Ideas
CBC
IDEAS is a place for people who like to think. If you value deep conversation and unexpected reveals, this show is for you. From the roots and rise of authoritarianism to near-death experiences to the history of toilets, no topic is off-limits. Hosted by Nahlah Ayed, we’re home to immersive documentaries and fascinating interviews with some of the most consequential thinkers of our time.With an award-winning team, our podcast has proud roots in its 60-year history with CBC Radio, exploring the IDEAS that make us who we are. New episodes drop Monday through Friday at 5pm ET.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Apr 18, 2025 • 2min
New to IDEAS? Start here
Dive into a treasure trove of thought-provoking discussions. Explore the intriguing rise of authoritarianism and hear astonishing near-death experiences. Discover the quirky history of toilets, revealing insights about everyday subjects. This show embraces a wide array of topics, ensuring there's something for every curious mind. Perfect for those who crave deep conversations and unexpected revelations!
Apr 17, 2025 • 54min
How Hitler's 'favourite' reptile became a geopolitical symbol
Saturn, an alligator that was supposedly Hitler’s favourite animal was 'liberated' from the Berlin zoo when the Red Army invaded Germany at the end of the Second World War. The reptile was relocated to Moscow where it died in 2020. But with Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Saturn’s story has become once again a symbol in wartime geopolitics. *This episode originally aired on Jan. 10, 2023.
14 snips
Apr 16, 2025 • 54min
Love or hate Elon Musk, 'we empowered him'
In this engaging discussion, historian Quinn Slobodian, a Boston University professor and author of 'A Global History of Elon Musk,' explores the complexities of Musk as a modern titan. He argues that Musk reflects a society that empowered him, revealing how technical solutions to social issues have shaped governance. The conversation dives into digital libertarianism and the controversial concept of charter cities, also critiquing the intersection of technology and authority, while pondering the future of capitalism in a globalized world.
8 snips
Apr 15, 2025 • 54min
Spyware abusers can easily hack your phone and surveil you
Ron Deibert, founder of the Citizen Lab and author of 'Chasing Shadows', delves into the alarming world of digital surveillance. He reveals how sophisticated spyware like Pegasus can infiltrate any phone globally, leaving us all vulnerable. Deibert discusses the ethical challenges tech firms face while aiding authoritarian regimes and emphasizes the need for protective measures for activists. He also addresses the disturbing merger of social media with surveillance, showcasing a landscape where personal safety is increasingly compromised.
52 snips
Apr 14, 2025 • 54min
Do you truly live in a ‘free’ society? It’s complicated
Timothy Snyder, a renowned historian and Yale professor, explores the complexities of freedom. He distinguishes between 'freedom from' and 'freedom to,' critiquing figures like Elon Musk and Donald Trump as 'heroes of negative freedom.' Snyder warns against this binary thinking, suggesting that true freedom involves collective well-being. The conversation also touches on the evolving views of Russia in U.S. politics, the paradox of technology as entrapment, and emphasizes empathy as a foundational aspect of personal and societal freedom.
Apr 11, 2025 • 54min
Why world maps illustrate an artificial reality
Lou Skoda, a seasoned cartographer with 50 years of expertise, joins Jesse Gordon, manager of technical services for the Namgis First Nation. They discuss the fascinating subjectivity of maps, revealing how they reflect cultural narratives and biases. From the Gulf of Mexico controversy to garbage management systems, the conversation explores the evolution of cartography, blending art and science. Skoda's innovative population mapping techniques challenge traditional views, highlighting maps as both navigational tools and representations of reality.
Apr 10, 2025 • 54min
Need some Stompin' Tom right now to celebrate being Canadian? We thought so.
At a time when Canadians are rallying around the flag, IDEAS thought we could all use a little Stompin’ Tom Connors to keep us going. Famous for his black cowboy hat, he was an original, writing hundreds of songs about what it means to be Canadian. He may have died 12 years ago, but his songs live on, and resonate today.
Apr 9, 2025 • 54min
Democracies 'stay true to your values' tackling borders, says U.S. expert
A German, a Canadian, and an American meet to discuss national borders — crossing them, defending them, and reimagining what they could become before the century is out. Our three experts dig into what’s happening to the concept of borders, how they work, and how border policies have changed in the past 10 years.
Apr 8, 2025 • 54min
How a network of journalists uncovered billions and toppled world leaders
Gerard Ryle, the Executive Director of the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists, leads fascinating discussions on the staggering $21 to $32 trillion hidden in offshore accounts. He shares how their team of nearly 300 journalists has exposed corruption that toppled leaders in multiple countries. Ryle also highlights the ethical dilemmas faced by journalists today and recounts his personal journey, from facing challenges in Ireland to unraveling significant cases worldwide. It's a deep dive into the power of collaborative investigative work.
Apr 7, 2025 • 54min
Can you return home? This author says revision offers radical possibilities
Novelist Janika Oza, author of 'A History of Burning,' dives into the complexities of displacement and memory within the South Asian diaspora. She explores how narratives shaped by colonialism and war inform our identities. Through storytelling, Oza discusses the transformative power of reclaiming personal narratives, highlighting how ordinary objects can embody community history. From travel as vessels of memory to the connection found in familial poetry, her insights offer a profound look at healing and belonging through shared stories.
