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 death...

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,...

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 Canad...

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 ac...

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....

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 tension...

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...

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 ✅ Th...

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 s...

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...

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...