As seated (left to right): Ginella Massa, Shreya Patel, Talin Vartanian, Jen Haddow.
April 21, 2025, TORONTO: The latest episode of the Zoryan Institute’s podcast, Dispersion, titled Navigating the Media Landscape in Canada, is now available on all streaming platforms.
Guests, Shreya Patel, writer, actress, filmmaker and activist; Talin Vartanian, journalist and former CBC Radio producer; and Ginella Massa, broadcast journalist and media consultant, all brought together unique perspectives, offering insight into the challenges and opportunities that exist within different parts of the Canadian media landscape. This first ever live-recorded episode event took place at the Toronto Reference Library on March 28, 2025, thanks to the generous support of the Department of Canadian Heritage through its Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Program.
“Our first live recording in Toronto marked a significant milestone for Dispersion, and I’m deeply grateful to our guests for sharing their stories, insights, and ideas” expressed Dispersion host, Jen Haddow. “We explored the complexities of identity, the limitations of “objectivity” in journalism, representation in mainstream media, and the role we all play as media consumers in shaping how stories are told.”
Produced by the Zoryan Institute, Dispersion is a podcast presenting discussions on important theories, topics, and experiences related to diaspora and transnational studies. The podcast aims to challenge exclusionary and monolithic thinking, and unite people through conversations that navigate identity, home, and belonging through storytelling.
An audience member asking a question to the guest speakers.
This live recording was a unique opportunity for listeners to engage with the Dispersion podcast. Listening to an episode in real time allowed audience members to interact with our esteemed guests and ask questions that deepened the understanding between media professionals and media consumers. By breaking the fourth wall, the audience became active participants in the dialogue between guest speakers, making for a much more dynamic listening experience.
While each guest told a different personal story about their motivations and journey in the media industry, they all shared plenty more experiences, feelings, and hardships that will resonate with many. Jen Haddow reflected on the episode and its meaning in the context of Dispersion, saying:
“The biggest takeaway for me—from this episode and Dispersion overall—is the reminder that storytelling has the power to challenge perspectives and drive real change. In these times, when things often feel overwhelming, disorienting, and frankly scary, let’s embrace the power of telling, hearing, and sharing the stories that connect us.”
To listen to this latest episode of Dispersion, please visit the Zoryan Institute website or listen on all streaming platforms: Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and Acast. Please be sure to subscribe, like and share the podcast with your friends to help us share this important work with a wider demographic.
Be sure to stay up to date on the podcast to hear about the launch of Season 4 of Dispersion by following the Zoryan Institute’s social media pages.
