Antarctica is one of the most fascinating and mysterious places on Earth. One of Earth’s seven continents, it is easily the least inhabited, and in many ways, the least known about. To many, the preconception is that Antarctica is this cold, frozen, and desolate places, not fit for human living. But what exactly do we know about this remote continent? Is this unique landscape as inhospitable as one might expect, and what can we learn about humankind and the Earth at large from exploring its fron...
Feb 28, 2023•56 min
We all know about the potential abuse and addiction associated with alcohol and other drugs. Yet despite this, alcohol has persisted since the dawn of human societies. Does its persistence suggest that alcohol may actually be an important factor in the history of our civilization? In Edward Slingerland's book, 'Drunk', he explores the social benefits of alcohol and intoxication. He joins the podcast to share his insights. Check out 'Drunk' at https://www.amazon.ca/Drunk-Sipped-Danced-Stumbled-Ci...
Feb 21, 2023•47 min
There is a preconception that once a romantic relationship ends, the whole relationship ends. Is that always a good thing? And should it be considered the norm, or is the status of the post-breakup relationship something that people should give more conscious thought to? A Little Nudge founder, Erika Ettin, joins the podcast to discuss how we might move forward, if at all, in staying friends with exes. The conversation then pivots to online dating and how people can better optimize their chances...
Feb 14, 2023•37 min
There are few dreams as glorified and romanticized as that of becoming an actor in Hollywood. And part of what makes the dream so glorified is that thousands of actors are pursuing the same goal, with so many people setting off for Los Angeles in hopes of the same type of success. But what is it like in reality trying to become a successful actor? And is there really such thing as 'making it' in Hollywood, or is that just one of the many misconceptions embedded in The Hollywood Dream? Actor Ely ...
Feb 07, 2023•48 min
The Trojan War is one of the most famously described and mythologized accounts from Ancient Greek civilization. It was the passion-fuelled war waged by the Greek States against Troy, which has captivated our imagination for millennia and inspired multiple Hollywood portrayals. But what exactly do we know about The Trojan War? And what can a war from so many years ago teach us about some of the wars in our world today? Professor Barry Strauss - renowned historian, author, and television personali...
Feb 01, 2023•40 min
In the United States, the term 'originalists' refers to those who believe that the US constitution should be interpreted today with the same conviction as it was followed when written hundreds of years ago. But how can the ideas and laws from over 200 years ago possibly just simply be accepted today, when we live in a totally different world? So what exactly is originalism? And how has it affected the Supreme Court in terms of decisions related to guns, abortion rights, and other domains? Profes...
Jan 24, 2023•49 min
For centuries, the terms male and female have essentially been synonymous with man and woman. But for many, this is perhaps a misconception - the idea that one's biological sex they are born with portends a certain gender. In this episode, we explore the role of puberty blockers in children and adolescents who are contemplating transitioning. Is there a 'right' time for someone to begin transitioning? How do puberty blockers work? And if someone decides to take them, what are the long term risks...
Jan 17, 2023•47 min
We all search for meaning in this world. But as we each embark on our own journey, there are many preconceptions that exist about what that quest 'should' entail. Has the self-help movement veered from its initial goals? Do we tend to put too much faith into supposed 'enlightened' gurus? Lifelong seeker and internationally-renowned author Dan Millman joins the podcast to share some of his insights and perspectives on what it really means to find purpose in our lives. Learn more about Dan Millman...
Jan 10, 2023•33 min
When we contemplate the word ‘career’, it’s natural to think of one singular profession that someone pursues via education and then remains in for a long period of time. When you think of a doctor or an accountant, you usually think of them practicing that profession for decades, the majority if not all of their work years. In the ‘corporate world’, job changes are perhaps more common, but it sometimes seems like people are becoming more inclined to pivot in their professional lives. Professor S...
Dec 20, 2022•48 min
Zale is joined by his first ever guest from episode one, his mother Robin. On the first episode of this series, Robin discussed the idea of jumping into the unknown and embracing the twists and turns that life has to offer. In this episode, she shares one of her biggest "jump in" experiences, when she founded the charitable organization Pencils for Kids. Pencils for Kids provides education, training, and income-generating opportunities for children and women in Niger, one of the poorest countrie...
Dec 13, 2022•59 min
Aside from sex being the main method of procreation, it is one of humankind’s greatest pleasures, to which most of us subscribe. But there are indeed people in society who do not partake in sex, or at least with the same regularity as one might expect. There are people who identify as asexual. But what exactly is asexuality? Is it decreased libido? Is it rooted in different physiological urges, or is it more so related to social and psychological factors? Dr. Lori Brotto joins the podcast. Learn...
Dec 06, 2022•31 min
When you hear the word ‘hypnosis’, you might think of a swinging pendulum, or envision someone on a stage, showcasing a rare skill to a captivated audience. What you probably don’t think of – is hypnosis being used in a medical setting, by physicians. Stanford Professor Dr. David Spiegel joins the podcast to discuss how he has incorporated self-hypnosis into his medical practice. Check out the REVERI app for self-hypnosis at https://www.reveri.com This episode is sponsored by UNCERTAIN THINGS. C...
Nov 29, 2022•42 min
There are many people who exist on the shorter end of the height spectrum. For some people, it might be not the biggest deal – but for others, it might significantly impact their lives. But what if there were a way to change your height … to go from shorter to taller? Enter the surgery known as leg lengthening, a procedure designed to help people get taller. Actor Rich Rotella joins the podcast to share his recent experience undergoing leg lengthening surgery. Learn more about Rich Rotella https...
Nov 22, 2022•58 min
When our history books speak of North American history, it can almost read as if Canada and the United States did not exist until the Europeans settled the lands, while in reality, these lands were populated by indigenous peoples for centuries prior. With the arrival of the Europeans, there were tragic economic implications, massive losses of land and rapid spread of disease that had devastating effects on the indigenous peoples. Perhaps most tragic was the Indian residential schools policy and ...
Nov 15, 2022•46 min
Many of us don't know what to make of napping; does napping provide health benefits, or is that just something we tell ourselves when we feel guilty for dozing off? Professor Sara Mednick is a cognitive neuroscientist and a leading expert on napping. She joins the podcast to share what she's learned from studying napping in her seven-bedroom sleep lab! Learn more about Sara Mednick: https://www.saramednick.com http://sleepandcognitionlab.org This episode is sponsored by A Pastor and a Philosophe...
Nov 08, 2022•34 min
There are many preconceptions about what is entailed in transitioning, both from a medical and a surgical perspective. In this episode, Zale speaks with a urologist who specializes in transition-related surgeries at the University of Toronto. Below is a link to a previous episode we ran called 'The Transgender Experience', which delves more into the personal experience of someone who has transitioned themselves: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/48733119 This episode is sponsored by Uncertain Thi...
Nov 01, 2022•30 min
The works and plays of William Shakespeare have endured for centuries. But what is it about Shakespeare that has made his works such a mainstay in our culture for so long? Are his works truly as transcendent as one would think, or are there other reasons that explain his enduring legacy? Cassidy Cash, a historical map illustrator and host of That Shakespeare Life, the #2 Shakespeare history podcast in the world, joins the podcast. Learn more about Cassidy at www.cassidycash.com Hosted on Acast. ...
Oct 25, 2022•41 min
Part of 'The American Dream' is predicated on home ownership. Conventional wisdom suggests that it is a financially sound and important decision to buy a home rather than to rent from a landlord. But is this just something we've been indoctrinated to believe, or does the math really add up to support the financial wisdom of owning a home? Brad Barrett of the ChooseFI podcast joins the show. Subscribe to Brad's weekly newsletter at Choosefi.com/subscribe for Brad’s weekly newsletter Check out Cho...
Oct 18, 2022•53 min
Scorpio, Leo, Taurus, Pisces. These are just a few of the Zodiac signs in the world of astrology. But what exactly is astrology, and why do so many people follow it so closely? Is there any scientific evidence that the movement and positions of celestial objects in the solar system truly influences human affairs? Is astrology more akin to a science, a religion, or neither? Astrologer Mick joins the podcast to shed light on this often misunderstood topic. Check out unsiloed podcast at https://www...
Oct 04, 2022•42 min
Survivor is the most iconic reality television competition of the last twenty years. And Todd Herzog, the winner of Survivor's 15th season, is one of the show's most iconic winners. Todd joins the show to shed some light on what it's really like to play Survivor, and how his life changed when he came back to regular society. He also shares personal reflections on his battle with addiction and how that has been misrepresented in pop culture. Check out Todd's Pop Shop on instagram @toddspopshop Ge...
Sep 27, 2022•50 min
The much anticipated anthology, "Preconceived: Challenging the preconceptions in our lives" launches today on Amazon ! The book is a collection of stories, thoughts, and beliefs of over fifty of the guests who have been featured on our award-winning podcast. In this episode, we provide a sneak peak 'audiobook' look into what the collection has in store, with Zale as well as four contributors reading their respective book chapters. Get your copy of 'Preconceived' TODAY, available in Paperback and...
Sep 21, 2022•32 min
Most people veer away from dangerous places. Yet there are some people in this world, who not only don’t avoid such places, but rather seek them out; journalists who report on some of the most dangerous and devastating conflicts in the world. So why would somebody risk their life, in some cases, to report on deadly conflicts far away? Why would somebody become a war correspondent, and what does the job entail? War correspondent Sam Mednick joins the podcast. Follow Sam on twitter at @sammednick ...
Sep 14, 2022•34 min
You might have heard of the term NFTs, short-form for non-fungible tokens. Some NFTs include virtual memorabilia such as art pieces and virtual real estate, worth upwards of millions of dollars, while other NFTs serve what one might consider more practical purposes. But what is exactly is an NFT, and how does it fit into our economy? Dr. Merav Ozair, a global leading expert on Blockchain and Cryptocurrency, joins the podcast. I’m joined today by Dr. Meravo Ozair. Dr. Ozair is a global leading ex...
Sep 06, 2022•46 min
“Money can’t buy you happiness” … so the adage goes. But deep down, most people would probably still prefer to have more money in their pockets if given the opportunity. And despite the notion that money perhaps does not equal happiness, many people do spend their lives with a primary goal of making more money. So what is the actual impact of money on happiness? Clay Cockrell, a psychotherapist who works with ultra-high-networth individuals, joins the podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/priv...
Aug 30, 2022•42 min
In modern 'Western' society, it is routine for women giving birth to be under the care of a physician in a hospital. The preconception is that the safest and most normal birth process should take place in a licensed healthcare setting under the supervision of an MD. But, there are many women who opt for a different birth experience, that is, under the care of a midwife, either in the hospital or in the comfort of their own home. Midwife Alyssa Byers-Heinlein joins the podcast. Check out the podc...
Aug 23, 2022•44 min
Many actors do their best to 'make it' in the entertainment industry. But does talent always win out? What are the factors that help or hurt someone's foray into acting? And equally as important, how do talent agents go about finding and selecting the talent they want to feature? Talent manager Shari Quallenberg joins the podcast. Learn more about Shari at https://amiagency.ca/about-us/ Check out the How Do We Fix It podcast at www.howdowefixit.me Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more ...
Aug 16, 2022•53 min
There are so many adages in regards to love and relationships. Many hinge on the notion that we must be absolutely certain in our choice of a romantic partner and that there should be no doubts when we ultimately decide on 'the one'. But is that a realistic framework for love? And how can the search for the Hollywood vision of love, in some cases lead to severe cases of relationship anxiety, otherwise known as relationship OCD (ROCD)? Kiyomi LaFleur, founder of Awaken into Love, joins the podcas...
Aug 09, 2022•42 min
For a long time now, people have been ‘living online’, so to speak, communicating and maintaining friendships via social media, and using the Internet to optimize many facets of their lives. For some though, ‘living online’ has taken on a much deeper meaning … becoming so immersed in virtual reality and gaming, that that can seem just as ‘real’ as life itself. With further developments in virtual reality, we have witnessed the development of what is now known as ‘the metaverse’. But what exactly...
Aug 02, 2022•43 min
How would you react if you found out that your parent was a monster? This hypothetical situation isn't far off from the experiences of the children of leading Nazis who participated in the Holocaust. Tania Crasnianski documented her research into the lives of the children of Nazis in her incredibly fascinating book, 'Children of Nazis'. She joins the podcast to share the insights from her work. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Jul 26, 2022•40 min
We urge people to be creative, with phrases like ‘think outside the box’, and ‘push the envelope’. But for the most part, is all our talk of innovation and free thinking just rhetoric? Does society truly encourage people to think in new, and even radical, ways? Does society champion the rogue thinker, or does it rather support both students and professionals who simply follows suit with the status quo and acquiesce to the traditional lines of thinking? Jeff Schmidt, author of the 2000 book, Disc...
Jul 19, 2022•37 min
