

The Decibel
The Globe and Mail
Context is everything. Join us Monday to Friday for a Canadian daily news podcast from The Globe and Mail. Explore a story shaping our world, in conversation with reporters, experts, and the people at the centre of the news.
Episodes
Mentioned books

May 13, 2024 • 20min
The $34-billion bet on boosting Canada’s economy
Exploring the completion of the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion project in Canada, its cost increase to $34 billion, potential buyers, indigenous stakeholder interest, environmental concerns, and the balancing act with clean energy objectives.

May 10, 2024 • 24min
Understanding Israel’s push into Rafah during ceasefire talks
The podcast discusses Israel's military invasion of Rafah, escalating tensions despite ceasefire talks with Hamas. The chapters delve into the impact on civilians, the challenges of negotiating hostage releases, US involvement, and the need for fresh leadership in the region.

May 9, 2024 • 23min
TD Bank caught up in drug money-laundering scheme
Financial reporter Tim Kiladze discusses TD Bank's alleged involvement in a $653 million money-laundering and drug-trafficking operation. The podcast explores TD's anti-money-laundering issues, regulatory challenges, and the implications for the bank and its customers. The complex web of international money laundering schemes connected to Mexican cartels, Chinese criminal rings, and Russian spies is also investigated.

May 8, 2024 • 23min
How do we solve our global plastic problem?
175 countries are negotiating a UN treaty to reduce plastic pollution, facing hurdles like disagreements on production cap. Wendy Stueck explains treaty impact and balancing plastic use with environment. Explore plastic history, global production surge, and urgent need for UN treaty to manage pollution. Canada's challenges in managing plastic waste and legal debates on plastic regulation are also discussed.

May 7, 2024 • 23min
Police, campus unrest and the power of student protests
Dr. Roberta Lexier, an expert in social and student movements, discusses the tensions between campus protesters and police in Canada and the United States. Topics include historical evolution of police presence on campuses, police intervention in protests, the influence of student protests on historical change, and contrasting student movements past vs. present perspectives.

May 6, 2024 • 20min
The ‘stain’ of foreign interference on Canadian elections
The podcast discusses the threats of foreign interference in Canadian elections, highlighting the concerns raised by the public inquiry. Bob Fife shares insights on interference from China, India, and Russia. The impact of disinformation campaigns, like Kenny Chu's targeted efforts, and the call for transparency and legislative changes to safeguard democracy are explored.

May 3, 2024 • 22min
‘What I eat in a day’ videos and the new diet culture
Registered dietitian Christy Harrison discusses the dangers of diet culture on social media, the negative impacts of 'What I eat in a day' videos, and the importance of maintaining a safe relationship with food. She emphasizes the need to sift through disinformation and promote healthier relationships with food in the digital age.

May 2, 2024 • 22min
How the politics of decriminalization played out in B.C.
Justine Hunter, The Globe's B.C. politics reporter, discusses British Columbia's decriminalization experiment to tackle the opioid crisis. The podcast explores the challenges faced, the recent policy reversal, and the implications for harm reduction policies nationwide.

May 1, 2024 • 23min
Why running is more popular than ever
Ben Kaplan, GM of iRun Magazine, and Allison Hill, co-founder of Hill Run Club, discuss how distance running has become more popular, inclusive, and diverse. They explore the surge in running during the pandemic, the therapeutic benefits of running, and the growth of safe and inclusive run clubs. The podcast highlights the impact of running on wellness, community, and friendship.

Apr 30, 2024 • 22min
Sudan and the neglected wars
Explore the neglected conflicts in Africa, focusing on Sudan's dire humanitarian crisis. Learn about the displacement, hunger, and lack of international attention. Uncover the complex dynamics of the Sudanese conflict and the ongoing crisis in Darfur. Discuss the funding issues and delayed sanctions exacerbating the situation.


