Over the past four seasons, the Spark back catalog has grown so deep (and dark, and full of surprises), that it might be intimidating to delve into without a guide. If you’re new to the show, you might be wondering, “Where do I start?”
So we put this page together to highlight some of our favourite stories from the first four seasons of Spark. If you’re new to the show, or want to introduce a friend to Spark, we hope this will be a good starting point.
The Story of Spam
Researcher Finn Brunton says, “Spam is like a barium injection you get in the hospital. You take it, and it lets you see the outline and the contours of the internet.”
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Originally aired on Spark 95, runs 14:10 (Download MP3).
Polaroid-a-Day
Chris Higgins discovers Hugh Crawford and Betsy Reid’s digital version of Jamie Livingston‘s ‘Polaroid a Day’ project.
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Originally aired on Spark 42, runs 12:51 (Download MP3).
Twitter Strangers
How following strangers online can expand your mind, and make you more creative.
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Originally aired on Spark 121, runs 14:25 (Download MP3)
The Sizzling Sound of MP3s
Nora talks to Jonathan Berger about why some people prefer the sizzling sound of MP3s, and Carl Wilson on how technology influences the aesthetic of pop music.
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Originally aired on Spark 71, runs 10:16 (Download MP3).
QWERTY
Following up on a listener’s suggestion, Spark uncovers the true story of why your computer keyboard says QWERTY.
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Originally aired on Spark 77, runs 14:50 (Download MP3).
Wired to Tweet
Are human beings wired to tweet? Nora explores ancicent cave paintings, child psychology, and Finnish toy protoypes to find out.
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Originally aired on Spark 135, runs 23:25 (Download MP3).
Emily Howell, Computer Composer
What are the limits of computer-based creativity? Can a computer create truly beautiful music?
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Originally aired on Spark 110, runs 10:31 (Download MP3).
The Bit 52s
A profile of The Bit-52′s – “The World’s Greatest Parts Band.”
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Originally aired on Spark 122, runs 8:03 (Download MP3).
Jane McGonigal: Reality Is Broken
Can we find solutions to reality’s major problems – things like poverty, political struggle and world peace – by designing reality more like a game?
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Originally aired on Spark 137, runs 10:07 (Download MP3)
Tim Wu: The Master Switch
Is this the Internet’s Golden Age? If history repeats itself, it may not be for long.
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Originally aired on Spark 133, runs 13:51 (Download MP3)
Women and Tech Startups
Why are there so few women running venture-backed tech startups?
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Originally aired on Spark 129, runs 25:57 (Download MP3)
I believe it's time we all try to get conscious about using the word, "ABSOLUTELY" Haven't yet sat down to actually record # times /show it's being used but there really should be a bell ring or a buzzer sound every time another host or guest says, "abso____" to confidently assert themselves, their credibility &/or being-on-right-side-of-every- issue.
Sorry for posting here at "SPARK" because this show seems to have much more self-awareness, due care & attention by Nora & her guests compared to our local CBC Vancouver programmes. In fact, I've heard more "absolutely"s listening recently to The Early Edition & our afternoon show!
Absolutely Greg. We will try to use the word less.