The Decibel

Ian Urbina, executive editor of The Outlaw Ocean Project, discusses the investigation revealing North Korean forced labor in Chinese seafood plants supplying Canadian companies. The podcast explores the challenges faced by the workers, the complexities of the seafood supply chain, and the need for improved monitoring in the industry to combat forced labor.

Journalist Sean Silcoff discusses the rise of psychedelic drugs in treating mental health, focusing on Canadian companies MindMed and Cybin. They delve into FDA breakthrough designation, investor interest, and challenges in advancing psychedelic research. The future potential and long-term impact of psychedelic drugs are explored, emphasizing the need for further clinical trials.

The podcast discusses the dangerous conditions facing aid workers delivering supplies to Gaza, highlighting the recent deaths of seven World Central Kitchen workers. Dr. Sarah Schiffling explains the challenges of providing aid in Gaza and explores potential solutions. The chapter delves into the logistical hurdles, food shortages, and the impact of the ongoing conflict on aid delivery.

Philip Mai, senior researcher at Toronto Metropolitan University, discusses school boards suing social media giants. They explore the impact of social media on classrooms, mental health, and youth engagement. The lawsuit aims to address addictive features and implement age restrictions, emphasizing social media responsibility and accountability.

Exploring Canada's AI future, the podcast discusses the need for infrastructure investment to support AI research talent. They delve into the challenges of computing power, potential brain drain of AI talent, and the implications of government funding in the AI sector.

Jason Kirby, Matt Lundy, and Mark Rendell discuss the reasons behind soaring housing prices in Canada, construction challenges, declining productivity, inflation's impact on building supplies, and the demographic shift with seniors selling homes affecting future housing projections.

Science reporter Ivan Semeniuk discusses the upcoming total solar eclipse in Canada, explaining the science behind eclipses and how to view them safely. The episode covers the path of totality, historical significance, and the profound impact of witnessing a total solar eclipse.

There are few more important habits for human health than the hours we spend asleep every night. Research shows sleep – or lack of it – affects everything from our physical and mental health, decision making and ability to fight illness. Despite this, at least one in four Canadians say they’re unhappy with the quality of their sleep.Dr. Rébecca Robillard, neuropsychologist at the University of Ottawa and Co-Chair of the Canadian Sleep Research Consortium, goes deep on the science of sleep and why it’s vital for cognition and brain health.Questions? Comments? Ideas? Email us at thedecibel@globeandmail.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Aspen, Colorado is a picturesque mountain town often called a snowy “playground for the rich”. Real estate is also one of the most expensive in the United States, and for the teachers that live there, that means they’ve been priced out. Now, the local high school is trying to solve that problem with student-built tiny homes for their teachers.The Globe’s international correspondent, Nathan VanderKlippe recently spent time in Aspen to find out about this makeshift solution to the affordability crisis, the other cities doing similar projects and what this all says about the effects housing has on our social structures.Questions? Comments? Ideas? E-mail us at thedecibel@globeandmail.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Guest Brenda Bouw from Globe Advisor explains how CPP works, factors influencing payment amounts, and optimal claiming age. Topics include contributions, universality, management, payment decisions, sustainability, and navigating CPP for different generations.