It's possible that the propensity to convince ourselves we have control over things —even when we don't— is the most uniquely human thing there is. But as we speed ever faster toward an AI world, will true agency even matter as long as we believe we have it?

It's possible that the propensity to convince ourselves we have control over things —even when we don't— is the most uniquely human thing there is. But as we speed ever faster toward an AI world, will true agency even matter as long as we believe we have it?

Being Human Now 10 - Control

In honour of World Radio Day, we explore the magic behind one of the most important technological creations in history, the innovations it inspired and its enduring power in an increasingly digitized world.

The extraordinary power of terrestrial radio

What will our sense of "government" be in 2050?

The Next Big Thing: Government

What does it mean to be human in this particular, technological moment? For the first episode of this series, Spark examines the ways that humans experience, interact with and confront creativity

Being Human Now, Ep. 1: Creativity

The promise of autonomous vehicles is they'll be safer, and reduce congestion. But designing them to anticipate rare events is a tough nut to crack. With robotaxis already on U.S. city streets, are self-driving cars ready to hit the road?

The promise of autonomous vehicles is they'll be safer, and reduce congestion. But designing them to anticipate rare events is a tough nut to crack. With robotaxis already on U.S. city streets, are self-driving cars ready to hit the road?

Robotaxis and a future with driverless cars

Employers are laying down the 'back to the office' law, but with digital tools that make remote work possible, what does it take to build a hybrid workplace that really takes advantage of being together?

The future of remote work

As the EU brings in the Digital Services Act, we reflect on the role of algorithms in determining what we see, and imagine a future of self-curated content.

Is there life beyond algorithms?

From the phonograph to field recordings to the cultural impact of mixtapes — a look at how recorded sound gives us access to history, fantasy, joy, and moments of genuine awe from around the world.

Butterfly Effect 10 - The Audio Recorder

The impact of the camera — from its technical evolution, to the changed way we see ourselves and historic events.

Butterfly Effect 9 - The Camera

How the ability to create cold on demand changed our relationship with food forever.

Butterfly Effect 8 - Refrigeration

The enormous impact of the birth control pill on our culture, society, and human rights.

Butterfly Effect 7 - The Pill

The lasting influence of the compass and the evolution and future of navigation technology.

Butterfly Effect 6 - The Compass

How the 6,000-year-old invention has come to shape how we keep our valuables safe — physically and digitally.

Butterfly Effect 5 - The Lock & Key

Spark on CBC Radio One Nora Young helps you navigate your digital life by connecting you to fresh ideas in surprising ways.

Technology

Spark on CBC Radio One Nora Young helps you navigate your digital life by connecting you to fresh ideas in surprising ways.

Share Spark

Sign up to save your podcasts

Spark

Spark episodes

About Spark

More shows like Spark

Bookends with Mattea Roach

As It Happens

White Coat, Black Art

Ideas

Laugh Out Loud

Day 6

Quirks and Quarks

The Current

Podcast Playlist

The Sunday Magazine

Under the Influence with Terry O'Reilly

The House

Cross Country Checkup

2050: Degrees of Change

The Fridge Light

The Debaters

Muddied Water

Killers: J pod on the brink

Cost of Living

More with Anna Maria Tremonti

The Dose

Inappropriate Questions

World on Fire

They & Us

What on Earth?

Recall: How to Start a Revolution

Unforked

10 Minutes to Save the Planet

Just Asking