Spark

4.7 (673)
TECHNOLOGY
UPDATED WEEKLY

Spark on CBC Radio One Nora Young helps you navigate your digital life by connecting you to fresh ideas in surprising ways.

AUG 30

Being Human Now 10 - Control

It's possible that the propensity to convince ourselves we have control over things —even when we don't— is the most uniquely human thing there is. But as we speed ever faster toward an AI world, will true agency even matter as long as we believe we have it?

54 min
AUG 23

Being Human Now 9 - Wellness

There's been an explosion of mental health content on social media, both by licensed professionals and influencers. Is that a welcome step in destigmatizing mental illness, or is it fostering a culture of misinformed self-diagnosis?

54 min
AUG 16

Being Human Now 8 - Music

Now that generative AI is shaking up songwriting, have we crossed a new threshold where the distinctively human talent for music is no longer ours alone?

54 min
AUG 9

Being Human Now 7 - Play

What does play mean in a digital age, when so much happens on our all-consuming phones, and tech erases the boundaries between work and play?

54 min
AUG 2

Being Human Now 6 - Work

We keep hearing that AI is going to revolutionize jobs. But what if the language of inevitable automation hides the ongoing need for distinctly human skills?

54 min
JUL 26

Being Human Now 5 - Memory

In a world where our digital tools keep an accurate record of handy facts and events, what is our fragile, fallible human memory good for?

54 min
JUL 19

Being Human Now 4 - Belonging

The feeling of belonging is a core, human drive. And feeling excluded is painful. But has our desire to belong—and how we try to achieve that—changed in digital culture?

54 min
JUL 12

Being Human Now 3 - Intimacy

How long do you wait to text after a date? What did that emoji really mean? Is it healthy to feel emotionally attached to an AI chatbot or celebrity you follow on social media? Our tech nourishes intimacy, but it can also be a minefield. A look at intimacy in our digital age.

54 min
JUL 5

Being Human Now 2 - Death

Despite the growing digital dimension of our lives, death is still a largely analog experience. A look at the uses and limits of tech at the end of life and in the afterlife.

54 min
JUN 28

Being Human Now 1 - Creativity

Artificial intelligence can be an artistic collaborator, but can it be thought of as creative on its own? Or even as understanding creativity? And if you're a human creator, and you want to create for other PEOPLE, how do you reach them in a digital system run by algorithms? We look at the nature of creativity in digital culture.

54 min
JUN 21

Three reasons to be hopeful about the future of tech

For this final new episode of the show, we looked to the creator for direction (the creator of Spark - Nora Young!) She wanted it not to be a look back at what we've done, but forward-facing and positive. Sad as we are to end this show at a time when you could argue it's needed most, we bring you an episode with three reasons to be hopeful about the future. Thank you for listening and being part of the greater Spark community.

1 hr
JUN 14

Being Human Now - Control

It's possible that the propensity to convince ourselves we have control over things —even when we don't— is the most uniquely human thing there is. But as we speed ever faster toward an AI world, will true agency even matter as long as we believe we have it?

54 min

12 Episodes

Nora Young

Host

4.7

out of 5

673 Ratings

Awesome show and will miss it!

Jun 5

traaaaxxxx

Thanks for all the great shows Nora!
I will miss this show.

May 29

blindemboss

One of my favorite podcasts ever. It was a super informative show explaining technology in a clear and relatable way. And never in a condescending manner. Stories were always timely and presented in a fun and human way. I’ll miss Nora and producer Michelle.
Excellent and needed show

May 25

Aorp01010

So disappointed CBC is cancelling this show. It is one of the best shows on CBC and explores one of the most important aspects of contemporary culture that affects everyone: Technology. The analysis is so needed for the average person who is not locked in to every upcoming trend, but that will ultimately be changed by it. Cancelled as AI starts to take hold appears to be an out of touch decision. I hope Norah gets a new show and gets to continue to explore this subject matter.
Amazing

May 10

Hotpinkjude

This show helps me comprehend the big wide world of tech and technology, asking meaningful questions on our role. It’s as much sociological as it is practical. I’m sad to learn it’s ending this year of 2024. Thank you Nora Young and all your brilliant guests.