Podcasts about mo amir

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

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  

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  

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

THE LOW ROAD REPORT: At what age should parents tell their children the truth about Santa Claus? This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir is joined by two dads — pollster Mario Canseco (Research Co.) and comedian Dino Archie — to take the low road on parenting, holiday traditions, and how “Merry Christmas” is making a big comeback in Canada.Recorded: December 15, 2025

Four of Canada's five most rat-infested cities are in British Columbia. Why? And who can we blame? This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir asks Vancouver mayoral candidate Kareem Allam (Vancouver Liberals) what's driving the explosion of rats in B.C. and what city halls across the province can do about it.Recorded: December 15, 2025

Canadians can't afford food, but waste a lot of itHow can a country throw out billions of dollars in food while millions of people face food insecurity? This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir asks Greater Vancouver Food Bank CEO David Long to explain the unsustainable surge in food bank demand across British Columbia. What can be done to bridge the gap between food waste and hunger? Plus, is there a legal remedy to hold major food wasters — like grocery chains or producers — accountable for the public good? Kyla Lee delivers her verdict on Kyla's Court! And Dr. Melissa Lem breaks down why our food and drink choices this holiday season may be even worse for us than we think.Recorded: December 8, 2025

Comedians in cars, confessing crimesB.C.'s finest comedians in “22 minutes”! Chris Wilson from CBC's This Hour Has 22 Minutes impersonates polarizing Canadian figures like Pierre Poilievre and Justin Trudeau. But how does he make sure he's not adding to an already toxic political culture? Plus, Juno Award–winning comedian Ivan Decker “confesses” an Evo Car Share “crime” to This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir. Will the truth finally set him free? And VANCOLOUR's resident Zoomer, Neena Savage, spills the ‘Z' on the infamous Gen-Z stare. Maybe older generations just need to chill?Recorded: November 25, 2025

Extortion, debt, and B.C.'s next big decisionIn British Columbia, extortion and debt are becoming increasingly worrisome. This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir speaks with investigative journalist Sam Cooper (The Bureau) to break down the escalating wave of extortion threats and violence in B.C. Who is driving this crime surge and how must our laws evolve to stop it? Then, Blair Mantin, President of Sands & Associates, explains what rights British Columbians have when debt collectors come calling. What are the lessons from a recent Consumer Protection BC case, where Scotiabank was ordered to pay $34,000 after calling a customer over 100 times to collect a debt? Finally, Mo takes a MOment to unpack B.C.'s growing pipeline dilemma: Does B.C. support a northern pipeline or not? Either way, the province needs to be clear soon.  Recorded: November 24, 2025

MOment: Prime Minister Mark Carney, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, and Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe discussed a new oil pipeline to B.C.'s north coast without B.C. Premier David Eby. This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir breaks down the stakes of this generational decision for British Columbia and outlines Premier Eby's contradictory signals on whether B.C. supports a northern pipeline or not.  Recorded: November 24, 2025

Ostriches, Orcas, and Overwintering PollinatorsIt's all about the animals in British Columbia! This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir asks Kyla Lee (Acumen Law) to break down the legal drama behind the international story of the Edgewood, B.C. ostrich cull. What legal authority gave the government the right to kill over 300 ostriches? What rights do British Columbians actually have to protect their animals? Then, Dr. Martin Haulena, Director of Animal Health at the Vancouver Aquarium, explains why most marine mammals in coastal B.C. waters are thriving while the beloved southern resident killer whales continue to decline in population. Finally, legendary broadcaster and prolific gardener Tamara Taggart “spills the tea” on how one lazy act can help overwintering pollinators like bees and butterflies.Recorded: November 17, 2025  

This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir sits down with Chawathil First Nation Chief and Nuanced podcast host Aaron Pete to break down major B.C. stories reshaping Canada's understanding of history and identity. Aaron explains the truth behind the possible burial sites at the former Kamloops Residential School and responds to the commentators and politicians insisting that the findings amount to “zero bodies.” Then, he unpacks the Cowichan Tribes' landmark land-title victory in Richmond — the first ruling in Canada to recognize Aboriginal title over modern private property. What does it mean for B.C. homeowners? What happens next? And is there still hope for Reconciliation?Recorded: November 10, 2025

This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir welcomes Lucas Gates, a longtime VANCOLOUR fan now starring in CBC's bold new series The Assembly, alongside producer Sean De Vries (Small Army Entertainment). The series gives autistic and neurodivergent adults the mic to interview Canadian celebrities like Howie Mandel, Russell Peters, and Jan Arden in conversations that are raw, honest, and refreshingly real. Lucas puts his new interviewing skills to the test against Mo himself.Recorded: November 3, 2025

Feeling low as the days get darker? You're not alone! But it's not always SAD — Seasonal Affective Disorder. This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir sits down with Aeryon Ashlie (CEO, Aeryon Wellness) to unpack the difference between the clinical condition and the more common “winter blues.” From simple daily habits to mindset shifts, she shares realistic ways to boost energy, motivation, and mood through B.C.'s darkest season.  Recorded: November 3, 2025

Across Canada, employers are doubling down on return-to-office mandates. This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir asks Angry Mortgage podcast host Ron Butler what's really driving this shift. Is it about collaboration and productivity? Or, are Canada's commercial real estate interests calling the shots?  Recorded: November 3, 2025

What is Gen Z's Problem?It's all about Gen Z! This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir sits down with Emily Lowan, the newly elected (Gen Z) leader of the BC Green Party, to unpack the surprising connection between a proposed B.C. liquefied natural gas terminal — Ksi Lisims LNG — and both Jeffrey Epstein and Donald Trump. Then, Angelo Isidorou, Executive Director of the Conservative Party of BC, explains Gen Z's growing pull toward political extremes — does it affect their dating lives? Finally, CHEK personality Neena Savage “spills the Z” on why her generation is so anxious, angsty, and maybe a little angry. Are older generations — Millennials, Gen X, and Boomers — just being too judgmental, or is Gen Z truly built different?Recorded: October 20, 2025  

BONUS PODCAST: This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir, Kareem Allam, and Angelo Isidorou unpack the state of political culture in Canada, including lawfare, political extremism and violence, culture wars, and more.Kareem Allam is the Vancouver mayoral candidate for the Vancouver Liberals.Angelo Isidorou is the Executive Director for the Conservative Party of British Columbia.RECORDED: October 20, 2025

Wasn't Artificial Intelligence supposed to change the world? This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir sits down with Vancouver Emergency Room physician and bestselling author Dr. Daniel Kalla (The Deepest Fake) to explore whether AI is truly living up to the hype. From the promise of curing cancer to the reality of slop like Will Smith eating spaghetti, Dr. Kalla explains the perils and promise of AI.Recorded: October 13, 2025

After J.K. Rowling made international headlines slamming Vancouver's Park Board, This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir speaks with former three-term Park Board Commissioner John Coupar about why Vancouver is the only major city in Canada with an elected Park Board. Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim wants to abolish it, but is there value in keeping it?  Recorded: October 13, 2025

When Victoria realtor Krista Nugent posted a “dating application” on Instagram, she didn't expect to go viral — or to get a shoutout from Monica Lewinsky (yes, that Monica Lewinsky). This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir talks to Krista about why she took her love life public, how the post blew up online, and what it's been like to have the internet — and a few celebrities — cheer her on.Recorded: October 13, 2025

THE FORBES REPORT: Why do we get emotionally attached to people we've never met? Beloved Vancouver media personality Fiona Forbes joins This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir to unpack the rise of parasocial relationships — those one-sided emotional connections we form with celebrities, influencers, and online personalities.Fiona shares how to stay a healthy fan without crossing the line into a full-blown “Stan” with a heartwarming story about Pamela Anderson, to boot.Recorded: October 6, 2025  

Why is everyone on their phones when they dine out?This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir sits down with Laura Ullock, one of British Columbia's leading food and lifestyle tastemakers, to explore how social media has changed restaurant culture — from taking food photos and chasing viral dishes to how influencers shape where we eat and what we order. They unpack the impact of Instagram, TikTok, and digital dining trends on how we experience food today.  Recorded: October 6, 2025  

Is civility on the decline? This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir takes a MOment to explore how everyday rudeness and bad manners seem to be everywhere. What can we actually do to bring respect and empathy back into daily life?  Recorded: October 6, 2025  

They had the brains. They had the brawn. But The Amazing Race Canada winners Jesse Haringa and Jonathon Braun tell This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir that it was their friendship that made them champions.Recorded: September 29, 2025

THE CRUNCH: Should Canada finally retire the rallying cry of “elbows up”? This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir asks YouTuber J.J. McCullough about what makes this successful election slogan such a bad metaphor for Canadian foreign policy.Recorded: September 29, 2025

U.S. President Donald Trump is the show that we can't turn off. But is he living rent-free in Canada's heads? This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir asks legendary broadcaster — and familiar CHEK face — Lynda Steele about Trump's impact on the Canadian psyche and political culture. Recorded: September 29, 2025

Are couples and singles alike suffering from less intimacy? This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir asks psychologist Dr. Carolin Klein (West Coast Centre for Sex Therapy) why Canadians are hitting record lows between the sheets.Recorded: September 22, 2025

Could Bitcoin mining really heat community pools, like Kitsilano Pool, as Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim has suggested? This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir asks MintGreen CEO Colin Sullivan to explain why it's not as far-fetched as it sounds. Recorded: September 22, 2025

SPILL THE Z: What's up with Gen Z's monster doll obsession? This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir asks CHEK's own resident Zoomer, Neena Savage, to unbox the Labubus hype.Recorded: September 22, 2025

Healthcare in B.C. on trialIf long wait times in British Columbia's healthcare system actually harm your health, can you sue the government? This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir asks criminal defence lawyer Kyla Lee for her verdict in the latest edition of Kyla's Court. Plus, in March 2024, B.C. became the first province in Canada to establish minimum nurse-to-patient ratios — a policy meant to protect nurses from burnout and create better health outcomes for patients. But are those ratios really being implemented? BC Nurses' Union President Adriane Gear explains. And first, B.C.'s Ministry of Health says it funds 3,700 treatment beds across the province. But do those numbers actually add up? Conservative Party of BC MLA for Skeena, Claire Rattée, digs into the government's claims about funding treatment beds after nearly a decade of the province's toxic drug crisis being declared a public health emergency.Recorded: September 15, 2025

THE LOW ROAD REPORT: Do Canadians actually support being politically correct? Pollster Mario Canseco and comedian Dino Archie reunite with This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir to unpack the numbers, the nuance, and the punchlines. Mario shares his latest polling and Dino reports back from the “Low Road.”Recorded: September 8, 2025

Students across British Columbia are back in class, but some of their learning resources aren't. This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir explains how the BC NDP government is underdelivering on education, and how these cuts could have political consequences.Recorded: September 8, 2025

TEA TIME WITH TAMARA: Are we too quick to slap labels on kids against our idea of “normal”? This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir speaks with beloved broadcaster Tamara Taggart about the rise in behavioural labels, how they differ from medical diagnoses, and what happens when “normal” becomes the goal. Tamara even shares a label she was diagnosed with.Recorded: September 8, 2025

BONUS PODCAST: This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir and Angelo Isidorou compare and contrast the 2025 federal election with the 2024 B.C. provincial election. Plus, they discuss recent B.C. Conservative controversy and "drama".Angelo Isidorou is the Executive Director for the Conservative Party of British Columbia.

Why did a black bear pick This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir's yard to rip open stolen garbage bags and throw a backyard bash? Holly Reisner from the North Shore Black Bear Society explains bear behaviour — and how we can all be a little more bear-aware.Recorded: June 16, 2025

Currently, Gen Z Canadians are experiencing the worst youth unemployment rates in decades. Is it because they're lazy? This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir asks This is VANCOLOUR editor Neena Savage about her generation's approach to the workplace, from coining terms like “quiet quitting” and “bare minimum Mondays” to walking away from hustle culture altogether.Recorded: June 16, 2025

The Forbes Report: Do social media influencers and celebrities — like CHEK's Paul Haysom  — always provide the best self-care advice? This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir asks Fiona Forbes about what to consider and how to spot beauty trends that might do more harm than good! Recorded: June 16, 2025

This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir asks Juno-Award winning comedian Jacob Samuel (Big Talk) about his "marriage optimization hacks" to help you level up your relationship.Recorded: June 9, 2025

Why is Pride celebrated when there's no "Straight Month"? This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir sits down with award-winning author Danny Ramadan (The Clothesline Swing, Crooked Teeth) to explore the origins of Pride, how it should be celebrated, and whether police should take part in the festivities. Recorded: June 9, 2025

This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir wonders if Pierre Poilievre has become the very brand he used to mock. Is the Conservative Party of Canada leader... okay?Recorded: June 9, 2025

How is Alberta's demand for a better deal landing across the country? Why is Pierre Poilievre pretending to drink from an empty coffee mug? Will this Canada Post labour situation ever get sorted out? And could the Alberta separation movement ACTUALLY succeed? We get answers to these pressing questions in this rock solid episode of Real Talk.  7:30 | This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir breaks down the premiers' meeting with PM Mark Carney, Pierre Poilievre's strange new video, angst over corporate Pride, and his opposition to Bitcoin.  MORE FROM MO: https://www.thisisvancolour.com/ 39:45 | Longtime labour lawyer Dwayne Chomyn, K.C. brings great insights on Canada Post/CUPW negotiations and the Alberta sovereignty movement.  FOLLOW DWAYNE on X: https://x.com/Citizen004 1:17:15 | Did you know Jasper features one of North America's highest concentrations of fishable lakes and rivers? We highlight incredible angling opportunities at Maligne and Talbot Lakes in #MyJasper Memories presented by our friends at Tourism Jasper.  BOOK YOUR FISHING TRIP in JASPER: https://www.jasper.travel/things-to-do/rafting-canoeing-water-sport/fishing/ 1:26:15 | Real Talker Nathan takes issue with Jespo's comments about the Alberta government taking aim at graphic library books.  HAVE YOUR SAY: talk@ryanjespersen.com  FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen  JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen  REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: patreon.com/ryanjespersen THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS! https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsors The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.