The Curve with Christopher

By Christopher Stuart Taylor

A chance to chat sports (and other topics) and its intersections with race, history, culture, and society.

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Beyond The Boundaries: Waterloo, Laurier, and Cricket as an Inclusive Space

The Curve with Christopher Aug 18, 2022

00:00

01:07:48

"I'm not Black, I'm OJ"

Well, it's a sports and race story, so you know I'm going to give my two cents. But not necessarily in the way you'd think.

Give it a listen. Then listen to Jay-Z's The Story of OJ.

Apr 11, 202429:44

Roots & Routes: Knowledge Mobilization Project

This episode outlines my "Roots & Routes: Knowledge Mobilization Project." It's a project I've been working on for a while and explains many of my travels, my 'research outputs,' and my general focus on my 'purpose' of what I do with-in and with-out academia.

Mar 13, 202421:34

Beyonce, Barnes & Ben: Blackness & The Problem(s) of White Validation

This episode is really about a bit of self-reflection on why we do what we do, and why we need others (white systems) to validate what we do.

And define who we are.

Feb 06, 202421:08

In Masai...I Don't Trust

Been a while since I did a sport specific episode, so had some time to collect my thoughts and share them here. This episode focuses around the trade(s) from the Raptors in January 2024. Also gives a little perspective (from me) on just enjoying the games.

Jan 26, 202433:03

Engaging in Experiential Learning through the histories and cultures of West Africa with Musah Alhassan

Bringing back the "In Conversation with..." series, this episode features Brother Musah Alhassan, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Uprise Travel. This talk was recorded in-person at the University of Waterloo.

Musah Alhassan is the 2014 and 2015 winner of the Ghana Tourism Authority's Regional Tour Guide of the Year award. Before founding Uprise Travel, his tourism experience included M and J Tours, Hilton Hotels, Rustic Pathways, and SDL Tours.

As a teenager Musah first started guiding tours on borrowed motorcycles. After earning degrees from Tamale Polytechnic, he completed hospitality training on full scholarship at HOTCATT in Accra. Musah was raised in Mole National Park, where his father was the longest-serving ranger in the park’s history. He resides in Accra, and speaks more than nine languages, including English, Hausa, Twi, Fante, Gonja, Dagate, Vagala, Sissala, Kamara, and Dagbani.

Oct 30, 202301:13:29

Emancipation Lecture (The Cathedral Church of St. James, Toronto)

This episode is a bit different, but sharing the Emancipation Day lecture (with video) I gave at the Cathedral Church of St. James in Toronto on July 30, 2023.

https://stjamescathedral.ca/next-sunday-july-30-emancipation-day-at-the-cathedral/

Sep 21, 202315:02

We Can't Hold People Accountable (so stop trying)

The title of this one speaks for itself.

If you've got the 'intersections of power' at an all time high, your accountability drops to an all time low.

Sep 01, 202330:26

Slavery Ain't Dead

This episode is a reflection of some of my travels over the past few weeks. I'm going to stop calling what I do 'research,' and call it finding 'R&R' (Roots & Routes).

Resources:

Reparations & Drax Hall

Newton Slave Burial Ground

Slave Chant

'Crypto-Racism' in Barbados

Aug 18, 202342:14

They Cloned...Christopher

Following the summer theme of film/tv reviews, this solo episode takes a look at They Cloned Tyrone. It engages in a conversation on introspection and self-reflection.

As I wrote on Twitter immediately after watching it:

I know a lot of people are calling #TheyClonedTyrone a comedy, but it is legit making me question if my purpose in life is to maintain the status quo and be a detriment to those I think I'm trying to uplift. Dang. "Assimilation is better than annihilation"

Jul 25, 202328:59

I'm a Virgo (not really) & the Crisis of Capitalism

This episode I'm solo doing a high-level convo on the new show 'I'm a Virgo' on Prime.

I really did this episode for people to start thinking about how their lives intersect with the storylines and if/how they want to engage with fundamental change in our society.

Lots going on in Ontario, Canada, and our globe right now, and the common denominator:

Power and Capitalism. The show hits the nail on its head.

Was having some issues with my editing software, so no intro or conclusion music on this one.

Added resources:

Jones Monologue

Capitalism And Slavery

Jul 10, 202332:51

My Beef with Black History Month

In this (quick) episode, I address some of the issues I have with Black History Month. It has become a performative/virtue signalling collection of days of the year. I also provide a way forward to keep the month, but shift its significance.

Make August Canada's Black History Month

Feb 15, 202319:16

I'm a fan of the Raptors...but there is a lot of 'whiteness' around the team

In this episode, it's just me.

I engage with the history of the Toronto Raptors (players, coaches, executives), through the lens of Critical Race Theory. I spend time going through the nuances of how Pascal Siakam, Dwane Casey, Masai Ujiri, and most importantly Nick Nurse, are treated and 'seen' or 'unseen' by media and fans alike. I highlight the performative actions of the 'Bubble' and BLM and why I think a lot of people still give Nurse the 'Benefit of the Doubt.'

For more information from the podcast:

Des Moines Register

Racism and Its Impacts

Jan 06, 202301:03:22

In Conversation with...Nasif Chowdhury & Joyce Barlow

In this episode, we have elite and international athlete, Nasif Chowdhury. He is joined by Joyce Barlow, Associate Director of Disability Inclusion at the University of Waterloo.

Nasif, Canada Para Volley National Team member, elite and national wheelchair basketball player, and University of Waterloo student, discusses the ins and outs of sitting volleyball, how he got started, his career, and how this is a sport for every one.

Follow Nasif on IG:

@nasifchowdhury

https://volleyball.ca/en/athletes/nasif-chowdhury

https://volleyball.ca/en/sitting-volleyball-teams

https://www.cbc.ca/sports/paralympics/canada-sitting-volleyball-worlds-recap-nov5-1.6642125

Dec 08, 202240:36

In Conversation With...Dr. Rima Berns-McGown on Navigating Oppressive Systems

In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Rima Berns-McGown.

Dr. Berns-McGown engages with the real challenges of doing anti-racism and equity work in a government system, the reification and personification of intersectional identities, transnational othering, anti-Black racism, antisemitism, and more.

Dr. Berns-McGown is a scholar, author of Muslims in the Diaspora: The Somali Communities of London and Toronto, a community voice, mentor, and former NDP MPP for Beaches-East York.

Twitter: @beyrima

Nov 10, 202245:15

In Conversation With...Dr. Samer Abdelnour on Antisemitism

I'm introducing a new series to the podcast, "In Conversation With..."

These episodes don't necessarily focus specifically on sports; however, they engage with topical issues of the day to keep the listeners informed and provide critical and thoughtful dialogue.

In the first episode, it is my pleasure to welcome Dr. Samer Abdelnour of The University of Edinburgh Business School.

Dr. Abdelnour provides listeners with a nuanced overview of antisemitism, Palestinian Rights, the IHRA, white supremacy, and settler colonialism. He challenges the listener to engage critically with Canadian and global issues that most have an opinion about, but few have a critical understanding of the historical, political, and social interconnections.

Resources for further learning:

https://www.noihra.ca/

https://jewishcurrents.org/the-jerusalem-declarations-fatal-flaw

Oct 28, 202256:43

Beyond The Boundaries: Waterloo, Laurier, and Cricket as an Inclusive Space

In this episode we have three special guests discussing the history, reality, and basics of the game of cricket.

A key message is to understand that while cricket was used as a colonizing force in the 17th to 20th centuries, it is now a way to unite people of different dimensions of diversity from all corners of the globe.

Guests:

Follow-up reading:

Beyond a Boundary - CLR James

Aug 18, 202201:07:48

African Americans aren't Black: Kevin Durant, Chris Broussard, and salty TO fans

This episode we tackle the nuances of 'African American' vs 'Black' vs 'ethnicity' vs 'nation' and settle in the grey area of the 'hot takes' coming from Chris Broussard over the Kevin Durant saga.

Note: don't just read the title of this podcast and come to a conclusion of what 'side' I'm on.

Check out the clip then listen to the podcast.

Jul 05, 202243:45

The Hypocrisy of 'Activism' in Sport

"The forest was shrinking but the trees kept voting for the axe, for the axe was clever and convinced the trees that because his handle was made of wood, he was one of them." - Turkish Proverb

In this episode, we engage with events of June 2022 - Hockey Canada sexual assault case, Fina, and Roe v Wade - and how the silence around rape culture, trans inclusion, and abortion rights, is quite telling. Sport was to be a beacon for change post-May 25 2020, but clearly, Charles Barkley was right.

Meanwhile, Brittney Griner is still in prison in Russia.

Jun 29, 202233:16

Lowry, Vladdy, and Fat Shaming in Sports

In this episode, we will engage with the GROAT getting 'fat shamed' by Pat Riley, and also put that in context with another Toronto sport legend in the making - Vladdy Jr.

We frame this conversation around the consumption of Black man bodies as 'things' to perform, but also to look a certain way to seemingly allow them to perform.

We engage with how these examples of Black man athlete bodies can distort how boys and young men engage with sport and how they accept - and reject - their own bodies.

Jun 20, 202227:22

Teaching Race Through Sport and Sport Through Race

In the final episode of 2021, we have three special guests to discuss their positionality, their love for sport, and how they were able to apply Critical Race Theory to understand the 'not-so-good-parts' of systemic oppression in the institution of sport.

This episode is a recap of the ARTS130 'Shut Up & Dribble' course from the Fall Term of 2021 at the University of Waterloo.

Dec 23, 202140:55

Moving Beyond Your Own Reality with Dr. Lisbeth Berbary

For our final podcast for Winter 2021, we have Dr. Lisbeth Berbary, Associate Professor in Recreation & Leisure Studies at the University of Waterloo. Dr. LB drops knowledge on how she challenges students to think beyond themselves (their Self) to be able to engage critically with the world around them and re-think how the institutions they love define them.

Special thanks to Nadia Booraki from the class this term for making this fantastic connection.

Check Dr. LB on IG @differentlyentangled

Some added resources from Dr. LB:

The dig: Black left with Charisse Burden-Stelly: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/black-left-with-charisse-burden-stelly/id1043245989?i=1000516681952

The dig (Olúfẹ́mi Táíwò): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/identity-power-and-speech-with-ol%C3%BAf%E1%BA%B9-mi-t%C3%A1%C3%ADw%C3%B2/id1043245989?i=1000501453442

For the wild: Femi: https://forthewild.world/listen/olufemi-o-taiwo-on-climate-colonialism-and-reparations-216

Black and Red: Socialism and Black Liberation. Conversations in Black Freedom Studies: https://youtu.be/gNT4FTOy3kM

https://hoodcommunist.org/

Robin D.G. Kelley: http://bostonreview.net/race-philosophy-religion/robin-d-g-kelley-why-black-marxism-why-now

Solidarity: Activism within the university: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=olbnwpV4B38

Dr. Andrea Davis, “Black tax and the invisible labour of Black women in Academia” https://youtu.be/vTRAtm21hvg

Apr 18, 202145:53

So Nice, We Do it Twice: The Ultimate Pod Pt II

Back by popular demand we have University of Waterloo student Edmund Un and all-around 'Renaissance Man' Remi Ojo to chat more on Ultimate Frisbee. We get into topics about sinophobia and anti-Asian racism, being 'Black' and one of the best Ultimate players in Canada, and what's next for both of their careers.

Check Remi in action from 2016:

https://youtu.be/aaprMNoN7Pw

More ways to get involved:

Waterloo Warriors Men’s Ultimate: https://www.facebook.com/WarriorsUlti

Waterloo Warriors Women’s Ultimate: https://www.facebook.com/WaterlooWomensUltimate

Toronto Ultimate Club: https://www.tuc.org/

Waterloo Organization of Disc Sports: https://www.wods.ca/

Toronto GOAT vs. Denver Johnny Bravo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hs0aBQaFuhw

Mar 25, 202142:48

A (future) Actuary and (current) pro Lacrosse player: Troy Holowchuk

On this episode, we have UW acturial science student and Toronto Rock box lacrosse player, Troy Holowchuk, on to discuss his journey to the pros, how he balances the demands of his school program and being a pro athlete, the UW Lacrosse Club, and his appreciation for The Creator's Game as a self-identified white man.

***

UW Lacrosse Club Instagram:

@uwwarriorslacrosse

All info about signing up for the UW Lacrosse Club is in the link in the club’s Instagram bio

Troy's Contact Info:

Instagram: @troy.holo29

Twitter: @t_roy_holo30

Email: tsholowc@uwaterloo.ca

Other UW Lacrosse Club Executives Instagram:

Aly Calhoun: @calhoun_aly

Sophie Stupalo: @soph.71

Hannah Cardoza: @hannah.cardoza

Mar 14, 202142:33

The Raptors, 'Redacted,' Power, and Access with Sean Woodley

This episode features Sean Woodley from @lockedonraptors @CEBLeague @uhhbasketball (Twitter). We chat about the Raptors handling of the Davis gender-based-violence silence, the performative nature of BLM, access and power with Raptors' "state-run" media, favourite Raptors pre-2014, and outlook for the rest of the 2020-2021 season.

Check out Sean on Twitter @woodleysean

Mar 06, 202146:01

The Ultimate Pod: Ultimate Frisbee with Edmund Un & Remi Ojo

This episode we have University of Waterloo student Edmund Un and all-around 'Renaissance Man' Remi Ojo come give us a chat on the ins and outs of Ultimate Frisbee, and how we can increase representation in the sport.

Feb 28, 202145:35

One of the greatest boxers of all time is from...Kitchener?

This episode features Brother Aaron Francis, the founder and curator of Vintage Black Canada, to educate the masses on Lennox Lewis and the boxing pedigree that comes out of Kitchener, Ontario, Canada.

Feb 20, 202142:46

Pro Athletes in North America need to thank (and pay) Curt Flood

In this first episode of season 2, we have University of Waterloo Professor Craig Fortier kick it with me to chat about a history of baseball, labour and social justice movements, Curt Flood, and the (literal and figurative) boundaries in baseball.

https://uwaterloo.ca/social-development-studies/people-profiles/craig-fortier

Feb 13, 202147:19