Commotion with Elamin Abdelmahmoud

How do we turn this unprecedented moment into something more than cheerleading for Canadian culture? How does that patriotism become a force for good instead of leading us down the darker path we’ve seen come from nationalism in the past? And what is the role of artists right now? Elamin speaks with two people who are making art to meet the moment: Shad Kabango and Jay Baruchel.

Catherine Hernandez and Teri Hart share their thoughts with Elamin Abdelmahmoud about the new CBC Gem sitcom about menopause, ‘Small Achievable Goals’. And BIGBANG’s G-DRAGON returns with a new solo album after 7 years, Bina Lee talks about the k-pop star’s latest comeback.

Meghan Markle’s new cooking/ lifestyle/ talk show 'With Love, Meghan' debuts today, but there’s a ton of backlash. Etalk senior correspondent Lainey Lui and royal watcher Ellie Hall explain to Elamin Abdelmahmoud what all the fuss is about, and whether it’s warranted. And following Anora’s big night at the Oscars, Elamin checks in with writer and sex worker Andrea Werhun about her role as a consultant on the film, and how Anora’s success is changing public perceptions of sex work.

Elamin Abdelmahmoud is joined by film critics Eli Glasner, Sarah-Tai Black & Rad Simonpillai to discuss the wins, snubs, surprises and highlights of the 2025 Oscars. 

With P.K. Subban’s criticisms of the NBA going viral, and Netflix releasing a new documentary and a comedy series - both centered on basketball, guest host Rad Simonpillai is joined by CBC Senior Sports Contributor Morgan Campbell, and culture critics Marlon Palmer and Andrea Williams to discuss these stories and basketball’s place in pop culture right now.

The Washington Post is known for many things, including its slogan: "Democracy Dies in Darkness." But its owner, the billionaire Jeff Bezos, wants to narrow the range of opinions it publishes. Elamin Abdelmahmoud speaks with media studies scholar Siva Vaidhyanathan about the new direction, and why it matters here in Canada. And Hanna Flint and Jovanté Anderson discuss the new period crime drama A Thousand Blows.

Amid the rise of TikTok influencers, changing markets, and microtrends, can the runway keep up? Fashion writers Mosha Lundström Halbert and Joan Summers talk about what they are seeing during Fashion Week season. And Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s teenage son’s foray into the music business is predictably provoking the trolls. But not everyone's a cynic. Music critic Richie Assaly gives us his take.  

Film critics Hanna Flint and Adam Nayman talk about what the Amazon MGM takeover of the James Bond franchise means for the future of the iconic spy with guest host Rad Simonpillai. And University of Toronto professor Michelle Cho talks about the reports that China’s de facto ban on South Korean culture — TV, music, film, etc. — may finally be lifting after 8 years.

Tate McRae is the biggest Canadian pop artist to emerge in the 2020s. Music journalists Reanna Cruz and Rosie Long Decter join guest host Rad Simonpillai to talk about her new album, ‘So Close to What.’ And artist and illustrator Reid Southen talks about an open letter he started with other artists demanding Christie’s rethink its AI-art strategies, after the auction house announced its first all-AI art auction.

Elamin Abdelmahmoud is joined by culture critics Radheyan Simonpillai, Teri Hart, and Jackson Weaver in front of a live audience to talk about the 2025 Oscars, the races that are capturing their attention and the politics of Oscar campaigns.