The Big Story

David Goss, founder of Kickback Soccer Media and a seasoned North American soccer commentator, discusses Canada's rise to the 2026 World Cup. He outlines the team's progress since 1986, touches on coaching changes led by Jesse Marsch, and highlights Canada's favorable group draw. Key factors for success include player fitness and team cohesion. Goss also critiques the World Cup draw event and explores the challenges posed by North America's summer heat. His predictions show optimism for Canada's potential to advance in the tournament.

Sylvain Charlebois, a leading food price expert and professor at Dalhousie University, shares insights on the future of grocery costs. He reveals that families are projected to spend an additional $1,000 next year, primarily due to rising meat prices linked to climate change and industry consolidation. Charlebois discusses how Canadians are adapting their shopping habits, visiting more stores and embracing discount retailers. He also examines the potential impact of new codes of conduct on stabilizing inflation in food prices.

Dr. Jing Wong, a professor at the University of Guelph specializing in ethical and sustainable consumption, delves into the complexities of shopping ethically. She highlights the misleading nature of ethical labels and the risks of greenwashing, advising consumers to carefully research products. Wong discusses the nuances of Canadian production labels and the reality that higher prices don’t always equal ethical practices. The conversation underscores a growing consumer awareness and the challenges inherent in establishing a global standard for ethical labeling.

Dr. Cecile Rousseau, a Psychiatry professor at McGill University, dives deep into the troubling rise of incel culture and its roots in online misogyny. She discusses the paradox of a regressing tolerance for gender-based violence since the landmark 1989 Polytechnique tragedy. Rousseau highlights how the internet accelerates identity crises among isolated young men and the urgent need for comprehensive strategies involving parents, educators, and policy-makers to prevent violence. She also explores the potential role of AI in shaping safer online environments.

Imagine a wine tour experience, but for cannabis.Canada has strict consumption regulations for cannabis products, although government-owned weed shops decorate plazas across the country. That gap between retail shops versus consumption spaces has hospitality and business experts alike urging Ottawa to take advantage of a tourism goldmine.Host Richard Southern speaks to Susan Dupej, a post-doctorate fellow at the University of Guelph to discuss Canada's current tolerance for tourists looking for a cannabis-friendly experience, and what steps our government should take to reach our potential. 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

She’s tied for the most decorated Canadian Olympian, but she won’t be anywhere near a podium for at least two years.Toronto’s Penny Oleksiak has been banned from competing until 2027 after allegedly violating anti-doping whereabouts regulations, something she says has nothing to do with banned substances. The World Anti-Doping Agency is the international regulatory body that oversees drug testing for competitive athletes. Testing happens both after a competition, as well as in the form of pre-competitive check-ins, such as whereabout disclosures.Host Alex Seixeiro speaks to Bruce Arthur, columnist for the Toronto Star, to discuss what lies ahead for Magic Penny, and whether or not anti-doping regulation is too rigorous. 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

It's not the most commonly sought-after item on Facebook, but it's certainly not the least advertised on the platform's feeds either.Advertisements for highly addictive and illegal drugs like cocaine and oxycodone continue to appear on Meta's social platforms, amid their no-tolerance policy for such content and for what they call 'robust' measures to keep them off.The RCMP says it works extensively to intercept online purchases of illegal drugs, but Meta's reliance on AI to regulate advertisement sales and distribution doesn't allow for much policing.Host Maria Kestane speaks to Ben Musset, digital editor for the Toronto Star, and Omar Mosleh, reporter for the Toronto Star to discuss their investigation into Meta's advertising loopholes, and how Canada's most vulnerable could fall victim to the multibillion dollar self-regulating business platform. 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

Join Cormac McSweeney, a Parliament Hill reporter with CityNews, as he delves into the recent MOU signed by Prime Minister Mark Carney and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith. They discuss the ambitious plans for an independently-funded pipeline and the crucial role of Indigenous co-ownership. Tensions are high as criticism arises from BC and environmentalists, especially after Liberal MP Steven Guilbeault's resignation. Cormac also highlights the feasibility challenges and broader political implications for Carney's government.

It's not completely odd for a former Olympian to return to the limelight years after competing...but rarely is it for allegedly piloting a drug ring comparable to that of El Chapo's.Ryan James Wedding now sits alongside some of America's most dangerous criminals on the FBI's Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list for several offences related to drug trafficking and murder. A number of Canadians have been arrested earlier this month in connection to the case, including Wedding's defence lawyer from Brampton, Deepak Paradkar. And the FBI has hiked up the reward for his arrest to $15 million USD. Host Richard Southern speaks to Calvi Leon, a crime reporter for the Toronto Star to break down how a Canadian born in Thunder Bay made his way to the FBI's Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list for allegedly leading one of the most prolific drug trafficking organizations in the world. 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

A recent Leger poll commissioned by OMNI News found that 67% of newcomers believe Canada should admit fewer than 300,000 new immigrants per year, and 4 in 10 say that number should be less than 100,000.The survey was conducted ahead of this month's federal budget announcement when Ottawa announced its plans to reduce new permanent resident visas to 380,000 per year from 2026 to 2028. However, respondents believe granting visas should go hand in hand with ensuring there's enough housing and social supports for people who are already in Canada before more people come in.Host Caryn Ceolin speaks to Teresa Romano, OMNI News reporter for their Italian Bureau to dig into the findings of this year's poll, and discuss whether or not newcomers and immigrants to Canada believe that our immigration system is serving those who need it most. 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