Podcast appearances and mentions of Steve Paikin

MPPs are heading into an extended summer break. Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath discuss what has, and has not, been accomplished this year. Plus, how is the opposition reacting to the long break? Ontario Premier Doug Ford is in the United States making his pitch for "Fortress North America," and making the rounds on American media. Steve and John Michael discuss how the premier is working with politicians on the ground. But will the Trump administration listen? Matthew Shoemaker, the mayor of Sault Ste. Marie, joins Steve and JMM to talk about a new book on Sir William Hearst, Ontario's sole premier to come from The Soo. Steve's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/can-a-little-known-policy-wonk-win-the-liberal-leadership-race JMM's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-what-does-ontario-gain-from-fortress-north-americaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Greg Brady spoke to Steve Paikin, Author and Broadcaster, host of The Paikin Podcast about road closures in place on FIFA match days in Toronto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Greg Brady spoke to Steve Paikin, Author and Broadcaster, host of The Paikin Podcast about road closures in place on FIFA match days in Toronto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Has this been a shorter-than-usual legislative session at Queen's Park? Does it even matter? Hosts Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath find out, discuss whether they're convinced by the reasons of the earlier recess and what impact this shorter session could have. Then, Steve and JMM look at how MPP Will Bouma has been ousted as the Progressive Conservatives' caucus chair; Bouma was relieved after challenging Premier Doug Ford over MPP pensions and the fallout from Ford's private jet scandal. Steve and JMM take the opportunity to look at whether this is good caucus management. Also, this being Indigenous History Month, the show features a bit of MPP Sol Mamakwa's latest speech in the Ontario Legislature, which brought Oji-Cree to Queen's Park and had a notable call to action for Indigenous youth. And finally, in "Your Column, My Column," JMM highlights where democratic reform might be necessary outside of electoral reform, and Steve looks at ways to rejuvenate 24 Sussex Drive.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Greg Brady spoke with Steve Paikin, Author and Broadcaster, host of The Paikin Podcast about CBS News Terminates Scott Pelley's Contract After Verbal Confrontation With New ‘60 Minutes' Executive Producer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Greg Brady spoke with Steve Paikin, Author and Broadcaster, host of The Paikin Podcast about CBS News Terminates Scott Pelley's Contract After Verbal Confrontation With New ‘60 Minutes' Executive Producer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Greg Brady & Steve Paikin, Author and Broadcaster, host of The Paikin Podcast discuss: 1 - Mark Carney says Alberta separation would require ‘clear majority' in referendum 2 - Carter Hart walks into another scandal and this time it's political Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Greg Brady & Steve Paikin, Author and Broadcaster, host of The Paikin Podcast discuss: 1 - Mark Carney says Alberta separation would require ‘clear majority' in referendum 2 - Carter Hart walks into another scandal and this time it's political Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Choosing the new Ontario Liberal candidate in Scarborough Southwest has gone sideways. Ahsanul Hafiz won by 19 votes, but runner-up Nate Erskine-Smith says he has reason to appeal. Is he right? Hosts Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath parse what Steve saw at the Liberal nomination meeting, including some things he found quite unusual. Then, Steve and JMM discuss the Ontario government's takeover of Conestoga College. And finally, the Auditor General issued four special reports, outlining concerns around trucker training, artificial intelligence use in government, special education services, and how the government enforces court orders in spousal and child support. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Greg Brady spoke with Steve Paikin, Author and Broadcaster, host of The Paikin Podcast about Liberal MP challenges nomination loss for Scarborough Southwest byelection. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Greg Brady spoke with Steve Paikin, Author and Broadcaster, host of The Paikin Podcast about Liberal MP challenges nomination loss for Scarborough Southwest byelection. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Greg Brady spoke with Steve Paikin, Author and Broadcaster, host of The Paikin Podcast about Liberal leadership hopeful Nate-Erskine Smith delivered a blow in Scarborough nomination loss. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Greg Brady spoke with Steve Paikin, Author and Broadcaster, host of The Paikin Podcast about Liberal leadership hopeful Nate-Erskine Smith delivered a blow in Scarborough nomination loss. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Doug Ford accuses the NDP leader of Trump-style rhetoric. With the opposition heating up its criticism against the Ford government, hosts Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath wonder whether Doug Ford is getting a taste of his own medicine. Then, Steve and JMM look at how the Progressive Conservatives voted down a bill that looked to establish guardrails around publishing misinformation and using artificial intelligence in election communications. And finally, the Canadian Civil Liberties Union says the government's latest move to give special constables the power to arrest drug users on Toronto transit is "a deliberate choice to respond to a public health crisis with coercion instead of care." Is that right?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Greg Brady & Steve Paikin, Author and Broadcaster, host of The Paikin Podcast discuss: 1 - Toronto Maple Leafs win 1st pick in 2026 NHL draft lottery 2 - Doug Ford accuses NDP leader Marit Stiles of “trump-style” comments Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Greg Brady & Steve Paikin, Author and Broadcaster, host of The Paikin Podcast discuss: 1 - Toronto Maple Leafs win 1st pick in 2026 NHL draft lottery 2 - Doug Ford accuses NDP leader Marit Stiles of “trump-style” comments Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is Doug Ford's drop in popularity just a blip, or is there reason for Ontario's Progressive Conservatives to be concerned? Hosts Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath break down the latest poll numbers and how they would translate to seats. Then, the hosts look at how Minister of Education Paul Calandra made a rare appearance at the committee discussing Bill 101, and why his comments to union leaders prompted criticism. Finally, how might Mark Carney's new Canada Strong Fund support Ontario's future goals? Just look at the Ford government's economic priorities: nuclear power and critical minerals. In "Your Column, My Column," JMM discusses how the federal government might consider positioning itself on the Billy Bishop Airport, and Steve wonders why Doug Ford has been so ornery, and discusses his ad hominem attacks against Liberal MPP Stephanie Smyth.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Greg Brady spoke to Steve Paikin, Author and Broadcaster, host of The Paikin Podcast about political violence in today's society Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Greg Brady spoke to Steve Paikin, Author and Broadcaster, host of The Paikin Podcast about political violence in today's society Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Davos speech, the tariff profile, and now the Canada Strong Fund. It's been a busy year for Mark Carney since being elected as Canada's 24th Prime Minister this day last year, and as Canadians face tough economic and geopolitical uncertainty, we're taking a look back at how Carney has managed to bring the country together through some of the year's - and Canada's - rockiest moments. Host Caryn Ceolin speaks to journalist and host of The Paikin Podcast, Steve Paikin, to discuss how Carney's tenure so far has changed Canada's global profile, how much of a difference he's made in strengthening the domestic economy, and how his work will be perceived in a post-Trump world. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

Premier Doug Ford walks back his jet-plane purchase, and says the media is picking on him for trying to run the province more efficiently. Hosts Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath get into whether that political communication works for Ontarians. Meanwhile, Ontario's NDP leader Marit Stiles is trying to make surveillance pricing a political issue here in Ontario – will her party's new communications strategy bring the official opposition back to the forefront? And a bill is exploring putting a stop to foreign ownership of some Ontario farmland. Why?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Greg Brady spoke to Steve Paikin, Author and Broadcaster, host of The Paikin Podcast about Fairview Mall security employee shot after confronting thief near jewelry store Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Greg Brady spoke to Steve Paikin, Author and Broadcaster, host of The Paikin Podcast about Fairview Mall security employee shot after confronting thief near jewelry store Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is the Ford government's latest renewable energy procurement enough? Green Party leader Mike Schreiner weighs in on that, the province's takeover of Billy Bishop airport, and where he thinks the budget missed the mark (see: housing). Then, hosts Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath unpack new changes to Ontario's school system, which includes a new job description for school trustees. Is this a move to consolidate power by the Ford government? Finally, two of Ontario's colleges decided to merge, perhaps a sign of the times during a period of declining enrollment and financial support.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Greg Brady spoke to Steve Paikin, Author and Broadcaster, host of The Paikin Podcast about The people you didn't hear from at the Liberal convention Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Greg Brady spoke to Steve Paikin, Author and Broadcaster, host of The Paikin Podcast about The people you didn't hear from at the Liberal convention Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Greg Brady & Steve Paikin, Author and Broadcaster, host of The Paikin Podcast discuss: 1 - U.S. and Iran agree to 2-week ceasefire as Trump pulls back on threats 2 - TDSB to reduce teacher staffing allocation by 600 roles Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

NDP and Liberal finance critics break down why Ontario's 2026 budget might not 'protect' Ontarians after all. Then, hosts Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath unpack the latest suite of housing announcements that went beyond the HST exemption: an $8.8 billion fund to get municipalities to cut development charges and a new bill that would allow for smaller lots and impact local planning matters and housing development. And of course, Steve and JMM nod to the life and career of Ontario political icon Stephen Lewis and his legacy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Greg Brady spoke with Steve Paikin, Author and Broadcaster, host of The Paikin Podcast about Stephen Lewis passes away at 88 & Tiger Woods to enter treatment program, no Masters comeback: 'I am stepping away' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ontario's 2026 budget is out. Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy joins #onpoli to discuss the Ford government's spending choices, why it has not produced a balanced budget, and when it would ever raise taxes. Then, hosts Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath zoom out and take a broader look at the government's plans: the HST exemption for home purchases, the province's overall fiscal health, electricity subsidies, and how transportation changes might make it harder for northern Ontarians to access Toronto - and why the government is fine with that trade-off. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Greg Brady spoke with Steve Paikin, Author and Broadcaster, host of The Paikin Podcast about Ontario students, advocates protest Ford government's proposed OSAP changes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The public’s access to government records might get restricted -- How free will information be if the Ford government’s proposals go through? Global News journalist Isaac Callan joins the podcast to break it down. Then, hosts Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath unpack new announcements made to the Ford government’s law and order file, and breakdown Ontario municipal elections to watch.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Greg Brady & Steve Paikin, Author and Broadcaster, host of The Paikin Podcast discuss: 1 - Doug Ford says he has no idea who a Liberal leadership candidate is 2 - U.S. falls short again in WBC final as Venezuela stuns star-studded roster Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Premier Doug Ford says his government intends to take over Toronto's downtown airport - and it will even pay the city for its trouble. Can he do that? And what does the future hold for the Toronto Islands? Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath break it down. Then, the province named a military defence representative. What will they do? And how might it connect to the Ford government's larger ambitions? Finally, it's March 13 and MPPs are still not back at Queen's Park. How unusual is that? Steve and JMM answer a listener's question with a deep dive into the legislative calendar. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Greg Brady spoke to Steve Paikin, The Paikin Podcast about will crime and safety become the #1 issue in the municipal elections? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The province will accelerate access to the Ring of Fire, a potential hub for mining critical minerals like nickel and chromite. Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath discuss the plans, and how the provinces are laying the groundwork for a national energy grid. Does Niagara Region have too many politicians? Doug Ford certainly seems to think so. Steve and John Michael discuss the pros and cons of amalgamation - and how Peel serves as a case study. You've been asking us about municipal politics, so Steve and JMM speak to Toronto City councillor Amber Morley about what it takes to run and the surprises awaiting those who make it to city council. Steve's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-how-to-remember-giorgio-mammoliti JMM's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-would-a-bigger-convention-centre-just-be-a-bigger-waste-of-moneySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Greg Brady spoke with Steve Paikin, The Paikin Podcast about John Tory decides not to seek re-election as Toronto's mayor because of ‘inevitable attacks', Police make 2 arrests during Toronto protest over OSAP changes & another Ford mulling run for Toronto mayor. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The United States Supreme Court struck down some of Donald Trump's tariffs, and now Ontario premier Doug Ford wants a refund. Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath discuss why that probably won't happen and the larger implications this move will have on relations with Canada's largest trading partner. The Financial Accountability Office of Ontario has a new report on Ontario's economy - delivering both good news and bad news. Steve and John Michael look into how the economy's modest growth belies the bigger issues of unemployment and housing starts. Ontario's public servants are being asked to return to the office, even while a renovation at their largest office in downtown Toronto is behind schedule and over budget. Steve and JMM examine the motive behind the government's move. Steve's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-can-rob-cerjanec-defy-the-odds-again JMM's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-will-burlingtons-housing-bet-pay-offSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Greg spoke to Steve Paikin, Author, Broadcaster and host of The Paikin Podcast about Ford says Toronto has ‘one of the worst' convention centres in the world, teases rebuild. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ontario and Diageo have cut a deal to keep Crown Royal on LCBO shelves, but how much of the money is actually going to those affected by the liquor maker's decision to close its plant? Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath discuss why everyone else seems to be benefiting at Amherstburg's expense. Big changes are coming to how Ontario funds post-secondary education, including major changes to the Ontario Student Assistance Program. Steve and John Michael discuss why students are in an uproar, and how a comment from the premier about baskets isn't helping. The fate of Ontario's school trustees looks grim, and a letter from the Waterloo Region District School Board is unlikely to move the needle. Steve and JMM discuss how legislating this elected position out of existence could come with huge consequences. Steve's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-do-canadians-still-want-civility-in-their-politics JMM's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-ontario-should-ban-sports-bettingSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Greg Brady spoke with Steve Paikin, Author and Broadcaster, host of The Paikin Podcast about Alberta to hold immigration referendum. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath leave the studio and hop on the Eglinton Crosstown, where they discuss what's new on the line, what could be improved, and where public transit in Toronto goes from here. U.S. president Donald Trump has set his eyes on the Gordie Howe Bridge — making several inflammatory claims about the project and threatening the opening. Steve and John Michael discuss why this latest salvo could be a bridge too far for our largest trading partner. Queen's Park is stepping in after accusations of corruption in numerous Ontario police services. Steve and JMM discuss the province's plans and who will be conducting the investigation. Steve's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-how-the-scarborough-southwest-byelection-will-reshape-queens-park-and-ottawa JMM's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-no-donald-trump-cant-have-the-gordie-howe-bridge-obviouslySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Greg Brady spoke to Steve Paikin, Author and Broadcaster, host of The Paikin Podcast about Deadly attack shatters quiet community of Tumbler Ridge. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bill Blair's resignation as MP for Scarborough Southwest has spurred a flurry of political moves in Ontario. Doly Begum, formerly the Ontario New Democratic Party's deputy leader, announced she will run for the federal Liberals in the riding; Liberal MP Nate Erskine Smith announced he'll run in Doly's former provincial riding. John Michael McGrath, Émilie Gougeon-Pelletier, and Sabrina Nanji discuss why this is such a big deal. The Eglinton Crosstown finally has an opening date, but will the opening be full steam ahead or go off the rails? John Michael, Émilie, and Sabrina discuss how the line got here and the precedents that could signal how rocky its start may be. The Darlington Refurbishment Project was delivered early and under budget. This project is part of Ontario's energy strategy and will allow the reactor to continue functioning for years to come. So, why did the province scrap its climate targets when it's on the cusp of a nuclear boom? JMM, Émilie, and Sabrina dig into the larger, legal context. JMM's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-doug-ford-looks-invincible-will-that-lastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath speak with Canadian Press reporter Liam Casey about the Indigenous communities affected by the proposed development of the Ring of Fire. Some are embracing the opportunity, others are afraid of what access might bring. Steve and John Michael preview Ontario's municipal election season. They dig into some of the big races, and why many, in smaller municipalities, are acclaimed. Spoiler alert, it's a hard job and made more difficult by a lack of a provincial code of conduct.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Part 1:We talk with Steve Paikin, Canadian journalist, broadcaster, and talk show host.We discuss what is the future for Canada, after the Canadian Prime Minister's speech at Davos. We are not friends any more, and the new reality is that Canada will likely sever many ties to the US. Canada will be spending more on its defense.Part 2:We talk with Eric Lob, Associate Professor in the Department of Politics and International Relations, Florida International University.We discuss the Iranian situation: massive popular protests in Iran, the government's brutal repression, and what is likely to come next. Reza Pahlavi, now the putative shah, is attempting to capitalize on the unrest, and return the Pahlavi family to power with himself as the monarchy's head.  WNHNFM.ORG  productionMusic: John Prine, "That's how every empire falls."  2015

Prime Minister Mark Carney has opened the door for China to enter Canada's electric vehicle market. That has left Doug Ford steaming and calling on Canadians to boycott the vehicles. Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath discuss what the premier could do to stymie the process. But are the economic realities of the PM's decision are already hitting home? The Province of Ontario is looking to pause an inclusionary zoning requirement that forced developers to build affordable housing near transit hubs. Steve and John Michael discuss the government's rationale for the change. The Rural Ontario Municipal Association held its annual conference this past week. Steve and JMM discuss the concerns coming out of Ontario's rural communities. Steve's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-is-the-ontario-liberal-leadership-race-poised-for-an-upset JMM's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-the-big-challenge-for-doug-ford-with-chinese-evs-ontarians-might-like-themSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Greg Brady spoke with Steve Paikin, Author and Broadcaster, host of The Paikin Podcast about Trump cancels tariff threat over Greenland, says NATO agreed to ‘framework' of future Arctic deal. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Canada's highest court will hear arguments from critics of the Province of Ontario's plan to build a spa at Ontario Place. Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath discuss the stakes of the case and why they're surprised the court is taking it on. The Province of Ontario has a plan to connect 2 million Ontarians with a primary care provider by 2029. It's a lofty goal, but the actual number might be significantly lower. Steve and John Michael discuss why the metric might change. Ontario's public servants are back in the office five days a week, but Members of Provincial Parliament are on break from the legislature all the way until March. Steve and JMM discuss the reaction to the return to in-office work and the optics of it all. JMM's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-its-2026-the-ontario-liberals-will-choose-a-new-leader-eventually-right Omnibus Trion timestamp: (coming soon)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This special episode comes directly from an inspiring day at the Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) in Toronto, where the global launch of the Smart Start program was celebrated through a landmark symposium titled Music and the Mind: A Smart Start to Early Childhood Education. The event focused on the transformative role of music in early childhood learning and development. Educators, researchers, policymakers, and arts advocates gathered in Koerner Hall in Toronto to explore how music influences the developing brain, supports emotional and social growth, and enhances early learning well beyond songs and rhythm. The symposium also examined the evolving role of technology and artificial intelligence in education and creativity. Smart Start is the Royal Conservatory of Music's early childhood music program, designed for young learners at the very beginning of their musical journey. Grounded in research on child development and learning science, the program uses play-based, developmentally appropriate activities to nurture musical skills alongside cognitive, social, and emotional growth. Smart Start is about more than learning music—it supports whole-child development through music. For more background on how the program was developed, listen to the previous episode featuring Alexander Brose, President & CEO of The Royal Conservatory of Music: https://www.theartandscienceoflearning.com/blogsidebysidee/124-music-amp-neuroscience-the-royal-conservatory-of-musics-innovative-approach-to-early-childhood-education-alexander-brose The day opened with a powerful keynote from Renée Fleming, celebrated soprano and author of Music and Mind, who spoke about the impact of music and music therapy on health and wellbeing. She invited the audience to sing together in harmony—setting the tone for a day centered on connection, research, and shared experience. Alexander Brose, President & CEO of The Royal Conservatory of Music, welcomed attendees and shared the story behind Smart Start's creation and development. Throughout the day, internationally recognized voices from across disciplines contributed to panels and discussions on music, neuroscience, education, creativity, and innovation. Speakers and panelists included Evan Solomon, Canada's Minister of Artificial Intelligence, Raffi, the beloved children's singer-songwriter, Steve Paikin, the award-winning journalist, Eric Radford, Olympic figure skater and composer, and many more. The symposium also featured hands-on learning experiences led by Catherine West, pedagogy leader and early childhood education specialist, allowing participants to experience Smart Start exactly as children would in a learning environment. This episode brings the symposium to life through three in-depth interviews with key speakers: • Dr. Indre Viskontas – Associate Professor of Psychology at the University of San Francisco, musician, and host of the Inquiring Minds podcast, discussing the neuroscience of music and learning • Kevin Chan – Senior Director at META, exploring the connections between creativity, technology, AI, and education • Dr. Sean Hutchins – Director of Research at The Royal Conservatory of Music and co-developer of the Smart Start curriculum, unpacking the research and educational thinking behind the program Together, these conversations offer a rich picture of why Smart Start matters and how early, play-based music education can help develop cognitive skills, emotional regulation, creativity, and problem-solving abilities, setting children up to become lifelong learners. Dive in to revisit the ideas, insights, and inspiration from the Music and the Mind symposium, celebrating the global launch of the Royal Conservatory of Music's Smart Start program. Links: Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) Neuroscience: https://www.rcmusic.com/about-us/rcm-neuroscience Music and the Mind Symposium (October 31st 2025): https://www.rcmusic.com/about-us/news/global-launch-of-rcm-early-childhood-music