TELUS Talks with Tamara Taggart
TELUS Talks with Tamara Taggart
TELUS
Each week, TELUS Talks with Tamara Taggart will bring exclusive conversations with experts and influencers making a difference for Canadians right now. From health and wellness, to community, to social responsibility, we'll share stories, bust myths, provide simple and practical tips, and deliver information of value to Canadians.
Why sports betting changed fandom: Darragh McGee
Sports betting has become a normal part of being a fan. Gambling ads appear on jerseys, in broadcasts, on social media and throughout the games we love. Sociologist and author Darragh McGee explains the rise of online betting, the psychology behind modern gambling products and how sports fans are being targeted. We discuss the future of sports betting and how we can begin reclaiming fandom from online gambling sites.
Jun 23
33 min
Autism research has overlooked women: Gina Rippon
The signs of autism in women are often hiding in plain sight. Neuroscientist Gina Rippon says many autistic girls learn to copy, rehearse and camouflage their way through social situations. Their struggles become virtually invisible to others. Gina explains the mental health impacts of constantly trying to fit in, how autism research was shaped around male stereotypes and why many autistic women are diagnosed years later than men.
Jun 16
28 min
How to find new music beyond the algorithms: Rollie Pemberton
Streaming has made music more accessible than ever. Rapper, producer and writer Rollie Pemberton believes algorithms are actually reshaping our music taste. He argues that convenience has come at a cost, making it easier to consume music but harder to build a meaningful relationship with it. We discuss streaming algorithms, record collecting and the lost art of discovery. Rollie shares why intentional listening matters and how reclaiming control of our music habits can enrich our lives.
Jun 9
27 min
What you learn from decades in the courtroom: Harvey Brownstone
Almost 30 years as a judge teaches you a lot about people. Harvey Brownstone witnessed thousands of family and criminal cases and shares what those experiences taught him about conflict, relationships and forgiveness. Harvey explains why he believes family court often fails people and why so many Canadians struggle to access justice. We also reflect on his personal journey as Canada's first openly gay judge.
Jun 2
31 min
Getting answers for PMOS: Dr. Jerilynn Prior
With irregular periods, fatigue, acne, anxiety and weight changes, polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS) can affect nearly every part of the body. These symptoms are often dismissed or treated separately instead of connected back to a hormonal condition. UBC endocrinologist and expert Jerilynn Prior explains what's actually happening in a body with PMOS and why the condition is so misunderstood.
May 26
32 min
Why we drink too much: Charles Knowles
Drinking feels harmless for many of us. For others, alcohol is also a powerful substance that changes the way the brain processes reward and emotion. Dr. Charles Knowles says a drinking habit that starts as a way to relax or connect with others can gradually become much harder to manage. We discuss the neuroscience of alcohol, why some people are more vulnerable to dependence and how genetics influence our relationship with drinking. Charles also shares insights from his own recovery and why understanding alcohol may help reduce shame and stigma.
May 20
32 min
Your anxiety is actually an alarm: Joanna Cheek
Stress, anxiety and burnout are often treated as personal problems to fix. But psychiatrist Joanna Cheek says many mental health symptoms may be reasonable responses to the world around us. As rates of anxiety, depression and emotional exhaustion rise, Joanna says we need to look beyond the individual and examine the systems shaping our lives. We discuss why so many people feel overwhelmed, how mental health changes when we put it in context and why understanding our "alarms" might help us better understand our emotions.
May 12
30 min
What nurses want you to know: Tilda Shalof & Lisa Mochrie
Caring for patients is a responsibility that stays with you. Nurses see people at their most vulnerable and are often a steady presence through fear, illness and loss. After decades in healthcare, Tilda Shalof offers a deep perspective into the emotional reality of nursing and managing high-pressure situations. Tilda is joined by Lisa Mochrie, a newer nurse navigating the same work in today's healthcare system.
May 5
29 min
Is it possible to bond with AI?: Caia Hagel
AI is making its way into our emotional relationships. Writer and digital anthropologist Caia Hagel agreed to bond with an experimental AI companion designed to learn her, mirror her and respond to her emotions. What began as an experiment quickly became something more personal. We discuss why more people are turning to AI for connection and why everyone should get familiar with what these new technologies have to offer.
Apr 28
30 min
Hope is a skill you can learn: Robyne Hanley-Dafoe
Hope is about finding a way forward, even when life feels uncertain. Psychology and education behaviorist expert Robyne Hanley-Dafoe explains how hope is a skill we can build. We discuss why so many people feel low on hope right now and how that impacts our mental health. Robyne shares practical ways to reconnect with hope in our everyday life and how we can share that positivity with others.
Apr 21
29 min
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