Just Asking

Soon after threatening to wipe out Iranian civilization this week, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire. We’re taking all of your questions about this shaky ceasefire, and its likelihood of success. Our expert panel is: Jennifer Kavanagh, director of military analysis at Defense Priorities; Sabine Nolke, former Canadian ambassador and specialist in international law; and Ben Rowswell, a former Canadian ambassador and consultant with Catalyze4.

Whether you know all your obscure sparrows and warblers or your bird ID skills are limited to the Blue Jay, dive in for a fascinating conversation on birding and its benefits.Our guests are David Bird, Emeritus Professor of Wildlife Biology at McGill University, and writer and bird watcher Julia Zarankin.They are briefly joined by Erik Wing, a cognitive neuroscience research associate at York University.

Four astronauts, including Canada’s own Jeremy Hansen, are currently venturing further into deep space than any humans before.As they journey toward the far side of the moon, we dig into your curiosities about this historic mission and the future of humankind in the cosmos.Joining us are Gordon Osinski, professor of Earth Sciences at Western University; Sara Mazrouei, planetary scientist and educator; and Hilding Neilson, assistant professor at Memorial University, whose research explores the vital intersection of Western astronomy and Indigenous knowledge.

If you’re looking to get your hands dirty in the garden this spring and get something to eat out of it, too, this is the show for you. Whether you’re working with a cramped balcony, a rooftop or a backyard, our guests have tips for the best harvest.Jacob Beaton is an Indigenous food sovereignty activist and the co-owner of Tea Creek, a family farm and Indigenous-led training centre in B.C. And Rachel Parent is a food safety advocate and community gardener. She’s also the founder of Kids Right to Know, a non-profit that educates young people on environmental awareness and food safety.

The Junos are back, and there’s plenty to celebrate and some to critique. We’re opening the floor to your questions on what’s working, what’s missing, and why this cultural moment still matters.Host Saroja Coelho is joined by two guests. Emilie Hanskamp a freelance music journalist. Dalton Higgins is a publicist, journalist, and author of the book, Far From Over: The Music and Life of Drake.

From rent to hotel stays and home repairs, many things cost more when you’re flying solo. We’ve got money tips and advice for managing your money on a solo earner. Renée Sylvestre-Williams is a finance journalist and the author of the book The Singles Tax: No-Nonsense Financial Advice for Solo-Earners. Stacy Yanchuk Oleksy is a certified financial counsellor and the CEO of Money Mentors, which is a non-profit credit counselling agency.

As someone living anywhere in this country, you have rights to request records directly from your government. Most people have no idea how this works. Our guests got you covered. Robyn Doolittle is a staff reporter at The Globe and Mail, where she investigates freedom of information systems across the country. Cecil Rosner is an investigative journalist and managing editor of the Investigative Journalism Foundation. 

Critics warn of AI-induced cognitive decline, a flood of 'slop' and 'dross' dulling the human mind. But is brain rot inevitable? And in a world of instant answers, how do we build the future of education?We are joined by two guests. Surya Ganguli is a professor of applied physics at Stanford University working on both neuroscience and AI. Tracey Burns is chief of global strategy and research at the National Centre on Education and the Economy.

The U.S. and Israel-Iran war has triggered an unprecedented disruption in the global energy market. Our guests break down how we got here, what the near future could look like, and the impact of rising oil prices on Canadian consumers. Joe Calnan is vice-president of Energy and Calgary Operations at the Canadian Global Affairs Institute. Rosemary Kelanic is director of the Middle East program at Defense Priorities.

Ecologists are worried about how much road salt is ending up in our lakes. Salt is also corrosive to infrastructure, tough on doggy paws and unsightly on our winter boots. Shelley Arnott is a professor in the department of biology at Queen’s University and the director of the Queen’s University Biological Station. Joe Salemi is an executive director with Landscape Ontario.They answered our questions about the popularity of road salt, its impact on the environment, and other alternatives to de-ice winter roads. 

Experts take your questions about where U.S. domestic and international law stand on President Donald Trump’s attacks on Iran.Sabine is Canada’s Former Ambassador to the Netherlands and Specialist in International Law. She joins Just Asking alongside Quinta Jurecic, who is a staff writer at The Atlantic covering the courts, democracy and the rule of law. 

Studies show that working women globally are burning out at a higher rate than men. On the eve of International Women’s Day, we’re fielding your questions about modern womanhood and the pressure to do it all. Tamu Thomas is a speaker, writer, and author of the book, Women Who Work Too Much: Break Free from Toxic Productivity and Find Your Joy.Amelia Nagoski is a conductor and co-author of Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle.”

Two experts joined Just Asking to take your questions about Saturday’s joint U.S.-Israel attacks on Iran, and what could come next for the region. Kamran Bokhari is a senior director at the New Lines Institute for Strategy and Policy in Washington. Negar Mojtahedi is a reporter and host at Iran International English.

There’s little awareness about Tourette Syndrome and the many ways it manifests itself. This week on Just Asking, we have two guests to field your questions about Tourette Syndrome and what it’s like living with it. Rena Zito is a professor of sociology at Elon University, where she studies stigmatization and Tourette syndrome. She has Tourette Syndrome. Dr. Daniel Gorman is a staff psychiatrist at the Hospital for Sick Children. He’s also an associate professor of psychiatry at the University of Toronto, where he researches Tourette syndrome.

What questions do you have about social media addiction? What do you want to know about holding tech giants accountable for the design of social media platforms? Two experts are on the show to field your questions. Emma Duerden is Canada Research Chair in Neuroscience and Learning Disorders, and associate professor in the faculty of education at Western University. Josh Tabish is senior director for Canada at Chamber of Progress, a tech policy advocacy group. 

This week on Just Asking, we’re taking your questions about Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis. What do you want to know about advocating for yourself in the doctor’s office?Dr. Olga Bougie is an associate professor of obstetrics and gynaecology at the University of Toronto. She also works in Mount Sinai Health System as an endometriosis and gynecologic surgeon. She’ll be taking your questions alongside Nam Kiwanuka, journalist and the host of TVO’s (MIS)Treated, a podcast on women's health.

In the aftermath of the school shooting in Tumbler Ridge, B.C., we’re welcoming your questions about what grief and resilience look like within a community.  We are joined by two experts. Michael Ungar is founder and director of the Resilience Research Centre at Dalhousie University where he holds the Canada Research Chair in Child, Family and Community Resilience. Darcy Harris is professor emeritus of thanatology at King’s University College at Western University. She is a grief researcher as well as a private practice clinician. 

Two experts join Just Asking on Valentines Day to answer your questions about attachment styles and how they shape our intimate adult relationships. Julie Menanno is a marriage and family therapist and the author of the bestselling book, Secure Love. And Marisa Cohen is a relationship researcher who is also a marriage and family therapist. 

Olympic gold medalists Meagan Duhamel and Chandra Crawford take your question about being at the winter games, the time they bagged their gold, coaching the next generation and what they’ve learned about life and sports along the way.

The Stay Free Alberta movement is pushing for Alberta to leave Canada. Organizers of the movement are currently seeking signatures for a petition that could allow them to seek a referendum on the question of Alberta’s independence. We’ll hear from Jeff Rath, one of the leaders of the Stay Free Alberta movement. Lori Williams, a political scientist and an associate professor of policy studies at Mount Royal University, is on the show taking your questions. She’s joined by Matt Solberg, conservative strategist and partner at New West Public Affairs, an Alberta-based political public relations firm.

Music’s biggest night is upon us. What questions do you have about the nominees and the music that’s being recognized this year? Which performances are you most excited about? Join the Grammys chat with music journalists Dalton Higgins and Emilie Hanskamp.

Minneapolis has been a flashpoint for the immigration crackdown in the United States.We took your questions about what it’s been like to live and organize in Minneapolis in the past few weeks.Our guests are NYT bestselling author and organizer adrienne maree brown along with her sister Autumn Brown, who has been on the frontlines of the protests in Minneapolis. We’re also joined by Shrai Popat, breaking politics reporter for The Guardian.

In his widely celebrated speech at the Davos World Economic Forum this week, Prime Minister Mark Carney said Canada is ready to embrace a new world order. What questions do you have about Canada’s position in this new geo-political system?Sabine Nolke, Canada’s former ambassador to the Netherlands and specialist in international law, will take your questions alongside Justin Ling, journalist and columnist at The Toronto Star.

Would you let bots buy you stuff? Autonomous AI shopping agents will research products and complete the purchase for you. What questions do you have about agentic AI shoppers? What do you want to know about how AI shapes your daily shopping experience right now? Our two guests are Aleksandra Sagan, an e-commerce reporter with The Logic, and Markus Giesler, a professor of marketing at York University’s Schulich School of Business.

Heated Rivalry has taken the culture by a storm. What does what we're raptly watching tell us about ourselves and where we are as a culture? This week on Just Asking, we get to the bottom of it. We take the temperature of romance on television in 2026 with our guests Mel Woods, a senior editor at Xtra Magazine, and Cassandra Morann, a romance writer and host of the Rational Romantics podcast.  

We answer your questions about the Iran protests, the international response, and what could possibly come next. We’re joined by two guests. Arash Azizi is a lecturer at Yale University and author of the book, What Iranians Want: Women, Life, Freedom. Maral Karimi is faculty lecturer in the department of politics and public administration at Toronto Metropolitan University and author of the book, The Iranian Green Movement of 2009: Reverberating Echoes of Resistance.

Medical advice is clear on the long-term benefits of building muscle mass. But between buzz words like “progressive overload,” the fear of injury, and all the varying advice on protein intake, the whole thing can be intimidating. In this episode, you asked and we did the heavy lifting. Host Saroja Coelho is joined by two guests. Dr. Jordan Metzl is a sports medicine physician and author. Tina McInnes is a women's strength coach and retired doctor.

Canada and the world are scrambling to figure out a new approach for engaging with the U.S. in light of the U.S. military strikes in Venezuela and the White House's refusal to rule out the use of force to control Greenland. We answer your questions about diplomacy in the age of U.S. President Donald Trump with our guest Bob Rae, Canada’s former ambassador to the United Nations. 

President Donald Trump has said the United States will "run" Venezuela after carrying out attacks on the country on Saturday. The U.S. has captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Today on Just Asking, we take your questions about the situation in Venezuela and what happens next.

We often set ambitious goals for the new year. But how can we make sure we don’t stretch ourselves too thin in the process? The constant chorus of “New Year, New Me” in January amplifies our desire to be productive and optimize our lives. But how much pressure is too much?On this episode of Just Asking, we answer your questions about the value of doing less not more and how to achieve balance in our work and personal lives. Joseph Jebelli is a neuroscientist and author of the book The Brain at Rest: Why Doing Nothing Can Change Your Life. And Alex Pang is a researcher, consultant and author of Rest: Why You Get More Done When You Work Less.Do you have a question you want Just Asking to explore? Send us a text or voice note at 226-758-8924. You can also e-mail us at [email protected]

From Sinners to Severance, and all the memes in between, 2025 was a huge year in pop culture. And as critics argue over which “Best of 2025” is truly canon, the way we consume content is rapidly changing with Netflix's Warner Bros. acquisition and the ongoing debate of whether artists should avoid or embrace AI. On this episode of Just Asking, we take all your questions about the movies, music and online trends that broke through in 2025. Richie Assaly is a culture writer who covers music, books and politics. And Kate Lindsay is a culture writer and co-host of “In Case You Missed It" – a podcast from Slate that explores internet culture.Do you have a question you want Just Asking to explore? Send us a text or voice note at 226-758-8924. You can also e-mail us at [email protected]

It’s that time of year when we reflect on what’s happened the last 12 months, and dream up changes for the new year. Whether you’re looking for guidance in your career, relationships, or setting personal goals, we could all use a little bit of extra help dealing with the curveballs life brings us.On this episode of Just Asking, we have two advice columnists ready to share their wisdom and help you strategize for the new year. Gretchen Rubin is a writer who studies happiness and human nature. She also co-hosts the advice podcast, “Since You Asked.” And Steve Almond is a writer and author of the book, “Truth is the Arrow, Mercy is the Bow.” He was also the co-host of the advice podcast, “Dear Sugars,” which wrapped up in 2018.You’ll also hear from actor Jake Johnson and comedian Gareth Reynolds about what inspired them to start the “We’re Here to Help” podcast where callers share their problems with actors and comedians like Nick Kroll, Roy Wood Jr, D’Arcy Carden and Dakota Fanning. Do you have a question you want Just Asking to explore? Send us a text or voice note at 226-758-8924. You can also e-mail us at [email protected]

When OCD is depicted in pop culture, it often becomes the butt of the joke like on TV shows like Friends or The Big Bang Theory. But According to the International OCD Foundation, over two-thirds of the public cannot accurately identify OCD symptoms and it takes over 7 years on average before a person suffering with OCD starts to get treatment. On this episode of Just Asking, our guests take all your questions about OCD-myth busting and how to support friends and family who have it. Justine De Jaegher is an advocate who has OCD herself. And Dr. Marlene Taube-Schiff is a clinical psychologist who works with patients who struggle with OCD.Do you have a question you want Just Asking to explore? Send us a text or voice note at 226-758-8924. You can also e-mail us at [email protected]

2025 has been quite the year on Parliament Hill. The Liberals kicked off the year with Justin Trudeau stepping down, and now Prime Minister Carney is ending the year hoping for another floor-crosser for Christmas. It's also been a year of soul-searching for the opposition parties as Pierre Polileve looks forward toward a leadership review in the new year, and the NDP are in the middle of their own leadership race. On this episode of Just Asking, our guests take all your Canadian politics questions about the non-stop news out of Ottawa. Stephanie Taylor is a parliamentary reporter with The National Post. And Phillipe Fournier is the Editor in Chief of polling website 388Canada.Do you have a question you want Just Asking to explore? Send us a text or voice note at 226-758-8924. You can also e-mail us at [email protected]

Justice Minister Sean Fraser wants to eradicate violence against women, and he says the Liberals’ new legislation will help. In the wake of the Diddy trial, Just Asking explored the push to recognize "coercive control" in the law. Ottawa’s new bill seeks to do that, along with changes to how the courts deal with femicide, and delays in the justice system.On this episode of Just Asking, we take your questions about how to prevent intimate partner violence, and what solutions survivors are looking for. Kirsten Mercer is a lawyer and gender-based violence advocate. And Nneka MacGregor is a survivor of intimate partner violence and the co-founder and executive director of the Women’s Centre for Social Justice, also known as the WomenatthecentrE.If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual assault, help is available through: https://endingviolencecanada.org/Canadian Resource Centre for Victims of Crime: 1-877-232-2610 or text 613-208-0747Just Asking episode on Coercive Control

Canada has one of the highest rates of pet ownership in the world. Humans develop deep connections with the animals in their lives. But how much do we really understand about them? And why have some animals evolved to become domesticated social media stars on Instagram while others run wild? On this episode of Just Asking, longtime science broadcaster and former Quirks and Quarks host Jay Ingram takes your questions about his new book “The Science of Pets.”Do you have a question you want Just Asking to explore? Send us a text or voice note at 226-758-8924. You can also e-mail us at [email protected] Ingram’s “The Science of Pets”

A new report found influencers reached more people during Canada’s federal election than news outlets or politicians. So what role do influencers play in how we navigate the media landscape, and how can you tell the difference between reliable sources and misinformation?On this week’s episode of Just Asking, we take your questions about getting news through social media. Ashley Fraser is a senior reporter for CBC's The National who helped launch CBC News’ TikTok account in 2022. And Jaigris Hodson is the Canada Research Chair in Digital Misinformation, Polarization, and Anti-Social Media at Royal Roads University.We'll also hear from Cole Benett, a Canadian news influencer who posts about politics and current affairs on TikTok and Instagram.Do you have a question you want Just Asking to explore? Send us a text or voice note at 226-758-8924. You can also e-mail us at [email protected]

After a renewed push from Trump, the future of peace talks to end the war in Ukraine remains unclear. US special envoy Steve Witkoff held separate meetings this week with Russian President Vladimir Putin, and the head of Ukraine's national security council, Rustem Umerov. Putin continues to ramp up his rhetoric, threatening that Ukrainian troops must withdraw from the eastern Donbas region or it will be seized by force. On this week’s episode of Just Asking, we dig into your questions about the ongoing push for peace between Russia and Ukraine. Paul Goode is a Professor and the McMillan Chair of Russian Studies at the Institute of European, Russian and Eurasian Studies at Carleton University. And Robert English is a Professor and Director of Central European Studies at the University of Southern California. Do you have a question you want Just Asking to explore? Send us a text or voice note at 226-758-8924. You can also e-mail us at [email protected]

The holidays are around the corner. What does that look like if your partner has a different cultural background? How do you navigate those differences and bring your two identities together? How do you navigate potential conflicts with both sides of the family, or questions from your kids?On this week’s episode of Just Asking, we take all your questions about dating and relationships for couples from different cultural background. Whether you’re a part of an interracial couple, or your partner has a different faith or ethnic background, this week’s guests have plenty of advice for you. Yasmeen Rafiq is a therapist and owner of the private therapy practice, Meaningful Connections, where she works with intercultural couples. And Maya Yampolsky is an associate professor of social and cultural psychology at Laval University, where she researches intercultural and interracial relationships. We'll also hear from Rabbi Denise Handlarski who is in an interfaith marriage herself and marries interfaith couples. She's also a professor at Trent University and has a LOT of opinions about Netflix’s Nobody Wants This.

MP Steven Guilbeault resigned from cabinet, claiming the Ottawa-Alberta energy deal signals a major step backwards on climate commitments. The agreement lays the political groundwork for a potential pipeline to the B.C. coast. By designating this possible pipeline as a project of "national interest," it could be exempt from environmental protection laws. The deal will also see Ottawa suspend the proposed federal oil and gas emissions cap, and Alberta's requirements under the Clean Electricity Regulations. On this week’s episode of Just Asking, we take your questions about what this deal could mean for Canada's climate future. Our guests are Rick Smith, the President of the Canadian Climate Institute. And Hadrian Mertins-Kirkwood is senior researcher at the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, who focuses on the shift towards a zero-carbon future, including energy workers.Do you have a question you want Just Asking to explore? Send us a text or voice note at 226-758-8924. You can also e-mail us at [email protected]

Like it or not....Winter is coming. Are you ready to bust out the Mariah Carey, or are you bracing yourself for darker, colder days ahead? For a country that spends a significant portion of the year in winter weather, our cities are not always well-equipped to be livable spaces through all seasons. On this episode of Just Asking, we take all your questions on how to prepare ourselves, and our communities for the change in seasons. Ana Hidalgo is a lecturer in the Department of Geography and Planning at the University of Saskatchewan who researches urban design for winter cities. Kari Leibowitz is a health psychologist and author of the book "How to Winter: Harness Your Mindset to Thrive on Cold, Dark, or Difficult Days." Do you have a question you want Just Asking to explore? Send us a text or voice note at 226-758-8924. You can also e-mail us at [email protected]

Marjorie Taylor Greene says Trump “ripped MAGA apart” with the Epstein case. The uproar may have pushed the President to reverse his previous stance, signing a bill late Wednesday to order the release of the Epstein files. But beyond this week's political drama, how will these fractures within the Republican party affect the MAGA movement moving forward?On this episode of Just Asking, we take all your questions about what’s happening with the MAGA movement right now, and how things could change one year out before the Midterm elections. Matt Dallek is a professor of Political Management and historian at George Washington University, who’s written multiple books chronicling the rise of the modern conservative movement. (Confirming second guest) Paul Waldman is a columnist with MS NOW (formerly MSNBC). Do you have a question you want Just Asking to explore? Send us a text or voice note at 226-758-8924. You can also e-mail us at [email protected]

With the COP30 climate summit in Belém, Brazil this week, Canada wants to be seen as a leader in climate action. But are we on the right track? Reports are warning that fossil fuel emissions have hit a record high. The world is still on track for a catastrophic 2.6C increase in temperature. That is surpassing the thresholds set out in the Paris agreement. At COP30 this week, Canada highlighted $392 million in funding for global climate action projects. Here at home, Prime Minister Carney unveiled his list of major projects to fast-track. Carney's plan is for Canada to become an energy superpower and a leader in responsible mining for critical minerals. On this episode of Just Asking, we take your questions on Canada’s climate change commitments, and our role on the world stage. Sarah Elizabeth Sharma is an Assistant Professor in the School of Political Studies at the University of Ottawa, focusing on climate policy. David Smith is the Coordinator of the Institute for Sustainable Development and Director of the Centre for Environmental Management at The University of the West Indies.Do you have a question you want Just Asking to explore? Send us a text or voice note at 226-758-8924. You can also e-mail us at [email protected]