The best — and worst — ideas of the last six decades
Sometimes the universe hands us a gift. Over the past year, our podcast listeners spent a total of 526,915 hours listening to our program. That's 21,954.8 days and that translates to 60 years of listening to us. So what better way to mark IDEAS' 60th year then to look back on the highlights and lowlights of the past six decades. To give you a hint on some of the picks, on the bad list: online identity management. Trickle down economics. On the good: Free Trade. Girl Bosses. Apparently open borders is still an open question.Panelists Jamie Liew, a University of Ottawa law professor and novelist; University of Toronto philosopher, Joseph Heath; and the Canadian Shield Institute’s, Vass Bednar, joined IDEAS producer Mary Lynk on stage, in front of a live audience at the Isabel Bader Theatre for this episode — the last in our special series celebrating our 60th anniversary.Listen to more episodes:The time when a guest said, "I love you!"How an IDEAS episode on traffic changed a doctor's practiceCBC Massey Lecturers reveal how the talks changed themHow IDEAS saved a listener from sending a regrettable email
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How IDEAS saved a listener from sending a regrettable email
"IDEAS is often a surprise" says Cathy Pike. It's why she's been a longtime listener. To our delight, IDEAS was there for her just at the right time. After listening to an episode about Friedrich Nietzsche and his philosophy about "the art of passing by," Cathy says she decided not to send an email that she realized she would have regretted. "The program gave me pause and I’m grateful for that.”And we're grateful to hear from Cathy and other listeners who share their personal encounters on how IDEAS shows up for them, as we continue our 60th anniversary series. *This is the fourth episode in our special programming. Listen to other episodes in this series:The time when a guest said, "I love you!"The best — and worst — ideas of the last six decades How an IDEAS episode on traffic changed a doctor's practice CBC Massey Lecturers reveal how the talks changed them
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CBC Massey Lecturers reveal how the talks changed them
This podcast features an all-star, and bestselling, lineup of CBC Massey Lecturers from the past decade: Payam Akhavan (2017) and the police officer who pulled over to the side of the road to keep listening; Sally Armstrong (2019) and the women’s rights groups listening to her talks in Afghanistan, Bangladesh and China; Ron Deibert (2020) and his conviction that ‘philosophical’ radio is more crucial than ever; Esi Edugyan (2021), Tomson Highway (2022) feeling astonished when a stranger recognizes his voice after hearing him on the radio; Margaret MacMillan (2015); Tanya Talaga (2018) and her surprise when an older white man in the audience declares Indigenous activists should “go forth and conquer”; Astra Taylor (2023) and how her secret desire is to work at IDEAS; Jennifer Welsh (2016) comforting an audience member who’d served in Afghanistan; and Ian Williams (2024) on how his lectures have more meanings than he realized — so much so, that he’d like a “second date” with IDEAS.*This is the third episode in our special programming marking our 60th anniversary.Listen to other episodes in this series:The time when a guest said, "I love you!"How an IDEAS episode on traffic changed a doctor's practice How IDEAS saved a listener from sending a regrettable emailThe best — and worst — ideas of the last six decades
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The time when a guest said, "I love you!"
That's not something you expect to hear in an interview. But the Harvard historian and author of All That She Carried, Tiya Miles did not hesitate to say these words to IDEAS host, Nahlah Ayed. What prompted the bold statement comes down to a question — seemingly for Miles the perfect one to ask.Their conversation resonated with many listeners, including a potter in Australia who shares how this story sustains him after the loss of his wife. Also in this podcast, we find out how IDEAS inspires everything from sonnets, to art, and to recreating historic feasts. *This is the second episode in our 60th anniversary series. There's more to listen to here:How an IDEAS episode on traffic changed a doctor's practiceCBC Massey Lecturers reveal how the talks changed them How IDEAS saved a listener from sending a regrettable emailThe best — and worst — ideas of the last six decades
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How an IDEAS episode on traffic changed a doctor's practice
Not many people like to think about traffic but Joanna Oda says this very topic on IDEAS in 2005 permanently changed the way she views medical care as a doctor. "It helped me understand how things that make sense for you as an individual contribute to a collective problem." She adds, the episode introduced her to the idea that one car has a big impact.This episode is part of a week-long celebration to mark our 60th anniversary. IDEAS is giving the mic to listeners like Oda to share their stories on how our program led to life-altering moments. *This is the first episode in our special programming marking our 60th anniversary.Listen to other episodes in this series:The time when a guest said, "I love you!"CBC Massey Lecturers reveal how the talks changed themHow IDEAS saved a listener from sending a regrettable emailThe best — and worst — ideas of the last six decades
IDEAS is a place for people who like to think. If you value deep conversation and unexpected reveals, this show is for you. From the roots and rise of authoritarianism to near-death experiences to the history of toilets, no topic is off-limits. Hosted by Nahlah Ayed, we’re home to immersive documentaries and fascinating interviews with some of the most consequential thinkers of our time.With an award-winning team, our podcast has proud roots in its 60-year history with CBC Radio, exploring the IDEAS that make us who we are. New episodes drop Monday through Friday at 5pm ET.
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