Harmonious Gentlemen

Dogs are known as "man's best friend", but do we know why? It turns out dogs and humans have been evolving together for thousands of years, and it looks like we're in it together for the long haul. The gents dive into various theories of domestication, chemical explanations for bonding, and the ethical challenges of owning a "fur-baby". What does it say about humans that we chose companionship with another species? Why do humans love dogs more than… other humans sometimes? It seems that our canine fellowship has a lot to teach us about harmony.

This episode was originally recorded and released in September, 2022.

Join the gents in their conversation about morality and ethics. First, they try to define the terms and question where these things come from. Then, they dive into different scenarios challenging their sense of loyalty, honesty, and justice.

Thanks to Blindman Brewing, Cilantro and Chive, the King’s University, and Birdy Coffee Co. for sponsoring this episode.

Thanks to Phil’s restaurant for the breakfast.

Thanks to our listeners and subscribers.

In this episode, the gents are joined by Jon Davies - Clinical Counsellor at Social Shift Therapy and Wellness. They explore pressing topics such as mental health, masculinity, relationships, emotions and feeling, resilience, and influences on boys and men. In addition to providing perspectives on these issues, they explore practical tools for supporting adolescent boys and what it means to be a harmonious man in today’s society.

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Learn more about the HuMan project and check out Jon’s Therapy and Counselling Collective at www.socialshiftwellness.com

In this episode, the Gents are joined by Mark and Witty Sandle. Dr. Mark Sandle is a professor of History at the King’s University in Edmonton, and Witty works as a Spiritual Director. They discuss the challenge and importance of navigating difference in our lives and relationships. Some look forward, while others look back, for hope and inspiration. What can we do to foster long-lasting, fruitful relationships, when it feels like we aren’t even looking in the same direction?

Dr. Jeffrey Dudiak is Professor of Philosophy at The King’s University in Edmonton, one of Tyler’s favourite teachers of all time, and a great podcast guest. In this episode, the second in what they’re calling, “the King’s Series”, the gents explore the definitions, challenges, and applications of truth and wisdom in today’s world.

Part One of the King’s Series with Jonathan Nicolai-deKoning. In this episode, the gents sit down with Jonathan to talk about justice, mercy, humility, and his role as Program Director for the Micah Centre at the King’s University in Edmonton.

Explore Justice and Development through King’s Micah Centre

Through internships, special lectures, experiential learning, relationship building, and more, the Micah Centre at The King’s University explores ways of seeking justice in today’s local and global contexts.

The resources and activities of the Micah Centre are open to all students and are designed to expose students to the causes and consequences of poverty, non-sustainable environmental practices, systemic racism and discrimination, and more.

Andrew Wakefield’s 1998 study linking the MMR vaccine to autism sparked one of the most influential—and damaging—public health controversies of our time. In this episode of Harmonious Gentlemen, we unpack how flawed science, media amplification, and misplaced skepticism helped popularize vaccine hesitancy. This is a conversation about evidence, accountability, and why responsible science communication matters now more than ever.

NOTES AND RESOURCES:

Overview

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3136032/

Wakefield Study

https://www.thelancet.com/pdfs/journals/lancet/PIIS0140-6736(97)11096-0.pdf

https://share.google/yMcVsIyojuexBD6Rg

The Doctor Who Fooled the World - Brian Deer

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7759370/

Brian Deer Articles

https://www.bmj.com/content/342/bmj.c7452

MMR does not cause Autism Studies and Links

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC554056/

https://www.canvax.ca/sites/default/files/201806/IAC_MMRVaccineDoesNotCauseAutism_2017.pdf (links within)

Article with more Links

https://www.uchealth.org/today/mmr-vaccines-do-not-cause-autism/

Nationwide Study (over 650,000 sample size)

https://www.acpjournals.org/doi/10.7326/M18-2101

Article on Vaccine hesitancy

https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/measles/1-4-us-adults-mistakenly-believe-mmr-vaccine-causes-autism-survey-reveals

‘Twas a cozy night in Lacombe, and the Gents and their families reflected on the year that was while looking ahead to the year that will be. In this short, but special, episode you’ll hear a few additional voices with unique perspectives on what’s truly important.

Why is doing the right thing together so hard? In this episode, we’re joined by Ross Smillie, who brings wisdom and clarity to a conversation about collective action—its promise, its pitfalls, and its unintended consequences. We dig into the Tragedy of the Commons, real-world examples of shared responsibility breaking down, and what this means for everything from environmental issues to social change. A thoughtful, grounded discussion about why cooperation matters—and why it so often fails.