Podcasts about Toronto Star

This is the last week politicians will spend in Ottawa before scattering for the summer, and there's plenty on the government's to-do list. Our National Affairs Panel — CBC's Rosemary Barton, The Globe and Mail's Stephanie Levitz and the Toronto Star's Ryan Tumilty — takes a close look at how political leaders should be spending their summer ahead of what could be a high-stakes fall.

A reading of articles and features from the Monday June 15th issue of the Toronto Star

A reading of articles and features from the Friday June 12th issue of the Toronto Star

Which nation's goalkeepers are you taking? What about defenders? Midfielders? Forwards?? On the latest edition of Caught Offside with Andrew Gundling and JJ Devaney, the boys are building their perfect World Cup team by compiling various position groups from different countries. Let us know where we're right and where we're wrong!For even more Caught Offside content, get on over to Caught Offside Plus right now! In our most recent episodes: -We answer your questions in our World Cup Mailbag.-JJ lists his top 5 World Cup songs in our latest Caught OffFIVE.-And we get a Team Canada preview with the Toronto Star's Joe CallaghanFor all the latest merch, get over to https://caughtoffsidepod.com/ - Spring has sprung, you've made it through the winter, so buy yourself a present! Get a Caught Offside t-shirt!---Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/CaughtOffsidePod/X: https://twitter.com/COsoccerpodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/caughtoffsidepod/Email: CaughtOffsidePod@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A reading of articles and features from the Thursday June 11th issue of the Toronto Star

A reading of articles and features from the Wednesday June 10th issue of the Toronto Star

On this 1913th episode of Toronto Mike'd, Mike chats with David Rider, Senior Politics Reporter for the Toronto Star, about The Star's recent use of AI for a story on strong mayor powers, the upcoming municipal election, and more.Toronto Mike'd, an award-winning podcast, is proudly brought to you by Great Lakes Brewery, Palma Pasta, Toronto Maple Leafs Baseball, Ridley Funeral Home, Nick Ainis, and RecycleMyElectronics.ca.If you would like to support the show, we do have partner opportunities available. Please email Toronto Mike at mike@torontomike.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A reading of articles and features from the Monday June 8th issue of the Toronto Star

A reading of articles and features from the Tuesday June 9th issue of the Toronto Star

Don Gillmor is the author of To the River, which won the Governor General's Award for nonfiction. He is the author of five novels, Cherry Beach, Breaking and Entering, Long Change, Mount Pleasant, and Kanata; a two-volume history of Canada, Canada: A People's History; and nine books for children, two of which were nominated for the Governor General's Award. He was a senior editor at The Walrus, and his journalism has appeared in Rolling Stone, GQ, Saturday Night, Toronto Life, the Globe and Mail, and the Toronto Star. He has won twelve National Magazine Awards and numerous other honours. He lives in Toronto. His latest book is Cherry Beach, published by Biblioasis in 2026. https://www.biblioasis.com/author/gillmor-don/In this episode dedicated to the art of Canadian detective fiction, we have a bonus reading from Amherstburg mystery writer John Schlarbaum.John Schlarbaum began his professional writing career working in the television industry before embarking on a career as a licensed Private Investigator. Along the way, he's also co-owned an award-winning independent bookstore, reviewed books for CBC Radio, and has written mystery and thriller novels, children's books, as well as interactive plays. He's best known for his two separate mystery series featuring flawed P.I. Steve Cassidy and feisty newspaper reporter Jennifer Malone.John reads for us from The Groom Wore Red.https://www.amazon.ca/stores/author/B086WMCHCG/about

In the latest episode of The Line Podcast, recorded on June 5th, 2026, Matt Gurney and Jen Gerson begin with reports that Prime Minister Mark Carney has a tendency to raise his voice behind closed doors when dealing with his Liberal caucus. According to reporting in the Toronto Star, the PM may not always be the calm technocrat he appears to be in public. Your hosts cannot endorse a toxic workplace, of course, but they also suspect many Canadians won't be especially upset by the news. After all, they argue, a lot of voters chose the Liberals out of necessity rather than affection, and more than a few people might conclude that after a decade of terrible Liberal management, the former PM's leftovers deserve a real chewing out.This episode is brought to you by the Forest Products Association of Canada. Canada's forest industry is a national economic anchor rooted in hundreds of communities across the country. The Canadian Forest Sector Transformation Task Force was created to chart a path toward a stronger, more competitive, and more resilient sector. That means practical federal action on long-standing priorities: stronger supply chains, better productivity, more homes, and regional resilience. Learn more at FPAC.ca.After that, they discuss Carney's recent efforts to reassure Canada's Jewish community. Both hosts agree the attempt fell short. Matt argues that putting Marc Miller in charge of a new advisory panel feels like a very Trudeau-era response to a serious problem — process instead of action. Jen then raises reports that the Trump administration may consider offering asylum to Canadian Jews. She also notes, to Matt's horror, that he warned months ago that such a possibility could eventually arise. Perhaps, they joke, he manifested it.This episode is also brought to you by BioCanRx. Nearly half of all Canadians will face a cancer diagnosis in their lives, and Canadian scientists are racing to build better treatments. But it's not just the science — it's the logistics of actually getting it to patients.BioCanRx is a federally funded, not-for-profit research network that specializes in moving Canadian cancer immunotherapy from the lab to clinical trials here at home. Since 2015, they've funded sixteen trials and treated more than four hundred patients — all with made-in-Canada technology.So what is immunotherapy? Your immune system eliminates threats every day, including your own cells when they mutate. But sometimes mutating cells are able to evade the immune system — and that's usually when we call them cancer. Immunotherapy supports or modifies your immune system so cancer can't slip past it.Stay tuned this summer, and visit BioCanRx.com to learn more.Finally, the hosts check back in on Alberta after what was, by recent standards, a surprisingly quiet week. Probably won't stay that way for long, though. It never does.Also: Ricky Martin reference!All that and more in the latest episode of The Line Podcast.#TheLinePodcast#MarkCarney#CanadianPolitics#CanadaPolitics#AlbertaPolitics#MarcMiller#CanadianJews#MediaAnalysis#FederalPolitics#CurrentAffairs

The Quewezance sisters have spent decades fighting to clear their names after being convicted of a murder they say they did not commit. More than 30 years after their conviction and four years after their case was sent for review, they are still waiting for answers. On this episode of APTN News InFocus, guest host Leanne Sanders examines the lengthy delays facing people seeking justice after a wrongful conviction. Leanne speaks with Senator Kim Pate, Toronto Star investigative reporter Kevin Donovan, legal expert Kent Roach and Mi'kmaq lawyer Suzanne Patles. Read Leanne's story here: https://www.aptnnews.ca/national-news/still-waiting-quewezance-sisters-case-still-under-review-after-four-years/ • • • APTN National News, our stories told our way. Visit our website for more: https://aptnnews.ca Hear more APTN News podcasts: https://www.aptnnews.ca/podcasts/

A reading of articles and features from the Wednesday June 4th issue of the Toronto Star

A reading of articles and features from the Wednesday June 3rd issue of the Toronto Star

A reading of articles and features from the Tuesday June 2nd issue of the Toronto Star

A reading of articles and features from the Monday June 1st issue of the Toronto Star

Jordan Himelfarb is an award-winning editor for the Toronto Star and an avid games player who became fascinated by elite chess during the pandemic. That fascination eventually led to his excellent new book,  Interregnum : Inside the Grueling and Glamourous Battle to Become the Next King of Chess, a detailed and highly readable chronicle of the 2024 FIDE Candidates cycle. Jordan traveled to events including the World Cup, Grand Swiss, Candidates Tournament and World Championship match, gathering revealing first-hand reflections from many of the game's top players along the way. We discuss: Why the Candidates cycle makes for such compelling sports drama The emotional and physical toll of professional chess Which players and personal stories resonated with him most Ding Liren, Fabiano Caruana, Gukesh and the shifting generational landscape in chess The controversies, chaos and unforgettable moments of the 2024 cycle I recommend Jordan's book to anyone looking for “bedtime chess reading”, and this was a really fun conversation. 00:00 Project Origins, Jordan's Chess and Games Background 03:48 The Structure and Narrative of the Book 07:01 Experiences at Major Chess Events 09:54 Challenges and Insights in Reporting 12:46 The Physical and Mental Toll of Chess 15:58 Gender Dynamics in Chess 19:00- Patreon mailbag question: Which Candidates' story resonated with Jordan the most?  22:16 The Weight of the Crown: Mental Health in Chess 23:40 Compelling Stories of Chess Players 25:30 The Agony and Ecstasy of Chess 30:07 The Relentless Grind of Chess Tournaments 31:09 Drama and Controversy in the Chess World 36:20 Expectations and Surprises in the Candidates Cycle 38:13 The Future of Young Chess Players 39:54 Personal Reflections on Chess 40:00- Thanks to Jordan for joining me, here is where to get the book: https://www.amazon.com/Interregnum-Inside-Grueling-Glamorous-Battle/dp/1639369910 Audiobook: https://www.amazon.com/Interregnum-Inside-Grueling-Glamorous-Battle/dp/B0GCPR89VZ/ref=tmm_aud_swatch_0 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

[Part 2 of 2] In 2019, a late-night boat collision involving Kevin and Linda O'Leary on Ontario's Lake Joseph, left two people dead and sparked years of intense public scrutiny and conflicting narratives.In part two, we uncover why Canada's most talked-about boating tragedies remained in the spotlight for years.---------------------------------------------------------IMPORTANT NOTES AND DISCLAIMERS:– This series does not frame this incident as a crime. While it was initially investigated and reported as a potential Criminal Code matter (per Toronto Life, August 24, 2020), the charges ultimately laid fell under the Canada Shipping Act.– If you know anyone related to this case, please respect their privacy.– The intention of this series is to look beyond the headlines, rumours and conspiracy theories surrounding a highly publicized boating tragedy, and carefully examine the evidence to better understand what happened. – Kristi Lee is not a lawyer, but a member of the general public reviewing this case through the lens of the open court principle. This series has been pieced together from the public record, including court documents, online news sources and trial reporting by media outlets including the National Post, CBC News and the Toronto Star.---------------------------------------------------------Look for early, ad-free release on CTC premium feeds: available on Amazon Music (included with Prime) and Apple Podcasts.Canadian True Crime donates monthly to those facing injustice. This month we have donated in Kevin O'Leary's name to Feed Ontario - a charity that supports food banks across the province to help end hunger and poverty.Full list of resources, information sources, and more:www.canadiantruecrime.ca/episodes/212 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning are joined by Toronto Star contributor Damien Cox to discuss his article on the challenges faced by Canadian NHL teams. They explore the Canadiens' success, player preferences about playing in Canada, and the implications of Mitch Marner's playoff performance on Auston Matthews' future. They also analyze the hiring of John Chayka and its potential impact on the Leafs. Later, Sportsnet's Shi Davidi (31:01) provides updates on injuries to Dylan Cease and Vladdy Guerrero Jr., discussing their implications for the Blue Jays' lineup and rotation. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.

Nate Erskine-Smith lost his bid for nomination for the Ontario Liberals in Scarborough Southwest, putting his plans for leadership in question. He's alleging serious voting irregularities, and that the Ontario Liberal establishment has it in for him. Meanwhile, the Toronto Star publishes a curious Editor's Note, retracting a statement from the PMO that Carney did not in fact endorse Erskine-Smith, despite the video being posted online. Then, a Toronto Star freelance columnist criticizes the Star's reporting, and has her column pulled. What is happening? Barbara Patrocinio of iPolitics joins San Grewal to sort through the chaos. Host: San GrewalCredits: James Nicholson (Producer), Kallan Lyons (Associate Producer and Fact Checking), Caleb Thompson (Mixing and Mastering), max collins (Director of Audio), Jesse Brown (Editor)Guest: Barbara PatrocinioFurther reading: Liberal party under fire as more questions raised about Nate Erskine-Smith's nomination fight - Toronto StarWhy the Liberal nomination controversy could be an 'unhelpful distraction' for a party looking to rebuild | CBC NewsSupriya Dwivedi on Real Talk with Ryan Jesperson [YouTube]Supriya Dwivedi Thread [X/Twitter]Erskine-Smith appeals Ontario Liberal nomination loss, alleging ‘irregularities' | Power & Politics [YouTube]Ontario running out of time to pass bill to deal with misbehaving municipal politicians, critics warn | CBC NewsBlind side: Why World Cup economic impact on Vancouver, Toronto may never be known | Globalnews.ca Sponsors:Squarespace: Check out Squarespace.com/canadaland for a free trial, and when you're ready to launch use code canadaland to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain.Fizz: Visit fizz.ca and activate a first plan using the referral code CAN40 to get 40$ off and 10GB of free data.Taskrabbit: Get fifteen dollars off your first task RIGHT NOW with promo code CANADALAND at Taskrabbit.ca or with the Taskrabbit app It's our biggest sale of the year! Save 80% on a Canadaland subscription and become a supporter for only $2/month. You'll get all of our podcasts ad-free, free access to our live events, and much, much more. What are you waiting for? Go to canadaland.com/joinStephen Marche will be interviewing Chrystia Freeland LIVE in Toronto in the first edition of The Nuance, a live event series in partnership with the MNJCC. Join us on Sunday, May 24th at 7pm at the Al Green theatre. Doors open at 6pm. Free for Canadaland supporters, or you can become a supporter at the door for only $2 this month. Seating is first come first served. Find out more at canadaland.com/live Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is surveillance pricing reshaping what Ontarians pay, and what happens when labour protections fail the people they are meant to protect? As affordability and cost of living dominate public concern, the growing use of consumer data to tailor prices raises new questions about fairness, transparency, and oversight. We examine how this practice works, who benefits, and where safeguards may be falling short. Vass Bednar, managing director of the Canadian Shield Institute, looks at the implications of data-driven pricing and how it could affect everyday costs. We then turn to wage theft, where workers report being paid below minimum wage, paid late, or not paid at all. If these violations are not rare, what does that say about enforcement, and who is most at risk? Ghada Alsharif, immigration and work reporter for the Toronto Star, and Jared Ong, organizer with the Workers' Action Centre, discuss the scope of the problem, the barriers workers face in seeking accountability, and what stronger protections might require.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

News & features from the Wednesday May 20th, 2026 edition of the Toronto Star

News & features from the Tuesday May 19th, 2026 edition of the Toronto Star

Iran just launched Hormuz Safe — a Bitcoin-settled maritime insurance platform routing $10B in Strait of Hormuz shipping AROUND SWIFT. Bitcoin is now a geopolitical settlement layer. Canada take note.Iran's Ministry of Economy quietly switched on "Hormuz Safe" on May 16 — a state-backed platform that lets shipping companies buy insurance for transit through the Strait of Hormuz and settle the premiums in Bitcoin. Coverage activates the moment the on-chain confirmation lands. The Islamic Republic is projecting more than $10 billion in annual revenue from a service explicitly designed to bypass SWIFT, dollar rails, and Western insurers. The Strait carries roughly 20% of global oil. Bitcoin is no longer a retail speculation — it's a sovereign workaround layer for the most contested chokepoint on the planet. Canadian shippers, energy traders, and compliance officers will be navigating this for years.In this episode of the Canadian Bitcoiners Podcast:

News & features from the Monday May 18th, 2026 edition of the Toronto Star

Iran just launched Hormuz Safe — a Bitcoin-settled maritime insurance platform routing $10B in Strait of Hormuz shipping AROUND SWIFT. Bitcoin is now a geopolitical settlement layer. Canada take note.Iran's Ministry of Economy quietly switched on "Hormuz Safe" on May 16 — a state-backed platform that lets shipping companies buy insurance for transit through the Strait of Hormuz and settle the premiums in Bitcoin. Coverage activates the moment the on-chain confirmation lands. The Islamic Republic is projecting more than $10 billion in annual revenue from a service explicitly designed to bypass SWIFT, dollar rails, and Western insurers. The Strait carries roughly 20% of global oil. Bitcoin is no longer a retail speculation — it's a sovereign workaround layer for the most contested chokepoint on the planet. Canadian shippers, energy traders, and compliance officers will be navigating this for years.In this episode of the Canadian Bitcoiners Podcast:

Elaine Dewar was tough. Contrary. The reporter who wrote an article that brought upon her the wrath of billionaires. It was a piece on the Reichmann family resulting in a $102 million dollar libel case that nearly killed Toronto Life Magazine. She argued against the Bering Strait theory on migration of humans to the Americas. She ruffled feathers with her views on the origins of Covid. Questioned ties between the environmental movement and big business. Those are just a few of the debates she sparked through her tireless investigative works.Elaine Dewar was debated, denounced, debunked. Well, they tried to debunk her. She was sued and she was spied on. She hated, as she put it, "Lying liars who lied." Elaine Dewar, investigative reporter and author of multiple nonfiction books. Born in Saskatchewan in 1948, she was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer last August, and she died weeks later. She died writing. Elaine's publisher Dan Wells and daughter Anna Dewar Gully join us today to talk about her life and that final book, Oblivious, which chronicles the medical segregation of Indigenous people and their history as non-consensual subjects in medical experimentation.Editor's note: Approximately halfway through the podcast, publisher Dan Wells describes Otto Schaefer as a Nazi-trained doctor who conducted experiments on Indigenous people. While not entirely incorrect, this is something of an oversimplification of a nuanced history. Elaine Dewar gives that nuance in the book, and it's available to read in this Toronto Star excerpt.  Host: Jesse BrownCredits: Tristan Capacchione (Producer), Bruce Thorson (Senior Producer), max collins (Director of Audio), Jesse Brown (Editor and Publisher)Additional music by Audio NetworkFact checking by Julian AbrahamPhoto: Danielle DewarMore information:Oblivious: Residential Schools, Segregated Hospitals, and the use of Indigenous Peoples as Slaves of Race Science — BiblioasisWith weeks to live, Elaine Dewar finished her most personal book – probing settler Canadians' obliviousness — The Globe & MailBook excerpt: The complicated legacy of Otto Schaefer and Canada's Indigenous people — The Toronto StarCanada's media lawyers wage war on “libel chill” and the power of the purse — National Magazine, Canadian Bar Association#186 End Of The CanLit Hustle — CANADALAND#715 Mommy, Where Does COVID Come From? — CANADALANDSponsors: Fizz: Visit https://fizz.ca and activate a first plan using the referral code CAN25 to get 40$ off and 10GB of free data.Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at https://shopify.caArticle: Article is offering our listeners $50 off your first purchase of $100 or more. To claim, visit https://article.com/canadaland and the discount will be automatically applied at checkout.Taskrabbit: Get ahead of your to-do list with fifteen dollars off your first task at https://Taskrabbit.ca or on the Taskrabbit app using promo code canadaland.Can't get enough Canadaland? Follow @Canadaland_Podcasts on Instagram for clips, announcements, explainers and more.It's our biggest sale of the year! Save 80% on a Canadaland subscription and become a supporter for only $2/month. You'll get all of our podcasts ad-free, free access to our live events, and much, much more. What are you waiting for? Go to canadaland.com/joinStephen Marche will be interviewing Chrystia Freeland LIVE in Toronto in the first edition of The Nuance, a live event series in partnership with the MNJCC. Join us on Sunday, May 24th at 7pm at the Al Green theatre. Doors open at 6pm. Free for Canadaland supporters, or you can become a supporter at the door for only $2 this month. Seating is first come first served. Find out more at canadaland.com/live Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Prime Minister Mark Carney have made another stride in their important MOU: A new carbon pricing agreement that is far less than the targets set by Justin Trudeau. Is the deal enough to calm down separatists? Could it anger environmentalists within Carney's team? Ottawa bureau chiefs Tonda MacCharles of the Toronto Star and Stuart Thomson of the National Post lay out the stakes.Plus, the House takes an in-depth look at whether the government should ban social media accounts for kids. We visit a high school to hear how teenagers feel about a ban; Anxious Generation research partner Ravi Iyer lays out what's at stake if restrictions are not put in place; Meta's Rachel Curran defends the company's practices; tech company CEO Steve Borza describes how age verification technology works (or doesn't); then Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew explains how his province's social media and AI Chatbot ban for kids could work. This episode features the voices of:Stuart Thomson, parliamentary bureau chief for the National PostTonda MacCharles, Ottawa bureau chief for the Toronto StarRavi Iyer, managing director of the University of Southern California Marshall School's Neely Center and research partner with the Anxious Generation MovementRachel Curran, head of public policy for Meta CanadaSteve Borza, CEO of Bluink LtdWab Kinew, premier of Manitoba

News & features from the Friday May 15th, 2026 edition of the Toronto Star

This is a really big deal. As we record this episode, Ottawa and Alberta are closing in on an agreement that will see industrial carbon pricing rise more gradually (reportedly to $130 a tonne by 2040 instead of $170 by 2030). Industry says certainty matters. Investors say pricing matters. And politically? The timing is impossible to ignore. With separatist sentiment simmering and talk of a referendum this fall, some see this as Ottawa finally showing flexibility with Alberta — maybe even an example of Confederation actually working. But not everybody's celebrating. BC Premier David Eby says Alberta may be getting special treatment that could put other provinces at a competitive disadvantage. So now the question becomes: is this smart economic policy, political damage control, or both? We unpack what this deal could mean for Alberta's economy, emissions targets, national unity, and the broader future of carbon pricing in Canada with political commentator Rob Breakenridge (4:10) in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.  THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY RapidEX FINANCIAL. THE CRYPTO WORLD MOVES FAST, BUT YOUR TRUST IN AN EXCHANGE SHOULDN'T BE A GAMBLE. RapidEX IS SECURE, FINTRAC-REGISTERED, AND NON-CUSTODIAL. SAVE 50% ON FEES ON ONLINE INTERAC E-TRANSFER TRADES WITH PROMO CODE RYAN50 AT https://rapidexfinancial.com/. READ ROB'S WORK: https://robbreakenridge.substack.com/ MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ 40:00 | Supriya Dwivedi joins us outside her regular Monday appearance with an inside scoop on a media controversy that's raising serious questions about newsroom culture, editorial independence, and the blurry line between reporting and opinion. After publicly criticizing a Toronto Star report on Mark Carney and Nate Erskine-Smith, Supriya says the paper pulled her column over a tweet that challenged the story's accuracy — even after the Star later issued a correction. We get into what happened behind the scenes, the Star's social media policy, and whether legacy media organizations are struggling to handle internal dissent in an era of real-time commentary and public accountability. (And, of course, we ask her about the Alberta-Ottawa emissions deal.) TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com 1:11:30 | We've been SLAMMED with emails re: the court ruling against the separatist petition and the Alberta data breach. Real Talkers Reg in Calgary, Dom in Calgary, Peaches in Alberta Beach, K-Park, Anne, Jeff, Alex, JJ Needs a Nap, and Michael sound off in The Flamethrower proudly presented by the DQs in Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park!  FIRE UP YOUR FLAMETHROWER: talk@ryanjespersen.com  WHEN YOU VISIT THE DQs IN PALISADES, NAMAO, NEWCASTLE, WESTMOUNT, or BASELINE ROAD, BE SURE TO TELL 'EM REAL TALK SENT YOU!  SIGN UP for YEGplus, CANADA'S FIRST AIRPORT REWARDS PROGRAM: https://yegplus.com/realtalk REAL TALK'S LIVE STREAM IS PRESENTED BY CALIFORNIA CLOSETS. BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULTATION: https://californiaclosets.ca/ ENTER TO WIN TWO TICKETS TO OPENING NIGHT OF "SIEGFRIED" PRESENTED BY EDMONTON OPERA ON MAY 25: Email talk@ryanjespersen.com with RealTalkRJEO in the subject line. Winner will be drawn Tuesday, May 19 and notified by email. FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen  JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen  REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch SHOPPING FOR LUXURY CASUAL WEAR OR A CUSTOM SUIT? SAVE 10% ONLINE WITH PROMO CODE REALTALK: https://thehelmclothing.com/ 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.

In a province where politics increasingly feels like performance, what happens when the people who understand the stage best start talking openly about persuasion, authenticity, and fear?This week on Balance of Power, Annalise Klingbeil, Leah Ward, and Shannon Phillips unpack the politics of communication, the growing international fascination with Alberta separatism, and why the fight over Canada's future may already be underway.First: the Wab Kinew factor. Leah reports from the Canadian Labour Congress convention in Winnipeg, where both Naheed Nenshi and Wab Kinew delivered very different kinds of speeches, sparking a conversation about charisma, media training, authenticity, and whether great political communication can actually be taught.Then: Alberta as spectacle. The panel digs into recent coverage from The Guardian, Toronto Star, and other international outlets examining Alberta separatism, voter data controversies, and the rise of grievance politics. Is this necessary scrutiny, dangerous mainstreaming, or another example of Alberta being flattened into caricature for outside audiences?Plus: Jason Kenney's return to the federalist fight. After a Calgary event on Canadian unity featuring Kenney and MP Cory Hogan, the hosts debate whether conservatives who helped fuel western alienation can now successfully contain it, what responsibility they carry for this moment, and whether fear itself might be necessary to motivate Albertans to act.Media training, separatism, grievance politics, posture discourse, and the uncomfortable question of who still has the power to persuade.Welcome to Balance of Power.Have a comment or idea? Email us at suggestionbox@balanceofpowerpod.caJoin the Strategists Podcast Network Patreon for ad-free episodes and access to our exclusive Discord:https://www.patreon.com/c/strategistspod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

News & features from the Thursday May 14th, 2026 edition of the Toronto Star

News & features from the Tuesday May 12th, 2026 edition of the Toronto Star

News & features from the Wednesday May 13th, 2026 edition of the Toronto Star

In Hour 3 we were joined by Mike Wilner from the Toronto Star covering the Blue Jays and our Wednesday co-host, former NHLer David Schlemko. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

During Hour 3 Mike Wilner from the Toronto Star and the Deep Left Field podcast joined the show discussing the Toronto Blue Jays. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

News & features from the Monday May 11th, 2026 edition of the Toronto Star

News & features from the Friday May 8th, 2026 edition of the Toronto Star

News & features from the Thursday May 7th, 2026 edition of the Toronto Star

Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning discuss the impact of the Leafs' first overall pick with Toronto Star's Damien Cox. They contemplate how this affects the team's future, the potential for attracting talent like Gavin McKenna, and whether the Penguins' model offers a solid direction. Afterward, Medicine Hat Tigers' GM Willie Desjardins (24:29) shares insights on coaching McKenna and his readiness for the NHL. They analyze McKenna's growth, spotlight effects, and the challenges of transitioning from CHL to NHL. Finally, Ben and Brent outline their offseason hopes for the Leafs. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.

News & features from the Wednesday May 6th, 2026 edition of the Toronto Star

Watching US television today after yesterday's European summit has left some commentators asking about a major Canadian role in a post-America world. Plus an article in the Toronto Star was, and still is, a real talker. It asked whether Mark Carney was drifting away from some of the Liberals who had helped him win the election. It was written by Althia Raj and she's here with The Economist's Rob Russo.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What does it take to survive the unthinkable and then transform because of it? In this powerful episode of Women Road Warriors, Shelley Johnson and Kathy Tuccaro sit down with Carol Murray, a woman whose life changed in an instant after a catastrophic skydiving accident left her free-falling over half a mile when both her main and backup parachutes failed. Her story was featured in the Toronto Star. The impact caused devastating injuries and years of recovery, but that's only the beginning of her story. She talks about her near-death experience and what she has become because of it.Today, Carol is known as “The Resilience Architect,” a sought-after keynote speaker helping individuals and organizations navigate adversity, lead under pressure, and perform at their highest level when it matters most.Drawing from her extraordinary journey and a career raising over $50 million for medical research, social services, and community organizations across North America, Carol shares the three pillars that define true resilience: Community, Values, and Perspective.This conversation goes beyond survival—it's about rebuilding, redefining fear, and stepping into strength with intention. Carol's story will challenge the way you think about setbacks, leadership, and what it really means to rise after life knocks you down.If you've ever faced adversity, questioned your strength, or needed a reminder of what's possible, this episode is for you.

He was “Captain Canada” last year and at one point, the most popular conservative in Canada.But now Ontario Premier Doug Ford's taken a hit in the polls after a series of decisions that include the purchase and almost immediate sale of a $28.9-million private jet that his critics are calling the “gravy plane”. Two recent polls have seen the Ontario PCs drop enough to find themselves almost on par with the Liberals, a party that's currently helmed by an interim leader. Doug Ford's personal approval ratings are worse, with more Ontarians unhappy with him than not. Can he turn this around? We're joined by Robert Benzie, Queens Park Bureau chief for The Toronto Star. For transcripts of Front Burner, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/frontburner/transcripts

News & features from the Tuesday May 5th, 2026 edition of the Toronto Star

News & features from the Monday May 4th, 2026 edition of the Toronto Star

James Stewart (J.D.M.) speaks with Ed Conroy about his book, ImagiNation: The Golden Age of Toronto Kids' TV. Featuring over one hundred children's programs broadcast between 1950 and 2000, ImagiNation is a memory-filled trip for anyone who spent their weekdays after school or Saturday mornings staring at the idiot box. The story of each Toronto-produced series is covered — from inception through production to broadcast — along with the tales of local stations and the people who made it all happen. Ed Conroy is a cultural historian, writer, producer, archivist, and vintage video sleuth. He is the founder of Retrontario.com and his writing on Canadian pop culture and history has appeared in the Toronto Star, Toronto Life, blogTO, The Canadian Encyclopedia Blog, and YTV.com. He has appeared on CTV, TVOntario, CBC TV & Radio, Zoomer TV & Radio, and is a regular guest and occasional host on Newstalk 1010. If you like our work, please consider supporting it: bit.ly/support_WTY. Your support contributes to the Champlain Society's mission of opening new windows to directly explore and experience Canada's past. Image Credit: Dundurn Press

News & features from the Friday May 1st, 2026 edition of the Toronto Star

News & features from the Thursday April 30th, 2026 edition of the Toronto Star

James Stewart (J.D.M.) speaks with Peter MacLeod and Richard Johnson about their book, Democracy's Second Act: Why Politics Needs the Public. Democracy's Second Act is a smart, story-driven blueprint for how democracies can move beyond gridlock and cynicism by giving ordinary citizens real power between elections. Drawing on vivid case studies from Ireland, Canada, France, and beyond, MacLeod and Johnson show how new democratic institutions are already revitalizing politics and creating fresh opportunities for reform-minded leaders. Lively, hopeful, and grounded in practice as well as theory, it's perfect for readers who are looking for clear, engaging ideas about how democracy can evolve. Peter MacLeod is the founder and principal of MASS LBP, where for nearly two decades he has been at the forefront of democratic innovation championing a new style of politics rooted in deliberation and shared power. A trusted advisor to governments at all levels, he is one of Canada's leading voices on democracy, civic trust, and active citizenship. Richard Johnson is a former journalist and current policy director at MASS LBP. His writing has appeared in The Globe and Mail, Toronto Star, The Walrus, Reader's Digest, This Magazine, The New Quarterly, and many others. A former Fellow in Literary Journalism at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, he was also a longtime writer for the award-winning podcast Trailblazers, with Walter Isaacson. If you like our work, please consider supporting it: bit.ly/support_WTY. Your support contributes to the Champlain Society's mission of opening new windows to directly explore and experience Canada's past.