This week, Jann Arden welcomes special guest John Batt, the creator of the popular Canadian history-themed Instagram account @canada.gov.ca (https://www.instagram.com/canada.gov.ca/). They explore the unique blend of humour and Canadian history that defines Batt's work, discussing the evolution of his account, the cultural identity of Canada, and the experience of performing live shows across Canada. The conversation also touches on Batt's journey from a day job to becoming a full-time content creator and the impact of internet culture on his career. Jann, Caitlin, John and Sarah explore the multifaceted aspects of Canadian culture, from music licensing in the 90s to the unique regional delicacies that define Canadian cuisine. The discussion also highlights the importance of humor in politics and the role of community in shaping cultural narratives. As they reflect on the past and look towards the future, the conversation emphasizes the need for a more honest understanding of Canada's diverse identity and the hope for positive change.
More about John Batt:
John Batt was born and raised in Fredericton and now lives in Montreal. When Batt is not working in post-secondary education, he is fine-tuning his live show that is coming to a city near you.
His live show, which is selling out across the country, is neither a podcast nor is it stand-up comedy: instead it's canada.gov.ca and there's really nothing like it. Find his upcoming tour dates and more on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/canada.gov.ca/
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to John Batt and Canada.gov.ca
03:00 The Unique Blend of Canadian History and Humor
06:03 Exploring Canadian Identity and Culture
09:05 The Evolution of Canada.gov.ca and Its Popularity
12:05 The Live Show Experience and Audience Engagement
14:57 Memorable Interactions and Internet Culture
17:56 Reflections on Career Paths and Opportunities
21:08 The Journey from Day Job to Full-Time Content Creation
23:59 Musical Connections and Creative Collaborations
29:07 The Value of Music Licensing
31:41 Canadian Fame and Identity
34:50 Canadian Cuisine and Regional Delicacies
36:14 Perceptions of Canada and Its Global Image
38:10 Political Landscape and Cultural Divisions
40:05 Hope for the Future of Canada
42:06 The Role of Humour in Politics
44:01 Reflections on Canadian Culture and Media
46:01 Tailoring Performance to Audience
48:42 The Importance of Community and Connection
50:09 Looking Ahead and Future Collaborations
