Open Minds with Christopher Balkaran

Christopher Balkaran

Imagine if you could explore, with genuine curiosity, the most controversial and divisive topics of our time. The conversations would push you to explore new areas and uncover insightful ‘a-ha’ moments that pique your interest. These talks could help answer the questions you may have, like: why would anyone support capital punishment? Or, what are the pros and cons to tobacco control, or public healthcare, or legalizing sex work? I’m Christopher, and I have created engaging Podcast discussions since 2018 to do exactly this. I invite guests involved in these areas to share with me their opinions. My hope is that through this natural exploration, I can craft a Podcast experience that attempts to build bridges during a time when we need it the most. Join me as I attempt to uncover these issues with true, genuine curiosity. read less

#194: Why Young Men and Remixed Racism with Jamil Jivani
Sep 5 2023
#194: Why Young Men and Remixed Racism with Jamil Jivani
-WATCH THIS INTERVIEW ON YOUTUBE-My conversation with Jamil Jivani is available on YouTube - https://youtu.be/kCxLOvJFZHU?si=BwZ_EpUNLOgeUlW4-SUPPORT THE OPEN MINDS PODCAST-🛒 Support and EngageNow, you have a chance to be part of my massive endeavour of changing the world with each conversation!. Whether you're a listener who yearns for balanced conversations or a business looking to make a positive impact, consider supporting the podcast. Sponsor an episode or explore the curated items on Chris's Amazon store, where your purchase directly contributes to the podcast's growth and continued engagement. Here’s how:Buy a book from my Amazon store: https://www.amazon.ca/shop/openmindspodSupport the Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1428583/su...-JAMIL JIVANI-Listen to Jamil's story:    • Jamil Jivani speaks at Coalition of C...  Jamil Jivani's Interview on Why Young Men:    • Author Jamil Jivani on why young men ...  Purchase Why Young Men: https://amzn.to/45GYzw3Learn more about Jamil: https://www.votejamil.ca/abouthttps://www.votejamil.ca/Support the showVisit my NEW Website! https://openmindspodcast.com/Check out my Instagram/Tik Tok for daily posts: Instagram @openmindspodTiktok @openmindspodcastBuzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched! Start for FREEDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showVisit my NEW Website! https://openmindspodcast.com/Check out my Instagram/Tik Tok for daily posts: Instagram @openmindspodTiktok @openmindspodcast
#182: Should We Teach Race and Gender in the Classroom? Kaylene Stevens, Boston University
Apr 18 2023
#182: Should We Teach Race and Gender in the Classroom? Kaylene Stevens, Boston University
Racism and Gender issues are in the news and there is a hot debate whether all the nuances should be discussedWhy are Racism and Gender Issues So Taboo to Discuss in the Classroom?Racism and gender issues can be taboo to discuss in the classroom for several reasons, including:Fear of causing discomfort: Discussions of racism and gender issues can bring up uncomfortable feelings and memories for some students. Teachers may be hesitant to broach these topics for fear of making students feel upset or angry.Lack of knowledge or training: Teachers may not feel equipped to lead discussions about racism and gender issues. They may not have received training on how to address these topics in a classroom setting, or they may not have a deep understanding of the issues themselves.Concerns about controversy: Teachers may worry that discussing racism and gender issues will be controversial and may upset parents, administrators, or other stakeholders. This can lead them to avoid the topics altogether.Time constraints: Teachers may feel like they do not have enough time to properly address these complex topics in the classroom. They may worry that they will not be able to cover the necessary material while also allowing time for discussion and reflection.What are the Negative Consequences of Not Talking about Race and Gender in the Classroom?Not talking about race and gender in the classroom can have several negative consequences, including:Reinforcing stereotypes and biases: When race and gender are not discussed in the classroom, students may develop incomplete or inaccurate views of these topics based on the limited information they have access to. This can reinforce harmful stereotypes and biases that perpetuate inequality and discrimination.Fostering ignorance and apathy: Without discussions about race and gender, students may lack the knowledge and understanding necessary to recognize and address issues of inequality and discrimination. This can lead to a sense of apathy or disengagement when it comes to social justice issues.Creating discomfort and disengagement: When students from marginalized communities do not see themselves or their experiences represented in the classroom, they may feel uncomfortable or disengaged from the learning process. This can lead to feelings of isolation and disconnection from the academic community.Missing opportunities for learning and growth: Discussions of race and gender can provide valuable opportunities for learning and growth. When these topics are not addressed in the classroom, students miss out on important opportunities to build empathy, develop critical thinking skills, and gain a deeper understanding of the world around them.Support the showVisit my NEW Website! https://openmindspodcast.com/Check out my Instagram/Tik Tok for daily posts: Instagram @openmindspodTiktok @openmindspodcast
#179: What is the Impact of Mental Health on Quality of Life? Pat Corrigan
Mar 21 2023
#179: What is the Impact of Mental Health on Quality of Life? Pat Corrigan
"...people with seemingly 'less severe' social anxiety disorders may experience a worse course than those with prototypical serious illness, like schizophrenia, because the fright and nervousness defining their anxiety prevents them from seeking the most demanding of jobs, thereby rendering them unable to live on their own. Some people with schizophrenia are able to live with recurring auditory hallucinations without distress, pursue a career and enjoy a full family life."It's so fascinating researching mental health and wellness. I came across research from Pat Corrigan et. al called, "The Impact of Mental Illness Stigma on Seeking and Participating in Mental Health Care," which the quote above is taken from.This was truly fascinating to me. Could it be that most of us are not living our lives to the fullest due to low levels of social anxiety, fear and depression? And why do so many of us drop out of care after the first few visits to a mental health professional?Who is Pat Corrigan?Patrick Corrigan is a Distinguished Professor of Psychology and a core faculty member in the Division of Counseling and Rehabilitation Science.How Can Mental Illness Impact Your Daily Life?Mental illness can impact different people in different ways, and the symptoms of mental illness can vary depending on the specific disorder. There are some common signs that mental illness may be getting in the way of your life, including the following:Interference with daily functioning: Mental illness can affect your ability to carry out daily tasks, such as going to work, attending school, or completing household chores. If you find it difficult to carry out these tasks or they take significantly longer than usual, it may be a sign that mental illness is affecting your life.Changes in mood or behaviour: Mental illness can cause changes in your mood, behavior, or personality. You may feel more irritable, anxious, or depressed than usual, or you may engage in behaviors that are out of character for you.Difficulty maintaining relationships: Mental illness can also impact your ability to maintain relationships with family, friends, and coworkers. You may withdraw from social situations, have difficulty communicating with others, or experience conflict in your relationships.Physical symptoms: Mental illness can also cause physical symptoms, such as headaches, digestive issues, or chronic pain. These symptoms may not have an underlying medical cause and can impact your ability to function normally.Support the showVisit my NEW Website! https://openmindspodcast.com/Check out my Instagram/Tik Tok for daily posts: Instagram @openmindspodTiktok @openmindspodcast
#178: What is Gender Dysphoria? Ken Zucker, Clinical Psychologist
Mar 14 2023
#178: What is Gender Dysphoria? Ken Zucker, Clinical Psychologist
Watch this episode: https://youtu.be/H8kJFn23MWAI've always been interested in the topic of Gender Dysphoria (GD) and Conversion Therapy. I am noticing many are making sweeping statements on GD and what the implications for youth are. I wanted to explore the topic more with one of the most well-renowned researchers and Clinical Psychologists on the topic: Ken Zucker.Who is Ken Zucker?Kenneth Zucker is a Canadian psychologist and researcher who has studied and treated gender identity issues, including gender dysphoria, for many years. He is known for his work in the field of gender identity development in children and adolescents, and his approach to treatment has been controversial.Zucker is the former head of the Gender Identity Service at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) in Toronto, Canada, and has published numerous articles and books on gender identity development and treatment. His approach to treatment has been criticized by some in the transgender community who feel that his methods, which included encouraging children to conform to their assigned gender, were harmful and outdated.In 2015, an external review of the CAMH gender identity clinic found that some of Zucker's practices were not in line with current standards of care for transgender people, and he was subsequently dismissed from his position at the clinic. Since then, Zucker has continued to publish and speak on the topic of gender identity development and treatment, but his work remains controversial and continues to be the subject of debate in the scientific and transgender communities.What is Gender Dysphoria?Gender dysphoria is a medical term used to describe the distress or discomfort that some people experience when the gender they were assigned at birth does not match their gender identity. In other words, a person with gender dysphoria may feel that their biological sex (male or female) does not correspond to the gender they feel they are (male, female, or non-binary).Gender dysphoria can manifest itself in a variety of ways, including feeling uncomfortable with one's body, experiencing anxiety or depression related to gender identity, and feeling a strong desire to live as a gender different from the one assigned at birth.It is important to note that gender dysphoria is not the same as being transgender. While many transgender people experience gender dysphoria, not all do, and experiencing gender dysphoria does not necessarily mean that someone is transgender. Gender dysphoria is considered a medical condition and can be treated through a variety of means, including therapy, hormone therapy, and gender-affirming surgery.What are Some of the Behaviours Children Exhibit that May Lead to a Diagnosis of Gender Dysphoria?Children who experience gender dysphoria may display a range of characteristics that indicate their discomfort or distress with the gender they were assigned at birth. These characteristics may include:A persistent and strong desire to be of the opposite gender or a gender that is different from the one assigned at birth.Strong feelings of discomfort, anxiety, or distress about their assigned gender.Preference for clothing, toys, or activities typically associated with the opposite gender.Insistence on being addressed by a name or pronoun that matches their gender identity, rather than their assigned gender.Rejection of clothing, toys, or activities typically associated with their assigned gender.Distress or discomfort about their physical body, especially during Support the showVisit my NEW Website! https://openmindspodcast.com/Check out my Instagram/Tik Tok for daily posts: Instagram @openmindspodTiktok @openmindspodcast
#176: The Challenges with Affirmative Action, Professor Peter Arcidiacono
Feb 28 2023
#176: The Challenges with Affirmative Action, Professor Peter Arcidiacono
Despite the benefits of Affirmative Action as told by Professor Harry Holzer, there also exists many challenges when the policy framework is deployed in College and University admissions. While the intention of admitting students from different backgrounds may be noble, by building a more diverse student body - are schools providing the necessary supports for students to succeed? And if not, could this indirectly be exacerbating the divide between students of different backgrounds?I invited Professor Peter Arcidiacono on to discuss further. Professor Arcidiacono's work has focused on noting friendship formations based both on race and academic backgrounds. The findings were fascinating. Could Affirmative Action policies be building a diverse student body and increasing segregation amongst students?Who is Professor Peter Arcidiacono?Peter Arcidiacono is a professor of economics at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina, United States. He received his Ph.D. in economics from the University of California, San Diego, in 1994. His research interests are in the areas of labor economics, education, and applied econometrics.Arcidiacono has conducted extensive research on the economics of education, including studies on college admissions, the impact of affirmative action policies on college admissions and student outcomes, and the effects of peer influences on academic performance. He is also known for his work on the economics of the labor market, including studies on the effects of minimum wage policies on employment and earnings.In addition to his academic work, Arcidiacono is a Research Associate at the National Bureau of Economic Research and has served as a consultant to the U.S. Department of Justice, the U.S. Department of Labor, and other organizations.Do Affirmative Action Policies Lead to Cross-Racial Friendships on Campus?Research has shown that students tend to form friendships with peers who have similar academic backgrounds, interests, and goals. For example, students who are enrolled in the same major or who share similar academic interests are more likely to form friendships than students who are not.In addition, students' academic backgrounds can also influence their social networks outside of the classroom. For example, students who are involved in extracurricular activities such as clubs or sports teams may form friendships with peers who share their interests, regardless of their academic background.It is also worth noting that students' academic backgrounds may be related to their socioeconomic status, which can in turn influence their social networks on campus. Research has shown that students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds may be less likely to form friendships with peers from higher socioeconomic backgrounds due to differences in social and cultural capital.The impact of affirmative action policies on student segregation on campus is a complex issue that has been debated among scholars and policymakers. While some argue that affirmative action policies can lead to greater student segregation on campus, others argue that these policies can help promote diversity and integration.On one hand, opponents of affirmative action policies argue that these policies can lead to greater segregation on campus by creating separate tracks for students of different races or ethnicities. For example, some argue that affirmative action policies may lead to the creation of separate dormitories, clubs, or organizations for students from underrepresented groups, which could further segregate students on campus. Support the showVisit my NEW Website! https://openmindspodcast.com/Check out my Instagram/Tik Tok for daily posts: Instagram @openmindspodTiktok @openmindspodcast
#175: The Benefits of Affirmative Action, Professor Harry Holzer
Feb 21 2023
#175: The Benefits of Affirmative Action, Professor Harry Holzer
Affirmative Action policies were introduced in the 1960s by then-President Lyndon B. Johnson. The President recognized Black and Hispanic communities were not well represented in specific sectors. While the federal government did not have direct control over the hiring decisions in private business, it could exert some power in seeing increasing representation with federal contractors.With now over fifty (50) years of experience, how have Affirmative Action policies shaped the US? What have some of the benefits been and what can other countries learn from America's experience? I invited Professor Harry Holzer of Georgetown University to discuss these questions in more detail. Professor Holzer has spent many decades studying Affirmative Action and its impacts on the labour market.Who is Professor Harry Holzer?Professor Harry Holzer is an American economist and public policy expert. He is currently the John LaFarge Jr. SJ Professor of Public Policy at Georgetown University, where he also serves as a Senior Fellow at the Center on Education and the Workforce.Holzer previously served as the Chief Economist for the U.S. Department of Labor, and has held positions at several other academic and policy institutions.Why Did the Federal Government Pursue Affirmative Action Policies in the 1960s?The federal government pursued affirmative action policies in the 1960s as a response to the widespread discrimination and segregation that existed in many areas of American life at that time. The Civil Rights Act of 1964, which was signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson, prohibited discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin in employment, education, and other areas. However, simply outlawing discrimination was not enough to address the deep-seated inequalities that existed in American society.In order to address the lingering effects of past discrimination and promote greater diversity and inclusion, the federal government began to implement affirmative action policies in areas such as education, employment, and contracting. These policies were designed to ensure that individuals from historically disadvantaged groups, such as African Americans and other minorities, had equal opportunities to succeed and were not held back by systemic discrimination or biases.Affirmative action was seen as a way to promote greater equality and to address the historical injustices faced by minority groups. It was also seen as a way to promote greater diversity in institutions such as colleges and universities, which had traditionally been dominated by white, middle-class students. While affirmative action policies have been controversial and have faced legal challenges over the years, they continue to be used in many areas of American life as a way to promote greater equality and diversity.Check out the full article here at: https://openmindspodcast.comProfessor Holzer: https://gufaculty360.georgetown.edu/s/contact/00336000014RcL5AAK/harry-holzerSupport the showVisit my NEW Website! https://openmindspodcast.com/Check out my Instagram/Tik Tok for daily posts: Instagram @openmindspodTiktok @openmindspodcast