Podcasts by Category
Your essential daily news podcast. We take you deep into the stories shaping Canada and the world. Hosted by Jayme Poisson. Every morning, Monday to Friday.
Visit https://www.cbc.ca/radio/frontburner for show descriptions, links, and transcripts.
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- 1481 - Why didn’t the U.S. block a Gaza ceasefire vote?
This week, for the first time since the start of the Gaza war, the UN Security Council passed a resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire. It passed after the U.S. abstained from voting, rather than using their veto power — as they did three times before.
For many watching, it was a very big deal — and the strongest sign yet of a fracture in the long and special relationship the US has with Israel. But is it really?
Today the Guardian’s world affairs editor, Julian Borger, joins us to talk about that pivotal UN vote, and whether it’s just symbolic — or if it means something more.
Thu, 28 Mar 2024 - 21min - 1480 - Inflation has slowed. At what cost?
Canada's inflation numbers have once again come in lower than expected, and are nearing where our central bank wants them. But to get here, the Bank of Canada has kept interest rates high to slow the economy.
So was it actually the Bank's rate hikes that brought inflation down? Is the sting of high rates worth the success so far? And how much further does inflation — and the economy — need to slow before the Bank drops rates?
Armine Yalnizyan is an economist and the Atkinson Fellow On The Future Of Workers.
Wed, 27 Mar 2024 - 22min - 1479 - Drought bears down on Alberta
After a warm, dry winter, Albertans are preparing for what could be a devastatingly dry summer. Snowpack is low, reservoirs around the province are well below seasonal levels, and farmers are already anticipating a difficult growing season.
But this isn't a one-off. Experts say the multi-year drying trend is likely to continue, which will have major implications for water use in the province — the biggest of which is agriculture. Is the future of the province's biggest industry at risk? CBC Calgary's Joel Dryden explains what a deepening drought could mean for life in Alberta in the decades ahead.
Tue, 26 Mar 2024 - 24min - 1478 - Why would ISIS-K attack Russia?
On Friday night, gunmen stormed the packed Crocus City concert hall on the outskirts of Moscow, where thousands had gathered for a rock concert. At least 133 people were killed, making it the deadliest attack in Russia for the last 20 years.
ISIS-K, an ISIS affiliate, has claimed responsibility — although Russia is casting doubt on those claims.
Today, the CBC’s Briar Stewart takes us through what we know so far about the Crocus City Hall attack, and the many questions that remain.
For transcripts of Front Burner, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/frontburner/transcripts
Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
Mon, 25 Mar 2024 - 22min - 1477 - Front Burner Presents: The Pornhub Empire
How did a handful of competitive foosball players in Montreal create the world’s largest online porn site? And what do a picturesque Dutch cabin, thousands of pornographic VHS tapes, and the subprime mortgage crisis have to do with it?
This is episode 1 of The Pornhub Empire: Understood. Hosted by Samantha Cole.
More episodes are available at: https://link.chtbl.com/Dey46feN
Fri, 22 Mar 2024 - 27min - 1476 - Political grab-bag: Palestinian statehood, carbon tax fight
This week, the NDP introduced a motion to recognize Palestinian statehood. The negotiations went into the night with last-minute amendments made. Why did it get so messy? What ramifications could we see come out of the passed motion?
Plus, a growing number of provincial leaders are pushing for the Liberal government to cut the carbon tax, or to pause the scheduled increase for it in April. What might happen next?
Senior writer Aaron Wherry joins us from the CBC’s Parliamentary bureau.
For transcripts of Front Burner, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/frontburner/transcripts
Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
Thu, 21 Mar 2024 - 25min - 1475 - The dark side of family influencers
Vanessa had her entire life put online during the 2000s “mommy blogger” era. She’s in her 20s now. And as she tells influence culture journalist Fortesa Latifi, her life was anything but glamorous.
The TikTok generation of child influencers is a multi-billion dollar industry. And with that money, comes concerns of exploitation.
Fortesa Latifi recently published a three part series and mini-doc for Cosmopolitan called “The Sharenting Reckoning”. She joins us to talk about it.
Wed, 20 Mar 2024 - 26min - 1474 - West Bank real estate, protests at Canadian synagogue
Ahead of its event at a Thornhill, Ontario synagogue, the “great Israeli Real Estate Event” seemed to list settlements in the occupied West Bank on its website – settlements which the UN and Canada consider a violation of international law.
On March 7th, Front Burner’s team made their way into the event and confirmed the marketing of West Bank real estate.
So how did some real estate enterprises discuss properties in the West Bank? How did protesters outside the synagogue react? And what can their face off outside a synagogue tell us about how the conflicts in Gaza and the West Bank are reverberating in Canada?
Front Burner host Jayme Poisson explains.
Tue, 19 Mar 2024 - 36min - 1473 - What went wrong with Boeing’s planes?
From emergency landings to mechanical failures, airplane manufacturer Boeing has been in the news a lot recently. Earlier this year, a panel flew off mid-air on a flight, and just this month, a former employee turned whistleblower died while a key legal proceeding was underway.
So what exactly is going on?
Today, Washington Post reporter Lori Aratani on how Boeing went from being the crown jewel of the American aviation industry to being mired in a seemingly endless series of problems with their planes.
For transcripts of Front Burner, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/frontburner/transcripts
Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
Mon, 18 Mar 2024 - 23min - 1472 - How gang leader “Barbeque” took over Haiti
On Monday, Haiti's Prime Minister Ariel Henry announced from Puerto Rico that he would be stepping down. He’s been unable to return to Haiti since January, because heavily armed gangs have shut down the airport and taken over much of the country.
Today, Haitian reporter and editor-in-chief of AyiboPost, Widlore Merancourt, explains what it’s like on the streets of Port-au-Prince, what the gangs want, and whether more foreign intervention is really the answer.
For transcripts of Front Burner, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/frontburner/transcripts
Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
Fri, 15 Mar 2024 - 24min - 1471 - Will America really ban TikTok?
On Wednesday, the House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly in favour of a bill that could lead to the forced sale or nationwide ban of TikTok in the U.S. To become law, the bill still needs to pass the U.S. Senate, and that’s not guaranteed.
All of this has massive implications for the social media platform’s 170 million users in the U.S, and millions more around the world, including here in Canada.
Today, NPR tech correspondent Bobby Allyn on the arguments for and against the bill, how realistic a forced sale or ban would be, and what all this might mean for TikTok’s users.
Thu, 14 Mar 2024 - 24min - 1470 - Royal mystery: What’s going on with Kate Middleton?
Kate Middleton is one of the most photographed people in the world. But for months she’s been out of the public eye, recovering from what Kensington Palace says was abdominal surgery.
However, many people are not buying that everything is fine with the Princess of Wales. Bizarre choices by the palace’s PR team have only fueled speculation — like releasing a photo of Kate that major new agencies refused to use because it appears to have been manipulated.
So what’s really going on?
Ellie Hall was the official royal correspondent for BuzzFeed News until it shut down, and she’s going to help us unravel the mystery.
Wed, 13 Mar 2024 - 26min - 1469 - Why is air travel so miserable?
March break, one of the busiest travel times of the year, just started in Ontario.
It’ll kick off across much of the country in the next few weeks. Chances are, if you’re flying out, you’re probably worried about something going wrong. It seems like everyone has a horror story about delays and cancellations, extra fees or tiny seats.
Today on Front Burner, author and law professor Ganesh Sitaraman on how air travel became such a frustrating and unpleasant experience for so many, and whether there’s a solution in sight. Sitaraman is the author of Sitaraman is the author of Why Flying Is Miserable and How to Fix It.
Tue, 12 Mar 2024 - 24min - 1468 - Why does Russia want Canadian tech for its war drones?
Orlan-10 drones are arguably one of Russia’s most important assets on the battlefield. Which is why the West has sanctions in place to keep the tech needed to build the drones out of Russian hands.
So why do hacked emails show that a Russian arms dealer was seeking out parts made by Canadian tech companies? And how are Western parts ending up on the frontlines of Russia’s war with Ukraine?
Today, Ben Makuch shares his CBC investigation.
Mon, 11 Mar 2024 - 22min - 1467 - Pierre Poilievre confronts Canada's media
Pierre Poilievre does not hide how he feels about Canadian mainstream media. His numerous, testy exchanges with reporters earn lots of online traction.
Is the relationship between Poilievre and the media different from politicians that came before him? When Poilievre takes on reporters, who is he talking to?
Today we explore those questions with journalist and author Paul Wells.
Fri, 08 Mar 2024 - 27min - 1465 - Unraveling the Winnipeg disease lab mystery
Since 2019, questions have swirled around why two scientists, originally from China, were marched out of a high-security infectious disease lab in Winnipeg. They were later stripped of their security clearances and fired, in a case that has raised suspicions about Chinese espionage, and prompted calls for the Liberal government to release more information.
Now, at least some questions have been answered. Last week the federal government released hundreds of documents, largely from Canada’s spy agency, CSIS, about the scientists’ dismissal. The documents contain revealing insights — but also leave many questions unanswered, putting further pressure on the government to allow a deeper investigation into this story.
Today CBC reporters Karen Pauls and Catharine Tunney join us to dive into the revelations in these documents, the political firestorm they’re causing, and what questions remain unanswered.
Thu, 07 Mar 2024 - 22min - 1464 - Johnny Depp, Amber Heard, and a legion of Saudi-backed bots
The legal proceedings between ex-spouses Johnny Depp and Amber Heard made nonstop headlines in 2022 — and online discourse at the time seemed to be overwhelmingly in favour of Depp. The tweets in particular caught the eye of investigative reporter and Tortoise Media editor Alexi Mostrous. They seemed to be part of a coordinated effort to smear Heard. And the closer he looked, the weirder it got.
What's the connection between that trial, Johnny Depp’s friendship with the crown prince of Saudi Arabia, and a legion of Twitter bots for hire? Mostrous, who hosts the new podcast Who Trolled Amber?, walks us through his investigation and what it says about whether you can ever really trust what you read online.
Wed, 06 Mar 2024 - 26min - 1463 - As Gazans crowded for aid, Israeli troops opened fire
Gaza health authorities say 118 people were killed and 760 people were injured while trying to get food staples like flour from aid trucks on Thursday, after Israeli soldiers opened fire.
The Israeli military claims most people were killed in a stampede of people around the trucks, but accounts from witnesses and medical workers say most of the victims were shot.
So what precipitated this deadly search for aid? How close is Gaza to famine? And what would it take to get food to the people there who are starving?
Yarden Michaeli explains. He’s a reporter with Haaretz based in Tel Aviv.
For transcripts of Front Burner, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/frontburner/transcripts
Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
Tue, 05 Mar 2024 - 24min - 1462 - Brian Mulroney’s political legacy
Brian Mulroney, Canada's 18th Prime Minister, has died at the age of 84.
He had an incredibly eventful nine-year tenure, from 1984 to 1993, at a time when the governments in the U.S. and the U.K. were shifting towards more deregulation and privatization.
He was a champion of free trade, his work on the Canada-U.S free trade agreement, and NAFTA later, had an indelible impact on Canada's economy, but was also met with a lot of criticism along the way.
Today, Peter Mansbridge, who covered much of Mulroney's time in office, is here to talk about his legacy. Mansbridge was the chief correspondent at CBC News for many years, and now hosts a podcast called The Bridge.
For transcripts of Front Burner, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/frontburner/transcripts
Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
Mon, 04 Mar 2024 - 28min - 1461 - In Ukraine: a popular president, a less popular war
After two years of leading a country at war, Ukraine’s president remains popular. But as support for the fight wavers both inside and outside the country, Volodymyr Zelensky faces a new set of high-stakes challenges.
Does demoting a popular general signal a shift in military strategy? Will international allies deliver the support Zelensky says he needs? If not can he negotiate a popular end peace?
Today we’re joined by Tim Mak, founder of the Kyiv-based publication The Counteroffensive.
For transcripts of Front Burner, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/frontburner/transcripts
Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
Fri, 01 Mar 2024 - 24min - 1460 - Israel’s occupation scrutinized at the Hague
This week, the International Court of Justice wrapped up a set of historic hearings into the legality of Israel’s decades-long occupation of the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza.
The proceedings were requested by the UN General Assembly back in 2022, and so the timing of them — almost five months into Israel’s bloody war with Hamas — is in essence coincidental. But many believe that finding a resolution to this question is fundamental to securing a lasting peace between Israel and the Palestinians.
While many are familiar with the term “occupation” in relation to this conflict, it’s another thing to understand the specific legal meaning of that term, or its practical implications. Or why Israel argues that this term doesn’t actually apply to them.
Today we’re going to explain all of that, and then look at how these questions played out at these recent hearings at the UN’s top court.
We’re joined by Nahlah Ayed, host of the CBC Radio show Ideas. Among other things, Nahlah was previously a foreign correspondent based in the Middle East, and she has covered other cases at the Hague, most recently one relating to the conflict in Gaza.
For transcripts of Front Burner, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/frontburner/transcripts
Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
Thu, 29 Feb 2024 - 31min - 1459 - The Liberals’ pitch to regulate online harms
The Liberals originally promised a bill tackling online harms would come within 100 days of their re-election in 2021.
Instead, Justice Minister Arif Virani tabled their new act on Monday, which aims to create a new commission and regulate content from hate, to extremism, bullying and child abuse materials.
So did the Liberals learn lessons from a previous bill criticized for the risk of censorship? And will this current bill actually make the internet safer for children?
CBC senior reporter Raffy Boudjikanian explains.
Wed, 28 Feb 2024 - 23min - 1458 - Law & Order Toronto and why the franchise endures
Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent premiered last Thursday.
The series, adapted by CityTV, features cases that are 'ripped from headlines' from Canada's largest city, Toronto. It films in Toronto neighbourhoods and has a very Canadian cast and crew.
It is also part of a long-running network TV franchise that premiered back in 1990, and one that seems to have weathered the changes in TV as a medium, and changes in attitudes towards police and the justice system.
Today, Vulture TV critic Kathryn VanArendonk on Law & Order's Toronto spinoff, and why the franchise still draws a big audience.
Tue, 27 Feb 2024 - 22min - 1457 - The Joe Biden age problem
The debate over whether or not Joe Biden is too old to be president is getting heated.
He has struggled to collect his thoughts, mumbled incoherently at press conferences, referenced recent conversations with long-dead politicians, and recently, had to be reminded of Hamas' name.
It’s not a good look for any president. But it’s especially bad for the presumed Democratic nominee during an election year.
Today, CBC Washington senior correspondent Paul Hunter explains why an 81-year-old with memory lapses might be the only option the Democrats have.
Mon, 26 Feb 2024 - 25min - 1456 - Could an ID law trigger a Pornhub blackout?
Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre says his party supports a bill from an independent senator that would require websites to verify users' ages before allowing them to see sexually explicit content — similar to laws recently passed in the U.K., several E.U. countries and numerous American states. But critics say the law would be disastrous for privacy and civil liberties — and industry titan Pornhub says it might force them to block Canadians from the site altogether, as they've already done in some of those other jurisdictions.
Sam Cole — a journalist with 404 Media and the host of Front Burner's upcoming spinoff podcast, The Pornhub Empire: Understood — explains the controversy around a seemingly simple push to protect children online, and what it could mean for the future of the online porn industry.
For transcripts of Front Burner, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/frontburner/transcripts
Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
Fri, 23 Feb 2024 - 24min - 1455 - Is it time for an NDP, Liberal divorce?
On paper, the Liberals’ deal for the NDP’s support is supposed to prop up their minority government until next summer.
But in exchange, the Liberals agreed to a bill on pharmacare, and NDP leader Jagmeet Singh is threatening that the deal could be done if they miss an approaching March 1st deadline.
So could the coming weeks see the end of the deal? Would the Liberals really risk an election right now? And did the deal deliver wins for the NDP that voters will remember?
CBC’s chief political correspondent Rosemary Barton returns to unpack it all.
Thu, 22 Feb 2024 - 21min - 1454 - Why fast-fashion garment workers' lives are still at risk
In 2013, Rana Plaza - an eight-storey garment factory collapsed in Bangladesh, killing over 11-hundred people.
It's a tragedy that led to a lot of public anger towards the brands that made clothes there. Brands like Zara, Walmart, and Joe Fresh, owned by Loblaw. And at the time, Loblaw promised safe working conditions and fair wages.
But ten years later has it followed through on those promises? The Fifth Estate's Mark Kelley tells guest host Daemon Fairless about the investigation.
Wed, 21 Feb 2024 - 26min - 1453 - AI video’s groundbreaking, controversial leap forward
OpenAI has just introduced a new tool, Sora, which turns text prompts into short, shockingly realistic videos. Sora hasn’t been released to the public yet, but it’s already sparking controversy about its potential implications for industries like animation and video games, as well as for deepfake videos — and for democracy as a whole.
Today, Gary Marcus — a cognitive scientist, AI researcher and entrepreneur, and author of the forthcoming book Taming Silicon Valley — talks to us about the promise and potential consequences of Sora and other generative AI video tools.
Tue, 20 Feb 2024 - 26min - 1452 - With Navalny dead, is Putin absolute?
The Kremlin says Alexei Navalny died Friday in an Arctic prison. After surviving a poisoning and still making the decision to return to Russia, President Vladimir Putin's most significant opposition figure was serving 19 years on extremism charges.
What do we know about how Navalny died?
Amid accusations that he was murdered, what motivations would Navalny's enemies have for acting against him now?
Not long after a number of Western commentators predicted Putin's demise over the Ukraine war, what does Navalny's death mean for Putin's tightening grip on Russia?
CBC's Briar Stewart explains.
Mon, 19 Feb 2024 - 25min - 1451 - Jon Stewart is back. Does America still need him?
When Jon Stewart stepped down as host of the Daily Show in 2015, it seemed pretty conclusive. For nearly 16 years, he guided the show through 9/11, the Iraq war, the 2008 financial crisis and more, becoming a voice of reason for many amid growing political divisions — but it was time to move on.
This week saw him back in the host's chair once again, where he'll now be every Monday. But things have changed a lot in the last nine years — especially politics. Does Stewart's brand of Bush-era both-sides-ism still work in 2024? Slate writer and senior editor Sam Adams unpacks the legacy of the Daily Show and whether the world still needs it.
For transcripts of Front Burner, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/frontburner/transcripts
Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
Fri, 16 Feb 2024 - 29min - 1450 - Overdoses and a small city state of emergency
Last week, paramedics in Belleville, Ontario responded to 13 drug overdoses in a single hour. By the time the city declared a state of emergency two days later, the total had reached almost two dozen.
So how did these near-simultaneous overdoses unfold? What caused them? And how can we stop the spikes of drug poisonings that have been happening in cities across Ontario?
Dan Taekema is CBC’s reporter covering eastern Ontario communities from Belleville, to Kingston, and beyond.
For transcripts of Front Burner, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/frontburner/transcripts
Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
Thu, 15 Feb 2024 - 22min - 1449 - As assault looms, Palestinians are trapped in Rafah
Rafah, a tiny city at Gaza’s border with Egypt, is currently sheltering more than half of the territory’s population. Many, crammed together in tent cities, have already relocated multiple times, as Israel’s war with Hamas has pushed them further and further south.
Now, as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledges to move ahead with a major assault on Rafah, the civilians sheltering in the city say there’s nowhere else to go.
Today our guest is Haaretz reporter Yarden Michaeli. He and his colleague Avi Scharf recently investigated the vast devastation that the Israel Defense Forces’ operations have left in Gaza. He talks to us about the path of destruction that kettled 1.4 million people into Rafah, and what it could mean if a full-scale invasion goes ahead.
For transcripts of Front Burner, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/frontburner/transcripts
Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
Wed, 14 Feb 2024 - 27min - 1448 - The unknown cost, and political price of the ArriveCan app
Canada’s Auditor General has found the government overpaid for the ArriveCan app. And poor record keeping has made it impossible for her to figure out that final total. Catherine Cullen, the host of “The House” joins Front Burner to talk about how an app that was supposed to make pandemic travel easier has ended up costing millions. For transcripts of Front Burner, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/frontburner/transcripts Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
Tue, 13 Feb 2024 - 22min - 1447 - Organized crime's system for stealing cars
Auto thefts have been spiking in Canadian cities, with criminals using and disposing of the vehicles or selling them to fund organized crime, even exporting them overseas. . Why have cars become so easy for thieves to steal? What systems are organized crime using to take vehicles in large quantities? Will the federal Liberal’s national summit on auto theft last Thursday provide lasting solutions? Peter Edwards is a crime reporter with the Toronto Star and the author of numerous books on organized crime. For transcripts of Front Burner, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/frontburner/transcripts Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
Mon, 12 Feb 2024 - 20min - 1446 - Down the Super Bowl conspiracy rabbit hole
The Super Bowl is this Sunday, and the teams on the field are no surprise. What is surprising is that the off-field mania around Taylor Swift dating a Chiefs player has gotten deeply, deeply weird. Some American networks have been stirring up conspiracy theories that Swift and Kelce’s relationship is a deep-state psy-op. The Super Bowl has morphed into a sort of singularity-level conspiracy, pulling in everything: vaccines, the CIA, light beer, billionaire investor George Soros, and President Joe Biden. Drew Magary is an author and a columnist with Defector and SFGate. He writes a lot about football, and he’s one of the hosts of Defector’s Distraction podcast. He’s here to dig into it. For transcripts of Front Burner, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/frontburner/transcripts Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
Fri, 09 Feb 2024 - 21min - 1445 - Why did Trump tank a border bill Republicans fought for?
On Wednesday, the U.S. Senate was set to vote on a sweeping national defense bill. It included reforms to immigration, in reaction to a surge in migration across the U-S southern border. It also included military support for the war in Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan. It came together through months of bipartisan meetings. But the vote failed. Why? The CBC’s Alex Panetta is here with the answers. He’s a reporter with our bureau in Washington D.C. For transcripts of Front Burner, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/frontburner/transcripts Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
Thu, 08 Feb 2024 - 23min - 1444 - Are trans youth a 'political football' in Alberta?
Alberta premier Danielle Smith has frequently said that she doesn't want to politicize issues around the rights and personal decisions of transgender youth. But then, last week, she unveiled the toughest set of policies affecting trans teens in the country. The proposed rules would have wide-ranging impacts for gender-affirming medical care, sports, sex education and the use of preferred pronouns in schools. Today, CBC Calgary's Jason Markusoff joins us for a look at the reaction in Alberta to the proposed policies, and why Smith may have so dramatically changed her position on this issue now. For transcripts of Front Burner, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/frontburner/transcripts Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
Wed, 07 Feb 2024 - 23min - 1443 - What’s going on at Neuralink, Musk’s brain implant company?
Elon Musk says a person has had a computer chip implanted in their brain as part of Neuralink’s first human trial. The billionaire’s company is racing to develop a device, in an attempt to catch up to competitors in the brain-computer interface industry. Marisa Taylor, an investigative journalist with Reuters, joins Front Burner to separate fact from fiction, as Neuralink tries to revolutionize brain implants. For transcripts of Front Burner, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/frontburner/transcripts Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
Tue, 06 Feb 2024 - 23min - 1442 - Why are men fleeing Ukraine, and the war?
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion nearly two years ago, most men have been banned from leaving Ukraine. That hasn’t stopped thousands from making illegal border crossings to escape. Why are so many Ukrainian men risking these journeys? How is Ukraine trying to stop them? What could the crossings signal about Ukrainians’ attitudes toward a new phase of this war? CBC’s Briar Stewart went to neighbouring Moldova to find answers. For transcripts of Front Burner, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/frontburner/transcripts Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
Mon, 05 Feb 2024 - 24min - 1441 - Weekend Listen: Hollywood Exiles
From the BBC World Service and CBC Podcasts comes Hollywood Exiles. Host Oona Chaplin tells the story of the decades-long campaign to root out communism in Hollywood. It’s a campaign that eventually drove her grandfather, Charlie Chaplin, and many others out of tinseltown. Hollywood Exiles is a tale of glamour, duplicity and political intrigue that reverberates to this day. It’s the story of how Tinseltown became an ideological battleground. The toll of the fight was enormous – reputations, careers and families were torn apart by the campaign to drive communists from the movie business. More episodes are available at: https://link.chtbl.com/zeWK1tTg
Sat, 03 Feb 2024 - 36min - 1440 - Former Canadian world junior hockey players face sex assault charges
Four NHL players, and one pro European player, are charged with sexual assault, in a troubling story that began years ago. The charges relate to the alleged group assault of a woman in 2018, that took place when the accused were members of Canada’s world junior hockey team. Katie Strang is a senior investigative writer with The Athletic and walks us through these new charges — and whether anything has actually changed in hockey since this scandal first came to light. For transcripts of Front Burner, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/frontburner/transcripts Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
Fri, 02 Feb 2024 - 20min - 1439 - Is $10 daycare in trouble?
The Trudeau government’s announcement in 2021 that they would bring daycare fees down to $10 a day within five years was a massive relief to many parents across the country. But two years after all the provinces signed on, this extremely popular program is clearly facing some bumps in the road: staffing shortages, massive wait lists, and daycares that can’t cover their costs. Today, Martha Friendly, executive director of the Childcare Resource and Research Unit, speaks to us about the growing pains confronting affordable daycare.
Thu, 01 Feb 2024 - 22min - 1438 - Oilsands pollution 'vastly underestimated': study
According to a new study published in Science, operations in Alberta’s oilsands are pumping out as much as 64 times more air pollutants than officially reported. How could industry estimates be missing these huge amounts of chemicals? What could the health and environmental consequences be? How does this study add to other concerns that don't we truly understand the impact of the oil sands? Drew Anderson is the Prairies reporter for The Narwhal, whose team of investigative journalists report on the natural world. For transcripts of Front Burner, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/frontburner/transcripts Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
Wed, 31 Jan 2024 - 19min - 1437 - Is Palworld more than ‘Pokémon with guns’?
Pokémon is the single biggest grossing media franchise on the planet. So when a game best described as "Pokémon with guns" was released earlier this month, it's perhaps no surprise that it quickly became one of the most played — and talked about — video games in the world. Washington Post video game critic and reporter Gene Park explains why the game has blown up, and whether the developers might find themselves in Nintendo's legal crosshairs for copying their homework. For transcripts of Front Burner, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/frontburner/transcripts Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
Tue, 30 Jan 2024 - 19min - 1436 - What’s at stake with Canada’s foreign interference inquiry
The public inquiry into foreign electoral interference begins today. The independent commission was sparked by allegations that China had interfered in Canadian elections — a bombshell accusation that ignited a major political battle in Ottawa. The inquiry is already facing hard questions about who gets to take part and how, and how much of the findings can actually be shared with the public. CBC parliamentary reporter Catharine Tunney on what’s ahead, and what’s at stake with the inquiry. For transcripts of Front Burner, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/frontburner/transcripts Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
Mon, 29 Jan 2024 - 22min - 1435 - Death at the border and a search for the smugglers
A new investigation by the CBC’s Fifth Estate sheds light on who might have been responsible for a devastating and fatal human smuggling case two years ago. On January 19, 2022, police found four people frozen to death, just metres away from the US border in Manitoba. RCMP confirmed all four were Indian citizens, and all from the same family. Today, Fifth Estate co-host Steven D’Souza on his search for answers about the smugglers that sent that family, the Patels, into a blinding snowstorm.
Fri, 26 Jan 2024 - 31min - 1434 - A fake CEO, a failed investment scheme, and millions lost
A scheme called HyperVerse attracted more than a billion dollars in investments and endorsements from celebrities including Chuck Norris and Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak. But a Guardian Australia investigation found that the CEO of HyperVerse didn’t even exist. Sarah Martin, a senior correspondent with Guardian Australia, explains how the scheme worked, who was behind it, and how regular people lost a lot of money. For transcripts of Front Burner, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/frontburner/transcripts Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
Thu, 25 Jan 2024 - 25min - 1433 - Invasive strep A: what you need to know
Invasive Group A strep is a rare form of infection that happens when the usually harmless bacteria invades parts of the body where it's not normally found. This can lead to complications like flesh-eating disease, meningitis and even death — and case numbers are on the rise in Canada, with 10 children dead of the disease since October. CBC health reporter Lauren Pelley breaks down what you need to know about invasive strep A and the multiple factors that could be behind the recent surge in cases. For transcripts of Front Burner, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/frontburner/transcripts Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
Wed, 24 Jan 2024 - 20min - 1432 - After Siakam, what's next for the Raptors?
Pascal Siakam was traded to the Indiana Pacers in a blockbuster deal last week that, for many, marked the end of the team’s 2019 championship era. So, what direction are the Raptors headed in? And how are fans feeling about saying goodbye to one of the most beloved players in franchise history? Freelance NBA writer and author of “Prehistoric: The Audacious and Improbable Origin Story of the Toronto Raptors”, Alex Wong, explains. For transcripts of Front Burner, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/frontburner/transcripts Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
Tue, 23 Jan 2024 - 21min - 1431 - Mass stabbing inquest hears horror, heroism
Less than a year and a half after a mass stabbing devastated James Smith Cree Nation and surrounding communities in Saskatchewan, a coroner’s inquest began last week into how Myles Sanderson killed 11 people and hurt 17 others. What happened in the days prior to the attacks? What do police analysts say the motive could have been? What supports do community members need now? Jason Warick is a reporter with CBC Saskatoon. For transcripts of Front Burner, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/frontburner/transcripts Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
Mon, 22 Jan 2024 - 20min - 1430 - Police crackdown and a homelessness emergency
The prairies are just emerging from a record-breaking cold snap, with multiple days of temperatures well below -30. But that didn't stop the City of Edmonton from proceeding with its plan to dismantle eight homeless camps across the city. CBC Edmonton's Wallis Snowdon explains why the city is so keen to remove the camps, in a city where more than 300 people died in connection to homelessness in the last year alone. For transcripts of Front Burner, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/frontburner/transcripts Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
Fri, 19 Jan 2024 - 24min - 1429 - Sex workers, a rural property and an alleged serial rapist
The trial of Richard Mantha, 59, is set to begin this week in Calgary. Mantha is charged with more than two dozen counts related to seven women, including drugging, kidnapping, and sexually assaulting his alleged victims. In this episode, CBC Calgary reporter Meghan Grant walks us through the troubling case, and the allegations levelled against Mantha by women working in the sex trade. For transcripts of Front Burner, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/frontburner/transcripts Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
Thu, 18 Jan 2024 - 20min - 1428 - Immigration and housing costs. What’s the link?
After mounting political pressure, last weekend Immigration Minister Marc Miller acknowledged that the number of non-permanent residents in Canada is putting a strain on housing. As Canada brings in a historic number of temporary residents and population growth sets records, some of the country’s top bank economists and even the Bank of Canada say that the federal government’s immigration policy is significantly affecting housing affordability. So how did we get here? What is Canada’s immigration policy? Would a cap on non-permanent residents help alleviate the housing crisis – or could it hurt the economy as some critics say? Canadian Press economics reporter Nojoud Al Mallees explains. For transcripts of Front Burner, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/frontburner/transcripts Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
Wed, 17 Jan 2024 - 22min - 1427 - Chaos, gang war erupts in Ecuador
For over a week, Ecuador has been in a state of emergency. Armed gang members have set cars on fire, taken people hostage, and attacked staff at a major TV station during a live broadcast. These acts of violence came after the disappearance of a notorious gang leader with ties to the illegal drug trade. Today, freelance journalist Carolina Loza León, based in Manta, Ecuador, on what’s been happening on the ground, the gangs at the heart of escalating violence, and whether the government’s approach is likely to quell the chaos. For transcripts of Front Burner, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/frontburner/transcripts Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
Tue, 16 Jan 2024 - 22min - 1426 - Israel faces genocide case at UN’s top court
In hearings at the International Court of Justice last week, South Africa accused Israel of genocide in Gaza. A potential final ruling at the court could take years, but within weeks, judges could order Israel to stop its military operations So what's behind South Africa’s argument? Why is Israel saying the case should be dismissed? And in a court without a mechanism to enforce orders, why would a ruling really matter? Canadian academic William Schabas, a professor of international law at Middlesex University recognized with the Order of Canada as a foremost authority on genocide, explains. For transcripts of Front Burner, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/frontburner/transcripts Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
Mon, 15 Jan 2024 - 27min - 1425 - The downfall of the NRA's Wayne LaPierre
For more than three decades, Wayne LaPierre has led the National Rifle Association — turning gun policy into a deeply partisan political issue. But now, facing a civil trial on corruption allegations, he's announced his resignation. With membership and revenue dropping, could this be the end of the NRA? New York Times investigative reporter Danny Hakim explains the rise of one of America's most influential lobby groups — and how, even if this is the end, the NRA's biggest battles may have already been won. For transcripts of Front Burner, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/frontburner/transcripts Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
Fri, 12 Jan 2024 - 28min - 1424 - Why are Canadian churches being burned?
Thirty-three churches have burned to the ground across Canada, since the discovery of possible unmarked children's graves at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School in May, 2021. In most cases, officials have blamed arsonists. CBC’s Terry Reith details his investigation into the pattern of arson, and how it’s tied to Canada’s dark residential school history. For transcripts of Front Burner, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/frontburner/transcripts Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
Thu, 11 Jan 2024 - 22min - 1423 - Is Trudeau in dire need of a new story?
While Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre has been campaigning across the country, gaining momentum in the polls, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s message of positivity and progress is failing to connect. After eight years in power, is the long-time Liberal leader in dire need of a new story? What political narrative could captivate Canadians in 2024? And what story is Poilievre betting on? CBC’s Aaron Wherry explains. For transcripts of Front Burner, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/frontburner/transcripts Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
Wed, 10 Jan 2024 - 22min - 1422 - Life and death at a Gaza hospital
A few weeks ago, Syrian-Canadian doctor Anas Al-Kassem, along with 5 other doctors from the U.S and Canada, went on a medical mission to southern Gaza. They were stationed at two hospitals in Khan Younis. With explosions nearby, they closed wounds, amputated limbs, and saved the lives that they could. Today, Dr. Anas Al-Kassem on what he saw during the mission, the state of the hospitals in Gaza, and the continuing health and humanitarian crisis in the region. For transcripts of Front Burner, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/frontburner/transcripts Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
Tue, 09 Jan 2024 - 22min - 1421 - High tension on the Red Sea
Yemen’s Houthi militias are attacking commercial shipping vessels in the Red Sea, and say the attacks will continue until Israel ends its “crimes in Gaza.” Who’s backing the Houthi rebels? Why is the U.S. sinking Houthi ships and sailing naval destroyers in the region? What could the attacks mean for fears of a broader regional conflict? Iona Craig is an investigative journalist who’s been covering Yemen and the Arabian Peninsula for over a decade.
Mon, 08 Jan 2024 - 24min - 1420 - The ‘Epstein list’ explained
Jeffrey Epstein died in a New York prison cell in 2019, before he could stand trial for allegedly running a sex trafficking ring involving underaged girls and dozens of high-profile clients. Now, court documents including names of Epstein's known associates are being unsealed, shedding new light on the nature and scale of his network. Senior Washington Post editor Marc Fisher walks us through the list so far — which includes Prince Andrew, Bill Clinton and Donald Trump — and why further document releases might never fully answer the remaining mysteries. For transcripts of Front Burner, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/frontburner/transcripts Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
Fri, 05 Jan 2024 - 25min - 1419 - A new dawn for women’s pro hockey
The brand new Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) kicked off its inaugural season this week, with Toronto hosting the team from New York. Hailey Salvian, a senior writer for The Athletic, walks us through the promise of the fledgling new league — but also the challenges ahead for the organization, which is hoping to succeed where others have failed. For transcripts of Front Burner, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/frontburner/transcripts Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
Thu, 04 Jan 2024 - 22min - 1418 - Indictments, old age and the US election
2024 is an election year in the U.S., but the country is still dealing with the fallout of their last election. Could former President Donald Trump’s legal troubles and accusations of insurrection interfere with his bid to return to office? Why are some Democrats questioning whether current President Joe Biden should be their nominee? Could a close election result trigger another violent, January 6-style reaction? Cameron Joseph is a freelance political reporter writing for the Guardian. For transcripts of Front Burner, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/frontburner/transcripts Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
Wed, 03 Jan 2024 - 22min - 1417 - Lessons from a decade of failed revolutions
From the Arab Spring that swept across the Middle East and North Africa to the fare increase protests in Brazil that snowballed into much more, the 2010s started off with a wave of mass protests all over the world. But why did so many of them end in ways the activists behind them didn’t intend? That’s what journalist Vincent Bevins tries to answer in his new book, If We Burn: The Mass Protest Decade and the Missing Revolution. For transcripts of Front Burner, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/frontburner/transcripts Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
Tue, 02 Jan 2024 - 23min - 1416 - Front Burner Introduces: The Dose | What does my mental health have to do with the health of my gut?
The Dose is a weekly look at the health news that matters to you. Dr. Brian Goldman brings you the best science from top experts in plain language. This episode examines the many factors that influence our mood, including one we may not think about: our diet. It turns out the emotions you feel have a lot to do with what’s happening in your gut, or your gastrointestinal tract. Dr. Mary Sco., a family doctor with a PhD in nutrition, breaks it all down. More episodes of The Dose are available at: https://link.chtbl.com/PNoxliEC
Mon, 01 Jan 2024 - 25min - 1415 - Syria’s forgotten children
In 2018, under bombardment in Syria, a 2-year-old boy named Salmaan disappeared along with his mother. At the time, the Islamic State was at the brink of defeat. For years, ISIS led a brutal campaign across Syria and Iraq, killing and kidnapping thousands of people. After the war against the Islamic State was won, many of the wives and children of its fighters were placed in prison camps in Northeast Syria. Today, BBC investigative journalist Poonam Taneja on her journey to those camps to find out what happened to Salmaan, and the fate of the thousands of children left behind in the Syrian desert.
Fri, 29 Dec 2023 - 23min - 1414 - Encore: Inside a busy food bank
The Daily Bread Food Bank in Toronto had their worst month on record last March: more people used their services than at any other time in their 40-year history. The situation is similarly dire at food banks across the country. Today on Front Burner, producer Imogen Birchard heads out to a food bank in Etobicoke, to find out who’s using the service now and what’s driving them there. This is an encore of that documentary.
Thu, 28 Dec 2023 - 28min - 1413 - Encore: Why the internet is getting worse
Does it feel harder these days to find the info you need on Google? Do the Amazon products that show up at the top of your search turn out to be poorer quality than the ones you really wanted? Cory Doctorow calls that 'Enshittification.' Today, an encore of our interview with Doctorow, explaining how the big internet companies have changed their profit-making strategy over time in ways that are making our experience of the internet worse.
Wed, 27 Dec 2023 - 28min - 1412 - A salute to hip-hop at 50
Hip-Hop celebrated its 50th anniversary this year. What started out in the South Bronx, became a best-selling, record-breaking, and globally influential art form. But for a long time, the genre and its innovators were not only debated but often dismissed. We look back at 50 years of art form with rapper and broadcaster Shad. For transcripts of Front Burner, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/frontburner/transcripts Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
Fri, 22 Dec 2023 - 30min - 1411 - The year in pop culture
In 2023, Taylor Swift dominated the music industry. Beyonce had a Renaissance. HBO’s Succession ended. Tina Turner died. Online, we debated how much men think about The Roman Empire and Martin Scorsese went viral on TikTok. But more than anything, there was an extreme amount of pink thanks to Greta Gerwig’s Barbie blockbuster. For better or worse, what drove pop culture in 2023? And when we look back on the art we consumed this year… What was it that we were collectively looking for? Culture writer and podcaster Niko Stratis and Elamin Abdelmahmoud, host of CBC’s Commotion, explain. For transcripts of Front Burner, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/frontburner/transcripts Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
Thu, 21 Dec 2023 - 28min - 1410 - A landmark trial and Hong Kong’s future
The trial for Hong Kong media tycoon and pro-democracy activist Jimmy Lai began on Monday. Lai is charged under China’s national security legislation, which has been used to crack down on dissenters in the city-state since 2020. Many activists have been prosecuted under the law already, but this is arguably the most high-profile case yet. Sebastien Lai, Jimmy Lai’s son, joins Front Burner senior producer Elaine Chau for a conversation about the work that led up to his father’s arrest, and what this case might mean for Hong Kong’s future. For transcripts of Front Burner, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/frontburner/transcripts Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
Wed, 20 Dec 2023 - 22min - 1409 - The time Canada built a million cheap homes
Housing Minister Sean Fraser says he’s bringing back a housing idea from the Second World War that helped build over a million homes. Could catalogues of pre-approved blueprints create more homes, faster? What other lessons should we be taking from Canada’s post-war housing effort? How has mass construction of ready-made designs impacted housing in other countries? Carolyn Whitzman is a housing policy consultant and expert advisor to the Housing Assessment Resource Tools project For transcripts of Front Burner, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/frontburner/transcripts Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
Tue, 19 Dec 2023 - 20min - 1408 - Elon Musk’s very bad year
Elon Musk kicked off 2023 by losing $200 billion in wealth. And the South African entrepreneur is ending the year with a series of blunders. X, formerly known as Twitter, is absolutely bleeding advertisers. Tesla, once his bread and butter, is facing a massive recall. And Musk’s reputation has shifted from media darling and climate saviour to ill-tempered, eccentric rich guy. So, what exactly went wrong in 2023? How has Musk derailed his public persona? And is there any hope that the CEO can turn things around in 2024? Paris Marx, host of the podcast Tech Won’t Save Us, explains. For transcripts of Front Burner, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/frontburner/transcripts Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
Mon, 18 Dec 2023 - 34min - 1407 - Desperation in Gaza amid winter, war and hunger
As fighting in Gaza continues, civilian deaths are rising and those that remain face worsening conditions that include a severe lack of food and clean water, overcrowded shelters, floods and disease. As Canada and other Western nations show their support for a ceasefire, Bushra Khalidi, a policy lead with Oxfam, paints a vivid picture of what she’s hearing from family and colleagues on the ground in Gaza. For transcripts of Front Burner, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/frontburner/transcripts Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
Fri, 15 Dec 2023 - 22min - 1406 - Half a million strike in Quebec
Unions in Quebec have united for one of the largest strikes in Canadian history, with more than 6% of Quebec’s population currently on strike. Is the public blaming unions or Premier François Legault for widespread school closures and delays in healthcare? How does the unions’ “Common Front” moniker invoke Quebec’s deep history of labour solidarity? If deals aren’t reached soon, how long could strikes continue? CBC Montreal journalist Jennifer Yoon explains.
Thu, 14 Dec 2023 - 24min - 1405 - Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs allegations explained
Rap mogul Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ long-time ex-girlfriend Cassie has filed a lawsuit against him, alleging years of sexual assault and physical abuse. She’s not alone. Three other women have filed similar suits. Andre Gee, staff writer at Rolling Stone, joins us to go through the details of the cases and what it could mean for the music industry. For transcripts of Front Burner, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/frontburner/transcripts Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
Wed, 13 Dec 2023 - 20min - 1404 - Can Ukraine win without U.S. money?
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is heading to Washington to make a desperate plea for weapons, as a $60 billion military aid package for Ukraine is tangled up in U.S. domestic politics. Meanwhile, trench warfare with Russia grinds on. With international support faltering, and a failed counter-offensive, can Ukraine win its war with Russia? Francis Farrell, a reporter with The Kyiv Independent, details Ukraine’s dire situation. For transcripts of Front Burner, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/frontburner/transcripts Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
Tue, 12 Dec 2023 - 20min - 1403 - Emission cap hits Canadian oil, gas
Last week at COP28 the Canadian government announced a framework that will put a concrete limit on the amount of CO2 that oil and gas can emit. The idea is to accelerate how quickly Canada reduces its emissions. But the plan has sparked harsh criticism from all sides, including climate activists, the Conservatives, the NDP and oil and gas companies. How will the cap work? Does it go far enough? Will it impact production? And how does it fit into Canada’s climate targets? CBC senior writer Aaron Wherry explains. For transcripts of Front Burner, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/frontburner/transcripts Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
Mon, 11 Dec 2023 - 21min - 1402 - Weekend Listen: Crime Story
Fraud. Abduction. Murder. Every week, Crime Story host and investigative journalist Kathleen Goldhar goes deep into a tale of true crime with the storyteller who knows it best. From the reporter who exposed Bill Cosby, to the writer who solved one of Australia’s most chilling cold cases — Crime Story guests include: Gilbert King (Bone Valley), Eric Benson (Project Unabomb),Carole Fisher (The Girlfriends), and many more. More episodes are available at: https://link.chtbl.com/X8TdLQoi
Sat, 09 Dec 2023 - 50min - 1401 - Millions exposed by 23andMe breach
Genetic testing company 23andMe says attackers were able to gain access to the profiles of nearly 7 million of its users. What kind of information was exposed? How did hackers try to sell the info? What broader and future concerns do experts have about sending DNA to services like 23andMe? Jason Koebler is a co-founder of the independent tech website, 404Media.co. For transcripts of Front Burner, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/frontburner/transcripts Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
Fri, 08 Dec 2023 - 22min - 1400 - Are Israel and America at odds over Gaza?
As fighting in Gaza resumed, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken issued strong words of caution for Israel to obey international humanitarian law and to minimize civilian casualties. It was a significant shift in tone compared to the total support Blinken had delivered earlier in the war. And it’s a message that’s been echoed by U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. Are the long-time allies at odds over Gaza? What does strain in that relationship mean for the future of the war – and for the civilians caught in the middle? Gregg Carlstrom, Middle East Correspondent for The Economist, explains. For transcripts of Front Burner, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/frontburner/transcripts Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
Thu, 07 Dec 2023 - 28min - 1399 - Will Purdue’s opioid settlement be overturned?
A bankruptcy deal for OxyContin maker Purdue Pharma gave a legal shield to the Sackler family that ran the company. Now, a challenge to the settlement has gone to the U.S. Supreme Court. Why are families of opioid victims split on whether they want the multi-billion dollar settlement to stand? How could the ruling change who can get immunity from lawsuits in massive corporate settlements? Why have the Boy Scouts of America and U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops submitted briefs calling for Purdue’s deal to stand? David Ovalle is a national reporter with the Washington Post focusing on opioids and addiction. For transcripts of Front Burner, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/frontburner/transcripts Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday. An earlier version of this episode stated that the movie Pain Hustlers was inspired by Purdue and Oxycontin. That film was based on a different company which also sold opioid based pain medication. We've corrected this episode to remove that error.
Wed, 06 Dec 2023 - 22min - 1398 - Alleged India-linked assassination plot deepens
Prosecutors in New York accuse an employee of the Indian government of conspiring to assassinate a member of the movement to create an independent Sikh state. The plot was foiled in the U.S., but the indictment sheds light on murder that was carried out in Surrey, B.C., in June. CBC’s Alex Panetta details what we learned from the indictment, and what it says about India’s alleged assassination plans in North America. For transcripts of Front Burner, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/frontburner/transcripts Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
Tue, 05 Dec 2023 - 20min - 1397 - Is a mortgage crisis on the way?
Millions of Canadians will soon feel the impact of jumps in interest rates as their mortgages come up for renewal. In some cases, their payments could go up by 40% or more. What will happen to Canadians already struggling to make mortgage payments? What could the impact be on real estate prices? And as banks set aside hundreds of millions more in reserves for bad loans, are there risks to Canada’s economy and financial institutions? Ron Butler, mortgage broker at Butler Mortgage and host of the Angry Mortgage Podcast, explains. For transcripts of Front Burner, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/frontburner/transcripts Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
Mon, 04 Dec 2023 - 20min - 1396 - How the Google news blackout was avoided
On Wednesday, the federal government announced an agreement with Google over Bill C-18: The Online News Act. The tech giant had threatened to limit Canadians’ access to news on its platforms — similar to the one Meta imposed. Under the deal, Google will pay news companies $100 million annually. But is it enough? Who got the better deal? And what does it mean for the future of journalism in Canada? Alfred Hermida, a digital media scholar and professor at the UBC School of Journalism and the co-founder of The Conversation Canada, explains. For transcripts of Front Burner, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/frontburner/transcripts Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
Fri, 01 Dec 2023 - 18min - 1395 - Living on the volcanic edge in Iceland
A spike in seismic activity and the imminent threat of a volcanic eruption in Iceland has displaced the town of Grindavik, located near the country’s famous Blue Lagoon and a massive geothermal power plant. We hear from Hanna Evenson who’s been going into the danger zone to rescue residents’ pets and Ragga Agustsdottir, the co-founder of Lava Show Iceland, about the challenges and benefits of living in a hotbed of volcanic activity. For transcripts of Front Burner, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/frontburner/transcripts Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
Thu, 30 Nov 2023 - 23min - 1394 - As electric vehicles wobble Canada bets big
Canada is betting big on electric vehicles. Ahead of COP28, we’re asking why the government is pouring billions of dollars into EVs, despite debate about the industry. Just how critical is the switchover to electric vehicles? What does major investment mean for Canada’s ability to hit critical emissions targets. And what happens if we don’t make the move to zero-emissions vehicles fast enough? Ottawa-based climate reporter for the National Observer John Woodside explains. For transcripts of Front Burner, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/frontburner/transcripts Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
Wed, 29 Nov 2023 - 20min - 1393 - The Canadian helping U.S states defend anti-trans laws
Since 2020, state-level politicians in the U.S. have passed dozens of bills that LGBTQ advocates say are anti-trans. When it comes to defending these laws in court, states have been turning to an unlikely ally: Toronto psychologist James Cantor. He’s testified in more than 20 cases in the U.S. involving transgender issues. Today on Front Burner, CBC investigative journalist Jonathan Montpetit on Cantor’s influence, and how his scientific expertise is being weaponized by conservative Christian groups and Republican politicians to roll back trans rights in the U.S. For transcripts of Front Burner, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/frontburner/transcripts Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
Tue, 28 Nov 2023 - 34min - 1392 - How the Israel-Hamas hostage deal happened
How did Israel and Hamas reach a deal that led to a brief pause in fighting and the release of dozens of captives on both sides of the conflict? Julian Borger, a Washington-based world affairs editor with the Guardian takes us through the tense negotiations. For transcripts of Front Burner, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/frontburner/transcripts Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
Mon, 27 Nov 2023 - 30min - 1391 - Canada’s debt is growing. How bad is it?
On Tuesday, the federal government’s fall economic statement was overshadowed by this year’s deficit and Ottawa’s skyrocketing debt. How did it get so bad? What does it mean for Canadians? And what’s the economic outlook in a climate of uncertainty? Armine Yalnizyan, an economist and the Atkinson Fellow On The Future Of Workers, breaks it all down. For transcripts of Front Burner, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/frontburner/transcripts Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
Fri, 24 Nov 2023 - 22min - 1390 - Meet ‘Chainsaw Man’, Argentina’s new president
Known as “Chainsaw Man”, “El Loco” and “The Wig”, Argentina’s new far-right president is a controversial economist that’s often compared to Donald Trump. And he’s promised to slash government, kill the central bank and ditch the national currency. So, who is Javier Milei? How did the self-described libertarian manage to win? And what does his presidency mean for Argentina’s devastating economic crisis? Buenos Aires-based freelance journalist Natalie Alcoba explains. For transcripts of Front Burner, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/frontburner/transcripts Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
Thu, 23 Nov 2023 - 26min - 1389 - Chaos at OpenAI: did profit and safety collide?
When ChatGPT was released last year, artificial intelligence was suddenly a reality in our everyday lives. The company, OpenAI, and its CEO, Sam Altman, seemed to be on a meteoric rise. So why was Sam Altman just fired by a board tasked with keeping AI in check? Steven Levy, Editor at Large for Wired, joins us to talk about the chaos at OpenAI, and who controls the artificial intelligence that could change our world. For transcripts of Front Burner, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/frontburner/transcripts Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
Wed, 22 Nov 2023 - 22min - 1388 - The assassin next door
Nearly 50 years ago Nur Chowdhury was at the centre of an assassination and coup that killed Bangladesh’s first president, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. He was convicted by a court in Bangladesh, but now he lives in a Toronto suburb. Mark Kelley, co-host of CBC’s The Fifth Estate, shares his investigation into why the Canadian government still hasn’t deported Chowdhury to face justice. For transcripts of Front Burner, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/frontburner/transcripts Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
Tue, 21 Nov 2023 - 26min - 1387 - Guilty verdict for Muslim family truck attack
Nathaniel Veltman has been found guilty of four counts of first-degree murder and one count of attempted murder, after violently hitting a Muslim family in London, Ontario, with a pick-up truck in 2021. What is the reaction to the verdict from the family and community? And how has this trial tested Canada’s terrorism laws? First we hear from Hina Islam, a member of the Afzaal family and a registered psychotherapist who has provided trauma support for members of London’s Muslim community. Later in the episode, CBC’s Kate Dubinski explains what led up to the verdict. For transcripts of Front Burner, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/frontburner/transcripts Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
Mon, 20 Nov 2023 - 22min - 1386 - Weekend Listen: Gay Girl Gone
Of all the young revolutionaries in Syria during the Arab Spring, Amina is different. An out lesbian in a country where homosexuality is illegal, she bravely documents her life on the blog Gay Girl in Damascus. Her candid posts attract readers from around the world, and soon she has a wide, ardent following. But then a post appears saying Amina has been abducted. Her fans mobilize, desperate to track down and save their fearless heroine. What they find shocks them. Journalist Samira Mohyeddin investigates what actually happened to the infamous Gay Girl in Damascus in this 6-part series. The result is a twisted yarn that spans the globe and challenges our thinking on love, politics and identity in cyberspace. More episodes are available at: https://link.chtbl.com/Bm2uZHLZ
Sat, 18 Nov 2023 - 36min - 1385 - Zyn, Zonnic, and the nicotine pouch craze
Snus in Sweden, Zyn all over TikTok and now, Zonnic in Canada. Nicotine pouches have been gaining profile, from Major League baseball dugouts to Joe Rogan’s podcast. What are they? How are they different from vapes, dip and cigarettes? Are they a helpful tool for people looking to quit, or just hooking a new generation? First, freelance journalist Ashwin Rodrigues takes us through the product’s rise in the U.S. and then CBC’s Marina von Stackelberg tells us why Zonnic, the brand being sold in Canada, is already controversial. For transcripts of Front Burner, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/frontburner/transcripts Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
Fri, 17 Nov 2023 - 26min - 1384 - Is Marvel’s reign coming to an end?
After years of superhero films dominating the box office, The Marvels just had the worst opening weekend the Marvel Cinematic Universe has ever seen. Sam Adams, culture writer and senior editor at Slate, joins us to talk about why audiences might finally be sick of superhero movies and what that could mean for the film industry as a whole.
For transcripts of Front Burner, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/frontburner/transcripts
Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
Thu, 16 Nov 2023 - 26min - 1383 - Protests grip Panama over Canadian mining deal
Protests that began over a mining contract with a Canadian company have seized Panama for weeks, with key highways blocked, schools shut down, and a port choked with boats. Why has the situation reignited a century of anger over North American interests? Freelance journalist Michael Fox has been covering the protests from Panama. The first season of his upcoming podcast, Under the Shadow, looks at the lingering impact of U.S. intervention in Central America. For transcripts of Front Burner, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/frontburner/transcripts Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
Wed, 15 Nov 2023 - 20min - 1382 - The ceasefire debate
Demonstrators around the world are calling for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war, as the destruction and death toll in Gaza continues to climb. Meanwhile, some of Israel’s allies, including the United States and Canada, want ‘humanitarian pauses’ in the fighting. Jonathan Guyer, senior foreign policy writer at Vox, explains the difference, and why the calls for a ceasefire are being rejected. For transcripts of Front Burner, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/frontburner/transcripts Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
Tue, 14 Nov 2023 - 28min - 1381 - A buried history of Canada’s Afghan war
In 2007, military historian Sean Maloney was commissioned to write Canada’s account of the war in Afghanistan. Unlike other official histories, this one would be documented as it was being fought. The three-volume The Canadian Army in Afghanistan, was set to be published in 2014, but it didn’t see the light of day for nearly a decade due to, according to Maloney, concerns within the military. The book was quietly, and some say reluctantly, released last summer. CBC senior defence reporter Murray Brewster on the long delay, what’s actually in the book, and why historical accounts of war can be so divisive. For transcripts of Front Burner, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/frontburner/transcripts Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
Mon, 13 Nov 2023 - 25min
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