The Big Story

The podcast discusses the changing landscape of real estate due to the internet, focusing on the impact of agent commissions. It explores lawsuits in the US and Canada that could lead to more transparency. The conversation sheds light on negotiation tactics for commissions and the potential for shifts in the industry towards more transparency and technological advancements.

Exploring the health effects of wildfire smoke exposure and the mental health impact, with expert insights from Dr. Courtney Howard. Discussing the differences between smoke from forest fires and campfires. Comparing the health impacts of wildfire smoke and cigarette smoke. Delving into symptoms of smoke exposure, community adaptation, and the need for systemic change for climate resilience.

Writer and TV personality Natalie Preddie shares tips on affordable vacations in the current economy. Topics include navigating rising travel costs, budget traveling through home swapping, cost-effective road trips in Canada, maximizing travel points with credit cards, and budget-friendly vacation planning.

AI-generated images like Shrimp Jesus flood Facebook's algorithm, boosted by engagement. Guest Jason Koebler discusses the bizarre world of fake images and the human interaction behind them. Explore the evolution of Facebook, AI spam, and the challenges of moderating inauthentic content on the platform.

Opposition leader Pierre Poilievre discusses potential use of notwithstanding clause for criminal justice reform and its impact on abortion rights. Professor Daphne Gilbert delves into political posturing, precedents, and risks for access to abortion. Explore implications of using the notwithstanding clause on Canada's legal system and Charter of Rights.

Exploring the rise of private healthcare in Canada due to public system struggles. Guest Christina Frangou discusses loopholes in the system and lack of government action. Canadians resort to private options to avoid long wait times. Call for political leadership in healthcare reform.

Retail experts discuss why some companies are pulling back on showing dedication to social issues like diversity and sustainability, and the message it sends. They explore the financial implications, challenges of aligning values with branding, impact of progressive boycotts, navigating corporate responsibility amid PR risks, and the relationship between individuals and companies.

Exploring listener mailbag feedback, pinning down Trudeau, making of narrative series, upcoming topics discussed. Interview dynamics, Canada Post feedback, personal touch of snail mail highlighted. Scandal, curling, Greenbelt unravelled with teasers for future episodes. Addressing anti-Semitism concerns, engaging with audience feedback on campus protests.

Exploring Trudeau's broken promise to end the blood ban for men who have sex with men in Canada, despite advancements in blood screening technology. Investigative journalist Justin Ling discusses the discriminatory approach, Conservative criticism, and the government's delay in fulfilling its commitment.

Nadeem Esmail, Senior fellow at the Fraser Institute, discusses the state of mental health care in Canada. Topics include disparities between public and private facilities, long wait times, and limited access to services. The conversation also touches on global comparisons of mental health care systems and the impact of the pandemic and social media on rising mental health needs.