The Big Story

It's been a tumultuous year for the economy to say the least, especially in the interest of real estate and housing.The Bank of Canada cut interest rates nine times, yet buyers are still erring on the side of caution, waiting for some sort of stability before diving head-first into the market.Host Mike Eppel speaks to Shawn Zigelstein, broker and team leader for Royal Lepage to see what Canadians could expect heading into 2026. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca Or @thebigstoryfpn on Twitter

Starting in 2029, the Oscars will be making its way to the big screen - YouTube. The change will come after more than 50 years of Disney's ABC having exclusive rights to the live broadcast. It's not the first shift Hollywood has seen from traditional broadcast spaces onto streaming media platforms, as the industry is looking to adapt to younger, online consumers.Host Maria Kestane speaks to Paolo Granata, associate professor at the University of Toronto to discuss the opportunities the Academy Awards has as it prepares to enter a new broadcast space, and how the media ecosystem is more intertwined than we think. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca Or @thebigstoryfpn on Twitter

Ryan Katz-Rozene, an associate professor at the University of Ottawa specializing in sustainable transportation, dives into Canada's long-awaited high-speed rail project. He discusses Canadians' skepticism due to a history of unfulfilled promises and the chosen Montreal-Ottawa segment's strategic advantages. Funding uncertainties and political risks loom large, while Katz-Rozene highlights the importance of public-private partnerships for viability. He expresses concerns about shifting transport trends and gives a cautious 50-50 outlook on the project's future.

Sadaf Ahsan, a culture writer and co-host of The Reheat podcast, dives into the shocking news surrounding Rob and Michele Reiner's deaths, focusing on the implications for Hollywood and society. She discusses the importance of mental health in the current investigation and reflects on Rob's impactful films and activism. The conversation also covers the complexities of family dynamics and media reporting while analyzing Rob Reiner's timeless storytelling and enduring legacy in film and civil rights advocacy.

Dr. Howard Chertkow, a leading researcher at Baycrest Health Sciences, dives into the intricacies of aging and cognitive decline. He discusses normal memory lapses versus concerning symptoms of dementia, highlighting the unique risks women face. Practical advice for families navigating these tough conversations emerges, including attending doctor visits together and addressing stigmas. Chertkow also emphasizes the importance of investigating treatable causes and the need for national strategies to support aging Canadians. An insightful discussion filled with valuable information!

Mike Moffatt, a Canadian economist and director of the University of Ottawa's Missing Middle Initiative, discusses the implications of potential tax increases aimed at the wealthy. He addresses whether higher property taxes could lead to an exodus of affluent residents and emphasizes the complexity of relying on luxury taxes due to enforcement issues. Moffatt advocates for a balanced approach, suggesting that taxing the rich must be paired with simplifying tax codes. He emphasizes the need to tackle structural issues behind wealth inequality beyond just taxation.

Kaitlin Lee chats with Albrecht Schulte-Hostedde, an evolutionary ecologist from Laurentian University, about the fascinating world of urban raccoons. They discuss a study suggesting these critters are not only getting smarter but may also be showing signs of domestication. Albrecht warns about the risks of keeping raccoons as pets due to health concerns and emphasizes the importance of human responsibility in managing food waste. He also shares insights on how raccoons' health reflects our diets and explores ongoing research into their adaptation to city life.

In this engaging discussion, sociology professor Paul Moore from Toronto Metropolitan University dives into the fierce bids from Netflix and Paramount for Warner Bros. Discovery. He highlights streaming's origins and contrasts Netflix's adaptation as it competes with traditional cinema. Moore also covers the implications of consolidation, revealing concerns about job losses and monopolies. He further explores Netflix's unique approach to theaters and its impact on the future of film-going, predicting that while cinema will persist, media consolidation will reshuffle the landscape.

In this discussion, Jay Olson, a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Toronto specializing in smartphone impacts on youth, examines Australia’s bold new law banning social media for under-16s. He explores the challenges of age verification and circumventions like VPNs. Jay emphasizes the mental health risks children face online, including anxiety and depression, while acknowledging social media’s positive aspects. He advocates for combined regulation and family involvement to effectively manage smartphone use, urging countries to experiment with such policies.

Katsu Goda, an earthquake expert and associate professor at Western University, discusses the rising headlines of strong earthquakes this year. He delves into whether seismic activity is increasing or just more reported. Goda explains the long-lasting aftershocks of past quakes in Japan and the dynamics of the Pacific plate that can lead to regional earthquakes. He stresses the importance of building standards in mitigating earthquake damage and shares practical safety advice during quakes, while addressing potential tsunami threats in areas like Cascadia.