The Decibel

Vivienne Tuckrell, mother of Amber Tuccaro, passionately advocates for justice in her daughter’s unsolved murder. In a deeply moving discussion, she recounts Amber's last moments, revealed through a chilling recording. The conversation highlights the ongoing crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women in Canada, emphasizing the systemic issues in the police investigation. Tuckrell shares personal stories about family loss, the struggle for answers, and the emotional toll of navigating safety in vulnerable communities.

Pippa Norman, a Globe reporter who explored the lives of Gen Z, shares fascinating insights on their unique experiences. She discusses the impact of social media and the pandemic on their social connections. Gen Z prefers in-person interactions but faces challenges forming meaningful relationships. Pippa highlights the importance of 'third spaces'—creative community hubs—essential for overcoming loneliness. They also emphasize the role of social media in organizing gatherings and raising awareness about global issues.

Dakshana Bascaramurty, The Globe's food culture reporter, dives into the changing landscape of restaurant criticism. She discusses the rise of food influencers on platforms like Instagram and TikTok and how they differ from traditional critics, particularly in their approach to anonymity and accountability. The conversation reveals how social media has democratized dining reviews but also presents the challenge of balancing authenticity with sponsorship. Listeners learn about the joy of spontaneous dining and how to find hidden gems beyond the curated reviews.

Mark MacKinnon, Senior International Correspondent for The Globe and Mail, shares powerful insights on the ongoing crisis in Gaza. He paints a vivid picture of the severe humanitarian conditions faced by families like Marwa Shaheen's, enduring constant displacement. The discussion delves into the challenges of delivering aid, escalating violence in the West Bank, and the growing despair among Palestinians who feel abandoned amid international inaction. MacKinnon's perspective illuminates the human cost of conflict in the region.

Mark MacKinnon, Senior International Correspondent for The Globe and Mail, shares poignant insights on the aftermath of Israel's October 7th attack. He captures the emotional landscape of Israelis through survivor stories and reflects on the profound loss felt in both Israel and Palestine. The discussion navigates the political turmoil faced by Israel’s leaders amid military actions and the stark realities of hostages. MacKinnon emphasizes the struggle for peace, even amidst lingering grief, and the importance of sustainable solutions for the future.

Shannon Proudfoot, a journalist diving deep into political dynamics, joins to discuss the perplexing resilience of Justin Trudeau amid dismal approval ratings. She explores the psychological toll on leaders like Trudeau and Kathleen Wynne, who both faced pivotal moments in their careers. The conversation explains the paradox of hope and denial in political campaigns, while drawing insights from the 1993 Progressive Conservative disaster. Proudfoot also compares current leadership challenges to those in the U.S., revealing the unpredictable nature of political survival.

James Griffiths, a correspondent for The Globe focusing on Asia, shares his firsthand experience aboard the HMCS Vancouver. He vividly recounts life at sea, highlighting the blend of comfort and noise. The discussion dives into Canada's increasing naval presence in the Pacific amidst rising tensions with China, and the pressing issues of funding and recruitment facing the military. Griffiths also emphasizes the role of the Navy in global stability and shares fascinating insights into the culinary traditions that shape life on a warship.

Thomas Juneau, an associate professor at the University of Ottawa specializing in the Middle East, delves into the escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. He discusses Iran's missile strikes on Israel and Israel's military responses, which have resulted in a humanitarian crisis in Lebanon. Juneau analyzes the historical context, Hezbollah's resilience, and Israel’s missile defense capabilities. He also explores the potential for increased U.S. involvement and the overarching implications for regional stability.

Adam Radwanski, a journalist from The Globe and Mail covering climate policy, dives into the challenges faced by the Canada Infrastructure Bank since its inception in 2017. He explores how the bank aims to reshape its reputation through significant projects like the Oneida Energy Storage Project, positioning itself as a leader in sustainable energy. Radwanski also discusses the bank's political hurdles and the potential impacts if conservative parties gain power, raising questions about its future viability and the necessity of private sector involvement.

Janice Dickson, a Globe reporter, sheds light on the dismal state of women's rights in Afghanistan since the Taliban's resurgence. She discusses the harsh restrictions, including bans on education beyond sixth grade and silencing women in public. The conversation delves into international legal actions by Canada, Germany, Australia, and the Netherlands aimed at holding the Taliban accountable. Janice emphasizes the significance of these efforts while highlighting the ongoing struggles faced by Afghan women and the importance of their voices in the fight for rights.