Location:
Canada
Genres:
World News
Description:
An in-depth look at the issues, culture and personalities shaping Canada today.
Twitter:
@thebigstoryfpn
Language:
English
Website:
https://thebigstorypodcast.ca
Episodes
Canada-US travel in an era of boycotts and new legislation
4/7/2025
Once a favoured travel hotspot for Canadians looking to escape the cold or stock up on American-only goodies, now stands as a no-go zone for many travellers north of the border amid annexation threats and unwarranted tariffs from US President Donald Trump. New data shows a downtrend for Canadians heading south of the border for leisure trips for this travel season compared to previous years, but what exactly do the numbers mean and will the trend continue to head south (instead of Canadians) for years to come? Host Gurdeep Ahluwalia speaks with Head of Public Relations and Communications for Flight Centre Travel Group Canada, Amra Durakovic, about where things stand between two countries once known for their close travel ties as their dwindling relationship continues on the downward spiral.We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us: Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca Or @thebigstoryfpn on Twitter
Duration:00:15:36
How short-sighted was Trump's Liberation Day?
4/6/2025
US President Donald Trump dubbed it 'Liberation Day', and it seemed like numbers across the North American stock market took the word 'liberate' and headed south. Besides the historic plunging of some of Wall Street's benchmarks as a result of the Trump's latest tariff announcement on April 2, his long-term goal of a stronger America seems more farther in the distance than he might've originally projected. But what exactly did he project? And was there any sort of input from the big players he's now backing into a corner to make his domestic-grown dreams come true? Host Mike Eppel speaks to Chief Deputy Economist at Desjardins, Randall Bartlett to make sense of the numbers. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us: Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca Or @thebigstoryfpn on Twitter
Duration:00:28:19
Elbows up, Canada: A look at the movement that is picking up steam across the nation
4/5/2025
It has become our unofficial Canadian battle cry: ELBOWS UP! As we face trade tensions and threats from the U.S president about making our nation their 51st state, many Canadians are standing together in a show of strength, solidarity and resilience. Thousands are turning up at rallies across the country, organized by 'Elbows Up, Canada!', a grassroots, non-partisan movement. Host Melanie Ng speaks with one of the organizers, Peter Wall about how it all got started - and how Canadians are connecting and reflecting. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us: Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca Or @thebigstoryfpn on Twitter
Duration:00:16:08
To tariff or not to tariff? What Trump's latest tariff announcement means for the Canadian economy
4/4/2025
Newsrooms, dinner tables and just about everyone in between woke up on the edge of their seats the morning of April 2 - the day US President Donald Trump dubbed 'liberation day' - but heading to bed, it was more of an uneasy feeling of 'now what?'. A few days later as the dust has started to settle, the confusion and ambiguity, however, has not. Although Canada was not on Trump's exhaustive reciprocal tariff list, 25% tariffs on foreign-made vehicles exported to America did apply to Canadian cars. Prime Minister Mark Carney struck back with 25% retaliatory tariffs on foreign-made vehicles imported to Canada, but the lines remained blurred with the Canada-US trade future. What tariffs are in place, what aren't, how many jobs are on the line, how much more expensive will cars be, and whose economy will be feeling the effects the worst? Host Cormac Mac Sweeney speaks with Principal Economist with the Conference Board of Canada, Richard Forbes gets to the bottom of Trump's latest tariff announcement. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us: Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca Or @thebigstoryfpn on Twitter
Duration:00:19:07
'That system is meant to break you': An honest conversation with Jasmine Mooney
4/3/2025
A disturbing resurgence of ICE horror stories are taking centre stage on social media - this Trump term, however, some recounts are now being told from Canadian voices. Regardless of documentation or criminal history, it seems no one is safe from the cold floors and foil blankets that personify the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement experience. Host Maria Kestane speaks with Jasmine Mooney on her chilling experience behind several sets of bars in several ICE detention facilities, and how a never-ending chain of 'I don't knows' painted a stark image of just how blurred the American immigration lines are. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us: Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca Or @thebigstoryfpn on Twitter
Duration:00:37:03
Signalgate: emojis, war plans, and unexpected guests
4/2/2025
Ahead of the announcement on reciprocal tariffs today, the Trump Administration is looking to move on from so called Signalgate – after war plans were shared on the commercial messaging app. It really raised eyebrows because a reporter, not just any reporter, but the Editor in Chief of the Atlantic, was added to the chat – likely by accident? It was seen as a gaffe by some while others wonder if it was intentional. Either way – there’s a lot more to the story. Host Kris McCusker speaks to Christian Leuprecht, Professor and Security Expert at Royal Military College, Queen's University.We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us: Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca Or @thebigstoryfpn on Twitter
Duration:00:17:09
Why is Poilievre losing his stronghold on Canadians?
4/1/2025
Federal Conservative Party Leader, Pierre Poilievre, was positioned for a landslide win over the federal liberals, but incomes a new rival leader, and voters seem to have no problem moving the pendulum - and fast! Recent leaks from inside the campaign paint a chaotic picture for the federal tories just one month out from when Canadians head to the polls, and with the unpredictability of a diminishing Canada-US relationship, the concerns that shape the big ballot question come April 28 no longer mirror what they used to be just a few weeks ago. Host David Smith speaks to CEO of Abacus Data, David Coletto, about what's driving the pre-polling tank for a party once destined for victory, as well as what's grabbing the attention of Canadian voters in a time of economic despair, a pending North American trade war, and a sudden burst of Canadian patriotism. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us: Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca Or @thebigstoryfpn on Twitter
Duration:00:23:26
The inevitable demise of the Hudson's Bay Company
3/31/2025
What were once positioned as the four stripes that were recognizable by Canadians worldwide now sparingly lace abandoned shelves across the country dressed with 'clearance' tags. The Hudson's Bay Company has begun the process of liquidating all but six stores Canada-wide, with those remaining - three in Ontario and three in Quebec - still very much up for grabs if the company doesn't present a comprehensive restructuring plan moving forward. But the question on many people's minds still remains: how did Canada's oldest company fall into the hands of creditor protection? A name once emblematic of Canadian retail, history and culture, now grasping onto whatever capital (and hope) it can to sustain a presence in an online-dominated retail landscape. Host Gurdeep Ahluwalia speaks with retail expert, Gary Newbury, about what lead to the slow burn of the Hudson's Bay Company, and if the writing was on the wall-post pandemic for the fate of the country's first company. The two discuss what the next months could look like for HBC, and what notes other retailers should be taking if they aren't interested in falling next in line. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca or @thebigstoryfpn on Twitter. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us: Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca Or @thebigstoryfpn on Twitter
Duration:00:20:51
Why aren't Canadians as happy as they used to be?
3/30/2025
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. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca or @thebigstoryfpn on Twitter. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us: Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca Or @thebigstoryfpn on Twitter
Duration:00:18:40
Foreign Interference & Election 2025
3/29/2025
Foreign election interference is back in the news after week one of the federal election campaign. Questions about foreign interference followed both Pierre Poilievre and Mark Carney on the campaign trail this week. Poilievre again defended his refusal to obtain security clearance, while Carney was pressed to explain why the Liberals dropped a candidate with ties to the Indian government. Host David Smith speaks with University Ottawa criminology professor Michael Kempa about the latest developments and how foreign interference may play a role in this election race.We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us: Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca Or @thebigstoryfpn on Twitter
Duration:00:25:48
One month to go: breaking down week 1 of the federal election campaign
3/28/2025
The federal election is several days in and it’s already been a wild ride.
This vote has been framed as an existential election for our country, amid the trade war and sovereignty threats from the US.
While President Trump’s tariffs are having a massive impact on the campaign there are also many policy promises, questions around security clearance and business dealings, and gaffes from some of the leaders.
Host Cormac Mac Sweeney is checking the pulse of the race to form the next federal government , by speaking with Lori Williams, a political scientist at Mount Royal University.
We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:
Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca
Or @thebigstoryfpn on Twitter
Duration:00:19:43
Election polls: how trustworthy are they in one of Canada's most important elections
3/27/2025
It’s been a busy first week on the campaign trail for federal leaders.
One storyline that's stood out is the early election poll tracking. All the major polling firms are showing a huge surge in support for the Liberal Party under new leader Mark Carney.
But how full a picture do the polls show?
Host David Smith speaks with Darrell Bricker, CEO of Ipsos Public Affairs, about what goes into a modern election poll.
We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:
Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca
Or @thebigstoryfpn on Twitter
Duration:00:17:39
Log out or lean in? How to balance social media and your mental health
3/26/2025
We’ve all heard how social media can have a negative impact, but unfortunately putting your phone down can be a tricky task.
New research out of the University of British Columbia shows there’s a way to manage your mental health while staying up to date on your favourite apps.
Host Melanie Ng speaks with lead study author and psychology professor at UBC, Amori Mikami, about their findings.
More info: pearl.psych.ubc.ca
We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:
Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca
Or @thebigstoryfpn on Twitter
Duration:00:16:24
What's the future for Tesla amid a market tailspin
3/25/2025
Tesla is in a tailspin.
Sales are dropping and the stock has been cut in half since December, blamed on Elon Musk's involvement with DOGE in the U.S.
There have been incidents of vandalism against Tesla dealerships and on top of that, the automaker is facing ramped up competition from a Chinese company that's dramatically decreased charging time.
Host Mike Eppel talks to Seth Goldstein, Equity Strategist at Morningstar Research Services, who covers Tesla and many other brands in the auto sector.
We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:
Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca
Or @thebigstoryfpn on Twitter
Duration:00:25:45
Why are concert tickets so expensive and hard to get?
3/24/2025
Getting concert tickets is harder than it used to be – and it means many Canadians have been shut out or forced to pay much higher prices with a reseller.
Is this ever going to change? What needs to happen?
Host Kris McCusker took those questions to Dan Wall of Live Nation Inc., which merged with Ticketmaster in 2010.
It is Wall’s first an in-depth feature interview on the subject since he joined the company in 2023.
He describes a complicated landscape – but says there are some options – while a court case in the U.S is scheduled to proceed.
We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:
Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca
Or @thebigstoryfpn on Twitter
Duration:00:16:31
A real and raw conversation with Dina Pugliese
3/21/2025
Live TV is often unpredictable, but at least the team behind the scenes is ready. However, this week, the ultimate surprise was pulled off — morning show legend, Dina Pugliese, shocked everyone by announcing her return to Breakfast Television, two years after stepping away from the spotlight.
Host Melanie Ng speaks with her long-time colleague and friend, Dina, tackling topics she’s never talked about before.
From burnout to family health, social media criticism to what makes her tick, nothing is off the table. This episode is a rollercoaster of emotions - with laughter and tears within the first few minutes.
We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:
Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca
Or @thebigstoryfpn on Twitter
Duration:00:21:47
Checking in on how Prime Minister Carney's first week is going
3/20/2025
Prime Minister Mark Carney is almost through his first week of Prime Minister. So, how's it going?
He's already completed an international trip, had some interesting dealings with the media and is expected to call an election as soon as this weekend.
Host Cormac Mac Sweeney is rating the first week with Barry McLoughlin, President, TLC Transformational Leadership Consultants Inc.
We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:
Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca
Or @thebigstoryfpn on Twitter
Duration:00:22:50
Is Doug Ford Canada's most unlikely diplomat?
3/19/2025
Is Doug Ford Canada's most unlikely diplomat?
Doug Ford travelled to Washington last week to talk tariffs, after threatening to impose tariffs on energy or even turn off power to 3 U.S. states.
Although the temperature has been dialed down, Queen's Park reporter Richard Southern talks to pollster John Wright about Ford's actions last week and how this all ties in to the upcoming federal election.
We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:
Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca
Or @thebigstoryfpn on Twitter
Duration:00:19:49
Examining Taylor Swift as an historical figure
3/18/2025
Imagine being so famous that there are university courses studying your every move!
Taylor Swift will be the subject of course being taught at Brock University this spring – by Associate Professor of history Elizabeth Vlossak.
Host Kris McCusker examines how the course was created – what it’s all about – and why it’s more relevant than you might think.
We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:
Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca
Or @thebigstoryfpn on Twitter
Duration:00:25:38
What you need to know about buying a car in a trade war
3/17/2025
Spring is usually the hottest time of year for car sales.
But with Trump’s tariffs affecting aluminum, steel and auto parts, this year could be different.
If tariffs on cars come into force on April 2nd as scheduled, there are fears it could upend the automotive supply chain.
Host David Smith speaks with automotive specialist Tim Dimopoulos, publisher of Automotive News Canada, about what it all means for Canadian consumers.
We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:
Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca
Or @thebigstoryfpn on Twitter
Duration:00:21:20
