Front Burner

Canada's significant investment in electric vehicles despite industry debate. The controversy surrounding the president of COP28. The Canadian government's investments in battery plants and production facilities. Blowback over the use of foreign workers in an EV battery plant installation. Pros and cons of investing in electric vehicles. The importance of transitioning to zero-emission vehicles quickly to address the climate crisis.

Toronto psychologist James Cantor has been testifying in court on transgender issues in the US. His scientific expertise is being used by conservative Christian groups and Republican politicians to roll back trans rights. Explore the campaign against trans rights in Tennessee, the controversy over banning gender affirming care for minors, and the involvement of experts in defending anti-trans laws. Learn about the experiences of Cantor, the financial incentives, and their hope to write a book. The podcast also discusses biased research, the selective use of evidence, and the influence of certain doctors and researchers on transgender youth.

Julian Borger, Washington-based world affairs editor with the Guardian, takes us through the tense negotiations of the Israel-Hamas hostage deal. It covers the release of hostages and prisoners, moments during the Israeli military campaign that threatened the hostage return, increasing pressure on Israel due to the successful hostage campaign, the final stages of the deal, and the potential pitfalls in returning the remaining hostages.

Economist Armine Yalnizyan breaks down Canada's growing debt and its impact on government spending, discussing concerns about affordability, debt reduction, and the need for assistance. The podcast also explores government initiatives for rental housing construction and Canada's economic outlook, demographic changes, and the opportunity to build a resilient future.

Argentina's new far-right president, Javier Milei, often called "Chainsaw Man" and compared to Donald Trump, plans to slash government, kill the central bank, and ditch the national currency. Natalie Alcoba, a Buenos Aires-based freelance journalist, explains who Milei is, how he won, and what his presidency means for Argentina's economic crisis.

Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, discusses the chaos at OpenAI and the control of artificial intelligence. Topics include the release of ChatGPT, OpenAI's mission and recent shakeup, Sam Altman's statements on AI regulation, his vision for AI and its impact on humanity, and speculation about what went wrong at OpenAI.

Nearly 50 years ago, a man named Nur Chowdhury was involved in the assassination of Bangladesh's first president. Now living in Canada, this podcast investigates why he hasn't been deported to face justice. It explores the brutal assassination, frustrations with the Canadian government, the life of Chowdhury, and the negotiations surrounding his deportation.

Nathaniel Veltman found guilty in the Muslim family truck attack case. Reaction to the verdict from the family and community. How Canada's terrorism laws were tested. Psychotherapist's trauma support. Verdict explanation by CBC's Kate Dubinski.

Amina, an out lesbian in Syria, documents her life on the blog Gay Girl in Damascus during the Arab Spring. Journalist Samira Mohyeddin investigates what happened when Amina is abducted, revealing a twisted global story challenging our notions of love, politics, and identity online.

Ashwin Rodrigues, a freelance journalist, discusses the rise of nicotine pouches in the U.S. and their potential as a quitting tool. Marina von Stackelberg, CBC's reporter, talks about the controversial brand, Zonnic, being sold in Canada. Topics include the popularity of nicotine pouches, concerns about accessibility and marketing targeting youth, and the high rates of teenage vaping.