The Dark Room

Laws are in place to protect the innocent from being punished. But what happens when those entrusted to uphold them, do the opposite?

Paul and Jordan talk to David McCallum, imprisoned 29 years for a crime he did not commit, and Ken Klonsky, pivotal to his eventual release, about the events surrounding David's wrongful conviction and the unfair justice system responsible for it. Exploring how much has changed since, the four delve into important issues of race, false confessions, and the right to a fair trial. As David and Ken reveal, though wrongful convictions still persist, we--as concerned citizens--can help end them by holding governments legally accountable.

Learn more about David and Ken here.

How much do we, in actuality, “judge a book by its cover”? Is artificially altering someone’s appearance enough for us to think differently of them?

Many of us with busy lives have a hard time remembering what we did yesterday or even moments ago. We are comforted by the thought, however, that when our lives move at an even and steady pace, we exercise a "good" memory. But how good?  

Paul and Jordan talk to Rebecca Sharrock, one of a handful of people worldwide who have what is known as "Highly Superior Autobiographical Memory" (HSAM). Remembering all the events of her life from infancy, Rebecca shares how she went from thinking her exceptional memory was normal to realizing, initially with the help of her parents, the rare gift it is. Though, as Rebecca reveals, this gift can be rather challenging, causing her to relive painful emotions of the past. Still, Rebecca is empowered by her difference and through mental health advocacy encourages others to embrace theirs--as the foundation for a truly unique and meaningful life.  

Learn more about Rebecca here.

Mental health has become a popular topic in our culture. It seems practically everywhere there are heartfelt ads supporting those battling depression, anxiety, and other illnesses of the mind. Yet, there oddly remains a reluctance to personally disclose the difficulties of one’s own inner life. Some wish to buck this trend—and collectively so.

Paul and Jordan talk to Aanchal Vashistha and Kathy Chu, from Reach Out Together, about the tragic suicide behind the group’s inception and how it underlines its compassionate mandate to destigmatize talking about mental health challenges, ultimately helping those suffering in silence. By the same token, Aanchal and Kathy reveal why Reach Out Together is also committed to bringing people together at their life-affirming events—from candid conversation to vibrant dance socials—to promote happiness and well-being through the often overlooked power of face-to-face interaction. In an era characterized by “chronic loneliness," Reach Out Together offers a refreshing alternative to the isolation many have, unfortunately, become accustomed to.

Learn more about Reach Out Together here.

For many, hearing “circumcision” is enough to feel uncomfortable. It evokes not only physical pain but causes self-consciousness about what, quite literally, hardly sees the light of day. Paul and Jordan talk to documentarian Brendon Marotta about what led him to create his new and original documentary film, American Circumcision, and the controversy that still remains around male circumcision in the United States and abroad. Historically a common practice, though waning in frequency today, male circumcision has received minimal attention from documentary filmmakers. Brendon reveals why, especially given the health and psychological risks of the practice, breaking that trend is necessary and the ethical, cultural, and medical value a larger discussion about it will have for both present and future generations. Learn more about Brendon and his film here.

Is everyone a photographer today? Has the simplicity of taking pictures on smart phones rendered trained photographers insignificant?

Paul and Jordan talk to Manuela Cacciaguerra about her seasoned career as a documentary photographer, capturing everything from natural disasters to media shy politicians, and why--despite the proliferation of digital cameras--there has not been a swell of great photographers. Recalling earlier years, Manuela shares important lessons she learned in the lengthier process of using non-digital technology, such as film, that accounts for much of her artistic and professional success. Moreover, as someone who often spends extended periods of times with her subjects, Manuela reveals how the photographer becomes akin to an anthropologist, learning about their interior world just as much as their outer.

Follow Manuela on Facebook here.

Autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR), characterized by a tingling sensation produced by soft whispering and sounds, is quickly gaining popularity online, especially on YouTube and other social media. It is commonly a one way experience, whereby the ASMR artist performs for their audience, feeling a gentle euphoria in turn.

Paul and Jordan talk to Sarah Marchand and Chelsea Dab Hilke about their new theatrical production, ASMRtist, and how, using ASMR, they go beyond and arguably defy this experience. Unlike most ASMR performers, Sarah and Chelsea are interested in dissolving the boundary, such as the computer screen, between themselves and audience. In doing so, they--blurring the line between art and real life--invite the audience to directly take part in ASMRtist, co-creating the story onstage.

Learn more about ASMRtist here.

Canada is often regarded as a beacon of democracy, where many, internationally, flee dangerous and oppressive conditions to live a life free from harm. Tragically, however, some are subjected to those very conditions on their arrival, unnoticed by the community around them.

On the heels of her recent TED talk, Paul talks with international speaker and human rights advocate, Samra Zafar, about surviving a child marriage that began at age 16 when she was forced to move to Canada to marry a man unknown to her. Nearly two decades later, she is today an inspiring example of courage and resilience, having escaped her abusive marriage and empowering herself through higher education--a dream of hers since childhood. As Samra reveals, there is the potential in all of us to, despite the worst of adversity, realize the future we want for ourselves, rather than dictated by others. In her quest of compassion, Samra also leads "Brave Beginnings,” an organization dedicated to helping others escape abusive relationships and lead happy, independent lives.

Learn more about Samra at samrazafar.com

Paul and Jordan talk to Kwame Mason about his groundbreaking debut feature documentary, Soul On Ice: Past, Present & Future. Exploring the film together, Kwame reveals the difficult, but ultimately heroic, journey of Black hockey players in the NHL, and the important lessons it teaches us about the destructiveness of racism, as well as courage and resilience in the face of hatred. Taking an interesting turn, the episode also delves into the history of the Toronto hip-hop scene, and how--as in filmmaking--discussion the scene can progress when artists collaborate rather than simply compete. 

Like other counterculture trends, tattooing has been adopted by the fashionable mainstream. But for some it is more spiritual than "cool."