
Front Burner
Front Burner is a daily news podcast that takes you deep into the stories shaping Canada and the world. Each morning, from Monday to Friday, host Jayme Poisson talks with the smartest people covering the biggest stories to help you understand what’s going on.We’re Canada’s number one news podcast and a trusted source of Canadian news. We cover Canadian news and Canadian politics, Prime Minister Mark Carney, Pierre Poilievre, the Donald Trump administration, provincial politics from Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, and politicians Danielle Smith, David Eby and Doug Ford.We cover Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary as well as other municipalities across Canada. In this Canadian election year, Front Burner will be focusing more on Canadian politics. We will take a close look at Mark Carney’s first few weeks as Prime Minister, the Conservatives and Pierre Poilievre as well as the future of the NDP and Quebec’s Yves-François Blanchet from the Bloc Québécois during the 2025 Canadian federal election.The podcast goes beyond Ottawa and digs deeper into major issues like U.S.-Canada relations, jobs, the economy, immigration, cost of living, housing and rental costs, taxes and tariffs, democracy and technology. The Front Burner daily podcast covers Canadian news from every province and territory: Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Ontario, Quebec, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nunavut, Northwest Territories and Yukon.We cover news from major cities like Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary and Edmonton. When U.S. President Donald Trump declares he wants to make Canada the 51st state and decides to implement tariffs, Front Burner has an analysis into what is happening. We cover Elon Musk’s DOGE. We cover the latest in technology from the rise of bitcoin and crypto, the future of TikTok, Meta, artificial intelligence, influencers, and more. Look to our archives to see fact-checked stories about infrastructure, fascism, border security, immigration, Pierre Poilievre, the Republican Party, American politics, Canadian politics, India, China, Trump’s tariffs, Mark Carney, Elon Musk, Toronto, technology, artificial intelligence, international students, healthcare, and inflation. We cover global news like the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, the ceasefire, the Ukraine-Russia war, the India-Pakistan conflict, and the U.S. economy and U.S. politics. Front Burner is a part of your morning news routine. Whether you’re in Toronto or Vancouver or Washington, this is the news that matters to Canadians. We take a look at the economy and break it down from the budget to interest rate hikes to inflation to recessions to jobs to the cost of living. We look at the policy around housing, Canadian housing supply, and what this means for first-time home buyers, renters, and those with a mortgage. We look at technology, from AI to the manosphere to social media like Meta, Twitter, Facebook, and more. We look at influential newsmakers like Elon Musk and influential technology industries like crypto and AI.
Latest episodes

25 snips
Jun 26, 2025 • 23min
The unanswered questions of the Iran strike
Gregg Carlstrom, a seasoned Middle East correspondent for The Economist and author of "How Long Will Israel Survive? The Threat From Within," delves into the fiery dynamics of the Israel-Iran conflict. He discusses Trump's recent frustrations and how they reflect the complex web of U.S.-Israeli relations. Topics include the delicate ceasefire, the lasting damage to Iran’s nuclear program, and the fallout from targeted strikes on nuclear scientists. Carlstrom provides insights into the challenges of U.S.-Iran diplomacy amid regional tensions.

7 snips
Jun 25, 2025 • 38min
Bubble trouble: Do protest bylaws silence dissent?
Richard Moon, a legal expert and professor emeritus at the University of Windsor, dives into the heated debate over 'bubble zone' bylaws in Ontario. These laws restrict protests near sensitive areas like schools and hospitals, aiming to protect vulnerable groups amid rising extremism. Moon discusses the tensions between safeguarding public access and upholding free speech. He explores the historical context, implications for pro-Palestinian protests, and the broader impact these regulations have on civil liberties in Canada.

18 snips
Jun 24, 2025 • 23min
The MAGA civil war over Iran
Adam Wren, a senior politics correspondent at Politico, dives into the growing rift among Trump supporters regarding military intervention in Iran. He dissects the contrasting views: hawks pushing for action versus isolationists advocating for restraint. Wren explores how personal loyalties intertwine with ideological divides and the historical roots of U.S.-Iran tensions. The conversation turns to the MAGA movement's shifting military perspectives, highlighting key figures and their conflicting opinions on foreign policy.

18 snips
Jun 23, 2025 • 31min
Trump joins Israel's war in Iran
Negar Mortazavi, a Senior Fellow at the Center for International Policy and host of the Iran Podcast, joins to discuss the recent U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites amid escalating tensions. She delves into whether Trump's actions are aimed at addressing Iran's nuclear capabilities or fostering regime change. The conversation unpacks the complex narratives surrounding military action, the impact on diplomacy, and the political uncertainty in Iran as it faces potential leadership changes. Additionally, they explore the repercussions for civilian populations caught in the crossfire.

18 snips
Jun 20, 2025 • 51min
In search of separatists in Alberta
In this insightful discussion, Jason Markusoff, CBC Calgary's political reporter, dissects Alberta's separatist sentiments alongside local realtor and retired politician Don McDonald, who shares the pulse of Three Hills. They explore the growing disconnection between rural communities and the federal government, highlighting the emotional frustrations driving calls for independence. A community member passionately discusses her concerns over federal neglect, illuminating the complex motivations behind Alberta's push for autonomy as it intersects with local political dynamics and upcoming elections.

22 snips
Jun 19, 2025 • 28min
What exactly is ICE?
Joining the discussion is Adam Goodman, an associate professor at the University of Illinois Chicago and author of The Deportation Machine: America’s Long History of Expelling Immigrants. He delves into the origins and operations of ICE, revealing its extensive powers and the fear it instills in communities. Goodman also highlights the collaboration between immigration agencies and private contractors, raising ethical concerns. The conversation touches on the historical context of immigration enforcement and how policies have evolved, particularly under the Trump administration.

50 snips
Jun 18, 2025 • 29min
Politics! Carney’s ’delete laws’ bill, G7 wraps
Althia Raj, a national columnist for the Toronto Star, and Aaron Wherry, a CBC journalist, dive into the aftermath of the recent G7 summit, notably shaped by the escalating Israel-Iran conflict. They discuss the contentious C-5 bill aimed at fast-tracking resource project approvals, criticized for undermining democratic processes and Indigenous rights. The conversation also touches on the complex geopolitical dynamics highlighted at the summit, emphasizing the urgency of international dialogue despite rising tensions.

35 snips
Jun 17, 2025 • 33min
Palantir’s big data, AI long game
Michael Steinberger, a reporter for The New York Times Magazine and author of a forthcoming book on Palantir's CEO, dives into the intricate world of big data and surveillance. He explores how Palantir's technology is utilized by entities like the CIA and military, sparking debates on privacy and civil liberties. Steinberger discusses the ethical dilemmas of data surveillance, the company's controversial ties to law enforcement, and its role in modern warfare. He also examines the implications of outsourcing government functions to tech giants, questioning the balance between efficiency and accountability.

52 snips
Jun 16, 2025 • 34min
Israel-Iran strikes: What comes next?
Greg Carlstrom, a seasoned Middle East correspondent for The Economist and author of 'How Long Will Israel Survive?', sheds light on the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, sparked by missile strikes targeting nuclear facilities. He discusses the shift from covert operations to open military engagements and the complexities of U.S. involvement amid crumbling nuclear talks. Carlstrom delves into Iran's measured retaliation, its internal stability challenges, and the geopolitical isolation it faces, revealing critical implications for regional security.

16 snips
Jun 13, 2025 • 26min
Can the G7 find order in the chaos?
Aaron Wherry, a senior writer with CBC's Parliamentary Bureau, provides keen insights on the upcoming G7 summit in Kananaskis. He discusses the political ripple effects of Donald Trump's presidency and the unique dynamics it creates among world leaders. Key topics include the potential divides on climate change and trade, as well as rising defense budgets among allies. Wherry also highlights the significance of Indian Prime Minister Modi's invitation and its impact on Canada-India relations, showcasing the delicate balance of diplomacy at play.