Ideas

In this engaging discussion, Alex Neve, a renowned human rights lawyer and 2025 CBC Massey Lecturer, reflects on pivotal inspirations from his youth, including his mother’s daycare activism that sparked his passion for justice. He shares how his father's values and law school talks transformed his view of human rights as a tool for activism. Neve also explores vital issues like Indigenous rights, the ongoing fight against gender-based violence, and the importance of community involvement in human rights advocacy.

Tina Antolini, a talented narrator known for her engaging voice work, leads a discussion on the captivating history of buttons. They explore how buttons represent control, freedom, and social hierarchies, from their 19th-century origins to their role in modern digital interfaces. The conversation dives into moral implications highlighted by Milgram’s experiment, revealing buttons as aspects of obedience and detachment. Dystopian visions illustrate the consequences of relying too heavily on these seemingly simple devices, making it a thought-provoking listen.

In this enlightening discussion, historian Michael Petrou from the Canadian War Museum shares insights from his In Their Own Voices project, which captures veterans' personal narratives about their military experiences. He emphasizes the power of oral history in revealing emotional truths often lost in traditional records. Petrou delves into the fragility of memory, the complexities of transitioning from soldier to civilian life, and the nuanced portrayals of pride and trauma. By amplifying overlooked voices, he highlights the broader societal impacts of military service on individuals and communities.

In this thought-provoking discussion, historian Michael Petru shares insights from his oral-history interviews with veterans. Poet and Afghan war veteran Benjamin Hertwig expresses his mixed feelings about formal rituals, preferring personal remembrance over public ceremonies. WWII veteran Blanche Bennett highlights the need for women’s contributions to be recognized, while Russell Kaye recalls his emotional return to D-Day sites. Together, they explore the complex relationship veterans have with Remembrance Day and emphasize the importance of educating future generations about the true costs of war.

Michael Petru, a historian at the Canadian War Museum and former war correspondent, leads an oral history project exploring veterans' post-service experiences. He discusses the significance of preserving narratives not of combat, but of life afterward. The conversation includes emotional insights on grief for fallen comrades, the unsettling transition to civilian life, and the enduring impact of PTSD. Petru highlights how military service reshapes identity and societal perspectives, reflecting on the mixed legacy of experiences in places like Afghanistan.

Explore the intricate relationship between desire and power, spotlighting the rise of tyrants like Deoches in ancient times. Delve into Cambyses II's chaotic rule, revealing the madness that can ensue from absolute power. Discover how tyranny thrives during societal fear and the psychological toll it takes on individuals. Learn from Xerxes' tragic downfall due to hubris and the need for empathy. Finally, ponder the importance of political engagement in combating modern despotism and ensuring accountability in leadership.

Join Lindsay Mahon Rathnam, a political theory professor; Clifford Orwin, a historian of political thought; Joel Alden Schlosser, a political science chair; and acclaimed novelist Michael Ondaatje for an engaging discourse on Herodotus. They explore how he masterfully blends storytelling with cultural inquiry, the revolutionary nature of his prose, and the importance of historical narratives in understanding conflict. The discussion touches on his gentle skepticism, the art of political storytelling, and the lessons Herodotus holds for contemporary democracies.

Political commentator Rachel Maddow and activist Rebecca Solnit delve into the dangers of authoritarianism in Trump 2.0. Maddow highlights how current threats echo historical struggles against tyranny. Solnit emphasizes the importance of collective memory and past victories in fostering hope and resilience. Both critique the mainstream media's role in normalizing extremist narratives. They also discuss the power of writing and protest in countering oppression, urging listeners to remain vigilant and engaged in safeguarding democratic values.

Join theoretical physicists Sarah Shandera and Savas Dimopoulos as they dive into cosmic mysteries. Shandera discusses the importance of data and new mathematical frameworks in cosmology, highlighting the capabilities of cutting-edge observatories like JWST. Dimopoulos explores mind-boggling concepts like extra dimensions and the implications of a multiverse, suggesting they could explain the cosmological constant. Together, they tackle fundamental questions about dark matter and gravity's peculiarities, offering fresh perspectives on the universe's complexities.

Isabel Wilkerson, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author of acclaimed works like Caste, reveals the deep-rooted caste system in America, comparing it to India's. She explains how acknowledging this structure is essential for facing modern racial and class conflicts. Wilkerson discusses the importance of historical awareness, the impact of book bans on democracy, and the concept of radical empathy. She also shares insights on the systemic effects of caste during the pandemic and advocates for a U.S. Truth and Reconciliation Commission to address these issues.