Best Robert MacFarlane Podcasts (2024)

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Author Robert Macfarlane on the relationship between landscape and the human heart 54:08

7d ago54:08

54:08

Robert Macfarlane says his writing is about the relationship between landscape and the human heart. His books share his encounters with treacherous mountain passages, mammoth glaciers flowing perceptibly into the sea, and harrowing descents into fissures inside the Earth. *This episode originally aired on Oct. 25, 2023.…

1
Cultivating Community, Citizenship and Belonging | Jamie Chai Yun Liew 54:08

6h ago54:08

54:08

What does it mean to seek belonging in a new place, while also being a good guest on Indigenous lands? Can you ever truly "arrive"? Novelist and immigration and refugee lawyer Jamie Chai Yun Liew explores how to cultivate new forms of belonging.

1
Debating Classroom Content and Funding in Utah Schools 1:33:01

4h ago1:33:01

1:33:01

Can educational topics like trans ideology be handled better at home? Join us as Kristan Norton, candidate for the Utah State Board of Education, firmly argues they should be. We'll also dissect the multifaceted role of the Attorney General in Utah and evaluate the qualifications of the current candidates. Kristan reflects on her first term and sha…

1
Political tribalism is an existential threat to humanity: evolutionary anthropologist 54:08

1d ago54:08

54:08

David R. Samson argues that political tribalism is an existential threat to humanity. But the evolutionary anthropologist also sees ‘tribe drive’ as an essential instinct that can be channeled for good. His book Our Tribal Future won the 2023 Balsillie Prize for Public Policy award.

1
Taken In: Exploring Credulity 54:08

2d ago54:08

54:08

1
The Northern Corridor Part 2 | Urban Development vs. Biodiversity 1:25:28

2d ago1:25:28

1:25:28

What if the future of Southern Utah's natural landscapes hinged on a single highway project? Join us as we sit down with Holly Snow Canada, Executive Director of Conserve Southwest Utah, to tackle the contentious Northern Corridor project. Holly walks us through the Bureau of Land Management's recent admissions of legal and analytical oversights an…

1
BBC Reith Lectures: Artificial Prosperity 54:08

3d ago54:08

54:08

Artificial intelligence could make some of us rich — but leave some behind. In part two of the BBC Reith Lectures, Oxford professor Ben Ansell argues that AI can increase inequality, while appearing to increase prosperity, leading to skepticism about democracy.

1
Queer Diplomacy: Negotiating 2SLGBTQ+ Rights in a Fraught World 54:07

6d ago54:07

54:07

In the 1980s, Douglas Janoff marched outside the United Nations to promote 2SLGBTQ+ rights. Then, after several decades as an activist, he became a Canadian diplomat — and started pushing for change from within. He shares his experience through the complex and delicate world of queer diplomacy. *This episode originally aired on Feb. 7, 2024.…

1
(Land) Back to the Future | Riley Yesno 54:08

8d ago54:08

54:08

Can Indigenous people dream a better future into being? Anishinaabe scholar Riley Yesno explores Indigenous futurism and the connection between dreams and new realities, inspired by playwright Cliff Cardinal’s Huff. This episode is part of our ongoing series of talks, each inspired by a theme in a play at Toronto’s Crow’s Theatre.…

1
Walking Among the Ancients: The Rare Wabanaki-Acadian Old-Growth Forest 54:08

9d ago54:08

54:08

The World Wildlife Fund lists the Wabanaki-Acadian old-growth forest as endangered — with only one percent remaining. The Wabanaki-Acadian forest stretches from parts of the Maritimes and Southern Quebec down into New England states. IDEAS explores the beauty and complexity of this ancient forest.

1
Surviving the Unexpected: Practical Preparedness & Crisis Management 1:42:56

9d ago1:42:56

1:42:56

What would you do if an unexpected emergency threw your life into chaos? This week, we sit down with Brennan Hill, a military intelligence officer and seasoned paramedic, to uncover the reality of emergency services in Southern Utah. Through Brennan's gripping firsthand accounts from his time as a combat medic and his harrowing experiences in New Y…

1
BBC Reith Lectures: Artificial Democracy 54:08

10d ago54:08

54:08

IDEAS presents the first of the BBC Reith Lectures delivered by Ben Ansell. The Oxford professor and author of Why Politics Fails examines the threats facing modern democracy, how artificial intelligence can distort its integrity, and how politicians can invest in a democratic future.

1
Bring Back Grumpy George: The Forgotten Message of George Grant 54:08

13d ago54:08

54:08

Canadian philosopher George Grant was known for his pessimism, and is best known for his book Lament for a Nation: The Defeat of Canadian Nationalism. PhD student Bryan Heystee makes the case to revive Grantian philosophy and make it work for the 21st century. *This episode originally aired on Dec. 6, 2023.…

1
A Walk of Remembrance: Honouring Canadian soldiers who helped liberate the Netherlands 54:08

14d ago54:08

54:08

In a powerful act of remembrance, a group of Canadians participated in a pilgrimage to the Netherlands to commemorate their fathers, grandfathers and uncles who helped to liberate the country from the Nazis. Producer Alisa Seigel shares their journey. *This episode originally aired on May 1, 2023.

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On Culture Wars in Christianity 54:08

15d ago54:08

54:08

The 'culture wars' have been a staple of modern politics for decades now. They are especially entrenched within Christian communities. Philosopher and author James K. A. Smith has a radical prescription to move beyond this: the church needs more mystics.

1
China's Cultural Revolution: a history that remains widely unknown 54:08

16d ago54:08

54:08

The Cultural Revolution is everywhere felt in China today, but rarely if ever talked about openly. But prize-winning historian Tania Branigan tries to fill in the historical silences with voices both past and present in her book, Red Memory.

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Inside the Caucus: Unraveling Utah's Political Intricacies 2:02:00

17d ago2:02:00

2:02:00

Is the Republican primary system in Utah undermining true conservative values? Join us as we dissect the intricate web of caucus conventions, delegate voting processes, and the controversies surrounding SB54. Gary Henderson and I delve into the tension between America First principles and establishment politics, revealing the societal reluctance to…

1
Smell: The Invisible Superpower 54:08

17d ago54:08

54:08

Smell has been called the 'Cinderella sense,' capable of inspiring profound admiration if we stop turning our noses at it. Producer Annie Bender examines what we lose when we take our powerful — but often misunderstood — sense of smell for granted.

1
Healing and the Healer: Dr. Jillian Horton on compassion in health care 54:08

20d ago54:08

54:08

In her book, We Are All Perfectly Fine: A Memoir of Love, Medicine and Healing, Dr. Jillian Horton shares her personal story of burnout and calls for developing a compassionate medical system, with a more balanced and humane understanding of what it means to heal and be healed. *This episode originally aired on Jan. 18, 2024.…

1
Papyrus: Exploring the Invention of the Book 54:08

21d ago54:08

54:08

The book may well be the greatest invention since the wheel, according to author Irene Vallejo. She traces the history of this miraculous invention with a book of her own, Papyrus: The Invention of Books in the Ancient World.

1
The Making of a Beast: Entering a New World of Fire 54:08

23d ago54:08

54:08

John Vaillant details the terrifying growth and destructive force of the 2016 Fort McMurray wildfire in his award-winning book, Fire Weather: The Making of a Beast. He unpacks how fire made humans who we are — and how humans are changing fire. Vaillant says we're changing the climate "in a way that favours fire way more than it favours us."…

1
The Heavy Metal Suite: Music and the Future of Mining 54:07

24d ago54:07

54:07

Eight composers, five instruments, and a world of metal. IDEAS explores a project by the University of British Columbia called The Heavy Metal Suite that conveys the challenges and opportunities of the mining industry, through music. Each composer draws inspiration from their country’s mineral resources in their original pieces.…

1
Northern Corridor Controversy: Challenges of Sustaining Wildlife 58:20

24d ago58:20

58:20

Prepare to embark on a journey through the heart of Southern Utah as we unravel the complex tapestry of urban development and nature conservation. Alongside Washington County Attorneys Eric Clarke and Courtney Sinagra, we take a deep dive into the proposed Northern Corridor project, dissecting the effects of burgeoning traffic in St. George and the…

1
The extreme in America’s mainstream 54:08

25d ago54:08

54:08

Leonard Moore has long taught popular courses on American history at McGill University. His retirement lecture is full of insight — and worries — about the deep polarization in the United States. He argues history has its lessons, but it’s still an open question whether they’ll be learned.

1
Wade Davis' CBC Massey Lecture # 5 | The Wayfinders: Century of the Wind 54:08

28d ago54:08

54:08

In his 2009 CBC Massey Lectures, The Wayfinders, anthropologist Wade Davis explored how the modern world can learn from Indigenous peoples. From the navigational skills of Polynesian sailors to the healing properties of plants, there is old knowledge we can all learn from. IDEAS revisits Davis' 5th Massey Lecture. Go to cbc.ca/ideas to listen to th…

1
Massey at 60: Wade Davis on looking to Indigenous cultures for answers to world crises 54:07

29d ago54:07

54:07

Anthropologist Wade Davis has spent a lifetime exploring our planet. In his 2009 CBC Massey Lectures, The Wayfinders, he takes the reader and the listener on a journey through the wonders of the natural world, as they are seen and experienced by Indigenous peoples. Davis revisits his lectures in conversation with IDEAS producer Philip Coulter at Ma…

1
Learning to Look in the Sistine Chapel: Jeannie Marshall 54:08

1M ago54:08

54:08

Michelangelo’s frescoes in the Sistine Chapel may be one of the most exalted works of art in the world. In her book All Things Move: Learning to Look in the Sistine Chapel, Canadian writer and Rome resident Jeannie Marshall probes the power of art to move us and transcend the historical and religious contexts that shaped it. *This episode originall…

1
How global liberation efforts helped shape the Dene fight for self-determination 54:08

1M ago54:08

54:08

The Dene fight for self-determination and sovereignty has deep historic ties to liberation efforts around the globe. Yellowknives Dene author and scholar Glen Coulthard traces those influences — and how they shape our current political moment.

1
Utah's Public Education System | The Crucible of Classroom Culture and Community Standards 1:25:46

1M ago1:25:46

1:25:46

Imagine stepping into the heart of Southern Utah's educational battlegrounds with Joann Brinton, whose candidacy for the State Board of Education hinges on a rich personal narrative and a fervent desire to shape the future of our schools. Her story, stretching from South Texas to the rugged landscapes of Utah, frames a discussion that's as varied a…

1
Puro Cubano: The Meaning of Tobacco in Cuba 54:08

1M ago54:08

54:08

For many people around the world, Cuban cigars are a luxury. But for Cubans, they’ve symbolized the country’s rich history and culture. Now as an economic crisis is gripping the country and people are leaving, the cigar is a bellwether of Cuba's uncertain future. *This episode originally aired on Feb. 5, 2024.…

1
Food Security: Root Causes and Pathways to Change 54:08

1M ago54:08

54:08

The cost of food is rising, and more Canadians are having difficulty knowing if they can afford their next meal. IDEAS hears from four leading experts in the field of food insecurity to explore the root causes and how our food systems can evolve to support us all. *This episode originally aired on Nov. 29, 2023.…

1
How philosophy plays a vital role in Canada's biggest ethical debates 54:08

1M ago54:08

54:08

Arthur Schafer taught ethics to medical students in 1972. His 50-year career put the philosopher at the heart of major ethical debates like MAID. Schafer discusses the role of philosophers in addressing the increasingly complex ethical dilemmas confronting individuals and society as a whole.

1
Historian uses Canadian prize money to buy drones for Ukraine 54:09

1M ago54:09

54:09

For Timothy Garton Ash, Europe is an idea—and an ideal—worth celebrating and preserving, even against all the forces acting against it right now. The historian, who won the 2024 Lionel Gelber Prize, is using his prize money to buy drones for Ukraine in the war against Russia.

1
The Passion of Émile Nelligan: Canada's Saddest Poet 54:09

1M ago54:09

54:09

1
Serving Up Dreams Leadership and Life Lessons from the Kitchen 1:59:18

1M ago1:59:18

1:59:18

Ever found yourself captivated by the raw, unfiltered tales behind a local business's rise to success? That's precisely what we got when Chris Connors, the culinary virtuoso behind Farmstead Bakery and FS Coffee Company, pulled up a chair and offered an unvarnished look at the peaks and valleys of entrepreneurial life. From the minutiae of managing…

1
The Lives of Women, Readers and Alice Munro 54:08

1M ago54:08

54:08

On a cold, autumn night a group of women gather for their regular book club. Over snacks, wine and tea, they discuss Alice Munro's work, and how her stories illuminate some of the deepest issues in their own lives. Munro died on Monday at the age of 92.

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What role can solidarity play when confronting political and social issues? 54:08

1M ago54:08

54:08

In a time of rapidly changing politics and never-ending crises, what role can solidarity play in confronting political and social problems to create stronger bonds among people? A group of thinkers, writers, and artists tell IDEAS how solidarity is shaping politics and culture.

1
The Return of Inequality | Lessons of History 54:08

1M ago54:08

54:08

In 2016 Jennifer Welsh delivered her CBC Massey Lectures, The Return of History — a wake-up call to those of us who may have felt a little too optimistic about the future after the fall of the Berlin Wall. IDEAS revisits the final lecture in her series, The Return of Inequality.

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Massey at 60: Jennifer Welsh on how inequality is undermining liberal democracy 54:08

1M ago54:08

54:08

With the end of the Cold War, the struggle for peace, equality, and democracy wasn’t settled — it became more complex. As we mark the 60th anniversary of Massey College, IDEAS executive producer Greg Kelly interviews Jennifer Welsh about her 2016 CBC Massey Lectures, The Return of History — and how eight years on, the struggle continues.…

1
Our Bodies, Our Cells: An audio exploration of life's building blocks 54:08

1M ago54:08

54:08

Our bodies are a great paradox. We are made up of trillions of cells that are both independent and interconnected units of life. IDEAS travels into the microscopic complexity of the human body to explore sophisticated nanomachines — and probe the deep mysteries of a subatomic world. *This episode originally aired on Jan. 31, 2024.…

1
How a nation could be both free and equal 54:08

2M ago54:08

54:08

Freedom and Equality — can societies aim for both at the same time? Author Daniel Chandler argues that they can, with some help from the American political theorist, John Rawls. He tells IDEAS what a political platform based on Rawls’ books would look like.

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Homeownership and the Journey to Financial Stability 1:00:56

2M ago1:00:56

1:00:56

Unlock the door to understanding the real estate market and the pivotal role of housing affordability in our communities as Neil Walter, House Representative for District 74 and a real estate connoisseur, joins me, Robert MacFarlane, in a comprehensive exploration of the intricacies of property and policy. Through Neil's seasoned perspective, we di…

1
A Reality Check on Reality TV 54:08

2M ago54:08

54:08

Twenty-five years ago, reality TV exploded in popularity, and the media panicked. But could shows like Love Is Blind and their like actually help make us more media literate? IDEAS examines the culture, morality, and philosophy of unscripted television.

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Lisa LaFlamme: In Defence of Democracy 54:08

2M ago54:08

54:08

These are anxious times for journalism and democracy. As part of an event hosted by the Samara Centre for Democracy, former news anchor Lisa LaFlamme tells IDEAS what can and must be done to bolster journalism so it can better safeguard democracy. *This episode originally aired on Jan. 15, 2024.

1
Starting a global conversation to restore civility and liberal democracy 54:08

2M ago54:08

54:08

Civility is under threat, authoritarianism and autocrats are on the rise and there's an erosion of institutional trust. Three pre-eminent speakers join IDEAS host Nahlah Ayed to discuss how Canada and other countries can promote respect and protect liberal democracy.

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An Outsider Inside the Trades: Hilary Peach 54:08

2M ago54:08

54:08

You can’t pay rent with experimental poetry, so Hilary Peach trained as a welder. Twenty-plus years on, she’s now a boiler inspector, poet, and author of an award-winning memoir, Thick Skin: Field Notes from a Sister in the Brotherhood. Peach talks about the joys and contradictions of being an outsider inside the trades.…

1
The Life and Times of Salman Rushdie 54:08

2M ago54:08

54:08

Salman Rushdie sees reality through the lens of time. There are the months after the nearly-fatal attack of August 2022 that he details in his memoir Knife. And the decade following the Iranian state’s February 1989 fatwa against him. In this conversation with Nahlah Ayed, he describes hinge moments in his uncannily storied life.…

1
Could resetting the body's clock help cure jet lag? 54:09

2M ago54:09

54:09

Canadian PhD graduate Kritika Vashishtha invented a new colour of light and combined it with artificial intelligence to fool the body into shifting time zones faster — creating a possible cure for jet lag. She tells IDEAS how this method could also help astronauts on Mars. *This episode is part of our series Ideas from the Trenches, which showcases…

1
Reset: Reclaiming the Internet for Civil Society | Tech Expert Ron Deibert 54:08

2M ago54:08

54:08

In 2020, CBC Massey lecturer and tech expert Ron Deibert asked us to consider how to mitigate the harms of social media and construct a viable communications ecosystem that supports civil society. We revisit his final Massey lecture that explores the kinds of restraints we need to place on government and corporations — and on our own endless appeti…

1
Massey at 60: Ron Deibert on how spyware is changing the nature of authority today 54:08

2M ago54:08

54:08

Citizen Lab founder and director Ron Deibert reflects on what’s changed in the world of spyware, surveillance, and social media since he delivered his 2020 CBC Massey Lectures, Reset: Reclaiming the Internet for Civil Society. *This episode is part of an ongoing series of episodes marking the 60th anniversary of Massey College, a partner in the Mas…

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Robert MacFarlane Podcasts

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