Commotion with Elamin Abdelmahmoud

The Bay’s days may be numbered as Canada's oldest company looks to close its stores as early as this week. Mark Harrison, Mosha Lundström Halbert and Teri Hart join Elamin to talk about the Hudson Bay Company’s complicated history.

TV critic Aramide Tinubu and culture writer Amil Niazi discuss the new Netflix miniseries Adolescence, a harrowing portrait of a 13-year-old British boy accused of murdering a female schoolmate, and the online culture of toxic masculinity that’s shaping the worldview of teens today. Plus, the fashion industry is once again shaking things up. Loewe’s creative director Jonathan Anderson is leaving the brand at the height of its success, and designer Demna is leaving Balenciaga to take over the top spot at Gucci. Mosha Lundström Halbert explains why we’re seeing so much change in fashion’s upper echelons.

With tensions between Canada and the U.S. making headlines, Come From Away feels more relevant than ever. Artistic director Jillian Keiley and performer Darrell Morris Jr. join Elamin Abdelmahmoud to discuss the message of unity behind the musical's upcoming production in Gander, N.L.Plus, the new medical drama The Pitt is making headlines for one very realistic birthing scene. Television critic Kathryn VanArendonk talks about why that moment matters and what The Pitt does to the medical drama format in a post-pandemic world.

'Top Chef: Destination Canada' is here and this year, 15 new chefs are cooking up across the country. How will the show represent our country’s cuisine amidst the trade war? And, can the long-standing show, in its 22nd season, remain fresh among new food competition favourites? Elamin chats with Niko Stratis and Ivy Knight about the new season.

Guest host Rad Simonpillai talks to film critics Teri Hart and Barry Hertz about a bunch of new films: Sandra Oh's new sci-fi feature Can I Get a Witness?, Netflix's $320 million gamble The Electric State, and Canadian filmmaker/provocateur Matt Johnson's SXSW entry Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie. Plus, the group chat reflects on the five year anniversary of the pandemic, and asks themselves, are we finally ready to watch pandemic stories?

Rebecca Jennings, a writer for New York Magazine, dives into the world of 'algospeak'—the clever linguistic tricks people use to dodge censorship online, sparking a conversation about free speech implications. Film critic Rachel Ho analyzes the record-breaking success of 'Ne Zha 2,' the highest-grossing animated film ever, discussing its rich themes of vengeance and friendship while navigating the cultural significance and censorship challenges in China. This blend of topics provides thought-provoking insights into modern communication and film.

After all the attention Bong Joon Ho received with 'Parasite,' many are curious about the director's latest film 'Mickey 17.' Michelle Cho and Jackson Weaver talk with Elamin Abdelmahmoud about the sci-fi allegory starring Robert Pattinson. Plus, illustrator Michael DeForge looks at how 'Law & Order Toronto' turned real-life encampment evictions and homelessness into crime drama, and what that means or the way these issues are represented.

With Tory Lanez dropping his new album ‘Peterson’ a project he recorded from prison where he is currently serving time for shooting Megan Thee Stallion in the feet, Elamin is joined by culture critics Matt Amha and Pablo Da Don to discuss the album and the ethical questions raised by where and when it was recorded. Plus, Anne Victoria Clark reviews Sid Meier’s Civilization VII, a highly-anticipated update in the video game franchise.

Nêhiyaw drummer Marek Tyler and Anishinaabe and Mohawk radio host Kim Wheeler share their reaction to the news that the Juno Awards and Polaris Music Prize have rescinded the awards they’ve given to Buffy Sainte-Marie in light of her recent confirmation that she’s an American citizen.

Culture writers Joan Summers, Liisa Ladouceur, and Alessa Dominguez join the Group Chat to discuss Lady Gaga’s first new album in five years, Mayhem, and how it holds up against the current generation of pop provocateurs.