Randy Boissonnault, the Liberal Employment Minister, discusses the pressing issues surrounding Canada's temporary foreign worker program. He considers reforms in response to concerns about exploitation and wage suppression. The program's expansion since the pandemic has led to significant labor market impacts, particularly in food and retail sectors. Economist Armine Yalnizyan highlights the struggles faced by migrant workers, including rights violations and threats to job security for Canadian youth, emphasizing the urgent need for policy changes.

Israeli prisons are at the center of a heated debate amidst shocking allegations of systemic abuse. Reports detail harrowing testimonies of torture, neglect, and psychological cruelty faced by Palestinian detainees. Activists claim prisons have transformed into 'torture camps,' following a disturbing incident involving an alleged sexual assault on a prisoner. The discussion also emphasizes the dire need for international accountability and highlights the troubling normalization of violence within society, prompting urgent questions about human rights.

Recent arrests in Canada highlight a concerning trend of ISIS's resurgence. The group has adapted, moving from territorial control to a decentralized network, using funding through taxation and extortion. Youth radicalization is on the rise, with plots targeting large events like concerts being foiled. Additionally, ISIS employs cutting-edge digital propaganda, leveraging social media to reach potential recruits. This evolving landscape poses significant challenges in countering their influence and ideology.

In this engaging discussion, journalists Justin Ling, a contributing columnist for the Toronto Star, and Paul Wells, a seasoned writer with a long history in Canadian publications, dive into the struggles of Canadian news outlets. They dissect the impact of Meta's news ban, leading to layoffs and news deserts. The duo also critiques government efforts, including the controversial Google-Canada news deal, questioning whether financial support is a boon or a curse for public trust in journalism. The future of reporting in the digital age hangs in the balance.

Paris Marx, an author and host known for exploring the intersection of technology and society, delves into the current state of generative AI. He discusses the initial hype around tools like ChatGPT and contrasts it with a sobering reality of stagnation and profitability concerns. The conversation highlights trust issues due to inaccuracies in AI outputs, the environmental cost of data demands, and echoes of past tech bubbles. Marx urges a deeper consideration of AI's actual value amid shifting corporate priorities, warning of the potential fallout from a bubble burst.

Giles Whittell, a journalist investigating the deaths of Putin's opponents, joins Alexei Navalny, a once-notable rival allegedly murdered in an Arctic labor camp. They delve into the chilling trend of political murders during Putin's regime, exploring why so many dissenters have met tragic ends. The conversation sheds light on the perils surrounding those who oppose power in Russia, the shadowy tactics of the KGB, and the unsettling culture of repression that has gripped the nation under Putin's rule.

Freelance journalist Zoë Grünewald, known for her insights on social issues, discusses the alarming rise of anti-immigrant riots in the UK. She highlights how a tragic stabbing incident sparked chaos and fueled far-right sentiments. Misinformation played a crucial role in escalating tensions, as social media became a tool for mob violence against asylum seekers. Zoë also delves into government responses and community resilience, contrasting the riots with vibrant anti-racism protests that celebrated diversity amidst this turmoil.

John Palaslis, president of Realosophy, dives deep into Toronto's beleaguered condo market, highlighting the perplexing trend of empty units amid a housing crisis. He discusses the significant plunge in sales, driven by high prices and investor behavior. Palaslis also explores the challenges of high inventory and stagnant prices, stressing the need for government solutions to bridge the gap between population growth and housing availability. His insights shed light on the shifting motivations of buyers and the complexities facing first-time homeowners.

J.D. Vance, a Republican vice-presidential candidate and key figure in the New Right movement, discusses the radical shift in American conservatism. He explores the movement's ideological complexities and its ambitious plans for governance, like Project 2025, which aims to replace experts with loyalists. Vance reflects on the powerful ties between politics and technology that have shaped his career, and delves into how childhood experiences have influenced his political identity. The conversation raises pressing questions about the future of democracy in America.

Imane Khelif, a cisgender boxer from Algeria, reflects on the fallout from her recent 46-second match against Italy’s Angela Carini, which fueled misinformation about her gender. The discussion dives into the fraught history of sex testing in women’s sports, exposing invasive practices and challenging binary notions of gender. Alongside Rose Eveleth, Khelif examines controversies like that of Caster Semenya and the complexities of gender identity in Olympic boxing, emphasizing the urgent need for a more nuanced understanding in sports.