Ideas

Tom Jokinen, a contributor and narrator, and Laura Gerke, a PhD student in English, delve into the timeless lessons of George Eliot's Middlemarch. They explore Eliot's unconventional life and how it informs her narratives. The discussion touches on characters grappling with ambition and personal failures, particularly Dorothea's misguided marriage and Lydgate’s thwarted medical reforms. Insightful connections are drawn between these characters' intertwined fates, emphasizing empathy and the complexity of human relationships.

Join Alison Motluk, a journalist and documentary producer, alongside Salima Fakirani, a lawyer sharing her personal egg-freezing journey, and Katie Hammond, a law professor exploring consent in fertility. They dive into the motivations behind egg freezing, from career pressures to personal choice. Marsha Inhorn examines social dynamics affecting women’s decisions, while Lucy Vandeweel discusses the marketing of fertility services and workplace benefits. Together, they question whether egg freezing truly empowers women or perpetuates societal issues.

Mary Cowan, a historian from the University of Toronto Mississauga, shares her expertise on Canada’s first documented demonic possession in the 1660s. She reveals fascinating details about Quebec City's atmosphere, including eerie apparitions and witchcraft accusations. Scott Bertholet, a historian from Queen's University, delves into the Indigenous and colonial dynamics that influenced the events. Together, they discuss chilling exorcism methods and the social implications of this haunting story, all while navigating the delicate interplay of belief and power.

Michael Ignatieff, former leader of the Liberal Party of Canada, joins political theorist Scott Rittner and expert Catherine Lawson to delve into Simone Weil's radical ideas. They discuss Weil’s experiences in factories and how they shaped her views on humiliation and political parties. The guests unpack her skepticism towards Marxism and party ideologies, advocating for the abolition of political parties as a means to combat fascism. They also explore how Weil's ethical concept of 'attention' can foster empathy and encourage independent thought in today's political climate.

Sheila Barker, Director of the Jane Fortune Research Program on Women Artists, and Letizia Treves, curator at the National Gallery in London, dive into the radical artistry of Artemisia Gentileschi. They explore her powerful depictions of strong female figures, connecting them to her personal experiences of trauma and resilience. The discussion highlights the cultural impact of her work, especially the transformative portrayals of biblical heroines like Judith and Susanna, as well as her relentless fight for recognition in a male-dominated art world.

Leslie Jamison, an acclaimed writer known for her insightful works like The Empathy Exams, explores the intricate landscape of empathy. She discusses its challenges in today's polarized world and highlights the importance of humility in understanding others. Drawing from her experiences as a medical actor, she reveals the complexities of emotional connection and the dangers of superficial empathy. Jamison emphasizes the need for curiosity and genuine engagement, suggesting that true empathy requires listening beyond our own narratives.

Galen Watts, a sociology professor at the University of Waterloo, explores the evolution of modern spirituality and its intricate ties to traditional religion. He examines the 'religion of the heart' and critiques the notion that spiritual practices are merely individualistic. Watts connects spiritual movements to social changes, including rights revolutions and the impact of charismatic Christianity. He warns that excessive focus on personal experience can lead to isolation, advocating for a balance between authenticity and community to foster genuine freedom.

Join Leticia Racine, a Sixties Scoop survivor and pivotal figure in the Racine v. Woods Supreme Court case, as she shares her inspiring journey of reconnecting with her Indigenous roots. Raven Sinclair, an expert on Indigenous child welfare, discusses the vital role of cultural reacculturation for adoptees. Colleen Heal, co-founder of the 60s Scoop Network, highlights grassroots support for survivors. They delve into themes of cultural disconnection, the challenges of family reunification, and how survivors are becoming change-makers in their communities.

In this engaging discussion, vertebrate paleontologist Daniel Field reveals the fascinating link between modern chickens and their dinosaur ancestors, including the discovery of the 66-million-year-old 'wonder chicken' skull. Food historian Emmeline Rood dives into the cultural journey of chickens and their transformation into a dietary staple. Meanwhile, city councillor Judy Partridge argues against urban backyard chickens, citing public health and nuisance concerns. Together, they explore the quirks, contributions, and controversies surrounding these feathered friends.

Faraj Bayrakdar, a renowned Syrian poet and former political prisoner, spent 14 years behind bars where he wrote powerful poetry imagining the fall of the Assad regime. He shares how writing became a form of rebellion, even under torture. Bayrakdar discusses the importance of inner freedom and how poetry served as his weapon against oppression. He reflects on the pain of families of prisoners and the concept of transitional justice, advocating for a dignified future for Syria rather than a legacy of graves.