Ideas

The Huarochirí Manuscript is one of the few surviving records of Quechua worldviews in the early modern era. It was once used by the Catholic Church to identify and eradicate “idolatries.” But today, for philosophy professor Jorge Sanchez-Perez, the manuscript is a tool for reconstructing and revitalizing Andean metaphysics. *This episode originally aired on Feb. 6, 2023.

Join Gerard Wright, an expert on antimicrobial resistance, Clement Gosselin, a leading robotics researcher, and Sylvain Moineau, known for his work with bacteriophages, as they discuss their groundbreaking research. Wright highlights the urgent fight against antibiotic resistance, sharing personal insights on its real-world impact. Gosselin reveals innovations in robotic hands, addressing ethical challenges. Moineau explores the potential of phages in biotechnology, emphasizing their role in ecological monitoring and combating resistance in the face of climate change.

Leilani Farha, Global Director of The Shift and former UN Special Rapporteur on the right to housing, passionately explores the profound relationship between humanity and housing. She discusses how homes have become mere commodities, stripping them of emotional significance. The conversation highlights the impact of neoliberalism on housing affordability, the dehumanization wrought by financialization, and the pressing need to recognize housing as a fundamental human right. Farha’s insights urge listeners to reevaluate the true essence of home and advocate for a more humane approach to housing.

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.