The John Oakley Show

John Oakley dives deep—literally and figuratively—in this episode. First, he’s joined by Chris Fisher, founder of OCEARCH, who reveals the journey of Contender, the largest great white shark ever tagged in the Atlantic. From Florida’s coast to the icy waters off Newfoundland, discover what this 1,700-pound predator tells us about shark migration, survival, and why Atlantic Canada—not Cape Cod—is now the real great white capital. Then, psychologist Frank McAndrew of Knox College explains why humans love to be scared, how Halloween triggers our primal instincts, and what makes clowns and haunted houses so unsettling. Finally, David Wills from Media Profile weighs in on Donald Trump’s surprise peace-maker momentum, Mark Carney’s charm offensive in Washington, and a rare moment of cooperation between Doug Ford and Olivia Chow over Toronto’s bike-lane debate. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

John Oakley tackles two storylines shaping Canada right now. First, Jocelyn Bamford—VP at Automatic Coating and founder of the Coalition of Concerned Manufacturers and Businesses of Canada—breaks down how U.S. tariffs and Ottawa/Queen’s Park responses could hit Canadian manufacturing, from autos to steel, and what policy levers (energy costs, red tape, pipelines) might actually keep high-skill jobs here. Then Tristin Hopper, National Post columnist and author of “Don’t Be Canada,” explains the latest polling: Mark Carney’s fading honeymoon, a Conservative upswing, seniors consolidating as the Liberal base, a disappearing gender gap, and the NDP’s ongoing slump. What we cover: How prospective U.S. tariffs could ripple through Windsor, Oshawa, Guelph, Brampton & beyond Auto sector realities under USMCA vs. headline panic—and whether political theatre helps or hurts Ontario’s “hardball” signals (LCBO booze, critical minerals, energy) and investor confidence The cost stack for manufacturers: electricity, compliance, and “death by a thousand cuts” Poll shifts since the election: approval slides, vote-intent realignments, and where swing voters went Guests: Jocelyn Bamford (VP, Automatic Coating; Founder, Coalition of Concerned Manufacturers and Businesses of Canada); Tristin Hopper (Columnist, National Post; Author, “Don’t Be Canada”). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

John Oakley digs into two charged conversations. First, writer and commentator Jamie Sarkonak discusses her recent column on how Ontario’s deputy ministers and senior civil servants may influence government direction regardless of who’s in power. Then, Avi Benlolo, Founder & CEO of the Abraham Global Peace Initiative, assesses the aftermath of Oct. 7, campus unrest, and what it could take to achieve a durable peace—and whether the Abraham Accords model can still expand. What we cover: Claims of a “permanent bureaucracy” in Ontario and how deputy ministers shape policy execution Allegations of ideological signaling inside the civil service and its impact on priorities and pace How much cultural change a government can drive from the top Post–Oct. 7 discourse: free speech on campus, public safety, and Western democratic norms Whether Hamas can be dismantled and what that means for civilians The future of regional normalization and a path forward for the Abraham Accords Guests: Jamie Sarkonak (Writer & Commentator); Avi Benlolo (Founder & CEO, Abraham Global Peace Initiative). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The Oakley Show, John Oakley explores a series of major issues shaping public discourse and policy: Moral decay and grievance culture in America — Psychotherapist Jonathan Alpert, author of Therapy Nation, discusses how social media echo chambers and political polarization are fueling violence and silencing open dialogue. When violence becomes “justice” — A look at why some Americans now justify attacks on political figures and what this reveals about the nation’s mental and moral health. Canada vs. Trump’s tariffs — Former Reform Party leader Preston Manning explains his Globe and Mail op-ed, outlining how Canada should engage with Donald Trump’s populism by appealing to his voter base rather than political elites in Washington. Tariffs and the cost of living — Manning’s argument for using voter pressure and upcoming U.S. midterm elections to push for changes in tariff policy. Coyotes in the city — Toronto listeners share firsthand accounts of coyotes and foxes in urban neighborhoods, raising questions about public safety, wildlife management, and the limits of coexistence. Listen to The Oakley Show on 640 Toronto or on the iHeartRadio app. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Guests John Turley-Ewart — Risk management consultant specializing in capital markets with extensive experience on Bay and Wall Streets; Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist; contributor to The Globe & Mail. Katie Pasitney — with the Universal Ostrich Farm in Edgewood, BC. Segment 1 — “Dear Canada: Nobody’s Coming to Save Us” Turley-Ewart unpacks his Globe & Mail piece and argues Canada is losing ground on productivity, capital, and talent. Why cheering a proposed US$100,000 H-1B fee is “self-delusion”: high-skill workers and companies still prefer the U.S. Tech drain: startups headquartering abroad to raise more capital; policy programs seen as out of touch with operators. Structural headwinds: tax burden, weak industrial investment since the early ’80s, and health-care capacity gaps. What to fix: rebuild manufacturing, unlock LNG/natural resources, drop interprovincial barriers, reward investment, and create policy certainty that beats (not just matches) the U.S. Fiscal reality check: rising deficits/debt squeeze future social spending and opportunity for younger Canadians. Segment 2 — Edgewood Ostrich Farm vs. CFIA Katie Pasitney updates the legal fight over the flock after earlier bird deaths linked to avian influenza. Farm seeks independent testing of the surviving ostriches; says offers to fund testing have been rebuffed. Interim stay in place; concerns raised about animal care, community tensions, and the costs of enforcement. Core question: if birds are healthy and not shedding, should culling proceed—or should testing decide the outcome? Segment 3 — Does Staging Sell Homes? A pro stager and a veteran realtor weigh in: staging helps buyers visualize living in the space and can reduce objections. Typical playbook: neutral décor, rentals for key rooms, curb-appeal tune-ups; agents often cover staging costs. Market nuance: still-hot pockets vs. buyer’s-market caution; write appliances (make/model) into offers to avoid swaps. Listen Catch The John Oakley Show live weekdays 3–6pm on 640 Toronto, stream anytime at 640toronto.com, or on the iHeartRadio app. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

John Oakley is joined by Ann Cavoukian, Ph.D., LL.D. (Hon.), M.S.M. Executive Director, Global Privacy & Security  by Design Centre. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

John Oakley dives into the mysterious takedown of 16 speed cameras across Toronto—asking whether this is mere vandalism or a growing wave of civil disobedience. Featuring insight from tradespeople who break down the mechanics of the removals, Oakley explores what this coordinated act could signify in the broader debate around traffic enforcement, political posturing, and public backlash. The episode also takes a darker turn, reflecting on the recent, horrifying attack on a Ukrainian refugee and how media narratives, mental illness defenses, and the concept of evil are shaping our understanding of violent crime. With Oakley’s signature blend of curiosity, skepticism, and biting wit, this episode challenges listeners to confront uncomfortable truths about justice, safety, and society. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The John Oakley Show, we dive into the buzzworthy hot-mic conversation between Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping about extending human life to 150 years—and even achieving immortality. John speaks with Dr. Olshansky, professor of epidemiology and biostatistics at the University of Illinois, to separate science from science fiction. They explore the ethics, realities, and myths of radical life extension, the role of organ transplants, and what longer lifespans would mean for society, retirement, and health care. Later in the show, John turns to economics with risk management consultant John Turley-Ewart. They discuss Mark Carney’s new measures to cushion Canadians against Donald Trump’s tariffs, the suspension of EV mandates, and whether upcoming budget changes will be enough to restore investor confidence and address rising unemployment. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As TIFF kicks off its 50th anniversary in Toronto, John Oakley opens the show with a look at how the city is celebrating its cinematic legacy—and how it’s coping with a darker reality: rising violent crime and a shaken sense of safety. Film critic Peter Howell of the Toronto Star joins to preview this year’s festival buzz, from must-watch screenings to Oscar hopefuls like The Smashing Machine. But it's not all red carpets and celebrity sightings—John also tackles the recent tragedy in Vaughan, where a father was killed in a home invasion, sparking a larger debate on self-defence, police response times, and how Toronto residents are reacting. From DIY flamethrowers to panic rooms and escape drills, listeners call in with jaw-dropping methods for protecting their homes—and Tom McDonald, the provocative rapper behind The Devil Is a Democrat, drops in to talk about fame, Trump, and the state of free speech in North America. Music by Michael Downey - Production by Michael Downey and Santiago Bedoya. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Singer-songwriter Corin Raymond joins the John Oakley Show to tell the story of the greatest use of loyalty points in human history. You can listen to the John Oakley Show live and in its entirety weekdays from 3:00 - 6:00pm ET over the air, or on our website www.640toronto.com Got a question a question or comment? We'd love to hear from you at michael@640toronto.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The frustration of both Canadians and Americans as U.S. President Donald Trump officially launches his trade war; and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's tough words for Trump. The fears among auto, steel, and aluminum companies. How Canadians are uniting as they fight the tariffs. Plus, how Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is trying to salvage his relationship with Trump after that infamous Oval Office shouting match. Listen to more episodes of Global National with Dawna Friesen here: https://link.chtbl.com/gndf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode: Doug Ford Michael Giles Lisa Raitt Steve Paikin John Turley-Ewart Sharan Kaur You can listen to the John Oakley Show live and in its entirety weekdays from 3:00 - 6:00pm ET over the air, on our website www.640toronto.com, or on the Radioplayer Canada app Got a question or comment? We'd love to hear from you at michael@640toronto.com Music for the John Oakley Show podcast composed and produced by Michael Downey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You can listen to the John Oakley Show live and in its entirety weekdays from 3:00 - 6:00pm ET over the air, on our website www.640toronto.com, or on the Radioplayer Canada app Got a question or comment? We'd love to hear from you at michael@640toronto.com Music for the John Oakley Show podcast composed and produced by Michael Downey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode: Dougie Snakes Leonard Sax Cam Stewart You can listen to the John Oakley Show live and in its entirety weekdays from 3:00 - 6:00pm ET over the air, on our website www.640toronto.com, or on the Radioplayer Canada app Got a question or comment? We'd love to hear from you at michael@640toronto.com Technical production by David Hunter Music for the John Oakley Show podcast composed and produced by Michael Downey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode: Male Swift Fans? Amy Eileen-Hamm Tristin Hopper You can listen to the John Oakley Show live and in its entirety weekdays from 3:00 - 6:00pm ET over the air, on our website www.640toronto.com, or on the Radioplayer Canada app Got a question or comment? We'd love to hear from you at michael@640toronto.com Technical production by David Hunter Music for the John Oakley Show podcast composed and produced by Michael Downey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode: Koleya Karringten Franco Terrazzano Francis Syms You can listen to the John Oakley Show live and in its entirety weekdays from 3:00 - 6:00pm ET over the air, on our website www.640toronto.com, or on the Radioplayer Canada app Got a question or comment? We'd love to hear from you at michael@640toronto.com Technical production by David Hunter Music for the John Oakley Show podcast composed and produced by Michael Downey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode: Jeffrey Sussman Joe Warmington Richard Kurland You can listen to the John Oakley Show live and in its entirety weekdays from 3:00 - 6:00pm ET over the air, on our website www.640toronto.com, or on the Radioplayer Canada app Got a question or comment? We'd love to hear from you at michael@640toronto.com Technical production by David Hunter Music for the John Oakley Show podcast composed and produced by Michael Downey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode: John Turley-Ewart Tristin Hopper Bill Burr SNL You can listen to the John Oakley Show live and in its entirety weekdays from 3:00 - 6:00pm ET over the air, on our website www.640toronto.com, or on the Radioplayer Canada app Got a question or comment? We'd love to hear from you at michael@640toronto.com Technical production by David Hunter Music for the John Oakley Show podcast composed and produced by Michael Downey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices