The Mosaic

Tomorrow is International Women's Day! In light of the global celebration, The Mosaic is re-airing some of our favourite conversations with influential women to highlight the role of women in social, cultural, political, and economic spaces. 

In this episode, we hear from Ottawa Public Library's program manager Alexandra Yarrow about their Freedom to Read week (1:19). We discuss censorship issues in Canada and the importance of accessing information. Lawrence Hill, author of The Book of Negroes spoke at one of the Freedom to Read events in Ottawa as his historical fiction novel has faced pushback and censorship.

Then, we move into censorship in Israel's war against Hamas (18:26). We hear from religious studies scholar Norman Cornett about how religion is being weaponized in the violence we've seen since Oct. 7, particularly as it applies to recent threats of attack on Rafah at the start of Ramadan.

Then we discuss the current state of the war in Ukraine as it recently passed the two-year mark (26:15). Arya Gunde delves into the international perception of the grinding war, and the potential cases of a stalemate.

Finally, Marcela Gonzalez walks us through Mexico City's water crisis, and the nearing future for the city to completely run dry (28:54).

In today's episode, we speak with the organizers of Pinoys on Parliament about their upcoming youth conference for Filipinx youth (1:06).

Then, we take a step back in time to hear about the beginnings of Lansdowne Park (18:55). CHUO's Marcela Gonzalez walks us through the many roles the park has played since its creation in 1868.

We also discuss the Ottawa Public Library's celebration of Freedom to Read Week (21:35). The Library is holding a variety of events and discussions. Tomorrow, they're hosting a talk with author Lawrence Hill about censorship in literature, particularly regarding Black Canadian lives. 

Finally, James Brennan brings us another episode of Point of Skew, aimed to address areas of bias in today's media landscape (22:25). Today, he tackles the issue of media conglomerates, specifically analyzing Postmedia. 

In today's episode, we head to the House of Commons to showcase The Children's Breakfast Club's annual visit to Ottawa. The Toronto based non-profit aims to help feed kids and prepare them for school. These kids heard from many celebrated role models for Black history month, and the organizers will never forget the impact on these youth. 

Then, we go through some of Mosaic's greatest interviews and documentaries in honour of World Radio Day (Feb. 13)

Today we speak with Asinabka Film Festival co-founder Howard Adler, about the festival's annual snow screen (1:09). After a mild January, there wasn't enough snow in Lansdowne to construct the snow screen. Howard shares that this is the first time that's happened since they've been running the snow screen.

Then, we speak with one of Ovarian Cancer Canada's top fundraisers, Jennifer Smyth (5:44). She's been making chocolate truffles to fundraise for Valentine's Day, and we talk some more about her fundraising journey and the importance of hope.

(Photo credit: Asinabka Film Festival)

In this episode of the Mosaic Marcela Gonzalez covers a Climate Justice Climatique panel on climate solutions (1:20).

Yasaman Ravanbakhsh attends a Wellness Week event at the OAG (11:06). She speaks with coordinator Louisa Harkouk about what the weekly events bring to students at this time.

Then, Fathia Tijani walks us through Winterlude as its set to commence tomorrow (13:08). 

Finally, James Brennan returns with Point of Skew to unpack media biases in todays journalistic landscape (14:11). 

In today's episode, we head to a potluck fundraiser addressing the recent noise infraction tickets handed out to Palestinian supportive protestors (2:10). From the event, Sarah Abdul-Karim speaks on the tickets and uplifting Palestinian voices. We also hear from Ottawa Peace Council organizer Rory Lewis, Canadian Peace Congress president Larry Wasslen, and Ottawa MPP Joel Harden. 

Then, Arya Gunde walks us through the upcoming day of remembrance for the 2017 Quebec City mosque attack (10:41). He talks about right-wing terrorism, and Islamophobia in the country.

We celebrate the World Day for African and Afrodescendant culture with members of the Pan-Afrikan Coalition of Canada (12:40). Fathia Tijani sits down with the organization's president, Daniel Eji, and members Charles, Idris, and Steve. They discuss the work the organization does to keep immigrants, children, and residents in touch with African culture.

In light of the recent Provincial Women's Pinball Championship in Ottawa, we hear from Megan Sprague of Pinball Women Ottawa (31:07). We discuss her introduction to the game, this weekend as the first provincial championship in Ottawa, and the role of women and gender-diverse folks in the pinball community. 

Wrapping up the show, Tyler Beauchesne reports from the Sports Corner (49:20). He covers the suspected closure of Sports Illustrated, 2018 World Junior Hockey team members facing sexual assault charges, and much more!

In this episode of the Mosaic, Fathia Tijani walks us through the life work of Turkish-Armenian journalist Hrant Dink (1:20). The anniversary of his assassination (Jan. 19, 2007) is tomorrow and his efforts to bond Turkish and Armenian relations has held lasting impacts in the global community. 

Then we hear from Tyler Beauchesne in the Sports Corner about uOttawa's recent victories leading to the Capital Hoops game in February (4:01). He then highlights NFL plays, and talks on the impending trade of the Raptor's Pascal Siakam. 

Finally, James Brennan returns for a Point of Skew segment (15:51). Employing media studies he dives into state affiliated broadcasting in the cold war and today, addressing certain misconceptions around it. 

In this episode, we cover Tamil heritage month and the celebration of Thai Pongal (1:04). Then, we sit down with History of Alcohol Professor Rod Phillips for a ranging conversation on Dry January, the growing sober curious movement, and prohibition (2:52). Finally, we take a look at the state of the canal as Winterlude approaches (18:12). 

In today's episode of the Mosaic, Arya Gunde covers the recent election of Javier Milei and what the new president means for the South American country's future, (1:16). Then, James Brennan brings the second episode of Point of Skew, an analysis of today's media landscape and apparent biases within it, (10:09). He looks into media ownership as a signal of certain ulterior motives in its coverage.