Allan Gregg in Conversation (Audio)

Philip Norman On The Biography Of Mick Jagger

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Fri, 23 Nov 2012 15:14:00 EST

Philip Norman is the author of "Mick Jagger". He talks about Jagger and the Rolling Stones and their remarkable history.

Money Manager Stephen Jarislowsky Gives Advice

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Tue, 13 Nov 2012 13:50:00 EST

Canadian money manager Stephen Jarislowsky is the author of "The Investment Zoo". Jarislowsky is known for his defence of shareholders' rights and as an advocate of good corporate governance. He is opposed to excessive CEO packages that include options and bonuses. His advice to investors is to find a company you understand and that is the best-managed in the industry and stay with it. Originally aired June 2005.

Mark Kingwell On Glenn Gould

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 10:38:00 EST

Pianist Glenn Gould is the subject of a new book by philosopher Mark Kingwell. Born in Toronto, Glenn Gould became a towering figure in the world of classical music. Eccentric and reclusive his fame has only grown since his death in 1982. Kingwell's book "Glenn Gould" is part of the Extraordinary Canadians Series. Originally aired January 2010.

Jeremy Rifkin On Entering The Third Industrial Revolution

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Fri, 26 Oct 2012 16:45:00 EST

Economist Jeremy Rifkin is the author of "The Third Industrial Revolution". According to Rifkin, industrial revolutions occur when new energy regimes emerge and new communications systems enable them to become operational. We are now entering a third industrial revolution, one which combines renewable energy and internet technology to transform the power grid.

Yann Martel On The Illustrated Version Of Life Of Pi

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Fri, 26 Oct 2012 15:22:00 EST

Canada's Yann Martel shot to international fame with his novel "Life of Pi". He won the prestigious Booker Prize and his novel went on to sell six-million copies worldwide and a movie version was made with director Ang Lee. Now Martel has come out with a special illustrated edition of "Life of Pi". Originally aired February 2008.

David Pecaut On The Impact Of Technology In The Workplace

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Fri, 26 Oct 2012 15:22:00 EST

David Pecaut and Carla Lipsig-Mumme discuss the impact of technology in the workplace. Does is lead to a reduction in the workforce?Does it empower the workforce? David Pecaut went on to co-found the Toronto annual arts festival Luminato. Sadly, David Pecaut died on December 14th, 2009. This programme was broadcast in April 1995.

Michael Reist

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Tue, 09 Oct 2012 16:45:00 EST

Teacher Michael Reist is the author of "Raising Boys In A New Kind Of World". Reist explains why boys are lagging academically and he gives advice on how to help them succeed in school. He believes teaching definitely needs more male teachers.

Noah Richler

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Tue, 09 Oct 2012 16:45:00 EST

Noah Richler is the author of, "What We Talk About When We Talk About War". He claims that Canadians are being influenced to think of themselves as a "warrior nation", rather than the peacekeeping nation that has historically been part of our national identity.

Jeffrey Rosenthal Explains Probability Theory

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Wed, 03 Oct 2012 15:32:00 EST

In his book "Struck by Lightning: The Curious World Of Probabilities", Professor Jeffrey Rosenthal uses his math skills to explain what probability theory is and how it works. Terrorists, car crashes, flu pandemics; Rosenthal says we're afraid of the wrong things and reveals what we should really worry about. (Originally aired January 2006)

Richard Alvarez - Integrating Health Care Technology

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Sat, 29 Sep 2012 15:47:00 EST

Richard Alvarez, President and CEO of Canada Health Infoway, talks about the benefits of integrating information technology in health care and why it is taking so long to implement in Ontario.

Ilse Treurnicht On The Purpose of MaRS Discovery District

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Sat, 29 Sep 2012 13:55:00 EST

Ilse Treurnicht, CEO of the MaRS Discovery District, explains the purpose of MaRS, which is to foster and promote Canadian innovations by providing an environment where science, technology and social entrepreneurs work side by side.

Sandra Dean On A Public School Miracle

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Sat, 29 Sep 2012 12:53:00 EST

In 1991, Sandra Dean was appointed Principal of South Simcoe Elementary School, a rundown public school in Oshawa, known more for student petty crimes than academic achievement. Dean set about improving the building and the grounds, getting the community involved and initiating a culture of respect for staff and students. Within five years, Dean had turned the school into one of the best in Durham District School Board. Her book is called "Hearts and Minds". (Originally aired September 2000)

Dr. James Orbinski On His Humanitarian Work

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Sat, 22 Sep 2012 15:01:00 EST

Dr. James Orbinski has witnessed some of the most horrific events of our time, from famine to civil war and to genocide in Rwanda. In a new memoir, he recounts those experiences and how they changed him. It's called "An Imperfect Offering: Humanitarian Action in the Twenty-First Century". As president of "Doctors Without Borders, he accepted the Nobel Prize on behalf of the humanitarian group. (Originally aired October 2008)

Roger Martin - In Praise Of Integrated Thinking

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Sat, 22 Sep 2012 15:01:00 EST

Head of the Rotman School of Business, Roger Martin, is the author of "The Opposable Mind". He interviewed fifty successful business leaders to find common attributes. It turned out they had the ability to think in an integrated fashion. He cites Izzy Sharp, founder of the Four Seasons hotel chain, as a prime example. Martin himself used integrated thinking at the Rotman school, to combine research and teaching. (Originally aired March 2008)

David Suzuki On His Book "Everything Under The Sun"

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Sat, 22 Sep 2012 11:27:00 EST

David Suzuki`s new book is "Everything Under The Sun", which explores some of the world`s environmental challenges. Suzuki explains why he left the board of the David Suzuki Foundation and talks about the Harper government's war against the environmentalists.

Roberta Bondar On Coming Down To Earth

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 13:55:00 EST

Five years after her trip on board the space shuttle "Discovery", Canada's first female astronaut Roberta Bondar talks about her life after the epic journey. (Originally aired may 1997)

Harriet Lerner - How Mothering Transforms Us

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 13:55:00 EST

Psychologist and mother Harriet Lerner is the author of "The Mother Dance: How Children Change Your Life". Lerner believes no mother can be prepared for how her life will change after having children. She says that although society sets improbable standards for mothers, it's okay to be imperfect. Furthermore, children teach us many of life's spiritual lessons. (Originally aired Jan 1999)

Jacquie McNish On Canada's Pension Crisis

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Thu, 13 Sep 2012 10:20:00 EST

Jacquie McNish, business writer for the "Globe and Mail", talks about the national pension crisis. Workers are losing their benefits as companies go under. Retirees are under siege and a disturbing number of Canadians don't even have a pension and haven't saved enough to retire. (Originally aired November 2009)

The Rise and Fall of Canada's Real Estate Market

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Thu, 13 Sep 2012 10:20:00 EST

Financial commentator Garth Turner's new book is called "Greater Fool: The Troubled Future of Real Estate". For most of us, buying a house is the biggest investment most of us will ever make. Over the past several years there's been a huge real estate boom. But it appears the boom is over and now the question is - will we see a bust? (Originally aired May 2008)

What Happens When The Baby Boomers Retire?

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Thu, 13 Sep 2012 10:20:00 EST

Economic strategist Sherry Cooper's new book is "The New Retirement: How It Will Change Our Future". With a wave of baby boomers about to retire, Cooper looks at the impact on the labour markets, the economy and financial markets. (Originally aired March 2008)

Daniel Goldhagen Claims Catholic Church Is Anti-Semitic

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Wed, 12 Sep 2012 11:44:00 EST

In his book "A Moral Reckoning", historian and Harvard political scientist Daniel Goldhagen examines antisemitism in Europe with a moral inquiry into the Catholic church's role in the holocaust. (Originally aired December 2002)

Richard Noll's Reveals An All-Too-Human Jung

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Sat, 08 Sep 2012 10:45:00 EST

In his provocative book "The Aryan Christ: The Secret Life of Carl Jung", clinical psychologist Richard Noll looks into the mysticism and religious beliefs of this giant of 20th century psychology and reveals very human being. (Originally aired January 1998)

Rabbi Harold Kushner On What Matters In Life

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Sat, 08 Sep 2012 10:45:00 EST

Rabbi Harold Kushner is the author of "Living A Life That Matters". The books deals with the human conflict of balancing a quest for material success with a quest to become a better person. The release of this book coincides with the twentieth anniversary of his highly regarded book "When Bad Things Happen to Good People". (Originally aired May 2002)

Mary Pipher On The Plight Of Refugees In America

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Thu, 06 Sep 2012 11:20:00 EST

Psychologist Mary Pipher, already known for her 1994 award-winning book "Reviving Ophelia", which examined the effects of societal pressures on adolescent girls, has a new book called "The Middle of Everywhere: The World's Refugees Come to Our Town". The town is Lincoln, Nebraska, an official refugee re-settlement community. Pipher talks about the experience of refugees in Middle-America in a post-September 11 world. (Original show aired June 2002)

Chris Patten - A 2005 Update On Hong Kong And China

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Fri, 31 Aug 2012 15:47:00 EST

Christopher Patten, the last British Governor of Hong Kong, says that eight years after the 1997 handover to China, Hong Kong is still a free city but is not now the only economic gateway to Asia. China, as well as India, are re-emerging as major trade partners, which can only be beneficial for the west. (Originally aired September 2005)

Former Governor Chris Patten Assesses Hong Kong Post 1997

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Thu, 30 Aug 2012 15:47:00 EST

Chris Patten was the last Governor of Hong Kong before its handover from Britain to China in 1997. That appointment gave Chris Patten some unique insights into the world's evolving relationship with China. His book is called "East and West". (Originally aired September 1998)

Henry Giroux On The Corporatization Of American Education

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Thu, 30 Aug 2012 15:47:00 EST

Henry Giroux is one of the world's top educational thinkers and author of "The Terror of Neoliberalism". Giroux left a Professorship at Penn State University, which he found was becoming increasingly corporatized, for McMaster University in Hamilton, to escape the repressive climate of the right wing in the U.S. (Originally aired April 2005)

Xinran on "The Good Women Of China"

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 15:47:00 EST

Xinran has often been referred to as China's answer to Oprah Winfrey. She became China's first radio agony aunt and the heartbreaking stories she heard from Chinese women have been collected in a new book, "The Good Women of China". (Originally aired March 2003)

Jan Wong On Her Years In China

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 13:11:00 EST

Jan Wong is the author of "Red China Blues: My Long March From Mao to Now". The book chronicles Wong's disillusionment with China and Maoism. In 1972, during Mao's Cultural Revolution, Wong was one of only two western students to attend Beijing University. In 1988, she returned to China as a reporter for the Globe and Mail. By then, the country was under the capitalist reform of Deng Xiaoping, and Wong found a very different China. (Originally aired May 1996)

Jan Wong On The Changing Face Of China

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 13:11:00 EST

Journalist Jan Wong has spent many years in China. As as a student at Beijing University, she experienced China during the Cultural Revolution, and later as a reporter for the Globe and Mail, she witnessed Tiananmen Square. On the 50th anniversary of the People's Republic, Jan Wong returned to China to see how things have changed. (Originally aired September 1999)

David Rakoff On The Excesses Of American Culture

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Sat, 25 Aug 2012 11:13:00 EST

Social critic David Rakoff skewers the Bush administration and the excesses of American culture in his book of essays, "Don't Get Too Comfortable." Sadly, David Rakoff died on August 9th, 2012. (Original show aired November, 2005).

Peter Lougheed Relects On His Political Career

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Fri, 24 Aug 2012 10:49:00 EST

Former Alberta Premier Peter Lougheed talks about the role of western Canada; his memories of working with Joe Clark, Stockwell Day and Jean Chretien and the "unite the right" campaign. (Originally aired April 2001)

Ann Jones on Women Who Murder

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Tue, 21 Aug 2012 10:52:00 EST

Ann Jones is the author of "Women Who Kill", which besides being a social history of women in America, features individual cases of female murderers, e.g. Lizzie Borden. (Originally aired April 1997)

Psychologist James Hillman On The Legacy Of Aging

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Tue, 21 Aug 2012 10:52:00 EST

Jungian psychologist James Hillman is the author of "The Force of Character and The Lasting Life". Hillman explains why he believes that a person's true character only emerges in old age. (Originally aired October 1999)

Wade Davis On Everest Expeditions In 1920s

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Sat, 18 Aug 2012 15:28:00 EST

Wade Davis is the author of "Into The Silence", which tells the story of three expeditions to conquer Everest in the early 1920s. It also provides a social history of the time and attributes the characters of the explorers as having been forged by their experiences of World War I.

Joe Sornberger On The Canadians Who Discovered Stem Cells

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Sat, 18 Aug 2012 15:28:00 EST

Joe Sornberger is the author of "Dreams and Due Diligence", which celebrates the ground-breaking discovery of stem cells by Canadian scientists Ernest McCulloch and James Till

Lama Sakyong Mipham on Meditation.

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Sat, 18 Aug 2012 11:17:00 EST

Tibetan Buddhist Lama Sakyong Mipham explains the process and benefits of meditation. (Original show aired May 2003)

Maude Barlow On Her Fight Against Globalization

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Fri, 17 Aug 2012 11:16:00 EST

Anti-Free Trade activist Maude Barlow is the co-author of "Global Showdown: How the New Activists are Fighting Global Corporate Rule" which is a criticism of globalization. (Originally aired May 2001)

Sherwin Nuland

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Fri, 17 Aug 2012 11:16:00 EST

MYTHS OF MEDICINE After medical bestsellers "How We Die" and "The Wisdom of the Body," Dr. Sherwin Nuland's latest book is called "The Mysteries Within: A Surgeon Reflects on Medical Myths." A Gregg and Company segment.

Seymour Hersh On America's Attack On Iraq

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Thu, 16 Aug 2012 10:17:00 EST

Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Seymour Hersh is the author of "Chain of Command: The Road From 9/11 To Abu Ghraib" He talks about George Bush's war on terror following 9/11 and his motivation for the USA's attack on Iraq. He also talks about the horrendous spectacle of Abu Ghraib and who was ultimately responsible. (Original show aired November 2004)

Douglas Gibson's Anecdotes About Celebrities

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Sun, 15 Jul 2012 15:48:00 EST

Douglas Gibson is the author of "Stories About Storytellers". He talks about his encounters with many writers; including Alice Munro, Robertson Davies, Barry Broadfoot, Brian Mulroney and Pierre Trudeau.

Alan Hollinghurst on "The Strangers Child"

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Sun, 15 Jul 2012 15:48:00 EST

British author Alan Hollinghurst, whose book "The Line of Beauty" won the Booker Prize in 2004, talks about his latest book, "The Stranger's Child".

James Laxer on Tecumseh and Brock

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Sun, 01 Jul 2012 13:56:00 EST

James Laxer is the author of "Tecumseh and Brock: The War of 1812". Sometimes known as "The Forgotten War", Laxer outlines the events of the war and offers profiles of Tecumseh and Brock, who had formed an unlikely alliance, which resulted in changing the course of Canadian history.

A Portrait of Margaret Atwood

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Wed, 27 Jun 2012 13:08:00 EST

After Margaret Atwood won the Man Booker Prize for "The Blind Assassin" in 2000, Studio 2 produced this short feature to honour Atwood for her literary achievements. This item originally aired in December 2001.

Dan Rather On His Autobiography

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Tue, 26 Jun 2012 13:08:00 EST

Journalist and former CBS news anchor Dan Rather talks about his biography "Rather Outspoken: My Life In The News". He discusses many of the big stories in his career; from covering a Martin Luther King rally as a young reporter and witnessing first hand the horrors of the Ku Klux Klan; to the assassination of John F. Kennedy; Richard Nixon and Watergate; George Bush Senior and the Iran-Contra affair, and his dismissal from CBS for reporting of George W. Bush's limited National Guard Service; to his emotional appearance on David Letterman after 9/11.

25th Anniversary Trillium Book Awards Celebrity Panel

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Tue, 26 Jun 2012 11:08:00 EST

Allan Gregg moderates the Celebrity Panel for the critics' pick for the 25th Anniversary of the Trillium Book Awards. Panellists are: Mark Medley (National Post), Zaib Shaikh (CBC), Eleanor Wachtel (CBC) and Matt Wells (MuchMusic). (The winner was "The English Patient" by Michael Ondaatje)

Sylvia Nasar On The World's Most Influential Economists.

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Sun, 24 Jun 2012 11:44:00 EST

Economist Sylvia Nasar, whose book "A Beautiful Mind" became a movie hit, has written a new book', "Grand Pursuit: The Story of Economic Genius". The book is an account of the most influential economists since the era of Charles Dickens in mid-Victorian England, including Karl Marx, John Maynard Keynes, Milton Friedman and others, through to present-day India and Amartya Sen.

Richard Stursberg On His Time At CBC

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Sun, 17 Jun 2012 15:29:00 EST

Richard Stursberg was appointed Head of Television Services at CBC in 2004. His book "The Tower of Babble: Sins, Secrets and Success Inside The CBC", is an account of his time there and his struggle to increase low audience figures by broadcasting more populist shows. Although he succeeded in raising audience figures, his controversial ideas lead to his dismissal in 2010.

William Fowler on the Seven Years' War

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Thu, 14 Jun 2012 14:46:00 EST

History professor William Fowler is the author of "Empire: The Seven Years' War and the Struggle for North America." Fowler maintains that the Seven Years' Was was actually the first global world war. It ended in 1763 with the Treaty of Paris, which marked the emergence of the British Empire, which in turn shaped the world we live in today. (Originally aired January 2006).

A History Of Personal Hygiene

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Wed, 13 Jun 2012 14:46:00 EST

Katherine Ashenburg is the author of "The Dirt on Clean: An Unsanitized History" which explores our changing attitudes to washing. From the Romans who made bathing a complete social activity and spent many hours performing their ablutions, to the Middle Ages, when they believed water was the enemy and finally to modern times, when we are almost paranoid about our cleanliness. (Originally aired June 2009)

John Fraser On The Increasing Popularity Of The Royal Family

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Sun, 10 Jun 2012 11:10:00 EST

John Fraser is the author of "The Secret of the Crown". He talks about the resurgence of the popularity of the British royal family, which he attributes to the upcoming Diamond Jubilee, the marriage of William and Kate and in Canada, the Harper government's increased recognition of the monarchy as being part of Canada's identity.

The 1990s - A Boom Time In America

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Wed, 06 Jun 2012 13:56:00 EST

In his book "The Best of Times: America In The Clinton Years", Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Haynes Johnson sums up the 1990s as an era of peace, prosperity, scandal, and missed opportunities. It was a time of unprecedented wealth; revolutions were taking place in technology with the world-changing Internet, and in medicine with the mapping of the human genome. However, there was another America dominated by a media filled with scandal and celebrity. 9/11 was definitely a catalyst for change. (Originally aired November 2001)

Natalie Angier Explores The Female Physiology

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Mon, 04 Jun 2012 15:29:00 EST

Pulitzer Prize-winning science writer Natalie Angier, is the author of "Woman: An Intimate Geography", which is an investigation of female physiology and an explanation of how biology affects us as who we are. (Originally aired June 1999)

The Tragic Life of Sexually Re-Assigned David Reimer

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Mon, 04 Jun 2012 15:29:00 EST

John Colapinto is the author of "As Nature Made Him: The Boy Who Was Raised as a Girl." The book recounts the tragic story of David Reimer of Manitoba, an identical twin boy who was raised as a girl after a tragic accident to his genitalia. Sadly David Reimer committed suicide in May 2004. (Originally aired March 2000)

Alzheimers: Why So Many People Have It

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Mon, 04 Jun 2012 15:29:00 EST

David Shenk is the author of "The Forgetting: Alzheimer's, Portrait of an Epidemic". Shenk talks about this insidious disease, which, because of an ageing population, seems to be reaching epidemic proportions. There is still no known cause or cure although some drugs can mask some symptoms experienced in the early part of the disease. (Originally aired: November 2001)

Dr. Sanjay Gupta - full show

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Sat, 02 Jun 2012 12:12:00 EST

Neurosurgeon and CNN medical correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta has written a novel, "Monday Mornings". The title refers to the closed-door morbidity and mortality meetings which doctors attend on Monday mornings, to discuss medical errors. Dr. Gupta also talks about being embedded with troops in Iraq in 2003, and performing brain surgery in the field. On the topic of healthcare in the U.S., he believes more should be done to prevent rather than treat diseases. He thinks it is possible to eradicate heart disease.

Rachel Simmons On How Girls Show Aggression

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Mon, 28 May 2012 10:53:00 EST

Rachel Simmons is the author of "Odd Girl Out: The Hidden Culture of Aggression in Girls". Whereas boys' aggression often takes a physical form, girls will be more subtle, using manipulation and name-calling or threatening isolation from their peers. (Originally aired October 2002)

Jeffrey Rubin On Why High Oil Prices Stop Growth

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Sat, 26 May 2012 10:57:00 EST

In his new book "The End of Growth", economist Jeffrey Rubin says that the end of cheap oil will mean the end of growth. He explains the impact high oil prices have on the economy as they cause higher inflation and interest rates, thereby pushing the country into a recession.

Timothy Ferris on "The Whole Shebang"

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Fri, 25 May 2012 14:15:00 EST

Pulitzer Prize-winning author Timothy Ferris, talks about his latest book, "The Whole Shebang", which is about the state of the universe. (Original show aired June 1997)

David Hackett Fischer on Samuel de Champlain

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Fri, 25 May 2012 14:15:00 EST

In his new book, "Champlain's Dream", Pulitzer Prize-winning American historian David Hackett Fischer, brings to life a giant of Canadian history, explorer Samuel de Champlain. (Originally aired April 2009)

Roger Martin On Overhauling The Corporate World

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Sat, 19 May 2012 11:41:00 EST

Head of the University of Toronto's Rotman School of Management, Roger Martin talks about his book "Fixing the Game". He says it's time to overhaul the corporate world and to stop believing that corporations exist only to maximize shareholder value. Businesses should go back to being customer-based.

Robert Bork - Critic of Judges, Defender of Democracy

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Fri, 18 May 2012 10:16:00 EST

American legal scholar Robert Bork is the author of "Coercing Virtue: The Worldwide Rule of Judges". He is critical of the role of judges whom, he says, often become activists making up constitutional law themselves, thereby usurping the power that belongs to the people and their representatives. (Originally aired April 2002)

Susan Faludi On The Modern American Man

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Fri, 18 May 2012 10:16:00 EST

After the success of her 1991 book, "Backlash: The Undeclared War Against American Women", Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Susan Faludi has written "Stiffed: The Betrayal of the American Man", which paints a sympathetic portrait of embattled modern men. (Originally aired October 1999)

Jonathan Rauch Supports Gay Marriage

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Wed, 16 May 2012 10:57:00 EST

In his book "Gay Marriage", Jonathan Rauch posits that gay marriage reinforces the institution of marriage and all people should be allowed to participate in it. (Originally aired May 2004).

Anna Quindlen On Getting The Most Out Of Life

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Wed, 16 May 2012 10:57:00 EST

In her book "A Short Guide To A Happy Life", Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Anna Quindlen gives us her take on domestic and political life, from graduating university to living through the new Bush administration. (Originally aired January 2001)

Jan Wong On Her Battle With Depression

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Sat, 12 May 2012 12:39:00 EST

In her book "Out of the Blue", Jan Wong describes her spiral into depression and her struggle to come to terms with the diagnosis.

Janice Stein on "Diplomacy In The Digital Age"

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 17:09:00 EST

Global affairs expert Janice Stein is the editor of "Diplomacy in the Digital Age", a collaboration of essays inspired by former Ambassador to the United States, Allan Gotlieb, who believed the art of diplomacy had to change to adapt to the digital age. In this conversation, Stein addresses WikiLeaks, which she believes could not have happened before 9/11; Stephen Harper's more muscular foreign policy, trade with the U.S. and Canada's poor reputation for safeguarding the environment.

Danielle Crittenden Says Feminists Have A Lot To Answer For

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 14:41:00 EST

Danielle Crittenden is the author of "What Our Mothers Didn't Tell Us". She believes that the present generation of young women may be the victims of their mothers' generation of feminism. Although these women have great freedom, they still feel trapped and unhappy. The message they inherited was that career is all and marriage and family should be postponed. She explains why this advice has backfired. (Originally aired March 1999)

Ron Graham On Trudeau And The Constitution

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Sat, 14 Apr 2012 13:48:00 EST

Ron Graham is the author of "The Last Act", which is an account of Trudeau's struggle to make Canadians fully independent and to entrench the Charter of Rights and Freedoms

Dave Chilton "The Wealthy Barber Returns"

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 17:09:00 EST

After the huge success of "The Wealthy Barber", Dave Chilton has written a follow-up; "The Wealthy Barber Returns". He dispenses financial advice for this economy, and addresses the subjects of personal debt and the importance of saving.

John English On Trudeau's Biography Pt 1

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 13:21:00 EST

John English is the author of "Citizen of the World: The Life of Pierre Elliott Trudeau". The book reveals intimate details about the former prime minister's personal life, from his time in psychoanalysis to his relationships with women. (Originally aired January 2007)

Doris Kearns Goodwin On The Glory Days Of Baseball

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 10:21:00 EST

Pulitzer Prize-winning biographer and historian Doris Kearns Goodwin talks about her new book "Wait Till Next Year". It is a poignant memoir about growing up in New York in the 1950s and her passion for baseball, specifically the Brooklyn Dodgers, which she inherited from her father. She believes the 50s were the glory days of baseball and she tells a charming anecdote about getting the autograph of her hero, Jackie Robinson. (Originally aired January 1998)

Psychologist Lt. Col. Dave Grossman On The Act Of Killing

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 10:21:00 EST

Psychology professor Lt. Col. Dave Grossman talks about his new book "On Killing: The Psychological Cost of Learning to Kill in War and Society". He maintains that it is inherent in us to resist killing our own species and that research has proven that many soldiers engaged in face-to-face combat found it difficult to kill. Soldiers can be trained however, to overcome that resistance. Some veterans are still plagued with guilt about taking another man's life, but this guilt can be eased if they are assured that what they did was right. Addressing the rise in civilian murders, he believes that part of the reason is that children are becoming desensitized to violence because they are associating the bombardment of graphic images by the media with pleasure. (Originally aired March 1996).

Peter Reinart - Why U.S. Should Return To Its Liberal Roots.

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 11:27:00 EST

Political pundit Peter Beinart believes a return to the historical roots of liberalism will be the only political movement to save the U.S. and its place as a positive force in the world. Only liberals can win the war on terror by promoting freedom throughout the world. His book is called, "The Good Fight." (Originally aired June 2006)

Alan Young on Decriminalizing Drugs

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 11:27:00 EST

Law Professor Alan Young has ruffled some feathers in the legal profession with his book "Justice Defiled: Perverts, Potheads, Serial Killers and Lawyers". He believes that drug use should be decriminalized, his argument being that too much money and court time is being used in the prosecution of drug users. He believes that if recreational drug use, including heroin and cocaine, was legal, the majority of people would use them responsibly. However, he concedes that some would not and possibly more users would become addicted. He also believes prostitution should be decriminalized. He takes a swing at his own profession, which he says is rife with hypocrisy and greed, and at the use of plea bargaining, which he sees as a sham, used only by lawyers to ditch unprofitable cases quickly. (Originally aired November 2003)

Neuroscientist Marc Lewis On His Drug Addiction

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Sat, 31 Mar 2012 16:16:00 EST

Neuroscientist Marc Lewis is a former drug addict. He talks about his descent into addiction, how he finally got clean and why he'll always be an addict. His book is "Memoirs of an Addicted Brain".

Patchen Barss On Pornography's Effect On The Internet

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Sat, 31 Mar 2012 16:16:00 EST

Patchen Barss is the author of "The Erotic Engine". Barss contends that the main driving force behind the evolution of the internet, has been the pornography industry. Their early use of video streaming and their dominance in the commercialization of the internet, helped build up bandwidth. Barss thinks their next innovation will be tactile forms of communication.

Loretta LaRoche on Humour and Health

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 16:09:00 EST

Loretta LaRoche explains how laughter is the best prescription to reduce stress and improve health. A popular lecturer, LaRoche is a proponent of the positive effect of humour on healing. Her book is "Relax: You May Only Have a Few Minutes Left". (Originally aired June 1998)

Michael Gurian On How Girls Learn

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 16:09:00 EST

As a sequel to his best-selling book "The Wonder of Boys", Michael Gurian has now released "The Wonder of Girls: Understanding the Hidden Nature of our Daughters". Gurian explains how biology, brain structure and hormones such as oxytocin and cortisol, are all factors that affect girls' academic performance and behaviour. (Originally aired September 2002

Michael Gurian On Why Girls In School Do Better Than Boys

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 16:09:00 EST

Author Michael Gurian is the author of "The Minds of Boys", which is an explanation of why boys are failing at school. He researched schools in 35 countries to find out why girls were outstripping boys. He believes the reason lies mainly with the learning differences of the two genders which are pre-determined by structural differences in the brain. Girls have a greater capacity for verbal skills, which encompass reading, writing and speaking, while boys have a natural advantage with spatial/mechanical skills. (Originally aired October 2006.)

Drew Haden Taylor On Aboriginal Humour

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 11:01:00 EST

Drew Hayden Taylor is an Ojibway from Ontario's Curve Lake Reserve. A playwright and columnist, Taylor spent 15 years writing and researching aboriginal humour. His book, "Me Funny" is a collection of essays on humour by native writers. He believes aboriginal humour, which tends to be self-depricating, has been an important survival tool used to help them through difficult times, such as colonization, residential schools and adoptions. (Originally aired June 2006)

Jeanne Beker On Her Autobiography "Jeanne Unbottled"

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 16:16:00 EST

Jeanne Beker's autobiography is called "Jeanne Unbottled: Adventures in High Style". She talks about the early days as co-host of "The NewMusic", and then as host of "Fashion Television". There are anecdotes about the celebrities she met and she touches on the seamier side of the industry; drug use and racism.. (Originally aired February 2001).

Ted Fishman - Consequences Of An Ageing Population

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Sat, 24 Mar 2012 16:47:00 EST

Ted Fishman is the author of "Shock of Gray", which looks at potential global implications, both political and financial, of an ageing population. He foresees generational conflict and the universal demise of pensions.

Robin Sharma - The Sequel To "The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari"

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Sat, 24 Mar 2012 16:47:00 EST

Self-help guru Robin Sharma, author of "The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari", which paralleled his own life, has now written a sequel; "The Secret Letters of the Monk Who Sold His Ferrari".

Charles Sirois On His Career In Communications

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 14:55:00 EST

Communications entrepreneur Charles Sirois talks about his career. Sirois partly attributes his success to his strengths as a visionary and as a communicator. Early on, he saw the potential of wireless technology and the possibility of delivering internet services through wireless telephones. He is the author of "Organic Management: Creating a Culture of Innovation". (Originally aired October 2000)

Sholom Glouberman

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Sat, 17 Mar 2012 16:36:00 EST

Health care expert Sholom Glouberman is the author of "My Operation" . When he recently had to undergo a stay in hospital, he saw the health care system from the inside and was disgusted. Because of his experience, he started the advocacy group "Patients' Association of Canada".

Michael Bliss

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Sat, 17 Mar 2012 16:36:00 EST

Historian Michael Bliss is the author of "The Making of Modern Medicine", which looks at a turning point in the treatment of disease from 1885-1922, during which time medicine started to become more science-based, microbes were discovered and there was much more investment in health care.

David Starkey on Queen Elizabeth I

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 14:55:00 EST

British constitutional historian David Starkey has written a biography of Queen Elizabeth I, about whom there is an enduring fascination. It is called "Elizabeth: The Struggle for the Throne." (Originally aired May 2001)

David Attenborough Enthuses About His Work

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 14:55:00 EST

Naturalist Sir David Attenborough explains why he believes wildlife documentaries have become so popular. He adds that new technology allows him greater access to his subjects, be they plant or animal. (Originally aired Octobetr 1995)

Daniel Goleman Explains Emotional Intelligence

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 14:55:00 EST

Psychologist and journalist Daniel Goleman is the author of "Working With Emotional Intelligence". Goleman believes that I.Q. is not longer as valued as it once was as being an indicator of a person's success. Now it is Emotional Intelligence that has become the new yardstick. Emotional Intelligence refers to areas like self-awareness, empathy and social skills, and it is these qualities that employers are now looking for. (Originally aired February 1999)

Xinran - Memories of the Cultural Revolution

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 14:55:00 EST

British-Chinese journalist Xinran is the author of "China Witness: Voices From A Silent Generation". Her research is based on years of interviews with Chinese people of the last two generations. Older people were not used to being asked their opinions on anything and tended to be quite suspicious at first. Despite having lived through extreme hardship, many still share a nostalgia for the days of Mao.The younger generation knew nothing of the Cultural Revolution or of the sacrifices and efforts made by their parents.. (Originally aired Deceber 2009)

Loretta Napoleoni On Why China Is Thriving

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Sat, 03 Mar 2012 16:47:00 EST

Economics Professor Loretta Napoleoni, is the author of "Maonomics: Why The Chinese Make Better Capitalists Than We Do". In it, she ascribes China's success to their flexibility. Having witnessed the demise of communism in Russia, China, in a bid to ward off a similar fate, decided to pump money into the infrastructure. This they did by tempting foreign investors with the promise of cheap labour, which in turn, gave many Chinese people an opportunity to earn money, and thus create a middle class. She thinks the West can learn a lot from China but that we are too ideological, too rigid. The West must produce more in order to slow the shifting balance of power from West to East.

Taiaiake Alfred On His Indigenous Manifesto

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 16:47:00 EST

Native activist and professor Taiaiake Alfred is the author of "Peace, Power, Righteousness: An Indigenous Manifesto". In it, he acknowledges that the Canadian government has tried to redress historic unjustices and to raise the economic well-being of indigenous peoples. However, their offer of help often comes with too many strings attached. Quite often, some band leaders respond to government-offered incentives and end up becoming assimilated into western government culture. Self-government is desirable but it must be a government that is reflective of their own culture by being more consenus-based. It is imperative that the younger generation of indigenous peoples re-connect with their traditions. (Originally aired April 2008)

David Suzuki on the Symbiosis Between Species

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 13:48:00 EST

David Suzuki is co-author of "Tree: A Life Story", (augmented by illustrations from Robert Bateman) which spans the 700-year life cycle of a Douglas fir. How the survival of the tree is interlinked with a myriad of plant and animal life, is a metaphor for humans, whose lives are also part of a diverse ecosystem. Suzuki believes that one of the root causes of environmental problems is that there is often a disconnect between human behaviour and its outcomes. He also mentions the Nature Challenge and gives tips on some effective ways to conserve nature. (Originally aired November 2004)

Ray Jayawardhana - full show

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 11:54:00 EST

Astronomer Ray Jayawardhana is author of "Strange New Worlds", which is about our search for new planets and alien life. In the last 15 years, astronomers have discovered hundreds of new planetary systems and if some of these planets have life-sustaining properties, then they may support alien life, even if only at the bacterial level.

Bishop John Spong On Interpreting The Gospels

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 12:22:00 EST

Controversial Bishop John Spong has written another book, "Liberating The Gospels", the sub-title of which is "Reading The Bible With Jewish Eyes". In it, he says that because the Gospels were written by Jews in a midrashic style, the stories should not be taken as literal narratives but rather as portraits to capture the impact of Jesus. (Originally aired February 1997)

Jospeh Nye Explains The Term "Soft Power"

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 10:15:00 EST

Joseph Nye is Dean of Harvard's Kennedy School of Government and former Assistant Secretary of Defence in the Clinton administration. His new book is called "Soft Power: The Means to Success in World Politics." He defines "soft power" as being the power to attract others to your value system. He further explains why America lost a lot of soft power after their invasion of Iraq. An example of a country with increased soft power is Norway, because of its role in peace processes. Canada, he believes, has some soft power but not enough hard power. (Originally aired April 2004)

David McCullough on Americans in Paris between 1830-1900

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 13:45:00 EST

Pulitzer Prize-winning author David McCullough has written "The Great Journey", which covers account the period 1830-1900 in which many American artists and scientists who lived and studied in Paris. Subjects include Samuel Morse, James Fenimore Cooper and Charles Sumner. Sumner witness racial equality whilst at the Sorbonne and became an abolitionist when he returned to the U.S. McCullough also mentions his past biography of President John Adams and states that the calibre of the Founding Fathers was far superior to that of modern day politicians.

Chrystia Freeland on Russia's Transition to Capitalism

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 10:46:00 EST

Journalist Chrystia Freeland is the author of "Sale of The Century" which covers Russia's journey from communism to capitalism. The transition caused a huge drop in the standard of living for the average Russian but was also responsible for the birth of the super-wealthy oligarchs, who were given control of the country's natural resources in return for their political support. (Originally aired May 2005)

John Ralston Saul On The Work Of PEN International

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 11:54:00 EST

John Ralston Saul is President of PEN International. He talks about the work of PEN in protecting the rights of writers around the world and of his work in preserving indigenous languages.

Samantha Nutt - full show

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 11:54:00 EST

First guest is Dr. Samantha Nutt, co-founder of War Child Canada. Her new book is "Damned Nations", in which Dr. Nutt writes about her sixteen years working in war-torn countries. She believes, that unwittingly, Canadians have become consumers of war because of the trade in "blood minerals" and heavy investment in arms companies by Canadian pension funds. Second guest is John Ralston Saul, President of PEN International. He talks about the work of PEN in protecting the rights of writers around the world and of his work in preserving indigenous languages.

Dr. Philip Hebert On The Incidence of Medical Errors

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 11:54:00 EST

Medical Ethicist Dr. Philip Hebert reviews the nature of medical mistakes that occur in doctor's offices, labs and hospitals, and what medical professionals and patients can do to help prevent them. Dr. Philip Hebert is Director of Clinical Ethics at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto. (Originally aired May 2003)

George Elliott Clarke On His Book "George and Rue"

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 11:54:00 EST

George Elliott Clarke explores violence, racism and poverty in the Maritimes in the 1940s in his book, "George and Rue". It is a part fiction, part fact story based on a real event; that of his two cousins who were executed for murdering a cab driver. Apart from the book, Elliott Clarke says that black history has very little presence in Canadian history books. He also comments on his involvement with trying to get "To Kill A Mockingbird" replaced in the school curriculum with a book by an African writer who would have a different take on racism. (Originally aired February 2005)

Georges Laraque on his Autobiography

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 15:27:00 EST

Retired NHL player Georges Laraque has written his autobiography, entitled "Georges Laraque - The Story of the NHL's Unlikeliest Tough Guy". As a child he knew he wanted to play professional hockey. Despite the racism he faced, which he actually attributes to having made him more determined to succeed, he did reach his goal. He talks also about the role of the enforcer; his time playing in Sweden during the NHL lock-out and his decision to adopt a vegan lifestyle which led to him becoming a spokesperson for PETA and also deputy leader of the Green party.

Barbara Coloroso Gives Expert Advice on Parenting Issues

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 13:45:00 EST

Parenting expert Barbara Coloroso is the author of "Kids Are Worth It!". In this interview, she divides parenting styles into three categories; jelly fish, brick wall and backbone and describes hypothetical situations and how each type of parent would react. (Originally aired February 1997)

Peter C. Newman on The Secret Mulroney Tapes

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 13:45:00 EST

Peter C. Newman is the author of "The Secret Mulroney Tapes", which is a highly controversial and unflattering biography of former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney. During his research, Newman logged 98 hours of interviews with Mulroney, his family and colleagues. When it was released, Mulroney was furious and said he felt he had been betrayed by Newman. (Originally aired October 2005).

Child Psychiatrist Dr. Paul Steinhauer on Child Development

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 13:52:00 EST

Child psychiatrist Dr. Paul Steinhauer is a strong proponet of healthy child development being a factor in preventing psychiatric disorders later in life. He believes you can identify traits in kindergarten children that are signs of potential future behavioural problems. He sees child poverty as being one of the biggest precursors to antisocial behaviour. (Originally aired April 1997)

Walter Isaacson

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 10:34:00 EST

Walter Isaacson interviewed Steve Jobs over a period of two years to gather material for his biography of him; "Steve Jobs". He sees Jobs as an artistic and marketing genius who, although could often be uncompromising and petulant, was always a perfectionist and garnered great loyalty from his staff at Apple.

Michael Bliss on his Book "Right Honourable Men"

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 10:16:00 EST

In historian Michael Bliss' latest book "Right Honourable Men: The Descent of Canadian Politics from Macdonald to Mulroney" he provides mini-biographies of ten Canadian Prime Ministers, assessing each one on their suitability and performance. Originally aired December 1994)

Prof. Bill Buxton Predicts the End of Personal Computers.

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 10:16:00 EST

Prof. Bill Buxton is both a critic and a visionary in the world of computer technology. He predicts the demise of personal computers as he foresees more people and households will be using smaller hand-held devices. He comments on the animation industry in Canada and of the need for more funding for research. (Originally aired June 1998)

Peter C. Newman

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 15:28:00 EST

Author Peter C. Newman talks about his latest book "When The Gods Changed" which chronicles the demise of the Liberal party in Canada.

Israeli politician Natan Sharansky on democracy

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 10:34:00 EST

Israeli cabinet minister Natan Sharansky is the author of "The Case for Democracy." A Soviet-born dissident, Sharansky spent nine years as a political prisoner during the Cold War. He believes Yasser Arafat, who died on November 11th, was an obstacle to peace so now feels more optimistic about achieving harmony in the middle east. (Originally aired November 2004)

Maude Barlow on the world water crisis

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 10:34:00 EST

Maude Barlow's book "Blue Gold" highlights the global water crisis and Barlow's concerns over the privatization and export of water. (Originally aired April 2002)

Maude Barlow on the world's water crisis

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 10:34:00 EST

In her new book "Blue Covenant: The Global Water Crisis and the Coming Battle for the Right to Water", Maude Barlow says the world is running out of fresh water. Humans have done a wonderful job of polluting, displacing and mismanaging water. Even here in Canada, the supply of fresh water is shrinking. How did the world's largest resource become so threatened and what can be done about it? (Originally aired February 2008)

Gwynne Dyer on the global effects of climate change

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 13:16:00 EST

Global food shortages, waves of refugees, countries at war over dwindling resources. In a new book, Gwynne Dyer offers a terrifying vision of the not-too-distant future, all driven by the effects of global warming. Dyer is a Canadian journalist and historian. His book is called "Climate Wars". (Originally aired June 2009)

Paul Burrell on Diana, Princes of Wales

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 11:27:00 EST

Paul Burrell, former butler to Diana, Princess of Wales, has written about his life in royal service; "A Royal Duty". He talks about the love and support the Queen and Prince Philip gave to Diana, and how Diana's own family abandoned her. (Originally aired November 2003)

Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish's remarkable story of forgiveness.

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 10:59:00 EST

Palestinian doctor Izzeldin Abuelaish is the author of "I Shall Not Hate: A Gaza Doctor's Journey". Dr. Abuelish has every right to hate; in 2009, during the Gazi war, the Israeli Defence Force bombed his house; killing three of his daughters and a niece. Remarkably, Dr. Izzeldin resolved not to hate the Israelis but to try to do something positive so that the sacrifice of his daughters would not be in vain. Hate, he believes, is the strongest weapon of mass destruction. Since that time, he has dedicated his life to bringing peace to the Arab/Israeli conflict. Dr. Abuelaish now lives and works in Toronto.

Laurier LaPierre on Sir Wilfrid Laurier

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 15:28:00 EST

Laurier LaPierre has written a biography of his hero, Canada's seventh Prime Minister, Sir Wilfrid Laurier, his namesake. The book is called "Sir Wilfrid Laurier and the Romance of Canada". (Originally aired June 1997)

Bishop John Spong on his memoir "Here I Stand".

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 15:28:00 EST

Liberal Bishop John Spong has often caused controversy for encouraging people to challenge biblical interpretations and re-think religious tenets. He believes the invasion of the church by religious fundamentalists is driving away many of the more liberal-minded church-goers. In his childhood in the southern U.S. in the 1930s, he witnessed racism and that made him vow to end all forms of discrimination in the church. His memoir is called "Here I Stand". (Originally aired May 2000)

Domestic goddess Nigella Lawson

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 10:25:00 EST

Nigella Lawson reacts to her unofficial title of "domestic goddess" and goes on to talk about her education, her marriage to her first husband and her philosophy in the kitchen. Her lates book is called "Feast: Food That Celebrates Life". (Originally aired December 2004)

Anita Rau Badami on her book "Tell It To The Trees" fs

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 10:59:00 EST

Novelist Anita Rau Badami talks about her new book "Tell It To The Trees", which is the dark tale of an Indo-Canadian family living in a remote northern community and their shocking family secrets.

Robert Reich on the effects of the new economy.

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 10:59:00 EST

"The Future of Success: Working and Living in the New Economy", is the latest book from Bill Clinton's former Labor Secretary, Robert Reich. He believes that we now have less economic security and are under more pressure to make money while we can. The new economy, partly driven by technology, gives consumers tremendous choice thereby making market competition intense and ending the notion of customer loyalty. Others effects of the economy are the shrinking size of the family and the widening gap between rich and poor. He credits Bill Clinton for giving the US the strongest economic climate of the twentieth century. (Originally aired February 2004).

Adam Gopnik on his love for and fascination with winter.

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 15:39:00 EST

Adam Gopnik is the author of "Winter: Five Windows On The Season". In it, Gopnik celebrates his love of winter and follows its evolution through the eyes of poets, musicians and artists. The book is based on this year's Massey Lectures.

Jeremy Rifkin on the perils of bio-engineering.

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 15:39:00 EST

Activist and author Jeremy Rifkin warns of the perils of bio-engineering. He believes the potential of being able to re-assemble the blueprint of evolution is dangerous and the implications are not fully understood. Scientists should not have the sole responsibility of being the architects of the biological destiny of this planet. (Originally aired May 1995).

Jeremy Rifkin lists three major environmental concerns.

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 15:39:00 EST

Policy Advisor Jeremy Rifkin continues his conversation about environmental issues. He talks about the three most pressing challenges facing our planet, which are; global warming caused by three hundred years of industrial pollution and of which the consequences are potentially catastrophic; the sustainability of bio-diversity which is under contstant threat of being damaged by over-zealous extraction of resources demanded by a global market; the control of the gene pool. (Originally aired May 1995).

Joel Bakan on how big business targets children.

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 13:32:00 EST

Law Professor Joel Bakan discusses his new book "Childhood Under Siege: How Big Business Targets Children". The book exposes the widespread exploitation of children at the hands of big business and how parents and families are often left helpless to defend them. The advent of social media and mobile technology has provided even greater opportunity for corporations to access children. Bakan even suggests there is a link between the explosion of children's mental health issues and business both in the diagnosis and the medication.

Sir Martin Gilbert on the plight of Jews in the 20th Century

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 10:06:00 EST

Historian Sir Martin Gilbert is the author of "The Jews in the 20th Century". In it, he states that in western Europe, the beginning of the 20th century was an optimum time for Jews. Later into the century, Europe suffered an economic collapse and Jews became the scapegoats. Gilbert realized that there was very little written about Jews in the history books and even the holocaust was relegated to a footnote. (Originally aired March 2002)

Joseph Boyden talks about "Three Day Road".

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 13:40:00 EST

Joseph Boyden talks about his novel "Three Day Road", which tells the story of two Cree hunters who serve as snipers during World War I, where their skills in tracking and marksmanship are much valued. The novel starts after the war, in 1919, when an elderly Oji-Cree woman, Niska, meets Elijah, one of the two snipers, who has returned gravely injured and addicted to morphine. As Niska paddles him home in her canoe on the three-day journey, she tells him stories of her life and Xavier wrestles with his conscience about the horrifying experiences on the battlefield. (Originally aired June 2005.)

Joyce Carol Oates on her memoir of widowhood.

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 15:08:00 EST

Joyce Carol Oates latest book, "A Widows's Story", is a memoir of widowhood written in the six months after the death of her husband Ray Smith, after a marriage of forty seven years. She talks about the insomnia and the importance of good friends who buoyed her up. Looking ahead, she has no shortage of ideas for new novels.

Jeffrey Toobin on the Clinton sex scandals.

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 13:20:00 EST

American journalist Jeffrey Toobin's book "A Vast Conspiracy" is subtitled "The Real Story of the Sex Scandal that Nearly Brought Down a President." It's the definitive history of the Clinton sex scandals; from Little Rock Arkansas to the Senate. Toobin believes there was some kind of conspiracy against Clinton. (Originally aired February 2000).

Elizabeth Abbott traces the history of celibacy.

allangregg@tvo.org (TVO) — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 10:17:00 EST

Historian Elizabeth Abbott's book "A History of Celibacy" is an exploration of male and female celibacy from ancient times up to modern day. Celibacy played an importance role is history and is not just a religious phenomenon but cultural also. (Originally aired May 1999)

Martin Amis On His Turbulent Relationship With His Father.