The Conversation Lab

Ian Williams is a poet, novelist, and essayist whose work explores themes of race, identity, and social complexity. Born in Trinidad and raised in Canada, Williams has developed a distinctive voice that combines lyrical sensitivity with sharp cultural insight. His debut novel, Reproduction, won the 2019 Giller Prize and was celebrated for its inventive structure and moving exploration of familial bonds across race and class. 
I was particularly looking forward to our discussion to talk about his work, his latest book and about his PhD research which focused on the nuanced dimensions of tone and voice in print, examining how people’s identities and intentions are subtly encoded in their written words, particularly through everyday typing and texting. As you might imagine we talked about the transformative power of open, authentic conversations in fostering trust and understanding amid societal polarization. I hope you can join us.

barbara findlay is an old white cisgender queer lawyer with disabilities who was raised working-class and christian on the prairies. In this episode, we explore barbara's extensive career and contributions to social justice, her involvement in fighting against oppression, and her continuous advocacy work. The conversation touches on significant topics such as the challenges of navigating difficult conversations, the current wave of transphobia, and the profound impact of language on perception and interaction. barbara shares her experiences and strategies in dealing with these issues, offering valuable insights into the complexities of social justice advocacy.

Corey Nathan is the Executive Producer and Host of the Talkin Politics & Religion Without Killing Each Other podcast. In this podcast, we discuss the importance of words and conversations in various aspects of life.
Corey Nathan shares his background as a stockbroker and theatre conservatory student, as well as his experiences as an entrepreneur and podcast producer. We emphasize the need to build bridges and have meaningful conversations with people who have different beliefs and perspectives. The conversation delves into the topics of cancel culture and identity politics, with Corey Nathan highlighting the problem of forming judgments based on limited information. They discuss the academic and sociological work being done to understand these phenomena and encourage a more intelligent and inclusive approach.

Note: Corey quotes his grandfather and mentions horses behind.

Bowen Island is a small island and municipality at the entrance to Howe Sound. It's connected to Vancouver and the rest of the Lower Mainland in British Columbia by a short ferry ride. Bowen Island residents are passionate about many things and its one of the many reasons I enjoy living here.
Just over a year ago, we elected a new municipal council and in this podcast our Mayor (Andrew Leonard) talks about the challenges and opportunities on Bowen Island. Relevant because where most big cities are overwhelming, small municipalities like ours bring all of our community together to practice our version of participatory democracy.
Our conversation covers a range of topics including the challenges living on a rural island in the shadow of Metro Vancouver, housing infrastructure, and grant funding. We also discuss Bowen Island's short-term rental policy and the possibility of establishing a tourism tax. The conversation highlights the need for public engagement and encourages residents to participate in the budget process and the development of a new official community plan. I think you'll enjoy how Andrew upacks how our community comes together in different ways.

Nick Enfield is Professor of Linguistics a the University of Sydney and a co-director of the Sydney Centre for Language Research. His recent books include Languave versus Reality, Concequences of Language, and How We Talk. In this podcast Nick discusses the importance of language and its impact on conversations. He emphasizes the need to understand language in its broader context, including its cultural and societal implications. He challenges the idea that language is simply a tool for describing reality, arguing that it is a choice individuals make to frame their experiences and perspectives. Enfield also highlights the role of language in shaping our understanding of the world and the importance of recognizing linguistic diversity.

Held is a partnership of facilitators, culture creators, and practitioners building a world liberated from oppressive systems, dynamics, and relationships. In this episode, one of their founders, Vanessa Faloye explains how with the help of co-founders, Alex and Pria, how they hold people, organizations and movements to build relational skills and cultural practices rooted in collective liberation. Our conversation highlights the need for improved communication and understanding about important social issues. It emphasizes the importance of self-reflection, challenging oppressive systems, and creating spaces for dialogue and growth. The work of the Held Collective aims to foster collective liberation and create a world where everyone can experience freedom, safety, and dignity

Naomi Oreskes is a Professor of the History of Science and the author or co-author of 9 books, 150 articles, essays and opinion pieces. In this episode we talk about the latest book that she worked on with Eric Conway, The Big Myth: How American Business Taught Us to Loathe Government and Love the Free Market. If you want to know why we are so polarized and have so many differeing beliefs you shouldn't miss this episode and I think you'll love the book.

In this episode of Sticks & Stones, Roots & Bones, Jason talks about the interconnectedness of environmental history, capitalism, and social theory and how it impacts our current social dynamic. He highlights the urgency of the planetary crisis, including climate change, biodiversity loss, and inequality. Moore emphasizes the need to understand history to address this present moment effectively. We talk about the impact of ideologies on various global issues, such as gender, race, religion, and culture. Jason explains that capitalist ideologies instrumentalize the world and perpetuate a binary mode of thought. Our conversation touches on the role of technology, capitalism, and power in shaping the current state of the world.

Tzeporah Berman, an environmental activist and campaigner, talks about her work at Stand.earth and her role in campaigns to stop fracking, protect forests, and clean up the fashion industry. She emphasizes the need to replace fossil fuels and prevent their overproduction, as they contribute to climate change. Berman reflects on her journey as an activist and the challenges of finding common ground with different stakeholders.

Our conversation explores the importance of understanding different perspectives and managing emotions during challenging dialogues. Tzeporah shares her approach of finding common ground and understanding the lived experiences of others. Our discussion also addresses issues of inclusivity, systemic biases, and the need for individuals to actively engage in unlearning and understanding complex issues to drive positive social change.

In this episode Wendy and I talk about the concept of paradox and its relevance to organizational dynamics and personal decision-making. We talk about the importance of recognizing that beliefs and values are shaped by historical context and influence our perception of the world. They emphasize the need to focus on what is right and find transformative moments to navigate the future differently. We
discuss the importance of addressing significant issues through dialogue and understanding rather than perpetuating polarization. They advocate for a "both-and" approach that respects and listens to different perspectives. The concept of paradox is recognized and accepted in academic and professional circles, with more people using it to describe complex challenges. Embracing paradox has led to positive outcomes, such as opening up new strategic possibilities and fostering productive conversations.