Conversations - in the Arts & Humanities

In this conversation, Bryn and Délani discuss the process of creative writing, the intersection between neurodivergence and poetry, the concept of "home" and community when displaced from both, as well as Délani's suggestion for the poem listeners should stop everything to go read.

In this conversation , Bryn and Eliza discuss the enduring importance of Ancient Greek theatre, the lessons within theatre for students and the incarcerated, and that one play that everyone should experience.

In the show, Paul Watkins and Jack Corfield discuss Paul’s new book which explores black poetry and music, and the sound of black citizenship in Canada. You’ll also hear how traditional scholarly research can be performed in engaging and unconventional ways, and what happens when you put a crossfader between history’s culture and sounds.

In the show, Neil Surkan and Katharine Rollwagen discuss how Neil came to poetry, and how creativity can happen via the roll of a die. The two also explore the relationship between their work as parents and their work as professionals, and what their kids think of their writing.

In the show, Magnolia Pauker and Theo learn how to become an undisciplined scholar, and what the associated conflict can do for academia. You’ll also hear about philosopher-journalist Michel Foucault, and how to make the most of an interview: questions, answers, conversation.

In the show, Yoichi and Theo discuss modern eye tracking systems—similar to those found on gaming laptops—and how analysis of eye movements can assist those teaching and learning new languages. You'll also hear how tech from 1980s science fiction might help spot an artificial intelligence.

In the show, Sarah and Theo discuss how and why a thatched-roof recreation of merry olde England came to be in Victoria, BC, and what Shakespeare might have thought of this and other idealized and romanticized versions of his world transplanted to the present.

In the show, Joy Gugeler and Theo Finigan are joined by Katie Carroll. The three discuss the creative process of editing student stories, and explore how Portal Magazine has remained an innovative and literary educational vehicle for more than a decade.

In the show, Bryn Skibo and Theo discuss the benefits of leaving room in your research—and in your life—for serendipity. You’ll also hear about Margaret Atwood's speculative fiction, allowing your pets to be in charge, gonzo journalism, and nuclear warfare.

In the show, Mike Roberson and Theo discuss the value of failure and humility, how poor results can be re-framed as success, and what it feels like to be disappointed about your PhD. You'll also hear about failing poets, varsity sports, rainbows, and how to win an olympic race.

In the show, Leon Potter and Theo discuss early theatre magic, and how special effects in performances have evolved to enhance storytelling on stage and in film. Modern CGI, AI and greenscreens are debated alongside more practical and traditional solutions.

In the show, Christina Mansueti and Theo discuss their changing TV viewing habits, and explore diversity in modern programming. You’ll also hear about unnecessary competition in grad school, bad feminists, and how comedy can help us understand serious real-world issues and events.

In the show, outgoing Arts & Humanities Dean Marni Stanley and Theo Finigan discuss Marni’s decades of experience at VIU, and draw connections between gender wars, politics, media and education. You’ll also hear about flying lesbians, and the difference between Canadian and British snobs.

In the show, James Mark and Theo Finigan speak about how James’ musical training took him from Nanaimo to Toronto and L.A. before landing at VIU, and about the challenge of finding a musical balance between being a teacher, performer and composer. You’ll also hear about their shared love of science fiction movie soundtracks, and shared recognition of sacrifices parents make for their children’s formative experiences.

In the show, Eliza Gardiner and Theo Finigan discuss their formative musical experiences, the connections between poetry and songwriting, and how failure is an important part of the creative process. You’ll also hear numbers from Gardiner’s new musical performance, Concessions of a Wannabe Rock Star.

In the show, Katarina Litva and Theo Finigan discuss how to balance a professional Interior Design practice with teaching at the University level, and explore the debate around gentrification and displacement in urban planning. You'll also hear about differences between Vancouver Island and Kentucky, and learn the correct way to pronounce Louisville.

In the show, Melissa Stephens and Theo Finigan discuss all things Cold War, particularly film and literature, and what past conflicts can teach us about the present. You'll also hear about Theo's first protest march, and growing up in 1980s New Zealand.

In the show, Theo Finigan and Robin Davies discuss the use of sound and music as teaching aids, with special appearances by Thomas Tallis and Sting. You’ll also hear how Robin’s musical background connects with his work in the Media Studies department, and learn why Theo can’t stay awake long enough to ever finish reading Ulysses.`

In the show, Craig Taylor and Theo Finigan discuss Craig’s work as a journalist for the Guardian, and what else he’s been up to since his days studying creative writing at Malaspina college. You’ll also hear stories of zine culture in the 1990s which played a role in shaping Craig's creativity, and learn what it’s like to get lost in Manhattan.

In the show, Leon Potter and Theo Finigan discuss their highschool experiences with acting, and Leon's background and training in technical and creative theatre production. You'll also hear about Friedrich Dürrenmatt's extraordinary 1956 play The Visit, and learn how dramatic productions have adapted to receive remote audiences.