Jo-Ann van Vulpen (Center) created the CBC Ideas discussion group out of a desire to talk with others about the podcast. Photo by Matthew Bambrick /Matthew BambrickArticle contentPICTOU – A community group meets to discuss the topics and themes of a popular podcast.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentOn Sept. 24, 15 members of the CBC Ideas discussion group met at the library in Pictou. Based around the CBC Ideas podcast, the group meets to discuss the themes and topics of the five most recent episodes of the show. The topics range from science, politics, philosophy, literature, and history.Article contentArticle contentArticle content“The Ideas podcast is very diverse, always discussing new and interesting topics,” said Jo-Ann van Vulpen, facilitator of the CBC Ideas discussion group. “Last week’s topic was the Oslo Accords, which was a challenging one surrounding Israel and Palestine. This week, we are discussing the health of rivers and whether they can be considered alive. It takes a bit of a philosophical view, as well as spiritual. Each topic is always well-presented and interesting.”Article contentvan Vulpen created the group in November 2024, out of interest and curiosity.Article content“I had listened to the episodes and wanted to find someone to talk about them with,” said van Vulpen. “We recently just got our wonderful library, so I put in my request to start a group. I wasn’t sure how much interest there would be when we started, but we quickly had to move to a larger room.”Article content Charlie Strickland (left) is one of the 15 members of the CBC Ideas discussion group in Pictou. He and his wife, Peggy, attend each meeting to discuss with others about the topics and themes presented in the five most recent podcast episodes. Photo by Matthew Bambrick /Matthew BambrickArticle contentThe CBC Ideas discussion group is currently full and has no plans to expand membership in the immediate future.Article contentArticle content“I’ve truly enjoyed myself here,” said Charlie Strickland, one of the members of the CBC Ideas discussion group. “It’s always a discussion, never an argument. We are always thinking about not just our perspectives, but others as well. Everyone comes from so many different backgrounds and experiences; it’s quite a remarkable group we have here. ”Article contentThe meetings involve voting on the topic of discussion, with van Vulpen preparing a set of questions around the topics. Each member is encouraged to come in with their own questions to pose to the group, to spark discussion, and gather perspectives.Article content“They always ask such sharp and intelligent questions,” said van Vulpen. “I’ve never been out of North America, but we have people here who have been all around the world. It’s not about feedback, but the chance to discuss these things with a wonderful and fascinating group of individuals.”Article content The Pictou Library is a part of the deCoste Performing Arts Centre and Cultural Hub, which hosts a wide variety of community-led events and groups. The CBC Ideas discussion group meets here to discuss the five most recent episodes of the podcast. Photo by Matthew Bambrick /Matthew BambrickArticle content
Pictou Library hosts popular CBC Ideas discussion group
