Brian Crombie Radio Hour

Tonight on The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian is joined by one of Canada's most respected political pollsters, Nik Nanos of Nanos Research, for a timely and revealing look at the shifting currents of Canadian politics. Together, they break down what the latest data is really saying, why the Conservatives can't seem to break through even with low NDP support, the surprising uptick in Liberal momentum around Mark Carney, and how razor-thin margins in key ridings helped shape the last federal election. Their conversation also explores the bigger forces influencing Canada's political future, including the Alberta–Canada pipeline deal, Indigenous participation and legal challenges, public opinion on energy exports, and growing separatist sentiment in Alberta — including talk of closer ties to the U.S. They examine how the evolving Canada–U.S. relationship is impacting confidence, the economy, and national direction, and whether the country is ready to take risks or remain stuck in a political holding pattern.

Tonight on The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian is first joined by Neil Seeman, entrepreneur, researcher, columnist, and one of Canada's clearest thinkers on innovation and the economy. Neil argues that Canada doesn't have a creativity problem, but a commercialization problem. Together they explore why Canadian ideas struggle to scale, why young talent is leaving, how global capital is shifting, and what Canada must do to compete in an AI- and clean-tech-driven world. Neil breaks down the psychology of innovation, the power of honest collaboration, and what it will take to turn Canadian invention into Canadian prosperity.Brian is then joined by STEEP Daniels (Jesus Guggenheim) painter, filmmaker, cultural catalyst, and 2025 Resident Artist for the Ekran Polish Film Festival. STEEP shares how a spontaneous artistic tribute to Prince launched his connection to the festival, leading to a decade-spanning exhibition and the creation of this year's festival trailer. They explore how his paintings become cultural movements, how Polish storytelling shapes his work, and why giving back, particularly to SickKids, is woven into everything he creates. The result is a rich, heartfelt conversation about art, identity, and using creativity as a force for community and change.

Tonight on The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian welcomes Greg Vezina, President of Hydrofuel Inc. and one of Canada's boldest clean-tech innovators. They explore breakthrough technologies that could transform the global energy landscape from micro-ammonia production to photochemical reactors that convert methane into clean hydrogen and valuable carbon products… all powered by light. Greg breaks down why ammonia may be the missing link in hydrogen adoption, why pipelines often outperform power lines, and why Canada needs a return to basic math and science thinking if it hopes to lead the next energy revolution.

Tonight on The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian is joined by Meredith Preston McGhie, one of the world's leading practitioners in conflict resolution and the Secretary General of the Global Centre for Pluralism. For nearly 30 years, Meredith has worked at the front lines of peacebuilding across Africa and Asia — from the Naga in Northeast India, to ethnic dialogues in Nigeria and Kenya, to UN efforts in Kosovo, Iraq, South Sudan, Somalia and Sudan. Few people understand conflict, diversity, and democratic resilience the way she does.Meredith brings realism, experience, and a rare optimism grounded in decades of hard-won lessons from conflict zones. She believes and demonstrates that pluralism isn't idealistic. It's necessary. And that in times of division, ordinary people have extraordinary power to create peace.

Tonight on The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian is joined by three Mississauga residents demanding real transparency in our city's budget: community advocate, George Tavares, local business owner, Kim Pines, and resident leader for financial accountability, Athina Tagidou.Together, they break down the big questions City Hall isn't answering. These include why taxes are rising faster than inflation every year, how “blended rates” hide the true tax increase, why Mississauga pays 62% of Peel Police costs but gets less than half the say, and why claims of “no room to cut” don't match the data. Other questions they discuss include why public engagement is collapsing, how quality of life is slipping while the budget keeps growing, and the looming MPAC reassessment that could mean thousands more in taxes. This episode emphasizes that residents deserve honest budgeting, clearer communication, real oversight, and leadership that treats public dollars with the same discipline families bring to their own budgets.

Tonight on The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian is joined by Peter Dickinson, Ukraine Editor at the Atlantic Council, for a candid breakdown of the leaked U.S. peace proposal for Ukraine, a document that looks far more Moscow-made than Washington-led. Together, they unpack a “U.S. plan” written in Russian-style diplomatic language, negotiations happening largely between the U.S. and Russia without Ukraine, and proposed territorial concessions in Donetsk. Other topics of conversation include weak security guarantees Ukraine cannot trust, the real situation on the battlefield, why Russia is pushing for a deal, and what this means for Europe, NATO, and global security.

Tonight on The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian is joined by Danielle Papillon-Richardson and Phillip Richardson of Black Opal Advisors — co-authors of the upcoming book "Funny, Not Funny: Humanity's Risk Register". Together they dig into AI's rapid evolution, why fewer than 10% of businesses use it effectively, and the growing challenge of AI deception and hallucinations. They also explore the urgent need for global AI governance, the major risks facing humanity — from AI to climate to geopolitics — and how psychology shapes our response to them. Danielle offers practical advice for leaders on how to implement AI responsibly, while Phil breaks down the existential risk landscape with clarity and humour. A fascinating, provocative, and hopeful conversation about the future of AI — and the future of us.

Tonight on The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian is joined by Amy Jiang, Principal at BA Group and one of the leading transportation planning engineers shaping the future of development across the Greater Toronto Area. Amy brings 20 years of experience working on the GTA's biggest and most transformational projects — including the 30-year redevelopment of the Downsview Airport lands that will eventually welcome 165,000 residents and 50,000 jobs.In this conversation, they discuss what transportation planning really is, the future of Downsview, what makes a community feel alive, secrets of successful large-scale developments, and Amy's personal journey in engineering.

Tonight on The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian sits down with friend and advisor Pierre-Jean Esmieu-Fournel, a Paris-based financier whose life story and sharp analysis cut through the noise on Europe's economic crisis. PJ shares his experience inside France's welfare state including fully covered metastatic cancer treatment worth €320,000/year, and why the system is now at a breaking point, France's fiscal reality, and a political system in turmoil. He also discusses retirement ages, pension models, health-care tradeoffs, and demographic pressures hitting all three nations.

Tonight on The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian is joined by Sam Savrajan behavioral scientist and former financial executive for an urgently needed, honest conversation about Canada's debt, deficits, and economic future. They tackle the critical, often-avoided questions which include the debt cycle, why governments obscure where money is really going, voter power and the raising GST and retirement age. This is a must-listen for anyone demanding honest, transparent, and sustainable governance.

Tonight on The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian is joined by Sergio Marchi, former Toronto alderman, long-time Member of Parliament, Cabinet Minister, and Canada's Ambassador to the World Trade Organization. Sergio has lived almost every chapter of public service. Now, from his home in Tremblant, he's written a remarkable new book, "Pursuing a Public Life", aimed at inspiring the next generation of Canadians to step into politics, leadership, and national service.In this conversation, they explore why young Canadians are drifting away from politics and what we must do to reconnect them with the country's democratic life as well as the 78 lessons from a career in public service drawn from Sergio's decades navigating city hall, Parliament Hill, cabinet, and international diplomacy. Other topics of conversation include the allure of international NGOs versus domestic politics, why Canada urgently needs young people to recommit to the home front, and so much more!

Tonight on The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian chats with Katia Stern, a board-certified clinical sexologist who has had one of the most fascinating career journeys he's heard: from lawyer to fitness competitor to executive coach — and now doing her PhD research on perimenopausal women. Katia tells Brian very candidly that you can have the perfect-looking life — success, real estate, the gym body, the titles — and still feel like you're disappearing on the inside when perimenopause hits. That's what drove her to this work: so many women in their 40s and 50s feeling invisible, struggling with body changes, intimacy, hormones, and no one explaining what's happening.Together, they discuss the difference between “sexy coaching” online and real, science-based clinical sexology, how perimenopause affects relationships and desire, why a lot of her private clients are actually men trying to understand their partners, and how tools like hypnotherapy, nutrition, and strength training can help women get their confidence and pleasure back.

Tonight on The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian opens with a reflection on the defining economic and political moment facing Canada today. From rising interest rates and a housing crisis to stalled productivity and growing global pressures, Brian outlines why Canada stands at a critical turning point and what bold action is needed to move forward. Then, Brian is joined by Eric Guntermann, PhD, Chief Data Scientist at Empirical Intelligence, for a data-driven look at how Canadians really see their country's politics. Together, they explore what Canadians think of Prime Minister Mark Carney, where voters are shifting across party lines, how Americans view Canada, and why understanding public opinion is key to rebuilding confidence and progress.

Tonight on The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian is joined by historian, author, and teacher J.D.M. Stewart, one of Canada's foremost experts on our prime ministers, to discuss his insightful book "The Prime Ministers: Canada's Leaders and the Nation They Shaped." Together they explore what history can teach Mark Carney — and any future leader — about governing a complex, diverse country like Canada. Drawing from the examples of past prime ministers, Stewart highlights four timeless lessons in leadership. Stewart and Brian discuss how these qualities — pragmatism, teamwork, courage, and inspiration — remain essential to leadership today, and what kind of vision could once again unite and propel our country forward.

This Remembrance Day, join Brian for a special conversation with award-winning historian and bestselling author Allan Levine about his latest book, "The Dollar-a-Year Men".Allan, the author of 16 acclaimed books including King: A Life Guided by the Hand of Destiny and Toronto: Biography of a City, has spent his career uncovering the people and moments that shaped our nation. A long-time columnist for the Winnipeg Free Press and contributor to the Globe and Mail, National Post, and Maclean's, he brings a storyteller's depth to Canada's wartime history.In "The Dollar-a-Year Men", Allan recounts how, during World War II, hundreds of business leaders volunteered their expertise to serve in government for a symbolic salary of one dollar a year. Under the bold leadership of C.D. Howe, these men transformed Canada into an industrial and military powerhouse — coordinating munitions, shipbuilding, and aircraft production that helped turn the tide of war. Allan and Brian discuss what drew Allan to this story, how figures like Howe managed to mobilize private industry at lightning speed, and whether this model of public–private collaboration could have lessons for today's world. Brian also shares a personal connection — his grandfather, Hugh Arthur Crombie, served on the War Munitions Board and was recognized by Prince Philip for his wartime contributions.This Remembrance Day, we remember not only those who fought on the front lines, but those who built the machinery of victory at home — Canadians whose sense of duty, innovation, and patriotism still inspire us today.

Tonight on The Brian Crombie Hour, join Brian for a compelling conversation with Jeff Rubin, renowned economist, former CIBC Chief Economist, and author of A Map of the New Normal.Jeff argues that Canada's economy is standing at a crossroads. As the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement comes up for renewal, protectionism south of the border is reshaping our trade reality. Rubin warns that Canada can no longer rely on the U.S. market, predicting rising mortgage rates and growing vulnerability in a potential trade war.Together they discuss whether Prime Minister Mark Carney's plan to double non-U.S. exports is realistic — or merely political theatre. Rubin says Europe offers little growth and limited market access, while the real opportunities lie with BRICS countries like China and India, despite strained diplomatic ties. Jeff also challenges Canada's current tariff strategy, asking: Why are we matching U.S. tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles when our own EV production is stalled?It's a thought-provoking look at how Canada must adapt — balancing values, politics, and economic survival in an increasingly divided global economy.

Tonight on The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian speaks with Audrey Hyams Romoff, a leading PR executive for major global brands and the author of the powerful new memoir, "The Ripple Eclipse: Turning the Tide of Inherited Trauma." Audrey shares her remarkable journey balancing a high-profile career in public relations with the deeply personal legacy of her family's Holocaust survival.In her conversation with Brian, she opens up about her mother's time in Auschwitz, the mysterious deaths of her parents, and how four generations of women have navigated pain, silence, and ultimately healing. Brian and Audrey also explore how her professional life in PR intersects with her mission to foster openness, empathy, and resilience both in her work and within her family. It's an emotional, raw, and inspiring conversation about survival, self-discovery, and strength.

Tonight on The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian interviews Mark Borkowski. Mark is the President of Mercantile Mergers & Acquisitions Corp. and a veteran sell-side advisor with over 400 transactions since 1987. In 2026, record dry powder meets too few quality targets as private equity and strategics remain cash-rich but selective. Mark explores active roll-up sectors such as dental, veterinary, HVAC, and plumbing, and how private credit reshapes bids. He reveals value drivers like clean financials and normalized EBITDA, common deal killers, succession pitfalls, valuation bridges, and hidden opportunities in receivership and power-of-sale real estate.

Tonight on The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian is joined by Carl Gomez, one of Canada's leading economists, for a deep dive into the Bank of Canada's interest rate cuts, the mortgage reset crunch, and the broader forces shaping our economy. Carl explains how the Bank's move to lower rates from 5% to 2.25% is stabilizing inflation fears but warns that the real solutions to Canada's economic slowdown must come from structural reform, not just monetary policy.Together they explore:How upcoming mortgage renewals could raise payments by $1,000 a month for many householdsWhy the housing market is cooling — and what that means for affordability and investmentThe impact of U.S. trade tariffs on manufacturing and industrial real estateAnd why Canada must pivot toward productivity, AI innovation, and diversified trade if it wants real, lasting growth

Tonight on The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian is joined by veteran political strategist Rick Anderson, Principal at E4 Strategies, for a sharp, behind-the-scenes look at the high-stakes political brinkmanship now gripping Ottawa.As budget votes loom and party leaders posture, are we heading toward a federal election — or just another round of political chicken? Rick shares his insider forecast: why an election right now would be economic madness, how U.S. trade wars and global instability are shaping Canada's political calculus, and why Mark Carney may have the right strategy for Canada.They also dive into Canada's fiscal health, the balancing act between climate policy and energy security, and whether embracing Chinese electric vehicles could reshape our auto sector.

Tonight on The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian is joined by members of a remarkable volunteer organization to celebrate more than a century of compassion, craftsmanship, and community service.The Needlework Guild began in Dorset, England in 1882, founded to help children orphaned by mining disasters in Wales. The movement spread across Britain and North America — and today, the Toronto branch proudly stands as the only remaining North American chapter.Each year, its 300 dedicated members knit, sew, and purchase new clothing and essential items for 21 frontline social service agencies across the GTA. Last year alone, they donated over 22,000 items — from baby layettes and winter coats to hats, mittens, blankets, and personal hygiene products.You'll hear inspiring stories from longtime members:• Sue Garskey, who first got involved through her mother, has held many roles including president, and still supports the Guild even after moving to Ottawa.• Joyce Hisey, recipient of the Order of Canada, who has spent a lifetime organizing volunteers and is now the Guild's membership coordinator.• Cathy Reith, who joined about nine years ago, stepped in as secretary and then president, and now helps lead the Guild through a new generation of giving.• Brenda Rathbone, who joined eight years ago and now runs social media and outreach, helping connect the Guild's mission to the wider community.Together, they share how knitting hats, mittens, and baby layettes has become both a craft and a calling — a tradition that blends creativity with compassion.And fittingly, this interview airs on the same day as the Guild's annual Distribution Day, when all their year's work culminates in delivering thousands of handmade and purchased goods to people who need them most.

Tonight on The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian is joined by Danielle Nonog, a former adult entertainer turned branding and confidence coach, for a frank and fascinating conversation about the impact of pornography on relationships, intimacy, and our broader culture. Drawing from her personal experience in the adult industry, Danielle argues that pornography can act as a gateway drug — desensitizing viewers, distorting expectations, and normalizing transactional relationships. We explore how this culture shapes dating apps, “sugar baby” dynamics, and the influencer economy of platforms like TikTok and OnlyFans.Their discussion goes beyond judgment to ask harder questions:How does porn consumption affect empathy and connection?Why do some people escalate toward more extreme content?Can men and women rediscover healthy, authentic relationship models?Danielle also shares her story of reinvention and self-empowerment, helping others especially women build confidence, purpose, and identity beyond the adult industry.

Tonight on The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian is joined by Sarita Samaroo, real estate broker, investor, and founder of Property Investment Hub, to discuss her bold warning about Canada's housing market — and why she believes a major correction may be underway. Sarita and Brian break down the warning signs: rising mortgage delinquencies, power-of-sale listings, falling condo prices, and stalled new developments. They explore the ripple effects on homeowners, renters, and developers, and how policy, interest rates, and investor psychology are combining to reshape the market. She argues that what's happening isn't just a cyclical dip, but a structural shift — one that could reset affordability and investment strategies for years to come. We also discuss how investors can protect themselves, what opportunities might emerge from the downturn, and what governments should (and shouldn't) do next.

Tonight on The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian is joined by two leading voices on Canada's Arctic — Stephen Van Dine, City Manager of Yellowknife and longtime expert in northern governance and sustainable development, and Dr. Rob Huebert, Professor of Political Science at the University of Calgary and one of Canada's foremost authorities on Arctic defence and security.Together, we explore how Canada's North is becoming the new frontier for both economic opportunity and national security. Stephen Van Dine shares his first-hand perspective from Yellowknife, a community at the crossroads of mining, infrastructure, and Indigenous-led development and discusses the ambitious Arctic Economic Security Corridor, a proposed 900-kilometre highway to the Northwest Passage. Rob brings a defence and geopolitical lens, outlining the urgent need for Canada to invest in Arctic sovereignty, critical minerals strategy, and military infrastructure. They discuss China's expanding presence in northern waters, Russia's submarine activities, and the international debate over control of the Northwest Passage and what it all means for Canada's future.

Tonight on The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian is joined by Christina Caron, economist, author, and former senior policy advisor to two Prime Ministers. Christina has served as a federal public service executive, think tank economist, and diplomat and now focuses on how environmental deterioration is reshaping our economy. Together they discuss her powerful argument that rising food prices are not just a temporary or local issue, but a global and systemic consequence of environmental damage. As climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution intensify, they erode productivity growth, strain agricultural yields, and ultimately make us all poorer.Christina explains how the loss of “natural capital” — our forests, soils, water, and ecosystems is undermining prosperity and driving the persistent rise in real food prices worldwide. They also explore what policy actions Canada must take to reverse this trajectory: investing in renewable energy, protecting biodiversity, and recognizing that environmental sustainability and economic growth are not opposites, they're inseparable.

Tonight on The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian is joined by Charles Burton, Senior Fellow at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute and one of Canada's foremost experts on China. A former diplomat at our embassy in Beijing and longtime professor at Brock University, Charles brings decades of experience studying China's political evolution, security strategy, and its growing influence on Western democracies. Together they discuss his upcoming book, "The Beaver and the Dragon: How China Outmaneuvered Canada's Diplomacy, Security, and Sovereignty", exploring how Canada's policies toward China have evolved — from early optimism during the reform era to today's growing concerns over espionage, human rights, and global power shifts.Charles shares vivid memories from his time in China during the Mao and Deng years, offers insight into the fate of democratic movements after Tiananmen Square, and reflects on the lessons Canada must learn to defend its independence and democratic institutions."The Beaver and the Dragon" launches October 21.

Tonight on The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian is joined by Michael Schuster, Ontario's first Real Estate Divorce Specialist (since 2011) and Certified Divorce Specialist (since 2019), for an insightful discussion on how divorce changes the rules of real estate. Michael shares lessons from his work helping couples sell their homes amid emotional and financial upheaval—explaining why divorce sales are not like ordinary listings. Together they explore the legal and psychological complexities of matrimonial home sales, from consent and sabotage to post-separation adjustments, and how to navigate them without losing money—or your sanity.He also shares advice from his book "Divorce and Selling Your Home", including how to choose the right professionals, when to stage (and when not to), and why neutrality and preparation are key to closing successfully.

Tonight on The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian is joined by Jim Stanford, economist and director of the Centre for Future Work, for a vital discussion on the future of Canada's auto industry amid rising U.S. tariffs and shifting global trade dynamics. Together they examine the latest moves by Stellantis and General Motors — from Jeep production moving to the US to GM's paused EV van line in Ingersoll — and what these developments mean for Canadian jobs, manufacturing, and sovereignty. Jim explains how Donald Trump's tariff strategy could unravel decades of integration under the Free Trade Agreements and the Auto Pact before that and why Canada must rethink its industrial policy to protect and grow our manufacturing base. Jim also shares his vision for a stronger, self-reliant industrial strategy — one that safeguards good jobs, embraces the EV transition, and positions Canada for long-term competitiveness.

Tonight on The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian speaks with Amanda Christmann Larson, an American writer and humanitarian currently living in Ukraine, documenting the human side of war. Amanda shares her firsthand experiences from Kyiv and communities near the front lines, where she's gathering stories for her upcoming book about resilience, courage, and cultural survival amid Russia's invasion. Together they discuss the extraordinary spirit of the Ukrainian people, how creativity and community endure under siege, and why defending Ukraine is vital for the future of democracy and cultural identity. Amanda offers rare insight into everyday life under threat—schools built underground, families staying strong, and volunteers rebuilding what's been destroyed.

Tonight on The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian is joined by Philip MacKellar, analyst, portfolio manager, and General Manager of Contra the Heard Investment Newsletter (since 2023; with Contra since 2011). Together, they dig into their contrarian, value-oriented approach to U.S. and Canadian markets—how they hunt for unloved, undervalued names and sometimes step into M&A and other special situations, including bonds, preferreds, and converts. They cover the AI boom: opportunity, bubble risks, and why shorting hype can be hazardous, balance-sheet tells: cash, current ratio, debt, and avoiding dilution traps, forced selling and other contrarian entry points, ETFs: when they help, when they hurt, and holding 20–35 positions with multi-year horizons—no day trading, no fads.

Tonight on The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian is joined by Linda McQuaig, award-winning investigative journalist, Toronto Star columnist, and author of eight national bestsellers, to discuss her first novel, The Road to Goderich. Set against the backdrop of the 1837 Rebellion in Upper Canada, the novel follows a young Scottish woman, Calandra, whose journey of love, betrayal, and self-discovery unfolds amid the struggle against the undemocratic “Family Compact” elite. Linda and Brian explore how this often-forgotten uprising helped shape Canadian democracy—and how its themes still echo in our politics today. They also discuss her sharp critiques of PM Mark Carney's climate change and defence spending policies, her views on Canada's democratic evolution, and what inspired her to shift from nonfiction to historical fiction.

On tonight's episode of The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian begins this episode with Sherry Double, author, entrepreneur, and transformation coach. Together, they explore the power of reinvention: how to rebuild, reimagine, and redefine your life at any stage. Sherry shares her remarkable journey of starting over after profound personal and professional challenges from burnout and loss to surviving a life-threatening medical error. Brian concludes his show with an uplifting and empowering conversation with Pat Browne and Penelope Mathieson, co-hosts of the brand-new Sauga 960 AM show NEXT CHPTR CHATS, a show about reinventing life after 55, airing Mondays at 3 PM & 7 PM and Saturdays at 10 PM!

Tonight on the Brian Crombie Hour, Brian interviews Heather Exner-Pirot. Dr. Heather Exner-Pirot, Executive Director of the Macdonald-Laurier Institute's Natural Resources, Energy and Environment Program, examines how excessive environmental regulation and bureaucratic lawfare constrain Canada's growth. She argues that well-meaning environmental policies now block investment, stall infrastructure, and deepen the housing and affordability crises. The discussion covers the Impact Assessment Act, Canada's stalled critical mineral strategy, and global energy security. Heather highlights Indigenous-led assessments as a path forward and warns that global climate policies can worsen energy poverty abroad.

Tonight on The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian is joined by Aled ab Iorwerth, Deputy Chief Economist at the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), for an in-depth discussion on the state of Canada's housing market. Together, they explore the surge in mortgage delinquencies and powers of sale, the decline in housing starts, and the pressures facing Toronto's condo market. Aled shares his insights on how rising interest rates, unemployment, and fiscal deficits are reshaping the market—and warns that capital leaving construction could trigger a boom-bust cycle in the years ahead. This conversation also looks forward: how to boost private investment, reduce development fees, and improve productivity to address Canada's housing supply shortage.

Tonight on The Brian Crombie hour, join Brian for a powerful and timely conversation with Vivian Bercovici, former Canadian Ambassador to Israel, as we discuss the extraordinary and emotional developments in the Middle East. Vivian shares her firsthand perspective on the release of 20 hostages held by Hamas, describing the profound mix of relief, grief, and resilience felt across Israel. We explore how President Trump's rapid diplomatic negotiations, led with Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, achieved the release within ten days — and what this means for future peace efforts.Together, they also examine Mark Carney's recognition of a Palestinian state, the contrasting strategies between Washington and Ottawa, and the broader implications for Canada's role in the region. Vivian offers a rare window into Israel's mood today — the celebration of freedom, the scars of captivity, and the enduring hope for lasting peace. Tune in for a candid discussion about rebuilding Gaza, the call for a “denazification-like process” to root out extremism, and the delicate balance of power involving Qatar, Turkey, and Egypt.

This Thanksgiving Monday at 6 PM on The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian brings you a special conversation about one of the most important qualities we can cultivate: empathy.He interviews Dr. Anita Nowak, professor at McGill University, author, and leading voice on empathy in business, leadership, and life. Anita believes that “Empathy is humanity's superpower”—a force that not only strengthens our personal relationships, but also drives better workplaces, more compassionate politics, and healthier communities. As you sit down with family and friends this Thanksgiving, join us for an inspiring discussion about how empathy can bring us closer together.

Tonight on The Brian Crombie Hour, you can expect a double author showcase with acclaimed Canadian authors. First, Brian sits down with Aamir Hussain, whose debut novel "Under the Full and Crescent Moon" imagines a matriarchal Islamic city in the 8th and 9th centuries and explores the roles of women, religion, and freedom across Saudi and Canadian contexts. Together, they discuss female imams, the diversity of Islamic traditions, and how fiction can illuminate complex cultural and spiritual questions.Then, Brian welcomes Merilyn Simonds, Governor General's Award finalist and author of "Walking with Beth: Conversations with My Hundred-Year-Old Friend". Her book chronicles her friendship with Beth, a remarkable 105-year-old woman whose life embodies resilience, curiosity, and joy. Together we explore themes of aging, ageism, friendship, and living fully at every stage of life. Tune in for two rich, thought-provoking interviews that span centuries of ideas and the wisdom of long lives well lived.

Tonight on The Brian Crombie Hour, Join Brian for a fascinating conversation with Carrie-Anne Mercer, seasoned marketing leader and executive advisor, as we dive into the future of artificial intelligence. Together, they explore how AI is transforming marketing—enhancing efficiency, scale, and personalization—while still relying on human creativity and discernment. Carrie-Anne shares insights from a recent global conference in Cambridge, UK, where experts from around the world gathered to discuss AI for good and inclusivity, with inspiring examples of companies using AI to serve underserved communities. They also discuss the ethics of AI, the risks of concentrated control in a few corporations, and the challenges it poses for education and society. Carrie-Anne offers an optimistic yet realistic perspective: AI won't replace human jobs but will evolve them, and with the right oversight, can become a force for positive change.Tune in to hear about AI's potential, its pitfalls, and why human judgment will always matter.

Tonight on The Brian Crombie Hour, join Brian for a powerful and eye-opening conversation with Paul Smetanin, President and CEO of the Canadian Centre for Economic Analysis. Paul introduces the concept of “Ponzinomics” — his term for how Canada has treated infrastructure spending as a political prop rather than a long-term economic necessity. He explains how decades of under-planning and short-term announcement politics have left our country worse off than Mexico when it comes to infrastructure certainty, costing us $600 billion in lost economic potential.Together they explore why housing starts are at a 30-year low and what this means for young Canadians, how infrastructure delays can erase up to $144 billion in potential benefits, and why housing in Ontario is uniquely taxed at 36% of its value. They even touch on what systemic changes from a national infrastructure plan to multi-year funding and transparent ledgers could turn things around. Don't miss this candid discussion on why Canada's infrastructure and housing crisis is a matter of intergenerational fairness and how we can start fixing it.

Tonight on The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian is joined by Ron Butler, one of Canada's most outspoken mortgage brokers, for a hard-hitting conversation about the surge in power-of-sale and foreclosure listings across the Greater Toronto Area.Together They Explore: • Why power-of-sale listings have risen by 20% each month over the past four months,• How the collapse of the foreign student housing market has left many homeowners unable to carry their mortgages,• The growing impact of unemployment, rising property taxes, and vanishing private lending options on mortgage defaults,• What the slowdown in new residential construction means for housing supply,• And Ron's bold ideas for fixing affordability – from cutting development fees and taxes on new homes to opening land for much-needed housing.Ron doesn't pull punches. If you want to understand what's really happening in Ontario's housing and mortgage markets – and what it could mean for you – you won't want to miss this!

Tonight on The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian interviews Dan McCarthy and Murray Simser for a fascinating discussion on a question first raised during the 1988 federal election. In that year's leaders' debate, John Turner famously warned:“Once a country yields its economic levers, once a country yields its energy … once a country yields its agriculture … once a country opens itself to a subsidy war with the United States … then the political ability of this country to remain as an independent nation — that has gone forever, and that is the issue of this election.”They explore whether Turner was right — tracing Canada's trade history from the McDonald Royal Commission and the 1988 Free Trade election, through the promises and pitfalls of economic integration, to the challenges of dealing with President Trump's protectionist agenda. Dan and Murray share insights on how globalization has reshaped sovereignty, the missed opportunities for adjustment programs in the 1990s, and the ongoing question of how much sovereignty Canada can afford to give up in future trade deals.Their conversation also looked ahead: Should Canada pursue deeper integration with the U.S. through a security perimeter and labor mobility, or diversify trade with other global partners? And what does it mean for Canada's political independence when the U.S. increasingly views us as its “51st state”?

Tonight on The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian interviews Dr. Jacqueline Murray, PhD, FRHistS—University Professor Emerita (University of Guelph), Fellow of St. Michael's College, and 3M National Teaching Fellow—for a thought-provoking conversation on masculinity. Drawing on her expertise in medieval history and gender studies, Dr. Murray explores how concepts of manhood have evolved across centuries and why these debates remain urgent today.Together they examine the so-called “crisis of masculinity,” unpacking the pressures young men face as media portrayals, social expectations, and cultural stereotypes reinforce narrow ideals. Dr. Murray challenges the notion that masculinity has ever been singular, noting that even in the Middle Ages, honor, integrity, and provider roles varied across classes and communities—offering a richer, more nuanced view than today's headlines. They conclude this episode with a call to reimagine masculinity for the modern age—not around dominance or aggression, but around honor, moral compass, and self-worth. Dr. Murray argues society thrives when young men embrace diverse masculinities and when role models reflect integrity over bravado. It's an eye-opening exchange connecting lessons from history to the challenges of today.