Front Burner

Vandana Kattar, a former advisor to Justin Trudeau and political strategist, joins Dennis Matthews, a conservative strategist and national advertising agency president, alongside Mélanie Riche, a former NDP communications director. They dive into Mark Carney's rising support in the Liberal leadership race and Chrystia Freeland's bold claims against the 'Ottawa establishment.' The discussion also touches on Doug Ford's early election call and shifting voter sentiments, exploring how these dynamics could reshape Canadian politics.

Amy Perry, a compassionate doula, shares her harrowing experience supporting Kaitlyn Braun, a young woman in crisis. They delve into an extraordinary series of fabrications, including devastating loss and medical emergencies. Amy explores the vital role doulas play in navigating emotionally charged situations like stillbirth. The discussion also highlights the complex moral dilemmas faced by caregivers when deception unravels. Throughout, they confront the emotional fallout of betrayal, grief, and resilience during an intensely traumatic time.

Mari Cohen, a journalist for Jewish Currents, dives into the intriguing dynamics between Elon Musk and the Anti-Defamation League (ADL). They discuss Musk's controversial gesture at a rally perceived as a Nazi salute and the ADL's surprising defense of him. The conversation highlights the rise of hate speech on social media post-acquisition, the impact of advertising boycotts, and the internal struggles within the ADL regarding its leadership and stance on anti-Semitism. It all paints a complex picture of public discourse today.

Mark Carney, the former head of the Bank of Canada and Bank of England, dives into his surprising leap into politics. He discusses perceptions of him as a potential villain or visionary amidst the Liberal leadership race. Carney tackles the challenges of rising populism while reflecting on Brexit's impact on global economics. He emphasizes the need for an urgent transition to green energy and critiques traditional free-market solutions to climate change. With a focus on social responsibility, Carney outlines his vision for a sustainable economic future.

Jim Stanford, a Canadian economist and Director of the Centre for Future Work, discusses the escalating trade tensions between the U.S. and Canada. He highlights Prime Minister Trudeau's plea for cooperation amid proposed 25% tariffs on Canadian imports. Stanford analyzes the intricacies of energy exports and investment ties, revealing how Canadians hold $5 trillion in U.S. assets. He also addresses the ramifications of these tariffs on supply chains and job markets, emphasizing the need for Canada to prepare strategically in the face of unpredictable U.S. policies.

Tolu Olorunnipa, Washington Bureau Chief for the Washington Post and co-author of the Pulitzer Prize winning book 'His Name is George Floyd', discusses the early days of Donald Trump's second presidency. He highlights Trump's controversial executive orders, including those affecting immigration and gender issues. The conversation dives into potential economic strategies and the evolving political landscape influenced by younger voters. Olorunnipa also examines the implications of Trump's unconventional cabinet choices and their impact on governance.

Kevin O’Leary, a wealthy Canadian businessman and prominent figure on Shark Tank, explores the provocative idea of Canada becoming the 51st state of the U.S. He advocates for an economic union, highlighting potential benefits like adopting the U.S. dollar and enhancing market access. The conversation also touches on energy politics in Alberta and the strategic need for negotiation in light of changing political landscapes. O’Leary emphasizes the importance of building U.S. partnerships to navigate future economic challenges effectively.

Catherine Fairbairn, an associate professor at the University of Illinois specializing in addiction psychology, dives deep into the intricate relationship between alcohol and human identity. She discusses the cultural shift towards sobriety among younger generations and the complexities of gray area drinking. Fairbairn also addresses the psychological impacts of alcohol use disorder, providing insights into personal stories of craving and shame. The conversation emphasizes the importance of compassion and self-reflection in understanding alcohol's role in our lives.

Catherine Cullen, host of CBC's The House, and Jason Markusoff, a producer and writer with CBC Calgary, delve into the heated week in Canadian politics. They discuss Alberta Premier Danielle Smith's controversial meeting with Trump about tariffs, stirring tensions among provincial leaders. The conversation shifts to Mark Carney's entry into the Liberal leadership race, highlighting his strategic positioning against Pierre Polyev. Internal rifts within the Conservative Party and the economic impact of tariff debates also feature prominently, underscoring the complexities of Canada’s political landscape.

Chaim Levinson, a senior diplomatic correspondent at Haaretz, discusses the recent ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas amidst a devastating conflict. He explains the negotiation complexities involving hostages and prisoners, emphasizing the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Levinson analyzes the political dynamics influencing decisions from both sides and the varied reactions within Israel, particularly from the far right. He also delves into the broader geopolitical implications of this ceasefire and shifting US-Israel relations.