Christmas 2002, my folks got me a book about Canadian history from the CBC. The People’s History I think its called. Its a fairly complete history of Canadian told with a series of first person accounts of important events in Canadian History. At the time, I worked at the Westin Bayshore in Vancouver and jocked the overnight shift in their communications hub in the bowels of the hotel. I read a lot and I read these books.
I have always been intrigued by the story of John Jewitt.
John Jewitt was an armourer who sailed to Vancouver Island in the early 1800s. While in Nootka Sound, the natives there mascaraed his ship and Jewitt was one of the only survivors. He was taken captive by the chief Maquinna and forced to be his personal armourer. He lived among the nation for some time before finally escaping back to Boston.
I always thought it would make for a mighty movie but I have no skills at making a movie. But I could make it a podcast? hmmm.
A couple things have conspired to re ignite the idea to make a history podcast.
1) Radiolabs – This podcast I discovered a few years ago when Pitchfork did a story about its subtle (yet awesome) soundtrack. It might be the best audio broadcast I have ever heard. It has been hugely influential on what I want to do with audio productions. My skills aren’t there yet, but practice makes perfect and it might be time to try and put together an epic, entertaining narrative.
2) History podcasts – They suck. The top rated History Podcast I could find on iTunes was 12 Byzantine Rulers. I am sure the dude knows his stuff, but dry dry dry. And there wasn’t much better.
I think I can make a hot sounding history podcast. I think I can, I think I can, I think I can.
Step One… find and read Jewitt’s book. Step Two, find the experts on British Columbian history to tell the tale. Step Three, produce show. Step Four, market and distribute the greatest Canadian history podcast.
the only problem… I don’t know if those are the proper steps? ahhhhh.
Go with yourself.
The Morning After 
Only one way to find out if those are the proper steps.
yeah, I’d imagine.
I went to UVic’s website to see if they had any classes on Aboriginal or Native BC History, but no dice. Lots of Medieval and fun stuff like that, but nothing local. sadness. I emailed the contact and she never got back to me. I would have to believe that at the University there is someone who teaches our history.
I guess I could also email Radiolab and ask them how a show might be mapped out.
Looking for a good history podcast? Check out Dan Carlin’s Hardcore History.
ha, funny, on Facebook some one told me to check that one out too. I’ll download it tonight.
[…] I blooged about this before, but the story of John Jewitt NEEDS to be made into a film. […]