Inappropriate Questions

Fifteen-year-old Tai Poole won’t rest until he’s uncovered the mysteries of the universe, one probing question at a time. In Season 4 of his Webby-winning podcast, Tai talks to everyone from NASA scientists to stand-up comedians to his equally curious little brother Kien. If you’ve ever wondered if we can keep eating meat without destroying the planet or if we’re alone in the universe, Tai has you covered. More episodes are available at hyperurl.co/taiaskswhy

It’s the end of Season 3! Elena and Harv look back at some of the highlights of the season and answer some of your listener questions. Together, they discuss the challenges of hosting, finding the right questions to tackle, and share their proudest moments from the season.

Thank you to all of our listeners for joining us. We hope you enjoyed the season!

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For transcripts of this series, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/podcastnews/inappropriate-questions-transcripts-listen-1.6740372

We often ask new people about what they do for work, and if they’re in a transition period, the question becomes “What are you going to do now?” Whether they’re graduating, starting a family, or about to retire, we are fascinated about career next steps. Is asking this a good way to get to know someone or does it come with certain expectations?

Harv’s daughters Harbani and Rymn join in to talk about getting this question as they graduate and the pressures they feel to know next steps. Olympic silver medallist Krista Guloien shares what it’s like to retire from rowing at 33, and the challenges of finding a new career outside of sport. Stay-at-home mom Vania talks about why she wrote into the show about this question and handling the assumption she’ll return to paid work. Psychology professor Anne Wilson discusses how our identities can become entwined with our careers and the problem with society’s emphasis on finding your one true calling.

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For transcripts of this series, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/podcastnews/inappropriate-questions-transcripts-listen-1.6740372

Autistic people are sometimes met with skepticism when they tell someone they’re autistic, especially when they don’t match others’ assumptions of what autism is. Harv and Elena speak to TikToker Jam about how they realized they’re autistic, some of the challenges they face, and how getting a diagnosis isn’t accessible to everyone. Disability studies scholar Sara Acevedo talks about some of the reasons people ask this and debunks common stereotypes about autistic people.

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Jam: Tw: @2jam4u IG:@2jam4u TikTok: @2jam4u

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For transcripts of this series, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/podcastnews/inappropriate-questions-transcripts-listen-1.6740372

We often look back on our favourite movies or shows and wonder where those actors are now. But how does it feel to see this question asked about you? Elena and Harv speak to author Lisa Jakub about her time as a child actor in Mrs. Doubtfire and how her measures of success changed when she left the industry. She also discusses how this question can stem from a lack of boundaries and a misplaced sense of intimacy with actors. Actor and comedian Rivkah Reyes talks about being in School of Rock, the effect that tabloid listicles can have, and why it’s so important to be able to share your own story.

Connect with our guests below:

Lisa Jakub: Tw: @Lisa_Jakub IG: @lisa.jakub

Rivkah Reyes: Tw: @rivkahreyes IG: @rivkah.reyes

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For transcripts of this series, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/podcastnews/inappropriate-questions-transcripts-listen-1.6740372

People are fascinated by the reasons people commit crime. But is “why” the right thing to ask a formerly incarcerated person? Kadeem Reid shares his story with incarceration, the impacts of the prison system, and what he wishes people would think about before asking this question. Advocate Sara Tessier explains why this question requires understanding of broader contexts and social systems, and how society can better help formerly incarcerated people move forward.

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Sara Tessier Tw: @SaraTessier15

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For transcripts of this series, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/podcastnews/inappropriate-questions-transcripts-listen-1.6740372

People who are blind or have low vision sometimes get approached with offers of help—whether they need it or not. Is it useful to offer help, or is it overstepping? MasterChef Season 3 winner Christine Ha joins Harv and Elena to talk about building a culinary career while losing her vision, and when she finds this question to be helpful. Dr. Mahadeo Sukhai, Director of Research at the Canadian National Institute of the Blind, suggests ways to make this question more useful, and explains how inclusive design could make this question less necessary. Plus, a spoken word piece by Amy Amantea about what it feels like to receive inappropriate questions as someone living with sight loss.

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Christine Ha: IG: @theblindcook Tw: @theblindcook

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For transcripts of this series, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/podcastnews/inappropriate-questions-transcripts-listen-1.6740372

Especially in the past year and a half, lots of us have been trying new things to help manage our mental health. But can suggesting things like meditation and exercise actually help someone with anxiety and/or depression? Elena and Harv talk to comedian and mental health advocate Kelsey Darragh about what she does to cope, checking in with loved ones, and why this question can help open discussions about mental health.

For another angle on this question, check out our Season 2 episode “Have you tried _____?” where we discuss this question with people who have chronic illnesses.

Connect with our guest below:

Kelsey Darragh: Tw: @kelseydarragh IG: @kelseydarragh

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For transcripts of this series, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/podcastnews/inappropriate-questions-transcripts-listen-1.6740372

Whether it’s by clients, friends or strangers, sex workers are frequently asked to share their bad experiences. Elena and Harv talk with author and sex worker Andrea Werhun about the misconceptions surrounding sex work and why people feel entitled to their stories. AK Saini discusses what people want to hear when they ask this question, and shares the positive aspects of their job.

Connect with our guests below:

Andrea Werhun IG: @weenerwoman Tw: @andreawerhun

AK Saini IG: @akaaksaini

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Twitter: @IQ_Podcast

Instagram: @IQ_Podcast

For transcripts of this series, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/podcastnews/inappropriate-questions-transcripts-listen-1.6740372