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Tales under the cat tree: Conversations on Imagination, Tech & Human Adventure

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by Duleepa Wijayawardhana | Tech Leader & Storyteller

59 episodes

Updated Daily

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Podcast Overview

From the interactive masterpieces of video games to the turning points of history and the thrills of real-world exploration, our reality is defined by the stories we tell. Tales under the cat tree is a weekly exploration of the architecture of imagination. Hosted by tech leader and lifelong geek Duleepa Wijayawardhana, we dive into the mechanics of world-building. Whether that building happens in the code of software, on the tabletop of a roleplaying game, in the pages of literary fiction, or halfway up a mountain, every guest brings a new perspective. Join us for deep, eclectic conversations with creators, adventurers, and thinkers as we dissect the narratives that shape our culture and our future. Because ultimately, words create the worlds we live in. Read more and find full transcripts at https://tales.dups.ca

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Publishing Since

5/11/2025

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Recent Episodes

June 22, 2026

Ep59: A conversation about a changing Canada

This is part two of my series on Canada.Today, we will explore what it means to be Canadian in 2026 by looking back at the last 50 years of Canada through the eyes of two of my best friends. On a beautifully sunny day in a small tea garden in Berlin, Germany, I met up with Sylvia and Erwin Warkentin, fellow Canadians observing our country from afar. Together, we discuss the changes they have witnessed over the last half-century, the evolution of Canada’s cultural landscape, and what we can learn as we look to its future.<h3>Episode Highlights</h3><ul><li>The Cultural Mosaic: Sylvia discusses growing up on the prairies and how she appreciates Canada’s shift towards diversity and tolerance over the last 50 years. She highlights the value of maintaining one’s heritage as a hyphenated Canadian, celebrating a cultural mosaic rather than a melting pot.</li><li>Borders and Identity: Erwin shares his unique upbringing in a Mennonite community in Manitoba, with the US border running right past his schoolyard. He notes how the once-fluid border has hardened since 9/11, but believes Canadians are now developing a stronger backbone to reaffirm their own values.</li><li>First Nations and Systemic Struggles: We delve into the difficult history and ongoing challenges faced by First Nations and Métis communities, including the enduring legacy of colonisation. Erwin suggests creating physical memorials, akin to Germany’s Stolpersteine (tripping stones), to ensure those lost through violence are never forgotten.</li></ul>

June 15, 2026

Ep58: Do you know The Tragically Hip?

This is part 1 of four episodes celebrating Canada.On July 1 is Canada Day, and this year in 2026, it will be my 25th anniversary as a Canadian citizen. It is the country I choose to call home. Canada has as many problems as any other country. As we speak, Alberta, a province I called home for near a decade, is preparing for a referendum on separating from the country.Today’s episode is about something that brings any group of people together: Music, and about a specific band that you have never heard of unless you are Canadian, or know a Canadian of the generations between 1980 and 2015. That band is <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Tragically_Hip" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Tragically Hip</a>.When it comes to The Hip, as we like to call them, I cannot think of a bigger fan than my friend Edgar (Eddie) Thomas from Newfoundland and Labrador. Over many drinks we have often philosophized and spoken about music and what it means to us.We talk a lot about the band, so who are/were they? The band members were Rob Baker, Gord Downie, Johnny Fay, Paul Langlois, and Gord Sinclair. Gord Downie, the lead singer was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer in 2015.At the end of the episode I have an essay that I wrote in 2017, shortly after Gord Downie had passed away from his cancer. The essay was written six months into my life here in Helsinki and after a short visit from Eddie.<h3>Episode Highlights</h3><ol><li data-list="bullet">A Shared Canadian Experience: Eddie and I discuss how The Tragically Hip transcended provincial borders and musical genres to unite a massive, varied country.</li><li data-list="bullet">But he won’t travel alone: A multi-part essay covering my discovery of Canada and the Tragically Hip.</li></ol> <h3>Eddie’s Top Tragically Hip Tracks</h3>If you are new to the band, here are links to Eddie’s top picks:<ol><li data-list="bullet">50 Mission Cap: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X0zWpWALWEI" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X0zWpWALWEI</a></li><li data-list="bullet">Fireworks: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KC4tjdQiaTM" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KC4tjdQiaTM</a></li><li data-list="bullet">Wheat Kings: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=il8sGYNdKbw" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=il8sGYNdKbw</a></li><li data-list="bullet">Bobcaygeon: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_qxGYnZCeTY" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_qxGYnZCeTY</a></li></ol>

June 8, 2026

Ep57: Alternative music creating alternative spaces

Johnny Nolan returns as my co-host for another Newfoundland Alternative music deep dive, but this time we are honoured to be joined by author and journalist Rhea Rolman. We wanted to explore the influence of alternative music on alternative communities in St. John’s, Newfoundland and how music is important in creating safe spaces during the 1990s and even earlier.<ul><li>The 1990s Analogue Culture: Yup this was before the time of Social Media and we had to rely on concerts, gigs, and the radio of all things!</li><li>Safe Spaces and Organising: Rhea explains how the music scene provided vital safe spaces during a time when minorities, especially sexual minorities, may have faced repression in Newfoundland.</li><li>Festivals as Catalysts: We chat about how events like the Peace Accord and modern festivals like <a href="https://www.lawnyavawnya.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Lawnya Vawnya</a> bring diverse groups together to exchange ideas.</li><li>Saving CHMR: Rhea shares the story of the recent community fight to save the funding for the campus community radio station, preserving one of the last remaining creative spaces in the city.</li></ul> <h4>About Rhea</h4><a href="https://www.rhearolls.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Rhea Rollmann</a> (she/her) is an award-winning journalist, writer and audio producer based in St. John’s, NL, and is the author of <a href="https://www.rhearolls.com/books" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">A Queer History of Newfoundland (Engen Books, 2023)</a>.She’s a founding editor of The Independent NL and her journalism has appeared in Briarpatch Magazine, CBC, Xtra Magazine, Chatelaine, PopMatters, Riddle Fence and more.<h4>Special Thanks for their tracks with permission</h4><ul><li>Bob Earle and Draize Eye Test</li><li>Liz Pickard and the <a href="https://lizband.bandcamp.com/album/lizband_" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Lizband</a> for One Song</li><li>Phil Winters and the band Bung for Ramirez.</li></ul>

59 total episodes available

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What is Tales under the cat tree: Conversations on Imagination, Tech & Human Adventure?: From the interactive masterpieces of video games to the turning points of history and the thrills of real-world exploration, our reality is defined by the stories we tell.

Tales under the cat tree is a weekly exploration of the architecture of imagination. Hosted by tech leader and lifelong geek Duleepa Wijayawardhana, we dive into the mechanics of world-building. Whether that building happens in the code of software, on the tabletop of a roleplaying game, in the pages of literary fiction, or halfway up a mountain, every guest brings a new perspective.

Join us for deep, eclectic conversations with creators, adventurers, and thinkers as we dissect the narratives that shape our culture and our future. Because ultimately, words create the worlds we live in.

Read more and find full transcripts at https://tales.dups.ca
How often does this podcast release new episodes?: This podcast updates daily.
Where can I listen to this podcast?: This podcast is available on 4 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
Does this podcast accept guests?: Yes, this podcast regularly features guests.

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