Podcasts about torontonians

STORIES FROM THE STREET, 30min., Canada Directed by Andrea Ramolo Filmed over the duration of a year, this documentary gives voice to a handful of currently or previously homeless Torontonians surviving the harsh realities of unaffordable housing. Within a tapestry of shared stories and experiences, the film also closely follows Brent, an older gentleman who is granted transitional shelter in a Tiny Tiny Home and eventually his very own apartment after living on the streets on and off his entire life. https://instagram.com/byheartproductions

Highways are busy and the city is bustling with activity as Torontonians prepare for the long weekend; the cousin and friend of a man who was murdered outside of an Oshawa Tim Hortons try to make sense of the violence; and, a group calls on the Ontario government to protect fund for the TDSB's Model Schools for Inner Cities program.

There was the “joke” a senior Toronto Police officer made one day to then One Homicide Chief, Hank Idsinga. You know, the one about a kosher bbq being a “Jew-Q.” As in, thinking that the idea of burning Jews during the Holocaust in Europe - was funny. The jokester told Idsinga it was really funny. And that was when Hank Idsinga began to see the deep antisemitism among police leadership, and others. And there was more. Much more.Idsinga's recently published book: “The High Road: Confessions of a Homicide Cop”, was released in early May and is prompting discussion about the conduct of the Toronto Police Force, particularly since October 7. Toronto has become a dangerous city for Jews to live in. Hostility toward Jewish people is overt, everywhere and inescapable. It was clear from October 7 that something was very wrong with how Toronto police were dealing with the outburst of Jew-hatred. The antisemites were given free rein. Police spoke about constitutional rights and other high-minded issues, which actually had nothing to do with the illegal conduct proliferating on Toronto streets. In fact, the cops protected the “protesters”, insisting they were not breaking laws and that their conduct was “peaceful.” Well, they were breaking many laws, and their conduct was anything but peaceful. Almost three years later, Toronto is unrecognizable and considered to be one of the most dangerous cities in the world in which to live today, as a Jew. This podcast episode is a touch longer than our usual, because there is so much important information to be shared.We focus on Hank Idsinga, his personal story and how that influenced his career, particularly in the later years. And we get into the way in which Toronto Police have handled overt and often violent antisemitism since October 7. Their conduct is indefensible. Inexplicable. And I have been writing and podcasting about this tirelessly. Only now, as attacks on Jews have become more frequent and violent - attracting international attention - has the Toronto Police Service even acknowledged that there may be, you know, a problem.I have provided time stamps for three sections of the podcast, so you can jump around or skip. But I urge you to listen to them all. They build on and reinforce one another. And the story of what is going down in Toronto is just one extreme example of what we are seeing in many cities around the world. This will not just “go away”.Thanks to Andrea Marcus, a friend, proud lifelong Torontonian, brilliant artist, and sponsor of this episode of State of Tel Aviv and Beyond. Like so many Canadians, Andrea is devastated by what has happened to Canada and Toronto, particularly in recent years. They are unrecognizable. If you would like to be like Andrea and support our work by sponsoring an episode or two, please contact me directly. vivian@stateoftelaviv.comTime Stamps:Part I - Introduction to Hank Idsinga and the Toronto Police Force 00-34:54Part II - Toronto Police and Jews: Open Contempt at a Recent Press Conference 34:55-37:41Part III - Deep Dive into Post October 7 Toronto Police Conduct 37:42-endShow your support for STLV at buymeacoffee.com/stateoftelavivHank Idsinga was a member of the Toronto Police Services for thirty years, leading the country's top homicide unit for five years. Having served as Detective Sergeant and, later, Inspector in charge of Toronto's Homicide Squad, he has policed just about every kind of case you can imagine, and has stared down some of the hardest criminals the city has ever seen. Idsinga has received numerous awards from the Ontario Homicide Investigator's Association, and has twice been recognized by Toronto Life magazine as one of Toronto's 50 Most Influential People. Additionally, he is a regular presenter at policing conferences, including the FBI National Academy Associates Conference and the Ontario Homicide Investigators Conference, among others. Recently retired and now a crime commentary fixture on the Corus radio network (nationally) and Global Television, as well as American crime series in production, Idsinga speaks widely about policing in the wake of a highly decorated career.From decorated homicide detective Hank Idsinga comes The High Road—a raw, riveting true crime memoir from the man who helped take down one of Canada's most notorious serial killers.Hank Idsinga knew from the age of ten that he wanted to solve murders—especially after learning his grandfather had been executed by the Nazis during the Holocaust. Over a thirty-year career with Toronto Police Services, Idsinga rose through the ranks to lead the country's top homicide unit. From street crime to serial killers, he saw it all—and now, for the first time, he tells the story in his own voice.Written in a hard-boiled but deeply human tone, The High Road chronicles the highs and horrors of life on the homicide beat. Idsinga recounts some of Toronto's most gripping cases that caught the attention of the nation, including the Boxing Day shooting of Jane Creba, the Yonge Street shootouts, and—most infamously—the Bruce McArthur serial killer investigation. With equal parts warmth, candor, and gravity, he offers rare insight into how detectives do their work, how justice is served, and how the toll of the job is carried quietly and constantly.Far from glorifying violence, Idsinga focuses on the people at the heart of each case: the victims, the families, and the fellow officers who became like family over decades of service. Many of those families remain in touch with him today, a testament to his character and compassion.With the rise of true crime podcasts and docuseries, audiences are hungry for authentic, unfiltered voices—and The High Road delivers. This isn't just a book about catching killers. It's about the moral weight of justice, the value of empathy, and the complicated humanity on both sides of the badge.Podcast NotesIn the podcast I refer often to how entrenched antisemitism is in Canada and how obvious that has become since October 7. Below are links to two articles published in Toronto media regarding Idsinga's allegations regarding antisemitism on the police force.Following are links to podcasts and written articles by me, on the State of Tel Aviv website and in other publications. This is just a sampling of the work I have done on antisemitism in Canada, focusing on Toronto, since October 7. And there's much more. State of Tel Aviv is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.stateoftelaviv.com/subscribe

It’s time for Party for Two! Jerry is joined by Bob Richardson, NEWSTALK 1010 contributor and public affairs consultant, to break down the biggest stories of the day, including: Marit Stiles’ “You’ll be in prison, Doug” comment, and her push for a Greenbelt public inquiryThe Prime Minister naming a replacement for Governor General Mary SimonA new report showing Toronto rideshare drivers spend half their time on the road without a passenger Then, Jerry looks at a Toronto Star feature asking Torontonians what they would do if they were mayor, from tax cuts, to income support for artists, to a proposed “bat signal" to combat crime. It’s Telescopic Tuesday with Dan Riskin! NEWSTALK 1010’s science expert brings the latest in science and space. Plus, gas prices are expected to jump again. Jerry takes your calls: Are rising fuel costs forcing you to rethink or scale back your summer road trip plans?

Greg Brady welcomed Brad Bradford, councillor for Beaches - East York and 2026 Mayoral Candidate to the studio to discuss his campaign which is anchored in fixing three things: the Three C's. Crime, because Torontonians should feel safe in their own city. Walking home, on the bus, on the subway platform, in the parks where their children and pets play. Congestion, because time is the one thing we cannot get back, and the time tax City Hall levies on Torontonians climbs higher every year. Cost, because families and small businesses are being asked to pay more for a city that delivers less. The math has stopped working, and Torontonians know it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Greg Brady welcomed Brad Bradford, councillor for Beaches - East York and 2026 Mayoral Candidate to the studio to discuss his campaign which is anchored in fixing three things: the Three C's. Crime, because Torontonians should feel safe in their own city. Walking home, on the bus, on the subway platform, in the parks where their children and pets play. Congestion, because time is the one thing we cannot get back, and the time tax City Hall levies on Torontonians climbs higher every year. Cost, because families and small businesses are being asked to pay more for a city that delivers less. The math has stopped working, and Torontonians know it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With Toronto on the rise a century ago, residents expected world-class offerings. Enter the 1926 Toronto Maple Leafs—led by the colorful “Howling Dan” Howley—and the construction of a sparkling state-of-the-art ballpark, Maple Leaf Stadium. D.M. Fox tells the story of a pivotal time in Toronto history. In this August Publications/Ballpark Digest podcast, Jesse Goldberg-Strassler and Kevin Reichard sit down to discuss the newest August Publications title, The Howleyites: Toronto's Changing City, A Stadium Rising, and the Champions of 1926, with author D.M. Fox.Toronto was an international city on the rise in 1926, as Canada was starting to flex its muscles on the world stage diplomatically and economically. The country was making advances in medicine, literature, academia, the arts, and technology, and nowhere was this more evident than in Toronto. By virtue of its central location, the city was becoming a major manufacturing, financial, and transportation hub.Prosperity also created demand for leisure offerings, and baseball was one of the top entertainment draws of the era. Toronto's baseball scene featured a scenic but hard-to-access stadium on Hanlan's Point, and when entrepreneur Lol Solman sought to upgrade the baseball experience both on and off the field, he called upon a familiar face to put together the 1926 Toronto Maple Leafs.The result was a shiny new state-of-the-art facility, Maple Leaf Stadium, and an upgraded Maple Leafs roster, ready to challenge Jack Dunn's Baltimore Orioles for the International League title. And the new-look Leafs were led on the field by “Howling Dan” Howley, a baseball lifer with a fiery reputation: “full of the old paprika and hot tamale stuff that puts life in the game,” according to one scribe, experience formed by serving as Ty Cobb's right-hand man and chaperone to a young and wild Babe Ruth. With a roster of experienced hands and young talent like Carl Hubbell, The Howleyites fulfilled the high expectations of Torontonians with International League and Junior World Series titles.In this podcast episode, D.M. Fox discusses the baseball events of 1926 in the broader context of the rise of Toronto. The rise of the Maple Leafs in 1926 gave Toronto major league cred, presaging the creation of the Toronto Blue Jays 50 years later. Chronicling the rise of Toronto on the world stage and the emergence of the Maple Leafs in the baseball world, Fox tells the story of a fascinating time in Canadian history.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit femchaospod.substack.comKat and Phoebe discuss heteronormativity, Playboy magazine, and Torontonian raccoons making a sexual spectacle of themselves.LINKS:Buy our books!The Last Straight Woman: On Desiring MenHow to Survive in the Woods: A NovelCoon Dick Toothpick Raccoon Baculum Penis Bone Toothpick for 1 From USA # STP - EtsyAgainst ‘heteronormative'What Playboy got right ab…

Award-winning journalist and author Matti Friedman discusses Israel and America's war with Iran and how the conflict is affecting Israeli society and Jewish communities in the West. The former Torontonian now Israeli explores rising anti-Semitism in Canada and how Jews should respond, the mainstream media's shift from objective journalism to activism, and his new book Out of the Sky which details the death-defying efforts of Jewish parachutists who jumped back into Nazi Europe during the Second World War. The Hub is Canada's fastest growing independent digital news outlet. Subscribe to The Hub's podcast feed to get all our best content: https://tinyurl.com/3a7zpd7e (Apple) https://tinyurl.com/y8akmfn7 (Spotify) Watch a video version on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHubCanada Follow The Hub on X: https://x.com/thehubcanada?lang=en CREDITS: Amal Attar-Guzman - Producer & Editor Harrison Lowman - Host Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to The Avrum Rosensweig Show, one of the internet's most thoughtful conversations, where we explore the lives, ideas, and stories of remarkable people whose work shapes the world around us. Cities are not merely collections of buildings and roads. They are living organisms — breathing through their neighborhoods, pulsing with ambition, creativity, and memory. They inhale through the hopes of their residents and exhale through the dreams of millions who call them home. Few places embody that living complexity more than Toronto — a remarkable city where hundreds of languages echo through the streets, where cultures meet and mingle, and where possibility has long been the unofficial civic religion. Around the world, Toronto is admired as a beacon of diversity, openness, and opportunity. Yet today, many Torontonians feel something shifting in the civic atmosphere. Housing that once represented opportunity now feels increasingly unreachable. Grocery bills climb, poverty grows, infrastructure strains under the weight of a rapidly expanding metropolis, and traffic makes the simple act of getting home harder each day. Perhaps most troubling is the subtle erosion of social trust — the sense that the kind, easygoing Toronto many remember is becoming harder to find. At the same time, the city faces a troubling rise in antisemitism — now one of the fastest-growing categories of hate crimes — raising urgent questions about safety, dignity, and belonging for Jewish Torontonians and about the responsibility of civic leadership to confront hatred wherever it appears. These are not small challenges. They require thoughtful leadership and a renewed vision for what Toronto can become. Brad Bradford is the Toronto City Councillor for Beaches–East York, a community known for strong civic engagement and vibrant neighborhood life. Before entering politics, Brad worked as an urban planner, focusing on how thoughtful development and infrastructure shape the everyday experience of residents. At City Hall, he has spoken frequently about housing affordability, responsible growth, public safety, and the need for municipal government that listens — truly listens — to the people it serves. Now, Brad Bradford is entering the race to become Mayor of Toronto. His connection to the city began long before politics. Raised by a single mother in Hamilton, he remembers visiting Toronto as a thirteen-year-old boy for his birthday. After arriving by GO Train and stepping into the vast hall of Union Station, he saw the skyline rising above Front Street — and in that moment, Toronto felt like a “shining city on the hill,” a place filled with possibility and promise. That moment stayed with him. Today, as a father, Brad believes the city stands at a crossroads. The Toronto he once saw as a symbol of aspiration feels further away to many families. But he believes it can be rebuilt — by restoring the basics: safety, affordability, mobility, and a civic culture that allows people to build lives, families, and businesses here again. In this conversation, we explore the future of Toronto — its challenges, its promise, and the leadership required to shape the next chapter of this extraordinary city. Because the future of a city is never inevitable. It is built — decision by decision, leader by leader, and citizen by citizen. Brad Bradford, welcome to the show. ——

Welcome to The Avrum Rosensweig Show, one of the internet's most thoughtful conversations, where we explore the lives, ideas, and stories of remarkable people whose work shapes the world around us. Cities are not merely collections of buildings and roads. They are living organisms — breathing through their neighborhoods, pulsing with ambition, creativity, and memory. They inhale through the hopes of their residents and exhale through the dreams of millions who call them home. Few places embody that living complexity more than Toronto — a remarkable city where hundreds of languages echo through the streets, where cultures meet and mingle, and where possibility has long been the unofficial civic religion. Around the world, Toronto is admired as a beacon of diversity, openness, and opportunity. Yet today, many Torontonians feel something shifting in the civic atmosphere. Housing that once represented opportunity now feels increasingly unreachable. Grocery bills climb, poverty grows, infrastructure strains under the weight of a rapidly expanding metropolis, and traffic makes the simple act of getting home harder each day. Perhaps most troubling is the subtle erosion of social trust — the sense that the kind, easygoing Toronto many remember is becoming harder to find. At the same time, the city faces a troubling rise in antisemitism — now one of the fastest-growing categories of hate crimes — raising urgent questions about safety, dignity, and belonging for Jewish Torontonians and about the responsibility of civic leadership to confront hatred wherever it appears. These are not small challenges. They require thoughtful leadership and a renewed vision for what Toronto can become. Brad Bradford is the Toronto City Councillor for Beaches–East York, a community known for strong civic engagement and vibrant neighborhood life. Before entering politics, Brad worked as an urban planner, focusing on how thoughtful development and infrastructure shape the everyday experience of residents. At City Hall, he has spoken frequently about housing affordability, responsible growth, public safety, and the need for municipal government that listens — truly listens — to the people it serves. Now, Brad Bradford is entering the race to become Mayor of Toronto. His connection to the city began long before politics. Raised by a single mother in Hamilton, he remembers visiting Toronto as a thirteen-year-old boy for his birthday. After arriving by GO Train and stepping into the vast hall of Union Station, he saw the skyline rising above Front Street — and in that moment, Toronto felt like a “shining city on the hill,” a place filled with possibility and promise. That moment stayed with him. Today, as a father, Brad believes the city stands at a crossroads. The Toronto he once saw as a symbol of aspiration feels further away to many families. But he believes it can be rebuilt — by restoring the basics: safety, affordability, mobility, and a civic culture that allows people to build lives, families, and businesses here again. In this conversation, we explore the future of Toronto — its challenges, its promise, and the leadership required to shape the next chapter of this extraordinary city. Because the future of a city is never inevitable. It is built — decision by decision, leader by leader, and citizen by citizen. Brad Bradford, welcome to the show. ——

Torontonians have been given an early taste of spring, with unseasonably warm temperatures; a new pre-clearance facility at Billy Bishop Airport looks to speed things up for travellers heading to the U.S.; and, an agency that protects consumers in Ontario is warning some companies are accepting mortgage funds, despite not being licensed to do so.

Send a textMaddy Goldberg is a renowned Toronto Chef. She wanted to volunteer at her local Food Bank in some capacity. Then it dawned on her- maybe she could use her skills as a chef to make a difference in people's lives.Sam Garrison is a teacher who was looking to give his life some focus and also contribute to Toronto Food Banks. What seemed like a far fetched idea to swim the English Channel to raise funds soon became the challenge of a lifetime.Thanks for listening! Please visit our website at hiddengemstoronto.netFollow us on Instagram at hiddengems.torontoand Facebook at hiddengems.toronto

Toronto snow‑route parking tickets have totaled more than $2 million — do you feel sorry for the people who got ticketed?A new family room at Queen’s Park is helping MPPs with babies. GUEST: Donna Skelly – Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario

Jerry opens the show with a conversation asking if owning a snowblower comes with a neighbourly obligation? February 8 is set as the opening of the Eglinton Crosstown and Councillor Josh Matlow says that an inquiry is needed, Jerry agrees. Then, former traffic cop Sean Shapiro joins Jerry to answer listener traffic questions. Plus, Jerry asks whether Torontonians were right to expect better snow clearing after the latest storm.

Happy Holidays from Frequency Podcast Network! This week we'll be joined by the Friends of Frequency (FOF). In this special feed drop on The Big Story, 680 NewsRadio City Hall reporter, Momin Qureshi sits down with Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow to look back on 2025, and what she hopes for heading into 2026. The two discuss Chow's potential second term, her relationship with Premier Doug Ford, and when exactly Torontonians can expect the Eglinton Crosstown LRT to open. 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 @thebigstoryfpn on Twitter

Every year, hundreds of thousands of people move to Toronto, looking for opportunity, while tens of thousands are leaving in a flight for affordability and safety. Addressing this tension and making Toronto a city where everyone can afford to raise a family and build a life is the most critical challenge facing our local government.According to a recent Toronto Star/Ipsos survey first unveiled at the Empire Club podium, six in 10 Torontonians now believe this city's best days are behind it. Our city's future prosperity depends on reversing this trend, but how do we tackle this challenge when urban cynicism and mistrust of government is at an all-time high?On Tuesday, November 25th, join The Empire Club of Canada for a keynote address entitled Getting the Basics Right from Brad Bradford, City Councillor for Beaches–East York and the first major declared candidate for the 2026 mayoral election. Bradford shared what he has heard from residents across the city about their priorities, and his vision to make sure City Hall is working for the Torontonians who make this city work. Bradford's remarks were followed by a fireside chat with John Moore, Host of Moore in the Morning. 

Canada's foreign policy is now all about the Benjamins — or in this case, the Bordens. Torontonians, look away: Montreal's new train upgrade is going to make your morning streetcar delay feel even worse.

Greg Brady & the Panel of: Laryssa Waler, Founder of Henley Strategies Genevieve Tomney, Principle at GT and Company Discuss: 1 - Major corruption scandal engulfs top Zelensky allies 2 - Police charge man with 1st-degree murder of Ontario father during home invasion 3 - Prominent pollster wants Torontonians' thoughts about John Tory entering mayor's race 4 - Human Bride, hosts lavish wedding to AI husband named ‘Klaus' & uses virtual reality headset to say their vows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Greg Brady & the Panel of: Laryssa Waler, Founder of Henley Strategies Genevieve Tomney, Principle at GT and Company Discuss: 1 - Major corruption scandal engulfs top Zelensky allies 2 - Police charge man with 1st-degree murder of Ontario father during home invasion 3 - Prominent pollster wants Torontonians' thoughts about John Tory entering mayor's race 4 - Human Bride, hosts lavish wedding to AI husband named ‘Klaus' & uses virtual reality headset to say their vows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Guest: Ed Keenan, Toronto Star city columnist Toronto has always been a contradiction; a city people fall in love with and get fed up with, often at the same time. This year, the Toronto Star explored those many shades in our Toronto the Better series, digging into the cracks, complexities, and questions around how to actually make the city better. Now we want you to join the conversation. We're launching One Great Idea — a project asking for your bold, beautiful, or just plain weird ideas to help fix Toronto. If you could change one thing about this city, what would it be? And what kind of ideas could actually turn Toronto into the place you want it to be? In this episode, city columnist Ed Keenan talks about the project, the city's identity crisis, and why even the most frustrated Torontonians show up to cry and cheer together during a Blue Jays playoff run. Have a great idea of your own? Send it to onegreatidea@thestar.ca in under 200 words or drop it in the comments below. We'll be publishing a selection soon and letting readers choose which ones are worth championing. Audio sources: Youtube, CP24 This episode was produced by Sean Pattendon 

Jerry is joined by guest co-host, John Cowan, for the 11 am hour. Starting with Party for Two! Then, John Wright weighs in on a new poll that finds the majority of Torontonians think the city is headed in the wrong direction. How will Prime Minister Mark Carney solve Canada's problem while he travels abroad? Plus - Blue Jays are in the World Series!

Greg Brady and the panel of: Steve Paikin, Author and Broadcaster, host of The Paikin Podcast, Chloe Brown, policy analyst and former Toronto mayoral candidate, Discuss: 1 - Doesn't waiting 7+ months tell Torontonians that congestion and easing traffic crunches isn't exactly a top priority at City Hall? 2 - The school boards were bound to say that - but I actually think when a letter is sent from 22 mayors urging the Premier to keep some element of speed cameras in - especially in school zones, it may be something he ends up listening on, yes? 3 - October 7th - was a Saturday morning 2 years ago - I admit not quite seeing what ended up happening that day would lead to where we are now - what do you remember about initial thoughts of the attack - and how the West would react to it? It goes without saying - there's a clear demographic shift re: YOUNGER PEOPLE - on how Israel as a construct is viewed. That was not necessarily brand new, but more pronounced. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Guests: Star journalists Ben Spurr and Mahdis Habibinia The Star's City Hall bureau has been digging deep into the garbage with its Waste Not, Want Not series, examining how Toronto handles its trash and how the choices we make shape our city. In this episode, City Hall Bureau Chief Ben Spurr explains where most of our garbage actually ends up and what options the city has next, with its main landfill nearing capacity in just over a decade. Then, reporter Mahdis Habibinia shares what she learned from Torontonians trying to live a zero-waste lifestyle, and offers some practical advice on how the rest of us can start cutting down on trash at home. Produced by Paulo Marques

Now wait a minute. We've got one of Ronna's dearest and oldest friends on the show this week; a Torontonian of the highest order and Ronna's Canadian concierge. It's none other than award-winning author and journalist David Sax! David has written for esteemed publications like New York Magazine, Vanity Fair, the New York Times, GQ, and many more. He's also the author of THE REVENGE OF ANALOG (named one of the best books of 2016 by the Times, pardon me) and SAVE THE DELI. David joins us this week to give advice on dealing with a superstitious mother-in-law and what to do when your friend's child makes disparaging remarks about your appearance. We're MAYBE sold out for Ask Ronna Live in Boston...it's hard to tell. Sometimes there's a seat or two left, but other times it's all booked. If you want to go, you better keep checking that website because seats pop up one second and are gobbled up the next! Go to askronnalive.com for the chance to join us on October 4th in Boston! And don't forget (Bryan) is bringing his smash hit Edinburgh Fringe show to LA's Elysian Theatre on Thursday September 27th. Tickets at bryansafi.com Want even more Ronna (& Bryan)? Of course you do! If you're not a member already, join us on Patreon at patreon.com/askronna for bonus episodes and, of course, the coveted Shades of Vanilla Newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mark interviews A.L. Wahdel, a crime thriller writer brings Toronto's soul to life in his fiction. They talk about his new book TOO DARK FOR THE LIGHT, about his writing, about police work, and about the importance of community, connection, and creativity. Prior to the interview, Mark shares a personal update and a word about this episode's sponsor. This episode's sponsor: This episode is sponsored by an affiliate link to Manuscript Report. Use code MARK5 at checkout and save $5.00 off your own personalized report. In the interview, Mark and Lance talk about: Lance's 20 years of experience in the police force and how he had planned on a completely different career path by studying media arts and graphic design How people usually ask police officers if they're seen any crazy stuff, but rarely ask if they've seen amazing things The power of community and connecting and communicating with people "Always be in a constant state of create." A philosophy that drives Lance in his life and writing How any time a person creates something it's a gift to the world and the universe Lance's earliest experience writing lyrics and music Being a huge comic fan, Batman in particular The revelation of "write what you know" in creating his first novel TO DARK FOR THE LIGHT Finding his writing community via numerous podcasts, YouTube, and other online resources Establishing a virtual "mastermind" from the shared writing resources Deciding to set his novel in Toronto, Ontario, Canada instead of choosing a "more popular" major US city Using Toronto's iconic skyline on the cover to ensure the setting for the book was clear Debating over whether or not to begin with Water Kascade's origin story The tricky balance of writing an authentic police procedural novel (ie, ignoring those tedious long boring periods of time in the day to day life of law enforcement) The training of always being alert and aware as a police officer and how that benefits Lance as a writer Some of the things that authors get wrong related to police work The integrity involved in releasing the book under the pseudonym A.L. Wahdel so as not to take advantage of his role and employer Advice Lance would offer to other authors And more . . . After the interview Mark shares a few reflections about the desire to help others and the value of creativity in giving to the world. Links of Interest: A.L. Wahdel's Website A.L. Wahdel on Substack: A Constant State of Create Catching up with Dale L. Roberts (Draft2Digital Self-Publishing Insiders) Manuscript Report (Mark's affiliate link) Buy Mark a Coffee Patreon for Stark Reflections EP 430 - Rambling Reflections from a Lemons to Lemonade Road Trip Mark's YouTube channel Mark's Stark Reflections on Writing & Publishing Newsletter (Signup) An Author's Guide to Working With Bookstores and Libraries The Relaxed Author Buy eBook Direct Buy Audiobook Direct Publishing Pitfalls for Authors An Author's Guide to Working with Libraries & Bookstores Wide for the Win Mark's Canadian Werewolf Books This Time Around (Short Story) A Canadian Werewolf in New York Stowe Away (Novella) Fear and Longing in Los Angeles Fright Nights, Big City Lover's Moon Hex and the City Only Monsters in the Building The Canadian Mounted: A Trivia Guide to Planes, Trains and Automobiles Yippee Ki-Yay Motherf*cker: A Trivia Guide to Die Hard Merry Christmas! Shitter Was Full!: A Trivia Guide to National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation   A.L. Wahdel is an exciting new storyteller in the crime thriller genre, blending gripping suspense with a powerful narrative. A.L. Wahdel writes with energy about the city that shaped his identity. With an unwavering love for its style and complexity, he brings Toronto's soul to life in every story. Choosing his birthplace as the canvas for his crime series was an intentional act—to honour its essence, celebrate its dynamism, and share the stories that only a true Torontonian writer could tell   The introductory, end, and bumper music for this podcast (“Laser Groove”) was composed and produced by Kevin MacLeod of www.incompetech.com and is Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0      

From July 18-20, Torontonians everywhere in the city heard the thunderous roar of racing cars running circuits around the downtown Exhibition Place. The Ontario Honda Dealers Indy Toronto brought drivers and racing fans from around the world—including at least one (but maybe two) Jewish athletes. Robert Shwartzman, the Israeli rookie who stunned the world by taking pole position at the acclaimed Indy 500 in May, continued his fall back to Earth in Toronto, where he came in 16th place. Meanwhile, 20-year-old Nolan Siegel of Arrow McLaren is believed by most to be Jewish—including folks at the Jewish Federations of Toronto and Indianapolis, as well as Jewish racing fans—but we've yet to confirm this. He did, however, finish 18th. Interpret that how you will. The Menschwarmers' own Gabe Pulver went down to the event to learn what he could and witness the noise firsthand. He reports back to guest host Michael Fraiman, who later explains how Jewish NBA rookies Ben Saraf and Danny Wolf performed for the Brooklyn Nets during the 2025 Summer League. Credits Hosts: James Hirsh and Gabe Pulver Producer: Michael Fraiman Music: Coby Lipovitch (intro), chēēZ π (main theme, "Organ Grinder Swing") Support The CJN Follow the podcast on Twitter @menschwarmers Subscribe to The CJN newsletter Donate to The CJN (+ get a charitable tax receipt) Subscribe to Menschwarmers (Not sure how? Click here)

To celebrate 150 episodes, this weeks one on one pod is free on all streaming platforms! In this episode we discuss whether or not a restaurant can be 'good' if the food isn't, Allens on the Danforth, Favorites Thai BBQ, the Ideal patio on Ossington, Nick's trip up north, defending Drake as a Torontonian, The Ice Man, Bernardino Femminielli live at Bambi's, filling in on guitar for WEBB at Cafeteria, Do Flame, party hopping, retiring from moshing, Los Compas Tacos, F1 The Movie and much more!Josh McIntyreNick MarianCOLD POD----Join us on Patreon to access all episodes and weekly one on one pods!

Guests: Deputy Governor of the Bank of Canada Sharon Kozicki and Star Business Reporter Ana Pereira Recently, the Bank of Canada announced their latest interest rate decision, holding it at 2.75% - its second pause after seven consecutive cuts. In attempting to explain this decision, Bank of Canada Governor Tiff Macklem said, ‘The Canadian economy is softer but not sharply weaker.' And what does that mean exactly, right? Star Business reporter Ana Pereira sat down with Bank of Canada Deputy Governor Sharon Kozicki to ask about how the bank came to this decision, how the central bank is handling Trump's volatile tariffs announcements and, generally, how the Bank plans to take care of Canadians as we teeter on the brink of another recession. Host Julia De Laurentiis Johnston and Ana analyze Governor Kozicki's answers and talk about what the Bank of Canada is concentrating on right now and the way it affects Canadians, especially Torontonians, in this economic moment. PLUS: Is the Bank of Canada in the middle of something of a build back trust outreach tour with young Torontonians in particular, based on how they kind of bungled communication during the last recession? Produced by Julia De Laurentiis Johnston, Paulo Marques, Sean Pattendon and Serena Austin.

Send us a textToday we have educator, storyteller and Toronto tourism go-to, Alex Sein @BeardedProf416. In this conversation, you'll hear Alex's story of becoming a Torontonian, including his link to graffiti culture in the city and how he accidentally became intwined in this community.You'll hear about the history of graffiti, why it matters and how graffiti is often a collaborative process. You'll not only hear about physical infrastructure of a place (including the idea of a 15-minute city), but also the emotional infrastructure that signage, advertising and graffiti help shape. You'll hear the surprising ways that graffiti is deeply-rooted in history of places all over the world and both consciously and subconsciously connect and foster belonging. I'm all about interesting projects with interesting people! Let's Connect on the web or via Instagram. :)

Today we delve into the importance of public and free third spaces and how they impact your mental health. We had the pleasure of talking with filmmaker, Ali Weinstein about her first observational documentary, Your Tomorrow, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2024.  The film is about the last year in the life of Ontario Place which became a defacto public park 10 years ago after living many lives as an educational and entertainment destination. Ontario Place was a third space that acted as a refuge to a lot of Torontonians until the government decided to turn the main part of the space into a private spa and despite public process, construction began in October of 2024, a month after Ali's documentary premiered.  For those of you who haven't heard of third places before, it's a sociological term that refers to the social surroundings that are separate from the two usual social environments of home ("first place") and the workplace ("second place"). Third places, then, are "anchors" of community life and facilitate and foster broader, more creative interaction. They are spaces like churches, cafes, libraries, gyms, bookstores, gaming spaces, parks, and theatres, where people can gather, relax, and engage in meaningful interactions, which can positively impact mental health by fostering a sense of community and belonging Third places are where we can both affirm our own identities and build empathy for identities different from our own.  In Ray Oldenburg and Karen Christensen's 1989 book The Great Good Place, Oldenburg argues that third places are important for democracy, civic engagement, and a sense of place. IN the 2023 edition, Christensen argues that third places are also the answer to loneliness, political polarization, and climate resilience.  Contact us: BraaainsPodcast.com Follow: @BraaainsPodcast Music: @_Deppisch_ Support this show: Patreon.com/BraaainsPodcast

Last week, a senior Israeli official told the media that the country's goal is to establish full diplomatic relations with Lebanon soon, a move that follows a November ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah that has kept Northern Israel relatively safe in recent months. In that light, the Israeli government has been urging displaced Israeli families from the region—more than 60,000 people who fled after Hezbollah began firing rockets at them after Oct. 7—to finally come home. But not everyone is convinced. Some fear the ceasefire won't last. Even the mayor of Metula, where 60 percent of the buildings were damaged—including the Canadian-built hockey and sports complex—has warned residents not to return yet. On today's episode of The CJN Daily, we're joined by Michal and Nir Zamir, a Metula couple with deep Canadian ties. She's returned to her empty home in northern Israel just recently, while he stays in Edmonton,where some of their children live. Then we'll hear from Dr. Esther Silver, a former Torontonian who toughed out the war in her home in Kfar Vradim, a small town about an hour to the southwest of Metula in the Upper Galilee. Related links Why Israel's military escalation with Hezbollah impacts Canadians in Northern Israel on The CJN Daily from Jan. 2024. What Esther Silver said after the IIHF banned Israel's national hockey teams (temporarily) in 2024 from international competition, in The CJN. Credits Host and writer: Ellin Bessner (@ebessner) Production team: Zachary Kauffman (producer), Michael Fraiman (executive producer) Music: Dov Beck-Levine Support our show Subscribe to The CJN newsletter Donate to The CJN (+ get a charitable tax receipt) Subscribe to The CJN Daily (Not sure how? Click here)

The TDSB is planning to rename three schools following a controversial board decision. Daniel Tate, a concerned Torontonian, joins us now to share his concerns regarding this move. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome back to the 218th episode of The Cup which is our a weekly (give or take, TBD, these are unprecedented times) performing arts talk show presented by Cup of Hemlock Theatre. With the theatres on a come back we offer a mix of both reviews of live shows we've seen and continued reviews of prophet productions! For our 218th episode we have a new artist interview. This particular conversation was hosted by our Co-Artistic Producer Ryan Borochovitz and features Program Officer of visual and performing arts for The Japan Foundation, Toronto, Toshi Aoyagi. Join these two as they discuss Cinema Kabuki, an annual event in which filmed versions of kabuki plays are presented for Torontonian audiences as well as traditional Japanese artforms, complicated gender dynamics, and bridging cultural divides. Cinema Kabuki will be screened in three instalments at the TIFF Lightbox (350 King St W, Toronto, ON), on February 23rd, 2025. Tickets to the screenings can be purchased from the following link: https://tr.jpf.go.jp/cinema-kabuki-2025-toronto/ Register for the Kabuki Talk Series: https://tr.jpf.go.jp/kabuki-talk-series-2025/ CONTENT WARNING: This interview contains brief allusions to suicide and sexual violence against women, contained entirely within a segment discussing the kabuki play Princess Sakurahime (approximately from 50:40 to 55:30). Viewer discretion is advised. Follow The Japan Foundation – Instagram: @jftoronto // Website: https://tr.jpf.go.jp/ Check out the Yōkai Netsuke Exhibition (extended into March by popular demand) – https://tr.jpf.go.jp/event/yokai-netsuke-exhibition/2024-10-17/ Check out Toshi's recent interview with A View from the Box (which we referenced in this interview) – https://aviewfromthebox.net/2025/02/01/stage-door-dialogues-toshi-aoyagi-of-cinema-kabuki-at-the-japan-foundation/ Follow Cup of Hemlock Theatre on Instagram/Facebook/Twitter: @cohtheatre If you'd like us to review your upcoming show in Toronto, please send press invites/inquiries to coh.theatre.MM@gmail.comCHAPTERS: 0:00 – Intro: 3-for-1 Interview Questions3:40 – Toshi's Story 9:49 – How Does “Cinema Kabuki” Work?25:12 – Capturing Theatricality on Film 31:05 – Kabuki for Canadians 38:56 – Onnagata: A Fireball of Gender Issues 1:03:38 – Curation 1:11:03 – Talk Series 1:13:34 – What's Next?

On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Natalie Richeimer, MS, CGC, Genetic Counselor, Education and Outreach Manager at Jscreen, Bat-Sheva L. Maslow MD, REI, RMA, and Rena Fox, RNC-OB, BSN, join Aimee Baron, MD to talk about genetics and Infertility. The introductory episode of our 5-part IWSTHAB x JSCREEN Podcast series dives into the genetic aspect of fertility and recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) workups, setting the stage for an engaging and informative series that blends expert knowledge with deeply personal stories. Moderated by Dr. Aimee Baron of IWSTHAB, in this epsiode, we speak to Natalie, a reproductive genetic counselor, will explain what a genetic counselor does and how genetics factor into infertility evaluations. Dr. Batsheva Maslow (REI) will provide a medical perspective on infertility evaluations and how certain diagnoses and/or findings can help direct treatment. And finally,  Rena Fox will share her personal journey as part of a carrier couple who chose IVF for genetic reasons, shedding light on the real-life implications of genetic fertility challenges.  More about Natalie:  Natalie Richeimer, MS, CGC, is a board certified genetic counselor at jscreen with clinical experience in adult, pediatric, and reproductive genetic counseling. She holds a master's degree in human genetics and genetic counseling from the Keck Graduate Institute. Natalie is a native Torontonian, who lives in Los Angeles with her husband and two boys. She has published research in the Journal of Genetic Counseling on the impact of orthodox Jewish clergy's role in prenatal genetic counseling. Prior to her work as a genetic counselor, Natalie worked as a high school STEM teacher for 7 years in Los Angeles. She is passionate about reproductive health education and community engagement. Natalie has a special interest in outreach, with the goal of increasing awareness of and access to genetic counseling. Natalie has partnered with local organizations and high schools to provide community education. More about Dr. Maslow: Dr. Bat-Sheva Lerner Maslow is double board-certified in OB/GYN and Reproductive Endocrinologist and Infertility and is the lead physician at the Reproductive Medical Associates of New Jersey - Jersey City office. Dr. Maslow has a special interest in education, research, and the clinical care of single women considering proactive fertility preservation.  Outside of the office, Dr. Maslow lectures and writes on the intersection of halakha and reproduction. She serves as the Director of Medical Education for the North American Yoatzot Halacha Program and is a board member of several organizations related to Jewish women and health. She maintains an active educational presence on social media discussing issues related to reproduction in the Jewish community.  Dr. Maslow attended Barnard College and the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. She completed residency in Obstetrics & Gynecology at the University of Pennsylvania and fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility at the University of Connecticut, where she also completed a master's degree in clinical and translational research More about Rena:  Rena is an experienced nurse with 6 years in labor and delivery and 2 years in reproductive endocrinology and infertility (REI). Having personally gone through IVF, she combines professional expertise with personal insight to provide compassionate care and support to those navigating fertility challenges. Connect with us: -Check out our Website - Follow us on Instagram and send us a message -Watch our TikToks -Follow us on Facebook -Watch us on YouTube

Greg Brady and the panel of: Stephanie Smyth, broadcaster,  Smyth Media Group, Cockadoodle News, Brad Bradford, Toronto city councillor for Beaches - East York, Mark Saunders, former Toronto police chief, mayoral candidate Discuss: 1 - City wants more autonomy to govern itself and wants the province to butt out. Is this what's best for Torontonians? 2 - Is this early provincial election for the people of Ontario, or for Doug? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When you think of the city Toronto, there are a few names come to mind. Drake... snowd4y................... the rest. But there's one Torontonian that both Drake and snowd4y look up to and respect. One Torontonian that walked, so that Drake could run. One Torontonian that's actually...weirdly connected to Drake... in the sense that his next album is financed by him... That's right. I'm talking about the GOAT of the Toronto Hip Hop scene, K-OS and we're discussing his debut album paradoxically about his EXIT from the music industry. AND we are joined by none other than actual Canadian Kelly from the Canuck is a Slur podcast!!! Links: Canuck is a Slur linktree: https://linktr.ee/canuckisaslur ⁠https://www.reddit.com/r/Ethelcain/wiki/index/lore/⁠ "Organized K-OS" interview with Exclaim!: https://exclaim.ca/music/article/organised_k-os snowd4y - "Wah Gwan Delilah" (feat Drake) Music Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YRtyGtjgcNo Full Livestream of the episode: https://youtube.com/live/kQXYhnWjUII?feature=share OUR DISCORD: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://discord.gg/2stA2P7pTC⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/flyoverstatepark⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ EVERYTHING ELSE: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/FlyoverStatePark⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Guest: Toronto Mayor Oliva ChowHost: Edward Keenan In this episode of This Matters Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow talks about the housing and school nutrition progress she says are her biggest achievements of 2024, reflects on passing the biggest tax increase in post-amalgamation history and fields a question on what Torontonians should expect from the tax increase coming in the 2025 budget. Also, she shares her own response to the shelter crisis report that led the city manager to call the city's commitment to housing as a human right “aspirational,” and discusses her plans to open libraries on weekends. Host Edward Keenan also asks her about a raft of issues where her critics and supporters seems to agree she's ducking fights they expect her to take on—and she explains whether they all have her all wrong. PLUS: Seasonally appropriate conversation about why some of the best things about Toronto, in 2024 and beyond, involve ice.

When Michael Ross Albert recently bought a condo in Toronto, he realized that the dream of homeownership is more like a nightmare. The Canadian playwright was inspired by his own and his friends' experiences of homeownership to write his new play, “The Bidding War.” The dark comedy chronicles several Torontonians trying to purchase the “last nice home” in the city. He joins Tom Power in the Q studio to discuss why our senses of hope and ambition get wrapped up into the search for a home and the current housing crisis that so many Canadians are facing.

A rural village braces itself for development from the big city in Ryusuke Hamaguchi's EVIL DOES NOT EXIST (2024), a beautiful movie that rhymed with certain things we've been feeling lately about democracy, capitalism, freedom, and community. PLUS: We parse Toronto Life's list of the 50 most influential Torontonians of 2024, and explore the exciting world of Eric Roberts. PATREON-EXCLUSIVE EPISODE - https://www.patreon.com/posts/116329275

This week, Film Comment is on the ground at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival, which began on September 5 and runs through September 15. This year, as ever, the festival's lineup is full of buzzy titles, including premieres of new films from directors like Luca Guadagnino, Pedro Almodóvar, Athina Rachel Tsangari, Brady Corbet, Dea Kulumbegashvili, and more. For our third Podcast from the home of David Cronenberg, Drake, and the great Tim Hortons, Film Comment editor Devika Girish welcomes critics Adam Nayman and Beatrice Loayza to discuss some of the most anticipated films of this year's festival. Kicking things off, Adam, the noted Torontonian, gives a rundown on the Toronto-based movies at this year's edition (2:59) before the three critics move on to discuss Nicolás Pereda's Lázaro at Night (6:05), Jessica Sarah Rinland's Collective Monologue (12:32), Athina Rachel Tsangari's Harvest (22:09), Joshua Oppenheimer's The End (32:09), and Joseph Kahn's Ick (39:33). Catch up with all of our coverage of TIFF 2024 at filmcomment.com

What does purpose-driven leadership look like in the interior design world? In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Blima Ehrentreu, a creative visionary and interior design trailblazer with locations in Toronto, New York, and Miami. Driven by a mission of designing with purpose and creating a better world, Blima shares her journey from childhood curiosity to becoming a leader in the industry. Host Nicole Jansen, herself a former Torontonian, leads an engaging discussion about purposeful business practices, tips for women leaders in the construction industry, and innovative design solutions with social impact. Join us as Blima shares the challenges and opportunities she faced in launching her interior design business and expanding to three locations, how they weathered the pandemic, and how they have used their platform to further their purpose and social responsibility in the community. What We Discuss in this Episode What sparked Blima's interest in interior design? How does purpose-driven leadership shape her approach to design? What were the biggest challenges when launching The Designers Group? Tips for women entrepreneurs in the construction industry. The importance of learning from mistakes in business and design. How diverse perspectives enhance creativity and solutions. Social impact initiatives led by The Designers Group. Incorporating technology and AI in interior design. The role of mentorship in fostering new talent. Maintaining team engagement and a positive work culture. Podcast Highlights 0:00 – Discovering a career in design. 5:19 - Expanding business from Toronto to New York. 7:34 - Designers take responsibility for mistakes, lessons learned. 12:15 - Diversity, inclusivity, and thoughtful design in spaces. 14:51 – Meeting frequency and valuing everyone's input. 17:06 - Designing with purpose to create a better world. 20:11 - Community involvement, global impact. 25:58 - Embracing technology, offering mentorship, and opportunities. Favorite Quotes "Challenges are opportunities for growth. Every constraint pushes us to be more innovative." "Diversity within the team brings richer, more creative solutions." "Designing with purpose means not only making a space beautiful but ensuring it serves and uplifts the community."   Episode Show Notes and Resources https://leadersoftransformation.com/podcast/leadership/508-interior-design-for-a-better-world-with-blima-ehrentreu Check out our complete library of episodes and other leadership resources here: https://leadersoftransformation.com ________

This is Bucket List Travel, a special series within the podcast Dr. Mary Travelbest Guide. This is Carolyn Ray, CEO and editor of JourneyWoman, a women's solo travel publication based in Toronto. I'm going to share some tips and advice about my hometown with you. I'm actually a sixth-generation Torontonian, and my daughter is a seventh-generation Torontonian.     So this is my hometown, and I can tell you, if you're looking for an exciting, vibrant city, Toronto is it. We are, you might be surprised, the fourth largest city in North America, and very easy to get to from just about anywhere in the world. Toronto is a great getaway for those living in Canada and a steal for women coming from other countries because of our Canadian dollar. So you'll find a lot of value coming here for your money,    I want to share with you a bit about how to get to Toronto, which may surprise you. Of course, you may know about Toronto Pearson Airport, our international airport, but we also have a smaller island airport called the Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, which is right downtown. So if you can get a flight into Toronto Island, that's much easier.    But if you are flying into Toronto, Pearson, we have a wonderful train called the UP Express, which will get you downtown in about 25 minutes. If you are arriving at Union Station, you can get right on our subway system, the TTC, the Toronto Transit Commission. And it's very, very easy to get around on the TTC. It's a U-shaped route that goes north, just kind of starts at Union Station, and goes up both ways. And then there's an east, west route across the city at Bloor Street, which is B, L, O, O, R, we're building some more subways. You'll notice that when you're in town, and because of that, I just want to speak to a little bit about safety on the subways. Toronto is a very large city, and I just want to encourage you to be very aware. I know everyone thinks Canadians are very nice, but I also just want to remind you to be very self-aware when you're on the subways and on public transit.   For things to do in Toronto, my number one experience would be to go to Toronto Island. It's very easy to get there on a ferry, and you can take a ferry over for the day. You can ride a bike, enjoy the beaches, or even get on a boat.   If you are looking for a place to stay, there are many different kinds of hotels in Toronto, but I will say one of my favorites is the Fairmont Royal York, which is right across from Union Station. But I also like some of our boutique hotels, the Gladstone, the Drake, the Broadview Hotel. These are very lovely, locally owned hotels, creative, artsy, with really great rooftop restaurants and great views.   I'll end with some tips on places to eat that you may not know about. I really love Spanish food, so I wanted to recommend Madrina y tapas and Patria. Patria is on King West, which is a very popular place to go for bars and restaurants. The Distillery District is one of our historic areas in Toronto, it's a wonderful place to walk around and spend the day. And Madrina y tapas is one of my favorite restaurants there. There's also Yorkville, which is on at Bloor and Yonge Street. Kasa Moto is a Japanese restaurant that I would suggest there. And a secret you may not have heard of, this one is called Scaramouche, and it's a little bit farther north, but you can get wonderful views of the entire city. It's actually in a condominium, and you can see all of Toronto at night. It's lovely. And for those of us who like vegetarian food, it's Planta. There are two Planta locations in Toronto, maybe more now, great vegetarian menu. And of course, I must mention the St Lawrence Market, which has all, you know, all of the fresh food you could ever want. But also in the basement Manotas, which is a Spanish takeaway restaurant, and then also Busters, which is at the back of the St Lawrence Market, where you can get some wonderful seafood.   Whatever you're doing in Toronto, I hope you have a great time. There's so much to do. There's so much to see, and I look forward to seeing you there. And if there's more information need about Toronto, please visit JourneyWoman.com. We've got lots of articles about the city.  Thank you, Carolyn Ray and Journey Woman for this excellent episode. I love that you shared about Toronto on this one!  Connect with Dr. Travelbest 5 Steps to Solo Travel website Dr. Mary Travelbest X Dr. Mary Travelbest Facebook Page Dr. Mary Travelbest Facebook Group Dr. Mary Travelbest Instagram Dr. Mary Travelbest Podcast Dr. Travelbest on TikTok Dr.Travelbest onYouTube In the news  

Toronto is a bustling city on Lake Ontario which is growing at an astonishing rate. Almost a third of Torontonians have arrived in the last decade and more than half were born outside of Canada. The city's Mohawk name is , which means “the place on the water where the trees are standing". Noah Richler explores the fictional landscape of the city with four of its exciting writers from different generations and backgrounds; Catherine Hernandez, Adrianna Chartrand, Don Gillmor and Deepa Rajagopalan who all join him in front of a lively audience at The House of Anansi Bookshop.

Larry Ostola talks to Matthew Reeve about his book, Casa Loma: Millionaires, Medievalism, and Modernity in Toronto's Gilded Age. Leading architect E.J. Lennox designed Casa Loma for the flamboyant Sir Henry Pellatt and Mary, Lady Pellatt as an enormous castellated mansion that overlooked the booming metropolis of Toronto. The first scholarly book dedicated to this Canadian landmark, Casa Loma situates the famous “house on the hill” within Toronto's architectural, urban, and cultural history. Casa Loma was not only an outsized home for the self-appointed “Lord Toronto” but a statement of Canada's association with empire, an assertion of the country's British legacy. During and after the Pellatts' occupation, Casa Loma was a major landmark, and it has since infiltrated the iconography and collective memory of the metropolis. The reception of Casa Loma, variously loved and abhorred by Torontonians, reflects many of Toronto's major aspirations and anxieties about itself as a modern city. Across ten chapters, this book charts the history of Casa Loma from the purchase of the estate atop Davenport Ridge in 1903 and its construction from 1906, through to its sale and the dispersal of its contents in 1924, its subsequent life as a hotel, and finally its transformation into one of the city's major entertainment venues. Casa Loma brings to light a wealth of hitherto unpublished archival images and documentation of the house's visual and material culture, weaving together a textured account of the design, use, and life of this unique building over the course of the twentieth century. Matthew M. Reeve is professor of art history at Queen's University. Image Credit: McGill-Queen's University Press 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.

A new study from GeoTab Intelligent Transportation Systems revealed that since the Gardiner construction started, Torontonians are spending over 250% more time stuck on commutes! But if this is the case, did Toronto not plan for it, or seek any data on how this construction would affect the city? Host Alex Pierson needs these questions answered, and turns to the source, Mike Branch the VP of Data and Analytics with GeoTab ITS. Mike explains why he was never approached by the city for this data, why his company performed the study and if things will improve or just continue to get worse. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The city of Toronto is moving forward with its renaming and rebranding of Yonge-Dundas Square to Sankofa Square, and its going to at least cost a few hundred thousand dollars if everything goes right...and much more if there are any delays. Is this really a good use of city funds, especially since we know just how broke Toronto really is? Guest host Anthony Furey is joined by a member of the "Downtown Concerned Citizens Organization" Dana McKiel, who breaks down just how dissatisfied Torontonians are with the rebrand, and why these funds could easily be used for something much more substantial and needed. Then, Anthony and Dana open up the phone lines and answer some questions from listeners on the issue. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Toronto's Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Eileen de Villa has announced that she will be stepping down from her position at the end of the year, just as the province heats up its battle with the city to do away with decriminalization. Where does this leave the city, our medical community and ultimately...you. Host Alex Pierson asks all these questions to Dr. de Villa herself, including the one many Torontonians may have themselves...does she have any regrets? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Being a native Torontonian, she knows the Leafs pretty well and says it won't take much for them to collapse  

The delightful Netflix animated series Scott Pilgrim Takes Off starts off in the same way as the 2010 movie Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World and comic. Scott Pilgrim (Michael Cera) is a dim-bulb young Torontonian who falls in love and must fight to win the hand of Ramona Flowers (Mary Elizabeth Winstead). But in the animated series, the show's focus shifts to Ramona. The show reunites the entire cast of the film including Chris Evans, Jason Schwartzman, and Aubrey Plaza.