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Call me old fashioned but I’m a big fan of radio. Or, more correctly, a big fan of the Canadian Broadcasting Company (CBC)– our beleagured equivalent to US National Public Radio. Our current Federal government now is hacking away at its funding, sigh….
I have some particular programs I like to listen to while cooking, cleaning and even while taking a bath. (Yes, my bathroom has both a beautiful old clawfoot tub and a radio set safely on a faraway counter. Bliss!) One of my favourite shows on CBC radio is called Spark, which the network describes as, “an ongoing conversation about technology and culture [that] helps you navigate your digital life by connecting you to fresh ideas in surprising ways.” The host, Nora Young, is enthusiastic and smart and the producers are adept at identifying trends that really matter.
Two weeks ago, for example, the show looked at Meditation, Willpower, and the Algorithmic Economy. All the pieces fascinated me but the “stickiest” segment was the one on willpower. That’s because it featured an interview with writer Kelly McGonigal. She’s author of the book The Willpower Instinct about which I’ve heard rave reviews from friends.
I’m going to review the book for you in a few weeks but in the meantime, the segment provided a fascinating introduction and led me to the Spark website. Because it provides uncut copies of its programs AND many extras, it’s now my website of the week. The page I’m linking here even gives a video interview with McGonigal, which, as the network promised, I found both intriguing and delightfully counter-intuitive. I’m also providing a link to the Spark home page so you can explore the site in more depth if you like.
The only thing better than good radio is good radio that you can schedule at your convenience. Be sure to check out the Spark website.
