Front Burner

In this discussion, Kareem Shaheen, Middle East editor at New Lines Magazine with over a decade of experience covering Syria, shares insights on the recent surge of Turkish-backed rebels capturing Aleppo with minimal resistance. He analyzes the implications of Assad's weakened army and the pressure from international allies. The conversation also addresses the complex local governance issues under new rebel control and reflects on the humanitarian crisis gripping the region, emphasizing the moral responsibilities of the global community amid ongoing violence.

Alex Usher, President of Higher Education Strategy Associates, discusses the dire situation facing Canadian colleges and universities. He highlights the drastic drop in international student enrollment due to tightened immigration policy, jeopardizing financial stability. Usher explains how reliance on these fees has led to cuts in programs, particularly in rural areas. He critiques government involvement in education funding, emphasizing the disconnect from community challenges and the escalating housing crisis impacting students' living conditions.

Frédéric Zalac, an investigative reporter from Enquête, sheds light on a year-long probe into Sky Global, a Vancouver tech firm. The investigation revealed that their supposedly unhackable encrypted phones fueled organized crime and led to over 10,000 arrests in Europe. Zalac discusses the controversial use of encryption by criminals, the ethical dilemmas surrounding law enforcement tactics, and the broader implications of privacy versus security in our digital age. This deep dive exposes the dark side of technology amidst a backdrop of rising global crime.

In this engaging discussion, Graham Isador, a Toronto-based writer known for his work in GQ and The Globe and Mail, dives into the complexities of vision loss. He candidly shares personal stories that challenge the misconceptions surrounding visual impairments. The conversation explores how sound can convey the experience of losing one's sight and highlights the emotional struggles faced during public appearances. Isador’s unique storytelling invites both sighted and blind audiences to understand the mental health impacts of navigating life without sight.

Robert Rand, a journalist and author who has closely followed the Menendez brothers' case since the murders, shares insights on their controversial trials and subsequent convictions. He discusses the complex family dynamics that led to the tragic events and how media transformed public perception. Rand highlights new evidence that could change the brothers' fate, exploring how societal attitudes toward abuse might shift the narrative today. Their case not only captured America’s attention but also played a pivotal role in the evolution of the true crime genre.

In this episode, CBC reporter Alex Panetta, who covers U.S. politics from Washington, dives into the implications of President-elect Donald Trump's 25% tariff threat on Canadian imports. He discusses whether these tariffs are serious or just political posturing. The conversation highlights the economic risks for Canada's key industries, like oil and automotive, and examines how this move may strain USMCA relations. Panetta also touches on Canada's challenges in addressing drug trafficking and immigration at the border amid rising political pressure.

Paris Marx, author of the tech newsletter Disconnect and host of Tech Won't Save Us, dives into the intricacies of U.S. antitrust cases against Google. He highlights the recent court findings of Google's illegal monopoly in internet search and examines its controversial practices in digital advertising. Marx discusses the broader implications for other tech giants like Apple and Amazon, and whether breaking them up could genuinely enhance market competition. He also speculates on how political shifts might impact the future of tech regulation.

Tracy Wilkinson, a longtime journalist with the LA Times, and Natalie Alcoba, an Argentine journalist, delve into the intriguing connections between right-wing leaders Javier Milei and Nayib Bukele and Donald Trump. They discuss how Milei's radical policies in Argentina echo Bukele's controversial crime strategies and how these strongmen influence each other. The conversation reveals chilling implications for democracy and governance, while exploring how Trump's alliances with authoritarian figures reshape international relations.

Timothy Caulfield, a Professor at the University of Alberta specializing in health misinformation, delves into the shifting dynamics of the anti-vax movement. He explores how vaccine hesitancy has surged during the pandemic, with political identity increasingly shaping public opinion. The discussion highlights the role of social media influencers in fostering skepticism among youth and the impacts of masculine norms on health choices. Caulfield also tackles the dangers of misinformation, especially the false link between vaccines and autism, emphasizing the need for empathy in communication.

Sean Russworm, Christine Harron's stepfather, delves into the haunting disappearance of his stepdaughter and the impact it has had on their family. He discusses his own investigation and the psychological toll of being scrutinized as a suspect, including undergoing polygraph tests. The conversation reveals haunting details about Christine's life and the community's ongoing search for justice. Listeners will be captivated by the emotional recounting of family struggles, the complexities of investigations, and the chilling confessions that haunt them.