Podcast series: In Context

In this episode of In Context, host Patrick Leroux welcomes Professor Aliaa Dakroury, Full Professor in the School of Social Communication at Saint Paul University. Together, they explore how communication has evolved—from human rights frameworks and international policies to the fast-changing digital platforms that shape how we speak, listen and connect today.

Professor Dakroury discusses the right to communicate, tracing its philosophical and legal roots, and highlighting Canada’s contributions to shaping this global principle. The conversation also touches on how we navigate today’s complex media environment, the impact of technology on real dialogue, and what effective, responsible communication requires in an era of noise, speed, and constant performance.
They also dive into online teaching, discussing what we gained, what we lost, and how educators can create meaningful connection in virtual spaces.

Questions to reflect on:

• Are we truly communicating—or simply producing content?
• How do the tools we choose shape the messages we send and the relationships we build?

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In this episode of In Context, host Patrick speaks with Professor Rajesh Shukla, Associate Professor in the School of Ethics and Public Affairs at Saint Paul University, whose research examines migration, multiculturalism, justice, and the ethics of belonging.

Together, they explore what multiculturalism means in Canada today—its evolution, regional differences such as in Quebec, and why it remains both a point of pride and tension. Professor Shukla reflects on layered immigrant identities, the balance between cultural preservation and civic integration, and the systemic barriers that continue to challenge equity and inclusion.

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Welcome to In Context, the podcast from Saint Paul University where we explore the big questions that shape our society. In this episode, I had the privilege of sitting down with Professor Catherine Clifford, a leading theologian whose work on ecclesiology, ecumenism, and the evolving role of the Church has brought her into the very heart of change at the Vatican. Our conversation touched on the significance of the Synod of Bishops, the growing presence of women in leadership roles, and what a renewed and more synodal Church could look like in the future.

It was a rich and inspiring exchange that highlighted not only the challenges facing the Catholic Church today, but also the hope and possibilities for transformation that lie ahead.

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In this episode, I had a fascinating discussion with Professor Laura Armstrong, a clinical psychologist whose work bridges psychotherapy, spirituality, and the transformative power of the arts. Together, we explored how the arts can serve as pathways to empathy and self-understanding, how different art forms shape our emotional lives, and what role creativity can play in promoting mental health and well-being.

We also spoke about the therapeutic risks and rewards of introducing the arts into clinical settings, and reflected on why, even beyond therapy, art remains essential for everyone seeking meaning, connection, and healing in their lives.

Watch on Spotify.