Broadcast time:
Weekdays at 9:05 p.m. (9:30 NT) on CBC Radio One

Ideas is a program about contemporary thought. It explores social issues, culture and the arts, geopolitics, history, biography, science and technology, and the humanities.

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter.

This Week

Monday, April 30
THE KINGS OF PHILANTHROPY, Part 2 CD
Some have called it the natural fall-out of a hyper-capitalist society — billionaires who’ve made more money from media and technology enterprises than anyone in human history. There’s Bill Gates, the creator of Microsoft; Jeff Skoll, the founder of e-Bay; Larry Page, a partner in Google; and then, of course, Warren Buffet, who has been dubbed the “Oracle of Omaha.” Now, they’ve reinvented themselves as philanthropists, giving away billions to help the poor. Freelance broadcaster Richard Phinney asks: can they re-make the world? Conclusion.

Tuesday, May 1
MOOD HYGIENE CD
Medications for bipolar disorder have had some success since the 1970s, but the long-term outcomes have been disappointing. Suicide rates are still high, as are recurring episodes. What’s wrong? Enter a new clinical concept called “mood hygiene.” Scholar and freelance broadcaster Monique Dull talks with researchers in Canada and the United States about how regulating personal habits, social interactions and the environment can benefit patients with mood disorders.

Wednesday, May 2
PHALLUS IN WONDERLAND, Part 2 CD
For thousands of years, “phallocentric” myths have celebrated the omnipotence of the penis. The Egyptian god Min was so powerful, he fathered himself. In ancient Rome a boy’s first ejaculation was part of a state holiday. Throughout history, the pursuit of the perfect penis has fuelled the search for cures for impotence. In the eleventh century a recipe involved sparrows and Billy-goats. Today men pop Viagra. IDEAS producer Mary O’Connell takes us inside this male wonderland. Part 3 continues May 9.

Thursday, May 3
WAGGING THE POST-MODERN DOG, Part 2 CD
Preservative-free dog food. Progressive behaviour training. Designer breeds. Early 21st century dogs also enjoy pricey haircuts, terrific clothes and occasional plastic surgery. Why have we become so obsessive about our pets? Toronto writer Seth Feldman, his faithful hound Hudson and guests of both species ponder whether things have gotten a little out of hand. Conclusion.

Friday, May 4
GILBERT REID’S ITALY, Part 4 CD
For centuries Italy — with its rich heritage of art, food and family — has been a country people fall in love with. But now Italy’s economy is stagnant. The country is beset by problems, and the Italian way of life seems to be fading away. Is this the twilight of Italy? Writer Gilbert Reid knows the country intimately — he lived there for twenty-four years. He recently returned to Italy for IDEAS to find out what has happened to la dolce vita. Part 4 of 5. Part 5 airs Friday, May 11.

indicates audio cassette available; indicates transcript available indicates audio file

CBC does not endorse the content of external sites. Links will open in a new browser window.