The Dark Room

What does understanding those involved in online dating and gun violence have in common? Exploring the possibility of this unlikely connection, Paul talks to Jooyoung Lee, professor of sociology at the University of Toronto, about how "ethnography" allows us to enter the life-worlds of individuals and ultimately see things from their unique, though sometimes morally difficult, point of view.

 Drawing from his recent work on the mental and physical challenges of gunshot survivors, as well as the popular course he offers, "Sex in the 6ix", about Toronto's complicated (and at times dangerous) dating scene, Jooyoung illuminates that to truly know people, you must spend time with them. Their essence can never be captured from afar. Venturing outside of the classroom, as Jooyoung encourages his students, is necessary to do that.  

 Learn more about Jooyoung here.

The Dark Room Unofficial Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Festival Special

Welcoming this year's Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Festival, Paul talks with documentary photographer, Vincezo Pietropaolo, and Bob Lansdale and Clint Hryhorijiw of the Photographic Historical Society of Canada, about the fading art of pre-digital photography. Central to the discussion is whether the proliferation of cameras, namely the smartphone variety, is helping produce better or mediocre photography, as well as what overlooked advantages doing photography the "old" way (i.e. with a film camera) there are for both the photographer and their art. Moreover, the group explores the ethics of photography--not bound to any particular era--and the value and importance of respecting them, especially in documenting difficult social and other realities.

The content of this cast is upsetting. Listener discretion is advised.

Paul talks to "Chris", 31, a survivor of early childhood sexual abuse, primarily at the hands of his biological parents and in a seemingly ordinary, suburban community. In this difficult episode, Chris, for the first time publicly, speaks about what happened during the abuse, the immense challenge of both physically and psychologically escaping it and why, in the process, he has come to reject the idea of himself as a "victim." Rather contentiously, Chris is adamant that--no matter how bad your circumstances--the inability to achieve a desirable future ultimately amounts to personal failure.

Dr. Paul Salvatori talks with a panel of insightful and courageous mothers-- Samra Zafar, Joanne Charmet and Michelle Alfano-- about the rewards and challenges of motherhood. The mothers share their lived experiences of strained familial relationships, balancing work and professional life and undying love for their children. Exploring areas often left out of mainstream discussion about Mother's Day, the roundtable brings to light difficult though praiseworthy aspects of motherhood, speaking to the strength required therein. Learn more about Samra at samrazafar.com and Michelle's powerful memoir, The Unfinished Dollhouse, about raising her transgender son here. Special thanks to the wonderful staff at the Toronto Public Library for sponsoring and helping make this roundtable possible.***CREDITSProducers - Dr. Paul Salvatori, Gina Fabiano, Angeline PizzirussoCo-Producer & Online Media Manager - Robyn LewisWriter & Host - Dr. Paul SalvatoriSound Editor - Peter BullMusic - Dr. Paul Salvatori

On this final episode of Season 2 of The Dark Room, Paul and Jordan talk about their experiences during the past year of podcasting, what emotions and feeling they were left with. The Dark Room will be returning for Season 3 later on in the year and to fill in the gap we will be debuting some of the new shows that we've been working on! We'd like to thank all of our listeners for your continued support! The show wouldn't be much without you guys! Be sure to visit www.thedarkroom.ca to keep up to date with our new projects as they are released!

Depending on who you ask, people will give you a different reply as to who is the most privileged in our society. But as of late, "privilege" itself is commonly used to refer to someone's unearned advantages, making it easy for them to overlook or be indifferent to the plight of the less fortunate.

Paul and Jordan talk to social critic and writer, Phoebe Maltz Bovy, about this understanding of "privilege" and whether it lends itself to properly addressing and ultimately eliminating social injustice, such as racism and sexism. She reveals how attacking people on the basis of their privilege, as when telling them it renders them ignorant, divides people and makes ending oppression more difficult. In Phoebe's view, both the privileged and non-privileged can, as allies, play a direct role in making the world a fairer place.

Learn more about Phoebe and her recent book, The Perils of "Privilege", here.

We often think of lawyers as embodying a warrior spirit, invulnerable to pain. Tough as nails, they, unlike the rest of us, do not “hurt” within.  

Paul talks to seasoned lawyer and award-winning mental health advocate, Orlando Da Silva, about what is more accurate: pervasive mental illness within the legal profession. While opening up about his own struggle with depression, Orlando reveals the normalized but dangerous pressures of the profession, such as continually sacrificing time with loved ones, and which sadly led him to attempt suicide. However, reflecting his personal strength and courage, Orlando remains committed to promoting better mental health among lawyers, concerned more about happiness than advancing their careers.

Learn more about Orlando here.

Prostitution is considered to be the "world's oldest profession", yet it remains taboo in many parts of the world. For some, however, it is life-affirming.  

Paul and Jordan talk to former escort, Andrea Werhun, and advocate for the differently abled, Paul Swartz, about the value and importance of sex work. Beyond the physical, Andrea and Paul reveal how such work provides clients with emotional and psychological fulfillment, central to a meaningful life and which may be otherwise wholly absent from the client's own. The group also discusses the continued struggle for the decriminalization of sex work in Canada, especially the unnecessary moral and religious barriers that hinder its progress.  

Learn more about Andrea, including her recently published book, Modern Whore: A Memoir, at modernwhore.com and Paul here. In addition to being a seasoned real estate agent, Paul is the subject of Short on Short, a documentary by co-hosts Paul and Jordan, on the difficulty of being a small statured man.

Long before the “6 God” Drake, Toronto has had a thriving hip-hop scene. Since the 1980s, early Toronto rappers such as Maestro Fresh Wes, Michie Mee and Kardinal Offishall, have been testimony to the city’s impressive talent and paved the way for other hip-hop artists to shine--locally and abroad.   

Exploring Toronto’s hip-hop scene, Paul and Jordan talk to a diverse and insightful group: emcees Mindbender and Leo Noir, DJ Mike Stoan and hip-hop scholar Ola Mohammed. The group candidly discuss what is unique and distinctive about Toronto hip-hop itself, how Drake--as one of the most accomplished rappers in recent memory--has significantly changed hip-hop in the city and barriers to success that exist for up-and-coming Toronto hip-hop artists.

Stay tuned early 2018 for "Memories of a Bender", an exclusive The Dark Room mini-series featuring stories about the underside of Toronto's hip-hop scene.

We are accustomed to viewing video games as unnecessarily violent, containing graphic depictions of death. Some, however, are spinning death in a new light. 

Paul and Jordan talk to video game developer, Gabby DaRienzo, about her recent creation, A Mortician's Tale. It is a video game that requires the player--as a funeral director--to both care for the business and emotional side of death, from preparing the bodies of the deceased to comforting the bereaved. Though seemingly dark, the game, Gabby shares, is deemed "death positive," helping people talk more openly and comfortably about death. 

Follow Gabby on Twitter @gabdar