Send us a text Christopher and Isidora discuss their unique approach to engaging in respectful conversations despite their differing perspectives. They explore the reasons behind political polarization, the use of violent lexicon in political discourse, and the challenges of gender-affirming care. They also discuss the need for more open conversations in Canada and the importance of providing psychological support for individuals considering gender-affirming surgeries. The conversation explores ...
Jul 15, 2024•1 hr 52 min
Send us a text Subscribe to Curious Mondays, My Weekly Newsletter! I sit down with Dr. Alison Dagnes, a political science professor at Shippensburg University and author of insightful books on political media. Dr. Dagnes shares her unique experiences, starting with her time as a producer for C-SPAN, and delves into the evolution of political media into today's charged and polarized spectacle. We explore the significant benefits of media consumption, such as increased public access to information...
Jul 04, 2024•1 hr 4 min
Send us a text In this episode, I chat with Correne Antrobus, a dedicated advocate and member of Mom Stop the Harm, to explore the harrowing realities of the opioid crisis through her lived experience. Correne shares the personal journey of her daughter’s addiction, the challenges of seeking help, and the systemic gaps in addressing substance use. With raw honesty, she discusses the stigma surrounding addiction, the critical need for safe supply and housing, and the importance of community suppo...
Jun 30, 2024•1 hr 7 min
Send us a text 00:00 - Introduction and Background of Dr. Mark Tyndall 03:25 - The Importance of Harm Reduction in Treating Substance Use 05:58 - The Impact of Drug Use on Brain Rewiring 12:03 - Evaluating the Effectiveness of Supervised Injection Sites 16:02 - Challenges in Engaging Substance Users in Harm Reduction 24:07 - The Impact of Safe Injection Sites on Overdose Deaths and HIV Transmission 28:31 - The Political Aspect and Misunderstandings of Safe Injection Sites 34:09 - Shifting Societ...
Jun 20, 2024•1 hr
Send us a text 00:00 -Understanding Opiate Use Disorder 03:15 - The Link Between Opiate Use Disorder and Theft 06:12 - The Impact of Crime on Community Upheaval and Safety 30:29 - The High Cost of Supporting Individuals with Opiate Use Disorder 36:43 - The Importance of Stable Housing and Community Connections 46:44 - Types of Housing and Their Impact 53:23 - Social Isolation and Stigma 57:23 - Limitations of Harm Reduction as a Public Policy Response Summary Opiate use disorder is a diagnosed s...
Jun 17, 2024•1 hr 3 min
Send us a text 00:00 Introduction and Dr. Coelho's Work with Marginalized Patients 03:23 The Importance of Community and Non-Medical Factors in Recovery 05:14 Examples of Recovery Without Medical Improvement 08:13 The Intersection of Medical Assistance in Dying and Recovery 10:17 The Messaging and Impact of Medical Assistance in Dying 11:41 The Role of Mental Health and Suicidality in Medical Assistance in Dying 14:47 The Complexity of Recovery and the Dangers of Medical Assistance in Dying 21:2...
Jun 04, 2024•1 hr 1 min
Send us a text Summary Dr. Jack Haggerty and Dr. Karen Neufeld discuss the inclusion of irremediability in Bill C-7, which allows for medical assistance in dying (MAID) even if natural death is not reasonably foreseeable. They explain that this inclusion was compelled by case law, specifically the Truchon case. However, they express concerns about the challenges of implementing this provision, particularly in the field of psychiatry. They highlight the difficulty of determining irremediability i...
Apr 23, 2024•1 hr 4 min
Send us a text Subscribe to my Newsletter: https://substack.com/@openminds?utm_source=profile-page Subscribe to my Insta: @openmindspod The conversation explores the misinformation and mischaracterization surrounding medical assistance in dying (MAID). It highlights the need for accurate data and nuanced discussions to counteract the sensationalism often associated with MAID. The chapters cover topics such as the two tracks for MAID approval, the assessment of choice made under duress, the consi...
Mar 23, 2024•56 min
Send us a text I'm Back!! Subscribe to my Newsletter: https://substack.com/@openminds?utm_source=profile-page Subscribe to my Insta: @openmindspod In this conversation, Jane discusses the process for international students who want to study in Canada. She highlights the financial considerations and challenges they face, including the high cost of tuition and living expenses. Jane also shares examples of study permit refusals and the biases that can be present in the immigration system. She empha...
Mar 16, 2024•1 hr 1 min
Send us a text My discussion with Mahmoud Mourra on the protests against LGBTQ discussions in the classroom. Support the show Visit my Website: https://openmindspodcast.com/ Check out my Instagram/Tik Tok for daily posts: Instagram @openmindspod Tiktok @openmindspodcast 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, 2023•58 min
Send us a text LGBTQ issues have been in the news, particularly with more parents and concerned citizens worried about school curricula including discussions on gender fluidity and sexual orientation. I chat with Dean Lobo and Reenita V of the 519, a local non-profit in Toronto that works with the LGBTQ2+ community on these issues. Connect with the 519: https://www.the519.org/ The 519's Media Guide: https://the519mediaguide.org/ -SUPPORT THE OPEN MINDS PODCAST- 🛒 Support and Engage Now, you hav...
Oct 12, 2023•52 min
Send us a text Petition to the Law Society of Alberta: https://www.change.org/p/get-politics-out-of-the-law-society-of-alberta?recruiter=1292735136&recruited_by_id=c75c5010-9907-11ed-b6c6-876123ba9012&utm_source=share_petition&utm_campaign=share_petition&utm_medium=copylink&pt=AVBldGl0aW9uADVRwAEAAAAAZLCEO0uX024yZjE2NDM1OQ%3D%3D&utm_content=cl_sharecopy_36827011_en-CA%3A5 Check out the Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms - https://www.jccf.ca/ Glenn Blackett - Law ...
Sep 28, 2023•46 min
Send us a text -WATCH THIS INTERVIEW ON YOUTUBE- My conversation with Jamil Jivani is available on YouTube - https://youtu.be/kCxLOvJFZHU?si=BwZ_EpUNLOgeUlW4 -SUPPORT THE OPEN MINDS PODCAST- 🛒 Support and Engage Now, you have a chance to be part of my massive endeavour of changing the world with each conversation!. Whether you're a listener who yearns for balanced conversations or a business looking to make a positive impact, consider supporting the podcast. Sponsor an episode or explore the cu...
Sep 05, 2023•1 hr
Send us a text Michael Geist is a prominent Canadian law professor and advocate for digital rights and freedoms. With his expertise in technology law and policy, he has been a vocal critic of government initiatives that threaten online freedom and privacy. Professor Geist shares his views on public concerns regarding policy development and the potential impact on freedom of expression and online platforms. Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched! Start for FREE Disclaimer: This post contain...
Jul 04, 2023•1 hr 2 min
Send us a text Professor Judith A. Curry discusses her new book, "Climate Uncertainty and Risk." The conversation delves into the inadequacy of global climate models in predicting regional climate change and extreme weather events. Professor Curry sheds light on the inappropriate use of climate model output in shaping public policy decisions. The discussion also explores the complex nature of climate change, the underestimation of volcanic activity in climate modeling, and the limitations of cos...
Jun 27, 2023•1 hr
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
Jun 24, 2023•38 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
Jun 22, 2023•26 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
Jun 20, 2023•47 min
Send us a text The rise of deepfake technology has brought forth significant implications for society and human behaviour. Deepfakes, which are manipulated or synthesized media content created using artificial intelligence, can convincingly depict individuals saying or doing things they never actually did. While deepfakes hold potential for entertainment and creative applications, they also pose challenges and risks, particularly in areas such as politics, entertainment, and pornography. I chat ...
Jun 13, 2023•46 min
Send us a text "It's taught from young: Distrust the police, hate the police. They're not here to help." The link between poverty and crime is well-documented, but learning from frontline law enforcement could help us understand the complexity and nuance of this linkage. What should we be focusing on? Support the show Visit my NEW Website! https:// www.christopherbalkaran.com Check out my Instagram/Tik Tok for daily posts: Instagram @openmindspod Tiktok @openmindspodcast...
May 30, 2023•32 min
Send us a text "Poverty is one of the Leading Causes of Death." I've always been fascinated by the link between poverty and health outcomes in the US. Making informed decisions on health care may be even more difficult for those worrying about making it through the next meal. As well, young children stand to feel the impact the most, with lower levels of nutrition (or many unhealthy food choices in their communities). What are some things governments should focus on instead? How can we move the ...
May 23, 2023•38 min
Send us a text I am certain you've heard that a 4-day work week is gaining traction coming out of the COVID-19 Pandemic with employers. Not only has the Work-from-Home experience taught many employers that office workers can be as productive from anywhere, there is growing evidence that shows workers are more happy and engaged when they have an extra day each week. While the research is not definitive and there are many caveats to the perceived benefits of a 4-day work week (e.g., certain busine...
May 16, 2023•1 hr 1 min
Send us a text Hello Friends! This episode is a bit of a departure from my usual content - but in a good way. I chat with the Creator of Blah TO: a satirical take on the local news in the city I'm in - Toronto! Here in the City, there is a locally-famous social media/website called 'BlogTO'. While it is a great resource for good restaurants and local events, its headlines can be over-the-top and at times, a bit click-baity - for which the comments section is unforgiving to them. For the Creator ...
May 09, 2023•46 min
Send us a text Check out Professor Willie Elliott's Research: https://ssw.umich.edu/faculty/profiles/tenure-track/willelli?tb=research#52289-publications The usual strategy deployed by the US govt to help students is student debt cancellation. This particularly is important for students who may not have access to resources to start saving and investing in assets at an earlier age. But is it the most effective way of setting students up for success? Professor Willie Elliott, from the University o...
May 04, 2023•1 hr 17 min
Send us a text Racism and Gender issues are in the news and there is a hot debate whether all the nuances should be discussed Why are Racism and Gender Issues So Taboo to Discuss in the Classroom? Racism and gender issues can be taboo to discuss in the classroom for several reasons, including: Fear of causing discomfort: Discussions of racism and gender issues can bring up uncomfortable feelings and memories for some students. Teachers may be hesitant to broach these topics for fear of making st...
Apr 18, 2023•53 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
Apr 11, 2023•19 min
Send us a text Nothing is changing more rapidly it seems, like modern dating. I wanted to explore this further by having both male and female perspectives share their views on modern dating and what they expect from the other on first dates, finances and building a connection. The results were fascinating. What do you think about this? Send me an email to [email protected], or visit my website, www.openmindspodcast.com to let me know more! Support the show Visit my NEW Website! ht...
Mar 28, 2023•1 hr 18 min
Send us a text "...people with seemingly 'less severe' social anxiety disorders may experience a worse course than those with prototypical serious illness, like schizophrenia, because the fright and nervousness defining their anxiety prevents them from seeking the most demanding of jobs, thereby rendering them unable to live on their own. Some people with schizophrenia are able to live with recurring auditory hallucinations without distress, pursue a career and enjoy a full family life." It's so...
Mar 21, 2023•46 min
Send us a text Watch this episode: https://youtu.be/H8kJFn23MWA I've always been interested in the topic of Gender Dysphoria (GD) and Conversion Therapy. I am noticing many are making sweeping statements on GD and what the implications for youth are. I wanted to explore the topic more with one of the most well-renowned researchers and Clinical Psychologists on the topic: Ken Zucker. Who is Ken Zucker? Kenneth Zucker is a Canadian psychologist and researcher who has studied and treated gender ide...
Mar 14, 2023•47 min
Send us a text Watch the Dinner Table Episode 01 on YouTube: https://youtu.be/892yRUJJ0uk I'm sure you have had thoughtful conversations over a Dinner Table with family or friends, and often wish it were recorded(!). When I was in University, I would always bring home interesting conversation topics to the family dinner table - I'm still not sure how well these were always perceived - but it was a great way to break bread, engage with others and have really informal and engaging chats. My plan i...
Mar 07, 2023•56 min
