The Big Story

Being its victim stings pretty bad, but is the hurt worth a criminal record?One - or several - speed camera vandals took to the streets of Toronto this past week, making their mark and message on radar technology loud and clear, damaging 16 over the span of one night. And not to mention, the vandals' most sacred target, the Parkside Drive camera that was vandalized 7 times in less than a year. Ontario's Premier denounced the radar technology, calling it a cash grab, and saying he wants them gone from cities. However, safety advocates are sounding the alarm on Ford's comments, calling them dangerous and out of touch.Although dozens of citizens took to social media to share their gratitude for the vandals' Robin Hood-esque style, it begs the question of how far can criminal activity be mimicked and celebrated before it goes too far?Host Richard Southern speaks to Jacqueline Helfgott, a criminology and forensics professor at Seattle University to break down the intersection of media, crime, and notoriety that perpetrates what she calls 'copy-cat crime'. 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

Russia is being accused of provoking Poland and its NATO allies, after multiple drones violated its airspace during a Russian aerial attack on Ukraine.As NATO fighter jets engaged potential enemy targets in allied airspace, Prime Minister Donald Tusk activated Article 4, signaling his country considered its territorial integrity and security under threat.But regardless of whether the infiltration by Russia was deliberate or accidental, Western officials have few doubts the Kremlin is testing NATO’s resolve.Host Caryn Ceolin is joined by Tim Sayle, associate professor of history and director of the International Relations Program at the University of Toronto, to discuss how the latest incursion raises the stakes between Russia and the security alliance, and what comes next. 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

A little screen time while on the toilet doesn't hurt anybody......the key word here is 'little'.A recent study published in the medical journal, PLOS, shows that those who bring their smartphone with them to do some scrolling while using the bathroom, tend to sit on the toilet longer, increasing their risk for hemorrhoids. Yes, it could be a dagger in the heart for those who see their phone-toilet time as a moment of solitude, however, there are ways you can still enjoy your scrolling while protecting yourself - literally.Host Maria Kestane speaks to Dr. Trisha Pasricha, an assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and the senior author of the study to discuss how you can make the right choices while conducting business. 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 are still calls for Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to step down as the U-S Secretary of Health and Human Services after an intense and – at times – combative hearing in Washington.Kennedy has been criticized by people in his own party – and his own family – for some of the decisions he has made around health care since being sworn in earlier this year.And some of his decisions could impact Canada and Canadians.Host Kris McCusker speaks to Dr. Kashif Pirzada – a Toronto-based emergency physician and co-chair of the Canadian Covid Society about how Kennedy could change things on this side of the border – decades after the introduction of vaccines brought in a different kind of change. 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

Woodrow Wilson’s hidden stroke. Franklin Roosevelt’s hidden wheelchair. John F. Kennedy’s chronic back pain. There is a historical tendency to obscure the health problems of American presidents from public view.But justifiable question surrounding how far loyal aides and the White House will go to conceal the full picture of the president’s health – and the media’s role in uncovering it – are increasingly being raised following President Joe Biden’s medical decline.Washington journalists find themselves grappling yet again with the fair, but sensitive issue, after unfounded speculation about Donald Trump’s health – and impending death – recently spread online.Host Caryn Ceolin is joined by American author, presidential historian and journalist Garrett Graff to discuss how the president’s health should be covered in an age as volatile as now. 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

Finding a job is difficult for anyone right now, but especially for a certain sector.Young people are having difficulty finding work. In fact, the youth unemployment rate this summer has been up to nearly 15%.A new study is taking a look at the root causes and offering some possible solutions.Host of In This Economy!? Mike Eppel speaks to L.J. Valencia, one of the co-authors of the Desjardins report. 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

Prime Minister Mark Carney and his inner circle gathered in Toronto this week for a two day cabinet ‘planning forum’ to set priorities ahead of the Fall sitting of Parliament.At the strategy session, Canadians learned the upcoming budget will be focused on both austerity and investment, and more developments have been revealed in our trade talks with the Trump administration.Host Cormac Mac Sweeney speaks with CityNews Political Reporter Glen McGregor, who covered the cabinet meeting and shares his insights. 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

Your social media feeds are probably littered with back to school pictures, kids smiling ear to ear. Unfortunately, while we all hope for a positive experience for the next generation, the sad reality is that our youth are facing issues that need attention now.The newly released Raising Canada report says more than 70 per cent of Canadian youth aged 12 to 17 experienced bullying in the last year (with cyberbullying on the rise), and more than 13 per cent of children were living in poverty by the end of 2024 – and these numbers are growing.Host Melanie Ng speaks with Sara Austin, CEO and founder of Children First Canada. The organization is urging immediate action from policy-makers, especially as the fall parliamentary session gets underway. 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 government has reversed its July order for schools to remove books and other materials that contain explicit sexual content.The pause came after several critics spoke out against the Edmonton Public school board's list of the more than 200 titles it planned on pulling from its library shelves.But Premier Danielle Smith and Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides didn't seem to hit the pause button because of those outcries, nor did they indicate how long it should last.Host Maria Kestane speaks to Sean Amato, Alberta political reporter for CityNews, to discuss the potential of the ban rematerializing as the new school year continues to settle in, and who else - other than Margaret Atwood - Premier Smith is looking for support from. 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 Post is the country's crown mail courier, but year after year, Canadians seem to be seeing less and less of their prominent blue, red and white logo. And the company itself seems to be seeing less green, too, so much so they've remained in a consistent deficit since 2017. Their latest data shows a record $407 million loss throughout the second quarter, and with its 55,000 employees carrying on their overtime ban after being legislated back to work following their 2024 holiday strike, the numbers will continue to trend downward.Host Maria Kestane speaks to Ian Lee, associate professor at the Sprott School of Business at Carleton University, to discuss what lies ahead for the crown corporation if they choose to ignore the writing on the wall, and where contract talks between the company and the union stand more than 21 months later. 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

Despite weeks of whirlwind American diplomacy, Russia sent wave after wave of drones and missiles across Kyiv and other cities on Thursday.It was the fiercest attack on the Ukrainian capital since President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin met two weeks ago in Alaska, and the clearest indication yet of the Kremlin’s resolve to continue its bombardment of Ukraine, leaving the two sides no closer to securing a diplomatic off-ramp.Host Caryn Ceolin speaks with Oleksa Drachewych, an assistant professor of history at Western University, about the challenges in forging a lasting peace in the largest land war in Europe since World War II. 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

Here we go again.Trade talks between Canada and the US are back on following a lengthy pause between the two sides. Our Canada-US Trade Minister flew down to Washington this week to resume negotiations. Canada dropped many retaliatory tariffs in order to get everyone back to the bargaining table.So what now, and will Canada be able to achieve what other countries can’t on sectoral tariffs?Host Cormac Mac Sweeney dives deeper into the latest round of trade talks with lawyer William Pellerin of McMillan LLP. 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

Dozens of online influencers are using their platform to spread financial literacy, which continues to have a growing impact on younger generations looking to get into investing, saving and making more money.And although cybercriminals have been around for decades, they're capitalizing on social media users with the help of artificial intelligence in the form of deep fakes or fraudulent advertisements to get your money and information. Host Mike Eppel speaks to Tony Anscombe, chief security evangelist at ESET to discuss the signs to look out for, and how to protect yourself and your wallet from being one of the millions of cybercrime victims. 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

On an unannounced trip to Ukraine over the weekend, Prime Minister Mark Carney hinted at the possibility that Canada could have a military presence in Ukraine as a part of a coalition to maintain a ceasefire if Ukraine and Russia can agree to one.Host Cormac Mac Sweeney speaks with Christian Leuprecht, professor at the Royal Military College and Editor of the Canadian Military Journal about whether our military is ready for such an operation, what the risks are, and whether this could mirror operations from the Cold War. 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

Basking in the sun, late patio nights and the sweetest of sleep-ins. The relaxed and unstructured schedule of summer vacation is glorious…but unfortunately it’s almost time to get back to reality. Whether it’s back to school or back to your work routine, when it comes to sleep, the time is now.Host Melanie Ng speaks with Alanna McGinn, CEO of Good Night Sleep Site, about the A to Zzz’s of sleep including the physical and mental impact, PLUS the do’s and don’ts when it comes to sleeping aids, certain foods and technology.You can learn more about Alanna's work here:Instagram: instagram.com/alanna.mcginnWebsite: https://alannamcginn.com 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

Flight attendants at Air Canada are set to vote on a tentative contract starting next Wednesday after a 3 day strike left tens of thousands of travellers stranded.This labour dispute was VERY different from some of the other recent walk outs, drawing attention to Section 107 of the Canadian Labour Code, and potentially changing the landscape for unions in the years to come.Host Kris McCusker speaks to Emma Arkell, a labour journalist at Press Progress about all the ups and downs, and what it might mean for other unions, like CUPW, looking for new contracts. 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

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is heading back to Parliament Hill after his by-election win in Alberta this week.The federal Conservative Leader won the riding of Battle River-Crowfoot with 80.4 per cent of the vote, a decisive victory that affirmed his support among rank-and-file party members and sets the stage for a showdown in the House of Commons opposite Prime Minister Mark Carney.But the vote in Battle River-Crowfoot was just the first of several tests ahead for the re-seated Opposition Leader in his broader quest to become prime minister.Host Caryn Ceolin is joined by Lewis Krashinsky, a political scientist at the University of Toronto, to discuss the challenges that will determine Poilievre’s second shot at government. 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 is slowly starting to become desensitized to crime involving youth - not because it's no longer worrisome, but because it happens more often than not. Why are 13 year old's finding themselves at the centre of homicide investigations? Why are 17 year old's being held on remand and not picking out what post-secondary educational program they want to go into? Are the headlines telling a different story than that of the data? Host Maria Kestane speaks to Dr. Kim Varma, a criminology professor at Toronto Metropolitan University to discuss what we can make of this growing trend of crime headlines surrounding youth teens, and how all corners of society are responsible from keeping youth from getting acquainted with the justice system. 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

Amanda Carrasco lived through a childhood full of deep, complex trauma.She endured sexual abuse by her brother, her family was violently murdered and she was left to pick up the pieces. Instead of burying her pain, she did the opposite: Amanda sat face-to-face with her abuser and the man who killed her loved ones. Her goal? The pursuit of truth, accountability and a path to healing.Host Melanie Ng speaks with Amanda about her shocking new memoir “Becoming The Brave One” and the transformative potential of restorative justice as a way to help survivors and communities.You can learn more about Amanda's stories here:Website - https://amandacarrasco.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/amanda_the_brave_one 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

Data centres are being used to power tech companies all around the world.In the U-S alone, there are more than 5-thousand facilities.And the facilities use up valuable resources, which could leave some communities without things like water – according to a new report.Host Kris McCusker speaks to Miguel Yanez-Barnuevo and Dan Bressette with the Environmental and Energy Study Institute about the second of 3 reports, which take a deep dive into the environmental impacts of technology and things like artificial intelligence. 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

Being a farmer in Canada isn't easy at the best of times, and there's a new big challenge ahead.This week, China announced a hefty tariff on our canola products, which happens to be this country's largest agricultural export.Billions of dollars are at stake - so how damaging could this be?Host of In This Economy?! Mike Eppel speaks with Mike von Massow, a professor in the Department of Food, Agriculture and Resource Economics at the University of Guelph. 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 West has long sought to make Vladimir Putin a pariah over the bloodshed in Ukraine.But the Russian leader will break out of international isolation and step foot on U.S. soil, welcomed by an American president eager to fulfill his promise of stopping the war.European leaders who held a virtual conference with Donald Trump earlier this week, say he agreed ceding land can only be negotiated by Kyiv.But behind closed doors, without the war-torn country represented in the room, anything can happen.Host Caryn Ceolin speaks with history professor Elizabeth Wood about what Putin and Trump each want, and why there are still lingering fears their summit could end up selling out Ukraine like one of Trump’s real estate deals. 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 is overhauling how travelers earn points and qualify for frequent flyer status in its Aeroplan loyalty program. The changes? Points will be based on dollars spent rather than distance flown. Spoiler alert? Jetsetters aren't too thrilled about what that means for the programs perks. Host Richard Southern speaks with travel, point, and personal finance expert Barry Choi about what the changes mean for your Aeroplan points, & why some Air Canada aficionados are hopping mad about the overhaul. 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 numbers say it all — Canadians want flexibility when it comes to where they do their jobs. The COVID-19 pandemic opened the door to new possibilities and offered a different approach to work life balance.Fresh data from the Angus Reid Institute shows three in five Canadians would prefer to spend the majority of their time working from home, while 79 per cent say they want a schedule that allows for some remote work.However, many Fortune 100 companies are now mandating a return to the office for the majority of the work week — so how are employees planning to respond?Host Melanie Ng breaks down the numbers and the sentiments with Dave Korzinski, Research Director at Angus Reid. 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

https://halifax.citynews.ca/2025/08/05/stay-out-of-the-woods-n-s-bans-activities-in-woods-amid-dry-spell/ 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

Despite a long list of critical policy issues facing Washington today, the Jeffrey Epstein saga has dominated the national conversation for weeks, grinding the legislative business of Congress to a halt.Since Epstein, a convicted sex offender, died in jail in 2019, unsubstantiated conspiracy theories about his death and who was connected to him have swirled around right-wing media circles, fanned by Donald Trump himself.But obsession with the case has evolved beyond conspiracy and now consumes Capitol Hill, where the president’s broken promise to release new details about the investigation has sparked outrage among his most vocal supporters in the MAGA movement.Host Caryn Ceolin speaks with investigative journalist Dave Levinthal about the fallout from the Epstein files, whether Epstein’s imprisoned co-conspirator, Ghislane Maxwell, can shed any new light on the case, and why the controversy has staying power. 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 we approach the end of the summer, how is the economy actually doing and what can we expect for the rest of 2025? What does the data tell us about the impact of tariffs and what's really going on for Canadian businesses and households? Host Mike Eppel speaks to Don Drummond, economist and Staufford-Dunning Fellow at Queen's University and fellow in residence at the C.D. Howe Institute. 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 started as an activity to release frustrations in the wake of the pandemic, and ended with an accomplishment that only three dozen Canadians can lay claim to.On July 26th and 27th, Toronto high school teacher Sam Garrison defeated the odds and made a solo swim across the English Channel.It was no easy task, as Sam faced hurdles that included jellyfish and oil tankers as he made the 58km swim.But messages from friends and family served as inspiration, as well as his goal to raise money for the Daily Bread Food Bank ( https://dailybread.donorsupport.co/page/FUNKBNCLLJY?fundraiser=NHKKLDSE&member=SGFCCZBL )Host Cormac Mac Sweeney speaks with Sam about his journey from the pool to the channel, and just how sore his arms and legs are. 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

If you've ever wondered what it's like to make money while travelling the world, you're not the only one. Digital nomadism is the kind of lifestyle that many dream of, and now more than ever, actually live, and that's thanks to the rise in remote work opportunities. You take your laptop with you from airport to train station to uber to bus, and you decide where and how you work, for whom and sometimes, at what rate. But the unlimited beach-front resorts or vast cafe options don't necessarily fill the void of isolation or lack of routine, and not to mention the never-ending spending that comes with life on the go. Host Maria Kestane speaks to Sonia Dheer, a digital nomad who's hit 40 countries under the age of 30, to discuss the real truth behind the digital nomad lifestyle, and whether or not you're cut out for the glitz and glam of the up-and-go. 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

Today marks 100 days since Mark Carney was voted in as the 24th Prime Minister of Canada. It was an election that marked a turning point for a handful of the federal political parties, but especially so for the Liberals. A party once well behind in support against the Conservatives, gained new momentum with a new yet familiar face. But Prime Minister Carney knew exactly what kind of role he was stepping into, centering his campaign around a looming trade war with the U.S., and promising Canadians his support in defending our country's freedom and sovereignty. Host Mark Day speaks with Rob Snow, host of the Now You Know with Rob Snow radio show, to discuss both the accomplishments and failures of Prime Minister Carney during his first 100 days in office, and what kind of tone the first 100 set for the next 100 to come. 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 less than 2 weeks, it's do or die for Pierre Poilievre.Not only is he in for a political battle to get into the House of Commons, he's got other forces working against him, including another lengthy ballot.Most of the candidates are associated with the Longest Ballot Committee, a grassroots electoral reform group seeking to draw attention to itself by flooding ballots with as many names as possible in several recent elections and byelections. But their tactics have raised questions about the effect long ballots have on the accessibility and integrity of the vote. Host Caryn Ceolin speaks to Julie Simmons, associate professor at the University of Guelph’s political science department to discuss both the flaws in the Canadian electoral system that long ballots aim to highlight and whether such protests have the potential to depreciate our democracy. 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 the latest among the vast plethora of parenting styles: gentle parenting...but just how gentle is it?And for whom?The U.S. General Surgeon has issued public health advisory on the impact of modern stresses on parents' mental health, listing six factors it says contributes to parent/caregiver burnout. They include financial strain, time demands, children’s health & safety, loneliness & isolation, technology & social media, and cultural pressures.Host Pooja Handa speaks to Dr. Shimi Kang, Psychiatrist and Best-Selling Author of the parenting book, 'The Dolphin Parent', about the current struggles today's parents are facing, and what they can do to find the balance between raising emotionally regulated, well-rounded children.You can learn more about Dr. Kang at the following links: https://www.drshimikang.com www.futurereadyminds.com. 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 been 40 years since Nicole Morin disappeared. The little girl was 8 at the time when she went down to her apartment building's lobby to meet a friend for a swim. She hasn't been seen since. This week, Toronto Police offered up a $50,000 reward for any new information about Nicole's disappearance. On today's Big Story, you'll hear Fil Martino and Madison Fitzpatrick explain the case on their podcast, "Tracking a Killer". Anyone with information about Nicole Morin’s disappearance is asked to contact the Toronto Police Service at 416-808-7411 or the non-emergency line at 416-808-2200. Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 416-222-TIPS (8477) or at www.222tips.com. 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

To retaliate or not to retaliate? That's the question after President Donald Trump's trade deadline hit, and he once again slapped tariffs on Canada. Without an agreement between our countries, Trump followed through on his threat to increase his tariff on non-CUSMA goods from 25 to 35%. This is on top of tariffs on autos, steel, aluminum and copper.Host Cormac Mac Sweeney speaks with Maaw Law trade lawyer Mark Warner about how we ended up here, why Mexico got an extension and we didn't, and whether Canada should hit back or hold our punch in order to reach a deal in the weeks ahead. 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 truth is out there...but are we any closer to knowing what it is? On the heels of World UFO Day, on today's show, we talk to journalist Daniel Otis about a new federal government report that's calling for the creation of a new Canadian federal agency to manage UFO reports.You'll also hear about his reporting on Canadian pilots who have encountered strange objects in the sky, and his battle with Canadian nuclear plant operators to get records they may have on the phenomenon. 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 time where a multi-step skin care routine seems to be the epitome of self care and wellness, where does it stand in the fight against climate change's effects on our skin barrier? The rise in pollution, pollens and heat can exacerbate inflammatory responses from our bodies, making us vulnerable to even hereditary diseases such as eczema or psoriasis, and not to mention the harmful effects of UV in relation to the rise in skin cancer.How much sunscreen is needed to protect us? Should we stop going out in the sun all together? And will changes to our diets and lifestyles help undo some of the harm already done?Host Maria Kestane speaks to Dr. Wynne Armand, Associate Director at the Mass General Hospital Centre for the Environment and Health, and Associate Professor at Harvard Medical school to discuss the steps you should take to protect your body's biggest organ. 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

Sometimes it's easy to tell whether a video is fake, other times, it's not. Watermarking is used to digitally stamp fake videos, whether that stamp is visible to the human eye or is embedded in the video's data. But with new technology that allows for the stamp to be removed without anyone noticing, how is regulation enforced? Host Mike Eppel speaks to Andre Kassis, University of Waterloo PhD candidate in computer science, and Angus Lockhart, senior policy analyst at 'The Dais' with Toronto Metropolitan University to discuss the safeguards in place to ensure AI-produced content is labelled accordingly and who can be held accountable if the rules start to bend. 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

Legacy media is under pressure. Whether it's the constant cries of "fake news" to huge lawsuits filed, trust remains a huge issue. The audience is splintered and traditional advertising revenue is migrating to digital. Then there's the huge issue of A.I. How are newsrooms using it and how does that impact trust? Online news sources are drawing away traditional audiences including on Instagram and TikTok. How do legacy news agencies compete?How can you tell difference between a journalist and a content creator? How do comments about the media from U.S. President Donald Trump impact the way Canadians consume and trust news? Host Cormac Mac Sweeney speaks to renowned Canadian journalist, Peter Mansbridge to discuss the state of journalism in 2025 and how that impacts the information that's of importance to you. 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

A warning to our listeners: this episode includes description and discussion of sexual assault. Please take care.It is a trial that has gripped the nation - and a verdict that has sparked even more conversation. Five former members of Canada’s World Junior hockey team have been acquitted of sexual assault charges centred around a night in 2018 and a woman identified as “E.M.” The tumultuous eight week trial saw twists and turns, graphic details and ultimately a challenge around the definition of consent. Host Melanie Ng speaks with CityNews reporter Michelle Mackey, who has been following the case from the very beginning. She was in the courtroom for the judge’s decision and speaks about the pivotal moments during the trial, reaction to the verdicts and what’s next for all those involved. 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

Light's up, let's go!Canadian baseball fans are in a pretty good mood lately, as the Toronto Blue Jays are on their hottest run since their memorable 2015 season. They're currently in possession of the best record in all of baseball , with the entire team firing on all cylinders. The team culture is light and fun and every game at Rogers Centre is electric. Will the good times continue to roll?Host Gurdeep Ahluwalia speaks with NewsRadio sports reporter Alex Seixeiro about the 2025 Blue Jays and if we should allow ourselves to hope for October baseball in Toronto. 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 worries of a 16-year-old can include what to wear, cramming for exams, keeping up on social gossip, and taking a driving test. But what about voting in the next federal election? The push to lower Canada’s voting age is getting new energy following an announcement by the U.K. that 16- and 17-year-olds will be allowed to vote in their next general election. So, should Canada follow suit and let younger Canadians cast a ballot? Host Cormac Mac Sweeney speaks with Amanda Munday of the non-profit group New Majority, who argues if someone is old enough to drive a car and pay taxes, then they are old enough to mark an X. 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

We are in the height of summer travel season, but given the ongoing trade tensions with the United States, are plans being detoured? If you read the headlines around the latest Statistics Canada data, it paints a bleak cross-border travel picture, but that doesn’t necessarily show the full truth behind the industry as a whole. In fact, data from Destination Canada shows a major increase in overseas markets looking to our country as a place to visit – and also, a keen interest in exploring our own backyard. Host Melanie Ng speaks with Joe Amati, Senior Executive Director, Global Market and Brand Intelligence with Destination Canada, about tourism trends and how the sector is offering one of Canada’s highest growth export opportunities. 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

Abbey Sharp is a world-renowned Registered Dietitian (RD), content creator, award-winning author, TV personality, host of the podcast Bite Back, CEO of Abbey’s Kitchen Inc, and Co-Founder of Neue Theory. With over 2 million followers across social media, Abbey shares her core philosophy that a pleasurable relationship with food, your body and yourself is the fundamental secret to good health. She has made it her mission to dismantle diet culture, debunk nutrition misinformation online, and help people achieve food freedom for good. With her signature science and sass, Abbey Sharp is one of the world’s most trusted sources of nutrition information. Listen to Bite Back here: https://www.seekyoursounds.com/podcasts/bite-back-with-abbey-sharp 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 been 3 years since Elon Musk bought Twitter. The revamped "X" remains extremely polarizing with many leaving the platform for a number including concerns about bots, racism and misinformation. Recently, the CEO of X stepped down and on top of all the other issues, the account for Sesame Street icon Elmo had his X account hacked. Host Kris McCusker speaks to Kurt Wagner, senior reporter for Bloomberg who covers social media. He's also the author of “Battle for the Bird: Jack Dorsey, Elon Musk and the 44 billion dollar fight for Twitter's Soul” about the platform’s future – and what might come next.You can find out more on his book here: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Battle-for-the-Bird/Kurt-Wagner/9781668017364 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 federal NDP remains in a political limbo as members continue to lick their wounds from the spring election that left the party with its worst election result ever.The party has launched an official review to figure out what went wrong with their campaign that saw its caucus shrink from 24 MPs to just 7.However the NDP already has its eyes set on a rebuild, starting with a leadership race that is set to kick off in September.Host Cormac Mac Sweeney speaks with Brad Lavigne, President of Counsel Public Affairs and former Principal Secretary to former NDP leader Jack Layton about just how bad things are within the party and how he sees the party's path back to relevance. 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

Despite all the noise about tariffs and their potential impact, it appears the Canadian economy is actually weathering the storm.An interest rate cut looked like a slam dunk a month ago and now, with signs that the economy isn't falling off a cliff, it's highly doubtful that those rates will be going down.So what to make of where we're at in this economy? How do you plan when things are so unpredictable? Host Mike Eppel breaks it down with Royce Mendes, Managing Director and head of Macro Strategy at Desjardins. 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

At one point in time, Canada was ranked as the 5th happiest country out of 147 countries across the globe. 10 years since that ranking, and Canada has dropped to 18th place...a ranking that's continued on a steady decline since 2020. But why? How do Canadians express happiness? How much of their well-being is shaped by the economy, their friends, their perception of the world around them, or all three? And what can we do if we want to climb back to the top 5 area?Host Pooja Handa speaks with Felix Cheung, Canada Research Chair in Population and Wellbeing, and assistant professor at U of T’s department of psychology, about this year's World Happiness Report to discuss why Canadians seem to have a declining outlook on the overall perception of happiness, and what the future generations can focus on if they're interested in making their way closer to the top of the list.You can read the 2025 World Happiness Report here: https://happiness-report.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/2025/WHR+25.pdfYou can read the 2024 Canada Happiness Report here: https://cheung.artsci.utoronto.ca/canadian-happiness-report-2024/ 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 one of the most popular social networks in the world and it's fighting for survival in both Canada and the U.S. But it appears TikTok Canada will not go down without a fight, even it means spending millions in advertisements or pulling the plug on big name sponsorships.It's all in response to the federal government's recent decision to shut down its sales office over national security concerns in relation to its Chinese ownership. What does that mean for Canadian users of TikTok?Host Mike Eppel speaks to Michael Geist, Professor of Law, Canada Research Chair in Internet and E-Commerce Law, Faculty of Law at the University of Ottawa, to see what the future holds for TikTok's Canadian's branch. 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 Provincial Ombudsman, Paul Dubé's, latest report, he calls on the Ford government to take a closer look at Ontario jails, sounding the alarm on what he calls a growing crisis. According to his findings, overcrowding, unlawful treatment, and the high volume of inmates awaiting trial all shine a bright light on the current realties inside some of the most secretive places in the province. But how did we get here? And who will bear the cost of changing the system? Host Maria Kestane speaks to Jessica Evans, Associate Professor at Toronto Metropolitan University's criminology department, about what exactly is going on in correctional facilities across Ontario, and what the province can do to ensure the safety and rights of everyone involved. 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 are few things more precious in this world than your morning coffee - and add that to the list of things that have become more expensive this year.So what's the cause? Are the reasons legitimate? Is it tariffs or is it greed?Host Richard Southern talks to Robert Carter, President of the Canadian Coffee Association. 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