Imagine if you could explore, with genuine curiosity, the most controversial and divisive topics of our time. The conversations would push you to explore new areas and uncover insightful ‘a-ha’ moments that pique your interest. These talks could help answer the questions you may have, like: why would anyone support capital punishment? Or, what are the pros and cons to tobacco control, or public healthcare, or legalizing sex work? I’m Christopher, and I have created engaging Podcast discussio ...
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#227: The Ethical Dilemmas of C0vid Pandemic Policies - Dr. Kerry Bowman
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44:12Send 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—inclu…
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#226: Medicine Men and Doctors: Common Challenges with Dr. Robert Klitzman
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51:27Send 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, a…
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#225: Surveillance State: It's Here, Professor Rey Koslowski
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53:05Send 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. 💡…
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#224: Men, Mental Health and the Silent Crisis - Chloe Smellink
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1:11:54Send 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 Hea…
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#223: Examining MAiD in Canada with Dr. Ramona Coelho
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47:02Send 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…
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#222: The Real Impact of Mass Immigration and Guest Worker Visas: Jessica Vaughan, Center for Immigration Studies
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1:03:25Send 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. K…
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#221: 1 Moderate vs. 25 Kamala Harris Voters
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57:50Send us a text Inside Geneva Inside Geneva is a podcast about global politics, humanitarian issues, & international aid Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Faith That Challenges. Conversations that Matter. Laughs included. Subscribe Now! Breaking down faith, culture & big questions - a mix of humor with real spiritual growth. Listen on: Apple Podcast…
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#220: Multi-Decadal Hurricane Patterns: Part 2 with Tom Knutson
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42:21Send 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 in…
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#219 Decoding Climate Change: A Pragmatic Approach with Tom Knutson
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27:26Send 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 underst…
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#218: Chloe Smellinck: Mental Health for Men and Social Pressures
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1:05:59Send 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…
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#217: Curious Mondays: Can True Free Speech Exist?
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14:32Send 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 @openmindspodcastOleh Christopher Balkaran
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#216: Unpacking Historical Narratives with Professor Matthew Alan Sears
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59:36Send 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 an…
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#215: Ethan Duggan, Take Back Canada - Examining Immigration and Corporate Interests
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1:06:14Send 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 imp…
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#214: Curious Mondays - What’s the Matter with Australia?
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8:25Send 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 …
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#213: The Abraham Accords and Middle Eastern Geopolitics: US Ambassador Gerald Feierstein
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51:33Send 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 delv…
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#212: The Global Food Crisis: Sylvain Charlebois on Supply Chains and Geopolitics
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1:08:17Send 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 business…
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#212: The Canadian Dream through Representation: Lionel Loganathan
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1:02:03Send 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 Markha…
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#211: The Spiral of Silence and How it's Terrible for Us, Christopher Balkaran
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17:30Send 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 situa…
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#210: Understanding Breast Implant Illness, Dr. Amanda Savage Brown
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1:07:06Send 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 …
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#209: Joe Biden and Divisions Within the Democratic Party, Dr. Alison Dagnes
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1:08:27Send 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 dec…
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#208:The Impact of Chlorine on Water Quality, Dr. Angus Chu
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1:03:51Send 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 disinfec…
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#207: The Outrage Industry - Understanding Political Media with Dr. Jeffrey Berry
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1:00:25Send 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 c…
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#206: Instagram Debates with Open Minds: Christopher and Isidora on Respectful Disagreement
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1:53:55Send 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 conversati…
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#205: Echo Chambers and Media Consumption, Dr. Alison Dagnes
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1:05:54Send 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 …
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#204: A Mother's Battle - Navigating the Opioid Crisis with Correne Antrobus
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1:08:42Send 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. …
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