What if history wasn’t just a series of dates, but a map of the human soul?

In this epic, cinematic journey through time and space, we trace the arc of exploration, ambition, and identity—spanning from Leif Erikson and the Vikings to JFK, the Space Race, the Avro Arrow, and Neil Armstrong landing on the moon. We hop from Étienne Brûlé to the Cold War to today, and all the way back to the traces and roots of our modern and ongoing reckoning with Canada’s evolving story.

We are living at an unbelievable point in human history. This “bridge” episode connects past and present through the powerful currents of continuity and change, progress and peril.

As we sail the whitecaps of time toward the life of Samuel de Champlain in the next episode, we confront the earliest (known) colonial encounters, the scars and sparks of contact, and evolving forces within Dr. Marshal McLuhan's 'global village'.

These historical and human forces directly shape us and our communities.

Important figures like Dr. Gabor Maté are also examined to better understand implications of our modern obsession with perfection and (un)originality, and how the anxieties of Western culture have disconnected us from a deeper, more rooted way of being. We explore how reunification of the bodymind through wonder, story, and personal connection can offer us a path forward. Whether through Adam Shoalts’ wilderness trails, or Soviet rocket launches, we ask: What does it mean to belong to a land, a legacy, and a people still in formation?

This is north of ordinary.

🧭 Topics Covered/Keywords

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, Donnacona, 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, Tragically Hip, 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

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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