The Decibel

Patrick White, a reporter for The Globe and Mail who focuses on water issues, delves into the ramifications of recent U.S. policy shifts on the Great Lakes. He discusses the long-standing partnership in managing these waters and the potential threats posed by Trump's budget cuts to environmental agencies. White highlights the crucial links between water management, national security, and environmental health, all while emphasizing the urgent need for renewed cooperation between Canada and the U.S. in safeguarding this vital resource.

Mira Sucharov, a political science professor at Carleton University who specializes in Israeli-Palestinian relations, discusses the recent shift in Western nations recognizing Palestinian statehood. She highlights the implications of this change in policy amid ongoing conflict in Gaza. Sucharov emphasizes the moral significance of these recognitions for oppressed populations and explores potential pathways to peace, including a confederal approach. The conversation touches on the humanitarian crisis and the potential for a resolution that respects the rights of both Israelis and Palestinians.

Dr. Rebecca Robillard, a neuropsychologist at the University of Ottawa, dives into the shifting conversation around sleep. She discusses how the hustle culture sees sleep as unproductive, while modern wellness trends promote sleep optimization that can backfire. Dr. Robillard highlights the dangers of perfectionist sleep habits and the limitations of sleep trackers. She emphasizes that effective treatments for insomnia, like cognitive behavioral therapy, outshine popular sleep hygiene myths perpetuated on social media.

Susan Krashinsky Robertson, a retail business reporter from The Globe, dives into the shocking allegations against Popeyes Chicken. She discusses a lawsuit claiming franchisees bought ‘unsafe’ meat from unauthorized sources. The conversation reveals corporate surveillance efforts to investigate quality control issues and questionable delivery practices. Robertson elaborates on the implications of such disputes for food safety and the brand's reputation, highlighting the complexities of maintaining standards in fast food franchising.

Sara Mojtahedzadeh, an investigative reporter at The Globe focusing on immigration, shares a harrowing tale of an Afghan family trapped in U.S. ICE detention. They face a 'legal trap' as they attempt to reach relatives in Canada, a process now complicated by strict U.S. immigration policies. The discussion highlights the emotional toll of separation, the legal barriers imposed by the Safe Third Country Agreement, and urgent calls for Canadian policy reforms to protect vulnerable asylum seekers amid these challenges.

Alexandra Posadzki, a financial and cybercrime reporter for The Globe and Mail, discusses the fascinating case of Andean Medjedovic, a math prodigy turned fugitive. They talk about how he allegedly siphoned off $65 million in crypto through complex hacking schemes. The conversation dives into the implications of the 'Code is Law' philosophy, the legal challenges he faces, and the ethical dilemmas within the decentralized finance landscape. Posadzki reveals insights into the mind of a fugitive and the intricacies of navigating legal repercussions in the crypto world.

Tony Keller, a Globe columnist with deep expertise in trade relations, joins to discuss the stalled U.S.-Canada trade negotiations and rising tariffs. He dives into the implications of Trump's aggressive trade strategy and what it means for Canadian industries, especially steel and lumber. Keller unpacks the significance of Canada’s negotiation tactics and the potential benefits of avoiding a deal altogether. He also touches on the evolving context of international trade agreements amidst ongoing uncertainties.

Amberly McAteer, a parenting columnist for The Globe, shares her insights on the growing trend of parents using ChatGPT for advice. She discusses her own experience with AI's surprisingly effective solutions, like curbing sibling theft. The conversation highlights the benefits and limitations of AI in parenting, weighing convenience against emotional depth. McAteer urges caution in trusting technology with vital parenting decisions, emphasizing the need for balance between AI support and traditional instincts.

Jennifer Llewellyn, a law professor and chair in restorative justice at Dalhousie’s Schulich School of Law, dives into the promising potential of restorative justice as an alternative to the traditional court system. She discusses how this approach could address the complex issues surrounding consent and accountability highlighted by the Hockey Canada case. Llewellyn emphasizes dialogue, community involvement, and healing for both victims and offenders, advocating for a shift away from punitive measures to foster healthier relationships in society.

Zosia Bielski, a time use reporter for The Globe and Mail, explores Canada’s troubling relationship with rest. She highlights that Canadians average just 17 minutes a day of resting, contributing to high stress levels for many. Zosia advocates for redefining rest as essential, not earned, and shares personal journeys toward prioritizing well-being. The discussion emphasizes the importance of boundaries, communal rejuvenation, and fresh perspectives on work-life balance, particularly in the aftermath of the pandemic.