The Big Story

After a long, cringe-laden ceremony at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., we finally had confirmation of the 12 groups that will comprise the 23rd FIFA World Cup.And get this, Canada could potentially host Italy to open their 2026 campaign in Toronto. How did Canada get here? How will they fare against the world’s best? And will this World Cup, shared by three countries navigating fractured relationships, “work” when things get started next Summer?Host Devang Desai speaks with David Gass, founder of Kickback Soccer Media, about Canada’s World Cup hopes, FIFA’s relationship with Donald Trump, and weather concerns for next Summer. 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

Enjoy this special feed drop from our sister show 'In This Economy?!'It's the kind of relief Canadians have been waiting to see for a while, but year after year, the idea of grocery prices lowering seems to be farther and farther away.Dalhousie University's annual publication, 'Canada's Food Price Report', found that families will be spending an extra 4% on groceries next year, coming out at more than $17,000.Host Mike Eppel speaks to the lead author of the report, Sylvain Charlebois, to discuss the latest in Canada's food market, and whether or not Canadians should hold their breath for lower prices. 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

Canadian consumers are a lot more aware of where their money goes these days – for a few reasons. There’s a lot of economic uncertainty but many of us are also more cognizant of buying Canadian where possible as the trade war with the US rages on.The problem is – labels can be misleading, and the idea of something being ethical or sustainable might be different depending on your perspective.Host Kris McCusker speaks to Jing Wan, a professor at the university of Guelph who studies ethical and sustainable consumption. They discuss ways to shop “smarter”, and why the easiest solution might be easier said than done. 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

Both the climate and tolerance of gender-based violence has changed since the 1989 femicide at Polytechnique Montreal. What was once strides forward in protecting women from violence, now seems like it's gone a few steps back considering GBV's more popular habitat: the internet.Incel culture and the 'manosphere' have dominated online spaces for young men, most who initially search for a sense of community, but find themselves engaging in disturbing, highly violent behaviour towards women. The Carney government has pledged more money in AI investments than in tackling GBV, but some experts believe a cut of the AI money could go towards protecting online spaces and combatting deepfake pornography.Host Maria Kestane speaks to Dr. Cecile Rousseau, Canada Research Chair in Preventing Violent Radicalization and a psychiatry professor at McGill University to discuss how the fight against Canada's incel crisis requires comprehensive, multi-level cooperation between all levels of government, parents and teachers.If you or someone you know is in an unsafe situation, please call 911. 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

Imagine a wine tour experience, but for cannabis.Canada has strict consumption regulations for cannabis products, although government-owned weed shops decorate plazas across the country. That gap between retail shops versus consumption spaces has hospitality and business experts alike urging Ottawa to take advantage of a tourism goldmine.Host Richard Southern speaks to Susan Dupej, a post-doctorate fellow at the University of Guelph to discuss Canada's current tolerance for tourists looking for a cannabis-friendly experience, and what steps our government should take to reach our potential. 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

She’s tied for the most decorated Canadian Olympian, but she won’t be anywhere near a podium for at least two years.Toronto’s Penny Oleksiak has been banned from competing until 2027 after allegedly violating anti-doping whereabouts regulations, something she says has nothing to do with banned substances. The World Anti-Doping Agency is the international regulatory body that oversees drug testing for competitive athletes. Testing happens both after a competition, as well as in the form of pre-competitive check-ins, such as whereabout disclosures.Host Alex Seixeiro speaks to Bruce Arthur, columnist for the Toronto Star, to discuss what lies ahead for Magic Penny, and whether or not anti-doping regulation is too rigorous. 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

It's not the most commonly sought-after item on Facebook, but it's certainly not the least advertised on the platform's feeds either.Advertisements for highly addictive and illegal drugs like cocaine and oxycodone continue to appear on Meta's social platforms, amid their no-tolerance policy for such content and for what they call 'robust' measures to keep them off.The RCMP says it works extensively to intercept online purchases of illegal drugs, but Meta's reliance on AI to regulate advertisement sales and distribution doesn't allow for much policing.Host Maria Kestane speaks to Ben Musset, digital editor for the Toronto Star, and Omar Mosleh, reporter for the Toronto Star to discuss their investigation into Meta's advertising loopholes, and how Canada's most vulnerable could fall victim to the multibillion dollar self-regulating business platform. 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

Prime Minister Mark Carney and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith put pen to paper this past week, signing an Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in hopes of strengthening Canada's economy and lessen our dependence on the U.S.Plans for an independently-funded pipeline through British Colombia are in the works, depending on approval from the Major Projects Office and hinged on Indigenous co-ownership.However, not everyone is on board with the terms of the MOU, especially Premier David Eby, as well as Liberal MP Steven Guilbeault who has resigned from the cabinet on Thursday.Host Mark Day speaks to Cormac Mac Sweeney, CityNews Parliament Hill reporter to break down what's needed for this pipeline to materialize in the years to come, and how this MOU could play out for Carney's Liberals. 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

It's not completely odd for a former Olympian to return to the limelight years after competing...but rarely is it for allegedly piloting a drug ring comparable to that of El Chapo's.Ryan James Wedding now sits alongside some of America's most dangerous criminals on the FBI's Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list for several offences related to drug trafficking and murder. A number of Canadians have been arrested earlier this month in connection to the case, including Wedding's defence lawyer from Brampton, Deepak Paradkar. And the FBI has hiked up the reward for his arrest to $15 million USD. Host Richard Southern speaks to Calvi Leon, a crime reporter for the Toronto Star to break down how a Canadian born in Thunder Bay made his way to the FBI's Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list for allegedly leading one of the most prolific drug trafficking organizations in the world. 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

A recent Leger poll commissioned by OMNI News found that 67% of newcomers believe Canada should admit fewer than 300,000 new immigrants per year, and 4 in 10 say that number should be less than 100,000.The survey was conducted ahead of this month's federal budget announcement when Ottawa announced its plans to reduce new permanent resident visas to 380,000 per year from 2026 to 2028. However, respondents believe granting visas should go hand in hand with ensuring there's enough housing and social supports for people who are already in Canada before more people come in.Host Caryn Ceolin speaks to Teresa Romano, OMNI News reporter for their Italian Bureau to dig into the findings of this year's poll, and discuss whether or not newcomers and immigrants to Canada believe that our immigration system is serving those who need it most. 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

The passing of omnibus Bill 60, also known as the 'Fighting Delays, Building Faster Act' has caused a fury of backlash across the province of Ontario, including tenant and housing advocacy groups.The new bill, which was fast-tracked through the legislature, removes barriers to allow landlords to evict tenants if they're late on rent or if they're not paying their total. Many critics say this will worsen the homelessness crisis, especially during the upcoming winter months.However, Housing Minister Rob Flack says it's about restoring balance within the housing system, rejecting claims that this will put people out of housing. Instead, he says the bill will help expedite bills.Host Richard Southern speaks to Marc Davignon, Ontario ACORN Tenant Leader to talk about his experience getting kicked out of the Ontario legislature on Monday, and how he believes the new bill will affect the most vulnerable across the province. 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

Questions continue to be raised about what an interstellar visitor to our solar system actually is. NASA says although its eyes are peeled for signs of life, this isn't the case.3I/ATLAS was discovered in July by the NASA-funded ATLAS survey telescope. The space organization says it's only the third object ever seen to be passing through the solar system from elsewhere in the galaxy.However, some critics claim the comet's several anomalies pose as reasons as to why it should be considered an extraterrestrial being instead. Host Richard Southern speaks to Avi Loeb, theoretical physicist and professor at Harvard University to break down what we need to know about 3I/ATLAS and the potential for alien activity. 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

Enjoy this special feed drop of In This Economy?!A recent report by Indeed Canada found that seasonal job postings are up 12% this year compared to 2024, which could offer some respite for those looking for work. Statistics Canada says the unemployment rate remains elevated for the month of October, sitting at 6.9%, while youth unemployment is basically double that at 14.1%.Host Mike Eppel speaks to Brendon Bernard, senior economist at Indeed Canada to break down the report and discuss how the interest in holiday jobs says more about the bigger picture of the state of the economy. The also discuss how the current geopolitical climate plays into the unemployment market. 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

There's always a big push to donate blood, but what about plasma?It's the not-so-secret ingredient within whole blood that's packed with nutrients and proteins that helps boost the body's immunity. It also holds the power to act as a healing agent for other bodies that need its immunoglobulins.However, Canada is facing a massive shortage of plasma, and if it doesn't keep up with demand, our healthcare system won't have the bandwidth to treat those in need. Host Gurdeep Ahluwalia speaks to Jessica Carswell, Director, Strategic Engagement at Canadian Blood Services to discuss the need for plasma to help keep Canada's healthcare system running, and how to determine if donating is right for you. 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

As Prime Minister Mark Carney heads for the G20 Summit in South Africa, his trip to the United Arab Emirates proved to be one focused on strengthening diplomatic ties and potential foreign investment relations.However, mention of the UAE's alleged involvement in the war in Sudan was something many Canadians and human rights activists felt was missing from the trip's itinerary.Amnesty International claims credible sources have found the UAE to be in violation of the United Nations' arms embargo to Sudan's Darfur region, something the UAE repeatedly denies. The Sudanese war broke out in 2023, as its army battles for power against a paramilitary group, the Rapid Support Forces. More than 150,000 lives have been claimed.Host Maria Kestane speaks to Glen McGregor, political correspondent for CityNews to break down the implications of Carney's trip to the Middle East, and how the omission for holding the UAE accountable could have consequences for Canada's humanitarian image. 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

November is financial literacy month, and when it comes to finances, ignorance is certainly not bliss.With all the resources online, whether that be from TikToks or business blogs or even ChatGPT, it may seem intimidating to cut through all the noise to find out what works for you. But the reality is, educating yourself is easier than you think. All it takes is one conversation.Host Kris McCusker speaks to Gary Teelucksingh, co-founder of the Money Wise Institute and partner at Electric Mind. He’s also the author of Roots of Prosperity: Building Legacies Beyond Wealth. The two discuss how to build financial habits that work for your personal lifestyle, and how the worst thing you could do for your money is NOT talk about it, regardless of how old you 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

A recent report by the Canadian Cancer Statistics Advisory Committee found that after more than three decades of steady decline, cases of cervical cancer have plateaued in the past 20 years. In an effort to make screening less daunting, the Canadian Cancer Society is pushing for all provinces and territories to replace the traditional pap smear examination with the human papillomavirus (HPV) test. So far, only four provinces have made the switch.But the switch is just a piece of the puzzle. Access to screening, education on reproductive health, and destigmatizing testing all play a role in bringing down cases of cervical cancer - which Canada committed to eliminate by 2040.Host Maria Kestane speaks to Dr. Lucy Gilbert, director of the McGill University Gynecologic Oncology service, and chair of oncology for McGill University’s Gerald Bronfman Department of Oncology to discuss the risks related with lack of access to proper screenings, and how Health Canada needs to keep health education top of mind if they want to meet its 2040 goal. 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

As the U.S. House aims to vote on a bill this week to force Donald Trump’s Justice Department to make the Jeffrey Epstein files public, the president is now calling for Republicans to vote in favor of the files’ release.It’s a noticeable change of heart that comes after Trump was named in newly released emails obtained by Congress that are reignited scrutiny of what he knew about Epstein’s conduct.The dilemma continues to divide both his strongest supporters and his Republican party, and has even led to a falling-out with one of his longtime MAGA allies, Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia.Host Caryn Ceolin is joined by Andra Gillespie, a political scientist at Emory University to discuss why the president’s reversal, in the face of all-but-certain defeat on Capitol Hill, is still unlikely to lead to the release of the Epstein files. 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

Canada has seen four incidents in just two months of Canadian Border Service Agency primary inspection kiosks going down at some of the country's busiest airports.CBSA's President Erin O'Gorman admitted they use what it calls 'legacy systems', but besides the security delays at air and land-crossings, these outages highlight the real neglect Ottawa has done to its agencies' technologies. Host Maria Kestane speaks to David Shipley, CEO and co-founder of Beauceron Security to discuss the reality of Canada's ability to defend itself against National security threats, and whether or not these outages are as bad as they seem. 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

Ontario signed a 1-year renewal contract with Ottawa earlier this week, keeping childcare between $19-$22/day. Instead of a 5-year renewal, Provincial Education Minister Paul Calandra wants the federal government to address Ontario's $2 billion shortfall, or else daily fees for families will increase. Meantime, Ontario's Auditor General said Ontario wasn't meeting it's ECE staffing targets, nor was it building enough spaces to satisfy the 5.9 : 10 ratio requirement set out by Ottawa.Host Maria Kestane speaks to David Macdonald, Senior Economist at the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives to discuss their recent report on childcare deserts across the country, and how close Ontario is to lowering the average childcare price to $10/day. 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