Commotion with Elamin Abdelmahmoud

Jay Smooth, hip-hop broadcaster and culture critic, offers media and propaganda analysis. El Jones, poet and politics professor, links race, protest and scholarship. Lyz Lenz, Midwestern author and reporter, describes on-the-ground Minnesota scenes. They discuss surveillance, who controls images, how dystopian touchstones like 1984 shape meaning, and the power and limits of violent or viral footage.

Natalie Harmsen, CBC Music journalist covering rising jazz-pop stars like Olivia Dean and Laufey. Avery Trufelman, fashion podcaster and historian tracing styling trends. Jarrod Jenkins, LA-based fashion critic and stylist shaping red carpet moments. They talk about the surge of jazz-pop and its upbeat charm. They trace the ascent of celebrity stylists and how curated looks now influence careers.

Ivy Prosper, a Ghana-based cultural strategist and YouTube creator, Matt Amha, a Toronto journalist and culture critic, and Pablo The Don, a media and internet culture commentator, discuss iShowSpeed’s Africa tour. They cover his rise from gaming to global star. They talk about local excitement in Ghana, the jollof rice moment, influencer diplomacy and its limits, colonial context and public learning, and tourism impacts for local creators.

Hannah Flint, film critic and author, offers awards season and TV culture takes. Mel Woods, Vancouver-based senior editor, adds regional pop-culture context. Amil Niazi, culture writer and memoirist, dissects reality TV and celebrity drama. They debate Canada Shore’s casting and vibe. They unpack the Beckham family fallout and react to Oscar nominations and standout contenders.

This week features Tegan Quinn, half of Tegan and Sarah, who champions Logan Paylor's heartfelt novel, The Cure for Drowning. Josh De La Cruz dives into Ian Reid's gripping family drama, Foe, blending horror and sci-fi. Elamaya Tailfeathers highlights Billy-Ray Belcourt's A Minor Chorus, exploring its bridge-building themes. Lastly, Steve Dangle discusses the cultural storytelling in the hockey novel Searching for Terry Punch-Out. The group shares strategies and reflections on their reading habits, building anticipation for the upcoming debates!

Cultural critic Vinson Cunningham and internet culture reporter Madison Malone Kircher delve into the wave of nostalgia for 2016, exploring generational differences in this longing and how it reflects our current societal feelings. They discuss how Instagram’s algorithm shift has transformed social interactions. Meanwhile, freelance music journalist Emilie Hanskamp dissects Hilary Duff's comeback, highlighting how nostalgia informs her new music and connects with fans from her Disney days, while examining her appeal in today's pop landscape.

Teri Hart, an entertainment reporter and podcast host, and Jarrod Jenkins, a fashion and pop culture columnist, explore how Penske Media Corporation's acquisitions are reshaping the entertainment landscape. They discuss the implications of ownership on awards and editorial integrity, raising alarms about industry influence. Later, movie critic Alyssa Wilkinson dives into The Testament of Ann Lee, highlighting its unique portrayal of faith and its under-the-radar status, while expressing concerns about potential award snubs for its star.

Nicholas Quah, a sharp culture critic from Vulture, and Sophie Gilbert, a staff writer at The Atlantic, dive into HBO's The Pitt, exploring its return and the contrast between seasons. They discuss the show's blend of social commentary and moral clarity, raising questions about character-driven storytelling. Joining them, Rollie Pemberton, aka Cadence Weapon, critiques A$AP Rocky’s new album, Don't Be Dumb, highlighting his fashion influence and the stylistic range of the record. It's a rich discussion on TV and music that spans genres and cultural commentary.

Join actor and comedian Marlon Palmer, culture critic Roxana Hadadi, and CBC reporter Jackson Weaver as they dive into the horror of '28 Years Later: The Bone Temple,' discussing its cult themes and the zombie genre evolution. They explore the allure of 'The Traitors,' dissecting its mechanics and the chaotic energy of Michael Rapaport. The conversation heats up around a controversial exchange on CBC’s 'Dragons' Den,' tackling issues of classism and cultural pricing in food. Tune in for their sharp critiques and intriguing recommendations!

Alyssa Mercante, a Senior reporter at Digiday, and Matthew Frank, an Associate editor at The Ankler, dive into how gambling is taking over mainstream entertainment, impacting everything from Oscar predictions to video games. They discuss the rise of prediction markets and the blurred lines between betting and political events. Jeremy Barr from The Guardian shares insights into the turmoil at CBS News under Bari Weiss, explaining the underlying tensions and their broader implications. The conversation reveals a cultural shift where gambling influences our enjoyment of art and media.