Ideas

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.

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.