The Conversation Lab

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The Conversation Lab

Vancouver Co-op Radio

115 episodes

1 month ago

The Conversation Lab is a monthly radio program at CFRO FM in Vancouver. It airs on the last Saturday every month at 9am and its available on community and campus radio stations across Canada as well as on your favorite podcasting platform.

My focus is on giving community groups, non-profit organizations, and changemakers a voice to talk about those things that are most important to them. Learning how to build bridges into different communities seems critical as we explore the uneven development of colonialism and global capitalism in our community.

I'm a veteran broadcaster and Ph.D. Candidate, at UBC's Social Justice Institute. My dissertation is about the cause and effect of polarization and how the words we use open up or shut down our conversations. I'm learning about the science, psychology, cultural, and emotional components of conversation and what they have in common to gain insight and improve on existing knowledge of how we engage with each other whether about climate, race, gender, culture, politics, or social justice issues to contribute to positive social change.

CFRO FM (Co-op Radio) is located in Vancouver's downtown eastside on the territories of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and sel̓íl̓witulh (Tsleil-waututh) Nations where we are grateful to be able to do this work.

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Society & Culture

Language Learning

All content for The Conversation Lab is the property of Vancouver Co-op Radio and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.

The Conversation Lab is a monthly radio program at CFRO FM in Vancouver. It airs on the last Saturday every month at 9am and its available on community and campus radio stations across Canada as well as on your favorite podcasting platform.

My focus is on giving community groups, non-profit organizations, and changemakers a voice to talk about those things that are most important to them. Learning how to build bridges into different communities seems critical as we explore the uneven development of colonialism and global capitalism in our community.

I'm a veteran broadcaster and Ph.D. Candidate, at UBC's Social Justice Institute. My dissertation is about the cause and effect of polarization and how the words we use open up or shut down our conversations. I'm learning about the science, psychology, cultural, and emotional components of conversation and what they have in common to gain insight and improve on existing knowledge of how we engage with each other whether about climate, race, gender, culture, politics, or social justice issues to contribute to positive social change.

CFRO FM (Co-op Radio) is located in Vancouver's downtown eastside on the territories of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and sel̓íl̓witulh (Tsleil-waututh) Nations where we are grateful to be able to do this work.

Show more...

Society & Culture

Language Learning

Episodes (20/115)

The Conversation Lab

Jean Watson Final

Two years ago, I underwent open-heart surgery at St. Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver. What stayed with me, beyond the procedure itself, was the extraordinary level of care I received—from the cardiac team, nurses, and support staff. It felt deeply human, attentive, and intentional.
When I later circled back to thank them, many of those I spoke with credited their approach to the teachings of Jean Watson. I was curious who was this person shaping how care is felt in a clinical setting?
Jean Watson is a nurse, scholar, and founder of the Watson Caring Science Institute. Her work has transformed how we think about healing—not just as a physical process, but as something deeply relational and grounded in compassion. So, I reached out to her. I wanted to understand more about what it means to truly care, and what lessons her work might offer not just to those in healthcare, but to all of us—especially in these divided and uncertain times.

2 months ago

25 minutes

The Conversation Lab

Liz Stewart - Neighbours United & Deep Canvassing

In this episode of Sticks & Stones, Roots & Bones, we sit down with Liz Stewart, a Defend Our Homes organizer with Neighbours United in British Columbia. Liz shares how deep canvassing, a powerful tool rooted in empathy and storytelling, is helping bridge divides in forestry towns where proposed biodiversity legislation is sparking debate.

With curiosity and care, Liz opens up about what it means to meet people where they’re, the emotional weight of conversations across difference, and the quiet power of asking why. From growing up in resource-rich Manitoba to confronting her own assumptions, Liz’s journey reveals how vulnerability and respect can shift hearts and minds, one door and one conversation at a time. This isn’t just a conversation about forests. It’s a conversation about how we talk to each other and what’s possible when we truly listen.

4 months ago

31 minutes

The Conversation Lab

Andrew J. Hoffman - Business School and the Noble Purpose of the Market

Andy Hoffman is a distinguished professor at the University of Michigan, holding joint appointments at the Ross School of Business and the School for Environment and Sustainability. His work bridges two often disparate worlds—business and environmental stewardship—challenging the status quo by advocating for a new kind of capitalism, one rooted in moral purpose and long-term societal impact.

His latest book, Business School and the Noble Purpose of the Market, offers a provocative vision for how business education must evolve in response to the existential challenges of our time. In this conversation, we explore not only the key themes of his new book but also his thoughts on capitalism, corporate responsibility, the intersection of business and policy, and how future business leaders can navigate a world increasingly shaped by social and environmental crises.

I hope you can join us.

7 months ago

44 minutes

The Conversation Lab

Ian Williams - What I Mean to Say: Remaking Conversation in Our Time

Ian Williams is a poet, novelist, and essayist whose work explores themes of race, identity, and social complexity. Born in Trinidad and raised in Canada, Williams has developed a distinctive voice that combines lyrical sensitivity with sharp cultural insight. His debut novel, Reproduction, won the 2019 Giller Prize and was celebrated for its inventive structure and moving exploration of familial bonds across race and class.
I was particularly looking forward to our discussion to talk about his work, his latest book and about his PhD research which focused on the nuanced dimensions of tone and voice in print, examining how people’s identities and intentions are subtly encoded in their written words, particularly through everyday typing and texting. As you might imagine we talked about the transformative power of open, authentic conversations in fostering trust and understanding amid societal polarization. I hope you can join us.

10 months ago

51 minutes

The Conversation Lab

barbara findlay - How Language Structures our Perceptions

barbara findlay is an old white cisgender queer lawyer with disabilities who was raised working-class and christian on the prairies. In this episode, we explore barbara's extensive career and contributions to social justice, her involvement in fighting against oppression, and her continuous advocacy work. The conversation touches on significant topics such as the challenges of navigating difficult conversations, the current wave of transphobia, and the profound impact of language on perception and interaction. barbara shares her experiences and strategies in dealing with these issues, offering valuable insights into the complexities of social justice advocacy.

1 year ago

42 minutes

The Conversation Lab

Corey Nathan - Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killing Each Other

Corey Nathan is the Executive Producer and Host of the Talkin Politics & Religion Without Killing Each Other podcast. In this podcast, we discuss the importance of words and conversations in various aspects of life.
Corey Nathan shares his background as a stockbroker and theatre conservatory student, as well as his experiences as an entrepreneur and podcast producer. We emphasize the need to build bridges and have meaningful conversations with people who have different beliefs and perspectives. The conversation delves into the topics of cancel culture and identity politics, with Corey Nathan highlighting the problem of forming judgments based on limited information. They discuss the academic and sociological work being done to understand these phenomena and encourage a more intelligent and inclusive approach.

Note: Corey quotes his grandfather and mentions horses behind.

1 year ago

54 minutes

The Conversation Lab

Mayor Andrew Leonard, "We can't pull up the draw bridge or sink the ferry!"

Bowen Island is a small island and municipality at the entrance to Howe Sound. It's connected to Vancouver and the rest of the Lower Mainland in British Columbia by a short ferry ride. Bowen Island residents are passionate about many things and its one of the many reasons I enjoy living here.
Just over a year ago, we elected a new municipal council and in this podcast our Mayor (Andrew Leonard) talks about the challenges and opportunities on Bowen Island. Relevant because where most big cities are overwhelming, small municipalities like ours bring all of our community together to practice our version of participatory democracy.
Our conversation covers a range of topics including the challenges living on a rural island in the shadow of Metro Vancouver, housing infrastructure, and grant funding. We also discuss Bowen Island's short-term rental policy and the possibility of establishing a tourism tax. The conversation highlights the need for public engagement and encourages residents to participate in the budget process and the development of a new official community plan. I think you'll enjoy how Andrew upacks how our community comes together in different ways.

1 year ago

45 minutes

The Conversation Lab

Nick Enfield - How We Talk

Nick Enfield is Professor of Linguistics a the University of Sydney and a co-director of the Sydney Centre for Language Research. His recent books include Languave versus Reality, Concequences of Language, and How We Talk. In this podcast Nick discusses the importance of language and its impact on conversations. He emphasizes the need to understand language in its broader context, including its cultural and societal implications. He challenges the idea that language is simply a tool for describing reality, arguing that it is a choice individuals make to frame their experiences and perspectives. Enfield also highlights the role of language in shaping our understanding of the world and the importance of recognizing linguistic diversity.

1 year ago

59 minutes

The Conversation Lab

Vanessa Faloye - Holding space for liberation

Held is a partnership of facilitators, culture creators, and practitioners building a world liberated from oppressive systems, dynamics, and relationships. In this episode, one of their founders, Vanessa Faloye explains how with the help of co-founders, Alex and Pria, how they hold people, organizations and movements to build relational skills and cultural practices rooted in collective liberation. Our conversation highlights the need for improved communication and understanding about important social issues. It emphasizes the importance of self-reflection, challenging oppressive systems, and creating spaces for dialogue and growth. The work of the Held Collective aims to foster collective liberation and create a world where everyone can experience freedom, safety, and dignity

1 year ago

1 hour 17 minutes

The Conversation Lab

Naomi Oreskes - The Big Myth

Naomi Oreskes is a Professor of the History of Science and the author or co-author of 9 books, 150 articles, essays and opinion pieces. In this episode we talk about the latest book that she worked on with Eric Conway, The Big Myth: How American Business Taught Us to Loathe Government and Love the Free Market. If you want to know why we are so polarized and have so many differeing beliefs you shouldn't miss this episode and I think you'll love the book.

1 year ago

44 minutes

The Conversation Lab

Jason W. Moore - Zombie Capitalism, how it impacts our conversations and everything else!

In this episode of Sticks & Stones, Roots & Bones, Jason talks about the interconnectedness of environmental history, capitalism, and social theory and how it impacts our current social dynamic. He highlights the urgency of the planetary crisis, including climate change, biodiversity loss, and inequality. Moore emphasizes the need to understand history to address this present moment effectively. We talk about the impact of ideologies on various global issues, such as gender, race, religion, and culture. Jason explains that capitalist ideologies instrumentalize the world and perpetuate a binary mode of thought. Our conversation touches on the role of technology, capitalism, and power in shaping the current state of the world.

2 years ago

57 minutes

The Conversation Lab

Tzeporah Berman - This Crazy Time!

Tzeporah Berman, an environmental activist and campaigner, talks about her work at Stand.earth and her role in campaigns to stop fracking, protect forests, and clean up the fashion industry. She emphasizes the need to replace fossil fuels and prevent their overproduction, as they contribute to climate change. Berman reflects on her journey as an activist and the challenges of finding common ground with different stakeholders.

Our conversation explores the importance of understanding different perspectives and managing emotions during challenging dialogues. Tzeporah shares her approach of finding common ground and understanding the lived experiences of others. Our discussion also addresses issues of inclusivity, systemic biases, and the need for individuals to actively engage in unlearning and understanding complex issues to drive positive social change.

2 years ago

57 minutes

The Conversation Lab

Wendy Smith - Both/And Thinking

In this episode Wendy and I talk about the concept of paradox and its relevance to organizational dynamics and personal decision-making. We talk about the importance of recognizing that beliefs and values are shaped by historical context and influence our perception of the world. They emphasize the need to focus on what is right and find transformative moments to navigate the future differently. We
discuss the importance of addressing significant issues through dialogue and understanding rather than perpetuating polarization. They advocate for a "both-and" approach that respects and listens to different perspectives. The concept of paradox is recognized and accepted in academic and professional circles, with more people using it to describe complex challenges. Embracing paradox has led to positive outcomes, such as opening up new strategic possibilities and fostering productive conversations.

2 years ago

38 minutes

The Conversation Lab

Connie Zwieg - Shadow making happens in famlies and Makes us who we are!

This episode includes two conversations with Connie Zweig. One in August 2023 on Zoom and the other on the phone in the summer of 2017. Connie's work deals with the hidden power of the dark side of human nature and we talk about how the shadow affects us.

2 years ago

1 hour 13 minutes

The Conversation Lab

Connie Zwieg - Meeting the Shadow on the Spiritual Path

Connie is a retired Jungian psychologist and therapist, a writer, Climate Reality Project Leader, and Citizens Climate Lobbyist. We talk about her new book Meeting the Shadow on the Spirtual Path, some of the things religion and politics have in common and how our shadow can influcence our conversations.

2 years ago

32 minutes

The Conversation Lab

Bob Joseph - The Path to Reconciliation

Bob Joseph has spent more than twenty years training corporations and government organizations to work effectively and respectfully with Indigenous communities through his business, Indigenous Corporate Training. He has been an associate professor at Royal Roads University and a guest lecturer at other academic institutions. He is the author of Canadian best seller, 21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act and Indigenous Relations: Insights, Tims & Suggestions. In this episode we talk about the pathway to Reconciliation and Bob provides his own personal insight of how to navigate difficult conversation.

Please have a look at our show notes with the transcript of this episode for more information.

2 years ago

57 minutes

The Conversation Lab

Teun van Dijk - The Centre for Discourse Studies

I've started a new series here and I'm calling it Sticks & Stones, Roots & Bones. Its part of my disertation research project with the University of British Columbia as I explore the power of the words we use in a polarzed world with experts who research, study how to navigate difficult conversations.

In this episode, we're joined by Teun van Dijk. Teun is a Dutch linguist who studies language structure, development, and use. He has made significant contributions to discourse analysis, and he is an expert at how language both reflects and constructs the social world. We talk about his earlier work as well as how discourse has been used to manipulate public opinion and reinforce power relationships. we also bump into pre-modernism and populist movements and their impact.The interview concludes with advice on navigating difficult conversations and touches on debates within social movements.
Teun was a professor of discourse studies at the University of Amsterdam until 2004 and now teaches at Pompeu Fabra University in Barcelona. He is the Founding Director of the Centre of Discourse Studies.

2 years ago

58 minutes

The Conversation Lab

Jessie Sutherland - Intercultural Strategies

In this episode we catch up with Jessie Sutherland. Jessie developed Intercultural Strategies and the Belonging Matters framework to provide the knowledge, processes and tools that can bridge the gap between people with lived experience and system influencers in order to create lasting and sustainable personal and community change. We talked about many things but I'm still thinking about naming the system that we've been born into and the habits we have developed and the inviation to change them.

2 years ago

50 minutes

The Conversation Lab

Naomi Klein - The Need for an Alternative Vision

Naomi Klein is an award-winning journalist, columnist, filmmaker, and author. I had the opportunity to speak with her a few years ago when she wrote No Is Not Enough. While this conversation was a few books ago, when I went back to listen to it I found it eerily relevant as she discusses the political climate and the rise of Trump as a brand. She highlights the dangers of equating wealth with wisdom and the role of billionaires in policymaking. Naomi also discusses the need for an alternative vision and transformative change to address the underlying crises of inequality, climate change, and white supremacy. A suitable and timely addition to this podcast series about the cause and effect of polarization and how the words we use open up or shut down our conversations.

2 years ago

26 minutes

The Conversation Lab

Stuart Poyntz & Joanna Ashworth - The Radical Democracy Summer School

If there was ever a time we needed some radical democracy its now!
In this episode of The Conversation Lab, Stuart Poyntz and Joanna Ashworth talk about the CERi-Participedia Summer School and how they have brought together leading experts, researchers, graduate students, community leaders, activists and change makers to talk about what it means to radically re-imagine, research and practice democracy in our communities and in every day life.

2 years ago

47 minutes