Ideas

Aaju Peter, an Inuk activist, lawyer, and filmmaker from Greenland, opens up about her journey of decolonization after being taken from her community as a child. She shares the significance of reclaiming Inuit language and traditions while navigating life in Iqaluit. Aaju discusses the impact of her documentary, *Twice Colonized*, how grief has fueled her activism, and her vision for a united Inuit homeland. Through stories of communal living and cultural transmission, she emphasizes the importance of teaching these traditions to future generations.

Beverly Jacobs, an expert in Indigenous law, unveils the Great Law of Peace and emphasizes the significance of women's roles in establishing harmony. Cesar Jaramillo, a disarmament advocate, critiques the military-industrial complex while exploring pathways to negotiation amidst global conflicts. Payam Akhavan, an international human rights lawyer, highlights the need for interconnectedness and moral imperatives in peacemaking. Together, they discuss the balance of immediate ceasefires and long-term justice, underscoring the importance of cultural responsibility and public engagement in fostering peace.

Join neuroscientists Daniel J. Levitin and Nina Krauss, along with researcher John Iverson and kinesiology expert Lois Butcher-Poffley, as they explore the profound role of rhythm in human life. They discuss how rhythm shapes our ability to walk, talk, and connect emotionally from womb to adulthood. Discover how dancers enhance athletic performance through rhythmic training and learn about the therapeutic effects of rhythm for Parkinson's patients. They also reveal how music and language are intricately linked by rhythm.

Gabriel Walker, a climate scientist and author, dives into the transformative history of Earth’s atmosphere, discussing how air shapes life. Sam Keane, a renowned science writer, adds depth by exploring the stages of atmospheric evolution and the rare occurrence of oxygen. The conversation highlights the dramatic impacts of human activity on air quality and climate, from greenhouse gas effects to past mass extinctions. They consider future adaptations, from carbon removal strategies to innovative geoengineering solutions, revealing a pressing need to rethink our relationship with air.

Join Matthew Lazen-Rider, an Ideas producer exploring shipwreck stories, along with literature scholar Stephen Mentz and comparative literature professor Paul Fleming. They unravel the captivating history of shipwreck tales, from ancient epics to contemporary narratives, revealing their deep cultural resonance. Ethnomusicologist Heather Sparling shares insights on disaster songs that help communities mourn and memorialize maritime losses. Together, they discuss the ship as a metaphor for political strife and the fragile nature of existence in our tumultuous times.

Heba Ali, a Canadian–Egyptian humanitarian journalist and organizer, leads a coalition for UN reform. She discusses the inadequacies of traditional crisis responses and stresses the need for courage in advocacy. Tim Murithi, a peacebuilding expert, emphasizes the urgency of revisiting outdated governance models. Augusto Lopez-Claros advocates for structural changes like a parliamentary assembly to enhance effectiveness. Finally, Alana O'Malley sheds light on member-state hesitations about reform while highlighting the necessity of reimagining the UN's role in the contemporary world.

Prakash Diar, a human rights lawyer, and Kagiso Lesego Molope, a talented novelist and playwright, share their profound perspectives on South Africa's tumultuous past. They reflect on their youthful activism during apartheid and the transformative yet incomplete National Peace Accord. The duo tackles the deep pains of justice versus peace, highlighting the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s cultural mismatches. They emphasize the necessity for systemic change and echo crucial lessons for reconciliation in other nations.

In this engaging discussion, Tom Howell, a producer and reporter behind 'The Way of the Trucker,' teams up with Jacques Picotte, a truck driving instructor in Timmins. They explore the looming shortage of truckers in Canada and the reasons behind it, highlighting how many recruits are immigrants seeing new opportunities. Jouk shares insights from in-cab training sessions while discussing the cultural significance of trucking, including its impact during the 2022 protests and the industry's evolving safety standards.

Philippe Tortell, a professor at UBC and head of the Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences Department, dives into the Heavy Metal Suite project, where music meets the mining industry's complexities. He shares how eight composers translate mineral resources into captivating melodies, including themes of water and environmental concerns. Tortell emphasizes the importance of music in sparking discussions about mining challenges. He also addresses geopolitical risks and the optimistic outlook for innovation in the sector, blending art with vital global issues.

Sujata Berry, a documentary contributor and sister of Sharad, who perished on Air India Flight 182, joins her sister Sudha to explore their family’s harrowing journey through grief. They delve into the challenges of unresolved sorrow due to a lack of justice and share poignant memories that highlight the lasting impact of tragedy. Their conversation touches on the psychology of grief, including how it affects the brain and family dynamics. Together, they reflect on memorials and the rituals that keep their brother’s memory alive.