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
Oct 19, 2024 • 31min
Front Burner Presents: The Flamethrowers Ep. 4
The podcast dives into the pivotal role of right-wing talk radio in shaping American politics after the September 11 attacks. It highlights how fear and sensationalism fueled newly energized broadcasters, transforming public perception. Topics include Trump's early political ambitions and the cultural shifts that led to his rise. It also examines the divisive impact of the Iraq War and the backlash against dissenting voices like the Dixie Chicks. Finally, the discussion contrasts conservative and liberal media dynamics, illustrating their influence on political discourse leading into the Obama era.
Oct 18, 2024 • 24min
Conspiracies, controversies, and B.C’s election drama
Katie Derosa, a seasoned CBC provincial affairs reporter, delves into the turmoil of B.C.'s upcoming election. She sheds light on the dramatic collapse of the B.C. United party and how it has paved the way for the B.C. Conservative Party and its fiery leader, John Rustad. The conversation navigates controversial comments echoing through the campaign, the challenges of managing public health narratives, and the impact of high-profile figures like Chip Wilson. Plus, the unpredictable dynamics of independent candidates add an extra layer of intrigue to this political race.
Oct 17, 2024 • 28min
How MAGA world is planning to deny a Harris win
Ari Berman, a national voting rights correspondent for Mother Jones and author of Minority Rule, dives into the intricacies of election integrity. He discusses the over 100 lawsuits filed by Republicans aimed at contesting the upcoming election, revealing patterns from the 2020 Stop the Steal movement. Berman also highlights the evolution of voting laws post-Obama, the rise of partisan control in states like Georgia and Texas, and the initiatives Democrats are pursuing to secure voting access. His insights uncover the ongoing battle over electoral trust.
Oct 16, 2024 • 28min
Politics! India-Canada dispute escalates, Liberal caucus revolt
Catherine Cullen, a CBC senior parliamentary reporter and host of CBC Radio’s The House, discusses the escalating tensions between Canada and India after serious allegations against Indian diplomats emerged. These accusations include orchestrating criminal acts against Canada’s Sikh community, triggering public safety warnings. Cullen also sheds light on the unrest within the Liberal Party, where a secret document hints at potential leadership changes amid growing discontent. The diplomatic fallout could reshape the political landscape in both nations.
Oct 15, 2024 • 28min
A reporter in Gaza’s year of survival
Hani Mahmoud, an Al Jazeera reporter based in Deir al Balah, shares his firsthand experiences of survival amidst the ongoing conflict in Gaza. He paints a vivid picture of the humanitarian crisis, highlighting the struggles of families coping with displacement and loss. Hani recounts the emotional toll of witnessing mass graves and the fragile daily lives of those facing food and water shortages. His powerful narratives illuminate the profound impact of war on civilians, driving home the urgency of understanding their plight.
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Oct 14, 2024 • 35min
Split Screen: Thrill Seekers | It was a multi-million dollar media experiment. Would you fall for it?
Louise Decker, a former PE teacher, shares her experience in a reality TV space travel challenge. Ryan McBride recounts his mental and physical hurdles as a contestant, while Steve Hester humorously discusses his struggles with fitness. Comedy writer Charlie Skelton offers insights into the behind-the-scenes chaos of the show. They all explore the thrill-seeking mindset and the absurdity of auditioning, revealing how trust and authenticity can be distorted in the pursuit of entertainment.
Oct 12, 2024 • 47min
Front Burner Presents: The Flamethrowers Ep. 3
Welcome to the world of conspiracy and paranoia. A horrifying act of domestic terrorism brings right wing radio some unwanted attention, which pushes one fan of the supernatural away from politics, while a pair of anti-government broadcasters dig their heels in.This is episode 3 of The Flamethrowers, the story of how radio energized and then radicalized a conservative base. This series was originally produced in 2021. Hosted by Justin Ling. More episodes are available here.
Oct 11, 2024 • 30min
Inside controversial Trump biopic ‘The Apprentice’
Dan Beckerman, the producer of the controversial biopic ‘The Apprentice,’ dives into the film's journey from Cannes acclaim to intense backlash. He discusses the complex dynamics between Donald Trump and lawyer Roy Cohn, showcasing how Cohn shaped Trump's ambitions. Beckerman also reveals the film's challenges, including legal threats from Trump's team, and the fine line between fact and fiction in storytelling about powerful figures. The conversation reflects on the evolution of Trump's public persona and its relevance in today's media landscape.
Oct 10, 2024 • 22min
Birth rates are declining. Should we be worried?
Jennifer Sciubba, a leading political scientist and demographer, discusses the alarming decline in global birth rates and its implications. Canada now boasts a record low fertility rate of 1.3 babies per woman. Sciubba explores the challenges of aging populations, particularly in countries like Japan and Italy. She critiques ineffective pronatalist policies that fail to address women's needs and warns against alarmist narratives that politicize reproduction. The conversation highlights the necessity of holistic approaches to family support and societal values.
Oct 9, 2024 • 26min
A terrifying hurricane is headed toward Florida
Thomas Mantz, President and CEO of Feeding Tampa Bay, discusses the community's preparation as Hurricane Milton nears. He shares the emotional struggles of residents faced with evacuating amid severe traffic and fuel shortages. Meteorologist Eric Holthaus sheds light on the unique vulnerabilities of Tampa Bay, exacerbated by climate change. They explore the risks of severe storm surges, the impact of urban growth on disaster preparedness, and the looming challenges for emergency services and vulnerable populations in the face of this unprecedented storm.
