Taylor Owen, a McGill University professor and expert in media ethics, discusses the alarming erosion of trust in journalism and rampant disinformation in Canada’s online sphere. He highlights how social media has become a breeding ground for misinformation, particularly during elections. Owen addresses the rise of influencers and foreign interference, emphasizing their potential to manipulate public opinion. He also raises concerns about the ideological polarization and echo chambers that threaten the integrity of democracy, calling for better standards and accountability in media.

David Moscrop, a freelance journalist and political scientist, joins Jeet Heer, an author and national affairs correspondent, to explore the surprising resurgence of Canadian patriotism. They discuss how sports victories have ignited a wave of national pride, prompting debates about identity and inclusivity. The conversation touches on Canadian nationalism's evolution, especially in relation to American influence and historical injustices. They also unpack how growing sentiments are reshaping political dynamics, highlighting the complexities of fostering a diverse and unified Canadian identity.

In this insightful discussion, legendary documentary filmmaker Errol Morris dives deep into the mind of Charles Manson and the shocking events of 1969. He unpacks theories linking Manson to the CIA's MK-Ultra mind control program, challenging the traditional narrative surrounding his motivations. Morris explores the disturbing intersection of LSD, manipulation, and Manson's musical ambitions. He also reflects on how historical paranoia shapes today’s societal trust issues, making for a compelling exploration of culture and human behavior.

Arelis Hernandez, a border reporter for The Washington Post, delves into the Trump administration's sweeping immigration policies. She highlights the alarming expansion of deportations impacting green card holders and even U.S. citizens. Hernandez shares personal anecdotes of families torn apart by these actions, contrasting them with historical enforcement strategies like the Alien Enemies Act. The podcast also critiques the inhumane treatment within detention centers and the contentious political landscape surrounding immigration law, revealing deep-seated issues of human rights and judicial authority.

Joseph Stiglitz, a Nobel Prize-winning economist and former advisor to Presidents Clinton and Obama, dives into the critical impact of Trump's tariffs and trade policies. He critiques the detrimental effects of these tariffs on consumers and economic stability, while drawing alarming historical parallels to past threats against democracy. Stiglitz also discusses the recent erosion of academic freedoms and the troubling echoes of McCarthyism, alongside concerns over the influence of billionaires on democracy, advocating for a united front to protect democratic values.

On Friday, Mark Carney was sworn in as Canada’s 24th prime minister. He wasted no time in appointing a new cabinet, getting rid of the carbon tax, and heading off on a diplomatic trip to Europe.Today, Rosemary Barton, CBC’s chief political correspondent, joins us to talk about what Carney’s first days in office indicate about his political priorities, how the Conservatives are responding, and when we might expect an election.For transcripts of Front Burner, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/frontburner/transcripts

On October 25th, 2023, after weeks of Israeli bombardment on Gaza, Canadian novelist and journalist Omar El Akkad posted this on X:"One day, when it's safe, when there's no personal downside to calling a thing what it is, when it's too late to hold anyone accountable, everyone will have always been against this."Israel had declared war on Hamas after the Oct 7 attack. On top of the bombardment, there was a full siege in place – civilians in Gaza were cut off from water, electricity, and food. As Omar witnessed the destruction from afar, he kept track of how the war was being framed and talked about by Western media and governments. He spoke to host Jayme Poisson about how his frustration with all of that prompted, in part, his latest book: "One Day, Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This".For transcripts of Front Burner, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/frontburner/transcripts

There's been a flurry of news and uncertainty around tariffs and Canada-U.S. relations lately so we thought we'd open the floor to you in case you have any burning questions. Turns out a lot of you do!So, we took some of your questions to five incredible experts: Economist Armine Yalnizyan, CBC chief political correspondent Rosemary Barton, CBC Washington correspondent Alex Panetta, energy economist Andrew Leach and Ottawa Citizen national security reporter David Pugliese. Together, with Jayme Poisson, they parse through your concerns and queries and do their best to make sense of this moment.  For transcripts of Front Burner, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/frontburner/transcripts

By the end of Tuesday, day eight of the Canada-U.S. trade war, Ontario Premier Doug Ford had backed down on a 25 per cent surcharge on electricity going to the U.S. that was supposed to go into effect that day. It came after a "productive conversation" between Ford and U.S. commerce secretary Howard Lutnick, who agreed to meet Ford on Thursday. Lutnick has been making the rounds on U.S. cable networks selling Trump's tariffs and ripping into Canada's response. He was also on the call last week between Prime Minister Trudeau and Trump, and has been in constant communication with Finance Minister Dominic Leblanc.So, who is Howard Lutnick? What kind of negotiator is he? What does he believe?Dan Alexander is a senior editor at Forbes Magazine. He recently wrote a profile on Lutnick titled "The most hated guy on Wall Street: the unspoken story around Howard Lutnick, Trump's pick for commerce secretary".

Elías Camhaji, a journalist for El País based in Mexico City, offers deep insights into Mexico's trade dynamics with the U.S. He discusses the parallels and distinctions between Canada and Mexico in dealing with American tariffs. The conversation dives into how these tariffs impact Mexico's strategies against drug trafficking, especially fentanyl, and the role of the National Guard along the border. Camhaji also highlights the shift from initial panic to resilience among Mexicans as they navigate their evolving relationship with the U.S.