The Big Story

Democrats and Republicans are clashing south of the border, and it's led to a government shutdown.The two parties are locked in a dispute over health care funding, but the standoff has also led to federal services being suspended, workers not getting paid, funding for “blue” states being cut, and a flurry of memes and AI videos that have been described as racist.Host Cormac Mac Sweeney speaks with NBC News Senior Washington Editor Sarah Mimms about the cause of the shut down, the impact on Americans, how long this may last, and what problems this could cause for Canadian travelers and businesses. 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 @thebigstoryfpn on Twitter

From balancing busy schedules to shifting interests, managing friendships as an adult can sometimes feel like a task. Throw in the pandemic's impact on social interactions and managing conversations around divisive politics…and you have a recipe for strained relationships (perhaps even before they start).Host Melanie Ng speaks with clinical psychologist Dr. Loren Soeiro about how to take inventory of your friendships in order to make more meaningful connections. 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 @thebigstoryfpn on Twitter

The European Union recently banned the sale and use of Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide - also known as TPO - for its alleged reproductive toxicant qualities. Most gel nail polishes contain TPO, as it's the key ingredient to ensure a shiny finish after hardening following exposure to UV light.However, Canada has yet to take any similar action, considering its risk-based model for product regulation. But if the writing is on the wall about TPO's dangers, what is stopping Health Canada from taking a proactive stance on reproductive safety?Host Maria Kestane speaks to Miriam Diamond, a professor in the department of earth sciences & The School of the Environment at the University of Toronto to discuss the different regulatory approaches between the EU and Canada, and how Canadians can make their own informed choices on the treatments they pay for. 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 @thebigstoryfpn on Twitter

Today, Canadians from coast to coast will confront the dark legacy of residential schools and honour the children who never came home. But on this National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, there are demands for more than just reflection.Indigenous communities are at a critical point in relations with Prime Minister Mark Carney over new legislation that fast-tracks big energy and infrastructure projects, calling into focus Indigenous sovereignty and whether the country is moving backwards on the long road of reconciliation.Host Caryn Ceolin speaks with Assembly of First Nations Yukon Regional Chief Kluane Adamek about what reconciliation looks like in an era of global uncertainty, and how Canadians can meaningfully carry this work forward well beyond one day. 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 @thebigstoryfpn on Twitter

It's a feeling you only want to feel once - the panic of suspecting an abrupt light flash as you're driving, only to receive a ticket in the mail a few weeks later with a picture of your car next to an owed-amount for speeding. Well, it's a feeling Ontarians soon won't be feeling ever again.Premier Ford plans to put pen to paper on his dislike for speed enforcement cameras, announcing last week his government's incoming legislation to ban them in a fight against what he calls a 'cash-grab', after the fact safety tool. Instead, he's investing to help municipalities implement speed bumps, round abouts and other traffic-calming measures. But it's a move that's garnered as much support as it has pushback, with groups pleading with Ford to think twice before canning a tool that saves lives and makes drivers think twice before using their heavy foot. Host Maria Kestane speaks to Benjamin Wolfe, assistant professor of psychology at the University of Toronto, and Co-Director of the Applied Perception and Psychophysics Laboratory to discuss what the changes in road safety measures could look like, and how driver behaviour is influenced way before someone gets in their car and turns the key. 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 @thebigstoryfpn on Twitter

A recent report from the University of Ottawa shows 22 out of the 34 municipalities in Ontario were given failing grades in regards to taxes and red tape restrictions surrounding development acceleration.And unfortunately, Toronto seems to be wearing that 'F' right on its sleeve, reporting under 120 new condo sales in the month of August - a number that hasn't been that low in decades.And with the federal government making legislation to increase not just more housing, but affordable housing, how can we reignite builds?Host Mike Eppel speaks to Residential Construction Council of Ontario President Richard Lyall to get the answers.Do you have a topic that's confounding you in this economy? We'll be happy to dig into it for you and get you the answers you need. Email us at: rogerspodcastnetwork@rci.rogers.com. Thank you for listening! 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 @thebigstoryfpn on Twitter

This week, from a White House lectern and televised to the world, President Donald Trump gave an explicit warning to America's pregnant women: Tylenol use during pregnancy could lead to autism.The claim is contradicted by decades of scientific research that has not conclusively demonstrated a causal link.It's alarmed health experts who say Trump's comments also amplify an entrenched prejudice around women's pain, with real-life consequences.Host Caryn Ceolin speaks with Sabina Vohra-Miller, a Doctor of Public Health candidate and expert in clinical pharmacology, about how unproven medical advice from the highest levels of government can actively endanger women's health. 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 @thebigstoryfpn on Twitter

Prime Minister Mark Carney joined several key allies this week at the United Nations General Assembly in adding their names to the list of countries recognizing Palestinian statehood. The move is an attempt to increase pressure toward a two state solution amid the war between Israel and Hamas.Will recognition help lead to a two state solution, will it embolden Hamas, and can Canada do more to hasten a ceasefire? Host Cormac Mac Sweeney speaks with Colin Robertson, a former Canadian diplomat who served at the U.N., to get the answers. 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 @thebigstoryfpn on Twitter

Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel has returned to television screens, but concerns linger over whether free speech in America is under threat.Kimmel's short-lived suspension, which followed a thinly-veiled threat from a top Trump official, was viewed by many as the latest example of government censorship.Even before Kimmel went dark, a government crackdown aimed at silencing the president's critics was already underway, igniting a firestorm of debate about one of America's most sacred civil liberties.Host Caryn Ceolin speaks with Eugene Volokh, Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution at Stanford University, to discuss the Trump administration's power to limit what people can say, and why free speech everywhere is vulnerable. 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 @thebigstoryfpn on Twitter

A flotilla of ships has set sail from the western end of the Mediterranean to the Gaza Strip, where a devastating war has destroyed much of the Palestinian territory. The ships hope to transport food, water and medicine, in defiance of Israel's naval blockade of the Gaza Strip.But the flotilla is unlikely to reach its destination. Nearly all attempts to deliver aid to Gaza by sea have been intercepted by Israeli forces. Compounding fears of possible violence, one of the Gaza-bound vessels taking part in this latest mission was struck by a suspected drone earlier this month while docked in Tunisia.Host Caryn Ceolin speaks to Toronto-based pro-Palestinian activist Zaheera Soomar from her boat in the Mediterranean, about the mission to deliver aid to Gaza, and why she's willing to risk her life to do it. 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 @thebigstoryfpn on Twitter

The Bank of Canada has cut interest rates for the first time since March, and just a few hours later - on the same day - the U-S Federal Reserve followed suit with its first cut this year.It comes with both economies struggling, but that's where the similarities end.The two central banks have very different mandates, and while trade uncertainty has made the job tricky on both sides of the border, two distinct but connected stories continue to play out.There are also concerns about Canada's real estate market - and how interest rates could impact access to affordable housing.Host Kris McCusker speaks to Randall Bartlett, Deputy Chief Economist at Desjardins Group, about both decisions, the thinking behind the cuts, and what might be coming next. 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 @thebigstoryfpn on Twitter

Enjoy this special feed drop of Bite Back with Abbey Sharp. In today's episode of Bite Back with Abbey Sharp, I'm joined by Canadian actor, podcaster, and cystic fibrosis advocate Jeremie Saunders, host of the hit show SickBoy. Building on his lived experience with CF, Jeremie has built a platform that breaks stigma and opens up real conversations about what it means to live well with chronic illness. Together, we talk about the disorienting reality of rapid body changes — whether from medication, illness, or simply moving through different stages of life — and how to navigate these shifts with compassion and grace. This conversation goes beyond chronic disease, offering lessons that resonate with anyone who's ever struggled with body image, identity, or change.Here's a run down of what we discussed in today's episode:IntroductionLife With Cystic FibrosisFood Challenges With Cystic FibrosisTrikafta and the Metabolic ShiftBecoming a Stranger in Your Own BodyBody Changes, CF, and the Rise of #SkinnyTokDiet Culture Temptations and Disordered EatingWhen Wellness Culture Gets It WrongWhy “Natural” Isn't a Moral FlexHumour as a Tool for Coping With Chronic IllnessSelf-Compassion Through Body ChangesGratitude, Growth, and Moving ForwardCheck in with today's amazing guest:Podcast: SickboyInstagram: @jeremiesaundersYoutube: /sickboymediaDisclaimer: The content in this episode is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is never a substitute for medical advice. If you're struggling with with your mental or physical health, please work one on one with a health care provider.If you have heard yourself in our discussion today, and are looking for support, contact the free NEDIC helpline at 1-866-NEDIC-20 or go to eatingdisorderhope.com.

One by one, companies are mandating their employees to kiss their hybrid work-from-home model goodbye and head back into the office. But what once was before the pandemic rocked society's work-life balance, is no longer, and companies need to take the extra mile to ensure their offices pose as a productive workspace for their employees to thrive in.Host of In This Economy!? Mike Eppel speaks to Sarah Bramley, Senior VP, Workplace Advisory for Colliers Canada. She co-authored a recent report that detailed the relationship between a great office space and increased productivity. 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 @thebigstoryfpn on Twitter

To post-secondary or to not post-secondary?The back and forth for almost 40% of Canadians who feel unsure whether or not higher education is worth their time and money. A recent Ipsos survey for CourseCompare, a data-based platform on Canadian post-secondary information, revealed that their Gen Z respondents felt the most confused about the value of post-secondary education, with 46% saying they were unsure about what good a degree or diploma could do for them. And besides the numbers, an overall pendulum swing in sentiment towards higher education is also driving uncertainty towards staying in school. Couple that with high tuition prices, changing student visa legislation, and AI's role, and the pendulum just keeps on swinging. Host Pooja Handa speaks to Robert Furtado, the CEO of CourseCompare to discuss their Return on Education index, a database that categorizes which degrees and diplomas give you the best return on investment. The two also talk about what skills you need to protect yourself from the current volatile job market.You can learn more about CourseCompare here:https://www.coursecompare.ca/https://www.coursecompare.ca/roe-index/ 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 @thebigstoryfpn on Twitter

It's been a busy start to the fall sitting of Parliament.Ahead of the end of its first week back, long-time minister Chrystia Freeland announced she decided to leave her cabinet post at Transport, while the Prime Minister announced her appointment as a new special envoy to Ukraine. Meanwhile the Ottawa confirmed its budget will be coming November 4th, with a substantial deficit attached.Host Cormac Mac Sweeney speaks with Tyler Meredith, a former economic advisor to the government, about Freeland's departure and legacy, and what to expect in the delayed fiscal 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 @thebigstoryfpn on Twitter

There are growing calls from some federal and provincial politicians for the Carney government to abolish Canada's temporary foreign worker program, claiming companies are using the it to find cheaper labour. The push came after the job numbers for August showed tens of thousands of losses and a high unemployment rate for young Canadians.But the government is pushing back, saying TFW use is in significant decline and the program is needed. So what's really happening with Canada's job market and are foreign workers to blame?Host Cormac Mac Sweeney speaks with McGill economics professor Fabian Lange to find out.  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 @thebigstoryfpn on Twitter

The denouncement of political violence has never been louder than right now in America, but the gap that positions itself between the country's opposing political ideologies has simultaneously never been wider. In the wake of Charlie Kirk's death, Americans and the world at large, have become reminded, once again, just how severe the reality of political violence has become. Death threats towards politicians, the notorious acts of January 6, and calculated assassinations of influential public figures - to name a few. But what about Canada? How sensitive are we to political violence? And what can be done to further distance our reality from that of America's?Host Caryn Ceolin speaks to Justin Ling, a freelance journalist and author of the Bug-eyed and Shameless newsletter to do a pulse check of where things stand on this side of the border, and how Canadians can take matters into their own hands to prevent further widening the political polarization gap. 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 @thebigstoryfpn on Twitter

Federal politicians are back in their seats in the House of Commons today, to kick start the fall sitting of Parliament.It's expected to be a jam packed agenda for the next few months, as the federal government continues to try and stickhandle the tariff war with the US, put together a balancing act budget, releases a new housing plan, and unveils new trade and climate strategies. All this as the opposition parties sort out lingering leadership questions.Host Cormac Mac Sweeney speaks with Mount Royal University political scientist Lori Williams who breaks down the challenges and political risks facing the Carney government. 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 @thebigstoryfpn on Twitter

The name Terry Fox is synonymous with courage, perseverance and promise. After losing his leg at just 18 years old, his run across Canada inspired generations to come – and to date, has raised over $900 million for cancer research. His journey was deeply rooted in wanting to do more, by raising awareness and to help others see strength, not weakness. These same sentiments were true for George Hincks and Marshall McDougall, two Canadian men who both had a leg amputated as a result of injuries sustained in World War I. Their hike across our nation is a story you may not have heard - but once you do, you will never forget.Host Melanie Ng speaks with Eric Story, the author of a feature about George Hincks and Marshall McDougall. Eric is an adjunct professor at Wilfrid Laurier University and a postdoctoral fellow at Western University. 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 @thebigstoryfpn on Twitter

One of Earth's closest planetary neighbours could be harbouring life of its own.That's the finding concluded from what a rock sample, collected by NASA's Perseverance Mars rover, obtained during its time out there. Researchers say that a biosignature was potentially found within the sample, indicating a sign of past or current life on the planet.Host Cormac Mac Sweeney speaks to Dr. Mariek Schmidt, a professor at Brock University, and one of the several Canadian researches a part of NASA's team to discuss how her and the team made the discovery, and how it compares to how life on our planet began. 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 @thebigstoryfpn on Twitter

Being its victim stings pretty bad, but is the hurt worth a criminal record?One - or several - speed camera vandals took to the streets of Toronto this past week, making their mark and message on radar technology loud and clear, damaging 16 over the span of one night. And not to mention, the vandals' most sacred target, the Parkside Drive camera that was vandalized 7 times in less than a year. Ontario's Premier denounced the radar technology, calling it a cash grab, and saying he wants them gone from cities. However, safety advocates are sounding the alarm on Ford's comments, calling them dangerous and out of touch.Although dozens of citizens took to social media to share their gratitude for the vandals' Robin Hood-esque style, it begs the question of how far can criminal activity be mimicked and celebrated before it goes too far?Host Richard Southern speaks to Jacqueline Helfgott, a criminology and forensics professor at Seattle University to break down the intersection of media, crime, and notoriety that perpetrates what she calls 'copy-cat crime'. 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 @thebigstoryfpn on Twitter

Russia is being accused of provoking Poland and its NATO allies, after multiple drones violated its airspace during a Russian aerial attack on Ukraine.As NATO fighter jets engaged potential enemy targets in allied airspace, Prime Minister Donald Tusk activated Article 4, signaling his country considered its territorial integrity and security under threat.But regardless of whether the infiltration by Russia was deliberate or accidental, Western officials have few doubts the Kremlin is testing NATO's resolve.Host Caryn Ceolin is joined by Tim Sayle, associate professor of history and director of the International Relations Program at the University of Toronto, to discuss how the latest incursion raises the stakes between Russia and the security alliance, and what comes next. 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 @thebigstoryfpn on Twitter

A little screen time while on the toilet doesn't hurt anybody......the key word here is 'little'.A recent study published in the medical journal, PLOS, shows that those who bring their smartphone with them to do some scrolling while using the bathroom, tend to sit on the toilet longer, increasing their risk for hemorrhoids. Yes, it could be a dagger in the heart for those who see their phone-toilet time as a moment of solitude, however, there are ways you can still enjoy your scrolling while protecting yourself - literally.Host Maria Kestane speaks to Dr. Trisha Pasricha, an assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and the senior author of the study to discuss how you can make the right choices while conducting business. 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 @thebigstoryfpn on Twitter

There are still calls for Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to step down as the U-S Secretary of Health and Human Services after an intense and – at times – combative hearing in Washington.Kennedy has been criticized by people in his own party – and his own family – for some of the decisions he has made around health care since being sworn in earlier this year.And some of his decisions could impact Canada and Canadians.Host Kris McCusker speaks to Dr. Kashif Pirzada – a Toronto-based emergency physician and co-chair of the Canadian Covid Society about how Kennedy could change things on this side of the border – decades after the introduction of vaccines brought in a different kind of change. 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 @thebigstoryfpn on Twitter

Woodrow Wilson's hidden stroke. Franklin Roosevelt's hidden wheelchair. John F. Kennedy's chronic back pain. There is a historical tendency to obscure the health problems of American presidents from public view.But justifiable question surrounding how far loyal aides and the White House will go to conceal the full picture of the president's health – and the media's role in uncovering it – are increasingly being raised following President Joe Biden's medical decline.Washington journalists find themselves grappling yet again with the fair, but sensitive issue, after unfounded speculation about Donald Trump's health – and impending death – recently spread online.Host Caryn Ceolin is joined by American author, presidential historian and journalist Garrett Graff to discuss how the president's health should be covered in an age as volatile as 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 @thebigstoryfpn on Twitter

Finding a job is difficult for anyone right now, but especially for a certain sector.Young people are having difficulty finding work. In fact, the youth unemployment rate this summer has been up to nearly 15%.A new study is taking a look at the root causes and offering some possible solutions.Host of In This Economy!? Mike Eppel speaks to L.J. Valencia, one of the co-authors of the Desjardins report. 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 @thebigstoryfpn on Twitter

Prime Minister Mark Carney and his inner circle gathered in Toronto this week for a two day cabinet ‘planning forum' to set priorities ahead of the Fall sitting of Parliament.At the strategy session, Canadians learned the upcoming budget will be focused on both austerity and investment, and more developments have been revealed in our trade talks with the Trump administration.Host Cormac Mac Sweeney speaks with CityNews Political Reporter Glen McGregor, who covered the cabinet meeting and shares his insights. 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 @thebigstoryfpn on Twitter

Your social media feeds are probably littered with back to school pictures, kids smiling ear to ear. Unfortunately, while we all hope for a positive experience for the next generation, the sad reality is that our youth are facing issues that need attention now.The newly released Raising Canada report says more than 70 per cent of Canadian youth aged 12 to 17 experienced bullying in the last year (with cyberbullying on the rise), and more than 13 per cent of children were living in poverty by the end of 2024 – and these numbers are growing.Host Melanie Ng speaks with Sara Austin, CEO and founder of Children First Canada. The organization is urging immediate action from policy-makers, especially as the fall parliamentary session gets underway. 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 @thebigstoryfpn on Twitter

The Alberta government has reversed its July order for schools to remove books and other materials that contain explicit sexual content.The pause came after several critics spoke out against the Edmonton Public school board's list of the more than 200 titles it planned on pulling from its library shelves.But Premier Danielle Smith and Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides didn't seem to hit the pause button because of those outcries, nor did they indicate how long it should last.Host Maria Kestane speaks to Sean Amato, Alberta political reporter for CityNews, to discuss the potential of the ban rematerializing as the new school year continues to settle in, and who else - other than Margaret Atwood - Premier Smith is looking for support from. 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 @thebigstoryfpn on Twitter

Canada Post is the country's crown mail courier, but year after year, Canadians seem to be seeing less and less of their prominent blue, red and white logo. And the company itself seems to be seeing less green, too, so much so they've remained in a consistent deficit since 2017. Their latest data shows a record $407 million loss throughout the second quarter, and with its 55,000 employees carrying on their overtime ban after being legislated back to work following their 2024 holiday strike, the numbers will continue to trend downward.Host Maria Kestane speaks to Ian Lee, associate professor at the Sprott School of Business at Carleton University, to discuss what lies ahead for the crown corporation if they choose to ignore the writing on the wall, and where contract talks between the company and the union stand more than 21 months later. 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 @thebigstoryfpn on Twitter

Despite weeks of whirlwind American diplomacy, Russia sent wave after wave of drones and missiles across Kyiv and other cities on Thursday.It was the fiercest attack on the Ukrainian capital since President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin met two weeks ago in Alaska, and the clearest indication yet of the Kremlin's resolve to continue its bombardment of Ukraine, leaving the two sides no closer to securing a diplomatic off-ramp.Host Caryn Ceolin speaks with Oleksa Drachewych, an assistant professor of history at Western University, about the challenges in forging a lasting peace in the largest land war in Europe since World War II. 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 @thebigstoryfpn on Twitter

Here we go again.Trade talks between Canada and the US are back on following a lengthy pause between the two sides. Our Canada-US Trade Minister flew down to Washington this week to resume negotiations. Canada dropped many retaliatory tariffs in order to get everyone back to the bargaining table.So what now, and will Canada be able to achieve what other countries can't on sectoral tariffs?Host Cormac Mac Sweeney dives deeper into the latest round of trade talks with lawyer William Pellerin of McMillan LLP. 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 @thebigstoryfpn on Twitter

Dozens of online influencers are using their platform to spread financial literacy, which continues to have a growing impact on younger generations looking to get into investing, saving and making more money.And although cybercriminals have been around for decades, they're capitalizing on social media users with the help of artificial intelligence in the form of deep fakes or fraudulent advertisements to get your money and information. Host Mike Eppel speaks to Tony Anscombe, chief security evangelist at ESET to discuss the signs to look out for, and how to protect yourself and your wallet from being one of the millions of cybercrime victims. 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 @thebigstoryfpn on Twitter

On an unannounced trip to Ukraine over the weekend, Prime Minister Mark Carney hinted at the possibility that Canada could have a military presence in Ukraine as a part of a coalition to maintain a ceasefire if Ukraine and Russia can agree to one.Host Cormac Mac Sweeney speaks with Christian Leuprecht, professor at the Royal Military College and Editor of the Canadian Military Journal about whether our military is ready for such an operation, what the risks are, and whether this could mirror operations from the Cold War. 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 @thebigstoryfpn on Twitter

Basking in the sun, late patio nights and the sweetest of sleep-ins. The relaxed and unstructured schedule of summer vacation is glorious…but unfortunately it's almost time to get back to reality. Whether it's back to school or back to your work routine, when it comes to sleep, the time is now.Host Melanie Ng speaks with Alanna McGinn, CEO of Good Night Sleep Site, about the A to Zzz's of sleep including the physical and mental impact, PLUS the do's and don'ts when it comes to sleeping aids, certain foods and technology.You can learn more about Alanna's work here:Instagram: instagram.com/alanna.mcginnWebsite: https://alannamcginn.com 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 @thebigstoryfpn on Twitter

Flight attendants at Air Canada are set to vote on a tentative contract starting next Wednesday after a 3 day strike left tens of thousands of travellers stranded.This labour dispute was VERY different from some of the other recent walk outs, drawing attention to Section 107 of the Canadian Labour Code, and potentially changing the landscape for unions in the years to come.Host Kris McCusker speaks to Emma Arkell, a labour journalist at Press Progress about all the ups and downs, and what it might mean for other unions, like CUPW, looking for new contracts. 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 @thebigstoryfpn on Twitter

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is heading back to Parliament Hill after his by-election win in Alberta this week.The federal Conservative Leader won the riding of Battle River-Crowfoot with 80.4 per cent of the vote, a decisive victory that affirmed his support among rank-and-file party members and sets the stage for a showdown in the House of Commons opposite Prime Minister Mark Carney.But the vote in Battle River-Crowfoot was just the first of several tests ahead for the re-seated Opposition Leader in his broader quest to become prime minister.Host Caryn Ceolin is joined by Lewis Krashinsky, a political scientist at the University of Toronto, to discuss the challenges that will determine Poilievre's second shot at government. 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 @thebigstoryfpn on Twitter

Canada is slowly starting to become desensitized to crime involving youth - not because it's no longer worrisome, but because it happens more often than not. Why are 13 year old's finding themselves at the centre of homicide investigations? Why are 17 year old's being held on remand and not picking out what post-secondary educational program they want to go into? Are the headlines telling a different story than that of the data? Host Maria Kestane speaks to Dr. Kim Varma, a criminology professor at Toronto Metropolitan University to discuss what we can make of this growing trend of crime headlines surrounding youth teens, and how all corners of society are responsible from keeping youth from getting acquainted with the justice system. 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 @thebigstoryfpn on Twitter

Amanda Carrasco lived through a childhood full of deep, complex trauma.She endured sexual abuse by her brother, her family was violently murdered and she was left to pick up the pieces. Instead of burying her pain, she did the opposite: Amanda sat face-to-face with her abuser and the man who killed her loved ones. Her goal? The pursuit of truth, accountability and a path to healing.Host Melanie Ng speaks with Amanda about her shocking new memoir “Becoming The Brave One” and the transformative potential of restorative justice as a way to help survivors and communities.You can learn more about Amanda's stories here:Website - https://amandacarrasco.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/amanda_the_brave_one 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 @thebigstoryfpn on Twitter

Data centres are being used to power tech companies all around the world.In the U-S alone, there are more than 5-thousand facilities.And the facilities use up valuable resources, which could leave some communities without things like water – according to a new report.Host Kris McCusker speaks to Miguel Yanez-Barnuevo and Dan Bressette with the Environmental and Energy Study Institute about the second of 3 reports, which take a deep dive into the environmental impacts of technology and things like artificial intelligence. 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 @thebigstoryfpn on Twitter

Being a farmer in Canada isn't easy at the best of times, and there's a new big challenge ahead.This week, China announced a hefty tariff on our canola products, which happens to be this country's largest agricultural export.Billions of dollars are at stake - so how damaging could this be?Host of In This Economy?! Mike Eppel speaks with Mike von Massow, a professor in the Department of Food, Agriculture and Resource Economics at the University of Guelph. 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 @thebigstoryfpn on Twitter

The West has long sought to make Vladimir Putin a pariah over the bloodshed in Ukraine.But the Russian leader will break out of international isolation and step foot on U.S. soil, welcomed by an American president eager to fulfill his promise of stopping the war.European leaders who held a virtual conference with Donald Trump earlier this week, say he agreed ceding land can only be negotiated by Kyiv.But behind closed doors, without the war-torn country represented in the room, anything can happen.Host Caryn Ceolin speaks with history professor Elizabeth Wood about what Putin and Trump each want, and why there are still lingering fears their summit could end up selling out Ukraine like one of Trump's real estate deals. 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 @thebigstoryfpn on Twitter