Richard Blanshard: First Governor of Vancouver Island.This biography by historian Barry Gough focuses on Richard Blanshard, the first governor of Vancouver Island, and explores the early days of Canada's westernmost province. Blanshard arrived on Vancouver Island in 1850, afte…

1
Booze, Cigarettes, and Constitutional Dust-Ups: Canada’s Quest for Interprovincial Free Trade 36:13

6M ago36:13

36:13

Nicole O’Byrne talks to Ryan Manucha about his book, Booze, Cigarettes, and Constitutional Dust-Ups: Canada’s Quest for Interprovincial Free Trade.In 2012, Gerard Comeau, a retiree from rural New Brunswick, became an unlikely Canadian hero when he was fined for purchasing cheaper beer in Quebec and bringing it back across provincial borders. His ca…

1
The Good Allies: How Canada and the United States Fought Together to Defeat Fascism during the Second World War 38:49

6M ago38:49

38:49

Larry Ostola talks to Tim Cook about his book, The Good Allies: How Canada and the United States Fought Together to Defeat Fascism during the Second World War.The Good Allies is a compelling narrative by Canada’s leading war historian, exploring the evolving relationship between Canada and the United States during World War II. Initially marked by …

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Witness To Yesterday Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide