The Big Story

Plus: New polling on independence movements in Alberta and Quebec, how the violence in Mexico is reshaping Canadian tourists' plans, a Canadian man faces harsh conditions in US immigration detention, and how former Prince Andrew's arrest could either make or break the monarchy. 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

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor spent less than 12 hours in the Aylsham Police Station last week on his 66th birthday, and as the spectacle continues to sizzle, tensions surrounding the Royal Family have done anything but. Host Caryn Ceolin speaks to Jeffrey Dvorkin, journalist and professor, to discuss pathways the Monarch can take to not let the arrest forever stain its image, and the potential for this arrest to lead to more serious charges being brought forth on his alleged sexual misconduct. 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

Plus: Child poverty is on the rise in Canada, the Clintons testify in front of U.S. lawmakers, indirect negotiations between Iran and the U.S., and the deadly impacts of Canada's lack of race-based health data. 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

Black women are 3-4x more likely to die during or as a result of childbirth in the United Sates and the UK, and although Canadians could assume similar statistics for Black women in our country, the better question is - why don't we have our own database? The reality is that Black women face systemic barriers to healthcare everyday, and the lack of data only further silences this quiet crisis. Host Tammie Sutherland speaks to Kearie Daniel, Executive Director and Founder of the Black Women's Institute for Health to discuss how the Canadian government can better support Black mothers by being honest about its own lack of data on race-based health experiences and outcomes. 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

Plus: The federal government is pledging support for food aid for Cuba admist a humanitarian crisis, Canadian travellers return from Mexico after two days of violence, health care advocates are in Ottawa, the latest on the search for Nancy Guthrie, and how close is Canada to a Carney majority? 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

Prime Minister Mark Carney got a third floor crosser from the Conservatives, putting the Liberal seat count at 169 out of the 172 needed for a majority government-- exactly where it was on election day. But here's the kicker-- three byelections need to be called in seats the Liberals won just one year ago. Meaning Carney is on the verge of securing Canada's first majority in a decade. And just a month after Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre received a 87% approval rating from his party, what sorts of conversations does his caucus need to have with one less member? Host Maria Kestane speaks to Mickey Djuric, a journalist who covers Parliament Hill for POLITICO, to discuss what Mark Carney might do with a majority, and the potential for future floor crossers - and a federal election. 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

Plus: Ukraine marks four years since Russia's invasion, U.S. President Donald Trump's State of the Union address, and the U.S. Men's Hockey team is under fire. 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

More than 26,000 Canadians remain stranded in Mexico, as the country grapples with cartel-related violence in the aftermath of El Mencho's death. The cartel leader, formally known as Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, was killed in a military-led operation on Sunday morning in Jalisco, Mexico, some 90 kilometres south of Guadalajara, and west of the popular resort town of Puerto Vallarta. He was known to be the head of one of the most violent criminal gangs in Mexico, the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. Host Maria Kestane speaks to Jerry Flores, sociology professor at the University of Toronto, to break down how Mexico has gotten to this point, what residents could see in the weeks to come, and how the country's government should move forward to break the pattern of gang-related violence paralyzing the country. 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

Plus: Tax-filing season begins, a new trip for the Prime Minister, Winter Games wrap-up, winners from the BAFTA awards, and how Canadian businesses are impacted by the U.S. tariff ruling. 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

Not even a Supreme Court ruling could stop US President Trump from using his second favourite 'T' word. Trump has once again threatened global tariffs on imported goods, first at 10%, then 15%, according to a Truth Social post over the weekend. But regardless of legal rulings, Canadian small business are caught in the crossfire, with sectoral tariffs still on the line. Host Caryn Ceolin speaks to Dan Kelly, President of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business to discuss how Canadian business are rethinking their strategies amid an unprecedented global market, and how the Canadian government should practice cautious optimism for future trade agreement and the negotiation of CUSMA. 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

Canada is a winter Olympic country-- with Canadians from coast to coast to coast getting excited every four years for our top athletes to clean house. But in Italy, Canadians have been noticing that we're a bit lower on the medal board than we're used to. So this week, we're asking: Is Canada investing enough in it's Olympic success? Host Catherine Jette speaks to Julie Stevens, a Professor of Sports Management at Brock University, to discuss how the Carney government can better support Canada's athletes. 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

Enjoy this special feed drop from our sister show 'In This Economy?!'.There's been a big focus on how Canada's auto industry has been dealing with the trade upheaval with the U.S., but what about the motorcycle market? And with spring (hopefully) around the corner, Canadian motorcycle enthusiasts are curious about the state of the market.Host Mike Eppel speaks to Landon French, President and CEO of Moto Canada, ahead of the Toronto Motorcycle and Powersport Show. The two discuss whether or not motorcycles are subject to tariffs, how the market has been affected by the trade disruption, and what trends Canada's tourism sector is observing. 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

Plus: A new poll finds two-thirds of Canadians support Prime Minister Mark Carney's economic plan and delivery pace, the fallout of former Prince Andrew's arrest, the latest on the Ryan Wedding case, and Day 14 at the Winter Games. 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

One by one, Ontario school boards are being taken under the control of the provincial government, as Education Minister Paul Calandra says is in an attempt to fix reported financial mismanagement. Instead, the ministry has either appointed supervisors to oversee boards, or in some cases, Calandra himself will take direct control - a job he claims comes with no extra pay. However critics believe the move is a power-hungry one, and comes at the expense of students' wellbeing, as well as local democracy. Host Maria Kestane speaks to 680 NewsRadio Queen's Park reporter, Richard Southern, and Vice President of the Ontario Secondary School Teacher's Federation, Colin Matthew, to break down what's behind the takeovers, and what they believe the Ford government has up its sleeve. 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

Plus: Another Conservative crosses the floor, Trump holds his first Board of Peace meeting, Day 13 at the Winter Games, and a new report on pneumonia hospitalizations. 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

A recent report from the Canadian Climate Institute expects Canada to fail in meeting its 2035 and 2050 emissions targets. It credits Ottawa for its reduction efforts, but says more carbon pricing policy, as well as provincial cooperation is needed for Canada to stay on track towards its targets.Host Caryn Ceolin speaks to Ross Linden-Fraser, co-author of the report and research lead at the Canadian Climate Institute to discuss the policies the Carney government needs to implement to help Canada reach its targets, and the everyday things Canadians can be doing to help us get there. 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

Plus: Canada's new top diplomat in Washington, controversial comments from a Southern Ontario MP, a search and rescue mission is underway in Northern California, and Trump's Gordie Howe Bridge threats and what he's really after. 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

Another Truth Social post, another crack in the Canada-US relationship.US President Trump threatened to stall the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge until 'the United States is fully compensated for everything we have given'. A complete 180 from his joint statement with former Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau back in 2017 when he called for its 'expeditious completion'. Host Caryn Ceolin speaks to David Paterson, Ontario's Representative in Washington, DC., to break down the details behind the bridge's construction, what sparked Trump's sudden interest in a potential blockade, and what options Ottawa has after another volatile Truth Social post. 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

Plus: The latest from Tumbler Ridge -- a week after a deadly mass shooting, Jesse Jackson dies at 84, Hollywood remembers Robert Duvall, and more medals at the Winter Games. 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

Skinny is in, and it doesn't help when the drugs that help us get there are set to get cheaper.Whether it's Ozempic or Wegovy, the cost of shrinking doesn't end with what you pay at the pharmacy. It bleeds into your everyday interactions - both with others and by yourself. And unless your results are being guided by a dietician or medical provider, who's to say how sustainable pay-as-you-go weight-loss actually is?Host Maria Kestane speaks to writer Brianne Cail to unpack her journey using weight-loss drugs, and the give-and-take at the cost of her wellbeing thanks to the cost of drugs. The two also discuss what safeguards Health Canada could implement to help patients move through prescribed weight-loss and weight management. 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

Enjoy this special feed drop of our sister show 'In This Economy?!'Canadian restaurant operators could be in for another rough year – thanks to uncertainty around trade with the U-S and higher food costs – along with a few other factors.And the industry, which has been struggling for years, is important to the country's economy. But the numbers are not trending in the right direction.Hope is not lost.Host Kris McCusker takes a closer look at a report from Restaurants Canada with the President and CEO, Kelly Higginson. 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

Plus: GST credit top-up coming, a new report on Canada's climate goals, Day 7 at the Winter Games, a Space-X launch, and the situation in Cuba. 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

Air Canada and West Jet are among the several airlines who've suspended travel to Cuba, as the country grapples with a Venezuelan oil blockade at the hands of US President Trump. As a result, the Island remains in critical condition, with the fuel shortage threatening electricity grids, and supply levels of basic necessities quickly dwindling. Host Caryn Ceolin speaks to Mark Entwistle, former Ambassador of Canada to Cuba and Senior Fellow at the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy. They discuss how the next few weeks could unfold if the US doesn't allow for oil shipments, and the potential of the Cuban regime crumbling. 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

Plus: Travel warnings for Cuba, Trump tariff talk, Canadian medals at the Winter Games, and Hollywood remembers James Van Der Beek. 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

Warning: this episode contains themes of gun violence and suicide. Please take care.British Columbia and the rest of Canada continue to mourn the innocent lives taken in a senseless school shooting at the Tumbler Ridge Secondary School this week. Host Caryn Ceolin speaks to Bruce Pitt-Payne, former RCMP major crimes investigator to break down what we know so far, how the investigation could shape up, and how the small community of 2400 is feeling in the aftermath of the tragedy.If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or thoughts of suicide, there are resources available.Call or text 9-8-8 for Canada's Suicide Crisis Helpline. For Kids Help Phone, call 1-800-668-6868 (toll-free) or text CONNECT to 686868. 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

Plus: An arrest linked to Ryan Wedding, new developments in the search for Nancy Guthrie, Day 5 at the Winter Games, and results of a new fraud poll. 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

The Canadian Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB) has invested nearly half a billion dollars in xAI, the artificial intelligence company behind Elon Musk's AI chatbot - Grok.The chatbot and its owner have received mounting criticism following the recent influx of deep-fake pornographic content of women and children on X's feeds - a catastrophe that Musk has contributed little to no resources to fix.Host Caryn Ceolin speaks to Jan Mahrt-Smith, associate professor of finance at the University of Toronto, to discuss the risks associated with investing in Musk's chatbot, how the 22 million Canadian investors could be feeling about the move, and whether or not Canadians still trust the government institution to handle their money. 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

Plus: Dispute over a bridge linking Michigan and Ontario, the cause of death of a comedy legend, a new Canadian study on allergies, and unpacking all the Easter Eggs in Bad Bunny's Superbowl halftime show. 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

13 minutes and more than 135 million viewers.Sunday's Bad Bunny Super Bowl halftime show was dressed with several cultural and political messages and symbols. Some more pronounced - such as the parading of the Puerto Rican flag - others more subliminal - like the use of electrical poles or white lawn chairs.Host Caryn Ceolin speaks to Juan Carlos Rocha Osornio, Associate Professor at the University of Toronto, to decode all the symbolism throughout the performance, and the cultural impact this halftime show will have during one of the most delicate, political times in American history. 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

Plus: Prince Edward Island has elected a Premier, a memorial game for three junior hockey players killed in a car crash, royal reaction to the Epstein files, and Canada's EV plan. 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

In a bid to help Canadians afford lower-emission vehicles, Ottawa unveiled a new EV strategy last week. Prime Minister Carney scrapped the Trudeau-era EV sale mandate, instead introducing rebates for customers and new emission standards for manufacturers. Host Caryn Ceolin speaks to Brian Kingston, President of the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers Association to make sense of how everyday Canadians will benefit from the strategy, whether or not the emission standards will further weaken our auto industry in the wake of US tariffs, and how much closer it will bring us to our 2050 goal of achieving net-zero emissions. 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

Enjoy this special feed drop of our sister show 'In This Economy?!'The Bank of Canada has described what happened to the economy in 2025 as a shift away from normal trade relations with the United States and elevated uncertainty for households and businesses.While Bank of Canada Governor Tiff Macklem has said what happens with the economy this year—and for interest rates—will be determined by the upcoming USMCA trade talks, today's guest argues there are much larger structural issues where you could argue the economy is already in a recession and needs dramatic policy changes by the federal government.Host Mike Eppel speaks to David Rosenberg, President and Founder, Rosenberg Research to discuss their predictions on the Canadian dollar and interest rates. 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

Plus: The truck driver who caused the deadly Humboldt Broncos bus crash is one step closer to deportation, investigators continue to search for Nancy Guthrie, Superbowl Sunday, and the PWHL's impact on the Olympics. 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

There was no such thing as the Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, but as the 2026 Winter Games kicks off in Milano Cortina, we're about to enter a new era of women's hockey.Teams now have the resources, coaches, and funding necessary to adequately support professional hockey. And not to mention the game itself - viewers will see a whole new side of the show on the ice.Host Catherine Jette speaks to Daniella Ponticelli, play-by-play sports broadcaster for the PWHL, and is among the first women to call the play-by-play for Olympic hockey. The two discuss the growth the league has experienced over the past two years, and how this new era of women's sports will ignite future generations of hopeful athletes. 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

Plus: A former Prime Minster speaks out, Guthrie's plea for the return of her abducted mother, obstacles for Team Canada at the Winter Games, and are you saving enough for retirement. 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

Retirement is not what it used to be – for a variety of reasons. A recent survey from the Bank of Montreal suggests it's becoming more difficult for Canadians to save like their parents did.Is that true?Host Kris McCusker speaks to John Sacke, Investment Advisor and Portfolio Manager for BMO Private Wealth about new trends - both the good and bad - and how young Canadians can capitalize to avoid making the same mistakes as their parents. 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

Plus: New developments in the desperate search for the mother of a 'Today Show' host, Canadians support more Chinese EVs to be sold in this country, the Winter Games get underway in Italy, and a Canadian dog wins best in show.  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

It was another dumping of Epstein files from the US Department of Justice this past week, this time releasing some three million pages of material from their investigations. And as the chunky, black blocks continue to make their way through the documents, so do names of some of the most powerful men in the world.In a stunning update, the Clintons have now agreed to testify in Congress in regards to allegations that connect the couple to the convicted sex offender.Host Caryn Ceolin speaks to Sarah Sahagian and Sadaf Ahsan, journalists and hosts of The Reheat, to break down the updates (or lack thereof) from the latest round of Epstein files, and to discuss what we could see unfold. 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

Plus: Officials continue to search for the mother of a Today Show host, tributes are pouring in after three junior hockey players in Alberta were killed in a crash, the Winter Olympics are fast approaching, and at what point does Alberta Separatism become a threat to national sovereignty? 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

The future of Alberta could either help strengthen Canadian interprovincial trade or mark a new chapter in America's history.Either way, the roadmap to the outcome has put our country's sovereignty at a threat. So much so that BC Premier David Eby called out separatists who went to the White House in recent weeks as 'treasonous'. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, however, struggled to denounce their actions out of fear of losing her voter base.Host Caryn Ceolin speaks to Alberta NDP Leader, Naheed Nenshi, to break down Smith's current balancing act, how provincial politics plays a role in the future of Canada's sovereignty, and what he believes Ottawa should do to prevent the potential of foreign interference from south of the border. 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

Plus: Groundhog Day 2026, Ottawa's plans for GST relief is set to cost $12.4 billion over 5 years, preparations are underway for a space launch, and is Canada being impacted by the ICE raids 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

Almost a month after the fatal shooting of US citizen, Renee Good in Minneapolis, Immigrations and Customs Enforcement officers continue to disrupt and terrorize communities across Minnesota - and the US at large.And as Canada finds its footing with new international allies and trading partners, our relationship with our closest neighbour has never been more delicate than right now, especially considering the close-to 900km border we share with the state of Minnesota.Host Richard Southern speaks to Patrick Lennox, national security expert and author of 'At Home and Abroad: The Canada–US Relationship and Canada's Place in the World'. The two discuss how the ICE raids and protests in the US could affect Canadian politics, and what our leaders should be doing in the wake of the violence and fatalities. 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