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.

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. IDEAS examines the impact and legacy of the manifesto, and its relevance today. *This episode originally aired on October 13, 2020.

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.

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, Left Is Not Woke, moral philosopher Susan Neiman argues that the "woke" ideology represents a fundamental break from traditional leftist ideals. *This episode originally aired on April 12, 2023.

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.

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.

It's been 60 years since French thinker Gaston Bachelard’s The Poetics of Space 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.*This episode originally aired on March 7, 2022.

Eight composers, five instruments, and a world of metal. IDEAS explores a project by the University of British Columbia called The Heavy Metal Suite that conveys the challenges and opportunities of the mining industry, through music. Each composer draws inspiration from their country’s mineral resources in their original pieces. *This episode originally aired on May 28, 2024.

Acclaimed author and former English teacher, Gabor Maté, discusses the relevance of Wilhelm von Humboldt's education system in the 21st century. They explore Humboldt's impact on global education, his revolutionary reforms at the University of Berlin, and the challenges faced by modern universities in upholding his ideals. The conversation touches on Humboldt's vision for nurturing critical thinkers and independent minds to shape a more equitable society.

Delve into the origins of the public education system with a focus on Wilhelm von Humboldt's philosophy of Bildung. Explore his innovative reforms, open marriages in history, and the evolution of education in Prussia. Uncover Humboldt's vision for personal development and critical thinking, revolutionizing the education system in 18th-century Germany.