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.
Podcasting since 2018 • 239 episodes
Open Minds with Christopher Balkaran
Latest Episodes
#237: Unpacking MAiD in Ontario with Chief Coroner Dr. Dirk Huyer
I sit down with Dr. Dirk Huyer, Ontario’s Chief Coroner, to explore the evolving complexities behind Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) in Canada. As the chair of the province’s MAiD Death Review Committee (MDRC), Dr. Huyer offers a rare and in...
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45:16
#236: Dr. Salim Mansur: Multiculturalism or Identity Crisis?
I sit down with Dr. Salim Mansur, professor emeritus and political scientist, to explore the untold story behind Canada’s multiculturalism policy. Dr. Mansur pulls back the curtain on the political, philosophical, and constitutional roots of mu...
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57:15
#235: Peter Copeland, Canada’s Border Blindspots - Fentanyl and the Myth of Security
I’m joined by Peter Copeland, Deputy Director of Domestic Policy at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute, to unpack the truths and myths around Canada’s border security. From fentanyl trafficking and human smuggling to legal blind spots and our frac...
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42:12
#234: Professor Paul Robinson (pt 2) - Proxy, Peace, or Prolonged Pain?
I sit down once again with Professor Paul Robinson to continue our exploration of the ongoing Ukraine-Russia war. We dive into the uncomfortable questions rarely addressed in mainstream media: Have Western sanctions actually worked? Why does me...
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59:00
#233: Mark Carney Is Not Justin Trudeau – And That Might Be a Good Thing
After nine years of Justin Trudeau, Canadians finally got a change — but is it real change, or just better branding?In this solo episode, I break down the aftermath of the April 28th federal election and what I think Mark Carney actually...
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16:58