The Big Story

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

Spring is usually the hottest time of year for car sales.But with Trump’s tariffs affecting aluminum, steel and auto parts, this year could be different.If tariffs on cars come into force on April 2nd as scheduled, there are fears it could upend the automotive supply chain.Host David Smith speaks with automotive specialist Tim Dimopoulos, publisher of Automotive News Canada, about what it all means for Canadian consumers. 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

Trying to run a business in this economy is anything but easy. Uncertainty, unease and pressure from so many different factors are creating a very difficult situation for Canadian operators. Host Mike Eppel speaks with Mike Tzimas, president of the Napoleon Group of Companies about the current situation, the impact on tariffs, and how difficult it is to be a Canadian business operator in this climate. 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

For a longer weekend listen, we're going back in the archives from November to talk about an issue that's back in the headlines - NATO, and the U.S. concerns that Canada is not paying its fair share. Host David Smith talks to Richard Shimooka, a defence policy expert and a senior fellow at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute. 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

Punctuality – its definition and importance really depend on who you speak to. A recent study out of the UK shows a generational divide when it comes to tardiness and how it could be perceived by those around us. Host Melanie Ng speaks with peak performance coach and best-selling author, Hina Khan @coachwithhina, about a number of scenarios and why there is a sweet spot when it comes to how you show up both professionally and socially. 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

U.S. President Donald Trump has taken the next step in its tariff battle with the world, placing a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum products from Canada and all other countries.There was even a brief scare that the U.S. would double the tariff on Canada, before cooler heads prevailedBut what impact will these tariffs have on the industry? Are the federal government counter measures enough, and what more do the feds need to do to support businesses and workers who will be hit hard by this move?Host Cormac Mac Sweeney speaks with Catherine Cobden, President and CEO of the Canadian Steel Producers Association to get her thoughts. 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

We're going to have a new Prime Minister this week, with no shortage of issues for Mark Carney to face. After Carney won a decisive victory in the Liberal Party leadership race on the weekend, it's expected he will be calling a federal election shortly. What will be the keys to success for the renewed Liberal Party as it faces off against Pierre Poilievre and the Conservatives?Host David Smith speaks with liberal strategist Nick McRoberts from Hill & Knowlton about the path ahead in this new era of Canadian politics. 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

Dr. Isaac Bogoch, an Infectious Disease Specialist renowned for his insightful commentary during the pandemic, shares his reflections five years after the COVID-19 crisis began. He discusses the early mismanagement of responses, the evolving public trust in health authorities, and the emotional toll on healthcare workers. The conversation highlights both the tragic losses and the advancements in vaccine technology, emphasizing the lessons learned about health equity and public health literacy in the wake of such a transformative global event.

Jon Roe, a Research Associate at the Angus Reid Institute, dives into the legacy of Justin Trudeau, who recently wrapped up his term as Prime Minister. He discusses how public sentiment skewed negative, reflecting on challenges like the pandemic and economic issues. Roe explains recency bias in political perception while comparing Trudeau to Stephen Harper. He highlights Trudeau's mixed legacy—successes like legalizing marijuana versus criticisms on immigration and inflation—illustrating the growing polarization in Canadian politics.

Avery Shenfeld, Chief Economist at CIBC, shares his insights on the volatile economic landscape shaped by unpredictable trade policies. He discusses the challenges economists face forecasting in today's market, emphasizing how fluctuating tariffs impact Canadian exports and labor. The conversation highlights concerns about the automotive supply chain and the limitations of rapid manufacturing changes. Shenfeld also addresses inflation dynamics and the cautious role of the Bank of Canada amid these economic uncertainties.