CANADALAND

Wade Deisman, a criminologist focused on policing and intelligence, offers expert analysis on extortion dynamics. Jinny Sims, former MP and radio worker, shares a first-hand account of a studio shooting and community impact. They discuss Surrey’s surge in extortion and shootings. They explore transnational links, why authorities struggle to respond, and calls for coordinated leadership and community resilience.

Jay Baruchel, Canadian actor and writer known for Knocked Up, BlackBerry and voicing Hiccup, riffs on Canadian cultural history and nationalism. He dives into a lost 1920s film and early anti-American censorship. He reflects on Montreal roots, English Canada versus Quebec cultural development, and how national identity shapes art and ambition.

Mel Woods, senior editor at Xtra Magazine and reporter on queer and trans issues, explains how far-right actors rushed to blame trans people after a mass shooting. She contrasts cautious mainstream verification with bad actors’ rapid, politically driven coverage. The conversation covers patterns of scapegoating, harmful language in reporting, and how misinformation gets amplified by politicians and outlets.

Rahim Mohamed, National Post columnist and politics/media commentator, joins to unpack why these Winter Games feel so charged. They trace how geopolitics and media shape national narratives. Hockey is explored as a lightning rod for Canada–U.S. tensions. The conversation also examines host-country politics, ad wars and backlash against outspoken athletes.

Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Mayor of Montreal and former MP, pitches Montreal's diplomacy and bilingual edge. Sam Witherspoon, CEO of Anvil, showcases battlefield visualization tech and funding hurdles. They discuss Canada chasing NATO’s new Defence, Security and Resilience Bank and what hosting it means for cities and defence startups. Short, sharp scenes on city competition and defence tech.

The government of New Brunswick has released its much-anticipated report on the mysterious neurological illnesses afflicting many in the province. The report doesn’t just aim to identify what’s behind the “cluster” of disease. It’s far more fundamental than that. Its findings raise questions as to whether the disease itself exists. Is it a single disease or a mass misdiagnosis of unrelated illnesses?The physician at the heart of the controversy for much of the last decade, Dr. Alier Marrero, has blasted the report and labelled it as a “shockwave” to himself and his patients. He joins us today.Host: Jesse BrownCredits: Julian Abraham (Reporter), Tristan Capacchione (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Bruce Thorson (Senior Producer), max collins (Director of Audio), Jesse Brown (Editor and Publisher)Featured Guest: Dr. Allier MarreroFact checking by Kallan LyonsAdditional music by Audio NetworkMore information:The battle over Canada's mystery brain diseaseN.B. report finds herbicides, heavy metals not the cause of 'most' undiagnosed neurological illnesses | CBC NewsN.B. report finds no environmental links to unknown neurological illness in patients - The Globe and MailInvestigation of cases of undiagnosed neurological illness - gnb.caSponsors: MUBI: To stream great cinema at home, you can try MUBI free for 30 days at https://mubi.com/canadalandFizz: Visit https://fizz.ca and activate a first plan using the referral code CAN25 to get 25$ off and 10GB of free data.Article: Article is offering our listeners $50 off your first purchase of $100 or more. To claim, visit https://article.com/canadaland and the discount will be automatically applied at checkout.BetterHelp:  Visit https://BetterHelp.com/canadaland today to get 10% off your first month.Can’t get enough Canadaland? Follow @Canadaland_Podcasts on Instagram for clips, announcements, explainers and more.If you value this podcast, support us! You’ll get premium access to all our shows ad free, including early releases and bonus content. You’ll also get our exclusive newsletter, discounts on merch at our store, tickets to our live and virtual events, and more than anything, you’ll be a part of the solution to Canada’s journalism crisis, you’ll be keeping our work free and accessible to everybody. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Harrison Lowman, managing editor at The Hub and political commentator, breaks down Conservative Party dynamics and Pierre Poilievre’s leadership resilience. They revisit media claims that he was finished and ask whether reporters got it wrong or pushed a narrative. Conversations cover how he survived internal blows, shifts in media tone after his leadership review, and the timing gamble around a potential spring election.

A wild collection of hyper-local scoops from listeners across Canada. Heated online community feuds and toxic local forums get called out. Strange small-town scandals make for surprising gossip. A tip about Buddhist monks buying land on PEI sparks political intrigue.

Harrison Lowman, Managing Editor at The Hub and political journalist, breaks down Canadian companies tied to ICE and the media pressure they face. He discusses whether naming and shaming leads to change. The conversation covers cross-border policing, refugee policy questions, and how US abuses shape Canadian responses.

On-the-ground reporters and influencers including The Pleb Reporter and Mario Zalaya—media personalities who mobilize conservative audiences—give first-person reactions from inside the convention and a packed influencer party. Short scenes show speeches, separatist organizing, influencers stoking grievance, and the clash between polished messaging and raw, on-site anger.