Send us a text I’m joined by Peter Copeland, Deputy Director of Domestic Policy at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute, to unpack the truths and myths around Canada’s border security. From fentanyl trafficking and human smuggling to legal blind spots and our fractured jurisdictional model, Peter offers a research-backed, nonpartisan perspective on the known unknowns we face. What can Canada learn from its allies? Why are our legal frameworks outdated? And is our public safety strategy more reactive ...
Jun 24, 2025•42 min
Send us a text I sit down once again with Professor Paul Robinson to continue our exploration of the ongoing Ukraine-Russia war. We dive into the uncomfortable questions rarely addressed in mainstream media: Have Western sanctions actually worked? Why does media silence dissent within Ukraine? And is Canada’s role sustainable—or even justified—in a war with no clear end? From examining the economic reality of sanctions and shadow fleets to questioning the strategic silence on Ukraine’s democrati...
Jun 10, 2025•59 min
Send us a text After nine years of Justin Trudeau, Canadians finally got a change — but is it real change, or just better branding? In this solo episode, I break down the aftermath of the April 28th federal election and what I think Mark Carney actually represents. From the tone of his first press conference to his early decisions — like refusing a coalition with the NDP and allowing Pierre Poilievre to run in a by-election — Carney seems to be signalling a major pivot from Trudeau’s performativ...
May 06, 2025•17 min
Send us a text I sit down with Professor Paul Robinson — historian, author, and expert in Russian and Eastern European studies — to explore what lies beneath the dominant narratives of the Ukraine-Russia war. We cover everything from sanctions, NATO posturing, and artillery use to questions of democracy and the role of the West’s military-industrial complex. We also take a sobering look at Ukraine’s demographic and economic future, and why so few are willing to question the consensus. A wide-ran...
Apr 08, 2025•45 min
Send us a text Why does the Western narrative on Ukraine feel so one-sided? In this episode of the Open Minds Podcast , I sit down with Dr. Ivan Katchanovski, a Ukrainian-Canadian political scientist whose peer-reviewed research sheds a sobering light on Ukraine’s internal divisions, the roots of war, and the media’s oversimplified story. We talk about Crimea, Donbas, NATO and the infamous Maidan sniper massacre—an event that reshaped Ukraine and global geopolitics. Dr. Katchanovski’s insights c...
Apr 01, 2025•57 min
Send us a text Interestingly, Canadians have shown their support for capital punishment almost 50 years of polling data. In 2025, Research Co. found that approximately 54 percent of Canadians agree with capital punishment, which has largely remained unchanged since the 1970s. I sit down with Mario Canseco , president of ResearchCo . While Canada abolished the death penalty in 1976, public support remains surprisingly strong. What drives Canadians to favour its reinstatement? Is it justice, deter...
Mar 25, 2025•43 min
Send us a text Christopher Balkaran dives into Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program with Professor Jason Foster from Athabasca University . We explore the realities of migrant labor, the economic dependency on foreign workers, and the impact on Canadian workers. Is the program a necessary economic tool, or has it become a permanent fixture in our labor market? Join us for a deep dive into the policies, challenges, and future of Canada’s labor force. 🎙 Host: Christopher Balkaran 📢 Guest: J...
Mar 18, 2025•47 min
Send us a text On the three-year anniversary of the Freedom Convoy, I sit down with former Ottawa Police Chief Peter Sloly to unpack the complexities of one of the most significant protests in modern Canadian history. From media narratives to the role of law enforcement, we explore what really happened in February 2022 and what it reveals about Canada’s social and political fabric. Was there a policing solution to the Freedom Convoy? What lessons can we learn for the future? Join me for this dee...
Mar 04, 2025•55 min
Send us a text I sit down with Dr. Kerry Bowman, a Canadian bioethicist and environmentalist, to discuss the ethical implications of vaccine mandates and pandemic policies. We explore the balance between individual autonomy and collective responsibility, the unintended consequences of strict public health measures, and how marginalized groups—including Indigenous communities and those with disabilities—were affected. Dr. Bowman also discusses the role of social interaction in mental well-being a...
Feb 25, 2025•43 min
Send us a text I sit down with Dr. Robert Klitzman—director of the Masters of Bioethics program at Columbia University—to delve into the complex intersections of medicine, ethics, and culture. In this episode, we explore fascinating stories from Papua New Guinea, the cultural roots of disease understanding, the profound vulnerability of patients, and the challenges of doctor-patient communication. Dr. Klitzman’s insights on holistic medicine and the ethical dilemmas in modern healthcare are both...
Feb 18, 2025•50 min
Send us a text How has border security evolved with technology? In this episode of the Open Minds Podcast , I sit down with Professor Rey Koslowski , a leading scholar on border control and migration . I explore how AI, drones, biometrics, and facial recognition are transforming border management—raising both security concerns and ethical questions . 💡 Topics Discussed: ✅ The first border sensors from Vietnam War-era military surplus ✅ The 1990s border rushes & how enforcement changed migra...
Feb 11, 2025•52 min
Send us a text I welcome back Chloe Smellink, psychotherapist-in-training, for a deep dive into men’s mental health, the stigma surrounding therapy, the troubling rise of MAiD (Medical Assistance in Dying) in Canada, and the broader societal issues affecting mental well-being. Chapters 00:00 – Welcome Back, Chloe 05:00 – How Men Approach Mental Health 12:00 – The Cost of Avoiding Difficult Conversations 20:00 – The Silent Crisis: Why Men Feel Helpless 30:00 – Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) i...
Feb 04, 2025•1 hr 10 min
Send us a text I sit down with Dr. Ramona Coelho to revisit the complex and controversial topic of Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) in Canada. Dr. Coelho shares insights from recent Health Canada and Ontario coroner reports, revealing safety concerns, ethical dilemmas, and the societal failures that lead many to seek MAiD. We discuss cases driven by financial constraints, housing insecurity, and loneliness, and explore how Canada’s policies differ from other jurisdictions like California and E...
Jan 28, 2025•46 min
Send us a text I engage with Jessica Vaughan , Director of Policy Studies at the Center for Immigration Studies, to break down the complexities and consequences of modern immigration policies. Jessica shares insights from her extensive experience in immigration policy, including her work with the U.S. Foreign Service and the Department of Justice. Key topics include: • Mass Immigration and Labour Distortions: How unchecked immigration policies, including the exploitation of the H-1B visa program...
Jan 14, 2025•1 hr 2 min
Send us a text Support the show Visit my NEW Website! https:// www.christopherbalkaran.com Check out my Instagram/Tik Tok for daily posts: Instagram @openmindspod Tiktok @openmindspodcast
Nov 02, 2024•56 min
Send us a text I continue my conversation with NOAA’s Tom Knutson, diving deeper into the multi-decadal view of hurricane patterns in the Atlantic. Together, we explore the complexities of hurricane frequency and intensity, uncovering why the long-term, multi-decadal variability is crucial in understanding Atlantic hurricane activity. Tom shares insights into two leading theories explaining Atlantic variability—shifts in the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation and aerosol cooling from pa...
Oct 31, 2024•42 min
Send us a text In this episode, I am joined by climate expert Tom Knutson to explore the nuanced science of climate change, focusing on Atlantic hurricane patterns, extreme rainfall, and the complexities of climate modelling. Tom sheds light on the challenges in attributing natural disasters to human influence, emphasizing the importance of understanding multi-decadal variability, regional factors, and the limitations of current data. We discuss how these intricacies are often overlooked in main...
Oct 29, 2024•27 min
Send us a text Chloe Smellink and Christopher Balkaran explore a range of topics including political assumptions, media influence, LGBTQAI+ representation, and the importance of mental health, particularly for men. They discuss the societal pressures that shape perceptions and behaviours, the role of communication in relationships, and the need for a holistic approach to health. The dialogue emphasizes the significance of curiosity, acceptance, and the balance between personal and professional l...
Oct 08, 2024•1 hr 4 min
Send us a text AUDIO BLOG of my NEWSLETTER: openminds.substack.com SUBSCRIBE/LIKE/COMMENT Support the show Visit my NEW Website! https:// www.christopherbalkaran.com Check out my Instagram/Tik Tok for daily posts: Instagram @openmindspod Tiktok @openmindspodcast
Sep 05, 2024•15 min
Send us a text A bit of a different take: I engage in a deep conversation with Professor Matthew Alan Sears, a classical historian specializing in ancient Greek history. We explore the power of historical narratives, their influence on public memory, and how these narratives shape political ideologies, drawing connections between ancient history and contemporary politics. 1. Introduction to Professor Matthew Alan Sears (00:00 - 05:00) 2. The Power of Historical Narratives (05:01 - 15:00) 3. Symb...
Sep 03, 2024•58 min
Send us a text I sit down with Ethan, founder of Take Back Canada, to delve into the motivations behind the movement, the complexities of Canada’s immigration policies, and the influence of corporate interests on government decisions. Ethan shares his views on the need to reassess the Temporary Foreign Worker Program and reflects on the broader implications for Canada’s future. 1. Introduction and Ethan’s Background (00:00 - 05:00) 2. The Origins of Take Back Canada (05:01 - 10:00) 3. Concerns O...
Aug 29, 2024•1 hr 5 min
Send us a text In this episode, I dive into the creeping surveillance state emerging in Australia and explore how fear and crisis drive governments to implement draconian measures that chip away at civil liberties. We examine the pivotal 2014 Sydney Siege, which catalyzed sweeping changes in Australia’s security laws, and discuss how psychological biases like the availability heuristic and groupthink shape public opinion. From metadata retention laws to the influence of fear-driven policymaking,...
Aug 27, 2024•8 min
Send us a text Christopher interviews Ambassador Jerry Feierstein, a veteran diplomat and Middle East expert, to explore the intricacies behind the Abraham Accords. They discuss the historical context, economic motivations, and security dynamics that led to the normalization of relations between Israel and several Arab states. The conversation delves into the sidelining of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the shifting power dynamics in the region, and the broader implications for U.S. foreign p...
Aug 20, 2024•50 min
Send us a text Dr. Sylvain Charlebois, a leading expert in food distribution and policy discusses major issues COVID brought in. Sylvain discusses the challenges faced by supply chains, the politicization of food inflation, and the impact of geopolitical tensions on global food security. The conversation also touches on the role of grocery businesses, the future of agriculture, and the critical importance of long-term planning in a rapidly changing world. Check out Sylvain's Podcast: https://the...
Aug 13, 2024•1 hr 7 min
Send us a text Lionel Loganathan’s family immigrated to Canada from Sri Lanka in 1985, escaping the civil war and genocide that plagued their homeland. His father, a limousine driver, worked tirelessly to provide for the family, embodying the resilience and sacrifice common among immigrant families. Loganathan’s upbringing in Scarborough and Markham, Ontario, shaped his identity and values. He recounts his father’s long hours and dedication, emphasizing the work ethic instilled in him by his par...
Aug 09, 2024•1 hr 1 min
Send us a text Friends - a quick episode introducing the concept of the 'Spiral of Silence'. The Spiral of Silence Theory, proposed by Elisabeth Noelle-Neumann, suggests that individuals may be less likely to express their opinions if they perceive that they are in the minority, due to fear of isolation or social rejection. This can lead to a situation where the dominant opinion appears even more dominant, while dissenting voices remain silent. What are your thoughts? Also, subscribe to my Blog,...
Aug 08, 2024•18 min
Send us a text Breast implants have been a popular cosmetic procedure since the 1960s. Initially, the silicone used in these implants was more liquid, but today’s implants are more viscous, often referred to as “gummy bear” implants. Despite technological advancements, the body often reacts to these foreign objects with an immune response, forming scar capsules around the implants. This can lead to complications such as capsular contracture, where the tissue tightens around the implant, causing ...
Aug 06, 2024•1 hr 6 min
Send us a text In this conversation, Christopher Balkaran and Alison discuss the recent political events, including Joe Biden's presidency, the attempted assassination on Donald Trump, and the Democratic Party's internal dynamics. They explore the pressure on Biden to step down, the loyalty of his advisors, and the impact of polling data on his decision-making. Alison highlights the personal challenges Biden has faced throughout his life and the resilience he has shown. They also touch on the di...
Aug 01, 2024•1 hr 7 min
Send us a text Water quality is an important topic for Canadians to be aware of, as there are misconceptions about the abundance of fresh water in the country. Water quality is governed by federal and provincial agencies in Canada, with regulations in place to ensure public health and protect water resources. Chlorine is commonly used as a disinfectant in water treatment, but it can also have negative effects, such as the formation of trihalomethanes (THMs), which are carcinogenic. Microplastics...
Jul 29, 2024•1 hr 2 min
Send us a text Dr. Berry delves into the role of social media in exacerbating political polarization, describing how algorithms create echo chambers that amplify extreme viewpoints. He highlights the importance of media literacy and quality journalism in countering misinformation and fostering a more informed public. The episode also explores the critical role of interest groups in shaping public policy. Dr. Berry explains how these groups operate within the American political system, lobbying l...
Jul 23, 2024•59 min
