Just Asking

Canada has one of the highest rates of pet ownership in the world. Humans develop deep connections with the animals in their lives. But how much do we really understand about them? And why have some animals evolved to become domesticated social media stars on Instagram while others run wild? On this episode of Just Asking, longtime science broadcaster and former Quirks and Quarks host Jay Ingram takes your questions about his new book “The Science of Pets.”Do you have a question you want Just Asking to explore? Send us a text or voice note at 226-758-8924. You can also e-mail us at justasking@cbc.caJay Ingram’s “The Science of Pets”

Justice Minister Sean Fraser wants to eradicate violence against women, and he says the Liberals’ new legislation will help. In the wake of the Diddy trial, Just Asking explored the push to recognize "coercive control" in the law. Ottawa’s new bill seeks to do that, along with changes to how the courts deal with femicide, and delays in the justice system.On this episode of Just Asking, we take your questions about how to prevent intimate partner violence, and what solutions survivors are looking for. Kirsten Mercer is a lawyer and gender-based violence advocate. And Nneka MacGregor is a survivor of intimate partner violence and the co-founder and executive director of the Women’s Centre for Social Justice, also known as the WomenatthecentrE.If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual assault, help is available through: https://endingviolencecanada.org/Canadian Resource Centre for Victims of Crime: 1-877-232-2610 or text 613-208-0747Just Asking episode on Coercive Control

A new report found influencers reached more people during Canada’s federal election than news outlets or politicians. So what role do influencers play in how we navigate the media landscape, and how can you tell the difference between reliable sources and misinformation?On this week’s episode of Just Asking, we take your questions about getting news through social media. Ashley Fraser is a senior reporter for CBC's The National who helped launch CBC News’ TikTok account in 2022. And Jaigris Hodson is the Canada Research Chair in Digital Misinformation, Polarization, and Anti-Social Media at Royal Roads University.We'll also hear from Cole Benett, a Canadian news influencer who posts about politics and current affairs on TikTok and Instagram.Do you have a question you want Just Asking to explore? Send us a text or voice note at 226-758-8924. You can also e-mail us at justasking@cbc.ca

After a renewed push from Trump, the future of peace talks to end the war in Ukraine remains unclear. US special envoy Steve Witkoff held separate meetings this week with Russian President Vladimir Putin, and the head of Ukraine's national security council, Rustem Umerov. Putin continues to ramp up his rhetoric, threatening that Ukrainian troops must withdraw from the eastern Donbas region or it will be seized by force. On this week’s episode of Just Asking, we dig into your questions about the ongoing push for peace between Russia and Ukraine. Paul Goode is a Professor and the McMillan Chair of Russian Studies at the Institute of European, Russian and Eurasian Studies at Carleton University. And Robert English is a Professor and Director of Central European Studies at the University of Southern California. Do you have a question you want Just Asking to explore? Send us a text or voice note at 226-758-8924. You can also e-mail us at justasking@cbc.ca

The holidays are around the corner. What does that look like if your partner has a different cultural background? How do you navigate those differences and bring your two identities together? How do you navigate potential conflicts with both sides of the family, or questions from your kids?On this week’s episode of Just Asking, we take all your questions about dating and relationships for couples from different cultural background. Whether you’re a part of an interracial couple, or your partner has a different faith or ethnic background, this week’s guests have plenty of advice for you. Yasmeen Rafiq is a therapist and owner of the private therapy practice, Meaningful Connections, where she works with intercultural couples. And Maya Yampolsky is an associate professor of social and cultural psychology at Laval University, where she researches intercultural and interracial relationships. We'll also hear from Rabbi Denise Handlarski who is in an interfaith marriage herself and marries interfaith couples. She's also a professor at Trent University and has a LOT of opinions about Netflix’s Nobody Wants This.

MP Steven Guilbeault resigned from cabinet, claiming the Ottawa-Alberta energy deal signals a major step backwards on climate commitments. The agreement lays the political groundwork for a potential pipeline to the B.C. coast. By designating this possible pipeline as a project of "national interest," it could be exempt from environmental protection laws. The deal will also see Ottawa suspend the proposed federal oil and gas emissions cap, and Alberta's requirements under the Clean Electricity Regulations. On this week’s episode of Just Asking, we take your questions about what this deal could mean for Canada's climate future. Our guests are Rick Smith, the President of the Canadian Climate Institute. And Hadrian Mertins-Kirkwood is senior researcher at the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, who focuses on the shift towards a zero-carbon future, including energy workers.Do you have a question you want Just Asking to explore? Send us a text or voice note at 226-758-8924. You can also e-mail us at justasking@cbc.ca

Like it or not....Winter is coming. Are you ready to bust out the Mariah Carey, or are you bracing yourself for darker, colder days ahead? For a country that spends a significant portion of the year in winter weather, our cities are not always well-equipped to be livable spaces through all seasons. On this episode of Just Asking, we take all your questions on how to prepare ourselves, and our communities for the change in seasons. Ana Hidalgo is a lecturer in the Department of Geography and Planning at the University of Saskatchewan who researches urban design for winter cities. Kari Leibowitz is a health psychologist and author of the book "How to Winter: Harness Your Mindset to Thrive on Cold, Dark, or Difficult Days." Do you have a question you want Just Asking to explore? Send us a text or voice note at 226-758-8924. You can also e-mail us at justasking@cbc.ca

Marjorie Taylor Greene says Trump “ripped MAGA apart” with the Epstein case. The uproar may have pushed the President to reverse his previous stance, signing a bill late Wednesday to order the release of the Epstein files. But beyond this week's political drama, how will these fractures within the Republican party affect the MAGA movement moving forward?On this episode of Just Asking, we take all your questions about what’s happening with the MAGA movement right now, and how things could change one year out before the Midterm elections. Matt Dallek is a professor of Political Management and historian at George Washington University, who’s written multiple books chronicling the rise of the modern conservative movement. (Confirming second guest) Paul Waldman is a columnist with MS NOW (formerly MSNBC). Do you have a question you want Just Asking to explore? Send us a text or voice note at 226-758-8924. You can also e-mail us at justasking@cbc.ca

With the COP30 climate summit in Belém, Brazil this week, Canada wants to be seen as a leader in climate action. But are we on the right track? Reports are warning that fossil fuel emissions have hit a record high. The world is still on track for a catastrophic 2.6C increase in temperature. That is surpassing the thresholds set out in the Paris agreement. At COP30 this week, Canada highlighted $392 million in funding for global climate action projects. Here at home, Prime Minister Carney unveiled his list of major projects to fast-track. Carney's plan is for Canada to become an energy superpower and a leader in responsible mining for critical minerals. On this episode of Just Asking, we take your questions on Canada’s climate change commitments, and our role on the world stage. Sarah Elizabeth Sharma is an Assistant Professor in the School of Political Studies at the University of Ottawa, focusing on climate policy. David Smith is the Coordinator of the Institute for Sustainable Development and Director of the Centre for Environmental Management at The University of the West Indies.Do you have a question you want Just Asking to explore? Send us a text or voice note at 226-758-8924. You can also e-mail us at justasking@cbc.ca

How many texts, memes and video calls does it take to make a relationship last? We all have partners, friends and family in different cities to keep up with. How often do you get to have face to face time with those loved ones? As our lives get busier, traveling gets expensive, and technology makes communication both easier and more fleeting, what does it take to make a relationship last from afar? On this episode of Just Asking, we take your questions on long-distance relationships and friendships. Dr. Alexandra Solomon is a clinical psychologist, adjunct professor at Northwestern University and host of the podcast "Reimagining Love." Anabel Quan-Hasse is a Professor of Sociology and Media Studies at Western University. Do you have a question you want Just Asking to explore? Send us a text or voice note at 226-758-8924. You can also e-mail us at justasking@cbc.ca