The Walrus Podcasts

•

Channel • 14 Shows

Society & Culture

Society & Culture

Updated Jan 28
History

History

Updated 2025-12-03
Business

Business

Updated 2025-04-15
History

History

Updated Biweekly
Society & Culture

Society & Culture

Updated Semimonthly
Education

Education

Updated Biweekly
History

History

Updated Weekly

2025-12-17

The Furry Gold of Canada: The Beaver’s 50-Year Legacy

Fifty years ago, Canada made the beaver an official national symbol. But long before that, this little animal was shaping rivers, driving trade, and quietly transforming the land. Wildlife ecologist Dr. Glynnis Hood and Jan Kingshott, director of animal welfare at Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, take us inside the beaver’s world—from its role in the fur trade to its work as an ecosystem engineer today—and show why it remains one of Canada’s most remarkable and resilient symbols. To read the episode transcripts in French and English, and to learn more about historic Canadian milestones, please visit thewalrus.ca/canadianheritage. This podcast receives funding from The Government of Canada and is produced by The Walrus Lab. Check out the French counterpart podcast, Voyages dans l'histoire canadienne. -- Le trésor canadien : 50 ans du castor Il y a cinquante ans, le castor est devenu officiellement un symbole national du Canada. Mais bien avant cela, ce petit animal façonnait déjà les rivières, alimentait le commerce et transformait discrètement le paysage. La biologiste spécialisée en faune Dr. Glynnis Hood et Jan Kingshott, directrice du bien-être animal au Sanctuaire faunique Aspen Valley, nous font découvrir l’univers du castor — de son rôle dans la traite des fourrures à son impact écologique aujourd’hui — et expliquent pourquoi il demeure l’un des symboles les plus fascinants et résilients du Canada. Pour lire les transcriptions des épisodes en français et en anglais, et pour en savoir plus sur les jalons historiques canadiens, veuillez visiter le site thewalrus.ca/canadianheritage. Ce balado reçoit des fonds du gouvernement du Canada et est produit par The Walrus Lab. Découvrez le balado en français, Voyages dans l'histoire canadienne. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025-12-17

•

31 min
JAN 15

Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee: "Standing on Guard" for Sovereignty

In this episode, Duncan Sinclair speaks with Vice Admiral Angus Topshee, Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy, about how the Navy actively supports Canadian sovereignty. Vice Admiral Topshee outlines the Navy’s role in asserting presence across Canada’s three oceans, safeguarding Arctic waters, and contributing to continental and global security alongside allies. He discusses operational readiness, fleet modernization, and the importance of sailors, partnerships, and sustained investment in protecting Canada’s maritime interests amid rising geopolitical and climate pressures. Courage Inc. is a podcast hosted by Duncan Sinclair, Chair of Deloitte Canada and Chile's Board of Directors, and produced by The Walrus Lab. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 15

•

41 min
JAN 28

Behind the Scenes of Goodbye: Logistics and Rituals of Death

In this episode of Sorry For Your Loss, we explore what happens in the hours and days after someone dies—before they reach their final resting place. What actually happens between the deathbed and the gravesite, the crematorium, or wherever a person’s remains are destined to go? First, we join Mount Pleasant Group funeral director Sarah Mannone to take a look at the unseen world of transfer teams and funeral logistics. Then, we speak with Rev. Dr. Karen Hamilton, an ordained minister, interfaith consultant, and former General Secretary of the Canadian Council of Churches who brings a rich understanding of the rituals, customs, and cultural differences that shape how we honour the dead. From faith-based traditions to modern shifts in funeral planning, we explore how the steps after death are deeply human, and never one-size-fits-all. Links & Resources Visit the Mount Pleasant Group website for more information and resources. Please note that the opinions expressed by the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily represent the views or beliefs of Mount Pleasant Group. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 28

•

37 min
FEB 5

Dr. Daniel Munro: Challenging Technology that Enforces Bias

We’re often told that improving our digital skills will help keep us safe online. Yet managing the risks we face has less to do with our own know-how than with the way technology is designed. Philosopher and public policy analyst Dr. Daniel Munro stresses the importance of reexamining digital infrastructures and challenging tech makers to create a safer, fairer digital world by confronting harmful content and algorithmic bias. Dr. Munro spoke at The Walrus Talks Digital Skills in Toronto on June 6, 2023. To register for upcoming events happening online or in a city near you, and to catch up on our archive of The Walrus Talks, visit thewalrus.ca/events. And subscribe to The Walrus Events newsletter for updates and announcements, at thewalrus.ca/newsletters. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 5

•

9 min
2025-11-19

25 Years of Recognition: From the Benefits Act to Today’s Fight for Equality

In 2000, Canada passed the Modernization of Benefits and Obligations Act—a landmark law that formally recognized same-sex couples under federal statutes, a quiet but powerful shift that changed how queer relationships were seen and protected. In this episode, we meet writer and performer Steen Starr, whose art and activism captured the spirit of the time, and former MP Libby Davies, who was in Parliament when the Act was passed. Together, they reflect on the debates that shaped this milestone and the freedoms that came from it. To read the episode transcripts in French and English, and to learn more about historic Canadian milestones, please visit thewalrus.ca/canadianheritage. This podcast receives funding from The Government of Canada and is produced by The Walrus Lab. Check out the French counterpart podcast, Voyages dans l'histoire canadienne. -- 25 ans de reconnaissance : les couples de même sexe et la route vers l’égalité En 2000, le Canada adoptait une loi historique qui reconnaissait enfin les couples de même sexe dans les textes fédéraux, un changement à la fois discret et profond, qui a transformé la façon dont les relations queer étaient vues et protégées. Dans cet épisode, on rencontre l’autrice et artiste Steen Starr, dont l’art et le militantisme ont marqué cette période, ainsi que l’ancienne députée Libby Davies, qui était au Parlement lors de l’adoption de la loi. Ensemble, elles reviennent sur ce tournant majeur et sur les libertés qui en ont découlé. Pour lire les transcriptions des épisodes en français et en anglais, et pour en savoir plus sur les jalons historiques canadiens, veuillez visiter le site thewalrus.ca/canadianheritage. Ce balado reçoit des fonds du gouvernement du Canada et est produit par The Walrus Lab. Découvrez le balado en français, Voyages dans l'histoire canadienne. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025-11-19

•

23 min
2025-12-03

Inside the Halls of Power: Stories from Canada’s Supreme Court

Founded in 1875, the Supreme Court of Canada has shaped the country for 150 years—yet the stories behind its decisions, its building, and the people who have walked its halls often remain out of view. To mark this milestone, Canadian Time Machine goes beyond the headlines and into the quieter, more surprising corners of Canada’s highest court. Angela sits down with filmmaker and lawyer Étienne Trépanier, whose new project reimagines how Canadians might experience the Court at a moment of major change. Then, former Chief Justice Beverley McLachlin reflects on the institution she helped guide for nearly two decades, offering rare insight into what makes the Supreme Court both uniquely Canadian and profoundly human. To read the episode transcripts in French and English, and to learn more about historic Canadian milestones, please visit thewalrus.ca/canadianheritage. This podcast receives funding from The Government of Canada and is produced by The Walrus Lab. Check out the French counterpart podcast, Voyages dans l'histoire canadienne. -- Les coulisses de pouvoir: l’histoire de la Cour suprême du Canada Fondée en 1875, la Cour suprême du Canada façonne le pays depuis 150 ans. Pourtant, les histoires derrière ces décisions, son édifice et les personnes qui y ont marché restent souvent méconnues. Pour souligner cet anniversaire, Canadian Time Machine explore les recoins plus surprenants et méconnus de la plus haute instance judiciaire du pays. On rencontre le cinéaste et avocat Étienne Trépanier, dont le nouveau projet réinvente la façon dont les Canadiens peuvent vivre l'expérience de la Cour a un moment de grands changements. Ensuite, l’ancienne juge en chef Beverley McLachlin revient sur l’institution qu’elle a guidée pendant près de deux décennies, offrant un aperçu rare de ce qui rend la Cour suprême à la fois profondément humaine et résolument canadienne. Pour lire les transcriptions des épisodes en français et en anglais, et pour en savoir plus sur les jalons historiques canadiens, veuillez visiter le site thewalrus.ca/canadianheritage. Ce balado reçoit des fonds du gouvernement du Canada et est produit par The Walrus Lab. Découvrez le balado en français, Voyages dans l'histoire canadienne. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025-12-03

•

31 min
2025-01-27

Episode 1: Flight

With the rise of the Nazi regime of Adolf Hitler in Germany, destruction comes quickly for a prominent and respected Jewish family, the Kuppenheims. Members of the family are murdered, exiled or chased into hiding. Some eighty years later, Canadian novelist Timothy Taylor inherits a ten thousand page archive of diaries, letters, photographs and other documents kept by his grandfather and begins to piece together the story of his family’s Holocaust legacy. Travelling to Germany to meet with historians and other experts, Timothy unpacks his grandfather Felix’s fate, from the fallout of the antisemitic Nuremberg Laws, to his long and improbable path of escape from Nazi Germany, through the Soviet Union and Japan, and finally to Ecuador. The voice of Felix Kuppenheim is provided by Jonas Osmann. The Hidden Holocaust Papers: Survival. Exile. Return. is a production of The Walrus Lab in partnership with the Vancouver Holocaust Education Centre. It's presented by Timothy Taylor. The Executive Producers are Anthony Cantor and Timothy Taylor. Anthony Cantor is the showrunner. Written by Timothy Taylor and Anthony Cantor. Co-produced and edited by Eric Anderson and Sean Prpick. Technical Production, Sound Engineering and Design, and Music Supervision by Rob Julius Janson. Research and translation by Joel Pinsker. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025-01-27

•

1h 6m
2025-11-19

The Choice to Die: A Conversation About MAID

Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) is a deeply personal and often polarizing topic. In this episode, we hear from Dr. Jean Marmoreo, one of Canada’s first MAID practitioners, and Krista Carr, a leading disability rights advocate, as they share their perspectives on the implications of MAID. What does the process really look like, and what are the concerns about how it’s being implemented? A wide-ranging conversation on one of the most complex issues in the world of death care. Links & Resources Visit the Mount Pleasant Group website for more information and resources.The Last Doctor: Lessons in Living from the Front Lines of Medical Assistance in Dying by Dr. Jean MarmoreoLearn more about Krista Carr’s work at Inclusion Canada Please note that the opinions expressed by the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily represent the views or beliefs of Mount Pleasant Group. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025-11-19

•

41 min
2025-01-15

Taylor Owen: Artificial Intelligence is a Disruptive Power

Duncan Sinclair is joined by Taylor Owen, Professor at McGill University and founding director of the University Center for Media, Technology and Democracy. With over two decades of experience at the intersection of digital technology, media, and international affairs, Taylor discusses his book Disruptive Power and how we must navigate the risks and rewards of the digital age, from privacy concerns to the rise of generative AI (Artificial Intelligence). We get an Expert Perspective from Claudette McGowan, CEO of Protexxa who talks about implications of AI in cybersecurity data usage and algorithmic bias , challenges faced by developing countries and AI as a means to empower businesses and stakeholders.Courage Inc. is a podcast series hosted by Duncan Sinclair, Chair of Deloitte Canada and Chile, Board of Directors, and produced by The Walrus Lab. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025-01-15

•

47 min
2025-12-31

Honouring Lives: The Art of Eulogies and Obituaries

In this episode of Sorry For Your Loss, we explore how we speak about the dead—and why it matters. From traditional newspaper tributes to personal videos and self-written obits, the way we honour people after they’re gone is changing. First, Denise and John hear about the art of writing and delivering eulogies from Reverend Dr. Brent Hawkes, who was Senior Pastor at the Metropolitan Community Church of Toronto for over 40 years. Then, longtime Globe & Mail obituary writer and author Sandra Martin joins Denise in conversation to unpack what makes a good obituary, how to find the right words in the face of loss, and why these tributes can be just as meaningful for the living as they are for the dead. Links & Resources Visit the Mount Pleasant Group website for more information and resourcesA Good Death: Making The Most of Our Final Choices by Sandra MartinGreat Canadian Lives: A Cultural History of Modern Canada through the Art of the Obit by Sandra Martin Please note that the opinions expressed by the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily represent the views or beliefs of Mount Pleasant Group. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025-12-31

•

39 min

The Walrus Podcasts are an extension of our award-winning storytelling, so whether it’s a look at those moments that change your life forever, an analysis of our unique political system, or a trip to one of the most amazing locations in Canada, The Walrus Podcasts have your ears covered.