Cost of Living

Scholastic has been selling books, pens and posters to students for decades. Along the way, it's become one of the world's largest publishers of children's books, with titles like The Hungers Game and Harry Potter. So how did the relationship between a for-profit U.S. company and Canadian schools become so unshakeable? Also, we ask: Does happiness breed success, or is it the other way around?

If it feels like the price of everything from airfares to juice boxes never stay put — you're not wrong. And artificial intelligence could make those prices even more slippery. Also, we explain why more travellers are opting for a seat upgrade and explore how YouTube at the world.

This week, we answer some of your burning questions about the economy. Like, why does Canada import stuff that we produce here? Should you pay in CAD when travelling abroad? And, how expensive is the #rvlife (Originally aired October 12, 2025)

Hallmark's holiday movie formula is as polished as a glass snow globe. And why not? Between product placements and sponsorships, the movies are a winner for the card company. We take a look at the business sense behind the sensibility. Also, we make a spirited defense of IRL shopping and ask: How did Canada's economy weather a stormy 2025?

Pricey VIP experiences are increasingly for sale in places like theme parks, concert venues and ski resorts. So what does it mean for us to be divided into the haves and the have-mores? We examine what the sale of Warner Bros. could mean for the future of entertainment. And why are Canadians paying through le nez for French butter?

The U.S. used to be pretty hands off, let the market do its thing. Now it wants to be the puppet master. So what happened? Also, we explain why advent calendars have become so commercial and we talk to a historian about why certain toys catch lightening in a bottle. Remember Tickle Me Elmo?

In this discussion, reporter Danielle Nerman shares insights on why Canadians are opting to repair their aging cars amid soaring new vehicle prices. Economist Mark Blyth analyzes the unequal impacts of inflation across different demographics, linking personal inflation experiences to rising political polarization. Journalist Leah Hendry guides listeners through using a personal inflation calculator, highlighting real stories from Canadians like Sarah and Richard, whose experiences illustrate the profound effects of inflation on everyday life.

Staying out 'til the wee hours of the morning? That's not happening as much anymore, and restaurants and bars are feeling it. Also, how to find Lego for 2 cents at Walmart and author Danny Funt talks about his new book: Everybody Loses: the Tumultuous Rise of American Sports Gambling.

A lot of people are calling critical minerals a major opportunity for Canada, but we explain why their real benefit may be more strategic than economic. We ask why the price of toilet paper is so d@#m hard to figure out and talk to author David Thomas about his new biography of Prem Watsa — the richest, savviest Canadian you've never heard of who is behind one of Canada's most successful companies.

David Chilton, author of the bestseller The Wealthy Barber, discusses his updated book and shares timeless advice like 'pay yourself first' and the magic of compound interest. Leah Hendry reports on the rising trend of buying Canadian and the nuances of local procurement amid price debates. Danielle Nerman dives into Gen Z's 'vibe investing,' exploring how social media influences their choices, mixing ETFs with speculative stocks. Together, they unravel the complexities of modern investing and consumer habits.