Ontario Today Phone-Ins from CBC Radio

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Unscripted and honest radio debates. Ontario Today is never shy. The host, studio guests and callers dive right into the contentious issues of the day. CBC Radio One from 12 to 1 ET. Call-in 1-888-817-8995.

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    • May 20, 2026 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 44m AVG DURATION
    • 1,690 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Ontario Today Phone-Ins from CBC Radio

    Is our mind being fracked by our technology? Callers share how they're trying to take attention back.

    Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2026 51:48


    Collective efforts to pull our attention back from our devices and the multi-billion dollar engineering devoted to keeping us locked in. Our guest is D. Graham Burnett, calls it human fracking. He is co-editor and co-author of Attensity!: A Manifesto of the Attention Liberation Movement.

    Your questions about the Hantavirus and Ebola outbreaks

    Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2026 24:08


    Health authorities around the world are watching two outbreaks unfold -- an outbreak of Hantavirus and an Ebola outbreak in eastern Congo. We dig into the risk and we hear your questions about the diseases. Our guest is Toronto infectious disease specialist Dr. Allison McGeer.

    Ontario Today's Gardening Show: How to care for new plants in the garden

    Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2026 27:48


    May long weekend is often a busy one for gardeners, adding plants to gardens and pots for the summer ahead. Paul shares some tips on how to care for our new plant friends and takes your gardening questions. Paul Zammit is a professor of horticulture and environmental studies at Niagara College.

    The struggle to make summer vacation work

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2026 51:46


    With skyrocketing costs and airline fuel shortages, Ontarians share the sacrifices and corners cut, but also alternatives that are saving summer. Hear their stories with tips and hacks from the CAA's Kaitlynn Furse.

    What callers wish they knew about IVF before trying to have a baby

    Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2026 51:48


    Intimate stories with Globe and Mail investigative reporter, Kathryn Blaze Baum, who has just published a book about her personal journey: In Fertility: The Story of a Miracle and the Big Business Behind It.

    The panhandling debate: Why some of us give... and why others refuse

    Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2026 51:48


    Municipalities in Ontario are considering crackdowns on panhandling in some intersections. You weigh in with Kaite Burkholder Harris, co-chair of the Ontario Alliance to End Homelessness, and we hear from Windsor Coun. Renaldo Agostino.

    What needs to be fixed in Ontario's child welfare system

    Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2026 51:47


    After two Burlington women were found guilty in the murder of a 12-year-old boy and the torture of his brother in their care, we hear from the province's former child and youth advocate, Irwin Elman and we hear from Children's Aid Society worker Mel Barnett.

    Time to crack down on public transit drug use? It's complicated.

    Play Episode Listen Later May 11, 2026 24:08


    Callers share their views on the province's decision to expand enforcement against drug use on Ontario's major public transit systems. Andrew Pulsifer, executive director of TTCRiders hears your stories.

    Ontario Today's Gardening Show: Food you can grow to save on grocery bills

    Play Episode Listen Later May 11, 2026 27:48


    Paul Zammit starts the conversation talking about the plants you can grow to save money on food costs. Paul is a professor of Horticulture and Environmental Studies at Niagara College.

    The invisible load mothers take on: parents on when they knew it was time for change.

    Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2026 49:01


    Just before Mother's day, Ontario parents describe their challenges with guest Erica Djossa, author of the book: "Releasing the Mother Load: How to Carry Less and Enjoy Motherhood More."

    Is the dream of a middle class life dead? Hear Ontarians share their stories.

    Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2026 51:47


    With rising gas AND grocery costs and out-of-reach home prices, we hear from people about the struggle to reach or maintain their dream of middle class life with Paul Kershaw, founder of Generation Squeeze.

    Want to know more about the future Governor General Louise Arbour? Ontarians who know her weigh in.

    Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2026 51:47


    From her international work, to her review of the Canadian military, and more, we hear from people who share their experiences working with Louise Arbour. Our guest is CBC Parliament Hill senior writer Aaron Wherry.

    Ontario employers and workers share why it's so hard to join the skilled trades.

    Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2026 51:45


    The federal government has introduced an incentive program for employers and young people interested in the career.

    Progressive Conservative supporters weigh in on Premier Ford's brand.

    Play Episode Listen Later May 4, 2026 24:08


    A flip-flop on the purchase of a jet and other political challenges is the backdrop to falling poll numbers for Doug Ford and the party. Toronto Star Queen's Park bureau chief Rob Benzie hears from PC supporters.

    Ontario Today's Gardening Show: Garden-inspired gifts for Moms.

    Play Episode Listen Later May 4, 2026 27:47


    From perennials that are peak performers to the latest tools and gadgets, our gardening expert Paul Zammit shares some top picks for moms with green thumbs.

    Ontario wannabe municipal candidates say why they want to run for office this year.

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2026 51:48


    On May 1st people vying for a seat on council or school board can start filing their nomination papers. The President of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario hears their stories.

    The good, the bad, and the ugly: Ontarians share their stories about using AI for mental health support.

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2026 51:48


    Your stories with Dr. Peter Selby, physician and lead in the development of chat bots for mental health at the Intrepid Lab at the Centre for Addication and Mental Health.

    Are newcomers using the skills they trained for?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2026 51:48


    A new report from Statistics Canada suggests one in three recent immigrants with postsecondary qualifications reported being overqualified for their job. While improving, it's still much higher than other Canadians. We hear your stories with Rupa Banerjee, Canada Research Chair in the Economic Inclusion of Canada's Immigrants.

    How would you rate CRA's customer service?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 28, 2026 51:48


    Canada's Taxpayers' Ombudsperson Francois Boileau responds to your experiences and frustrations.

    HPV vaccines: What got in the way for you?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 27, 2026 24:08


    We hear about your experiences trying to access an HPV vaccine for yourself or your kids. Our guest is psychologist and assistant professor with the University of Toronto's Dalla Lana School of Public Health, Gilla Shapiro.

    Ontario Today's Gardening Show: Avoiding cold damage to your plants

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 27, 2026 27:48


    With the spring weather, you might be tempted to put out some annuals. Our regular gardening expert Paul Zammit is here to talk about what to do if the temperatures suddenly plummet.

    Relaxing alcohol rules in Ontario Parks -- Good idea? What does your experience tell you?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2026 51:49


    We hear about alcohol use in provincial parks and whether the province's move to allow drinking in places like picnic areas and beaches is a good idea or not. Our guest for the hour is "Happy Camper" Kevin Callan, outdoors author and advocate.

    What's stopping you from having a baby now?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 23, 2026 51:48


    Statistics suggest fewer Canadians are deciding not to start a family. Your stories with Sarah Brauner-Otto, sociology professor and former director of the Centre on Population Dynamics at McGill University.

    Does religion belong in politics?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2026 51:39


    We get into U.S. President Donald Trump's feud with Pope Leo XIV, his marathon Bible reading Tuesday night, and cracks forming in the MAGA coalition over the war in Iran. Our guests are freedom of religion expert Richard Moon, Professor Emeritus at the University of Windsor, and we hear from Linda Feldmann, Washington Bureau Chief with the Christian Science Monitor.

    Ontario's school absentee crisis: What's the inside story?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 21, 2026 51:47


    Your stories with Todd Cunningham, a clinical and school psychologist as well as Chair of the School and Clinical Child Psychology program at the University of Toronto.

    university school crisis toronto ontario inside story absentee clinical child psychology todd cunningham
    Ontario flood risks-- What are you seeing?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 20, 2026 24:08


    You tell us what you're seeing in the province and we get an overview of the flood situation in northeastern Ontario with Angela Mills, water resources specialist at North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority.

    Ontario Today's Gardening Show: Looking out for invasive plants

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 20, 2026 27:48


    Paul takes your gardening questions and talks about how to get rid of invasive plants before they take over your green spaces. Paul Zammit is a professor of Horticulture and Environmental Studies at Niagara College.

    Boomers and their phones: When did you know it had gone too far?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2026 51:48


    We hear about how older adults in Ontario are using screens and your thoughts about when it might be a problem. Our guest is Nicole Dalmer, is an associate professor with the Department of Health, Aging and Society at McMaster University.

    How is nurse practitioner care working for you?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 16, 2026 51:49


    We hear about your experiences accessing nurse practitioner care in Ontario as the province falls behind on covering some nurse practitioner care. Our guest is Michelle Acorn, CEO of the Nurse Practitioners' Association of Ontario and we hear from Hoda Mankal, a nurse practitioner and executive director of the Ottawa Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic, and Dr. Zainab Abdurrahman, president of the Ontario Medical Association.

    Using debt to pay for the basics: What's at stake for you?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 15, 2026 51:42


    We hear about how you are relying on debt to help cover the cost of basic essentials as the price of gas goes up along with everything from insurance to mortgage payments. Our guest for the hour is Rebekah Smylie, certified financial counsellor and Manager of Financial Empowerment at West Neighbourhood House.

    Carney gets his majority: what difference does it make?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 14, 2026 51:48


    We hear your reaction to the federal Liberal sweep of three ridings in byelections Monday. Our guests are CBC Parliament Hill senior writer Aaron Wherry and we hear from Philippe Fournier, poll analyst and editor in chief of 338Canada.

    liberal majority carney 338canada philippe fournier
    Ontario Today's Gardening Show: How to build the ultimate raised bed

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 13, 2026 27:57


    Our regular gardening expert Paul Zammit has some tips on building raised garden beds from scratch. Paul is a professor of horticulture and environmental studies at Niagara College.

    As gas prices go up, what's it like driving a pickup truck now?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 13, 2026 24:09


    Pickup trucks are among the most popular vehicles in Canada but they are known for being costly in gas. We'll hear how this is affecting drivers and we'll hear how it might affect vehicle sales with Greg Layson, digital editor with Automotive News Canada.

    Why are you watching the Artemis II mission?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 10, 2026 50:54


    We hear about why the Artemis mission has captured your attention. Our guests are Gordon Osinski planetary geology professor at Western University and a colleague of Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen and we hear from Ewan Reid founder and CEO of Mission Control Spaces Services about the impact of the Artemis II mission on Canada's space industry.

    Why are you falling for Romance books right now?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 9, 2026 51:47


    It seems Canadian readers and publishers can't get enough romance -- you tell us why. Our guests are Quill and Quire senior editor Cassandra Drudi and the owner of the romance book store, Evermore Books in Ottawa, Amanda Holmes.

    Are supervised consumption sites a failure or were they working?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 8, 2026 51:48


    We hear about the impacts of Ontario's decision to end funding its remaining supervised drug consumption sites. Our guest is Michael Parkinson, coordinator of the Drug Strategy Network of Ontario and we hear from London Coun. David Ferreira.

    Are you on board with high-speed rail?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 7, 2026 24:44


    You weigh in on the high-speed rail project planned to link Toronto and Quebec City with Matti Siemiatycki, director of the Infrastructure Institute at the University of Toronto.

    Ontario Today's Gardening Show: What to do with potted bulbs

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 7, 2026 27:48


    Our regular gardening expert Paul Zammit has some tips of what to do with those Spring potted plants you may have picked up in recent weeks. He's a professor of Horticulture and Environmental Studies at Niagara College.

    What's behind the growing gender divide among young adults?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 2, 2026 51:47


    Your experiences about the gender divide that's growing among millennials and GenZs, with online creator and community organizer Joyce Meng, and Timothy Caulfield, research director at the Health Law Institute at the University of Alberta and the filmmaker behind the documentary Harder Better Faster Stronger.

    Your Stephen Lewis stories

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 1, 2026 51:49


    You help us remember the politician, diplomat and activist Stephen Lewis. Our guests are former New Democrat MP Charlie Angus as well as Meg French, executive director of the Stephen Lewis Foundation and Janet Butler-McPhee and Richard Elliott with the HIV Legal Network.

    stories stephen lewis richard elliott stephen lewis foundation
    How did a long wait for autism care affect your family?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 31, 2026 51:48


    We hear about the impacts on children and their families as Ontarians wait years for provincially-funded autism support. Alina Cameron is the president of the Ontario Autism Coalition and the mom for three, including one daughter on the spectrum.

    NDP supporters -- are you happy with Avi Lewis as leader?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 30, 2026 24:08


    We hear from New Democrats about whether they are happy with the choice of Avi Lewis to lead the federal party. Our guest is Marion Nader, CEO of Nexus Strategy Group and former NDP strategist.

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