The Big Story

Big Headlines: 'Ice Out' at the Grammy Awards and thousands of Canadians protest Islamic Regime

Plus: Thousands rally to call for a regime change in Iran, Ottawa's plans for GST relief is set to cost $12.4 billion over 5 years, preparations are underway for a space launch, and is Canada being impacted by the ICE raids 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 @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

How is Canada impacted by the ICE raids?

Almost a month after the fatal shooting of US citizen, Renee Good in Minneapolis, Immigrations and Customs Enforcement officers continue to disrupt and terrorize communities across Minnesota - and the US at large.And as Canada finds its footing with new international allies and trading partners, our relationship with our closest neighbour has never been more delicate than right now, especially considering the close-to 900km border we share with the state of Minnesota.Host Richard Southern speaks to Patrick Lennox, national security expert and author of 'At Home and Abroad: The Canada–US Relationship and Canada's Place in the World'. The two discuss how the ICE raids and protests in the US could affect Canadian politics, and what our leaders should be doing in the wake of the violence and fatalities. 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 @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

Weekend Listen: Do loyalty programs still pay off? Breaking down changes for Canadian consumers

Enjoy this special feed drop of our sister show 'In This Economy?!'One of the original travel rewards programs in the Canadian market is getting a major rebrand.Air Miles, which has been around since 1992, will soon be called Blue Rewards, as owner BMO refreshes the brand to highlight that it’s about more than just travel. At the same time, a longtime Air Miles partner, Shell, is making a move of its own—joining the Scene+ program operated by Scotiabank.Host Mike Eppel speaks to Patrick Sojka, founder of RewardsCanada.ca which is a Canadian loyalty rewards database, to break down what these changes mean for consumers, and take a broader look at the more than 180 loyalty brands competing for Canadians’ attention. 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 @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

Big Headlines: Statistics Canada has released the GDP data for the month of November and Luigi Mangione will not face the death penalty

Plus: Donald Trump threatens Canada again, the Conservative Party of Canada's annual convention continues in Calgary, the Prime Minister praises "Heated Rivalry" and does the 'empty nester' still exist? 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 @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

Will Gen Z ever move out?

Gen Z are having a hard time conceptualizing the reality of financial freedom, as Canada grapples with an affordability crisis. That's especially so for residents of two of the country's most expensive cities, Toronto and Vancouver.And while people in their 20s struggle with affording a place to stay, their parents struggle with watching them struggle, and inevitably end up opening their doors as they finish post-secondary and hunt for a job, a career, a place to stay or even a purpose in life.Host Maria Kestane speaks to Claire Gagné, editor for Macleans and author of 'Why Gen Z Will Never Leave Home'. The two discuss the possibilities of multigenerational living to benefit Canadians struggling with money - and loneliness, and how Canada could improve its lagging productivity issue. 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 @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky