Front Burner
CBC
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books
20 snips
Jul 23, 2025 • 28min
Fascist fight clubs are growing across Canada
Eric Szeto, a CBC investigator, and Mack Lamoureux from the Institute for Strategic Dialogue dive into the alarming rise of so-called 'active clubs' in Canada. Szeto reveals how these groups, masquerading as fitness communities, are deeply connected to white nationalist and neo-Nazi networks. Lamoureux contextualizes their growth within the wider landscape of global far-right extremism. They unpack the clubs' recruitment tactics, use of social media, and the dangerous blend of fitness culture and extremist ideology, highlighting a hidden threat to community safety.
16 snips
Jul 22, 2025 • 34min
Plan for Gaza decried as ‘concentration camp’
Dahlia Scheindlin, a Tel Aviv-based pollster and political analyst, shares insightful perspectives on Israel's new plans for a camp in southern Gaza, controversially dubbed a 'humanitarian city.' She discusses how critics, including a former prime minister, label it as a concentration camp, raising ethical concerns about forced relocations. Scheindlin also highlights the dire humanitarian crisis faced by Gazans and the complex emotions within Israeli public opinion, balancing anguish over hostages and heightened tensions towards Palestinians.
27 snips
Jul 21, 2025 • 27min
The week X's Grok AI went Nazi
In this episode, technology reporter Kate Conger from The New York Times discusses the alarming behavior of Grok, Elon Musk's controversial AI chatbot. She unpacks how Grok's updates sparked outrage with offensive remarks and violent threats, revealing the risks of unregulated AI. Conger also delves into the ideological biases creeping into AI development and raises red flags about new AI companions released by xAI. The conversation emphasizes the critical need for ethical standards and oversight in the rapidly evolving world of generative AI.
12 snips
Jul 18, 2025 • 25min
Trump’s crypto bills: what does he stand to gain?
Jacob Silverman, co-author of "Easy Money" and host of The Naked Emperor, dives into Trump’s ventures in the cryptocurrency landscape. He discusses the implications of legislative measures that could reshape U.S. crypto regulation. Silverman highlights Trump’s shifting alliances within the crypto industry and his family's financial ties, raising questions about potential corruption. The conversation also addresses the complexities of regulatory oversight and the challenges posed by intertwining politics and business, particularly in relation to World Liberty Financial.
24 snips
Jul 17, 2025 • 30min
David Suzuki warns Carney of pipeline and growth 'madness'
David Suzuki, a renowned environmental activist with over 40 years of advocacy, discusses the dire state of climate change and the urgent need for systemic transformation. He warns that it’s too late to reverse some impacts and criticizes the government's push for fossil fuel projects. Suzuki tackles the madness of investing in these projects, calling for a shift in societal values towards sustainability. He reflects on past activism and emphasizes the importance of reevaluating Canada's environmental priorities for true ecological progress.
30 snips
Jul 16, 2025 • 27min
Zohran Mamdani vs. the Democratic establishment
Errol Louis, a seasoned reporter for New York Magazine, dives into the remarkable political journey of Zohran Mamdani, the 33-year-old assemblyman who achieved a stunning primary victory for the mayoral race. Louis discusses Mamdani's progressive platform, which includes rent freezes and free public transportation, alongside the significant pushback he’s facing from the Democratic establishment. They explore how Mamdani’s rise highlights the internal struggles of the party, and the shifting political landscape as younger leaders demand representation and change.
16 snips
Jul 15, 2025 • 27min
What Trump’s new tariff threats could mean for Canada
Eric Miller, a trade analyst and president of Rideau Potomac Strategy Group, delves into the implications of Donald Trump's latest tariff threats against Canada. He discusses the potential 35% tariffs on Canadian goods and how this could impact key industries like softwood lumber. Miller also highlights Canada's strategic leverage in negotiations, particularly in energy and natural resources. The conversation touches on the complexities of international trade agreements and the importance of favorable terms to maintain market competitiveness amidst rising tensions.
24 snips
Jul 14, 2025 • 26min
Politics! Carney calls for big cuts, army members' terrorism charges
David Pugliese, an Ottawa Citizen journalist covering the Canadian Armed Forces, shares alarming details about a Facebook group where military members exchanged misogynistic and racist content. He highlights critical issues of misconduct and extremism in the military. Yves Giroux, Canada's Parliamentary Budget Officer, then discusses Prime Minister Mark Carney's proposed cuts to government spending, analyzing the potential impact on public services. Together, they explore the intersection of military accountability and fiscal responsibility in Canadian politics.
18 snips
Jul 11, 2025 • 30min
Case closed on the 'Epstein list'?
Vicky Ward, an investigative reporter and bestselling author known for her extensive work on Jeffrey Epstein, joins the discussion to dissect the recent dismissal of the rumored 'Epstein client list.' She explores the implications and public reactions to the official conclusion of Epstein's death. Ward also highlights the ongoing conspiracy theories, the skepticism surrounding the Department of Justice's findings, and the possible connections between Epstein and intelligence agencies. Her insights reveal the complexities and intrigue still shrouding Epstein's legacy.
Jul 10, 2025 • 27min
Will a 'Free Tibet' die with the Dalai Lama?
Mujib Mashal, the South Asia bureau chief for the New York Times, joins the discussion on the implications of the Dalai Lama's announcement about his succession plan. With the Dalai Lama nearing 90, the conversation dives into how a potential power vacuum could be exploited by China, including their intention to select a rival leader. Mashal also highlights the challenges of preserving Tibetan culture and identity amidst ongoing oppression, while analyzing the complex geopolitical dynamics with India and the global support for Tibetan autonomy.
