

As It Happens
CBC
News that’s not afraid of fun. Meet people at the centre of the day’s most hard-hitting, hilarious and heartbreaking stories — powerful leaders, proud eccentrics and ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances. And plenty of puns too. Hosted by Nil Köksal and Chris Howden, find out why As It Happens is one of Canada’s longest-running and most beloved shows. (Ahem, we literally helped make the beaver a national symbol.)New episodes Monday to Friday by 7:30 pm E.T.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 25, 2025 • 1h 1min
Another setback for Donald Trump in the courts
Nicholas Hewn-Brown, executive editor of The Local magazine, reveals his investigation into a suspected AI-assisted freelance writer, raising eyebrows about journalistic integrity. Jake LaHut shares his bold experience confronting HR at Condé Nast, leading to a firing that ignited staff solidarity. Roger Lewis of Inner Circle pays tribute to the legendary Jimmy Cliff, reminiscing about his profound impact on reggae music. Finally, Elliot Newton discusses a citizen-science initiative to save the endangered German hairy snail in London, showcasing grassroots conservation efforts.

Nov 22, 2025 • 1h 4min
Bill de Blasio breaks down Mamdani’s meeting with Trump
Bill de Blasio, former mayor of New York City, analyzes the surprising cordiality between Zohran Mamdani and Trump, exploring its political implications. Jess Michaels, a survivor of Jeffrey Epstein's abuse, passionately advocates for the release of the Epstein files, detailing hopes for justice and the importance of transparency. Stephen Cook, a biology professor, discusses the ecological consequences of Ottawa’s goldfish population, emphasizing the need for preventive measures against invasive species.

Nov 21, 2025 • 59min
Is this a plan for peace in Ukraine, or surrender?
Dawn LaValle Harvard, former president of the Native Women's Association of Canada, passionately discusses Bill S-2, celebrating amendments that safeguard Indigenous status rights for future generations. Meanwhile, evolutionary biologist Matilda Brindle reveals that kissing traces back over 16 million years, a surprising insight into our ancestral behaviors. Retired Colonel Michel Drapeau sheds light on a proposed law that may retroactively benefit veterans overcharged for care. Engaging and insightful, this conversation influences perspectives on rights, relationships, and history.

Nov 20, 2025 • 57min
Is the world’s most valuable company fueling a giant bubble?
Luke Kawa, the Markets editor for Sherwood News, dives into NVIDIA's earnings, weighing in on whether the AI boom is sustainable or a looming bubble. He discusses the systemic risks of interconnected AI investments and Michael Burry's concerns about chip obsolescence. Meanwhile, Bob Corot shares a poignant story, advocating for impaired drivers to pay child support to victims' families, reflecting on his own tragedy and the financial struggles that followed. Both guests offer thought-provoking insights on finance and the impact of personal loss.

Nov 19, 2025 • 59min
Another mass kidnapping and the woman who tried to stop it
Don Davies, the Interim leader of the New Democratic Party in Canada, discusses the implications of the recent federal budget vote, emphasizing the need for parliamentary cooperation. Greg Eshudo, from the Charlotte East nonprofit, shares insights on how a Department of Homeland Security operation is impacting local businesses and community dynamics. Meanwhile, Shaina Lowe highlights the dire humanitarian conditions in Gaza following storms, revealing challenges in aid access and the urgent need for support.

Nov 18, 2025 • 1h 3min
Mark Carney’s government survives, for now
In this discussion, Tia Mitchell, Washington bureau chief for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, reveals the shifting political landscape surrounding Marjorie Taylor Greene and the MAGA movement. Greg Mitchell, a research scientist, shares his experience tracking monarch butterflies using tiny electronic tags, unveiling surprising migration routes. Magdalena Biejet, Deputy Speaker of the Polish Senate, talks about recent sabotage incidents on rail lines and national security responses. Additionally, Shurban Sarbu showcases an extraordinary cave spider colony, while Emma Ewell shares tips for budding metal detectorists.

Nov 15, 2025 • 1h 7min
What Bob Rae learned at the United Nations
Bob Rae, former Canadian ambassador to the UN, shares insights from his five years at the organization, discussing crises like the Ukraine war and the need for UN reform. He reflects on the importance of listening and relationship-building in diplomacy. Andy England talks about relocating Sourpuss liqueur production to Montreal after tariffs affected sales. Meanwhile, Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow voices concerns about a provincial ban on automated speed cameras, stressing its implications for road safety and municipal funding.

Nov 14, 2025 • 1h 2min
Major projects and a mixed reaction
Energy production in the Arctic is on Prime Minister Carney's latest list of nation-building projects; We'll speak with the woman in charge of the Inuit-owned clean energy corporation with big plans for Iqaluit. It may have Indigenous backing but a liquefied natural gas facility fast-tracked by Ottawa is facing tough opposition from several First Nations in B.C.When a room-rental company suddenly went bankrupt, an Arkansas man found his family's suitcases unceremoniously dumped in the hall -- but he tells us that wasn't about to stop them from staying the night. As Iran suffers through its worst drought in decades, all possibilities are on the table for the city of Tehran, population ten million -- including total evacuation. Paris marks the tenth anniversary of the massacre at the Bataclan; our guest tells us he still can't bring himself to go to the ceremony at the site where his son was killed. They clipped her wings to keep it at a wildlife sanctuary in England -- but a young flamingo tested them by escaping and flying all the way to France, and they passed with flying colours.As It Happens, the Thursday edition. Radio that guesses she gave them the pink slip.

Nov 13, 2025 • 60min
The real costs of the U.S. government shutdown
The U.S. government shutdown cut off funding for a crucial food program; a grocery store owner says he's heartbroken to see his customers suffering -- and he has a special message for Donald Trump. A survivor of a deadly typhoon in the Philippines tells us about the day she lost her home -- and how she's hoping to make fossil fuel giants pay. A small-town Kansas newspaper receives a hefty settlement and an apology -- two years after local police raided its offices and the home of its editor. The widow of Alex Tilley -- inventor of the Tilley hat -- tells us what elevated the cotton duck cap from sailing accessory to Canadian classic.We've picked a pack of tickled pipers. 374 bagpipers, to be exact -- who came together in Australia to play along to a certain AC/DC song, at an event that turned out to be a big honking deal. You had us at 'gull-oh'. A scientist plays to our love of seagull stories with new research into the best method of scaring one off when they are trying to eat your food -- one of which is a roaring success. As It Happens, the Wednesday Edition. Radio that's always moving the gull posts.

Nov 12, 2025 • 54min
Are India and Pakistan moving back to the brink?
Two separate explosions shake the capitals of India and Pakistan in as many days. An expert helps us make sense of what those bombings could mean for the fragile peace in the region.After Quebec passes a bill reforming the way they're paid, hundreds of doctors apply to be able to work in Ontario. The largely untold story of two First World War veterans who each lost a leg in the war -- and then hiked across Canada in the 1920s to raise awareness about disability rights. An avid trail runner in Wyoming ran into trouble for taking a restricted path -- and was stunned to receive an unexpected pardon from the President of the United States. We speak to the manager of a Manchester pub who helped to bust an insidious conspiracy of quiz night cheats.A mystery man strolls across the Purdue University campus, covered in what appeared to be peanut butter -- and everyone finds it jarring.As It Happens, the Tuesday Edition. Radio that salutes a guy who appears to be a smooth operator.


