The Curiosity Journey

At the turn of the 20th century, Canada sent soldiers to fight in a faraway land. The Boer War was sold to Canadians as a noble mission—for Empire, for Queen, for civilization itself. Streets were lined with Union Jacks. Sermons praised the cause. Young men enlisted believing they were writing themselves into history.But behind the patriotic headlines were scorched earth campaigns, civilian deaths, and concentration camps—some of them guarded by Canadian troops.And then… it was forgotten.In this episode, we explore how the Boer War became Canada’s first foreign war, how it was glorified at home, and why it faded so completely from our collective memory. Along the way, we ask what this forgotten war can teach us about the stories we still tell ourselves about conflict, loyalty, and the cost of belief.

Canada has a Senate. You probably knew that.But why does it exist? What was it really meant to do? And why does it so often feel like a political afterthought—or worse, a dumping ground for party loyalists?In this episode of The Curiosity Journey, we peel back the layers of one of the country’s most misunderstood institutions. Born out of a need to balance power between big and small provinces, the Senate was designed to defend regional voices, offer sober second thought, and serve as a counterweight to the Commons. But that’s not quite how things played out.We trace its British origins, its Canadian contradictions, and the quiet identity crisis that has haunted it since Confederation. Along the way, we explore why reforms have struggled, what modern changes mean, and whether there’s still a place for the Senate in a functioning democracy.Is it time to scrap it? Fix it? Or finally give it the purpose it was promised?FURTHER READINGDonald J. Savoie, Democracy in Canada: The Disintegration of Our Institutions

In this special Q&A episode of The Curiosity Journey, I sit down with my wife to answer questions submitted by listeners. We explore what the Canadian government might focus on now that the election has concluded, and dive into the historical and symbolic significance of King Charles III’s visit to Canada this week. From shifting political priorities to the meaning of monarchy in modern Canada, we unpack timely questions with curiosity and clarity.Whether you’re tuned into current affairs or just intrigued by the role of the Crown, this episode offers a grounded and engaging look at where Canada might be headed—both politically and symbolically.

For most of human history, the law wasn’t the authority—the king was. No rules. No limits. Just power.In this episode of The Curiosity Journey, we explore how a group of rebellious English barons challenged that idea in 1215 by forcing King John to sign the Magna Carta—a document that dared to say, “Even the king must obey the law.”But was Magna Carta truly the first of its kind? What did it actually say? And how did it go on to shape legal systems, revolutions, and constitutions across the world—from England to Canada to the United Nations?Join me as we uncover the surprising origins of the rule of law, the psychological roots of authoritarian power, and the legacy of a medieval document that still echoes in our lives today.Because if we don’t know where our rights come from, we might not notice when they’re being taken away.FURTHER READINGSYuval Noah Harari, Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind  UK Parliament, Magna Carta, online: UK Parliament https://www.parliament.uk/magnacarta/. Online Library of Liberty, Magna Carta and the Common Law, online: https://oll.libertyfund.org/pages/magna-carta-and-the-common-law. Dave Roos, "How Did Magna Carta Influencethe U.S. Constitution?" (30 September 2019), online: History https://www.history.com/articles/magna-carta-influence-us-constitution-bill-of-rights. Good of All, Magna Carta and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, online: https://goodofall.org/2014/06/magna-carta-and-udhr/. UK Parliament, Why is Magna Carta significant?, online: UK Parliament https://www.parliament.uk/about/living-heritage/evolutionofparliament/originsofparliament/birthofparliament/overview/magnacarta/magnacartasignificant/. UK Parliament, The legacy of Magna Carta, online: UK Parliament https://www.parliament.uk/about/living-heritage/evolutionofparliament/originsofparliament/birthofparliament/overview/magnacarta/magnacartalegacy/. Human Rights, Magna Carta Summary (1215), Petition of Right, online: https://www.humanrights.com/what-are-human-rights/brief-history/magna-carta.html. Online Library of Liberty, Magna Carta and the US Constitution,online: https://oll.libertyfund.org/pages/magna-carta-and-the-us-constitution. Amanda H. Podany, “How the Code ofHammurabi Reveals the Harshness of Ancient Babylon” (13 December 2018), online:History https://www.history.com/news/hammurabi-code-legal-system-influence.Caleb Howard, “Hammurabi’s Code: WasIt Law?” Tyndale House (2020),online: Tyndale House https://academic.tyndalehouse.com/explore/articles/hammurabi/. Michael Peachin, "In Search of aRoman Rule of Law" (2010), online: NYU Arts & Science https://as.nyu.edu/content/dam/nyu-as/faculty/documents/articles/classics/Peachin-Michael-In-Search-of-a-Roman-Rule-of-Law.pdf Menachem Elon, Jewish Law: History, Sources, Principles (Jerusalem: Magnes Press,1994), online: https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jewish-law-history-sources-principles.

What happens when a soldier doesn’t just fight for an empire—but believes in it?In this episode, we explore the Divine Right of Kings and how a European theological idea became embedded in the hearts and minds of colonial subjects. Through personal letters from Indian soldiers in World War I, we uncover how power isn’t just enforced—it’s internalized. The British Empire didn’t just conquer land. It reshaped belief, rewrote loyalty, and turned rule into something sacred.This is a story about colonialism, religion, and the quiet power of ideas that still shape how we see the world today.FURTHER READINGIndian Voices of the Great War: Soldiers’ Letters, 1914–18 by D. Omissi

What keeps NATO together—and what could tear it apart?Founded in 1949 as a shield against Soviet expansion, NATO has since grown into a global military powerhouse. But beneath the surface, contradictions and conflicts have shaped its history. How did an alliance built on democracy include authoritarian regimes? Why is NATO still expanding decades after the Cold War? And with rising global tensions, is it stronger than ever—or on the brink of collapse?In this episode of The Curiosity Journey, we dive into NATO’s origins, evolution, and future. From Cold War power plays to modern-day challenges like Russia and China, we uncover the alliance’s biggest strengths—and its deepest vulnerabilities.📢 What do you think? Should NATO continue expanding, or is it time for a new security order? Share your thoughts on Instagram @thecuriosityjourney!🔔 Follow & Subscribe for more deep dives into history, politics, and the forces shaping our world.FURTHER READINGLegislation & Official DocumentsNorth Atlantic Treaty Organization, “The North Atlantic Treaty” (1949), online: NATO https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natolive/official_texts_17120.htm.Government & Institutional ReportsJim Garamone, “U.S. Begins Process of 'Unwinding' Turkey From F-35 Program, DOD Officials Say” (17 July 2019), United States Department of Defense, online: https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/1909365/us-begins-process-of-unwinding-turkey-from-f-35-program-dod-officials-say/.Michael Pompeo, “The United States Sanctions Turkey Under CAATSA 231” (14 December 2020), United States Department of State, online: https://www.state.gov/the-united-states-sanctions-turkey-under-caatsa-231/.Articles in JournalsButch Bracknell, “NATO Approaches in Response to ISIL and International Terrorism” (2016) 49:3 Intl Lawyer 417.Münevver Cebeci, “NATO-EU Cooperation and Turkey” (2011) 10:3 Turk Pol Q 93.John Howorth, “EU-NATO Cooperation: The Key to Europe’s Security Future” (2017) 26:4 Eur Sec 454.Dominika Kunertova & Niklas Masuhr, “The War Against Ukraine Shapes NATO’s Future” (2022) 10:4 Policy Persp 1.Henrik Larsen, “Adapting NATO to Great-Power Competition” (2022) 45:4 Wash Q 7.Henrik Larsen & Lindbo Boesen, “NATO’s Strategic Concept: Three Do’s and Don’ts” (2021) 9:7 Policy Persp 1.Marianne Leeuwen, “NATO and the War on Terror” (2017) 41:3 Antantisch Perspectief 14.Tarık Oğuzlu, “Turkey’s Eroding Commitment to NATO: From Identity to Interests” (2012) 35:3 Wash Q 153.Barry Posen, “The Rise of Illiberal Hegemony: Trump’s Surprising Grand Strategy” (2018) 97:2 Foreign Aff 20.Marc Pierini, “How Far Can Turkey Challenge NATO and the EU in 2020?” (2020) Carnegie Endowment for Intl Peace 1.James Sperling & Mark Webber, “NATO and the Ukraine Crisis: Collective Securitisation” (2016) 2 EJIS 19.Celeste Wallander, “NATO’s Enemies Within: How Democratic Decline Could Destroy the Alliance” (2018) 97:4 Foreign Aff 70.Andrew Wolff, “The Future of NATO Enlargement After the Ukraine Crisis” (2015) 91:5 Intl Aff 1103.Book ChaptersDaniel Silander, “North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)” in Daniel Silander, Don Wallace & John Janzekovick, eds, International Organizations and the Rise of ISIL (2016).

At the turn of the 20th century, Winnipeg wasn’t just growing—it was thriving. It saw itself as the city of Western Canada, a metropolis to rival Toronto and Montreal. But a great city needs more than just industry and railroads—it needs a grand public space.Enter Assiniboine Park—a park designed to showcase Winnipeg’s ambitions, elevate its cultural status, and provide a retreat from the urban rush. But why did city leaders push so hard for this park?🎧 In this episode, we explore:🏙️ Winnipeg’s explosive growth and its bid to become a world-class city🌳 The creation of Assiniboine Park and its legendary landscape architect🎭 The Pavilion, the English Garden, and the park’s cultural impact🏗️ How the park has adapted for the modern era while preserving its legacy📢 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & more!💬 What’s your favourite memory of Assiniboine Park? Let’s discuss! 👇#TheCuriosityJourney #HistoryPodcast #Winnipeg #AssiniboinePark #CanadianHistory #StayCurious 🎙️FURTHER READING"Assiniboine Park: A Walk Through the Stories of the Park", Manitoba Legislative Library (accessed February 2025), online: https://www.gov.mb.ca/leg-lib/spotlight/assiniboine_park.html."Exchange District National Historic Site of Canada", Parks Canada (accessed February 2025), online: https://www.pc.gc.ca/apps/dfhd/page_nhs_eng.aspx?id=1775."Memorable Manitobans: George Champion (1870-1946)", Manitoba Historical Society (accessed February 2025), online: https://www.mhs.mb.ca/docs/people/champion_g.shtml.Parks Canada, “Assiniboine Park” (accessed February 2025), online: https://parks.canada.ca/culture/designation/evenement-event/parc-assiniboine-park."Ranking of the 10 Most Populated Municipalities, 1901 to 2021", Statistics Canada (accessed February 2025), online: https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2021/dp-pd/dv-vd/ribbon-ruban/index-eng.cfm."Assiniboine Park", Winnipeg Architecture Foundation (accessed February 2025), online: https://winnipegarchitecture.ca/assiniboine-park/.MUSIC"Danse Macabre"Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

When Alberta became a province in 1905, one of the biggest debates was where to place the capital—and it wasn’t an easy choice. Calgary, Edmonton, and even smaller towns like Red Deer and Banff all wanted the title. So why did Edmonton win? Was it geography, politics, or pure strategy?In this episode of The Curiosity Journey, we explore:✅ What Alberta was like before becoming a province✅ The fierce political battle between Calgary and Edmonton✅ How Prime Minister Wilfrid Laurier and Edmonton MP Frank Oliver shaped the decision✅ Whether Calgary ever had a real shot—and if Edmonton was truly the best choiceThe rivalry didn’t end there. Even today, Calgary is Alberta’s economic hub, while Edmonton remains the political center. But did the government make the right call?💬 What do you think? Should Calgary have been the capital? Message me on Instagram [@thecuriosityjourney] or leave a comment!🔔 Follow The Curiosity Journey on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen for more deep dives into overlooked history!#StayCurious 🚀FURTHER READINGAA Den Otter, “Railway Technology, the Canadian Northwest, and the Continental Economy” (1990) (162) Railroad History 5.AB Kilpatrick, “A Lesson in Boosterism: The Contest for the Alberta Provincial Capital, 1904-1906” (1980) 8:3 Urban History Review 47.JP Day, “Edmonton Civic Politics, 1891-1913” (1978) 6:3-77 Urban History Review 42.R Scarlett, A Political History of Alberta (2020).MUSIC"The Path of the GoblinKing" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

What does it mean for Canada to share a King with the UK? Is the Crown merely symbolic, or does it provide real stability? In this more laid-back episode of The Curiosity Journey, we explore the utility of the Crown in Canada, the unique relationship between Indigenous peoples and the monarchy through the Royal Proclamation of 1763, and the tensions that arise when Canada and the UK share the same King—especially when their governments don’t always see eye to eye.Should the Crown still play a role in modern Canada, or is it time to move on? Let’s find out.🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts!#TheCuriosityJourney #HistoryPodcast #Canada #CrownInCanada #IndigenousHistory #StayCurious

Did you know that the role of Prime Minister isn’t even mentioned in Canada’s Constitution? Or that the Governor General technically has the power to refuse laws passed by Parliament? These aren’t written rules—they’re constitutional conventions.In this episode of The Curiosity Journey, we explore what a constitution is, how Canada’s system differs from the United States, and why so much of our government operates on unwritten rules. We’ll break down what conventions are, how they shape Canadian governance, and whether they should be officially written into law.🎙️Topics Covered:✅ What is a constitution?✅ How Canada’s system differs from the U.S.✅ The role of the Prime Minister, Cabinet, and Governor General—by convention, not law✅ Why conventions exist and whether they should be codified💬What do you think? Should constitutional conventions be written down or left as they are? Message me on Instagram[@thecuriosityjourney] with your thoughts!🔔 Follow The Curiosity Journey on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen, and don’t forget to follow us on Instagram for updates and behind-the-scenes content!#StayCurious 🚀FURTHER READINGConstitution Act, 1867 (UK), 30 & 31 Vict, c 3.Reference re Resolution to Amend the Constitution, [1981] 1 SCR 753.Andrew Heard, “Constitutional Conventions and Written Constitutions: The Rule of Law Implications in Canada” (2015) 38:2 Dublin U LJ 331.Emmett Macfarlane, “The Place of Constitutional Conventions in the Constitutional Architecture, and in the Courts” (2022) 55 Can J Pol Sci 322.Garrett Barden, “Law and Constitutional Conventions” (2015) 38:2 Dublin U LJ 419.Kenneth Kernaghan, “Integrating Values into Public Service: The Values Statement as Centerpiece” (2003) 63:6 Pub Admin Rev 711.Kenneth Kernaghan, “Power, Parliament and Public Servants in Canada: Ministerial Responsibility Reexamined” (1979) 5:3 Can Pub Pol 383.Malcolm Rowe & Nicolas Deplanche, “Canada’s Unwritten Constitutional Order: Conventions and Structural Analysis” (2020) 98:3 Can Bar Rev 430.MUSIC"Backbay Lounge" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

What is The Curiosity Journey all about? In this short introductory episode, I’m sharing why I started this podcast, what you can expect, and how you can be part of the journey.If you love history, law, and exploring the why and how behind the world around us, you’re in the right place. Some episodes will be deep dives into fascinating topics, while others will feature engaging conversations with guests. Have a topic you’re curious about? Message me on Instagram: @thecuriosityjourney🔔 Follow The Curiosity Journey on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen for more deep dives into overlooked history!#StayCurious 🚀