Commotion with Elamin Abdelmahmoud

The Naked Gun is back! Liam Neeson reprises Leslie Neilson’s role in the classic spoof movie and Adam Sandler is back with another Happy Gilmore. Alison Willmore and Adam Nayman join guest host Rad Simonpillai to talk about the summer of the comedy reboot.

Palestinian-Canadian musician John Kameel Farah, Israeli-American culture writer Lux Alptraum, and Vassar College music professor Justin Patch discuss the recent surge of musicians speaking up about the hunger crisis in Gaza, from major pop stars like Olivia Rodrigo and Billie Eilish to rap acts like Bob Vylan and Kneecap, and how the repercussions for speaking out have changed since the war in Gaza began in October 2023.

If you’re making a good road trip playlist, you’re thinking about the people in the car, the mood you want to create, the places you’re driving through, and so much more. Niko Stratis and Emilie Hanskamp have logged many long hours on the road – and many more obsessing over the perfect music to drive to. They join host Elamin Abdelmahmoud to share what it is that makes the road trip soundtrack something sacred. 

Elamin is joined by culture critics Pablo The Don, Bee Quammie and senior CBC Entertainment writer Jackson Weaver to discuss the Sydney Sweeney/American Eagle ad backlash, recent think pieces about celebrity transparency around the cosmetic work they do to their bodies, and the latest album from Tyler The Creator.

Hannah Sung and Samantha Lui review the new documentary BTS Army: Forever We Are Young, which chronicles the rise of the 7-member K-pop band as powered by its loyal global fan base. Plus, Sean Feucht is an American Christian-rock performer whose current Canadian tour has been subject to protests and revoked event permits to his MAGA affiliations and far-right, anti-LGBTQ+ views. But music journalist Carl Wilson explains why even those who find Feucht objectionable shouldn’t be celebrating the cancellation of his shows. .

Katy Perry and Justin Trudeau had dinner in Montreal this week … and it looked a lot like a date. Of course the footage goes viral, and people can’t stop talking about it. Lainey Lui and Justin Ling join Elamin to talk about why these two love the limelight, and what our reaction reveals about the moment we’re living in. Plus, Aisling Murphy, theatre reporter for the Globe and Mail, joins Elamin to talk about the new Canadian fringe plays that she thinks could be making their way to bigger stages in the near future. 

Culture critic El Jones and film and TV producer Floyd Kane join Elamin to talk about the new series Washington Black. Also, with the recent cancellation of ‘The Masterplan Show: Generation Next’ - Canada’s longest running hip-hop slot on community radio - Elamin is also joined by veteran culture critic Dalton Higgins to discuss the importance of the program's 30+ year legacy, and what the cancellation could signal about the future of hip-hop on Canada’s community radio airwaves.

Hulk Hogan, one of the most famous American professional wrestlers and a cultural icon of the ‘80s, has died at the age of 71. He is being remembered for the way he raised the profile of the sport and his unforgettable crossover into mainstream culture at large, but also for his history of hateful behaviour. Today on Commotion, wrestling fans Pablo the Don and Damian Abraham join Elamin to unpack Hulk Hogan’s complicated legacy.

NPR writer Eric Deggans, entertainment reporter Teri Hart, and Mashable film editor Kristy Puchko join the Group Chat to talk about whether the new Fantastic Four movie can reverse Marvel’s recent slump; the subversive new romcom ‘Oh Hi!’, and the pop-cultural impact of Hulk Hogan and Cosby Show star Malcolm-Jamal Warner, both of whom died this week. 

Toronto rocker Danko Jones, culture critic Niko Stratis, music journalist Melissa Vincent join guest host Eli Glasner to talk about the legacy of the late Ozzy Osbourne.

The executive director of the Giller Prize says that Canada’s most prestigious literary award will be forced to close if they don’t get millions of dollars from the federal government. This comes after the Gillers cut ties with its former lead sponsor because of its connection to an Israeli arms manufacturer. Marsha Lederman joins Commotion guest host Eli Glasner to talk about why it’s such a predictable outcome, and what’s at stake for CanLit. Plus, when CBS announced that 'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert' would be ending in 2026, the news was not taken lying down by late night TV hosts — the least of all Jon Stewart. Culture writer Devin Gordon talks to Eli about the fallout from the cancellation, and why it took Colbert getting axed to bring out late night’s fiery side again. 

Today on Commotion, culture writers Sarah Hunter Simanson and Megan Angelo join host Elamin Abdelmahmoud to talk about the Amazon Prime Video series that has turned viewers of all generations into fans: 'The Summer I Turned Pretty.' Plus, in recent weeks, the existential threat of climate change has had tangible impacts on the live-music industry—the 2025 edition of Bonnaroo was shut down due to inclement weather, and veteran rocker Steve Miller just cancelled his summer tour due to concerns over extreme heat and storms. Variety reporter Jem Aswad discusses how the industry is adapting to this new normal. 

Vinson Cunningham and Kate Lindsay join host Elamin Abdelmahmoud to talk about Substack, and how the online newsletter platform has positioned itself as the future of media. Plus, Syrus Marcus Ware and Alessandra Nacarrato celebrate the legacy of the late Andrea Gibson, the spoken word poet whose work and politics transcended the world of poetry. 

Culture critics Dylan Green, Rad Simonpillai and Alison Willmore join host Elamin Abdelmahmoud to react to the news that Stephen Colbert's late night talk show is being cancelled. Plus, the group chat weighs in on Ari Aster's Eddington, a dark comedy western about how the pandemic changed the ways we relate to each other, and the gossip-y reasons a couple at a Coldplay concert went viral.

Culture critics Joshua Chong and Jim Provenzano join host Elamin Abdelmahmoud to talk about Luigi: The Musical, the satirical prison show inspired by Luigi Mangione that's on a sold out run in San Francisco.Plus, La Presse reporter Dominic Tardiff talks about why more than half of the albums on this year's Polaris Prize shortlist are by Quebec artists.

Four years after releasing his 2021 blockbuster Justified, Canadian pop star Justin Bieber surprised fans by dropping his new album, Swag, this past weekend mere hours after announcing it. Music journalists Emilie Hanskamp, Natalie Harmsen, and Reanna Cruz explain how the album’s off-the-cuff, experimental sound reflects the recent upheavals in the singer’s life, including new fatherhood, a highly publicized split from manager Scooter Braun, alterations with paparazzi, and his increased openness about his mental health.  

With the release of the latest Superman reboot - Elamin is joined by Siddhant Adlakha and Sonya Ballantyne to discuss how the film holds up against past Superman films, the conservative backlash, and what the movie says about the future of the DC franchise under director James Gunn. And are we at Peak Labubu? Do you know what that means? Internet Culture Journalist Alyssa Mercante joins us to explain its brave new world of status, demonic accusations, and how something so ubiquitous can be so hard to get.

The morning after the season finale of Love Island USA, we get into why it’s bringing people together like nothing else on TV. Etalk senior correspondent Lainey Lui, comedian Marlon Palmer and CBC producer Amelia Eqbal join Elamin Abdelmahmoud to recap an event that’s become the Superbowl of live reality TV.

Clipse, the cult-favourite rap duo, are back with their first album in 16 years. Plus, both Drake and Kanye West are onstage this weekend — for very different reasons. Culture critics Pablo The Don, Huda Hassan, Matt Amha weigh in on all these stories with host Elamin Abdelmahmoud.

Just like 'Girls', Lena Dunham draws on her real life for the new romantic comedy 'Too Much,' this time set in London, U.K. Kathryn Van Arendonk and Hanna Flint join Elamin Abdelmahmoud to talk about this transatlantic comedy, and whether it fixes some of what was wrong with 'Girls.' Plus, Prada recently apologized after its runway models wore sandals that looked like traditional Indian Kolhapuri sandals without acknowledging the footwear’s origins. Joyita Sengupta talks with Elamin Abdelmahmoud about how Prada’s “sandal scandal” reflects a long history of South Asian fashion being appropriated by the west.

With the release of ‘40 Acres,’ the highly-anticipated feature film debut of Canadian director R.T. Thorne, Elamin Abdelmahmoud is joined by culture critic El Jones and film critic Jesse Wente to discuss the film, its Black-Indigenous themes, and what it could mean for indie Canadian filmmaking moving forward.Plus, songs from the animated Netflix movie 'KPop Demon Hunters' are taking over the music charts. Michelle Cho chats with Elamin Abdelmahmoud about why the film has been such a big hit, not just with K-pop fans.

TV critic Saloni Gajjar and culture critic Nicole Froio join guest host Rad Simonpillai to talk about why this year’s raft of "eat the rich" television is falling short of our expectations from the genre that brought us 'Succession,' 'The White Lotus' and 'Squid Game.'Plus, Maura Johnston discusses the new album from Kesha, 'Period,' and how it reflects her newfound freedom as an artist. This comes after a decade-long legal battle against her former producer and label head, Dr. Luke, whom she accused of sexual and emotional abuse. 

Ten years ago, 'Hamilton' the musical premiered on Broadway — and altered the course of musical theatre history forever. The revolutionary hit show about the founding of America has been wildly successful and lauded around the world, making stars out of many in its original cast. But the show has always had its critics too. Guest host Rad Simonpillai reflects on its legacy with culture critics Jackson Weaver, James McMaster and Karen Fricker.

Film critics Rachel Ho, Alison Wilmore, and Jackson Weaver join guest host Rad Simonpillai to discuss Sorry, Baby, the latest instalment in the Jurassic World franchise, and the politically themed Idris Alba and John Cena action comedy Heads of State.

Anna Wintour changed fashion during her almost 40 years at the helm of Vogue Magazine. But she also changed our relationship with celebrity. Anna Wintour’s biographer Amy Odell and fashion writer Danya Issawi join guest host Rad Simonpillai to debate her legacy, what’s next for the magazine, and why this is so much more than a fashion story.

With the verdict in on the Sean "Diddy" Combs case, Commotion guest host Rad Simonpillai is joined by Refinery29 reporter Taryn Finley and NYC culture critic Jay Smooth to react to the news, to the discourse around the case, and what it all might mean for Diddy’s pop legacy moving forward. And Sarah-Tai Black talks about Canadian icon and transgender elder Beverly Glenn-Copeland, who is releasing the pilot of his children’s show, Caring Cabin.

With the public backlash to superstar producer Timbaland’s public support for AI-integrated music, guest host Rad Simonpillai is joined by music journalist Dylan Green and critic Michelle Santosuosso to discuss the backlash and how it might inform the discourse between artists, their audiences, and the music industry, moving forward. And the Globe and Mail’s Barry Hertz joins Rad Simonpillai to talk about whether F1 delivers on its promise of adrenaline-fuelled action.

What is considered to be a Canadian literary classic? Has that changed? Has it remained the same? Authors Jael Richardson and David A. Robertson, and bookseller and publisher Martha Sharpe chat with Elamin Abdelmahmoud about updating the Can Lit canon.

Culture critics Michelle Cho and Nicholas Quah join guest host Rad Simonpillai to talk about the final season of Squid Game, and whether its satire of capitalism is as potent the third time around. And the new Pixar movie Elio got good reviews when it opened a few weeks ago but it’s bombing at the box office. Teri Hart explains why the problem with Elio is the problem with all original kids movies: kids just don’t want original stuff on the big screen.You may also like: Why Squid Game: The Challenge is must-watch TV

Culture writer Niko Stratis, podcaster Vish Khanna, and music journalist Carl Wilson join the Group Chat to discuss the mammoth new seven-disc Bruce Springsteen box set ‘Tracks II: The Lost Albums’, the new intensely personal comeback album from New Zealand pop queen Lorde, and the musical legacy of Quebecois rock legend Serge Fiori, who passed away recently at age 73.

Elamin Abdelmahmoud is joined by real life line cook and tv junkie Grace Onasanya and tv/film critic Rachel Ho to talk about the latest season of ‘The Bear.’ Plus, Mel Woods joins Elamin to talk about their new Xtra podcast, Get Queer, which explores how queer folks turned reality TV into a global phenomenon.

The very real showdown between protesters in LA and immigration agents is being re-enacted in the virtual world. Roblox — a video game used by 85 million people every day — has become a hotbed for virtual political activism among kids. Alyssa Mercante and Kieran Press-Reynolds join Elamin Abdelmahmoud to talk about it.It takes years of dedication to become a conductor for a world-class orchestra. But this week in Toronto, a wealthy businessman has rented both the storied Roy Thomson Hall and the Toronto Symphony Orchestra in order to try his hand at one of the hardest roles — and pieces — in the classical music world. Globe and Mail reporter Josh O’Kane explains why all eyes are on the Mandle Philharmonic’s performance of Mahler’s Symphony No. 2.

There are two celebrity art shows on right now that are getting a lot of buzz — but not necessarily for the right reasons. Elamin Abdelmahmoud talks to art critics Annie Armstrong and Eddy Frankel about the reaction to, and the quality of, Adrien Brody’s art show in New York City and Robbie Williams’ show in London.Also, with a new book out, and a tribute album and documentary on the way, the late Toronto new-wave icon Nash the Slash is enjoying a renaissance 11 years after his death. Music journalist and podcaster Paul Myers explains how the mysterious musician – best known for concealing his face behind mummy-like bandages and sunglasses – developed a cult following and why his music and DIY philosophy still resonate today.

Culture critics Syrus Marcus Ware and Tobin Ng join Elamin Abdelmahmoud to talk about the new doc 'Parade,' which explores the history of Pride parades — as protest and party — in Canada.Plus, New Yorker writer Jennifer Wilson learns how to be an intimacy coordinator, a consultant who supervises sex scenes on film sets, in order to understand why there seems to be a backlash to the role in post-#MeToo Hollywood.Music to close the show: Beside Me by Zochi.

After years in the Internet trenches, Scaachi Koul is no stranger to a good fight — but her latest essay collection is all about knowing when to walk away. In Sucker Punch, Scaachi examines her recent divorce with her signature ruthless humour, picking apart what the end of her marriage made her realize about her self-worth, upbringing and love of conflict. Scaachi joins Bookends host Mattea Roach to talk about divorce in the public eye, challenging her previous work and why her mother is at the centre of the new book.When the book ends, the conversation begins. On Bookends, Mattea Roach speaks with writers who have something to say about their work, the world and our place in it. You’ll always walk away with big questions to ponder and new books to read.More episodes of Bookends are available here: https://link.mgln.ai/hKs1KK

SiriusXM host/producer Kim Wheeler, culture writer Riley Yesno and music journalist Emilie Hanskamp join Elamin Abdelmahmoud to discuss new albums from Oji-Cree singer/songwriter Aysanabee, California pop sister act Haim, and Juno Award-winning electronic producer BAMBII.

Elamin Abdelmahmoud is joined by Marek Tyler and Susan Blight to discuss the rise of AI in pop culture and the possibilities and concerns it raises for Indigenous communities.Plus, it's been over two decades since '28 Days Later,' the horror film that reimagined what a zombie thriller could be. Now, the franchise is back with a third installment – but in a post-Brexit, post-COVID world, are fans ready to return to a survival story about a rage virus spreading across the U.K.? Alison Willmore joins host Elamin Abdelmahmoud to talk about the new film, '28 Years Later.'

Teri Hart and David Rider join Elamin Abdelmahmoud to talk about 'Trainwreck: Mayor of Mayhem,' a new Netflix documentary about Toronto Mayor Rob Ford and the media circus that erupted when a video of him smoking crack cocaine was leaked to reporters in 2013. Plus, Thomas Leblanc reviews Crave's brilliant new dramedy 'Empathie,' set in a Montreal psychiatric institution for criminals.

With Kendrick Lamar and SZA touching down in Toronto last week for their Grand National Tour, Elamin is joined by Matt Amha and Rad Simonpillai to discuss the Toronto shows and what the local debates around whether Toronto fans should attend or not at a time when Canadian identity politics are top of mind for many.

Elamin Abdelmahmoud chats with Liz Duff and Rebecca Jennings about the new Disney+ docuseries ‘Call Her Alex,’ which explores how Alex Cooper turned her DIY-style sex podcast ‘Call Her Daddy' into one of the biggest celebrity interview shows in the world.

Music critics Vish Khanna, Carl Wilson, and Rosie Long Decter join Elamin Abdelmahmoud to weigh in on the new album from Canadian rock legend Neil Young, the polarizing popularity of pop phenom Benson Boone, and the controversy over Sabrina Carpenter’s provocative new album cover.

Elamin Abdelmahmoud is joined by CBC entertainment reporter Jackson Weaver, and film critics Sarah-Tai Black and Rachel Ho to review the new live action remake of ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ - plus two new Canadian films in theaters this week: ‘Materialists’ from director Celine Song, and the feature film debut from Reza Dahya with ‘Boxcutter’.

Sloan's Jay Ferguson joins Elamin Abdelmahmoud to remember the architect of the Beach Boys, the poet laureate of summer, Brian Wilson, who died at the age of 82.Plus, 'Endless Cookie' is finally coming to theatres after charming audiences at festivals all over North America. Elamin chats with Sonya Ballantyne and David A. Robertson about the animated Canadian documentary, which is about the relationship between two half-brothers, one Indigenous, the other white.

As the Edmonton Oilers square off against the Florida Panthers in the Stanley Cup Finals for the second year in a row, CBC Edmonton’s Min Dhariwal and professor Judith Ellen Brunton discuss how the intensity of Oilers fandom in Edmonton transcends mere hometown boosterism to resemble something more like a religion. Plus, Michael Williams joins Elamin to talk about Sly Stone’s enormous legacy. The music legend, and hitmaker died this week at 82. Michael also remembers Juliette Powell, former MuchMusic VJ and host of Electric Circus who died this week.

The plot of Mountainhead – Succession creator Jesse Armstrong’s new satire of the world’s most powerful billionaires – offers insight into the feud between President Donald Trump and Elon Musk. Culture writers Vinson Cunningham and Mike Isaac talk about how it illuminates the the drama between the world’s most powerful man and the richest person on the planet. 

Malcolm X would’ve turned 100 years old this year. To commemorate his life, Elamin Abdelmahmoud is joined by Professor Mark Anthony Neal, Sandy Hudson and Matt Amha for a brief look at the commercialization of Malcolm X’s legacy over the decades and how it has or hasn’t aligned with his actual mission and message.

Culture writer Joan Summers, music journalist Maura Johnston, and rapper and author Rollie Pemberton join Elamin Abdelmahmoud for the Friday Group Chat to share their thoughts on new releases from Addison Rae, Turnstile, and Lorde.

After 26 years dancing with the National Ballet of Canada, Guillaume Côté will take his final bow tonight. Elamin talks with two of his longtime collaborators – the dancer Greta Hodgkinson and choreographer Anisa Tejpar about his legacy, and why he just might be the GOAT of Canadian ballet. Plus, the latest version of Google’s AI tool Veo can make impressively realistic looking 8-second videos. While this has inevitably raised concerns about people being fooled by deepfake videos, Kyle Orland from Ars Technica chats with Elamin about a curious trend he noticed: real TikTokers pretending to be AI generated. 

Xtra Magazine reporter Mel Woods and Laura Winton of the Library Association of Alberta discuss the provincial government’s plans to introduce new age-appropriate standards for books in school libraries, and how they could adversely affect books with 2SLGBTQ+ themes. Plus, critic Rendy Jones talks about the Gen-Z comedy 'Adults,' which explores the absurd ups and downs of being in your 20s in the 2020s in New York City.

What is Canadian content? And why does it matter? The Canadian Radio and Telecommunications Commission has been hearing very different answers to that question — as they try to come up with new CanCon rules. Jesse Wente, Vass Bednar and Anthony Q Farrell join Elamin to talk about why getting CanCon right has never been more important.