Weekends with Joanne Vrakas

It’s still cold outside but spring has arrived. Chef Vanessa Gianfrancesco says colourful food and fresh ingredients will get us ready for warmer days.

From humble beginnings to a hub for A.I. and sustainability, Rosemont-La Petite-Patrie is full of surprises. Montreal expert Thom Sievewright on why we should give this borough a second look. Image: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Chiasson

95.9 Virgin Radio's Kelly Alexander joins Weekends with Joanne Vrakas with the latest entertainment and pop culture news. She can be heard every Saturday at 7:50 a.m. Image: AP Photo/Chris Pizzello

Should Quebec remove the provincial sales tax on groceries? The Food Professor Sylvain Charlebois says taxing food is immoral and it’s time for a change. Image: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes

Psychologist Dr. Jennifer Russell joins Weekends with Joanne Vrakas every Sunday at 8:40 a.m. to discuss the importance of mental health.

Jon Cercone is a sommelier at Taverne Sur Le Square in Westmount. He can be heard regularly on Weekends with Joanne Vrakas sharing his wine recommendations.

Dustin Gilman, better known online as Food Guy Montreal, joins Weekends with Joanne Vrakas every Sunday at 7:50 a.m. He shares his insight for some of the best eats in and around Montreal. Image: IG/rendezvouspointeclaire

Dr. Chris Labos, cardiologist with a degree in epidemiology and a regular contributor on CJAD 800. You can hear him every Sunday on Weekends with Joanne Vrakas at 7:20 a.m.

Political commentator Sandy White was an advisor to the Conservative Party during the Stephen Harper administration. He can be heard every Sunday at 8:10 a.m. on Weekends with Joanne Vrakas with his take on the latest from the world of politics.

Is autism misdiagnosed in girls? Child psychologist Dr. Tamara Soles says young girls learn to mask symptoms which makes early diagnoses tricky. Child psychologist Dr. Tamara Soles can be heard every Saturday at 8:40 a.m. on Weekends with Joanne Vrakas to discuss issues affecting children's mental health.

Fuel prices rising and talks of boots on the ground; many are now wondering what the U.S. is planning next in Iran. Former Quebec delegate to New-York and Washington and fellow at the Canadian Affairs Institute John Parisella says it’s never too late for diplomacy. John Parisella is a special advisor for National Public Relations and a fellow in International Relations at the University of Montreal.

Does Montreal love a parade! From Saint Patrick’s to Greek Independence and beyond, the city has it all. Montreal expert Thom Sievewright takes a look back at how this all got started. Thom Seivewright is a tour guide turned social media star. He can be heard every Saturday at 7:40 a.m. on Weekends with Joanne Vrakas sharing hidden gems and facts you may not know about Montreal.

New Statistics Canada numbers show wages are not keeping up with food inflation. The Food Professor Sylvain Charlebois says it’s a real problem for fixed income shoppers. Dr. Sylvain Charlebois, better known as ‘The Food Professor’, is Senior Director at Agri-Food Analytics Lab and Professor of Faculties of Management and Agriculture at Dalhousie University. He joins Weekends with Joanne Vrakas every Saturday at 7:10 a.m. to discuss everything from fluctuations in grocery prices to food trends.

Dried peas, spinach and prunes. They may not be so fashionable anymore but nutritionist Kim Arrey says these staples are affordable superfoods in need of a comeback. Registered dietitian nutritionist Kim Arrey joins Weekends with Joanne Vrakas every Saturday at 6:40 a.m. with tips to keep healthy.

What is wine fraud and who are the people making millions of the scam? Wine expert Jon Cercone explains how  fraudsters are taking advantage of would be wine connoisseurs. Jon Cercone is a sommelier at Taverne Sur Le Square in Westmount. He can be heard regularly on Weekends with Joanne Vrakas sharing his wine recommendations.

Looking for protein an turning to eggs? How many eggs is too many? Cardiologist and epidemiologist Dr. Christopher Labos explains why there is not a magic number. Dr. Chris Labos, cardiologist with a degree in epidemiology and a regular contributor on CJAD 800. You can hear him every Sunday on Weekends with Joanne Vrakas at 7:20 a.m.

What food defines Montreal? The smoked meat, the poutine, the bagel, the legendary poutine? None of the above says Virgin Radio’s Mike Chaar. His answer may surprise you.

As Mark Carney inches closer and closer to a majority, many believe he may call an election. Political analyst Sandy White says the Prime Minister may not need the victory right now.

Looking for a place to play with puppies? Do you want to help them socialize on the way to their forever homes? Then Studio Woof is made for you. Owner, François Duchesneau joins Joanne Vrakas.

Sugar shack season is right around the corner. Montreal expert Thom Sievewright takes a look back at the history of sugaring off and sugar shacks in Quebec. Thom Seivewright is a tour guide turned social media star. He can be heard every Saturday at 7:40 a.m. on Weekends with Joanne Vrakas sharing hidden gems and facts you may not know about Montreal.

Are you grocery shopping in your PJs? The food Professor Sylvain Charlebois says it’s becoming a trend and it’s changing the way we shop. Dr. Sylvain Charlebois, better known as ‘The Food Professor’, is Senior Director at Agri-Food Analytics Lab and Professor of Faculties of Management and Agriculture at Dalhousie University. He joins Weekends with Joanne Vrakas every Saturday at 7:10 a.m. to discuss everything from fluctuations in grocery prices to food trends.

Jonathan Kalles, Vice President at McMillan Vantage, a national public affairs firm, and former advisor to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, joined Jay Farrar on CJAD 800. Jay was filling in for Joanne Vrakas.

Dr. Arsenio Paez, Executive Director of the Canadian Sleep Society, joined Jay Farrar to tell us what that lost hour actually does to our bodies. Jay filled in for Joanne Vrakas.,

Should your two-year-old be screened for high cholesterol? Canada's Paediatric Society says yes. Dr. Christopher Labos explains why. Dr. Chris Labos, cardiologist with a degree in epidemiology and a regular contributor on CJAD 800. You can hear him every Sunday on Weekends with Joanne Vrakas at 7:20 a.m.

The conflict in Iran is raising some serious questions here at home. How is Canada's intelligence community responding, and how exposed are we? Cybersecurity expert Steve Waterhouse joined Jay Farrar, sitting in for Joanne Vrakas, on CJAD 800.

The Food Professor from Dalhousie University, Sylvain Charlebois, joined Jay Farrar to talk about higher fuel prices equalling higher food prices. Dr. Sylvain Charlebois, better known as ‘The Food Professor’, is Senior Director at Agri-Food Analytics Lab and Professor of Faculties of Management and Agriculture at Dalhousie University. He joins Weekends with Joanne Vrakas every Saturday at 7:10 a.m. to discuss everything from fluctuations in grocery prices to food trends.

Liberal MNA for Westmount-Saint-Louis, Jennifer Maccarone announced she was having a hot flash at the National Assembly. In a now viral moment, she said “it’s menopause and we should talk about it”. And she did just that with Joanne Vrakas.  

Trump’s MAGA base is divided. They voted for a “no foreign wars” president and are facing anything but. Can Trump bring back his base ahead of the midterms? Former Quebec delegate to New York and Washington and political analyst John Parisella weighs in. John Parisella is a special advisor for National Public Relations and a fellow in International Relations at the University of Montreal.    

As the U.S. and Israel continue their strikes on Iran, they’re asking Iranians to resist local forces and take back the government. McGill University political science lecturer and author, Daniel Daouk says it will be no easy feat. He joins Joanne Vrakas.

As many question America’s decision to strike Iran, many in Montreal’s Iranian community are celebrating. Darius Lagarki has family in Iran and says this could not have come soon enough. He spoke with Joanne Vrakas.

The PQ is coming off some historic wins but will they temper referendum talk to reach a larger base? Political analyst Sandy White says they’ll never fully back down but modify instead.

Why did the Americans choose to strike Iran now? Former Quebec delegate to NY and Washington John Parisella on what motivated the latest U.S/Israeli combat operations on Iran and how allies are likely to react.

The U.S. and Israel have launched major combat operations in Iran. CJAD 800 political commentator Tom Mulcair on what comes next.

Are major grocery stores opening enough grocery stores or are they pushing out the competition? The Food Professor Sylvain Charlebois explains how fewer stores means bigger bills. Dr. Sylvain Charlebois, better known as ‘The Food Professor’, is Senior Director at Agri-Food Analytics Lab and Professor of Faculties of Management and Agriculture at Dalhousie University. He joins Weekends with Joanne Vrakas every Saturday at 7:10 a.m. to discuss everything from fluctuations in grocery prices to food trends.

Low fat, low calorie or low carb- nutritionist Kim Arrey wonders are all diets created equal? Registered dietitian nutritionist Kim Arrey joins Weekends with Joanne Vrakas every Saturday at 6:40 a.m. with tips to keep healthy.

Child psychologist Dr. Tamara Soles can be heard every Saturday at 8:40 a.m. on Weekends with Joanne Vrakas to discuss issues affecting children's mental health.

Looking for a great meal but don’t want to break the bank? Food Guy Montreal continues his series on the city’s high quality budget bites. Dustin Gilman, better known online as Food Guy Montreal, joins Weekends with Joanne Vrakas every Sunday at 7:50 a.m. He shares his insight for some of the best eats in and around Montreal. Image: Café Le Den

Are wine scores a good guide or marketing gimmick? Wine expert Jon Cerone says we should be weary of all those bells and whistles.   Jon Cercone is a sommelier at Taverne Sur Le Square in Westmount. He can be heard regularly on Weekends with Joanne Vrakas sharing his wine recommendations.

Meet the woman committed to affordable groceries. Marieve Breton started Liquidation Marie to challenge best-before dates and while making sure Quebecers don’t feel robbed at the grocery store.

Would a tax on sugary drinks reduce consumption in Quebec? Dr Christopher Labos says it’s not so simple. Dr. Chris Labos, cardiologist with a degree in epidemiology and a regular contributor on CJAD 800. You can hear him every Sunday on Weekends with Joanne Vrakas at 7:20 a.m.

Another floor crossing and members going rogue. Is it time for Pierre Poilievre to go? Political analyst Sandy White says a change is coming.

We continue our series exploring Montreal’s 19 boroughs. This week,Montreal expert Thom Seivewright takes us on a visit to LaSalle. Thom Seivewright is a tour guide turned social media star. He can be heard every Saturday at 7:40 a.m. on Weekends with Joanne Vrakas sharing hidden gems and facts you may not know about Montreal. Image: Arrondissement de LaSalle

Mashed, fried, or roasted... we love potatoes! Chef Vanessa Gianfrancesco shares her foolproof roasted potato recipe. Chef and TV host Vanessa Gianfrancesco can heard every Saturday at 8:20 a.m. on Weekends with Joanne Vrakas sharing her favourite recipes and kitchen tips.

In his second book on his beloved Park Extension, Montreal author of The Grand Tour of Park Ex & Assorted Half-Told Yarns, Andreas Kessaris writes a love letter to his neighborhood and its people.

Most grocery stores will soon be using AI but will consumers trust it? The Food Professor, Sylvain Charlebois says it will personalize the experience but may also influence what you buy. Dr. Sylvain Charlebois, better known as ‘The Food Professor’, is Senior Director at Agri-Food Analytics Lab and Professor of Faculties of Management and Agriculture at Dalhousie University. He joins Weekends with Joanne Vrakas every Saturday at 7:10 a.m. to discuss everything from fluctuations in grocery prices to food trends.  

If you are what you eat can your diet treat your mood? New research shows how the ketogenic diet can help treat depression. Nutritionist Kim Arrey explains. Registered dietitian nutritionist Kim Arrey joins Weekends with Joanne Vrakas every Saturday at 6:40 a.m. with tips to keep healthy.

Do women go through a midlife crisis? Clinical psychologist Dr. Jennifer Russell explains how hormonal and physical changes mark the beginning of a new stage in life for women. Dr. Russell joins Weekends With Joanne Vrakas every Sunday morning at 8:40am.

Should your red wine be room temperature or chilled? How long should white be in the fridge? Wine expert Jon Cercone explains how cooling the wine actually changes the flavor.   Jon Cercone is a sommelier at Taverne Sur Le Square in Westmount. He can be heard regularly on Weekends with Joanne Vrakas sharing his wine recommendations.

Is the start of the year really a hiring slump? Mind HR's Jessica Glazer on the challenges of looking for work right now and how to course correct. 

Dangerous slip and falls are increasingly problematic for the elderly in Quebec. McGill Univesity geriatrician, Dr. Gustavo Duque explains how even one fall could have potentially fatal consequences.