Commotion with Elamin Abdelmahmoud

With the Canadian government proposing additional counter-tariffs on U.S. goods that could potentially include U.S. books coming into Canada, Elamin is joined by reporter Josh O’Kane to explain why this has Canadian book stakeholders concerned. Plus, Anne Murray gets a Juno for Lifetime Achievement on Sunday. More than a decade ago, Family Guy aired an episode where baby Stewie becomes obsessed with Anne Murray, and it introduced a new generation of fans to her music. Elamin speaks with one of them – the music journalist Tony Le Calvez.

Book lovers Arizona O’Neill and Lu Aburawi talk about the new Hunger Games prequel, 'Sunrise on the Reaping,' and the cultural impact of Suzanne Collins’ popular series. Plus, Elamin talks to Matt Carey, documentary editor at Deadline.com, about the latest headlines involving this year’s Oscar winner for best documentary feature ‘No Other Land’ - including the recent detainment and release of co-director Hamdan Ballal by the Israeli military. 

TV critic Angie Han and entertainment reporter Teri Hart discuss Seth Rogen’s new Apple TV+, ‘The Studio,' a satirical look at the inner workings of the movie industry and the perpetual tension between art and commerce in Hollywood. Plus, The Cut’s Emily Gould reviews the bestselling memoir, 'The Tell' by Amy Griffin, where the businesswoman shares her path to healing after MDMA-assisted therapy unearthed a long-hidden childhood trauma.

TV critics Kathryn VanArendonk and Jackson Weaver join Elamin to talk about the season finale of Severance, the genius of The White Lotus and how character actors on both shows are becoming the talk of the town.

Culture critics Cristina Escobar and Adam Nayman join guest host Rad Simonpillai to discuss the live action remake of Disney’s Snow White, from its rocky production, to the casting of Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot, and why the film has sparked so much debate.Plus, the winners of Canada Reads 2025, champion Shayla Stonechild and author Ma-Nee Chacaby, join Elamin Abdelmahmoud for an interview about their victory.

The Bay’s days may be numbered as Canada's oldest company looks to close its stores as early as this week. Mark Harrison, Mosha Lundström Halbert and Teri Hart join Elamin to talk about the Hudson Bay Company’s complicated history.

TV critic Aramide Tinubu and culture writer Amil Niazi discuss the new Netflix miniseries Adolescence, a harrowing portrait of a 13-year-old British boy accused of murdering a female schoolmate, and the online culture of toxic masculinity that’s shaping the worldview of teens today. Plus, the fashion industry is once again shaking things up. Loewe’s creative director Jonathan Anderson is leaving the brand at the height of its success, and designer Demna is leaving Balenciaga to take over the top spot at Gucci. Mosha Lundström Halbert explains why we’re seeing so much change in fashion’s upper echelons.

With tensions between Canada and the U.S. making headlines, Come From Away feels more relevant than ever. Artistic director Jillian Keiley and performer Darrell Morris Jr. join Elamin Abdelmahmoud to discuss the message of unity behind the musical's upcoming production in Gander, N.L.Plus, the new medical drama The Pitt is making headlines for one very realistic birthing scene. Television critic Kathryn VanArendonk talks about why that moment matters and what The Pitt does to the medical drama format in a post-pandemic world.

'Top Chef: Destination Canada' is here and this year, 15 new chefs are cooking up across the country. How will the show represent our country’s cuisine amidst the trade war? And, can the long-standing show, in its 22nd season, remain fresh among new food competition favourites? Elamin chats with Niko Stratis and Ivy Knight about the new season.

Guest host Rad Simonpillai talks to film critics Teri Hart and Barry Hertz about a bunch of new films: Sandra Oh's new sci-fi feature Can I Get a Witness?, Netflix's $320 million gamble The Electric State, and Canadian filmmaker/provocateur Matt Johnson's SXSW entry Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie. Plus, the group chat reflects on the five year anniversary of the pandemic, and asks themselves, are we finally ready to watch pandemic stories?

“Algospeak” is a kind of Internet language where people replace words like porn and suicide with seemingly innocuous words and emojis as a way to avoid being censored by the algorithm. Rebecca Jennings and Noelle Perdue explain this phenomenon and what it means for free speech. Plus, film critic Rachel Ho explains how the Chinese fantasy feature ‘Ne Zha 2’ just surpassed ‘Inside Out 2’ to become the highest-grossing animated film of all time. 

After all the attention Bong Joon Ho received with 'Parasite,' many are curious about the director's latest film 'Mickey 17.' Michelle Cho and Jackson Weaver talk with Elamin Abdelmahmoud about the sci-fi allegory starring Robert Pattinson. Plus, illustrator Michael DeForge looks at how 'Law & Order Toronto' turned real-life encampment evictions and homelessness into crime drama, and what that means or the way these issues are represented.

With Tory Lanez dropping his new album ‘Peterson’ a project he recorded from prison where he is currently serving time for shooting Megan Thee Stallion in the feet, Elamin is joined by culture critics Matt Amha and Pablo Da Don to discuss the album and the ethical questions raised by where and when it was recorded. Plus, Anne Victoria Clark reviews Sid Meier’s Civilization VII, a highly-anticipated update in the video game franchise.

Nêhiyaw drummer Marek Tyler and Anishinaabe and Mohawk radio host Kim Wheeler share their reaction to the news that the Juno Awards and Polaris Music Prize have rescinded the awards they’ve given to Buffy Sainte-Marie in light of her recent confirmation that she’s an American citizen.

Culture writers Joan Summers, Liisa Ladouceur, and Alessa Dominguez join the Group Chat to discuss Lady Gaga’s first new album in five years, Mayhem, and how it holds up against the current generation of pop provocateurs. 

How do we turn this unprecedented moment into something more than cheerleading for Canadian culture? How does that patriotism become a force for good instead of leading us down the darker path we’ve seen come from nationalism in the past? And what is the role of artists right now? Elamin speaks with two people who are making art to meet the moment: Shad Kabango and Jay Baruchel.

Catherine Hernandez and Teri Hart share their thoughts with Elamin Abdelmahmoud about the new CBC Gem sitcom about menopause, ‘Small Achievable Goals’. And BIGBANG’s G-DRAGON returns with a new solo album after 7 years, Bina Lee talks about the k-pop star’s latest comeback.

Meghan Markle’s new cooking/ lifestyle/ talk show 'With Love, Meghan' debuts today, but there’s a ton of backlash. Etalk senior correspondent Lainey Lui and royal watcher Ellie Hall explain to Elamin Abdelmahmoud what all the fuss is about, and whether it’s warranted. And following Anora’s big night at the Oscars, Elamin checks in with writer and sex worker Andrea Werhun about her role as a consultant on the film, and how Anora’s success is changing public perceptions of sex work.

Elamin Abdelmahmoud is joined by film critics Eli Glasner, Sarah-Tai Black & Rad Simonpillai to discuss the wins, snubs, surprises and highlights of the 2025 Oscars. 

With P.K. Subban’s criticisms of the NBA going viral, and Netflix releasing a new documentary and a comedy series - both centered on basketball, guest host Rad Simonpillai is joined by CBC Senior Sports Contributor Morgan Campbell, and culture critics Marlon Palmer and Andrea Williams to discuss these stories and basketball’s place in pop culture right now.

The Washington Post is known for many things, including its slogan: "Democracy Dies in Darkness." But its owner, the billionaire Jeff Bezos, wants to narrow the range of opinions it publishes. Elamin Abdelmahmoud speaks with media studies scholar Siva Vaidhyanathan about the new direction, and why it matters here in Canada. And Hanna Flint and Jovanté Anderson discuss the new period crime drama A Thousand Blows.

Amid the rise of TikTok influencers, changing markets, and microtrends, can the runway keep up? Fashion writers Mosha Lundström Halbert and Joan Summers talk about what they are seeing during Fashion Week season. And Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s teenage son’s foray into the music business is predictably provoking the trolls. But not everyone's a cynic. Music critic Richie Assaly gives us his take.  

Film critics Hanna Flint and Adam Nayman talk about what the Amazon MGM takeover of the James Bond franchise means for the future of the iconic spy with guest host Rad Simonpillai. And University of Toronto professor Michelle Cho talks about the reports that China’s de facto ban on South Korean culture — TV, music, film, etc. — may finally be lifting after 8 years.

Tate McRae is the biggest Canadian pop artist to emerge in the 2020s. Music journalists Reanna Cruz and Rosie Long Decter join guest host Rad Simonpillai to talk about her new album, ‘So Close to What.’ And artist and illustrator Reid Southen talks about an open letter he started with other artists demanding Christie’s rethink its AI-art strategies, after the auction house announced its first all-AI art auction.

Elamin Abdelmahmoud is joined by culture critics Radheyan Simonpillai, Teri Hart, and Jackson Weaver in front of a live audience to talk about the 2025 Oscars, the races that are capturing their attention and the politics of Oscar campaigns.  

For most artists, performing at the Kennedy Center is a career highlight. But after U.S. President Donald Trump fired the board and decided to take over, speakers and performers who were booked are pulling out in protest, including some Canadians. Guest host Rad Simonpillai speaks with Louise Penny and Amanda Rheaume. And culture critic Huda Hassan and filmmaker Catherine Hernandez discuss the new Canadian coming of age film 'Morningside.' 

Comedian Cassie Cao and culture critic Nicole Froio talk about the premiere of The White Lotus, season three, set in Koh Samui, Thailand with guest host Rad Simonpillai. And the fierce hockey rivalry between Canada and the U.S. will be on display tomorrow as tensions between the two countries risk boiling over again on the ice. Musician, writer and hockey player Dave Bidini talks about the symbolism of the Four Nations Final.

‘Captain America: Brave New World’ was supposed to be an exciting new chapter in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, with Anthony Mackie starring as the first Black Captain America. Podcaster Ashley Ray, and film writers Adam Nayman and Kaiya Shunyata explain why the film is receiving such a harsh response from critics, and why it seemed doomed even before production completed.

Writer and culture critic Amil Niazi and entertainment reporter Teri Hart join Elamin Abelmahmoud to share their thoughts on the new kids' movies Dog Man and Paddington in Peru. And culture critic Jeevan Sangha talks about Lilly Singh's return to YouTube.

Just in time for Valentine’s day, Hanna Flint, Mastermind and Jackson Weaver join guest host Rad Simonpillai to talk about ‘Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy’ and Drake and PartyNextDoor's new album, ‘Some Sexy Songs 4 U.’

Music journalist Ian Cohen and writer/rapper Rollie Pemberton (a.k.a. Cadence Weapon) discuss the latest series of extreme publicity stunts and antisemitic provocations from Kanye West, and the media's role in platforming his problematic views. Plus TV critic Saloni Gajjar talks about the series finale of Netflix’s comedy drama Mo, and why it was so powerful to see Mo Amer’s character return to his homeland, Burin, in the West Bank.

'Bam Bam: The Sister Nancy Story' and 'Play It Loud' are two new music docs coming to TV and streaming next week. You'll hear how these two films are celebrating the legacy of Jamaican and Jamaican-Canadian music. Commotion guest host Rad Simonpillai is joined by culture critics Danae Peart and Dalton Higgins. Plus, Richard Trapunski of Billboard Canada runs down the nominations for the upcoming Juno Awards on March 30, and what they tell you about the current moment in Canadian music. 

Parenting columnist Amil Niazi and author Jen Sookfong Lee join guest host Radheyan Simonpillai to discuss Crave’s 'An Update On Our Family', a three-part docu-series about the rise and fall of an influencer family called the Stauffers. Plus, former MuchMusic veejay Michael Williams shares his thoughts on the new documentary 'Disco's Revenge', which is a deep dive into the genre's history and legacy.

Culture critics Marlon Palmer, Matt Amha, and Pablo The Don join guest host Rad Simonpillai to break down Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl Halftime performance on Sunday.Also, they look at the legacy of Irv Gotti, the hip-hop producer and DJ who co-founded Murder Inc. Records. Gotti died on February 5. He was 54.

This week we’re talking about culture as a form of resistance and power against the backdrop of US tariff threats, and talk that Canada should become the 51st state. Elamin Abdelmahmoud is joined by culture critics Michelle Cho, Louise Bruton & Matt Amha to look at how places like South Korea, Ireland and Nigeria, have resisted American cultural influences, and are now cultural powerhouses exporting their own content to global audiences.

Elamin Abdelmahmoud is joined by Dr. Jay De Soca Prince, culture critic Sharine Taylor, and Inuk writer and culture critic Jamesie Fournier to react to two recent song releases from Trinidad Killa (with Nicki Minaj) and Kendrick Lamar that use the same 

As tariffs still loom and Donald Trump keeps musing about Canada becoming the 51st state, what does cultural resistance look like? It’s a lot easier when you’re talking about shopping to buy Canadian and skip made-in-America. But how are we thinking about the pillars of national cultural identity: the music, movies, and TV we chose to consume? Columnist and chair of the Canada Council for the Arts Jesse Wente has been thinking a lot about this, not just lately, but throughout his entire life.

Though the proposed tariffs on Canadian goods that were supposed to take effect on February 3 have been momentarily paused for 30 days, the threat still looms over Canadian industries bracing for their impact. The Globe and Mail’s Film and Deputy Arts Editor Barry Hertz checks in to explain how they could affect the Canadian film and television industries, from production to consumer demand. Plus, culture writers Nicole Froio and Jackson Weaver discuss Fernanda Torres’s Oscar-nominated performance in 'I’m Still Here', a film set in the 70s amidst a military dictatorship in Brazil.

ulture critic/podcaster Pablo the Don and music journalists Carl Wilson and Rosie Long Decter give us their morning-after reactions to the biggest highlights, surprises, and snubs from last night’s Grammys. 

Culture writer Reanna Cruz, comedian Marlon Palmer, and arts reporter Jackson Weaver chat with Elamin about the latest controversy around the movie Emilia Pérez and its lead actor, Karla Sofía Gascón, and they discuss The Weeknd’s new album ‘Hurry Up Tomorrow.’ 

Ms. Rachel is moving to Netflix. The YouTube star toddlers love is part of a revolution in kids' TV .. Kathryn VanArendonk and Amil Niazi join Elamin to talk about it. Plus, film critic Hoai-Tran Bui talks about some of her highlights from the Sundance Film Festival, including 'Kiss of the Spider Woman,' and 'The Wedding Banquet.'

Media personality Matt Hart and TV creator Derrick Beckles discuss the new Tom Green documentary, ‘This Is the Tom Green Documentary’, and how his notorious gonzo talk show from the late-’90s revolutionized television and anticipated the YouTube era.

Book lovers Arizona O’Neill and Lu Aburawi talk to Elamin Abdelmahmoud about the phenomenon of Rebecca Yarros’ Empyrean series as the third book 'Onyx Storm' hits shelves. And music journalist Tabassum Siddiqui reviews a new documentary 

With controversy swirling around the use of AI to perfect the Hungarian accents for the actors in the Oscar-nominated film ‘The Brutalist’, Elamin is joined by Rad Simonpillai and Kristy Puchko to discuss the public reaction, and what it says about our comfort level with the intersection between art and AI right now. And culture critic Niko Stratis joins host Elamin to talk about why she got into the world of rewatch podcasts, both as a host and as a listener.

Culture writer Reanna Cruz and rapper Rollie Pemberton, a.k.a. Cadence Weapon, chat with Elamin Abdelmahmoud about the nominations for this year’s Oscars, the hit new Keke Palmer/SZA buddy comedy ‘One of Them Days’, and the surprising new posthumous Mac Miller album, 'Ballonerism.'

The Canada Reads 2025 champions are revealed! Five celebrities each champion a book they think all of Canada should read, and after a week of debates, one will be crowned the winner.

Elamin Abdelmahmoud chats with Liz Pelly, author of '‘Mood Machine: The Rise of Spotify and the Cost of The Perfect Playlist’ and music critic Ian Kamau about how Spotify became the dominant power in music streaming. And CBC Sports correspondent Morgan Campbell talks about the Australian Open’s decision to livestream its matches on YouTube using Nintendo-like digital avatars to depict the action.    

The day after Donald Trump was sworn into office as the 47th President of the United States, culture critics Vinson Cunningham and Tyler Foggatt join Elamin Abdelmahmoud to read the inauguration’s cues: what the new President’s choices tell us about where the culture is heading and what cultural resistance might look like.

The future of TikTok is in limbo. After going dark in the U.S. for several hours over the weekend, it’s back, for now. Vass Bednar joins Elamin to talk about what this means for the millions of creators who use it, and ​where things go next. And TV critics Eric Deggans and Jeevan Sangha to discuss the highly anticipated season 2 of ‘Severance.’ 

Film critics Rad Simonpillai, Kristy Puchko and Hanna Flint discuss the legacy of David Lynch, and review the new films, 'The Last Showgirl' starring Pamela Anderson and 'Better Man', a surprisingly great biopic on Robbie Williams.