

The Big Story
Frequency Podcast Network
An in-depth look at the issues, culture and personalities shaping Canada today.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jun 2, 2024 • 24min
The ignoble end of "the world's worst McDonald's"
The podcast explores the infamous reputation of a McDonald's in Ottawa, dubbed as the worst in the world, due to violence, drug use, and viral incidents. It delves into the dynamics of public space, societal challenges in downtown areas, and the closure of the notorious restaurant.

Jun 1, 2024 • 23min
Should you become a landlord so you can afford a home?
Thinking about becoming a landlord to afford a home? Explore the misconceptions and motivations behind property investments. Learn about the challenges of managing renovations, understanding laws, and the transitioning from a single property to a property management business. Discover the risks, cash flow importance, and the necessity of effective property management in the world of landlording.

May 31, 2024 • 30min
First Person: A disabled person living in the age of MAiD
Exploring the perspective of disabled writer Gabrielle Peters on MAiD, challenges faced by disabled individuals in healthcare, societal pressures, and advocacy for end-of-life rights in Canada.

May 30, 2024 • 25min
Explaining the competition bureau's investigation of Loblaws and Sobeys
A look into the Competition Bureau's investigation of major grocery chains for unfair lease agreement controls, potential anti-competitive practices, and their impact on Canada's grocery industry. Features insights from an expert on corporate accountability and business regulation.

May 29, 2024 • 15min
Ticketmaster vs. the US Department of Justice
An exploration of the lawsuit filed against Ticketmaster and Live Nation by the US Department of Justice for alleged monopolistic practices in the live music industry. The episode discusses the impact on concert prices and fees, the dynamics of the merger between Ticketmaster and Live Nation, and the potential implications of breaking up Live Nation on event availability and ticket competition.

May 28, 2024 • 20min
The rise and fall of Canada's Crypto King
Former 'Crypto King' Aiden Pleterski faces fraud charges and accusations of lavish living on investors' money. Discusses the alleged fraud, tangled investor lawsuits, and how a high schooler became a crypto sensation. Unveils the bizarre story of luxury cars, investor suspicions, and legal battles.

May 27, 2024 • 25min
Is the real estate industry about to fundamentally shift?
The podcast discusses the changing landscape of real estate due to the internet, focusing on the impact of agent commissions. It explores lawsuits in the US and Canada that could lead to more transparency. The conversation sheds light on negotiation tactics for commissions and the potential for shifts in the industry towards more transparency and technological advancements.

6 snips
May 26, 2024 • 28min
Smoke 101: An intro to a new summer reality
Exploring the health effects of wildfire smoke exposure and the mental health impact, with expert insights from Dr. Courtney Howard. Discussing the differences between smoke from forest fires and campfires. Comparing the health impacts of wildfire smoke and cigarette smoke. Delving into symptoms of smoke exposure, community adaptation, and the need for systemic change for climate resilience.

5 snips
May 25, 2024 • 30min
Take a vacation?! In This Economy?!
Writer and TV personality Natalie Preddie shares tips on affordable vacations in the current economy. Topics include navigating rising travel costs, budget traveling through home swapping, cost-effective road trips in Canada, maximizing travel points with credit cards, and budget-friendly vacation planning.

May 24, 2024 • 27min
How Facebook became a wasteland of AI spam
AI-generated images like Shrimp Jesus flood Facebook's algorithm, boosted by engagement. Guest Jason Koebler discusses the bizarre world of fake images and the human interaction behind them. Explore the evolution of Facebook, AI spam, and the challenges of moderating inauthentic content on the platform.