Connie and Craig Cook have been living in their Earthship in southwestern Ontario for more than a decade. An Earthship is a type of sustainable home designed to be completely off the grid and in harmony with nature. Host Jeyan Jeganathan visits their home and explores the viability and interest in these terrestrial structures.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sheila White's parents met in Nova Scotia just after the Second World War. As she describes in her biographical novel, "The Letters: Postmark Prejudice in Black and White," it was a love story for the ages. With one caveat: Vivien was white, Billy was Black. How they forged their relationship against family and societal disapproval provides a snapshot into the fraught race relations of the time, and how two individuals worked to dispel narrow thoughts about who they were and what their life together would be based on their differences. She talks to Jeyan Jeganathan about hers and her parents' anti-racism advocacy and what she learned by delving into their story.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Elizabeth Dowdeswell stepped down last year as the longest-serving Lieutenant-Governor in Ontario history. Steve Paikin talks to her about being the Queen's (and for a short time, the King's) representative in Ontario during a once-in-a-century pandemic, and dealing with a very different premier, at least for his first year.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What's the likelihood of winning a Governor General's Literary Award for young people's literature? That might just be the kind of thing that the main character of Sarah Everett's book, "The Probability of Everything," would try to figure out. It's the story of a girl obsessed with odds, and the chances of things occurring, including the end of the world. As it turns out, the book DID win that prestigious award in 2023. And we're pleased it brings Sarah Everett to our studio.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dancer turned choreographer Esie Mensah didn't think Afrofuturism applied to her. Questioning shade-ism helped change that. Donate to TVO: http://tvo.org/giveSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the province celebrates Black History Month, the Ontario government has announced that the exceptional contributions of Black Canadians who helped shape Canada will now be a mandatory part of the Canadian history curriculum for grades 7, 8 and 10. We welcome high school educator and president of The Ontario Alliance of Black School Educators, Deborah Buchanan-Walford.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In December 2022, Lanark County became the first community in Ontario to declare the state of intimate partner violence an epidemic. The Mayor of Mississippi Mills, Christa Lowry, and Pamela Cross from Luke's Place explain why that was important, and what communities are doing to combat this growing problem.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Even after 30 years since Mike Harris ushered in the Common Sense Revolution, people debate the merits of his policies. If you liked him, he was the guy who did what he said he was going to do: cut taxes, balance budgets, and make government smaller. If you didn't like him, he was the guy responsible for deaths in Walkerton and Ipperwash. Alister Campbell, one of Harris' senior-most advisers, has put together a collection of essays designed to give the premier's time in office a second look. The book is called, "The Harris Legacy: Reflections on a Transformational Premier." He's joined by Sandra Pupatello, Liberal MPP from 1999-2011; Marilyn Churley, New Democratic MPP from 1990-2005; Chloe Brown, policy analyst at the Future Skills Centre and a former two-time Toronto mayoral candidate; and Robert Benzie, Toronto Star Queen's Park bureau chief.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Inspired by the original wind phone in Otsuchi, Iwate Prefecture, Japan, Keith Lamont has installed a disconnected vintage phone on his farm in Acton, Ontario. He hopes visitors experiencing grief will find it a useful tool for processing loss. Catherine Manning (music therapist, Hospice Wellington) and Linda E. Clarke (writer, performer) talk about their experiences with the wind phone and its surprising affects.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For cash-strapped cities facing the ongoing housing crisis in this country, the $4 billion federally funded Housing Accelerator Fund could help get more homes built faster. For insights into what the fund could mean for their municipalities, we welcome: Waterloo Mayor Dorothy McCabe, North Bay Mayor Peter Chirico, and Burlington Mayor Marianne Meed Ward.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What are the unique dimensions of and solutions to rural homelessness? From this year's ROMA conference, panelists explore the dimensions of and solutions for growing issues of homelessness in rural and remote communities. Panelists are: Catherine Hardman, CEO, Canadian Mental Health Association Huron Perth; Terrilee Kelford, National Alliance to End Rural and Remote Homelessness; Kelly-Anne Salerno, assistant director, Housing Admin and Operations, Region of Waterloo; and Henry Wall, CAO, Kenora District Services Board.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Later this month, commuters in the GTHA will see fare integration that allows riders to transfer seamlessly among TTC, GO Transit, and other transit agencies. It's just one of the transit stories that Lex Harvey is following for the Toronto Star, where she is a transportation reporter.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What should we make of the Ford government reversals on policies such as the Greenbelt and Peel Region? Then, does Ontario's energy source need to change? What is ailing post-secondary institutions? And what are some solutions to curb the opioid crisis?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More than three million homes in Ontario use natural gas for home heating. And it accounts for about 10 per cent of the energy supply in the province's electrical grid. But municipalities across the province are saying ,no, to new natural-gas fired power plants citing climate change concerns. Does this signal the beginning of the end for natural gas in the province? Do we need to ditch natural gas? Or do we need it to ensure we have affordable and reliable power?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Building on its research and recommendations in Opportunities for Rural Ontario in a Post-Covid World, the ROMA Board of Directors undertook extensive research into to the barriers to accessing health services. ROMA's Closer to Home brings insight into the issues, discusses innovations solutions, and provides recommendation for a healthier and sustainable rural Ontario. To discuss these issues, we welcome: Robin Jones, chair of ROMA; Michael Nolan, chief emergency services, Country of Renfrew; and Dr. David Savage, Northern Ontario School of Medicine.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Half the human population menstruates, yet the biological process still seems like a mystery. Canadian author and obstetrician-gynecologist Dr. Jen Gunter shares insights from her latest book, "Blood: The Science, Medicine, and Mythology of Menstruation," and reveals some fascinating biological, social, and political details.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thirty-four years ago, Sault Ste. Marie's city council overwhelmingly passed a resolution to make it an officially unilingual English city. Results were mixed then. Now, the city has returned to the French-English controversy but with a very different outcome. To discuss how this issue has played out historically and is now being viewed, we welcome Mayor Matthew Shoemaker.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recently officials in Belleville declared a state of emergency, after paramedics responded to 23 drug overdoses in a span of just two days. It's another deadly chapter in the ongoing opioid crisis in the province, and country. For insight, we welcome Jennifer Cormier, executive director of the John Howard Society of Belleville, and Dr. Carolyn Snider, emergency physician at Unity Health Toronto.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the past few months, troubling news about the financial health of Ontario's post-secondary institutions has come to light. Many colleges and universities face serious deficits in the years to come. After the federal government announced a cap on international students, that made the situation worse. To discuss this troubling issue, we welcome Jeff Casello, associate vice president of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs, and a professor at the University of Waterloo; Anne Sado, president emeritus of George Brown College; And Alex Usher, CEO of Higher Education Strategy Associates.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How are food insecurity challenges affecting rural Ontario? From the ROMA conference, this panel looks at how rural municipalities, the agricultural sector, and community organizations can come together to support food security. Panelists: Carolyn Stewart, CEO, Feed Ontario; Drew Spoelstra, president, Ontario Federation of Agriculture; Sara Epp, assistant professor, Rural Planning & Development, University of Guelph; and Christine MacDonald, chief administrative officer, Bruce County.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At the 2024 Rural Ontario Municipal Association conference in Toronto, The Agenda talks to Carolyn Stewart, CEO of Feed Ontario about the state of food banks in the province, and the innovations in the sector. Donate to TVO: http://tvo.org/giveSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 1995, the Toronto Raptors became one of two Canadian teams to join the NBA. The chances of extinction were high. Jeyan Jeganathan talks to Alex Wong about his latest book, "Prehistoric: The Audacious and Improbable Origin Story of the Toronto Raptors," and how a maverick entrepreneur and an unlikely cast of characters built the Toronto Raptors from the ground up. Donate to TVO: http://tvo.org/giveSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the Ontario Legislature set to resume next week, we focus on issues that have bedevilled the current government: the Greenbelt and the dissolution of Peel Region, two issues that Premier Doug Ford has famously taken firm stands on, then thought better of it and retreated. Panelists: Columnist and former Stephen Harper speechwriter, Michael Taube; Kim Wright of Wright Strategies and a former NDP adviser; and Martin Regg Cohn, the Toronto Star's Queen's Park columnist.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the depths of pandemic lockdowns and social distancing, many people, desperate for something good, sought out and adopted pets of all kinds. Now, those puppies and kittens are all grown up, and sadly, some are reportedly winding up far from being treasured family members. With more on this: Kathy Powelson, Executive Director of Paws for Hope Animal Foundation; Phil Nichols, Chief Operating Officer of the Toronto Humane Society; And Camille Labchuk, Executive Director of Animal JusticeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Public services cost money, but do governments levy enough taxes to pay for them?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For generations, Black parents have 'the talk' with their kids - a conversation about the risks associated with being Black in this society. What's important when it comes to introducing children to systemic racism and everyday aggression? How has this evolved overtime? And do all parents share this kind of responsibility?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With over 64 per cent of Canadians playing video games on a regular basis, it'd be safe to say that Canada is a nation of gamers. But video games are more than just a form of entertainment and escape, they can serve as great learning tool to motivate, engage, and inspire. We speak to three experts to find out more about game-based learning, responsible gaming as well digital parenting.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Maybe there's a new litter of racoons in your garage. Or a scratching noise in the ceiling that makes you think squirrels. How about an all-consuming confrontation with a skunk? In cities and towns across Ontario, people and wild animals interact whether they want to or not. New York opted to hire a Rat Czar to oversee their biggest problem. Does something similar make sense for the critters we see in our cities here?welcome: Nathalie Karvonen, director of the Toronto Wildlife Centre; and Brad Gates, owner and president of Gates Wildlife Control.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One out in four adolescent girls reports suffering from symptoms of major depression. Girls and young women are twice as likely as boys and young men to suffer from anxiety. The girls are not okay, and there is an emerging neurobiological explanation for these troubling numbers. Donna Jackson Nakazawa, author of "Girls on the Brink: Helping Our Daughters Thrive in an Era of Increased Anxiety, Depression, and Social Media," discusses the crisis facing today's youth.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many recognize Wes Hall as one of the Dragons on "Dragon's Den," the show that gives entrepreneurs a chance to get noticed. But few know about his upbringing - one filled with poverty and neglect - and how he rose to success. In his new book, "No Bootstraps When You're Barefoot," he shares his humble beginnings and his journey to the board rooms of Bay Street, Canada's financial capital.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A group of municipal councilors and community advocates are making the case that the health of Lake Simcoe is vital to its surrounding communities. But from development pressures to climate change, the challenges are many. Why is more investment needed, and should Lake Simcoe be treated similarly to any Great Lake? For insight, we welcome: Jonathan Scott, councillor for Ward 2 for the Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury; Dave Neeson, councillor, Ward 3 for the Town of Georgina; Claire Malcolmson, executive director of the Rescue Lake Simcoe Coalition; and Margaret Prophet, executive director of the Simcoe County Greenbelt Coalition.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Driven by curiosity, more and more people are turning to direct-to-consumer genetic testing sites to understand a little bit more about themselves. Law enforcement has been able to tap into this trove of information to help solve cold cases that are decades old. Experts share how the process works and whether there are ethical concerns about sharing one's genetic data online. With guests: Claire Glynn, associate professor of Forensic Science at the Henry C. Lee College of Criminal Justice and Forensic Sciences at the University of New Haven; Patricia Kosseim, Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario; Toronto Star crime reporter Jennifer Pagliaro; and Ellen White, investigator at Pulse Private Investigations and host of the podcast, "Whereabouts Unknown."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It may come as a surprise to some, but Canada has a long and deep history with blackface. To take us through that history, we welcome Cheryl Thompson, associate professor of Performance at Toronto Metropolitan University.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As high inflation sends record numbers of Ontarians to food banks, we look at the history of charitable organizations in Canada and their purpose today. How did places originally intended for temporary aid in the 1980s become permanent staples for those in need and increasingly the working poor? Experts examine where the responsibility for tackling food poverty should lie, when it comes to governments, charities, corporations, and citizens.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ignoring problems, as we all know, does not make them go away. That's painfully true when it comes to money matters, where making bad choices can be very costly. Shannon Lee Simmons is a certified financial planner. She founded the New School of Finance and writes books that tackle the everyday challenges people face managing their money. Her new book is: "No-Regret Decisions: Making Good Choices During Difficult Times."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recent data shows the average scores of Grade 12 students have risen significantly in the past 15 years. Universities in Ontario have seen an increase in applicants with averages over 90 per cent. Experts have speculated that such a spike could be resulting from educational changes like de-streaming and the growth of online learning, a shifting perceived value of post-secondary education, or a new generation of tech-savvy students. Are students just smarter, or working harder? Is grade inflation damaging? If grades no longer distinguish students, what will?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the depths of the Depression, nearly 100 years ago, a remarkable thing happened in Chatham, Ontario. A baseball team, comprised solely of Black players, won the provincial championship. In the process - more than a decade before Jackie Robinson broke the colour barrier in Major League Baseball - they did what might have once seemed impossible. Heidi LM Jacobs documents that story in her new book, "1934: The Chatham Coloured All-Stars' Barrier-Breaking Year." Jacobs, along with Deirdre McCorkindale. board member of the Chatham Kent Black Historical Society and an assistant professor of History at the University of Guelph, discuss this momentous event.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Microplastics. They are in our beer, salt, fresh fruit and vegetables, and drinking water. We eat, according to one estimate, a credit card's worth every week. They can also rain down upon us, and we can breathe them in. They have been found in our blood and embedded in our lungs. How dangerous are they? Do we enough to say they are harmful to us? The Agenda examines the microplastics inside us.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What is an "finfluencer," and why are they gaining popularity? We look at the increasing prevalence of content creators sharing personal finance advice on social media. Can they be trusted? While some creators are supporting financial literacy and accessibility, others are providing a false sense of expertise and gaining reach by spreading dubious advice. How can Ontarians spot the difference? And should the province crack down with legislation?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's a version of the future where self-driving electric cars carry people around in an emission-free, but car-friendly world. Paris Marx, host of the podcast "Tech Won't Save Us," writes about why they don't buy that vision in their new book, "Road to Nowhere: What Silicon Valley Gets Wrong about the Future of Transportation."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The idea that young people are the most liberal and progressive people you'll ever meet is being challenged as new studies show youth are detaching from democracy across the Anglosphere. Instead, they are finding forms of authoritarianism appealing. Fed up with the challenging generational hand they've been dealt, some are denouncing democratic institutions and looking towards strong leaders to quickly fix their problems. Is Canada immune to this trend?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With a wave of recent cyberattacks on hospitals and other infrastructure, will these disruptions become a regular occurrence? Cybersecurity experts discuss what's happening, whether the attacks will be more frequent, and what we can do to adapt.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Most of us will never see a lion or leopard or giraffe in their natural habitat. But many of us, have seen them up close in a zoo. Sometimes that's in a big facility, such as the almost 300 hectares that's home to 5,000 animals in Toronto. Or, it's in a roadside location with a smaller or specialty assortment of wildlife. Either way, ensuring that the animals are well cared for is a concern for all. For insight, we welcome Dolf DeJong, president and CEO of the Toronto Zoo; Melissa Matlow, campaign director for World Animal Protection, Canada; and Kendra Coulter, professor in management and organizational studies at Western University and author of "Defending Animals: Finding Hope on the Front Lines of Animal Protection."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The pandemic and lockdowns we've heard many times have created a "mental health tsunami." But a new study that looked at 31 different countries showed the mental health effects of the pandemic were minimal. How is this possible? The Agenda examines this study with two of its authors, Brett Thombs and Danielle Rice, and the University of Toronto's Kwame McKenzie.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Generation Squeeze founder Paul Kershaw got a rise out of Baby Boomers recently, by stating the generation didn't pay its fair share of taxes. He joins Steve Paikin to defend his stance.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Financial planner Shannon Lee Simmons provides insight into how to prepare for a recession from a personal finance perspective.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Not every regime achieves democracy through its collapse, some do so through strength. And in his book, "From Development to Democracy: The Transformation of Modern Asia," Joseph Wong argues that the latter might be more likely for regimes like China. He discusses what the West gets wrong about democratization in Asia, and what the transition to democracy could look like in modern authoritarian regimes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ilya Sutskever, the chief scientist at OpenAI, the company that created ChatGPT, has said today's technology might be "slightly conscious." Google engineer Blake Lemoine claimed that Google's AI LaMDA was "sentient." Is it? Could AI become conscious in our lifetime? And beyond if we can create AI sentience, should we? MIT's Max Tegmark, author of "Life 3.0," and others, debate the future of AI.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Milestone timelines are changing and even disappearing, If the standard life-stage achievements for graduation, career, marriage, children, homeowning, and retirement created predictability and comfort, what happens when people don't meet those marks? Does it negatively affect their sense of self? Or are the outliers the new normal? How much does technology, religion, gender inequality, racial inequity, and a changing economy play into those milestones. What would it take to bring our ideas of social norms into the 21st century?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Justin Davis spent his childhood climbing the rungs of hockey in Canada. He made it to major junior hockey in the OHL. He won a memorial cup with the Ottawa 67s. He played professionally overseas. In his book, "Conflicted Scars: An Average Player's Journey to the NHL," he writes, "the game of hockey is broken, it leaves scars inside us we keep hidden., From the Kyle Beach sexual assault settlement with the Chicago Blackhawks to Akim Aliu's memoir, confronting discrimination in hockey, Davis reflects on the moment hockey culture is being faced with and how a lifetime of hockey left its mark on him.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fear, jealousy, anger. Name an emotion, and you can find an evolutionary reason why it exists. But why depression? What role does it play? Is it an adaptation that helped our survival, or is it a disorder? For insight, we welcome: Randolph Nesse, emeritus professor of psychiatry at the University of Michigan, and author of "Good Reasons for Bad Feelings: Insights from the Frontier of Evolutionary Psychiatry; Maryanne Fisher, professor of psychology at Saint Mary's University in Halifax; and Paul Andrews, professor of evolutionary psychology at McMaster University.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Loneliness isn't just unpleasant. It turns out it's also bad for your health and for social cohesion. What may have been a taboo topic prior to the pandemic is now higher on the list of social issues to solve. For some insight, we welcome Pete Bombaci, founder and executive director of the not-for-profit GenWell Project, that aims to be a Canadian-led, global human connection movement;David Kepes, CEO of CompanionLink, a registered charity that connects isolated people, particularly seniors, with volunteers for social connection; Miriam Amdur, founder of the 52 Friends Project, which is on a mission to reduce the stigma around loneliness and prioritize friendship; and Steve Joordens, professor of psychology at the University of Toronto Scarborough.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Once taken by the promise of social media, journalist Maria Rassa has witnessed authoritarians in her native Philippines and around the world harness this new technology to sow hate, fear, lies, and ultimately destroy democracy. The Nobel Peace Prize-winner tells Steve Paikin why she is still speaking out, even under the looming threat of a life behind bars. Her new book is called, "How to Stand Up to a Dictator: The Fight for Our Future."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Artists, musicians, and writers are getting ripped off, according to Cory Doctorow, co-author of "Chokepoint Capitalism." From Amazon and book publishing and Spotify and music to Google and Facebook and news media, big tech has "captured culture," creating modern day monopolies and "chokepoints." Doctorow explains how these chokepoints work, and the current film and TV writer's strike and their concerns over AI.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For the past two decades, farmers in the Niagara Region have taken the issue of water scarcity into their own hands. Even though the region is surrounded by Lake Ontario, the Welland Canal, Niagara River and Lake Erie, getting water to tender fruit and grapes has always been a challenge and climate change is only exacerbating the problem. The Niagara Peninsula produces over 90 per cent of Ontario's tender fruit and according to local farmers and politicians, that could be at risk if investments in irrigation infrastructure are not taken seriously. Field reporter Jeyan Jeganathan takes a look at the race to irrigate Niagara.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 2022 weather events accounted for $3.1 billion of insured losses in Canada. That's up from just $40 million in 2008. And in the last three years, house insurance prices in Canada have gone up 14 per cent. Is Canada becoming uninsurable? Do we need to change how we build homes and even where we build them? And what does this mean for the housing crisis? The Agenda examines the growing climate risk in this country.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The summer season in Ontario brings with it rainstorms - and flooding. One common afterthought is the effect on our sewage systems, which can overflow and become a multi-thousand dollar problem. Steve Paikin talks to Barbara Robinson, better known as ,the sewer lady,, about how to reduce flooding and the costs associated with it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Seventy-five years ago, in the shadow of the Second World War, countries put their collective heads together to write a common international moral language. What resulted was the Universal Declaration of Human Rights - fundamental moral principles each and every human being was entitled to. Since then, enforcement and guaranteeing rights has sometimes been difficult, and consensus has often been hard to find. Critics wonder if human rights complaints too often come from Western mouths, and if the definition "human right" has been expanded to its detriment. Supporters of the movement say there have been major victories and that change is incremental. The Agenda debates whether the international human rights movement has become ineffective.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's unimaginable to be found guilty in a court of law for a crime you did not commit. Or, imagine knowing you were innocent but you pled guilty anyway because that seemed like the best option. Kent Roach is a professor at the University of Toronto Faculty of Law, and co-founder of the Canadian Registry of Wrongful Convictions. His new book catalogues the myriad ways that Canada's justice system makes such cases all too common. It's called: "Wrongfully Convicted: Guilty Pleas, Imagined Crimes, and What Canada Must Do to Safeguard Justice."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Clinical psychologist Lisa Damour discusses her latest book "The Emotional Lives of Teenagers." In it she lays out how to support teens through this critical stage of life.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For decades the demise of the library has been predicted. But in 2023, is the library now more relevant than ever? From makerspaces to outreach programs and media literacy opportunities to podcast and video equipment, the library has evolved into a community hub. The Agenda examines the new role of the library, with:Shamichael Hallman, Loeb Fellow at the Graduate School of Design at Harvard University and co-founder of, Libraries as Bridges; Sabrina Saunders, CEO & Board Secretary at the Blue Mountains Public Library; Mary Chevreau, CEO of the Kitchener Public Library; Vickery Bowles, City Librarian at the Toronto Public Library.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It seems like technology and artificial intelligence are making more headlines with chat bots and algorithms making new discoveries almost daily. What's next? And are we prepared for a world that uses artificial intelligence? Sinead Bovell, futurist, and founder of WAYE, a tech education company, joins us to discuss what the future will look like, the potential challenges and how we can get ahead of them.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over a thousand people signed a letter, including Elon Musk and Steve Wozniak, calling for a pause on AI development. But a number of recent scientific breakthroughs, especially in medicine, have been led by AI. What is the promise of AI in advancing science and medicine? Will it help usher in a new era of science? Will it replace human scientists? And could AI, in the future, produce a scientific breakthrough or theory that no human can understand?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why are so many teenagers experiencing anxiety and depression? For insight, we welcome Kathy Short, executive director, School Mental Health Ontario; Annie Kidder, executive director, People for Education; Kwame McKenzie, CEO of the Wellesley Institute and professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Toronto; Jo Henderson, director of the Margaret and Wallace McCain Centre for Child, Youth and Family Mental Health at CAMH and executive director of Youth Wellness Hubs Ontario; and Mahalia Dixon, youth engagement specialist at CAMH.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The thing about families is that at one point or another, we've all both hated and loved those we're related to. But rarely has it been described as Kelly S. Thompson does in her new memoir, "Still, I Cannot Save You." It's about her relationship with her sister, the expectations we have for our siblings and how our wrongs don't need to define us.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is the Medium Still the Generational Message?When Canadian media theorist and futurist Marshall McLuhan wrote his most influential works in the 1960s, it's hard to imagine he really envisioned our world as it is, in all its technological and social media complexity. Still, his notion that, ,the medium is the message, endures, and even invites us to consider how the evolution of the media ecosystem has rippled across, and perhaps even, shaped subsequent generations. For insights on whether the avalanche of media makes us better informed than we were in the past we invite, in order of generational seniority: from the baby boom: Suanne Kelman career journalist and professor of journalism, now retired; from generation X: Paolo Granta, associate professor of Book and Media Studies at the University of St. Michael's College in the University of Toronto; from the millennial generation: Noor Malik, a marketing professional; and from gen Z, TikTok content creator, Hazel Thayer.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Whether you care or not, the fact of your birth assigns you to a generation. And according to psychologist and author Jean Twenge's latest and most comprehensive book, whichever one it is, it's foundational to understanding how major shifts in our world shape us, in the broadest terms. Twenge discusses the book, "Generations: The Real Differences Between Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X, Boomers, and Silents - and What They Mean for America's Future."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When we are looking for a job or a place to live, we are interacting with a market. But how do they work? In our final instalment of money week, registered financial planner, Shay Myers, and economists Craig Alexander, Brett House and Kaylie Tiessen discuss choices and decisions in our markets.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What's the difference between money and wealth? Are there good investments and bad investments? As money week continues, registered financial planner, Shay Myers, and economists Craig Alexander, Brett House and Kaylie Tiessen discuss the difference between saving and investing and how to make money work in our favour.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is there good debt and bad debt? Why would governments carry debt? As we continue our focus on money, registered financial planner, Shay Myers, and economists Craig Alexander, Brett House and Kaylie Tiessen explain what debt is, and, why we have it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What are banks really for? And, what's the role of the central bank? As money week continues, registered financial planner, Shay Myers, and economists Craig Alexander, Brett House and Kaylie Tiessen break down the role of banks and how interest rates are used in the economy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you ever wondered, what, exactly is money? Is it just made up? Tonight, our money panel - registered financial planner, Shay Myers, and economists Craig Alexander, Brett House and Kaylie Tiessen - defines what money is and whether currency can change.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are works of architecture that take your breath away. What makes them great? In the final instalment of our focus on design, architects Marianne McKenna; Carol Phillips, Don Schmitt, and Eladia Smoke | KaaSheGaaBaaWeak discuss the styles and buildings that inspire them.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are a lot of moving parts to get buildings up and with that comes a flurry of challenges. As architecture week continues, architects Marianne McKenna; Carol Phillips, Don Schmitt, and and Eladia Smoke | KaaSheGaaBaaWeak discuss their pain points and the role that controversial projects play, such as Ontario Place.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When we walk into a space, how should we feel? How does light and shadow affect us while we're there?? Architects Marianne McKenna; Carol Phillips, Don Schmitt, and Eladia Smoke | KaaSheGaaBaaWeak discuss some of their works and the intention behind the design.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What goes into the design of a space? How does an architect choose materials? As we continue our focus on design, we ask architects Marianne McKenna; Carol Phillips, Don Schmitt, and Eladia Smoke | KaaSheGaaBaaWeak whether form or function should prevail.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is architecture more than art and science? Can the design of a space be political? This week, architects Marianne McKenna; Carol Phillips, Don Schmitt, and Eladia Smoke | KaaSheGaaBaaWeak discuss the power of building public spaces.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Can we jump to warp speed? What about teleportation? In our cosmos concluding episode, astronomer Bryan Gaensler, astrophysicist Nathalie Ouellette, theoretical physicist Matthew Johnson, and aerospace engineer Walter Stoddard discuss the limitations of our imagination, and what we can do to bridge the education gap.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How did the universe start? What's a black hole? Our focus on the cosmos continues as astronomer Bryan Gaensler, astrophysicist Nathalie Ouellette, theoretical physicist Matthew Johnson, and aerospace engineer Walter Stoddard discuss some of the theories behind how our universe functions, gravitational waves, and even dark energy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How big is our galaxy? And how do we know that? In this instalment of our focus on the cosmos, astronomer Bryan Gaensler, astrophysicist Nathalie Ouellette, theoretical physicist Matthew Johnson, and aerospace engineer Walter Stoddard discuss the mysteries of the Milky Way.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We all learned the planets in our solar system, but what else is there? Could there be life on one of Saturn's moons? In the second instalment of our focus on the cosmos, astronomer Bryan Gaensler, theoretical physicist Matthew Johnson; astrophysicist Nathalie Ouellette, and aerospace engineer Walter Stoddard discuss the complex system we live within.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For thousands of years, people have been looking up at the sky in wonder: What's up there? This week begins our deep dive into the marvels of the universe with astronomer Bryan Gaensler, theoretical physicist Matthew Johnson; astrophysicist Nathalie Ouellette, and aerospace engineer Walter Stoddard.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is there really a greatest movie of all time? Is there an agreed upon roster of the best of the best? In the final episode of movies week, film critics Thom Ernst and Alicia Fletcher; Toronto International Film Festival CEO Cameron Bailey; and filmmaker Clement Virgo discuss what makes a great film and whether there should be a canon.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It seems like every movie is either a blockbuster or independent film. Are action films the only way to turn a profit? In the fourth instalment of movies week, film critics Thom Ernst and Alicia Fletcher; Toronto International Film Festival CEO Cameron Bailey; and filmmaker Clement Virgo discuss if there's room for more genres in the "missing middle."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The movie industry has seen its share of obstacles in recent years, from pandemic shutdowns to AI nipping at writers' heels. In the third instalment of movies week, film critics Thom Ernst and Alicia Fletcher; Toronto International Film Festival CEO Cameron Bailey; and filmmaker Clement Virgo discuss how the industry is changing and whether it will be able to weather the storm.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How do you watch movies? Are movie theatres the best way to watch a film? We ask whether it's better to watch a movie in theatres, in the comfort of your living room, or on the go with a handheld device. With guests: film critics Thom Ernst and Alicia Fletcher; Toronto International Film Festival CEO Cameron Bailey; and filmmaker Clement Virgo.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What is so captivating about movies? Why are some people drawn to film? This week, we welcome film critics Thom Ernst and Alicia Fletcher; Toronto International Film Festival CEO Cameron Bailey and filmmaker Clement Virgo. Tonight, they discuss what makes movies magical.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you ever wondered what makes food appealing? What senses are activated when we taste something? This week we welcome, Marie Fitrion, food writer and program manager at Foodpreneur Lab; Ann Hui, Globe and Mail food writer and author of "Chop Suey Nation;" Joshna Maharaj, chef and author of "Take Back the Tray;" and Joseph Shawana, chef at ddcx Indigenous Kitchen on Manitoulin Island. Tonight, they discuss what goes into developing a palate and why people prefer the taste of some things more than others.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Should there be one literary canon? And, if so, whose works should be included. On the final episode of our focus on the art and craft of writing, George Elliott Clarke ("Where Beauty Survived"), Elizabeth Hay ("Snow Road Station"), Vincent Lam ("On the Ravine"), and Thea Lim ("An Ocean of Minutes") talk to Nam Kiwanuka about whether the classics are still relevant and whether some works have been excluded from certain canons.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Do writers prefer to write fiction or non-fiction? Is one more difficult to write? How does one choose their genre? In another instalment of our writers on writing panel, George Elliott Clarke ("Where Beauty Survived"), Elizabeth Hay ("Snow Road Station"), Vincent Lam ("On the Ravine"), and Thea Lim ("An Ocean of Minutes") talk to Nam Kiwanuka about the art of writing real and fictional stories, and explore the question of whose stories can they tell?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What happens when a writer fails? Or when a publisher drops an author? What if a book is banned? Canadian writers George Elliott Clarke ("Where Beauty Survived"), Elizabeth Hay ("Snow Road Station"), Vincent Lam ("On the Ravine"), and Thea Lim ("An Ocean of Minutes") talk to Nam Kiwanuka about challenges that most writers face.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you ever wondered if there is a right way to read? Do writers read differently than those who don't have to think about craft while reading? George Elliott Clarke ("Where Beauty Survived"), Elizabeth Hay ("Snow Road Station"), Vincent Lam ("On the Ravine"), and Thea Lim ("An Ocean of Minutes") discuss whether there is an art to reading. And is there a difference between reading and listening?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why do writers write? What inspires new stories? George Elliott Clarke ("Where Beauty Survived"), Elizabeth Hay ("Snow Road Station"), Vincent Lam ("On the Ravine"), and Thea Lim ("An Ocean of Minutes") offer insights on what it means to write a story, whether it can be a political act, and if success can be a form of selling out.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our review of The Agenda's week begins with how hard it is to get access to public information in this country.Then, is Canada is a post-national country and are some places here uninsurable? And, what's next for Raptors basketball.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While Canada Day celebrations usually involve big fireworks displays, there are some who want fireworks banned or restricted. Cities like Brampton and Caledon have banned personal fireworks following a surge of complaints over their use. Others argue they're an important part of cultural festivities such as Diwali. We hear from both sides of the debate.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In his fiery new book, author and political economist Ricardo Tranjan makes the case that Canada doesn't have a housing crisis, but rather a housing market working exactly as intended. Rent hikes and eviction notices aren't the work of an invisible force - it's landlords funneling wealth from working class families and reaping massive profits. Tranjan makes the case for why it's time tenants organize, mobilize, and fight back.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It was just four short years ago when the Toronto Raptors - and 1 million of their closest friends - celebrated their NBA championship with a parade for the ages. It all seems like part of the team's distant past. This year, they didn't even make the playoffs. It's led to big changes in the organization, on and off the court. What's needed to it get the team moving in a more winning direction? We ask freelance basketball journalist, Katie Heindl, the creator behind the "Basketball Feelings" podcast and newsletter; and Vivek Jacob, freelance sports journalist and staff writer for Raptors.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Next month, Tamils around the world will remember the 40th anniversary of Black July. In July 1983, anti-Tamil pogroms erupted in Sri Lanka's capital of Colombo and across the country, lasting a week and plunging the country into a 26-year-long civil war. As the conflict raged on, tens of thousands of people were killed, and it forced thousands more into exile including here in Ontario - home to one of the largest Tamil diasporas in the world. Host Jeyan Jeganathan speaks with members of the Tamil diaspora and looks back at the horrific events and how it has shaped future generations.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The summer season in Ontario brings with it rainstorms - and flooding. One common afterthought is the effect on our sewage systems, which can overflow and become a multi-thousand dollar problem. Steve Paikin talks to Barbara Robinson, better known as ,the sewer lady,, about how to reduce flooding and the costs associated with it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For the past two decades, farmers in the Niagara Region have taken the issue of water scarcity into their own hands. Even though the region is surrounded by Lake Ontario, the Welland Canal, Niagara River and Lake Erie, getting water to tender fruit and grapes has always been a challenge and climate change is only exacerbating the problem. The Niagara Peninsula produces over 90 per cent of Ontario's tender fruit and according to local farmers and politicians, that could be at risk if investments in irrigation infrastructure are not taken seriously. Field reporter Jeyan Jeganathan takes a look at the race to irrigate Niagara.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 2022 weather events accounted for $3.1 billion of insured losses in Canada. That's up from just $40 million in 2008. And in the last three years, house insurance prices in Canada have gone up 14 per cent. Is Canada becoming uninsurable? Do we need to change how we build homes and even where we build them? And what does this mean for the housing crisis? The Agenda examines the growing climate risk in this country.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Olivia Chow is Toronto's new mayor. Steve Paikin talks to Saeed Selvam, managing director of New West Public Affairs, and Sabrina Maddeaux, political columnist for the National Post, about what the newly elected mayor means for the Toronto, the issues that decided election, factors that contributed to the outcome, voter turnout, and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Contemplating whether there's such a thing as a Canadian identity, and what it might be, has been a national pastime probably for as long as Canada has existed. And there's no way to talk about Canada or Canadian politics without taking regionalism into account. None of this is new, but amid pressures or circumstances, such as extreme polarization, could that malleable idea of Canada become too weak to hold it all together? We consider that with guests: Margaret MacMillan, author and emerita professor of International History at the University of Oxford, and University of Toronto; Ken Coates, Canada Research Chair in Regional Innovation at the University of Saskatchewan; Paul Wells, author of "An Emergency in Ottawa: The Story of the Convoy Commission;" Akaash Maharaj, Ambassador-at-Large for the Global Organization of Parliamentarians Against Corruption, and a Senior Fellow at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy at the University of Toronto; Daniel Bernhard, CEO of the Institute for Canadian Citizenship; and Lydia Petrovic, author of "Lost in Canada; An Immigrant's Second Thoughts."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What governments know about each of us, what they do with that data, and how they make decisions based on it, is supposed to be available to citizens. It's a fundamental principle of democratic accountability. But as a recent series in The Globe and Mail demonstrated, that's not quite how it all works. The series is called ,Secret Canada,, and it raises many questions about how freedom of information works in this country, or more likely, how it doesn't work. For insight, we welcome Brooks Fallis, critical care & internal medicine physician; Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario Patricia Kosseim; and the investigative reporters behind The Globe and Mail's series, Secret Canada: Robyn Doolittle and Tom Cardoso.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Canadians talk about free trade, they're usually referring to the international context. Maybe that's because it's easier to figure out, than the Gordian knot of domestic trade barriers that have gone up over the decades. Lawyer Ryan Manucha makes a heroic effort to untangle it all, in his book, "Booze, Cigarettes, and Constitutional Dustups: Canada's Quest for Interprovincial Free Trade." The book won this year's Donner Prize for the best public policy thinking, writing, and research by a Canadian.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recapping our week we look at whether Ontario cities need a night mayor to manage nightlife activities and revenues. Then, are Canadians living longer? And if they do, how can their quality of life be even better?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steve Paikin talks to Ontario Liberal leadership candidate Ted Hsu - the current MPP for Kingston and the Islands - about his reasons for entering the race and his plans for the direction of the party.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sqwish is far from any pick-up basketball game you've probably seen. There is no score keeping or rules, instead it's centred around silliness, fun, and being an important third space. Field reporter Jeyan Jeganathan profiles the drop-in basketball night for Toronto's queer, non-binary, trans community and really anyone who hasn't felt comfortable in a traditional basketball setting.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cities seem to be filled with noise, and it's not just annoying - it can also be bad for our health. To inform us about the consequences of excessive noise, and what can be done about it, we welcome:Tor Oiamo, professor in the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies at Toronto Metropolitan University; and Ingrid Buday, founder of No More Noise Toronto.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the last few years, the number of Canadians living to 100 and beyond has reached record highs; now seen as the second-fastest growing age group in Canada. In the next 40 years, Canada could have nearly 100,000 centenarians. The Agenda explores the genetic and environmental factors that lead to these elite agers, the societal implications of these numberselderly, and asks whether there is a hard ceiling when it comes to how long humans can live.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Authors Akwasi Owusu-Bempah and Tahira Rehmatullah join Jeyan Jeganathan to discuss their book, ,Waiting to Inhale: Cannabis Legalization and the Fight for Racial Justice," which examines how the criminalization of marijuana harmed racialized communities in the U.S. and Canada, and ways to make the legalized cannabis industry more inclusive.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Architect Eladia Smoke, and fashion designer Alyssia Sutherland of Ally's Ribbons talk about the change of mindset that needs to happen when looking at Indigenous creativity. Both are living in a different way than the world we occupy. They both are bringing in that knowledge to what they do.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stephane Friday talks about how Indigenous players on NHL winning teams are giving young people in the community hope and much needed mentorship. Friday is the co-founder of Hockey Indigenous, a non-profit organization aiming to empower and promote Indigenous youth across Canada. Friday created Hockey Indigenous six years ago and has seen an explosion of Indigenous participation in hockey professionally and at the amateur level.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The fastest growing area of tourism in Canada is Indigenous focused. One third of visitors to Canada want an Indigenous experience. For insight on this tourism sector, that's sharing with non-Indigenous people across Ontario the food, culture, history, and traditions that have been practised on these lands for thousands of years, we welcome Kevin Eshkawkoga, president and CEO, Indigenous Tourism Ontario, from M'Chigeeng First Nation on Manitoulin Island; and Neil Debassige, a producer on Sportsman Channel Canada's hunting and fishing program, "Fuel the Fire TV."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hit with skyrocketing housing costs and above-guideline rent increases, tenants across Toronto have launched a collective rent strike which has now entered its second month. Nearly 200 residents at 33 King Street in downtown Toronto, as well as hundreds of tenants in Thorncliffe Park and Parkdale are withholding payments in response to corporate landlords hiking rent for repairs and renovations. Rent strikes have become more common in the last few years, but are they effective? Are landlords acting in predatory ways, or are the rent increases justified? We hear from both sides about the best course of action.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lawyer Marcus McCann, author of "Park Cruising: What Happens When We Wander Off the Path," talks to Jeyan Jeganathan about Canada's long history of park cruising and the "unbroken line" of police crackdowns that date back at least a hundred years. McCann explains the intersections of park cruising with the justice system, health epidemics, cultural norms, sexual consent, urban planning and why the subject continues to divide both heterosexual and queer communities. Is finding intimacy in parks still necessary given the prevalence of dating apps and queer bars?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This CFL season marks a major milestone for the Argos. The team was founded in 1873. That makes it the oldest professional sports team anywhere in North America still using its original name. The Double Blue are 150 years old this year. Who better to discuss this than the most valuable player of last year's Grey Cup Championship, linebacker Henoc Muamba.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Agenda this week assessed the housing platforms of the leading candidates for mayor of Toronto, and heard from some less often profiled candidates about how they'd do the job.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the depths of the Depression, nearly 100 years ago, a remarkable thing happened in Chatham, Ontario. A baseball team, comprised solely of Black players, won the provincial championship. In the process - more than a decade before Jackie Robinson broke the colour barrier in Major League Baseball - they did what might have once seemed impossible. Heidi LM Jacobs documents that story in her new book, "1934: The Chatham Coloured All-Stars' Barrier-Breaking Year." Jacobs, along with Deirdre McCorkindale. board member of the Chatham Kent Black Historical Society and an assistant professor of History at the University of Guelph, discuss this momentous event.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When there are 102 candidates running for mayor of Toronto, it presents a significant obstacle to hearing all the voices that need to be heard. We aim to help by inviting three candidates for mayor who have earned the right to be part of the mix. Chloe Brown placed third in the mayor's race last October. She is currently project coordinator at Future Skills Centre; Anthony Perruzza, the current Toronto City Councillor for Humber River-Black Creek and a former member of the Ontario legislature;and Rob Davis, a consultant who was the first ever Black councillor in the old city of York and the newly amalgamated city of Toronto.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In February 2020, there was a happy-go-lucky little girl named Keira, who suffered a terrible fate. She was killed, and the murderer was her father, who did it as an act of revenge. Keira's mother and stepfather, palliative care physician, Dr. Jennifer Kagan and family lawyer, Philip Viater, join us to discuss the legal reforms they have pursued around domestic violence, in hopes that no other family will have to experience the anguish they have.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Assessing plans mayoral candidates have for housing in Toronto. With guests: Eric Lombardi of More Neighbours Toronto; Jay Pitter, principal at Jay Pitter Placemaking and planner in residence at the University of Waterloo;Sean Galbraith, urban planner with Galbraith & Associates; and Asquith Allen, director of policy and regulatory affairs at the Federation for Rental-housing Providers of Ontario.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From the rise of Homo Sapiens to the fall of Rome and the birth of capitalism, it was germs that played a leading role in shaping human history, according to Jonathan Kennedy, author of "Pathogenesis: A History of the World in Eight Plagues." He discusses how the humble microbe toppled empires and won wars, and how COVID-19 will transform humans. Jonathan Kennedy teaches politics and global health at Queen Mary University of London.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fear, jealousy, anger. Name an emotion, and you can find an evolutionary reason why it exists. But why depression? What role does it play? Is it an adaptation that helped our survival, or is it a disorder? For insight, we welcome: Randolph Nesse, emeritus professor of psychiatry at the University of Michigan, and author of "Good Reasons for Bad Feelings: Insights from the Frontier of Evolutionary Psychiatry; Maryanne Fisher, professor of psychology at Saint Mary's University in Halifax; and Paul Andrews, professor of evolutionary psychology at McMaster University.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our week in review begins with an analysis of how Ontario craft breweries are faring post-COVID. Then, does Ontario protect its zoo animals? How can cities be built with more civic appeal? A look at how various generations get their news and information. And, Jean Twenge discusses her book, "Generations."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Earlier this week, the Bank of Canada raised interest rates, again. That will be unpleasant news to households across the country. It's also a red flag because Canadians collectively carry the most debt of any G7 country. That was not always the case, and actually household debt has been declining elsewhere. Why does this matter to Canadians as a whole? We ask: Jim Stanford, economist and director of the Centre for Future Work; and Mike Moffatt, senior director at the Smart Prosperity Think Tank and an Assistant Professor at Western University's Ivey Business School.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Most of us will never see a lion or leopard or giraffe in their natural habitat. But many of us, have seen them up close in a zoo. Sometimes that's in a big facility, such as the almost 300 hectares that's home to 5,000 animals in Toronto. Or, it's in a roadside location with a smaller or specialty assortment of wildlife. Either way, ensuring that the animals are well cared for is a concern for all. For insight, we welcome Dolf DeJong, president and CEO of the Toronto Zoo; Melissa Matlow, campaign director for World Animal Protection, Canada; and Kendra Coulter, professor in management and organizational studies at Western University and author of "Defending Animals: Finding Hope on the Front Lines of Animal Protection."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thousands of sorely needed condo units have gone up over the past decade or more in this province. And given the housing crisis, everyone agrees we need more as fast as possible. But, for all the engineering wonders of some of these buildings - 50 storeys, glass and steel - do we need to think about making it all a bit more charming? For insight on how to grow cities with greater civic appeal, we welcome Mary Rowe, president and CEO of the Canadian Urban Institute; and longtime architecture critic and urban affairs columnist, Christopher Hume.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Whether you care or not, the fact of your birth assigns you to a generation. And according to psychologist and author Jean Twenge's latest and most comprehensive book, whichever one it is, it's foundational to understanding how major shifts in our world shape us, in the broadest terms. Twenge discusses the book, "Generations: The Real Differences Between Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X, Boomers, and Silents - and What They Mean for America's Future."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is the Medium Still the Generational Message?When Canadian media theorist and futurist Marshall McLuhan wrote his most influential works in the 1960s, it's hard to imagine he really envisioned our world as it is, in all its technological and social media complexity. Still, his notion that, ,the medium is the message, endures, and even invites us to consider how the evolution of the media ecosystem has rippled across, and perhaps even, shaped subsequent generations. For insights on whether the avalanche of media makes us better informed than we were in the past we invite, in order of generational seniority: from the baby boom: Suanne Kelman career journalist and professor of journalism, now retired; from generation X: Paolo Granta, associate professor of Book and Media Studies at the University of St. Michael's College in the University of Toronto; from the millennial generation: Noor Malik, a marketing professional; and from gen Z, TikTok content creator, Hazel Thayer.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After surviving COVID-19 lockdowns, Ontario's craft beer brewers are facing a variety of hurdles that could put them out of business; whether it's debt, a recent jump in taxes, increased material costs on everything from cans to yeast, or continuing to work underneath The Beer Store monopoly. Some are succeeding with their suds. Others have been forced to sell, merge, or accept foreign takeovers in what some have described as an overcrowded beer market. The Agenda looks at the state of Ontario craft breweries.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are more than 26 million people in the world today who are living as refugees; half of whom are children. Oftentimes, they live in exile, without a permanent home. What happens to them? Sarah Dryden-Peterson's book, "Right Where We Belong: How Refugee Teachers and Students Are Changing the Future of Education," takes on this topic. She's an associate professor at the Harvard Graduate School of Education and the founder and director of Refugee REACH, which promotes research, education, and action for refugees.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yasir Naqvi has had some of the bigger jobs in cabinet: attorney-general, minister of community and social services, minister of labour. But like so many Liberal MPPs five years ago, he was a casualty of the province's desire to sweep the Grits out of power. A little over a year and a half ago, Naqvi made a comeback into public life, becoming the federal member for the same riding he represented provincially. Now, he's decided to enter the Ontario Liberal leadership race. He talks to Steve Paikin about his plans.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Depending on how you measure it, about one in 10 people in Ontario live in poverty. Though not everyone knows what that, assumptions are sometimes made. Journalist Deborah Dundas, books editor at the Toronto Star, does know what that's like, having grown up in poverty. Her new book, "On Class," invites readers to learn why hearing the stories from those who live them can be transformative.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nate Erskine-Smith is one of those rare members of parliament. He considers himself a loyal Liberal. But he will vote against his party when he thinks the leadership is wrong. That's ensured two things: first, he'll never be in Justin Trudeau's cabinet, and second, he gets a lotta props from people who aren't necessarily Liberals. In any event, it's prompted Erskine-Smith to take a look at the vacant Ontario Liberal leadership post and in fact, he was the first candidate to toss his hat into the ring. He talks to Steve Paikin about his plans.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our week in review begins with a look at the special report on electon interference. Then, an update on the Ukraine-Russia war. Are bike lanes causing traffic conjestion? And, why are people feeling that they're missing out on reaching their life-stage milestones?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thousands of Nova Scotians have been forced to evacuate and flee their homes as wildfires raged out of control this week. Meanwhile, smaller wildfires have been breaking out across Canada. What are the causes of these devastating fires? How natural are these natural disasters? In what ways are people affected by wildfires, and for how long? Three experts share their insights and first-hand experiences.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steve Paikin talks to Calgary-based political analyst Jason Ribeiro about what Danielle Smith's majority government will mean for Albertans, the UCP's (United Conservative Party) power, which issues decided the election, voter turnout, and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a legal saga that spans more than two decades, all 10 Canadian provinces, including Ontario, have filed lawsuits against Canada's tobacco industry seeking a total of $500 billion in damages for tobacco-related health-care costs. It's the largest class action lawsuit in Canadian history by a long shot. And for the past fpour years, negotiations between the provinces and Big Tobacco have been taking place entirely in secret. Not one province has publicly released any information on those negotiations. No public documents, public statements or public involvement. In comparison, when the U.S. took Big Tobacco to court, within four years, they had reached a settlement, tobacco company documents were made public, and all the states involved had received funds. The Canadian Cancer Society, Canadian Lung Association, and Heart & Stroke have released a joint letter calling on Canada's premiers urging them to provide an update on the negotiations. Sarah Butson, who leads Advocacy and Public Affairs with the Canadian Lung Association, joins Steve Paikin to mark the WHO's No Tobacco Day and discuss the importance for the settlement to include tobacco reduction measures.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An anticipated spring counteroffensive by Ukraine is set to begin soon. The upcoming battle may play a decisive role in whether Ukraine's Western allies continue their support, as the two warring countries face increasing pressure to enter negotiations and end the conflict. The Agenda examines how Ukraine's resistance is holding up, Russia's war stamina, whether Ukraine's Western allies will lose political will to continue their support, other global tensions that could influence the outcome, Ukraine's eventual NATO membership, and negotiations towards peace.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There is a prevailing idea in municipal governments and among urban planners that "growth should pay for growth." That means that as the population grows, new infrastructure is needed, and those newcomers should be paying for that infrastructure. But is that the fairest way to go about it? To discuss whether development charges or property taxes should be funding Ontario's new infrastructure, we welcome: Burlington Mayor Marianne Meed Ward, Mayor of Burlington; Adam Found, manager of corporate assets at City of Kawartha Lakes, and a research fellow with the CD Howe Institute;Ene Underwood, CEO for Habitat for Humanity Greater Toronto Area; and Alex Beheshti, urban planner and land economist at Altus Group Economic Consulting.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Traffic and congestion has come up a lot in Toronto's mayoral byelection. Some candidates are pointing the blame at bike lanes, arguing that they're the cause of traffic getting worse in this city. For insights on whether Toronto has implemented bike lanes in the best way possible, we welcome: Eleanor McMahon, former cabinet minister, and president and CEO of the Trans Canada Trail;Trevor Townsend, founder of Keep Toronto Moving; andAlison Stewart, director of ddvocacy and public policy for Cycle Toronto.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Milestone timelines are changing and even disappearing, If the standard life-stage achievements for graduation, career, marriage, children, homeowning, and retirement created predictability and comfort, what happens when people don't meet those marks? Does it negatively affect their sense of self? Or are the outliers the new normal? How much does technology, religion, gender inequality, racial inequity, and a changing economy play into those milestones. What would it take to bring our ideas of social norms into the 21st century?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Author Rona Maynard talks about how her dog Casey enhances her life, the topic of her new book, "Starter Dog; My Path to Joy, Belonging and Loving This World."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What would it take to reboot Canada's relationship with China? Is it even possible, with Canadians in Chinese custody, the Huawei extradition case pending, to say nothing of events in Hong Kong? We examine the case for and feasibility of a new foreign policy with the Middle Kingdom.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This past summer, Russian president Vladimir Putin won a referendum to remain in office until the year 2036. Having already put his indelible stamp on Russia, what does Putin want to do with all that time and opportunity? Steve Paikin speaks to Dmitri Trenin, the director of the Carnegie Moscow Center, a think tank and regional affiliate of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It used to be that supply and demand applied to workers and wages within Canada. But globalization has changed that, argues economist Jeff Rubin. When the whole world is your market, there is never a dearth of workers willing to do the same job for less money. On the Agenda, he lays out his arguments for how free trade ruined the middle class, the topic of his new book, "The Expendables: How the Middle Class Got Screwed by Globalization."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Doug Ford promised to create incentives for more registered nurses and personal support workers in Ontario. But what does it take to attract people to study for the jobs needed in health care? The Agenda discusses how to train people for the right jobs, and what role the government plays in getting people into post-secondary institutions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Agenda this week looked at why urban dwellers are seeking to live in smaller communities; considered how policing might evolve; checked in with some American expats after the U.S. presidential debate; and heard the case for citizens helping to bolster democracy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Earlier this week, Premier Doug Ford officially declared that COVID-19's second wave has hit Ontario. Raywat Deonandan is a Global Health epidemiologist and associate professor with the University of Ottawa's Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences. He talks to Nam Kiwanuka about what we can expect to see in the coming weeks and whether Ontario is on the right track in its approach to the current situation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Personal support workers have had to adjust to a new reality as the COVID-19 pandemic has worn on. But what about those who were in the midst of their training to become PSWs? Southwestern Ontario Hub journalist Mary Baxter spoke to some students about their experiences, and what drove them to seek the uneasy road of caring for ill patients in the first place.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steve Paikin speaks to the editor and contributors of the new book, "Constitutional Democracy Under Stress: A Time for Heroic Citizenship." They discuss the fragile state of democracies around the world, the existential threats they face, and the "civic serum" needed to cure what ails them.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Agenda examines the federal Liberal government's latest salvo as they go after web giants such as Google and Facebook, pledging to impose new taxes and regulations on the companies. All this while Canada's media landscape continues to shrink. Fenwick Mckelvey, an associate professor in Communication Studies at Concordia University, provides context.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What is it like to be an American living in Canada in one of the most contentious times in political history for that country. Americans living in Canada discuss the pending election, social justice movements, and the COVID-19 pandemic.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Journalist and psychologist Maria Konnikova reveals what poker taught her about luck, skill, and decision-making in everyday life, the topic of her new book, "The Biggest Bluff: How I Learned to Pay Attention, Master Myself, and Win."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new report from Citizen Lab warns about the risks posed by algorithmic policing. What does this technology mean for law enforcement in Canada? To provide context, we invite Ryan Prox, an adjunct professor at Simon Fraser University's School of Criminology, and Officer in Charge of Crime Analytics for Vancouver Police Department; Cynthia Khoo, research fellow at the Citizen Lab; and Kate Robertson, a criminal lawyer at Markson Law and a research fellow at U of T's Citizen Lab.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Protests over police brutality that started in May continue to make headlines as protestors continue to make the case for defunding or abolition. Do the police still have a role to play in keeping the public safe? To discuss this, The Agenda welcomes former RCMP officer Chad Haggerty; London police chief Stephen Williams; Fareeda Adam, staff lawyer at Black Legal Action Centre; and Akwasi Owusu-Bempah, assistant professor, Department of Sociology at the University of Toronto.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Science and sacred knowledge don't usually go hand-in-hand. But botanist and medical biochemist Diana Beresford-Kroeger is forging a path built on their collective wisdom, which she believes could help lead the way out of the growing climate crisis. She joins Steve Paikin to share her vision that's outlined in her latest book, "To Speak for the Trees: My Life's Journey from Ancient Celtic Wisdom to a Healing Vision of the Forest."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Torontonians have been leaving the city for years, in search of more affordable housing options and more space. So, is the wave of people moving out of the urban core during the COVID-19 pandemic any different? The Agenda examines what this recognized pattern could mean for the future of the city and the communities that are apparently being inundated with urban ex-pats.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The new federal Rural and Northern Immigration pilot is helping to encourage new Canadians to live and work outside of the Ontario's bigger cities. But some newcomers want to be in more established centres where friends and relatives have settled before them. The advent of COVID-19 is making rural communities more attractive due to fewer cases and more employment opportunities. Ashley Okwuosa, an assistant editor at TVO.org, discusses how this program and others are working to help newcomers settle in Ontario.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Katie O'Connor, manager of podcasting at TVO, discusses news seasons of Word Bomb, OnDocs, and #onpoli, and announces a new series in celebration of TVO's 50th birthday.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Will an unsettled United States affect Canada, especially with the election looming. Then, what's behind the current surge in COVID-19 cases. And, what's the progress toward a Canadian vaccine?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Harnarayan Singh is a trailblazer in the hockey world but you don't know him from his scoring or stick handling. Instead of tuning in to Hockey Night in Canada, thousands of Sikh hockey fans turn to Punjabi Hockey Night in Canada, to hear Singh's play-by-play. He discusses his career and book, "One Game at a Time: My Journey from Small-Town Alberta to Hockey's Biggest Stage."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the global race to find a vaccine, is Canada well-positioned to ensure its citizens will be inoculated as quickly as possible? What will happen to poorer countries in this race? To discuss these issues, The Agenda welcomes by Alan Bernstein, president and CEO, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research; Jason Nickerson, humanitarian affairs advisor, Doctors Without Borders; and the Toronto Star's Alex Boyd.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Science journalist Latif Nasser discusses his latest Netflix documentary series "Connected," in which he travels the world, exploring the fascinating connections between seemingly disparate ideas and objects such as migratory bird patterns, musical frequencies, and lunar bacteria. Nasser is also director of research for WNYC's Radiolab.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Amid the backdrop of rising inequality, the belief in merit has lead to condescension among the winners and a harsh sense of humiliation among those left behind. This is destroying the common good, according to Harvard philosopher Michael Sandel. He makes the case for a new way of thinking about success and failure in, "The Tyranny of Merit: What's Become of the Common Good?"See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the United States heads into an election the possibility of increased instability looms large. Some have even used the term civil war. The Agenda asks: What would that mean for Canada? What are the dangers posed by a more unstable America? And how can we prepare?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Just days after the province declared a state of emergency for this COVID-19 crisis, Michael Sabia argued in the pages of the Globe and Mail that now is the time for governments to take bold action to reshape the economy. Six months in, are governments getting it right? Sabia, the director of the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy at the University of Toronto, and chair of Canada's Infrastructure Bank, discusses this with Steve Paikin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Guaranteed annual income or a basic income is a policy idea that's been considered for decades. Under the previous government, Ontario undertook a partial pilot project to see how it could work. But the arrival of this pandemic, and the introduction of CERB (Canada Emergency Response Benefit) has accelerated the conversation around whether it's an idea whose time has come.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hospitality makes up a large part of the economy in Ontario, and few industries have been hit harder throughout the pandemic. Patio season brought a reprieve to restaurants, but with cases rising and cold weather stopping people from eating outside, the next few months could be even harder. The Agenda discusses the challenges to this industry and what could be done to save it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After a couple months of fewer COVID-19 cases, Ontario's numbers are trending upwards, particularly in Ottawa, Peel, and Toronto. The Agenda discusses what we know about the spread and why these cases are increasing in number.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Industry insiders describe what it takes to get Ontario's $2 billion film and TV industry back on track. Then, how the stock market differs from the economy. And, can child care in Ontario be reformed?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Acclaimed filmmaker Mira Nair discusses her newest work, "A Suitable Boy," a captivating BBC miniseries, premiering at the 2020 Toronto International Film Festival. The series is based on Vikram Seth's epic novel of the same name. Nair's revious work include "Salaam Bombay," "Mississippi Masala," "Monsoon Wedding," and "The Reluctant Fundamentalist."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shelby Lisk, TVO's journalist covering Indigenous issues, discusses the unique challenges facing Indigenous people in Canadian journalism.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Canadian-American, singer, songwriter and composer Rufus Wainwright discusses his latest offering "Unfollow the Rules." And his foray into opera, growing up in a musical family (he's the son of legendary folk musicians, the late Kate McGarrigle, and Loudon Wainwright III), writing music in a politically fraught time, and why creating music is his greatest joy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Just as film and TV production marked its best year in 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic caused hundreds of sets to shut down in March. ACTRA Toronto's Alistair Hepburn, FilmOntario's Cynthia Lynch, and Halfire Entertainment's Marla Boltman discuss whether Ontario's $2 billion business can bounce back, what protocols must be in place to ensure safety of actors and crew members, and what opportunity might lie ahead.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This summer, Leslyn Lewis was catapulted from political obscurity to a star candidate in the federal Conservative leadership race; the first woman of colour to compete for that top job. Steve Paikin speaks to the lawyer and academic about her campaign, how she's breaking Tory stereotypes, racism, and why she believes social conservatives deserve a seat at the table.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 1995, the newly elected Ontario government led by premier Mike Harris found itself embroiled in a full-blown crisis. Indigenous protesters were locked in a confrontation with the OPP at Ipperwash Provincial Park in southwestern Ontario. By the time the dust had settled, a demonstrator named Dudley George had been shot and killed, by an OPP officer who was eventually charged with criminal negligence causing death. What are the lessons and legacies of this conflict?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As each day passes, more and more Ontario students are back to hitting the books - in person or online. With us now for a wide-angled look at this re-opening phase: Caroline Alphonso, education reporter for the Globe and Mail.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's been a great year for the stock market. But it's been a terrible year for the economy. How does that make sense? Steve Paikin talks to Frances Donald, managing director, Global Chief Economist & Global Head of Macroeconomic Strategy for Manulife Investment Management; and Brian Milner, freelance business and economics writer.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When it comes to re-opening school, unions disagree with the Ontario governments over class sizes, ventilation, and whether the reopening plan violates the province's own health and safety rules. In fact, the dispute is headed to the Ontario Labour Relations Board. Last week we heard from the minister of education. Now, we welcomes Sam Hammond who represents more than 80,000 Elementary Teachers; Harvey Bishoff who represents more than 60,000 secondary teachers; and Liz Stuart who represents more than 45,000 Catholic school teachers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Childcare in Ontario is the most expensive in Canada. The system has been broken for a long time, according to experts, and the pandemic has only exacerbated the challenges. The post-COVID path forward will require great investment and reforms of the childcare sector. We examine the issue from a sociological, economic, policy, and labour perspective.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted many Ontario families to turn to homeschooling for the first time. But do they know what they're getting into? To help Ontarians better understand what homeschooling entails, Steve Paikin speaks with a parent who's spent the past 17 years teaching her children at home, a homeschooling advocate, and a psychologist who specializes in learning.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Parents across the province are choosing to homeschool their children during the COVID-19 pandemic. Southwestern Ontario Hub journalist Mary Baxter discusses the benefits and drawbacks of children spending a year learning at home.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week's review of our programming includes a look at how federal, provincial, and local politicians have fared over the summer under the duress of a pandemic. Then, evaluating how Canada and Ontario will recover economically from the COVID-19 crisis. And, a look at how children and youth have been affected in terms of mental health.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steve Paikin speaks to the newly minted leader of the federal Conservative Party of Canada about his vision for the country and why he thinks he should be the next prime minister.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Away from school since March, isolated from friends and family, how are Ontario's children coping with the pandemic and the new normal? Steve Paikin discusses the emotional toll the pandemic is taking on children and youth with pediatrician Dr. Ronald Cohn, president and CEO of The Hospital for Sick Children.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We've often heard the idea that challenges of the Great Depression and the Second World War shaped the so-called greatest generation. Today's youth cohort is coming of age in an era of rising economic inequality, social unrest, climate-change challenges, and now, a global pandemic. Will Gen Z rise to the challenge? How will this pandemic shape their outlook on life?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The COVID-19 pandemic revealed just how vulnerable the global economy and supply chains are to systemic shock. Oxford University economist Ian Goldin calls this the "butterfly defect." How can world economies build a more resilient global system in a post-pandemic reality?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the three-month period between April and June Canada's GDP had its steepest decline on record, dating back to 1961. In June, however, the GDP's growth from the previous month was the biggest bounce-back on record. We explore where Canada is on the road to economic recovery from the financial effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. And what will it take for the economy to gain normalcy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's been six months since the COVID-19 pandemic threw everything up in the air. And if politics slid into the background in the early days, they came roaring back this summer. The WE scandal for the Liberals, a new leader for the Conservatives, and election talk bubbling up as the fall session approaches. To catch up, The Agenda welcomes Shachi Kurl, executive director of the non-partisan public opinion research organization, the Angus Reid Institute; Sean Speer, professor at the University of Toronto's Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy; Jeffrey Simpson, former Globe and Mail national affairs columnist, now a fellow at the University of Ottawa; and journalist Vicky Mochama.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Minister of Education Stephen Lecce breaks down his government's plan to ensure Ontario's children and youth, teachers, and school staff stay safe, as two million students return to class during the COVID-19 pandemic.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Filmmaker, actor, and comedian Danielle Ayow joins Nam Kiwanuka to discuss her short doc "But You're Not Black," an examination of her Caribbean-Chinese heritage and the challenges she's faced fitting in with Caribbean culture. The doc is part of the CaribbeanTales Film Festival.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Earlier this summer the Ontario government announced the introduction of a fall hunting season for double-crested cormorants, starting September 15. Gail Fraser, a professor at York University, specializes in water birds and discusses the hunt and what it could mean for the cormorant's future.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This summer, SickKids released recommendations for school reopening, compiled in consultation with health, mental-health, and infectious disease experts, pediatricians, teachers and parents and with attention to mental-health and balancing of the needs of all returning students. As parents, families, teachers and school staff prepare for the start of the year in an altered reality, The Agenda delves into the report to determine the feasibility of the recommended best practices.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Ontario students preparing to head back to school, we invite a group of teachers to discuss the challenges of helping kids understand protocols for COVID-19, their expectations and hopes for the 2020/21 school year, and their experiences with online learning last spring.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The #metoo movement did a lot to build momentum for feminist issues around the world, but it's not always possible to sustain that kind of attention in order to make positive and lasting change. Author and feminist columnist Lauren McKeon discusses her book, "No More Nice Girls: Gender, Power, and Why It's Time to Stop Playing by the Rules," and shows how woman are using their power to keep feminism alive and moving forward.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Julie Lalonde is a recognized and award-winning sexual violence educator who highlighted the sexual harassment issues in the Canadian military. But she also had her own experience with an ex-boyfriend who sexually harassed and stalked her for more than a decade. She talks to Nam Kiwanuka about her book, "Resilience is Futile: The Life and Death and Life of Julie S. Lalonde."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sexual-harassment and violence educator Julie Lalonde, known for highlighting the problem in the Canadian military, talks about her own experiences, outlined in her book, "Resilience is Futile: The Life and Death and Life of Julie S. Lalonde."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Twenty years ago, TVO's nightly program Studio 2 took note of how deadly diseases were starting to travel beyond their customary boundaries. Dr. Kevin Kain, a professor of medicine at the University of Toronto and a clinician scientist at University Health Network at Toronto General Hospital, spoke to TVO then, and here he provides an update on what has since been learned about dangerous viruses.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Researchers think a puzzling ring of about 1,000 rocks and 35 metres in diameter in Thunder Bay might have once been a sacred site. But a local Indigenous community is not so sure. Northwestern Ontario Hub journalist Charnel Anderson has been looking into this phenomenon and helps separate fact from fiction.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David Waltner-Toews is an epidemiologist who's spent his career specializing in zoonotic diseases. His book, "On Pandemics: Deadly Diseases from Bubonic Plague to Coronavirus," looks at how and why some viruses make the jump from animals to humans, which ones have staying power, and how societies have dealt with pandemics throughout history.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In "The Role I Played: Canada's Greatest Olympic Hockey Team," women's hockey veteran goaltender Sami Jo Small brings readers inside the dynamics of the team - and the successes and challenges over the course of her career in hockey. Small began playing hockey as a child on boys' teams, continuing throughout university until she was recruited to the national women's hockey team. She talks to Nam Kiwanuka about adversity, resilience, and team unity.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chef and food activist Joshna Maharaj discusses her new book, "Take Back the Tray: Revolutionizing Food in Hospitals, Schools, and Other Institutions," And comments on the importance of delivering nutritious food while building sustainable, local economies.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What do ancestry, birding, and opera enthusiasts have in common? More than you'd think. Memoirist Alison Wearing ties them together in her funny and poignant book, "Moments of Glad Grace." It depicts her journey to Ireland with her father as he obsessively searches for the reasons his ancestors came to Canada. In the process, she comes to terms with her father's aging and declining health due to Parkinson's.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The City of Toronto's bylaws do not allow backyard chickens, except in two wards that have pilot projects. As the popularity of raising chickens for eggs grows, and rent-a-chicken opportunities become available, TVO explores all aspects of the issue. Then, northwestern Ontario Hub journalist Charnel Anderson updates us on how the pandemic has affected the backyard-chicken movement.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What gets lost when city councils must meet online? Hamilton-Niagara Hub journalist Justin Chandler explores how some municipalities are handling the business of governing during the COVID-19 pandemic.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Ontario, as in several American states, the Great Lakes Region is a massive economic engine. It generates trillions in gross domestic product and millions of jobs. But with the border mostly closed, during this COVID-19 pandemic, the region is looking for help to bounce back. We discuss how that can be achieved.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the Association of Municipalities of Ontario signs a landmark agreement with the Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres, The Agenda explores how cities and towns can work together with Indigenous communities, both on reserve and in urban settings - whether it's jointly tackling resource development, preventing brain drain to the south, or recovering from the financial blow of COVID-19.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How has the COVID-19 pandemic altered approaches to city leadership? Burlington Mayor Marianne Meed, Stratford Mayor Dan Mathieson, and LaSalle Mayor Marc Bondy discuss what has gone well, what areas need improvement, and how their cities can plan for a strong future as we move through the various stages of the pandemic.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Norman Lee, the Peel Region's director of Waste Management, discusses how changes to the province's recycling strategy will affect municipalities.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Barbara Swartzentruber, executive director of the City of Guelph's Smart Cities office, describes an initiative to create Canada's first circular food economy. Our Food Future aims to reimagine the food system, eliminate food waste, and lessen environmental impact.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the summer of 2016, a shooting in an Orlando LGBTQ nightclub made terrifying headlines. We invited two Toronto drag performers, Juice Boxx and Scarlett BoBo, to discuss their careers, the influence of drag culture and how its performance could be a political act of resistance. Tonight, Juice Boxx returns to update us on her career, including her participation in the inaugural season of "Canada's Drag Race."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Just when it looked as though local ginger ale Temagami Dry wouldn't survive, the town's council came forward with a bid to save it. Northeastern Ontario Hub journalist Nick Dunne talks about the importance of reviving this iconic brand.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some argue that abandoning capitalism entirely could save the planet. Others, that we can preserve the status quo and tinker around the edges. Environmentalist Tom Rand thinks both are wrong - that we need to harness markets to avert climate catastrophe. And further, he believes a radical change is needed in how markets operate. He talks to Nam Kiwanuka about his new book, "The Case for Climate Capitalism: Economic Solutions for a Planet in Crisis."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Raymond Moriyama is one of the Canada's greatest treasures in architecture and design. To highlight TVO's premiere of "Magical Imperfection: The Life and Architecture of Raymond Moriyama," Nam Kiwanuka talks to filmmaker Scott Calbeck about why he thought the acclaimed designer of such iconic buildings as the Ontario Science Centre and the Toronto Reference Library would make such a compelling story.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How do you balance privacy rights while trying to use digital technology to aid in the massive work of contact tracing during a pandemic? There are many questions to ask as the provincial government is hoping Ontarians will download and use the new app. Nam Kiwanuka asks David Lie, a University of Toronto tech professor, for insights into the safety and effectiveness of the app.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Better broadband has been promised by both the federal and the Ontario government, but it is still a long way away from being equitable and available across the province. The Agenda looks at the challenges and the path forward.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"The Cuban" is director Sergio Navarretta's film about an Afghan pre-med student's relationship with an Alzheimer's patient. It stars Oscar-winning actor Louis Gossett Jr. and both director and star join Nam Kiwanuka to discuss the film's themes and how it highlights the way elderly people are treated in society.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Already a significant problem in Ontario, opioid deaths have increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Northeastern Ontario Hub journalist Nick Dunne investigated the province's response to the epidemic and learned how the Sudbury Action Centre for Youth outreach team is trying to help drug users cope with their circumstances.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rachel Romu has been bringing visibility to disability one runway at a time. The fashion model and disability advocate joins Ontario Hubs field producer Jeyan Jeganathan to talk about her career, the fashion industry, and how COVID-19 has affected people with disabilities.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

News of murder hornet and locust swarms in Africa and Asia, and the calmer, but equally devastating, gypsy moth caterpillar that's currently wreaking havoc on trees in eastern Ontario has all also been concerning. To explain what's going on with bugs and provide updates on mosquito-borne illnesses, The Agenda welcomes Rosalind Murray, an entomologist and an NSERC postdoctoral research fellow at the University of Toronto.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

They're not exactly fish, and they're certainly not snakes that live in water. What they are - if you can get over the slithery, darting weirdness of eels - is fascinating: truly ever-changing, versatile and resilient. To discuss the remarkable characteristics of eels, Nam Kiwanuka welcomes Patrik Svensson, journalist and author of "The Book of Eels: Our Enduring Fascination with the Most Mysterious Creature in the Natural World;" and Steven Cooke, professor and Canada Research Chair of Environmental Science and Biology at Carleton University.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nancy Simmons of the American Museum of Natural History; and Burton Lim of the Royal Ontario Museum discuss the evolutionary history of bats, why they are often vilified - especially amid this pandemic, their essential role in ecosystems, and factors that have led to endangerment. They dispel common myths about bats and tell what they love most about their jobs as chiropterologists.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Deborah Martin-Downs and Jeff Payne of the Credit Valley Conservation Authority discuss the history and health of one of the Credit River in Ontario and how it's been affected by climate change.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 2004, producer Meredith Martin visited the Credit River and explored how this natural sanctuary is able to survive under intense pressures from development.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Comic conventions in Toronto, Hamilton, and Niagara, at which creators showcase their work, have been cancelled this year due to COVID-19. What does that mean for Ontario's comic-book writers and illustrators? Hamilton-Niagara Hub journalist Justin Chandler spoke to some local artists who are having to find other ways to promote their work.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With much of the world still grappling with COVID-19, it's clear people must learn to live with it for a while, perhaps indefinitely. With that in mind, Andrew Frontini, design director at Perkins and Will; and Cheryll Case, founder and principal urban planner at CP Planning, talk to Nam Kiwanuka about how cities might adapt public spaces to meet social distancing needs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Educators and policymakers are planning for the return of the school year in under six weeks. What does that look like in this COVID-19 era in terms of keeping everyone safe and learning? Nam Kiwanuka talks to Pam Belluck, health and science writer for the New York Times; and Kristin Rushowy, who spent 15 years covering education for the Toronto Star, and now reports from the paper's Queen's Park bureau.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At age seventeen, journalist Duncan McCue spent five months on a Cree trapline in northern Quebec, learning how to live off the land, hunt, and speak the language. In "The Shoe Boy, A Trapline Memoir," he writes about the value of the experience at a pivotal time in his life when he was exploring his Indigenous identity. Nam Kiwanuka talks to McCue about his memoir and about his work helping journalists understand how to cover Indigenous issues.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Southwestern Ontario Hub journalist Mary Baxter explains how Bill 175: The Connecting People to Home and Community Care Act affects current operations.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As TVO celebrates its 50th year, it's a great time to look to the past for some advice on what to do in this summer of physical distancing. Avid birder Suanne Kelman, professor emerita at the Ryerson School of Journalism, gives Nam Kiwanuka an update on the pastime of birdwatching from the time she took part in a 1999 Studio 2 episode until now.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An underwater photographer's search for a clear shot, boaters looking for a getaway, and migrants fleeing their homes. Journalist Laura Trethewey's new book, "The Imperiled Ocean: Human Stories from a Changing Sea," collects voices from across the globe who together tell a story that is hard to see when viewed on their own.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's been three decades since the groundbreaking 78-day standoff between Mohawks and Canadian soldiers. The Agenda reflects on the significance of the resistance that began outside Montreal in June 1990, how it's influenced Indigenous people and culture, and the land claim challenges that remain.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Following a childhood and adolescence marked by absent parents, hard drug abuse, severe homelessness, and crime and jail time, Jesse Thistle did what he once believed was impossible - he turned his life around, and in the process discovered his family's Indigenous roots. In "From the Ashes: My Story of Being Métis, Homeless, and Finding My Way," he explores the truly dark moments and how he gained the strength to create a new kind of life for himself.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When bestselling author Emma Donoghue set out to write a book about the greatest pandemic the world had seen, little did she know that her story would be published during a new, unprecedented pandemic. "The Pull of the Stars" is set in a Dublin maternity ward at the height of the Great Flu in 1918. Donoghue discusses her new novel with Nam Kiwanuka.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

They are being called the farms of the future. The combination of technological advances and consumer appetite has created a boom in the hydroponic farming industry. Jeyan Jeganathan checks in with Stephane Lanteigne, farmer and co-owner of Truly Northern, nearly 3 years after visiting his hydroponic farm in Chelmsford, Ont.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For a time, women have felt the need to "lean in" to their careers. Writer and broadcaster Tara Henley offers the opposite advice in her book, "Lean Out: A Meditation on the Madness of Modern Life." She talks to Nam Kiwanuka about her ideas, and how they are even more relevant in the time of COVID-19.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Schizophrenia researchers considered the Galvin family and their experience with schizophrenia as a great hope in the quest to understand the disease. To be able to study one family where six of 12 siblings had schizophrenia held promise for treatment and a possible cure. Investigative journalist Robert Kolker discusses the family's situation and journey, the topic of his book, "Hidden Valley Road: Inside the Mind of an American Family."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With a dozen children born across the span of the post-Second World War baby boom, the Galvins seemed to be an all-American family. But remarkably, six of the 12 children had schizophrenia. In his book, "Hidden Valley Road: Inside the Mind of an American Family," investigative journalist Robert Kolker chronicles the life of the family, and how their experience helped scientists learn how to treat the disease.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Thunder Bay's food banks were centralized to one location. Our Northwestern Ontario Hub journalist Charnel Anderson discusses what this has meant for those in need.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In "The Subtweet," author, visual artist, musician, and university professor Vivek Shraya cuts to the heart of ambition, competition, and what it's like for a person of colour in music and art. Nam Kiwanuka talks to her about the experiences that led to writing a commentary on diversity, arts, and social media culture, and also about her mentorship of older writers through VS Books, her publishing imprint, a division of Arsenal Pulp Press.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Author and journalist Eternity Martis talks to Nam Kiwanuka about her book, "They Said This Would Be Fun: Race, Campus Life, and Growing Up." Martis's memoir reflects on her experiences at Western University in London, Ontario, and finds the atmosphere unwelcoming and hostile to a Black woman.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Though they may seem like simple tales with heartwarming messages, fairy tales sometimes provide a false sense of reality when they depict magic and divine intervention erasing disabilities and disadvantages. "Disfigured: On Fairy Tales, Disability, and Making Space," author and disability advocate Amanda Leduc analyzes how the stories we learn when we're young help shape our ideas of self-worth, for better or worse.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.