Kurt Parks

irRational

Society EN ↓ 7 episodes

Hosted by Kurt Parks , irRational is a podcast designed to bring people of opposing viewpoints together — not to argue, but to understand. Each episode explores complex topics that divide opinion, from politics and culture to religion, science, and identity. Our goal is simple: to create space for honest, intelligent, and respectful dialogue in a world that often rewards outrage over understanding. We ask the tough questions — Is faith irrational? Should Canada become a republic? Is AI a public right or private power? — and invite guests from different backgrounds to challenge ideas, not peopl...

Author

Kurt Parks

Episodes

Youth Sports: Character Builder or Pressure Cooker 15.06.2026 1:03:26

Key topics: The true objectives of youth involvement in sports The impact of organized versus free play in developing skills and social bonds. How commercialization and professional aspirations are shifting the focus away from intrinsic enjoyment. The dangers of early specialization and over-organization in youth sports. Strategies for communities to promote accessible, inclusive, and balanced phy...

Free Speech: Who Gets to Say What you Can Say? 15.05.2026 1:18:07

The Future of Free Speech: Navigating Morality, Law, and Society Join host Kurt Parks for a thoughtful conversation on the state of free speech with Barbara Kay and Rupa Subramanya. This episode explores how freedom of expression is being shaped—not just by law, but by culture, institutions, and shifting social norms. Together, they examine whether free speech is merely a legal protection or a dee...

Canada: Royalty or Republic? 15.04.2026 1:44:11

Explore the nuanced debate about Canada's future: should it maintain its constitutional monarchy or transition to a republic? This episode brings together diverse perspectives, addressing symbolism, stability, indigenous treaties, and the broader national identity. Key topics: The significance of symbolism: British legacy versus Canadian identity The role of the monarchy in Canadian governance and...

Faith: Rational or irRational? 15.03.2026 1:29:48

This conversation journeys to where believers and skeptics explore the nature of faith, reason, morality, and personal experiences. The episode dives into how different worldviews approach truth, evidence, and ethical living while fostering mutual respect. Timestamps: 00:00 - Welcome and episode overview: bridging irrational views with rational dialogue 02:00 - Do faith and reason approach truth d...

Ai's Impact on Mental Health and Education 24.02.2026 3:42

During the latest episode of irRational the conversation delves into the impact of Chat GPT on education, highlighting the need for regulation, institutional support, and the preservation of critical thinking and writing skills. It also explores the use of AI in daily life, discussing the dependency on AI, the quality of information, and the social and mental health impact. Additionally, concerns...

AI: Regulated Utility or Private Power 15.02.2026 1:13:10

Guests: Bianca Wylie is an entrepreneur and a public interest technology advocate. She is the founder of T&S Advisory, a consulting firm that offers strategic innovation guidance and capacity-building for small and medium-sized businesses and non-profit organizations. She is also a partner at Digital Public, where she works on public interest technology governance. More info: innovatehow.com S...

Hockey Fights: Forbidden or Forever 15.01.2026 35:28

The inaugural episode of the Irrational podcast delves into the contentious topic of fighting in hockey. The debate centres around whether fighting should be allowed to continue in the sport or if it should be forbidden. The guests, a sport enthusiast who studied in kinesiology and a former hockey player, provide insights and personal experiences to support their perspectives. The conversation div...