As host of the popular radio program Howl, Valentino Assenza has interviewed the likes of Nino Ricci and Margaret Atwood among other literary lights. A veteran of the Toronto spoken word scene, Valentino shares his love of language and other word-based art forms.

Note: Our phone interview with Valentino was intermittently compromised by the quality of our connection.

Duration - 25:54

VoxBox: Audio segment from YouTube video - Insider's view of the 1930s radio studio showing the production of dramatic sound effects

Music Credits: Beatles - The Word

In unpacking the word RISIBLE, we discover the importance of humour in helping us deal with our day to day living and life in general. From health benefits to tech humour, the range of risibility is all encompassing.

Duration - 29:29

VoxBox: The Nonna (Paola) that couldn't use Siri

Music Credits: Donavon Frankenreiter - Life, Love & Laughter

In the midst of the turmoil in the mid 60’s, five young Californians surfed the rising musical waves to pop music’s iconic stardom. The pinnacle moment birthed the release of the much loved ‘pocket symphony’, Good Vibrations.

Duration - 26:09

VoxBox: Brian Wilson (The Beach Boys)

Music Credits: The Beach Boys - Good Vibrations and George Gershwin, The Ronettes, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Chuck Berry and The Beach Boys

From the Humongous Fungus of Oregon to the wave of human migration spreading across our planet, life has become more dependent then ever on the value of connectivity.

Duration - 28:19

VoxBox: Tim Berners-Lee, inventor of the World Wide Web.


Highlights:

• Importance of connection and continuity in communities
• Symbiotic relationship between a hippo and an oxpecker
• Interconnectedness of nature and the humongous fungus
• Role of storytelling in communities
• Challenges of technology, including software updates and lack of compatibility
• Concept of open source technology
• Impact of social media on global connectivity and individual isolation
• Power of art to connect people universally
• Relationships and the need for flexibility and acceptance
• Recognizing global interconnectedness in relation to climate change

Have you ever thought about pulling up roots and heading out into the great wide open? Chantal Patton and her family have and did.
Growing Up Without Borders: https://www.growingupwithoutborders.com

Duration - 29:48

VoxBox: Steve Martin - Comedy excerpt

The Undefinable Spirit: Dr. Claudia Six talks to us about discovering your sexual soul in her book, Erotic Integrity.
Dr. Claudia Six: http://www.drsix.net

A frank and open discussion about one of the most problematic aspects of human life - sexuality. Dr. Claudia Six offers pathways to recognizing, repairing and recovering our sexual soul.

Duration - 44:24

VoxBox: Liz Miele - Feminist sex positions

Music Credits: Salt-N-Pepa - Let’s Talk About Sex and Right Said Fred - I'm Too Sexy

How the zeitgeist informs our evolution. Pointing out the varying zeitgeists that underpin our recent history.

Duration - 24:37

VoxBox Segment: Peter Joseph Interviewed on 'The Marker' - Tel Aviv TV | The Zeitgeist Movement

Music Credit: Nicky Wire - I killed the Zeitgeist

Why are we obsessed with time? Both art and technology employ and utilize different aspects of this man-made dimension.

Duration - 24:40

VoxBox: Dave Allen on the subject of Time

Music Credit: Pink Floyd - Time

The short answer is yes… The sonic landscapes through which we move offer us both challenges to, and opportunities for, our general health.

Duration - 24:32

VoxBox: Assorted YouTube segments



Highlights:

• Impact of technology on sound and noise levels
• Effects of sound on hearing impairment
• Characteristics of sound: frequency, quality, and loudness
• Measurement of sound volume in decibels
• Introduction of noise pollution through technology
• Positive and negative aspects of sound
• Challenges faced by people with hearing impairment
• "Wall of sound" technique used by producer Phil Spector
• Seeking out quiet spaces to escape noise pollution
• Importance of protecting hearing and limiting exposure to loud sounds

Pet peeves have been exacerbated by, but not limited to, technology. Venting steam, in the face of a world that so often diminishes human values.

Duration - 27:08

VoxBox: On YouTube - 100 People Tell Us Their Pet Peeves | Keep it 100 |

Music Credit: Benjamin Clementine - I Won’t Complain