Before, Behind and Between

New data from Edison Research suggest that audio consumption--that is, transmitted and broadcast audio, like podcasts and radio--might be determined by where a person lives. The company's newest report suggests a difference in listenership for both podcasts and radio depending on whether the listener is predominantly urban, suburban or rural. And some of the results are surprising. How do such data impact our approaches to podcast growth, or listener engagement or monetization? This episode of Before, Behind and Between talks about these issues and how podcasters and radio producers alike might be affected. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/steven-christianson/message

World Radio Day is celebrated annually on February 13. The original UNESCO proclamation for World Radio Day happened in 2011, and in 2013 the UN General Assembly fully endorsed World Radio Day as an international observance. This podcast, Before, Behind and Between celebrates World Radio Day 2024 by giving special recognition to radio as a precursor medium to podcasting as well as a form of expression that continues to inspire podcasters around the world. This episode shares three World Radio Minutes, each produced by UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. For more information about World Radio Day, visit www.unesco.org/en/days/world-radio. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/steven-christianson/message

Any visit to Mexico seems incomplete without a Mariachi experience. It's one of those musical and visual spectacles that seems synonymous with one of the essences of Mexico. In fact, Mariachi has soared in popularity, as evidenced by the annual International Mariachi Festival in Guadalajara which attracts upwards of 500 Mariachi ensembles. Our recent visit to Jalisco and Nayarit afforded us the opportunity to enjoy a superb Mariachi group performing to an enthusiastic and somewhat rowdy crowd (the audio of which remains in this podcast). Enjoy this episode of Before, Behind and Between in which we feature Mariachi--a bit of our winter vacation in beautiful Mexico. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/steven-christianson/message

Political leadership contenders seem to grabbing a fair amount of news coverage lately. But what's often missing in the mix when we look at the contender is the authenticity, the coziness, not only the talent to interact with just about anyone, but the appearance that they really do seem to enjoy it.  Well, I say, don't listen to political strategists, take it from the experts on communicating meaningfully with tens of thousands of people in one night: put on the jersey, declare your love, and ask for requests. On a serious note, have a bit of fun as we consider the essentials of leadership. This episode of Before Behind and Between provides some friendly advice to those entering, or hopefully to ascend in, the world of politics and electoral representation. This program is a production of Henley Point. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/steven-christianson/message

If you're a fan of North American football, and you've been hearing the rumours, then you won't be surprised that the XFL and USFL are finalizing the details of a merger. What gets interesting is one of the possible names for a new league -- the United Football League. This episode of Before, Behind and Between goes into the details about this mysterious entity, the UFL, as well as what we know about yet another re-launch of the Arena Football League. All scheduled for 2024 (at some point). Before, Behind and Between is a production of Henley Point. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/steven-christianson/message

The 2023 by-election for Mayor of the City of Toronto featured a whopping 102 candidates (plus a dog). Not only was the by-election triggered by the sudden, unexpected resignation of a well-liked Mayor, the candidates included former and current councillors, a former Member of Parliament, a former chief of police, a former deputy mayor, and a who's who of previously unknown men and women whose promotional budgets for signs and billboards, in some instances, raised at least a few eyebrows. The City is experiencing a litany of urban challenges, and candidates offered an even greater number of solutions (of which many were highly questionable in their policy efficacy). All that aside, there was one shining light in the 2023 by-election for Mayor of Toronto: the City's motto, "Diversity Our Strength", was evident and ever-resonant right up to the final hours of the campaign. There were a lot a "firsts" in this election, and perhaps the silver lining is how Torontonians celebrated the very diversity expressed and reflected Toronto's motto. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/steven-christianson/message

The recent passing of Gordon Lightfoot evoked tributes the world over. Unlike the passing of many celebrities, however, which tend to be followed by social media posts of an article about the star's death and the obligatory RIP added by the account user, this death seemed to inspire the sharing of stories, personal experiences and feelings. That says a lot about the impact a person can have. Like so that of so many other people, my experience with Gordon Lightfoot was unique--it likely didn't happen to too many others. Most importantly, mine was a moment or two that left a lasting impact on me; it also amplified a lesson about the authenticity of a truly down-to-earth human--despite his global stardom. This episode of Before, Behind and Between, this experience with Gordon Lightfoot, is really about character, authenticity and importance of simply being a person to other people. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/steven-christianson/message

Henley Point is the production and administrative backbone of Before, Behind and Between. This mini episode provides an update on the activities of Henley Point as well as an overview of the work we do: content creation. This episode also serves as our company update for spring 2023, something we send out to our contact list and clients. Which also demonstrates the utility of a podcast as a corporate form of communication. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/steven-christianson/message

Content Creation and Promotion is now in its second printing. The book will be available on Amazon in the coming weeks. This update includes a few adjustments to company names. For example, Facebook is now Meta and Anchor is now Spotify for Podcasters. The updated version also includes new cover art, an improved e-book version, and a new, lower price. The book was originally published as the first installment in the Explained! series in February 2021. This episode of Before, Behind and Between goes into the details of the original printing two years ago. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/steven-christianson/message

Silent Night. It's been sung by some of the greatest and most classic recording artists. It's been featured in the film, "The Sound of Music". It was famously sung by American President Roosevelt and British Prime Minister Churchill. The United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization - UNESCO - declared the song an item of intangible world heritage for its role in fostering and sustaining cultural diversity. But do you know the origins of Silent Night? Listen to this episode of Before, Behind and Between for a peak into some interesting history about one of the world's most enduring poetic and musical compositions. * "Silent Night" is public domain material. This podcast episode is not monetized, and uses portions of "Silent Night" for educational and information purposes only. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/steven-christianson/message

Whether your interactions with government and public office holders fall into advocacy or lobbying can represent a critical difference for many types of organizations. The NGO sector, particularly, is often characterized by small-sized organizations, the budgets of which are often cash-strapped. So that ever-attractive source of funding through government is almost always one of the go-to places for cashflow purposes. As important as the differences are between advocacy and lobbying, there are critical differences within the operational definitions of lobbying itself. This episode of Before, Behind and Between highlights a few of the key differences and what makes each unique - as well as why it is increasingly important for organizational representatives from all sectors to have a solid understanding of these nuances. Also be sure to check out Advocacy - Explained! and Advocacy - The Companion Handbook: A Guide to Advocacy and Lobbying in Canada and the United States, both available at Amazon. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/steven-christianson/message

Whether you consider yourself an expert podcaster or someone just curious about the medium, we can use refreshers and useful tidbits of advice every now and then. The episode of Before, Behind and Between shares a few tips on how to improve the quality of your delivery and the impact of your program. As we near the end of the 2022 calendar year, we can reflect on how we might want to improve or change our podcasts in 2023 - or even start a new podcast. Hope you find these tips useful. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/steven-christianson/message

We've been through uncertain economic times before. But today's challenges seem to be hitting us from every direction. The knee-jerk reaction throughout the world of business is to cut marketing expenses. Yet the old adage in the world of content creation and promotion is quite different: when times are good, you should advertise; when times are bad, you MUST advertise. This episode considers the economic uncertainties in today's world for small and large business leaders - and advises redeploying existing resources as part of a trajectory of investing more strategically. Specifically, this episode looks at podcasting as one of the newest - and increasingly valuable - components in a company's arsenal. Podcasting isn't used widely in the business world, and this episode explains why it should be. Harnessing your audio messaging represents "sound" business advice. Podcasting - Explained! and Podcasting - The Companion Handbook are available through dozens of retailers globally, including Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Walmart, Target, Waterstones and McNally Robinson. Also check out Henley Point for more information. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/steven-christianson/message

One, Two, Buckle My Shoe Collection: The Ultimate Guide to Our Soles by Josee Scalabrini is Henley Point's newest publication. This book is for shoe lovers and shoe collectors by a shoe lover and collector. The book was created with the ultimate aim of helping shoe collectors keep track of their shoe collections. But the book goes much further and delivers much more. It's a glossary, a repository of valuable information, a guide to cleaning, maintenance, sizing, storage and personal organization. Plus, it's a diary and registration system for up to 108 pairs of shoes which is perfect for insurance purposes. One, Two, Buckle My Shoe Collection: The Ultimate Guide to Our Soles by Josee Scalabrini. It's beautifully designed, packaged in a coffee table-like hardcover presentation, and contains nearly 380 premium colour pages. Listen to this episode to learn more about the book. You can also visit HenlyPoint.ca or check out the book at any number of retailers including Amazon. One, Two, Buckle My Shoe Collection: The Ultimate Guide to Our Soles - ISBN: 978-1777834722 --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/steven-christianson/message

The Explained! Pocketbook: Maximizing Content Promotion, Podcasting and Advocacy has just been published by Henley Point and will be available for purchase through all major retailers on September 1. The Explained! Pocketbook sews together some of the key content from three books from the Explained! series, modifies and reconfigures that content in a compact, portable and single publication - a pocketbook. Content Creation and Promotion, Podcasting and Advocacy are stand-alone books in the series. Each is a fulsome read, providing contextual analysis and historical background. The Explained! Pocketbook extracts some of the key messages from each, re-working that content to create a seamless discussion of narrative, medium, technique and application. We go behind The Explained! Pocketbook in this episode of Before, Behind and Between. We talk about what inspired the book and how it relates to the other publications in the Explained! series. Visit HenleyPoint.ca for more information. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/steven-christianson/message

"Podcasting Explained" was published nearly one year ago. Now, in addition to a second printing of "Podcasting Explained", its accompaniment - "Podcasting - The Companion Handbook: A Guide to Producing and Publishing Your Podcast" - will be available this July. Both books represent a perfect set for the aspiring podcaster, yet each book is a stand-alone piece. "Podcasting Explained" gets into history, theory and a broad understanding of how podcasting fits into the world of audio communications, while "Podcasting - The Companion Handbook" is the tool that helps you get the job done. Both books, the second printing of Explained and the The Companion Handbook, will be available for purchase this July. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/steven-christianson/message

This episode of Before, Behind and Between talks about the use of petitions to highlight some of the differences among advocacy, government relations and lobbying. Of course, the book set - "Advocacy Explained" and "Advocacy - The Companion Handbook" - provide a more fulsome understanding of these terms. But this episode explores why advocacy isn't always about government, and how the use of petitions can sometimes have more impact in the non-governmental realms than in the legislative arenas. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/steven-christianson/message

Some podcasters and columnists have criticized Star Trek (at least the recent shows) as being too "woke", or just plain "woke". A few of those critiques have pointed to the inclusion of gay, trans and non-binary characters in the recent shows. The inclusion of such characters merely confirms the original mission of program in 1966, which, in recent shows, continues to broaden the landscape of human and alien diversity. This isn't "woke"; it's simply Star Trek. This episode of Before, Behind and Between offers a brief perspective on the appeal of inclusion in Star Trek, and how some shows seem to get better with age and time. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/steven-christianson/message

Football fans have been unusually lucky during this spring of 2022: we've actually had a good amount of selection to watch. The USFL's inaugural 10-week season has provided four games per weekend - with some pretty good quality football, to boot. The CFL just commenced its 2022 season this past weekend. The XFL keeps sending out teasers and tidbits, including a firm starting date for the league's third incarnation. We don't get into updates in this episode on the Indoor Football League; but this unique product (available largely through YouTube) is also something football fans have had an opportunity to check out. And we're well into Australian football, which is different but no less exciting to watch. This episode of Before, Behind and Between provides somewhat of a "round-up" of the goings-on in football, what's available to watch and what's coming up around the corner. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/steven-christianson/message

Ever wanted to change a law or government policy? The Advocacy Book Set is now available. Advocacy - Explained! (the "parent" book) gives the reader a crash-course in activism, lobbying and government relations. It discusses history, theories and concepts, and considers international comparisons. Advocacy - The Companion Handbook: A Guide to Advocacy and Lobbying in Canada and the United States is the practitioner's took. It's a reference manual, a directory, a customized journal, a glossary and FAQ, complete with planning templates and TO-DOs. The Companion Handbook helps get the job done. They're separate and distinct, yet form a perfect pair, with each accompanying the other. If you've ever wanted to change a law or government policy, then this book set is perfect for you. Listen to this episode to learn more. Additional information about each book can be found at: Advocacy Explained - Available on Amazon Advocacy - The Companion Handbook - Available on Amazon --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/steven-christianson/message

Seances, communing with the great beyond. This episode talks about the newest book by Mike O'Sullivan, A Harmony of Worlds: Spiritualism and the Quest for Community in Nineteenth-Century America. Spiritualism, as Mike describes in this major piece of research, was in the 1800s a very serious form of faith for many people - so many, in fact, that mainstream churches were forced to close as their congregations left and joined the Spiritualist movement. This movement also attracted quite a who's who of notable figures, as Mike writes, including political and business leaders. Listen to this episode of Before, Behind and Between to go behind the book, A Harmony of Worlds. For more information, you can also visit Henley Point or the official book website. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/steven-christianson/message

This episode, which is somewhat more of a commentary, is brought to you by the Letter D - as in "deconstruction", "decolonization", "defunding" and even "de-mastering". Both in fact and fiction, in seriousness and satire, we find evidence of the Big D all around us. From food and art, to entertainment, social issues and politics, efforts to "de" something in our world seem more prevalent by the day. Listen to this episode of Before, Behind and Between to learn more about the Big D, and why the debate rages on about whether this trend is helpful and positive or simply a reactionary fad. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/steven-christianson/message

If you're a fan of North American football, and it's March, what do you do? Well, in addition to recorded or archived material available online (of which there are many recent and historic options), there are quite of few different alternatives to consider. These options might require a bit of a learning curve, and even some patience, but they could include indoor football, Australian football and the USFL. Listen to the episode for a bit of a "football roundup", including a rundown of some interesting alternatives for those fans of football who, in the leaner months following the Super Bowl, are yearning for a little more. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/steven-christianson/message

In podcasting, we've learned from the experiences of radio and television. And the formula that incorporates music is not just powerful, but time-tested. Music helps reinforce the listening experience, helps heighten the message, and can augment how memorable an episode is with someone. It's all part of branding the program. Listen to this episode to hear examples of musical augmentation of branding, and why music should be considered as an important part of your your podcast production. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/steven-christianson/message

Advocacy - Explained!, published by Henley Point, is officially available through Amazon. It briefly reached bestseller status in late February, which is one important news update about the book. The other update is that readers of the Explained! series will soon be able to purchase companion handbooks. The first, coming soon, will be Advocacy - The Companion Handbook. The content in the Advocacy Companion book will focus strictly on the practical tools needed for any advocacy manager, lobbyist or campaign worker to get the job done. Listen to this episode behind the book to learn more about Advocacy - The Companion Handbook. You can also visit Henley Point.CA to learn more, or simply go to your local Amazon website and enter Steven Christianson in the search field. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/steven-christianson/message

In this second part of the special podcasts that commemorate the UN's World Radio Day 2022, we look at how radio is used in South Sudan for information and education, and as a powerful teaching tool. The stories are compelling: they illustrate how radio continues to impact our lives - despite the rise of podcasts and related audio media. Part of this content is reproduced from Global Human Stories, February 13, 2021. The content of this episode is used strictly for information and educational purposes as part of sharing content about the UN and World Radio Day 2022, and makes no claim to production or ownership of said material. This episode has not been monetized in any way. Enjoy. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/steven-christianson/message

The United Nations, through UNESCO, encourages people around the globe to recognize and celebrate the role that radio plays in local societies and economies. That day is Sunday February 13. Building on more than a century of history, radio remains one of the most trusted and widely used media. Throughout the years, radio has provided affordable access to information in real time. By bridging the gap between traditional and state-of-the-art technologies, radio now offers a variety of content through different devices and formats, such as podcasts and multimedia websites. Without radio, we likely wouldn't have podcasts, as least as we know them today. Radio made what we do possible. Listen to the episode to learn more about World Radio Day. You can also visit www.worldradioday.org. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/steven-christianson/message

Is a musical band more than its members at any given time? Is a band more than creating new music or playing live to fans? Is a band something independent of the members? These are questions that many band members, from many bands, are asking themselves. It's a very existential question; but it's also relevant to the transformations happening with NFTs, the growth of the metaverse, and the simple fact that so many beloved, cherished band members are retiring, passing on, or looking at others ways to create and perform. While fans are deeply divided on this and related issues, we can never say "never" when it comes to musicians, bands, performing, and exploring new and innovative ways to share and sell one's craft. Listen to this episode to learn more. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/steven-christianson/message

Geddy Lee's favourite Rush songs would make one heck of a very cool setlist. Included are Roll the Bones, Animate, Between the Wheels and The Garden. While "I Think I'm Going Bald" is not included, I think Rush fans will agree that this list has some real potential. Check out this episode to learn more about Geddy's favourites, and how they could make a great playlist for listening. Makes one wonder: has "I Think I'm Going Bald" ever made to anyone's list of favourites? Have fun with this episode, and look forward to a future episode that will focus exclusively on the backstory behind "I Think I'm Going Bald". --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/steven-christianson/message

This episode of Before, Behind and Between reflects on some of the lessons learned from producing and publishing a podcast. As the 100th episode of this podcast, it also represents a milestone as well as an appropriate time to consider how to improve episodes, possibly integrate interviews and related content, and consider producing documentary-style episodes. So here I share some of my experiences, and I provide a bit of advice in the form of a few takeaways that I hope budding new podcasters, and even those with more experience, will find useful and informative as they begin or continue their journey in the world of podcasting. Regardless if you're an podcast "expert" or a podcast "newbie", we're all learning from each other. Have a safe and happy holiday season, and a spectacular 2022! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/steven-christianson/message

Ok, it's a completely crazy idea for a Star Trek show. I would subtitle it, "Ordinary People". The idea for this new show, or a mini-series, or a short, focuses on the lives of non-space, ordinary people during the centuries in which the various Star Trek shows are based. Kirk announces in Star Trek IV, The Voyage Home, that the people of that earlier century were "still using money". Which nudged me into wondering: how does the economy work in his time, or in Picard's time? Which got me thinking that not everyone works in space, or for Star Fleet, or the Federation, in a space-oriented job. So what do ordinary people do? We've seen the lives of people in various societies on a range of planets, across the spectrum of shows. But what about on Earth? As a Star Trek short, or a mini-series, the show would focus on "ordinary people" - the teachers, the doctors, the artists and entertainers, for example - and the show could tie-in William Shatner's musical take on "ordinary people". Yeah, it's crazy, but it could be fun. This episode talks a little more about what such a show could look like. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/steven-christianson/message

While I'm not a "best-selling" author by any means, my books for about a month after each original release ranked consistently in the top of the heap in their genre (which, broadly speaking, is non-fiction), ranging from "10 out of" to "3 out of". And while that's pretty cool, achieving a top ranking was not my original motivation in writing books. No, it was vanity. As you'll learn in this episode, seeing a finished product, proudly displayed somewhere, can sometimes serve as our strongest source of motivation. 2021 started with a commitment to self-publish through Amazon, and the year is wrapping up with a new-formed publishing company with several titles in its roster of books. So while this episode talks about self-publishing through Amazon in a general sense, and speaks to anyone who is a content creator or promoter, it really considers what's behind those efforts: the motivation, the drive and commitment to achieve a goal, as well as how reaching one milestone can quickly fuel inspiration to identify bigger goals and develop even more creative output. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/steven-christianson/message

The history of Texas is filled with passion and folklore, with icons, heroes and characters that include The Alamo, US President John Tyler and Davey Crockett. But if one were to go back a littler further in time, you'd find that many in that area preferred calling it the New Philippines, instead of Texas. This brief interlude in head-scratching history that almost saw the Lone Star State being called New Philippines finds its origin in Spain's overseas Asian colonies, as well as the practice at that time of colonists wanting to pay homage to King Philip II. Texas named after the Philippines, and the Philippines named after a European king? Confused? Listen to this episode to learn more. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/steven-christianson/message

Another spring, another football league. This time it's the USFL, the United States Football League, that will rise from the ashes next April, with slightly updated versions of the original logos of eight of the league's original teams. This story has been in the rumour mill for years, mostly from hopeful fans of the league's original years in the early to mid-1980s. But recent announcements officially place April 15, 2022, as a start date for the new USFL. So many alternative leagues have come and gone; and, in recent years, the pace of introduction-to-termination has been dwindling to less than a full season. While many of us are hopeful and increasingly intrigued, we also ask the question: what do these folks have, that others didn't, that will breathe life into a sustainable alternative football league? --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/steven-christianson/message

Advocacy, lobbying and government relations form the focus on my newest book, Advocacy - Explained! Published by Henley Point, the book will be available on Amazon in the next six weeks or so. The book focuses on the processes of raising the volume on social messages, and amplifying those messages in ways that help impact the political and policy agendas in our societies. This episode goes behind the work that went into developing the book, Advocacy - Explained!, and talks about what readers can expect from reading and reflecting on the art of influence. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/steven-christianson/message

Rush has released special anniversary issues of several albums, including Hemispheres, Permanent Waves, and A Farewell to Kings. These R40s have been given updated sound treatment, packaging, and fancy new artwork. But none of the special 40 re-issues has ever included beer. Recognizing this deficiency, and acknowledging the importance of beer, Moving Pictures gets it own brew. The album's 40th has been honored by a limited edition "Moving Pictures" dark ale. Listen to this episode to learn more about this creative (and boozy) approach to celebrating one of the most iconic albums ever made. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/steven-christianson/message

Twenty years or so before Boris Karloff portrayed what is perhaps known as the classic Frankenstein monster, another film with the same name was all the rage. Black and white, silent, and perhaps even creepier, Frankenstein by Mary Shelly hit the screens in 1910. Listen this episode to learn more about this early version of Shelly's screen adaptation as well as more tidbits about the man behind the stage persona, Boris Karloff. Happy Halloween! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/steven-christianson/message

A national day of reconciliation is a critical observance, but I wonder if an actual holiday (only for those employed in the federal realm) is the right way to go. In those jurisdictions that did not recognize the day as a public holiday about a month ago, many employers set aside at least part of the day for sensitivity training and related sessions dedicated to advancing cultural awareness. But why not on a regular basis? Is one day, as a holiday for some and not for others, the most appropriate way to get closer to truth and reconciliation? It's a complicated issue, which I talk about in my newest book, Canada's Indian Act, which you can check out at this link. It's both a learning tool and my personal contribution to the very first National Day of Truth and Reconciliation - which I believe should be more frequently observed, as you can see by the fact that I'm dropping this episode more than a month after the official observance in the calendar. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/steven-christianson/message

Love the internet, but not necessarily how so many beautiful people have become transformed into walking soapboxes of misinformation. Know-it-alls with a knowledge-base of information that is ... well, just not quite accurate. You've seen them around. But they are kind of hard to accurately describe, kind of like the Invasion of the Body Snatchers. Welcome to Season 8. This is The Era of the Smartypants (which may, as it turns out, work as a suitable prelude to Halloween movies like the Invasion of the Body Snatchers). --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/steven-christianson/message

I've always maintained that we, at least sometimes, need to look behind to appreciate what lies ahead (also a fun play on the title of this podcast). Today, Canada's Indian Act is once again at the heart of news and controversy in Canada; however, in ways that few people appreciate. So I took two works of mine, both from around three decades ago, and assembled them into a new book, Canada's Indian Act: Policy Perspectives from the Years Defined by Oka, Meech Lake, and the Royal Commission. The first half of the book, the first Chapter, adapts a major academic paper (a Master's thesis) I prepared on what was then called Indian Policy. Yeah, it's really academic. That document comes from 1991. The second half, the second Chapter, adapts a research report and submission to the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples, which was completed in 1992. The second part is more practical in nature, and somewhat more conversational in tone. Together, they form a bit of a time capsule for students, practitioners, or anyone interested in indigenous affairs in Canada, to see what has happening back then, what was different and what hasn't changed - despite more programs of study, more publications, more social awareness and different terminology. The paperback and e-book versions are available through Amazon. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/steven-christianson/message

Did you know that an animated version of Planet of the Apes was aired on Saturday mornings in the mid-1970s, and that one of the two main voice actors for Fred Flintstone voiced the part of General Urko? Did you know there even was an animated version? This episode talks about the legacy of live-to-animated serial adaptions, which reached their first wave of popularity in the late 1960s through the mid-1970s. Listen to this episode to learn more about the trend of animating live-action films and TV shows, notably the thirteen-episode run of Return to the Planet of the Apes. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/steven-christianson/message

Walk into any one of the select LCBO stores (government-operated booze retail in Ontario), pass through the beer and cider cold room, and you might be lucky enough to see a display of beer cans that resemble a Rush album cover. It's Rush beer. It's here. And, in the humble opinion of this host, it's pretty darn good! Listen to this episode to learn more. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/steven-christianson/message

A national election is underway in Canada, an election that few people seem to want. And the issues being discussed by the candidates amplify that "are-we-seriously-in-another-election" sentiment. For example, a recent "breaking" announcement by the Leader of the New Democratic Party (which, for you non-Canadians, is numerically the third largest in Canada's Parliament) didn't focus on jobs, the pandemic, climate change, healthcare, foreign affairs, or taxes. No, the focus of his state-of-the-nation address was ... a name change. Nothing more important, it seems than to focus time and resources on committing to changing the name of an electoral district (also known as a "riding" in Canada). Perhaps in his moment of enthusiasm the Leader of the third largest party inadvertently forgot about the goal of making Canada more accessible for people with disabilities, people whose first language is neither English or French, or some seniors with cognitive issues. Because, if implemented, his announcement would reduce existing accessibility for all these people, and add layers of confusion and misunderstanding. Learn more about one Party's national priority of name changes in Canada - and related political gimmicks in this 2021 election. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/steven-christianson/message

While Canadians aren't unfamiliar to the world of podcasting, they do tend to lag behind several other countries, including the US and Spain, in many categories, especially listenership. Audio production has a strong and vibrant history in Canada (and globally, originally through Radio Canada), so the lower relative numbers are a little surprising. Is this "lag" explained by technology, Canadian listening behaviour, or a stronger enduring profile for radio in Canada? Is it because the CBC is just too damn good? --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/steven-christianson/message

This episode is the second part of a summer Rush-themed doubleheader. We first check out three new demos that were recently uploaded to AlexLifeson.com, and the fact that there's more to come. And while there's probably more such material available to share, this episode also talks about what a new, official Rush podcast might sound like. Also be sure to check out the previous episode, Part 1 of this doubleheader, that talked about creating a new album from soundcheck material. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/steven-christianson/message

What if Rush released an album comprised solely of soundchecks and warmups? Would it work? Would fans buy it? This episode is the first of a summer Rush-themed double-header that talks about how existing material could be put to use in creating an interesting setlist and, equally important, in satiating the appetite that Rush fans have for new product. Also be sure to check out the next episode, Part 2 of this Rush-themed, summer doubleheader podcast, that talks about Alex Lifeson's "newest" demo material. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/steven-christianson/message

If I had a dollar for every time I've heard that question ... Despite the fact that podcasting has been around since the early to mid-2000s, many people are uncertain about what these things actually are. Aren't they just radio broadcasts available through an app? Not quite. Listen to this episode that talks about some of the common differences (and a few similarities) between podcasts and radio, and learn why podcasting represents a medium of previously untapped potential. You can also learn more by getting your copy of Podcasting - Explained! through Amazon. Or visit Henley Point for more information. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/steven-christianson/message

While the exploratory talks between officials representing the CFL and XFL have now come to a close, several rumours suggest that the CFL's Toronto Argonauts could possibly jump ships and join the XFL. The XFL won't be hitting the field until 2022. But another league, the USFL, from the 1980s, rumoured for rebirth for years, is now looking like a real thing. This episode talks about new leagues, leagues reborn, and possible team relocations. Enjoy Note: Sorry folks, I'm still in summer mode, and seem to be recording these podcasts in what sounds like the neighbourhood fishbowl (unlike the neighbourhood watering hole, the fishbowl, sadly, does not serve beer). Back to regular studio gear soon. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/steven-christianson/message

Reports were made. Studies released. Testimony given. Committee after committee. Research commissions followed by yet more research commissions. Despite all the evidence and recommendations over many, many decades, positive change has been absurdly slow and barely measurable for indigenous peoples in Canada. The recent tragic news of mass and unmarked graves has shocked Canadians and provided a window of opportunity to listen, reflect and understand. Perhaps to the surprise of those same Canadians who are shocked, this isn't the first time, or the second, or even the third, in which the nation is asking, "How could this have happened?" But let's hope it is the last time this nation is shocked to its knees to learn the indigenous reality in Canada. Use of the usual studio equipment and recording environment for this episode was constrained by the age-old tradition called "summer vacation"; hence a somewhat lower and muddled quality. Could have waited, but I wanted to get this episode out there. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/steven-christianson/message

Two new songs, both instrumental, have Rush fans swirling with rumours. Alex Lifeson recently posted new original material to his website, the first such music since 2012. The songs, Kabul Blues and Spy House, are terrific. But do they represent a possible new direction for Rush? Listen on, and learn more. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/steven-christianson/message

Amazon is a huge company. And a lot of people, especially smaller businesses or content creators, simply don't like companies that big. Ironically, these are many of the very people for whom Amazon is providing unprecedented opportunity. This episode looks at Amazon's publishing model, and assumes the voice of "devil's advocate" in questioning the relevance - or irrelevance - of traditional book publishers. Background music: "Thirds" by Crowander, courtesy of https://freemusicarchive.org/music/crowander --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/steven-christianson/message