Wow...haven't we just had a week. There's certainly a lot to talk about. I've also got a bit of news of my own.   Join me for my longest podcast to date, as I explore the 2025 Canadian Federal Election.   Remember, you can check out links about anything I mention during the show – https://whorpole.ca   If you do have any questions, or is there something that you would like me to talk about?   I encourage you to contact me at AsISeeIt@whorpole.ca – and let me know - I'll mention you on the show (unless you don't want me to) – and you'll forever be able to say, “I got James to say my name, way back before he was a super celebrity!”   Check out these links mentioned in this show – and others, just because: Canada's 2025 Federal Election https://newsinteractives.cbc.ca/elections/federal/2025/results/   My Blog:https://whorpole.ca/blog/   If YOU want to be a part of MY podcast,send me a recording of you saying,“This podcast is produced by the Fireside Chat Club of Canada”.   Send it via Facebook Messenger, or by email to: AsISeeIt@whorpole.ca   AND, you can also contribute, buy Buying Me A Coffee. Go to my website – https://whorpole.ca and click on the yellow “Buy Me A Coffee” icon. Or, just look up, it may not be yellow on this page, but it's there at the top on the right. It'll help me in my endeavour to find and produce the best Canadian content for you, every week.

Keeping with the spirit of the season (Hockey playoffs and such)...Today's story is about a player who many of you may not heard of before...Toronto Maple Leaf defenceman Bill Barilko.   Remember, you can check out links about anything I mention during the show – whorpole.ca   Go to my website – whorpole.ca for the links I refer to in this episode.   If you do have any questions, or is there something that you would like me to talk about?   I encourage you to contact me at AsISeeIt@whorpole.ca – and let me know - I'll mention you on the show (unless you don't want me to) – and you'll forever be able to say, “I got James to say my name, way back before he was a super celebrity!”   Check out these links mentioned in this show – and others, just because: Bill Barilko's Goal https://sm.whc.ca/data/w/h/whorpole.ca/preview_ukrOx/gallery/Bill%20Barilko%20Goal.jpg   Video of Bill Barilko's Goal https://youtu.be/fTmaRu4vvew?si=8StjTr0rfR_wr2n4   The Tragically Hip - “Fifty Mission Cap” - Tribute to Bill Barilko https://youtu.be/AOxHRMdgdHM?si=ePoFRpDrl0Wkxeqc   If YOU want to be a part of MY podcast,send me a recording of you saying,“This podcast is produced by the Fireside Chat Club of Canada”.   Send it via Facebook Messenger, or by email to: AsISeeIt@whorpole.ca   AND, you can also contribute, buy Buying Me A Coffee. Go to my webside – whorpole.ca, and click on the yellow “Buy Me A Coffee” icon. Or, just look up, it may not be yellow on this page, but it's there at the top on the right. It'll help me in my endeavour to find and produce the best Canadian content for you, every week.

James Doohan - An army vet, a pilot, a linguist and everyone’s favourite Scottish Engineer.

A chance encounter.And here I am – ready to talk about perhaps one of the first Canadian Actors I ever knew of.Come, listen with me, as I explore the life of William Shatner.   Remember, you can check out links about anything I mention during the show – whorpole.ca   Go to my website – whorpole.ca for the links I refer to in this episode.   If you do have any questions, or is there something that you would like me to talk about?   I encourage you to contact me at AsISeeIt@whorpole.ca – and let me know - I'll mention you on the show (unless you don't want me to) – and you'll forever be able to say, “I got James to say my name, way back before he was a super celebrity!”   Check out these links mentioned in this show – and others, just because: William Shatner https://williamshatner.com/   Star Trekhttps://www.startrek.com/en-ca Shatner in Henry V https://www.shatnerweb.com/2017/07/17/henry-v-06181956/ William Shatner – The Twilight Zone https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nightmare_at_20,000_Feet   TJ Hooker https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0083486/?ref_=fn_all_ttl_1   Better Late Than Never https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5020352/   Bilbo Baggins – Leonard Nimoy https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QuQbus0xfhk   Rocket Man – William Shatner https://youtu.be/Co2ZVdVM26E?si=-Vt0XVAhLm53BSB_   If YOU want to be a part of MY podcast,send me a recording of you saying,“This podcast is produced by the Fireside Chat Club of Canada”.   Send it via Facebook Messenger, or by email to: AsISeeIt@whorpole.ca

This week I'm going to talk a little about not just ANY band...THE BAND. From being the back-up to one of Canada's most famous American singers, to sharing the stage at the Rock and Roll Hall of fame with some of the most well-known musicians.   Remember, you can check out links about anything I mention during the show – whorpole.ca   Go to my website – whorpole.ca for the links I refer to in this episode.   If you do have any questions, or is there something that you would like me to talk about?   I encourage you to contact me at AsISeeIt@whorpole.ca – and let me know - I'll mention you on the show (unless you don't want me to) – and you'll forever be able to say, “I got James to say my name, way back before he was a super celebrity!”   Check out these links mentioned in this show – and others, just because: The Bandhttps://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/band-the   Ronnie Hawkins http://www.ronniehawkins.com/index.html   Bob Dylan https://www.bobdylan.com/   Rock and Roll Hall of Fame https://rockhall.com/   If YOU want to be a part of MY podcast,send me a recording of you saying,“This podcast is produced by the Fireside Chat Club of Canada”.   Send it via Facebook Messenger, or by email to: AsISeeIt@whorpole.ca

Remember when I did this last year?Had a show of random facts? Neither did I – I had to look it up. That's why I make copious notes. Well, I remembered that I did it..my memory isn't THAT bad. Thanks for joining me on this week's podcast. Be sure to tell everyone about the podcast. There are only two places in the world where it hasn't been heard, and one of them is full of penguins...and I'm not sure what their internet is like down there. Remember, you can check out links about anything I mention during the show – whorpole.ca Go to my website – whorpole.ca for the links I refer to in this episode. If you do have any questions, or is there something that you would like me to talk about? I encourage you to contact me at AsISeeIt@whorpole.ca – and let me know - I'll mention you on the show (unless you don't want me to) – and you'll forever be able to say, “I got James to say my name, way back before he was a super celebrity!” Check out these links mentioned in this show – and others, just because:Today in Canadian Historyhttps://todayincanadianhistory.com   If YOU want to be a part of MY podcast,send me a recording of you saying,“This podcast is produced by the Fireside Chat Club of Canada”.   Send it via Facebook Messenger, or by email to: AsISeeIt@whorpole.ca

It's spring!Baseball spring-training is done, and it is now time to get to the the real deal!Join me as I look at Canada's teams, and a little bit of history of the game.   Remember, you can check out links about anything I mention during the show – whorpole.ca   Go to my website – whorpole.ca for the links I refer to in this episode.   If you do have any questions, or is there something that you would like me to talk about?   I encourage you to contact me at AsISeeIt@whorpole.ca – and let me know - I'll mention you on the show (unless you don't want me to) – and you'll forever be able to say, “I got James to say my name, way back before he was a super celebrity!”   Check out these links mentioned in this show – and others, just because: Montréal Exposhttps://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/montreal-expos   Toronto Blue Jays https://www.mlb.com/bluejays/ (if you run behind a VPN, this link will not work)Check out this link instead:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toronto_Blue_Jays Canadian Baseball Historyhttps://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/canadians-in-baseball-the-lost-tribe-feature   Jamie Campbell https://www.instagram.com/snetcampbell/?hl=en   https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jamie_Campbell_(sportscaster)   If YOU want to be a part of MY podcast,send me a recording of you saying,“This podcast is produced by the Fireside Chat Club of Canada”.   Send it via Facebook Messenger, or by email to: AsISeeIt@whorpole.ca

Canadian Prime Ministers.   We have a new one.Find out about the history of Canada's highest political office.   I'm answering several questions that must be burning a hole in your mind.   Go to my website – whorpole.ca for the links I refer to in this episode.   If you do have any questions, or is there something that you would like me to talk about?   I encourage you to contact me at AsISeeIt@whorpole.ca – and let me know - I'll mention you on the show (unless you don't want me to) – and you'll forever be able to say, “I got James to say my name, way back before he was a super celebrity!”   Check out these links mentioned in this show – and others, just because: Who is the Prime Minister https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prime_Minister_of_Canada   The swearing in of Mark Carney as the 24th Prime Minister of Canada https://youtu.be/TvBzIBcXQ3Q?si=THG43DDc0-zijfym   Is it illegal to write on Canadian currency?https://www.torontodefencelawyers.com/crime-write-money/#:~:text=It%20is%20not%20illegal%20to,of%20famous%20actor%20Leonard%20Nimoy   The best haircut of 1870 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Tupper#/media/File:CharlesTupper1870.jpg   If YOU want to be a part of MY podcast,send me a recording of you saying,“This podcast is produced by the Fireside Chat Club of Canada”.   Send it via Facebook Messenger, or by email to: AsISeeIt@whorpole.ca

I'm tired.   There was a nano-second, when I considered whether or not I could/would keep doing this. I am forever encountering those who are looking for a short-cut, and I am seemingly always “on”. Yet they keep trying to ice-skate uphill.   Then a switch flipped. I know what I am doing.I know that I am patriotic. I know that I do enjoy doing this.   So, here's my rant.Like it or don't.I don't care. I will keep doing it, because it is the right thing.And I will prevail.   Tell your friends. Tell your enemies.Tell them about the “...funniest person there ever was...” --Horse & Hound Magazine   Check out these links mentioned in this show – and others, just because: I Am Canadian – The Original https://youtu.be/WMxGVfk09lU?si=FJlNr0xmVIaeN7s1   We Are Canadian – 2025 https://youtu.be/_OzbmriDgQc?si=NZd30QEzA6hzC79q Canadian Public Health Care https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/canada-health-care-system.html   Who is the Prime Minister https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prime_Minister_of_Canada   Canadian News https://www.canada.ca/en/news.html   Canada, as I see it – Canadian Elections https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-9dmxi-17aa4cd   Canada, as I see it – Flag Day https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-qnp2y-1803c57       I'd like to know how you're listening to me. Are you using Podbean's app? Do you listen from my site (whorpole.ca)? Or do you use one of the many podcast platforms that you can listen to this podcast on. I encourage you to contact me at AsISeeIt@whorpole.ca – and let me know - I'll mention you on the show (unless you don't want me to) – and you'll forever be able to say, “I got James to say my name, way back before he was a super celebrity!” If YOU want to be a part of MY podcast,send me a recording of you saying,“This podcast is produced by the Fireside Chat Club of Canada”.   Send it via Facebook Messenger, or by email to: AsISeeIt@whorpole.ca

Maple Syrup.   It's time to stock up. AND plan your trip now to see how this ambrosia is made. Check out https://ontariomaple.com/ and find out where you can go to get this uniquely Canadian experience.   This week I'm talking about how it's made, AND I have a little bit of news on what's been happening in Ontario.   I'd like to know how you're listening to me. Are you using Podbean's app? Do you listen from my site (whorpole.ca)? Or do you use one of the many podcast platforms that you can listen to this podcast on. I encourage you to contact me at AsISeeIt@whorpole.ca – and let me know - I'll mention you on the show (unless you don't want me to) – and you'll forever be able to say, “I got James to say my name, way back before he was a super celebrity!” If YOU want to be a part of MY podcast,send me a recording of you saying,“This podcast is produced by the Fireside Chat Club of Canada”.   Send it via Facebook Messenger, or by email to: AsISeeIt@whorpole.ca

The Stanley Cup. You may recognize the name, and even know what it is, and who it is awarded to.But did you know that today is the 132nd anniversary of the first time that the cup was awarded?   Join me as I look into the history of the most recognizable trophy in the history of professional sports.   Find out more about the cup, and see photos of it's literal growth through the years:https://www.hhof.com/thecollection/stanleycup_factsfirstsfauxpaus.html   I'd like to know how you're listening to me. Are you using Podbean's app? Do you listen from my site (whorpole.ca)? Or do you use one of the many podcast platforms that you can listen to this podcast on. I encourage you to contact me at AsISeeIt@whorpole.ca – and let me know - I'll mention you on the show (unless you don't want me to) – and you'll forever be able to say, “I got James to say my name, way back before he was a super celebrity!” If YOU want to be a part of MY podcast,send me a recording of you saying,“This podcast is produced by the Fireside Chat Club of Canada”.   Send it via Facebook Messenger, or by email to: AsISeeIt@whorpole.ca

February 15, 1965That was the day, 60 years ago that the newly-christened Canadian Flag, “The Maple Leaf” was flown for the first time on Parliament Hill, in Ottawa Ontario.   Join me as I look into the history of one of the most recognizable flags in the world.   Check out the ceremony that took place on that day here: https://www.nfb.ca/film/february_15_1965_raising_canadas_new_flag/   Find out more about the history of that flag here:https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/services/flag-canada-history.html I'd like to know how you're listening to me. Are you using Podbean's app? Do you listen from my site (whorpole.ca)? Or do you use one of the many podcast platforms that you can listen to this podcast on. I encourage you to contact me at AsISeeIt@whorpole.ca – and let me know - I'll mention you on the show (unless you don't want me to) – and you'll forever be able to say, “I got James to say my name, way back before he was a super celebrity!” If YOU want to be a part of MY podcast,send me a recording of you saying,“This podcast is produced by the Fireside Chat Club of Canada”.   Send it via Facebook Messenger, or by email to: AsISeeIt@whorpole.caIf you would like to listen, you can find the link to the podcast in my profile. Just click on the picture of the little campfire, and you should find it there.

Numbers can be large – 20 trillion.Numbers can be small – 1Numbers can be scary – a lot of buildings used to avoid “having” a 13th floor. And numbers can be funny. What number is funny? Three. Three is a number often used in comedy circles...or comedy triangles, or even comedy tetrahedrons.   Join me as I look into “the rule of three”, and a Canadian connection to comedy (like there isn't one)... I'd like to know how you're listening to me. Are you using Podbean's app? Do you listen from my site (whorpole.ca)? Or do you use one of the many podcast platforms that you can listen to this podcast on. I encourage you to contact me at AsISeeIt@whorpole.ca – and let me know - I'll mention you on the show (unless you don't want me to) – and you'll forever be able to say, “I got James to say my name, way back before he was a super celebrity!” If YOU want to be a part of MY podcast,send me a recording of you saying,“This podcast is produced by the Fireside Chat Club of Canada”.   Send it via Facebook Messenger, or by email to: AsISeeIt@whorpole.ca

This week is just filled with alliterative Canadian facts, tangents and humour.Join me as we begin to ramp up to my birthday month, and throw out a whole bunch of funny spaghetti at the wall and see what sticks. I'd like to know how you're listening to me. Are you using Podbean's app? Do you listen from my site (whorpole.ca)? Or do you use one of the many podcast platforms that you can listen to this podcast on. I encourage you to contact me at AsISeeIt@whorpole.ca – and let me know - I'll mention you on the show (unless you don't want me to) – and you'll forever be able to say, “I got James to say my name, way back before he was a super celebrity!” If YOU want to be a part of MY podcast,send me a recording of you saying,“This podcast is produced by the Fireside Chat Club of Canada”.   Send it via Facebook Messenger, or by email to: AsISeeIt@whorpole.caIf you would like to listen, you can find the link to the podcast in my profile. Just click on the picture of the little campfire, and you should find it there.

This week, a subject near to my heart...the pursuit of all things trivial. Or perhaps I should just say, Trivial Pursuit.   When this game came out, I fell in love. I thought...”finally, a game that wasn't Monopoly”,It has grown to be popular the world over, and often the definitive answer to, “who did what and when?”This week, I have another friend introducing the podcast: Steve. Steve is a fellow writer, but he has learned how to get paid for it! Check out his work at https://stevenbochenek.ca/ I'd like to know how you're listening to me. Are you using Podbean's app? Do you listen from my site (whorpole.ca)? Or do you use one of the many podcast platforms that you can listen to this podcast on. I encourage you to contact me at AsISeeIt@whorpole.ca – and let me know - I'll mention you on the show (unless you don't want me to) – and you'll forever be able to say, “I got James to say my name, way back before he was a super celebrity!” If YOU want to be a part of MY podcast,send me a recording of you saying,“This podcast is produced by the Fireside Chat Club of Canada”.   Send it via Facebook Messenger, or by email to: AsISeeIt@whorpole.caIf you would like to listen, you can find the link to the podcast in my profile. Just click on the picture of the little campfire, and you should find it there.

You may be thinking, what does Winnie The Pooh have to do with Canada? Well, after talking about both sides of my family over the last month or so – I'm here to give you Pooh's lineage – and to do so, I have invited my wife Caroline to help dig into it. Join us as we look into HIS family tree! I'd like to know how you're listening to me. Are you using Podbean's app? Do you listen from my site (whorpole.ca)? Or do you use one of the many podcast platforms that you can listen to this podcast on. I encourage you to contact me at AsISeeIt@whorpole.ca – and let me know - I'll mention you on the show (unless you don't want me to) – and you'll forever be able to say, “I got James to say my name, way back before he was a super celebrity!”   Don't forget - tell someone about the podcast, and let them know to contact me at the address below.Let me know their name in an email to me, and if they contact me, I will mention both of you in a future podcast. If YOU want to be a part of MY podcast,send me a recording of you saying,“This podcast is produced by the Fireside Chat Club of Canada”.   Send it via Facebook Messenger, or by email to: AsISeeIt@whorpole.ca

Today class, please turn your textbooks to the page on Canadian Elections.We will likely be experiencing one, and that is just that, an experience, before we hit summer. Here is what you have to expect over the next few weeks, and how it works.   I'd like to know how you're listening to me. Are you using Podbean's app? Do you listen from my site (whorpole.ca)? Or do you use one of the many podcast platforms that you can listen to this podcast on. I encourage you to contact me at AsISeeIt@whorpole.ca – and let me know - I'll mention you on the show (unless you don't want me to) – and you'll forever be able to say, “I got James to say my name, way back before he was a super celebrity!”   Don't forget - tell someone about the podcast, and let them know to contact me at the address below.Let me know their name in an email to me, and if they contact me, I will mention both of you in a future podcast. If YOU want to be a part of MY podcast,send me a recording of you saying,“This podcast is produced by the Fireside Chat Club of Canada”.   Send it via Facebook Messenger, or by email to: AsISeeIt@whorpole.ca

And now, you are about to get the REST of the story. Last week, I spoke of my mother's side of the family – this week, it's my father's side. And, although not as deep in data – it does have quite a few stories and tangents.Of COURSE it has tangents – do you forget who you are listening to? After hearing today's podcast, you'll have a deeper understanding of how and why I have such a desire to talk of all things Canadian.   Check out more on this side of the family at https://whorpole.ca – as with everything I do – things are always in flux, and I really want to build it up, as I have on https://mifflin.ca   I'd like to know how you're listening to me. Are you using Podbean's app? Do you listen from my site (whorpole.ca)? Or do you use one of the many podcast platforms that you can listen to this podcast on. I encourage you to contact me at AsISeeIt@whorpole.ca – and let me know - I'll mention you on the show (unless you don't want me to) – and you'll forever be able to say, “I got James to say my name, way back before he was a super celebrity!”   Don't forget - tell someone about the podcast, and let them know to contact me at the address below.Let me know their name in an email to me, and if they contact me, I will mention both of you in a future podcast. If YOU want to be a part of MY podcast,send me a recording of you saying,“This podcast is produced by the Fireside Chat Club of Canada”.   Send it via Facebook Messenger, or by email to: AsISeeIt@whorpole.ca

You might recognize the name featured on this week's show.You may know it from television. You may know it from history. You may know it from...me...   Here is just a taste of the family that made me...me...   Check out more at https://mifflin.ca   I'd like to know how you're listening to me. Are you using Podbean's app? Do you listen from my site (whorpole.ca)? Or do you use one of the many podcast platforms that you can listen to this podcast on. I encourage you to contact me at AsISeeIt@whorpole.ca – and let me know - I'll mention you on the show (unless you don't want me to) – and you'll forever be able to say, “I got James to say my name, way back before he was a super celebrity!”   Don't forget - tell someone about the podcast, and let them know to contact me at the address below.Let me know their name in an email to me, and if they contact me, I will mention both of you in a future podcast. If YOU want to be a part of MY podcast,send me a recording of you saying,“This podcast is produced by the Fireside Chat Club of Canada”.   Send it via Facebook Messenger, or by email to: AsISeeIt@whorpole.ca

This episode is about Canada's largest province. We took a bus tour to Québec to experience some of their European Christmas markets. It was a wonderful experience, and I would absolutely encourage you to check it out. And, as an added bonus, there's a bit of a history lesson. The best part? There is no exam after the show.   I'd like to know how you're listening to me. Are you using Podbean's app? Do you listen from my site (whorpole.ca)? Or do you use one of the many podcast platforms that you can listen to this podcast on. I encourage you to contact me at AsISeeIt@whorpole.ca – and let me know - I'll mention you on the show (unless you don't want me to) – and you'll forever be able to say, “I got James to say my name, way back before he was a super celebrity!”   Don't forget - tell someone about the podcast, and let them know to contact me at the address below.Let me know their name in an email to me, and if they contact me, I will mention both of you in a future podcast. If YOU want to be a part of MY podcast,send me a recording of you saying,“This podcast is produced by the Fireside Chat Club of Canada”.   Send it via Facebook Messenger, or by email to: AsISeeIt@whorpole.ca