Front Burner

Dylan Scott, a Senior Correspondent at Vox covering health, dives into the fascinating world of GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic. He discusses the World Health Organization's new recommendation for long-term obesity treatment and explains how these drugs work by altering appetite and cravings. Dylan raises intriguing points about potential benefits for treating addictions and even dementia. However, he emphasizes they aren't a one-size-fits-all solution, highlighting risks of side effects and societal pressures surrounding their use.

Lucas Shaw, an arts and entertainment reporter for Bloomberg News, dives into the fierce bidding war for Warner Bros. Discovery. He reveals the alarm in Hollywood over Netflix's acquisition plans and the implications for theaters. Shaw explains Paramount's $108 billion hostile bid, backed by big political figures, and its potential to reshape media power dynamics. Discussions include concerns over job cuts, consolidation, and even Trump's influence on regulatory processes. The conversation highlights the future of creative freedom amid industry upheaval.

Michelle Gamage, a health reporter at The Tyee, dives into the provocative story of the Drug User Liberation Front (DULF), founded by activists Jeremy Kalicum and Eris Nyx to combat the overdose crisis in Vancouver. She discusses their radical approach of selling clean, tested drugs and the resulting legal battle after their arrest. Gamage highlights how this court case could reshape harm reduction laws across Canada and explores the ongoing controversy surrounding drug policies and public opinion on safer supplies.

In this discussion, political journalist Alex Shephard dives into the scandals surrounding U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, including allegations of mishandling classified information. He highlights the political repercussions of Trump’s inflammatory comments about Somali immigrants, leading to increased ICE raids in Minneapolis. Shephard also explores the divided Republican response to military actions and examines the implications of Trump's controversial FIFA Peace Prize win, linking sports and immigration rhetoric.

John Woodside and Max Fawcett from Canada’s National Observer dive into the debate surrounding Mark Carney's climate commitments. They analyze Carney's past warnings and whether his recent policy decisions, like scrapping the carbon tax and pausing electric vehicle mandates, signal a betrayal of the climate movement. The conversation also explores Carney's industrial carbon pricing strategy, the implications of Stephen Guilbeault's resignation, and whether Carney is navigating a pragmatic path toward long-term environmental goals.

Eric Miller, President of Rideau Potomac Strategy Group and an expert in international trade, dives into the Supreme Court's looming decision on Trump’s tariffs. He explores the legal complexities surrounding the use of a 1970s national security law for tariffs, highlighting the skepticism from conservative justices. Miller discusses the economic fallout in Canada, including impacts on industries like lumber and aluminum, and outlines how businesses absorb tariff costs. He also analyzes Canada’s negotiation strategy and the broader implications for trade policies.

Kevin Maurer, a bestselling author and veteran journalist, dives into the complex legacy of the war on terror. He discusses the recent shooting of National Guard soldiers, linking it to the struggles of Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a member of CIA-backed Zero Units known for dangerous operations and controversial tactics. Maurer explores the challenges Afghan veterans face in resettlement, the murky accountability for civilian harm during raids, and the broader implications of U.S. foreign policy. His insights reveal the human cost behind the headlines.

Simon Lewsen, a magazine journalist and part-time instructor at the University of Toronto, dives into the contentious debate over institutional neutrality in higher education. He explores the implications of university administrators taking political stances, including a controversial lawsuit involving UBC and the idea of academic freedom. Lewsen analyzes the history of neutrality and discusses the financial and legitimacy crises facing universities today, making a case for preserving an open dialogue on campus in the face of political pressures.

Jon Lee Anderson, a veteran staff writer at The New Yorker with deep expertise in Latin America, joins to unpack the U.S. military buildup near Venezuela and the implications of Trump's aggressive rhetoric. He discusses whether this is real policy or merely political theater, voicing skepticism about framing Venezuela as a narco-state. Anderson links potential intervention to Venezuela's vast oil reserves and critiques the U.S.'s historical pattern of intervention, revealing the complexities behind the talk of regime change and drug trafficking.

Join Frances Farrell, a keen reporter from The Kyiv Independent, as she delves into the complexities of the leaked U.S. peace proposal concerning Ukraine. She highlights Zelenskyy's stark warning to his people about tough choices ahead. Frances discusses the widespread rejection of territorial concessions and the international backlash against the proposal, termed a Russian ‘wish-list.’ With Putin's battlefield gains complicating negotiations, she explains how internal pressures in Russia and Ukraine influence the ongoing conflict.