

The Big Story
Frequency Podcast Network
An in-depth look at the issues, culture and personalities shaping Canada today.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 30, 2025 • 30min
What is watermarking and why is it falling short of protecting us against A.I. deepfakes?
Sometimes it's easy to tell whether a video is fake, other times, it's not. Watermarking is used to digitally stamp fake videos, whether that stamp is visible to the human eye or is embedded in the video's data. But with new technology that allows for the stamp to be removed without anyone noticing, how is regulation enforced? Host Mike Eppel speaks to Andre Kassis, University of Waterloo PhD candidate in computer science, and Angus Lockhart, senior policy analyst at 'The Dais' with Toronto Metropolitan University to discuss the safeguards in place to ensure AI-produced content is labelled accordingly and who can be held accountable if the rules start to bend.
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

Jul 29, 2025 • 32min
Legacy media under pressure: a conversation with Peter Mansbridge
Legacy media is under pressure. Whether it's the constant cries of "fake news" to huge lawsuits filed, trust remains a huge issue. The audience is splintered and traditional advertising revenue is migrating to digital. Then there's the huge issue of A.I. How are newsrooms using it and how does that impact trust? Online news sources are drawing away traditional audiences including on Instagram and TikTok. How do legacy news agencies compete?How can you tell difference between a journalist and a content creator? How do comments about the media from U.S. President Donald Trump impact the way Canadians consume and trust news? Host Cormac Mac Sweeney speaks to renowned Canadian journalist, Peter Mansbridge to discuss the state of journalism in 2025 and how that impacts the information that's of importance to you.
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

Jul 28, 2025 • 21min
The aftermath of the Hockey Canada verdict
Peter Mansbridge, a legendary Canadian journalist and former anchor of CBC's The National, shares his insights on the gripping Hockey Canada trial. He delves into the complexities of consent and the courtroom drama surrounding the acquittal of former junior hockey team members. The discussions reveal the broader implications for Canadian hockey culture and the media's role in shaping public discourse. Listeners will find a balance of legal analysis and reflections on societal attitudes towards consent and accountability in sports.

Jul 27, 2025 • 17min
How the Toronto Blue Jays have become the hottest team in baseball
In this discussion, sports reporter Alex Seixeiro shares insights into the Toronto Blue Jays' incredible resurgence, marking their best streak since 2015. He highlights the team's strong culture and electric home games at Rogers Centre. The conversation dives into strategic plans for enhancing the roster before the trade deadline, focusing on acquiring relief pitchers. Seixeiro also addresses the rising hopes and excitement among fans about a potential playoff run, drawing parallels with the Raptors’ 2019 championship triumph.

Jul 25, 2025 • 15min
Should 16 year olds be allowed to vote?
The worries of a 16-year-old can include what to wear, cramming for exams, keeping up on social gossip, and taking a driving test.
But what about voting in the next federal election? The push to lower Canada’s voting age is getting new energy following an announcement by the U.K. that 16- and 17-year-olds will be allowed to vote in their next general election. So, should Canada follow suit and let younger Canadians cast a ballot?
Host Cormac Mac Sweeney speaks with Amanda Munday of the non-profit group New Majority, who argues if someone is old enough to drive a car and pay taxes, then they are old enough to mark an X.
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

9 snips
Jul 24, 2025 • 16min
What's happening with Canada's tourism industry, and how is it impacting our economy?
In a conversation with Melanie Ng, Joe Amati, Senior Executive Director at Destination Canada and tourism expert, reveals the shifting landscape of Canada's tourism. He discusses the challenges posed by U.S. trade tensions but highlights a surge in interest from overseas travelers. The Canada Strong Pass initiative is boosting domestic tourism, offering authentic experiences. Amati underscores tourism's crucial role in the economy and the resilience of the sector post-pandemic, showcasing significant growth and recovery.

Jul 23, 2025 • 23min
Obesity rates spiked, but what else happened to our bodies during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Abbey Sharp, a world-renowned Registered Dietitian and TV personality, dives into the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on body image and obesity rates. She highlights troubling trends in eating disorders, particularly among young women, exacerbated by social media pressures. Abbey critiques the BMI as an outdated measure of health, pushing for more inclusive metrics that consider metabolic health. She emphasizes the need for better access to nutrition experts and advocates for dismantling diet culture to promote a healthier relationship with food.

7 snips
Jul 22, 2025 • 24min
Can X return to social media respectability?
Kurt Wagner, a senior reporter for Bloomberg and author of "Battle for the Bird," dives deep into the tumultuous world of X, formerly Twitter. He discusses the impact of Elon Musk's leadership changes and the challenges surrounding hate speech and misinformation. Wagner highlights the recent hacking of Elmo's account, raising significant security concerns. They also explore how AI, particularly Musk's Grok chatbot, is reshaping the platform. Tune in to find out what the future might hold for this controversial social media giant.

Jul 21, 2025 • 23min
Can the federal NDP fight its way back to relevance?
In this discussion, Brad Lavigne, President of Counsel Public Affairs and former Principal Secretary to Jack Layton, dives deep into the NDP's electoral setback. He highlights the stark contrast between the party's provincial successes and its federal struggles. They explore the party's lack of voter support, union voting dynamics, and paths to regaining trust. Lavigne emphasizes the crucial upcoming leadership race as a chance for rebuilding and discusses the importance of inclusive leadership to maintain the NDP's identity amid challenges.

6 snips
Jul 20, 2025 • 17min
Weekend listen: How to make sense of strong economic signals when all the pundits say the sky is falling?
In this engaging discussion, Royce Mendes, Managing Director and Head of Macro Strategy at Desjardins, shares insights on navigating the turbulent Canadian economy. He elaborates on the unexpected resilience against tariffs and the surprising stability of interest rates. Mendes discusses the dual nature of job growth and challenges in the labor market, emphasizing implications for younger Canadians facing unemployment. He also explores the delicate balancing act of the Bank of Canada amidst fluctuating inflation and an evolving post-COVID landscape.