The Big Story

Michael Kempa, a criminology professor at the University of Ottawa, dives into the pressing issue of foreign election interference as Canada approaches the 2025 federal election. He discusses the implications of Pierre Poilievre's refusal to seek security clearance and the scandal involving a disqualified candidate linked to the Indian government. Kempa emphasizes the importance of establishing a foreign agent registry and the challenges posed by social media in fostering transparency and accountability in politics.

Laurie Williams, a political scientist at Mount Royal University, dives into the tumultuous first week of Canada’s federal election. She discusses how President Trump's tariff threats are shaping the campaign landscape and influencing public perceptions. The chat also covers the intriguing dynamics of leader performances and their strategic choices, including the fallout from Mark Carney's debate withdrawal. With just one month until election day, Laurie emphasizes the urgent need for parties to adjust their strategies to address voter concerns against a backdrop of shifting political alliances.

Daryl Bricker, CEO of Ipsos Public Affairs, brings his expertise on public opinion to the forefront, discussing the spike in support for the Liberal Party amidst leadership changes. He examines the evolution of polling methods and critiques the reliability of current data. Bricker highlights the complexities behind polling accuracy, emphasizing the need for transparency and critical interpretation of results. As the campaign unfolds, he sheds light on how shifting voter sentiment complicates the landscape of Canadian elections.

In this engaging discussion, Amori Mikami, a psychology professor at UBC and lead author of a study on social media's effects, dives into the complex relationship between social media and mental health. They explore how abstaining from social media can decrease anxiety and depression among young adults. Mikami also shares strategies for navigating online interactions and emphasizes the importance of self-awareness. With a focus on intentional use, this conversation sheds light on how to harness social media positively while safeguarding mental well-being.

Seth Goldstein, Equity Strategist at Morningstar Research Services and expert in the auto sector, dives into Tesla's current struggles, including plummeting sales and stock prices. He discusses Elon Musk's political involvement and how it affects Tesla's brand and environmental image. The competition from innovative players like BYD is also a hot topic, especially regarding rapid charging advancements. Goldstein highlights the stock's cautious hold rating and the pressing need for Tesla to maintain focus amid market distractions and evolving consumer preferences.

Dan Wall, Executive Vice President at Live Nation, shares his insights into the complex world of concert ticket sales. He discusses the struggles fans face when trying to secure tickets, especially in a digital age dominated by scalpers and bots. Wall explains how artists influence pricing and the challenges of ensuring fair access. He also debunks common myths about Ticketmaster and highlights efforts to verify ticket authenticity. With a court case looming, he explores potential solutions for improving ticket accessibility.

Dina Pugliese, a beloved television legend and former co-host of Breakfast Television, shares her heartfelt journey in this conversation with long-time friend Melanie Ng. She candidly discusses her unexpected return to the show and the challenges of burnout she faced while stepping back from public life. Dina opens up about the emotional toll of social media criticism and the resilience needed to navigate it. Their chat also emphasizes the importance of simple joys and genuine connections, offering a mix of laughter and inspiration.

Barry McLoughlin, President of TLC Transformational Leadership Consultants Inc., shares insights on Prime Minister Mark Carney's tumultuous first week in power. They discuss Carney's quick international trip and his media challenges regarding past dealings. The conversation highlights strategic moves like repealing the carbon tax for electoral benefits and forming a smaller cabinet. McLoughlin critiques Carney's choices while analyzing the political landscape and the looming election, exploring how these decisions shape public perception.

Is Doug Ford Canada's most unlikely diplomat? Doug Ford travelled to Washington last week to talk tariffs, after threatening to impose tariffs on energy or even turn off power to 3 U.S. states. Although the temperature has been dialed down, Queen's Park reporter Richard Southern talks to pollster John Wright about Ford's actions last week and how this all ties in to the upcoming federal election. 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

Imagine being so famous that there are university courses studying your every move!Taylor Swift will be the subject of course being taught at Brock University this spring – by Associate Professor of history Elizabeth Vlossak.Host Kris McCusker examines how the course was created – what it’s all about – and why it’s more relevant than you might 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