

The Decibel
The Globe and Mail
Context is everything. Join us Monday to Friday for a Canadian daily news podcast from The Globe and Mail. Explore a story shaping our world, in conversation with reporters, experts, and the people at the centre of the news.
Episodes
Mentioned books

May 7, 2024 • 23min
Police, campus unrest and the power of student protests
Dr. Roberta Lexier, an expert in social and student movements, discusses the tensions between campus protesters and police in Canada and the United States. Topics include historical evolution of police presence on campuses, police intervention in protests, the influence of student protests on historical change, and contrasting student movements past vs. present perspectives.

May 6, 2024 • 20min
The ‘stain’ of foreign interference on Canadian elections
The podcast discusses the threats of foreign interference in Canadian elections, highlighting the concerns raised by the public inquiry. Bob Fife shares insights on interference from China, India, and Russia. The impact of disinformation campaigns, like Kenny Chu's targeted efforts, and the call for transparency and legislative changes to safeguard democracy are explored.

May 3, 2024 • 22min
‘What I eat in a day’ videos and the new diet culture
Registered dietitian Christy Harrison discusses the dangers of diet culture on social media, the negative impacts of 'What I eat in a day' videos, and the importance of maintaining a safe relationship with food. She emphasizes the need to sift through disinformation and promote healthier relationships with food in the digital age.

May 2, 2024 • 22min
How the politics of decriminalization played out in B.C.
Justine Hunter, The Globe's B.C. politics reporter, discusses British Columbia's decriminalization experiment to tackle the opioid crisis. The podcast explores the challenges faced, the recent policy reversal, and the implications for harm reduction policies nationwide.

May 1, 2024 • 23min
Why running is more popular than ever
Ben Kaplan, GM of iRun Magazine, and Allison Hill, co-founder of Hill Run Club, discuss how distance running has become more popular, inclusive, and diverse. They explore the surge in running during the pandemic, the therapeutic benefits of running, and the growth of safe and inclusive run clubs. The podcast highlights the impact of running on wellness, community, and friendship.

Apr 30, 2024 • 22min
Sudan and the neglected wars
Explore the neglected conflicts in Africa, focusing on Sudan's dire humanitarian crisis. Learn about the displacement, hunger, and lack of international attention. Uncover the complex dynamics of the Sudanese conflict and the ongoing crisis in Darfur. Discuss the funding issues and delayed sanctions exacerbating the situation.

Apr 29, 2024 • 22min
The biggest EV investment in Canada yet
Adam Radwanski, The Globe's climate policy columnist, discusses Canada's largest EV investments, including Honda's $15 billion plan. They explore the government's push for zero-emission cars by 2030, challenges in the EV industry, and the significance of Honda's move for Canada's future.

Apr 26, 2024 • 42min
City Space: Vancouver’s Chinatown fights gentrification
Exploring the resilient history of Vancouver's Chinatown, from facing racism and discrimination to battling gentrification. The podcast dives into the cultural significance of Tongue Associations, defensive architecture, and revitalization efforts. It highlights the challenges of changing demographics, business ownership shifts, and the importance of preserving community bonds amidst urban changes.

Apr 25, 2024 • 22min
The call to disband the Thunder Bay police
Journalist Willow Fiddler discusses the call to disband the Thunder Bay Police Service due to charges, racism, and misconduct. Topics include inadequate investigations, systemic racism, police failures, and efforts to rebuild trust with Indigenous communities.

Apr 24, 2024 • 20min
How Hong Kong is cracking down on dissent
James Griffiths, The Globe's Asia Correspondent, discusses the new national security law in Hong Kong, known as Article 23, its impact on protests and human rights. The law includes offenses related to sedition, treason, and state secrets, raising concerns about freedom of speech. Griffiths explores the broad reach of the law and the risks faced by journalists in Hong Kong.


