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The Big Story

Frequency Podcast Networkthebigstorypodcast.ca
An in-depth look at the issues, culture and personalities shaping Canada today.
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Episodes

Weekend Listen: Space X goes public, but what are you buying?

Enjoy this special feed drop from our sister show "In This Economy?!" It’s now the biggest IPO in history – when Space X hit the US market this month, it made CEO Elon Musk a trillionaire on day one. But there are still many questions about the company and its plans for the future without any current stream of revenue. The stock also hit a few bumps recently, with the company losing $600 billion dollars in market cap over a 3-day losing streak. Host Kris McCusker speaks to Alison Kemper, Associa...

Jun 27, 202622 minEp. 1909

Big Headlines: Rescue efforts continue in Venezuela after back to back, massive earthquakes

Search and rescue efforts continue in Venezuela as the death toll climbs following two large earthquakes Plus: The Prime Minister holds a phone call with the U.S. President, a design competition will be held as Ottawa looks to restore 24 Sussex, Calgary business leaders say they could leave Alberta if separation goes through, Michael J. Fox receives Canada’s highest civilian honour, and how can Canada improve its antifeminist violence legislation? We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as su...

Jun 26, 20267 minEp. 1910

Canada has an incel problem

A more than 100-page manifesto filled with misogynistic and anti-police rhetoric was found in the hours after an Alberta man opened fire in a Montreal neighbourhood. Three people were killed, including an officer, the shooter and a civilian caught in the cross-fire. This isn't the first Canadian shooting attack rooted in misogynistic ideology, it succeeds the 2020 Nova Scotia shooting rampage, the 1989 Polytechnique shooting in Montreal. Host Caryn Ceolin speaks to journalist and author, Elizabe...

Jun 26, 202623 minEp. 1908

Big Headlines: Tragedy strikes in Venezuela, where two massive earthquakes hit west of the capital

Plus: Canada finish second in their World Cup group to set up a round of 32 showdown with South Africa, details on the Montreal shooting suspect’s online activity, an Air Canada flight is forced to divert after the pilot suffers an apparent seizure, a major Calgary music festival is cancelled, and uncertainty around the U.S. and Iran’s negotiations. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us: Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca Or @the...

Jun 25, 20267 minEp. 1905

The hidden power struggles shaping US-Iran negotiations

It was a deal Prime Minister Mark Carney touted as a 'game changer' that made the preceding war across Iran 'worth it'. But in the days that followed after the United States and Iran signed the memorandum of understanding, it's still unclear who holds the power and who should watch their back. Host Caryn Ceolin speaks to Aurel Braun, international relations professor at the University of Toronto to discuss where US-Iran negotiations stand, the implications of the new MOU, and the long-term risks...

Jun 25, 202624 minEp. 1907

Big Headlines: Canada looks to win their group at the World Cup, and details on the Montreal shooting suspect

Plus: Experts believe the string of recent on-duty police officer deaths could be an anomaly, Canadians’ confidence in America remains low, Mark Carney’s past work in the corporate world leaves him sidelined from key talks, and doctors deal with the consequences of patients using AI for medical advice. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us: Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky...

Jun 24, 20268 minEp. 1904

Doctor or data? Trust, AI and the rise of health misinformation

Sure, you can ask it for a recipe or ideas for a themed birthday party. But in lieu of a healthcare provider, maybe that's when we should draw the line with turning to AI. A recent survey from the Canadian Medical Association found that 97% of doctors had to either step in or address consequences after patients followed healthcare advice from an online forum or AI. Host Maria Kestane speaks to Ma'n H. Zawati, an associate professor at McGill University and the Research Director of the Centre of ...

Jun 24, 202623 minEp. 1906

Big Headlines: Montreal shooting kills three, including a police officer and a tragic update in the search for Nancy Guthrie

Plus: A ransom note reportedly told Nancy Guthrie’s family she died shortly after she was kidnapped, residents in Lytton begin returning home after a wildfire forced them to evacuate, Ontario First Nations enter a deal to own a new nuclear reactor, Canada’s first high-speed rail line could get another stop, and Keir Starmer joins the long list of British Prime Ministers to resign in recent years. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us: Thro...

Jun 23, 20268 minEp. 1903

The revolving door of UK Prime Ministers post-Brexit

Keir Starmer's resignation as Britian's Prime Minister marks the 6th in just a decade, as political turmoil and a post-Brexit reality disturb the country's stability. Poised to be the country's next leader is Greater-Manchester Mayor, Andy Burnham. Host Caryn Ceolin speaks to Mel Cappe, distinguished fellow at the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy to discuss what lead to Starmer's step-down, what challenges lies ahead for the country's new leader, and the legacy that Starmer leav...

Jun 23, 202623 minEp. 1902

Big Headlines: Inflation rises to its highest rate in years, and British PM Starmer resigns

Plus: Celebrations on Sunday mark National Indigenous Peoples Day, contract talks start for thousands of Canadian auto workers, Ottawa reaches a deal to build a new radar defence system, and what do teenagers think of a possible social media ban? We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us: Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky...

Jun 22, 20266 minEp. 1901

How parents and teens actually feel about a social media ban

Canada has taken inspiration from its fellow commonwealth cousin, Australia, and has moved to ban social media for anyone under 16. A part of Bill C-34, the Safe Social Media Act requires social media platforms to ensure kids are staying safe online, or else they get banned. But what 'safe' looks like exactly hasn't been clearly outlined by Ottawa yet. The act also aims at protecting children from AI chatbots. Academics and experts in the safe have spoken both for and against the act, but how do...

Jun 22, 202624 minEp. 1900

Weekend Listen: When will investing in AI pay off?

Enjoy this special feed drop of our sister show 'In This Economy?!' Big players in the artificial intelligence space like OpenAI or Anthropic continue to take up tons of conversational space, whether it's about how much they're worth, how much they spend, and how much it takes to maintain their systems. Often left out of the conversations, though, are whether or not their investments could be a net benefit to the economy. Host Mike Eppel speaks to Raj Juneja, President of Cisco Systems Canada, a...

Jun 20, 202625 minEp. 1898

Big Headlines: An historic win for Canada at the World Cup but at a cost to the lineup

Plus: Talks between the U.S. and Iran are delayed, Frank Stronach is found guilty on two counts in his sex assault trial, the mine where three workers were trapped for days in a collapse last year gets a key approval for underground mining, a groundbreaking procedure for cancer patients has been performed in Canada for the first time, and why are so many Canadians turning away from legacy media? We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us: Throu...

Jun 19, 20268 minEp. 1899

TLDR; More Canadians are avoiding the news

Have you stopped checking the headlines in the morning? Are you changing the channel once the news comes on? Do you find yourself feeling anxious when hearing about current events? If so, you're in packed company. This year's Digital News Report found that engagement and trust in legacy media continues to fall, as online content creators and AI dominate digital platforms. Not only has the medium changed, but also interest. This year's report found that 45% of Canadian respondents actively avoid ...

Jun 19, 202624 minEp. 1891

Big Headlines: The U.S. and Iran sign a ceasefire deal and Canada's World Cup journey continues

Plus: It’s match day for Canada at the World Cup, another suspected is arrested in the shooting at the U.S. Consulate in Toronto, Alberta’s premier reacts to a call for her and her party to be investigated for treason, a Vancouver-based mining company hires a former Trump cabinet member, and Ontario’s premier sends legislators on a five-month summer vacation. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us: Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast....

Jun 18, 20267 minEp. 1897

(148) Days of Summer: Ontario MPP's lengthiest break

A five-month summer vacation doesn't sound too shabby, especially following a winter vacation that lasted more than three months. That's the case for the members of the Ontario provincial government, as Premier Doug Ford sent the MPPs on an extended break before rejoining for the fall session. He says he'd rather have his members out in the community, engaging with residents, rather than spend their time 'arguing with each other' during question period. Host Caryn Ceolin speaks to Richard Southe...

Jun 18, 202623 minEp. 1896

Big Headlines: Details emerge on the new U.S.-Iran deal and Carney shares a 'hot mic' moment with Trump at the G7

Plus: Mark Carney addresses his hot mic conversation with Donald Trump about the Canada-China EV deal, a new study analyzes homeownership rates among recent immigrants compared with Canadian-born individuals, Jacob Hoggard’s bid for full parole is denied, evacuation orders are lifted in B.C. as a wildfire continues to burn, and will Ottawa’s food strategy actually lower your grocery bill? We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us: Through emai...

Jun 17, 20266 minEp. 1895

Will Ottawa's food strategy actually lower your grocery bill?

Ottawa is investing more than $3 billion as part of a national food security strategy. It aims to combat anticompetitive industry practices, boost agricultural infrastructure to improve access to fresh produce year-round, and address online surveillance pricing. But it isn't the first time a Liberal government pulled out the stops to make groceries cheaper or address grocery store monopolies. Host Caryn Ceolin speaks to Pascal Thériault, Director of McGill University's Farm Management and Techno...

Jun 17, 202621 minEp. 1894

Big Headlines: Carney announces new Russia sanctions and Trump says he'll release the full Iran deal in days

Plus: the latest on the U.S. and Iran's agreement on the Strait of Hormuz, a dozen children are injured at a B.C. waterpark, the NHL begins investigating former head coach Mike Babcock ahead of his possible return the the league, a new commercial airport opens in Montreal, and protesters take to the streets in Albania over a planned resort funded by Donald Trump's son-in-law. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us: Through email at hello@th...

Jun 16, 20267 minEp. 1893

How the Kushners sparked Albania's 'flamingo revolution'

Massive protests have swept the streets of Albania. Dubbed "The Flamingo Revolution", the anti-government protests have kicked off after Prime Minister Edi Rama announced plans for a luxury resort to be built, in part, on environmentally-protected land. The resort's primary investor would be Jared Kushner, son-in-law to U.S. President Donald Trump. Rama, however, has downplayed the size of the protests, and claimed that much of the outrage online has been fueled by Iranian agents. Host Caryn Ceo...

Jun 16, 202621 minEp. 1889

Big Headlines: The U.S. and Iran reach a deal on the Strait of Hormuz but key questions remain

Plus: this year’s G7 summit gets underway in France, Mark Carney meets with French and Irish leaders, Parliament is set to introduce two major bills, a slain Ontario police officer’s funeral will be held this week, Canada takes a step toward advancing from its group with a draw at the World Cup, and why do many Canadians seem to care so little about their local government? We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us: Through email at hello@thebi...

Jun 15, 20268 minEp. 1892

The election you’re probably ignoring (but shouldn’t)

This year, six of Canada's ten provinces and one of its three territories have held or will be holding municipal elections. It's a level of governance that tends to get the least amount of engagement from Canadians, and yet it's also the one that can most directly affect our lives. So what do our city councils do for us? Why do we pay so little attention? Why is turnout so low? And what might be done to increase turnout in elections coming up this fall? Host Caryn Ceolin speaks with John Michael...

Jun 15, 202624 minEp. 1888

Weekend Listen: Will the new US Fed Chair cave to Trump?

Enjoy this special feed drop of our sister show "In This Economy?!" Kevin Warsh will officially take over as the head of the US central bank on Wednesday – but it’s not clear how his term will play out. The U-S President has been calling for interest rate cuts since he returned to office last year but several factors suggest that’s not likely in the cards. But will Warsh feel the pressure from Donald Trump to cut anyway? And how might his decisions impact Canada? In today's episode of In This Ec...

Jun 13, 202623 minEp. 1886

Big Headlines: Carney's looking for new partnerships in the City of Love and the World Cup kicks off in Canada

Plus: Trump is declaring the Iran war over despite a different narrative from Iran, Alberta is appealing a judge's decision to throw out a petition that's asking whether it should leave Canada, a Florida man sues several law enforcement agencies after an AI mistake, the White House-UFC event continues preparations for this weekend, and the World Cup is officially here. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us: Through email at hello@thebigsto...

Jun 12, 20267 minEp. 1887

FIFA, politics, and the future of soccer

It's the most exciting time for soccer fans and sports lovers alike, as World Cup 2026 kicks off across North America. But in the shadows of fan fests and buzzing bars remains the very stark reality of strict US immigration policy that threatens the very nature of the tournament. Somali referee Omar Artan was sent back to Turkey upon his arrival in Miami earlier this month after White House officials claimed he'd been in contact with terrorists. Meanwhile, the Iranian team has been advised they ...

Jun 12, 202626 minEp. 1884

Big Headlines: Police across Canada mourn the loss of a Toronto officer and Trump threatens to "hit Iran very hard tonight"

Plus: the Gordie Howe bridge opening hits another speedbump, protests continue in Belfast, the World Cup kicks off today in Mexico, and how drones are playing a key role in the Russian invasion of Ukraine. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us: Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

Jun 11, 20267 minEp. 1885

Drones redefine the Ukraine-Russia war

On February 24th, 2022, Russian troops marched across the Ukrainian border-- the beginning of an invasion experts had been warning of for some time. It was believed the embattled nation would fall within months. But four years later, Ukrainians continue to defy the odds. One of their key weapons: drones, which they use as devastating weapons of modern warfare. And while a fifth of the nation remains under Russian occupation, the Russian army hasn't managed to advance any further. It's become a s...

Jun 11, 202625 minEp. 1884

Big Headlines: Police across Canada mourn the loss of an Ontario officer and Trump says Iran is taking too long to reach a deal

Plus: the Bank of Canada is keeping its key interest rate unchanged, the Carney government is set to introduce its Online Harms Act today that could include a social media ban for kids under 16, Trump is still reportedly clashing with Ontario's Premier, and chimpanzees are now engaging in deadly combat. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us: Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

Jun 10, 20266 minEp. 1883

Inside the Uganda chimpanzee civil war

It's something scientists have never observed before: chimpanzees, formerly with close family bonds, now engaging in deadly combat. A recent study looked at one of the largest groups of chimps in the world, which primatologists have been observing since 1995. For decades, the group thrived, but recently, factions have broken off, and fighting has turned deadly-- and scientists aren't sure why. Host Caryn Ceolin is speaking with Dr. John Mitani, one of the researchers who's been observing the chi...

Jun 10, 202620 minEp. 1858

Big Headlines: Trump believes the Iran-Israel war is almost over and an Air Canada pilot flies without a licence

Plus: Prime Minister Mark Carney wants public opinion on the Ontario government's expansion plan for Billy Bishop Toronto Island Airport, Trump took in Game 3 of the NBA Finals in-person, birth rates are dropping with a link to smartphones, and what's the state of the federal Conservatives right now? We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us: Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

Jun 09, 20267 minEp. 1882
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