conscient podcast

Hello, I’m interrupting my period of pause in the production of this podcast to share some very sad news. A good friend and colleague, Chantal Dumas, passed away on May 17th 2026 after a long struggle with cancer. She was 66 and had much more to live and to give. I invite you to share a moment of silence. J’offre mes profondes condoléances à la famille de Chantal et à son cercle d’amis qui ont été si présents et fidèle avec elle ces derniers mois. My deepest condolences to Chantal’s family and to her circle of friends, who have been so present and in solidarity with her these last few months. In order to commemorate Chantal’s life and her creative work, with her permission, I’ve prepared an English language translation of our September 13, 2025 conversation on balado conscient épisode 170 chantal dumas - une certaine douceur, recorded in Chantal’s apartment in Montreal. (field recording of me entering Chantal’s apartment with her ‘big ben’ door chime and a very sonic kiss). We’ll miss you, Chantal. A friend once told me that when a loved one passes, one way to honour their memory is to continue the best of their good work. But I’m not sure how to do this. What I’ll try to do is keep in mind Chantal’s lived vitality, her kindness, her humour and her unique ability to help us listen to each other and listening to the earth. I’ve put some links for further information in the episode notes for those who want to know more about Chantal’s life and work. Thanks to artist Sabrina Mathews for the narration and to all those who helped me with this episode. But before we listen to the episode, I’d like to play you another recording I made at Chantal’s apartment on September 13th, 2025, after our interview. In front of us was a componium, which is a kind of music box that plays from a strip of punctured paper. I asked Chantal to explain how the instrument works and to play a composition she made for the instrument, first in forwards mode and then backward. This presentation is not translated into English, but I think you’ll get the gist of it. I invite you to listen to this bonus episode of conscient podcast, in memoriam - chantal dumas - a certain gentleness. * (original episode) For me, it calls for us to scale back to much smaller scales, to community scales, I would say, to communities of interest, communities of sensitivity, which invites us to get closer to our own communities, closer to our own being and immediate family, but also to our friends, and to really appreciate that aspect, while remaining sensitive to what is happening around us. I also think that we need to find a way to — I don't know if I would call it consolation — but in any case, to have a certain gentleness. I think art can bring that, to calm the anxiety that can be caused by this... From an ecological point of view, we don't really know what's going on right now. We see that our political leaders were very attentive during the pandemic and we said to ourselves, “Oh wow, we can hear the little birds,” “Oh wow, the Earth is vibrating less,” so there are fewer earthquakes. We realized that it was largely generated by human activity if the Earth was shaking and all of that. Imagine listening to the heartbeat of the Earth, feeling the rumbling of tectonic plates, and experiencing geological time. This is the experience offered by the electroacoustic composition ‘Oscillations planétaires’, ‘Planetary Oscillations’, a creation by my guest for this final episode of the sixth season of balado conscient, sound artist and long-time friend Chantal Dumas. Chantal shares her unique perspectives on capturing the hidden movements of the Earth. “Planetary Oscillations” is an invitation to listen deeply to the planet beneath our feet, a reminder of the immense timescale of geological processes, and a call for both environmental and spiritual awareness. You’ll hear Chantal talk about some of her childhood memories, including the soundscapes of the countryside and also the Villeray acoustique project, an initiative by Chantal and Magali Babin, in collaboration with Espace Projet,which offers signage in public spaces where listening, as a sensory experience, is associated with historical, cultural and ecological information specific to that territory. By the way if you’d like more information on this project, listen, in French, to é171 chantal dumas et magali babin (collectif dB) - villeray acoustique, in French, on balado conscient. I thank Chantal for our valuable exchange and for everything she is and has done, with love, from us all. Photo of Chantal Dumas by Claude Schryer (September 14, 2025, Montreal) This conversation was recorded on September 14, 2025, in Montreal in French and was translated into English by Claude Schryer and narrated by Sabrina Mathews. Oscillations planétaires© 2017-18, 19, Chantal Dumas (SOCAN) / Ymx média (SOCAN)℗ 2019, Enregistrements i média (SOPROQ) Appears on the album Oscillations planétaires, empreintes DIGITALes, IMED 19163 Thanks to Jean-François Denis. Thanks also to Magali Babin for use of an excerpt from her field recording 'Marche Pour Andrea 4 juin 2012 Parc Jarry' LINKS (selection) Obituary Chantal Dumas web site (in French) Bandcamp électroCD Electrodoc The Radio Art Hour 020: R.I.P. Chantal Dumas é171 chantal dumas et magali babin (collectif dB) - villeray acoustique (in French) UNE PSYCHOGÉOGRAPHIE SONORE ~ ENTRETIEN AVEC CHANTAL DUMAS (in French) *END NOTES FOR ALL EPISODESNote : I'm currently 'pressing pause' and am not producing new content until further notice. Hey conscient listeners, I’ve been producing the conscient podcast as a learning and unlearning journey since May 2020. It’s my way to give back.This Indigenous Land Acknowledgement statement was developed by members of the Algonquin community for my former employer the Canada Council for the Arts. I have adapted slightly to make it my own.I acknowledge that my studio, located in Ottawa, is on the unceded, unsurrendered Territory of the Anishinaabe Algonquin Nation whose presence here reaches back to time immemorial.I recognize the Algonquins as the customary keepers and defenders of the Ottawa River Watershed and its tributaries. I honour their long history of welcoming many Nations to this beautiful territory and uphold and uplift the voice and values of our Host Nation.Further, I offer my respect and affirm the inherent and Treaty Rights of all Indigenous Peoples across this land and honour commitments to self-determination and sovereignty that have been made to Indigenous Nations and Peoples.I acknowledge the historical oppression of lands, cultures and the original Peoples in what we now know as Canada and fervently believe the Arts contribute to the healing and decolonizing journey we all share togetherIn parallel with the production of the conscient podcast and its francophone counterpart, balado conscient, I I publish a free ‘a calm presence' monthly Substack see https://acalmpresence.substack.com.  Your feedback is always welcome at claude [at] conscient [dot] ca and/or on social media: Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin, Threads, BlueSky, Mastodon, Tik Tok, YouTube and Substack.Share what you like, etcI am grateful and accountable to the earth and the human labour that provided me with the privilege of producing this podcast, including the toxic materials and extractive processes behind the computers, recorders, transportation systems and infrastructure that made this production possible. Thanks for listening. Claude SchryerLatest update on March 21, 2026

The environmental issues currently at hand, including global warming, are related, but I believe that at their root lies the decline of our listening ability and the power of listening as humanity. This decline is not merely a matter of our listening ability weakening as we age, but rather it encompasses what we choose to listen to, how we perceive it, and all the various subjects of listening and methods of comprehension. I believe this decline is a collective issue for humanity, particularly in modern Western contexts where we have been taught that this is how to listen, especially in relation to music and everyday listening practices, and how we have become confined to these methods. We must have once believed in more locally rooted ways of listening, but we are losing that I think that is fundamentally connected to the current environmental issues. My conversation with Japanese musicologist and soundscape researcher Keiko Torigoe at her home in Tokyo on May 21, 2025. Keiko is retired from her position as professor at Aoyama Gakuin University in Tokyo and is currently President of the Soundscape Association of Japan. Keiko is a long-time friend and colleague in the international acoustic ecology community who has done important research on soundscapes in Canada and Japan. Keiko answered the two following questions in Japanese: first, ‘what is role of arts and culture is in times of crisis, collapse and renewal’ followed by ‘what about your current activities as a researcher and producer of community arts projects and what action points do you recommend’). I loved how her answers included the more-than-human world and locally rooted ways of listening. You can also listen to the original Japanese version of our conversation here. この対談のオリジナル日本語版はこちらでも聴くことができる。Show notes generated by Whisper Transcribe AIAction pointsRecognize the decline of listening ability in modern society and its connection to environmental issues.Broaden the concept of music to include communication with the natural realm.Deepen your connection with the land and local communities through artistic activities.Engage in collaborative projects that promote understanding and respect for diverse perspectives.Consider the impact of your actions on those around you, fostering intergenerational connections.Story PreviewImagine strolling around a tranquil pond in Japan, guided by a soundscape researcher who unveils the hidden stories of the land through music and conversation. This episode explores the power of listening, the interconnectedness of humans and nature, and the transformative potential of community art. Chapter SummaryThe Decline of ListeningIntroducing Keiko TorigoeArts and Culture in CrisisThe Narrowing Concept of MusicPersonal Journey and Artistic ExplorationTransformative Power of ArtFeatured QuotesI believe that at their root lies the decline of our listening ability, the power of listening as humanity.We have forgotten the other aspect of music, which is the concept of music that connects not just humans, but also the more than human world, allowing us to communicate with the entire natural realm.Art and such activities transform me, and having done it for many years, it gradually affects those around me as well.Behind the StoryClaude Schryer travels to Tokyo to meet with Keiko Torigoe, a renowned musicologist and soundscape researcher. Keiko shares her passion for reconnecting with the natural world through listening and artistic projects. Her insights are rooted in her research in both Canada and Japan and her personal experiences in her hometown. *END NOTES FOR ALL EPISODESNote : I'm currently 'pressing pause' and am not producing new content until further notice. Hey conscient listeners, I’ve been producing the conscient podcast as a learning and unlearning journey since May 2020. It’s my way to give back.This Indigenous Land Acknowledgement statement was developed by members of the Algonquin community for my former employer the Canada Council for the Arts. I have adapted slightly to make it my own.I acknowledge that my studio, located in Ottawa, is on the unceded, unsurrendered Territory of the Anishinaabe Algonquin Nation whose presence here reaches back to time immemorial.I recognize the Algonquins as the customary keepers and defenders of the Ottawa River Watershed and its tributaries. I honour their long history of welcoming many Nations to this beautiful territory and uphold and uplift the voice and values of our Host Nation.Further, I offer my respect and affirm the inherent and Treaty Rights of all Indigenous Peoples across this land and honour commitments to self-determination and sovereignty that have been made to Indigenous Nations and Peoples.I acknowledge the historical oppression of lands, cultures and the original Peoples in what we now know as Canada and fervently believe the Arts contribute to the healing and decolonizing journey we all share togetherIn parallel with the production of the conscient podcast and its francophone counterpart, balado conscient, I I publish a free ‘a calm presence' monthly Substack see https://acalmpresence.substack.com.  Your feedback is always welcome at claude [at] conscient [dot] ca and/or on social media: Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin, Threads, BlueSky, Mastodon, Tik Tok, YouTube and Substack.Share what you like, etcI am grateful and accountable to the earth and the human labour that provided me with the privilege of producing this podcast, including the toxic materials and extractive processes behind the computers, recorders, transportation systems and infrastructure that made this production possible. Thanks for listening. Claude SchryerLatest update on March 21, 2026

Alongside the responsibility of holding people accountable and calling out what they see as unjust, I think that there's also an element of hope with artists, even when we're maybe a little bit melancholic, or even when we're in heavier periods in our lives, the act of creating denotes hope, because why would you create something if you didn't believe that it was going to lead to something? Why would you put energy into something if you didn't hope that it would nurture either a change or a feeling of belonging or something that'll bring people together and that will create a sense of community?My conversation with Emily Marie Séguin, a Franco-Ontarian 2-spirited performer, musician, theatre creator and visual artist of settlers and Anishinabe descent who creates work to recognize those who walked before her, and to support those who will after her. I wanted to speak to Emily because she is member of Éclore, a collective that builds bridges between artistic, environmental and activist communities, bringing people together and building hope for a fairer, more sustainable future. I had already spoken with Léa Vandycke, about Éclore, in episode 164 of balado conscient, and so Emily is about to tell us, in English, the story of Éclore from her point but she will also talk about her own work and vision as an indigenous artist, such as her G’zaagiin maleńki – I promise you a forestproject. I also had a French language conversation with Emily, see balado conscient épisode 168.Show notes generated by Whisper Transcribe AIAction pointsDiscover the mission of Éclore and how it fosters collaboration between artists, scientists, and activists.Explore the role of art in advocating for social causes, environmental protection, and Indigenous sovereignty.Learn about Emily’s project, G’zaagiin maleńki – je te promets une forêt and its goal of connecting young people with the sounds and importance of nature.Understand the significance of Indigenous voices in land-based solutions for a just and sustainable world.Gain actionable steps for artists and cultural workers to engage in advocacy and support grassroots movements.Story PreviewImagine a world where art, environmentalism, and activism intertwine, creating a tapestry of hope for a sustainable future. Emily Marie Séguin, a passionate Two-Spirit artist, shares her journey of bridging these worlds through her work with Éclore and her dedication to honouring the land.Chapter Summary00:00 The Duality of Art: Accountability and Hope01:23 Introducing Emily Marie Seguin03:44 The Birth of Éclore: A Collective for Change07:15 Art as a Reflection of Nature11:43 Taking Action: Empowering Artists and Cultural WorkersFeatured QuotesThe act of creating denotes hope, because why would you create something if you didn’t believe that it was going to lead to something?I think that the fight towards a more just and sustainable world, especially in a land-based context, needs to include Indigenous voices.Without hope, we wouldn’t do anything, we wouldn’t act, we wouldn’t continue to fight.Behind the StoryEmily’s involvement with Éclore stems from a deep-seated passion for plants, nature, and advocating for social justice. Inspired by the vision of Éclore's founders, she joined the collective to help build a community that serves as a resource for artists and fosters conversations across diverse disciplines, all united by a common goal of protecting the land and promoting sovereignty. *END NOTES FOR ALL EPISODESNote : I'm currently 'pressing pause' and am not producing new content until further notice. Hey conscient listeners, I’ve been producing the conscient podcast as a learning and unlearning journey since May 2020. It’s my way to give back.This Indigenous Land Acknowledgement statement was developed by members of the Algonquin community for my former employer the Canada Council for the Arts. I have adapted slightly to make it my own.I acknowledge that my studio, located in Ottawa, is on the unceded, unsurrendered Territory of the Anishinaabe Algonquin Nation whose presence here reaches back to time immemorial.I recognize the Algonquins as the customary keepers and defenders of the Ottawa River Watershed and its tributaries. I honour their long history of welcoming many Nations to this beautiful territory and uphold and uplift the voice and values of our Host Nation.Further, I offer my respect and affirm the inherent and Treaty Rights of all Indigenous Peoples across this land and honour commitments to self-determination and sovereignty that have been made to Indigenous Nations and Peoples.I acknowledge the historical oppression of lands, cultures and the original Peoples in what we now know as Canada and fervently believe the Arts contribute to the healing and decolonizing journey we all share togetherIn parallel with the production of the conscient podcast and its francophone counterpart, balado conscient, I I publish a free ‘a calm presence' monthly Substack see https://acalmpresence.substack.com.  Your feedback is always welcome at claude [at] conscient [dot] ca and/or on social media: Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin, Threads, BlueSky, Mastodon, Tik Tok, YouTube and Substack.Share what you like, etcI am grateful and accountable to the earth and the human labour that provided me with the privilege of producing this podcast, including the toxic materials and extractive processes behind the computers, recorders, transportation systems and infrastructure that made this production possible. Thanks for listening. Claude SchryerLatest update on March 21, 2026

Even being confronted with something that is weird or uncomfortable: it’s character growth. You have to ask the question: why is this person doing this weird thing? It's a good exercise in empathy, to be perfectly honest. Why is this person doing this thing? Why does that make me uncomfortable? What, what is it about my perception that has shaped this experience for me? I feel like those are really essential questions for us to be constantly asking ourselves, especially in an age where there's a lot of discord, a lot of dissent and a lot of disagreement. And the better we understand ourselves, the better we're able to engage with humans who are different than us.My conversation with Meghan Moe Beitiks, assistant professor in theatre at Concordia University in Montreal. Meghan Moe is an artist and designer working with associations and disassociations of culture, nature and structure. Our mutual friend Ian Garrett thought we might get along. We did. Our conversation focused on Meghan Moe’s Angles of Consequence project, a season of site-specific performances with Canadian performers to create work with reflected sunlight in key sites of climate advocacy and destruction in Québec. Meghan Moe and I had tea in Montreal. It was a very, enlightening, conversation. Show notes generated by Whisper Transcribe AI:Action pointsRecognize art’s crucial role in processing emotions and spreading information during crises.Explore the use of reflected sunlight in art to highlight climate change issues.Support Indigenous resistance against fossil fuel expansion as an effective climate action.Consider the impact of positionality (literal and cultural) on our perspectives.Utilize resources like Canada Green Tools to calculate and reduce the carbon footprint of events.Story PreviewImagine art that dances with the sun, revealing hidden truths about our planet’s climate crisis. Megan Moe’s ‘Angles of Consequence’ uses reflected sunlight in powerful performances, sparking dialogue and demanding action.Chapter Summary00:00 The Power of Empathy01:05 Introducing Megan Moe01:31 Angles of Consequence03:08 Art as a Tool for Understanding04:35 Reflected Sunlight and Climate Change07:09 Indigenous Resistance and Environmental Impact09:49 Collaborating with NatureFeatured QuotesWe also need moments of digestion…to absorb and understand what we’ve experienced and what we’ve learned.The sun is not going to show up on your time. It doesn’t care whether you’re giving a performance.Being able to witness that up close and consider what that human is doing in relationship to your own humanness, I feel like makes us all clearer, more grounded and better.Behind the StoryMegan Moe’s project, ‘Angles of Consequence’, emerged from pandemic isolation and a fascination with reflected sunlight. It evolved into a series of site-specific performances addressing climate change in Québec, highlighting both the destructive forces of fossil fuels and the powerful resistance of Indigenous communities. The project aims to create an open-access guide, encouraging global engagement with sunlight performance art. *END NOTES FOR ALL EPISODESNote : I'm currently 'pressing pause' and am not producing new content until further notice. Hey conscient listeners, I’ve been producing the conscient podcast as a learning and unlearning journey since May 2020. It’s my way to give back.This Indigenous Land Acknowledgement statement was developed by members of the Algonquin community for my former employer the Canada Council for the Arts. I have adapted slightly to make it my own.I acknowledge that my studio, located in Ottawa, is on the unceded, unsurrendered Territory of the Anishinaabe Algonquin Nation whose presence here reaches back to time immemorial.I recognize the Algonquins as the customary keepers and defenders of the Ottawa River Watershed and its tributaries. I honour their long history of welcoming many Nations to this beautiful territory and uphold and uplift the voice and values of our Host Nation.Further, I offer my respect and affirm the inherent and Treaty Rights of all Indigenous Peoples across this land and honour commitments to self-determination and sovereignty that have been made to Indigenous Nations and Peoples.I acknowledge the historical oppression of lands, cultures and the original Peoples in what we now know as Canada and fervently believe the Arts contribute to the healing and decolonizing journey we all share togetherIn parallel with the production of the conscient podcast and its francophone counterpart, balado conscient, I I publish a free ‘a calm presence' monthly Substack see https://acalmpresence.substack.com.  Your feedback is always welcome at claude [at] conscient [dot] ca and/or on social media: Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin, Threads, BlueSky, Mastodon, Tik Tok, YouTube and Substack.Share what you like, etcI am grateful and accountable to the earth and the human labour that provided me with the privilege of producing this podcast, including the toxic materials and extractive processes behind the computers, recorders, transportation systems and infrastructure that made this production possible. Thanks for listening. Claude SchryerLatest update on March 21, 2026

How can we reciprocate since the world keeps us alive on the one hand, and on the other hand, all these things, birds and you name it, right? Fish and moose and beaver, these are things we love. So, if this is the world we love, we're going to have feelings about how we might want to do positive things to keep this world we love as nurtured as possible. And we also hopefully want to ask, how do we keep our own ability to be alive and thrive here as humans?Sarah Peebles is a Toronto-based installation artist, composer and music improvisor. Much of her work explores digitally manipulated found sound and unconventional methods of amplification. She has also collaborated with artists, technicians and bee biologists on a series of projects addressing pollination ecology and biodiversity, entitled ‘Resonating Bodies’ since 2008. I loved her ideas on reciprocity, which, indirectly, is what this podcast tries to do by sharing the work of ecological artists like Sarah and their vision of a world where we can peacefully cohabitate with the more-than-human world. Show notes generated by Whisper Transcribe AIAction pointsObserve the natural world closely to understand its intricate feedback loops.Support native bee populations by considering land management practices and avoiding harmful pesticides.Explore art as a medium for understanding and engaging with ecological issues.Question conventional agricultural practices and advocate for sustainable alternatives.Recognize the impact of individual choices on the broader ecosystem and strive for reciprocity.Story PreviewImagine stepping into a world where the secret lives of native, wild bees are amplified, revealing a symphony of tiny movements and vital connections. Sarah Peebles’ art invites us to observe and listen closely to nature’s diverse, essential players and reconsider our role in its delicate dance. Chapter Summary00:00 The Concept of Reciprocity01:00 Meet Sarah Peebles02:24 Engaging with Biodiversity05:24 Art as a Medium for Science10:14 The Role of Art in HealingFeatured QuotesHow can we reciprocate since the world keeps us alive?They (bees) don’t care about me at all. They’re doing what they do. I’m helping to provide places in which they can forage and nest which we can visually and sonically access.It’s a little bit easier to just allow people to have a sense of wonder and go from there.Behind the StorySarah Peebles’ journey exploring art and biodiversity began with a concern: despite years of recording natural sounds, she saw no real change in environmental awareness. This led her to collaborate with wild bee biologist Professor Lawrence Packer, sparking a passion for native bees and a desire to make biodiversity tangible through art. Her ‘Deluxe Log’ and other "Resonating Bodies" installations are a testament to this dedication, offering a unique window into the hidden world of these essential pollinators and the habitat that supports them. *END NOTES FOR ALL EPISODESNote : I'm currently 'pressing pause' and am not producing new content until further notice. Hey conscient listeners, I’ve been producing the conscient podcast as a learning and unlearning journey since May 2020. It’s my way to give back.This Indigenous Land Acknowledgement statement was developed by members of the Algonquin community for my former employer the Canada Council for the Arts. I have adapted slightly to make it my own.I acknowledge that my studio, located in Ottawa, is on the unceded, unsurrendered Territory of the Anishinaabe Algonquin Nation whose presence here reaches back to time immemorial.I recognize the Algonquins as the customary keepers and defenders of the Ottawa River Watershed and its tributaries. I honour their long history of welcoming many Nations to this beautiful territory and uphold and uplift the voice and values of our Host Nation.Further, I offer my respect and affirm the inherent and Treaty Rights of all Indigenous Peoples across this land and honour commitments to self-determination and sovereignty that have been made to Indigenous Nations and Peoples.I acknowledge the historical oppression of lands, cultures and the original Peoples in what we now know as Canada and fervently believe the Arts contribute to the healing and decolonizing journey we all share togetherIn parallel with the production of the conscient podcast and its francophone counterpart, balado conscient, I I publish a free ‘a calm presence' monthly Substack see https://acalmpresence.substack.com.  Your feedback is always welcome at claude [at] conscient [dot] ca and/or on social media: Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin, Threads, BlueSky, Mastodon, Tik Tok, YouTube and Substack.Share what you like, etcI am grateful and accountable to the earth and the human labour that provided me with the privilege of producing this podcast, including the toxic materials and extractive processes behind the computers, recorders, transportation systems and infrastructure that made this production possible. Thanks for listening. Claude SchryerLatest update on March 21, 2026

The role of artists is the role of dreaming. I've worked as a poet, as a multimedia artist, sound artist, storyteller. I think we hold the capacity to shape the narratives that build our present, our future, reshape the narratives that inform our past. I still believe in that role. I do believe that we have a call to work on the episteme, this epistemological call, this call to investigate the ideas, the words and the shapes that build our relationships. I think if we can do that alone, dreaming of a new reality, dreaming of futurities, dreaming of dialogue… I think that's a good path for us artists.Rafael Zen is a queer Latinx video and sound artist and performer, currently living in the land of the Coast Salish peoples, otherwise known as Vancouver. We were both part of an event at Emily Carr University of Art and Design called Listening in Relationthat expanded upon listening practices and ecological art by exploring decolonization through thought and practices of IBPoC artists. I asked Rafael about their work in new media, performance art, and in particular their understanding of decolonization and decolonial resistance. Show notes generated by Whisper Transcribe AIAction pointsEmbrace the role of an artist as a dreamer, shaping and reshaping narratives of the past, present, and future.Investigate the impact of colonial capitalism and its effect on our ability to envision solutions and equitable futures.Utilize sound and immersive installations to raise awareness of presence and challenge dominant structures.Trust your artistic vision and use storytelling to foster dialogue and connection within local communities.Identify your non-negotiables to guide your art and activism toward decolonization and meaningful change.Story PreviewWhat if art could awaken us from our colonial capitalist slumber? Rafael Zen, a visionary artist, invites us to dream of radical futures through sound, performance, and unwavering conviction. This episode explores how art can provoke dialogue, challenge ideologies, and pave the way for meaningful change, one non-negotiable at a time.Chapter Summary00:00 The Dreaming Role of Artists01:10 Exploring Decolonization in Art03:01 Hauntology and Futurity05:06 The Malfunctioning Cyborg06:44 Listening as a Tool for Awareness08:52 Art as a Catalyst for ChangeFeatured QuotesThe role of artists is the role of dreaming.How can we, as a community, dream of…queer futurities, but it can be radical equality, radical futures, equitable futures.Don’t negotiate the non-negotiable. (quoting Lélia Gonzalez)Behind the StoryRafael Zen’s work is deeply rooted in cyborg theory, speculative environmental utopias, and Brazilian indigenous theory. Zen draws inspiration from thinkers like Ailton Krenak and Mark Fisher, crafting art that challenges audiences to confront the devastation caused by colonial capitalism. By creating immersive installations and using sound as a democratic medium, Zen aims to provoke dialogue and foster a sense of presence, ultimately inviting listeners to reimagine a world free from oppression and violence. *END NOTES FOR ALL EPISODESNote : I'm currently 'pressing pause' and am not producing new content until further notice. Hey conscient listeners, I’ve been producing the conscient podcast as a learning and unlearning journey since May 2020. It’s my way to give back.This Indigenous Land Acknowledgement statement was developed by members of the Algonquin community for my former employer the Canada Council for the Arts. I have adapted slightly to make it my own.I acknowledge that my studio, located in Ottawa, is on the unceded, unsurrendered Territory of the Anishinaabe Algonquin Nation whose presence here reaches back to time immemorial.I recognize the Algonquins as the customary keepers and defenders of the Ottawa River Watershed and its tributaries. I honour their long history of welcoming many Nations to this beautiful territory and uphold and uplift the voice and values of our Host Nation.Further, I offer my respect and affirm the inherent and Treaty Rights of all Indigenous Peoples across this land and honour commitments to self-determination and sovereignty that have been made to Indigenous Nations and Peoples.I acknowledge the historical oppression of lands, cultures and the original Peoples in what we now know as Canada and fervently believe the Arts contribute to the healing and decolonizing journey we all share togetherIn parallel with the production of the conscient podcast and its francophone counterpart, balado conscient, I I publish a free ‘a calm presence' monthly Substack see https://acalmpresence.substack.com.  Your feedback is always welcome at claude [at] conscient [dot] ca and/or on social media: Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin, Threads, BlueSky, Mastodon, Tik Tok, YouTube and Substack.Share what you like, etcI am grateful and accountable to the earth and the human labour that provided me with the privilege of producing this podcast, including the toxic materials and extractive processes behind the computers, recorders, transportation systems and infrastructure that made this production possible. Thanks for listening. Claude SchryerLatest update on March 21, 2026

This is a special edition of conscient roundtable featuring Lara Felsing, Adrian Avendaño, Hildegard Westerkamp, Toni-Leah C. Yake as part of the Listening in Relation gathering at Emily Carr University of Art and Design on March 21-23, 2025 on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations, also known as Vancouver. Warm thanks to Julie Andreyev of Emily Carr University, Barbara Adler of The Only Animal, the Canadian Association for Sound Ecology (CASE), Raphael Zen (who is a guest on conscient e228), and all the roundtable participants. Show notes generated by Whisper Transcribe AIAction PointsExplore the role of listening in decolonizing creative practices and challenging colonial narratives.Recognize the importance of land acknowledgments as active opportunities to listen to and honor Indigenous requests.Integrate personal and ancestral knowledge into artistic processes to foster relationality with the land and more-than-human beings.Reflect on the ethical implications of technology use in art, considering environmental impact and responsible creation.Embrace silence and slow down to connect with inner wisdom and speak from the heart.Story PreviewWhat does it truly mean to listen? Dive into an exploration of decolonization through sound, art, and personal reflections. Hear from artists who are reshaping their creative practices to honor the land, ancestors, and the unseen voices that guide them.Chapter Summary00:00 Introduction to Listening in Relation02:20 Keynote Panel Overview06:48 Artistic Journeys and Ancestral Connections29:58 Dream Technology and Cultural Expression41:27 Identity, Land, and Heritage50:01 Sonic Memories and Cultural Practices57:04 Sacred Spaces and Cultural Resilience01:03:05 Reflections on Cultural Action and Belonging01:11:09 The Power of Listening and Silence01:16:10 Technology, Creativity, and Environmental Impact01:35:20 Closing Thoughts and Community EngagementFeatured QuotesLara Felsing : ‘I think about listening in my practice as being receptive to concerns that are happening on the land.’Toni Leah C. Yakes : ‘When you’re asking where you’re from, you’re actually asking: What clay are you made of? or What earth are you made of?’Hildegard Westerkamp : ‘Listening was always the base from where I functioned. Listening always brought us back to ground.’Behind the StoryThe ‘Listening in Relation’ event at Emily Carr University of Art and Design brought together artists and thinkers to explore the critical role of listening and decolonization. This episode captures the keynote panel of that event, exploring how artists are actively engaging with sound, memory, and the land to challenge colonial narratives and foster deeper connections. The discussion highlights the delicate balance between technology, creativity, and environmental responsibility, prompting a reflection on our relationship with the world around us. *END NOTES FOR ALL EPISODESNote : I'm currently 'pressing pause' and am not producing new content until further notice. Hey conscient listeners, I’ve been producing the conscient podcast as a learning and unlearning journey since May 2020. It’s my way to give back.This Indigenous Land Acknowledgement statement was developed by members of the Algonquin community for my former employer the Canada Council for the Arts. I have adapted slightly to make it my own.I acknowledge that my studio, located in Ottawa, is on the unceded, unsurrendered Territory of the Anishinaabe Algonquin Nation whose presence here reaches back to time immemorial.I recognize the Algonquins as the customary keepers and defenders of the Ottawa River Watershed and its tributaries. I honour their long history of welcoming many Nations to this beautiful territory and uphold and uplift the voice and values of our Host Nation.Further, I offer my respect and affirm the inherent and Treaty Rights of all Indigenous Peoples across this land and honour commitments to self-determination and sovereignty that have been made to Indigenous Nations and Peoples.I acknowledge the historical oppression of lands, cultures and the original Peoples in what we now know as Canada and fervently believe the Arts contribute to the healing and decolonizing journey we all share togetherIn parallel with the production of the conscient podcast and its francophone counterpart, balado conscient, I I publish a free ‘a calm presence' monthly Substack see https://acalmpresence.substack.com.  Your feedback is always welcome at claude [at] conscient [dot] ca and/or on social media: Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin, Threads, BlueSky, Mastodon, Tik Tok, YouTube and Substack.Share what you like, etcI am grateful and accountable to the earth and the human labour that provided me with the privilege of producing this podcast, including the toxic materials and extractive processes behind the computers, recorders, transportation systems and infrastructure that made this production possible. Thanks for listening. Claude SchryerLatest update on March 21, 2026

The approach of the Canadian Centre for Food & Ecology (CCFE) is what has been so attractive to me. It's a conviction around joyful, immersive experience and it starts with the conviction that until someone has experienced the sensory joy of experiencing food in a new way, there's little interest in understanding the facts or the cognitive issues surrounding our food system. One can focus on that which is the problem, and it truly is a problem, but way more compelling, way more attractive, is to think about food through the lens of it as a solution that invites people in.My conversation with Sarah Heynen, the executive director of the Canadian Centre for Food & Ecology (CCFE) in Tkaronto. Sarah is a strategic systems-thinker with a warm heart and a generous nature. Sarah introduced me to the Surviving the Future course which you heard about in episode 218. We mostly talked food, about artfulness and what it means to be inspired and inspirited by say a conversation or a meal. She also explained the Anishinaabeg 7th fire prophecy: a time when the light skin race needs to choose between a scorched earth path and a rainbow path leading to flourishing and the 8th fire. Show notes generated by Whisper Transcribe AIAction pointsRecognize culture’s impact on food choices and environmental awareness.Understand the vital role of soil health in food quality and carbon sequestration.Support regenerative food systems by choosing alternative suppliers.Match motivated audiences with existing regenerative food producers.Embrace personal conviction and agency in making food-related decisions.Story PreviewImagine a world where every meal reconnects you with the earth. Sarah Heynen shares her vision of a regenerative food system, inviting listeners to consider food as a powerful tool for cultural and ecological healing.Chapter Summary00:00 The Joy of Food Experience01:25 Cultural Perspectives on Food02:43 The Role of Art in Renewal04:29 Contextualizing Our Location06:50 Spiritual Connections to Food08:32 Projects for Cultural ReconnectionFeatured QuotesFood is a potent invitation into a collective story of reconnection with each other, with the Earth and with ourselves.Until someone has experienced the sensory joy of experiencing food in a new way, there’s little interest in understanding the facts or the cognitive issues surrounding our food system.Behind the StorySarah Heynen, drawing from her background in anthropology and her role at the Canadian Centre for Food and Ecology, explores the cultural significance of food and its potential to address environmental challenges. She advocates for a shift in perspective, viewing food as a solution that invites participation in a collective journey towards healing and reconnection. *END NOTES FOR ALL EPISODESNote : I'm currently 'pressing pause' and am not producing new content until further notice. Hey conscient listeners, I’ve been producing the conscient podcast as a learning and unlearning journey since May 2020. It’s my way to give back.This Indigenous Land Acknowledgement statement was developed by members of the Algonquin community for my former employer the Canada Council for the Arts. I have adapted slightly to make it my own.I acknowledge that my studio, located in Ottawa, is on the unceded, unsurrendered Territory of the Anishinaabe Algonquin Nation whose presence here reaches back to time immemorial.I recognize the Algonquins as the customary keepers and defenders of the Ottawa River Watershed and its tributaries. I honour their long history of welcoming many Nations to this beautiful territory and uphold and uplift the voice and values of our Host Nation.Further, I offer my respect and affirm the inherent and Treaty Rights of all Indigenous Peoples across this land and honour commitments to self-determination and sovereignty that have been made to Indigenous Nations and Peoples.I acknowledge the historical oppression of lands, cultures and the original Peoples in what we now know as Canada and fervently believe the Arts contribute to the healing and decolonizing journey we all share togetherIn parallel with the production of the conscient podcast and its francophone counterpart, balado conscient, I I publish a free ‘a calm presence' monthly Substack see https://acalmpresence.substack.com.  Your feedback is always welcome at claude [at] conscient [dot] ca and/or on social media: Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin, Threads, BlueSky, Mastodon, Tik Tok, YouTube and Substack.Share what you like, etcI am grateful and accountable to the earth and the human labour that provided me with the privilege of producing this podcast, including the toxic materials and extractive processes behind the computers, recorders, transportation systems and infrastructure that made this production possible. Thanks for listening. Claude SchryerLatest update on March 21, 2026