This is VANCOLOUR

Flight cancellations. Jet fuel shortages. Rising baggage fees. Global instability. Hantavirus! Is travelling becoming more stressful than enjoyable? This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir asks travel expert Claire Newell, founder and president of Travel Best Bets, about the chaos facing travellers in summer 2026. Should you still book that European vacation? What can you do to protect yourself? Does travel insurance actually protect you? Should you still take that cruise after the hantavirus outbreak? Recorded: May 11, 2026  

For younger Canadians, retirement is starting to feel like a fantasy. With housing costs, inflation and everyday expenses continuing to soar in British Columbia, can millennials and Gen Z realistically expect to retire by age 65? This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir asks financial columnist and Foundation Wealth partner Mark Ting about the harsh financial realities facing younger generations and the opportunities that may exist for them to build wealth. Is the traditional middle-class life path disappearing? Is saving for retirement a pipe dream? Is there any hope? Recorded: May 11, 2026  

THE FORBES REPORT: Did Vancouver's greatest moment happen forty years ago? This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir asks local legend Fiona Forbes to fire up the time machine back to Expo '86. From SkyTrain and BC Place to Expo Ernie, McBarge, The Unicorn, The Royal Family, and even a then-unknown Tony Hawk, Expo helped transform Vancouver into a “world-class city.” Just how big of a deal was Expo '86? Can Vancouver still dream that big today — or did the city peak in 1986?  Recorded: May 11, 2026  

Canada has two official languages: English and French. But outside Quebec, relatively few people can actually speak French. So who is bilingualism really for? This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir speaks with political commentator and YouTuber J.J. McCullough about his controversial argument that official bilingualism is out of sync with reality. What are the consequences if it has failed? Is it time to rethink a key pillar of Canada's national identity?  Recorded: May 4, 2026  

Psychedelic drugs (hallucinogens) are getting a lot of attention — from podcasts to politics — with growing pressure to fast-track them as treatments for addiction, including high-profile voices like Joe Rogan urging U.S. President Donald Trump to speed up research. But is this a real medical breakthrough, or is the hype getting ahead of the science? This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir speaks with family doctor Dr. Melissa Lem about what the evidence actually shows. From psilocybin (magic mushrooms) for smoking cessation to ketamine for alcohol use disorder, how effective are these treatments? And what are the risks?  Recorded: May 4, 2026 

Sorry, Southsiders! The Vancouver Whitecaps may be on their way to Las Vegas. After an investor group submitted a formal bid to relocate the team, is this the final whistle for Major League Soccer in Vancouver? This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir presses Vancouver mayoral candidate Kareem Allam (Vancouver Liberals) on whether the team can actually be saved. What would it take? Does Vancouver even have a path forward — or is the deck stacked against us?  Recorded: May 4, 2026  

For the first time since the 1800s, British Columbia's population is shrinking — and some of the people leaving just got here. What's driving newcomers out? And, what does it mean for the province's future? This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir speaks with SFU City Program director Andy Yan about affordability, job opportunities, and whether B.C. is failing the very people it depends on to grow. If immigrants are choosing to leave, what does that say about the province's economic future?Recorded: April 27, 2026  

A majority of British Columbians now say reconciliation has gone “too far.” Is reconciliation the problem or how it's being talked about? This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir speaks with BC Assembly of First Nations Regional Chief Terry Teegee about the growing backlash to DRIPA, the Cowichan land controversy, and separating political spin from legal realities. As B.C. Premier David Eby faces criticism from all sides, are misunderstandings about Aboriginal rights fuelling the backlash? Is there ever an end point to reconciliation?Recorded: April 27, 2026  

Home ownership in British Columbia feels straight-forward. But what if the foundation it's built on isn't so simple? This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir takes a closer look at private property rights in B.C., the legal reality of unceded land, and why the province's real estate system rests on a history that many would rather ignore. From the Royal Proclamation to Supreme Court rulings on Aboriginal title, what does it really mean that most of the land in British Columbia is “unceded”?Recorded: April 27, 2026  

KYLA'S COURT: AI-generated deepfakes are exploding — using real people's faces, voices, and likeness without consent. But is it actually illegal in Canada? This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir asks legal expert Kyla Lee what rights Canadians really have when it comes to their image. From deepfake pornography to viral impersonations, why hasn't “Mr. Deepfakes” been charged? What can you do if it happens to you? In the age of artificial intelligence, do you actually own your face?Recorded: April 20, 2026

Ten years after British Columbia declared a toxic drug emergency, more than 18,000 people have died. The crisis isn't slowing down. This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir speaks with harm reduction advocate and addiction educator Guy Felicella about what's gone wrong and what's still missing. From naloxone distribution to safe supply and decriminalization rollbacks, has government policy helped or made things worse? What would it actually look like to treat this like a true emergency?Recorded: April 20, 2026

Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim wants to bring Major League Baseball to the 604. Is it a home run or just a field of dreams? This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir asks CBC Vancouver municipal affairs reporter Justin McElroy whether or not Vancouver can realistically land an MLB expansion team. From billion-dollar stadiums to investor interest to pushback from Seattle and Toronto, what (and how money money) would it really take to make Major League Baseball in Vancouver a reality?Recorded: April 20, 2026  

DRIPA — the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act — is at the centre of a political firestorm in British Columbia. The BC NDP want to amend it. The Conservatives want to repeal it. But, the BC Greens are the only party defending DRIPA as is.BC Greens leader Emily Lowan joins This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir to explain why her party is standing firm and responds to criticism that DRIPA goes too far. Has the law been misunderstood? What does it mean for Indigenous rights, resource development, and private property in B.C.?As one of the youngest political leaders in Canada, Lowan also addresses questions about her experience, leadership, and whether the Greens remain relevant in today's political landscape.Plus, should Canada ban social media for youth under 16? Lowan weighs in on one of the fastest-growing debates around tech, safety, and government overreach.Recorded: April 13, 2026

What risks do kids face on social media? With countries around the world moving to ban these platforms for youth — and growing support for a ban in Canada — is this the right solution or an overreach? This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir asks journalist and radio broadcaster Charis Hogg (CFOX, CKNW) about protecting youth from the real harms of social media. Does banning kids from these big tech platforms help or hurt? Recorded: April 6, 2026  

Why are we increasingly treating real-life tragedies like Netflix content? The independent film Hunting Matthew Nichols explores a decades-long missing persons case in the Vancouver Island town of “Port Rupert”. But its realism and viral marketing are raising uncomfortable questions about our culture. This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir speaks with director, writer and actor Markian Tarasiuk about a world where it's getting harder to separate reality from fiction. Has our obsession with true crime gone too far?  Recorded: April 6, 2026

Professional wrestling is live theatre at its most intense, blurring fiction and reality. The pride of North Delta, B.C., All Elite Wrestling (AEW) star Kyle O'Reilly joins This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir to unpack the reality behind the unreal sport: the sacrifices, setbacks, and mindset required to become one of the best in the world — and how much of the man behind the character shows up in the ring.O'Reilly also reflects on tapping out Jon Moxley, what it meant to wrestle Adam Copeland in Vancouver, and his current road to recovery from injury. He dives into locker room culture across promotions, the Shawn Michaels vs. Bret Hart debate, the evolution of wrestling fans in the internet era, and who he considers the scariest guy in the AEW locker room. Recorded: April 6, 2026  

Can the people in your life actually make you age faster? New research suggests that “hasslers” — the difficult, stressful people in your life — can increase your risk of chronic disease and accelerate aging. This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir speaks with broadcasting legend Tamara Taggart about the real health impacts of toxic relationships, why stress from certain people hits harder, and how cutting people off may be just like exercising and eating your vegetables.Recorded: March 30, 2026

KYLA'S COURT: Self-driving cars are already operating around the world — and even in parts of Canada — so why not in British Columbia? This is VANCOLOUR Mo Amir speaks with lawyer Kyla Lee (Acumen Law) about what's stopping autonomous vehicles from being legal in B.C., what changes the government would need to make, and what could happen if drivers try to use self-driving features today.Recorded: March 30, 2026

With rents easing and home prices softening across British Columbia, is now the time to buy — or are you better off renting? This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir speaks with real estate analyst Steve Saretsky (The Loonie Hour; The Saretsky Show) about what's really happening in the housing market, whether affordability is actually improving, and if homeownership still makes financial sense for first-time home buyers in 2026.Recorded: March 30, 2026

Canadians want to support local but are they being misled? The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has fined Loblaw grocery stores for “maplewashing” twice in 2026, raising questions about misleading “Product of Canada” labels. This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir speaks with marketing communications expert Bob Stamnes (PS&Co.) about the gap between Canadians' desire to buy local and the reality of higher prices, how companies capitalize on that tension, and where the line is between branding and deception. Recorded: March 23, 2026  

Conspiracy theories are everywhere online but who's actually behind them? This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir speaks with journalist Jen St. Denis (The Tyee) about the nature of Canadian conspiracy content on your social media feeds, who is creating and amplifying it, and whether it's part of a coordinated effort to push conspiracy narratives. What impact does constant exposure to conspiracy content have on you, even if you don't believe it? Recorded: March 23, 2026  

THE FORBES REPORT: The 1990s are having a moment! But why is everyone — including Gen Z — so nostalgic for that era? How did we navigate the world before smartphones, social media, and streaming services? This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir speaks with local legend Fiona Forbes about life in the '90s and what Vancouver was like back then. What did we have then that we've lost now?  Recorded: March 23, 2026  

Family doctors in B.C. are under growing pressure — not just from administrative burdens, but from a system that isn't equipped to handle the rising demand for mental health care, leaving family doctors to fill the gap. This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir speaks with Dr. Maryam Zeineddin, founder of Zili Care and former president of BC Family Doctors about how the gap between mental and physical care is affecting patients and what needs to change to ease the strain on primary care.  Recorded: March 16, 2026  

THE CRUNCH: From Quebec and Alberta separatism to Indigenous sovereignty, Canada often feels like it's in a constant state of re-negotiation. This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir asks political commentator and world-famous YouTuber J.J. McCullough whether the country is stuck in a political “situationship” on the verge of a breakup — and why it never quite falls apart.  Recorded: March 16, 2026  

Ghostlighting, shrekking, sledging — modern dating is getting messier. This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir speaks with dating expert and author Amy Chan (Un-Single: How to Date Smarter and Create Love That Lasts) about whether dating apps are driving toxic behaviour, what's behind these trends, and how singles can navigate dating in 2026.  Recorded: March 16, 2026  

GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound are helping millions lose weight and improve metabolic health. But could they also reshape consumer behaviour? This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir speaks with Leger Executive Vice President Steve Mossop about new data showing how people taking these medications are reshaping spending habits — from the grocery store to other unexpected parts of the economy. If these “miracle drugs” keep growing in popularity, what industries could be affected positively and negatively?Recorded: March 9, 2026  

B.C. Premier David Eby wants to end the twice-a-year clock change by moving the province to permanent daylight saving time — but will that actually help people sleep better? This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir speaks with WikiSleep founder Adrien Sala about the debate among sleep experts over whether darker winter mornings could leave people feeling more sluggish. Is ending the clock change really the sleep fix many people think it is? Plus, what can you do if you're already struggling to get a good night's sleep?Recorded: March 9, 2026  

Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim admitted repeating a false allegation about city councillor Sean Orr after supposedly seeing a photo shown to him — raising questions about accountability and misinformation in local politics. This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir breaks down the mayor's explanation and wonders whether his response truly counts as taking responsibility.Recorded: March 9, 2026  

Why is “female rage” all the rage?From Olympic controversy to pop culture to public safety, are we living in a new era of female disillusionment? After U.S. President Donald Trump's congratulatory call to the U.S. men's Olympic hockey team sparked backlash, the moment quickly escalated into a broader cultural debate. This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir asks 96.9 JACK FM's Christy Farrell (a lifelong hockey player herself) what the moment revealed about sexism in sport. Then, is “female rage” just a trend, or a deeper cultural shift? Canadian Screen Award–winning comedian Julie Kim, host of the Bothered podcast, unpacks why stories about women being fed up — across film, television, and best-selling books — are resonating so strongly right now. And finally, criminal defence lawyer Kyla Lee explains the legal risks facing women who are increasingly carrying prohibited items, such as bear spray, for personal safety. What does Canadian law actually allow when it comes to self-defence?Recorded: March 2, 2026

Christy Clark, the 35th Premier of British Columbia, joins This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir for a candid conversation about B.C.'s shifting political landscape. Clark weighs in on current B.C. Premier David Eby's leadership, the Conservative Party of BC leadership race, and whether demonizing “liberal” voters could ultimately hurt conservatives trying to build a winning coalition. As political polarization deepens across the province, where do socially liberal but fiscally cautious British Columbians go — and is there still room for a BC Liberal Party in 2026? Clark also reflects on the collapse of the BC Liberal / BC United brand: Was it inevitable or a strategic failure? Finally, Clark shares her thoughts on what people get wrong about her political legacy — and whether or not she still feels the pull of public life.  Recorded: February 23, 2026  

TEA TIME WITH TAMARA: The B.C. Government unveiled a new, revamped funding system for children and youth with complex developmental disabilities, including autism with intellectual disability and Down Syndrome. This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir speaks with broadcast legend and disability advocate Tamara Taggart about how the new model works, whether or not the government (finally) listened to families, and why some children could see their support reduced. What does this major policy shift mean for thousands of B.C. families?Recorded: February 16, 2026  

The race to replace John Rustad as leader of the Conservative Party of BC is underway. But what is this contest really about, and why should British Columbians even care? This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir speaks with former chief of staff to the Official Opposition Azim Jiwani about the stakes, the competing visions inside the party, and what it takes to win a leadership race. With a crowded field of candidates, the outcome could shape B.C. (and not just its politics) for years to come.Recorded: February 16, 2026  

In the wake of the tragic school shooting in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir reflects on how political leaders across the country set aside their differences to mourn. While fringe voices tried to exploit the moment, the country's main leaders chose unity. What does that response say about Canadian values in times of crisis?Recorded: February 16, 2026

Millions of dollars are owed to British Columbians. Could you unknowingly be one of them? This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir speaks with Sherry MacLennan, Executive Director of BC Unclaimed, about how money goes missing, why it's so common, and how easy it is to check if you're owed cash. BC Unclaimed acts as the province's lost and found for money — and you might be surprised by what's waiting for you.  Recorded: February 2, 2026  

Talk of a new oil pipeline to B.C.'s North Coast is back — again. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith wants it. So does Prime Minister Mark Carney. But B.C. Premier David Eby isn't convinced.  This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir speaks with UBC political scientist Stewart Prest about why the pipeline debate in British Columbia may be different this time. Is the real barrier engineering and cost, or politics and consent? And is Canada once again repeating pipeline history?Recorded: February 2, 2026  

KYLA'S COURT: Independent B.C. MLA Tara Armstrong and the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) are calling on Ottawa to deny U.S. livestreamer Hasan Piker entry into Canada — despite him having no criminal record. Politics, free speech, and Canada's visa and entry rules collide: Can Canada legally block entry of a U.S. citizen based on what they've said online? This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir is joined by lawyer Kyla Lee to break down Canada's visa laws, who actually has the authority to deny entry, what qualifies someone as a “terrorist” under Canadian law, and whether blocking Hasan Piker would withstand legal scrutiny.Recorded: February 2, 2026

This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir sits down for an extended, candid conversation with B.C.'s most popular mayor, Port Coquitlam Mayor Brad West, to unpack what B.C. Premier David Eby's governance. From delayed action on urgent files to the failure of bold policies like decriminalization and DRIPA, what forces shape decision-making in the province? Why do voters feel ignored? Plus, with the B.C. Conservative Party launching a leadership race to replace John Rustad, why does a party that surged by promising change already feel like a reboot of old politics? What does that say about B.C.'s broader political culture? And finally, will any of this push Brad West to make the jump into provincial politics himself?Recorded: January 26, 2026

Should Canada ban X?At what point does Canada need to consider banning a social media platform? As X — Elon Musk's chaotic remake of Twitter — launches a legal challenge against British Columbia, This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir sits down with B.C. Attorney General Niki Sharma to understand what's at stake and why her government isn't backing down. Plus, while Ottawa says it's not considering a ban on X, political commentator and popular Twitch streamer Lance from The Serfs weighs in on Canada's hands-off approach on the AI-generated sexual abuse, hate speech, and chaos spread on social media platforms.  Recorded: January 19, 2026

A MOment: Social media now rewards outrage, hypocrisy, and dehumanization — often at the expense of truth and real people. This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir examines how online culture blurs the line between opposing ideas and celebrating violence. With recent online controversies involving Rachel Gilmore, Bryan Passifiume, and Andrew Scheer, social media has clearly become a modern town square for public hangings and witch hunts, driven by vanity and tribalism, not truth or principle.  Recorded: January 19, 2026

Self-improvement done right (and wrong)Already feeling burnt out to start 2026? This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir presses resilience expert Mandy Gill on the truth behind the “January slump”. How does “New Year, New You” set so many people up to fail? Plus, Now You Know BC's BC Bob (Bob Kronbauer) opens up about his accidental sobriety journey and how quitting drinking for over 500 days has reshaped his outlook on life. Finally, why are some young men smashing their faces with a hammer? This is VANCOLOUR's resident zoomer, Neena Savage, exposes “looksmaxxing”: a dark, online subculture promoting extreme and harmful beauty standards.  Recorded: January 12, 2026

B.C. Political Forecast: 2026 (Jarryd Jäger / Western Standard)This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir and Western Standard journalist Jarryd Jäger forecast the politics of British Columbia in 2026, including the Conservative Party of BC leadership race, top issues for the province, B.C. budget, and the impact of the BC Greens, OneBC, and four independent MLAs sitting in the B.C. Legislature.Jarryd Jäger is a multimedia journalist for the Western Standard and managing editor of the West Coast Standard.

What is DRIPA? And, what would actually happen if DRIPA was repealed? This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir sits down with Conservative Party of BC interim leader Trevor Halford to unpack why his party wants British Columbia to repeal the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act immediately. How do the Conservatives believe Reconciliation should move forward without it?  Recorded: January 5, 2026BONUS PODCAST EXTENSION (with Trevor Halford and Angelo Isidorou) begins at 16:36

A MOment: From schools and hospitals to transit and major infrastructure, the BC NDP government makes big announcements — followed by years of delay. This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir is fed up with the professional management of decline, under B.C. Premier David Eby. It's time for British Columbians to demand results!  Recorded: January 5, 2026