The violin might be one of the most Canadian of musical instruments. In fact, there are a dozen different styles specific to Canada—styles like West Coast, Prairie, Ottawa Valley, Down East and the star of this episode, Cape Breton. Yet if one zealous priest had gotten his way, the distinctive Cape Breton sound wouldn't exist. Join me as we explore the legends and history of Reverend Kenneth J. MacDonald, the infamous Fiddle-Burning Priest of Cape Breton Island.

Fireside Canada is a podcast about Canadian legends, lies and lore. Focused on both the storytelling and the historical aspects of folklore, each episode includes a creative retelling or story inspired by the folklore as well as an exploration and analysis of its history and cultural significance: the story behind the story. You can learn more at FiresideCanada.ca.

David Williams is the host, writer and researcher behind the show. You can find him on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter).

They are the quintessential pirate couple: Captain Eric Cobham and his first mate and partner in crime, the ruthless Maria Lindsay. Legend has it that this dreadful duo once haunted the waters of eastern Canada, slaughtering every sailor and sinking every ship they encountered for 20 years. Stories of their exploits can still be found all along the east coast from New York, to Newfoundland, but is there any truth to the tale?

Fireside Canada is a podcast about Canadian legends, lies and lore. Focused on both the storytelling and the historical aspects of folklore, each episode includes a creative retelling or story inspired by the folklore as well as an exploration and analysis of its history and cultural significance: the story behind the story. You can learn more at FiresideCanada.ca.

David Williams is the host, writer and researcher behind the show. You can find him on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter).

For some, it’s little more than a local oddity. For others, it’s a mystery that demands to be solved. But once we uncover its solution, we may find that it comes with more questions and some unsettling implications. Join me as we solve a century old puzzle, and learn about the curious history, fascinating folklore, and dubious medical advice that are part of the story of one of Canada’s strangest gravesites.

Fireside Canada is a podcast about Canadian legends, lies and lore. Focused on both the storytelling and the historical aspects of folklore, each episode includes a creative retelling or story inspired by the folklore as well as an exploration and analysis of its history and cultural significance: the story behind the story. You can learn more at FiresideCanada.ca.

David Williams is the host, writer and researcher behind the show. You can find him on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter).