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
Joshua Foer on how he greatly improved his memory.
October 15, 2011 21:49 - 107 MB VideoJoshua Foer is the author of "Moonwalking with Einstein", in which he chronicles how he was able to improve his memory enough to win the U.S. Memory Championship and he reveals the techniques he used to improve it.
Scientist Edward O. Wilson on troubling environmental issues
October 13, 2011 21:49 - 108 MB VideoAmerican Pulitzer Prize winner Edward O. Wilson's latest book is, "The Future of Life". He is worried about the catastrophic rate of extinction of plant and animal species and about the disappearance of natural ecosystems . He is also concerned by the environmental policies of the U.S. His goal is to bring the study of the environment into mainstream science. (Originally aired: April 2002)
Theologian Tom Harpur on escaping the grip of fundamentalism
October 08, 2011 19:05 - 107 MB VideoFormer theologian Tom Harpur discusses his memoir "Born Again: My Journey From Fundamentalism To Freedom", about his evolution from ordained Anglican minister to controversial writer on religion and a critic of fundamentalism.
Tom Harpur On The Pagan Roots Of Christianity
October 06, 2011 20:34 - 94.9 MB VideoFormer Anglican priest Tom Harpur, is the author of "The Pagan Christ". Harpur believes there is not enough evidence to prove Jesus existed. He also believes that the New Testament is rooted in Egyptian mythology, and that stories about a Jesus-like figure have been told for hundreds of years. As an example, he cites the miracle of the raising of Lazarus and maintains there is an almost identical story which had been written in Egyptian guise, seventeen centuries earlier. He also maintai...
Neil Seeman on how the government should confront obesity
September 24, 2011 19:25 - 107 MB VideoIn his new book, "XXL: Obesity and the Limits of Shame", (co-authored with Patrick Luciani), Neil Seeman argues that the "shame and blame" public health campaign against obesity hasn't worked. He offers a radically different approach.
Pierre Berton on Canada's involvement in four wars
September 22, 2011 19:25 - 100 MB VideoPierre Berton's new book is "Marching as to War", which covers Canada's involvement in four wars during the first half of the twentieth century.
Thinking like a genius can improve our lives
September 20, 2011 16:14 - 105 MB VideoIn Michael Gelb's book "How To Think Like Leonardo da Vinci", he displays his passion for applying genius thinking to our lives and believes that by using principles that were implicit to Da Vinci's work, we can become more creative and learn faster.
Bishop John Spong on the bible as a source of truth
September 19, 2011 18:55 - 64.4 MB VideoBishop John Spong's provocative book is "The Sins of Scripture." In it, Bishop Spong deplores the way the bible has been used to justify most of the world's evils; from gender inequality, homosexuality and child abuse, to capital punishment, the environment, and birth control. In the interview, he discusses the rise of muslim fundamentalism and laments that congregations at mainstream churches are in freefall. (Originally aired May 2005)
Self-proclaimed spiritualist James Van Praagh on grieving
September 19, 2011 18:55 - 108 MB VideoSelf-proclaimed spiritualist James Van Praagh recalls an early childhood anecdote which made him aware of his spiritual capacity and he describes how he honed his skills as a medium. His new book called "Healing Grief" suggests that contacting the spiritual world can help people cope with grief. (Originally aired March 2002).
Conrad Black's memoir of his life 1993-2011
September 17, 2011 21:00 - 107 MB VideoDisgraced media baron Conrad Black's latest book is "A Matter Of Principle"; a revealing memoir covering his life from 1993 to 2011, including his time in prison.
Dr. Gabor Mate on diagnosing and coping with ADD
September 15, 2011 15:45 - 108 MB VideoDr. Gabor Mate's new book is called "Scattered Minds", which deals with Attention Deficit Disorder. He himself was diagnosed with ADD at the age of 51 and his children also suffer from it. He explains the symptoms, why we see more if it and how to deal with it.
Nutrition expert Earl Mindell on dietary supplements.
September 15, 2011 15:45 - 107 MB VideoVitamin guru Earl Mindell talks about food, herbs, tablets, drops, powders and teas that can help in the quest for optimum health.
Nancy Friday on the link between beauty and power
September 15, 2011 15:31 - 108 MB VideoIn "The Power of Beauty", Nancy Friday expounds her theory that there is a link between how we look and how we are perceived by others. She cites her own childhood, when, having a prettier sister and an attractive mothers, she often felt invisible. She recalls how in the 80s women were advised to subjugate their feminity when entering the workforce. She believes parents can help influence children's attitudes towards appearance. (Originally aired October 1996).
Conrad Black on his biography of Richard Nixon
September 08, 2011 16:51 - 109 MB VideoAllan Gregg in conversation with..CONRAD BLACK Conrad Black and Richard Nixon -- what's the connection, you might ask? Well, Nixon is the subject of a new biography by Lord Black. The former media baron, now in the middle of his own legal battle, has just published a hefty tome about the embattled former president. It is called The Invincible Quest: The Life of Richard Milhous Nixon.
Olivia Chow - her life in politics and with Jack Layton
September 05, 2011 16:51 - 42.8 MB VideoOlivia Chow states that her belief in justice and compassion is what impelled her into public life. She explains her controversial resignation from the Police Services Board and talks about her life with Jack Layton. (Originally aired October 2000)
Christopher Hitchens' polemic against Henry Kissinger
September 05, 2011 16:51 - 86.7 MB VideoChristopher Hitchens' latest book, "The Trial of Henry Kissinger" is a point-by-point indictment of Kissinger. Although viewed by many as the greatest statesman of his era, Hitchens refutes that and claims he is actually a war criminal. (Originally aired April 2001).
Don Tapscott on improved corporate transparency
September 02, 2011 19:27 - 110 MB VideoIn his new book, "The Naked Corporation" Don Tapscott analyzes the positive impact the internet is having on corporate transparency. (Originally aired February 2004)
Lucinda Vardey on seeking a spiritual life
September 01, 2011 19:06 - 107 MB VideoLucinda Vardey reveals it was a brush with illness that made her reflect on her life and thereby seek a more spiritual, contemplative existence. Her book, "God In All Worlds: An Anthology of Contemporary Spiritual Writing" spans fifty years and represents traditions from many religions. (Originally aired May 1996).
Irshad Manji on the shortcomings of islam.
September 01, 2011 19:06 - 110 MB VideoControversial muslim Irshad Manji, dislikes many aspects of her faith, particularly in regard to human rights. For example, the treatment of women, the use of slavery and the overt anti-semitism . She regrets the hijacking of islam by fundamentalist fanatics. (Originally aired January 2004)
Roger Ebert on his life as a film critic
August 29, 2011 20:49 - 109 MB VideoFilm critic Roger Ebert on how the job of a film critic has changed; the rise in popularity of "indie" films; his time with Gene Siskel; the work of Spike Lee and which films have touched his life. His book, an anthology, is called "Roger Ebert's Book of Film". (Originally aired February 1997)
The psychology of eating and why diets fail
August 23, 2011 20:24 - 102 MB VideoDrs. James Meschino and Barry Simon (a psychiatrist), are the authors of "Break the Weight -Loss Barrier", in which they discuss the facts of fat and the psychology of eating, why diets are bound to fail and why resolutions often crumble. (Originally aired November 2002).
Jane Jacobs on the similarities between economies and nature
August 22, 2011 16:19 - 110 MB VideoUrban planning visionary Jane Jacobs, has a new book. It is called "The Nature of Economies" in which Jane asserts that economies are governed by the same rules as nature itself. (Originally aired April 2000).
Economist Jeff Rubin relects on the Canadian economy
August 22, 2011 16:19 - 109 MB VideoJeff Rubin, chief economist for CIBC World Markets, talks about the Canadian economy, the state of the dollar, and the chances for economic rebound. (Original air date: February 2002)
Dr. Deepak Chopra on how to combat the ageing process
August 22, 2011 16:19 - 107 MB VideoDr. Deepak Chopra, a big advocate of the mind-body connection, believes there is a link between physical and spiritual well-being. He believes that emotional toxins, such as fear, like that generated by 9/11 and depression are physically harmful to the body. He also offers advice on how to reverse the ageing process. His new book is called "Grow Younger, Live Longer". (Originally aired September 2001)
Dr. Robert Buckman on how to communicate with patients.
August 17, 2011 18:42 - 104 MB VideoOncologist and author Dr. Robert Buckman admits that many doctors are not good at delivering bad news to patients. His own brush with serious illness, (dermatomyositis) has helped him empathize more with patients. He is also a big believer in using humour as a coping strategy. His autobiography is "Not Dead Yet". Originally aired June 1999)
Dr. Andrew Weil
August 05, 2011 14:49 - 103 MB VideoAlternative Health: Health guru Dr. Andrew Weil joins Allan Gregg on Gregg and Company to talk about all things nutritional - he believes that nutrition is the missing element in health care.
Jeremy Rifkin (full show) 2000
August 05, 2011 14:49 - 110 MB Video"AGE OF ACCESS": Jeremy Rifkin is one of North America's most renowned activists and social critics., Over the years, he's championed many causes, from the environment to the impact of technology on the future of work. But he's perhaps best known as one of the first to warn about the dangers and abuses of genetic engineering. In his latest, book Rifkin argues that we're moving toward a society where we're customers for life, with virtually every activity we engage in becoming a paid-for exper...
Deepak Chopra on "The Book of Secrets."
July 19, 2011 16:25 - 56.7 MB VideoSpiritual writer Deepak Chopra talks to Allan Gregg about his new book "The Book of Secrets." He talks about death as a natural part of the life cycle and how religion distorts and destroys spiritual wisdom.
Jeremy Rifkin
July 19, 2011 16:25 - 108 MB VideoJeremy Rifkin talks about Europe's economic strengths and better lifestyle. He predicts the EU will outperform the U.S. in the future and the death of the American dream based on individualism.
Niall Ferguson on the American "empire".
June 27, 2011 17:15 - 110 MB VideoIn his new book "Empire: the Rise and Demise of the British World Order and the Lessons for Global Power", Oxford historian Niall Ferguson claims that the British Empire was one of the world's modernising forces. He suggests that America, because of its global dominance, is really an empire but is reluctant to recognize it. Is this "empire", with its fiscal deficits and colossal military spending in Iraq and Afghanistan, about to crumble too? (Originally aired April 2003)
Psychologist Kay Redfield Jamison on battling depression
June 23, 2011 16:47 - 104 MB VideoPsychologist Kay Redfield Jamison is the author of "An Unquiet Mind: A Memoir of Moods and Madness." In it, she reveals she suffers from manic depression, which resulted in an attempted suicide. She describes her struggle with depression whilst maintaining a professional and personal life. (Originally aired December 1995)
John Ralston Saul on modern Canada's founding fathers
June 11, 2011 16:24 - 64.2 MB VideoJohn Ralston Saul is the author of "Louis-Hippolyte LaFontaine and Robert Baldwin", who are two fathers of modern Canada that we hear little about. This book is part of the Extraordinary Canadians series.
Profesor Brian Wansink on why we eat more than we need
June 06, 2011 16:42 - 111 MB VideoIn professor Brian Wansink's book "Mindless Eating: Why We Eat More Than We Think", he explains the psychology of eating and consumer behaviour and the hidden cues that that makes us eat more than we need. (Originally aired Jan 2008)
Michael Bloomberg on the evolution of business journalism
May 30, 2011 17:58 - 61.9 MB VideoBillionaire media tycoon Michael Bloomberg analyzes the explosion of business news and the market. (Original air date October 1998)
Tim Flannery on how we can save our planet
May 21, 2011 16:01 - 110 MB VideoIn his new book "Here On Earth", Australian scientist and author Tim Flannery makes the optimistic claim we can still save our planet.
Was World War I the error of modern history?
May 20, 2011 15:26 - 117 MB VideoOxford historian Niall Ferguson reviews the world's oldest motives for war, and concludes in his book, "The Pity of War" , that World War I was unnecessary. (Originally aired November 2000).
Deepa Mehta on making "Fire"
May 12, 2011 15:57 - 47.3 MB VideoFilmmaker Deepa Mehta on her latest film "Fire". Her first Canadian feature, "Sam and Me" won rave reviews, but her next film "Camilla" did not.
Richard Branson on his multi-million dollar Virgin empire
April 29, 2011 20:27 - 97.9 MB VideoBritish entrepreneur Richard Branson, founder of the Virgin empire, talks about how he carved his unique path to success. (Original broadcast April 2001)
Carl Bernstein on why Pope John Paul II threatened communism
April 29, 2011 20:27 - 72.2 MB VideoJournalist Carl Bernstein on his book "His Holiness: John Paul II and the Hidden History of our Time", which deals with whyt the Soviets saw Pope John Paul II as a serious threat to their survival. (Original broadcast October 1996)
Paul Watson on the slaughter of Harp seals.
April 29, 2011 20:27 - 113 MB VideoPaul Watson, founder of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, has spent a lifetime using revolutionary tactics to oppose the hunting of marine wild life. His latest book is called, "Seal Wars" and chronicles his efforts to stop the slaughter of Harp seals. (Original broadcast March 2003)
Peter Jennings on his book The Century
April 20, 2011 20:22 - 111 MB VideoPeter Jennings is probably the most trusted and popular journalist on American television. Now he turns his attention from covering the daily news to covering an entire century in his latest project,
Buzz Aldrin on space travel, his novel and reaching Mars.
April 20, 2011 20:22 - 105 MB VideoBuzz Aldrin was the second man to walk on the moon, after Neil Armstrong. Now, he talks about his lifelong fascination with space travel. Aldrin has written about it in a new novel, and now campaigns to launch his dream project: to shuttle people to Mars.
Martin Amis on his life and works.
April 07, 2011 18:59 - 106 MB VideoAuthor Martin Amis talks about his most recent work, the sombre novel "Night Train".
Dr. Siddhartha Mukherjee on understanding cancer - full show
April 02, 2011 18:00 - 109 MB VideoCancer specialist Dr. Siddhartha Mukherjee is author the "The Emperor of all Maladies: A Biography of Cancer", which deals with how our understanding of cancer and its treatments has changed over time. He also discusses the most promising developments on cancer treatment.
Gabor Mate on the hidden cost of stress on peoples' health.
March 28, 2011 16:18 - 55.1 MB VideoGabor Mate, author of "When the Body Says No," talks about the hidden cost of stress in peoples' lives.
Edward Rutherfurd - New York - Full
March 26, 2011 18:00 - 70.3 MB VideoHistorical novelist Edward Rutherfurd on the evolution of New York. (Broadcast show also features Jack Diamond)
Frank McCourt talks about "Angela's Ashes"- full show
March 16, 2011 16:18 - 104 MB VideoIrish author Frank McCourt talks about his Pulitzer-prize winning novel "Angela's Ashes".
Joseph Boyden - Louis Riel and Gabriel Dumont - Full
March 14, 2011 19:29 - 52.5 MB VideoJoseph Boyden is the author of "Louis Riel and Gabriel Dumont", which tells us how the two Metis leaders shaped Canada as we know it today. It is part of the Extraordinary Canadians Series.
Douglas Coupland - Player One - full show
March 12, 2011 17:02 - 63.4 MB VideoRenowned author of "Generation X", Douglas Coupland talks about his latest novel, "Player One", which he delivered as this year's Massey Lectures. He raises questions about the future of the human species and how technology is changing us. Second guest is author Corinne Maier, whose book "40 Reasons Not To Have Children" challenges conventional wisdom about the rewards of having children.
Richard Dawkins on his book The God Delusion - full show
February 28, 2011 17:25 - 68.2 MB VideoRichard Dawkins has been called the world's most famous atheist - An evolutionary biologist , he has touched off a storm of controversy with his bestseller The God Delusion. In it he argues that a belief in God is irrational and religion is divisive and dangerous. Dawkins is the Charles Simonyi Professor of Public Understanding of Science at Oxford University.