Join our guest, Dr. Josh MacFadyen, as well as podcast host Matthew McRae as they go subterranean into the world of Prince Edward Island's terrain! Director of the GeoREACH Lab at UPEI, MacFadyen shares a wealth of knowledge and know-how into the methods and beauty of laying out and mapping out the island's landscapes. Whether it's historical chartmakers you're interested in, modern methods of map-capturing or even some emerging and bleeding-edge methods and technologies in the world of mapping,...
Feb 06, 2025•1 hr 8 min•Transcript available on Metacast PEI's rich history in architectural expression has captured the hearts of many - including but not limited to this week's guest! Joining hosts Matthew McRae and Lesley Caseley, housing enthusiast and creator of the Old Island Homes social media pages, Heather Harris, takes them on an enthusiast's tour through the captivating sights and constructs of PEI's most famous and interesting buildings, as well as outlining her own experiences with building restorations and her doting admiration for renow...
Jan 23, 2025•1 hr 11 min•Transcript available on Metacast *Editor's Note: Apologies for the hissing noise, all! Other episodes in the season won't be like this, but this was indeed a hardware and environmental-related issue that struck our equipment at the time of recording and was not caught. There's still some fantastic conversations to be had here, so thank you very much in advance for the continued support and for bearing with us this one time. :)* Why do we keep archives? Who uses them? What kind of material can you find there? Hosts Matthew McRae...
Jan 16, 2025•1 hr 7 min•Transcript available on Metacast What if we told you PEI was once home to prehistoric creatures older than dinosaurs? Join hosts Matthew McRae, Lesley Caseley, and special guest Laura MacNeil, owner of Prehistoric Island Tours, as they uncover the not-so-secret facts of Prince Edward Island’s prehistoric past and answer burning questions like: Why is the Island becoming a fossil hotspot? Are we related to dimetrodons, and did they use their sails to flirt with each other? And what the heck are Laura’s favourite fossils? This ep...
Jan 09, 2025•1 hr 8 min•Transcript available on Metacast Discover the delicious history of raising, harvesting – and shucking – oysters on Prince Edward Island! Host Samantha Kelly is joined by Jason Woodside, oyster-shucking champion and inventor of the banjo knife. Together, they delve into the story of how our relationship with oysters started, how it became a globe-spanning industry and the ins and outs of our relationship with oysters in the present day. ----more---- Jason Woodside Is A Two-Time Canadian Oyster Shucking Champion (2004, 2006) With...
Dec 19, 2024•47 min•Transcript available on Metacast We are kick-starting the season with an exciting two-part episode: Podcast host Matthew McRae tells the stranger-than-fiction tale of Walter Patterson, Prince Edward Island's first Governor. Laugh and learn co-host Evelyn Bradley as well as guest comedian Shawn Hogan. Did you know that privateers kidnapped our government? Or that Patterson gave an island off the coast of the island to his girlfriend? Or that he invented the “fresh cookies” scent for homes? Okay, maybe that last one isn’t true, b...
Dec 12, 2024•46 min•Transcript available on Metacast We are kick-starting the season with an exciting two-part episode: Podcast host Matthew McRae tells the stranger-than-fiction tale of Walter Patterson, Prince Edward Island's first Governor. Laugh and learn co-host Evelyn Bradley as well as guest comedian Shawn Hogan. Did you know that privateers kidnapped our government? Or that Patterson gave an island off the coast of the island to his girlfriend? Or that he invented the “fresh cookies” scent for homes? Okay, maybe that last one isn’t true, b...
Dec 12, 2024•45 min•Transcript available on Metacast Dec 05, 2024•2 min•Transcript available on Metacast The Hidden Island - in partnership with our friends at The Walrus Labs - presents a hosting collaboration for their podcast episode of Canadian Time Machine, recognizing and celebrating the 150th anniversary of the birth of known PEI author Lucy Maud Montgomery. From The Walrus Labs: "November 30, 2024 marks 150 years since Lucy Maud Montgomery’s birth, and her legacy continues to endure. Best known for Anne of Green Gables, Montgomery created characters that embody resilience and imagination. I...
Nov 28, 2024•17 min•Transcript available on Metacast Did you know that Chinese Islanders have been living on Prince Edward Island since as early as 1850? Trista Jiali Liang and Camellia Nguyen take us back in time to discuss the history of Chinese immigration to Canada and PEI, and how Asian immigration has contributed to a resilient and culturally diverse Island community. The book "Chinese Islanders: Making a Home in the New World" by Dr. Hung-Min Chiang was referenced throughout this episode. Features guest interviews: Jerry Wang (UPEI), Kevin ...
Apr 25, 2024•32 min•Transcript available on Metacast Happy National Tourism Week! Host Camellia Nguyen, Communications Coordinator of the Museum & Heritage Foundation will take you on a journey to explore how tourism became PEI's leading industry. In addition to the history of tourism, this episode also covers discussions about the Island's food culture, the impact of climate change on tourism, emerging tourism sectors, and the love-hate relationship between Islanders and tourists. Features guest interviews: Dr. Edward MacDonald, Crystal MacGr...
Apr 15, 2024•45 min•Transcript available on Metacast Hurricane Fiona in 2022 prompted us to reflect on the state of climate change on the Island. Join Daniel McRae, Lead Researcher at MacPhail Woods, and Matthew McRae, Executive Director of the Museum & Heritage Foundation as they discuss the many natural (or human) disasters that happened on PEI. Spoiler: brace yourself for a stormy future. Features guest interviews: Dr. Douglas Sobey, Peter Nishimura (Government of PEI - EECA), Donald Jardine (UPEI Climate Lab), Kate MacQuarrie (Government o...
Mar 28, 2024•56 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, we travel back with the Canadian Time Machine podcast to look at the moment Prince Edward Island entered Confederation. Historian Dr. Edward MacDonald takes us back to the Charlottetown Conference, where it’s said that discussions about the Dominion of Canada flowed over several glasses of champagne. He’ll also help us understand why PEI joined the country six years after it was formed. This episode also features reflections on reconciliation from Julie Pellissier-Lush, an actre...
Mar 18, 2024•26 min•Transcript available on Metacast Continuing on the previous conversation about Black Islanders' past and present, Evelyn Bradley is joined by Dante Bazard, Manager of Anti-Racism Initiatives with the Government of PEI. Learn about Dante's advocacy journey, as well as what the future holds for the Black community in PEI. Features guest interviews: Aaron Sardinha, Tamara Steele, and Jasonique Moss.
Mar 14, 2024•41 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this first myth-busting episode of season four, diversity specialist Evelyn Bradley and Dr. Matthew McRae - Executive Director of the PEI Museum & Heritage Foundation debunk common misconceptions about Black Islanders. Was there slavery in PEI? What happened to The Bog? Tune in to find out! Features guest interviews: Linda Hennessey and Debbie Langston. Featured music: Scott Parson's "Darkie’s Hollow"
Mar 14, 2024•36 min•Transcript available on Metacast Back for more? Good - we're back again for season four! Check out the teaser for things to come and join us on February 29th for the premiere episode.
Mar 14, 2024•2 min•Transcript available on Metacast Did you know that before European colonization, Epekwitk/PEI was 98% forested? For the final episode in season three, we go back to the last Ice Age, tracking the history of PEI’s forests before, during, and after colonization up until today. We travel through the eyes of the forest, stopping to learn about the early French settlers, the English shipbuilding regime, and what a PEI forest feels like today when you’re walking through it. Finally, we look at how important forests are to the Island,...
Sep 13, 2022•28 min•Ep 20•Transcript available on Metacast BIPOC USHR is hosting a takeover episode of ‘the hidden island!’ Listen to Sobia Ali-Faisal, Kendi Tarichia (King Kxndi), Amirah Oyesegun and Stephanie Arnold talk about their experiences living on the Island – beginning in the 1980s up until today. They discuss the many barriers and discriminating experiences BIPOC folks living on the often Island face, and what the road to joy has looked like through it all. BIPOC USHR's website: https://www.bipocushr.org Features: Sobia Ali-Faisal, Kendi Tari...
Sep 13, 2022•1 hr 6 min•Ep 19•Transcript available on Metacast There’s something about the flickering light of a campfire that brings out the storyteller in everyone. Ghost stories, creation legends, family history – you name it, it’s been talked about. Today’s episode is inspired by those summer storytelling nights. We discuss different folklore found on Epekwitk/Prince Edward Island, including supernatural creatures and spooky forerunners. We’ll also hear about some old home remedies and traditional Acadian wedding customs. Features guest interviews: Juli...
Sep 13, 2022•36 min•Ep 18•Transcript available on Metacast Anne of Green Gables isn’t exactly hidden history here on the Island, we know. It’s a timeless tale loved by many, and millions have visited ‘Anne’s Island’ over the years. But what about the real Green Gables? The story behind one of Canada’s most visited National Parks is a surprising one. It involves the unwilling expropriation of land from local residents, Maud Montgomery’s mixed feelings about the park, and a two-week eviction notice to the original owners of the Green Gables home. Features...
Sep 13, 2022•27 min•Ep 17•Transcript available on Metacast In episode four, Tamara Steele, Executive Director with the Black Cultural Society of PEI, is hosting a panel with Aaron Sardinha and Debbie Langston. Listen to them chat about Black history on the Island, as well as an education initiative Aaron and Debbie are spearheading: The Black Women’s History Project. https://bcspei.ca Features: Tamara Steele, Aaron Sardinha, and Debbie Langston.
Sep 13, 2022•55 min•Ep 16•Transcript available on Metacast Fiona is joined by Evelyn Bradley as co-host in this episode all about 2SLGBTQIA+ history on the Island. We discuss how and where members of the queer community gathered in the 1970s to the 1990s (think: emails and word of mouth invitations before the internet came into play), and what our history might look like if it wasn’t heteronormative. Features guest interviews: Dave Stewart and Treena Smith. Peers Alliance youth programming: https://www.peersalliance.ca...
Sep 13, 2022•22 min•Ep 15•Transcript available on Metacast In part two of PEI’s wild and wacky 1970s, we learn about The Kitten Club. It opened in 1970, and it was something like a Playboy Bunny Club that operated in Brudenell. Yes, you read right. We also discuss the Ark – an experimental bio-shelter built at Spry Point and designed to be a world-leader in renewable energy. Finally, we celebrate the founding of the PEI Museum and Heritage Foundation. Features guest interviews Dr. Ed MacDonald, Catherine Hennessey and Dr. Alan MacEachern....
Sep 13, 2022•23 min•Ep 14•Transcript available on Metacast The 1970s are known for being a groovy decade, but on PEI they brought massive changes. In Part 1, we learn about how the Comprehensive Development Plan is the reason why we have fewer family farms, zero one-room schoolhouses, and an economy more focused on tourism today. We also discuss Junction ’71 – the rock festival that never happened because the PEI government shut it down. Features guest interviews Dr. Ed MacDonald and Doug MacArthur....
Sep 13, 2022•25 min•Ep 13•Transcript available on Metacast Did you miss us? We're back again for season three! Check out this trailer and join us on September 13, 2022 for the entire season.
Aug 23, 2022•1 min•Transcript available on Metacast Meet Canada's most prolific woman murderer: Mary "Minnie" McGee. Minnie McGee was born on PEI in 1875, and she lived a quiet life until 1912 when 6 of her children suddenly died of poisoning. Please note this episode contains explicit descriptions of infanticide, so it may not be suitable for all listeners. Features guest interview Dr. Sharon Myers....
Oct 27, 2021•18 min•Ep 11•Transcript available on Metacast Who doesn't love a great drinking story? For the final episode we go back to the late 1800s when prohibition was first introduced on PEI. Although prohibition lasted for 70 years on the island, you could still get your booze… if you knew where to go. From rumrunners to moonshine makers to speakeasy bars, we discover just how inventive islanders were in skirting the law for a good drink. Features guest interviews: Dr. Heidi MacDonald, Reginald "Dutch" Thompson, J. Clint Morrison and Ken Mill....
Sep 22, 2021•23 min•Ep 10•Transcript available on Metacast Islanders and the ocean have been connected for centuries, beginning with the Mi'kmaq who travelled in birch bark canoes. Before modern vehicles came into play, the water was basically a road. It was often quicker to travel by water than by horse and carriage - as we learn in this episode. But with the ocean comes danger. In this episode, we discover how many ships sunk off the coast of PEI - some as recent as the late 1900s. Features guest interviews: Junior Peter-Paul, Georges Arsenault and Pa...
Sep 22, 2021•23 min•Ep 9•Transcript available on Metacast Have you ever wondered what PEI looked like 290 million years ago? In episode 2, we explore PEI's geological history, beginning even before the time of dinosaurs, flowers, and birds. Learn about why our soil is red, how we were once at the centre of the world, and what incredible fossils have been found on the island. Contact the provincial archaeologist by email ( archaeology@gov.pe.ca ) or by phone (902-368-6895) if you believe you've found a fossil. Contact Parks Canada at 1-877-852-3100 for ...
Sep 22, 2021•30 min•Ep 8•Transcript available on Metacast In Part 2, we explore the concept of "islandness" and how it relates to the feeling of home, how nostalgic home can feel when you're stuck living off-island. We also touch a hot topic: do you have to be born an islander, or can you become one by choice? Finally, we talk about what keeps islanders away today, whether that's lack of work, racism and xenophobia, and the way PEI is slow to accept other people. Features guest interviews: Dr. Laurie Brinklow, Georges Arsenault, Dr. Ed MacDonald, Isabe...
Sep 22, 2021•13 min•Ep 7•Transcript available on Metacast 
