This is Vancouver’s bona fide culture and politics podcast. Hosted by Mo Amir, parse through the relevant issues with the city’s most colourful personalities. With its heart on its sleeve and caution thrown to the wind, this is a podcast that is provocative, informative, and sometimes emotional. This is VANCOLOUR
Elementary schools in Surrey, British Columbia are running out of paper! This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir asks Lizanne Foster (President, Surrey Teachers Association) if these are isolated cases of mismanagement or if they reflect something more systemic in B.C. schoolsRecorded: April 21, 2025
Do tough-on-crime sentences actually prevent crime? This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir asks criminal defense lawyer Kyla Lee (Acumen Law) and motivational speaker Guy Felicella on whether or not crime prevention is being properly discussed in Canada's federal election.Recorded: April 21, 2025
Elbows up! Are Canadians actually cancelling their travel plans to the United States? This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir asks travel guru Claire Newell about the travel trends and what travel deals may be out there for Canadian travellers.Recorded: April 21, 2025
Who keeps home values so high in British Columbia: Baby boomers or politicians? Maybe both? This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir asks the Angry Mortgage Podcast's Ron Butler about the entrenched, political interests that keep housing expensive throughout Canada. Plus, is Vancouver sowing the seeds for the next housing supply shortage in a few years? Real estate analyst Steve Saretsky points to some concerning trends in real estate development and construction. Finally, if you're a renter, under what circumstances can your landlord evict you legally? What recourse do renters have to make sure evictions are by the book? Kyla Lee (Acumen Law) explains the legal basics when it comes to evictions in British Columbia.Recorded: April 8, 2025
Does Conservative Party of Canada leader Pierre Poilievre give women "the ick"? This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir asks world-famous, Canadian gynecologist Dr. Jenn Gunter to explain some of the recent outrage over Poilievre's comments about women's "biological clocks". Plus, did CTV cave to a bad-faith harassment campaign when they pulled an independent journalist off the air? Rachel Gilmore speaks to the seemingly coordinated campaign she faced from political operatives, media personalities, and online trolls. Lastly, celebrities usually fawn over Vancouver. But Malcolm in the Middle star Frankie Muniz's recent trip to Vancouver didn't start off so hot. Fiona Forbes reports on other celebrities who weren't super fond of Vancouver, either.Recorded: April 7, 2025
The Crunch with J.J. McCullough: American content creators - like Joe Rogan, Logan Paul, Adin Ross - had a huge influence on the U.S. Presidential Election. But will Canadian content creators have the same impact in Canada? This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir and YouTuber J.J. McCullough discuss!Recorded: March 31, 2025
As an experienced B.C. Cabinet Minister - including being Minister of Finance with five consecutive balanced budgets to his name - Mike de Jong was poised to be a star candidate for the Conservative Party of Canada. So why did Pierre Poilievre's inner circle reportedly deem him "unqualified" as they rejected his nomination bid in Abbotsford-South Langley? Mike sits down with This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir to explain what happened. Recorded: March 31, 2025
With the Canadian federal election in full swing, This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir wonders if Prime Minister Mark Carney has more to explain about Brookfield Asset Management's investment funds in Bermuda, a known tax haven. Recorded: March 31, 2025
Tea-Time with Tamara: Canada's 2025 federal election campaign has begun! All the parties have begun to roll out the lofty promises, mud-slinging, and signs! But do campaign signs actually have an impact on elections? Tamara Taggart - a former political candidate herself - spills the tea with This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir. Recorded: March 24, 2025
This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir welcomes home CBC Vancouver's Justin McElroy, who has returned home to British Columbia after spending a year travelling the world! In all that time, what did Justin learn about B.C... by being away from B.C.? Recorded: March 24, 2025
Is Pierre Poilievre blowing the federal election for the Conservative Party of Canada? This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir explains how dramatic swings in the polls may be explained by Poilievre's unserious personality.Recorded: March 24, 2025
What can B.C. Premier David Eby and the provincial government actually do to boost British Columbia's economy? This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir asks Greater Vancouver Board of Trade CEO Bridgitte Anderson to explain the opportunities and limitations that the province faces.Recorded: March 17, 2025
Vancouver-Quilchena MLA Dallas Brodie was recently expelled from the Conservative Party of BC for her comments about residential school survivors. This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir asks Wade Grant of the Musqueam First Nation to explain what exactly was so hurtful about Brodie's comments and how such comments contribute to misinformation about Canada's history of residential schools.Recorded: March 17, 2025
The Low Road Report: Are Canadians taking the "low road" when they boo The Star Spangled Banner and boycott American booze? This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir asks Vancouver-based comedian (and American) Dino Archie about how Canada's vocal responses to US President Donald Trump's tariff threats looks like from the outside.Recorded: March 17, 2025
Are your 40s the new 30s? Not really, according to comedian Katie-Ellen Humphries who has life advice for the freshly-forty, like This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir.Recorded: March 10, 2025
It's hot tips for the apocalypse! With everything that's happening in the world, how should you think about your money? This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir asks financial columnist Mark Ting (Foundation Wealth) for personal finance advice in the world of Trump, tariffs, and impending doom!Recorded: March 10, 2025
How do you cultivate a happy marriage? This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir asks lovebirds - and 96.9 JACK FM radio co-hosts - Christy and Fraser for their secrets to achieving relationship success! Recorded: March 10, 2025
BONUS PODCAST: This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir, Kareem Allam, and Angelo Isidorou unpack the 2025 B.C. Budget and the recent infighting within the Conservative Party of BC caucus.Kareem Allam is a Founding Partner of Richardson Strategy Group. He was the Campaign Manager for BC United (formerly BC Liberal Party) leader Kevin Falcon's successful BC Liberal leadership campaign.Angelo Isidorou is the Executive Director for the Conservative Party of British Columbia.RECORDED: March 10, 2025
Is the corporate consolidation of veterinary clinics across Canada affecting the cost and quality of care for your furry family members? This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir asks animal law lawyer and saint to your pets, Rebeka Breder about what's happening to pet care in Canada.Recorded: March 3, 2025
Can your employer restrict what views and opinions you express? What about free speech? This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir asks The President of the B.C. Civil Liberties Association Hasan Alam about the nature of Canada's freedom of expression and why it's a little more complicated in an employment setting. Recorded: March 3, 2025
Elon Musk said Canada isn't a real country, so perhaps Canada should take away his real passport? That's what a parliamentary petition originating in Nanaimo B.C. wants! This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir asks lawyer Meika Lalonde (McCrea Immigration Law) whether or not the Canadian government can legally strip Musk of his Canadian citizenship. Recorded: March 3, 2025
PODCAST EXCLUSIVE EPISODE:Rebecca Bligh is a twice-elected Vancouver City Councillor. She was first elected to Vancouver City Council in 2018, as part of the NPA, Vancouver's oldest political party. She left the NPA in 2019, to sit the remainder of her first term as an independent.In 2022, Rebecca was re-elected to City Council with ABC Vancouver and Mayor Ken Sim in their clean-sweep election victory. Last month, she was kicked out of the ABC Vancouver caucus, so she – once again – sits in Vancouver City Council as an independent.Recorded: March 3, 2025
As Canada faces an economic (and existential!) threat from the United States, This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir asks former Conservative Party of Canada leader Erin O'Toole whether now is the time to freak out. What should Canada's federal government and provincial governments be doing to strengthen their position with the Americans in trade negotiations? Plus, is drug trafficking out of Canada really as bad as the Americans say it is? Investigative journalist Sam Cooper (The Bureau) explains what we know about Canada's illicit drug production and exportation: Is Canada a 'fentanyl problem' for the rest of the world? Will Canada's newly appointed "Fentanyl Czar" satisfy the Americans? And will the Fentanyl Czar actually crack down on organized crime?Recorded: February 24, 2025
"Kyla's Court": Did the anti-immigrant protest in St. Albert, Alberta last month constitutes a "hate crime"? This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir asks Kyla Lee (Acumen Law) to explain what is - and isn't - a "hate crime", legally speaking. And, it's complicated.Recorded: February 13, 2025
How badly is red tape hurting Canadian businesses (and health care) that are already under immense pressure? This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir asks the Canadian Federation of Independent Business' Emily Boston to explain red tape (what is it exactly?). Is there one level of government, in particular, that can be blamed?Recorded: February 13, 2025
What do Liberal Party leadership frontrunner Mark Carney and Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre have in common? This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir argues that they - fundamentally - have more in common than either of them would like to admit.Recorded: February 13, 2025
1.2 million British Columbians (and growing) are on wait lists to see a medical specialist. This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir asks Dr. Robert Carruthers how this affects the delivery of health care in the province.Recorded: February 10, 2025
Metro Vancouver has been making headlines for its "broken" governance. But, what is Metro Vancouver? And why is Metro Vancouver's expenditure of taxpayer dollars in the news now, all of a sudden? This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir asks District of North Vancouver Councillor Catherine Pope, who has been raising the alarm for the last year.Recorded: February 10, 2025
"The Crunch with J.J. McCullough": As different Canadian Premiers react to US President Donald Trump's threat of trade tariffs, This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir asks YouTuber J.J. McCullough which leader has resonated most with Canadians (and Americans).Recorded: February 10, 2025
You've seen him on Jimmy Kimmel Live and all over your social media feeds, but now Vancouver rapper and singer-songwriter bbno$ is on CHEK! This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir asks bbno$ about his transition from competitive swimmer to world-famous rapper, his online beef with Andrew Tate, and his very public pursuit "4 wife" at a recent Vancouver Canucks game.Recorded: January 31, 2025
"The Forbes Report": Are you spending Valentine's Day alone? Don't fret if you're still searching for the one! This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir turns to Fiona Forbes, who delivers the scoop on several celebrities who had their "meet-cutes" in Vancouver, including John Cena, Idris Elba, and world-famous B.C. TikTok superstars Darcy & Jer.Recorded: January 31, 2025
Is TikTok at risk of being banned in Canada? This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir asks investigative journalist Rachel Gilmore about TikTok's status in Canada after the federal government shut down TikTok's corporate offices in Toronto and Vancouver. Recorded: January 27, 2025
In 2018, Florence Girard - a B.C. woman with Down Syndrome - starved to death under the care of a government-funded home share provider. After a B.C. Coroner's Inquest ruled Florence's death a homicide, This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir asks inquest witness Tamara Taggart (Down Syndrome BC) about what we learned. What changes need to be made to protect people with disabilities under government care?Recorded: January 27, 2025
Does Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim's "new direction" on homelessness make sense? Apparently not, even according to one of his party's own city councillors.This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir takes a MOment to discuss.Recorded: January 27, 2025
Did you know that British Columbia is home to world-famous monster folklore? It's true! BC Bob (Bob Kronbauer, Now You Know BC) tells This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir all about the origins of Sasquatch and Ogopogo. Should we fear these creatures?Recorded: January 20, 2025
Is Vancouver a lonely, unfriendly city? Is it doomed to be? This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir asks loneliness and belonging expert Kimberley Brownlee for her insights and advice on making social connections in a city that feels unfriendly.Recorded: January 20, 2025
Did you already quit on your New Year's resolution? This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir asks media personality and author Mandy Gill for her advice on how to get back on track to smash those goals! Mandy's new book "Reset with Resilience: A Guide to Greatness When Your Goals Go Sideways" is available now.Recorded: January 20, 2025
Which group of Canadians are more amenable to joining the United States? This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir chats with Research Co. President Mario Canseco to understand what US President-elect Donald Trump's rhetoric has revealed about Canadian patriotism.Recorded: January 13, 2025
"The Forbes Report": What is Blue Monday? This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir asks Fiona Forbes, who turns to local celebrities Seth Rogen, Ryan Reynolds, Michael Bublé, Pamela Anderson, and Sarah McLachlan for inspiration to turn your Blue Monday into Blue FUNday.Recorded: January 13, 2025
Canadian journalist John Vaillant (Fire Weather: The Making of a Beast) beams in from Southern California to talk to This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir about what distinguishes a 21st-century fire from those in the past. Why are wildfires around the world, including in Canada, so hard to contain? Can British Columbia and Canada learn anything new from California's recent wildfires?Recorded: January 13, 2025
A new home-flipping tax in British Columbia targets real estate speculators looking to make a quick buck off the province's housing crisis. This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir asks property management expert Keaton Bessey what exactly this new tax will accomplish.Recorded: January 6, 2025
New Year, new... fees? This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir asks the Daily Hive's Amir Ali to go through all the increased costs that British Columbians will be paying this year. Recorded: January 6, 2025
After a nine-month hiatus from the B.C. Legislature, including a nasty election, will the BC NDP and Premier David Eby change their approach to governing British Columbia? This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir asks former Chief of Staff to Premier John Horgan, Geoff Meggs, what British Columbians can expect!Recorded: January 6, 2025