Commotion with Elamin Abdelmahmoud

Vinson Cunningham, a culture critic known for his insights on film and celebrity culture, teams up with Lainey Lui, founder of LaineyGossip.com, to dissect Vanity Fair's all-male Hollywood issue and its implications on modern masculinity. They explore how vulnerability and accessibility are reshaping leading men's images. Music journalist Emile Hanskamp then dives into Tobias Jesso Jr.'s long-awaited album, discussing his journey from breakout star to behind-the-scenes songwriter, and the daring experimentation in his new music.

Ian Stamon, a former representative of De La Soul, delves into the significance of their new album, 'Cabin in the Sky,' especially after Trugoy the Dove's passing. Keysha Freshh, a Toronto rapper, shares her emotional connection to the album and its themes of grief and legacy. They also discuss the pioneering spirit of De La Soul and their struggles within the music industry. Rob Davies sheds light on the UK government's proposed ban on ticket resales above face value, aiming to combat scalping and protect artists and fans alike.

Join Kathleen Newman-Bremang, a sharp entertainment commentator, Sarah-Tai Black, a perceptive film critic, and Syrus Marcus Ware, a thought-provoking visual artist, as they dive into the latest cultural conversations. They tackle the buzz around the 'Wicked' film adaptation, exploring its emotional depth and political themes. The trio also discusses Michelle Obama's controversial comments on Black hair, addressing the systemic discrimination and the varied public reactions. Plus, don't miss their take on Mariah Carey's festive hit re-entering the charts!

Emily Longeretta, a senior TV features editor at Variety, and comedian Cassie Cao dive into the sensational season four of The Morning Show, discussing its outrageous plots and real-world issues like MeToo and AI. They emphasize the masterful character work amidst the chaos, including emotional payoffs in the finale. Meanwhile, Paul Myers sheds light on Paul McCartney's legacy, re-evaluating Wings' influence and success through the years, showcasing their resurgence in contemporary music and McCartney's collaborative spirit.

Lisa Christiansen, a Vancouver-based reporter and music critic, shares insights into Nardwuar's authentic interviewing style and his deep connections with artists. She highlights how his community radio roots contribute to his broad appeal. Joining her is culture critic Scaachi Koul, who discusses the surprising success of the Now You See Me franchise, emphasizing its fun, escapist nature and the magic community's enthusiasm. Scaachi argues that the films embrace spectacle, making them rewatchable and engaging for audiences.

C.T. Jones, a culture and pop-culture writer, champions reading books first for deeper emotional engagement. Jo Saul, co-owner of Type Books, explores how adaptations can boost book sales and discusses the balance of reading versus watching. Film critic Bilge Eibiri argues for watching films first to enjoy them without distractions. The trio dives into the adaptation trend, audience fatigue with repetitive IP, and the thrill of discovery in bookstores. Their spirited debate is filled with insights on how storytelling unfolds in both books and films.

Morgan Campbell, a senior contributor at CBC Sports, and Tara Slone, a broadcaster with Sirius XM, dive into the cultural significance of the Grey Cup, discussing Canadian football's identity amidst rule changes. They highlight how the Grey Cup compares to other national sports moments and the influence of U.S.-Canada tensions on CFL culture. Comedian Marlon Palmer shares insights on the new Eddie Murphy documentary, praising Murphy’s impact on comedy and his unique storytelling style, while reflecting on his lasting legacy.

Film critics Rad Simonpillai, Terry Hart, and Kaiya Shunyata join Elamin Abdelmahmoud to dissect Edgar Wright’s reboot of The Running Man, revealing its faithfulness to the novel while questioning its emotional depth. They debate Glenn Powell's star potential and how the film stacks up against other dystopian hits like Hunger Games. The conversation shifts to the rising cult status of Toronto’s The Office Movers, praised for its humor and local charm. Finally, they analyze Sydney Sweeney’s film Christy, discussing its box-office struggles and the impact of recent controversies on her career.

Jackson Weaver, an entertainment writer at CBC, and Kathryn VanArendonk, a culture critic, dive into Vince Gilligan's new show, Pluribus, highlighting its unique storytelling and philosophical themes surrounding individualism and community. They discuss Rhea Sehorn's compelling performance amid a post-apocalyptic setting. Meanwhile, Alyssa Mercante, a video game journalist, unpacks the reasons behind the delay of Grand Theft Auto 6, exploring its Bonnie-and-Clyde narrative and the franchise's lasting allure despite the long wait.

A lot has been said about Margaret Atwood’s memoir ‘Book of Lives: A Memoir of Sorts’ since it was published last week, which makes sense, because she revealed a whole lot about her life that most of us didn’t know. Author Heather O’Neill, and writer Deborah Dundas join Elamin Abdelmahmoud to talk about how reading Margaret Atwood's memoir changes the way we read her work.Correction for this episode: Graeme Gibson's first wife's name is Shirley Gibson.