The Sill

One in four men will have to deal with a hernia in their lifetime. Peter and Harry have a phone discussion about their respective inguinal hernias and compare their private versus public care experiences in Ontario, Canada: Peter at the Shouldice Hospital, Harry at a public hospital. SPECIAL NOTE: While private hospitals are not allowed under Ontario's Private Hospitals Act, Shouldice Hospital is one of seven private hospitals in the province grandfathered under the Act. The hospital has been continuously family run from its inception but is partially publicly funded.Shouldice Hospital - https://www.shouldice.comDuration: 31:39Posted: May 5, 2024HighlightsInguinal hernia repairsPersonal experiences and insightsSurgical procedures and recovery processesPrivate vs public healthcare systemsInformative details about herniasAddressing hernias and seeking medical helpDifferent surgical procedures (mesh-free vs mesh repair)Recovery experiences and timelinesHospital experiences and level of careInsights and support for others going through similar experiences

It’s an open secret that Peter’s co-host Harry is obsessed with the game of chess, as is The Sill’s interview guest, Kyle Creamer, who harry met at the Bluenose Open chess tournament in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Kyle’s first published book chronicles his journey towards the title of Grandmaster.Kyle Creamer - https://kylecreamerauthor.comDuration: 37:07Credit: Kyle Creamer reads an excerpt from his book ‘My Chess Memoir” and movie segment from ‘The Life Of A King’.Posted: April 21, 2024HighlightsStrategic elements of the game of chessExperiences and insights of guest Kyle Creamer in competitive chessMental and emotional challenges of competitive chessKyle's experience with chess and its impact on his lifeLessons learned from chessSelf-publishing a book and advice for writersChallenges and rewards of promoting a bookSupportive and engaging dynamic between podcast hosts and KyleAnticipation of a chess match between Kyle and Harry

Following Harry’s recent talk at Acadia University in Wolfville, Nova Scotia, Peter reached out to him by phone to discuss the highlights of the presentation and celebrate the release of Harry’s latest poetry book titled ‘Fractures’.Duration: 27:23Credit: YouTube Segment with Mary Oliver - Wild GeesePosted: April 7, 2024HighlightsHarry discusses his poetry and latest book release "Fractures"Peter engages in a conversation with Harry about the relevance of poetry in the digital age and the process of self-publishingHarry shares insights on poetry, self-publishing, and the importance of poetry in modern timesThe conversation delves into the relevance of poetry in the digital age and the impact of self-publishing on the literary worldHarry emphasizes the mystery and depth of poetry and its role in reconnecting people to the natural world and each otherThe discussion explores the evolution of language and the impact of consumer culture on communicationHarry highlights the role of poetry in keeping language alive and authentic, countering the superficiality of modern communicationThe conversation extends to the process of self-publishing and the challenges and rewards of bringing one's work to the publicHarry shares his motivation for releasing his latest book, 'Fractures,' and the significance of compiling his poetry into a cohesive collectionHarry shares his website where his work is available for reading and purchase, and recites a line from one of his poems, leaving a lasting impression on the host and listeners

Dreams can become a reality. In this informative and very expressive episode of travel adventures abroad, join our guest and world traveler, Stefania Ingrosso, as she shares her experiences and insights on embarking on her transformative journey, offering a glimpse into the joys, challenges, and rewards of exploring half the world’s countries together as a family.Duration: 39:10Posted: March 24, 2024HighlightsStefania Ingrosso's extensive travel experiences (98 countries and counting)Her first air travel experience to Disney World in FloridaHer first trip alone to ItalyHer passion for learning and speaking different languagesMeeting her husband and traveling with his childrenHer reflections on domestic life and the importance of being present for her childrenHer aspirations of moving to the South of France and Florence, ItalyHer writing projects and limited presence on social mediaThe value of being open to new experiences and destinationsThe sacrifices and mental and physical preparation required for a travel-centric lifestyle

The hosts reminisce on their formative years growing up in the 50’s, 60’, and 70’s, culminating in the question: Was life more straightforward and less fragmented in those days, as compared to life today? Duration: 31:16Credit: YouTube Segment with Karen Morgan - Every Generation ExplainedPosted: March 10, 2024HighlightsComparison of culture and lifestyle between the 50s, 60s, and 70s and the current timesChanges in technology, information flow, and societal shiftsImpact of increased immigration, technology, and economic shiftsImportance of interacting differently with others and considering values for a good lifeReflection on significant events and information flow during the formative yearsImpact of increased immigration and secularization on cultural cohesivenessChanges in education, societal rituals, and societal landscapeNostalgia for the simplicity and cohesiveness of the pastConcerns about the loss of compassion, critical thinking, and community cohesionEmphasis on reintroducing traditional values and practices into the current culture

The notion of evil is nothing new, but the word itself has become an increasing part of our daily lexicon. Is this word overused? Should we modify our understanding of this word and the way we apply it in our daily life?Duration: 31:27Credit: YouTube Segment with Ricky Gervais - Invite Hitler Or Little Girl With Food AllergiesPosted: February 25, 2024Highlights:Concept of evil and its evolution in societyDifferent types of evil and their connections to religious beliefsSocietal perception of evil in modern timesEmpathy for the "bad guy" in movies versus real-world perceptions of individuals in powerAssociation of "evil" with religious connotationsHistorical evolution of the concept of evilTypes of evil: moral evil, natural evil, bodily pain, and mental anguishEvil as a failure to take action in situations of sufferingSocietal perception of evil and its portrayal in popular cultureImpact of the word "evil" in modern discourse and its desensitization

In acknowledgement of the exponential growth of podcast listeners around the world, The Sill presents a montage of episode segments for those of you who are new to our podcast. This episode includes excerpts from some of our past ‘Planetary Postcards’ and ‘The Undefinable Spirit’ interviews. The complete episodes of the included interviewees, in sequential order: 1. TSP064 - The Undefinable Spirit: Dr. Claudia Six on her book, Erotic Integrity.2. TSP081 - The Undefinable Spirit: Re-imagining Architecture with Robert Arnone.3. TSP096 - The Undefinable Spirit: Drew Marshall, a red letter agnostic theist.4. TSP101 - The Undefinable Spirit: Andrea Bird - Dancing on the curve of life. 5. TSP131 - The Undefinable Spirit: Janet-Lynn Morrison - From 0 to fierce.6. TSP147 - The Undefinable Spirit: Getting casually baked with Johanna Nuding.7. TSP148 - The Undefinable Spirit: Andrew Welch - ‘Our Second Chance’, part 1 of 3 - Universal Basic Income.8. TSP153 - Planetary Postcards: Pietro Noce - Bed & Bike in Southern Italy.9. TSP156 - Planetary Postcards: Bongiwe Dlamini - Eswatini in Africa10. TSP162 - Planetary Postcards: Ansgar Bittermann - Brainstorming in Berlin.11. TSP163 - The Undefinable Spirit: John Arnone - Us and Them: Canada, Canadians and The Beatles12. TSP170 - The Undefinable Spirit: Just Shrink Bigger - Croc E Moses on the road to home.13. TSP175 - Planetary Postcards: Paul Denhoed - Talking Washi In Tokyo14. TSP177 - The Undefinable Spirit: The Choice To Homeschool - Stacey Dittman15. TSP210 - The Undefinable Spirit: The bassoon takes a bow, with Nadina Mackie. (TSP086 Revised)Duration: 37:38Posted: February 11, 2024Highlights:Here are the main topics of discussion present in the podcast descriptionGender differences in emotional expression and sexualityThe balance between art and technology in architectureExperiences with physically and psychologically demanding exercisesFacing mortality and the impact of cancerChallenging childhood experiences and family dynamicsThe exploration of human value systems and societal measures of valueThe impact of COVID-19 on business and travel plansChildhood experiences in rural settings and the impact on perspectiveRedemption, personal growth, and the impact of historical and cultural perceptionsThese topics cover a wide range of personal experiences, insights, and reflections shared by the diverse array of guests on the podcast.

In this post - not - post period of the Covid Chapter, it seems clear that there’s still no absolute clarity about the impact this chapter is having on our individual and collective well being. What happened and how do we gain perspective on that period, and move towards a healing process? Duration: 37:28Credit: Excess deaths debate on January 16 with UK Parliament member Andrew Bridgen - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ej5Se4gMRAPosted: January 28, 2024Highlights:COVID-19 pandemicExcess deathsVaccine efficacyPublic health measuresSocietal impactUncertainty and anxietyErosion of trust in institutions and expertsImportance of individual freedomOpen dialogue and inquiryWell-being of individuals and societal implications

A conversation exploring the physiological and psychological effects of a hurried lifestyle on people's innate and natural rhythms. As life’s tempo accelerates exponentially around us, how can we not only cope, but also thrive in this frenetic environment?Duration: 29:01Posted: January 14, 2024Highlights:Impact of technology on the pace of lifeNegative effects of constant hurryDevaluation of language and communicationLack of thoughtful responsesArt of listening being lostPhysiological and mental benefits of slowing downDifferences in pace between urban and rural lifeImpact of technology on writingAnxiety driven by the fear of mortalityImportance of modeling a balanced approach to time and pace

Last rights, or last rites? Before the curtain is drawn, somber or joyful, which would you choose?Duration: 25:18Posted: December 31, 2023Highlights:* Preferences for own funerals and ways to celebrate life and honour the deceased* Personal experiences with funerals, including those of family members* Harry's desire to be cremated and have his ashes spread under an oak tree* Celebrating life instead of tear-filled ceremonies and sadness at funerals* Pre-funeral funerals and involving the person while they are still alive* Peter's experience with his father's funeral and breaking with tradition* Importance of having conversations about death and funeral preferences* Thoughts on death and dying, including assisted death and respecting individual wishes* Significance of dying peacefully and the presence of loved ones* Significance of a smile in the face of death and personal experiences with parents' passing

Automation’s impact on our everyday life. A wolf in sheep’s clothing?Duration: 21:41Music Credit: Flight Of The Conchords - RobotsPosted: December 17, 2023Highlights:Impact of automation on societyHistorical context of automation and the industrial revolutionAutomation affecting both blue-collar and white-collar workersChallenges of transitioning to new jobs in the technological landscapeIncreasing number of people who do not want to workNeed for developing new skills and financial incentives for employmentPotential benefits and drawbacks of automationPhysical toll of certain jobs and the role of automation in reducing discomfortPower dynamics in society that shape technological changesImportance of education and redefining economics in the face of technological advancements

Unpacking the idea of freedom in a world seemingly bound by restrictions and limitations. Breaking the shackles.Duration: 21:42Posted: December 3, 2023Highlights:Limitations of freedom of speech and self-censorship in societySocietal norms and the influence of religion on censorshipControl of information and manipulation in censorshipPersonal education and open-mindedness for a more tolerant societyRole of education in changing societal norms and lawsImpact of technology on freedom of speech and internet censorshipImportance of critical thinking and media literacyPower of everyday conversations and finding receptive listenersLeading a double life and suppressing true thoughts and feelingsImportance of being calm and centred when expressing oneselfGeorge Carlin as an example of authentic and vulnerable expression

From the Humongous Fungus of Oregon to the wave of human migration spreading across our planet, life has become more dependent than ever on the value of connectivity.Duration: 28:19VoxBox: Tim Berners-Lee, inventor of the World Wide Web.Posted: November 19, 2023Highlights:Importance of connection and continuity in communitiesSymbiotic relationship between a Hippo and an OxpeckerInterconnectedness of nature and the humongous fungusRole of storytelling in communitiesChallenges of technology, including software updates and lack of compatibilityConcept of open source technologyImpact of social media on global connectivity and individual isolationPower of art to connect people universallyRelationships and the need for flexibility and acceptanceRecognizing global interrelation to climate change

Is it live or is it Memorex? Sifting through a world of facsimile in a quest for authenticity.Duration: 18:58Music Credit: Ella Fitzgerald singing behind, ‘Is it live or is it Memorex?’.Posted: November 5, 2023Highlights:Lack of authenticity in food and the rise of simulated productsDisconnect between people and the source of their foodDecline of authenticity in music and artPersonal authenticity and the different personas people adoptSelf-perception and living an authentic lifeFinancial costs of maintaining authenticity in certain situation

Modern western medicine would be wise to embrace and integrate the traditional art of healing.Duration: 24:25Posted: October 22, 2023Highlights:Benefits of natural remedies and integrative medicineImportance of considering weight, lifestyle, and nutrition before medicationHolistic and naturopathic treatments gaining popularityCriticism of profit motive in pharmaceutical industry and side effects of medicationsLimited focus on nutrition in medical educationBenefits of garlic, oil of oregano, saltwater, vitamin E, and onion as natural remediesPersonal experiences with homemade remediesImportance of preserving the jungle for medicinal resourcesConflicting information from food companies and small farmersImportance of positive mindset and lifestyle choices in health and well-being

The short answer is yes… The sonic landscapes through which we move offer us both challenges to, and opportunities for, our general health.Duration: 24:32Posted: October 8, 2023HighlightsImpact of technology on sound and noise levelsEffects of sound on hearing impairmentCharacteristics of sound: frequency, quality, and loudnessMeasurement of sound volume in decibelsIntroduction of noise pollution through technologyPositive and negative aspects of soundChallenges faced by people with hearing impairment'Wall of sound' technique used by producer Phil SpectorSeeking out quiet spaces to escape noise pollutionImportance of protecting hearing and limiting exposure to loud sounds

Ageism is the new social prejudice, at a time when people over 65 are beginning to outnumber those under 15. Coping with the disadvantages of aging, while cherishing the advantages a long life can bring.Duration: 22:16Posted: September 24, 2023HIghlights:Aging and its perception in different culturesPrevalence of ageism in societyBridging the generation gap and learning from each otherImpact of traumatic experiences on internal ageCorrelation between music preference and youthIncreasing number of seniors in the populationValue of physical assistance and reflection as one gets olderTwo ages: body age and internal consciousness ageCultural differences in how aging is viewedChallenges and changes in relationships and physicality with aging

For millennia, lullabies have lulled children into slumber land. From ancient Egypt to modern day, tunes like Twinkle,Twinkle, Little Star and their relative importance often goes unnoticed or unappreciated.Duration: 22:41VoxBox: Audio segments from YouTube - Various artists and performers.Music Credit: Israel "IZ" Kamakawiwoʻole - Twinkle Twinkle Little StarPosted: September 10, 2023HIghlights:History and significance of lullabiesOrigins and variations of the song "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star"Importance of lullabies and their soothing effects on childrenBenefits of singing lullabies to premature infantsOther famous lullabies and their composersTherapeutic and bonding aspects of lullabiesUniversality of lullabies in different languages and culturesUnexpected discussion on adult role-playing as babiesCalming effects of certain frequencies in musicAlternative versions of "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star"

Solo bassoonist, Nadina Mackie is the most widely recorded Canadian bassoonist in history, with 17 new works for solo bassoon and orchestra written for her in the last decade. Nadina intimately describes her journey.
 Nadina Mackie: https://nadinamackie.com

Duration: 37:54

VoxBox: Audio segments from YouTube - March 2014 - Trumpet virtuoso Guy Few and bassoonist Nadina Mackie. The Canadian duo stopped by the Classic 107 studio to talk with host Bill Richardson.

Music Credit: Nadina Mackie and Guy Few - Silver Angel ConcertoPosted: August 27, 2023Highlights:Introduction of Nadina Mackie as a special guestNadina's accomplishments as a bassoonist and collaborations with renowned musiciansNadina's involvement in visual arts, including painting and designing album coversDiscussion on how Nadina manages her diverse interests and commitmentsNadina's journey from being a country girl to a successful bassoonistChallenges faced by Nadina in pursuing her passion, including travel and instrument costsMentors who have influenced Nadina's musical journeyImportance of collaboration and supporting fellow musiciansNadina's establishment of the Council of Canadian BassoonistsNadina's upcoming concert and recording projects, including a book release and video demonstration of reed-making technique

For almost fifteen hundred years, the largest basilica in the world, Hagia Sophia, was at the spiritual centre of both the Christian and Muslim worlds. An architectural wonder, it inspired builders and designers of sacred spaces for centuries.Duration - 23:12Credit: NPR excerpt on 'The Sound of The Hagia Sophia, More Than 500 Years Ago.'Posted: August 13, 2023Highlights:Architectural features of the Hagia SophiaTransformation of the Hagia Sophia from a church to a mosqueHistorical and cultural significance of the Hagia SophiaAcoustic engineering of the Hagia SophiaUse of technology to explore the buildingSignificance of the Hagia Sophia as a sanctuary and safe harborStrategic location of Constantinople and its wallsParallels between the walls of Constantinople and modern geopoliticsShift in focus from cathedrals to skyscrapers and commercial structuresPower and influence of large institutions and organizations