Curious Campus

In this episode, Professor Ian Williams joins us to discuss his CBC Massey Lectures, What I Mean to Say: Remaking Conversation in Our Time. Williams explores the role that conversation plays in shaping how we relate to one another, from everyday social exchanges to difficult discussions about sensitive topics. We talk about the inspirations behind the lecture series, how conversations have evolved...

In this episode, Professor Cory Lewis joins us to discuss his research on the generality of scientific models and his teaching, touching on experiential learning, AI, and some hands-on activities conducted in his class. Professor Lewis shares insights into the relationship between philosophers of science and scientists, bridging the gap between the humanities and STEM. We also touch on the courses...

In this episode, Professor Anushka Ataullahjan joins us to explore the gendered impact of climate change, with a focus on her recent research in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, which was severely affected by the 2022 summer floods. Professor Ataullahjan shares insights into how these floods have affected women’s health and wellbeing, offering a deeper look into the intersection of climate,...

In this episode, Professor Santiago Campero joins us in a discussion on the dynamics of hiring in the high-tech labour market. In these highly competitive fields, Santiago examines how factors such as social networks, status, and reputation influence opportunities for job seekers, particularly in industries where certain groups are underrepresented. It is a topic at the heart of his research, wher...

In this episode, Professor Joseph Baker joins us to explore the question: Is it time to retire ‘talent’ from discussions of athlete development?—a topic he also addresses in his paper of the same name. Though widely used in sports, talent is a vague and often misunderstood concept. Does our fixation on natural ability distract us from what truly supports the progression of both elite and novice at...

In this episode, Professor Kyle Ganson joins us in discussing his research paper, ““Eat more protein, build more muscle”: A grounded theory study of muscle-building behaviors among Canadian adolescents and young adults.” He shares insights from interviews conducted with young adults, shedding light on the distinct phases they often go through in their muscle-building journeys. Through this convers...

In this episode, Professor Felan Parker joins us in discussing his research project, “Swarming San Diego Comic-Con,” in which he and his research team conducted swarm ethnography at the 2023 Comic-Con. Through this discussion, we better understand the role the event plays in contemporary media pop culture, along with insights into the background to this research, the methodology employed and takea...

In this episode, Professor Joshua Pilzer joins us in discussing his award-winning book, “Quietude: A Musical Anthropology of "Korea's Hiroshima” - winner of the Alan Merriam Prize from the Society for Ethnomusicology. Through this discussion, we better understand the human impact of the nuclear bombing and the “musical” features of so-called extra-musical practices like speech and everyday movemen...

In this episode, Professor Harald Bathelt joins us in discussing his article, “The nature, causes, and consequences of inter-regional inequality” along with research in “Creating Knowledge over Distance: The Role of Temporary Proximity,” “Global subsidiary linkages and cluster networks in a turbulent world,” and “Communities in the internationalization process”. Through this discussion, we gain in...

In this episode, Professor Steve Easterbrook joins us in discussing his book, "Computing the Climate," where he shares what he learned during his time at renowned climate labs in Europe and the US, especially as a computer scientist trying to understand the software providing data and predictions on the climate. Through this discussion, we touch on the history of climate modelling, the difference...

In this episode, Professor Larissa Katz joins us in discussing her paper, "Property: Authority Without Office?," where she dives into property law, specifically looking into the notion of authority that occurs within property ownership. Through this discussion, we gain insights into some of the nuances that live within the property law space, while touching on Professor Katz’ background and intere...

In this episode, Professor Joseph Wong joins us in discussing his article, "The Politics of Universal Health Coverage," where he explores the influence of government systems on healthcare. We delve into Professor Wong's research on health policy, focusing on its effects on the majority of the population and then considering the challenges of providing healthcare to harder-to-reach groups. Joseph i...

In this episode, Professor Shawna-Kaye Tucker joins us in discussing her paper “Beyond “Sea, Sun, and Fun”: Exploring the Viability of Jamaican Creole Heritage Language Education in Toronto,” talking about the experiences in including Jamaican creole in heritage language education. She highlights the difficulties in counting JamC as a heritage language and interviews conducted with Jamaican native...

In this episode, Dr. Soren Brothers joins us in discussing his article, "A meal to ameliorate the Anthropocene,” highlighting his work on the Anthropocene and his connection to Crawford Lake. We talk about his idea of an “Anthropocene meal,” and engaging city dwellers with the environment around them. Soren is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the Univ...

In this episode, Professor Steve Engels joins us in discussing his research in artificial creativity in automated music generation and designing video games for forensic science education. Through this discussion, we learn about his motivations for this line of research and the use of video games to aid education.   Steve Engels is a Professor, Teaching Stream in the Department of Computer Science...

In this episode, Professor Aziza Chaouni joins us in discussing her book, "Modern Heritage Under Pressure: Perspectives from the Global South,” elaborating on her work on preserving heritage sites; notably, that of the Sidi Harazem Thermal Bath Complex in Fez, Morocco, while also touching on local sites in Toronto, Canada. Through this discussion, Aziza emphasizes the importance of preserving thes...

In this episode, Professor Douglas Eacho joins us in discussing his article, "Performativity without theatricality, experiments at the limit of staging AI,” and how his work as Assistant Director of the BMO Lab in Creative Research explores the fascinating intersection of AI and theatre. We discuss the inspiration behind his research and the future implications of merging artificial intelligence w...