The Strong and Free Podcast
By Christopher Balkaran
The Strong and Free PodcastOct 19, 2019
Gun Violence: Louis March and the Zero Gun Violence Movement
I sit down with Louis March, head of the Zero Gun Violence Movement to discuss gun violence and what governments can do moving forward.
Gun Violence: Sheldon Clare, and the National Firearms Association
Listen to my conversation with Sheldon Clare, President of the National Firearms Association to discuss gun violence and what the federal government should do to respond meaningfully.
The Pro-Choice Perspective: A Conversation with Dr. Jill Doctoroff, National Abortion Federation Canada
I sit down with Dr. Doctoroff, Canadian Director of the National Abortion Federation Canada to discuss access to clinics and education on abortion.
The Pro Life Abortion Perspective: A Conversation with Jakki Jeffs, Executive Director at Alliance for Life Ontario
I sit down with Jakki Jeffs to learn more about the Pro Life movement and what the Alliance for Life Ontario's message is on the abortion debate.
The Pro Choice Abortion Perspective: A Conversation with Joyce Arthur, Executive Director at Abortion Rights Coalition of Canada
I sit down with Joyce Arthur, Executive Director of the Abortion Rights Coalition of Canada (ARCC) to discuss her views on Abortion and what the goals of ARCC are.
The Pro Life Abortion Perspective: Cam Cote, Centre for Canadian Bio-Ethical Reform (CCBR)
In this episode, I sit down with Cam Cote of the Centre for Canadian Bio-Ethical Research (CCBR) to get a better perspective of their Pro-Life stance on abortion.
The Right Mindset: A Conversation with Sean Zahedi
Sean and I talk about having the right mindset in being successful.
Community Policing with the LGBTQ2S Community: A Conversation with Sgt. Henry Dyck of the Toronto Police
I sit down with Sgt. Henry Dyck (@TDotGayCop) to learn about the work the Toronto Police is doing with the LGBTQ2S community.
Digital Democracy with Minister Audrey Tang!
I chat with Minister Audrey Tang, of the government of Taiwan about Digital Democracy.
Mid Year Check In and Summer Break!
I discuss where the Podcast has been in 2020 and where it's headed. And, I'm taking a Summer Break!
Community Policing: A Conversation with Sgt. Jeff Zammit of the Toronto Police
I discuss the critical need for community-based policing with Sgt. Jeff Zammit of the Toronto Police. We also discuss the Neighbourhood Community Officer Program in Toronto.
Race-based Data Collection and COVID-19: A Chat with Dr. Vinita Dubey
I discuss the City of Toronto's decision to collect race-based and socioeconomic data from those testing positive for COVID-19 with Dr. Vinita Dubey.
Enforcing the Law and the Need for Community-based Policing
I attempt to unpack the nuances of community issues and the challenges police face enforcing the law.
Youth Hidden in Plain Sight: Part 2 - Warren Abbey
I sit down with Warren Abbey for Part 2 of our conversation from March (link: https://anchor.fm/strongandfree/episodes/Youth-Hidden-in-Plain-Sight-Warren-Abbeys-Story-on-Guns--Gangs-and-Violence-ebb1lq) to discuss his time in prison and what changes could be made to provide hope for those in jail.
George Floyd
What solutions can we build from the death of George Floyd?
72 Days: 05 - A Chat with Dr. Kenton White on COVID-19 and Data Collection
In Episode 5, Heon and I sit down with Dr. Kenton White, Chief Data Scientist at Advanced Symbolics Inc.
72 Days: 04 -The Canada Emergency Relief Benefit and, AI?
In this episode, Heon and I discuss the Canada Emergency Relief Benefit (CERB) and contemplate a needs-based idea that relies on technology to deliver government benefits tailored to you.
72 Days: 03 - Why the WHO?
In this episode, Heon and I examine the need for an international body called the World Health Organization.
72 Days: 02: A Serious Conversation on the Role of Government in a Pandemic
In Episode 02, Heon and I examine the roles of the Minister of Health, Chief of Public Health and the Prime Minister.
72 Days: Justin Trudeau's Reality Pre-COVID-19
In this new series, we examine the federal government's response to COVID-19.
Our first episode examines the political landscape Justin Trudeau finds himself after the October, 2019 election. Three main issues are facing the Liberal Party of Canada:
- Regionalism
- Alienation of Staunch Supporters
- Indigenous Protests (Wet'suwet'en)
Power of Positivity - 25 - The End - Onto the Next!
Thank you for being part of this great series! This will mark the end of the Power of Positivity Series!
Power of Positivity - 24 - Start Thinking About the Transition!
What will transition look like for you once the restrictions are lifted?
Power of Positivity - 23 - Stay Balanced
Keep perspective of the things that evoke strong emotion for you.
Power of Positivity - 22 - Don't be Afraid of Losses
Embrace loss in pursuit of your goals!
Power of Positivity - 21 - Relentlessly Pursue your goals!
Think about your goals and don't be scared to be a novice!
Power of Positivity - 20 - Setbacks are a part of achieving goals!
Ensure your goals are adaptive and flexible to the environment we're in!
Power of Positivity - 19 - It's all about a state of mind!
Choose positivity and creation today, instead of negativity and reaction!
Power of Positivity - 18 - Fight Politics!
It's too early to make this a right/left debate!
Power of Positivity - 17 - Stay Productive to Fight the Negative Energy!
Choose 3 goals you want to complete today!
Power of Positivity - 16 - Fight your Worry!
Stay positive today everyone and fight your internal worries!
Power of Positivity - 15 - Treat Yourself!
Treat yourself and set some goals to fight the negativity!
Power of Positivity - 14 - Embrace Failure!
Think about failure and think about how you can learn from it in achieving your goals!
Power of Positivity - 13 - Stay Positive around Negativity, define your biggest challenges to your goals
Tips to stay positive around negative people and energy! And identify the reasons why you didn't achieve your goals for today!
Power of Positivity - 12 - Fight Worry and Add to your Stock!
Today is a perfect day to add to your stock of knowledge and/or state of mind. Listen now!
Power of Positivity - 11 - Choose what you give LIFE to!
Today, keep the positivity going and choose what you give life to!
Power of Positivity - 10 - Reframe your State of Mind!
We can't choose this reality we're in. We can change our mentality!
Power of Positivity - 09 - Envision the Day Back to Normalcy!
Think about what you want to tell people you accomplished during the lockdown!
Power of Positivity - 08 - Choose Positivity!
Happy April! Choose positivity, despite the amount of negativity out there. It's your day! Make it amazing!
Power of Positivity - 07 - What is your Biggest Goal / Idea?
Visioning, goal setting and fighting lethargy is extremely important during this time.
Power of Positivity - 06 - Time Thiefs!
Identify your Time thiefs / Dragons and build an action plan to fight against them.
Power of Positivity - 05 - Identify your Dragons
In this episode, I discuss how important it is to identify the things that may be keeping you from your goals!
Instagram: @topherbrownies
Power of Positivity - 04 - Visualization, Do one thing and Journal
Keep the positive energy going. Journaling is a great way to keep the creativity flowing.
Power of Positivity - 03 - Clean your Space, Choose your Media, Give Back
Gillian Smith provides some tips on what types of media to consume and striking the balance between staying informed and reading the news all day.
Power of Positivity - 02 - Exercise and Healthy Nutrition While in Self Isolation!
I know this episode is about maintaining health, but check out my Instagram page where I'll begin selling brownies! @topherbrownies
Power of Positivity - Begin Fighting COVID-19 with your Energy
A positive mindset will flatten the curve of COVID-19 in addition to the other measures discussed.
Analyzing the Coverage of the 2020 Ontario Teacher's Strike
Heon Lee and I analyze nearly 200 media articles over 30 days on the Ontario Teacher's Strike.
Youth Hidden in Plain Sight: Warren Abbey's Story on Guns, Gangs and Violence
Warren Abbey has spent over 11 yrs in prison and since, has written a Creative Writing book called "Honour Thy Brother" and is working to reform youth and help them make better choices in their lives.
Getting Young People Active: Vanessa Lodge
Vanessa Lodge works with marginalized communities in the sport and recreation space. We sit down to discuss the impacts sport and recreation can have on young people.
https://www.guelphbasketball.com/
https://www.coachesontario.ca/
Artificial Intelligence: A Conversation with Erin Kelly, President and CEO of Advanced Symbolics Inc.
Erin Kelly is President and CEO of Advanced Symbolics Inc,
https://advancedsymbolics.com/
Erin's article in the Globe and Mail:
https://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/rob-commentary/how-our-company-called-trumps-win/article32843425/
Erin interviewed on TVO's The Agenda:
https://www.tvo.org/video/erin-kelly-gauging-the-emotions-of-canadian-voters https://www.tvo.org/video/erin-kelly-canada-after-the-vote
Artificial Intelligence and Refugee Claims
Petra Molnar, is Acting Director at the University of Toronto's International Human Rights Program.
https://www.law.utoronto.ca/faculty-staff/staff/petra-molnar
https://citizenlab.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/IHRP-Automated-Systems-Report-Web-V2.pdf