Ideas

Lisa Battelle, a Professor of Religion and History and expert in medieval Irish tales, unveils the captivating and often overlooked stories of ancient Ireland. She explores enchanting narratives filled with romance, such as the love story of Midger and Aideen during Samhain. Battelle discusses gender dynamics in 7th century Ireland and the influence of Christianity on Irish writing. Additionally, she highlights the duality of the hero Goholin, showcasing both his heroic and monstrous sides, and the empowering transformation of women in these timeless tales.

Jennifer Jill Fellows, a philosophy instructor and creator of the documentary A Harem of Computers, dives into the captivating history of feminized technology. She highlights how digital assistants like Siri and Alexa reflect societal perceptions rooted in a long history of women’s roles in computing. Fellows discusses the evolution from 19th-century female 'computers' to modern AI, addressing biases in technology and the implications of gendering machines. This exploration raises thought-provoking questions about identity and the future of human-machine interactions.

Fatima Hassan, a health justice advocate and founder of the Health Justice Initiative, passionately discusses the urgent need for global health equity. She addresses the alarming disparities in vaccine distribution during the COVID-19 pandemic, specifically the concept of 'vaccine apartheid.' Hassan shares insights from South Africa's historical struggle for affordable HIV medications, critiquing the role of pharmaceutical companies. She also highlights Canada's position against the TRIPS waiver, urging for a collective global response to health injustices and the commodification of life-saving medicines.

Michael Petru, a historian at the Canadian War Museum, discusses the complex emotions surrounding Remembrance Day alongside Benjamin Hertwig, an Afghanistan veteran and acclaimed poet, and Blanche Bennett, a WWII veteran and advocate for women's contributions in the military. They share powerful personal experiences, reflecting on the emotional weight of wartime memories and the importance of storytelling. Blanche highlights the often-overlooked roles of women, while Benjamin critiques traditional narratives, emphasizing how remembrance can foster healing and understanding.

Michael Petru, a historian at the Canadian War Museum and leader of the In Their Own Voices Oral History Project, delves into the profound postwar experiences of Canadian veterans. He discusses the bittersweet emotions these soldiers face upon returning home, sharing personal anecdotes that highlight their challenges and triumphs. The conversation also uncovers the lasting emotional impact of military service, exploring themes of PTSD, identity struggles, and the importance of understanding veterans' stories in their own words.

Animals — what on earth are they thinking? A panel of scientists explore the notion of animal cognition from what your dog means when it wags its tail, to the incredible problem-solving skills of crows, as part of the Aspen Ideas Festival. *This episode originally aired on November 5, 2021.

Ahead of the U.S. presidential election, there are growing fears that American democracy is headed toward a crisis point. In this 2022 episode, IDEAS contributor Melissa Gismondi unpacks the idea that America as we've known it may be ending, while exploring where the country may be headed, and what — if anything — can save it.

Sam Routley, a writer and PhD student, Marcy MacDonald, a journalist, and John Shields, a Professor Emeritus in Politics, delve into the complexities of Canadian conservatism. They discuss the movement's evolution, grappling with challenges like ultra-nationalism and the call for socially conservative values. The trio explores how younger thinkers are reimagining conservatism to resonate more deeply with today’s youth. They also tackle the intricate relationship between conservatism and immigration, emphasizing the need for adaptation within Canada’s diverse society.

Pankaj Mishra, an award-winning writer and critic of Western liberal democracy, delves into the complexities of nonfiction in today's era of misinformation. He argues that self-serving narratives often disguise imperialistic agendas, leading to skepticism about democracy. Mishra emphasizes the importance of uplifting marginalized voices, particularly Palestinian writers. He also explores the tension between fiction and nonfiction in expressing human truths and discusses the responsibility of creatives during political crises, advocating for authentic self-expression.

Bruce Livesey, a contributor and documentary creator, leads a discussion featuring experts like political scientist Catherine Fieschi and far-right terrorism specialist Matthew Feldman. They delve into the resurgence of fascism and its troubling implications for modern politics. Insights from Robert Reich connect American dynamics to historical fascism, while Vladislav Inazemtsev critiques Putin’s regime. The conversation highlights how societal crises can elevate far-right movements globally, raising alarm about the fragility of democracy in today's landscape.