Being a downstairs neighbor to Canada, I have learned so much, not just about their history and culture but of our own. It has given me a new perspective to US history and has inspired me to learn more and seek more answers about the US. And that the Canadians really AREN’T nicer than Americans! 😳😱😆

Extremely well researched and informative anticolonial stories with hosts that are a joy to listen to. Looking forward to more episodes on treaties and landclaims!

Non-indigenous, American from Michigan here. This is such important work being presented. I alternate between informed, angry, sad, and hopeful throughout each show. Stellar, stellar work by the hosts and their guests. I value all the CBC Indigenous offerings, wish NPR provided a similar platform. I see my role in this life, on this land, with new eyes from what is shared on this show. Thank you.

Californian here. This pod entertains and informs about so many varied aspects of Canadian life and culture - stories I haven’t heard elsewhere. Kudos to the hosts!

This is the best Canadian podcast of 2023 and I’ve been saying this since 2019. Using historical facts to inform modern discourse, I never fail to learn something!

Only thing wrong with this podcast is that new episodes frequently enough. Our history is embarrassing but we have to expose the truth so as not to repeat. Great work!

I had a lot of hope for this podcast. I love history. I have really enjoyed other CBC podcasts like Escaping NXIVM, Satanic Panic, On Drugs, etc. I find that the content falls short however. There is banter between the hosts that frankly I can’t relate to and seems to be used to fill time that in better podcasts is filled with facts gleaned from painstaking research. The hosts also use this podcast as a platform to vent political opinions. Although I don’t disagree with their message, this is not the forum for such opinions. If it’s history, stick with facts and leave the cultural biases out. A good example of what to aspire to is Sebastian Major’s “Our Fake History” or Dan Carlin’s “Hardcore History”.

I’m not Canadian, but appreciate my neighbors to the north. I find this podcast very informative and super appreciate the work that goes into it. Keep up the great work.

As a homesick Canadian living stateside I find this pod just warms the cockles of my Canuck heart. Keep up the wonderful work, guys!

I love this podcast! Have lived in the US for over 30 years, but originally from Toronto. I love this content and the witty and irreverent hosts. Thanks for being an emotional link to home! It’s not just the content, it is the uniquely funny and self deprecating Canadian delivery 😍🇨🇦

Thank you so much for bringing your voices, thoughts, perspective into the history podcast world. Sometime I cry while cooking dinner because of this pod, but that’s a good thing. The more we know, the better we can be. And we need to do and be better these days. Much love from an immigrant kid who expatriated to live all over the world. You help connect me back to Canada with truth rather than sentimentality.

I’ve been enjoying your pod cast for the last 2 years or so. My favorite episode was about water. Keep the episodes coming. I’m a few episodes into season 3 and I’m finding the “background music” which is just as loud as the speaker sooo distracting. I had to stop listening to another Canadian pod cast for the same reason. I’m hoping this music stops because I “hang on” every word you say - your voices are perfect for a podcast! To be clear- commercials, news clips, historical songs - all great. Mood music- not enjoyable. PS. do you site your sources anywhere? Sometimes I want a deeper dive into the subject.

The Secret Life Of Canada has been a truly welcome and vital tool for my ongoing education into the reality of what is the country’s history. I feel lucky that I discovered this gem- the hosts Leah-Simone Bowen and Falen Johnson are the my ideal hosts: informative, smart/quick witted and very funny. My family and I get to move from Portland OR to BC this summer with our PM cards. My husband has his dual citizenship but we have not ever lived in Canada. Thank you for making this show. It’s really helped launch my education.

I’ve love that it’s coast-to-shining-coast histories I know little of. I do get a irked by the amount of Fist Nations content and settler bashing, but it is our history, and your Oka 2-parter was fantastic (I was at sea with the Navy and never knew the origin story- thank you!). Just because your perspectives aren’t mine, doesn’t mean I can’t listen, learn and respect yours! After growing up in 6 provinces, having lived in several countries and am now working and stuck in the US. This is great “Canadian content” from CBC!

History that’s actually about interesting people! With just the right amount of sarcasm and humor. Please keep making this podcast!

I really enjoy the wide range of histories told on this podcast. Although I’m not Canadian, growing up in Detroit my family often visit. Despite the proximity, in school, we never learned much about our neighbors just across the river.

Always great

Love this show and the information shared

They are brutally honest, but in a good way, so you can feel a little bit every time you listen🤓.

This show helps the listener understand that there are cultures that embraced the supernatural before colonial dismissal. Thannks for your investigative reporting.

I enjoy this podcast so much because of the presenting duo’s extreme wit and intelligent banter. They do great research and take the listener on deep dives into diverse social, cultural and historical issues, introducing unsung cultural heroes that have greatly shaped the lesser known elements of the Canadian human experience. I’m fascinated by the nitty gritty Canadian history and get to laugh all the while. Great sound effects too! Highly recommended!

As a United States admirer of Canada and someone who is always trying to learn more about social issues and their historical origins, this podcast is a precious treasure. Thanks for the realness and the delightful listening experience!

These two ladies are funny. They tell the history while being funny with each other. Excellent show.

As an American who has always been fascinated by Canada, I love these stories of the actual history and issues in the country rather than the ridiculous ‘facts’ I learned in school. It is also weirdly comforting to find out that the US isn’t the only country that effed up its treatment of people throughout its history. The hosts have a wonderful rapport and presentation style.

I’m not even Canadian but I love this podcast so much, I am however Native American and this podcast gives a lot of needed representation.

Well done Falan and Leah! You are shedding some much needed light in a way that is hilarious, informative and necessary for Canadians to recognize when reconciling the various identities that occupy our land.

The food episode was super campy and super entertaining! (My favorite episode) I learned a lot for sure!