Spark from CBC Radio

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Spark on CBC Radio One Nora Young helps you navigate your digital life by connecting you to fresh ideas in surprising ways.

CBC Radio


    • Aug 30, 2024 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekly NEW EPISODES
    • 53m AVG DURATION
    • 251 EPISODES

    4.7 from 92 ratings Listeners of Spark from CBC Radio that love the show mention: nora, spark, technology, digital, aren't, folks, creative, culture, interviews, every episode, interesting, show, think, guests, great, new, listen, best, good, love.


    Ivy Insights

    The Spark from CBC Radio podcast is an exceptional show that provides listeners with a unique and insightful look into the world of technology and culture. Hosted by Nora Young and her team, every episode offers expert knowledge from impressive guests, the latest news on innovative tech, and a seamless package that ties it all together. One of the standout aspects of this podcast is its ability to make complex technological topics accessible to listeners who may not be experts in the field. The show's hosts have a talent for breaking down complex concepts into easily digestible information, making it a great listen for both tech enthusiasts and casual listeners.

    Another impressive aspect of The Spark is its wide range of topics covered. Unlike many other tech podcasts that focus solely on popular brands or trends, The Spark delves into various aspects of technology and how it impacts our daily lives. From discussing the interaction between technology and culture to exploring emerging technologies, each episode offers something new and thought-provoking. The show also features a diverse range of guests who provide unique perspectives on these topics, adding depth and insight to each discussion.

    Furthermore, The Spark strikes a perfect balance between being both informative and entertaining. The hosts manage to inject humor and lightheartedness into their discussions without compromising on the quality of content. This makes for an engaging listening experience that keeps you entertained while still learning something new.

    However, one possible downside to The Spark is that some may find certain episodes too focused on niche or specific technological subjects. While this can be intriguing for those with an interest in that particular topic, it may alienate those who are looking for a broader overview of technology trends.

    In conclusion, The Spark from CBC Radio podcast is a must-listen for anyone interested in staying up-to-date with technology and its impact on society. With its expert knowledge, diverse range of topics, and ability to make complex concepts accessible, this podcast is both informative and entertaining. Whether you are a tech enthusiast or just looking to expand your knowledge, The Spark is sure to captivate and educate you.



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    Latest episodes from Spark from CBC Radio

    Being Human Now 10 - Control

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 30, 2024 54:08


    It's possible that the propensity to convince ourselves we have control over things —even when we don't— is the most uniquely human thing there is. But as we speed ever faster toward an AI world, will true agency even matter as long as we believe we have it?

    Being Human Now 9 - Wellness

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 23, 2024 54:08


    There's been an explosion of mental health content on social media, both by licensed professionals and influencers. Is that a welcome step in destigmatizing mental illness, or is it fostering a culture of misinformed self-diagnosis?

    Being Human Now 8 - Music

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 16, 2024 54:08


    Now that generative AI is shaking up songwriting, have we crossed a new threshold where the distinctively human talent for music is no longer ours alone?

    Being Human Now 7 - Play

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 9, 2024 54:08


    What does play mean in a digital age, when so much happens on our all-consuming phones, and tech erases the boundaries between work and play?

    Being Human Now 6 - Work

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 2, 2024 54:08


    We keep hearing that AI is going to revolutionize jobs. But what if the language of inevitable automation hides the ongoing need for distinctly human skills?

    Being Human Now 5 - Memory

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 26, 2024 54:08


    In a world where our digital tools keep an accurate record of handy facts and events, what is our fragile, fallible human memory good for?

    Being Human Now 4 - Belonging

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 19, 2024 54:08


    The feeling of belonging is a core, human drive. And feeling excluded is painful. But has our desire to belong—and how we try to achieve that—changed in digital culture?

    Being Human Now 3 - Intimacy

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 12, 2024 54:08


    How long do you wait to text after a date? What did that emoji really mean? Is it healthy to feel emotionally attached to an AI chatbot or celebrity you follow on social media? Our tech nourishes intimacy, but it can also be a minefield. A look at intimacy in our digital age.

    Being Human Now 2 - Death

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 5, 2024 54:08


    Despite the growing digital dimension of our lives, death is still a largely analog experience. A look at the uses and limits of tech at the end of life and in the afterlife.

    Being Human Now 1 - Creativity

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 28, 2024 54:08


    Artificial intelligence can be an artistic collaborator, but can it be thought of as creative on its own? Or even as understanding creativity? And if you're a human creator, and you want to create for other PEOPLE, how do you reach them in a digital system run by algorithms? We look at the nature of creativity in digital culture.

    Three reasons to be hopeful about the future of tech

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 21, 2024 59:30


    For this final new episode of the show, we looked to the creator for direction (the creator of Spark - Nora Young!) She wanted it not to be a look back at what we've done, but forward-facing and positive. Sad as we are to end this show at a time when you could argue it's needed most, we bring you an episode with three reasons to be hopeful about the future. Thank you for listening and being part of the greater Spark community.                         

    Being Human Now - Control

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 14, 2024 54:08


    It's possible that the propensity to convince ourselves we have control over things —even when we don't— is the most uniquely human thing there is. But as we speed ever faster toward an AI world, will true agency even matter as long as we believe we have it?

    AI surveillance at the Olympics and on our borders

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 7, 2024 54:08


    The Olympics are just around the corner, and this summer in Paris, officials are planning a suite of security tools bolstered by AI — from spotting abandoned packages to predicting the movement of crowds. But as AI security rolls out for major public events, and at our borders, how do we balance safety, security, and privacy and guard against this becoming the new normal? 

    For teens, everything old is cool again

    Play Episode Listen Later May 31, 2024 54:08


    From coveting Walkmans to using point-and-shoot cameras, there's been a growing trend over the past few years of teens wanting multiple, single-purpose, un-connected devices. It's not all about the past, though. Captivating new AI character bots are helping teens practice socializing, and giving them novel ways of learning in the classroom too.

    BONUS - A Farewell

    Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2024 25:04


    Nora Young and Michelle Parise chat about 17 years of making Spark and listen to some messages from very special guests.

    farewell spark nora young michelle parise
    The First Time We Covered ...

    Play Episode Listen Later May 24, 2024 54:08


    AI, social media, and virtual work pretty much dominate the cultural conversation around technology and our lives. Is it 2007 or 2024? Join host Nora Young as she revisits and reflects on the first time we covered those topics starting 17 years ago!

    ai covered nora young
    Being Human Now 9 - Wellness

    Play Episode Listen Later May 17, 2024 54:08


    There's been an explosion of mental health content on social media, both by licensed professionals and influencers. Is that a welcome step in destigmatizing mental illness, or is it fostering a culture of misinformed self-diagnosis?

    Success, optimization, and the relentless drive toward productivity

    Play Episode Listen Later May 10, 2024 54:08


    Digital tech allows us to track the stats of our daily activity and optimize our lives in the name of self-improvement. But it's also changed how we evaluate success and what success even means. In a world where quantification is king, what becomes of success that can't be reduced to data?

    Speaking in code online is reshaping the way we speak

    Play Episode Listen Later May 3, 2024 54:08


    The technologies we use have long changed how we communicate. But on today's social media platforms, where content moderation is automated, people have taken to speaking in code to elude algorithmic censors. And it's changing the way we speak.

    Hitting the AI wall

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 26, 2024 54:08


    We've long talked about the data-driven turn in AI and how a Deep Learning approach has given us everything from image recognition, to ChatGPT. But what about the ongoing ethical questions about the kinds of data machines are learning on? And beyond that, what if we're starting to…run out of data?  

    Spark presents What On Earth: "Can Earth Day be badass again?"

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2024 29:09


    The climate is changing. So are we. On What On Earth, you'll explore a world of solutions with host Laura Lynch and our team of journalists. In 1970, 20 million people showed up to fight for the environment on the first Earth Day. More than five decades later, is it time for this much tamer global event to return to its radical roots? OG organizer Denis Hayes recounts how – amidst other counterculture movements at the time – his team persuaded roughly one in ten Americans to take to the streets. As he approaches 80, Denis offers his singular piece of advice to the next generation of climate leaders. Then, environmental warriors Maria Blancas and Axcelle Campana share ideas on what a reinspired Earth Day could look like – including making it a public holiday.More episodes of What On Earth are available at: https://link.chtbl.com/fHfXfjAJWe love to hear from our listeners and regularly feature them on the show. Have a question or idea? Email Earth@cbc.ca

    Being Human Now - Music

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 19, 2024 54:08


    From the earliest musical instruments to the metronome, to vocoders, auto-tune and beyond, music creation has always been a collaboration between humans and machines. But now that generative AI is shaking up songwriting, have we crossed a new threshold where the distinctively human talent for music is no longer ours alone?

    Should robots work for us or with us?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 12, 2024 54:09


    Strides in AI software are finding their way into physical robots. It's promising a new era of human-robot interaction, where robots can assist us, respond to our needs and to cues in the environment. Question is: are we ready for robots among us?

    Building more responsive, AI-driven infrastructure

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 5, 2024 54:08


    Like most of us, you probably only think about infrastructure when it doesn't work: the power goes off, the roads flood. But in the face of climate change and the increasing energy demands of our digital tech, how can we rethink what infrastructure looks like to meet our future needs?

    How yeast and bacteria could be key to future fashion design

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 29, 2024 54:08


    One of civilization's oldest technologies, textiles have long been linked to money, power, and politics. Now, researchers are looking to produce novel, more sustainable textiles using organisms like yeast, fungus, and bacteria.

    Being Human Now - Play

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 22, 2024 54:08


    What does play mean in a digital age, when so much happens on our all-consuming phones, and tech erases the boundaries between work and play?

    Can we put a watermark on reality?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 15, 2024 54:08


    In an age of misinformation and generative AI, how do we know if anything we read or hear is even real anymore? From the latest trends in internet search to watermarking images to (re)establishing trust in journalism, we examine the role of proof in a post-truth world.

    Predicting problems before they happen

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 8, 2024 54:08


    Digital twin technology is growing rapidly across multiple industries. From race cars to the human heart to the entire country of Canada, a look at how these virtual replicas use real-time data to model and predict the future.

    Being Human Now - Work

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 1, 2024 54:08


    We keep hearing that AI is going to revolutionize jobs. But what if the language of inevitable automation hides the ongoing need for distinctly human skills?

    Confronting bias and privacy for better tech tools

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 23, 2024 54:08


    Along with huge advances in data-driven technologies like machine learning and digital health, there are troubling concerns about our data privacy in healthcare, and persistent problems with bias in artificial intelligence. So how do we get the tools we want with the ethics we need?

    How 'compassionate ageism' made its way into designing new tech

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 16, 2024 54:08


    By some measures, nearly 90% of Canadians 65 and older use the internet every day. And yet, the design of new technologies and platforms often leaves out the needs, desires and interests of seniors. But if older people are using technology, why aren't they factored into its design?

    The extraordinary power of terrestrial radio

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 9, 2024 54:08


    In honour of World Radio Day, we explore the magic behind one of the most important technological creations in history, the innovations it inspired and its enduring power in an increasingly digitized world.

    How to set our imagination free to build the technological futures we want

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 2, 2024 54:08


    Imagination is often dismissed as childish, or a frill. But it also lets us picture alternative futures, and technologies that haven't been invented yet. So how do we harness our imagination? And in an age where Big Tech promises to solve our problems for us, how do we use our imaginations to build the futures we want?

    Being Human Now - Memory

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 26, 2024 54:08


    In a world where our digital tools keep an accurate record of handy facts and events, what is our fragile, fallible human memory good for?

    Pushing the limits of athletic performance

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 19, 2024 54:08


    The competition in sports equipment is heating up — with everything from high-tech "super shoes" for marathoners to "smart blades" for ice skating. Beyond the hype, how much difference can these innovations make to you and me?

    Surprising reasons to be optimistic in 2024

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 12, 2024 54:08


    Sure, the tech we use every day is littered with disinformation, bad behaviour and privacy violations…but it's not all bad news! To mark the 600th episode of Spark, we look at the surprising reasons to be optimistic in 2024 — from quantum computing to learning from video games.

    Predicting the present

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 5, 2024 54:08


    How sci-fi can help us harness the power of imagination and visionary storytelling to inspire real-world innovation and frame our collective visions of the future. An updated episode from June 2023.

    Bring a little more balance to your digital life in 2024

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 29, 2023 54:08


    Is it possible to control our compulsive—and reflexive—use of our digital tech so we can savour the space for rest, relaxation and restoration? We offer a start of the year check up, exploring tech overuse and how to restore some balance to our busy, digital lives.

    Being Human Now - Belonging

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 22, 2023 54:08


    The feeling of belonging is a core, human drive. And feeling excluded is painful. But has our desire to belong—and how we try to achieve that—changed in digital culture?

    Surprising new uses for DNA tech and the deep questions they raise for our human future

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 15, 2023 54:08


    DNA-based technologies are increasingly used for real world, high impact purposes—from tracking biodiversity, to designing crops for climate change, to treating debilitating diseases. How do we democratize the availability while mitigating the risk?

    The Fight For Your Right To Repair

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 8, 2023 54:08


    Since most things in our life now are electronic and increasingly rely on software, they're not as easy to repair or noodle around with as mechanical devices once were. And sometimes you can't repair them even if you know how, because you're just...not allowed to. So this week, we look at the right to repair movement: fixing yer stuff in a digital age.

    Gamifying investment and sports betting

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 1, 2023 54:08


    Thanks to fun apps and celebrity endorsements, the gamblification of sport has long been on the rise and continues to grow. And, there's a whole spate of fintech apps that are hot on the trend as well. So what are the advantages and downsides of gamified investment and sports betting?

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