Ideas

Canadian thinkers explore the meaning and significance of reasonableness in government and law. Five Canadian intellectuals discuss their backgrounds and areas of expertise. Personal experiences with unreasonableness in various aspects of life are shared. The characteristics of unreasonableness and the challenges faced by boundary-pushing writers are discussed.

<p>How can religion help decode the motives for Russia's aggression against Ukraine? And how can Judeo-Christian ethics inform a way forward for peace? Ukrainian Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk, and historian of Central European politics Timothy Snyder explore these questions.</p>

Explore Cuba's economic crisis and its impact on the country's uncertain future. Discover the cultural significance of Cuban cigars and their connection to Cuba's rich history. Follow the story of a tobacco farm owner as he recovers from a destructive hurricane. Learn about the challenges of tobacco farming in Cuba and its association with Cuban nationalism. Understand the effects of climate change on Cuban tobacco cultivation.

Exploring the interconnectedness of trillions of cells in our bodies and their complex functions, this podcast dives into the intricacies of cell division, the abundance of cells within us, the origins of cells and the power of mitochondria, and the awe-inspiring complexity of the universe that allows life to exist.

Bob Rae, Canada's UN ambassador, passionately discusses the UN's journey since its inception in 1945, emphasizing its triumphs in human rights despite facing substantial criticism. Lloyd Axworthy, former Minister of Foreign Affairs, adds insights about the UN's role in global cooperation and his personal experiences. They explore the importance of dialogue and multilateralism, alongside the need for Indigenous recognition and advocacy in addressing pressing global issues. Their reflections spark hope for enhancing the UN's effectiveness in the future.

John Gray, a renowned Canadian playwright, and John Hirsch, a prominent theatre director, dive into the historical fears of Canadian cultural dominance amid U.S. influence. They explore the challenges of defining a unique Canadian identity in the face of American mass media. Personal anecdotes reveal the longing for cultural connection and the struggles within Canadian creative industries. The discussion reflects on trade negotiations and the ongoing significance of Canadian content regulations in preserving national sovereignty and identity.

<p>Even Martin Luther King Jr. didn't know he had a dream — at least not until he improvised the most famous part of his 1963 speech. For many people, public speaking or standup comedy is horrifying. Even more so without a script. <em>IDEAS </em>explores the art of improv — a skill that isn't just for entertainment. It's tapping into a vast well of human potential, and maybe even making the world a tiny bit better.</p>

Harvard historian Tiya Miles discusses how girls in the outdoors become trailblazers, drawing on her research on historical women who found self-understanding in nature. She explores themes of material culture, resilience, and empowerment, emphasizing the transformative power of nature on personal growth and societal change.

Émile Nelligan, a tragic poet from Quebec, wrote hundreds of passionate sonnets and rondels during the late 19th century. Topics discussed include the battle over writing styles in Quebec, Nelligan's controversial work and struggles with mental health, the fascination with his poetry, and his enduring legacy in Canadian literature.

In a fascinating discussion, Sarah Trelevin explores the perplexing world of taxonomy with experts like Quentin Wheeler, a veteran entomologist, and Jason Roberts, author of 'Every Living Thing.' The group reveals the staggering fact that 86% of land species remain undiscovered, emphasizing the urgent need for classification. They delve into historical perspectives, the integration of Anishinaabe knowledge into taxonomy, and the evolving nature of species classification. The conversation brilliantly weaves science, culture, and our responsibility to preserve Earth's biodiversity.