Sean Graham is joined by Sarah E.K. Smith, author of Trading on Art: Cultural Diplomacy and Free Trade in North America. They talk about Sarah's interest in cultural diplomacy, what constitutes art in the context of free trade, and how cultural policies shaped artistic and curatorial expression at the end of the 20th century. They then discuss art as a form of resistance, the benefits and challenges of touring exhibitions across countries, and how contemporary questions on trade have influenced the book.

Historical Headline of the Week

"Mexico says Canada wishes it had its 'cultural riches' amid tariffs feud," The Guardian, December 4, 2024.

With the Canadian election days away, Sean Graham revisits his 2022 conversation with Steve Paikin about his biography John Turner: An Intimate Biography of Canada's 17th Prime Minister. They talk about Turner's lengthy career, which spanned the decriminalization of homosexuality and abortion, stagflation, and free trade. They also discuss Turner’s career, legacy, and what we can learn about modern politics from studying Canada’s 17th Prime Minister.

Historical Headline of the Week

Robert Libman, "Will John Turner's Fate Befall Mark Carney?" Montreal Gazette, March 1, 2025.

Sean Graham talks with Barbara Messamore, author of Times of Transformation: The 1921 Canadian General Election about one of Canada's turning point elections. They discuss the post-war economy's, including tariffs, role in the campaign, how suffrage influenced the election, and the emergence of William Lyon Mackenzie King on the national stage. They also chat about whether the lauded 'ballot question' truly exists, how historians and political scientists can differ in their approach to elections, and the legacy of the 1921 campaign.

Historical Headline of the Week

Jamie Bradburn, "Canada's first female MP and the federal election that changed Ontario," TVO Today, September 23, 2019.

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.