PODCAST · society
Open Minds with Christopher Balkaran
by Christopher Balkaran
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.
Episodes
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#238: MAiD in Canada: Are We Protecting the Vulnerable, Or Failing Them? | Dr. Ramona Coelho
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Open Minds Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Ramona Coelho to examine one of the most consequential public policies in modern Canada: Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD). Canada now reports that approximately 5% of all deaths occur through MAiD. Track Two cases,...
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#237: Unpacking MAiD in Ontario with Chief Coroner Dr. Dirk Huyer
Send us Fan Mail I sit down with Dr. Dirk Huyer, Ontario’s Chief Coroner, to explore the evolving complexities behind Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) in Canada. As the chair of the province’s MAiD Death Review Committee (MDRC), Dr. Huyer offers a rare and in-depth perspective on what the data...
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#236: Dr. Salim Mansur: Multiculturalism or Identity Crisis?
Send us Fan Mail I sit down with Dr. Salim Mansur, professor emeritus and political scientist, to explore the untold story behind Canada’s multiculturalism policy. Dr. Mansur pulls back the curtain on the political, philosophical, and constitutional roots of multiculturalism in Canada—revealing…
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#235: Peter Copeland, Canada’s Border Blindspots - Fentanyl and the Myth of Security
Send us Fan Mail I’m joined by Peter Copeland, Deputy Director of Domestic Policy at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute, to unpack the truths and myths around Canada’s border security. From fentanyl trafficking and human smuggling to legal blind spots and our fractured jurisdictional model, Peter...
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#234: Professor Paul Robinson (pt 2) - Proxy, Peace, or Prolonged Pain?
Send us Fan Mail I sit down once again with Professor Paul Robinson to continue our exploration of the ongoing Ukraine-Russia war. We dive into the uncomfortable questions rarely addressed in mainstream media: Have Western sanctions actually worked? Why does media silence dissent within Ukraine?...
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#233: Mark Carney Is Not Justin Trudeau – And That Might Be a Good Thing
Send us Fan Mail After nine years of Justin Trudeau, Canadians finally got a change — but is it real change, or just better branding? In this solo episode, I break down the aftermath of the April 28th federal election and what I think Mark Carney actually represents. From the tone of his first...
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#232: The War in Ukraine - What We're Not Saying, Paul Robinson
Send us Fan Mail I sit down with Professor Paul Robinson — historian, author, and expert in Russian and Eastern European studies — to explore what lies beneath the dominant narratives of the Ukraine-Russia war. We cover everything from sanctions, NATO posturing, and artillery use to questions of...
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#231:The Truth Behind Ukraine’s War: Dr. Ivan Katchanovski, Media and Myths
Send us Fan Mail Why does the Western narrative on Ukraine feel so one-sided? In this episode of the Open Minds Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Ivan Katchanovski, a Ukrainian-Canadian political scientist whose peer-reviewed research sheds a sobering light on Ukraine’s internal divisions, the roots…
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#230: Canadians are in Favour of Capital Punishment - Mario Canseco, Research Co.
Send us Fan Mail Interestingly, Canadians have shown their support for capital punishment almost 50 years of polling data. In 2025, Research Co. found that approximately 54 percent of Canadians agree with capital punishment, which has largely remained unchanged since the 1970s. I sit down with...
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#229: Canada's Temporary Foreign Worker Program - Fix or Problem? With Jason Foster
Send us Fan Mail Christopher Balkaran dives into Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program with Professor Jason Foster from Athabasca University. We explore the realities of migrant labor, the economic dependency on foreign workers, and the impact on Canadian workers. Is the program a necessary...
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#228: Former Police Chief Peter Sloly - Understanding the Freedom Convoy
Send us Fan Mail On the three-year anniversary of the Freedom Convoy, I sit down with former Ottawa Police Chief Peter Sloly to unpack the complexities of one of the most significant protests in modern Canadian history. From media narratives to the role of law enforcement, we explore what really...
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#227: The Ethical Dilemmas of C0vid Pandemic Policies - Dr. Kerry Bowman
Send us Fan Mail I sit down with Dr. Kerry Bowman, a Canadian bioethicist and environmentalist, to discuss the ethical implications of vaccine mandates and pandemic policies. We explore the balance between individual autonomy and collective responsibility, the unintended consequences of strict...
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#226: Medicine Men and Doctors: Common Challenges with Dr. Robert Klitzman
Send us Fan Mail I sit down with Dr. Robert Klitzman—director of the Masters of Bioethics program at Columbia University—to delve into the complex intersections of medicine, ethics, and culture. In this episode, we explore fascinating stories from Papua New Guinea, the cultural roots of disease...
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#225: Surveillance State: It's Here, Professor Rey Koslowski
Send us Fan Mail How has border security evolved with technology? In this episode of the Open Minds Podcast, I sit down with Professor Rey Koslowski, a leading scholar on border control and migration. I explore how AI, drones, biometrics, and facial recognition are transforming border...
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#224: Men, Mental Health and the Silent Crisis - Chloe Smellink
Send us Fan Mail I welcome back Chloe Smellink, psychotherapist-in-training, for a deep dive into men’s mental health, the stigma surrounding therapy, the troubling rise of MAiD (Medical Assistance in Dying) in Canada, and the broader societal issues affecting mental well-being. Chapters 00:00 –...
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#223: Examining MAiD in Canada with Dr. Ramona Coelho
Send us Fan Mail I sit down with Dr. Ramona Coelho to revisit the complex and controversial topic of Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) in Canada. Dr. Coelho shares insights from recent Health Canada and Ontario coroner reports, revealing safety concerns, ethical dilemmas, and the societal…
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#222: The Real Impact of Mass Immigration and Guest Worker Visas: Jessica Vaughan, Center for Immigration Studies
Send us Fan Mail I engage with Jessica Vaughan, Director of Policy Studies at the Center for Immigration Studies, to break down the complexities and consequences of modern immigration policies. Jessica shares insights from her extensive experience in immigration policy, including her work with…
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#221: 1 Moderate vs. 25 Kamala Harris Voters
Send us Fan Mail Support the show Visit my NEW Website! https://www.christopherbalkaran.com Check out my Instagram/Tik Tok for daily posts: Instagram @openmindspod Tiktok @openmindspodcast
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#220: Multi-Decadal Hurricane Patterns: Part 2 with Tom Knutson
Send us Fan Mail I continue my conversation with NOAA’s Tom Knutson, diving deeper into the multi-decadal view of hurricane patterns in the Atlantic. Together, we explore the complexities of hurricane frequency and intensity, uncovering why the long-term, multi-decadal variability is crucial in...
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#219 Decoding Climate Change: A Pragmatic Approach with Tom Knutson
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I am joined by climate expert Tom Knutson to explore the nuanced science of climate change, focusing on Atlantic hurricane patterns, extreme rainfall, and the complexities of climate modelling. Tom sheds light on the challenges in attributing natural disasters to...
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#218: Chloe Smellinck: Mental Health for Men and Social Pressures
Send us Fan Mail Chloe Smellink and Christopher Balkaran explore a range of topics including political assumptions, media influence, LGBTQAI+ representation, and the importance of mental health, particularly for men. They discuss the societal pressures that shape perceptions and behaviours, the...
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#217: Curious Mondays: Can True Free Speech Exist?
Send us Fan Mail AUDIO BLOG of my NEWSLETTER: openminds.substack.com SUBSCRIBE/LIKE/COMMENT Support the show Visit my NEW Website! https://www.christopherbalkaran.com Check out my Instagram/Tik Tok for daily posts: Instagram @openmindspod Tiktok @openmindspodcast
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#216: Unpacking Historical Narratives with Professor Matthew Alan Sears
Send us Fan Mail A bit of a different take: I engage in a deep conversation with Professor Matthew Alan Sears, a classical historian specializing in ancient Greek history. We explore the power of historical narratives, their influence on public memory, and how these narratives shape political...
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#215: Ethan Duggan, Take Back Canada - Examining Immigration and Corporate Interests
Send us Fan Mail I sit down with Ethan, founder of Take Back Canada, to delve into the motivations behind the movement, the complexities of Canada’s immigration policies, and the influence of corporate interests on government decisions. Ethan shares his views on the need to reassess the Temporary...
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#214: Curious Mondays - What’s the Matter with Australia?
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I dive into the creeping surveillance state emerging in Australia and explore how fear and crisis drive governments to implement draconian measures that chip away at civil liberties. We examine the pivotal 2014 Sydney Siege, which catalyzed sweeping changes in...
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#213: The Abraham Accords and Middle Eastern Geopolitics: US Ambassador Gerald Feierstein
Send us Fan Mail Christopher interviews Ambassador Jerry Feierstein, a veteran diplomat and Middle East expert, to explore the intricacies behind the Abraham Accords. They discuss the historical context, economic motivations, and security dynamics that led to the normalization of relations…
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#212: The Global Food Crisis: Sylvain Charlebois on Supply Chains and Geopolitics
Send us Fan Mail Dr. Sylvain Charlebois, a leading expert in food distribution and policy discusses major issues COVID brought in. Sylvain discusses the challenges faced by supply chains, the politicization of food inflation, and the impact of geopolitical tensions on global food security. The...
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#212: The Canadian Dream through Representation: Lionel Loganathan
Send us Fan Mail Lionel Loganathan’s family immigrated to Canada from Sri Lanka in 1985, escaping the civil war and genocide that plagued their homeland. His father, a limousine driver, worked tirelessly to provide for the family, embodying the resilience and sacrifice common among immigrant...
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#211: The Spiral of Silence and How it's Terrible for Us, Christopher Balkaran
Send us Fan Mail Friends - a quick episode introducing the concept of the 'Spiral of Silence'. The Spiral of Silence Theory, proposed by Elisabeth Noelle-Neumann, suggests that individuals may be less likely to express their opinions if they perceive that they are in the minority, due to fear of...
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#210: Understanding Breast Implant Illness, Dr. Amanda Savage Brown
Send us Fan Mail Breast implants have been a popular cosmetic procedure since the 1960s. Initially, the silicone used in these implants was more liquid, but today’s implants are more viscous, often referred to as “gummy bear” implants. Despite technological advancements, the body often reacts to...
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#209: Joe Biden and Divisions Within the Democratic Party, Dr. Alison Dagnes
Send us Fan Mail In this conversation, Christopher Balkaran and Alison discuss the recent political events, including Joe Biden's presidency, the attempted assassination on Donald Trump, and the Democratic Party's internal dynamics. They explore the pressure on Biden to step down, the loyalty of...
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#208:The Impact of Chlorine on Water Quality, Dr. Angus Chu
Send us Fan Mail Water quality is an important topic for Canadians to be aware of, as there are misconceptions about the abundance of fresh water in the country. Water quality is governed by federal and provincial agencies in Canada, with regulations in place to ensure public health and protect...
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#207: The Outrage Industry - Understanding Political Media with Dr. Jeffrey Berry
Send us Fan Mail Dr. Berry delves into the role of social media in exacerbating political polarization, describing how algorithms create echo chambers that amplify extreme viewpoints. He highlights the importance of media literacy and quality journalism in countering misinformation and fostering…
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#206: Instagram Debates with Open Minds: Christopher and Isidora on Respectful Disagreement
Send us Fan Mail Christopher and Isidora discuss their unique approach to engaging in respectful conversations despite their differing perspectives. They explore the reasons behind political polarization, the use of violent lexicon in political discourse, and the challenges of gender-affirming...
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#205: Echo Chambers and Media Consumption, Dr. Alison Dagnes
Send us Fan Mail Subscribe to Curious Mondays, My Weekly Newsletter! I sit down with Dr. Alison Dagnes, a political science professor at Shippensburg University and author of insightful books on political media. Dr. Dagnes shares her unique experiences, starting with her time as a producer for...
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#204: A Mother's Battle - Navigating the Opioid Crisis with Correne Antrobus
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I chat with Correne Antrobus, a dedicated advocate and member of Mom Stop the Harm, to explore the harrowing realities of the opioid crisis through her lived experience. Correne shares the personal journey of her daughter’s addiction, the challenges of seeking...
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#203: Why Safe Injection Sites Matter: An Interview with Professor Mark Tyndall
Send us Fan Mail 00:00 - Introduction and Background of Dr. Mark Tyndall 03:25 - The Importance of Harm Reduction in Treating Substance Use 05:58 - The Impact of Drug Use on Brain Rewiring 12:03 - Evaluating the Effectiveness of Supervised Injection Sites 16:02 - Challenges in Engaging Substance...
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#202: Dr. Julian Somers - Harm Reduction as a Public Policy Response?
Send us Fan Mail 00:00 -Understanding Opiate Use Disorder 03:15 - The Link Between Opiate Use Disorder and Theft 06:12 - The Impact of Crime on Community Upheaval and Safety 30:29 - The High Cost of Supporting Individuals with Opiate Use Disorder 36:43 - The Importance of Stable Housing and...
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#201: Dr. Ramona Coelho: The Dangers Of Medical Assistance in Dying
Send us Fan Mail 00:00 Introduction and Dr. Coelho's Work with Marginalized Patients 03:23 The Importance of Community and Non-Medical Factors in Recovery 05:14 Examples of Recovery Without Medical Improvement 08:13 The Intersection of Medical Assistance in Dying and Recovery 10:17 The Messaging...
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#200: Dr. Karen Neufeld and Dr. Jack Haggerty, Beyond the Verdict: Navigating MAID and Mental Health
Send us Fan Mail Summary Dr. 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...
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#199: Susan Desjardins, Dying with Dignity Canada and the Misinformation on MAiD
Send us Fan Mail Subscribe to my Newsletter: https://substack.com/@openminds?utm_source=profile-page Subscribe to my Insta: @openmindspod The conversation explores the misinformation and mischaracterization surrounding medical assistance in dying (MAID). It highlights the need for accurate data…
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#198: Jane Katkova, Navigating Canada's Immigration Maze
Send us Fan Mail I'm Back!! Subscribe to my Newsletter: https://substack.com/@openminds?utm_source=profile-page Subscribe to my Insta: @openmindspod In this conversation, Jane discusses the process for international students who want to study in Canada. She highlights the financial considerations...
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#197: The "Leave Our Kids Alone Movement," Mahmoud Mourra
Send us Fan Mail My discussion with Mahmoud Mourra on the protests against LGBTQ discussions in the classroom. Support the show Visit my Website: https://openmindspodcast.com/ Check out my Instagram/Tik Tok for daily posts: Instagram @openmindspod Tiktok @openmindspodcast Support the show Visit…
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#196: Anti-LGBTQ Hate? Dean Lobo, Reenita V, The 519
Send us Fan Mail 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...
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#195: Glenn Blackett, Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms - Wokeism
Send us Fan Mail Petition to the Law Society of Alberta:...
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#194: Why Young Men and Remixed Racism with Jamil Jivani
Send us Fan Mail -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 Engage Now, you have a chance to be part of my massive endeavour of changing the world…
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#193: Canada's Increasing Role in Your Digital Life, with Professor Michael Geist
Send us Fan Mail 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...
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#192: Exploring Climate Uncertainty and Risk with Professor Judith A. Curry
Send us Fan Mail 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...
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#191: The Dinner Table Conversation - Diversity in Hiring and on College Campuses
Send us Fan Mail Support the show Visit my NEW Website! https://www.christopherbalkaran.com Check out my Instagram/Tik Tok for daily posts: Instagram @openmindspod Tiktok @openmindspodcast
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#190: The Dinner Table Conversation - A Man's World?
Send us Fan Mail Support the show Visit my NEW Website! https://www.christopherbalkaran.com Check out my Instagram/Tik Tok for daily posts: Instagram @openmindspod Tiktok @openmindspodcast
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
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.
HOSTED BY
Christopher Balkaran
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Open Minds with Christopher Balkaran have?
Open Minds with Christopher Balkaran currently has 240 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Open Minds with Christopher Balkaran about?
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...
How often does Open Minds with Christopher Balkaran release new episodes?
Open Minds with Christopher Balkaran publishes regularly with 240 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Open Minds with Christopher Balkaran?
You can listen to Open Minds with Christopher Balkaran on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Open Minds with Christopher Balkaran?
Open Minds with Christopher Balkaran is created and hosted by Christopher Balkaran.
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