The Decibel

Kathryn Blaze Baum, an investigative reporter at The Globe and Mail, uncovers the dark world of hacked Meta accounts. She reveals how desperate users turn to brokers, paying hefty fees for expedited recovery, while Meta's customer support often falls short. The conversation dives into the troubling collusion between these brokers and Meta employees, as well as how individuals suffer after account losses. Kathryn also discusses the company's efforts to crack down on these practices and the broader implications for user security on social media.

David Eberhardt, spokesperson for the Association of Landlords of Berlin and Brandenburg, delves into Berlin's bold approach to its housing crisis. He discusses the landmark referendum for expropriating apartments from mega landlords and its implications. Eberhardt weighs the radical nature of this solution against legal and financial concerns. The conversation also touches on the contrast between Berlin's policies and Canada's housing struggles, exploring whether similar actions could alleviate pressure in Canadian cities.

Sara Mojtehedzadeh, an investigative reporter at The Globe specializing in immigration and refugee issues, breaks down the controversial Strong Borders Act. She discusses its proposed powers for law enforcement and the new one-year deadline for refugee claims. Sara raises critical concerns about the impact on asylum seekers, including risks to fair hearings and the potential for exploitation. The conversation explores the broader implications of these changes on Canada's immigration landscape and the future of refugee protections.

Mark MacKinnon, a senior international correspondent for The Globe and Mail, delves into the harrowing plight of Ukrainian children missing due to the ongoing conflict. He discusses the collaborative efforts of Save Ukraine and Hala Systems, which, backed by Canada, are using advanced technology to locate and map facilities where children are held. The conversation highlights shocking statistics, including 20,000 missing children and the concerning indoctrination tactics they face. MacKinnon offers insight into the complex humanitarian crisis and the urgent need for international support to reunite these children with their families.

Rachel Giese, author of 'Boys: What It Means to Become a Man' and deputy national editor at The Globe and Mail, dives into the critical topics surrounding the Hockey Canada trial. She discusses how this case reflects our cultural understanding of consent and masculinity. Giese emphasizes the need for more meaningful conversations with boys about vulnerability and emotional health. She challenges the oversimplified views of consent and advocates for deeper discussions on sexual encounters, highlighting the importance of role models in shaping healthy masculinity.

Jennifer Yang, a health sciences reporter for The Globe, delves into the remarkable story of Maryam Fatima, who was born with hemimegalencephaly. Yang shares insights from medical experts who performed a groundbreaking surgery to disconnect part of Maryam's brain in a life-saving effort. The podcast reveals the emotional journey of Maryam's family, their immigration from India to Canada, and the innovative treatments they pursued. Listeners are taken through the challenges of her early battles with severe seizures and her inspiring path to recovery.

Jason Kirby, a staff reporter at The Globe’s Report on Business, delves into the significant increase in U.S. steel and aluminum tariffs. He discusses the dramatic implications for Canadian producers, with one stating that their American business has become ‘unviable.’ Kirby also examines the potential ripple effects on consumer prices and jobs, alongside the strategic motivations behind Trump's decisions. Additionally, he highlights Canada’s retaliatory measures and the brewing tensions that could escalate into trade wars.

Joining is Jeff Gray, a Globe and Mail reporter specializing in Ontario politics. He discusses the implications of the recent push to fast-track infrastructure projects across Canada amid ongoing trade tensions. Gray highlights the controversial nature of Bill 5 in Ontario and the backlash from Indigenous nations and conservation groups. He explains how the rush for approvals could inadvertently lead to delays and civil unrest, emphasizing the importance of genuine consultation with Indigenous communities to avoid escalating tensions.

Alanna Smith, a health reporter for The Globe based in Calgary, dives into the legal battle surrounding Alberta's Bill 26, which restricts gender-affirming health care for transgender youth. She discusses the Canadian Medical Association's constitutional challenge against the bill, calling it a "moral crisis" for doctors. Alanna delves into the ethical concerns posed by the legislation, the rationale of the Alberta government, and discusses the impact of such laws on transgender youth's well-being and access to necessary treatments.

In this engaging discussion, Alexandra Posadzki, a financial and cybercrime reporter at The Globe and Mail, interviews Aubrey Cottle, a former member of Anonymous facing legal challenges. They explore how the hacker group's early activism evolved into associations with toxic online culture and far-right movements. Cottle reflects on the unexpected political fallout from their actions, grappling with guilt over their role in amplifying misinformation during pivotal elections. This conversation reveals a deep dive into the darker side of the internet's influence on real-world politics.