For the last 20 years, members of ARC Ensemble have dedicated themselves to recovering the forgotten works of exiled composers. Recently, the ensemble revived the works of Frederick Block — music that hasn't been performed publicly in nearly a century. *This episode originally aired on Dec. 19, 2023.

Gwen Adshead, a forensic psychiatrist with the UK's National Health Service and author of "The Devil You Know," tackles whether violence is a normal aspect of human behavior. She explores the complexities of human violence, discussing emotional triggers and societal misconceptions. Adshead dives into the psychological justifications for violence, highlighting the importance of understanding remorse and humanity in perpetrators. She also advocates for restorative justice, emphasizing compassion in addressing crime and supporting mental health.

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, an award-winning Nigerian-American novelist, and John McWhorter, a New York Times columnist and linguist, engage in a thought-provoking discussion on language, race, and societal polarization. They address the chilling impact of cancel culture on free expression and creativity. Adichie critiques the condescending nature of wokeness towards Black individuals, while McWhorter emphasizes the need for authentic dialogue over mere linguistic changes. They explore how beliefs akin to religion complicate rational discourse, especially in discussions about race and social justice.

Canadian philosopher Charles Taylor, renowned for his thoughts on modernity and meaning, shares his journey from Montreal in the 1930s. He discusses the pursuit of enchantment in a disenchanted world, drawing inspiration from Romantic poetry. Taylor reflects on his bilingual identity and the political influences shaping his beliefs. He critiques sociopolitical discourses that overlook emotional depth and explores humanity's cosmic connections through poetry. Lastly, he highlights the impact of disenchantment on contemporary issues like climate change.

Wade Davis, an anthropologist, writer, and photographer, discusses his incredible experiences, including trying toad venom and exploring zombie lore in Haiti. He emphasizes the importance of cultural preservation and the relationship between humanity and the environment. Davis highlights the resilience of nature, especially in Killarney Lake, and critiques the oversimplification of the term 'indigenous.' His insights blend storytelling with advocacy, urging listeners to appreciate the unique narratives of diverse cultures while recognizing their ecological interdependencies.

Exploring the significance of the number nine in various aspects of life, including folklore, music, and sports. Delving into the concept of Music Concrete and the balance between deliberate choices and chance in composition. Discussing the possible audio experiment involving the number nine and John Lennon's work. Investigating the curse surrounding composers and their ninth symphony. Exploring the association between the number nine and legendary athletes, and finding musicality in unconventional things.

Discover the significance and personality attributed to the number five in the arts and sciences, its role in statistics, music, and Sesame Street. Explore the symbolism of numbers in East Asian cultures and the associations of each number with a direction, season, and color. Uncover the unique attributes and relationships of the number five in counting, mathematics, Fibonacci numbers, multiplication tables, Roman numerals, and the pursuit of truth. Dive into the concept of the bell curve, hypothesis testing, and the delicate equilibrium represented by the number five.

Exploring the power and significance of the number three in storytelling, rituals, and magic. Delving into the dark side of three, including curses and mysterious figures. Examining the connection between a game, women's suffering, and hidden history. Discussing the psychological impact of virtual challenges and the role of the number three in magic spells. Exploring the Scottish witch trials, women in witchcraft, and the symbolism of threes. Tracing the evolution of Hecate in Greek mythology and her association with witchcraft.

In this annual New Year's Levee podcast, IDEAS' producers and contributors preview their upcoming projects. Topics include exploring the mysteries of existence, the decline of salmon and its impact, podcast rankings, therapeutic benefits of reading thrillers, challenges of marriage, and the recognition of Quebecois poet Emil Nélégant.

Explore the concept and significance of zero in mathematics and everyday life. Delve into the resistance of Greek philosophy towards zero. Discover the mysterious properties of zero and its role in physics. Learn about absolute zero and its effects on materials. Highlight the revolutionary power of zero in human advancement.