Sometimes We Learn
Sometimes We Learn is a podcast by Intersections McGill that was founded in 2023 by Carla Désir. The podcast explores a diverse range contemporary topics at the intersection of gender, sexuality, feminist studies, social justice, media, religion, pop culture and more.
Episode 5: The Connection Between Dwindling Empathy in the United States and the Rise of White Supremacy
In this episode of Sometimes We Learn, Isabel and Maryam explore the cultural and political changes in the United States following the inauguration of Donald Trump. They examine the rise of a new form of American patriotism, one tied deeply to exclusionary ideals and the reassertion of a narrowly defined American identity. Through discussions about immigration, belonging, and the evolving idea of what it means to be a “true American,” they reflect on how these developments have reshaped the cultural landscape of the United States.
Timestamps:
00:00-Start of Episode
00:45-Intro
02:09- Social Dominance Orientation and White Supremacy
10:15-Intensification of Patriotism to Nationalism
19:17-Discussion
27:31-Conclusion
28:46-Credits
Episode 4: Where will the ban take us? Exploring the Impact of Abortion Rights in the United States Across the Border in Canada.
In this episode of Sometimes We Learn, our hosts, Isabel and Isla, delve into the history and contemporary landscape of reproductive rights in Canada and the U.S.A. Through tracing key legal cases, from the decriminalization of abortion in Canada to Roe V. Wade and its eventual overturning, our hosts discuss how these rulings have shaped public discourse, policy, and access to reproductive healthcare. They then sit down with sex educator Sabrina Baldini to discuss the growing divide between pro-choice and pro-life movements and the potential effects of U.S. politics on Canadian reproductive rights.
Timestamps:
00:00-Intro
00:46-Start of Episode
3:00-The Road to the Decriminalization of Abortion in Canada
12:33-History of Abortion Legislation in the U.S. Pre Roe V. Wade
14:37-Roe v. Wade and Casey v. Planned Parenthood
24:25-Contemporary Challenges in Canadian Reproductive Rights
30:29-Overturning of Roe v. Wade
39:48-Interview With Sabrina Baldini
01:03:59-Conclusion
01:04:39-Credits
Episode 3: Beyond the Screen: Content, Context, and Conversations on Female Sexuality in the Digital World
In this episode of Sometimes We Learn, hosts Hannah and Maryam explore the ways in which digital forms of media enable and perpetuate the sexualization of women in ways that robs them of their agency. Through explorations of Nara Smith parodies and the hyper-sexualization of women in anime, they discuss the ways digital mediums reproduce and amplify patriarchal power structures.
Timestamps:
00:00-Intro
00:52-Start of Episode
01:40-Disclaimer
02:00-Theoretical Frameworks of the Male Gaze in Digital Media
07:31-Case Study: Nara Smith
11:15-Sexualization of Female Characters in Anime and the Adult Film Industry
14:32-Impact of These Representations on Societal Perceptions of Asian Women
17:26-Conclusion
21:27-Discussion
30:35-End Credits
Episode 2: AI Meets Gender-Based Violence
In this episode of Sometimes We Learn, we delve into the disturbing world of AI revenge porn. As technology continues to advance at an unprecedented pace, so do the dangers it poses, and one of the most insidious manifestations of this is AI-generated revenge porn.
Content Warning: This episode discusses sensitive topics, including sexual abuse. Listener discretion is advised.
Timestamps:
00:00-Intro
00:46-Content Warning
01:09-Start of Episode
03:39-What are Deepfakes
05:31-History of Sextortion Online
11:07-Where does the Law Come In?
16:03-Who is Disproportionately Impacted?
19:36-Conclusion
20:50-End Credits
Episode 1: I Can Make a Man Sin – An Exploration of the Evangelical Purity Movement
In the inaugural episode of Sometimes We Learn we explore the complex world of evangelical purity movements from their impact on female sexuality to their alignment with conservative political agendas.
Content Warning: This episode discusses sensitive topics, including sexual assault, abuse, racism, slut-shaming, body-shaming, and homophobia.
Timestamps:
00:00 – Intro
00:40 – Content Warning and Disclaimer
01:33 – Start of Episode
4:02 – What Even Is Purity Culture?
11:40 – Making Purity Culture Mainstream
18:10 – Shame, Guilt & Other Issues
24:50 – When Politics Get Involved
26:07 – Moving Forwards
27:13 – Reading Recs
28:40 – End Credits
Intersections 