The Public

by Kevin Caners

Society & Culture

Noam Chomsky talks Climate Change & His Message to the Future

A new interview with world-renowned intellectual Noam Chomsky. In this conversation Chomsky reflects on the challenge to humanity posed by climate change, what ordinary citizens can do to combat it, and shares some of the lessons he's gleaned from his life including what his advice would be for present and future generations concerned about the fate of the planet."It’s urgent for those who have the most privilege, the most opportunity, the greatest advantages, to be in the forefront instead of in the rear in trying to impede what is likely to be a serious catastrophe”

Michael Crummey, Exploring A Changing Way of Life in Newfoundland

Award-winning Canadian author Michael Crummey has just come out with his latest novel 'Sweetland' which tells the story of one man's response to the resettlement of his small struggling Newfoundland community. What results is a fascinating meditation on death, resilience, and a way of life that is rapidly disappearing. In this wide-ranging conversation with Michael Crummey, we talk about the birth of his new novel, the complicated changes Newfoundland society is going through, and what the idea of 'home' means in the 21st century.

David Carr: on Journalism, Addiction, and the Changing Media Landscape

New York Times columnist David Carr has become one of the most insightful reporters of what is happening within the world of media and journalism today. From Glenn Greenwald and the NSA revelations, to the struggles of mid-size newspapers, to his own turbulent past with addiction, our wide-ranging conversation with David Carr.

The Public - Alexander Maksik, 'A Marker to Measure Drift'

Author Alexander Maksik has recently released his second novel called A Marker to Measure Drift. It tells the story of Jacqueline, a young liberian woman who has fled the civil war engulfing her country, and is now haunted by the memory of the trauma in her recent past. Alexander Maksik has written for publications including Harper's, The New York Times Magazine, and Slate, we speak about isolation, facing reality, and how one deals with trauma.

The Public - David Suzuki, A Life Spent Communicating Science

David Suzuki is not only one of Canada's best known environmentalists and scientists, he is also one of this country's most distinguished broadcasters. The longtime host of The Nature Of Things speaks about his life, his early days as a scientist, the importance of public broadcasting, and why communicating science to the general public is so essential.

The Public - Ralph Nader, Life as an Outspoken Citizen

This week a conversation with renowned progressive political icon Ralph Nader. In the interview Nader reflects on the four decades he's spent working as a consumer advocate and outspoken public figure, the current state of American democracy (including why things were better under Nixon than they are under Obama), and speaks to the challenges facing our society moving forward.

The Public - Filmmaker Alan Zweig reflects on the art of living in '15 Reasons To Live'

This week, a conversation with Toronto Filmmaker Alan Zweig about his new documentary 15 Reasons To Live, in which through fifteen separate chapters and personal portraits he reflects on the various facets of the human experience that make life worth living, from Love and Work to Humour and Friendship. A touching meditation on the art of living, and the aspects of the human experience that our lives meaning.

The Public - Finding brotherly love on tour with The National in "Mistaken For Strangers"

In 2010, indie rockers The National are about to embark on their biggest international tour yet when lead singer Matt Berninger invites his younger at times floundering brother Tom along to be part of the tour crew. Tom agrees, and brings his camera with him to document the journey. What follows is anything but smooth sailing. From Tom's highs to lows, the ensuing film "Mistaken For Strangers" is a entertaining meditation on success, failure, redemption, and brotherly love.

The Public - Filmmaker Cullen Hoback, With Online Privacy 'Terms And Conditions May Apply'

We have all clicked agree to lengthy "Terms and Conditions" documents in order to use of everything from iTunes to Facebook and Gmail. But exacty what does it say in these documents? And what does it mean for our right to privacy and the use of our data? Now the new documentary film 'Terms And Conditions May Apply' takes a look at these questions, and examines what exactly we've signed away when we click "I Agree."

The Public - Humorist David Sedaris

A conversation with humorist and best-selling author David Sedaris on writing, his public/private persona, and finding humour in the painful. His latest collection of essays is called "Let's Explore Diabetes with Owls."

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