The Big Story
Frequency Podcast Network
An in-depth look at the issues, culture and personalities shaping Canada today.
- 19 minutes 7 secondsTo tariff or not to tariff? What Trump's latest tariff announcement means for the Canadian economyNewsrooms, dinner tables and just about everyone in between woke up on the edge of their seats the morning of April 2 - the day US President Donald Trump dubbed 'liberation day' - but heading to bed, it was more of an uneasy feeling of 'now what?'. A few days later as the dust has started to settle, the confusion and ambiguity, however, has not. Although Canada was not on Trump's exhaustive reciprocal tariff list, 25% tariffs on foreign-made vehicles exported to America did apply to Canadian cars. Prime Minister Mark Carney struck back with 25% retaliatory tariffs on foreign-made vehicles imported to Canada, but the lines remained blurred with the Canada-US trade future. What tariffs are in place, what aren't, how many jobs are on the line, how much more expensive will cars be, and whose economy will be feeling the effects the worst? Host Cormac Mac Sweeney speaks with Principal Economist with the Conference Board of Canada, Richard Forbes gets to the bottom of Trump's latest tariff announcement. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us: Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca Or @thebigstoryfpn on Twitter4 April 2025, 8:00 am
- 37 minutes 3 seconds'That system is meant to break you': An honest conversation with Jasmine MooneyA disturbing resurgence of ICE horror stories are taking centre stage on social media - this Trump term, however, some recounts are now being told from Canadian voices. Regardless of documentation or criminal history, it seems no one is safe from the cold floors and foil blankets that personify the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement experience. Host Maria Kestane speaks with Jasmine Mooney on her chilling experience behind several sets of bars in several ICE detention facilities, and how a never-ending chain of 'I don't knows' painted a stark image of just how blurred the American immigration lines are. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us: Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca Or @thebigstoryfpn on Twitter3 April 2025, 8:00 am
- 17 minutes 9 secondsSignalgate: emojis, war plans, and unexpected guestsAhead of the announcement on reciprocal tariffs today, the Trump Administration is looking to move on from so called Signalgate – after war plans were shared on the commercial messaging app. It really raised eyebrows because a reporter, not just any reporter, but the Editor in Chief of the Atlantic, was added to the chat – likely by accident? It was seen as a gaffe by some while others wonder if it was intentional. Either way – there’s a lot more to the story. Host Kris McCusker speaks to Christian Leuprecht, Professor and Security Expert at Royal Military College, Queen's University.We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us: Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca Or @thebigstoryfpn on Twitter2 April 2025, 8:00 am
- 23 minutes 26 secondsWhy is Poilievre losing his stronghold on Canadians?Federal Conservative Party Leader, Pierre Poilievre, was positioned for a landslide win over the federal liberals, but incomes a new rival leader, and voters seem to have no problem moving the pendulum - and fast! Recent leaks from inside the campaign paint a chaotic picture for the federal tories just one month out from when Canadians head to the polls, and with the unpredictability of a diminishing Canada-US relationship, the concerns that shape the big ballot question come April 28 no longer mirror what they used to be just a few weeks ago. Host David Smith speaks to CEO of Abacus Data, David Coletto, about what's driving the pre-polling tank for a party once destined for victory, as well as what's grabbing the attention of Canadian voters in a time of economic despair, a pending North American trade war, and a sudden burst of Canadian patriotism. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us: Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca Or @thebigstoryfpn on Twitter1 April 2025, 8:00 am
- 20 minutes 51 secondsThe inevitable demise of the Hudson's Bay CompanyWhat were once positioned as the four stripes that were recognizable by Canadians worldwide now sparingly lace abandoned shelves across the country dressed with 'clearance' tags. The Hudson's Bay Company has begun the process of liquidating all but six stores Canada-wide, with those remaining - three in Ontario and three in Quebec - still very much up for grabs if the company doesn't present a comprehensive restructuring plan moving forward. But the question on many people's minds still remains: how did Canada's oldest company fall into the hands of creditor protection? A name once emblematic of Canadian retail, history and culture, now grasping onto whatever capital (and hope) it can to sustain a presence in an online-dominated retail landscape. Host Gurdeep Ahluwalia speaks with retail expert, Gary Newbury, about what lead to the slow burn of the Hudson's Bay Company, and if the writing was on the wall-post pandemic for the fate of the country's first company. The two discuss what the next months could look like for HBC, and what notes other retailers should be taking if they aren't interested in falling next in line. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca or @thebigstoryfpn on Twitter. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us: Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca Or @thebigstoryfpn on Twitter31 March 2025, 8:00 am
- 18 minutes 40 secondsWhy aren't Canadians as happy as they used to be?
We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:
Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca
30 March 2025, 8:00 am - 25 minutes 48 secondsForeign Interference & Election 2025Foreign election interference is back in the news after week one of the federal election campaign. Questions about foreign interference followed both Pierre Poilievre and Mark Carney on the campaign trail this week. Poilievre again defended his refusal to obtain security clearance, while Carney was pressed to explain why the Liberals dropped a candidate with ties to the Indian government. Host David Smith speaks with University Ottawa criminology professor Michael Kempa about the latest developments and how foreign interference may play a role in this election race.We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us: Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca Or @thebigstoryfpn on Twitter29 March 2025, 8:00 am
- 19 minutes 43 secondsOne month to go: breaking down week 1 of the federal election campaign
The federal election is several days in and it’s already been a wild ride.
This vote has been framed as an existential election for our country, amid the trade war and sovereignty threats from the US.
While President Trump’s tariffs are having a massive impact on the campaign there are also many policy promises, questions around security clearance and business dealings, and gaffes from some of the leaders.
Host Cormac Mac Sweeney is checking the pulse of the race to form the next federal government , by speaking with Lori Williams, a political scientist at Mount Royal University.
We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:
Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca
28 March 2025, 8:00 am - 17 minutes 39 secondsElection polls: how trustworthy are they in one of Canada's most important elections
It’s been a busy first week on the campaign trail for federal leaders.
One storyline that's stood out is the early election poll tracking. All the major polling firms are showing a huge surge in support for the Liberal Party under new leader Mark Carney.
But how full a picture do the polls show?
Host David Smith speaks with Darrell Bricker, CEO of Ipsos Public Affairs, about what goes into a modern election poll.
We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:
Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca
27 March 2025, 8:00 am - 16 minutes 24 secondsLog out or lean in? How to balance social media and your mental health
We’ve all heard how social media can have a negative impact, but unfortunately putting your phone down can be a tricky task.
New research out of the University of British Columbia shows there’s a way to manage your mental health while staying up to date on your favourite apps.
Host Melanie Ng speaks with lead study author and psychology professor at UBC, Amori Mikami, about their findings.
More info: pearl.psych.ubc.ca
We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:
Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca
26 March 2025, 8:00 am - 25 minutes 45 secondsWhat's the future for Tesla amid a market tailspin
Tesla is in a tailspin.
Sales are dropping and the stock has been cut in half since December, blamed on Elon Musk's involvement with DOGE in the U.S.
There have been incidents of vandalism against Tesla dealerships and on top of that, the automaker is facing ramped up competition from a Chinese company that's dramatically decreased charging time.
Host Mike Eppel talks to Seth Goldstein, Equity Strategist at Morningstar Research Services, who covers Tesla and many other brands in the auto sector.
We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:
Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca
25 March 2025, 8:00 am - More Episodes? Get the App