Ideas

Robert Macfarlane, an award-winning author and professor specializing in environmental humanities, explores the evolving bond between humanity and the elements. He discusses how climate change shapes our identity and emotions towards landscapes, emphasizing the sensory connection we often neglect. The conversation also highlights the urgent need for ecological protection, including recognizing rivers as living beings. Macfarlane urges a restoration of linguistic diversity to deepen our environmental appreciation, ultimately advocating for a sustainable future.

<p>In October 1970, the Front de libération du Québec (FLQ) sparked a nationwide crisis by kidnapping British diplomat James Cross and Quebec Deputy Premier Pierre Laporte, whom they later murdered. In return for Cross, the FLQ issued seven demands, one of which was to broadcast its manifesto. CBC/Radio-Canada complied. <em>IDEAS</em> examines the impact and legacy of the manifesto, and its relevance today. <em>*This episode originally aired on October 13, 2020.</em></p>

In this engaging conversation, novelist and University of Toronto professor Randy Boyagoda explores the evolving role of universities amid recent global events. He reflects on the essence of civil discourse, emphasizing its significance in fostering dialogue rather than division. Boyagoda discusses the complexities of campus protests, the impact of technology on communication, and the need for intellectual humility. He advocates for engaging in challenging conversations to cultivate understanding and navigate the polarized landscape of contemporary academia.

Ursula Franklin, a pioneering physicist and peace activist, explored how technology shapes society and our mindset. Jane Freeman, Franklin's friend, reflects on her profound insights, which remain strikingly relevant today. They delve into the distinction between holistic and prescriptive technologies, advocating for a more integrated approach to human and environmental well-being. The conversation also touches on how modern communication affects societal interactions and emphasizes the importance of ethics in governance and resilience in overcoming challenges.

Lex Gill, a lawyer dedicated to merging social movements with legal evolution, reflects on justice in a tumultuous world. She navigates personal and political struggles, revealing how contemporary crises like economic inequality demand urgent attention. Gill emphasizes the transformative power of storytelling in confronting systemic racism and advocates for legal reforms inspired by collective action, such as the 2012 Quebec student strike. With a nod to art's role in inspiring change, she champions empathy and connection as essential tools for cultivating justice.

<p>In recent years, the word "woke" has evolved from a catchphrase into a political ideology — and a catch-all pejorative routinely wielded on the right against its left-leaning adherents. But in her book,<em> Left Is Not Woke</em>, moral philosopher Susan Neiman argues that the "woke" ideology represents a fundamental break from traditional leftist ideals. <em>*This episode originally aired on April 12, 2023.</em></p>

Jesse Wente, an Anishinaabe arts leader and chair of the Canada Council for the Arts, shares powerful insights on Indigenous resilience. He emphasizes that the future has lessons from the past, advocating for deep remembering to inspire change. Wente discusses the significance of Indigenous languages in cultural identity and sustainability. He also stresses the importance of Indigenous narratives in media, urging a reevaluation of our relationship with time and nature. Ultimately, he presents a vision where everyone can benefit from Indigenous wisdom.

Jessica Riddell, a professor dedicated to fostering hope in education, shares compelling insights on the need for educators to slow down during urgent times. She discusses how personal and crisis-driven challenges require a mindful approach to resilience. Riddell utilizes the salmon metaphor to highlight systemic obstacles facing educators. She also reflects on the 1980s hysteria, advocating for adaptable beliefs. Through storytelling and community engagement, she inspires a future-oriented educational narrative that encourages young people to redefine authority.

In a time of rising polarization, the podcast dives into the complexities of collective decision-making on university campuses facing politically charged protests. It highlights the emotional turmoil of individuals impacted by conflict and the disparities in institutional support during crises. The discussion emphasizes the need for collaboration, balancing reason with emotion, and embracing narratives to foster understanding. Global student solidarity movements are also explored, showcasing how young voices are challenging narratives around Palestine while advocating for deeper dialogue.

<p>It's been 60 years since French thinker Gaston Bachelard’s <em>The Poetics of Space </em>made its English-language debut. It’s a hard-to-define book — part architecture, philosophy, psychoanalysis, memoir. And it continues to feed our ongoing need for purposeful solitude and wide-open fields for our imagination.<em>*This episode originally aired on March 7, 2022.</em></p>