the hidden island

Aw, shucks! All about Oysters with Jason Woodside

Discover the delicious history of raising, harvesting – and shucking – oysters on Prince Edward Island! Host Samantha Kelly is joined by Jason Woodside, oyster-shucking champion and inventor of the banjo knife. Together, they delve into the story of how our relationship with oysters started, how it became a globe-spanning industry and the ins and outs of our relationship with oysters in the present day.

The ballad of Wally P: PEI’s first Governor – with Evelyn Bradley and Shawn Hogan, Pt. 2

We are kick-starting the season with an exciting two-part episode: Podcast host Matthew McRae tells the stranger-than-fiction tale of Walter Patterson, Prince Edward Island's first Governor. Laugh and learn co-host Evelyn Bradley as well as guest comedian Shawn Hogan. 
Did you know that privateers kidnapped our government? Or that Patterson gave an island off the coast of the island to his girlfriend? Or that he invented the “fresh cookies” scent for homes? Okay, maybe that last one isn’t true, but still.
Patterson's legacies of leadership, shady real-estate practices and questionable decision-making culminate into a story that is as humourous as it is outrageous – enjoy parts 1 and 2 of the ballad of Wally P!

The ballad of Wally P: PEI’s first Governor – with Evelyn Bradley and Shawn Hogan, Pt. 1

We are kick-starting the season with an exciting two-part episode: Podcast host Matthew McRae tells the stranger-than-fiction tale of Walter Patterson, Prince Edward Island's first Governor. Laugh and learn co-host Evelyn Bradley as well as guest comedian Shawn Hogan. 
Did you know that privateers kidnapped our government? Or that Patterson gave an island off the coast of the island to his girlfriend? Or that he invented the “fresh cookies” scent for homes? Okay, maybe that last one isn’t true, but still.
Patterson's legacies of leadership, shady real-estate practices and questionable decision-making culminate into a story that is as humourous as it is outrageous – enjoy parts 1 and 2 of the ballad of Wally P!

season 5 sneak peek

Discover the new season of Canadian Time Machine: In the Shadow of Green Gables: L.M. Montgomery's Life and Legacy

The Hidden Island - in partnership with our friends at The Walrus Labs - presents a hosting collaboration for their podcast episode of Canadian Time Machine, recognizing and celebrating the 150th anniversary of the birth of known PEI author Lucy Maud Montgomery.
From The Walrus Labs:
"November 30, 2024 marks 150 years since Lucy Maud Montgomery’s birth, and her legacy continues to endure. Best known for Anne of Green Gables, Montgomery created characters that embody resilience and imagination. In this episode of Canadian Time Machine, her granddaughter, Kate Macdonald Butler, shares family stories, preserves her grandmother’s legacy, and reads from Emily of New Moon, which she views as Montgomery’s most personal work.
"The episode also explores her influence, her personal struggles, and Dr. Jessica Katz Edison’s insight into how Montgomery’s work resonates with neurodivergent audiences, long before such language existed.
"More episodes of Canadian Time Machine are available at: https://lnkfi.re/canadian-time-machine. To read episode transcripts in both French and English and explore more historic Canadian milestones, visit https://www.thewalrus.ca/canadianheritage. A French counterpart of the show, Voyages dans l'histoire canadienne, is also available—if you're bilingual and looking for more, head to https://lnkfi.re/Voyages-dans-lhistoire-canadienne."

from East to West, a voyage of Chinese Islanders

Did you know that Chinese Islanders have been living on Prince Edward Island since as early as 1850? Trista Jiali Liang and Camellia Nguyen take us back in time to discuss the history of Chinese immigration to Canada and PEI, and how Asian immigration has contributed to a resilient and culturally diverse Island community. The book "Chinese Islanders: Making a Home in the New World" by Dr. Hung-Min Chiang was referenced throughout this episode.
Features guest interviews: Jerry Wang (UPEI), Kevin MacLean (Orwell Corner Historic House)

beach please: the story of PEI tourism

Happy National Tourism Week! Host Camellia Nguyen, Communications Coordinator of the Museum & Heritage Foundation will take you on a journey to explore how tourism became PEI's leading industry. In addition to the history of tourism, this episode also covers discussions about the Island's food culture, the impact of climate change on tourism, emerging tourism sectors, and the love-hate relationship between Islanders and tourists.
Features guest interviews: Dr. Edward MacDonald, Crystal MacGregor (Food Island PEI), Corryn Clements (TIAPEI), Dr. Matthew McRae, Monisha Rodricks

Fiona, climate change, and natural disasters on PEI

Hurricane Fiona in 2022 prompted us to reflect on the state of climate change on the Island. Join Daniel McRae, Lead Researcher at MacPhail Woods, and Matthew McRae, Executive Director of the Museum & Heritage Foundation as they discuss the many natural (or human) disasters that happened on PEI. Spoiler: brace yourself for a stormy future.
Features guest interviews: Dr. Douglas Sobey, Peter Nishimura (Government of PEI - EECA), Donald Jardine (UPEI Climate Lab), Kate MacQuarrie (Government of PEI - EECA), Stuart Hickox (Tree Stories PEI)