Conversations - in the Arts & Humanities: Recent Episodes
A&H at Vancouver Island University
Conversations - in the Arts & Humanities introduces you to the people and passions of the Faculty of Arts & Humanities at Vancouver Island University, and shares stories about events and projects happening on campus.
In the show, Joy Gugeler and Theo Finigan are joined by Katie Carroll. The three discuss the creative process of editing student stories, and explore how Portal Magazine has remained an innovative and literary educational vehicle for more than a decade.
In the show, Bryn Skibo and Theo discuss the benefits of leaving room in your research—and in your life—for serendipity. You’ll also hear about Margaret Atwood's speculative fiction, allowing your pets to be in charge, gonzo journalism, and nuclear warfare.
In the show, Mike Roberson and Theo discuss the value of failure and humility, how poor results can be re-framed as success, and what it feels like to be disappointed about your PhD. You'll also hear about failing poets, varsity sports, rainbows, and how to win an olympic race.
In the show, Leon Potter and Theo discuss early theatre magic, and how special effects in performances have evolved to enhance storytelling on stage and in film. Modern CGI, AI and greenscreens are debated alongside more practical and traditional solutions.
In the show, Christina Mansueti and Theo discuss their changing TV viewing habits, and explore diversity in modern programming. You’ll also hear about unnecessary competition in grad school, bad feminists, and how comedy can help us understand serious real-world issues and events.
In the show, outgoing Arts & Humanities Dean Marni Stanley and Theo Finigan discuss Marni’s decades of experience at VIU, and draw connections between gender wars, politics, media and education. You’ll also hear about flying lesbians, and the difference between Canadian and British snobs.
In the show, James Mark and Theo Finigan speak about how James’ musical training took him from Nanaimo to Toronto and L.A. before landing at VIU, and about the challenge of finding a musical balance between being a teacher, performer and composer. You’ll also hear about their shared love of science fiction movie soundtracks, and shared recognition of sacrifices parents make for their children’s formative experiences.
In the show, Eliza Gardiner and Theo Finigan discuss their formative musical experiences, the connections between poetry and songwriting, and how failure is an important part of the creative process. You’ll also hear numbers from Gardiner’s new musical performance, Concessions of a Wannabe Rock Star.
In the show, Katarina Litva and Theo Finigan discuss how to balance a professional Interior Design practice with teaching at the University level, and explore the debate around gentrification and displacement in urban planning. You'll also hear about differences between Vancouver Island and Kentucky, and learn the correct way to pronounce Louisville.
In the show, Melissa Stephens and Theo Finigan discuss all things Cold War, particularly film and literature, and what past conflicts can teach us about the present. You'll also hear about Theo's first protest march, and growing up in 1980s New Zealand.
In the show, Theo Finigan and Robin Davies discuss the use of sound and music as teaching aids, with special appearances by Thomas Tallis and Sting. You’ll also hear how Robin’s musical background connects with his work in the Media Studies department, and learn why Theo can’t stay awake long enough to ever finish reading Ulysses.`
In the show, Craig Taylor and Theo Finigan discuss Craig’s work as a journalist for the Guardian, and what else he’s been up to since his days studying creative writing at Malaspina college. You’ll also hear stories of zine culture in the 1990s which played a role in shaping Craig's creativity, and learn what it’s like to get lost in Manhattan.
In the show, Leon Potter and Theo Finigan discuss their highschool experiences with acting, and Leon's background and training in technical and creative theatre production. You'll also hear about Friedrich Dürrenmatt's extraordinary 1956 play The Visit, and learn how dramatic productions have adapted to receive remote audiences.
In the show, Katharine and Theo discusses the social influence and identity of department stores, and how she chose History as a discipline and made her way to VIU. Also, you’ll hear about the origins of Canadian Santa Claus parades, and how to convert your PhD thesis into a book.
In the show, Eliza and Theo discuss the timeless nature of Greek Tragedy, particularly the stories of lonely queens. You’ll also hear about Disney princesses, and what it’s like to direct theatre performances in prison.
In the show, Jennifer Griffiths, former VIU Art History Instructor, chats with Theo Finigan about Women Artists and the Italian Futurism movement from more than a century ago. Who were these women? What did they say and do? Why have they often been disregarded? And how can thoughts of future-past teach us about current world issues? Jennifer also shares some of her experiences as an independent academic working in Italy.
In the show, Stephanie, Joy and Theo discuss teaching and storytelling in their classrooms, specifically developing approaches which respect Indigenous and settler ways of knowing. Authentic and deliberate attention to a truly hybrid and integrated approach requires decolonizing classroom structure and taking up a participatory approach that is fair and balanced. Ideal partnerships integrate both knowledge systems, and employ two-eyed seeing.
Included in the show are a performance by Lawrence Mitchell from Snaw'Naw'As First Nation, and an excerpt from We Are All Treaty People featuring Harold Johnson.
In the show, Kelly and Theo discuss the social, ethical and practical challenges with creating and maintaining archives—specifically the concept of settler colonialism—and look at changes in VIU's history department over the last 30 years.
Included is an excerpt from Johannes Brahms' Cello Sonata No. 1. which was composed in 1862.
In the show, Yoichi and Theo discuss the differences between written and spoken language, the path from car mechanic to linguist, plus sushi and Godzilla!
In the show, Sarah and Theo discuss historical Frost Fairs which took place on a frozen River Thames, and reflect on human ingenuity in times of challenge. This episode includes a short excerpt from Series 10 of Doctor Who.
In the show, Whitney and Theo discuss pregnancy, childbirth, pain, and the Canadian health care system. Whitney teaches in the History department, and will bring historical and cultural perspectives to the conversation.
In the show, Terri and Theo talk about the relationship between humans... and plants. Terri has been researching the work of Swedish artist Elsa Beskow. Beskow creates children's books about human children interacting with plants in friendly and respectful ways.
Sasha and Theo talk about Felix Mendelssohn's A Midsummer Night's Dream and Sasha's musical upbringing. Featured are excerpts from the London Symphony Orchestra's performance of this work.
Marni and Theo explore what it's like to be Dean of Arts & Humanities, and talk about how graphic novels can help the reader make sense of uncomfortable and traumatic situations.
Cheryl, Katharine, and Theo talk about North American childhood during the Cold War, 1950s television superheroes, and the fine line between entertainment and propaganda. This show features a special appearance by Captain Midnight.
Hans and Theo talk about biomusicology, entrainment, percussion pedagogy, and Nebojša Živković's challenging Trio Per Uno. Also featured are excerpts from Hans' performance of Rebonds B by Iannis Xenakis.
Eliza and Katharine talk about crime and punishment, contemporary corrections, the tragedy of Oedipus Rex, and all things Greek.
Amelia and Theo talk about their teaching practice, and a commitment to hygge while building and embracing student engagement in the classroom.