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The Strong and Free Podcast

The Strong and Free Podcast

By Christopher Balkaran

Topics that Matter. No Agenda to Push. Keep the Conversation Going.
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Quebec's Ban on Religious Symbols: Bill 21

The Strong and Free PodcastApr 09, 2019

00:00
24:55
Gun Violence: Louis March and the Zero Gun Violence Movement

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. 

Nov 06, 202059:54
Gun Violence: Sheldon Clare, and the National Firearms Association

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.

Oct 31, 202001:09:52
The Pro-Choice Perspective: A Conversation with Dr. Jill Doctoroff, National Abortion Federation Canada

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. 

Oct 24, 202046:40
The Pro Life Abortion Perspective: A Conversation with Jakki Jeffs, Executive Director at Alliance for Life Ontario

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. 

Oct 17, 202001:02:32
The Pro Choice Abortion Perspective: A Conversation with Joyce Arthur, Executive Director at Abortion Rights Coalition of Canada

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. 

Oct 10, 202001:01:52
The Pro Life Abortion Perspective: Cam Cote, Centre for Canadian Bio-Ethical Reform (CCBR)

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. 

Oct 03, 202059:36
The Right Mindset: A Conversation with Sean Zahedi

The Right Mindset: A Conversation with Sean Zahedi

Sean and I talk about having the right mindset in being successful.

Sep 26, 202001:05:43
Community Policing with the LGBTQ2S Community: A Conversation with Sgt. Henry Dyck of the Toronto Police

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. 

Sep 19, 202001:32:51
Digital Democracy with Minister Audrey Tang!

Digital Democracy with Minister Audrey Tang!

I chat with Minister Audrey Tang, of the government of Taiwan about Digital Democracy.

Sep 12, 202001:02:00
Mid Year Check In and Summer Break!

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!

Jul 23, 202017:44
Community Policing: A Conversation with Sgt. Jeff Zammit of the Toronto Police

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.

Jul 07, 202001:04:39
Race-based Data Collection and COVID-19: A Chat with Dr. Vinita Dubey

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.

Jun 27, 202034:27
Enforcing the Law and the Need for Community-based Policing

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. 

Jun 14, 202029:12
Youth Hidden in Plain Sight: Part 2 - Warren Abbey

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. 

Jun 07, 202055:43
George Floyd

George Floyd

What solutions can we build from the death of George Floyd?

May 31, 202019:12
72 Days: 05 - A Chat with Dr. Kenton White on COVID-19 and Data Collection
May 23, 202055:27
72 Days: 04 -The Canada Emergency Relief Benefit and, AI?

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.

May 17, 202001:08:23
72 Days: 03 - Why the WHO?

72 Days: 03 - Why the WHO?

In this episode, Heon and I examine the need for an international body called the World Health Organization. 

May 09, 202001:02:46
72 Days: 02: A Serious Conversation on the Role of Government in a Pandemic

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. 

May 02, 202001:14:03
72 Days: Justin Trudeau's Reality Pre-COVID-19

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)


Apr 24, 202029:20
Power of Positivity - 25 - The End - Onto the Next!

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!

Apr 19, 202009:38
Power of Positivity - 24 - Start Thinking About the Transition!

Power of Positivity - 24 - Start Thinking About the Transition!

What will transition look like for you once the restrictions are lifted?

Apr 18, 202011:51
Power of Positivity - 23 - Stay Balanced

Power of Positivity - 23 - Stay Balanced

Keep perspective of the things that evoke strong emotion for you.

Apr 16, 202011:51
Power of Positivity - 22 - Don't be Afraid of Losses

Power of Positivity - 22 - Don't be Afraid of Losses

Embrace loss in pursuit of your goals!

Apr 15, 202011:53
Power of Positivity - 21 - Relentlessly Pursue your goals!

Power of Positivity - 21 - Relentlessly Pursue your goals!

Think about your goals and don't be scared to be a novice!

Apr 14, 202011:57
Power of Positivity - 20 - Setbacks are a part of achieving goals!

Power of Positivity - 20 - Setbacks are a part of achieving goals!

Ensure your goals are adaptive and flexible to the environment we're in!

Apr 13, 202011:55
Power of Positivity - 19 - It's all about a state of mind!

Power of Positivity - 19 - It's all about a state of mind!

Choose positivity and creation today, instead of negativity and reaction!

Apr 12, 202011:56
Power of Positivity - 18 - Fight Politics!

Power of Positivity - 18 - Fight Politics!

It's too early to make this a right/left debate! 

Apr 11, 202012:04
Power of Positivity - 17 - Stay Productive to Fight the Negative Energy!

Power of Positivity - 17 - Stay Productive to Fight the Negative Energy!

Choose 3 goals you want to complete today!

Apr 10, 202012:13
Power of Positivity - 16 - Fight your Worry!

Power of Positivity - 16 - Fight your Worry!

Stay positive today everyone and fight your internal worries!

Apr 09, 202011:27
Power of Positivity - 15 - Treat Yourself!

Power of Positivity - 15 - Treat Yourself!

Treat yourself and set some goals to fight the negativity!

Apr 08, 202011:36
Power of Positivity - 14 - Embrace Failure!

Power of Positivity - 14 - Embrace Failure!

Think about failure and think about how you can learn from it in achieving your goals!

Apr 07, 202013:51
Power of Positivity - 13 - Stay Positive around Negativity, define your biggest challenges to 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!

Apr 06, 202013:03
Power of Positivity - 12 - Fight Worry and Add to your Stock!

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!

Apr 05, 202013:36
Power of Positivity - 11 - Choose what you give LIFE to!

Power of Positivity - 11 - Choose what you give LIFE to!

Today, keep the positivity going and choose what you give life to!

Apr 04, 202016:25
Power of Positivity - 10 - Reframe your State of Mind!

Power of Positivity - 10 - Reframe your State of Mind!

We can't choose this reality we're in. We can change our mentality!

Apr 03, 202013:14
Power of Positivity - 09 - Envision the Day Back to Normalcy!

Power of Positivity - 09 - Envision the Day Back to Normalcy!

Think about what you want to tell people you accomplished during the lockdown!

Apr 02, 202012:47
Power of Positivity - 08 - Choose Positivity!

Power of Positivity - 08 - Choose Positivity!

Happy April! Choose positivity, despite the amount of negativity out there. It's your day! Make it amazing!

Apr 01, 202012:48
Power of Positivity - 07 - What is your Biggest Goal / Idea?

Power of Positivity - 07 - What is your Biggest Goal / Idea?

Visioning, goal setting and fighting lethargy is extremely important during this time. 

Mar 31, 202012:53
Power of Positivity - 06 - Time Thiefs!

Power of Positivity - 06 - Time Thiefs!

Identify your Time thiefs / Dragons and build an action plan to fight against them.

Mar 30, 202012:54
Power of Positivity - 05 - Identify your Dragons

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

Mar 29, 202013:15
Power of Positivity - 04 - Visualization, Do one thing and Journal

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. 

Mar 28, 202013:17
Power of Positivity - 03 - Clean your Space, Choose your Media, Give Back

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.

Mar 26, 202013:18
Power of Positivity - 02 - Exercise and Healthy Nutrition While in Self Isolation!

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 

Mar 25, 202013:35
Power of Positivity - Begin Fighting COVID-19 with your Energy

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. 

Mar 24, 202013:37
Analyzing the Coverage of the 2020 Ontario Teacher's Strike

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.

Mar 15, 202055:18
Youth Hidden in Plain Sight: Warren Abbey's Story on Guns, Gangs and Violence
Mar 07, 202052:33
Getting Young People Active: Vanessa Lodge
Feb 29, 202001:06:00
Artificial Intelligence: A Conversation with Erin Kelly, President and CEO of Advanced Symbolics Inc.

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

Feb 22, 202047:19
Artificial Intelligence and Refugee Claims
Feb 15, 202001:12:13