Understood

In the aftermath of René Angélil’s death, a Céline-aissance. But then, illness strikes. In the final episode of Céline: Understood, a look at her recent years, and why her fame endures.

Céline Dion becomes inescapable in the mid-nineties with her hit song from the Titanic soundtrack, My Heart Will Go On. She achieves a unique level of global fame, earning fans from Jamaica to Iraq. But her ubiquity will also inspire a backlash in North America.

With her manager René Angélil by her side, Céline Dion is starting to crossover into the US. But there’s a secret René and Céline have been keeping: one René feared could stop Céline’s blooming career in its tracks.

Céline Dion slept in a drawer as a baby born into a poor francophone Catholic family in Québec. At 12, she gets discovered in an office in Montreal, and she becomes a rising star in the insular constellation of Québec celebrity. But just as Céline is trying to break into English Canada, political tensions are running high in Québec. And some accuse her of selling out.

Céline Dion is having a moment. It’s not her first. And millions of fans are hoping it won’t be her last. While Céline’s international stardom seems obvious now, it was all so unlikely. This four-part series hosted by Céline expert Thomas Leblanc explores the surprising cultural, political and business alchemy that created one of the most enduring superstars the planet has ever seen. Four episodes releasing weekly starting on Tuesday, October 15, 2024.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi may have narrowly won a third term, but without a majority government, his grip on power appears weaker than ever. On this bonus episode of Modi’s India: Understood, host Salimah Shivji and producer Joyita Sengupta talk about the surprising results of the Indian election. Access the transcript for this episode here.

Exploring Modi's leadership qualities and the evolution of Indian cinema, the podcast delves into the impact of political influence on creative freedom in the media industry. It also discusses Modi's rhetoric and Muslim exclusion, the political landscape in India, and the themes of unity and resilience in modern India.

Exploring Modi's strong leadership image, the podcast delves into escalating tensions and civil unrest in India, including crackdowns on dissent and accusations of government ties to assassination plots. It also covers the farmer protests in Punjab and the resurgence of Khalistani elements amidst the civil movements, shedding light on the challenges to Modi's authority.

Exploring Narendra Modi's rise to power, from controversial past to economic reforms. Discussion on his efforts to attract investments and focus on sanitation issues. Analysis of vigilante violence against Muslims, rise of Hindu nationalism, and Modi's development agenda for a strong India.

Narendra Modi's rise from humble beginnings as a tea seller to India's powerful leader. Discusses the opening of a temple in Ayodhya, Modi's success despite religious riots, and his political journey from chai walla to Chief Minister amidst controversies and accusations. Explores the aftermath of the Godhra incident, Modi's political strategy, and his rise to power through promises and support from Hindu voters.