Open Minds with Christopher Balkaran

Christopher Balkaran
Open Minds with 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.

  1. NOV 2

    #221: 1 Moderate vs. 25 Kamala Harris Voters

    Send us a textSupport the showVisit my NEW Website! https://www.christopherbalkaran.comCheck out my Instagram/Tik Tok for daily posts: Instagram @openmindspodTiktok @openmindspodcast

    56 min

  2. OCT 31

    #220: Multi-Decadal Hurricane Patterns: Part 2 with Tom Knutson

    Send us a textI 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 understanding Atlantic hurricane activity.Tom shares insights into two leading theories explaining Atlantic variability—shifts in the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation and aerosol cooling from p...

    41 min

  3. OCT 29

    #219 Decoding Climate Change: A Pragmatic Approach with Tom Knutson

    Send us a textIn 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 human influence, emphasizing the importance of understanding multi-decadal variability, regional factors, and the limitations of current data. We discuss how these intricacies are often overlooked in ma...

    27 min

  4. OCT 8

    #218: Chloe Smellinck: Mental Health for Men and Social Pressures

    Send us a textChloe 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 role of communication in relationships, and the need for a holistic approach to health. The dialogue emphasizes the significance of curiosity, acceptance, and the balance between personal and professional...

    1h 4m

  5. SEP 5

    #217: Curious Mondays: Can True Free Speech Exist?

    Send us a textAUDIO BLOG of my NEWSLETTER:openminds.substack.comSUBSCRIBE/LIKE/COMMENTSupport the showVisit my NEW Website! https://www.christopherbalkaran.comCheck out my Instagram/Tik Tok for daily posts: Instagram @openmindspodTiktok @openmindspodcast

    15 min

  6. SEP 3

    #216: Unpacking Historical Narratives with Professor Matthew Alan Sears

    Send us a textA 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 ideologies, drawing connections between ancient history and contemporary politics.1.Introduction to Professor Matthew Alan Sears (00:00 - 05:00)2.The Power of Historical Narratives (05:01 - 15:00)3.Symbolis...

    58 min

  7. AUG 29

    #215: Ethan Duggan, Take Back Canada - Examining Immigration and Corporate Interests

    Send us a textI 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 Foreign Worker Program and reflects on the broader implications for Canada’s future.1.Introduction and Ethan’s Background (00:00 - 05:00)2.The Origins of Take Back Canada (05:01 - 10:00)3.Concerns Over ...

    1h 5m

  8. AUG 27

    #214: Curious Mondays - What’s the Matter with Australia?

    Send us a textIn 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 Australia’s security laws, and discuss how psychological biases like the availability heuristic and groupthink shape public opinion. From metadata retention laws to the influence of fear-driven policymakin...

    8 min
See All (223)

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

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 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.

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