With small business insolvencies at record levels and pandemic relief loans coming due, the future of Canada's independent businesses is uncertain. The podcast explores the challenges faced by small businesses, the government's refusal to extend loan repayment deadlines, and the impact of businesses closing on our neighborhoods. The episode highlights the various government programs implemented during the pandemic, the concerns and low optimism among small business owners, and the importance of preserving small businesses with government action and community support.

Kacey and her partner just welcomed a new baby girl into their lives. And with this bundle of joy has also  come a ton of new expenses.Jordan talks to money expert and mom of two, Melissa Leong, to find out how new parents are making it work.  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 would have to be quite the drug, right? Actually, no. While these are real health problems, with many of the impacts of a chronic physical illness, the fix isn't a new pharmaceutical. It's a new approach to a cure as old as society itself—social interaction with one's community.The problem is, lots of people who struggle with isolation might not have the means or ability to simply get out and do it. That's where the prescriptions come in...GUEST: Sonia Hsiung, director, Canadian Institute for Social Prescribing 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

Exploring Canada's role in a chaotic world, the podcast delves into the country's historical peacekeeping legacy and its relevance today. With a focus on adapting to global changes, the discussion highlights the challenges and importance of defining a strong foreign policy. The evolving landscape, Canada's international reputation, and the need for consistency in decision-making are also key points of interest.

The podcast explores the increasing ideological split between young men and women, discussing its origins, implications, and the potential consequences of political polarization. They delve into the causes, effects, and political ramifications of this divide, examine the amplification of extreme views on social media, and explore potential solutions to bridge the gap. The episode ends with a gratitude message from the host.

In much of the world, fertility rates are falling—but very few countries have seen theirs fall as far and as fast as Canada. With just 1.33 children per woman, we're not close to a stable level, meaning that without immigration Canada's population will decline.Why aren't Canadians having more kids? Do we need to? How did fertility rate become such a polarizing statistic? And if we did want Canadians to have more children, what could we do?GUEST: Don Kerr, Demographer, Kings University College at Western University; formerly Statistics Canada 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

Since October 7, there has been no shortage of reporting about Israel's invasion of Gaza. And the death toll keeps climbing. But what has been rare are firsthand accounts of daily life in the region. Today, our guests describes being in Gaza on October 7, the days that followed, as well as what's missing from the mainstream reporting and why.GUEST: Louis Baudoin-Laarman, Doctors Without Borders Communications Manager for Palestine 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

Lynda has a dental emergency and is struggling to cover the cost of treatment. Jordan speaks with Dr. Carlos Quiñonez to figure out how Canadians can get the dental care they need right now.  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 study published in December offered science's most complete look at what domestic cats around the globe hunt and consume. The short answer? Absolutely everything, with no regard for any prey's place on endangered species lists. Some of the species found in cats' diets over the past few decades are now extinct, as outdoor domestic cats have spread to every place on earth save for Antartica.We've long been told to keep cats indoors to save the lives of thousands of birds. But what if they need to be kept indoors to save the lives of ecosystems themselves? What if cats—yes, like the small, purring cutie on your couch right now—were the worst invasive species the world has known? And what if we were their willing accomplices?GUEST: Christopher Lepczyk, ecologist and professor at Auburn University in Alabama; lead author of "A global synthesis and assessment of free-ranging domestic cat diet" 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

Exploring the impact of overprotecting kids with bans on activities like tobogganing in Toronto. Discussing the importance of risky play for childhood development, teaching resilience and emotion management. Delving into the challenges parents face balancing safety and independence in a risk-averse society. Addressing children's anxiety, skill development, and the role of play in emotional growth.