PODCAST · sports
The Curve with Christopher
by Christopher Stuart Taylor
A chance to chat sports and its intersections with race, history, culture, and society.
Episodes
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Masai Ujiri needs to go: Pascal, OG, Cooper Flagg, and NBA Playoffs 2025
It's been a while, so giving you all a short one to get back on the bicycle.
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Emancipation Day Lecture
It's that time a year again when (some) people get thinking about Emancipation Day on August 1. This a lecture that I wrote and presented for the Confronting Anti-Black Racism Unit at the City of Toronto in 2019. Over the years I've used this as a template in different writings or talks, but have...
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Audrey Leduc: The Great (White Canadian) Sprinter you've (probably) never heard of
In this episode I speak on Audrey Leduc. FYI: her whiteness has absolutely nothing to do with the content, but hey, in the day of SME and Caitlin Clark, you throw 'white woman athlete' out there, it's going to catch the eye of an AI bot or two. Also take note of my thoughts on male infertility…
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"I'm not Black, I'm OJ"
Well, it's a sports and race story, so you know I'm going to give my two cents. But not necessarily in the way you'd think. Give it a listen. Then listen to Jay-Z's The Story of OJ.
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Roots & Routes: Knowledge Mobilization Project
This episode outlines my "Roots & Routes: Knowledge Mobilization Project." It's a project I've been working on for a while and explains many of my travels, my 'research outputs,' and my general focus on my 'purpose' of what I do with-in and with-out academia.
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Beyonce, Barnes & Ben: Blackness & The Problem(s) of White Validation
This episode is really about a bit of self-reflection on why we do what we do, and why we need others (white systems) to validate what we do. And define who we are.
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In Masai...I Don't Trust
Been a while since I did a sport specific episode, so had some time to collect my thoughts and share them here. This episode focuses around the trade(s) from the Raptors in January 2024. Also gives a little perspective (from me) on just enjoying the games.
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Roots & Routes
It's been 15 cities in 6 countries in the past 6 weeks (with a brief interlude back 'home' at the end of November). Just here wrapping up some quasi-final thoughts on Black identity, Northern Ghana, and shoot, I even talk about my journey with tenure.
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Humanity is what is missing
Visited the Cape Coast yesterday and really got me thinking about what plagues us in this world - a lack of humanity.
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"Spatial Apartheid"
Learned a lot on the brief stay in South Africa. How can you fix the problem if you can't see you are a part of the problem? Or that there is even a problem to fix?
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Cape Town: Stellenbosch to Robben Island (the contrast of contrasts)
My thoughts on a couple days in Stellenbosch and Cape Town. I need more time to see and learn more, but man, going from Kigali to Cape Town in the span of a few weeks, is something else.
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2nd Half - South Africa
Quick intro to the second half of this fall sojourn to the Continent. I should've labeled it 'Six Countries in Six Weeks.'
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Half Time - Next up? South Africa & Ghana
Some quick reflections on this first leg of my East, South, West Africa 'Roots & Routes' journey.
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Complications of Rwanda
I can't really say complications, but my conflicted feelings.
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Playing the Game - Thoughts from Kigali
It's been a whirlwind and productive trip here in Kigali. Sharing some thoughts.
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My Thoughts on Idi Amin
Well, not just Amin, but the King's Palace, Racial Hierarchies, and what cracked me up about why Islam isn't the dominant religion in Uganda.
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Unseen to be Seen
Thoughts from Nairobi.
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And we're back - Christopher Heads East... Again
Last time I did a blog, this time I'll capture my thoughts using the audio record. Hoping to post as many as these as I can over the next couple of weeks. Hitting 4 cities, in 4 countries in 13 days. Coming this time around with a different focus and a different perspective. Time to keep working…
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Engaging in Experiential Learning through the histories and cultures of West Africa with Musah Alhassan
Bringing back the "In Conversation with..." series, this episode features Brother Musah Alhassan, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Uprise Travel. This talk was recorded in-person at the University of Waterloo. Musah Alhassan is the 2014 and 2015 winner of the Ghana Tourism Authority's...
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Emancipation Lecture (The Cathedral Church of St. James, Toronto)
This episode is a bit different, but sharing the Emancipation Day lecture (with video) I gave at the Cathedral Church of St. James in Toronto on July 30, 2023. https://stjamescathedral.ca/next-sunday-july-30-emancipation-day-at-the-cathedral/
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We Can't Hold People Accountable (so stop trying)
The title of this one speaks for itself. If you've got the 'intersections of power' at an all time high, your accountability drops to an all time low.
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Slavery Ain't Dead
This episode is a reflection of some of my travels over the past few weeks. I'm going to stop calling what I do 'research,' and call it finding 'R&R' (Roots & Routes). Resources: Reparations & Drax Hall Newton Slave Burial Ground Slave Chant 'Crypto-Racism' in Barbados
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They Cloned...Christopher
Following the summer theme of film/tv reviews, this solo episode takes a look at They Cloned Tyrone. It engages in a conversation on introspection and self-reflection. As I wrote on Twitter immediately after watching it: I know a lot of people are calling #TheyClonedTyrone a comedy, but it is…
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I'm a Virgo (not really) & the Crisis of Capitalism
This episode I'm solo doing a high-level convo on the new show 'I'm a Virgo' on Prime. I really did this episode for people to start thinking about how their lives intersect with the storylines and if/how they want to engage with fundamental change in our society. Lots going on in Ontario…
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My Beef with Black History Month
In this (quick) episode, I address some of the issues I have with Black History Month. It has become a performative/virtue signalling collection of days of the year. I also provide a way forward to keep the month, but shift its significance. Make August Canada's Black History Month
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I'm a fan of the Raptors...but there is a lot of 'whiteness' around the team
In this episode, it's just me. I engage with the history of the Toronto Raptors (players, coaches, executives), through the lens of Critical Race Theory. I spend time going through the nuances of how Pascal Siakam, Dwane Casey, Masai Ujiri, and most importantly Nick Nurse, are treated and 'seen'…
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In Conversation with...Nasif Chowdhury & Joyce Barlow
In this episode, we have elite and international athlete, Nasif Chowdhury. He is joined by Joyce Barlow, Associate Director of Disability Inclusion at the University of Waterloo. Nasif, Canada Para Volley National Team member, elite and national wheelchair basketball player, and University of...
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In Conversation With...Dr. Rima Berns-McGown on Navigating Oppressive Systems
In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Rima Berns-McGown. Dr. Berns-McGown engages with the real challenges of doing anti-racism and equity work in a government system, the reification and personification of intersectional identities, transnational othering, anti-Black racism,...
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In Conversation With...Dr. Samer Abdelnour on Antisemitism
I'm introducing a new series to the podcast, "In Conversation With..." These episodes don't necessarily focus specifically on sports; however, they engage with topical issues of the day to keep the listeners informed and provide critical and thoughtful dialogue. In the first episode, it is my...
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Beyond The Boundaries: Waterloo, Laurier, and Cricket as an Inclusive Space
In this episode we have three special guests discussing the history, reality, and basics of the game of cricket. A key message is to understand that while cricket was used as a colonizing force in the 17th to 20th centuries, it is now a way to unite people of different dimensions of diversity…
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African Americans aren't Black: Kevin Durant, Chris Broussard, and salty TO fans
This episode we tackle the nuances of 'African American' vs 'Black' vs 'ethnicity' vs 'nation' and settle in the grey area of the 'hot takes' coming from Chris Broussard over the Kevin Durant saga. Note: don't just read the title of this podcast and come to a conclusion of what 'side' I'm on.…
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The Hypocrisy of 'Activism' in Sport
"The forest was shrinking but the trees kept voting for the axe, for the axe was clever and convinced the trees that because his handle was made of wood, he was one of them." - Turkish Proverb In this episode, we engage with events of June 2022 - Hockey Canada sexual assault case, Fina, and Roe v...
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Lowry, Vladdy, and Fat Shaming in Sports
In this episode, we will engage with the GROAT getting 'fat shamed' by Pat Riley, and also put that in context with another Toronto sport legend in the making - Vladdy Jr. We frame this conversation around the consumption of Black man bodies as 'things' to perform, but also to look a certain way…
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Teaching Race Through Sport and Sport Through Race
In the final episode of 2021, we have three special guests to discuss their positionality, their love for sport, and how they were able to apply Critical Race Theory to understand the 'not-so-good-parts' of systemic oppression in the institution of sport. This episode is a recap of the ARTS130...
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Moving Beyond Your Own Reality with Dr. Lisbeth Berbary
For our final podcast for Winter 2021, we have Dr. Lisbeth Berbary, Associate Professor in Recreation & Leisure Studies at the University of Waterloo. Dr. LB drops knowledge on how she challenges students to think beyond themselves (their Self) to be able to engage critically with the world…
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A (future) Actuary and (current) pro Lacrosse player: Troy Holowchuk
On this episode, we have UW acturial science student and Toronto Rock box lacrosse player, Troy Holowchuk, on to discuss his journey to the pros, how he balances the demands of his school program and being a pro athlete, the UW Lacrosse Club, and his appreciation for The Creator's Game as a...
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The Raptors, 'Redacted,' Power, and Access with Sean Woodley
This episode features Sean Woodley from @lockedonraptors @CEBLeague @uhhbasketball (Twitter). We chat about the Raptors handling of the Davis gender-based-violence silence, the performative nature of BLM, access and power with Raptors' "state-run" media, favourite Raptors pre-2014, and outlook…
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The Ultimate Pod: Ultimate Frisbee with Edmund Un & Remi Ojo
This episode we have University of Waterloo student Edmund Un and all-around 'Renaissance Man' Remi Ojo come give us a chat on the ins and outs of Ultimate Frisbee, and how we can increase representation in the sport.
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One of the greatest boxers of all time is from...Kitchener?
This episode features Brother Aaron Francis, the founder and curator of Vintage Black Canada, to educate the masses on Lennox Lewis and the boxing pedigree that comes out of Kitchener, Ontario, Canada.
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Pro Athletes in North America need to thank (and pay) Curt Flood
In this first episode of season 2, we have University of Waterloo Professor Craig Fortier kick it with me to chat about a history of baseball, labour and social justice movements, Curt Flood, and the (literal and figurative) boundaries in baseball....
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The sad sad sad (racist) case of Caster Semenya
We all need to take a pause and think about what the IAAF/World Athletics has done to destroy this woman's career. I tackle this one on my own.
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Is integration in sport racist? The case of Jackie Robinson and the Negro Leagues
In this episode I tackle the 'myth' of integration and how it in fact reinforces anti-Black racism and oppression.
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Diego Maradona was Black. Yes.
Should Maradona be remembered as being a Black soccer/football player? I take on this one on my own.
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The NBA and the Jockey Syndrome with Wendy-Ann Clarke
Can get a hold of Wendy-Ann Clarke: Twitter @WendyAnnRuns Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrfgUirc6yyWrYZEKO-m3kQ
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The Great White Hunter with Dr. Jennifer Long
Can reach Dr. Jennifer Long: Twitter: @JennLong3
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"Model Minorities" in Sport: Naomi Osaka & Jeremy Lin with Sabrina Razack
Can get a hold of Sabrina Razack: Twitter: @bcuzofhersports IG: @Becauseofhersports http://just2001.temp.domains/~teachbey/2019/04/
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The Creator's Game - Pt 2 with Mike Kennedy & Catherine Conway
How to connect with Mike or Catherine: Twitter: @IrelandLacrosse Twitter: @2022worldu21lax Web: https://linktr.ee/IrelandLacrosse Web: https://www.2021worldlax.com/
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The Creator's Game - Pt 1 with Aly Calhoun
How to connect with Aly Calhoun: Twitter: @calhoun_aly Email: [email protected] IG: @uwwarriorslacrosse
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Golden Retrievers, Michael Vick & Whiteness with Christine Wilson
Can reach Christine Wilson: Twitter: @ChristineReads7
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Hurling and Irish Identity with Stephen Gleeson
How to connect with Stephen Gleeson: Twitter: @StephenGleeson_ Web: http://tippfm.com/people/sport-people/meet-tipp-fm-sports-team/ Book: https://www.amazon.ca/Tipperary-Game-Life-Stephen-Gleeson/dp/1910827185
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
A chance to chat sports and its intersections with race, history, culture, and society.
HOSTED BY
Christopher Stuart Taylor
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Curve with Christopher have?
The Curve with Christopher currently has 50 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Curve with Christopher about?
A chance to chat sports and its intersections with race, history, culture, and society.
How often does The Curve with Christopher release new episodes?
The Curve with Christopher has 50 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to The Curve with Christopher?
You can listen to The Curve with Christopher 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 The Curve with Christopher?
The Curve with Christopher is created and hosted by Christopher Stuart Taylor.
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