Best Thewalrustalks Podcasts (2025)

1
Samantha Reusch: Why Civic Leaders Need to Listen to Youth 9:25

5d ago9:25

9:25

There’s a lot of talk about voter turnout ahead of Canada’s upcoming federal election, especially when it comes to young Canadians. But low turnout isn’t always an indicator of indifference. Sometimes, it’s a signal that people feel left out. Samantha Reusch, executive director of Apathy is Boring, underscores how creating pathways for Gen Z and mi…

1
Kishone Roy: Tackling Generational Gentrification 8:50

19d ago8:50

8:50

There is a growing generational divide in Canada’s housing landscape, one that’s not only pushing young people out of their communities but also leaving seniors behind. Housing advocate and author Kishone Roy outlines some of the key factors intensifying what they call “generational gentrification” and emphasizes the importance of reimagining housi…

1
Justin Ling: Three Factors Behind Increased Polarization in Canada 7:40

1M ago7:40

7:40

Canada’s political landscape is becoming increasingly divided, making it harder than ever to navigate public discourse productively. Investigative journalist and author Justin Ling highlights three of the major factors intensifying polarization in Canada—and shares what everyday citizens can do to push back against it. Ling spoke at The Walrus Talk…

1
Valerie Creighton: Canada Is a Creative Powerhouse 11:31

2M ago11:31

11:31

Canada has long been a force in the arts, culture, and media space, but what makes Canadian storytelling stand out? Valerie Creighton, president and CEO of the Canada Media Fund, discusses how embracing authenticity in storytelling strengthens Canada’s cultural identity and elevates our stories on the world stage. Creighton spoke at The Walrus Talk…

1
Golnaz Golnaraghi: Why Career Programs Fail Racialized Women 10:57

2M ago10:57

10:57

Many companies champion mentorship programs and leadership initiatives that promise to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. But too often, these efforts fall short of meaningfully supporting their racialized women employees. Golnaz Golnaraghi, founder of Accelerate Her Future, a career accelerator for Black, Indigenous, and racialized women in…

1
Elizabeth Dubois: Digital Citizenship 8:25

2M ago8:25

8:25

Every click, swipe, and like we make in online spaces leaves a digital trace that can influence government and shape our ability to participate in political life. Elizabeth Dubois, associate professor and University Research Chair in Politics, Communication and Technology at the University of Ottawa, highlights the importance of thinking critically…

1
Luna Matatas: Reconnecting to Pleasure During Menopause 10:50

5M ago10:50

10:50

Building and maintaining sexual and body confidence as we age is essential for living healthier, happier lives. The intensity of the changes brought on by menopausal symptoms can make this especially challenging, but reconnecting to pleasure offers one path to empowerment. Luna Matatas is a sex and pleasure educator. This special episode of The Con…

1
Dr. Sheila Wijayasinghe: How to Self-Advocate as a Perimenopausal Patient 11:33

5M ago11:33

11:33

Navigating the health care system after a perimenopause diagnosis can be uniquely difficult, especially without a clear script for what questions to ask. Dr. Sheila Wijayasinghe is the Medical Director of Primary Care Outreach at Women’s College Hospital; she is the Health Expert for CTV’s The Social; and she is an advocate and author. This special…

1
Dr. Iliana Lega: Understanding Hormone Replacement Therapy 11:48

5M ago11:48

11:48

Pervasive myths and misconceptions have made the conversation around hormone replacement therapy a contentious and confusing one. But studies show that hormone therapy can be safe and highly effective, helping many women manage menopause symptoms and reclaim a sense of normalcy. Dr. Iliana Lega is a Scientist at Women’s College Hospital Research an…

1
Dr. Ariel Dalfen: Four Questions for Menopausal Mental Health 12:20

5M ago12:20

12:20

Mental health and menopause are highly stigmatized, making it hard for those experiencing both to chart a path forward. But what if there was a framework that perimenopausal and menopausal women could use to proactively incorporate mental health treatment into their care plans? Dr. Ariel Dalfen is a Psychiatrist and the Co-Founder and CEO of BRIA. …

1
Dr. Jenny Godley: Menopause in the Modern Workplace 10:17

6M ago10:17

10:17

Did you know that women over forty make up a quarter of the Canadian workforce? Failing to accommodate those experiencing menopause has the potential to drive women out of the working world, resulting in severe consequences for the socio-economic fabric of our society. Dr. Jenny Godley is a Professor of Sociology and Adjunct Professor in Community …

1
Sarain Fox: Sitting With Your Grandmother 10:27

6M ago10:27

10:27

In the Anishinaabe tradition, the experiences of menopause and menstruation are regarded as sacred and in relationship to the land. These stages of life meaningfully connect women and girls to their ancestors, to their communities, and to each other. Sarain Fox is an Anishinaabe Artist, Activist, and Filmmaker. This special episode of The Conversat…

1
Janet Ko: Closing the Menopause Knowledge Gap 10:58

6M ago10:58

10:58

The impact of untreated menopause symptoms is far-reaching, affecting everything from an individual’s mental and physical health to the output and efficiency of the economy. How do we equip women with the necessary information and resources to thrive in this new phase of their lives? Janet Ko is the President and Co-founder of the Menopause Foundat…

1
Dianne Whelan: 7 Lessons From Travelling the Trans Canada Trail 11:44

12M ago11:44

11:44

487 trails, part of the Trans Canada Trail, can tell an important story about Canada, its history and its people. Dianne Whelan is a filmmaker, photographer, author, and public speaker. She spoke at The Walrus Talks Nature on March 19, 2024. This episode of The Conversation Piece features content from Manulife presents The Walrus Talks Nature, supp…

1
Carolynne Crawley: My Relations 10:25

12M ago10:25

10:25

Indigenous people’s relationship to land forms an “ontological belonging.” Their spiritual beliefs connect them to the land and to all things of nature. Carolynne Crawley is the founder of Msit No’kmaq, co-founder of Turtle Protectors, and a Forest Therapy Guide. She spoke at The Walrus Talks Nature on March 19, 2024. This episode of The Conversati…

1
Ambika Tenneti: Newcomers Access to Nature is Vital 10:58

12M ago10:58

10:58

Racialized immigrants face barriers that restrict their access to nature. Access to public spaces for new immigrants encourages participation in society and the potential to build Canadian pride. Ambika Tenneti is an Environmentalist and PhD Candidate in Daniels Forestry at the University of Toronto. She spoke at The Walrus Talks Nature on March 19…

1
Iraz Soyalp: Why We Need Equitable Access to Nature 9:02

1y ago9:02

9:02

Environmental health should also consider inequality in the areas of housing, economics, food, education. Iraz Soyalp, PhD, is the Director of Social Impact, Private Markets, for Manulife Investment Management. She spoke at The Walrus Talks Nature on March 19, 2024. This episode of The Conversation Piece features content from Manulife presents The …

1
Dr. Melissa Lem: The Prescription calls for Nature 9:49

1y ago9:49

9:49

Some doctors consider nature time to be “the fourth pillar of health.” It can have a positive effect on mood, physical ability, and even mental wellness. Dr. Melissa Lem is the director of PaRx (Parks Prescriptions), an initiative of the BC Parks Foundation, and a family physician. She spoke at The Walrus Talks Nature on March 19, 2024. This episod…

1
Sean Kheraj: Canadians’ Troubled History with Oil Pipelines 9:15

1y ago9:15

9:15

How we interact with nature changes over time. Canada has a long and rocky history with pipelines. The opposition has taken different forms. Understanding the nuances can tell us a lot about environmental concerns over long periods of time. Sean Kheraj is Associate Professor in the Department of History, Vice-Provost, Academic, at Toronto Metropoli…

1
Marlaine Koehler: Civic Engagement Builds Our Access to Nature 9:46

1y ago9:46

9:46

There is a diversity in trails and their uses. They are a meeting place for communities. They promote an appreciation for the environment. They promote physical and mental health while also serving as a catalyst for ecological health, community renewal, and economic vitality. Marlaine Koehler is the Executive Director of the Waterfront Regeneration…

1
Nick Saul: The Magic of Sharing Food in Your Community 9:55

1y ago9:55

9:55

Four million people living in Canada are food insecure. Nick Saul—food and social justice activist and president and CEO of Community Food Centres Canada—explores the importance of pushing for systemic change through political engagement and grassroots initiatives on the journey to improving food security. Nick Saul spoke at The Walrus Talks Living…

1
Jessica Ching: Trust Patients, Trust Women 9:21

1y ago9:21

9:21

A commitment to innovation is important in every field, but perhaps none more so than health care. Jessica Ching—co-founder and CEO of Eve Medical—highlights the importance of advocating for patient involvement and cultural shifts in the advancement of health care technologies. Jessica Ching spoke at The Walrus Talks Health in Ottawa, Ontario, on N…

1
Paulette Senior: Gender-Based Violence Is Not an Exceptional Experience 10:38

1+ y ago10:38

10:38

There is a gap between our anti-violence values and our competence and confidence to play an anti-violence role in real life, but Paulette Senior is determined to close it. Paulette is the CEO and President of the Canadian Women’s Foundation. She explains how confronting biases around gender-based violence is critical for supporting survivors and o…

1
Fay Slift and Fluffy Soufflé: Empowering Children to Be Proud of Who They Are 12:31

1+ y ago12:31

12:31

Many 2SLGBTQI+ people face abuse and harassment, often at a young age, but JP Kane and Kaleb Robertson imagine a safer, less prejudiced world for all. JP Kane (Fay Slift) and Kaleb Robertson (Fluffy Soufflé) are storytellers and the stars of The Fabulous Show with Fay and Fluffy. They explore the violence faced by the 2SLGBTQI+ community and highli…

1
Angela Sterritt: Believe Indigenous Peoples' Stories 11:38

1+ y ago11:38

11:38

Despite making up only 4% of the female population in Canada, Indigenous women are murdered or missing at much higher rates than any other population. Angela Sterritt is the national bestselling Author of Unbroken. She examines how stereotypes dehumanize Indigenous people and how changing the narrative empowers change. Angela spoke at The Walrus Ta…

1
Shree Paradkar: You Cannot Silence Journalists with Abuse 12:06

1+ y ago12:06

12:06

There has been a marked increase in the abuse and harassment of journalists, especially journalists who are women of colour. Shree Paradkar is a Columnist and Internal Ombud at the Toronto Star. She examines the myriad impacts of this abuse, not only on journalists, but on the media landscape and society at large. Shree spoke at The Walrus Talks Ge…

1
Anuradha Dugal: The Gender Gap in Emergency Planning 9:56

1+ y ago9:56

9:56

There is a gap in our emergency planning when it comes to intimate partner violence. Anuradha Dugal wants to change that. Anuradha is the Vice President of Community Initiatives at the Canadian Women’s Foundation. She examines the consequences of not shockproofing our emergency planning against intimate partner violence. Anuradha spoke at The Walru…

1
Jake Stika: The Papercuts of Patriarchy 8:10

1+ y ago8:10

8:10

Patriarchal structures are bad for women and gender-diverse people, but are they also damaging to men? Jake Stika is the Executive Director and Co-founder of Next Gen Men. He examines the negative consequences of a patriarchal society on men and explores how men who feel less pain will do less harm. Jake spoke at The Walrus Talks Gender-Based Viole…

1
Pamela Cross: The Unintended Consequences of Criminalizing Intimate Partner Violence 10:15

1+ y ago10:15

10:15

Canadian criminal law is changing in response to intimate partner violence, but is it changing for the better? Pamela Cross is the Advocacy Director at Luke’s Place. She examines the consequences of criminalizing intimate partner violence and emphasizes the importance of policy that prioritizes victims rather than their abusers. Pamela spoke at The…

1
Navneet Alang: AI in Debate 9:48

1+ y ago9:48

9:48

What is intelligence? Does it require ethical research, group think, or just a well-programmed code? Today, intelligence has an added layer of data and computing power, and AI, a still-emerging technology, poses both opportunities and risks. Toronto Star tech journalist, Navneet Alang, talks about AI’s narrative of progress, its limits, and the nee…

1
Kamal Al-Solaylee: In Defence of Ghettos 10:15

1+ y ago10:15

10:15

Gentrification has reframed the way we think about ghettos. They’re no longer just in inner cities. As real estate booms, entire communities are being pushed out of city cores and into the margins, says Kamal Al-Solaylee, director and professor at the University of British Columbia’s School of Journalism, Writing, and Media. Kamal Al-Solaylee spoke…

1
Chief Sharleen Gale: First Nations Are on the Front Line of Energy Projects—and Their Impacts 8:52

1+ y ago8:52

8:52

Oil and gas extraction in Canada has been disruptive for Indigenous communities historically. Sharleen Gale, Chief of the Fort Nelson First Nation and Chair of the First Nations Major Projects Coalition, highlights the cultural importance and economic impact of Indigenous-led energy initiatives. Chief Sharleen Gale spoke at The Walrus Talks Economi…

1
Max Brault: Improving Employment for People with Disabilities 9:33

1+ y ago9:33

9:33

Max Brault, Vice President of People & Change at BDO Canada, describes the five Olympic rings when living with disabilities: housing, transportation, services, community, and employment. Max Brault spoke at The Walrus Talks Advancing Work in Toronto, Ontario, on November, 2022. To register for upcoming events happening online or in a city near you,…

1
Sharon Nyangweso: Equity and Justice as a Technical Skill 8:01

1+ y ago8:01

8:01

Systemic problems require systemic solutions. Sharon Nyangweso, QuakeLab Inc. founder and CEO, explains why the capacity to build, design, and implement with equity and justice is one of the most critical skills required in the job market today. Sharon Nyangweso spoke at The Walrus Talks It's Happening Now in Ottawa, Ontario, on May 11, 2023. To re…

1
Cheyenne Sundance: The Next Generation of Farmers Are in Our Cities 8:39

2y ago8:39

8:39

Cheyenne Sundance, a farmer and the founder of Sundance Harvest, shares her journey of self-taught urban farming and its potential to connect city youth with careers in rural agriculture. She also takes a look at the ongoing challenges Canadian farmers are facing. Cheyenne Sundance spoke at The Walrus Talks A New City in Toronto, Ontario, on April …

1
Tabatha Bull: We Will Not Achieve Reconciliation without Vibrant Indigenous Economies 9:46

2y ago9:46

9:46

Tabitha Bull, President and CEO of the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Businesses, emphasizes the indispensable role vibrant Indigenous economies play in the quest for true reconciliation. Tabitha Bull spoke at The Walrus Talks Economic Reconciliation in Ottawa, Ontario, on March 28, 2023. To register for upcoming events happening online or in a ci…

1
Cadar Mohamud: Podcasting to Share Authentic Narratives 7:55

2y ago7:55

7:55

The eldest daughter in an immigrant household, Cadar Mohamud, the founder and CEO of The Digital Sisterhood, shares how she discovered her sense of belonging when she was struggling with her Blackness, Muslim identity, and womanhood. Cadar Mohamud spoke at The Walrus Talks at Home: Digital Citizenship, on October 26, 2022. To register for upcoming …

1
Lynne Groulx: It’s a Life and Death Matter 8:50

2y ago8:50

8:50

Lynne Groulx, CEO of the Native Women’s Association of Canada, emphasizes the pressing requirement for economic reconciliation in order to effectively tackle violence against Indigenous women. She highlights the NWAC’s meaningful initiatives and calls for transformative change. Lynne Groulx spoke at The Walrus Talks at Home: Inequality, on January …

1
Dr. Syrus Marcus Ware: Toward a Future That Is Bigger than We Dreamed 9:59

2y ago9:59

9:59

What does a future look like where trans people live long enough to become elders, where Black liberation is assured, where there is landback and Indigenous resurgence, and where people with disabilities have everything they need in order to thrive in society? Dr. Syrus Marcus Ware shares what it means to work toward a future that is bigger than we…

1
Agapi Gessesse: Building Employment Opportunities for Black Youth 9:24

2y ago9:24

9:24

For young Black professionals, the employment line remains a long and bumpy road—to get only half as far. Agapi Gessesse, Executive Director of the Centre for Young Black Professionals, breaks down how she is ensuring success for young Black Canadians—today and beyond. Agapi Gessesse spoke at The Walrus Talks Advancing Work in Toronto, Ontario, on …

1
International Women's Day | Heather O’Neill: Girls Contain Multitudes 9:27

2y ago9:27

9:27

When women—especially teenage girls—are depicted under the male gaze in art and media, their agency is minimized, and their creativity and passion nearly always go unnoticed. For International Women’s Day, we’re featuring a 2017 talk by Heather O’Neil, which she gave at The Walrus Talks Belonging. Heather O’Neill spoke at The Walrus Talks Belonging…

1
The Late Stephen Trumper: Troubleshooting Disability 10:19

2y ago10:19

10:19

Stephen Trumper passed away on January 4, 2023, and left behind a legacy of disability advocacy that will never be forgotten. He had been an instructor at Toronto Metropolitan University’s School of Journalism since 1995. Trumper was also an editor at Toronto Life, Harrowsmith, and Financial Post Magazine, a vice-president of the Canadian Society o…

1
André Picard: Were Pandemic Elder Deaths Preventable? 9:15

2+ y ago9:15

9:15

It’s been three years since we launched The Conversation Piece. 90 episodes measured over pandemic years, launched because for a while there, we couldn’t convene the way we love to - at The Walrus Talks. Through three seasons, we’ve done our best to showcase some of the most compelling talkers who have wheeled, walked, and web-cammed onto a stage f…

1
Toufah Jallow: How to Humanize and Accept Survivor Stories 11:30

2+ y ago11:30

11:30

Trigger Warning: this episode contains subject matter which includes sexual assault and domestic violence. The stories told by sexual assault survivors are best told through their voice when they are ready, but that can mean secondary pain in the form of judgement, disbelief, and shame. It’s why so many survivors don’t speak their truths. Because w…

1
Andrea Gunraj: The 5 C's and the Care Economy 7:58

3y ago7:58

7:58

Women, Two Spirit, trans and non binary people across the spectrum have been at the forefront of what it means to be a caregiver. Whether society defines it as nurture or instinct, one thing’s for certain, over half of the women in our economy work in the 5 C’s: caring, catering, clerical work, cashiering and cleaning. Andrea Gunraj is the Vice Pre…

1
Ashlee Cunsolo: Ecological Grief and the Climate Crisis 6:29

3y ago6:29

6:29

Information about global warming is everywhere. And although the delivery of this message brings up awareness, the overload of information can lead to ecological grief and anxiety. According to Geographer Ashlee Cunsolo, says that despite the discomfort these emotions may bring, acknowledging these feelings can better help us understand the severit…

1
Chief Cadmus Delorme: The Future of Truth and Reconciliation 8:44

3y ago8:44

8:44

Generation Y inherited the truth of the 60s scoop, residential schools, and treaties, they did not create it, but Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians have the responsibility of facing that truth. Many generations of Indigenous Canadians have been living in a sort of horizontal survival mode - because their vertical lineage leads straight back t…

1
Camille Dundas: Going Farther than Hiring a BIPOC 9:54

3y ago9:54

9:54

Activism is changing the strategies of how many media organizations tell their stories: from the Black Lives Matter movement to Asian Heritage Month to #MeToo. But it hasn’t been a perfect trajectory - reporting on the changing social and political landscape takes skill, and sometimes learning from mistakes in real-time. Camille Dundas is the Edito…

1
Naila Moloo: Including Youth in the Climate Change Conversation 5:40

3y ago5:40

5:40

The climate crisis is a global issue and requires a coordinated effort from everyone. But the people who will be most impacted by this crisis are often excluded from conversations on climate change: our youth. Naila Moloo believes that youth need to be involved in climate change discussions and in developing solutions. Moloo is an Innovator at The …

1
Candice Shaw: Colonialism Creates Poverty By Design 6:19

3y ago6:19

6:19

Indigenous peoples face some of the highest levels of poverty in Canada. According to many people, including Candice Shaw, these inequalities are the intended result of colonial systems. Shaw believes that in order to address inequality at its core, we need to decolonize systems of power while continuing to engage Indigenous communities in discussi…

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Thewalrustalks Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen