CANADALAND

Rim Mohsen, a consultant and specialist in social mobilization with Lebanese roots, shares her insights on identity and belonging amidst the turmoil of the Middle East. She reflects on the struggle of navigating her dual heritage while fostering connections. Mohsen emphasizes the importance of collective hope and resilience, especially for youth dealing with feelings of isolation. The discussion highlights the need for community support and the power of storytelling to drive change, encouraging listeners to engage and bring hope to future generations.

David Pugliese, a seasoned Canadian reporter from the Ottawa Citizen, finds himself facing wild accusations of being a KGB agent. He passionately defends his integrity while delving into the chilling implications of such claims on journalism. Joining him is Jan Wong, who sheds light on the shocking story of Ryan Wedding, a former Olympic snowboarder turned notorious drug trafficker. They explore his drastic fall from grace, the intricate web of drug operations, and how these events intertwine with international crime and Canadian security.

Recent elections in Canada reveal a strong demand for change, with New Brunswick electing its first female premier amidst public dissatisfaction. Political shifts highlight rising Conservative support in BC, fueled by frustrations over leadership and healthcare. A humorous yet critical discussion contrasts a serious interview with an expelled Indian diplomat against the fascinating cleanliness of Japanese toilets. The podcast wraps up by emphasizing the vital role of journalism in preserving democracy and holding power accountable.

Arshy Mann, a keen observer of the intricate relationship between India, Punjab, Sikhs, and Canada, joins to discuss explosive allegations against India regarding criminal activities on Canadian soil. They dissect Prime Minister Trudeau's bold move expelling Indian diplomats and the resulting political ramifications. The conversation touches on safety concerns within the Sikh community and the sharp divide in Canadian politics amidst foreign interference calls. Arshy also shares insights on the implications for future elections and the need for unity in turbulent times.

Mia Johnson, a rising star in journalism and a fellow in the CanadaLand fellowship program, shares her journey in crafting impactful narratives. She discusses the importance of diversity in storytelling and how it shapes Canadian media. Mia dives into the unique culture at Canadaland, emphasizing the passion and authenticity within the community. They also highlight the shift toward actively supporting independent journalism, advocating for quality content over mere metrics.

Kevin O’Keefe, a dedicated reporter for Canadaland, discusses the surprising rise of Just Bins, a dumpster company that has become a leading news source in Regina. He explores how traditional media in the city has faltered, transforming Regina into a news vacuum. The conversation highlights the innovative ways local communities are filling the gap left by legacy media, blending humor with serious journalism. O’Keefe reflects on the challenges of independent media in Canada and the shifting landscape of news consumption.

Delve into the complexities of Lebanon's war and the Western media's simplifications. Hear Noor Azrieh discuss how biases shape narratives and the often dehumanizing perceptions of Arab suffering. Explore Canada's role in the 2006 Lebanon War evacuation and the implications for national identity. The discussion also highlights the importance of authentic Lebanese voices amid conflicting representations. Expect a blend of serious topics and humor, with a sneak peek into a quirky Canadian story that’s just around the corner.

Noor Azrieh, a media critic and co-host of a weekly politics show, dives deep into Justin Trudeau's alarming accusations against India, involving murder and violence on Canadian soil. She discusses the diplomatic fallout from the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar and how these claims have strained Canada-India relations. The podcast also touches on foreign interference and the media's role in shaping public narratives, alongside a peculiar fake news incident regarding Jagmeet Singh. Azrieh brings a sharp analysis to these pressing issues.

Shit-posting candidates, climate change denial, outright racism, and those damn paper straws. Host Noor Azrieh calls up Arno Kopecky, Shannon Waters, and Mo Amir to ask what the hell is going on in B.C.’s election. And, the latest on the foreign interference commission, pharmacare, and Alberta’s Bill of Rights.Host: Noor AzriehCredits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Host/Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Max Collins (Production Manager), Jesse Brown (Publisher and Editor), Tony Wang (Artwork)Guests: Arno Kopecky, Shannon Waters, Mo AmirBackground reading:British Columbia’s Election Is a Bellwether for Climate Policy - The WalrusOpinion: B.C. election puts broader populist tide to the test - Montreal GazetteThe BC NDP Is Boring Voters. That Could Be Their Selling Point - The TyeeWhat on earth just happened with B.C.’s carbon tax? - The NarwhalBC Conservative Candidate Called For ‘Boycott’ of Air Canada to Stop Airlifts Rescuing Syrian Refugees - Press ProgressSponsors: Douglas is giving our listeners a FREE Sleep Bundle with each mattress purchase. Get the sheets, pillows, mattress and pillow protectors FREE with your Douglas purchase today at douglas.ca/canadalandIf 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, 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. You can listen ad-free on Amazon Music—included with Prime. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s all about the T.“T” as in the T at the end of ChatGPT. That T stands for Transformer. And it’s already transforming many aspects of your life. Novelist and essayist Stephen Marche recently investigated that T for the New Yorker magazine. He came away from the experience saying that it is the most important story he’s ever written.  His piece details what he calls the Manhattan Project of our time. He also calls it, simply, magic, and he then goes on to define  magic as “the word we use for things that are hugely powerful but we don't understand why.”Marche joins Jesse Brown to tackle the questions: why was Toronto a hotbed for A.I. (as marked by last week’s awarding of the Nobel Prize to U of T prof Geoffrey Hinton for his pioneering work in the field)? Why is the Japanese punk band Transformer at the very heart of this whole story? And why exactly does Marche equate T with magic?Host: Jesse BrownCredits: Tristan Capacchione (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Bruce Thorson (Senior Producer), max collins (Production Manager), Jesse Brown (Editor and Publisher), Caleb Thompson (additional production assistance)Featured guests: Stephen MarcheAdditional music by Audio NetworkFurther reading:Was Linguistic A.I. Created by Accident? — The New YorkerSponsors: CAMH: CAMH is building better mental health care for everyone to ensure no one is left behind. This Mental Illness Awareness Week, your donation to CAMH will be matched. Visit https://camh.ca/canadaland to double your impact.Oxio: Canadaland listeners get their first month of internet free at https://canadaland.oxio.ca, use the promo code “Canadaland”PolicyMe: Head over to https://policyme.com and secure your Health and Dental coverage in just 5 minutes – no medical questions needed! Squarespace: Check out https://squarespace.com/canadaland for a free trial, and when you’re ready to launch use code canadaland to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain.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.You can listen ad-free on Amazon Music—included with Prime. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.