The Mosaic

In this episode, the team talks with the ACAO (African-Canadian Association of Ottawa) executive officer and co-founder, Hector Addison, about the exciting launch of the organization's new Unity through Service program, which mobilizes youth to enact change in their community through volunteering and the sharing of knowledge. (Photo by Ray Sangga Kusuma/UNSPLASH)

On today's episode of The Mosaic, Valentina conducts an interview with the uOttawa Student Union's (UOSU) President Jack Coen. 

This week on the Mosaic, the team gets together to analyze data and reporting that suggests fewer young men are enrolling in colleges and universities. Cal Spellman, Ellen Maertens, Lauren Roulston and Mosaic host Belinda go back and forth over political gender divides, modern criticisms of post-secondary education institutions, and how young men are socialized to shed some light on these numbers. (Photo by Nathan Dumlao/UNSPLASH)

In this episode of the Mosaic, Cal Spellman speaks with uOttawa professor Errol Mendes about some recent changes in Canadian politics. We hear all about Chrystia Freeland's decision to resign and what's in store for her afterwards in Ukraine.

Today we're diving into the world of Labubus, the viral craze lighting up social media feeds. What does it mean when trends explode overnight, only to fade just as quickly? To unpack the phenomenon, we spoke with Mariam Humayun, Associate Professor of Marketing at the Telfer School of Management, University of Ottawa, who sheds light on the role of algorithms in shaping what we talk about, how we dress, and even how we shop.Alongside expert insights, the episode also features voices from everyday people caught up in the Labubus buzz, drawing playful comparisons to past fads like Beanie Babies. Together, they explore what Labubus says about the speed of digital culture today and what it might reveal about the future of trends.

Belinda hosts this week of The Mosaic, where we check back in with Black People United for Change, a new and growing initiative aimed at improving the welfare of Black Canadians. Since we last spoke, they gained enough signatures on their petition to have their calls read aloud in the House of Commons by Gord Johns on Sept. 18. They'll also be hosting a demonstration on Parliament Hill on that date from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., and they're back to tell us all about what's in store for next week. As a non-profit, they're running a GoFundMe to help cover the costs of organizing the demonstration and they encourage the community to join them in advocative for systemic and legislative change. 

In today's episode of The Mosaic, we hear from Black People United for Change CEO Vanessa St Louis and Emma Ansah, initiative member and journalist for the African Diaspora news channel. They fill us in on a recent petition they launched that aims to specifically strengthen protections for Black Canadians from harassment, discrimination and hate crimes. You can find the petition and more information here. 

For teachers and educational staff across Canada, violence and harassment from students has become the norm. Kicking, punching, and throwing things at teachers has almost become expected. Dr. Chris Bruckert has co-led a new report called Running on Fumes: Violence, Austerity, and Institutional Neglect in Ontario Schools. The report surveys thousands of education workers in the province and the findings suggest that violence is on the rise in Ontario schools. Here to explain why, Dr. Bruckert joins us on the Mosaic. 

In this episode of the Mosaic, we speak with uOttawa professor Dr. Elizabeth Dubois about her new report outlining the impact of social media influencers on elections. She explains how influencers are filling roles traditionally allocated to journalists, data brokers and lobbyists. Then, we introduce a brand new podcast on CHUO 89.1 FM. The Kardinas: Navigating Community, Consciousness and Balance is a five-part series hosted by Karine Coen-Sanchez and Dina Idriss-Wheeler. Stay tuned to hear all about this thought-provoking new podcast from CHUO's studios!

In this episode of the Mosaic, we discuss top voting concerns heading into the 2025 Canadian election. Jeffrey Lubanzadio hosts the show and breaks down each of the political parties that will appear on your ballot. Then, we expand on the finale of the Outaouais Film Festival, a staple celebration of Francophone culture taking place in Gatineau.

Today on The Mosaic, we walk you through Ontario's nursing shortage. CHUO's Marcela Gonzalez discusses this matter with the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario (RNAO) CEO Doris Grinspun.Then, Arya Gunde provides analysis on propaganda in today's world. And finally, we discuss the recent arrests by the Ottawa Police Services targeting Pro-Palestinian protestors. Clips in this segment come from our personal archives as well as the Ottawa Palestinian Youth Movement's social media. 

In today's episode of the Mosaic, Ottawa city councillor Ariel Troster speaks with us about the provincial government's proposed Bill 212. She explains the benefits of bike lanes in the city, including for environment and health purposes, as well as the movement to oppose this bill and protect Ottawa's bike lanes. This conversation comes on the heels of the day of remembrance for road traffic victims (Nov. 17, 2024).Then, CHUO's Christelle Dorvil speaks with Ottawa influencer Chantsy about body positivity online and the significance of a diverse representation of body types on social media. 

Following Remembrance Day in Canada, we reflect on some of the conversations we've taken part of about war. We start up with an interview from documentarian Viveka Melki about her film The Fence (2020), where she shares her experience interviewing Canadian veterans who experienced Japanese prison camps in WWII. Then, CHUO's Arya Gunde talks anti-nuclear advocacy with Ban the Bomb Ottawa member Rory Lewis.

This week the Mosaic focuses on a universal topic: death. First, Marcela Gonzales walks us through the Day of the Dead and covers celebrations in the Ottawa-Gatineau area. Then, Arya Gunde explores the controversial act of Medical Assistance in Death (MAiD) for people whose death is not foreseeable. With guests Krista Carr (Inclusion Canada) and Doctor James Downar (uOttawa). 

In this episode of the Mosaic, we conclude a three-part series of interviews with Freedom Speakers International (FSI), an organization based in South Korea that teaches English and public speaking to North Korean defectors. Today, you'll hear from Dongjae Kim who lived in the country's capital Pyongyang. He discusses the elitist structures around the government and educational institutions. Dongjae speaks about famine, modern-day slavery, and his story of escape.

The Mosaic continues with its series of conversations on North Korean defectors. Last week, we spoke with Freedom Speakers International (FSI) co-founders about the significance of teaching English and public speaking to the defectors. Now, we're speaking with two North Korean refugees, Myeonghee Kim and Nayoung Lee about their stories.We discuss life under the regime, a famine that killed hundreds of thousands, the culture of fear in North Korea, and how they escaped. 

This episode of the Mosaic marks part 1 in a 3 part series featuring interviews with Freedom Speakers International (FSI), an organization based in South Korea that helps North Korean defectors by teaching them English. Some of them go on to do public speaking to advocate against the humanitarian issues in North Korea. In this episode, CHUO's Lauren Roulston and Arya Gunde speak with FSI's co-founders Eunkoo Lee and Casey Lartigue Jr. about their work and the importance of telling these refugees' stories. 

The Mosaic returns for a new season with a breakdown of this year's Panda game. Marcela Gonzalez walks us through the annual football tradition and how uOttawa kept it's winning-streak going. Then, Arya Gunde dives into the study of mycology with extensive interviews and research.

In today's episode of The Mosaic, we look ahead to Earth Day by telling listeners about Re4m's upcoming eco-market. We talk with Re4m's founder Heather Jeffery about local eco-friendly vendors and the work her design firm does to keep materials out of the landfill. Then, a conversation with Haitian turntablist, soundchemist, and electronic music producer Val Jeanty. We discuss the cultural influences of her work, particularly Haitian Vodou and her family's legacy of music in relation to Occide Jeanty. 

In this episode of The Mosaic, Marcela Gonzalez and Fathia Tijani bring you notes from the Ottawa Black Film Festival's insightful panels (1:15). They break highlight the various panelists' messages on the Black art scene in the capital and discuss the unique challenges faced by people of colour in the industry. Then, we look ahead to the Ottawa Black Business Expo coming up this weekend (18:18).Also this weekend, Nigerian-American actor and singer will be performing in the capital. Cécile Tala walks us through the artist's career and music ahead of his performance in the Byward Market (19:24).And then Bushra Ben Hamed brings us an in-depth film review of the classic 2015 movie, Spotlight (20:56).Then we turn towards the 107th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge (23:21). We remember the battle and the sacrifices that were made on those days in Northern France. Lastly, we remind Ottawa School of Art members about the upcoming deadline for its portrait contest (27:08). The winner will receive a generous commission of $5,000 to create a portrait of Canadian astronaut and engineer, Colonel Chris Hadfield!

Starting off this episode, Arya Gunde brings us notes from The Centre for International Policy Studies' panel on The Peoples' Republic of China's assimilation policies in Tibet (1:09). He covers the democratic consequences and political unrest of cultural cleansing. Then, a conversation in the studio with local artist Ryan Mendoza, who's been cast to play Nicely-Nicely Johnson in the Lost Baggage Theatre Company's production of Guys and Dolls later this month (9:32). We discuss the influences in his career of music production and his journey into the Ottawa theatre scene. Finally, Marcela Gonzalez brings us an explanatory update on Canada's carbon tax issue (29:55). The climate policy has been criticized as a "dumpster fire," but today she clears some confusions. 

On today's episode, we hold a conversation with filmmaker Viveka Melki about human trafficking in Canada (1:39). She released a documentary called Trafficked Voices, in which she heard the stories of survivors and those affected. We speak about how human trafficking has evolved with time, her work on the film, and the important conversations that need to be had.Then, we look ahead to the Ottawa Black Film Festival this weekend (29:59). We outline some of the events that are planned and walk listeners through the information they need to know.And finally, James Brennan returns with an episode of Point of Skew (31:33). In his segments he usually examines media bias, but today he's speaking with professor Lauchlan Munro about Bhutan's Gross National Happiness index as a Point of Skew. (Photo credit: Melki Films)

Kicking off the show, Marcela Gonzalez and Fathia Tijani bring us coverage from the Ottawa School of Art's showcase celebrating its 145th anniversary (1:18).Then, we speak with Carleton film studies professor Laura Horak about her upcoming screening of Cinema's First Nasty Women, a collection of silent-era films highlighting queerness, gender diversity, and racialized women's stories (10:30).Finally, Marcela Gonzalez outlines Charlotte Cardin's recent performance in Ottawa (33:54). She brings you to the concert and outlines the star's path to securing a record-breaking amount of Juno Award nominations.Photo credit: Richard Ackerman/Flickr

Tomorrow is International Women's Day! In light of the global celebration, The Mosaic is re-airing some of our favourite conversations with influential women to highlight the role of women in social, cultural, political, and economic spaces. 

In this episode, we hear from Ottawa Public Library's program manager Alexandra Yarrow about their Freedom to Read week (1:19). We discuss censorship issues in Canada and the importance of accessing information. Lawrence Hill, author of The Book of Negroes spoke at one of the Freedom to Read events in Ottawa as his historical fiction novel has faced pushback and censorship.Then, we move into censorship in Israel's war against Hamas (18:26). We hear from religious studies scholar Norman Cornett about how religion is being weaponized in the violence we've seen since Oct. 7, particularly as it applies to recent threats of attack on Rafah at the start of Ramadan.Then we discuss the current state of the war in Ukraine as it recently passed the two-year mark (26:15). Arya Gunde delves into the international perception of the grinding war, and the potential cases of a stalemate.Finally, Marcela Gonzalez walks us through Mexico City's water crisis, and the nearing future for the city to completely run dry (28:54).

In today's episode, we speak with the organizers of Pinoys on Parliament about their upcoming youth conference for Filipinx youth (1:06). Then, we take a step back in time to hear about the beginnings of Lansdowne Park (18:55). CHUO's Marcela Gonzalez walks us through the many roles the park has played since its creation in 1868. We also discuss the Ottawa Public Library's celebration of Freedom to Read Week (21:35). The Library is holding a variety of events and discussions. Tomorrow, they're hosting a talk with author Lawrence Hill about censorship in literature, particularly regarding Black Canadian lives. Finally, James Brennan brings us another episode of Point of Skew, aimed to address areas of bias in today's media landscape (22:25). Today, he tackles the issue of media conglomerates, specifically analyzing Postmedia. 

In today's episode, we head to the House of Commons to showcase The Children's Breakfast Club's annual visit to Ottawa. The Toronto based non-profit aims to help feed kids and prepare them for school. These kids heard from many celebrated role models for Black history month, and the organizers will never forget the impact on these youth. Then, we go through some of Mosaic's greatest interviews and documentaries in honour of World Radio Day (Feb. 13)

Today we speak with Asinabka Film Festival co-founder Howard Adler, about the festival's annual snow screen (1:09). After a mild January, there wasn't enough snow in Lansdowne to construct the snow screen. Howard shares that this is the first time that's happened since they've been running the snow screen. Then, we speak with one of Ovarian Cancer Canada's top fundraisers, Jennifer Smyth (5:44). She's been making chocolate truffles to fundraise for Valentine's Day, and we talk some more about her fundraising journey and the importance of hope. (Photo credit: Asinabka Film Festival)

In this episode of the Mosaic Marcela Gonzalez covers a Climate Justice Climatique panel on climate solutions (1:20).Yasaman Ravanbakhsh attends a Wellness Week event at the OAG (11:06). She speaks with coordinator Louisa Harkouk about what the weekly events bring to students at this time.Then, Fathia Tijani walks us through Winterlude as its set to commence tomorrow (13:08). Finally, James Brennan returns with Point of Skew to unpack media biases in todays journalistic landscape (14:11). 

In today's episode, we head to a potluck fundraiser addressing the recent noise infraction tickets handed out to Palestinian supportive protestors (2:10). From the event, Sarah Abdul-Karim speaks on the tickets and uplifting Palestinian voices. We also hear from Ottawa Peace Council organizer Rory Lewis, Canadian Peace Congress president Larry Wasslen, and Ottawa MPP Joel Harden. Then, Arya Gunde walks us through the upcoming day of remembrance for the 2017 Quebec City mosque attack (10:41). He talks about right-wing terrorism, and Islamophobia in the country.We celebrate the World Day for African and Afrodescendant culture with members of the Pan-Afrikan Coalition of Canada (12:40). Fathia Tijani sits down with the organization's president, Daniel Eji, and members Charles, Idris, and Steve. They discuss the work the organization does to keep immigrants, children, and residents in touch with African culture.In light of the recent Provincial Women's Pinball Championship in Ottawa, we hear from Megan Sprague of Pinball Women Ottawa (31:07). We discuss her introduction to the game, this weekend as the first provincial championship in Ottawa, and the role of women and gender-diverse folks in the pinball community. Wrapping up the show, Tyler Beauchesne reports from the Sports Corner (49:20). He covers the suspected closure of Sports Illustrated, 2018 World Junior Hockey team members facing sexual assault charges, and much more!

In this episode of the Mosaic, Fathia Tijani walks us through the life work of Turkish-Armenian journalist Hrant Dink (1:20). The anniversary of his assassination (Jan. 19, 2007) is tomorrow and his efforts to bond Turkish and Armenian relations has held lasting impacts in the global community. Then we hear from Tyler Beauchesne in the Sports Corner about uOttawa's recent victories leading to the Capital Hoops game in February (4:01). He then highlights NFL plays, and talks on the impending trade of the Raptor's Pascal Siakam. Finally, James Brennan returns for a Point of Skew segment (15:51). Employing media studies he dives into state affiliated broadcasting in the cold war and today, addressing certain misconceptions around it. 

In this episode, we cover Tamil heritage month and the celebration of Thai Pongal (1:04). Then, we sit down with History of Alcohol Professor Rod Phillips for a ranging conversation on Dry January, the growing sober curious movement, and prohibition (2:52). Finally, we take a look at the state of the canal as Winterlude approaches (18:12). 

In today's episode of the Mosaic, Arya Gunde covers the recent election of Javier Milei and what the new president means for the South American country's future, (1:16). Then, James Brennan brings the second episode of Point of Skew, an analysis of today's media landscape and apparent biases within it, (10:09). He looks into media ownership as a signal of certain ulterior motives in its coverage. 

Following the 82nd anniversary of the Battle of Hong Kong, we speak with The Fence (2020) director Viveka Melki about ethical filmmaking, interviews with veterans, women in war and the years of grassroots research that went into the documentary (Photo credit: Melki Films).

In this episode of the Mosaic we speak with Dr. Sam Tsemberis who has  received an honorary doctorate from uOttawa for his research to ending chronic homelessness, (1:39). Then, Arya Gunde takes us back in time to acknowledge the anniversary of the Battle of Hong Kong, (15:21). We talk about Canadian prisoners of war, then move to the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights coming up on Sunday, (17:35). We speak to the John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights about the declaration and their Canadian namesake's role in its development. Finally, the very first episode of Point of Skew, a show about shedding light on the biases behind modern journalism, (41:19). 

In this episode we cover one of Canada's largest demonstrations of Palestinian support on Parliament Hill. Then we discuss World AIDS Day in Ottawa and look ahead to concerts in the capital. 

In this week's episode of the Mosaic, CHUO discusses the journey of singing and dancing with a local artist. We also touch base with the chair of the Help Santa Toy Parade and hear a film review of Jenin, Jenin (2002), a documentary on Palestinian occupation. 

In this week's episode of the Mosaic, we head to a weekly program on uOttawa campus that aims to combat food poverty among international students. We speak with the organizer of the program and hear about international students' experiences compared with domestic students. Then, we attend the opening gala of NOIR Art Festival with a Day of the Dead theme. We hear from food vendors, organizers, and the very busy makeup artist in attendance. We also look back at Paper Moon Theatre's production of Sweeney Todd, hearing from the director, the cast, and the audience. Lastly, we'll tell you about Remembrance Day and Diwali as they come up this weekend. 

In this week's episode of the Mosaic, we look ahead to a climate rally going on at Parliament this weekend. The rally aims to address climate solutions ahead of COP28 at the end of the month. Then, Arya Gunde takes us through today's designation as the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists. Marcela Gonzalez takes us through some of this year's festivities for day of the dead in the area. We finish off hearing about a benefit concert this weekend, supporting the opposition to constructing a prison over farmland in Kemptville. 

This week we take a look into how the conversation of what's going on in Gaza is being reported in Canadian media. We also speak with radio host Darren Sutherland to hear about his experience on The Circle after the years. Then, we look forward to a CHEO fundraiser concert at uOttawa, showcasing Chopin's works. We'll wrap up in a seasonal mood with a Scream (1994) review and itinerary for Day of the Dead in Ottawa.

For this episode of the Mosaic, we dive into the world of Para Transpo. We hear from city councillor and chair of the transit commission Glen Gower. We also speak with Kari Glynes Elliot and John Redins, members of the advocacy group Ottawa Transit Riders. Then we take a look at Chamberfest's City Concert going on tonight, featuring a renowned Ukrainian performer with the country's national instrument, the bandura. We move on to cover the opening night of Saunders' Farm's frightful Sawmill exhibition at Lansdowne.And finally, we introduce a segment reviewing movies, focusing today on the fall-favourite You've Got Mail. 

This episode is a look back on some of Mosaic's greatest discussions and topics. We've spoken with city councillors, activists and professionals and attended rallies and protests. Now, we're bringing these significant topics back into the spotlight!

This week's episode of the Mosaic looks into the campus-based group OPIRG. We speak with members Joseph Eastham and Judy El-Mohtadi about the group, it's history, and its role in uOttawa's progressive changes. Then, we speak with co-founder of the 24Hr Yogapalooza Steve Neville about the need for childhood cancer research. The annual yoga marathon has raised over $260,000 for CHEO. Then, we hear about local and Canadian artists performing at a hotspot downtown called the 27 Club. We finish off with a look at this years' Panda win for uOttawa, and a bit about the annual game.