Face2Face with David Peck

• No Maps, Just Meaning: Ian Smillie on Development

  In this episode of Face2Face, David Peck sits down with development expert and author Ian Smillie to explore his latest memoir, Under Development: A Journey Without Maps. With wit, wisdom, and decades of global experience, Smillie reflects on what he's learned—and unlearned—about international aid, poverty, and the complexity of change. From Sierra Leone to Bangladesh, from the frontlines of the blood diamond trade to the halls of global policy, this thoughtful conversation challenges conventional thinking and offers honest, hopeful insights about what it really means to make a difference.Get a copy of Under Development here.Bio:Ian Smillie is a leading Canadian voice in international development, humanitarian aid, and ethical resource extraction. With over five decades of experience, his work has taken him from teaching in Sierra Leone to advising governments and international organizations on poverty reduction, conflict prevention, and sustainable development. He played a central role in creating the Kimberley Process, an international certification scheme to halt the trade in conflict diamonds, and later chaired the Diamond Development Initiative, promoting fair labor practices for artisanal miners.A gifted storyteller and respected policy thinker, Ian has written extensively on the challenges and contradictions of foreign aid and global development. His books include Blood on the Stone, Freedom From Want, The Alms Bazaar, and Mastering the Machine. His latest memoir, Under Development: A Journey Without Maps, is a deeply personal reflection on the promise and pitfalls of a life spent working for change.Recognized as a Member of the Order of Canada, Ian has served on expert panels for the UN Security Council and taught at leading universities. His sharp insight, global experience, and unwavering moral compass continue to shape conversations about justice, equity, and the role of compassion in international affairs.F2F Music and Image Copyright: David Peck and Face2Face. Used with permission.For more information about David Peck’s podcasting, writing and public speaking please visit his site here.With thanks to Josh Snethlage and Mixed Media Sound. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• Shrouded in Desire: Cronenberg, Dixon & the Art of Grief

  On this episode of Face2Face, David Peck sits down with legendary filmmaker David Cronenberg and acclaimed costume designer Anne Dixon to explore their haunting new film The Shrouds. We dive into grief, storytelling, and the power of collaboration—from Dixon’s sculptural approach to costume design to Cronenberg’s reflections on love, loss, and existentialism. It’s a layered, philosophical conversation about death, creativity, and connection—and one that turns costume and character into deeply human art forms.Synopsis:In The Shrouds, visionary filmmaker David Cronenberg delivers one of his most personal and provocative works to date. The film follows Karsh (Vincent Cassel), a grieving tech entrepreneur who, after the death of his wife Becca (Diane Kruger), develops GraveTech—a revolutionary system that allows mourners to monitor the real-time decomposition of their loved ones via high-tech burial shrouds and smartphone apps.Set in a near-future Toronto, the narrative unfolds as Karsh's creation becomes the center of controversy and intrigue. When several graves, including Becca's, are vandalized, Karsh embarks on a journey to uncover the perpetrators, delving into a web of conspiracies that blur the lines between technology, grief, and obsession. Drawing inspiration from Cronenberg's own experience with loss, The Shrouds is a meditation on mourning, the human desire for connection beyond death, and the unsettling intersections of technology and emotion. With its haunting visuals, a synth-heavy score by longtime collaborator Howard Shore, and a narrative that challenges perceptions of reality and memory, the film stands as a testament to Cronenberg's enduring exploration of the human condition.David Cronenberg is one of Canada’s most influential and daring filmmakers, renowned for pushing the boundaries of cinema. Often dubbed the “Baron of Blood,” his work explores the dark intersections of technology, the body, and psychological trauma. From cult classics like Videodrome and The Fly to award-winning dramas like A History of Violence and Eastern Promises, Cronenberg has consistently challenged audiences with his provocative storytelling and signature style. With The Shrouds, he turns inward, crafting a deeply personal meditation on grief and connection, once again proving that he remains one of cinema’s most fearless auteurs.Anne Dixon is a celebrated costume designer whose work spans film, television, opera, and dance, bringing characters to life through meticulous research and a deep understanding of visual storytelling. Her recent collaboration with Viggo Mortensen on The Dead Don’t Hurt showcases her commitment to authenticity, as she recreated 19th-century attire with precision, even commissioning traditional ceinture fléchée belts from Quebec artisans to reflect the film's French-Canadian roots.Dixon's diverse portfolio includes projects like The Song of Names, Falling, and Anne with an E, earning her accolades such as the CAFTCAD Award and multiple Canadian Screen Award nominations. Her designs are known for their emotional depth and historical accuracy, making her a sought-after talent in the industry.F2F Music and Image Copyright: David Peck and Face2Face.For more information about David Peck please visit his site here.With thanks to Josh Snethlage and Mixed Media Sound. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• Kenny Robinson: The Truth in the Punchline

  Kenny Robinson is a Canadian comedy legend, actor, writer, and unapologetic truth-teller. In this conversation, David Peck talks with him about his new film The People of Comedy, now streaming on Crave. We explore the intersections of race, identity, and humour in Canada. We talk about comedy as protest, the power of laughter, and why Kenny has never shied away from speaking his mind. From growing up in Winnipeg to founding the iconic “Nubian Disciples of Pryor,” Kenny shares stories that are raw, real, and deeply relevant. This is a bold and brilliant take on what it means to be funny—and fearless.Synopsis:People of Comedy: Celebrating 30 Years of The Nubian Show is a powerful documentary from Counterfeit Pictures marking the anniversary of Kenny Robinson’s groundbreaking comedy showcase. Launched in 1995 at Toronto’s Yuk Yuk’s, the Nubian Show became a vital platform for Black and Racialized comedians to share their stories and challenge the industry status quo. Blending stand-up, interviews, and behind-the-scenes footage, the film highlights the showcase’s cultural impact and career-launching legacy, featuring appearances from Russell Peters, Hassan Phills, Crystal Ferrier, and more. A tribute to Robinson’s bold vision and the enduring power of comedy as representation and resistance.Bio: The Fabulous Kenny Robinson is a living legend on the Canadian Comedy scene. Winner of the Phil Hartman Award, Kenny's irreverent, socially conscientious, intelligent, opinionated and profane style of comedy has made him a fixture and favourite with comedy clubs, festivals, swingers conventions, radio, and television audiences for over 3 decades.Raunchy, energetic, sharp witted, and sharply dressed; Kenny Robinson is a one-of-a kind act. Not for the weak of heart or narrow minded, Robinson assaults your sensibilities and funny bone with unspoken truths. The Winnipeg born, Chicago bred Robinson has hosted The Gemini Awards and was twice nominated for his writing and performance in his groundbreaking one hour special Thick and Thin on the CBC. Robinson's greatest legacy may well be his creation of The Nubian Disciples Of Pryor All Black Revue. The Nubian Show is a monthly showcase of comedians of colour, which has been one of the most exciting and successful nights of comedy in Canada since 1995.This showcase has mentored, and been a spotlight for such comics as Russell Peters, Jean Paul, Trey Anthony, Trixx, Ron Josol, and countless others. For 2 years he was one of the co-hosts of The Morning Rush on Flow 93.5fm, Canada's first black owned hip hop radio station.As an actor, Robinson has appeared in such films as Third Miracle with Ed Harris, Down To Earth with Chris Rock, Clement Virgo's Love comes Down, and David Sutherland's Love, Sex, and Eating the Bones.Whether the audience looks for his cutting observational perspectives, political, sexual or what comes up at the moment, Robinson's professional attitude and love for comedy will always deliver.F2F Music and Image Copyright: David Peck and Face2Face. Used with permission.For more information about David Peck’s podcasting, writing and public speaking please visit his site here.With thanks to Josh Snethlage and Mixed Media Sound. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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  43:11
• Malcolm is Missing: A True Crime Story

  What happens when a daughter refuses to accept silence in the face of injustice? In this episode, Robert Osborne and Face2Face host David Peck dive deep into Malcom Is Missing—a gripping, emotionally charged true story of disappearance, corruption, and one woman’s relentless quest for answers. Journalist and author Robert Osborne joins us to unpack the book’s intimate tone and international scope, from the vibrant chaos of Puerto Vallarta to the murky depths of a broken justice system. This is a story about love, loss, and the power of not letting go.Grab your headphones—this one’s as much about the heart as it is about the mystery.Buy it from RMB books.Malcom Is Missing is a gripping true-crime story that unearths layers of mystery, corruption, and a daughter's relentless pursuit of justice. Robert Osborne crafts a deeply compelling narrative, weaving together the heart-wrenching disappearance of Malcom Madsen with the complex realities of the Mexican justice system. This isn’t just a story about crime—it’s about human resilience, the power of love, and one woman’s determination to uncover the truth, no matter the cost. Through meticulous research and riveting storytelling, Osborne takes us from the vibrant streets of Puerto Vallarta to the dark corridors of power, asking us to consider the lengths we would go to for the people we love.What sets this book apart is its raw emotional depth. Brooke Mullins, Malcom’s daughter, isn’t just a bystander—she becomes a relentless investigator, a voice for the unheard, and an unshakable force in the face of adversity. This is true crime at its finest: not just a chilling mystery but a deeply human story about justice, loss, and the pursuit of truth. It’s the kind of book that stays with you, challenging you to look beyond the headlines and into the very heart of what it means to seek justice in a world that often resists it.Perfect for fans of true crime with heart, and a must-read for anyone who believes ordinary people can do extraordinary things.Robert Osborne is the Senior Producer of Dam Builder Productions. He brings to the table more than 30 years of working in long format television. For much of that time he was an investigative journalist working for CTV, CBC and Global Television.Robert has won more than half a dozen RTNDA Awards, a CAJ Award and an Award of Merit from the Governor General. He has been nominated several times for Gemini awards and been part of a team that won two. In 2012 he was nominated for a CSA Award for Unlocking Alex. In 2018 he won a CSA for best writing in a documentary.Image Copyright: Dambuilder Productions.F2F Music & Image Copyright: David Peck & Face2Face. Used with permission.For more information about David Peck’s podcasting, writing and public speaking please visit his site here.With thanks to Josh Snethlage and Mixed Media Sound. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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  45:54
• Left Behind - The Fight for Literacy & Justice

  In this episode join David Peck, host of Face2Face, as he chats with filmmakers Anna Toomey and Sian Edwards Beale about their powerful documentary Left Behind, which sheds light on the struggles of children with dyslexia and the fight for literacy education reform. They explore the emotional impact of storytelling, the challenges of filmmaking, and why access to education is a civil rights issue. Join us for an insightful conversation on activism, community-driven filmmaking, and the transformative power of stories.Synopsis:Left Behind is a powerful documentary by filmmaker Anna Toomey that exposes the struggles faced by children with dyslexia and the systemic failures in literacy education. Through deeply personal stories, the film highlights the emotional and academic challenges these children endure, while also showcasing the tireless efforts of activists, educators, and parents fighting for change. Blending compelling narratives with critical insights, Left Behind reveals how education inequity disproportionately impacts students with learning differences and underscores why access to literacy is a fundamental civil rights issue. Co-Produced by and with original music from Larry Mullen Jr. from U2 this thought-provoking film is a call to action, urging communities to advocate for inclusive education and systemic reform.Bios:Anna Toomey and Sian Edwards Beale are award-winning documentary filmmakers dedicated to shedding light on pressing social justice issues through the power of storytelling. As the creative forces behind Left Behind, their documentary exploring the struggles of children with dyslexia and the fight for literacy education reform, they have crafted a deeply personal and politically charged film that challenges systemic inequities in education.Anna Toomey is a filmmaker and advocate with a passion for character-driven narratives that highlight underrepresented voices. With a background in documentary production and a commitment to grassroots activism, she brings a nuanced, empathetic approach to storytelling that resonates with audiences and drives meaningful change.Sian Edwards Beale is a director, producer, and cinematographer whose work focuses on the intersection of storytelling and social impact. With a keen eye for visual storytelling and an emphasis on community collaboration, he believes in the power of film to inspire action and foster dialogue around critical societal issues. Together, Toomey and Edwards Beale champion inclusive and accessible education through their work, using film as a tool for advocacy and awareness. Their collaborative approach highlights the importance of community engagement, ensuring that the stories they tell not only inform but also empower audiences to take action.F2F Music and Image Copyright: David Peck and Face2Face. Used with permission.For more information about David Peck’s podcasting, writing and public speaking please visit his site here.With thanks to Josh Snethlage and Mixed Media Sound. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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