The Big Story

Plus: Canada's new top diplomat in Washington, controversial comments from a Southern Ontario MP, a search and rescue mission is underway in Northern California, and Trump's Gordie Howe Bridge threats and what he's really after. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us: Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

Another Truth Social post, another crack in the Canada-US relationship.US President Trump threatened to stall the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge until 'the United States is fully compensated for everything we have given'. A complete 180 from his joint statement with former Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau back in 2017 when he called for its 'expeditious completion'. Host Caryn Ceolin speaks to David Paterson, Ontario's Representative in Washington, DC., to break down the details behind the bridge's construction, what sparked Trump's sudden interest in a potential blockade, and what options Ottawa has after another volatile Truth Social post. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

Plus: The latest from Tumbler Ridge -- a week after a deadly mass shooting, Jesse Jackson dies at 84, Hollywood remembers Robert Duvall, and more medals at the Winter Games. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us: Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

Skinny is in, and it doesn't help when the drugs that help us get there are set to get cheaper.Whether it's Ozempic or Wegovy, the cost of shrinking doesn't end with what you pay at the pharmacy. It bleeds into your everyday interactions - both with others and by yourself. And unless your results are being guided by a dietician or medical provider, who's to say how sustainable pay-as-you-go weight-loss actually is?Host Maria Kestane speaks to writer Brianne Cail to unpack her journey using weight-loss drugs, and the give-and-take at the cost of her wellbeing thanks to the cost of drugs. The two also discuss what safeguards Health Canada could implement to help patients move through prescribed weight-loss and weight management. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

Enjoy this special feed drop of our sister show 'In This Economy?!'Canadian restaurant operators could be in for another rough year – thanks to uncertainty around trade with the U-S and higher food costs – along with a few other factors.And the industry, which has been struggling for years, is important to the country’s economy. But the numbers are not trending in the right direction.Hope is not lost.Host Kris McCusker takes a closer look at a report from Restaurants Canada with the President and CEO, Kelly Higginson. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

Plus: GST credit top-up coming, a new report on Canada's climate goals, Day 7 at the Winter Games, a Space-X launch, and the situation in Cuba. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us: Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

Air Canada and West Jet are among the several airlines who've suspended travel to Cuba, as the country grapples with a Venezuelan oil blockade at the hands of US President Trump. As a result, the Island remains in critical condition, with the fuel shortage threatening electricity grids, and supply levels of basic necessities quickly dwindling. Host Caryn Ceolin speaks to Mark Entwistle, former Ambassador of Canada to Cuba and Senior Fellow at the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy. They discuss how the next few weeks could unfold if the US doesn't allow for oil shipments, and the potential of the Cuban regime crumbling. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

Plus: Travel warnings for Cuba, Trump tariff talk, Canadian medals at the Winter Games, and Hollywood remembers James Van Der Beek. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us: Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

Warning: this episode contains themes of gun violence and suicide. Please take care.British Columbia and the rest of Canada continue to mourn the innocent lives taken in a senseless school shooting at the Tumbler Ridge Secondary School this week. Host Caryn Ceolin speaks to Bruce Pitt-Payne, former RCMP major crimes investigator to break down what we know so far, how the investigation could shape up, and how the small community of 2400 is feeling in the aftermath of the tragedy.If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or thoughts of suicide, there are resources available.Call or text 9-8-8 for Canada's Suicide Crisis Helpline. For Kids Help Phone, call 1-800-668-6868 (toll-free) or text CONNECT to 686868. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

Plus: An arrest linked to Ryan Wedding, new developments in the search for Nancy Guthrie, Day 5 at the Winter Games, and results of a new fraud poll. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us: Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

The Canadian Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB) has invested nearly half a billion dollars in xAI, the artificial intelligence company behind Elon Musk's AI chatbot - Grok.The chatbot and its owner have received mounting criticism following the recent influx of deep-fake pornographic content of women and children on X's feeds - a catastrophe that Musk has contributed little to no resources to fix.Host Caryn Ceolin speaks to Jan Mahrt-Smith, associate professor of finance at the University of Toronto, to discuss the risks associated with investing in Musk's chatbot, how the 22 million Canadian investors could be feeling about the move, and whether or not Canadians still trust the government institution to handle their money. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

Plus: Dispute over a bridge linking Michigan and Ontario, the cause of death of a comedy legend, a new Canadian study on allergies, and unpacking all the Easter Eggs in Bad Bunny's Superbowl halftime show. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us: Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

13 minutes and more than 135 million viewers.Sunday's Bad Bunny Super Bowl halftime show was dressed with several cultural and political messages and symbols. Some more pronounced - such as the parading of the Puerto Rican flag - others more subliminal - like the use of electrical poles or white lawn chairs.Host Caryn Ceolin speaks to Juan Carlos Rocha Osornio, Associate Professor at the University of Toronto, to decode all the symbolism throughout the performance, and the cultural impact this halftime show will have during one of the most delicate, political times in American history. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

Plus: Prince Edward Island has elected a Premier, a memorial game for three junior hockey players killed in a car crash, royal reaction to the Epstein files, and Canada's EV plan. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us: Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

In a bid to help Canadians afford lower-emission vehicles, Ottawa unveiled a new EV strategy last week. Prime Minister Carney scrapped the Trudeau-era EV sale mandate, instead introducing rebates for customers and new emission standards for manufacturers. Host Caryn Ceolin speaks to Brian Kingston, President of the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers Association to make sense of how everyday Canadians will benefit from the strategy, whether or not the emission standards will further weaken our auto industry in the wake of US tariffs, and how much closer it will bring us to our 2050 goal of achieving net-zero emissions. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

Enjoy this special feed drop of our sister show 'In This Economy?!'The Bank of Canada has described what happened to the economy in 2025 as a shift away from normal trade relations with the United States and elevated uncertainty for households and businesses.While Bank of Canada Governor Tiff Macklem has said what happens with the economy this year—and for interest rates—will be determined by the upcoming USMCA trade talks, today's guest argues there are much larger structural issues where you could argue the economy is already in a recession and needs dramatic policy changes by the federal government.Host Mike Eppel speaks to David Rosenberg, President and Founder, Rosenberg Research to discuss their predictions on the Canadian dollar and interest rates. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

Plus: The truck driver who caused the deadly Humboldt Broncos bus crash is one step closer to deportation, investigators continue to search for Nancy Guthrie, Superbowl Sunday, and the PWHL's impact on the Olympics. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us: Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

There was no such thing as the Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, but as the 2026 Winter Games kicks off in Milano Cortina, we're about to enter a new era of women's hockey.Teams now have the resources, coaches, and funding necessary to adequately support professional hockey. And not to mention the game itself - viewers will see a whole new side of the show on the ice.Host Catherine Jette speaks to Daniella Ponticelli, play-by-play sports broadcaster for the PWHL, and is among the first women to call the play-by-play for Olympic hockey. The two discuss the growth the league has experienced over the past two years, and how this new era of women's sports will ignite future generations of hopeful athletes. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

Plus: A former Prime Minster speaks out, Guthrie's plea for the return of her abducted mother, obstacles for Team Canada at the Winter Games, and are you saving enough for retirement. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us: Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

Retirement is not what it used to be – for a variety of reasons. A recent survey from the Bank of Montreal suggests it’s becoming more difficult for Canadians to save like their parents did.Is that true?Host Kris McCusker speaks to John Sacke, Investment Advisor and Portfolio Manager for BMO Private Wealth about new trends - both the good and bad - and how young Canadians can capitalize to avoid making the same mistakes as their parents. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

Plus: New developments in the desperate search for the mother of a 'Today Show' host, Canadians support more Chinese EVs to be sold in this country, the Winter Games get underway in Italy, and a Canadian dog wins best in show. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us: Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

It was another dumping of Epstein files from the US Department of Justice this past week, this time releasing some three million pages of material from their investigations. And as the chunky, black blocks continue to make their way through the documents, so do names of some of the most powerful men in the world.In a stunning update, the Clintons have now agreed to testify in Congress in regards to allegations that connect the couple to the convicted sex offender.Host Caryn Ceolin speaks to Sarah Sahagian and Sadaf Ahsan, journalists and hosts of The Reheat, to break down the updates (or lack thereof) from the latest round of Epstein files, and to discuss what we could see unfold. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

Plus: Officials continue to search for the mother of a Today Show host, tributes are pouring in after three junior hockey players in Alberta were killed in a crash, the Winter Olympics are fast approaching, and at what point does Alberta Separatism become a threat to national sovereignty? We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us: Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

The future of Alberta could either help strengthen Canadian interprovincial trade or mark a new chapter in America's history.Either way, the roadmap to the outcome has put our country's sovereignty at a threat. So much so that BC Premier David Eby called out separatists who went to the White House in recent weeks as 'treasonous'. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, however, struggled to denounce their actions out of fear of losing her voter base.Host Caryn Ceolin speaks to Alberta NDP Leader, Naheed Nenshi, to break down Smith's current balancing act, how provincial politics plays a role in the future of Canada's sovereignty, and what he believes Ottawa should do to prevent the potential of foreign interference from south of the border. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

Plus: Groundhog Day 2026, Ottawa's plans for GST relief is set to cost $12.4 billion over 5 years, preparations are underway for a space launch, and is Canada being impacted by the ICE raids We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us: Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

Almost a month after the fatal shooting of US citizen, Renee Good in Minneapolis, Immigrations and Customs Enforcement officers continue to disrupt and terrorize communities across Minnesota - and the US at large.And as Canada finds its footing with new international allies and trading partners, our relationship with our closest neighbour has never been more delicate than right now, especially considering the close-to 900km border we share with the state of Minnesota.Host Richard Southern speaks to Patrick Lennox, national security expert and author of 'At Home and Abroad: The Canada–US Relationship and Canada's Place in the World'. The two discuss how the ICE raids and protests in the US could affect Canadian politics, and what our leaders should be doing in the wake of the violence and fatalities. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

Enjoy this special feed drop of our sister show 'In This Economy?!'One of the original travel rewards programs in the Canadian market is getting a major rebrand.Air Miles, which has been around since 1992, will soon be called Blue Rewards, as owner BMO refreshes the brand to highlight that it’s about more than just travel. At the same time, a longtime Air Miles partner, Shell, is making a move of its own—joining the Scene+ program operated by Scotiabank.Host Mike Eppel speaks to Patrick Sojka, founder of RewardsCanada.ca which is a Canadian loyalty rewards database, to break down what these changes mean for consumers, and take a broader look at the more than 180 loyalty brands competing for Canadians’ attention. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

Plus: Donald Trump threatens Canada again, the Conservative Party of Canada's annual convention continues in Calgary, the Prime Minister praises "Heated Rivalry" and does the 'empty nester' still exist? We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us: Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

Gen Z are having a hard time conceptualizing the reality of financial freedom, as Canada grapples with an affordability crisis. That's especially so for residents of two of the country's most expensive cities, Toronto and Vancouver.And while people in their 20s struggle with affording a place to stay, their parents struggle with watching them struggle, and inevitably end up opening their doors as they finish post-secondary and hunt for a job, a career, a place to stay or even a purpose in life.Host Maria Kestane speaks to Claire Gagné, editor for Macleans and author of 'Why Gen Z Will Never Leave Home'. The two discuss the possibilities of multigenerational living to benefit Canadians struggling with money - and loneliness, and how Canada could improve its lagging productivity issue. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

Plus: a First Nation in Northern Quebec is under lockdown, General Motors is moving forward with job cuts, we're hearing from Donald Trump's border czar, and Pierre Poilievre has a leadership review. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us: Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

After an unremarkable blow in last year's federal election - at both the national and riding level - all eyes will be on Conservative Leader, Pierre Poilievre's leadership abilities during the Conservative Party Convention in Calgary. Beyond the losses, Canadians seem to have questions as to whether or not Poilievre is meeting the moment amid renewed annexation threats from US President Trump.Host Caryn Ceolin speaks to Jamie Ellerton, political strategist and Principal at Conaptus to discuss what could possibly come of this weekend's leadership review, and the work that lies ahead for the Federal Conservatives who work to bridge the gap between their platform and the man running it. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

Plus: Canada's premiers are meeting in Ottawa, immigration enforcement crackdowns continue in Minneapolis, a woman now officially leads the Church of England, and do we need more inconvenience in our lives again?Bank of Canada holds key rate steady as CUSMA talks loom over its outlookKingsbury, Thompson named Canada’s flag-bearers for 2026 Olympic Games We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

What if we told you the key to a more fulfilling life is by making yourself a little....uncomfortable?We're not just talking about reducing scroll time on your phone or fighting the urge to binge watch a show.We're talking about doing the grocery shopping for a friend that you're about to pick up from the airport, or actually following through on dinner plans you committed to even though you maybe aren't in the mood anymore. The things that inconvenience us, but help create a sense of community and genuine belonging.Host Catherine Jette speaks to Israa Nasir, psychotherapist and author of Toxic Productivity. She also authored a Substack called 'A good life is inconvenient. We need to escape the cult of convenience'. The two discuss how to master the art of friction-maxxing, how to draw back on the systems and technologies that replace basic skills, and how to get comfortable being uncomfortable. Find Israa's article here: https://israanasir.substack.com/p/a-good-life-is-inconvenient We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

Plus ICE could be accompanying US staff to the Olympics in Italy, the latest from Iran's crackdown on anti-government protests, and will NATO be able to outlast Trump's second term? We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us: Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

After exclaiming that a reality where Greenland isn't owned by the US wasn't possible, President Trump has seemed to take the gloves off and use an approach he hasn't necessarily been reaching for lately - diplomacy.Last week, Trump announced a framework to a future deal in respect to Greenland and the Arctic as a whole. Although annexation threats have calmed, the vulnerabilities of Canada's portion of the Arctic have come into clear focus.Host Caryn Ceolin speaks to Robert Baines, President of the NATO Association of Canada to discuss the ways Canada should diversify and strengthen its defence forces with Trump's eyes still on the Arctic, and how NATO could be at risk amid the US President's nuanced outlook on international partnerships. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

Plus the Bank of Canada could pause any interest changes for the year, the historic snowfall across Canada and the United States, and ex-Olympian Ryan Wedding is behind bars. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us: Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

It's a story that rivals a Hollywood blockbuster. A Canadian man who competed in the 2002 Winter Olympics as a snowboarder, who then went on to become one of the most notorious drug lords in North America - landing himself on the FBI Ten Most Wanted list - who was on the run for a decade in Mexico, has now been arrested and faces arraignment today.Investigators say Ryan Wedding turned himself into the US Embassy in Mexico last week. He's facing several charges including drug trafficking and murder.Host Maria Kestane speaks to Calvi Leon, crime reporter for the Toronto Star, to dig into the latest update of the Wedding case, the details of the self-surrender, and how this could all play out for the former Olympian. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

Enjoy this special feed drop of our sister show, In This Economy?!If you're in the market for a new truck or car, you might face sticker shock!The average price for a new vehicle in the Canadian market is now more than $60,000, and used vehicle prices are on the rise, too. So what options are you left with if you're looking for a new ride but can't afford the inflated price tag? How do tariffs play into the list price? And how will Prime Minister Mark Carney's trade deal with China affect the EV market?Host Mike Eppel speaks to Barish Arkurek, VP Insights and intelligence for Autotader.ca, to discuss what consumers can expect. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

Catch up on Canada’s top stories, with insight from reporters across the country. From breaking news to politics, sports, climate, and culture, Big Headlines makes staying connected to the pulse of the country easier than ever. Perfect for busy Canadians on the go! Big Headlines premieres Monday January 26th We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

They say it's about collaboration and face-to-face interactions - but you're still expected to join your virtual meeting in a private call booth.So, what's really behind these RTO mandates? If the research shows better work-life balance and productivity when employees have the option to work remotely, what's the big push for the big return? Does work-from-home still exist six years after the pandemic?Host Catherine Jette speaks to Kathy Chow, a Toronto-based writer who wrote a piece called "Welcome Back to the Office. You Won’t Get Anything Done.". The two discuss corporate culture's inability to prioritize the employee, how women are disproportionately affected by RTO mandates, and how surrounding suburbs of big cities can fall victim to the return to the office. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

As immigration raids continue across the US - specifically in Minnesota where thousands of protesters are taking to the streets denouncing ICE following the shooting death of Renee Good - political polarization couldn't be more rampant.Earlier this week, the US Department of Justice subpoenaed at least five Minnesota officials for their alleged involvement in obstructing ICE officers from doing their jobs. It falls against the backdrop of US President Trump threatening to invoke the Insurrection Act. Host Caryn Ceolin speaks to Jeanne Meserve, journalist and international security analyst to discuss the transformation of immigration enforcement under Trump's second term, and how Americans are reacting to this deepening domestic policy crisis within their country. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

It was a standing ovation in Davos.Prime Minister Mark Carney sparking inspiration while signifying the death of what once was in the world of international relations. Urging countries to form new alliances and leave the way things used to be in the past, as we tread forward in an era with new rules and less boundaries - specifically within US President Trump's moral limits.Host Richard Southern speaks to John Wright, Canadian pollster and CEO of Canada Pulse Insights to discuss the implications of Carney's bold words at the World Economic Forum, how Trump could use them against Canada in the upcoming trade talks, and how world leaders should take note amid a nuanced, geopolitical era. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

Toronto and Vancouver are set to see one of their busiest summers yet with the arrival of the World Cup. And as hundreds of thousands prepare to make memories and have fun, city and provincial officials can't help but brace for the impact the games will have on their healthcare systems. Host Maria Kestane speaks to Dr. Catherine Varner, emergency physician and Deputy Editor of the Canadian Medical Association Journal to discuss what lies ahead for two of Canada's biggest cities as they brace for the World Cup influx, and how much more all provinces need to invest in order to move away from surge capacity being the norm. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

Canada has been lockstep with the U-S when it comes to trade policy with China for years.Last week, that changed. PM Mark Carney’s new tariff deal with China will allow 49,000 Chinese EVs into the country every year for three years at a dramatically-slashed tariff of only 6.1 per cent—in exchange for a reduced tariff on canola seeds, lobster, crab and other agricultural products exported to China.It’s a deal that’s earning praise from the prairies but disdain in Ontario.Host Cristina Howorun sits down with Flavio Volpe, President of the Automotive Parts Manufacturing Association and one of the architects of CUSMA, to discuss the implications this deal could have on the EV market, the 90,000 jobs in the auto sector and tariff and trade negotiations with the States. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

The third Monday of January has often been called "Blue Monday" - but the winter blues aren't just limited to one day of the year.Canadians like to pride ourselves on how we brave the cold months, but we may have a lot to learn from how Scandinavian countries approach things.Host Kaitlin Lee speaks to Kari Leibowitz, psychologist and author of How to Winter: Harness Your Mindset to Thrive on Cold, Dark, Or Difficult Days about how to embrace the season, instead of just staying in survival mode. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

Enjoy this special feed drop of our sister show, In This Economy?!The headlines just two weeks into 2026 haven't fallen short of anything abysmal, especially centered around the happenings of US President Donald Trump. And although geopolitical uncertainty usually doesn't help the markets, Canadian stocks have continued to see record highs.Host Mike Eppel speaks to Andrew Pyle, senior investment advisor and senior portfolio manager at CIBC Wood Gundy to discuss the dos and don'ts of investing during volatile times. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

More than 12,000 people have reportedly been killed over the past several weeks of anti-government protests across Iran - including one Canadian, according to Foreign Affairs.Meantime, US President trump has vowed to take action against the Iranian regimes if the death and corruption continues amid the protests.Host Mark Day speaks to Maral Karimi, professor at Toronto Metropolitan University and author of The Iranian Green Movement of 2009: Reverberating Echoes of Resistance. The two discuss Iran's complex socio-political history, the power of women-led protest, and the potential danger amid US intervention in Iran. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

AI-generated sexualized images of women and children started appearing across X beginning late 2025. These images, created by user prompts on the Grok AI tool, showed women and children in various stages of undress and sexualized poses. Some reports claiming minors appeared in transparent bathing suits.Governments in Europe and South America promised full investigations. Malaysia and Indonesia banned the use of Grok. Meanwhile, the Canadian government has made it clear it won’t ban X, while pointing towards proposed amendments to Bill C-16 in hopes of safeguarding Canadians - but critics say, its not enough.Host Cristina Howorun speaks to technology author and self-described Muskologist Paris Marx to discuss Elon Musk's apparent tolerance of cyber sexual harassment in the name of profit, and what steps the Canadian government should take to better protect Canadians. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

In 2016, the Canadian federal government recognized the opioid crisis as a public health emergency, yet 10 years later, thousands of Canadians die from opioid toxicity every year.Health Canada committed $17 million to research projects and harm reduction initiatives aimed at substance use prevention in late 2025, but one problem that's hard to put a dollar figure on to fix is stigmatization and stereotypes surrounding safe consumption sites - which Ontario closed nine of last year.Host Maria Kestane speaks to Dimitra Panagiotoglou, the Canada Research Chair in the Economics of Harm Reduction and associate professor at McGill, to discuss her recent study on the relationship between crime associated with supervised consumption sites, and how Canadians can approach nuanced conversations surrounding substance use. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

The Alberta separatism movement isn’t new, but this most recent resurgence seems a little more potent. That's in part because of the passage of Alberta’s Bill 14, which has made it arguably easier for citizen-led initiatives to end up on referendum ballots.And the question of Alberta sovereignty is likely to end up on a ballot by the end of the year. The Alberta Prosperity Project got the green light from Elections Alberta for its question,' Do you agree that Alberta should cease to be a part of Canada to become an independent state?' in December 2025. The group now about four months to gather about 177,000 signatures to its petition.Host Cristina Howorun speaks with Dr. Barry Cooper, a political scientist with the University of Calgary and a long-time proponent of Alberta independence about why some Albertans want to secede from Canada, what happens next and how Ottawa can put some of those concerns to rest. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky