
IDEAS is a place for people who like to think. If you value deep conversation and unexpected reveals, this show is for you. From the roots and rise of authoritarianism to near-death experiences to the history of toilets, no topic is off-limits. Hosted by Nahlah Ayed, we’re home to immersive documentaries and fascinating interviews with some of the most consequential thinkers of our time.
With an a... more
| Publishes | Daily | Episodes | 248 | Founded | 20 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Category | Society & Culture | |||

At the surface, Bear is about a woman who develops a sexual relationship with a bear. And though the 1976 novel earned Marian Engel a Governor General's award, it's been largely forgotten. Contributor Melissa Gismondi explores its mystery, meaning an... more
Canada produces legendary comedians and comic actors who excel on the world stage. So why is Canada not known for comedy? Does it have something to do with our proximity to the U.S., the way there are so many Scottish comedians performing in England?... more
From the medicine wheel to the building blocks of DNA, the number four has represented structure and stability. But four is also a troublemaker: a portal to realms like the fourth dimension. Our series, The Greatest Numbers of All Time explores how f... more
There is nothing random about featuring 33,000 in our number series. It's very powerful. So much so, that the number put millions of horses out of work. Inventor James Watt used “33,000 foot-pounds a minute" to measure the capabilities of a horse whe... more
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Ideas was once a challenging hour of exploration. Now it’s an hour of constructing straw men to knock over. Critical engagement is absent. I say this as someone who generally agrees with many of the positions - but people want genuine engagement not Sunday school indoctrination. I want to wrestle with ideas not be spoon fed a perspective.
I never missed Ideas back when Paul Kennedy was host. He left and the series changed considerably: from riveting and informative to ridiculous topics and presenter’s growing pains. I stopped listening for a while but have returned hoping quality has returned. Not horrible but it’s such fluff. Wish CBC would make entire Ideas (and “Q” for that matter) archive accessible; I’d re-listen to the old episodes in a heartbeat.
I find it frustrating waiting for a month now for part 2 of the doc on billionaires to be posted. We should be told when to expect part 2 or 3 of whatever documentary and not be left in limbo checking all the time and not knowing. This is turning me off the podcast
Had an Israeli on to discuss Palestine…no pushback no alternative views allowed. Just Hasbara
This one is for the real heads
Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.
How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.
Apple Podcasts | #71 | |
Apple Podcasts | #8 | |
Apple Podcasts | #218 | |
Apple Podcasts | #122 | |
Apple Podcasts | #224 |
Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.
Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.
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This program consistently explores big ideas across culture, history, politics, and science through in-depth interviews and documentary-style storytelling. Episodes often thread historical context with contemporary relevance, featuring scholars, journalists, policymakers, and voice-of-experience guests who illuminate complex topics—from Pan-Africanism and Indigenous sovereignty to the evolution of celebrity, climate resilience, and social justice. A standout aspect is how the show makes academic concepts accessible to a general audience, while maintaining rigorous analysis and diverse perspectives. Listeners can expect thoughtful debate, fresh historical angles, and uncovering underrepresented viewpoints, all brought to life by meticulous r... more
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These podcasts share a similar audience with Ideas:
1. The Current
2. The Sunday Magazine
3. Front Burner
4. Quirks and Quarks
5. White Coat, Black Art
Ideas launched 20 years ago and published 248 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.
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Recent guests on Ideas include:
1. Malaika Grant
2. Jay Pitter
3. Linda Hutcheon
4. Ramona Curry
5. Pamela Wojeck
6. Xavier Donzelli
7. Tim Rybak
8. Olivier Viviorca
To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.