The Sill

Hosted by Peter Noce & Harry Posner

Technology Society Culture ArtsInterviews guestsExplicit

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Episodes

229

Latest episode

May 2024

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About the show

From Canada, with Peter Noce, a media producer and technology trainer/tutor and Harry Posner, a writer, author and former Poet Laureate; sharing our interests and passions with you, on 'The Sill'. The original concept of our podcast was to explore areas relating to Art and Technology, evolving into a virtually ‘no limits’ conversation. Neither of us are experts, nor profess to be. We are on the same level as the listener, offering up ideas and thoughts that come from our life experiences, inviting listeners to eavesdrop on what we hope is an enjoyable and interesting dialogue. We discuss artificial intelligence, the power of poetry in the digital age, explore the worlds of tea and coffee, aging, death and dying, and interview a range of fascinating people. The whole point is to both educate and entertain, and to re-enliven the art of conversation.

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60 recent

May 5, 202431 min

TSP228 - Hernia Chronicles: Stories of Repair, Recovery, and Resilience

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

April 21, 202437 min

TSP227 - My Chess Memoir: Kyle Creamer

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

April 7, 202427 min

TSP226 - A Defence of Poetry in the Digital Age

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

March 24, 202439 min

TSP225 - A Life of Travel: Stefania Ingrosso

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

March 10, 202431 min

TSP224 - Shattered Cultures and Simpler Times

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

February 25, 202431 min

TSP223 - The Evolution of Evil

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

February 11, 202437 min

TSP222 - Relevant Voices Return

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.

January 28, 202437 min

TSP221 - Clearing The Covid Cobwebs

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

January 14, 202429 min

TSP220 - Baby You Move Too Fast

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

December 31, 202325 min

TSP219 - Exit Stage Left: Good leavings. (TSP031 Revised)

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