The Decibel

James Bradshaw, institutional investing reporter at The Globe and Mail who covers large pension funds, walks through a governance crisis at the CAAT pension plan. He outlines how a $1.6-million vacation payout and a disclosed relationship sparked major leadership upheaval. The conversation covers board reactions, turnover, reputational and financial fallout, and why steady leadership matters for big pension plans.

Kelly Grant, veteran health reporter, breaks down rising obesity trends and patient stories around GLP-1 drugs. Dr. Daniel Drucker, pioneering endocrinologist, walks through decades of research from a Gila monster discovery to semaglutide’s development. They discuss how these medicines work, broader health effects beyond weight, treatment challenges, and why the drugs captured public attention.

Margaret Atwood, celebrated Canadian novelist and poet known for The Handmaid's Tale, and Michael Crummey, Newfoundland-born poet and novelist, trade playful stories and reflections. They discuss the rise of Canadian publishing, poetry’s early role, Newfoundland as a living setting, the revision and publishing process, and how politics shapes belief in redemption.

Mark Rendell, economics reporter at The Globe and Mail who covers trade and North American economic ties, breaks down Canada–Mexico commerce. He discusses growth since NAFTA, what Canada buys and sells with Mexico, the 250-company trade delegation and real deals, political context ahead of USMCA talks, and what true diversification toward Mexico would require.

Pippa Norman, The Globe and Mail innovation reporter covering defence business, breaks down Canada’s new Defence Industrial Strategy. She outlines the strategy’s goals, key numbers and ten priority capabilities. Short takes cover ammunition and dual-use tech, how the government will spur innovation, partnership choices, timelines and what sovereignty could mean in practice.

Karina Vold, assistant professor of philosophy at the University of Toronto who studies cognitive science, AI and ethics. She unpacks how language models generate text and what autonomous AI agents do differently. She explores why people anthropomorphize machines, the practical harms of misattribution on AI platforms, and what consciousness and sentience might mean for nonhuman systems.

Shannon Proudfoot, Ottawa-based political columnist known for strategy and polling analysis, and Laura Stone, provincial politics reporter who broke the Carney-Ford story, dissect talk of a snap federal vote. They discuss the reported Carney-Ford conversation, why this moment feels politically ripe, risks of calling a quick election, how other parties might react, and what behind-the-scenes signs to watch for.

Robyn Doolittle, Globe and Mail reporter and avid figure skater, shares the dramatic comeback of Deanna Stellato-Dudek. She traces the 16-year break, the switch to pairs and citizenship hurdles. Listeners hear about training, recovery routines and how older athletes defy expectations. Tune in for the sports human-interest arc and the tension around selection and longevity in elite competition.

On-the-ground reporting from a small town reeling after a mass shooting. Firsthand accounts of lockdowns, frantic searches for loved ones, and community vigils. Details on police actions, identified weapons, and ongoing investigation. Reflections on the town’s close-knit character and how neighbors are coming together in grief.

David Ebner, Globe justice reporter who explains courtroom impacts of major probes, and Mike Hager, Globe policing reporter with on-the-ground reporting, break down the arrests and alleged corruption tied to Project South. They walk through leaking, bribes, drug links and investigatory hurdles. They also discuss how probes can ripple through other criminal trials and shake public trust.