Here’s a question – and a really important one that you probably haven’t asked yourself: “When is the last time I felt a sense of WONDER?”

That thrilling feeling that you’re witnessing something magical. Something surprising.

Something phenomenal.

Maybe it’s been awhile. Maybe you can’t even remember when you last felt that way. Why?

Do you think you’ve figured things out? Do you cast a cynical eye on the state of the world? Have you lost the ability to open up your mind and heart?
That’s a huge loss according to philosopher Wendy O’Brien.
And that’s because wonder is connected to the best part of being human.
Philosopher Wendy O’Brien was worried about that state of wonder in the world. And she began an incredible exploration called The Wonder Project. I hope you join us for this amazing, wonder-filled conversation! I loved it!!

Info on Guest:
Wendy O’Brien is a philosopher – a phenomenologist - writer and speaker. She was a professor for over
30 years and taught at the University of Guelph, Humber, and Wilfrid Laurier University in Ontario.
Wendy is involved in an exploration of wonder called The Wonder Project.
Find out more about Wendy: https://www.think-well.ca/about-us and her Wonder Project:
https://www.think-well.ca/wonderproject
Her essay “Living in Wonder”. https://www.classicalpursuits.com/living-in-wonder/

Add’l Info:
We’d really appreciate your support! Please rate our podcast and subscribe and follow us on social
@CRAMideas. You’ll keep up to date on all our fascinating topics. Thanks for listening!

We’d really appreciate your support! Please rate our podcast and subscribe and follow us on social @CRAMideas.

Support the CRAM Podcast!
Research shapes our lives, yet so much of it doesn’t reach the public. CRAM bridges the gap, bringing groundbreaking Canadian research to everyone. To keep this important work going, we need your support.

CRAM is a registered charity, and Canadian donors will receive a tax receipt. Help us share the research that matters and donate using the link below. Thank you!

https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/124993

Sure we love our animals.  Rover and Fluffy are like family to us. But we often make the mistake of assuming animal behaviour is human behaviour.  

But it’s not – they are not us.

Animals have their own language and their own behaviours which can confound us and leave us scratching our heads.  

Psychologist Suzanne MacDonald has long been fascinated by animals and studies their behaviour to gain more insight into how their worlds work.

Let’s delve into the minds of Rover, Fluffy and a whole host of fascinating animals.  

You won’t look at them the same way again!

Info on Guest:

Suzanne MacDonald is a psychologist who studies animal behaviour (a rare breed!) in the Dept. of Psychology at York University.

For more info about her:  https://health.yorku.ca/health-profiles/index.php?mid=4702

Check out her website and the cute racoon!   https://suzannemacdonald.ca/

Add’l Info: 

We’d really appreciate your support!  Please rate our podcast and subscribe and follow us on social @CRAMideas.  Thanks for listening!  

We’d really appreciate your support! Please rate our podcast and subscribe and follow us on social @CRAMideas.

Support the CRAM Podcast!
Research shapes our lives, yet so much of it doesn’t reach the public. CRAM bridges the gap, bringing groundbreaking Canadian research to everyone. To keep this important work going, we need your support.

CRAM is a registered charity, and Canadian donors will receive a tax receipt. Help us share the research that matters and donate using the link below. Thank you!

https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/124993

Please listen to this podcast. This one really got to us.  It changed the way we look at the prospect of death.  

Chris Kerr, a physician and palliative care researcher, with his team, interviewed over 1500 patients who were dying – and was amazed by what he heard. 

You’ll hear from some of these patients who are dying.  With very little time left,  they describe with clarity and confidence, a transformative recurring event.  

Truths that were buried are acknowledged.  Those who loved unconditionally are cherished. 

It is a profoundly moving meditation about an experience all of us will face.

Info on Guest:

Dr. Christopher Kerr is a physician and Chief Exec. Officer and Chief Medical Officer of Hospice and Palliative Care of Buffalo in NYState.  He’s a Canadian originally from Toronto.  He’s also the author of “Death Is But A Dream.”  Dr. Kerr’s research is also featured on the Netflix series “ Surviving Death” Episode 5.   For more on him and his work:  https://www.drchristopherkerr.com/

Add’l Info: 

We’d really appreciate your support!  Please rate our podcast and subscribe and follow us on social @CRAMideas.  Thanks for listening!  

We’d really appreciate your support! Please rate our podcast and subscribe and follow us on social @CRAMideas.

Support the CRAM Podcast!
Research shapes our lives, yet so much of it doesn’t reach the public. CRAM bridges the gap, bringing groundbreaking Canadian research to everyone. To keep this important work going, we need your support.

CRAM is a registered charity, and Canadian donors will receive a tax receipt. Help us share the research that matters and donate using the link below. Thank you!

https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/124993

Taylor vs. Beyonce.  Do you care?

 Maybe not but a lot of people do.   And not just fans – those people who follow their every move and every word.  Politicians – presidents! - business leaders, economists,  stock market analysts, and yes even academics are interested in the Taylor Swift and Beyonce effects.     

And that’s because their impact is huge.  In terms of the economy,  we’re talking billions of dollars.  And their influence is felt in other ways around the globe.  

Sarah Olutola, a professor at Lakehead University has always been interested in pop culture and digs deep into its history, influence and meaning.  Hear what she has to say about two of the biggest artists in entertainment - Beyonce and Taylor Swift.  

Info on Guest:

Sarah Olutola is an Assistant Professor of Writing, in the Department of English at Lakehead University.  For more info on Sarah and her work:  https://www.lakeheadu.ca/users/O/solutola/node/65634

Check out this article:  https://theconversation.com/the-humiliating-downfall-of-japans-johnny-and-associates-fans-reckon-with-sexual-assault-in-entertainment-214831

Sarah also writes YA novels and children’s books under the pen name Sarah Raughley. 

https://sarahraughley.com/

Add’l Info: 

We’d really appreciate your support!  Please rate our podcast and subscribe and follow us on social @CRAMideas.  Thanks for listening! 

We’d really appreciate your support! Please rate our podcast and subscribe and follow us on social @CRAMideas.

Support the CRAM Podcast!
Research shapes our lives, yet so much of it doesn’t reach the public. CRAM bridges the gap, bringing groundbreaking Canadian research to everyone. To keep this important work going, we need your support.

CRAM is a registered charity, and Canadian donors will receive a tax receipt. Help us share the research that matters and donate using the link below. Thank you!

https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/124993

REPEAT from 2023: You probably know people who you think are irrational (and you’re certainly NOT one of them!).  

They have views you don’t agree with and make decisions that make no sense. And maybe you even feel irrational people are on the rise.  And that makes you nervous.  

But just who is a rational person?  What constitutes rational thinking?  And can we use this form of thinking to make better decisions and live better lives? 

Let’s turn to a philosopher for answers.  Duncan McIntosh is a Professor of Philosophy at Dalhousie University in Halifax and teaches a course on the Theory of Rational Decision.  

Info on Guest:

Duncan McIntosh is a Professor of Philosophy at Dalhousie University in Halifax and teaches a course on the Theory of Rational Decision.  To find out more about Duncan’s work: https://www.dal.ca/faculty/arts/philosophy/FacultyandStaff/our-faculty/duncan-macintosh.html

Check out this article on his involvement with the Center for Ethics and Rule of Law:

https://www.dal.ca/faculty/arts/philosophy/FacultyandStaff/our-faculty/duncan-macintosh.html

Add’l Info:

We’d really appreciate your support!  Please rate our podcast and subscribe and follow us on social @CRAMideas.   Thanks for listening!

We’d really appreciate your support! Please rate our podcast and subscribe and follow us on social @CRAMideas.

Support the CRAM Podcast!
Research shapes our lives, yet so much of it doesn’t reach the public. CRAM bridges the gap, bringing groundbreaking Canadian research to everyone. To keep this important work going, we need your support.

CRAM is a registered charity, and Canadian donors will receive a tax receipt. Help us share the research that matters and donate using the link below. Thank you!

https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/124993

When we think of bad behaviour, we often think of men and the dirty deeds they’ve done.  But what about women?  

Women, like men, are also capable of bad behaviour. Very bad behaviour.   

Just look back at the Roman Empire. Women were expected to be good girls, wives and mothers.  But there were notable bad-ass women who stopped at nothing to gain power.

Their stories are shocking and gruesome.  They reveal what happens when power or control is taken away from women.  And what the drive for power can do.

Classics professor Alison Keith gives a fascinating and revealing exploration of human behaviour.  

Info on Guest:

Alison Keith is a Prof. of Classics at Victoria College and Director of the Jackman Humanities Institute, University of Toronto.  If you’d like to know more about Alison and her work: https://www.classics.utoronto.ca/people/directories/all-faculty/alison-keith

Add’l Info: 

We’d really appreciate your support!  Please rate our podcast and subscribe and follow us on social @CRAMideas.  Thanks for listening! 

We’d really appreciate your support! Please rate our podcast and subscribe and follow us on social @CRAMideas.

Support the CRAM Podcast!
Research shapes our lives, yet so much of it doesn’t reach the public. CRAM bridges the gap, bringing groundbreaking Canadian research to everyone. To keep this important work going, we need your support.

CRAM is a registered charity, and Canadian donors will receive a tax receipt. Help us share the research that matters and donate using the link below. Thank you!

https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/124993

*Special Edition*
Do you have a feeling that all is not right with the world? 

There’s war, racial conflict, huge economic disparity, political extremism, growing societal discord.  And of course climate change.  

You wonder – are we on a path to complete self-destruction? 

It’s the ultimate question that researcher Luke Kemp has been studying.   He’s an expert on global catastrophic risk.  He’s looked at the collapse of past civilisations and applies this knowledge to the present day. 

Normally our podcast features the work of Canadian researchers but Luke’s work and ideas were so compelling we wanted to have him on to share his views.  What are the signs that a civilisation is coming to an end? Do we see those signs now?  

What CAN we do about it?

Info on Guest:

Luke Kemp is a Research Affiliate with the Centre for the Study of Existential Risk at the University of Cambridge, in the UK.  But currently he’s a faculty fellow with the Notre Dame Inst. for Advanced Studies in Indiana, U.S.A.  For more info on Luke and his research:  https://www.cser.ac.uk/team/luke-kemp/ and https://ndias.nd.edu/fellows/kemp-luke/

Check out his article on the collapse of societies:  https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20240424-do-societies-civilisations-grow-old-frail-and-vulnerable-to-collapse

Add’l Info: 

We’d really appreciate your support!  Please rate our podcast and subscribe and follow us on social @CRAMideas.  Thanks for listening!  

 

We’d really appreciate your support! Please rate our podcast and subscribe and follow us on social @CRAMideas.

Support the CRAM Podcast!
Research shapes our lives, yet so much of it doesn’t reach the public. CRAM bridges the gap, bringing groundbreaking Canadian research to everyone. To keep this important work going, we need your support.

CRAM is a registered charity, and Canadian donors will receive a tax receipt. Help us share the research that matters and donate using the link below. Thank you!

https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/124993

Remember when you used to see your doctor every year for  a “physical?”  He looked at you from top to toe, did a full blood workup and maybe sent you for other tests as well. 

But a number of years ago, the annual physical was replaced with the periodic health exam.  Based on the evidence, the medical profession said an annual checkup wasn’t necessary for everyone and might even be detrimental. 

But even after all these years, not everyone is convinced incl. some doctors.  Why?  And there are still questions among patients - esp. after the pandemic - and what to expect from a periodic health exam, what tests you should be getting, and whether doctor visits should be virtual or in person.

Listen to what family physician and researcher Dr. Aisha Lofters has to say about the pros and cons of the periodic health exam and what you should know before getting one.

Info on Guest:

Dr. Aisha Lofters is a family physician and researcher at Women’s College Hospital in Toronto and Assoc. Prof in the Dept. of Family & Community Medicine, University of Toronto.  For more info on Dr. Lofters and her work:  https://www.womensacademics.ca/staff-members/aisha-lofters-md-phdaisha-lofters/

https://discover.research.utoronto.ca/43-aisha-lofters

Add’l Info: 

We’d really appreciate your support!  Please rate our podcast and subscribe and follow us on social @CRAMideas.  Thanks for listening!  

We’d really appreciate your support! Please rate our podcast and subscribe and follow us on social @CRAMideas.

Support the CRAM Podcast!
Research shapes our lives, yet so much of it doesn’t reach the public. CRAM bridges the gap, bringing groundbreaking Canadian research to everyone. To keep this important work going, we need your support.

CRAM is a registered charity, and Canadian donors will receive a tax receipt. Help us share the research that matters and donate using the link below. Thank you!

https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/124993

It’s a hot topic lately.  Narcissism.

You’ll find it everywhere – on social media, online articles, talk shows, documentaries.

And it seems everyone knows someone who has Narcissistic Personality Disorder – or they think they have it themselves!

Even if you know someone who genuinely has NPD.. well then what?

Can you have a successful relationship with them and if not, what are the signs to leave?

This is an important discussion and we invited Dr. Martin Drapeau for some answers.  He’s a clinical psychologist and and professor of Counselling Psychology and Psychiatry at McGill University.

Info on Guest:

Dr. Martin Drapeau is a Clinical Psychologist and Professor of Counselling Psychology and Psychiatry at McGill University.  For more information on his research and work, please check out these links:

https://www.mcgill.ca/edu-ecp/martin-drapeau

https://www.drmartindrapeau.ca/  Dr. Drapeau also has some helpful videos on his website that cover different aspects of psychotherapy and mental health incl. this one on how to choose a psychotherapist:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vCQNtQA9Lg0

Add’l Info: 

We’d really appreciate your support!  Please rate our podcast and subscribe and follow us on social @CRAMideas.  Thanks for listening!  

We’d really appreciate your support! Please rate our podcast and subscribe and follow us on social @CRAMideas.

Support the CRAM Podcast!
Research shapes our lives, yet so much of it doesn’t reach the public. CRAM bridges the gap, bringing groundbreaking Canadian research to everyone. To keep this important work going, we need your support.

CRAM is a registered charity, and Canadian donors will receive a tax receipt. Help us share the research that matters and donate using the link below. Thank you!

https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/124993

It’s a once in a lifetime event:  a mesmerizing, soul-stirring experience. At any given point on earth, the ability to see a total solar eclipse happens only once every three to four hundred years.  

And on April 8, 2024, at least 30 million people will be able to experience it.  They’ll be plunged into darkness as the moon completely blocks the sun.  Even if you’re not going to experience the eclipse, it’s a fascinating journey of discovery to hear science writer Andrew Fazekas talk about it.  

Andrew explains what we’ll see, the science and history around solar eclipses, and what makes them unique and unforgettable.  

Info on Guest:

Andrew Fazekas is a science writer, broadcaster and lecturer known as the “Night Sky Guy.” He works with National Geographic, CBC Radio and CTV News.  He’s past president of the Montreal Centre of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada and author of National Geographic’s “Backyard Guide to the Night Sky.”  For more info on Andrew and his work, check 

out his website:   https://thenightskyguy.com/

Add’l Info: 

We’d really appreciate your support!  Please rate our podcast and subscribe and follow us on social @CRAMideas.  Thanks for listening!  

We’d really appreciate your support! Please rate our podcast and subscribe and follow us on social @CRAMideas.

Support the CRAM Podcast!
Research shapes our lives, yet so much of it doesn’t reach the public. CRAM bridges the gap, bringing groundbreaking Canadian research to everyone. To keep this important work going, we need your support.

CRAM is a registered charity, and Canadian donors will receive a tax receipt. Help us share the research that matters and donate using the link below. Thank you!

https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/124993