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Front Burner

Latest episodes

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Dec 4, 2023 • 21min

Is a mortgage crisis on the way?

Ron Butler, a mortgage broker, discusses the potential mortgage crisis in Canada due to rising interest rates. He explores the impact on mortgage renewals, concerns about recouping costs, limitations of the Canada Mortgage Charter, and the effects of interest rates on the housing market.
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Dec 1, 2023 • 19min

How the Google news blackout was avoided

Alfred Hermida, digital media scholar and professor at the UBC School of Journalism, discusses the agreement between Google and the Canadian government on the Online News Act. The podcast explores implications for Meta, the potential impact on the news industry and distribution of funds, and the significance of Google's 100 million dollar investment in the news industry.
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Nov 30, 2023 • 23min

Living on the volcanic edge in Iceland

Hanna Evenson, a rescue worker, and Ragga Agustsdottir, co-founder of Lava Show Iceland, discuss the challenges and benefits of living in a hotbed of volcanic activity. Topics include seismic activity in Iceland, displacement of Grindavik, rescue efforts for pets, and effects on infrastructure and geothermal operations.
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Nov 29, 2023 • 20min

As electric vehicles wobble Canada bets big

Canada's significant investment in electric vehicles despite industry debate. The controversy surrounding the president of COP28. The Canadian government's investments in battery plants and production facilities. Blowback over the use of foreign workers in an EV battery plant installation. Pros and cons of investing in electric vehicles. The importance of transitioning to zero-emission vehicles quickly to address the climate crisis.
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Nov 28, 2023 • 35min

The Canadian helping U.S states defend anti-trans laws

Toronto psychologist James Cantor has been testifying in court on transgender issues in the US. His scientific expertise is being used by conservative Christian groups and Republican politicians to roll back trans rights. Explore the campaign against trans rights in Tennessee, the controversy over banning gender affirming care for minors, and the involvement of experts in defending anti-trans laws. Learn about the experiences of Cantor, the financial incentives, and their hope to write a book. The podcast also discusses biased research, the selective use of evidence, and the influence of certain doctors and researchers on transgender youth.
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Nov 27, 2023 • 31min

How the Israel-Hamas hostage deal happened

Julian Borger, Washington-based world affairs editor with the Guardian, takes us through the tense negotiations of the Israel-Hamas hostage deal. It covers the release of hostages and prisoners, moments during the Israeli military campaign that threatened the hostage return, increasing pressure on Israel due to the successful hostage campaign, the final stages of the deal, and the potential pitfalls in returning the remaining hostages.
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Nov 24, 2023 • 23min

Canada’s debt is growing. How bad is it?

Economist Armine Yalnizyan breaks down Canada's growing debt and its impact on government spending, discussing concerns about affordability, debt reduction, and the need for assistance. The podcast also explores government initiatives for rental housing construction and Canada's economic outlook, demographic changes, and the opportunity to build a resilient future.
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Nov 23, 2023 • 27min

Meet ‘Chainsaw Man’, Argentina’s new president

Argentina's new far-right president, Javier Milei, often called "Chainsaw Man" and compared to Donald Trump, plans to slash government, kill the central bank, and ditch the national currency. Natalie Alcoba, a Buenos Aires-based freelance journalist, explains who Milei is, how he won, and what his presidency means for Argentina's economic crisis.
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Nov 22, 2023 • 22min

Chaos at OpenAI: did profit and safety collide?

Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, discusses the chaos at OpenAI and the control of artificial intelligence. Topics include the release of ChatGPT, OpenAI's mission and recent shakeup, Sam Altman's statements on AI regulation, his vision for AI and its impact on humanity, and speculation about what went wrong at OpenAI.
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Nov 21, 2023 • 26min

The assassin next door

Nearly 50 years ago, a man named Nur Chowdhury was involved in the assassination of Bangladesh's first president. Now living in Canada, this podcast investigates why he hasn't been deported to face justice. It explores the brutal assassination, frustrations with the Canadian government, the life of Chowdhury, and the negotiations surrounding his deportation.

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