Canadian Grit: North of Ordinary. Episode 1: The Rope, the Pine, and the Torch

Before there was Canada, there was wilderness—untamed, unknown, and unforgettable. In this premiere episode, host Jamie Jackson, PhD (ABD), weaves history, reflection, poetry, and personal truth into a deeply human journey. From childhood wallpaper dreams to the burnout halls of Ontario public schools, this is a story about grit, memory, and why holding the torch of humanity matters.

You'll hear about early explorers like Champlain, the music and literature that shaped a generation, and the invisible systems we’re all swimming in. More than a podcast about Canadian history—it’s a reflection on identity, resilience, educator well-being, and what it means to care in a world that often forgets to.

Featuring voices from Rush, Springsteen, The Tragically Hip, and Colonel John McCrae, this episode is for educators, misfits, seekers, and humans alike.

Keywords:

Rock and roll, Hugh MacLennan, canadian literature, canadian culture, The Tragically Hip, music, Gabor Maté, public education, JFK, Reagan, Iron Curtain, Berlin Wall, Cold War, USSR, Russia, United States, politics, Indigenous, true stories, space race, Gabor Maté, mental health, resilience, colonial, tech, economy, business, development, pathways, New France, culture, identity, Champlain, Canadian, exploration, colonialism, indigenous, maps, cartography, humanity, human spirit, technology, critical perspectives, Cartier, Cabot, Champlain, careers, high school, kids, fun learning, exploration, geography, maps, Freedom of speech, charter of rights, Religion, Wars, France, England, militarism, imperialism, Colonialism, Continuity, Change, Popular History, Identity, Place, Explorer, Resilience, Native, Iroquois, Great Lakes, Quebec, Montreal, Toronto, Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia, nature, camping, Manitoba, Winnipeg, space race, ships, cinema, WWI, WWII, War of 1812, Donald Trump, Charlie Kirk, politics, psychology, resilience, mental health, literature, Champlain, public education, teacher burnout, Ontario schools, resilience, trauma, anxiety, Gabor Maté, Rush, trauma, identity, belonging, existentialism, Bruce Springsteen, Paulo Freire, podcast Canada, born to run,

Got a story? Want to reach out? Send me a message!

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I am so incredibly grateful that you stopped by. Thanks for listening to the show.

I hope you loved it. If you're interested, check me out on socials

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OR: @canadiangritmedia

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Facebook Discussion and Community Page:
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Remember, my friends: We're in this thing together. It means more than you know. We're just getting started!

If you know of anyone-- or if YOU have an amazing story of grit, or even something to share with the world, why not reach out and let me know?

I'd love to give voice to your stories.

All the very best.

Your good pal,

-Jamie

EMAIL: jamie@canadiangritmedia.ca