John Batt: No Government Affiliation
The Jann Arden Podcast
Deep Dive
Why did John Batt start the Canada.gov.ca Instagram account?
John Batt started the Canada.gov.ca Instagram account as a side project while working a soul-sucking office job. He noticed the handle was available and thought it would be funny to create an account that pretended to be an official Canadian government Instagram. Initially, he posted ironic and mundane photos of the Canadian countryside, but the account gained traction and evolved into a platform for sharing humorous and lesser-known aspects of Canadian history.
Why does John Batt perform live shows and what do they consist of?
John Batt performs live shows to bring the content from his Instagram account to a live audience. The shows are a mix of storytelling and humor, focusing on Canadian history and culture. He describes them as similar to a chatty wedding MC, with deep dives into various topics. The shows are about an hour to an hour and 15 minutes long and often include a Q&A session.
What is John Batt's perspective on Canada's cultural identity and how does it differ from the popular perception?
John Batt believes that the popular perception of Canada as a country of maple syrup, hockey, and back bacon is outdated and overly simplistic. He thinks that Canada is a diverse and complex nation with a rich history that is often overlooked. He argues that the country needs to be more honest about its treatment of indigenous people and its colonial past, and that the 'nice Canada' image is not doing the country any good.
What are some of John Batt's favorite Canadian foods and regional delicacies?
John Batt is a fan of garlic fingers, a popular dish in the Maritimes that consists of pizza-like strips with a garlicky sauce and cheese, often served with donair sauce. He also enjoys Sussex brand ginger ale, a golden ginger ale that is very popular in the East Coast. Additionally, he is a fan of poutine, especially when it's made with regional variations.
How does John Batt tailor his live shows to different cities, and why does he do this?
John Batt tailors his live shows to the specific cities he performs in by researching and incorporating local history and unique aspects of the town. He does this to create a more engaging and relevant experience for the audience, although it requires more work as he has to prepare a new show for each city. This approach allows him to connect with the audience on a deeper level and share lesser-known stories about their own communities.
- John Batt's Instagram account, @canada.gov.ca, is a popular Canadian history-themed account.
- He initially created the account ironically but gained a following who mistook him for an official government account.
- Batt's live show is a blend of storytelling, humor, and Canadian history.
- He quit his day job a year ago to focus on his account and live shows full-time.