David Bergen, a Canadian author and 2005 Giller Prize winner, shares his insights on the controversial intersection of literature and politics. He discusses the protests at last year's Giller Prize gala against Scotiabank's ties to the Israeli military. Bergen reflects on his decision to boycott the event, tackling the ethical dilemmas authors face with corporate sponsorship. He emphasizes the importance of social justice in literary spaces and highlights the courageous voices of younger authors demanding accountability amidst a divided literary community.

David Sanger, a seasoned national security correspondent for The New York Times and author of "New Cold Wars," dives into the escalating conflict in Ukraine. He discusses the U.S. decision to allow Ukraine to use ATACMS missiles and the subsequent Russian nuclear doctrine changes. Sanger explores the complex geopolitical landscape, including military strategies and the involvement of North Korean troops. The potential for nuclear escalation looms large, as he reflects on the shifting ideologies and global security implications amid growing tensions.

Nearly a million Canadian workers have taken job action in recent years, with Canada Post employees being the latest to do so. That included work stoppages at airlines, railways and Canadian ports.You might assume, from the many headlines about strikes, that union power is growing in Canada. But in fact, over the last forty years, the number of workers who are members of a union has decreased by nearly 10 percent.At the same time, jobs across many sectors have gotten worse, from stagnating wages to reduced benefits.Barry Eidlin is an associate professor of sociology at McGill University and the author of "Labour and the Class Idea in the United States and Canada".He'll weigh in on why work sucks, what unions can do about that, and what is and is not being done.For transcripts of Front Burner, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/frontburner/transcripts

Francesca Albanese, the UN Special Rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territories, recently returned from a week-long trip to Canada. She was given standing ovations at sold-out speaking events, yet also faced backlash from groups who called for the Canadian government to condemn her, and advocated for the UN to remove her from her position.Today, a wide-ranging conversation with Francesca Albanese.For transcripts of Front Burner, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/frontburner/transcripts

Nicole Narea, a senior reporter at Vox specializing in politics and immigration, dives into the implications of Trump's immigration policies for his upcoming term. She discusses the ambitious deportation plans and critiques prior records while raising concerns about family separations. The conversation also touches on the fate of DACA and explores the potential impact of new appointments like Kristi Noem on immigration enforcement. Narea highlights the serious economic and social repercussions that mass deportations could have on communities and industries dependent on undocumented labor.

John Brennan shares his deeply personal story of how a faulty paternity test upended his life. He discusses the chaos inflicted by a company that falsely claims 99.9% accuracy in prenatal tests, revealing the emotional turmoil and shattered families left in its wake. The conversation dives into the serious implications of relying on such unreliable results that can alter relationships and life choices. Brennan’s journey highlights the harrowing quest for truth and accountability in a system that failed him and many others.

Emily Hund, author of 'The Influencer Industry,' dives into the booming influencer economy, highlighting the staggering statistic of 13 million full-time influencers in the U.S. She discusses the industry’s rapid growth, worth a projected $250 billion by 2027, and the pressing need for regulation and accountability. Hund explores the transition from traditional fame to digital influence, examining the unique challenges and ethical dilemmas influencers face today. As the landscape evolves, she emphasizes the industry's potential impact and the quest for authenticity.

David Pugliese, the Ottawa Citizen’s defence reporter, dives deep into Canada’s hidden history of alleged Nazi war criminals who settled in the country post-WWII. He discusses the fallout of the Canadian government’s refusal to release a secret list of 900 names, unraveling the unsettling realities faced by Holocaust survivors living near these individuals. Pugliese also tackles the complexities of Canada’s immigration policies during the Cold War and highlights specific cases, shedding light on the ongoing implications for justice and accountability.

Hasan Piker, a political streamer celebrated for his insightful commentary on the American left, examines how Donald Trump effectively engaged young Millennial and Gen Z men during his campaign. He delves into the influential Manosphere and its impact on modern masculinity. Piker reveals the challenges the left faces in connecting with young voters and discusses the allure of rebellion in right-wing online culture. He also critiques the disconnect between progressive values and mainstream liberalism, urging for a genuine counterculture.

Reece Martin, a transit planner and creator of the YouTube channel RMTransit, discusses Canada's ongoing struggle for high-speed rail. He delves into the successes of rail systems in countries like Japan and Spain, contrasting them with Canada's outdated infrastructure. Martin highlights the potential benefits of a Toronto-Quebec City line, while addressing the financial hurdles, historical inefficiencies, and the need for tailored solutions. With costs projected at $80 to $120 billion, he questions whether Canada can finally embrace this transformative transit vision.