Preconceived

At its core, sex is supposed to be pleasurable. It’s typically considered much easier for a male to reach orgasm than a female, and although orgasm is not the only way to experience pleasure from sex, it’s certainly a …

With the advent of botox and fillers, cosmetic procedures have become much quicker to administer and more accessible to the masses. In many ways, …

Napoleon Bonaparte is considered one of the greatest military leaders of all time. He is often mentioned alongside names such as Alexander the Great …

Choosing a baby name can be stressful. While a name is just a name, it will follow your child around for the rest of their life. What are some of the …

We often hear American politicians recite lines like, ‘The United States is the greatest country in the world’. Especially when it comes to US …

One of the most significant preconceptions that governs our lives revolves around our career trajectory. For the most part, the status quo typically …

The terms ‘wellness’ and ‘mental health’ have been around for many years, but over the last decade, it’s taken on a life of its own. And while most …

On October 7th, Israel experienced its bloodiest day since its founding in 1948. In the immediate aftermath of these crimes, anti-Israel and anti-Semitic protests erupted around the world, coinciding with Hamas's "Day …

We live in a world in which we have easy access to almost anything we want. We see something online that we want, and we can have it delivered to our home that same day. And while increased access and availability can …

Pretty much everyone knows that recycling is important. But what exactly is recycling? The concept that’s been disseminated to society is that when you recycle thing, it gets repurposed and reused, hence recycled. This …

Over the past several years, there has been controversy in many fields of the art world, including literature, film and television. Questions have been posed regarding the appropriateness of authors writing about …

Bipolar Disorder is an oft-misunderstood condition by the public. It can be tough to comprehend, because it requires an understanding of each of …

Torture is generally thought of as a bad things - an unacceptable means to an end. But what if that end is justifiable? In many cases, torture is …

Money did not always exist in its current form. There was a time when goods and services were just exchanged for one another, without actual coins or cash changing hands. The preconception is that our current monetary …

In the life of an athlete, one of the major decision points is getting a sports agent to negotiate on their behalf. For most athletes, this is just ‘what you do’, the status quo. But recently, this paradigm has been …

With over two billion followers worldwide, Christianity is the most popular religion in the world. For some, the preconception is ‘of course …

In the wake of 'Barbenheimer', there is perhaps more excitement surrounding the moviegoing experience than there has been in many years. But why does it feel like the film industry has been a bit lacklustre for the …

Shinji Mikamo is a survivor of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima in 1945. His daughter, psychologist Dr. Akiko Mikamo, joins the podcast to share her …

What if you could undergo a scan of of your whole body once a year to screen for any tumors, aneurysms, or any other medical abnormalities? On the …

Most of us are familiar with the ethical quandaries of eating meat, and in particular the large-scale abuse of animals in modern-day farming and mass …

Over the past several years, plunges into freezing cold ice baths have become increasingly popular – trendy even. There are growing communities of …

The conflict in Israel and Palestine predates even the creation of the state of Israel in 1948. This episode explores the complicated history of Israel and Palestine, chronicling the ancient history of the temples in …

When one thinks of traditional parenting, one might remember a stern talking to, or maybe even punished. In many ways, the traditional paradigm of parenting has been quite disciplinarian. In some regards, this has …

If one looks at the English language, there are many terms now considered offensive that were considered commonplace, perhaps even sensitive, just a few decades ago. A typical pattern tends to emerge – a word is used to …

When one of thinks of a musician, the first image that might come to mind is their favorite recording artist. But the reality is – there are millions of musicians in the world who are not on your favorite Spotify …

In modern times, Germany is considered one of the more progressive Western countries in the world. During the Syrian refugee crisis, few countries took in as many Syrians as Germany did. But despite this, the first …

In our 200th episode, Zale highlights some of the greatest preconceptions that have come to light for him over the course of series. Is the word 'extremism' overused? How do we analyze our preconceptions without being …

We’ve all been to a party and felt a bit awkward walking around, immersing ourselves in some conversations that go nowhere, approaching someone we've kind of met before but don’t really know, and gauging when a …

When one thinks of birth control, it might be natural one might think of women before thinking of men. Aside from condoms and vasectomies, medical …

Do you ever feel like you can’t simply sit down and do one task uninterrupted? When you sit down to do some work on your laptop, how soon before you …

Few would admit to regretting their decision to become parents. But that doesn't mean there are not people who do indeed regret the choice to have …

The history of humankind has been contemplated for millennia. How did we come to be the dominant life form on the planet? Many stories have been …

There are certain things that are just ‘knowns’ in the world, preconceptions in the sense that we take particular facts for granted. One such …

When you think of some of the most brutal 20th century dictators, your mind likely conjures up images of ruthlessness, mass death, and anything associated with evil. And while there is no doubt that these dictators …

One of the paradoxes of sex is that while it is so common, it’s something we often feel uncomfortable talking about. Especially when it comes to sexual experimentation, there is a certain stigma that exists. But to an …

For decades, there has been substantial stigma associated with psychedelic drugs. After psychedelics’ association with counterculture in the 1960s, …

We learn from an early age that it’s not acceptable to harm others. Many would say it’s something we don’t even need to really learn – that it’s a …

The Aztec Empire famously fell following the arrival of the Europeans in the 16th century. Much of what we know about the Aztecs – including their …

For many years, depression has been treated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, better known by its short form, SSRIs. Serotonin, of course, lies at the core of these medications, with the long-held belief …

We are told from a very young age that being honest is a good thing. But most of us don’t really believe that honesty is always the best policy. Most …

Antarctica is one of the most fascinating and mysterious places on Earth. One of Earth’s seven continents, it is easily the least inhabited, and in many ways, the least known about. To many, the preconception is that …

We all know about the potential abuse and addiction associated with alcohol and other drugs. Yet despite this, alcohol has persisted since the dawn …

There is a preconception that once a romantic relationship ends, the whole relationship ends. Is that always a good thing? And should it be …

There are few dreams as glorified and romanticized as that of becoming an actor in Hollywood. And part of what makes the dream so glorified is that …

The Trojan War is one of the most famously described and mythologized accounts from Ancient Greek civilization. It was the passion-fuelled war waged …

In the United States, the term 'originalists' refers to those who believe that the US constitution should be interpreted today with the same …

For centuries, the terms male and female have essentially been synonymous with man and woman. But for many, this is perhaps a misconception - the …

We all search for meaning in this world. But as we each embark on our own journey, there are many preconceptions that exist about what that quest …

When we contemplate the word ‘career’, it’s natural to think of one singular profession that someone pursues via education and then remains in for a …

Zale is joined by his first ever guest from episode one, his mother Robin. On the first episode of this series, Robin discussed the idea of jumping into the unknown and embracing the twists and turns that life has to …

Aside from sex being the main method of procreation, it is one of humankind’s greatest pleasures, to which most of us subscribe. But there are indeed people in society who do not partake in sex, or at least with the …

When you hear the word ‘hypnosis’, you might think of a swinging pendulum, or envision someone on a stage, showcasing a rare skill to a captivated …

There are many people who exist on the shorter end of the height spectrum. For some people, it might be not the biggest deal – but for others, it might significantly impact their lives. But what if there were a way to …

When our history books speak of North American history, it can almost read as if Canada and the United States did not exist until the Europeans …

Many of us don't know what to make of napping; does napping provide health benefits, or is that just something we tell ourselves when we feel guilty for dozing off? Professor Sara Mednick is a cognitive neuroscientist …

There are many preconceptions about what is entailed in transitioning, both from a medical and a surgical perspective. In this episode, Zale speaks …

The works and plays of William Shakespeare have endured for centuries. But what is it about Shakespeare that has made his works such a mainstay in …

Part of 'The American Dream' is predicated on home ownership. Conventional wisdom suggests that it is a financially sound and important decision to buy a home rather than to rent from a landlord. But is this just …

Scorpio, Leo, Taurus, Pisces. These are just a few of the Zodiac signs in the world of astrology. But what exactly is astrology, and why do so many …

Survivor is the most iconic reality television competition of the last twenty years. And Todd Herzog, the winner of Survivor's 15th season, is one of the show's most iconic winners. Todd joins the show to shed some …

The much anticipated anthology, "Preconceived: Challenging the preconceptions in our lives" launches today on Amazon ! The book is a collection of …

Most people veer away from dangerous places. Yet there are some people in this world, who not only don’t avoid such places, but rather seek them out; journalists who report on some of the most dangerous and devastating …

You might have heard of the term NFTs, short-form for non-fungible tokens. Some NFTs include virtual memorabilia such as art pieces and virtual real …

“Money can’t buy you happiness” … so the adage goes. But deep down, most people would probably still prefer to have more money in their pockets if …

In modern 'Western' society, it is routine for women giving birth to be under the care of a physician in a hospital. The preconception is that the …

Many actors do their best to 'make it' in the entertainment industry. But does talent always win out? What are the factors that help or hurt someone's foray into acting? And equally as important, how do talent agents go …

There are so many adages in regards to love and relationships. Many hinge on the notion that we must be absolutely certain in our choice of a …

For a long time now, people have been ‘living online’, so to speak, communicating and maintaining friendships via social media, and using the Internet to optimize many facets of their lives. For some though, ‘living …

How would you react if you found out that your parent was a monster? This hypothetical situation isn't far off from the experiences of the children …

We urge people to be creative, with phrases like ‘think outside the box’, and ‘push the envelope’. But for the most part, is all our talk of …

Do you feel like you truly have a good grasp on your finances? Or do you ever wonder if you're just following the motions and simply 'trusting' in …

Doctors have been trained in pretty much the same way for many decades. Prior to any hands-on practical training, medical students spend about 2 years going through a series of lectures delivered by other doctors. In …

Divorce is so common that it's reasonable to call into question the establishment of marriage itself. Does marriage in its current form still make sense? Do newer types of marriages, such as 'trial marriages' or …

The "pro-life" vs. "pro-choice" dilemma regarding abortion is the centre of much heated debate in the United States. On a previous episode of the podcast, we spoke with an obstetrician regarding abortion in Canada and …

It can be tough to understand how so many in the United States are on the 'pro-gun' side of the gun debate.  For many, the issue seems simple - "guns …

While cannabis has become legalized in many parts of the world, most other drugs not only remain illegal, but are actually criminalized. The opioids crisis has escalated even further during the COVID pandemic, and …

Influencers can include pretty much anyone who has a significant following on social media – whether it be chefs, models, actors, or celebrities of …

Divorce can be a very challenging part of someone’s life, filled with change, often sadness, and many other complex emotions. But aside from the …

Japan has a famously insular and unique culture. It is a country filled with a rich history and ethos that is quite distinct from any other country …

We like to think of ourselves as in control of our own lives. But in an age of indulgence and addiction, do we really have as much agency over our …

Imagine you could take a pill that would biologically halt the aging process. Barring any traumatic accidents or lethal infections, you could …

The idea of 'life extension' has become trendy over the past several decades. If we take the right supplements and certain medications, is it …

When someone takes a life in our societies, they are punished severely and sent away to prison for many years. But for all the value placed on human life, there are certain societies in human history that have practiced …

Walking through the meat aisle of a grocery store, do you ever wonder whether it is normal to eat animals? Even if you do think it is normal to eat animals, what about well-documented abuse of animals in the food …

We live in a world in which we have easy access to almost anything we want. We see something online that we want, and we can have it delivered to our home that same day. And while increased access and availability can …

Most of us believe in science. We trust in the scientific method and the worldly truths that have been derived from a multitude of scientific …

As the brutal war in Ukraine continues, it can feel like we are entering unprecedented times. Perhaps the reason this war feels so shocking is that …

Billions of dollars per year are spent on products and services for 'beautification'. Skin creams, exfoliants, cleansers; botox and other plastic …

How is memory influenced by emotion? Are we more likely to remember an event accurately if it was associated with a strong emotion, or would high …

How accurate is the human memory? Dr. Elizabeth Loftus is a world-renowned psychologist who has devoted her career to studying the malleability of …

Much research has been conducted over the years that clearly outlines the numerous benefits of strong interpersonal relationships. But what actually …

On the last episode of Preconceived, palaeontologist Kallie Moore joined the show to discuss the evolution of sapiens from the original mammals and …

The earth has existed for over 4.5 billion years. It can be tough to grasp that within those 4.5 billion years, humans have only existed for a few hundred thousand of them, a mere moment in time. So how did we, homo …

In the West, when many of us in hear the word Communism, our minds likely flash to images ruthless dictators, like Stalin in the USSR and Mao in …

In a way, we are all philosophers, trying to make sense of this mysterious world, how we fit within it, and how we can live our happiest and most …

Are doctors really the heroes that some tv shows make them out to be? Is our medical system as idealistic as many patients try to believe? Dr. Samuel Shem helped shatter the illusion of the "medical fantasy" with his …

Aside from our genetics, there are many reasons why we might be different from our siblings. It has been well-documented that patterns in parental favouritism and sibling interactions affect our personalities, …

In this second of two episodes regarding death and the funeral process, funeral director Emily Bootle explains the process of embalming and the decision to have an open versus closed casket funeral. She ends by sharing …

For most, the word “death” conjures up emotions of fear and sadness. While death is one of the few certainties of life, it is something that most …

For our new Preconceived listeners, this episode from over a year ago is a good "starter episode" to give  a flavour for what the podcast is all about. Zale reflects on starting the podcast and some of the biggest …

In this second of two episodes regarding Polyamory, we are joined by guest Alana Phelan, who practices polyamory herself. She shares lessons learned …

Monogamy is such an indoctrinated part of society that it can often seem as if monogamy is the only option for a relationship. But with the heightened liberalization of society, there has been increasing adoption of …

When someone is sentenced to die, it’s not always what you might think. The average time that an inmate in the States waits on death row is 10 years, …

As much as companies have progressed and become more flexible over the past two years, a general business structure still exists at most companies … a boss, employees at various levels, and a hierarchy in which it is …

We are told from a very young age that being honest is a good thing. But most of us don’t really believe that honesty is always the best policy. Most …

Ari Nagel is perhaps the most famous sperm donor in the world. He has fathered seventy children through sperm donation and has more children on the way. Unlike traditional sperm donation, Ari does not charge any money …

Few would admit to regretting their decision to become parents. But that doesn't mean there are not people who do indeed regret the choice to have …

The boundary between adolescence and adulthood is naturally blurred. Usually, there is no distinct moment in which you seize to be a “youth” and …

Christianity is the most commonly practiced religion in the world, with over 2.3 billion people identifying as Christians. Not surprisingly, the life of Jesus Christ is at the core of Christianity. Many of …

Money did not always exist in its current form. There was a time when goods and services were just exchanged for one another, without actual coins or cash changing hands. The preconception is that our current monetary …

Both the legality of prostitution and the ethics of sex work are highly debated topics worldwide. Is there anything inherently wrong with a person deciding to sell sex for money? Beyond this, what is the relationship …

What is like to be on a psychedelic "trip", and what can it teach one about life's meaning and purpose? What kind of alternate form of reality and …

World-renowned author and historian Susan Wise Bauer rejoins the podcast to shed some "light" on the "dark ages", more commonly known as the Middle Ages. Why is this 1,000 year period of human history considered with …

Our younger years are dominated by education. The foundation of our daily routine is attending school, and the overarching purpose of our lives, so …

The choices available to humans have perhaps never been as widespread as they are in the 21st century. This can apply to the simple things like our choice in restaurants, tv shows, and books, and to the more serious …

Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia can be devastating diseases for both the patients and families affected. What is it like in the early stages of dementia, when one is aware of the further cognitive decline that …

In this sequel episode, former American infantryman Alan Leggitt shares his experience of serving in the military as bisexual during the era of …

Being part of the military is widely viewed as something honorable, dutiful and patriotic. But as the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq have endured for …

Gene Steinberg was born and raised in a Jewish Hasidic community in New York. At age 28, he made the difficult decision to leave orthodox-Judaism to …

There are few sports as intense as boxing, where you are in a ring, on your own, fighting one-on-one against a fierce competitor. So what is it like to be a boxer? What motivates someone to engage in such an extreme …

Napoleon Bonaparte is considered one of the greatest military leaders of all time. He is often mentioned alongside names such as Alexander the Great …

In this episode, Zale opens up about his own experience with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. What is an obsession, and what is a compulsion? How does …

What are we to do with the books, movies, songs and performances created by some of society's most iconic artists who have later been exposed for certain wrongdoings? Is it enough to denounce them? Or must we reject …

As vaccine rollout is well on its way in many countries around the world, we can begin to consider a return to “normal life” in perhaps the not too …

There has been debate in the sports world over the last month, as Laurel Hubbard was recently selected as the first transgender weightlifter to ever compete in the Olympics Games. On the one hand, this is a huge moment …

With more worldwide attention being brought to issues of global warming, poverty, and human rights violations over the last few decades, more light …

For much of human history, being left-handed has had a certain taboo associated with it. The word for left in Italian, for example, is “sinistra”, which shares roots with the word “sinister”, meaning “evil” in English. …

A year into the pandemic, almost everyone knows someone who has tested positive for covid-19. While the emphasis has rightly focused on the mortality rate, there is another side of covid that is perhaps less talked …

This is the second of a two episode mini-series regarding the situation in Israel and Palestine. We continue to examine the historical roots of the conflict, picking up the story from the aftermath of the 1967 war up …

With the conflict in Israel and Palestine reaching new heights over the past month, we explore the roots of the conflict in this two-part series. In this first episode, we examine the complicated history of the …

In the wake of the Me Too Movement, much more needed attention in society has been focused on the issue of sexual violence. It goes without saying …

The universe is so vast that it is quite literally impossible to comprehend. Yet with so much unknown, there is also so much room for hypothesizing and pontificating. What is the likelihood that other earth-like …

Many fairy tales capture people’s imagination from the time they are kids and then resonate in their hearts even into their adult years. When we …

From a young age, many kids become infatuated with dinosaurs. Perhaps it is the magnitude of their size. Maybe it is the fact that they existed so long ago that they can seem almost like mythical creatures. Dinosaurs …

“Money can’t buy you happiness” … so the adage goes. But deep down, most people would probably still prefer to have more money in their pockets if …

Mike Katchen, co-founder and CEO of Wealthsimple, explains how his company challenges the traditional paradigm of investing. When should we start …

Cheating. Unfaithfulness. Affairs. Understandably, these words are likely to conjure up negative feelings and associations. Cheating in a …

The relationship between humans and non-human animals is a fascinating one. In particular, the pet-owner relationship begs many questions. The …

The Oscars is considered the most prestigious awards ceremony in the entertainment industry. There is a certain magic about the Academy Awards, where some of the greatest films and performances of all time have been …

Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) includes physician-assisted death and euthanasia. On a previous episode of Preconceived, link below, we reviewed what exactly MAID entails and how it applies to a variety of diseases. …

Gangs have a negative connotation associated with them. And given their association with violence and drugs, this is understandable and on many …

For this 100th episode of Preconceived, Zale is joined by his first ever guest from episode one, his mother Robin. On the first episode of this series, Robin discussed the idea of jumping into the unknown and embracing …

When one used to think about psychedelics, the image that most likely came to mind was of someone tripping out during the height of 1960s …

One of humans' most basic instincts is sexual desire. It is natural for humans to have sex, and most people do engage in sexual activity of some kind. Yet as commonplace as sex is, we often don’t talk about it openly. …

On the last episode of Preconceived, we explored the history of the British Monarchy, the legacy of Queen Elizabeth II and analyzed how the Royal Family has adapted in modern times. On this sequel episode, royal …

There is something about royalty and the idea of “the crown” that captures the public’s attention and imagination. Yet while historically, monarchies used to run many countries and empires around the world, only several …

Eric Silverberg and Eli Gladstone, founders of Speaker Labs, shed light on why it is ingrained into our DNA to fear public speaking and how we can look at public speaking "failures" in a more favourable light. Why is …

Humans are conditioned to be attracted to beautiful things and to beautiful people. We use phrases such as “don’t judge a book by its cover” and …

When you meet someone, you probably take stock of their name, gender, age and occupation. These are some of the basic "get-to-know" questions. But how does knowledge of these demographics perhaps impact our perceptions …

When our history books speak of North American history, it can almost read as if Canada and the United States did not exist until the Europeans …

One of the society’s most basic fabrics has been the traditional family unit – that is, a mother, a father, and their biological children. But as …

The first fraternity in the United States was established in the 1700s. And while much has changed since then in regards to what a fraternity is and how it operates, tradition and reverence for past customs is also an …

What is it like to live with an intellectual disability? Jeffery Masci was deprived of oxygen during his birth, which led to lifelong challenges with intellectual disability. This manifested as slower information …

The decision to die by suicide is perhaps one of the most tragic possible outcomes of a person’s life. And while society at large has expanded its understanding and open mindedness regarding mental illness, stigma is …

"Diamonds are Forever" was a slogan used by De Beers to help turn the diamond into a symbol of everlasting love. It is now estimated that up to 80% …

Walking through the meat aisle of a grocery store, do you ever wonder whether it is normal to eat animals? Even if you do think it is normal to eat animals, what about well-documented abuse of animals in the food …

The stripper industry is full of judgments and preconceptions. Strippers are often seen as taking an easy way out to make money, and the men who …

Fictional characters from books, movies and television shows have some of the most resonating impacts on our lives. Yet is it not ironic that many of …

Ferkat Jawdat has been one of the world's most vocal advocates against the genocide of Uighur Muslims in Xinjiang, China. His advocacy stems from the harrowing story of his own family being torn apart by the conflict. …

Do you remember life before social media? Sometimes it is tough to recall such a time when iPhones, Facebook and Instagram weren't a normal part of our daily lives. But as these platforms and media have become …

Tipping is so engrained in our cultural framework that we rarely take a step back to question how this custom developed and why we continue to …

Does age really matter ? Is life so simple that it can be broken down into milestones typically associated with specific ages ? Zale breaks down the preconceptions of aging with his mother Robin Mednick, who has taken …

Amit Gupta was a successful entrepreneur by all accounts, having started several very innovative and successful companies. But when he was suddenly …

One of the most unthinkable nightmares for a parent is that their child encounters danger, whether a serious injury, abducted by a stranger, or god forbid, dies. But does the incidence of these events warrant the degree …

Substance abuse and addiction are common yet often misunderstood. Many of us have an image in our heads when we think about about an alcoholic, yet …

Mike Holding is a wildlife cinematographer who makes wildlife films in the heart of Africa’s wilderness.  Based out of Botswana, he has collaborated …

It is not hard to put a case together that Jesus Christ has been the most influential figure over the past two thousand years. And as the holiday …

In this episode of A Preconceived Moment, we explore the perils of giving and receiving advice.

This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at …

The "pro-life" vs. "pro-choice" dilemma regarding abortion is the centre of much heated debate in the United States. On a previous episode of the podcast, we spoke with an obstetrician regarding abortion in Canada and …

The universe is so vast that it is quite literally impossible to comprehend. Yet with so much unknown, there is also so much room for hypothesizing and pontificating. What is the likelihood that other earth-like planets …

In "A Preconceived Moment", Zale shares some brief reflections on the preconceptions that shape our every day thoughts. In the first episode of this mini-series, Zale reflects on the idealization of "moments" and how …

During the COVID pandemic, it has become even more imperative to examine how we treat our elder generations. In this episode, Zale is joined by geriatrician Dr. Samir Sinha, who sheds light on Western society's general …

One of the most basic frameworks of society includes the traditionally binary approach to gender - male and female. But as more people have opened up about their transgender experiences, many of our preconceptions have …

The conversation surrounding infertility is often shrouded in secrecy. Many prefer to keep their personal struggles quiet, to the point that they may not even share with family and close friends. Dr. Kimberly Liu is an …

This episode from mid 2019 was a listener favourite. Have you ever sat down at a restaurant and felt out of sorts pretending to know which wine to …

After one of the most controversial murder trials in Canadian history, Rick Sauve was ultimately convicted of first degree murder. What followed for …

A person's life can change in the blink of a eye. And for Rick Sauve, that life changing moment came on October 18, 1978, when a member of another bike club was shot and killed right in front of him. Rick, along with …

As election season in the United States is upon us, I am reposting this episode with the wise Mayor Crombie which sheds an honest and candid look on …

The personalization of medical treatments and preventions based on one's unique DNA will likely emerge as a mainstay in the field of medicine. In …

Mark King was diagnosed with HIV in 1985. Before a treatment was developed in the nineties, he saw many close friends succumb to the disease, all the while struggling with the reality of his own diagnosis and that it …

This episode from over a year ago was one of our most popular, helping people navigate one of the most important decisions in their lives - whether …

How would you cope if you suddenly found out that your parents were not who you thought they were? This was the scenario in which many Germans found …

Ari Nagel is perhaps the most famous sperm donor in the world. He has fathered seventy children through sperm donation and has more children on the way. Unlike traditional sperm donation, Ari does not charge any money …

Harvard Professor and psychologist Dr. Deirdre Barrett is one of the most well-renowned dream experts in the world. She joins Zale to discuss all …

Gene Steinberg was born and raised in a Jewish Hasidic community in New York. At age 28, he made the difficult decision to leave orthodox-Judaism to …

On July 7th, Harper's Magazine published "A Letter on Justice and Open Debate", which was signed by world-renowned public figures and thought leaders …

What exactly is magic? Is it simply a series of tricks rehearsed to perfection, or is there a more fantastical element to it? How do mentalism, precision and "deception" play into the world of magic? In a time when …

When many people think about psychedelic drugs, they think about hippies and counterculture in the 1960s. But research into the medical uses of LSD, …

We all know that we are going to die. But even with this knowledge, many of us still do not have last wills and testaments. So why is it so crucial that one does have a will, regardless of age and degree of assets? What …

When examining ancient history, it can be hard to decipher myth from reality. Julius Caesar and Alexander the Great have gained legendary status as …

As the Black Lives Matter movement gains worldwide attention, it is important to take an honest look at the history of Black discrimination in our own country. While perhaps less known, Canada had its own dark history …

In a collaboration with Parachute Canada, Preconceived explores why poisoning is a leading cause of accidental deaths in Canada. Which substances are …

Both the legality of prostitution and the ethics of sex work are highly debated topics worldwide. Is there anything inherently wrong with a person deciding to sell sex for money? Beyond this, what is the relationship …

Nate Leipciger survived the Holocaust over 75 years ago. Like millions of others, Nate's world as he knew it was thrown into unimaginable upheaval. …

As Black Lives Matter takes the world by storm, one might wonder how the change being sought in this moment can be long-lasting? Dr. George Lawson, …

As common as divorce is, it is not devoid of stigma. Many view divorce as a failure of sorts, a failure for a couple to keep alive a marriage to which they were once so devoted. Dr. Elizabeth Cohen, commonly known as …

Money is the currency by which society runs. But our modern conception of money is certainly not reflective of how currency has operated throughout history and perhaps may be different to monetary constructs of the …

Brian Greenspan is one of the most well-respected criminal defence lawyers in Canada. He joins the podcast to share his stories and lessons from years of work in the criminal justice system. What is it like to defend …

When COVID-19 sent us into quarantine, Michael Nightingale's dental practice took a three month hiatus. So what did he do with his time? The only …

Age is one of the primary ways by which society is divided. And with this division comes certain stereotypes about each generation. What historical …

For episode 50 of Preconceived, Zale relinquishes his hosting duties to become this week's guest. Zale reflects on the past year of the podcast and some of the biggest preconceptions that he has tried to better …

Living in a capitalist society, it is easy to believe that it is the best and most fair economic system. We often hear messages that capitalism allows equal opportunity for all and that the rewards you reap in the …

As healthcare continues to evolve, particularly in these times of COVID-19, many services that used to be strictly offered in person are now being …

The field of medicine is rapidly changing. With the advancement of artificial intelligence, computers are often able to make faster and more accurate diagnoses than doctors. As DNA testing becomes more exact, the …

Mike Katchen, co-founder and CEO of Wealthsimple, explains how his company challenges the traditional paradigm of investing. When should we start …

The Pickup Artist community is one that is easily misunderstood. At its core, pickup artistry involves techniques that help men to feel more …

When Julie Lythcott-Haims worked as Stanford Dean of Freshmen, she became concerned by the seemingly increasing lack of independence of her students. …

Karen Silberman had a successful corporate career as an accountant and then a headhunter. But in her forties, she made an unexpected pivot in her …

Cannabis was legalized in Canada over a year ago. But has public perception towards cannabis changed since its legalization? How is cannabis viewed in comparison to traditionally more accepted substances such as …

CBC's Dr. Brian Goldman joins the podcast to discuss the current state of COVID-19 in Canada. What is it like for healthcare workers on the front …

Influencers have taken the worlds of social media and marketing by storm. As this new type of public figure emerges and continues to shape society, …

As the coronavirus pandemic changes much about the world, two of the most affected domains in our lives have been work and travel. Yet as many shift to working remotely, the concept is not entirely new. "Digital …

Most of us assume that we couldn't have gotten to where we are today if it weren't for the rigorous education system we had endured. But what if …

Can you imagine if there was a drug that helped you get over a tough breakup? What about medications to reinvigorate the romance in your relationship? Well, some of these drugs DO exist. Brian Earp, a Yale and Oxford …

Coronavirus has taken the world by storm, and amidst the important facts that have emerged, many preconceptions and misconceptions have also developed. Dr. Gerald Evans, Infectious Disease Professor at Queen's …

In the world of musicians, are the most famous ones the most talented? Is skill level truly what differentiates the mega pop star from the lesser …

Contact sports are dangerous. But just how dangerous? Evidence regarding the dangers of repeated concussions has emerged over the last several decades that make one take pause as an athlete, a coach, a parent and a fan. …

Many parents might debate which school to send their kids, but there usually isn't a debate as to whether they should send their kids to a school at …

Eric Silverberg and Eli Gladstone, founders of Speaker Labs, shed light on why it is ingrained into our DNA to fear public speaking and how we can look at public speaking "failures" in a more favourable light. Why is …

What separates an elite athlete from others in their sport? Is there a psychological and physical recipe to becoming an athlete on the world stage? …

The life coaching industry has really taken off over the past decade. Some people swear by having a life coach, while others don't actually understand what a life coach is. How is a life coach different from a …

What is it like to live with an intellectual disability? Jeffery Masci was deprived of oxygen during his birth, which led to lifelong challenges with intellectual disability. This manifested as slower information …

Shinji Mikamo is a survivor of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima in 1945. His daughter, psychologist Dr. Akiko Mikamo, joins the podcast to share her …

What exactly is hypnosis? And how much do we truly understand about the subconscious and the thoughts that lurk deep in our minds? Hypnotist Luke …

Mike Holding is a wildlife cinematographer who makes wildlife films in the heart of Africa’s wilderness. Based out of Botswana, he has collaborated …

Amit Gupta was a successful entrepreneur by all accounts, having started several very innovative and successful companies. But when he was suddenly …

Circumcision of newborns is a Jewish and Muslim tradition. Beyond that, demographic studies suggest that over 50% of males in the United States are …

When we meet somebody, we immediately apply certain stereotypes to try and “figure out” who they are. The first three things that we subconsciously assess in any encounter are a person’s age, gender and race. Yet …

Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) encompasses both euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide. In Canada and many parts of the world, MAID is slowly becoming incorporated into medical practice, in order to help end the …

It can be tough to understand how so many Americans are on the "pro-gun" side of the gun debate. For many, the issue seems simple - "guns are bad, …

Society conditions us to have particular expectations regarding our careers. Many believe that our work must align with our passions. As the adage …

The Death Penalty is the most severe sentence that can be passed down onto someone in the judicial system. John H. Blume of Cornell University is the Samuel F. Leibowitz Professor of Trial Techniques and the Director …

Yoga teacher Karina Guthrie shares her insights on yoga and what it can unlock for those who practice it. How and why did yoga in Western culture …

What is like to lose your vision? What is like to live with a disability? Taylor Katzel joins the podcast to discuss his experience losing his vision from a rare hereditary condition and what it has taught him about …

We are constantly exposed to advertisements, whether we are always aware of it or not. Forbes 30-under-30 award-winning marketer Tyler Rochwerg …

Former Toronto Mayor David Crombie was known as "The Tiny Perfect Mayor", and as the name reflects, he is one of Toronto's most beloved political …

How does one make the ever important decision of whether or not to have kids? And do enough people really approach this milestone as a conscious decision, or do their preconceptions of what a normal life entails get in …

Have you ever sat down at a restaurant and felt out of sorts pretending to know which wine to order? What stories and backgrounds can be told in one …

Zale is joined again by Eli Gladstone and Eric Silverberg of Speaker Labs for a deep dive on happiness. What makes us happy and what are some of the biggest barriers to happiness? Has the importance of happiness been …

Pockets Warhol is a famous painter. He is also a monkey. Charmaine Quinn, a volunteer caregiver of many animals, including Pockets, discusses …

Dr. Brian Goldman joins the podcast to discuss his latest book, "The Power of Kindness: Why Empathy is Essential in Everyday Life". Is empathy …

What has led to the escalating opioid crisis in North America? Why has opioid addiction increased in recent years? What are some of the best ways to combat the problem? How does mental illness factor into one's reliance …

In this episode from May of 2019, anthropologist Juanita Duque Serrano joins the podcast to discuss nationalism, borders and territories, and how …

Food photographer and co-founder of food company Fidel Gastro's, Kyla Zanardi joins the podcast to discuss her experiences in Toronto’s food industry. How has social media shaped the way we look at food? How does Kyla …

How does someone go from having no tattoos to a body covered in them? How do one's views on living in the moment, permanence and preoccupation with others' perceptions factor into one's decision to get tattoos? Oren …

In the grand scheme of the universe, it can be tough to truly ascribe meaningful value to the brief and minuscule existence of our lives on earth. …

Why is it that certain fictional characters resonate so much with the public at large ? What is it that we learn from our favourite television and …

People typically have strong views on abortion. What informs these views ? Is the Pro choice vs. Pro life argument an overly simplistic framework of dissecting the issue ? An obstetrician who specializes in abortion …

Does age really matter ? Is life so simple that it can be broken down into milestones typically associated with specific ages ? Zale breaks down the preconceptions of aging with his mother Robin Mednick, who has taken …

Welcome to Preconceived, a podcast where we examine the preconceptions that shape how we view the world and challenge the paradigms by which we have been conditioned to live our lives. We explore philosophical themes …