Commotion with Elamin Abdelmahmoud

The winner of this year's Polaris Music Prize is Yves Jarvis and his album, 'All Cylinders.' Elamin is joined by 2022 Polaris Music Prize winner Cadence Weapon and culture critic Riley Yesno to react to this year’s results and assess the awards’ value as it celebrates its 20th anniversary.

Remembering Robert Redford. The Iconic actor, legendary director, and unparalleled champion of Indie filmmaking has died. Teri Hart describes his contributions to cinema, and how he made the world a better place. Plus, culture critics Thomas Leblanc and Joyita Sengupta join Elamin to talk about SSENSE’s recent financial woes, and how the Montreal brand became a major player in the fashion industry.

Music journalists Tabassum Siddiqui, Rosie Long Decter, and Suzy Exposito discuss the new documentary, 'Lilith Fair: Building a Mystery,' which explores the groundbreaking legacy of Sarah McLachlan’s '90s-era all-female travelling music festival, and why revisiting its story is particularly meaningful in the current cultural moment.  

Radheyan Simonpillai and Teri Hart join Elamin to talk about Hamnet winning People's Choice, films they think should've gotten more attention, and reaction to the festival as a whole - and whether TIFF might be too celebrity focused. 

The morning after the Emmy Awards, TV critics J. Kelly Nestruck and Roxana Hadadi talk about the big winners and snubs with guest host Amil Niazi. Plus, a new online trend called 'The Great Lock In' is creating buzz on TikTok. It’s a three month commitment to a rigid routine ahead of the New Year following summer’s indulgence and lack of structure. Is this just another glow up trend or a social response to something greater? Independent journalist and online culture critic, Taylor Lorenz talks to guest host Amil Niazi about what it means to lock in and the Gen Z-driven obsession with self-optimization. 

The hosts explore standout performances from a film festival, highlighting Rose Byrne's emotional portrayal in 'If I Had Legs I'd Kick You' and Dwayne Johnson's mixed reception in 'The Smashing Machine.' They delve into the heartfelt themes of motherhood and trauma in international films like 'It Was Just an Accident' and 'No Other Choice.' Plus, they reminisce about their festival experiences and share insights from their interview with Sarah McLachlan regarding the influential Lilith Fair.

Richie Assaly, a Toronto-based freelance culture writer, and Maura Johnston, a Boston-based music journalist, discuss the cultural significance of the Spinal Tap reunion and its satirical commentary on the music industry. They critique the long-awaited sequel, debating its failure to recapture the original's charm. Shifting gears, they explore Ed Sheeran's new multi-genre album 'Play' and its quest for global appeal. They also dive into Justin Bieber's lo-fi release and Lizzo's thoughts on navigating music discovery in the age of algorithms.

Delve into Canada's cinematic landscape at TIFF, where nostalgia meets innovation. Discover how 'Blue Heron' captivates audiences with its emotional portrayal of an immigrant family's struggles. The conversation highlights the increasing visibility of Indigenous narratives and reflects on the impactful storytelling in Canadian films. Don't miss the exploration of 'Modern Horror,' a unique blend of humor and heartfelt narratives that challenges common tropes in sex work. Tune in for diverse picks that showcase the vibrant voices of Canadian cinema!

Lauren Smiley, an investigative journalist known for her captivating work, discusses a chilling cyberbullying case where a mother tormented her own daughter. She reveals the ethical dilemmas around documenting minors' trauma in films like 'Unknown Number.' Culture critic Pablo The Don shares insights into the unique appeal of DC's 'Peacemaker,' exploring its blend of humor and dark themes. Their conversation reflects on the impact of technology, familial relationships, and the transformation of wrestlers into Hollywood icons.

Film critic Barry Hertz from the Globe and Mail and CBC's Jackson Weaver dive into the rich legacy of the Toronto International Film Festival as it celebrates 50 years. They discuss TIFF's unique impact on cinema and its role in elevating unexpected films, while also examining its significance for Canadian filmmakers. The pair reflect on TIFF's origins, challenges during the pandemic, and the enduring popularity of 'The Princess Bride.' They also navigate the future, addressing the need for accessibility and the balance between industry insiders and everyday moviegoers.