Butter, sugar and a pinch of family

FromThe Decibel

Start listening View podcast show

Butter, sugar and a pinch of family

FromThe Decibel

ratings:

Length:

19 minutes

Released:

Dec 22, 2023

Format:

Podcast episode

Description

Food and family are often front and centre during the holidays. These two ingredients also help make up our identities and cultures.So today, The Decibel is sharing stories of finding family through the act of baking.Questions? Comments? Ideas? Email us at thedecibel@globeandmail.com

Released:

Dec 22, 2023

Format:

Podcast episode

Titles in the series (100)

Context is everything. Join us Monday to Friday for a Canadian daily news podcast from The Globe and Mail. Explore a story shaping our world, in conversation with reporters, experts, and the people at the centre of the news.

Skip carousel

Omicron’s toll on workers by The Decibel
15 min listen
City Space: Who are public spaces – like parks or transit systems – designed for?: Today we're bringing you an episode of City Space, a Globe and Mail podcast about how to make our cities better, hosted by Adrian Lee. Public spaces are often the best parts of a city. But during the pandemic, many of us started to realize how our public spaces, like parks, weren’t quite working for us. In this episode, we hear from three experts: Adri Stark, project manager at Park People and one of the authors of the 2021 Canadian City Parks Report; Leslie Kern, the author of Feminist City: Claiming Space in a Man-Made World and Anna Zivarts, the director of the Disability Mobility Initiative Program in Washington. In conversation with Adrian, they share how public spaces are failing people in ways we might not often consider, and how we can really make them work for all of us. by The Decibel
29 min listen
A new way to eliminate 40% of poverty by The Decibel
21 min listen
Move over 'Let It Go,' we're talking about Bruno: There are two kinds of people in this world: those who have “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” stuck in their head, and those who don’t … yet. The Disney song is a viral sensation and unexpected hit from the 2021 film, Encanto. Michael Birenbaum Quintero is an ethnomusicologist and Associate Professor at Boston University. Even he agrees it’s a catchy tune, and explores its musical influences along with the movie’s wider representation of Colombian and Latin American music and culture. by The Decibel
17 min listen
How a Dry January might help your COVID anxiety: It’s easy to not be mindful about drinking alcohol. A glass of wine with dinner or a beer after work can quickly become a habit with little thought. And since the pandemic struck, for some people, alcohol is playing an even bigger role. Enter: Dry January, a month-long ‘challenge’ to avoid or cut back on alcohol consumption. André Picard, Globe and Mail columnist, talks about its virtues, the rise in sober-curious culture and why we may consume more alcohol than we think. by The Decibel
15 min listen
How Boris Johnson might survive his boozy scandal: U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson is on a whirlwind trip to Ukraine as his political fate is being fought in the country’s Parliament and in its press. A report, by senior civil servant Sue Gray, highlighted excessive alcohol consumption by staff and said that some of the gatherings at 10 Downing Street represented a failure in leadership during a time when the rest of the country was under strict lockdowns and expected to be doing their part to prevent the transmission of COVID-19. Now, Europe Correspondent Paul Waldie tells us what was in the report, what’s been left out, and why it might not be enough to oust a political survivor like Boris Johnson. by The Decibel
19 min listen
Russia and Ukraine at the brink of war: Senior international correspondent Mark MacKinnon is back in Ukraine, as officials from Canada and the U.S. — as well as military equipment from Britain — fly in to show support for Ukraine and try to dissuade Russia from invading. There’s not much indication it’s working, and as Mark explains, while there are more talks scheduled for later in the week, hope of a peaceful solution seems to be fading fast. by The Decibel
18 min listen
Cracking the coronavirus code: Omicron is a variant of the novel coronavirus that was discovered back in 2019. The data we’ve collected suggests it’s less virulent, but more contagious, thanks to many mutations. To track these mutations and try to understand what might be coming next in this pandemic, scientists use genomic sequencing. Globe science reporter Ivan Semeniuk is back to talk about how scientists map variants’ genomes. by The Decibel
18 min listen
Why protesting truck drivers are heading for Ottawa: Truckers are now subject to the same rules as other travellers at the border, which means they can be refused entry or required to quarantine if they are unvaccinated. Even though, according to the Canadian Trucking Alliance, there’s no reason to think truckers are less vaccinated than average, the new vaccination mandate has become the subject of vigorous political debate. It even spurred a protest in the form of a group of truckers and their supporters headed to Ottawa, calling themselves “the Freedom Convoy.” But as parliamentary reporter Kristy Kirkup explains, what’s driving the delay and shortages of some products in stores across the country is more complex than any one policy. by The Decibel
15 min listen
Small acts of kindness: A stranger helps a woman keep her new Christmas tradition alive. People come together to make sure their community fridges are full. A group of neighbours celebrate 500 nights of thanking frontline workers. During the pandemic doldrum, it’s been easy for many of us to feel isolated and down. But the stories on today’s episode of The Decibel capture heartfelt moments, little acts of kindness and remind us about the power of community. by The Decibel
22 min listen
Why last year’s hottest stocks are cooling off: The pandemic promised a gold mine for companies like Zoom, Shopify, and Peloton. And at first, these companies did see a boost in their stock value. But the ground started to shift at the end of 2021 and now these stocks, which are often darlings of retail investors, are seeing substantial drops. Report on Business reporter and columnist Tim Kiladze explains what has led to this investor whiplash and how a lot of trading on the stock market has become detached from the actual value of some companies. by The Decibel
17 min listen
1.7 million warned they may have to pay back CERB relief: Three million people lost their jobs at the beginning of the pandemic. In response, the federal government introduced the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB). The program provided $2,000 a month for up to seven months to people living in Canada that had stopped working because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The government paid out $81.6-billion to almost 9-million people. Two years later, 1.7 million people may have to pay some of that money back. And it’s not because of a mistake they made on their application. Erica Alini is a personal finance reporter at the Globe and she tells us why some people are being asked to pay back money, how to figure out if you are one of those people and how this isn’t the first time there’s been confusion around CERB. by The Decibel
16 min listen
Hot desks are not cool with office workers by The Decibel
16 min listen
Eating disorders jeopardizing Olympic athletes' lives and careers: Elite athletes’ every move are subjected to scrutiny, rewound and played in slow-motion. And while we often discuss the physical stress this kind of exertion places on them, we’re less used to talking about the psychological strain this focus on bodies creates. Eating disorders are surprisingly commonplace amongst Olympic athletes, made worse by toxic training environments and suspect science, according to a recent Globe and Mail investigation. Grant Robertson and Rachel Brady discuss their findings, and a former Olympian shares her personal experience. by The Decibel
22 min listen
Harry Potter and the controversial author: The world of Harry Potter – which now extends from books to movies, theme parks, spin-offs, merchandise, and a vast amount of fan-generated content called “fanfic”– has been beloved since the first book was published more than 20 years ago. But in recent years, this world’s creator, author J.K. Rowling, has been making statements against trans activists, and sometimes raising the possibility of violence from someone who identifies as trans. Culture critic and founder of Friday Things Stacy Lee Kong explains how “Potterheads” have reacted to Rowling’s controversial comments, how the books’ legacy endures, and how HBO Max dealt with it in their special, Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts. by The Decibel
18 min listen
Novak Djokovic’s Australian saga: Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic is known for being among the best male tennis players in the world. Off the court, he’s known for his anti-vaccine sentiments. The Australian Open granted him a medical exemption that would allow him to compete, but when he attempted to enter the country on Thursday, January 6, he was detained at the border. He was released on January 10, but his future at the Open remains uncertain. Caitlin Thompson, co-founder of Racquet and publisher of Racquet Magazine, a print quarterly on the culture of tennis, explains why Djokovic was detained, and what makes him such a polarizing figure in the tennis world, and why this may not be the end of the story. by The Decibel
16 min listen
Esi Edugyan on the Black stories Canada forgot: Esi Edugyan is known for her books of fiction. She’s a two-time winner of the Scotiabank Giller Prize for her novels Half-Blood Blues and Washington Black. In her most recent book, she’s turned to the world of non-fiction. Out of the Sun: On Race and Storytelling is a collection of essays drawn from her 2021 CBC Massey Lectures, devoted to bringing a richer context to black histories and other stories about race that often go untold. Decibel producer Sherrill Sutherland sat down with Esi to find out why this moment felt like the right time to write this book, why ghost stories and race are important and why in Canada we still have trouble discussing our true relationship to slavery. by The Decibel
15 min listen
The secrets behind a medal-contending ice dance performance: Canadians fell in love with the Olympic sport of ice dancing after Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir won gold at both the 2010 Winter Games in Vancouver and the 2018 Olympics in South Korea. But they’ve since retired and reigning world bronze medallists, Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier, are hoping to capture the hearts of fans and place on the podium. Timothy Moore, a videographer for The Globe, spoke with Gilles, Poirier and one of their coaches, Carol Lane, to learn about how they construct their highly technical rhythm dance routine, what they think about when they are performing and why they decided to wear bright orange spandex on the world stage. by The Decibel
14 min listen
Why some Nunavut elders spend their final years alone in Ottawa: Sending a loved one to an assisted-living home is never an easy choice. For the people of Nunavut, the majority of whom are Inuit, it’s even harder. The territory has 36 beds for elders in four different communities. That means 21 of its 25 fly-in communities are without any options for elder care that don’t involve sending a family member away. And some families – whose elders need more intensive care – must choose between providing all of the care themselves, or sending their loved ones to Ottawa, where there is a long-term care home that houses Inuit elders. Kelly Grant, the Globe’s national health care reporter, went to Nunavut to provide an in-depth look at health care in Nunavut and the challenges its residents face accessing it. While there, she found that the lack of elder care in the territory was one of the most common complaints and one of the hardest issues to solve. by The Decibel
21 min listen
Thinking through Quebec’s unvaxxed tax: Quebec is the first jurisdiction in Canada to propose a ‘health contribution’ tax for people who choose not to get vaccinated against COVID-19. This has sparked a debate about whether some government pandemic measures are going too far into the realm of being punitive. Dr. Devon Greyson, an assistant professor at the School of Population and Public Health at the University of British Columbia, has been studying vaccine hesitancy since 2015. They break down the ethical considerations of this controversial piece of proposed public health policy. Editor’s note: An earlier version of this text misidentified Dr. Greyson as an associate professor at the School of Population and Public Health at the University of British Columbia. by The Decibel
21 min listen
As missiles fall around her, this Kharkiv citizen fights disinformation: Maria Avdeeva is the research director of the European Expert Association, which analyzes Russian disinformation. With the sound of Russia’s attack in the background, Maria explains what’s happening in her hometown of Kharkiv, and why the decision to stay is her way of fighting the “Information War,” where disinformation is weaponized to change how the world understands the horrors unfolding in Ukraine. by The Decibel
22 min listen
Meet the 21-year-old who silenced the Ottawa truckers’ horns: Life for Zexi Li has been a bit of a roller coaster these last few weeks. The Ottawa resident lives just a few blocks away from Parliament Hill, which meant that after the trucker convoy rolled into town the soundtrack to her life was horns. Protesters had been blaring their truck horns from 7 a.m. to as late as 1:30 a.m., until lawyer Paul Champ approached Zexi and a civil suit led to an injunction that muted the honking. Globe reporter Erin Anderssen spoke to Zexi after an Ontario Superior Court justice granted a 10-day injunction against the use of horns by the protesters. Zexi shares what it’s been like living amongst the cacophony, how she slept and why she agreed to be the public face of the proposed class-action suit. by The Decibel
16 min listen
The promises and limitations of the new COVID-19 pill: There’s a new treatment for COVID-19 in Canada. If taken at the right time during the infection, it can help keep people who have caught the virus out of the hospital. But there are some caveats. In fact, there are a lot. Carly Weeks is one of The Globe’s health reporters and she explains how the new pill from Pfizer works, who can take it and why it’s already in short supply. by The Decibel
16 min listen
Giving new life to a dying language in Canada: There are only nine students but the kids of Taigh Sgoile na Drochaide – or the Bridge Schoolhouse in English – represent the future of Gaelic fluency in Canada. This is the first Gaelic-immersion school in the country and the people who founded it hope one day it’ll be the first of many. Greg Mercer, who reports on Atlantic Canada for The Globe and Mail, shares the story of how this school sprouted up from a small community that is passionate about regaining its Gaelic roots. by The Decibel
15 min listen
Stress Test: From investing to housing, personal finance experts share their predictions for 2022: For the end of 2021, we're bringing you an episode of Stress Test, a podcast about personal finance from The Globe and Mail, hosted by Rob Carrick and Roma Luciw. 2021 was a year of surprises in personal finance. Who would have thought inflation would take off, housing could get even hotter and that job-hopping would be commonplace amid a global pandemic? So, what’s next? In this episode, Rob and Roma ask four personal finance experts - Robb Engen, Preet Banerjee, Erica Alini and Barry Choi - what they'll be watching in 2022. Plus, Rob and Roma share their own thoughts. by The Decibel
34 min listen
The Bank of Canada’s plan to cool inflation: In a surprising twist, at least in Bank of Canada news, the central bank decided on Wednesday to keep its key interest rate at a record low of 0.25 per cent. It was widely expected that the bank would announce a rate hike in order to cool Canada’s soaring inflation. The Governor of the Bank of Canada, Tiff Macklem, did say interest rate hikes are coming in the near future – and that means borrowing costs are also going up. Mark Rendell covers the Bank of Canada, finance and economics for The Globe. He explains what the Bank of Canada’s recent decision means. Plus, he’ll get into just how our central bank works and its role in making our economy run smoothly. by The Decibel
15 min listen
What Trudeau, Ford are doing to end the convoy protests: Three weeks into the convoy protests, political leaders on all levels of government are looking at what levers they can pull. On Monday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau invoked the Emergencies Act. Meanwhile, Ontario Premier Doug Ford is keeping the province in a state of emergency. And Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson is attempting to negotiate with the truckers who remain in residential neighbourhoods in the capital. Jeff Gray, The Globe’s Queen’s Park reporter, gives us an update of what happened over the weekend and explains the various moves Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Ontario’s Doug Ford have made in recent days as the public’s patience wears thin on the ongoing protests and blockades at various border crossings and in Ottawa. by The Decibel
16 min listen
One Black man’s quest for parole after 30 years in prison: When Renford Farrier was given a life sentence for killing a man, he believed he’d be out on parole after 10 years. Thirty years later, he’s still in prison and believes racism is partly to blame. A Globe analysis found that Indigenous, Black and other racialized men are less likely than their white counterparts to be paroled within the first year they’re eligible. Investigative reporter Tom Cardoso explains what that analysis found, and interviews Farrier about his time in prison, why he thinks racism played a role in being denied parole, and what he plans to do when he is finally released. by The Decibel
25 min listen
Where the Conservative Party of Canada goes from here: The vote was 73 to 45. And with that, Erin O’Toole’s leadership of the Conservative Party of Canada is over. This dismissal comes after months of internal strife as MPs questioned the direction of the party under Mr. O’Toole. Conservatives now have to launch a leadership race to decide the direction of their party, without tearing it apart. Political columnist and writer-at-large John Ibbitson argues that the in-fighting in the party that is Canada’s Official Opposition is not just bad for their supporters, but bad for the country as a whole. by The Decibel
19 min listen
Who betrayed Anne Frank?: The Diary of Anne Frank is one of the most widely read first-person accounts of the Holocaust. The question of how Anne and her family were discovered has haunted readers for decades. In a new book, The Betrayal of Anne Frank: A Cold Case Investigation, author Rosemary Sullivan details what an investigative team found when they set out to answer: who tipped off the authorities to Anne’s hiding spot? Turns out, it’s more complicated than you’d think. Marsha Lederman, the Globe’s Western Arts Correspondent, interviewed Sullivan about her book, and explains what they found, and what we can learn from this story today. by The Decibel
21 min listen

More Episodes from The Decibel

Skip carousel

Why running is more popular than ever: Distance running, once a relatively niche sport, has exploded in popularity. The trend has been ongoing for at least a decade, but 2024′s running season may be the biggest one yet. Marathon race organizers are expecting record participation in races this year, both in Canada and in cities around the world. Today, Ben Kaplan, general manager of iRun Magazine, Allison Hill, co-founder of Hill Run Club, and members of The Decibel’s own running club explain how the sport has grown more inclusive and diverse, drawing in a whole new generation of runners. by The Decibel
23 min listen
Sudan and the neglected wars: Sudan is facing a dire humanitarian crisis. Nearly 9 million people are displaced from their homes and millions face severe hunger, all stemming from a conflict that broke out just over a year ago. But there are widespread concerns that the world is turning a blind eye to Sudan – and to other African countries facing conflicts. Today, The Globe’s Africa Bureau Chief Geoffrey York explains what’s been going on in Sudan, why so little attention is being paid to this conflict among others, and what that means for the people on the ground. by The Decibel
22 min listen
The biggest EV investment in Canada yet: By 2030, the federal government is hoping 60 per cent of new car sales will be zero-emission. By 2035, they want that number to be 100 per cent. To help with that goal, Canada and a number of provinces have been courting auto manufacturers to set up shop here. And just last week, Honda announced a $15-billion investment in EV production in Ontario – the biggest deal Canada has ever landed. Adam Radwanski, The Globe’s climate policy columnist, is on the show to talk about a few of these Canadian deals and the future of the EV industry – both the prospect and obstacles ahead. by The Decibel
22 min listen
City Space: Vancouver’s Chinatown fights gentrification: Canada’s largest Chinatown has been under siege for over a century: first by race riots, then by poverty and most recently by the threat of development. We’re telling the story of why Chinatown, Vancouver, is one of Canada’s most resilient neighbourhoods, forced to evolve and adapt in the face of horrific racism. The future of Chinatowns everywhere should be in the hands of the people who live, work and find community there. So what does the future hold for a neighbourhood constantly in flux? by The Decibel
42 min listen
The call to disband the Thunder Bay police: This week, a group of First-Nations leaders called for the Thunder Bay Police Service to be disbanded for the second time – following charges against high ranking members of the service and board, and several reports accusing the police service of racism, discrimination and misconduct, specifically in the cases involving Indigenous people. The Globe’s Willow Fiddler has been covering this story and is on the show to explain the problems with the Thunder Bay Police Service, and what led to this call for the service to be disbanded. by The Decibel
22 min listen
How Hong Kong is cracking down on dissent: The government in Hong Kong recently voted to pass a new national security law, referred to as Article 23. It includes seven new offences related to sedition, treason and state secrets, and is expected to have a chilling effect on protest. A number of countries, including Canada, denounced the law before it was passed, saying it’s too broad and risks undermining human rights. James Griffiths, The Globe’s Asia Correspondent, is on the show to discuss Article 23 – what it is, how it’s affecting people in Hong Kong and who is most at risk. by The Decibel
20 min listen
As conflict rages in Gaza, a ‘silent war’ in the West Bank: The Israel-Hamas war is continuing in Gaza, but tension extends to another Palestinian territory, the West Bank. Five hundred Palestinians have been killed by Israeli settlers or security forces, according to local authorities, and at least nine Israelis have been killed, according to the United Nations. The West Bank is also home to farmland where olive, fig and lemon trees grow. Since Oct. 7, Israeli settlements have expanded and some Palestinian farmers say they’ve lost access to agricultural land. Nathan VanderKlippe, the Globe’s international correspondent, tells us what’s been happening on West Bank farmlands for the past six months and how this is increasing tensions in the region. by The Decibel
20 min listen
The capital gains tax, explained: When the federal government released their 2024 budget last week, they changed the capital gains tax for the first time in a quarter-century. The tax is set to bring in $19.3-billion dollars, and the government says it’ll only impact the wealthiest of Canadians. But many are disputing that. Salmaan Farooqui, a personal finance reporter with the Globe’s Report on Business, is on the show to tell us about the basics of capital gains and how this tax might affect Canadians. by The Decibel
20 min listen
ArriveCan and the government’s outsourcing problem: On Wednesday, Kristian Firth became the first person in over a century held in contempt of Parliament and ordered to answer MP questions. It all has to do with the ArriveCan app, which his company, GC Strategies, was awarded millions of dollars to help develop. An Auditor-General’s report estimates the app cost taxpayers $59.5 million and most of the work was outsourced to companies like GC strategies. Why the app cost so much and who got that money has come under scrutiny. Bill Curry, the Globe’s Deputy Ottawa Bureau Chief, is on the show to tell us about what’s been going on with ArriveCan and what we learned from Kristian Firth’s historic appearance at the House of Commons. by The Decibel
22 min listen
The stakes of India’s election as Modi seeks third term: With nearly one billion eligible voters, India is the world’s biggest democracy. Beginning April 19, with voting staggered over six weeks, they will decide their leader for the next five years. Narendra Modi aims to consolidate power with his third term as prime minister, as a coalition opposition looks to unseat him. Sanjay Ruparelia is an associate professor at Toronto Metropolitan University and Jarislowsky Democracy Chair explains why India’s elections matter for democracy – and the balance of power for the rest of the world. by The Decibel
19 min listen
What the 2024 federal budget means for you: The 2024 Canadian federal budget has been unveiled, with a particular focus on affordability and housing this year. But the 430 page plan covers a wide gamut of other spending details – from defence, tax hikes, generational fairness and much more. Making sense of it all can be overwhelming. We’ll cover all the key points of this year’s budget and explain how it will affect your wallet and financial prospects. A team of Globe and Mail journalists – senior political reporter Marieke Walsh, real estate reporter Rachelle Younglai, Report on Business reporter Mark Rendell and personal finance expert Rob Carrick – join The Decibel to explain what you need to know. by The Decibel
23 min listen
How a new kind of drug could change the future of Alzheimer’s: There are an estimated 650,000 cases of dementia in Canada right now. The last 20 years of research into the treatment of Alzheimer’s have been, as one expert put it, “agonizing.” But a new drug was approved in the United States and is being tested in Canada to see if it can delay or slow the progression of Alzheimer’s symptoms. And it’s giving researchers and patients some hope that a breakthrough could be on the way. Kelly Grant, health reporter for The Globe, has been looking at this drug more closely. She’s on the show today to tell us what these trials mean for patients and the future of Alzheimer’s research. by The Decibel
22 min listen
City Space: How Halifax’s unhoused crisis got so bad: The Globe and Mail’s City Space podcast takes on the big issues, questions and stories of urban living. What makes a city function? Why was it built that way? How will it change in a tech-powered society? This episode takes a look at the unhoused and encampment crisis in many cities and towns in Canada. In Halifax, the homeless population has tripled in the last three years. Emergency shelters aren’t enough, and building new housing takes time. Real fixes will require money and policy solutions. The city finds itself caught in the middle – between those who just want the problem to disappear and those trying to find long-term answers. by The Decibel
41 min listen
What we’ve learned from the foreign interference inquiry: After a spate of news stories and immense public pressure, the government of Canada established the Public Inquiry into Foreign Interference to examine allegations that foreign countries like China and Russia interfered in our elections. The inquiry has heard from many high-ranking officials, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, about interference in the 2019 and 2021 elections. Robert Fife, The Globe’s Ottawa bureau chief, is on the show to explain the main points from the public inquiry so far and whether it will answer the lingering questions around foreign interference in Canada. by The Decibel
24 min listen
Former health minister Jane Philpott’s plan to save health care: Long wait times and the never ending battle to connect with a healthcare professional is a reality most people know all too well. Especially for the 6.5 million Canadian residents who do not have a family doctor. It’s a problem that has existed for years because it isn’t easy to solve. Dr. Jane Philpott is the Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences and the School of Medicine at Queen’s University. She is a family doctor, the former Minister of Health and recently published a new book, Health for All: A Doctor’s Prescription for a Healthier Canada. Dr. Philpott is on the show to talk about her ‘hopeful’ vision for primary care in Canada. by The Decibel
26 min listen
Why major economies are trying to woo Vietnam: Vietnam is having a moment on the world stage. Last month, Canada sent the largest ever “Team Canada” delegation of business leaders and government officials in a push to strengthen the bond with the country. And Canada isn’t alone – the U.S., Australia and China are all looking to do the same. The Globe’s Asia correspondent, James Griffiths was recently in Vietnam and he’s on the show to explain why the southeast Asian country is so popular right now, what Canada is hoping to gain and what this all means for Vietnam’s future. by The Decibel
19 min listen
How seafood from North Korean forced labour ends up in Canada: Where does your seafood come from? And who, along the supply chain, handled it? An investigation from the non-profit investigative journalism organization, Outlaw Ocean Project, reveals a network of North Korean labourers at Chinese seafood plants – a violation of United Nations sanctions – supplying certain Canadian seafood companies. The workers detail a pattern of hyper-surveillance, poor pay and sexual assault by their employers. Ian Urbina, executive editor of The Outlaw Ocean Project, joins The Decibel to discuss the findings of the investigation, the working conditions inside the processing plants and how products made from forced labour are ending up on Canadian store shelves. by The Decibel
27 min listen
The big business bet on psychedelic drugs: In the last few years, there has been an increase in research around using psychedelic drugs, like LSD and magic mushrooms, as treatments for mental health conditions. And recently, two Canadian companies working in the sphere have gotten a special designation from a big U.S. regulator that could fast-track the development and review of their drugs. Sean Silcoff is a journalist with The Globe’s Report on Business. He has been looking at recent developments in these companies and how that fits into the bigger picture of investor excitement around these drugs. by The Decibel
20 min listen
The deadly challenges of getting aid into Gaza: The deaths of seven World Central Kitchen humanitarian aid workers in Gaza has shone a light on the dangerous conditions facing people delivering essential supplies to Gazans. Some aid organizations have either suspended or modified deliveries in order to protect worker safety. It comes at a time when food and other supplies are desperately needed in Gaza. The UN says that a famine is looming for people living there. Simply put, getting aid into Gaza has long been difficult. But without a ceasefire it is a logistical nightmare. Dr. Sarah Schiffling is an expert in humanitarian logistics. She’s the Deputy Director of the Hemlock Research Institute at the Hanken School of Economics in Helsinki, Finland. She explains the challenges of getting aid into Gaza and what can be done to make it easier. by The Decibel
24 min listen
School boards take on social media giants: Educators across Canada are worried about the use of cellphones – and in particular social media – in classrooms, saying it’s disrupting class and causing mental health issues. Four school boards in Ontario are suing the companies behind Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat for billions of dollars, joining a long list of U.S. school districts doing the same. Philip Mai, senior researcher and co-director of the Social Media Lab at Toronto Metropolitan University, explains why this might be a tough case to prove in court, and how it could make an impact on how young people engage with social media. by The Decibel
20 min listen
Canada’s uncertain AI future: Since 2017, Canada has worked to attract the best artificial intelligence research talent in the world. But it hasn’t been investing in the infrastructure that those researchers need to push the limits of AI and the questions it can potentially solve. There are now calls for the government to invest more into building out more powerful supercomputers. Report on Business journalist Joe Castaldo explains why the issue of growing computing power isn’t as simple as buying more high-end computer chips, the potential problems of investing heavily into this tech, and what Canada can do to prevent a brain drain of AI talent. by The Decibel
23 min listen
Four reasons why you can’t afford housing: Buying and owning a home in Canada is an endless source of frustration. Many have been priced out, while competition is high as a lack of housing stock runs up against a rapidly growing population. While more homes are needed to alleviate the stress, getting shovels into the ground isn’t as simple as it sounds. The Globe’s Jason Kirby, Matt Lundy and Mark Rendell recently broke down the reasons behind why most Canadians can’t afford a home right now. Jason Kirby is on the show to explain the not-so-obvious reasons why housing affordability and opportunity is at an all-time low – and whether we’ll be stuck in this expensive loop for generations to come. by The Decibel
21 min listen
What to know about the upcoming total solar eclipse: On April 8, the moon will block out the sun giving many Canadians a chance to witness a total solar eclipse. Cities and towns falling in the path of totality are getting ready for this special day and are expected to experience a big number of visitors. The Globe and Mail’s science reporter Ivan Semeniuk explains the science behind eclipses, what makes the upcoming total eclipse special for Canadians and what are the ways to view it safely. by The Decibel
20 min listen
How sleep affects our brains: There are few more important habits for human health than the hours we spend asleep every night. Research shows sleep – or lack of it – affects everything from our physical and mental health, decision making and ability to fight illness. Despite this, at least one in four Canadians say they’re unhappy with the quality of their sleep. Dr. Rébecca Robillard, neuropsychologist at the University of Ottawa and Co-Chair of the Canadian Sleep Research Consortium, goes deep on the science of sleep and why it’s vital for cognition and brain health. by The Decibel
22 min listen
Amid a housing crisis, students build tiny homes for teachers: Aspen, Colorado is a picturesque mountain town often called a snowy “playground for the rich”. Real estate is also one of the most expensive in the United States, and for the teachers that live there, that means they’ve been priced out. Now, the local high school is trying to solve that problem with student-built tiny homes for their teachers. The Globe’s international correspondent, Nathan VanderKlippe recently spent time in Aspen to find out about this makeshift solution to the affordability crisis, the other cities doing similar projects and what this all says about the effects housing has on our social structures. by The Decibel
20 min listen
What you need to know about your CPP money: For most workers in Canada, there’s a chunk of money deducted from each paycheck that goes toward the Canada Pension Plan. It happens whether you want it to or not. That’s because the CPP was set up to force people to save for their retirement. Canadians become eligible to receive a monthly payment when they reach the age of 60. However, many factors determine how much money an individual will get. Brenda Bouw, a reporter for Globe Advisor, explains how CPP works, what determines how much you get and the debate around what’s the right age to claim it. by The Decibel
21 min listen
Why single parents are struggling in Canada: The number of single parents in Canada has been steadily growing since the 1970s. Today, one in five children grow up in single-parent homes. However, the increasing cost of living and lack of sufficient financial support is pushing many of these families towards poverty. Dave McGinn, a reporter for the Globe and Mail, dives into the additional struggles that single parents face and explains how Canada’s policies to help families fall short. by The Decibel
22 min listen
The political fight over the carbon tax: The federal price on carbon is set to increase on April 1. This tax is being criticized by many provinces including Saskatchewan. At the end of last year, Premier Scott Moe announced that the province will stop collecting a carbon levy on home heating bills. Then, earlier this year, he said that the province wouldn’t pay part of its carbon bill to the Canada Revenue Agency. Ottawa says this is against the law. The Globe and Mail’s Alberta and energy reporter Kelly Cryderman explains why Saskatchewan made that decision and how the political debate on the carbon tax got so fraught. by The Decibel
22 min listen
Who’s left to oppose Vladimir Putin?: Russian President Vladimir Putin is one of the longest serving leaders of the country, on track to surpass the rule of Joseph Stalin. Over the years, Putin has cracked down on opposition, as seen with Alexey Navalny and many others before him, to the extent that there is little opposition left in Russia. Mark MacKinnon, The Globe’s senior international correspondent, has been speaking with members of the Russian opposition movement, both in prison and in exile. Today, he tells us their fates, how they’re making sense of this moment, and what it means for the future of Russia that Putin has such a firm grip on power. by The Decibel
22 min listen
Why full parole was granted to a multiple murderer: The man who murdered the parents of a former NHL goalie was recently granted full parole. In 2022, a ruling by the Supreme Court struck down the punishment of life without parole for multiple murders. This case has raised questions about what rules and parameters are in place for convicted killers and the potential threat they pose to society. The Globe and Mail’s justice writer Sean Fine explains the details of the case, the mechanism of the parole system and what it can mean for future criminal cases. by The Decibel
21 min listen

Related podcast episodes

Skip carousel

Episode 132: A Family Focused Christmas by Empowering Homeschool Conversations
63 min listen
Family Style f. Devale & Khadeen Ellis: Family means different things to different people. It could be a soul tie, a community, or unconditional love. It's not always blue skies -- sometimes it's resilience and revolution, too. In this week's episode, we're showing some reverence for family with dynamic duo Devale & Khadeen Ellis. They share fond memories, major parent energy, and family traditions that anchor them in the Black love we love to see. Resources: Dead Ass Podcast The Ellises and The Time Machine: Why Do We Have to say Black Lives Matter – Children’s Book Son of a Southern Chef Cookbook Ainsley’s Caribbean Kitchen Recipes by More Than That with Gia Peppers
20 min listen
Ep. 9: Kids and School Lunches: Debbie Koenig Gives Moms Advice by Talking With My Mouth Full
10 min listen
144. How To Keep The Holidays Happy by The Lucky Few
42 min listen
Creating Family Culture :: Amber O’Neal Johnston [SOM Wk 4]: Creating Family Culture :: Amber O’Neal Johnston [SOM Wk 4] You are creating a culture for your family, right now, whether or not you’re aware of it or intentional in it. Your words and actions reveal the functional values you have for your... by Don't Mom Alone Podcast
47 min listen
Are You Thankful for Jesus? by Focus on the Family Minute
1 min listen
Celebrate Yourself!: Welcome back Mamas, today is all about birthdays! Codie, Ashley, and Melanie discuss how they celebrate their children's birthdays, the value of experiences over parties and embracing getting older. Plus, as Ashley's birthday approaches, she opens up the difficulties of having a birthday around the holidays and how her birthday celebrations have evolved since losing her sister. So Village, what is your ideal birthday celebration? How do you celebrate and embrace getting a year older? Get in on the conversation and let us know over at podcasts@blacklove.com OR you can fill out our form. PLUS you can always submit a DM over @themamasdenpodcast Make sure you connect with our Mamas Ashley - Codie - Felicia - Melanie - ======== Join us for the 2023 Black Love Summit! You’ve rocked with us from LA to Atlanta and beyond, and guess what? We’re coming back to ATL for our 6th anniversary!! 365 days a year, we celebrate Black Love and joy via our socials, podcast by The Mama's Den
36 min listen
What Are Some Fun Christmas Activities I Can Do With My Kids? by All Pro Dad Podcast
31 min listen
#74. Taking every opportunity for family discipleship: Ideas for celebrating Holy Week, Easter Sunday, and beyond with your family: Episode 74 // Happy Easter, friend! This is my absolute favorite holiday. And it’s one that is easy to skim past… to wear the colorful dress, decorate some eggs, attend a big church service, and then move on with life. Nope. Not around here! If fa... by Love Your People Well - Motherhood, Marriage, & Family Relationships From A Christian Counselor
33 min listen
5 Tactical Tips to Nurture Relationships and Create Traditions While Living a Simple Life: Hello! Welcome to another episode of "Claiming Simplicity," the podcast dedicated to help you create more meaning with a simpler life! I'm your host, Monica H Baker and I'm thrilled to share today's topic with you right before you may be gathering ... by Claiming Simplicity | Natural Living, Simplify Life, Cooking from Scratch, Homestead, Gardening
5 min listen
119. Top Ten Tips to Beat Stress and to Stay Calm This Season by It's Hertime.
30 min listen
23. Shit we Have: Blending Families: In a modern family set up, it’s all too easy to spiral over the traditional expectations of what a perfect holiday should look like.’ Today, we’re tackling this issue head-on and discussing the practical ways you can leave your emotional baggage... by Raising the Bar with Alli and Adrian
12 min listen
Ep 297: Creative Keepsakes with Denise Albright by This Organized Life
58 min listen
Homeschool Fails Redeemed by God's Grace by Empowering Homeschool Conversations
64 min listen
How To Build Your Legacy, Bond Your Family With Traditions, Rituals & Routines, Rites Of Passage & Much More With Rich Christiansen of Legado Family Founder.: BenGreenfieldFitness.com/legadopodcast When it comes to passing on important family values and beliefs to future generations, I firmly believe that family traditions are the powerful legacy-building tool in a parent’s toolbox. Traditions, habits,... by Ben Greenfield Life
67 min listen
Keep Healthy Family Connections | Victoria Osteen: In our busy culture, we have to make connecting with those we love a priority. by Joel Osteen Podcast
17 min listen
Episode 146: Finding the Homeschool Planning Approach for Your Family by Empowering Homeschool Conversations
42 min listen
Episode 147: Homeschool Planning Made Easy by Empowering Homeschool Conversations
61 min listen
10 Reasons Why Family Traditions Are Important – Ep 45 by Dad University Podcast
40 min listen
CTLP Episode 165 - Celebrating in Tough Times with Katie and Chelle: On today’s episode of Cultivating the Lovely, MacKenzie talks with her good friends Katie Duckett and Chelle Bruzas about clinging to celebrations and loveliness amidst the coronavirus crisis. This is a grace-filled, honest conversation that we hope... by Live Well Anyway
78 min listen
What’s the holiday season without a little tradition?: Ranging from childhood phone calls, to serenading strangers, to feasting on the darkest day of the year, we explore how traditions help connect us and celebrate the season. To end the year, we wanted to take a break from the endless cycle of bad news and share with you a series of stories about holiday traditions. by The Decibel
22 min listen
How to Build an Entitlement Free Family: In a society where the pursuit of status and self-importance prevails, particularly with children exposed to an endless stream of media, our aim is to offer valuable insights that will help us guide our kids to understand that the world doesn't revolve around them. But here's the kicker—shaping the next generation's perspective on entitlement starts with us, the parents! We're the ones setting the example. In this episode of At Home with the Beveres, hosts Addison and Juli Bevere are joined by Arden Bevere as they discuss some truly paradigm challenging perspectives on entitlement. Tune in to learn how we can instill values of purpose, position, and inheritance in our children. We'll also discover how to safeguard our children's identity from being compromised and hijacked by a broken culture. Don't miss this thought-provoking episode on At Home with the Beveres! P.S. Grab a copy of Arden's book, "Redefined," here, or consider gifting it to by At Home with the Beveres
40 min listen
24 // The holidays are right around the corner: The importance of creating and being intentional with your family traditions: The holidays are right around the corner and we're kicking off this holiday season with a reminder of the important role traditions play in the lives of families. Why do traditions matter so much and how can we be more intentional when creating the... by Fig & Farm at Home, Budget Decorating, Decor Tips, Decluttering, Home Styling, DIY Decor
30 min listen
Cultivating God's Gift: The Art of Prioritizing Creativity in Your Life w/ Ashlee Gadd by Coffee and Bible Time Podcast
40 min listen
Cultivating Creativity: Creativity is our birthright as sons and daughters created in the image of God. It’s not just about the songs we write, or the art we create. It doesn’t only belong to artists. Being creative is about the everyday 98% of our lives we walk out in... by Jonathan David & Melissa Helser Podcast
41 min listen
27 - Food hacks and minimising food waste with Alex Elliott-Howery by Boob to Food - The Podcast
56 min listen
Episode 52: How We Manage The Younger Sibling: Episode 52 by Homeschool Together Podcast
59 min listen
Mom Tips Friday: How to Celebrate Advent with Your Kids by Help Club for Moms
20 min listen
Ep 213: How to Shift Your Parenting Perspective from Production to Connection with Pastor Kyle Idleman by Parenting Great Kids with Dr. Meg Meeker
41 min listen
How We Can Save the World with Emelie Pepito: It's the beginning of 2024, and we are opening The Restoration Home Community. We are so excited for this next year of habit building and community. "Why" you might ask. Well, habits, community, looking your children in the eye, a few more family di... by Restoration Home with Jennifer Pepito
23 min listen

Discover this podcast and so much more

Butter, sugar and a pinch of family

Butter, sugar and a pinch of family

Description

Titles in the series (100)

More Episodes from The Decibel

Related podcast episodes