Ideas

Dr. Jillian Horton, a medical doctor and author, explores the war metaphor in medicine, discussing its emotional toll on healthcare workers. Alan Alda, legendary actor known as Hawkeye in M*A*S*H, shares how his character influenced medical professionals. Historian Dr. Agnes Arnold Forster provides historical insights into the intertwining of medicine and warfare. Together, they examine the impact of militaristic language and the urgent need for a kinder approach to healthcare, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Jay Pitter, an award-winning placemaker and urban planning professor, Greg Lindsay, a futurist at MIT, and Robin Mazumdar, a neuro-urbanist, dive into the future of our cities. They discuss how urban life shapes community connections and mental health, while addressing the challenges of climate change and inequity. The conversation highlights the psychological impacts of city design, emphasizes the importance of inclusivity, and critiques the increasing anti-urban sentiment. Together, they envision adaptable cities that prioritize human connection and community engagement.

In a compelling discussion, Payam Akhavan, an Iranian-Canadian human rights lawyer, shares insights on his role in a landmark climate case before the International Court of Justice, advocating for Bangladesh and small island states. Alongside Tariq Mohamed, Bangladesh's ambassador to the Netherlands, they delve into the pressing need for global accountability in climate action. The conversation highlights the intersection of climate justice with human rights, calling for robust legal frameworks to protect vulnerable communities from environmental degradation.

Beatriz Biccio, a journalist and political science professor, joins Mola Bell, a history professor leading the Non-Aligned News Research Partnership, along with editor Christopher J. Lee and senior editor Venita Srivastava. They discuss the importance of democratizing journalism with a non-colonial approach, stressing the need for inclusive narratives that amplify marginalized voices. The conversation critiques historical inequalities in media and the dangers of polarized reporting, while highlighting the legacy of non-aligned news in shaping equitable journalism today.

Join Beatriz Biccio, a Uruguayan journalist and political science professor; Roberto Savio, co-founder of Interpress Service; and Cindy Ewing, a historian on the Non-Aligned Movement. They dive into the push for decolonizing global news, discussing the historical challenges and triumphs of the Non-Aligned News Initiative. Topics include reshaping Western narratives, media representation of the Global South, and personal accounts from conflict zones. Their insights reveal the urgency of inclusive journalism in today's media landscape.

Ernest K. Gann, a celebrated author and former pilot, draws listeners into his gripping memoir, 'Fate Is the Hunter,' exploring the highs and lows of early aviation. Accompanied by Neil Sandell, who shares personal stories, and historian Bowden Van Riper, they discuss how Gann’s reflections on life, fate, and survival resonate across generations. The conversation highlights thrilling near-misses, the bittersweet nostalgia of flying's golden age, and the philosophical struggles pilots face in navigating the unpredictable nature of fate.

Discover the fascinating story of school cars that transformed trains into mobile classrooms in remote Northern Ontario from 1926 to 1967. Learn how these unique educational initiatives overcame isolation, allowing children to access hands-on learning experiences. Personal anecdotes reveal the struggles faced by students and the community connections fostered within the train car classroom. Delve into the impact of this innovative program on Indigenous children and the nostalgia of a bygone era where education traveled on rails.

M.G. Vassanji, a celebrated writer known for his exploration of identity and belonging, shares his insights from his diverse cultural journey. He discusses the elusive nature of belonging, emphasizing the complexities faced by immigrants navigating multiple identities. Personal anecdotes reveal the tensions between acceptance and feeling like an outsider. Vassanji also reflects on the significance of storytelling in affirming one's place in the world, alongside the emotional ties to heritage and the challenges posed by cultural displacement.

Janine Marchessault is a leading media and art activism scholar at York University, focusing on Canada's moving image heritage. Tania Li, a professor at the University of Toronto, studies the impacts of international development on rural communities in Indonesia. They discuss the urgent crisis in preserving Canada’s audiovisual archives, the transformative role of community-based initiatives, and the struggles of indigenous farmers against corporate interests. Their insights reveal the complexity of cultural preservation and the power dynamics in global aid efforts.

Cònal Creedon, a storyteller and filmmaker from Cork, Ireland, teams up with Eske Willerslev, a Danish geneticist renowned for his groundbreaking work in environmental DNA. They explore the dynamic relationship between art and science, using storytelling to preserve culture and history. Willerslev shares insights from ancient DNA studies, revealing how his discoveries challenge our understanding of ecosystems. Meanwhile, Creedon emphasizes the power of narratives in shaping human connections and reflections on mortality.