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Preconceived

268 EpisodesProduced by Zale MednickWebsite

Preconceived examines the preconceptions that shape how we view the world and challenges the paradigms by which we live our lives. The show is hosted by ophthalmologist Zale Mednick.

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Farewell

February 22nd, 2024

0:39

An important message from RadioPublic

234. Why Empires Fall - Rome, America, and the Future of the West

March 26th, 2024

42:42

The Roman Empire is thought of as one of the most powerful empires in human history.  But as we all know, the Roman Empire did indeed fall after …

233. Cannibalism

March 19th, 2024

42:06

The idea of one human eating another human is almost unfathomable to most of us.  Even when stories have surface of life and death situations when people were arguably forced to resort to cannibalism in order to …

232. How is Artificial Intelligence Transforming Education?

March 12th, 2024

41:06

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is on the rise, influencing many facets of our lives.  With the emergence of ChatGPT and other AI-related tools, the …

Predicting The Oscars

March 8th, 2024

33:04

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 …

231. The SATs

March 5th, 2024

34:16

The SATs have been a hallmark of the college admissions process for decades in the United States. But this popular standardized test has come under …

230. Personality Disorders

February 27th, 2024

37:24

Personality disorders are listed in the DSM – the bible of psychiatric diagnoses – as a distinct set of psychiatric disorders. Such disorders include narcissistic personality disorder, histrionic personality disorder, …

229. North Korea

February 20th, 2024

58:30

There is perhaps no country in the world more perplexing and bewildering than North Korea. Considered by many as a silo shut off from the rest of the world, much of North Korea is shrouded in mystery. Unfortunately, …

228. Pedophilia

February 13th, 2024

47:47

Pedophilia, understandably, is a word that conjures up negative thoughts, feelings, and emotions. Acting on pedophilic thoughts is a horrible crime, and the ramifications are fittingly severe. But what exactly is …

Life Extension (Part 2) - Do you really want to live forever?

February 8th, 2024

41:54

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

Life Extension (Part 1) - What does the science show?

February 5th, 2024

39:29

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

227. The Retirement Myth

January 30th, 2024

48:03

In the typical preconceived framework in which we tend to view our lives, there are many steps … growing up, getting an education, finding a job, …

226. Free from Desire - No Sex, No Romance

January 23rd, 2024

49:32

Sex and romance are core aspects of most people's lives; yet for some, the role they play is different. Aline Laurent-Mayard has never been attracted …

225. Jihad

January 16th, 2024

42:52

When people hear the word 'Jihad', they likely think of extremism, terrorism, and utter disdain for the West. But what is exactly is Jihad? What are …

Love and Anxiety - Relationship OCD

January 10th, 2024

41:17

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 …

224. Climate Change - 'Science for People Who Give a Shit'

January 3rd, 2024

52:34

For most of us, it’s a known that global warming and climate change are real and problematic Yet at the same time, despite society’s apparent concern at large, the issue has persisted for decades and in many regards, …

223. Taylor Swift - What's all the Hype?

December 19th, 2023

48:37

Taylor Swift is arguably the most famous person in the world – a pop star the likes of whom many of us haven’t seen in our lifetimes. Especially over the past year with the release of her latest album Midnights and her …

222. Salem Witch Trials

December 12th, 2023

45:40

Sometimes our convictions can be so indoctrinated that it’s tough to separate them from reality and the facts in front of us. One such example is the Salem Witch Trials from 1692-1693, where an episode of mass hysteria …

221. Female Sexual Pleasure

December 5th, 2023

36:45

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 …

220. Botox and Fillers

November 28th, 2023

52:04

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

November 21st, 2023

57:19

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

219. Choosing a Baby Name

November 14th, 2023

39:26

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 …

218. America The Great

November 7th, 2023

45:59

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

217. Criminal Lawyer Turned Clown

October 31st, 2023

36:12

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

216. 'Wellness' and 'Mental Health' - Gone Too Far?

October 24th, 2023

36:46

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 …

215. Terror In Israel

October 16th, 2023

40:18

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 …

Dopamine Nation

October 10th, 2023

48:37

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 …

214. The Truth About Recycling

October 3rd, 2023

40:13

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 …

213. Artistic Authenticity - Actor and Author Limitations?

September 26th, 2023

40:24

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 …

212. Bipolar Disorder

September 19th, 2023

37:37

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

211. Is Torture Justifiable?

September 12th, 2023

44:44

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 - A Made Up Thing

September 5th, 2023

46:03

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 …

210. The Sports Agent

August 29th, 2023

35:21

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 …

209. Do You Believe in Jesus?

August 22nd, 2023

48:00

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

208. The Film Critic - What Makes a Great Movie?

August 15th, 2023

36:25

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 …

The Atomic Bomb

August 8th, 2023

43:38

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 …

207. Whole Body MRI

August 1st, 2023

49:34

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 …

206. Plant-Based Food

July 25th, 2023

43:08

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 …

205. Ice Baths and Cold Showers

July 18th, 2023

46:09

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

Israel and Palestine - A Complex History

July 11th, 2023

1:58:46

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 …

204. A New Era of Parenting

July 4th, 2023

44:18

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 …

203. Euphemism Treadmill - Have We Become Too Sensitive?

June 27th, 2023

38:24

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 …

202. The Musician Myth

June 20th, 2023

33:11

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 …

201. Germany - A Complicated Legacy

June 13th, 2023

44:06

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 …

200. The Ultimate Preconceptions

June 6th, 2023

39:44

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 …

199. The Art of Conversation

May 30th, 2023

41:38

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 …

198. Male Birth Control

May 23rd, 2023

41:55

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 …

197. Attention Span

May 16th, 2023

41:10

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 …

Regretting Motherhood

May 9th, 2023

54:50

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 …

196. Myths of Human Evolution and the Ancient Past

May 2nd, 2023

30:34

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 …

195. The Beatles

April 25th, 2023

43:02

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

194. Before Evil - The 'Humanization' of Dictators

April 18th, 2023

47:12

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 …

193. The Sex Club

April 11th, 2023

29:46

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 …

192. Mushrooms and Other Psychedelics

April 4th, 2023

41:04

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

191. Self-Harm and Cutting

March 28th, 2023

45:54

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 …

190. The Aztecs - The Story from Their Perspective

March 21st, 2023

44:22

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 …

189. Serotonin Theory - Do We Actually Understand Depression?

March 14th, 2023

39:36

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 …

Too Honest?

March 7th, 2023

54:57

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 …

188. Antarctica

February 28th, 2023

54:33

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 …

187. 'Drunk' - An Argument for Intoxication

February 21st, 2023

45:50

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

186. Staying Friends with Exes, and 'The Apps'

February 14th, 2023

33:42

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

185. 'Making It' in Hollywood

February 7th, 2023

46:41

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 …

184. Troy - The Motives of War

February 1st, 2023

38:12

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

183. Originalism, The Supreme Court, and America's Future

January 24th, 2023

48:28

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

182. Puberty Blockers

January 17th, 2023

45:44

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

181. Way of the Peaceful Warrior

January 10th, 2023

31:55

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 …

180. A Career Change

December 20th, 2022

46:03

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 …

Pencils for Kids - Giving Back this Holiday Season

December 13th, 2022

57:18

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 …

179. Asexual

December 6th, 2022

28:21

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 …

178. Self Hypnosis

November 29th, 2022

40:51

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 …

177. Leg Lengthening - Surgery to Become Taller

November 22nd, 2022

56:28

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 …

Residential Schools

November 15th, 2022

44:52

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 …

176. Napping

November 8th, 2022

32:25

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 …

175. Transition-Related Surgery

November 1st, 2022

28:19

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

174. Shakespeare - What's all the fuss?

October 25th, 2022

39:35

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 …

173. To Buy or To Rent?

October 18th, 2022

51:53

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 …

172. Astrology - science, religion, or neither?

October 4th, 2022

41:30

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 …

171. Sole Survivor - A glimpse into reality TV

September 27th, 2022

48:55

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 …

170. Preconceived - A Collection of Insights

September 21st, 2022

30:05

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

169. The War Correspondent

September 14th, 2022

32:39

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 …

168. Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs)

September 6th, 2022

44:30

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 …

Would Being a Millionaire Make You Happier?

August 30th, 2022

40:52

“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 …

167. Midwives and Home Births - An 'Alternative' Pregnancy

August 23rd, 2022

42:17

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 …

166. The Talent Agent - Finding the Next Star

August 16th, 2022

51:24

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 …

165. 'Relationship OCD' - The Anxiety of Love

August 9th, 2022

41:17

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 …

164. The Metaverse

August 2nd, 2022

41:34

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 …

Children of Nazis (Re-Post)

July 26th, 2022

39:24

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 …

163. Disciplined Minds - The Subordination of Professionals

July 19th, 2022

35:51

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 …

162. Financial Independence - ChooseFI

July 12th, 2022

50:08

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 …

161. 'Sage on the Stage' - Are Lectures Passé?

July 5th, 2022

30:10

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 …

160. 'The New I Do' - Reimagining Marriage

June 27th, 2022

44:16

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 Other Side - 'Pro Life'

June 23rd, 2022

32:42

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 Other Side - 'Pro Gun'

June 21st, 2022

51:59

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 …

159. Opioid Decriminalization

June 14th, 2022

43:57

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 …

158. Momfluencers

June 7th, 2022

31:36

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

157. The Divorce Lawyer

May 31st, 2022

34:36

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 …

156. 'Japonisme' - Inside the Japanese Mindset

May 24th, 2022

37:28

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 …

155. Free Will

May 17th, 2022

28:04

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 …

154. Forever Young - Would You Choose to Live Indefinitely?

May 10th, 2022

41:54

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

153. Life Extension

May 2nd, 2022

39:29

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

152. Human Sacrifice

April 26th, 2022

33:12

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 …

Veganism - 'A Political Act of Refusal' (Re-post)

April 19th, 2022

43:56

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 …

151. Dopamine Nation - Gambling, Sex & Drugs

April 12th, 2022

48:37

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 …

150. 'Trust In Science'

April 5th, 2022

26:10

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 …

149. War in Ukraine - What Makes This Conflict Different?

March 29th, 2022

36:10

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 …

148. Myths of the Beauty Industry

March 22nd, 2022

52:39

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

147. Emotional Memory

March 15th, 2022

45:24

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 …

146. The Malleability of Human Memory

March 8th, 2022

39:04

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

145. Friends Forever

March 1st, 2022

47:52

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

144. Rise of the Sapien (Part 2)

February 24th, 2022

32:35

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

143. Dawn of the Sapien (Part 1)

February 23rd, 2022

42:32

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 …

142. The Communist 'Dream' - Democracy to Dictators

February 8th, 2022

45:47

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 …

141. Philosophy - 'Intentional Wisdom'

February 1st, 2022

35:35

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 …

140. Doctors - Behind the White Coat

January 25th, 2022

41:15

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 …

139. Birth Order - Why Siblings Are Different

January 18th, 2022

50:05

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, …

138. Six Feet Under (Part 2)

January 11th, 2022

32:59

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 …

137. Six Feet Under (Part 1)

January 4th, 2022

56:28

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 …

Fifty Shades of Preconceived (Re-Post)

December 21st, 2021

46:16

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 …

136. Polyamory (Part 2)

December 14th, 2021

52:29

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

135. Polyamory (Part 1)

December 7th, 2021

53:22

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 …

134. On Death Row

November 30th, 2021

52:28

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, …

133. Dismantling the Corporate Ladder - Anarchy or Utopia?

November 23rd, 2021

42:01

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 …

132. A Tragic Love Affair with Honesty

November 16th, 2021

54:57

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 …

The Sperminator - 100 Kids and Counting (Repost)

November 9th, 2021

46:16

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 …

131. Regretting Parenthood

November 2nd, 2021

54:50

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 …

130. How To Be An Adult

October 26th, 2021

45:51

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

129. Questioning Christianity

October 19th, 2021

46:51

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 …

128. Money - The True Story of a Made-Up Thing

October 12th, 2021

46:03

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 …

Selling Sex (Repost)

October 5th, 2021

35:24

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 …

127. The Psychedelic Trip

September 28th, 2021

42:33

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 …

126. Medieval Times

September 21st, 2021

30:58

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 …

125. Reimagining Education

September 14th, 2021

41:02

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

124. The Choice Paradox

September 7th, 2021

48:44

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 …

123. Alzheimer's

August 31st, 2021

52:22

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 …

122. The American Military - 'Don't Ask Don't Tell' (Part 2)

August 26th, 2021

31:35

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

121. The American Military - Chasing Ghosts (Part 1)

August 23rd, 2021

49:48

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 …

Unorthodox - Leaving Extremist Religion (Repost)

August 17th, 2021

50:16

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 …

120. The Boxer

August 10th, 2021

51:22

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 …

119. Napoleon The Great

August 3rd, 2021

57:19

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

118. My OCD

July 27th, 2021

58:22

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 …

117. Can You Separate The Art From The Artist?

July 20th, 2021

38:01

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 …

116. Life After Covid - 'Back To Normal'

July 15th, 2021

37:59

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 …

115. Transgender Athletes - A Scientific Look at Competitive Advantage

July 12th, 2021

40:13

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 …

114. The New Corporation

July 6th, 2021

51:17

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

113. The Puzzle of Left-Handedness

June 29th, 2021

41:08

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. …

112. Covid Rehab - Beyond the Virus

June 22nd, 2021

35:40

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 …

111. Israel-Palestine (Part 2)

June 17th, 2021

1:11:51

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 …

110. Israel-Palestine (Part 1)

June 14th, 2021

1:17:50

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 …

109. Sexual Violence - The Complexities of Consent

June 8th, 2021

54:17

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 …

Mysteries of the Cosmos (Repost)

June 2nd, 2021

55:33

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 …

108. Breaking the Disney Spell

June 1st, 2021

37:01

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 …

107. Dinosaurs - Rise, Fall, and Legacy

May 25th, 2021

1:02:29

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 …

106. If I Had a Million Dollars

May 18th, 2021

40:50

“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 …

Wealthsimple - A New Way to Invest (Repost)

May 13th, 2021

41:20

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

105. After The Affair

May 11th, 2021

33:03

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

104. The Pet Paradox

May 4th, 2021

49:19

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

103. The Oscars - The Math Behind the Biggest Night in Hollywood

April 30th, 2021

26:44

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 …

102. The Right to Die

April 27th, 2021

39:16

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. …

101. Gangs

April 20th, 2021

48:10

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

100. Pencils for Kids - 'Do it Afraid'

April 13th, 2021

55:12

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 …

99. Psychedelics - Moving Inward

April 6th, 2021

43:04

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 …

98. The Sexless Relationship

March 30th, 2021

31:25

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. …

97. The Crown - Harry and Meghan (Part 2)

March 25th, 2021

39:55

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 …

96. The Crown - Legacy and Duty (Part 1)

March 23rd, 2021

56:32

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 …

Public Speaking - Fear, Failure and Authenticity (Repost)

March 19th, 2021

48:04

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 …

95. Beauty Pays - The Advantages of being Attractive

March 16th, 2021

41:56

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 …

94. The 'Get-To-Know-You' Questions (A Preconceived Moment)

March 11th, 2021

5:54

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 …

93. Indigenous Injustice

March 9th, 2021

43:17

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 …

92. Modern Family - The Impact on Kids

March 2nd, 2021

46:11

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 …

91. The Fraternity Experience

February 23rd, 2021

47:00

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 …

Intellectual Disabilities (Repost)

February 19th, 2021

24:50

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 …

90. Death by Suicide

February 16th, 2021

45:05

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 …

89. 'Diamonds are Forever' - The Engagement Ring

February 9th, 2021

52:44

"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% …

88. Veganism - 'A Political Act of Refusal'

February 2nd, 2021

43:56

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 Stigma (Repost)

January 27th, 2021

36:36

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 …

87. The Irony of Fiction (A Preconceived Moment)

January 25th, 2021

5:09

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 …

86. 'Never Again' - Genocide in China

January 19th, 2021

57:20

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. …

85. The Social Dilemma

January 12th, 2021

45:20

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 …

84. Tipping

January 5th, 2021

43:42

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 …

Jump In! (Repost)

December 29th, 2020

40:44

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 …

Life Reconceived (Repost)

December 24th, 2020

42:41

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

83. Let Your Kids Run Wild!

December 22nd, 2020

36:55

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 …

82. Alcohol and Addiction

December 15th, 2020

43:27

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 …

Filming in the Wild (Repost)

December 10th, 2020

55:25

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

81. Jesus Christ

December 8th, 2020

37:22

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 …

80. A Piece of 'Non-Advice' (A Preconceived Moment)

December 4th, 2020

3:37

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

79. The 'Pro-Life' side of Abortion

December 1st, 2020

29:37

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 …

78. Mysteries of the Cosmos

November 24th, 2020

55:33

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 …

77. 'The Perfect Moment' (A Preconceived Moment)

November 19th, 2020

5:34

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 …

76. Does Western Society Fail its Elders?

November 17th, 2020

44:58

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 …

75. The Transgender Experience

November 10th, 2020

57:21

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 …

74. Infertility - The Miracle of Pregnancy

November 3rd, 2020

55:37

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 …

Wine Deconstructed (Repost)

October 29th, 2020

43:46

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 …

73. In Prison for Murder - Part 2

October 27th, 2020

39:19

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

72. On Trial for Murder - Part 1

October 20th, 2020

44:03

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 …

Toronto Mayor Crombie on Politics (Repost)

October 15th, 2020

49:01

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 …

71. Functional Genomics - My DNA Results

October 13th, 2020

53:53

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 …

70. HIV - 'My Fabulous Disease'

October 6th, 2020

45:20

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 …

The Baby Decision (Repost)

October 1st, 2020

42:45

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 …

69. Children of Nazis

September 29th, 2020

38:42

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 …

68. The Sperminator - 70 Kids and Counting

September 22nd, 2020

45:41

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 …

67. Dreams

September 15th, 2020

43:06

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 …

66. Unorthodox - Leaving Extremist Religion

September 8th, 2020

50:16

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 …

65. Cancel Culture - The Dangers of Censorship

September 1st, 2020

50:21

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 …

64. Magic

August 25th, 2020

45:09

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 …

63. Psychedelics - The Right to Consciousness

August 17th, 2020

39:45

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

62. Last Will and Testament

August 11th, 2020

34:16

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 …

61. The Legacy of Rome - Lessons from Ancient History

August 4th, 2020

45:13

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

60. Black Lives Matter in Canada

July 28th, 2020

55:41

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 …

59. Poison in the Home - Keeping Your Kids Safe

July 26th, 2020

29:21

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

58. Selling Sex

July 21st, 2020

35:24

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 …

57. The Holocaust - A Survivor's Insights

July 14th, 2020

1:00:01

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. …

56. Revolution - How to Influence Change

July 7th, 2020

39:49

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, …

55. The Divorce Doctor

July 1st, 2020

35:27

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 …

54. Cryptocurrency - The Future of Money?

June 29th, 2020

34:57

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 …

53. Criminal Law with Brian Greenspan

June 23rd, 2020

47:39

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 …

52. Nonna Nighty's - Passions, Projects, Hobbies

June 16th, 2020

36:10

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 …

51. Generational Divide - Boomers, Gen X and Millennials

June 10th, 2020

36:51

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

50. Fifty Shades of Preconceived

June 2nd, 2020

45:42

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 …

49. Capitalism: Fairness and Equal Opportunity?

May 26th, 2020

42:15

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 …

47. Virtual Healthcare

May 21st, 2020

29:44

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 …

46. The Era of Personalized Medicine

May 18th, 2020

33:18

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 …

45. Wealthsimple: A New Way to Invest

May 12th, 2020

41:10

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

44. The Pickup Artist: Mystery from The Game

May 5th, 2020

33:17

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

43. Helicopter Parents: How to Raise an Adult

April 28th, 2020

45:04

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

42. Religion, Faith and God: Nobody Knows

April 21st, 2020

36:22

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 …

41. Cannabis: Turning a New Leaf

April 14th, 2020

36:56

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 …

40. COVID-19: A Canadian Update

April 9th, 2020

45:09

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 …

39. Influencers

April 7th, 2020

39:01

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, …

38. Unsettled: Working Remotely and Traveling Differently

March 31st, 2020

40:33

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 …

37. Most Likely to Succeed: Exploring Education Reform

March 24th, 2020

39:47

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 …

36. Love Drugs: the Chemical Future of Relationships

March 17th, 2020

41:48

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 …

35. Coronavirus: Fact and Fiction

March 12th, 2020

43:54

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 …

34. Indie Musicians - Talent, Risk and Fame

March 10th, 2020

35:22

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 …

33. CTE - The Sports Concussion Problem

March 3rd, 2020

37:52

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. …

32. Home Schooling

February 23rd, 2020

38:46

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 …

31. Public Speaking: Fear, Failure and Authenticity

February 11th, 2020

47:16

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 …

30. Athletes - The Psychology of High Performance

February 4th, 2020

48:34

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? …

29. What are Life Coaches?

January 28th, 2020

39:58

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 …

28. Intellectual Disabilities

January 21st, 2020

23:54

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 …

27. Atomic Bomb in Hiroshima

January 13th, 2020

41:59

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 …

26. Hypnosis

January 8th, 2020

42:46

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 …

25. Filming in The Wild

January 4th, 2020

54:54

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

24. Life Reconceived

December 10th, 2019

42:00

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

23. Circumcision: A Moral Dilemma

December 3rd, 2019

38:24

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

22. Ageism

November 26th, 2019

45:24

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 …

21. Should Doctors Help Patients Die?

November 18th, 2019

39:12

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 …

20. Guns in America

November 11th, 2019

49:13

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, …

19. Do you have to love your job?

November 5th, 2019

36:56

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

18. The Death Penalty

October 28th, 2019

38:15

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 …

17. Yoga Beyond the Poses

October 20th, 2019

45:12

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 …

16. Blindness: A perspective on disabilities

October 7th, 2019

48:17

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 …

15. Advertising

September 22nd, 2019

34:32

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

14. Toronto Mayor Crombie on Politics

September 9th, 2019

47:45

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 …

13. The Baby Decision

August 26th, 2019

42:20

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 …

12. Wine Deconstructed

August 11th, 2019

43:03

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 …

11. Happiness Roundtable

July 22nd, 2019

45:59

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 …

10. Animal Intelligence

July 8th, 2019

39:50

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

9. Empathy With Brian Goldman

June 24th, 2019

45:55

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

8. The Opioids Crisis

June 10th, 2019

45:47

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 …

7. Immigration In America

June 3rd, 2019

48:00

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

6. Food Culture

May 6th, 2019

41:23

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 …

5. Tattoos - a Timestamp

April 22nd, 2019

38:33

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 …

4. Nothing Matters

April 11th, 2019

39:45

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. …

3. Fictional Characters: what they can teach us

March 25th, 2019

47:54

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 …

2. Abortion: Reproductive Justice

March 21st, 2019

38:10

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 …

1. Jump In!

March 5th, 2019

38:52

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 …

Preconceived

February 25th, 2019

0:31

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 …

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