82 episodes

Beyond the Headlines is a weekly current affairs show that aims to make public policy discussions more accessible to you. We take you beyond the headlines of our daily news, bringing you access to current leaders through in-depth interviews. Produced by Master’s Students at the University of Toronto’s Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy.

Beyond the Headlines beyondtheheadlines

    • News
    • 4.7 • 15 Ratings

Beyond the Headlines is a weekly current affairs show that aims to make public policy discussions more accessible to you. We take you beyond the headlines of our daily news, bringing you access to current leaders through in-depth interviews. Produced by Master’s Students at the University of Toronto’s Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy.

    Truth First: The Legacy of Canada’s Residential Schools

    Truth First: The Legacy of Canada’s Residential Schools

    *Trigger Warning: This episode includes content dealing with upsetting, sensitive, and potentially triggering themes including institutionalized modes of oppression, sexual violence, and violence against children.
     
    Today’s episode delves into the history and enduring consequences of Canada's residential school system. With a focus on understanding the systemic abuses inflicted upon Indigenous children and communities, we examine the roots of the residential school system and its devastating effects on Indigenous cultures and identities.
    In the first segment, Kaila Johnston provides an overview of the history of residential schools in Canada, discussing their role within the broader context of colonialism and the suppression of Indigenous cultures. She also explains the methods used within the system to suppress Indigenous languages and cultures and clarifies the term "cultural genocide." Kaila addresses common misunderstandings about residential schools, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging their impact on Indigenous communities.
    Tyler Pennock then discusses the long-term impact of residential schools on Indigenous communities, focusing on intergenerational trauma and cultural loss. They emphasize the crucial need for Canadians to acknowledge and confront the truth of residential schools for reconciliation. Tyler also discusses Indigenous storytelling and knowledge, providing guidance for non-Indigenous Canadians seeking to educate themselves further. 
     
    Further resources:
    Residential School history.
    Learn whose land you are on.
    Justice, D., Carleton, S., Truth before reconciliation: 8 ways to identify and confront Residential School denialism (mentioned by Kaila).
    Tyler Pennock’s website.
    Indian Horse’s movie trailer (mentioned by Kaila).
    Books for adults on the topic of residential schools.

    • 58 min
    China’s Evolution: From Reform to Retract

    China’s Evolution: From Reform to Retract

    This episode examines China’s dramatic transformation over recent decades, transitioning from rapid economic growth and liberalization, particularly post its 2001 WTO accession, to a phase of increased tensions with Western nations. This shift, amidst rising geopolitical tensions and internal policy shifts, demands a deeper, more nuanced understanding that goes beyond traditional top-down analyses. The focus is on a bottom-up approach that prioritizes gaining insights directly from individuals who have been actively involved in and have firsthand experience of these changes. This narrative offers a concise yet comprehensive view of China's changing role in the global landscape and its complex implications both at home and abroad.

    • 58 min
    Two years of War in Ukraine

    Two years of War in Ukraine

    It has now been two years since Russia’s full scale invasion of Ukraine. Last year, in February 2023, there was a prevailing sense of optimism and hope as the Ukrainian armed forces were able to hold back the Russian advance and even reclaim large swaths of territory. Now, 12 months later, that sense of optimism has been diminished to a great extent. Disappointing results from the Ukrainian fall counteroffensive along with stiff Russian defenses has left the battlelines in Ukraine largely unchanged. Furthermore, faltering Western support, most notably from the, United States and some European countries risks depriving Ukraine of crucially needed funds, equipment, and ammunition. 
    Through a conversation with Janice Stein from the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, the first segment will discuss the most important developments of the war in the last year as well as the Ukrainian, Russian, and North American perspectives of the war. 
    In the second segment, we have a discussion with Andres Kasekamp, also from Munk School. This segment puts emphasis on the European point of view of the war and goes into more detail on the broader political trends that Europe faces right now.

    • 59 min
    Demographic Shifts: Exploring the Global Decline in Fertility Rates

    Demographic Shifts: Exploring the Global Decline in Fertility Rates

    The global decline in fertility rates poses significant challenges for socio-economic structures, with Canada experiencing a notable decrease that mirrors this worldwide trend. This reduction in birth rates leads to an aging population, straining healthcare, pension systems, and altering workforce dynamics. In Canada, the fall in fertility rates necessitates a reevaluation of immigration policies to counterbalance demographic shifts and maintain economic growth. The decline also prompts concerns about the sustainability of social support systems, as a smaller working-age population may struggle to support an increasing number of retirees. Addressing these implications requires comprehensive policy planning and international cooperation to adapt to the changing demographic landscape.

    • 48 min
    Unraveling the ‘Comfort Women’ Issue

    Unraveling the ‘Comfort Women’ Issue

    *Trigger Warning: this episode includes content dealing with upsetting, sensitive and potentially triggering themes including sexual violence, torture, and death.*
    The Japanese Military Sexual Slavery, known as the “Comfort women” history refers to the system of sexual slavery by the Imperial Japanese government during World War II. From 1931 and 1945, between 50,000 and 200,000 girls and women across the Asia Pacific, were forced into sexual servitude where they were raped and abused by the Japanese military. Despite the history having gained international attention as survivors came forward to share their stories, it remains largely unknown and silenced. Regardless, survivors and human rights activists have fought to raise awareness and have demanded appropriate redress, aiming not only for future generations to be accurately educated about this dark history, but also so that this crime against humanity is not repeated.
    In the first segment, Woohee Kim will provide the audience with a comprehensive understanding of the “comfort women” issue, exploring its historical background during World War II and addressing the current challenges faced by the survivors. 
    We then delve into what it means to appropriately address this issue and promote reconciliation. In the second segment, Phyllis Kim also explores the significance of the Peace monuments in raising awareness around the 'comfort women' issue and provides insights into the activist journey of Grandmother Lee Yong-Soo.
    We finish with Miki Dezaki, who helps us in debunking the 'comfort women' issue being dismissed as solely a political and emotional topic. He explores the significance of the silencing and denialism of such history and how we can overcome these challenges and achieve resolution and reconciliation through informed and respectful discourse.
    Further Resources:
    A compiled list of resources on the Japanese Military Sexual Slavery issue: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1mFfRsEkUBMXXL9SjVxxJDamgU3XbcRGHcCmZkrKBKA4/edit?usp=sharing
    CARE (Comfort Women Action) and their work: https://comfortwomenaction.org/
    Women’s Active Museum on War and Peace: https://wam-peace.org/en/
    Miki’s film, Shusenjo: The Main Battleground of the Comfort Women Issue:  https://www.amazon.com/Shusenjo-Comfort-Women-Japans-History/dp/B08SHLLN9T
    Shusenjo: The Main Battleground of Comfort Women IssueApple TVhttps://tv.apple.com › movie › shusenjo-the-main-battl…
    For insights into the movement: Embodied Reckonings: “Comfort Women," Performance, and Transpacific Redress by Elizabeth Son 
    For insights into the history: Comfort Women: Sexual Slavery in the Japanese Military during World War II by Yoshimi Yoshiaki
    For survivors’ testimonies: Stories That Make History: The Experience and Memories of the Japanese Military Comfort Girls-Women

    • 58 min
    Demystifying Climate Science: Achieving Climate Justice in the Era of Misinformation

    Demystifying Climate Science: Achieving Climate Justice in the Era of Misinformation

    Climate justice is once again making headlines. On today's episode, we sit down with Assistant Professor Hanna Morris and Professor Kariuki Karagia from the University of Toronto to discuss climate change as an intersectional barrier to social justice. This episode is a collaboration with the Munk School Environmental Working Group. The EWG is a student-led organization that aims to raise the profile of environment, sustainability, and climate-related issues at the Munk School, while providing a platform for students to explore the intersections of sustainability, environmental policy, and climate change as they relate to other pillars of public policy and global affairs.

    • 58 min

Customer Reviews

4.7 out of 5
15 Ratings

15 Ratings

Mikifraser ,

Amazing

Beyond the headlines is very informative and captures my attention every episode! The podcast captures relevant and real life problems that are interesting to listen to and hear expert opinions! I highly recommend listening to them, you will not be disappointed!

Connor Fraser ,

One of Canada’s best current affairs shows!

I tune in for Beyond the Headlines every week and am always impressed by the variety of topics they cover, and the quality of guests they are able to secure. Legit one of Canada’s best kept secrets and best political/current affairs publications, on-par with professional outlets. Discussions are balanced and accessible, I come away more informed, and with something interesting to spice up our family dinners! Keep up the great work!

booo._.m ,

Love the podcast !

I think the issues are very relevant ! Highly recommend it.

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