This week, The Expert podcast produced it’s very first episode in coordination with Black Press Prairie Division.
The episode, which was a discussion with Burman University Political Scientist Marc Froese about the upcoming Federal election, was the first of many in-depth discussions with central Albertans considered experts in their field.
The point of the first episode was not to sway votes — they are plenty of policy wonks working on that — but instead to have a respectful conversation about the issues facing central Albertans, Albertans, Canadians and global citizens as a whole. This will be an ongoing theme with The Expert.
A common complaint on social media is that discourse has become a constant sparring match that has clear winners and losers. I do not believe this is the case. I believe discussion can be eye-opening for everyone, even for people with differing partisan views. I believe the illumination and understanding of face-to-face discussions is something that comment sections have failed to encapsulate thus far and I hope the podcast is a way to bridge that gap
READ ALSO: The Expert welcomes Burman University political professor to discuss the federal election
In essence, I want to show in that disagreement is OK and can be civil.
To digress, The Expert is not solely a podcast on political tribalism. It is also a discussion about the makeup of central Alberta culture and the diverse voices that bring vibrancy to the community.
The Expert will touch on sports, politics, human issues, social justice, crime — basically anything that influences the lives of the people that live here.
I believe this medium — through my own experience — has the power to bring the listener into the worlds of others. I believe it is important to do this because empathy and understanding for others is a thread that sews a society together.
You may not always agree with the subject matter of the pod; you certainly will not agree with everything I have to say on subjects — but it is important to know The Expert will thrive to be an inclusive community that seeks out many voices in the community.
If you know someone in the community who is an expert in their field, please email me ideas for The Expert at todd.vaughan@lacombeexpress.com.
This week will feature a discussion on local hockey with Red Deer Advocate Sports Reporter Byron Hackett.
I look forward to continuing to serve my community through this medium.
Thank you for listening.
todd.vaughan@lacombeexpress.com
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