Mornings with Simi

View from Victoria: Two ministers emerge to defend the government on two recent controversies The Vancouver Sun's Vaughn Palmer is here with his take on the day's headlines. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine conducted a study on psilocybin, the compound in “magic mushrooms,” using functional MRI scans to observe brain activity. The colourful heat maps they produced highlight significant changes in brain activity, with red, orange, and yellow hues showing abnormal patterns and blues and greens indicating normal activity. Guest: Dr. Joshua Siegel, Instructor and Co-director of the Program of Psychedelics Research at Washington University’s School of Medicine in St. Louis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Seg 1: How ‘mother’ became a cultural phenomenon The term “mother” is remarkably consistent across many languages worldwide. In addition to its literal meaning, “mother” has taken on symbolic significance in various cultures and historical contexts. For example, in recent pop culture, the term “mother” has been used as a form of reverence, particularly for powerful female celebrities. Guest: Caleb Madison, Crossword-Puzzles Editor and Author of “The Good Word” column at the Atlantic Seg 2: Scott's Thoughts: Is cash going to become extinct? GUEST: Scott Shantz, Contributor for Mornings with Simi Seg 3: View From Victoria: Is the government’s $2 billion affordability initiative enough? The Vancouver Sun's Vaughn Palmer is here with his take on the day's headlines. Seg 4: What’s causing the violent riots in the UK? The current violence on the streets of Britain is a clear example of Islamophobia, stemming from misinformation and far-right ideologies. The violence began after a peaceful vigil for three young girls fatally stabbed in Southport, leading to attacks on the local mosque and those inside. Despite the refutation of false claims that the perpetrator was a Muslim immigrant, Muslims and mosques continue to be targeted, along with migrant housing. Guest: Dr. Chris Allen, Associate Professor in the School of Criminology at the University of Leicester Seg 5: Just how bad are the abuses to Canada’s foreign worker program? Guest: Catherine Connelly, Professor of Human Resources and Management at McMaster University and Author of “Enduring Work: Experiences with Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program.” Seg 6: Why was someone allegedly tied to ISIS allowed to immigrate to Canada? The federal government of Canada is reviewing its security screening process following the arrest of Ahmed Fouad Mostafa Eldidi and his son Mostafa Eldidi, who are accused of planning an attack in Toronto. Ahmed, a Canadian citizen, and his son, who does not have citizenship, face multiple charges, including conspiracy to commit murder for the benefit of ISIS. Guest: Mackenzie Gray, Senior Correspondent for Global News National Seg 7: Should the province appoint an Integrity Commissioner to oversee local governments? Guest: Nadine Nakagawa, New Westminster City Councillor Seg 8: Why are rates of HIV/AIDS rising in Canada? Dr. Julio Montaner is urging governments worldwide to adopt a comprehensive strategy to reduce HIV-related deaths and infections. His call follows new research published in the Lancet HIV journal, demonstrating that antiretroviral treatment (ART) for all HIV-positive individuals and preventive treatment (PrEP) for high-risk individuals can reduce deaths and new infections by over 90%. Guest: Dr. Julio Montaner, Executive Director of the BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Julio Montaner is urging governments worldwide to adopt a comprehensive strategy to reduce HIV-related deaths and infections. His call follows new research published in the Lancet HIV journal, demonstrating that antiretroviral treatment (ART) for all HIV-positive individuals and preventive treatment (PrEP) for high-risk individuals can reduce deaths and new infections by over 90%. Guest: Dr. Julio Montaner, Executive Director of the BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Guest: Nadine Nakagawa, New Westminster City Councillor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Guest: Catherine Connelly, Professor of Human Resources Management at McMaster University Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The federal government of Canada is reviewing its security screening process following the arrest of Ahmed Fouad Mostafa Eldidi and his son Mostafa Eldidi, who are accused of planning an attack in Toronto. Ahmed, a Canadian citizen, and his son, who does not have citizenship, face multiple charges, including conspiracy to commit murder for the benefit of ISIS. Guest: Mackenzie Gray, Senior Correspondent for Global News National Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

View From Victoria: Is the government’s $2 billion affordability initiative enough? The Vancouver Sun's Vaughn Palmer is here with his take on the day's headlines. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The current violence on the streets of Britain is a clear example of Islamophobia, stemming from misinformation and far-right ideologies. The violence began after a peaceful vigil for three young girls fatally stabbed in Southport, leading to attacks on the local mosque and those inside. Despite the refutation of false claims that the perpetrator was a Muslim immigrant, Muslims and mosques continue to be targeted, along with migrant housing. Guest: Dr. Chris Allen, Associate Professor in the School of Criminology at the University of Leicester Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Guest: Scott Shantz, Contributor for Mornings with Simi Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The term “mother” is remarkably consistent across many languages worldwide. In addition to its literal meaning, “mother” has taken on symbolic significance in various cultures and historical contexts. For example, in recent pop culture, the term “mother” has been used as a form of reverence, particularly for powerful female celebrities. Guest: Caleb Madison, Crossword-Puzzles Editor and Author of “The Good Word” column at the Atlantic Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Seg 1: We finally know why orcas are sinking ships In 2020, sailors near the Iberian peninsula reported orcas engaging with boats in alarming ways, such as ramming and disabling vessels. Over 670 interactions were documented, involving about 15 orcas, leading to severe damage in about a fifth of the cases and the sinking of six boats. Experts concluded these were not attacks but possibly playful behaviours or a cultural fad among the orcas. These findings highlight the complexities of studying orca behaviour, as their large, highly developed brains and social structures make them capable of such activities. Guest: Dr. Luke Rendell, Reader in Biology at the University of St. Andrews Seg 2: Scott’s Thoughts: CARJITSU! Guest: Scott Shantz, Contributor for Mornings with Simi Seg 3: View From Victoria: NDP’s much touted Housing Hub The Vancouver Sun's Vaughn Palmer is here with his take on the day's headlines. Seg 4: How Google is running an illegal monopoly A federal judge ruled that Google acted illegally to maintain a monopoly in online search, a landmark decision that could reshape the business practices of major tech companies Guest: Rebecca Haw Allensworth, Associate Dean for Research and Distinguished Chair of Law at Vanderbilt Law School Seg 5: What’s wrong with Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program? Guest: Scott Shantz, Contributor for Mornings with Simi Seg 6: Was the Jasper wildfire fuelled by a storm it created? In response to the wildfire that devastated one-third of Jasper, Alberta, Parks Canada is collaborating with wildfire researchers to understand the disaster and its implications for future fires. The wildfire, which started from lightning strikes and was accelerated by strong winds, engulfed the town in less than three days. Guest: Richard Carr, Fire Research Analyst with the Canadian Forest Service Seg 7: Why was the Integrity Commissioner’s review vote deferred? Vancouver’s mayor, Ken Sim, deferred a vote on a motion to review the work of the city’s integrity commissioner, which would have temporarily suspended the watchdog’s ongoing work. Guest: Adriane Carr, Vancouver City Councillor for the Green Party of Vancouver Seg 8: Making Cent$ of the Market with Lori Pinkowski We’re making cents of the Markets with Lori Pinkowski, A Senior Portfolio Manager at Canaccord Genuity. -you can contact her team at 604-695-LORI or visit their website at PINKOWSKI.CA Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re making cents of the Markets with Lori Pinkowski, A Senior Portfolio Manager at Canaccord Genuity. - you can contact her team at 604-695-LORI or visit their website at PINKOWSKI.CA Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Vancouver’s mayor, Ken Sim, deferred a vote on a motion to review the work of the city’s integrity commissioner, which would have temporarily suspended the watchdog’s ongoing work. Guest: Adriane Carr, Vancouver City Councillor for the Green Party of Vancouver Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In response to the wildfire that devastated one-third of Jasper, Alberta, Parks Canada is collaborating with wildfire researchers to understand the disaster and its implications for future fires. The wildfire, which started from lightning strikes and was accelerated by strong winds, engulfed the town in less than three days. Guest: Richard Carr, Fire Research Analyst with the Canadian Forest Service Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GUEST: Catherine Connelly, professor of human resources and management at McMaster University and Author of 'Enduring work: Experiences with Canada’s Temporary foreign worker program'. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A federal judge ruled that Google acted illegally to maintain a monopoly in online search, a landmark decision that could reshape the business practices of major tech companies. Guest: Rebecca Haw Allensworth, Associate Dean for Research and Distinguished Chair of Law at Vanderbilt Law School Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

View From Victoria: NDP’s much touted Housing Hub The Vancouver Sun's Vaughn Palmer is here with his take on the day's headlines. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Guest: Scott Shantz, Contributor for Mornings with Simi Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 2020, sailors near the Iberian peninsula reported orcas engaging with boats in alarming ways, such as ramming and disabling vessels. Over 670 interactions were documented, involving about 15 orcas, leading to severe damage in about a fifth of the cases and the sinking of six boats. Experts concluded these were not attacks but possibly playful behaviours or a cultural fad among the orcas. These findings highlight the complexities of studying orca behaviour, as their large, highly developed brains and social structures make them capable of such activities. Guest: Dr. Luke Rendell, Reader in Biology at the University of St. Andrews Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Seg 1: How did Neanderthals go extinct? In 2010, scientists discovered that early humans and Neanderthals interbred, impacting modern humans’ circadian rhythms, immune system, and pain perception. However, the reverse gene flow—how humans influenced Neanderthals—remained unclear. Guest: Dr. Joshua Akey, Professor at the Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics Seg 2: Scott’s Thoughts: What’s worth spending the money on? Guest: Scott Shantz, Contributor for Mornings with Simi Seg 3: View From Victoria: How could we re-structure our health regions? The Vancouver Sun's Vaughn Palmer is here with his take on the day's headlines. Seg 4: Is the stock market going to crash? Wall Street experienced its most significant drop in nearly two years amid increasing fears of a slowing U.S. economy. The threat of a recession is a significant concern, potentially impacting both current economic policies and future political strategies. Guest: Dr. Steven Pressman, Professor of Economics at The New School in New York City Seg 5: How significant is the Chilcotin landslide breach? People are being advised to avoid the banks of the Chilcotin and Fraser rivers due to water breaching a dam caused by a large landslide. The situation remains volatile, with ongoing assessments and updates provided through a newly launched information portal. Guest: Tyler Olsen, Managing Editor of the Fraser Valley Current Seg 6: Scott's Thoughts: Should we have tighter border restrictions on dogs? Guest: Scott Shantz, Contributor for Mornings with Simi Seg 7: Should BC be doing more to prevent ER closures? There have been 70 emergency room closures in Interior Health and Northern Health in July alone, with double-digit closures in communities like Williams Lake, Chetwynd, and Prince Rupert in 2024. The closures, primarily due to staffing shortages, included recent shutdowns in Mackenzie and District Hospital and Chetwynd Hospital. Guest: Adrian Dix, BC’s Minister of Health Seg 8: Why did the Park Board launch a complaint against the mayor’s office? Vancouver’s Integrity Commissioner has released two reports highlighting the strained relationship between Mayor Ken Sim’s office and some park board commissioners. The reports were released shortly before a council decision to freeze ongoing investigations by Commissioner Lisa Southern, pending a third-party review of her office. A special council meeting is set to consider the review and suspension of Southern’s investigations. Premier David Eby stated that the province would not address the request to abolish the park board until after the provincial election. Guest: Brennan Bastyovanszky, Vancouver Park Board Commissioner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

View From Victoria: How could we re-structure our health regions? The Vancouver Sun's Vaughn Palmer is here with his take on the day's headlines. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Vancouver’s Integrity Commissioner has released two reports highlighting the strained relationship between Mayor Ken Sim’s office and some park board commissioners. The reports were released shortly before a council decision to freeze ongoing investigations by Commissioner Lisa Southern, pending a third-party review of her office. A special council meeting is set to consider the review and suspension of Southern’s investigations. Premier David Eby stated that the province would not address the request to abolish the park board until after the provincial election. Guest: Brennan Bastyovanszky, Vancouver Park Board Commissioner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There have been 70 emergency room closures in Interior Health and Northern Health in July alone, with double-digit closures in communities like Williams Lake, Chetwynd, and Prince Rupert in 2024. The closures, primarily due to staffing shortages, included recent shutdowns in Mackenzie and District Hospital and Chetwynd Hospital. Guest: Adrian Dix, BC’s Minister of Health Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Guest: Scott Shantz, Contributor for Mornings with Simi Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

People are being advised to avoid the banks of the Chilcotin and Fraser rivers due to water breaching a dam caused by a large landslide. The situation remains volatile, with ongoing assessments and updates provided through a newly launched information portal. Guest: Tyler Olsen, Managing Editor of the Fraser Valley Current Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Wall Street experienced its most significant drop in nearly two years amid increasing fears of a slowing U.S. economy. The threat of a recession is a significant concern, potentially impacting both current economic policies and future political strategies. Guest: Dr. Steven Pressman, Professor of Economics at The New School in New York City Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Guest: Scott Shantz, Contributor for Mornings with Simi Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 2010, scientists discovered that early humans and Neanderthals interbred, impacting modern humans’ circadian rhythms, immune system, and pain perception. However, the reverse gene flow—how humans influenced Neanderthals—remained unclear. A new study reveals that DNA exchange occurred between the two groups over the last 250,000 years, offering insights into Neanderthal extinction and human migration from Africa. Guest: Dr. Joshua Akey, Professor at the Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Seg 1: The unknown history of the Matchless Six Guest: Craig Baird, Host of the Podcast “Canada History Ehx” Seg 2: Scott's Thoughts: Ford wants to turn you (and your car) into a snitch Guest: Scott Shantz, Contributor for Mornings with Simi Seg 3: View from Victoria: A new euphemism for ER closures! The Vancouver Sun's Vaughn Palmer is here with his take on the day's headlines. Seg 4: How do prison exchanges work? Guest: William E. Butler, Distinguished Professor of Law at Penn State University Seg 5: How does extreme heat affect our infrastructure? Guest: Janey Vanessa Camp, Research Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Vanderbilt University Seg 6: Does convicted double-murderer Derik Lord deserve full parole? Guest: Lisa Hobbs Birnie, Author of “Such a Good Boy: How a Pampered Son's Greed Led to Murder” Seg 7: Monday Morning Quarterback Guest: Rick Campbell, BC Lions Head Coach Seg 8: What are the “untouchable rotten goings-on” at Mayor Ken Sim’s office? Guest: Pete Fry, Vancouver City Councillor Seg 9: Should we send a frozen backup for life to the Moon? Guest: Dr. Mary Hagedorn, Senior Research Scientist at the Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

View From Victoria: A new euphemism for ER closures! The Vancouver Sun's Vaughn Palmer is here with his take on the day's headlines. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scientists have proposed a bold plan to preserve Earth’s biodiversity by creating a vault on the moon filled with preserved samples of endangered species. By proposing this ambitious plan, scientists hope to spark international collaboration and discussions on extreme measures needed to protect biodiversity. Guest: Dr. Mary Hagedorn, Senior Research Scientist at the Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lisa Southern, the first integrity commissioner for the City of Vancouver, has had her work suspended by a vote from the majority party on city council. The office's investigations will not resume until a third-party review of her work is complete. But, Southern preemptively released two reports just before the council could potentially halt her work. They detail the contentious relationship between Vancouver’s Park Board and Mayor Ken Sim’s office. Guest: Pete Fry, Vancouver City Councillor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Derik Lord, convicted for the 1990 double murder of Sharon Huenemann and Doris Leatherbarrow, has been granted full parole. The victims’ families expressed fears for their safety and disappointment in the board’s decision, accusing it of failing its duty by avoiding critical questions and making a pre-determined decision. Guest: Lisa Hobbs Birnie, Author of “Such a Good Boy: How a Pampered Son's Greed Led to Murder” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What do we know about how extreme heat and how is extreme weather affecting our infrastructure? Guest: Janey Vanessa Camp, Research Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Vanderbilt University Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On August 1, 2024, Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and two other Americans were freed from Russia in a prisoner exchange involving 24 prisoners and seven countries. Among those exchanged were 12 German nationals, eight Russians, and two non-prisoner children. The unusual decision to move Gershkovich’s trial up in July, where he was sentenced to 16 years on unproven espionage charges, might indicate the timing of the deal was crucial. Gershkovich’s case is more complex compared to Brittney Griner’s, who was detained for drug smuggling in March 2022 and sentenced to nine years in August 2022 before being released in a deal in December 2022. Unlike Griner, the specific charges against Gershkovich under the Russian criminal code are unknown. However, both cases underline the procedural requirement for conviction before the exchange in Russian deals. Guest: William E. Butler, Distinguished Professor of Law at Penn State University Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Guest: Scott Shantz, Contributor for Mornings with Simi Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On July 11, 1928, six Canadian female athletes—Fanny Rosenfeld, Jean Thompson, Myrtle Cook, Florence Jane Bell, Ethel Smith, and Ethel Catherwood—departed for Amsterdam to participate in the Olympics, marking the first time women were allowed in athletics and gymnastics. Their legacy contributed significantly to the progress of gender equality in sports, from 10% female participation in 1928 to nearly 50% expected in Tokyo 2020. Guest: Craig Baird, Host of the Podcast “Canada History Ehx” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What’s happening with BC United? Kevin Falcon, Leader of BC United Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Should we be worried that there are heavy metals in chocolate? Dr. Leigh Frame, Director of the School of Medicine and Health Sciences at George Washington University The Weekly Cecchini Check-in Reggie Cecchini, Washington Correspondent for Global News How UBC researchers accidentally discovered a new, super-black material Dr. Philip Evans, Professor in the Faculty of Forestry at the University of British Columbia and BC Leadership Chair in Advanced Forest Products Manufacturing Technology What caused the Chilcotin landslide? Dr. Davide Elmo, Professor at the Norman B. Keevil Institute of Mining Engineering at UBC What’s happening with BC United? Kevin Falcon, Leader of BC United Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What caused the Chilcotin landslide? Dr. Davide Elmo, Professor at the Norman B. Keevil Institute of Mining Engineering at UBC Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How UBC researchers accidentally discovered a new, super-black material Dr. Philip Evans, Professor in the Faculty of Forestry at the University of British Columbia and BC Leadership Chair in Advanced Forest Products Manufacturing Technology Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Reggie Cecchini, Washington Correspondent for Global News Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

View from Victoria - Another day, another ER diversion, but this time in Metro Vancouver The Vancouver Sun's Vaughn Palmer is here with his take on the day's headlines Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Should we be worried that there are heavy metals in chocolate? Dr. Leigh Frame, Director of the School of Medicine and Health Sciences at George Washington University Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The history of the barcode Jordan Frith, Pearce Professor of Professional Communication at Clemson University Why is space junk falling from the sky? Dr. Samantha Lawler, Associate Professor of Astronomy at the University of Regina Can Parkinson’s disease be reversed? Dr. Esther Verheyen, Professor of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry at Simon Fraser University Is Team Canada’s drone scandal part of a bigger problem? Dr. Jennifer Walinga, Professor of Communication and Culture at Royal Roads University and Former Olympic Rower for Team Canada How is BC responding to the Chilcotin landslide? Bowinn Ma, BC’s Minister of Emergency Preparedness Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How is BC responding to the Chilcotin landslide? Bowinn Ma, BC’s Minister of Emergency Preparedness Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is Team Canada’s drone scandal part of a bigger problem? Dr. Jennifer Walinga, Professor of Communication and Culture at Royal Roads University and Former Olympic Rower for Team Canada Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Can Parkinson’s disease be reversed? Dr. Esther Verheyen, Professor of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry at Simon Fraser University Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why are so many businesses hiring under-qualified employees? Mornings with Simi Contributor Scott Shantz with Meagan Gallagher, Senior Consultant at Robert Walters Recruitment Firm Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices