The Decibel

Joe Castaldo, a business reporter focused on AI, and Sean Silcoff, a technology and life sciences reporter, dive into the complexities of using AI in drug development. They discuss the initial optimism surrounding AI’s potential to revolutionize drug discovery, juxtaposed with the stark realities faced by biotech companies over the last decade. The duo highlights significant challenges, such as managing conflicting AI models and the necessity for high-quality data, revealing that AI isn’t a foolproof answer to the long-standing issues in pharmaceutical research.

Justine Hunter, a BC reporter for The Globe specializing in marine wildlife and environmental issues, uncovers the pressing problem of 'ghost gear'—abandoned fishing equipment that endangers ocean life. She explains how this gear causes significant harm by trapping marine animals and the challenges involved in its retrieval. The conversation highlights Canada's leading cleanup initiatives, the need for community involvement, and the economic benefits of healthier marine ecosystems, particularly for local fisheries.

Mark MacKinnon, a Senior International Correspondent covering the war in Ukraine, shares gripping insights from the frontlines. He discusses the recent Ukrainian offensive into Russia's Kursk region and its ripple effects, including heightened Russian attacks on civilians. MacKinnon paints a stark picture of life in the war-torn Sumi area, revealing the resilience of residents. He also delves into the evolving dynamics of Western military support and the complex realities faced by captured Russian soldiers in Ukrainian custody.

The Liberal Party is in a ‘dire state’. From questions over Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s continued leadership to the collapse of the supply and confidence deal with the NDP, to their poor polling numbers compared to the Conservatives – the ruling party appears to be at the weakest in years. What, if anything, can they do to win back Canadian voters with a federal election on the horizon?The Globe’s political columnist John Ibbitson joins the podcast to talk about the inner turmoil of the party and whether Trudeau could step down.Questions? Comments? Ideas? Email us at thedecibel@globeandmail.com

Since the 2023 Giller Prize ceremony, Scotiabank, the fiction prize’s lead sponsor, has been the target of protests over its stake in Elbit Systems, an Israeli defence contractor. Though all of Canada’s Big Six banks hold stake in Elbit Systems, Scotiabank has drawn a heightened level of scrutiny and protest since the October 7th attacks.Globe arts and business reporter Josh O’Kane and business reporter David Milstead are on the show to talk about how prominent Elbit Systems is in Canadian investment portfolios, and what sets Scotiabank’s investment in Elbit Systems apart from other Canadian banks.Questions? Comments? Ideas? Email us at thedecibel@globeandmail.com

Donald Trump and Kamala Harris are set to face off in what will likely be the only debate between them on September 10th at 9 p.m. ET. And as far as debates go, the stakes are high after the last debate ultimately led to Joe Biden stepping down as the Democratic candidate.To help you follow along to the various points that Harris and Trump raise, Adrian Morrow, The Globe’s U.S. correspondent in Washington, wrote out bingo cards. He is on the show to play some debate bingo with Menaka Raman-Wilms. Questions? Comments? Ideas? Email us at thedecibel@globeandmail.com

A new phase in the war in Ukraine began when Ukrainian forces took Russian territory in August. A month later, the Russians fired back, dealing Ukraine one of its deadliest days after missiles struck a military academy on September 3. The renewed intensity has led to more calls for Western help. And one of the main advocates on this cause has been Ukrainian First Lady Olena Zelenska. The Globe and  Mail’s Janice Dickson spoke with Ms. Zelenska in Kyiv this summer. She shares highlights from that interview. Questions? Comments? Ideas? Email us at thedecibel@globeandmail.com

Police say that it’s the biggest art fraud in world history—and it happened here in Canada. It centres around the art of the renowned Anishinaabe painter Norval Morrisseau, and there are potentially thousands of fakes out there, including in prominent institutions across Canada.The Globe’s Parliamentary reporter Kristy Kirkup tells us the details of this $100 million dollar fraud, how a homicide case blew it open, and the impact it’s had on the legacy of this trailblazing Indigenous artist.Questions? Comments? Ideas? Email us at thedecibel@globeandmail.com

Jagmeet Singh, the NDP leader who recently canceled a key agreement with the Liberals, joins political reporter Marieke Walsh. They dive into the reasons behind this significant move and its potential fallout. The conversation highlights the shifting power dynamics in Canadian politics and the political challenges faced by the Liberal party. They also discuss the implications for upcoming by-elections and the evolving relationship between the major parties as tensions rise and voter sentiment shifts.

As long as there have been cities, there have been pest problems. Beneath our feet, rats scurry about and feed off our garbage. They breed quickly and plentifully. Above our heads, pigeons flock and dive, crowding around park benches and generally making a mess. The prairies have been contending with feral swine. Pest control has always been a delicate dance for cities, but now, they’re turning to new methods.Oliver Moore is the Globe’s urban affairs reporter. He’s on the show to talk about why rats and pigeons have such a hold on our cities, and what some cities are doing to curb the populations. The Globe’s Alanna Smith also joins to talk about the truth behind Alberta’s claims that they’re rat-free. Questions? Comments? Ideas? Email us at thedecibel@globeandmail.com