Talk Description to Me

Ever wonder what a conductor is doing at the front of an orchestra? Or grow curious about those hisses and sputters when you're waiting in line for your morning espresso? Today, Christine and JJ break down the routines, gestures, equipment and actions of people who work in silence.

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Robots have been evolving, both IRL and in popular culture. Today, Christine and JJ break down the look of science fiction robots from the 1950's and 60's, through the 70's, 80's, and 90's; from Robby the Robot to Data and C3PO. Then the pair turns their attention to modern day robots and their wild and crazy lives as groovy dancers and fight-to-the death gladiators! 

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Reaching the ripe old age of 100 makes a podcast reflective (and perhaps a bit self-indulgent!). Guided by emails and tweets from listeners, Christine and JJ pull clips from key episodes, share fond memories, and discuss what's been learned through their description-rich conversations. 

A huge shout-out to all of our listeners! Your support of this show has been appreciated from day one. We truly value the connection we have with the community, and want you to know how much you, as a listener, are appreciated. Thank you!

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For some of us, puppets are lifelong friends; characters from our youth that teach, comfort, and entertain. For others, puppets are mysterious and even unsettling, represented only by strange, disorienting voices. Today, Christine works through her discomfort with the art form by asking questions about the visuals of puppets and puppeteering. How does Kermit's mouth move? Can a marionette really evoke an emotional response? And what are water puppets and shadow puppets?! Visual descriptions of one of the world's earliest theatrical traditions, today on Talk Description To Me. 

Next week we'll be releasing our 100th episode, which is a great excuse to look back on the things we've described, the discussions we've had, and the things that we've learned. If you have any thoughts to share about our first hundred episodes, please reach out! We'd love to hear from you!

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Ready to break free of winter and endless pandemic lockdowns? Us too! Inspired by the fresh spring air, and egged on by listener requests ("egged on", get it?!), Christine and JJ indulge in descriptions of emergence in nature: hatching chicks, caterpillars transforming into butterflies, and bulbs blooming in garden beds. Happy Spring, everyone!

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On a recent trip to Vancouver, Christine met up with some of the great folks at VocalEye, a not-for-profit organization that does amazing and innovative work in the Description world.  After a full day of exploring, Christine got a ride home with longtime Describer, and all-around lovely Vancouverite, Ingrid Turk. Full of questions about Vancouver's much-hyped landscape, and not willing to pass up a golden opportunity, Christine switched on her mic and recorded this impromptu episode. 

Special thanks to Ingrid, Steph Kirkland, Eileen Barrett, and Amy Amantea, who we'll be hearing in future episodes!

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When Russia invaded Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy began connecting with his people, and the rest of the world, through selfie videos and video addresses. This week, Christine and JJ discuss Zelenskyy's social media savvy, and describe the visuals of his regular releases. Then the conversation turns to public art and graffiti that demonstrates international support for the Ukrainian people, and profound anger toward Vladimir Putin. 

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For many sighted movie fans, posters aren't just ads; they're a tease, a lure, the first glimpse of an eagerly-anticipated film.  This week, Christine and JJ discuss and describe favourite and famous movie posters. From Star Wars to The Graduate , Frankenstein to Pretty Woman, Bill and Ted to Godzilla, if you're a movie fan, Talk Description has you covered.

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Christine is fascinated by gestures, body language, and non-verbal communication. In this fun, chatty episode, the Queen of Curious Questions asks JJ to describe facial expressions, eyebrow acting, and a variety of shrugs. Then the pair discusses the language of subtle eye movements, directional signalling, and everyone's favourite, rude gestures!

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Charts and graphs can be useful for recognizing patterns and comparing data sets. Today, Christine and JJ explore visualizations of case numbers, deaths, and vaccinations from the COVID era. Then, the pair checks in on the Ottawa "Freedom Convoy".  When police moved in to shut down the occupation, cell phone cameras were rolling! What they captured were disturbing and contentious images of children on the front lines, and mounted officers clashing with protestors. Christine and JJ try to sort through the visuals in this important follow-up episode. 

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