The Dark Room

Paul talks with Dr. Harriet Fraad—activist, psychotherapist and author—about the much under-discussed connection between capitalism and loneliness. Though in recent years there has been a great deal of work within mainstream media, such as popular magazines and news articles, on the “loneliness epidemic”—the pervasive sense of our being disconnected from one another and the emotionally difficulty of this—seldom does such media implicate larger political economic structures, as producing the epidemic itself. In contrast Dr. Fraad invites us to look at how capitalism, particularly with a focus on demoralizing forms of wage labour, keeps us isolated and apart. In turn, community is undermined and people do not feel cared about. Dr. Fraad and Paul, on a positive note, explore how this can be overcome when we—together—challenge capitalism and work to create a cooperative, harmonious and ultimately healthier society.  Learn more about Dr. Fraad here, as well as watch her insightful Democracy At Work videos (part of the “Capitalism Hits Home” series) here.  *** CREDITS Producer - Paul Salvatori Writer & Host - Paul Salvatori Sound Editor - Peter Restivo  Music - Paul Salvatori

Paul talks with Michael Lynk, law professor and former United Nations Special Rapporteur (2016 – 2022) on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian Territories occupied since 1967. Michael, citing formative experiences in his own life, shares how he first became involved in issues of Palestinian justice, the way--using legal and human rights frameworks as Rapporteur--he was able to determine Israel is committing the crime of apartheid against the Palestinian people and what is incumbent on us, fellow members of the international community, to challenge and overturn that. Learn more about Michael here. *** CREDITS Producer - Paul Salvatori Writer & Host - Paul Salvatori Sound Editor - Peter Bull Music - Paul Salvatori

Paul talks with Duke University professor and cultural anthropologist, Rebecca Stein, about her insightful work on the ways in which activists are using social and digital media to challenge, resist and expose the crimes of the Israeli state against Palestinians, as well as the challenges they face from the state itself—committed to distorting or manipulating actual documentary footage—to deny the crimes themselves. As Rebecca reveals, the state's military and often with the support of the larger Israeli society ultimately do so to further achieve violent colonial and imperialistic ends, the unsufferable costs of which are endured by Palestinians daily.  This is the fourth episode of The Dark Room's "Palestine in Perspective" series, which from here on in (with possible exceptions) be available in audio format only.  Learn more about Professor Stein here, including her most recent book Screen Shots: State Violence on Camera in Israel and Palestine. *** CREDITS Producer - Paul Salvatori Writer & Host - Paul Salvatori Sound Editor - Peter Bull Music - Paul Salvatori  

Paul talks to well-known political educator, author and writer, Henry Giroux, about the value of radical education and how it empowers learners to critique, resist and challenge various forms of oppression—from racism and poverty to classism and sexism. For Henry this involves rejecting conventional educational models, often found in public education, that primarily train or condition students to “succeed” in the neoliberal marketplace. Instead Henry offers insight into how education, in the spirit of Paolo Freire's (a mentor to and seminal influence on Henry) Pedagogy of the Oppressed, can be much more profound. Through dialogue that interrogates the structures under which they live, it is a formidable means by which students can reimagine society—grounded in care and mutuality rather than crude individualism and competition—while acting collectively to realize it.  Learn more about Henry, including access to his work here. *** CREDITS Producer - Paul Salvatori Writer & Host - Paul Salvatori Sound Editor - Peter Bull Music - Paul Salvatori

Paul talks with Toronto-based author and seasoned entrepreneur, Rose Catalano, about her journey into and through non-fiction writing. Immigrating from Italy at a young age, Rose shares what it was like growing up in Toronto while having to contend unfair gender expectations against women, how she overcame them (in significant part with guidance and encouragement from her grandmother) and, finally, went on to become a successful business owner—where she, again, would have to battle pervasive sexism in a field not welcoming to women. Much of what has allowed Rose to surmount difficult life challenges is a strong set of values, allowing her to remain courageous and resilient. She explores this further in her latest book, It's Not My Fault: Reclaiming Leadership and Values, where she invites readers to become a socially responsible and positive force for change.   Learn more about Rose and purchase her books here. *** CREDITS Producer – Dr. Paul Salvatori Writer & Host – Dr. Paul Salvatori Music – “Down Days” (David Renda)

Paul talks with UK scholar, David Miller, about recently losing his position University of Bristol—as a professor of political sociology—for being critical of the Israeli state. Connecting this to his work, David shares how a powerful lobby, comprised of various groups and working closely with the, have been successful in framing such criticism as “anti-Semitism.” In fact, this has been an unfair charge leveled against him by the lobby and played a significant role in his being fired. Finally, Miller discusses how the lobby purposely obscures or directs attention away from Israel's state-sanctioned racism, reflected in its oppressive laws and violence against Palestinians, while falsely presenting the state—through public relations and other effective techniques—as a democracy. Follow David on Twitter and view the petition to help reinstate him at the University of Bristol here.  You may also watch the video version of this episode either on YouTube or Facebook.  

Paul talks with well-known, Gideon Levy, about his courageous (and award-winning) work--exposing the criminal violence of the Israeli state against the Palestinian people--the extent to which efforts exist to undermine this within Israeli civil society itself and how the international community can help end the illegal Israeli occupation of Palestine. Watch the video of the full discussion, of which this episode is the audio, on YouTube. Follow and receive updates on Gideon's journalism through his Haaretz page, where he regularly publishes insightful articles on the plight of the Palestinian people.

Paul talks with Richard Falk, Professor of International Law and Practice, Emeritus (Princeton University) and prolific human rights author, about his experience as former United Nations Special Rapporteur on "the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967”, the parallels between former South African and current Israel apartheid—oppressing the Palestinian people—and Israel's attempt to undermine the legitimacy of the upcoming (September 2021)and fourth UN anti-racism conference in New York City.   Learn more about Richard at

This is the audio of the recent video interview, sharing the title of this podcast episode.  In the interview, Paul speaks with renowned Israeli historian and activist, Ilan Pappe, on the history of Palestine, the ongoing attempt by Israel to ethnically cleanse the Palestinian people (within and outside the illegally occupied Palestinian territories by the state) and, finally, how Israel has been relatively successful in avoiding prosecution for crimes against humanity, including major public relations campaigns—branding it as “progressive” and “democratic.” Ilan sheds light on how such branding is now being undermined by independent and social media, exposing the darker and inhumane side of Israel, while also galvanizing international support for the Palestinian struggle for justice. Learn more about Ilan Pappe here. 

Paul talks with American writer, Catholic priest and thinker, Fr. Dwight Longenecker, about evil, pride and selfishness. Reflecting ideas in his recent book, Immortal Combat: Confronting the Heart of Darkness, Fr. Dwight elucidates the dark side of our humanity, providing difficult though important insight into how dishonesty underlies the three and the dangerous consequences, for both ourselves and others, where we fail to confront it. Being a genuinely good person, as Fr. Dwight shows, is much harder than simply appearing to say and do the right things, even where that might gain us praise from others and allow us to “get ahead” in the world. Learn more about Fr. Dwight here.    *** CREDITS Producer - Paul Salvatori Writer & Host - Paul Salvatori Sound Editor - Peter Bull Music - Paul Salvatori

Paul talks with Indian historian, journalist and intellectual, Vijay Prashad, about poverty, its totalizing character—in so far as it affects people's whole realm of life, rather than their material circumstances alone—and how neoliberalism has accelerated the spread of poverty worldwide. Before the end of the discussion, Vijay share why progressive taxation, instead of philanthropy that tends to favour the already well-off, is but one responsible approach to undermining poverty. Learn more about Vijay and his engaging political journalism here. *** CREDITS Producer - Paul Salvatori Writer & Host - Paul Salvatori Sound Editor - Peter Bull Music - Paul Salvatori

Dr. Paul talks with Dr. Catherine Liu, professor of Film and Media Studies at the University of California Irvine and socialist cultural critic, about her recent book, Virtue Hoarders: The Case Against the Professional Managerial Class—commonly referred to as the “PMC.” Drawing from the book, Catherine reveals how the PMC—from academics to social workers—have become the educated elite of modern capitalist society. Though the class presents itself as being a defender of human rights, Catherine contends how this is largely illusory and obscures both their self-serving interests, including the consolidation of power and wealth, as well their rejection of the poor and working class. Finally, speaking to socialism's potential to challenge this, the episode invites us to ask: how can popular struggle be achieved to create a more fair and just society, where all—and not only select classes like the PMC—can live materially comfortable and dignified lives? Learn more about Catherine here. *** CREDITS Producer - Dr. Paul Salvatori Writer & Host - Dr. Paul Salvatori Sound Editor - Peter Bull Music - Dr. Paul Salvatori Photo - Los Angeles Review of Books    

Dr. Paul Salvatori talks with socialist activist and scholar, Carlos Cruz Mosquera, about how “positive thinking”, as often found in popular self-help books, is a distraction from and counterproductive to fighting oppressive capitalist society. Drawing from his own experience as a former gang member and, later, motivational speaker, Carlos shares why radical political education is necessary to empower youth, especially those who—deprived by capitalist society of meaningful socio-economic opportunities—are prone to engaging in criminality.    Read Carlos' engaging article, “I'm a former gang member and I'm done peddling positivity”, and one of the focuses of this episode here. Also learn more about Anticonquista, a socialist publication focusing on the Latin American and Caribbean diaspora and which Carlos is co-editor, here.   *** CREDITS Producer - Dr. Paul Salvatori Writer & Host - Dr. Paul Salvatori Sound Editor - Peter Bull Music - Dr. Paul Salvatori  

In this three-part feature, honouring the UN International Day of Education, Dr. Paul Salvatori—alongside podcasts guests—explores the nature of genuine learning, how it can happen outside the conventional educational system and ways it is both empowering for both the individual and community. In the feature's first discussion, Dr. Paul talks with Irish professor, Dr. Camilla Fitzsimons, about the value of “community education”, while addressing how it, as a force for social and political change—has unfortunately been undermined by “professionals”—disconnected from the grassroots level. In the feature's second discussion, Dr. Paul talks with American educational researcher and critic, Alfie Kohn, about the problem of “rewards” in the school system and how that both reinforces obedience to authority and discourages independent learning. Finally, in the third discussion of the feature, Dr. Paul talks with American activist, author and lawyer, Dean Spade, about the value and potential to learn from one another through mutual aid, based on consensus-building, and that operates outside traditional systems of power. Learn more about each of the three guests of this feature, including their recent work and publications by clicking on their names: Dr. Camilla Fitzsimons Alfie Kohn Dean Spade *** CREDITS Producer - Dr. Paul Salvatori Writer & Host - Dr. Paul Salvatori Sound Editor - Peter Bull Music - Dr. Paul Salvatori

In this three-part feature, honouring the UN International Day of Education, Dr. Paul Salvatori—alongside podcasts guests—explores the nature of genuine learning, how it can happen outside the conventional educational system and ways it is both empowering for both the individual and community. In the feature's first discussion, Dr. Paul talks with Irish professor, Dr. Camilla Fitzsimons, about the value of “community education”, while addressing how it, as a force for social and political change—has unfortunately been undermined by “professionals”—disconnected from the grassroots level. In the feature's second discussion, Dr. Paul talks with American educational researcher and critic, Alfie Kohn, about the problem of “rewards” in the school system and how that both reinforces obedience to authority and discourages independent learning. Finally, in the third discussion of the feature, Dr. Paul talks with American activist, author and lawyer, Dean Spade, about the value and potential to learn from one another through mutual aid, based on consensus-building, and that operates outside traditional systems of power. Learn more about each of the three guests of this feature, including their recent work and publications by clicking on their names: Dr. Camilla Fitzsimons Alfie Kohn Dean Spade *** CREDITS Producer - Dr. Paul Salvatori Writer & Host - Dr. Paul Salvatori Sound Editor - Peter Bull Music - Dr. Paul Salvatori

In this three-part feature, honouring the UN International Day of Education, Dr. Paul Salvatori—alongside podcasts guests—explores the nature of genuine learning, how it can happen outside the conventional educational system and ways it is both empowering for both the individual and community. In the feature's first discussion, Dr. Paul talks with Irish professor, Dr. Camilla Fitzsimons, about the value of “community education”, while addressing how it, as a force for social and political change—has unfortunately been undermined by “professionals”—disconnected from the grassroots level. In the feature's second discussion, Dr. Paul talks with American educational researcher and critic, Alfie Kohn, about the problem of “rewards” in the school system and how that both reinforces obedience to authority and discourages independent learning. Finally, in the third discussion of the feature, Dr. Paul talks with American activist, author and lawyer, Dean Spade, about the value and potential to learn from one another through mutual aid, based on consensus-building, and that operates outside traditional systems of power. Learn more about each of the three guests of this feature, including their recent work and publications by clicking on their names: Dr. Camilla Fitzsimons Alfie Kohn Dean Spade *** CREDITS Producer - Dr. Paul Salvatori Writer & Host - Dr. Paul Salvatori Sound Editor - Peter Bull Music - Dr. Paul Salvatori

Some interesting episodes to look out before the end of this month, starting this Sunday. 

How are you coping with COVID-19? Is there a personal story, related to that, you'd like share--from dealing with isolation and loneliness to fears over the pandemic itself--that might help others amid this difficult time? If so, Dr. Paul would love to talk with you about the possibility of being a guest on The Dark Room. He can be reached at paulsalvatori@sympatico.ca   

The idea that a mother's "love" made do more harm than good is certainly a difficult one, especially when that love reflects a prevalent cultural norms.  Addressing this, Dr. Paul speaks with Professor Nikki Khanna (University of Virginia) about how mothers within the Asian-American community, as much of elsewhere in the non-Western world, influence or pressure their daughters to physically lighten their skin. It's also one of the main themes in Professor Khanna's recent book, Whiter: Asian American Women on Skin Color and Colorism, where she--and the voices of several Asian American female authors--illuminate the big business of skin lightening products and how, through propaganda-like imagery and advertising, it perpetuates the racist myth that the whiter you are, the more "value" you have as a person.  Learn more about Professor Khanna here. You may also purchase Whiter here. Special thanks to journalist and social justice advocate, Ayesha Khan, for her guidance in the preparation of this episode. *** CREDITS Producer - Dr. Paul Salvatori Writer & Host - Dr. Paul Salvatori Sound Editor - Peter Bull Music - Dr. Paul Salvatori

Have you been persuaded by an “influencer”? Do you really know? Dr. Paul talks to Toronto-based journalist and art curator, Tatum Dooley, about the rise of influencers, namely popular individuals online selling what appears to be a “natural” or “ordinary” part of their lives, and how they are pairing—through agencies like Toronto's #paid—to with trendy brands to strategically push their products.    Bearing on the power of images and art, the discussion explores how ethical influencer marketing is and to what extent audiences can make informed choices as to whether to buy from them, thereby having the opportunity to resist the allure of advertising.  Learn more about Tatum here. You can also read her engaging pieces, discussed in this episode, on influencer culture at The Walrus (“We'll All Be Social Media Sell Outs Soon”) and  Real Life (“Cost of Simplicity”). *** CREDITS Producer - Dr. Paul Salvatori Writer & Host - Dr. Paul Salvatori Sound Editor - Peter Bull Music - Dr. Paul Salvatori    

As gun violence continues to rise in Toronto, many are divided as to what the “proper” response to ending it should be. For some, it's a tough-on-crime approach that focuses on legally disciplining, as through incarceration, perpetrators of gun violence. For others, like Rev. Sky Starr, it involves being sensitive and responsive to the needs of communities, especially those directly affected by such violence. In this episode, Dr. Paul Salvatori speaks with Rev. Sky about how she first became involved in compassionate efforts to end gun violence, her continuing work—within and beyond Toronto's Jane and Finch community—to help others heal in its traumatic aftermath and the role spirituality can play in governments better ensuring safe communities while respecting the rights and dignity of all.   Learn more about Rev. Sky and Out of Bounds—the grief and trauma support group of which she's both founder and executive director—here. Further info on the “Community Interfaith Remembrance” event, hosted by Out of Bounds and discussed by Rev. Sky in this episode, can be accessed there as well.   *** CREDITS Producer - Dr. Paul Salvatori Writer & Host - Dr. Paul Salvatori Sound Editor - Peter Bull Music - Dr. Paul Salvatori  

Dr. Paul Salvatori speaks with former Ontario Premier and current provincial Member of Parliament, Kathleen Wynne, about how the progressive and social-minded politician entered politics, the activist outlook and philosophy that has guided her throughout her career and even the place of love in the often combative world of politics. As might be expected given the media attention it's received, the discussion does not shy away from the controversial Ontario sex-ed curriculum Kathleen introduced while Premier. Shedding new light, Kathleen shares how the curriculum was first developed, how she handles the harsh pushback it still receives and, perhaps most importantly, the essential role it plays in the care and education of young people. Thank you to Wendy Weston, Kathleen's assistant, for helping coordinate this episode of The Dark Room.   *** CREDITS Producer - Dr. Paul Salvatori Writer & Host - Dr. Paul Salvatori Sound Editor - Peter Bull Music - Dr. Paul Salvatori

Live talk and discussion with tireless homeless advocate, educator, writer and recipient of the Order of Canada, Cathy Crowe, about her recently published book, A Knapsack Full of Dreams: Memoirs of a Street Nurse. Hosted at Eastminister United Church (Toronto), Cathy reads from the book—providing a window into her beginnings as a social justice nurse—followed by an intriguing conversation, alongside Anna Willats, on the difficult challenges and rewards fighting homelessness in Canada.   Special thanks to Another Story Bookshop for organizing the event. You can learn more about and purchase Cathy's book here.   

Why it's important to understand the role anger, closely associated with pain, plays in fueling gun and other forms of violence, as well as the perpetrator's perspective--without endorsing or promoting it. Find "Sins of the Father: How Abuse at Home Led Me into the Criminal Underworld", Vito's story mentioned in the cast, here: https://bit.ly/2KFIvEf 

As the well-known proverb goes, “one man's art is another one's treasure”. This may aptly be applied to Montreal-based artist, Carlo Polidoro Lopez, whose daring work is literally made up with garbage, also characterizing its beauty and originality.  Dr. Paul talks with Carlo, alongside his son, Alex, about his work and how it began in adult life rather than as a a “wonder child”. Defying traditional Western aesthetics, Carlo's non-linear work—blending a smorgasbord of colour and texture—invites the viewer to rethink what it means to be creative. For Carlo this involves drawing from both his personal and collective past, as a multiethnic Canadian, while giving form to raw thoughts and feelings as they occur to him in the very process of making art.   View Carlo's most recent work on Instagram. You can also learn more about Carlo on his website.   *** CREDITS Producer - Dr. Paul Salvatori Writer & Host - Dr. Paul Salvatori Sound Editor - Peter Bull Music - Dr. Paul Salvatori

Recently, some have suggested a pill could be the solution to the "loneliness epidemic". Dr. Paul instead entertains how altruistic love, namely putting others before ourselves, might be the healthier and better solution. It might also prevent tragedies like the recent death of Carson Cremini, in British Columbia, from happening too. 

A recent story about why it's important to be honest in today's freelance or "gig" economy not only to be ethical in business but promote a more trusting, socially cohesive world. 

Why young men become violent when they feel they don't matter and how healthy bonding can prevent that, as well as what we--as a society--can do to be part of that patient and caring process. 

In the wake of a high number of shootings in Toronto this past long-weekend, as well as the mass shootings in the United States that took place during the same time, Dr. Paul Salvatori shares a brief word on the need to address the pain behind gun violence in order to better understand and end it, while encouraging respectful face-to-face dialogue (offline) as the means through which this can occur.  This is the first episode of "The Dark Room Unscripted", featuring off-the-cuff reflections by Dr. Paul. In keeping with the topic of this episode, "Too Young for a Funeral"--a recent song by Dr. Paul (under the artist name "Salvatori")--follows the discussion.   

In honour of the Third Annual Maria Salvatori Mother's Day Special, Dr. Paul Salvatori talks with Alison Irons and Kelly Whetter. The two mothers courageously share their difficult journey of having each lost a child to gun violence and how that tragedy has motivated them, together and as individuals, to create a safer, less deadly world. Though words alone can never do justice to the pain of losing a child to gun violence, Alison and Kelly reveal that such pain does not automatically condemn one to despair. Rather, as Alison and Kelly's determination show, it can be transformed into remarkable strength, allowing one to support others in similar hardship while challenging us to rethink the conditions that bring about senseless killings. Learn more about Alison and Kelly's anti-gun violence advocacy and group, Communities for Zero Violence, here. You can also learn about Kelly's anti-gun violence foundation, Gabe's Read Balloon Foundation, here. This episode is in memory of Alison's daughter, Lindsay Wilson, and Kelly's son, Gabriel Nikov, whose lives were cut all too short by gun violence. Special thanks to anti-gun violence advocates, Louis March (Zero Gun Violence Movement) and Chris Glover (Toronto MPP), for helping make this episode possible.         *** CREDITS Producer - Dr. Paul Salvatori Writer & Host - Dr. Paul Salvatori Sound Editor - Peter Bull Music - Dr. Paul Salvatori

On the cusp of his rise to international popularity, controversial University of Toronto professor, Jordan Peterson, visited the The Dark Room. Illuminating as he was on a wide array of philosophical topics, some of which reveal a deeply troubling side to our humanity, there was no mention by him about an important documentary that was being about him at the time.  Paul talks to Toronto filmmakers, Patricia Marcoccia and Maziar Ghaderi, about making that documentary, Shut Him Down: The Rise of Jordan Peterson, which premiered on CBC this month. The film present viewers with what life has been like for Peterson amid the major backlash he's received as a vocal opponent of political correctness, while also shining a light on his critics, especially the transgender community, who believe he is promoting hatred. Sensitive to differing points of view, the film shies away from being an apology or justification for either side. Rather, as Patricia and Maziar suggest, Shut Him Down invites viewers to thinking critically about the heated divisions along ideological lines Peterson's presence has created and, perhaps, a way of civilly resolving or managing them.  Watch Shut Him Down (currently only available to stream in Canada) here. You can also learn more about and follow Patricia and Maziar's documentary work, via the follow site: Shut Him Down website - shuthimdownfilm.com Holding Space Films (Patricia and Maziar's film company) Instagram page: instagram.com/holdingspacefilms Shut Him Down Twitter page - twitter.com/SHDfilm Shut Him Down Facebook page: facebook.com/shuthimdownfilm *** CREDITS Producer - Dr. Paul Salvatori Writer & Host - Dr. Paul Salvatori Sound Editor - Peter Bull Music - Dr. Paul Salvatori

Canada is often thought of as exemplar of democracy, where all are guaranteed humane treatment. But, as recent news coverage of the appalling abuse of its prison inmates suggests, this guarantee falls short all too often. Dr. Paul talks to Howard Sapers, the Independent Advisor on Corrections Reform to the Ontario provincial government, about the proper function of the prison system in Canada (and elsewhere) and to what extent it actually ensures the human treatment of inmates. An advocate against the overuse of solitary confinement, Howard also discusses how such segregation does more harm than good, unnecessarily comprising both the mental and physical health of inmates. In doing so, Howard brings to light that, though prisons have an obligation to correct the offender, they must do so justly--without causing excessive suffering. Finally, Dr. Paul and Howard look at how well Canada provides mental health care to inmates, while not allowing certain offenders requiring specialized psychiatric and other medical treatment to languish behind bars. Learn more about Howard, including his reports on correctional reform, here. *** CREDITS Producer - Dr. Paul Salvatori Writer & Host - Dr. Paul Salvatori Sound Editor - Peter Bull Music - Dr. Paul Salvatori

The mainstream media has made us largely accustomed to view entertainment as escapism, such as the countless reality TV shows, televised sports event and action-packed films that surround (and distract) us every day. But can the power of entertainment actually be harnessed to promote a better, fairer world?   Dr. Paul talks with theatre creators Aida Keykhaii, Mohammed Yaghoubi and Sarah Marchand about how they came together to produce their latest play, Swim Team, focusing on the lives of three Iranian women bravely attempting--true to the production's title--form a swim team in post-revolutionary Iran, and the impact they'd like the play to have in ending women's oppression. Beyond sport itself, Swim Team illuminates the political challenges female athletes continue to face in Iran on account of having--as mandated by sexist law intended to preserve their "modesty" or "honour"--wear the hijab even during competition, as well as the lack of key governmental and other support for female athletics. Native to Iran themselves, Aida and Mohammed also share firsthand accounts of unfair censorship and misogyny that, unfortunately, is common place in Iran and how that has, on the one hand, challenged them as democratic artists and, on the other hand, motivated them further to develop theatrical works that expose injustice.  Learn more about and purchase tickets to Swim Team, premiering in Toronto on Sunday, August 12, 2018, here. *** CREDITS Producer - Dr. Paul Salvatori Writer & Host - Dr. Paul Salvatori Sound Editor - Peter Bull Music - Dr. Paul Salvatori

With all the vehicles we have become accustomed to seeing on the road, it is easy to think it belongs to drivers alone. Such misguided entitlement underlies the perception that the cyclist is a nuisance, interfering with the natural flow of traffic. Dr. Paul Salvatori talks with lawyer and cyclist advocate, Albert Koehl, about the ongoing tension between motorists and cyclists that arises from this and how it can overcome to better protect cyclists, all-too-often injured or killed in the process. Beyond the domain of cyclist rights, Albert illuminates the importance of overcoming this as an ethical issue, such that cyclists are first and foremost human beings whose lives should never be unnecessarily jeopardized, such as by motorists who, in spite, drive too close to cyclists. In contrast, Dr. Paul and Albert explore how cities, incorporating well-designed and maintained cyclist routes (e.g. designated bicycle paths), can offset cyclist harm, while facilitating pleasant and secure travel for cyclists and motorists alike. Ending on a lighter note, Albert shares how the outdoor point of view of the cyclist is fundamentally different and, arguably, more enjoyable than of the driver inside a vehicle.    *** CREDITS Producer - Dr. Paul Salvatori Writer & Host - Dr. Paul Salvatori Sound Editor - Peter Bull Music - Dr. Paul Salvatori Craft Service - Josie & Filomena Grossi

It's not unusual to hear that "Toronto the Good" is no longer, as many perceive the city as having a high crime rate that makes it unsafe. This perception, however true, has been reinforced by the swell of gun violence in Toronto this year, sadly responsible for the death of 20 people so far. Dr. Paul Salvatori talks with Toronto anti-gun violence advocate and founder of "Zero Gun Violence Movement", Louis March, about the worrying increase, already being compared to the city's notorious "Year of the Gun" (2005). Going beyond the typical headlines and sound bites that characterize much of the reportage of Toronto's gun violence, Louis and Dr. Paul explore its deeper sociological and psychological reasons, as well as constructive ways of remedying it. Taking issue with misguided "narratives", often employed by politicians that oversimplify and condemn gun violence as the result of gang warfare, Louis is adamant about the need for diverse community stakeholders--from residents to policy makers--to create a new and more accurate narrative, sensitive to the hopelessness and despair that brings about gun violence. This is the first step to a compassionate and viable approach to help people, especially young men, escape lives where they feel forced to pick up the gun, lest they jeopardize their survival or "honour."    *** CREDITS Producer - Dr. Paul Salvatori Writer & Host - Dr. Paul Salvatori Sound Editor - Peter Bull Music - Dr. Paul Salvatori

Most of us appreciate receiving kindness. After all, it reminds us we matter. But actually showing kindness requires going beyond ourselves and that can be difficult. Dr. Paul Salvatori talks to Dr. Brian Goldman, emergency room physician and radio host, about his recent book, The Power of Kindness: Why Empathy Is Essential in Everyday Life, and what—in the process of writing that book—he discovered it takes to be kind in an increasingly impersonal world. As Dr. Goldman illuminates, stress and other difficult pressures we face therein make it tempting not to be kind, such that we easily become selfish and fail, as it were, to put ourselves in the shoes of others. Nonetheless, the potential or capacity for kindness is inherent in us all and when we successfully manage to exercise it, we, and the world around us, is ultimately better for it. Learn more about Dr. Brian Goldman, including his own podcast—White Coat, Black Art—on the hidden side of hospital life, here. *** CREDITS Producer - Dr. Paul Salvatori Writer & Host - Dr. Paul Salvatori Sound Editor - Peter Bull Music - Dr. Paul Salvatori

Dr. Paul Salvatori narrates a conversation between two friends, Kinza Ansari and Hibah Salaria, who attend the same Toronto high school. The pair candidly discuss the challenges they've had to face growing-up “brown”, namely South Asian, in Western society and the associated—and often unfair—expectations others have for them in terms of gender, race and family. Their conversation illuminates that, though each of us desires to be unique, “fitting-in” is central to a healthy sense of identity and belongingness. Without it, we don't feel complete. *** CREDITS Producers - Dr. Paul Salvatori & Kinza Ansari Writer & Host - Dr. Paul Salvatori Sound Editor - Peter Bull Music - Dr. Paul Salvatori

Centuries ago the Earth was believed to be flat. In fact, it was heresy to think otherwise. Throughout years of expedition and exploration we have since deemed the truth to be that there is a curvature to the planet which ultimately renders it spherical. This, along with the various imagery provided by space agencies such as NASA have conjured an unshakable notion that the Earth is indeed round. But what if the information we have all come to accept as truth was not entirely so? What if the world was indeed flat and the powers that be have merely led us to believe falsified information? According to “flat earth vegan” Ryan Oats, this is exactly what has been going on. Jordan Randall speaks with Ryan Oats, a Flat Earth Theory activist, a vegan and musician. Citing Eric Dubay as one of his main sources, Oats describes the “flat earth” as just one of the many lies being perpetuated by world leaders. Find out more about Eric Dubay here: http://www.ericdubay.com/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwgGxgY3Wff8dnz2fv65fHw And be sure to check out Ryan Oats' YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/user/ChromaKeyCriminals

In this debut of an exclusive audio series, "The Peterson Files", Dr. Paul Salvatori--producer of and interviewer on The Dark Room--explores important and at times controversial ideas of the well-known clinical psychologist and University of Toronto professor, Dr. Jordan B Peterson. Dr. Peterson was an impressive interview guest on The Dark Room almost two years ago, prior to the major swell in his international popularity with the release of his recent book, 12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos. Returning to key insights made by Dr. Peterson in the interview, Dr. Salvatori delves further into the philosophical truth they reveal and deserving greater attention than the interview (time wise) allowed, while suggesting their moral and practical value in guiding human behaviour. In the first of "The Peterson Files", Dr. Salvatori does so with respect to Dr. Peterson's views on freedom of speech and evil. For more information on "The Peterson Files" and to send your feedback on the new series, contact Dr. Salvatori at paulsalvatori@sympatico.ca *** CREDITS Producer - Dr. Paul Salvatori Writer & Host - Dr. Paul Salvatori Sound Editor - Peter Bull Music - Dr. Paul Salvatori & Peter Bull Additional Content - Dr. Jordan B Peterson

The brain is a mystery, historically eluding learned scientists, philosophers and other great thinkers. Even today, it seems, doctors responsible for its care still haven't totally figured it out.   Exploring this, Paul speaks with four young neurosurgeons from around the world. They are (left to right in episode photo): Miguel Marigil from Spain, Claire Karekezi from Rwanda, Carlos Valasquez from Honduras and Joao de Almedia from Brazil. The surgeons are also known as "fellows", short for the Toronto-based "fellowships" they are undertaking in their field of medicine and which are highly specialized mentorships. Together, they address the personal and professional challenges of being a neurosurgeon, the exceptional duty of care they have to their patients and cultural differences in the practice of medicine between their home country and Canada.   Special thanks to Dr. Fred Gentili and his wife Gina for helping bring the participants, otherwise far apart geographically, of this rare and important episode together. Learn more about the University of Toronto neurosurgical program, in which Dr. Gentili and the fellows are involved, here.

What does understanding those involved in online dating and gun violence have in common? Exploring the possibility of this unlikely connection, Paul talks to Jooyoung Lee, professor of sociology at the University of Toronto, about how "ethnography" allows us to enter the life-worlds of individuals and ultimately see things from their unique, though sometimes morally difficult, point of view.  Drawing from his recent work on the mental and physical challenges of gunshot survivors, as well as the popular course he offers, "Sex in the 6ix", about Toronto's complicated (and at times dangerous) dating scene, Jooyoung illuminates that to truly know people, you must spend time with them. Their essence can never be captured from afar. Venturing outside of the classroom, as Jooyoung encourages his students, is necessary to do that.    Learn more about Jooyoung here. 

The Dark Room Unofficial Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Festival Special Welcoming this year's Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Festival, Paul talks with documentary photographer, Vincezo Pietropaolo, and Bob Lansdale and Clint Hryhorijiw of the Photographic Historical Society of Canada, about the fading art of pre-digital photography. Central to the discussion is whether the proliferation of cameras, namely the smartphone variety, is helping produce better or mediocre photography, as well as what overlooked advantages doing photography the "old" way (i.e. with a film camera) there are for both the photographer and their art. Moreover, the group explores the ethics of photography--not bound to any particular era--and the value and importance of respecting them, especially in documenting difficult social and other realities.

The content of this cast is upsetting. Listener discretion is advised. Paul talks to "Chris", 31, a survivor of early childhood sexual abuse, primarily at the hands of his biological parents and in a seemingly ordinary, suburban community. In this difficult episode, Chris, for the first time publicly, speaks about what happened during the abuse, the immense challenge of both physically and psychologically escaping it and why, in the process, he has come to reject the idea of himself as a "victim." Rather contentiously, Chris is adamant that--no matter how bad your circumstances--the inability to achieve a desirable future ultimately amounts to personal failure.

Dr. Paul Salvatori talks with a panel of insightful and courageous mothers-- Samra Zafar, Joanne Charmet and Michelle Alfano-- about the rewards and challenges of motherhood. The mothers share their lived experiences of strained familial relationships, balancing work and professional life and undying love for their children. Exploring areas often left out of mainstream discussion about Mother's Day, the roundtable brings to light difficult though praiseworthy aspects of motherhood, speaking to the strength required therein. Learn more about Samra at samrazafar.com and Michelle's powerful memoir, The Unfinished Dollhouse, about raising her transgender son here. Special thanks to the wonderful staff at the Toronto Public Library for sponsoring and helping make this roundtable possible. *** CREDITS Producers - Dr. Paul Salvatori, Gina Fabiano, Angeline Pizzirusso Co-Producer & Online Media Manager - Robyn Lewis Writer & Host - Dr. Paul Salvatori Sound Editor - Peter Bull Music - Dr. Paul Salvatori

On this final episode of Season 2 of The Dark Room, Paul and Jordan talk about their experiences during the past year of podcasting, what emotions and feeling they were left with. The Dark Room will be returning for Season 3 later on in the year and to fill in the gap we will be debuting some of the new shows that we've been working on! We'd like to thank all of our listeners for your continued support! The show wouldn't be much without you guys! Be sure to visit www.thedarkroom.ca to keep up to date with our new projects as they are released!

Depending on who you ask, people will give you a different reply as to who is the most privileged in our society. But as of late, "privilege" itself is commonly used to refer to someone's unearned advantages, making it easy for them to overlook or be indifferent to the plight of the less fortunate. Paul and Jordan talk to social critic and writer, Phoebe Maltz Bovy, about this understanding of "privilege" and whether it lends itself to properly addressing and ultimately eliminating social injustice, such as racism and sexism. She reveals how attacking people on the basis of their privilege, as when telling them it renders them ignorant, divides people and makes ending oppression more difficult. In Phoebe's view, both the privileged and non-privileged can, as allies, play a direct role in making the world a fairer place. Learn more about Phoebe and her recent book, The Perils of "Privilege", here.

We often think of lawyers as embodying a warrior spirit, invulnerable to pain. Tough as nails, they, unlike the rest of us, do not “hurt” within.   Paul talks to seasoned lawyer and award-winning mental health advocate, Orlando Da Silva, about what is more accurate: pervasive mental illness within the legal profession. While opening up about his own struggle with depression, Orlando reveals the normalized but dangerous pressures of the profession, such as continually sacrificing time with loved ones, and which sadly led him to attempt suicide. However, reflecting his personal strength and courage, Orlando remains committed to promoting better mental health among lawyers, concerned more about happiness than advancing their careers. Learn more about Orlando here.

Prostitution is considered to be the "world's oldest profession", yet it remains taboo in many parts of the world. For some, however, it is life-affirming.   Paul and Jordan talk to former escort, Andrea Werhun, and advocate for the differently abled, Paul Swartz, about the value and importance of sex work. Beyond the physical, Andrea and Paul reveal how such work provides clients with emotional and psychological fulfillment, central to a meaningful life and which may be otherwise wholly absent from the client's own. The group also discusses the continued struggle for the decriminalization of sex work in Canada, especially the unnecessary moral and religious barriers that hinder its progress.   Learn more about Andrea, including her recently published book, Modern Whore: A Memoir, at modernwhore.com and Paul here. In addition to being a seasoned real estate agent, Paul is the subject of Short on Short, a documentary by co-hosts Paul and Jordan, on the difficulty of being a small statured man.

Long before the “6 God” Drake, Toronto has had a thriving hip-hop scene. Since the 1980s, early Toronto rappers such as Maestro Fresh Wes, Michie Mee and Kardinal Offishall, have been testimony to the city's impressive talent and paved the way for other hip-hop artists to shine--locally and abroad.    Exploring Toronto's hip-hop scene, Paul and Jordan talk to a diverse and insightful group: emcees Mindbender and Leo Noir, DJ Mike Stoan and hip-hop scholar Ola Mohammed. The group candidly discuss what is unique and distinctive about Toronto hip-hop itself, how Drake--as one of the most accomplished rappers in recent memory--has significantly changed hip-hop in the city and barriers to success that exist for up-and-coming Toronto hip-hop artists. Stay tuned early 2018 for "Memories of a Bender", an exclusive The Dark Room mini-series featuring stories about the underside of Toronto's hip-hop scene.

We are accustomed to viewing video games as unnecessarily violent, containing graphic depictions of death. Some, however, are spinning death in a new light.  Paul and Jordan talk to video game developer, Gabby DaRienzo, about her recent creation, A Mortician's Tale. It is a video game that requires the player--as a funeral director--to both care for the business and emotional side of death, from preparing the bodies of the deceased to comforting the bereaved. Though seemingly dark, the game, Gabby shares, is deemed "death positive," helping people talk more openly and comfortably about death.  Follow Gabby on Twitter @gabdar

Laws are in place to protect the innocent from being punished. But what happens when those entrusted to uphold them, do the opposite? Paul and Jordan talk to David McCallum, imprisoned 29 years for a crime he did not commit, and Ken Klonsky, pivotal to his eventual release, about the events surrounding David's wrongful conviction and the unfair justice system responsible for it. Exploring how much has changed since, the four delve into important issues of race, false confessions, and the right to a fair trial. As David and Ken reveal, though wrongful convictions still persist, we--as concerned citizens--can help end them by holding governments legally accountable. Learn more about David and Ken here.