Allan Gregg in Conversation (Video)
269 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 11 years ago - ★★★★★ - 1 ratingAllan Gregg in Conversation presents in-depth conversations with some of the world's most prominent authors, artists, and cutting-edge thinkers. Allan Gregg in Conversation airs Fridays at 10:00 PM EST on TVO - Canada's largest educational broadcaster.
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Episodes
George Elliott Clarke On His Book "George and Rue"
February 10, 2012 16:54 - 60.9 MB VideoGeorge Elliott Clarke explores violence, racism and poverty in the Maritimes in the 1940s in his book, "George and Rue". It is a part fiction, part fact story based on a real event; that of his two cousins who were executed for murdering a cab driver. Apart from the book, Elliott Clarke says that black history has very little presence in Canadian history books. He also comments on his involvement with trying to get "To Kill A Mockingbird" replaced in the school curriculum with a book by an...
Georges Laraque on his Autobiography
February 04, 2012 20:27 - 108 MB VideoRetired NHL player Georges Laraque has written his autobiography, entitled "Georges Laraque - The Story of the NHL's Unlikeliest Tough Guy". As a child he knew he wanted to play professional hockey. Despite the racism he faced, which he actually attributes to having made him more determined to succeed, he did reach his goal. He talks also about the role of the enforcer; his time playing in Sweden during the NHL lock-out and his decision to adopt a vegan lifestyle which led to him becoming a...
Barbara Coloroso Gives Expert Advice on Parenting Issues
February 01, 2012 18:45 - 96.1 MB VideoParenting expert Barbara Coloroso is the author of "Kids Are Worth It!". In this interview, she divides parenting styles into three categories; jelly fish, brick wall and backbone and describes hypothetical situations and how each type of parent would react. (Originally aired February 1997)
Peter C. Newman on The Secret Mulroney Tapes
February 01, 2012 18:45 - 62.9 MB VideoPeter C. Newman is the author of "The Secret Mulroney Tapes", which is a highly controversial and unflattering biography of former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney. During his research, Newman logged 98 hours of interviews with Mulroney, his family and colleagues. When it was released, Mulroney was furious and said he felt he had been betrayed by Newman. (Originally aired October 2005).
Child Psychiatrist Dr. Paul Steinhauer on Child Development
January 31, 2012 18:52 - 95.1 MB VideoChild psychiatrist Dr. Paul Steinhauer is a strong proponet of healthy child development being a factor in preventing psychiatric disorders later in life. He believes you can identify traits in kindergarten children that are signs of potential future behavioural problems. He sees child poverty as being one of the biggest precursors to antisocial behaviour. (Originally aired April 1997)
Walter Isaacson
January 28, 2012 15:34 - 107 MB VideoWalter Isaacson interviewed Steve Jobs over a period of two years to gather material for his biography of him; "Steve Jobs". He sees Jobs as an artistic and marketing genius who, although could often be uncompromising and petulant, was always a perfectionist and garnered great loyalty from his staff at Apple.
Prof. Bill Buxton Predicts the End of Personal Computers.
January 27, 2012 15:16 - 44.5 MB VideoProf. Bill Buxton is both a critic and a visionary in the world of computer technology. He predicts the demise of personal computers as he foresees more people and households will be using smaller hand-held devices. He comments on the animation industry in Canada and of the need for more funding for research. (Originally aired June 1998)
Michael Bliss on his Book "Right Honourable Men"
January 27, 2012 15:16 - 48.7 MB VideoIn historian Michael Bliss' latest book "Right Honourable Men: The Descent of Canadian Politics from Macdonald to Mulroney" he provides mini-biographies of ten Canadian Prime Ministers, assessing each one on their suitability and performance. Originally aired December 1994)
Allan Fotheringham on his memoirs
January 21, 2012 20:28 - 36.7 MB VideoJournalist Allan Fotheringham has just released his memoirs in "Boy From Nowhere". He talks about his childhood and about his fifty-year career in journalism.
Peter C. Newman
January 21, 2012 20:28 - 68.2 MB VideoAuthor Peter C. Newman talks about his latest book "When The Gods Changed" which chronicles the demise of the Liberal party in Canada.
Israeli politician Natan Sharansky on democracy
January 20, 2012 15:34 - 60.8 MB VideoIsraeli cabinet minister Natan Sharansky is the author of "The Case for Democracy." A Soviet-born dissident, Sharansky spent nine years as a political prisoner during the Cold War. He believes Yasser Arafat, who died on November 11th, was an obstacle to peace so now feels more optimistic about achieving harmony in the middle east. (Originally aired November 2004)
Maude Barlow on the world's water crisis
January 19, 2012 15:34 - 109 MB VideoIn her new book "Blue Covenant: The Global Water Crisis and the Coming Battle for the Right to Water", Maude Barlow says the world is running out of fresh water. Humans have done a wonderful job of polluting, displacing and mismanaging water. Even here in Canada, the supply of fresh water is shrinking. How did the world's largest resource become so threatened and what can be done about it? (Originally aired February 2008)
Maude Barlow on the world water crisis
January 19, 2012 15:34 - 106 MB VideoMaude Barlow's book "Blue Gold" highlights the global water crisis and Barlow's concerns over the privatization and export of water. (Originally aired April 2002)
Gwynne Dyer on the global effects of climate change
January 18, 2012 18:16 - 111 MB VideoGlobal food shortages, waves of refugees, countries at war over dwindling resources. In a new book, Gwynne Dyer offers a terrifying vision of the not-too-distant future, all driven by the effects of global warming. Dyer is a Canadian journalist and historian. His book is called "Climate Wars". (Originally aired June 2009)
Paul Burrell on Diana, Princes of Wales
January 17, 2012 16:27 - 48.2 MB VideoPaul Burrell, former butler to Diana, Princess of Wales, has written about his life in royal service; "A Royal Duty". He talks about the love and support the Queen and Prince Philip gave to Diana, and how Diana's own family abandoned her. (Originally aired November 2003)
Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish's remarkable story of forgiveness.
January 14, 2012 15:59 - 107 MB VideoPalestinian doctor Izzeldin Abuelaish is the author of "I Shall Not Hate: A Gaza Doctor's Journey". Dr. Abuelish has every right to hate; in 2009, during the Gazi war, the Israeli Defence Force bombed his house; killing three of his daughters and a niece. Remarkably, Dr. Izzeldin resolved not to hate the Israelis but to try to do something positive so that the sacrifice of his daughters would not be in vain. Hate, he believes, is the strongest weapon of mass destruction. Since that time,...
Bishop John Spong on his memoir "Here I Stand".
January 12, 2012 20:28 - 104 MB VideoLiberal Bishop John Spong has often caused controversy for encouraging people to challenge biblical interpretations and re-think religious tenets. He believes the invasion of the church by religious fundamentalists is driving away many of the more liberal-minded church-goers. In his childhood in the southern U.S. in the 1930s, he witnessed racism and that made him vow to end all forms of discrimination in the church. His memoir is called "Here I Stand". (Originally aired May 2000)
Laurier LaPierre on Sir Wilfrid Laurier
January 12, 2012 20:28 - 71.4 MB VideoLaurier LaPierre has written a biography of his hero, Canada's seventh Prime Minister, Sir Wilfrid Laurier, his namesake. The book is called "Sir Wilfrid Laurier and the Romance of Canada". (Originally aired June 1997)
Domestic goddess Nigella Lawson
January 11, 2012 15:25 - 28.8 MB VideoNigella Lawson reacts to her unofficial title of "domestic goddess" and goes on to talk about her education, her marriage to her first husband and her philosophy in the kitchen. Her lates book is called "Feast: Food That Celebrates Life". (Originally aired December 2004)
Robert Reich on the effects of the new economy.
December 22, 2011 15:59 - 111 MB Video"The Future of Success: Working and Living in the New Economy", is the latest book from Bill Clinton's former Labor Secretary, Robert Reich. He believes that we now have less economic security and are under more pressure to make money while we can. The new economy, partly driven by technology, gives consumers tremendous choice thereby making market competition intense and ending the notion of customer loyalty. Others effects of the economy are the shrinking size of the family and the wid...
Jeremy Rifkin lists three major environmental concerns.
November 29, 2011 20:39 - 63.2 MB VideoPolicy Advisor Jeremy Rifkin continues his conversation about environmental issues. He talks about the three most pressing challenges facing our planet, which are; global warming caused by three hundred years of industrial pollution and of which the consequences are potentially catastrophic; the sustainability of bio-diversity which is under contstant threat of being damaged by over-zealous extraction of resources demanded by a global market; the control of the gene pool. (Originally aired ...
Jeremy Rifkin on the perils of bio-engineering.
November 29, 2011 20:39 - 63.1 MB VideoActivist and author Jeremy Rifkin warns of the perils of bio-engineering. He believes the potential of being able to re-assemble the blueprint of evolution is dangerous and the implications are not fully understood. Scientists should not have the sole responsibility of being the architects of the biological destiny of this planet. (Originally aired May 1995).
Dr. Fraser Mustard on sustaining a prosperous society.
November 26, 2011 20:39 - 52.9 MB VideoDr. Fraser Mustard is a great believer in the link between economic and social determinants on the health and well-being of society. He states that in order to sustain a prosperous society, that society must be able to undersand how to create and distribute wealth. Sadly, Dr. Mustard died on November 16th 2011. (Originally aired April 1995).
David Blankenhorn on why we need fathers.
November 26, 2011 20:39 - 97.4 MB VideoDavid Blankenhorn's new book is "Fatherless America", which as the title suggests, is about the disappearing role of the father in America. Forty percent of households no longer have a father at home. Blankenhorn believes that this trend is the root cause of much of society's problems, such as juvenile delinquency, teen pregnancy, poverty, domestic and child abuse. (Originally aired November 1995).
Joel Bakan on how big business targets children.
November 26, 2011 18:32 - 107 MB VideoLaw Professor Joel Bakan discusses his new book "Childhood Under Siege: How Big Business Targets Children". The book exposes the widespread exploitation of children at the hands of big business and how parents and families are often left helpless to defend them. The advent of social media and mobile technology has provided even greater opportunity for corporations to access children. Bakan even suggests there is a link between the explosion of children's mental health issues and business b...
Sir Martin Gilbert on the plight of Jews in the 20th Century
November 23, 2011 15:06 - 78.4 MB VideoHistorian Sir Martin Gilbert is the author of "The Jews in the 20th Century". In it, he states that in western Europe, the beginning of the 20th century was an optimum time for Jews. Later into the century, Europe suffered an economic collapse and Jews became the scapegoats. Gilbert realized that there was very little written about Jews in the history books and even the holocaust was relegated to a footnote. (Originally aired March 2002)
Joseph Boyden talks about "Three Day Road".
November 21, 2011 18:40 - 44.3 MB VideoJoseph Boyden talks about his novel "Three Day Road", which tells the story of two Cree hunters who serve as snipers during World War I, where their skills in tracking and marksmanship are much valued. The novel starts after the war, in 1919, when an elderly Oji-Cree woman, Niska, meets Elijah, one of the two snipers, who has returned gravely injured and addicted to morphine. As Niska paddles him home in her canoe on the three-day journey, she tells him stories of her life and Xavier wrestles...
Joyce Carol Oates on her memoir of widowhood.
November 19, 2011 20:08 - 107 MB VideoJoyce Carol Oates latest book, "A Widows's Story", is a memoir of widowhood written in the six months after the death of her husband Ray Smith, after a marriage of forty seven years. She talks about the insomnia and the importance of good friends who buoyed her up. Looking ahead, she has no shortage of ideas for new novels.
Jeffrey Toobin on the Clinton sex scandals.
November 18, 2011 18:20 - 111 MB VideoAmerican journalist Jeffrey Toobin's book "A Vast Conspiracy" is subtitled "The Real Story of the Sex Scandal that Nearly Brought Down a President." It's the definitive history of the Clinton sex scandals; from Little Rock Arkansas to the Senate. Toobin believes there was some kind of conspiracy against Clinton. (Originally aired February 2000).
Elizabeth Abbott traces the history of celibacy.
November 18, 2011 15:17 - 109 MB VideoHistorian Elizabeth Abbott's book "A History of Celibacy" is an exploration of male and female celibacy from ancient times up to modern day. Celibacy played an importance role is history and is not just a religious phenomenon but cultural also. (Originally aired May 1999)
Dr. Helen Fisher on the natural talents of women.
November 15, 2011 15:24 - 109 MB VideoAnthropologist Dr. Helen Fisher's latest book is "The First Sex: The Natural Talents of Women and How They are Changing the World" which looks closely at gender differences in the brain and behavior of men and women. She believes as more women enter the workforce, the particular skills they bring with them, will alter the way we do business. She also talks of the reformation of marriage and the shifting balance of power in relationships between the sexes. (Originally aired September 1999)
Malachy McCourt regales us with great stories from his past.
November 11, 2011 15:01 - 106 MB VideoMalachy McCourt is the younger brother of Frank McCourt, author of "Angela's Ashes". Malachy McCourt has written his memoirs, "A Monk Swimming". It chronicles Malachy's life from leaving Ireland in the hopes of finding a promised life in New York. In this interview he recalls this boistrous time of drinking and hob-nobbing with celebrities and of course, he talks fondly of his brother Frank. (Originally aired October 1999).
Martin Amis On His Turbulent Relationship With His Father.
November 11, 2011 15:01 - 114 MB VideoMartin Amis talks about his memoir "Experience" which was written five years after the death of his father, writer Kingsley Amis. This was deliberate as Martin felt it would have been too intrusive to have written while his father was still alive. He recalls his often turbulent relationship with his father and feels that writing this memoir was somewhat cathartic. He talks also of his admiration for and relationship with Saul Bellow; of the demise of American Jewish writers and his love fo...
Dr. Margaret Somerville On Setting Ethical Medical Guidelin
November 11, 2011 15:01 - 112 MB VideoMedical Ethicist Dr. Margaret Somerville believes that as medical and scientific breakthroughs are happening so quickly, it is imperative that society sets limits on the ethical implications these breakthroughs may cause. She talks about the inherent dangers of reproductive and therapeutic cloning; xenotransplantation i.e. the implanting of animal organs into human beings and doctor assisted suicide. (Originally aired January 2001)
Naomi Wolf debunks the myths around pregnancy and motherhood
November 11, 2011 15:01 - 67.9 MB VideoIn her new book "Misconceptions", feminist Naomi Wolf rages about the treatment of women during pregnancy and childbirth, a process she found to be completely de-humanizing. Written after she gave birth to her first child, she challenges the myths surrounding childbirth and motherhood. (Originally aired February 2002)
Child Activist Craig Kielburger's Latest Projects.
November 11, 2011 15:01 - 53.4 MB VideoCraig Kielburger gives an update on the work of "Free The Children". the charity he founded. He also tells us about a new initiative called "Leaders Today", which has been responsible for sending hundreds of Canadian students abroad to volunteer. His latest book is "Me ToWe", which teaches a culture of giving and community building. (Originally aired March 2005)
Anita Roddick explains her "Trade Not Aid" policy.
November 11, 2011 15:01 - 15.7 MB VideoFounder of "The Body Shop", Anita Roddick, charts the progress of her business and herself in her new book "Business As Unusual". She talks about how her "Trade Not Aid" slogan actually works and as an example, cites her attempt to puchase Brazil nut oil from Kayapo Indians. Sadly, Anita Roddick died in 2007. (Originally aired March 2001).
What does Fran Lebowitz really think?
November 07, 2011 21:44 - 104 MB VideoSocial commentator Fran Lebowitz pours forth with opinions on the cult of celebrity, New York, television phone-ins, Bill Clinton, talking versus writing, being expected to always be funny, being lazy, children and middle age. (Originally aired May 1996)
Martin Seligman believes you can make yourself happy.
November 07, 2011 21:44 - 111 MB VideoPioneer of "positive psychology" Martin Seligman, believes that by identifying and enhancing your signature strengths, you can learn to make yourself happy. His new book is "Authentic Happiness". (Originally aired February 2002).
Lynne Olson, author of "Citizens of London"
November 05, 2011 16:48 - 55.1 MB VideoHistorian Lynne Olson, is the author of "Citizens of London" which is about Americans who lived in London during the second world war and who played a vital role in maintaining Anglo-American relations. Mentioned are Averell Harriman and Edward Murrow.
Anthony Bourdain on great bistro recipes and techniques.
November 04, 2011 21:44 - 42.4 MB VideoChef Anthony Bourdain, of "Kitchen Confidential" fame, has compiled a cookbook of classic French bistro recipes. It is called "Les Halles Cookbook", Les Halles being the New York brasserie where Bourdain was once their executive chef. In the interview, he extols the simplicity of true bistro cuisine; stresses the importance of using a good stock when cooking and admits that the relevance of haute cuisine is fading. (Originally aired December 2005).
Anthony Bourdain's quest for the perfect meal.
November 04, 2011 21:44 - 52.9 MB VideoAnthony Bourdain was the author of the bestseller "Kitchen Confidential", which exposed the underbelly of the restaurant business. His new book is "A Cook's Tale", which is a travelogue of his journey to find the perfect meal. (Originally aired April 2002).
Robert Skidelsky on economist John Maynard Keynes
November 03, 2011 19:43 - 109 MB VideoPolitical economist Robert Skidelsky has completed the third and final volume of his biography of John Maynard Keynes. It is called "John Maynard Keynes: Fighting for Britain 1937-1946". In it he paints a vivid portrait of this brilliant economist and his impact on economics and the world economy. (Originally aired January 2007)
David Brooks, author of "The Social Animal".
October 29, 2011 15:41 - 107 MB VideoNew York Times journalist David Brooks has written a book called "The Social Animal". In this discussion, he talks about the power of the unconscious mind and its impact on our lives, also that the type of relationship a child forms with its mother is indicative of future relations a child will form. He also believes in the value of emotional, rather than logical, decisions, which be ascertains, form the foundation of who we are.
Frank McCourt completes his trilogy with "Teacher Man".
October 25, 2011 19:19 - 51.8 MB VideoPulitzer Prize-winning author Frank McCourt, completes his trilogy of memoirs which started with "Angela's Ashes", then "'Tis" and now finally "Teacher Man", which chronicles his life as a young teacher in New York. (Originally aired February 2006)
Dinesh D'Souza says racism is not the cause of black failure
October 24, 2011 19:19 - 82.7 MB VideoDinesh D'Souza's book "The End of Racism" deals with the race question in the United States. One of his beliefs is that racism is not the main problem facing blacks in the U.S. but rather their own dysfunctional culture. He tells Allan that American society is not systemically racist, but often practices "rational racism", which he goes on to explain. He thinks government should be race-neutral but that private enterprise should be free to discriminate. (Originally aired January 1996).
Kathy Reichs on her forensic work and her novels.
October 24, 2011 19:19 - 46.6 MB VideoForensic anthropologist and novelist Kathy Reichs introduces her latest book "Death du Jour". Since this show, Fox television produced a series called "Bones" which is based on her novels. (Originally aired June 1999)
Tzeporah Berman on past and present environmental challenges
October 22, 2011 21:49 - 107 MB VideoCanadian environmentalist and activist Tzeporah Berman's new book is "This Crazy Time", which is a personal and political memoir of her environmental battles, from Clayoquot Sound, to her present challenges as co-director of Greenpeace International's climate and energy campaign.
Dr. Deepak Chopra - recognizing the power of coincidence
October 21, 2011 15:28 - 40.3 MB VideoMind-body guru Dr. Deepak Chopra, has written a new book, "The Spontaneous Fulfillment of Desire". According to Dr. Chopra, coincidences are not merely coincidental. Coincidences helped form the universe and when recognized, can help humans to achieve their personal destiny. (Originally aired February 2004)
Dr, Jane Goodall - dedicated ambassador of the chimpanzee
October 21, 2011 15:28 - 98.3 MB VideoJane Goodall, champion of the chimpanzee, talks about her ground-breaking work at Gombe, Tanzania. After spending many years observing chimpanzee behaviour in the wild, one thing that struck her particularly was their ability to form relationships between family members. She also witnessed the amazingly strong bonds between mothers and babies and that the experiences a young chimp faces in his early years, will determine its character as an adult. Jane also gives her views on teaching crea...