

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

Mar 8, 2024 • 20min
Could we learn to talk to whales?
Exploring the fascinating prospect of humans communicating with whales through AI decoding of whale language. Discussing the challenges, potential messages to convey, and considerations for initiating this unprecedented interaction. Investigating the complexities of understanding whale communication, risks of misinterpretation, and the potential knowledge exchange between humans and whales.

Mar 7, 2024 • 26min
The crisis in Haiti, explained
The podcast discusses the deepening crisis in Haiti with armed gangs launching violent attacks, including raiding prisons and the main airport. There are concerns about a potential civil war and genocide if Haiti's Prime Minister remains in power. The episode also explores the planned Kenya-led security mission and the challenges facing Haiti's future amidst escalating chaos and gang control.

Mar 6, 2024 • 17min
Has the battle over Ottawa’s carbon pricing reached a boiling point?
Saskatchewan refuses to remit carbon tax funds, sparking debate. What consequences will the province face? Will other provinces follow suit? The clash between Saskatchewan and the federal government. Unpacking controversies surrounding Canada's carbon tax and its impact on inter-provincial relations. Implications of Saskatchewan's resistance on Canadian carbon pricing landscape and environmental targets.

Mar 5, 2024 • 17min
Is ultra-low cost air travel doomed to fail in Canada?
Exploring the downfall of Lynx Air and the struggles of ultra-low-cost airlines in Canada. Why do discount carriers keep failing? Is expensive air travel the norm for Canadians? Guest speaker sheds light on the challenges faced in the aviation industry.

Mar 4, 2024 • 20min
Why dynamic pricing isn’t off the menu entirely
The podcast discusses the controversy around Wendy's considering dynamic pricing, consumer acceptance, and where dynamic pricing could be used next. Guest Corey Mintz offers insights on the food industry and future pricing trends.

Mar 2, 2024 • 34min
Pay for Heating?! In This Economy?!
Canadians are struggling with high heating costs. Tips include improving air exchange, energy audits, and transitioning to efficient heat sources. Learn how to save on heating by using smaller devices strategically and maintaining a minimum temperature. Explore the process of arranging energy audits and federal incentive programs. Renters can address heating concerns with legal requirements and practical solutions like thermal coverings. Expert advice includes enhancing home energy efficiency with heat pumps and planning for future energy requirements.

Mar 1, 2024 • 28min
Everything you never wanted to know about bed bugs
Discover the resurgence of bed bugs in Canadian cities, especially Toronto, where infestation reports have skyrocketed. Learn about the challenges in combating these persistent pests, recognizing, preventing, and handling infestations. Dive into the history of bed bugs, the fear they evoke, and the unsettling realities they bring. Explore Toronto's status as the bed bug capital of Canada and the city's efforts in controlling and exterminating these unwelcome guests.

Feb 29, 2024 • 17min
Quebec has a new housing law. Nobody likes it.
Quebec's new housing law has managed to anger both tenants and landlords, sparking debates on its impacts on rent prices and eviction compensations. The bill aims to tackle the housing crisis, but skepticism remains on its effectiveness. The podcast explores the challenges within Quebec's housing sector, including the unique tradition of Moving Day and the need for balance between regulations and housing demand.

Feb 28, 2024 • 21min
Why is syphilis surging in Canada?
Exploring the dramatic resurgence of syphilis in Canada, including cases of congenital syphilis. Dr. Vanessa Allen discusses the causes, symptoms, treatment, and challenges in identifying and treating syphilis. The episode highlights the urgency for healthcare responses and public awareness campaigns to combat the surge in syphilis cases.

Feb 27, 2024 • 24min
A father's fall takes us inside a broken healthcare system
Elizabeth Payne is a longtime health reporter. She knows the ins and outs of Canada's healthcare system—its triumphs and tragedies. At least, intellectually. But when her father suffered a fall that brought him first to the emergency room, and then deeper and deeper into an overcrowded, short-staffed system that failed him even as it tried its best, she got a different kind of look at what's wrong, and what it means for every senior who might suffer an extremely common accident.GUEST: Elizabeth Payne, Ottawa Citizen (You can read Elizabeth's detailed chronicle of her father's experience right here.)
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