The Sill

TSP228 - Hernia Chronicles: Stories of Repair, Recovery, and Resilience

One in four men will have to deal with a hernia in their lifetime. Peter and Harry have a phone discussion about their respective inguinal hernias and compare their private versus public care experiences in Ontario, Canada: Peter at the Shouldice Hospital, Harry at a public hospital. SPECIAL NOTE: While private hospitals are not allowed under Ontario's Private Hospitals Act, Shouldice Hospital is one of seven private hospitals in the province grandfathered under the Act. The hospital has been continuously family run from its inception but is partially publicly funded. Shouldice Hospital - https://www.shouldice.com Duration: 31:39 Posted: May 5, 2024 Highlights * Inguinal hernia repairs * Personal experiences and insights * Surgical procedures and recovery processes * Private vs public healthcare systems * Informative details about hernias * Addressing hernias and seeking medical help * Different surgical procedures (mesh-free vs mesh repair) * Recovery experiences and timelines * Hospital experiences and level of care * Insights and support for others going through similar experiences

TSP227 - My Chess Memoir: Kyle Creamer

It’s an open secret that Peter’s co-host Harry is obsessed with the game of chess, as is The Sill’s interview guest, Kyle Creamer, who harry met at the Bluenose Open chess tournament in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Kyle’s first published book chronicles his journey towards the title of Grandmaster. Kyle Creamer - https://kylecreamerauthor.com Duration: 37:07 Credit: Kyle Creamer reads an excerpt from his book ‘My Chess Memoir” and movie segment from ‘The Life Of A King’. Posted: April 21, 2024 Highlights * Strategic elements of the game of chess * Experiences and insights of guest Kyle Creamer in competitive chess * Mental and emotional challenges of competitive chess * Kyle's experience with chess and its impact on his life * Lessons learned from chess * Self-publishing a book and advice for writers * Challenges and rewards of promoting a book * Supportive and engaging dynamic between podcast hosts and Kyle * Anticipation of a chess match between Kyle and Harry

TSP226 - A Defence of Poetry in the Digital Age

Following Harry’s recent talk at Acadia University in Wolfville, Nova Scotia, Peter reached out to him by phone to discuss the highlights of the presentation and celebrate the release of Harry’s latest poetry book titled ‘Fractures’. Duration: 27:23 Credit: YouTube Segment with Mary Oliver - Wild Geese Posted: April 7, 2024 Highlights * Harry discusses his poetry and latest book release "Fractures" * Peter engages in a conversation with Harry about the relevance of poetry in the digital age and the process of self-publishing * Harry shares insights on poetry, self-publishing, and the importance of poetry in modern times * The conversation delves into the relevance of poetry in the digital age and the impact of self-publishing on the literary world * Harry emphasizes the mystery and depth of poetry and its role in reconnecting people to the natural world and each other * The discussion explores the evolution of language and the impact of consumer culture on communication * Harry highlights the role of poetry in keeping language alive and authentic, countering the superficiality of modern communication * The conversation extends to the process of self-publishing and the challenges and rewards of bringing one's work to the public * Harry shares his motivation for releasing his latest book, 'Fractures,' and the significance of compiling his poetry into a cohesive collection * Harry shares his website where his work is available for reading and purchase, and recites a line from one of his poems, leaving a lasting impression on the host and listeners

TSP225 - A Life of Travel: Stefania Ingrosso

Dreams can become a reality. In this informative and very expressive episode of travel adventures abroad, join our guest and world traveler, Stefania Ingrosso, as she shares her experiences and insights on embarking on her transformative journey, offering a glimpse into the joys, challenges, and rewards of exploring half the world’s countries together as a family. Duration: 39:10 Posted: March 24, 2024 Highlights * Stefania Ingrosso's extensive travel experiences (98 countries and counting) * Her first air travel experience to Disney World in Florida * Her first trip alone to Italy * Her passion for learning and speaking different languages * Meeting her husband and traveling with his children * Her reflections on domestic life and the importance of being present for her children * Her aspirations of moving to the South of France and Florence, Italy * Her writing projects and limited presence on social media * The value of being open to new experiences and destinations * The sacrifices and mental and physical preparation required for a travel-centric lifestyle

TSP224 - Shattered Cultures and Simpler Times

The hosts reminisce on their formative years growing up in the 50’s, 60’, and 70’s, culminating in the question: Was life more straightforward and less fragmented in those days, as compared to life today? Duration: 31:16 Credit: YouTube Segment with Karen Morgan - Every Generation Explained Posted: March 10, 2024 Highlights * Comparison of culture and lifestyle between the 50s, 60s, and 70s and the current times * Changes in technology, information flow, and societal shifts * Impact of increased immigration, technology, and economic shifts * Importance of interacting differently with others and considering values for a good life * Reflection on significant events and information flow during the formative years * Impact of increased immigration and secularization on cultural cohesiveness * Changes in education, societal rituals, and societal landscape * Nostalgia for the simplicity and cohesiveness of the past * Concerns about the loss of compassion, critical thinking, and community cohesion * Emphasis on reintroducing traditional values and practices into the current culture