The Big Story

Katrina Onstad, a writer and journalist for Maclean's, dives into the pressing issue of wealth inequality faced by today's youth. She discusses the concept of the Jackpot Generation, a group poised to inherit significant property, distorting the ideal of meritocracy. Katrina highlights the historical context of inheritance and its implications on the Canadian dream, questioning whether hard work still leads to success. She also examines the psychological burdens of inheriting wealth and suggests solutions like progressive inheritance taxes to combat growing disparities.

Brent Mackie, a numismatist and treasurer of the Waterloo Coin Society, dives deep into the world of counterfeit toonies, revealing their startling prevalence since 2020. He explains the phenomenon of the infamous 'camel toe toonie' and the individuals behind the counterfeiting operations. Brent shares insights from RCMP investigations, detailing how millions of fake coins infiltrated the banking system. He also discusses the implications for collectors and currency integrity in an increasingly cashless society.

Lorraine Sommerfeld, an automotive journalist with Driving.ca, dives into the pressing topic of winter tires. She highlights their crucial role in ensuring safety during cold weather and clarifies how temperature affects tire performance. The conversation also tackles the cost-effectiveness of investing in winter tires versus all-season options. Lorraine dispels common myths and emphasizes the importance of proper tire maintenance for safe driving. Tune in to learn whether the upfront investment is truly worth the peace of mind when winter strikes!

Monika Warzecha, a digital editor at The Walrus known for her investigative pieces on fast fashion, dives into the decline of clothing quality. She discusses the explosive growth of the fast fashion industry, revealing how it has reshaped consumer expectations and led to disposable clothing trends. The conversation highlights the challenges mid-market brands face, the historical impact on Canada’s garment industry, and how social media shapes shopping habits. Listeners will gain insights into the need for accountability and sustainable practices in fashion.

Catherine Porter, an international correspondent for The New York Times, provides a deep dive into the gripping Gisele Pelicot rape trial in France. She details Gisele's courageous stand against her aggressors, challenging societal norms and shining a light on hidden abuses. The conversation explores the trial’s impact on the small town’s community, highlighting how local perceptions of safety are transformed. Porter discusses the potential for this high-profile case to spark significant changes in legislation around sexual assault, igniting vital discussions on consent.

In this engaging discussion with Dr. Elizabeth Sawin, Director of the Multisolving Institute, the focus is on innovative strategies to combat climate change. She delves into how interconnected solutions can address urgent environmental issues while promoting social equity. Dr. Sawin introduces the concept of 'multi-solving,' showcasing examples from New Zealand that combine economic and environmental benefits. The conversation highlights the importance of community resilience and collaboration in navigating the complexities of the climate crisis.

Zak Vescera, a Vancouver-based journalist focused on white-collar crime, dives into the alarming rise of online fraud in Canada, where losses reached $554 million last year. He discusses the evolution and emotional toll of scams, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The conversation highlights the connection between cryptocurrency and fraudulent activities, as well as the challenges law enforcement faces. Vescera emphasizes that anyone can fall victim to scams and advocates for open dialogue to empower individuals against these threats.

Anthony Milton, a Toronto-based journalist for Maclean's, dives deep into the ramifications of legalized sports betting in Canada. He discusses alarming increases in problem gambling linked to easy online access and personal stories of those affected. The conversation touches on the responsibilities of provincial governments in prevention, the staggering $63 billion wagered, and the industry's evolving marketing strategies aimed at promoting responsible gambling. Milton calls for urgent regulatory measures to safeguard vulnerable populations, especially young bettors.

Colin Horgan, a Toronto-based writer known for his insights on algorithmic pricing, discusses the fascinating world of personalized pricing in online shopping. He reveals how algorithms set different prices for the same item, influenced by factors like location and shopping history. Horgan contrasts personalized pricing with traditional dynamic pricing, exploring its implications on fairness and accessibility. The conversation also highlights the need for transparency in data usage and the growing role of AI in shaping consumer experiences.

This episode first aired on November 7, 2024 over at In This Economy?!, our sister show at the Frequency Podcast Network. The show helps Canadians understand the systems behind their money problems so they can make informed decisions about their personal finances. If you like what you hear, please consider giving us a follow! This holiday season, about one third of Canadians are planning to either buy fewer gifts, or spend less on the gifts they do buy because they're struggling with their finances. Today, we're looking at ways to limit holiday spending without disappointing anyone.GUEST: Shannon Lee Simmons, Certified Financial Planner (CFP), Chartered Investment Manager (CIM)  and founder of the award winning New School of Finance.  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