Open Minds with Christopher Balkaran

Apr 22 2024 29

Open Minds with Christopher Balkaran Podcast artwork

Imagine if you could explore, with genuine curiosity, the most controversial and divisive topics of our time. The conversations would push you to explore new areas and uncover insightful ‘a-ha’ moments that pique your interest. These talks could help answer the questions you may have, like: why would anyone support capital punishment? Or, what are the pros and cons to tobacco control, or public healthcare, or legalizing sex work? I’m Christopher, and I have created engaging Podcast discussions since 2018 to do exactly this. I invite guests involved in these areas to share with me their opinions. My hope is that through this natural exploration, I can craft a Podcast experience that attempts to build bridges during a time when we need it the most. Join me as I attempt to uncover these issues with true, genuine curiosity.

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#200: Dr. Karen Neufeld and Dr. Jack Haggerty, Beyond the Verdict: Navigating MAID and Mental Health

Apr 22 2024 63 mins

SummaryDr. Jack Haggerty and Dr. Karen Neufeld discuss the inclusion of irremediability in Bill C-7, which allows for medical assistance in dying (MAID) even if natural death is not reasonably foreseeable. They explain that this inclusion was compelled by case law, specifically the Truchon case. However, they express concerns about the challenges of implementing this provision, pa

#199: Susan Desjardins, Dying with Dignity Canada and the Misinformation on MAiD

Mar 23 2024 56 mins

Subscribe to my Newsletter:https://substack.com/@openminds?utm_source=profile-pageSubscribe to my Insta: @openmindspodThe conversation explores the misinformation and mischaracterization surrounding medical assistance in dying (MAID). It highlights the need for accurate data and nuanced discussions to counteract the sensationalism often associated with MAID. The chapters cover topi

#198: Jane Katkova, Navigating Canada's Immigration Maze

Mar 15 2024 60 mins

I'm Back!!Subscribe to my Newsletter:https://substack.com/@openminds?utm_source=profile-pageSubscribe to my Insta: @openmindspodIn this conversation, Jane discusses the process for international students who want to study in Canada. She highlights the financial considerations and challenges they face, including the high cost of tuition and living expenses. Jane also shares exa

#197: The "Leave Our Kids Alone Movement," Mahmoud Mourra

Nov 01 2023 57 mins

My discussion with Mahmoud Mourra on the protests against LGBTQ discussions in the classroom. Support the showVisit my Website: https://openmindspodcast.com/Check out my Instagram/Tik Tok for daily posts: Instagram @openmindspodTiktok @openmindspodcastSupport the showVisit my NEW Website! https://openmindspodcast.com/Check out my Instagram/Tik Tok for daily posts: Instagram @openmi

#196: Anti-LGBTQ Hate? Dean Lobo, Reenita V, The 519

Oct 11 2023 51 mins

LGBTQ issues have been in the news, particularly with more parents and concerned citizens worried about school curricula including discussions on gender fluidity and sexual orientation. I chat with Dean Lobo and Reenita V of the 519, a local non-profit in Toronto that works with the LGBTQ2+ community on these issues.Connect with the 519: https://www.the519.org/The 519's Media

#195: Glenn Blackett, Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms - Wokeism

Sep 27 2023 46 mins

Petition to the Law Society of Alberta: https://www.change.org/p/get-politics-out-of-the-law-society-of-alberta?recruiter=1292735136&recruited_by_id=c75c5010-9907-11ed-b6c6-876123ba9012&utm_source=share_petition&utm_campaign=share_petition&utm_medium=copylink&pt=AVBldGl0aW9uADVRwAEAAAAAZLCEO0uX024yZjE2NDM1OQ%3D%3D&utm_content=cl_sharecopy_36827011_en-CA%3A5C

#194: Why Young Men and Remixed Racism with Jamil Jivani

Sep 05 2023 60 mins

-WATCH THIS INTERVIEW ON YOUTUBE-My conversation with Jamil Jivani is available on YouTube - https://youtu.be/kCxLOvJFZHU?si=BwZ_EpUNLOgeUlW4-SUPPORT THE OPEN MINDS PODCAST-🛒 Support and EngageNow, you have a chance to be part of my massive endeavour of changing the world with each conversation!. Whether you're a listener who yearns for balanced conversations or a business

#193: Canada's Increasing Role in Your Digital Life, with Professor Michael Geist

Jul 03 2023 62 mins

Michael Geist is a prominent Canadian law professor and advocate for digital rights and freedoms. With his expertise in technology law and policy, he has been a vocal critic of government initiatives that threaten online freedom and privacy. Professor Geist shares his views on public concerns regarding policy development and the potential impact on freedom of expression and online

#192: Exploring Climate Uncertainty and Risk with Professor Judith A. Curry

Jun 26 2023 59 mins

Professor Judith A. Curry discusses her new book, "Climate Uncertainty and Risk." The conversation delves into the inadequacy of global climate models in predicting regional climate change and extreme weather events. Professor Curry sheds light on the inappropriate use of climate model output in shaping public policy decisions. The discussion also explores the complex nat

#191: The Dinner Table Conversation - Diversity in Hiring and on College Campuses

Jun 23 2023 38 mins

Support the showVisit my NEW Website! https://openmindspodcast.com/Check out my Instagram/Tik Tok for daily posts: Instagram @openmindspodTiktok @openmindspodcast