• Part of the answer to that question lies in the arts and culture understanding the role it can have in a time of collapse or crisis, and to understand that itself is not in crisis. I think that's a big point because we hear a lot right now around the crisis that is happening in cultural institutions and in the arts. And in fact, the crisis that is happening is in our world, right? It's an ecological crisis, it's a world order crisis, it's a humanitarian crisis. The arts themselves have a lot to contribute to these moments in terms of meaning, belonging, helping us to process those crises. But the arts themselves are not in a crisis. What we can do, though, is place ourselves within those larger crises and ask the question, what can we contribute that's of meaning and value to people as they experience these other things that are really significant in the world that we're living in right now.

My conversation with consultant and strategist in public policy, arts, culture and creative industries, Kelly Wilhelm, who currently leads the Cultural Policy Hub at OCAD University in Tkaronto. Kelly is a long-time friend and colleague with whom I have had many passionate conversations about art, culture, leadership, life and how to have fun through it all. This conversation was no exception.  We talked a lot about precarity in the arts sector but also its resilience. You’ll hear me refer to Kelly’s A New Project on Precarity and Sustainability article in the recording.  I love the way Kelly always finds a way to ask good and timely questions.

Episode notes generated by Whisper Transcribe AI

Action points

• Challenge traditional leadership models in arts organizations to foster inclusivity and relevance.
• Advocate for the arts and culture in broader public policy discussions, including areas like AI.
• Examine the financial conditions and precarity affecting individual artists and creators.
• Re-evaluate the not-for-profit model in the arts to identify sustainable governance structures.
• Promote collaboration between arts organizations and other sectors to contribute to democratic processes and public good.

Story Preview

What if the arts aren’t in crisis, but are actually a crucial part of the solution to global challenges? Kelly Wilhelm challenges conventional thinking and inspires us to reimagine the role of cultural institutions in today’s world. This episode dives into leadership, equity, and the resilience of the arts sector. 

Chapter Summary

00:00 The Role of Arts in Crisis
01:16 A Conversation with Kelly Wilhelm
02:25 Connecting Cultural Institutions to Communities
04:53 The Changing Role of Cultural Institutions
06:08 Rethinking Leadership in the Arts
08:51 The Cultural Policy Hub at OCAD University
10:51 Addressing Precarity in the Arts Sector

Featured Quotes

• The arts themselves have a lot to contribute to these moments in terms of meaning, belonging, helping us to process those crises.
• We need to be much more flexible in how we think about structure and how we think about how we deliver that meaning.
• How do we ensure that these institutions are led, that they… are reflective and meaningful to the people that they are there to serve.

Behind the Story

Kelly Wilhelm’s journey began with a concern about the disconnect between cultural institutions and the communities they serve. Beginning her career in Toronto in the late 1990s, Kelly saw the contrast between the work show and stories told in public art galleries and museums, and the diverse communities outside their doors. She became determined to bridge this gap. Her work at the Cultural Policy Hub at OCAD University is an example of her commitment to equity, relevance, and the power of the arts to create meaningful change.

*

END NOTES FOR ALL EPISODES

Hey conscient listeners, 

I’ve been producing the conscient podcast as a learning and unlearning journey since May 2020 on un-ceded Anishinaabe Algonquin territory (Ottawa). 

It’s my way to give back.

In parallel with the production of the conscient podcast and its francophone counterpart, balado conscient, I I publish free ‘a calm presence' Substack see https://acalmpresence.substack.com.

Your feedback is always welcome at [email protected] and/or on social media: Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin, Threads, BlueSky, Mastodon, Tik Tok, YouTube and Substack.

Share what you like, etc

I am grateful and accountable to the earth and the human labour that provided me with the privilege of producing this podcast, including the toxic materials and extractive processes behind the computers, recorders, transportation systems and infrastructure that made this production possible. 

Claude Schryer

Latest update on July 8, 2025

• How can we reciprocate since the world keeps us alive on the one hand, and on the other hand, all these things, birds and you name it, right? Fish and moose and beaver, these are things we love. So, if this is the world we love, we're going to have feelings about how we might want to do positive things to keep this world we love as nurtured as possible. And we also hopefully want to ask, how do we keep our own ability to be alive and thrive here as humans?

Sarah Peebles is a Toronto-based installation artist, composer and music improvisor. Much of her work explores digitally manipulated found sound and unconventional methods of amplification. She has also collaborated with artists, technicians and bee biologists on a series of projects addressing pollination ecology and biodiversity, entitled ‘Resonating Bodies’ since 2008. I loved her ideas on reciprocity, which, indirectly, is what this podcast tries to do by sharing the work of ecological artists like Sarah and their vision of a world where we can peacefully cohabitate with the more-than-human world. 

Show notes generated by Whisper Transcribe AI

Action points

• Observe the natural world closely to understand its intricate feedback loops.
• Support native bee populations by considering land management practices and avoiding harmful pesticides.
• Explore art as a medium for understanding and engaging with ecological issues.
• Question conventional agricultural practices and advocate for sustainable alternatives.
• Recognize the impact of individual choices on the broader ecosystem and strive for reciprocity.

Story Preview

Imagine stepping into a world where the secret lives of native, wild bees are amplified, revealing a symphony of tiny movements and vital connections. Sarah Peebles’ art invites us to observe and listen closely to nature’s diverse, essential players and reconsider our role in its delicate dance. 

Chapter Summary

00:00 The Concept of Reciprocity
01:00 Meet Sarah Peebles
02:24 Engaging with Biodiversity
05:24 Art as a Medium for Science
10:14 The Role of Art in Healing

Featured Quotes

• How can we reciprocate since the world keeps us alive?
• They (bees) don’t care about me at all. They’re doing what they do. I’m helping to provide places in which they can forage and nest which we can visually and sonically access.
• It’s a little bit easier to just allow people to have a sense of wonder and go from there.

Behind the Story

Sarah Peebles’ journey exploring art and biodiversity began with a concern: despite years of recording natural sounds, she saw no real change in environmental awareness. This led her to collaborate with wild bee biologist Professor Lawrence Packer, sparking a passion for native bees and a desire to make biodiversity tangible through art. Her ‘Deluxe Log’ and other "Resonating Bodies" installations are a testament to this dedication, offering a unique window into the hidden world of these essential pollinators and the habitat that supports them.

*

END NOTES FOR ALL EPISODES

Hey conscient listeners, 

I’ve been producing the conscient podcast as a learning and unlearning journey since May 2020 on un-ceded Anishinaabe Algonquin territory (Ottawa). 

It’s my way to give back.

In parallel with the production of the conscient podcast and its francophone counterpart, balado conscient, I I publish free ‘a calm presence' Substack see https://acalmpresence.substack.com.

Your feedback is always welcome at [email protected] and/or on social media: Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin, Threads, BlueSky, Mastodon, Tik Tok, YouTube and Substack.

Share what you like, etc

I am grateful and accountable to the earth and the human labour that provided me with the privilege of producing this podcast, including the toxic materials and extractive processes behind the computers, recorders, transportation systems and infrastructure that made this production possible. 

Claude Schryer

Latest update on July 8, 2025

• There are a lot of people that don't have the kind of talent that you do, Claude, or for that matter, I do and they have voices, but you can't hear them. So our job in the art world, I would say, is to amplify those voices in a way that's comprehensive and understandable by the folks who should be paying attention to what's going on around them and not talking at people. So my complaint these days at the art world is we're just talking at people, we're not listening to them. And if we did listen to them, you'll find that the world is actually quite a hopeful place. And then, in many respects, what Trump 2.0 is doing – is what Hazel Henderson was suggesting - is the soft path to change is collapse. He's exacerbating a situation that we've been hanging onto for perhaps far too long in even in the art world.

Don Hill is a sound designer, immersive & multimedia artist, science journalist, broadcaster & public speaker. Don and I were both raised in Northern Ontario and are both sound based artists with a keen interest in technology and spirituality. I’ve have had long series of email exchanges over the years with Don about this podcast and my a calm presence Substack about some my doomist tendencies where Don often helped me considered more balanced points of view. We don’t always agree on all the issues but that’s part of the fun of art and listening. 

Show notes generated by Whisper Transcribe AI

Action points

• Amplify marginalized voices within the art world and beyond to foster inclusivity and understanding.
• Challenge the commodification of fear and cortisol in media by promoting empathy and collective experiences.
• Embrace a slower, more contemplative approach to art and technology to counteract the accelerating nature of modern life.
• Recognize the limitations of hyper-individualized art and strive for collective, grounded emotional connections.
• Consider the future of humanity in the context of space exploration, incorporating elements of spirituality and acknowledging physiological limitations.

Story Preview

Can art save us from our hyper-accelerated, fear-driven world? Journey with Don Hill as he explores how slowing down, listening deeply, and amplifying unheard voices can create collective empathy and a hopeful vision for the future.

Chapter Summary

00:00 Amplifying Voices in the Art World
01:06 The Shift in Artistic Values
03:06 Navigating Personal and Collective Grief
05:01 Commodifying Fear in Art and Media
07:19 The Evolution of Story Trees
09:30 Slowing Down in a Fast-Paced World
12:47 Future Visions and the Role of Art

Featured Quotes

• We’re just talking at people, we’re not listening to them.
• The art world as I understand it, is more about real estate, you know, perceived value and hoarding.
• We’ve commodified fear, we’ve commodified cortisol, and that seems to be the ingredient that makes social media so attractive.

Behind the Story

The episode delves into the state of the modern art world, critiquing its focus on real estate, perceived value, and the commodification of fear. It contrasts this with a call for art that fosters collective empathy and addresses societal challenges. The discussion highlights the importance of slowing down in a technologically accelerated world, drawing on personal anecdotes and experiences to illustrate the transformative power of mindful engagement with art.

*

END NOTES FOR ALL EPISODES

Hey conscient listeners, 

I’ve been producing the conscient podcast as a learning and unlearning journey since May 2020 on un-ceded Anishinaabe Algonquin territory (Ottawa). 

It’s my way to give back.

In parallel with the production of the conscient podcast and its francophone counterpart, balado conscient, I I publish free ‘a calm presence' Substack see https://acalmpresence.substack.com.

Your feedback is always welcome at [email protected] and/or on social media: Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin, Threads, BlueSky, Mastodon, Tik Tok, YouTube and Substack.

Share what you like, etc

I am grateful and accountable to the earth and the human labour that provided me with the privilege of producing this podcast, including the toxic materials and extractive processes behind the computers, recorders, transportation systems and infrastructure that made this production possible. 

Claude Schryer

Latest update on July 8, 2025

• The role of artists is the role of dreaming. I've worked as a poet, as a multimedia artist, sound artist, storyteller. I think we hold the capacity to shape the narratives that build our present, our future, reshape the narratives that inform our past. I still believe in that role. I do believe that we have a call to work on the episteme, this epistemological call, this call to investigate the ideas, the words and the shapes that build our relationships. I think if we can do that alone, dreaming of a new reality, dreaming of futurities, dreaming of dialogue… I think that's a good path for us artists.

Rafael Zen is a queer Latinx video and sound artist and performer, currently living in the land of the Coast Salish peoples, otherwise known as Vancouver. We were both part of an event at Emily Carr University of Art and Design called Listening in Relationthat expanded upon listening practices and ecological art by exploring decolonization through thought and practices of IBPoC artists. I asked Rafael about their work in new media, performance art, and in particular their understanding of decolonization and decolonial resistance. 

Show notes generated by Whisper Transcribe AI

Action points

• Embrace the role of an artist as a dreamer, shaping and reshaping narratives of the past, present, and future.
• Investigate the impact of colonial capitalism and its effect on our ability to envision solutions and equitable futures.
• Utilize sound and immersive installations to raise awareness of presence and challenge dominant structures.
• Trust your artistic vision and use storytelling to foster dialogue and connection within local communities.
• Identify your non-negotiables to guide your art and activism toward decolonization and meaningful change.

Story Preview

What if art could awaken us from our colonial capitalist slumber? Rafael Zen, a visionary artist, invites us to dream of radical futures through sound, performance, and unwavering conviction. This episode explores how art can provoke dialogue, challenge ideologies, and pave the way for meaningful change, one non-negotiable at a time.

Chapter Summary

00:00 The Dreaming Role of Artists
01:10 Exploring Decolonization in Art
03:01 Hauntology and Futurity
05:06 The Malfunctioning Cyborg
06:44 Listening as a Tool for Awareness
08:52 Art as a Catalyst for Change

Featured Quotes

• The role of artists is the role of dreaming.
• How can we, as a community, dream of…queer futurities, but it can be radical equality, radical futures, equitable futures.
• Don’t negotiate the non-negotiable. (quoting Lélia Gonzalez)

Behind the Story

Rafael Zen’s work is deeply rooted in cyborg theory, speculative environmental utopias, and Brazilian indigenous theory. Zen draws inspiration from thinkers like Ailton Krenak and Mark Fisher, crafting art that challenges audiences to confront the devastation caused by colonial capitalism. By creating immersive installations and using sound as a democratic medium, Zen aims to provoke dialogue and foster a sense of presence, ultimately inviting listeners to reimagine a world free from oppression and violence.

*

END NOTES FOR ALL EPISODES

Hey conscient listeners, 

I’ve been producing the conscient podcast as a learning and unlearning journey since May 2020 on un-ceded Anishinaabe Algonquin territory (Ottawa). 

It’s my way to give back.

In parallel with the production of the conscient podcast and its francophone counterpart, balado conscient, I I publish free ‘a calm presence' Substack see https://acalmpresence.substack.com.

Your feedback is always welcome at [email protected] and/or on social media: Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin, Threads, BlueSky, Mastodon, Tik Tok, YouTube and Substack.

Share what you like, etc

I am grateful and accountable to the earth and the human labour that provided me with the privilege of producing this podcast, including the toxic materials and extractive processes behind the computers, recorders, transportation systems and infrastructure that made this production possible. 

Claude Schryer

Latest update on July 8, 2025

• In a time when it's easy to become defeated, when one can succumb to despair and negativity, a question I use when I reflect on the state of the world right now is what gives me energy, what animates my imagination, and what do I need to defend in that context? So many, many questions. A lot of self-reflection, but then reaching out, looking for colleagues, for spiritual strengthening, for courage.

This is my second conversation with arts producer, choreographer, teacher and mentor Judith Marcuse, who among other things is the founder of Judith Marcuse Projects and the International Centre of Art for Social Change. Marcuse learned about community engaged arts practices by following/assisting experienced practitioners at work and also doing extensive reading. Many resources are currently available at https://icasc.ca including about Futures forward,  a national mentorship program that partnered with over 20 environmental NGO’s; the results of a six-year national ASC research project, and a diverse range of videos and texts exploring this work in Canada and abroad. Our first exchange was on October 24th, 2021, e73 judith marcuse – finding the energy to keep moving. You’ll hear a lot of passion and energy in Judith’s voice and words, and I wouldn’t be the first to call her a force of nature, in the best sense of the term. We spoke at her home in West Vancouver. 

Show notes generated by Whisper Transcribe AI:

Action points

• Recognize the value of imagination as a vital resource alongside environmental, political, and economic resources.
• Give permission to explore and share ideas through art to reveal innate creativity.
• Reflect on personal connections to the environment and larger world issues to inform artistic expression.
• Connect with non-arts organizations and networks to integrate arts-based approaches into change work.
• Challenge the hierarchy in the arts and celebrate the power of community engagement.

Story Preview

Feeling lost in a world of negativity? Discover how art can reignite your imagination and connect you with your community. Explore the transformative power of creative expression and its role in shaping a better future.

Chapter Summary

00:00 Finding Energy in Despair
01:12 Introducing Judith Marcuse
02:36 The Innate Artist in Everyone
04:40 Art as a Reflective Process
05:41 Reimagining Art and Its Hierarchies
06:49 The Power of Imagination
07:36 Defining Community Engaged Arts
10:07 Creative Publics: A Case Study
12:11 Creating Safe Spaces for Expression

Featured Quotes

• Everyone is an artist. Only they don’t know it.
• We have enormous power and the power we have is of the imagination.
• In a time of individualism, art for social change encourages people to be in the same room together, to talk to each other.

Behind the Story

• Judith Marcuse shares her insights on community-engaged arts, drawing from decades of experience. She emphasizes the importance of art as a tool for dialogue, reflection, and social change, highlighting projects like Creative Publics. Her work demonstrates how simple artistic processes can inspire action and foster understanding.

*

END NOTES FOR ALL EPISODES

Hey conscient listeners, 

I’ve been producing the conscient podcast as a learning and unlearning journey since May 2020 on un-ceded Anishinaabe Algonquin territory (Ottawa). 

It’s my way to give back.

In parallel with the production of the conscient podcast and its francophone counterpart, balado conscient, I I publish free ‘a calm presence' Substack see https://acalmpresence.substack.com.

Your feedback is always welcome at [email protected] and/or on social media: Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin, Threads, BlueSky, Mastodon, Tik Tok, YouTube and Substack.

Share what you like, etc

I am grateful and accountable to the earth and the human labour that provided me with the privilege of producing this podcast, including the toxic materials and extractive processes behind the computers, recorders, transportation systems and infrastructure that made this production possible. 

Claude Schryer

Latest update on July 8, 2025

This is a special edition of conscient roundtable featuring Lara Felsing, Adrian Avendaño, Hildegard Westerkamp, Toni-Leah C. Yake as part of the Listening in Relation gathering at Emily Carr University of Art and Design on March 21-23, 2025 on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations, also known as Vancouver. Warm thanks to Julie  Andreyev of Emily Carr University, Barbara Adler of The Only Animal, the Canadian Association for Sound Ecology (CASE), Raphael Zen (who is a guest on conscient e228), and all the roundtable participants. 

Show notes generated by Whisper Transcribe AI

Action Points

• Explore the role of listening in decolonizing creative practices and challenging colonial narratives.
• Recognize the importance of land acknowledgments as active opportunities to listen to and honor Indigenous requests.
• Integrate personal and ancestral knowledge into artistic processes to foster relationality with the land and more-than-human beings.
• Reflect on the ethical implications of technology use in art, considering environmental impact and responsible creation.
• Embrace silence and slow down to connect with inner wisdom and speak from the heart.

Story Preview

What does it truly mean to listen? Dive into an exploration of decolonization through sound, art, and personal reflections. Hear from artists who are reshaping their creative practices to honor the land, ancestors, and the unseen voices that guide them.

Chapter Summary

00:00 Introduction to Listening in Relation
02:20 Keynote Panel Overview
06:48 Artistic Journeys and Ancestral Connections
29:58 Dream Technology and Cultural Expression
41:27 Identity, Land, and Heritage
50:01 Sonic Memories and Cultural Practices
57:04 Sacred Spaces and Cultural Resilience
01:03:05 Reflections on Cultural Action and Belonging
01:11:09 The Power of Listening and Silence
01:16:10 Technology, Creativity, and Environmental Impact
01:35:20 Closing Thoughts and Community Engagement

Featured Quotes

• Lara Felsing : ‘I think about listening in my practice as being receptive to concerns that are happening on the land.’
• Toni Leah C. Yakes : ‘When you’re asking where you’re from, you’re actually asking: What clay are you made of? or What earth are you made of?’
• Hildegard Westerkamp : ‘Listening was always the base from where I functioned. Listening always brought us back to ground.’

Behind the Story

The ‘Listening in Relation’ event at Emily Carr University of Art and Design brought together artists and thinkers to explore the critical role of listening and decolonization. This episode captures the keynote panel of that event, exploring how artists are actively engaging with sound, memory, and the land to challenge colonial narratives and foster deeper connections. The discussion highlights the delicate balance between technology, creativity, and environmental responsibility, prompting a reflection on our relationship with the world around us.

*

END NOTES FOR ALL EPISODES

Hey conscient listeners, 

I’ve been producing the conscient podcast as a learning and unlearning journey since May 2020 on un-ceded Anishinaabe Algonquin territory (Ottawa). 

It’s my way to give back.

In parallel with the production of the conscient podcast and its francophone counterpart, balado conscient, I I publish free ‘a calm presence' Substack see https://acalmpresence.substack.com.

Your feedback is always welcome at [email protected] and/or on social media: Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin, Threads, BlueSky, Mastodon, Tik Tok, YouTube and Substack.

Share what you like, etc

I am grateful and accountable to the earth and the human labour that provided me with the privilege of producing this podcast, including the toxic materials and extractive processes behind the computers, recorders, transportation systems and infrastructure that made this production possible. 

Claude Schryer

Latest update on July 8, 2025

This is a conscient podcast update. It's June 28, 2025, and I'll erase this bonus episode message in about a week. 

I wanted to give listeners a heads up of what's happening with this sixth season of conscient podcast. I was away in India and Japan for a month where I recorded two new episodes but I didn't promote any and so there's a big backlog of really exciting content coming up in the next, I'd say two, three weeks : one every day or two.

So I wanted to give you a heads up. That's a pretty intense listening slate. No need to listen to at all, of course. It could be like a mini-series where you do binge listening or spread it out over time. Listen to the ones that interest you the most. 

They always have a 1 minute excerpt on social media, so that's one way to filter the ones that you might like. I won't read them all to you, but I will end this season with a roundtable on July 2 around Adam Kahane new book : Everyday Habits for Transforming Systems.

For those who are new to conscient podcast, you might remember that in this sixth season I started a new series called ‘roundtables’, which are long conversations about an issue or sometimes just a bunch of interesting people having a conversation about what they are feeling and thinking about. I've also continued the conversations with artists and culture workers, which are always 15 minutes now and they always end with action points.

You can listen those action points, but you can also read them in the episode notes. I use an AI tool called Whisper Transcribe that does a really good job in summarizing the episode, including follow up points that my guest are suggesting so that the episodes are as practical as possible. So that's my message. Please don't be surprised of the large number of episodes coming up and enjoy.

After season 6 I will be taking quite a long break. I haven't figured quite out, haven't figured out what to do yet in season 7. I’m not even sure there will be a season seven. That is a feeling I always have at the end of a season: is there a need for more? I wait for the energy and the ideas and also he need from community to express itself. What are people wanting to hear from a podcast like this? What kind of guests? 

I suspect it will be in the general area of this season, which is exploring collapse, crisis and renewal, but I think it might have even more of a positive outlook focused on what is working and in particular, what artists are doing that makes a difference and that plants the seeds for change on the longer term, and also how artists help us adapt to some the challenges that we face. 

Art being the through line for conscient podcasts. However I always allow myself to be influenced and inspired by other things outside of the arts, and then try to connect them through the arts (now there goes my dehumidifier doing its work here in my basement).

So that's my cue to stop. Thanks for listening, and we will hopefully reconnect when I start up another season. In the meantime, I invite you to listen to the upcoming episodes, or any of the episodes in season six for that matter, because they all have that energy that help us get through our day and present new ideas and new ways of being. 

*

END NOTES FOR ALL EPISODES

Hey conscient listeners, 

I’ve been producing the conscient podcast as a learning and unlearning journey since May 2020 on un-ceded Anishinaabe Algonquin territory (Ottawa). 

It’s my way to give back.

In parallel with the production of the conscient podcast and its francophone counterpart, balado conscient, I I publish fee ‘a calm presence' Substack see https://acalmpresence.substack.com.

Your feedback is always welcome at [email protected] and/or on social media: Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin, Threads or BlueSky.

I am grateful and accountable to the earth and the human labour that provided me with the privilege of producing this podcast, including the toxic materials and extractive processes behind the computers, recorders, transportation systems and infrastructure that made this production possible. 

Claude Schryer

Latest update on June 27, 2025

• The first thing that comes to mind is my young activist in me that says, of course, let's just fight. Let's just do what we can to speak out against, be revolutionary, be, you know, like we were when we were young in the 60s, 70s. Now I think that my response is to stop and to slow down and to do some deep listening and some meditation and to ground myself because I don't know what to do at this point in time, at all.

My second conscient conversation with composer and acoustic ecologist Hildegard Westerkamp. The first took place on March 31, 2021 in Vancouver, e22 westerkamp – slowing down through listening, and this second took place on March 17, 2025 in Vancouver BC which is on the unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.. Hildi is also featured in numerous other episodes of this podcast including 157, 170 and 226. I asked Hildi to focus our conversation on her childhood in post war Germany and how her upbringing has affected her work as an artist and listener. This is especially relevant as authoritarian regimes are unfolding around the world. I think we are well served by listening to our elders who have important stories to tell. 

Show notes generated by Whisper Transcribe AI

Actions

• Acknowledge the importance of slowing down and listening deeply in times of crisis
• Recognize the lasting impact of childhood experiences, particularly in environments of trauma and upheaval
• Seek calm and open spaces to foster creativity and profound change
• Embrace the creative spirit and artistic behavior as essential for survival and resilience
• Connect with others and use intelligence and senses to navigate challenging moments

Story Preview

Hildegard Westerkamp reflects on a childhood shaped by the ruins and lingering fears of post-war Germany, revealing how early exposure to trauma and a deep connection to nature forged her path as an artist and listener. Hear how immigrating to Canada gave her the space to heal and create.

Chapter Summary

00:00 The Activist’s Dilemma
00:47 Childhood Reflections
02:06 The Impact of War
06:05 Rebellion and Reflection
08:05 Finding Creative Freedom
10:01 Art in Times of Crisis
12:50 The Spirit of Resilience

Featured Quotes

• To make change on a more profound level, you have to almost distance yourself from the crisis and be in a place of calm.
• The first thing that comes to mind is my young activist in me that says, of course, let’s just fight.
• In hindsight, it was that connection to the outdoors, to the being in the forest and in the garden, that I think really shaped me.

Behind the Story

Hildegard Westerkamp’s narrative paints a picture of a generation grappling with the unspoken horrors of war and the weight of collective guilt. Her story highlights the importance of acknowledging the past, finding solace in nature, and cultivating inner calm to foster creativity and resilience in the face of ongoing global challenges.

*

END NOTES FOR ALL EPISODES

Hey conscient listeners, 

I’ve been producing the conscient podcast as a learning and unlearning journey since May 2020 on un-ceded Anishinaabe Algonquin territory (Ottawa). 

It’s my way to give back.

In parallel with the production of the conscient podcast and its francophone counterpart, balado conscient, I I publish free ‘a calm presence' Substack see https://acalmpresence.substack.com.

Your feedback is always welcome at [email protected] and/or on social media: Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin, Threads, BlueSky, Mastodon, Tik Tok, YouTube and Substack.

Share what you like, etc

I am grateful and accountable to the earth and the human labour that provided me with the privilege of producing this podcast, including the toxic materials and extractive processes behind the computers, recorders, transportation systems and infrastructure that made this production possible. 

Claude Schryer

Latest update on July 8, 2025

• The approach of the Canadian Centre for Food & Ecology (CCFE) is what has been so attractive to me. It's a conviction around joyful, immersive experience and it starts with the conviction that until someone has experienced the sensory joy of experiencing food in a new way, there's little interest in understanding the facts or the cognitive issues surrounding our food system. One can focus on that which is the problem, and it truly is a problem, but way more compelling, way more attractive, is to think about food through the lens of it as a solution that invites people in.

My conversation with Sarah Heynen, the executive director of the Canadian Centre for Food & Ecology (CCFE) in Tkaronto. Sarah is a strategic systems-thinker with a warm heart and a generous nature. Sarah introduced me to the Surviving the Future course which you heard about in episode 218. We mostly talked food, about artfulness and what it means to be inspired and inspirited by say a conversation or a meal. She also explained the Anishinaabeg 7th fire prophecy: a time when the light skin race needs to choose between a scorched earth path and a rainbow path leading to flourishing and the 8th fire. 

Show notes generated by Whisper Transcribe AI

Action points

• Recognize culture’s impact on food choices and environmental awareness.
• Understand the vital role of soil health in food quality and carbon sequestration.
• Support regenerative food systems by choosing alternative suppliers.
• Match motivated audiences with existing regenerative food producers.
• Embrace personal conviction and agency in making food-related decisions.

Story Preview

Imagine a world where every meal reconnects you with the earth. Sarah Heynen shares her vision of a regenerative food system, inviting listeners to consider food as a powerful tool for cultural and ecological healing.

Chapter Summary

00:00 The Joy of Food Experience
01:25 Cultural Perspectives on Food
02:43 The Role of Art in Renewal
04:29 Contextualizing Our Location
06:50 Spiritual Connections to Food
08:32 Projects for Cultural Reconnection

Featured Quotes

• Food is a potent invitation into a collective story of reconnection with each other, with the Earth and with ourselves.
• Until someone has experienced the sensory joy of experiencing food in a new way, there’s little interest in understanding the facts or the cognitive issues surrounding our food system.

Behind the Story

Sarah Heynen, drawing from her background in anthropology and her role at the Canadian Centre for Food and Ecology, explores the cultural significance of food and its potential to address environmental challenges. She advocates for a shift in perspective, viewing food as a solution that invites participation in a collective journey towards healing and reconnection.

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END NOTES FOR ALL EPISODES

Hey conscient listeners, 

I’ve been producing the conscient podcast as a learning and unlearning journey since May 2020 on un-ceded Anishinaabe Algonquin territory (Ottawa). 

It’s my way to give back.

In parallel with the production of the conscient podcast and its francophone counterpart, balado conscient, I I publish free ‘a calm presence' Substack see https://acalmpresence.substack.com.

Your feedback is always welcome at [email protected] and/or on social media: Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin, Threads, BlueSky, Mastodon, Tik Tok, YouTube and Substack.

Share what you like, etc

I am grateful and accountable to the earth and the human labour that provided me with the privilege of producing this podcast, including the toxic materials and extractive processes behind the computers, recorders, transportation systems and infrastructure that made this production possible. 

Claude Schryer

Latest update on July 8, 2025

• I think there's a lot of roles for art generally, and one of my favorite ones is kind of imagining that art helps you imagine, even if it has nothing to do with it. It helps. You can be a springboard to help you dream and stuff like that. The project that we're going to talk about today has a lot more to do with the kind of solace or companionship or remembering melancholy, maybe. Although I think it's also about joy and surprise so there's a few levels of which I guess are all things that you hope to get from art.

My conversation with an artist who prefers to remain anonymous. We went for a walk under the Gardiner Expressway in Tkaronto on March 11, 2025 to discover or rediscover the downtown critters project, a series of large printed drawings of local animals, birds, insects and amphibians in Southern Ontario. The idea is to create little moments of surprise and joy for pedestrians and motorists around some of the most bleak and industrial stretches of Toronto and Ottawa. The drawings are quite moving and made me want to go back in time…

Show notes generated by Whisper Transcribe AI

Action points

• Recognize the presence of local wildlife in urban environments through art installations.
• Understand the role of art in creating moments of surprise and joy in unexpected places.
• Appreciate the interplay between urban spaces and the natural world.
• Explore the use of graffiti art as a medium for environmental awareness and community engagement.
• Consider the impact of public art on personal well-being and community connection.

Story Preview

Imagine stumbling upon a vibrant drawing of a local animal beneath the cold, concrete of a city expressway. This is the reality created by Downtown Critters, a public art project sparking joy and reflection in Toronto’s urban landscape. Discover the story behind the art, the artist’s motivations, and the unexpected connections it fosters between city dwellers and the natural world.

Chapter Summary

00:00 The Role of Art in Imagination
01:00 Introducing Downtown Critters
02:42 The Inspiration Behind the Critters
04:55 The Emotional Connection to Urban Wildlife
06:31 The Joy of Discovery
09:00 The Ephemeral Nature of Art
10:41 Art as a Reflection of Loss
12:26 Connecting Species and Spaces

Featured Quotes

• So I guess part of it is like, part of it is remembering that the animals are here.
• It’s sort of brutal to think of animals in that situation underneath the gardener. But it’s also us who’s underneath the gardener.
• It makes me so happy when I’m, you know, I go for my jog and it’s like under the traffic… and then you’re like, oh, look, a frog.

Behind the Story

Downtown Critters began with a simple observation: a family of bunnies living under a dumpster in a construction site near Toronto’s Gardiner Expressway. This sparked the artist’s desire to remind people of the animals that still inhabit, or once inhabited, the city. The project uses large-format drawings and wheat paste to create ephemeral art installations in unexpected places, prompting viewers to consider their relationship with the natural world.

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END NOTES FOR ALL EPISODES

Hey conscient listeners, 

I’ve been producing the conscient podcast as a learning and unlearning journey since May 2020 on un-ceded Anishinaabe Algonquin territory (Ottawa). 

It’s my way to give back.

In parallel with the production of the conscient podcast and its francophone counterpart, balado conscient, I I publish free ‘a calm presence' Substack see https://acalmpresence.substack.com.

Your feedback is always welcome at [email protected] and/or on social media: Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin, Threads, BlueSky, Mastodon, Tik Tok, YouTube and Substack.

Share what you like, etc

I am grateful and accountable to the earth and the human labour that provided me with the privilege of producing this podcast, including the toxic materials and extractive processes behind the computers, recorders, transportation systems and infrastructure that made this production possible. 

Claude Schryer

Latest update on July 8, 2025