Shhhh... listen... How often do we stop to do that? And when we're supposed to be listening, are we? This week, we look at the "lost art" of listening. Here's what's coming up:



Men are from Mars, women are from Venus... and apparently, "listening" means two different things on those planets. Tori Allen explores the battle of the sexes for our ears.


It's a language only a mother (of father) could love... or at least understand. How do parents figure out what their toddlers are saying? DNTO dad-in-residence Nick Purdon finds the answer.


Sometimes, we don't listen well. Other times, we listen too well. Sook-Yin takes her mic to the street to find out when you got busted eavesdropping.


Listening for fun and profit! Well, mostly profit. Stephen Hunt tells us how he became a "professional listener."


Justin Rutledge is used to playing for big, appreciative crowds. But what happens when we ask people to listen to him outside the normal concert environment? Sook-Yin and Justin go busking to find out.


Fourteen-year-old Michael Moloney has managed to turn his keen ability to listen - and mimic - into a burgeoning career. He'll tell us how.


Sook-Yin will visit award-winning CBC documentarian Steve Wadhams for something you usually see a doctor for... an ear cleaning. But this ain't no fancy new-age candle wax thing. Listen in to find out what Steve's ear-cleaning involves.


A sound is a sound is a sound... right? Maybe not. Sook-Yin heads out with a mysterious noise to try a little "audio Rorschach test" on unsuspecting strangers.


Have you ever found yourself in the middle of a conversation and suddenly realized you're actually listening to a way, way more interesting conversation that's happening halfway around the room? You're not alone. Clare Lawlor looks into the "cocktail party phenomenon."


Going to a classical music performance isn't just about looking at nicely-dressed people. Toronto Symphony Orchestra musical director Peter Oundjian tells us what we should really be listening for in classical music... and shares some illuminating examples.


One of the worst things that could happen to a musician is losing his hearing. Randy Rutherford will tell us how he's dealt with it.


How is talking with a teenager like negotiating with a terrorist? Sook-Yin will find out when she talks with Dr. Mark Goulston about the power of really, truly listening.


It's a wee bit socially awkward when a conversation that really, really wasn't supposed to be overheard is... by the person you're talking about. Denis Grignon will explain how listening turned around to bite him.

And here's this week's playlist:

Julian Casablancas - "Out of the Blue"
Circle Research - "Stop, Look... Listen To Your Heart"
char2d2 - "Take and Send"
MCJ and Cool G - "So Listen"
Justin Rutledge - "Jack of Diamonds"
Hockey - "Song Away"
The Beatles - "A Hard Day's Night"
Gonzales - "Oregano"
Rae Spoon - "I Can't Wait To Hear the Noise"
Suzanne Vega - "Tom's Diner"