The Big Story

The truth is out there...but are we any closer to knowing what it is? On the heels of World UFO Day, on today's show, we talk to journalist Daniel Otis about a new federal government report that's calling for the creation of a new Canadian federal agency to manage UFO reports.You'll also hear about his reporting on Canadian pilots who have encountered strange objects in the sky, and his battle with Canadian nuclear plant operators to get records they may have on the phenomenon. 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

Wynne Armand, an Associate Director at Mass General Hospital Centre for the Environment and Health and an Associate Professor at Harvard, dives into how climate change is worsening skin diseases like eczema and psoriasis. She discusses the impact of pollution and heat on our skin barriers. Listeners learn how to adjust their sun protection strategies, with a focus on the importance of mineral-based sunscreens. Armand also emphasizes the need for basic skincare over complex routines and offers tips for improving indoor air quality to protect skin health.

Sometimes it's easy to tell whether a video is fake, other times, it's not. Watermarking is used to digitally stamp fake videos, whether that stamp is visible to the human eye or is embedded in the video's data. But with new technology that allows for the stamp to be removed without anyone noticing, how is regulation enforced? Host Mike Eppel speaks to Andre Kassis, University of Waterloo PhD candidate in computer science, and Angus Lockhart, senior policy analyst at 'The Dais' with Toronto Metropolitan University to discuss the safeguards in place to ensure AI-produced content is labelled accordingly and who can be held accountable if the rules start to bend. 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

In this insightful discussion with Peter Mansbridge, a renowned Canadian journalist and host of The Bridge, they tackle the waning trust in legacy media. Peter highlights the split audience and migration of advertising to digital platforms. He dives into the challenges posed by AI in newsrooms and explores the distinction between journalists and content creators. The influence of political rhetoric, particularly from Donald Trump, on Canadian media consumption is also examined, alongside the future of public broadcasting in Canada.

Peter Mansbridge, a legendary Canadian journalist and former anchor of CBC's The National, shares his insights on the gripping Hockey Canada trial. He delves into the complexities of consent and the courtroom drama surrounding the acquittal of former junior hockey team members. The discussions reveal the broader implications for Canadian hockey culture and the media's role in shaping public discourse. Listeners will find a balance of legal analysis and reflections on societal attitudes towards consent and accountability in sports.

In this discussion, sports reporter Alex Seixeiro shares insights into the Toronto Blue Jays' incredible resurgence, marking their best streak since 2015. He highlights the team's strong culture and electric home games at Rogers Centre. The conversation dives into strategic plans for enhancing the roster before the trade deadline, focusing on acquiring relief pitchers. Seixeiro also addresses the rising hopes and excitement among fans about a potential playoff run, drawing parallels with the Raptors’ 2019 championship triumph.

The worries of a 16-year-old can include what to wear, cramming for exams, keeping up on social gossip, and taking a driving test. But what about voting in the next federal election? The push to lower Canada’s voting age is getting new energy following an announcement by the U.K. that 16- and 17-year-olds will be allowed to vote in their next general election. So, should Canada follow suit and let younger Canadians cast a ballot? Host Cormac Mac Sweeney speaks with Amanda Munday of the non-profit group New Majority, who argues if someone is old enough to drive a car and pay taxes, then they are old enough to mark an X. 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

In a conversation with Melanie Ng, Joe Amati, Senior Executive Director at Destination Canada and tourism expert, reveals the shifting landscape of Canada's tourism. He discusses the challenges posed by U.S. trade tensions but highlights a surge in interest from overseas travelers. The Canada Strong Pass initiative is boosting domestic tourism, offering authentic experiences. Amati underscores tourism's crucial role in the economy and the resilience of the sector post-pandemic, showcasing significant growth and recovery.

Abbey Sharp, a world-renowned Registered Dietitian and TV personality, dives into the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on body image and obesity rates. She highlights troubling trends in eating disorders, particularly among young women, exacerbated by social media pressures. Abbey critiques the BMI as an outdated measure of health, pushing for more inclusive metrics that consider metabolic health. She emphasizes the need for better access to nutrition experts and advocates for dismantling diet culture to promote a healthier relationship with food.

Kurt Wagner, a senior reporter for Bloomberg and author of "Battle for the Bird," dives deep into the tumultuous world of X, formerly Twitter. He discusses the impact of Elon Musk's leadership changes and the challenges surrounding hate speech and misinformation. Wagner highlights the recent hacking of Elmo's account, raising significant security concerns. They also explore how AI, particularly Musk's Grok chatbot, is reshaping the platform. Tune in to find out what the future might hold for this controversial social media giant.