Commotion with Elamin Abdelmahmoud

Nicholas Quah, a sharp culture critic from Vulture, and Sophie Gilbert, a staff writer at The Atlantic, dive into HBO's The Pitt, exploring its return and the contrast between seasons. They discuss the show's blend of social commentary and moral clarity, raising questions about character-driven storytelling. Joining them, Rollie Pemberton, aka Cadence Weapon, critiques A$AP Rocky’s new album, Don't Be Dumb, highlighting his fashion influence and the stylistic range of the record. It's a rich discussion on TV and music that spans genres and cultural commentary.

Join actor and comedian Marlon Palmer, culture critic Roxana Hadadi, and CBC reporter Jackson Weaver as they dive into the horror of '28 Years Later: The Bone Temple,' discussing its cult themes and the zombie genre evolution. They explore the allure of 'The Traitors,' dissecting its mechanics and the chaotic energy of Michael Rapaport. The conversation heats up around a controversial exchange on CBC’s 'Dragons' Den,' tackling issues of classism and cultural pricing in food. Tune in for their sharp critiques and intriguing recommendations!

Alyssa Mercante, a Senior reporter at Digiday, and Matthew Frank, an Associate editor at The Ankler, dive into how gambling is taking over mainstream entertainment, impacting everything from Oscar predictions to video games. They discuss the rise of prediction markets and the blurred lines between betting and political events. Jeremy Barr from The Guardian shares insights into the turmoil at CBS News under Bari Weiss, explaining the underlying tensions and their broader implications. The conversation reveals a cultural shift where gambling influences our enjoyment of art and media.

Andra (Anju) Gogia, a seasoned bookselling advocate from Another Story Bookshop, joins to discuss the Giller Prize's surprising decision to include only booksellers as jurors. She shares insights on diversity, jury makeup, and the implications for the prize. Dan Cantor, a musical director who was friends with Bob Weir, reflects on their unique bond formed while backstage at a Justin Bieber concert. He shares touching stories about Weir’s playful spirit, influential legacy, and the lessons he imparted on creativity and life. A heartfelt tribute to a musical icon!

One of Canada’s most prestigious orchestras is facing a moment of reckoning. The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra says it will no longer use non-disclosure agreements in cases involving sexual misconduct. Elamin talks to Globe & Mail reporter Robyn Doolittle and violinist Lara St. John on how we got here, and what still needs to happen for real change inside the rigid, secretive world of classical music.

The 83rd Golden Globes were held in Los Angeles last night, providing an early gauge as to which films and actors have the momentum heading into Oscars season. Entertainment reporters Teri Hart and Chris Murphy join Elamin to discuss the most memorable moments from last night’s telecast. Plus, with the premiere of season four of the acclaimed series 'Industry’ - Elamin is joined by Guardian TV critic Hannah J Davies to discuss the show’s latest season and the series’ growing popularity.

There has never been a bigger Canadian show than Heated Rivalry – and people everywhere are obsessed. Culture critics Cassandra Morann, Jason P Frank and Lainey Lui join Elamin to take stock of how the gay hockey show became such a massive global phenomenon, and where it goes from here. 

Are we in an era of insufferable TV dialogue? Screenwriter and show-runner Anthony Q. Farrell and culture writer Kathryn VanArendonk talk to Elamin about why writers are dumbing down dialogue, and what impact it’s having on storytelling and the viewing experience. Plus, from the late ‘70s into the ‘80s, the free-form Toronto radio station CFNY was a crucial incubator of alternative music that introduced trailblazing British bands like The Cure and New Order to North American audiences, while nurturing Canada’s own indie-music culture. A new TVO documentary explores CFNY’s groundbreaking impact and eventual absorption into the commercial corporate-radio system, and music journalist Liisa Ladouceur explains how the documentary reflects her own experiences as an avid listener, and why the CFNY story still resonates today. 

The new year kicked off with some big stories from the world of hip hop. There's the petition to have Nicki Minaj deported to Trinidad, Drake is facing a lawsuit over an alleged gambling scheme, and the controversy surrounding comments made by Adin Ross towards Doechii. Culture critics Pablo The Don, Jay Smooth and El Jones join Elamin Abdelmahoud to dig into this week’s biggest stories.

Millions of people are encountering the crisis in Venezuela right now through memes – from Nicolás Maduro's 'viral dance' that reportedly angered U.S. President Donald Trump to the Nike track suit he wore on the flight to New York City, which sold out in hours. Elamin Abdelmahmoud talks with New York Times technology reporter Mike Isaac about how our responses to a complex crisis are different when memes shape our understanding.Plus, forty years on, Jim Henson's Labyrinth still feels like nothing else - an 80s dark fantasy that gets under your skin. The film returns to cinemas this week to mark the big anniversary. Culture writers Kayleigh Donaldson and Roxana Hadadi get into why this movie has become a cult classic. The re-release comes during another anniversary - ten years since the death of David Bowie who was at his peak as the Goblin King.