The Big Story

Plus: New developments in the desperate search for the mother of a 'Today Show' host, Canadians support more Chinese EVs to be sold in this country, the Winter Games get underway in Italy, and a Canadian dog wins best in show.  We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us: Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca  Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

It was another dumping of Epstein files from the US Department of Justice this past week, this time releasing some three million pages of material from their investigations. And as the chunky, black blocks continue to make their way through the documents, so do names of some of the most powerful men in the world.In a stunning update, the Clintons have now agreed to testify in Congress in regards to allegations that connect the couple to the convicted sex offender.Host Caryn Ceolin speaks to Sarah Sahagian and Sadaf Ahsan, journalists and hosts of The Reheat, to break down the updates (or lack thereof) from the latest round of Epstein files, and to discuss what we could see unfold. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

New research shows rising Canadian heart disease risks linked to lifestyle trends. The Clintons agree to testify in the Jeffrey Epstein investigation, stirring political reaction. A high-profile abduction probe unfolds around Savannah Guthrie's missing mother. Tragic crash kills three junior hockey players in Alberta, prompting widespread tributes. Italy prepares to host the Winter Olympics amid venue readiness concerns.

Naheed Nenshi, former Calgary mayor and current Alberta NDP leader, brings municipal and provincial experience to the conversation. He discusses revelations of separatists meeting U.S. officials and the risks that poses to Canadian sovereignty. He outlines why federal fixes are needed, critiques provincial leadership's response, and warns about economic and foreign interference implications.

Plus: Groundhog Day 2026, Ottawa's plans for GST relief is set to cost $12.4 billion over 5 years, preparations are underway for a space launch, and is Canada being impacted by the ICE raids We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us: Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca  Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

Almost a month after the fatal shooting of US citizen, Renee Good in Minneapolis, Immigrations and Customs Enforcement officers continue to disrupt and terrorize communities across Minnesota - and the US at large.And as Canada finds its footing with new international allies and trading partners, our relationship with our closest neighbour has never been more delicate than right now, especially considering the close-to 900km border we share with the state of Minnesota.Host Richard Southern speaks to Patrick Lennox, national security expert and author of 'At Home and Abroad: The Canada–US Relationship and Canada's Place in the World'. The two discuss how the ICE raids and protests in the US could affect Canadian politics, and what our leaders should be doing in the wake of the violence and fatalities. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

Patrick Sojka, founder of RewardsCanada.ca and loyalty program researcher, unpacks major shifts in Canadian rewards. He breaks down Air Miles becoming Blue Rewards and what the points conversion and new partners mean. He explains Shell moving to Scene+, linked program strategies, and how consumers juggle multiple loyalty schemes.

Mike Eppel, senior business editor who explains economic data and trade impacts, breaks down November GDP and how U.S. tariffs hurt Canadian manufacturing. He also discusses threatened tariffs on Canadian planes and wider trade negotiations with the U.S. Short, sharp takes on politics and legal headlines round out the conversation.

Claire Gagné, Maclean's editor who wrote 'Why Gen Z Will Never Leave Home', explores multigenerational living, affordability and shifting adulthood timelines. She discusses parental emotions, rent versus wages in Toronto and Vancouver, the value of extra education, cultural norms around cohabitation, and whether empty nests are becoming rarer.

A national leaders' meeting focuses on trade strategy as Mark Carney calls for new deals with India and the Asia-Pacific. A northern Quebec First Nation is under lockdown after shootings. Cities are gearing up for World Cup fan zones and celebrations. Major layoffs hit GM's Oshawa plant amid tariff fallout. Shifts in U.S. immigration enforcement and a key leadership review round out the headlines.