History is Unreal
Claim This Podcastby Dr. John Fontaine
Podcast Overview
<p><strong>Canadian history is fascinating, but it is rarely factual.</strong> Guided by <strong>Dr. John Fontaine</strong> and AI co-host <strong>ANI (Artificial Narrow Intelligence)</strong>, this podcast applies a historiographical lens to empower listeners to better interpret the histories we have been falsely taught. From the grand narratives of elites (<strong>History from Above</strong>) to more accurate histories of the common people (<strong>History from Below</strong>), <strong>History is Unreal </strong>explores how the past is shaped by the <strong>positionality</strong> and biases of both writer and you the reader.</p><p>The result? Silent/untold histories of communities and its peoples are recovered and brought to light. Designed for post-secondary students, historians, and lifelong learners, we transition from our early podcast episodes on theory (only a few, promise) toward auditing and better explaining actual <strong>Canadian historical events; </strong>applying our adjusted lens to the messy, chaotic, and real stories that unfolded across the very spaces where we now live and breathe.</p><p><strong>Join the reconstruction at </strong></p><p><a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Fhistoryisunreal.ca&sa=E&source=gmail" rel="nofollow"><strong>historyisunreal.ca</strong></a></p>
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
1/27/2026
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Recent Episodes
July 19, 2026
The Metis of St Paul: a Louder History from Below
In the penultimate episode of our inaugural season, Dr. John and ANI Buddy conclude their deep-dive investigation into the St. Paul des Métis settlement. Featuring an exclusive interview with Dr. Robert Desjardins—recorded on July 10, 2026, at HUB Mall at the University of Alberta—we explore the legacy of the 1909 Métis expropriation. Discover why the sudden demographic shift wasn't a failure of the Métis, but a state-engineered reality, and how historical "silence" became a radical tool for cultural survival.
July 9, 2026
St. Paul des Métis Better History: Policy over People
The ultimate success or failure of the Métis farmers never mattered. They were simply caught between a federal government executing their economy-building National Policy, and an Oblate Church committing to a French-Catholic settler parish. In Episode 8 of History Is Unreal, we advance to Step 3 of our 4-step framework: The History We Should Instead Tell.
June 22, 2026
St. Paul des Métis History Told: The Church’s role in the Eviction
In Step 2 of our framework, we examine "the history we've been told" about the 1909 dissolution of the St. Paul des Métis farming colony. Dr. John and ANI Buddy revisit his 2009 Master’s thesis to explore how the Oblate Order, caught between dual mandates as a mission to the Métis and a parish for incoming European settlers, faced a devastating collision of roles that reshaped the community.
11 total episodes available
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Frequently asked questions
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- What is History is Unreal?
<p><strong>Canadian history is fascinating, but it is rarely factual.</strong> Guided by <strong>Dr. John Fontaine</strong> and AI co-host <strong>ANI (Artificial Narrow Intelligence)</strong>, this podcast applies a historiographical lens to empower listeners to better interpret the histories we have been falsely taught. From the grand narratives of elites (<strong>History from Above</strong>) to more accurate histories of the common people (<strong>History from Below</strong>), <strong>History is Unreal </strong>explores how the past is shaped by the <strong>positionality</strong> and biases of both writer and you the reader.</p><p>The result? Silent/untold histories of communities and its peoples are recovered and brought to light. Designed for post-secondary students, historians, and lifelong learners, we transition from our early podcast episodes on theory (only a few, promise) toward auditing and better explaining actual <strong>Canadian historical events; </strong>applying our adjusted lens to the messy, chaotic, and real stories that unfolded across the very spaces where we now live and breathe.</p><p><strong>Join the reconstruction at </strong></p><p><a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Fhistoryisunreal.ca&sa=E&source=gmail" rel="nofollow"><strong>historyisunreal.ca</strong></a></p> - How often does this podcast release new episodes?
This podcast updates daily.
- Where can I listen to this podcast?
This podcast is available on 4 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
- Does this podcast accept guests?
Yes, this podcast regularly features guests.
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