Just Asking

As e-bikes and e-scooters grow in popularity, municipalities across the country are grappling with how to regulate and enforce rules around them while emergency room doctors warn of rising injuries. Our guest experts take your questions about where these mobility devices belong, who should ride them and how to regulate them.

Our guests are: Jeff Casello, professor of transportation, engineering and Planning at the University of Waterloo; Jamie Stuckless, owner and principal consultant at Stuckless Consulting Inc.; and Dr. Laurie Plotnick, physician and head of trauma at the Montreal Children’s Hospital’s emergency department. 

If you’re tired of seeing the same items on your to-do list every day because you keep putting them off, this episode is for you. Learn about the psychology of procrastination, and what actually helps us get things done. 

Tim Pychyl is the author of the book, Solving the Procrastination Puzzle: A Concise Guide to Strategies for Change. And Fuschia Sirois is a professor of social and health psychology at Durham University in the UK.

The Canadian marketplace is shifting in response to U.S. tariffs, counter-tariffs and export bans. Let’s help you figure out what it means for your pocketbook. 

Our guests are: Eric Miller, President of Rideau Potomac Strategy Group and a fellow at the Canadian Global Affairs Institute; Joanna Smith, trade reporter in the Ottawa bureau for The Logic; and Mike von Massow, food economist at the University of Guelph.

Canada’s overreliance on American tech infrastructure erodes its ability to control what happens to our data. We break down what it means to protect Canada’s digital sovereignty and what’s at risk if Google, Microsoft and other tech giants choose not to comply with Canadian law. 

Shion Guha is an assistant professor in the faculty of information and the department of computer science at the University of Toronto. Vass Bednar is the managing director of the Canadian Shield Institute, an independent public policy think tank.

As kids head back to school this fall, there’s a growing national debate around the value of banning cellphones in schools and outlawing social media use for young people. Our experts take your questions about best practices when it comes to helping kids develop healthy relationships with their devices.

Dr. Victoria Talwar is a professor in the department of educational and counselling psychology at McGill University and Canada Research Chair in Forensic Developmental Psychology. Dr. Rachel Mitchell is a child and youth psychiatrist and associate professor in the department of psychiatry at the University of Toronto.

The murder trial of Lindsay Clancy, the Massachusetts mother accused of killing her three children, has prompted questions and speculation about postpartum mental health. In this hour of Just Asking, we answer your questions around mental health in the early months and years of parenting. 

Our guests are: Dr. Crystal Clark, reproductive psychiatrist and head of the psychiatry department at Women’s College Hospital; Megan Weiss, registered psychotherapist; and Dr. Nichole Fairbrother, clinical psychologist and head of the University of British Columbia's Perinatal Anxiety Research Lab. 

From screentime monitoring to tracking employees’ tone on calls, what do you want to know about why employers are turning to surveillance and how workers are pushing back?

Our guests are: Krystle Shore, an adjunct professor and post-doctoral fellow in the department of sociology and legal studies at the University of Waterloo; Jennifer Moss, an expert in workplace culture and wellbeing; and Puneet Tiwari, partner at the employment law firm Levitt LLP.

Trade talks between Canada and the U.S. fell apart late Friday night, triggering President Donald Trump’s 50 per cent tariffs on billions of dollars worth of Canadian goods. 

We are bringing together analysts, journalists, and industry workers to break down the impact on Canadian businesses, workers, and the broader economy — and to answer your questions.

Our guests took your questions about prediction markets, how they work, who stands to cash in, and the implications for Canadians. 

Ernest Biktimirov is a professor of finance at the Goodman School of Finance at Brock University. Caitlin Ostroff is a reporter with the Wall Street Journal. And Wesley Wark is a senior fellow at the Centre for International Governance Innovation and an expert on national security. 

We answer your questions about what means for communities to learn to live with fire, what a national emergency response organization could do and whether Canada should create publicly funded climate insurance.

Jason Thistlethwaite is an associate professor in the faculty of environment at the University of Waterloo. Sonja Leverkus is an ecosystem scientist, wildland firefighter and prescribed fire specialist. 

Canada is withdrawing its peacekeeping troops from longstanding UN-led missions in Cyprus, Kosovo, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Critics say this latest move spells the end of this country’s legacy as a peacekeeping nation. 

We’re joined by Bob Rae, Canada’s former ambassador to the United Nations, to take your questions about Canada’s role in peacekeeping overseas, whether it has abandoned that role, and where its new priorities lie. 

Where do you go when you’re not at home or at work? Is there a third public place you frequent, where you connect with neighbours and strangers?

Placemaker Jay Pitter says, “Third spaces are the original sites of democracy.” Pitter, author of the book Black Public Joy: No Permit or Permission Required, joins Just Asking alongside urban planner Houssam Elokda, who works on designing inclusive and healthier communities at Happy Cities. 

A study published this week in the Canadian Medical Association Journal reveals that one in 10 emergency room physicians is leaving the specialty, citing burnout and a "broken" system. ER doctors join us to answer your questions about what’s driving their colleagues away and how to fix the issues plaguing Canada’s emergency rooms.

Dr. Rodrick Lim is an ER physician and the co-author of the burnout study. And Dr. Rodrick Lim is an ER physician and the co-author of the burnout study. And Dr. Carolyn Snider, an emergency physician and co-lead of the leadership committee at the Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians.

Drinking water sounds simple, so why does staying hydrated feel so complicated? How much water is actually the right amount? Should you enhance your drinks with collagen or electrolytes? And what’s hydration got to do with focus?

Answering your hydration questions are: Toby Mundel, a kinesiology professor and Canada Research Chair in Extreme Human Environments at Brock University; Lawrence Spriet, professor emeritus in the department of Human Health Sciences at the University of Guelph; and Dr. Renita Ahluwalia, board-certified dermatologist and founder of the Canadian Dermatology and Plastic Surgery Centre.

Canadians have less time and attention for books these days, and experts say that trend is only getting worse. With the advent of smartphones, social media, and AI, our attention spans are shrinking and our ability to grapple with complex text is dwindling. Our expert panel explorew what is causing us to read less in a digital age and how that is impacting the way we think and feel about the world around us. 

Ira Wells is president of PEN Canada and a professor of literature at Victoria College at the University of Toronto. Sachin Maharaj, an assistant professor of Educational Leadership, Policy and Program Evaluation at the University of Ottawa.

Trump's latest tariffs hit different, and this time our provincial leaders may be in a position to hit back. A 50 per cent tariff on hundreds of new product categories reveals new vulnerabilities among the provinces -- disproportionately impacting Quebec, Ontario and British Columbia. But among these new vulnerabilities emerges new positions of power. Our experts unpack the power many of our regional leaders have in the upcoming negotiations. 

Carlo Dade is the director of New North America Initiative and International Policy at the School of Public Policy at the University of Calgary. Julie Simmons is an associate professor of Political Science at the University of Guelph.

Extreme climate events keep on hitting – from heat to tornados to record-setting rain. For many regions across Canada, the impact is unprecedented and this includes experiences with out-of-control wildfires, half of which are caused by lightning strikes. What’s the potential impact of extreme weather on our communities and how can we prepare? 

Sharon Bak is a disaster response consultant and the community emergency management coordinator for Pass Lake, Ontario. Anabela Bonada is managing director of climate science at the Intact Centre on Climate Adaptation.

Canadians tend to get less sleep in the summer months and, as temperatures spike across the country, the quality of our sleep is also being affected. Our experts explain the impact of heat on our bodies during sleep and what we can do if we’re struggling to get that shut eye. 

Charles Samuels is medical director of Centre for Sleep and Human Performance in Calgary. Michael Mak is a sleep medicine specialist and psychiatrist at The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health.

Should you be fibre-maaxing? Get busy making kimchi? Could better gut health improve your mood? And how might gut-directed hypnotherapy help you? Tune in for answers about gut health and its sometimes surprising link to our overall wellness. 

Dr. Maitreyi Raman is a gastroenterologist and professor of medicine at the University of Calgary. Dr. Mary Sco is a family physician and an expert in nutrition. We’re also joined briefly by Emily Lafeber, a registered psychotherapist who practices gut-directed hypnotherapy.

Canada went to this week’s NATO summit in Turkey with a promise to spend 5 percent of its GDP in defence by 2035. But what does NATO, and Canada’s military strategy, really mean for everyday Canadian life? 

Lieutenant General the Honorable Andrew Leslie is a retired commander of the Canadian Army and former MP. Alexander Lanoszka is an associate professor in the department of political science at the University of Waterloo.

Scorching heat, a sudden storm, bugs, bears and ticks. Our panel of experts tackles everything that could go wrong when you’re out in the wilderness so you can make the most of your time outdoors.

PJ Richards is an outdoor educator with Outward Bound Canada. Patricia Wilson is founder of Diverse Nature Collective. Dr. Aaron Orkin is an emergency and public health physician who works as a medical director for a number of Canadian summer camps. 

Can we be good friends with AI? Can grief bots help us cope? What are the gaps in our lives that AI companions are filling? We’re taking all of your questions about intimate relationships between humans and artificial intelligence. 

Dr. Ashleigh Golden is a clinical psychologist researching AI and mental health. Anabel Quan-Hasse is a professor of sociology in the faculty of information and media studies at Western University. 

A group of scientists is raising alarm bells over recent changes to pesticide regulation in Canada. Our guest experts explain those changes, and field your questions on pesticide use, impact and safety standards.  

Risa Sargent is a professor in the faculty of land and food systems at the University of British Columbia. Christy Morrissey is a professor of biology at the University of Saskatchewan.

North America's free trade deal is up for review on July 1. We’re breaking down the stakes for Canada. Carlo Dade is a director of the New North America Initiative and International Policy at the University of Calgary’s School of Public Policy. Zi-Ann Lum is federal politics and trade reporter for Politico.

This episode is a stacked playlist of unmissable First Nations, Inuit and Métis artists from across Turtle Island. 

Here to curate your playlist are three artists: Aysanabee, a Juno Award-winning Oji-Cree singer-songwriter; Wolf Castle, a Mi’kmaq rapper and producer; and Sara Kae, an Ojibwe and Cree singer-songwriter and journalist.

As betting sites report record-breaking activity in the first week of the World Cup, gambling addiction experts are warning that first-time sports bettors are being primed to keep wagering long after the tournament ends.

Two guests join us to field your questions about sports betting. Danny Funt is a journalist and the author of Everybody Loses: The Tumultuous Rise of American Sports Betting. Spencer Murch is a cognitive psychologist and researcher at the University of Calgary.

We're diving into your questions about the World Cup, Canada’s team, FIFA and what hosting the games means for Canada. 

Joshua Kloke is staff writer at The Athletic. Carrie Serwetnyc is a former Canada national team player and first woman in the Canadian Soccer Hall of Fame. Alan McDougall is professor of history at the University of Guelph and co-author of the new book, Cold War Football: A History in Ten Matches. And Donnovan Bennett is a sports writer and broadcaster.

As the number of AI data centres grows across the country, so does the pushback against them. We delve into your questions about these centres and their impact on you and your community. 

Anne Pasek is an associate professor at Trent University, where she is the Canada Research Chair in Media, Culture, and the Environment. 

Darius Snieckus is a business correspondent with Canada’s National Observer, where he covers renewables and the energy industry. 

Are people happier in the summer months? Does being on- or offline impact how happy we are? And is it really true that money can’t buy happiness? Two researchers field your questions about what it takes to attain and retain happiness. 

Ulrich Schimmack is professor of psychology at the University of Toronto Mississauga. Gillian Mandich is an assistant professor in the department of psychiatry at the University of Manitoba.

The first shipments of Chinese-made EVs arrived in Canada over the past month. As more EVs enter the market, our guests break down everything you need to know about buying and driving electric vehicles.

Charlotte Yates is founder and president of the Automotive Research Policy Centre, a non-profit aimed at researching Canadian automotive policy. Max Fawcett is lead columnist for Canada’s National Observer.

Three experts in environmental policy join Just Asking to take your questions about PM Mark Carney’s record on climate action. 

James Meadowcroft is a professor in the School of Public Policy at Carleton University. Jessica Green is a professor of political science at the University of Toronto. And Kathryn Harrison is professor of political Science at the University of British Columbia. 

We’re tackling your questions about Ebola, hantavirus, and Canada’s readiness for a public health emergency. 

Jason Kindrachuk is an associate professor of medical microbiology and infectious diseases at the University of Manitoba and the Canada Research Chair on Emerging Viruses. 

Dr. Andrew Pinto is a family physician, public health specialist, and the founder and director of the Upstream Lab. He leads a national research study, called PREPARED, to help Canada prepare for a future pandemic. 

Premier Danielle Smith says Albertans will vote in the fall on whether they want their provincial government to hold a binding referendum on separating from Canada.

You’ve got plenty of questions about the referendum, and our guest experts tackled each one. 

Lori Williams is a political scientist and an associate professor of policy studies at Mount Royal University. And Matt Solberg is a partner at New West Public Affairs, which is an Alberta based political public relations firm.

Why are pollen levels growing over time? And what does climate change and “botanical sexism” have to do with it? We took all your questions about seasonal allergies.

Dr. Mariam Hanna is a pediatric allergist and immunologist. She hosts The Allergist podcast. Daniel Coates is a director at Aerobiology Research Laboratories.

Dive in for a conversation about finding good care, using new tools and building support while navigating chronic pain. 

Norman Buckley is an anesthesiologist and chronic pain clinician based at McMaster University. And Desmond Williams has lived with chronic pain for 30 years. He is a member of Pain Canada's National Advisory Committee.

Resources:

Living Proof: Experience as Evidence Podcast https://www.youtube.com/@PeprPartnership/featured

Pain BC: https://painbc.ca/find-help

Pain Canada courses: https://www.paincanada.ca/courses#courses

Manage My Pain app, for help tracking and documenting pain with monthly pain reports so you can have real information to take to your doctors and specialists: https://managemypainapp.com/

List of all Canadian Pain Clinics: https://pain-institute.healthsci.mcmaster.ca/canadian-pain-clinic-listing/

Power over Pain Portal: https://learn.poweroverpain.ca/pages/pain-management-courses-that-are-backed-by-science

Chronic Pain Network Pain Connect, for people who want to get involved in pain research: https://www.painconnect.ca/

New data released this week shows too much debt is pushing more and more Canadians to file for insolvency. What do you want to know about managing your debt, and how to get good support when it becomes too difficult to deal with alone? 

Personal finance expert Bruce Sellery is CEO of Credit Canada and the money columnist for CBC Radio. And Wesley Cowan a licensed insolvency trustee at MNP Limited and vice-chair of the Canadian Association of Insolvency and Restructuring Professionals.

If you’re looking for work, how do you try and beat the odds of a tough job market? Should you consider switching careers? How do you start to think about your skills differently? 

Jermaine L. Murray is a career coach and founder of JupiterHR. Brendon Bernard is Indeed Canada's senior economist. 

We’re fielding your questions about foreign influence on Canadian political discourse in the age of AI, paid actors and ‘slopaganda’. 

Brian McQuinn is an associate professor in the department of politics and international studies at the University of Regina. Mika Desblancs-Patel is a research engineer at the Media Ecosystem Observatory. 

This week, Health Canada approved two generic versions of Ozempic. This will mean reduced cost, and therefore broader access, to a medication that’s been prohibitively expensive for many. 

What questions do you have about accessing and using GLP1 drugs? What do you want to know about both the risks and benefits of broader access to these drugs?

Here to field your questions are Jennifer Lake, assistant professor at the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Toronto, and Dr. Megha Poddar, assistant clinical professor at McMaster University.

The Canadian government wants to invest $6 billion over five years to boost Canada’s skilled trades sectors. As more young people struggle to find entry-level work in 9-to-5 professions, are the skilled trades a viable option? What do you want to know about the demands and the opportunities of life in the trades? 

Abigail Fulton is the executive director of the Construction Foundation of B.C., a charity focused on workforce development in the trades. She joins Just Asking alongside Jim Stanford, an economist and the director of Centre for Future Work, a labour economics think tank. 

“Ascend your looks to be a better version of yourself” is Looksmaxxing in a nutshell, but young men in the movement are using increasingly radical measures to improve their appearances, including extreme dieting and “bone-smashing” to achieve a very specific look. What is this trend that is attracting young men and making its way into mainstream conversation? And why should we watch for its influence on the young people in our lives? Our expert panel is Jamie Cohen, an associate professor of media studies at CUNY Queens College, and John Oliffe, a professor and Canada Research Chair in Men’s Health Promotion and the University of British Columbia.

From higher ticket prices to thousands of cancellations, airlines around the world are reacting to fuel supply issues and it’s having a major impact on how and where we travel. What should you know before you book your next flight? Our expert panel is John Gradek, a faculty lecturer in supply chain networks and aviation management, and Max Johnson, a travel and tourism consultant based in Winnipeg.

Canada's food supply chains could use a shot of resilience -- the rise in oil prices is only the latest in a long list of factors that keep driving up food costs. We take questions on what makes our food supply chains so vulnerable to climate and poltical crises and what can be done to curb the costs.

Our guests are Tyler McCann, managing director at the Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute, and Lauren Baker, deputy director at the Global Alliance for the Future of Food.

"Unity does not require uniformity" sounds good as a slogan, but what does it say about a party's politics and point of view? Mark Carney's Liberals now form a majority government, but it took opening its doors to MPs that hold disparate views and competing political records. What does that do to a party's core values?

Our guests are Justin Ling, staff columnist at the Toronto Star, and Vandana Kattar, a political consultant and former advisor to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Prime Minister Carney.

Whether you know all your obscure sparrows and warblers or your bird ID skills are limited to the Blue Jay, dive in for a fascinating conversation on birding and its benefits.

Our guests are David Bird, Emeritus Professor of Wildlife Biology at McGill University, and writer and bird watcher Julia Zarankin.They are briefly joined by Erik Wing, a cognitive neuroscience research associate at York University.

Soon after threatening to wipe out Iranian civilization this week, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire. We’re taking all of your questions about this shaky ceasefire, and its likelihood of success. 

Our expert panel is: Jennifer Kavanagh, director of military analysis at Defense Priorities; Sabine Nolke, former Canadian ambassador and specialist in international law; and Ben Rowswell, a former Canadian ambassador and consultant with Catalyze4.

Four astronauts, including Canada’s own Jeremy Hansen, are currently venturing further into deep space than any humans before.

As they journey toward the far side of the moon, we dig into your curiosities about this historic mission and the future of humankind in the cosmos.

Joining us are Gordon Osinski, professor of Earth Sciences at Western University; Sara Mazrouei, planetary scientist and educator; and Hilding Neilson, assistant professor at Memorial University, whose research explores the vital intersection of Western astronomy and Indigenous knowledge.

If you’re looking to get your hands dirty in the garden this spring and get something to eat out of it, too, this is the show for you. Whether you’re working with a cramped balcony, a rooftop or a backyard, our guests have tips for the best harvest.

Jacob Beaton is an Indigenous food sovereignty activist and the co-owner of Tea Creek, a family farm and Indigenous-led training centre in B.C. And Rachel Parent is a food safety advocate and community gardener. She’s also the founder of Kids Right to Know, a non-profit that educates young people on environmental awareness and food safety.

The Junos are back, and there’s plenty to celebrate and some to critique. We’re opening the floor to your questions on what’s working, what’s missing, and why this cultural moment still matters.

Host Saroja Coelho is joined by two guests. Emilie Hanskamp a freelance music journalist. Dalton Higgins is a publicist, journalist, and author of the book, Far From Over: The Music and Life of Drake.

From rent to hotel stays and home repairs, many things cost more when you’re flying solo. We’ve got money tips and advice for managing your money on a solo earner. 

Renée Sylvestre-Williams is a finance journalist and the author of the book The Singles Tax: No-Nonsense Financial Advice for Solo-Earners. Stacy Yanchuk Oleksy is a certified financial counsellor and the CEO of Money Mentors, which is a non-profit credit counselling agency.

As someone living anywhere in this country, you have rights to request records directly from your government. Most people have no idea how this works. 

Our guests got you covered. Robyn Doolittle is a staff reporter at The Globe and Mail, where she investigates freedom of information systems across the country. Cecil Rosner is an investigative journalist and managing editor of the Investigative Journalism Foundation. 

Critics warn of AI-induced cognitive decline, a flood of 'slop' and 'dross' dulling the human mind. But is brain rot inevitable? And in a world of instant answers, how do we build the future of education?

We are joined by two guests. Surya Ganguli is a professor of applied physics at Stanford University working on both neuroscience and AI. Tracey Burns is chief of global strategy and research at the National Centre on Education and the Economy.

Ecologists are worried about how much road salt is ending up in our lakes. 

Salt is also corrosive to infrastructure, tough on doggy paws and unsightly on our winter boots. 

Shelley Arnott is a professor in the department of biology at Queen’s University and the director of the Queen’s University Biological Station. Joe Salemi is an executive director with Landscape Ontario.

They answered our questions about the popularity of road salt, its impact on the environment, and other alternatives to de-ice winter roads. 

The U.S. and Israel-Iran war has triggered an unprecedented disruption in the global energy market. Our guests break down how we got here, what the near future could look like, and the impact of rising oil prices on Canadian consumers. 

Joe Calnan is vice-president of Energy and Calgary Operations at the Canadian Global Affairs Institute. Rosemary Kelanic is director of the Middle East program at Defense Priorities.

Studies show that working women globally are burning out at a higher rate than men. On the eve of International Women’s Day, we’re fielding your questions about modern womanhood and the pressure to do it all. 

Tamu Thomas is a speaker, writer, and author of the book, Women Who Work Too Much: Break Free from Toxic Productivity and Find Your Joy.

Amelia Nagoski is a conductor and co-author of Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle.”

Experts take your questions about where U.S. domestic and international law stand on President Donald Trump’s attacks on Iran.

Sabine is Canada’s Former Ambassador to the Netherlands and Specialist in International Law. She joins Just Asking alongside Quinta Jurecic, who is a staff writer at The Atlantic covering the courts, democracy and the rule of law. 

Two experts joined Just Asking to take your questions about Saturday’s joint U.S.-Israel attacks on Iran, and what could come next for the region. 

Kamran Bokhari is a senior director at the New Lines Institute for Strategy and Policy in Washington. Negar Mojtahedi is a reporter and host at Iran International English.

There’s little awareness about Tourette Syndrome and the many ways it manifests itself. This week on Just Asking, we have two guests to field your questions about Tourette Syndrome and what it’s like living with it. 

Rena Zito is a professor of sociology at Elon University, where she studies stigmatization and Tourette syndrome. She has Tourette Syndrome. Dr. Daniel Gorman is a staff psychiatrist at the Hospital for Sick Children. He’s also an associate professor of psychiatry at the University of Toronto, where he researches Tourette syndrome.

What questions do you have about social media addiction? What do you want to know about holding tech giants accountable for the design of social media platforms? 

Two experts are on the show to field your questions. Emma Duerden is Canada Research Chair in Neuroscience and Learning Disorders, and associate professor in the faculty of education at Western University. Josh Tabish is senior director for Canada at Chamber of Progress, a tech policy advocacy group. 

This week on Just Asking, we’re taking your questions about Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis. What do you want to know about advocating for yourself in the doctor’s office?

Dr. Olga Bougie is an associate professor of obstetrics and gynaecology at the University of Toronto. She also works in Mount Sinai Health System as an endometriosis and gynecologic surgeon. She’ll be taking your questions alongside Nam Kiwanuka, journalist and the host of TVO’s (MIS)Treated, a podcast on women's health.

Two experts join Just Asking on Valentines Day to answer your questions about attachment styles and how they shape our intimate adult relationships.

Julie Menanno is a marriage and family therapist and the author of the bestselling book, Secure Love. And Marisa Cohen is a relationship researcher who is also a marriage and family therapist. 

In the aftermath of the school shooting in Tumbler Ridge, B.C., we’re welcoming your questions about what grief and resilience look like within a community. 

We are joined by two experts. Michael Ungar is founder and director of the Resilience Research Centre at Dalhousie University where he holds the Canada Research Chair in Child, Family and Community Resilience. Darcy Harris is professor emeritus of thanatology at King’s University College at Western University. She is a grief researcher as well as a private practice clinician. 

The Stay Free Alberta movement is pushing for Alberta to leave Canada. Organizers of the movement are currently seeking signatures for a petition that could allow them to seek a referendum on the question of Alberta’s independence. 

We’ll hear from Jeff Rath, one of the leaders of the Stay Free Alberta movement. Lori Williams, a political scientist and an associate professor of policy studies at Mount Royal University, is on the show taking your questions. She’s joined by Matt Solberg, conservative strategist and partner at New West Public Affairs, an Alberta-based political public relations firm.

Olympic gold medalists Meagan Duhamel and Chandra Crawford take your question about being at the winter games, the time they bagged their gold, coaching the next generation and what they’ve learned about life and sports along the way.

Minneapolis has been a flashpoint for the immigration crackdown in the United States.

We took your questions about what it’s been like to live and organize in Minneapolis in the past few weeks.

Our guests are NYT bestselling author and organizer adrienne maree brown along with her sister Autumn Brown, who has been on the frontlines of the protests in Minneapolis. We’re also joined by Shrai Popat, breaking politics reporter for The Guardian.

Music’s biggest night is upon us. What questions do you have about the nominees and the music that’s being recognized this year? Which performances are you most excited about? Join the Grammys chat with music journalists Dalton Higgins and Emilie Hanskamp.

Would you let bots buy you stuff? Autonomous AI shopping agents will research products and complete the purchase for you. What questions do you have about agentic AI shoppers? What do you want to know about how AI shapes your daily shopping experience right now? 

Our two guests are Aleksandra Sagan, an e-commerce reporter with The Logic, and Markus Giesler, a professor of marketing at York University’s Schulich School of Business.

In his widely celebrated speech at the Davos World Economic Forum this week, Prime Minister Mark Carney said Canada is ready to embrace a new world order. What questions do you have about Canada’s position in this new geo-political system?

Sabine Nolke, Canada’s former ambassador to the Netherlands and specialist in international law, will take your questions alongside Justin Ling, journalist and columnist at The Toronto Star.

Heated Rivalry has taken the culture by a storm. What does what we're raptly watching tell us about ourselves and where we are as a culture? This week on Just Asking, we get to the bottom of it. We take the temperature of romance on television in 2026 with our guests Mel Woods, a senior editor at Xtra Magazine, and Cassandra Morann, a romance writer and host of the Rational Romantics podcast.  

We answer your questions about the Iran protests, the international response, and what could possibly come next. We’re joined by two guests. Arash Azizi is a lecturer at Yale University and author of the book, What Iranians Want: Women, Life, Freedom.Maral Karimi is faculty lecturer in the department of politics and public administration at Toronto Metropolitan University and author of the book, The Iranian Green Movement of 2009: Reverberating Echoes of Resistance.

Canada and the world are scrambling to figure out a new approach for engaging with the U.S. in light of the U.S. military strikes in Venezuela and the White House's refusal to rule out the use of force to control Greenland. We answer your questions about diplomacy in the age of U.S. President Donald Trump with our guest Bob Rae, Canada’s former ambassador to the United Nations. 

Medical advice is clear on the long-term benefits of building muscle mass. But between buzz words like “progressive overload,” the fear of injury, and all the varying advice on protein intake, the whole thing can be intimidating. In this episode, you asked and we did the heavy lifting. Host Saroja Coelho is joined by two guests. Dr. Jordan Metzl is a sports medicine physician and author. Tina McInnes is a women's strength coach and retired doctor.

We often set ambitious goals for the new year. But how can we make sure we don’t stretch ourselves too thin in the process? The constant chorus of “New Year, New Me” in January amplifies our desire to be productive and optimize our lives. But how much pressure is too much?

On this episode of Just Asking, we answer your questions about the value of doing less not more and how to achieve balance in our work and personal lives. Joseph Jebelli is a neuroscientist and author of the book The Brain at Rest: Why Doing Nothing Can Change Your Life. And Alex Pang is a researcher, consultant and author of Rest: Why You Get More Done When You Work Less.

Do you have a question you want Just Asking to explore? Send us a text or voice note at 226-758-8924. You can also e-mail us at justasking@cbc.ca

President Donald Trump has said the United States will "run" Venezuela after carrying out attacks on the country on Saturday. The U.S. has captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Today on Just Asking, we take your questions about the situation in Venezuela and what happens next.

It’s that time of year when we reflect on what’s happened the last 12 months, and dream up changes for the new year. Whether you’re looking for guidance in your career, relationships, or setting personal goals, we could all use a little bit of extra help dealing with the curveballs life brings us.

On this episode of Just Asking, we have two advice columnists ready to share their wisdom and help you strategize for the new year. Gretchen Rubin is a writer who studies happiness and human nature. She also co-hosts the advice podcast, “Since You Asked.” And Steve Almond is a writer and author of the book, “Truth is the Arrow, Mercy is the Bow.” He was also the co-host of the advice podcast, “Dear Sugars,” which wrapped up in 2018.

You’ll also hear from actor Jake Johnson and comedian Gareth Reynolds about what inspired them to start the “We’re Here to Help” podcast where callers share their problems with actors and comedians like Nick Kroll, Roy Wood Jr, D’Arcy Carden and Dakota Fanning. 

Do you have a question you want Just Asking to explore? Send us a text or voice note at 226-758-8924. You can also e-mail us at justasking@cbc.ca

From Sinners to Severance, and all the memes in between, 2025 was a huge year in pop culture. And as critics argue over which “Best of 2025” is truly canon, the way we consume content is rapidly changing with Netflix's Warner Bros. acquisition and the ongoing debate of whether artists should avoid or embrace AI. 

On this episode of Just Asking, we take all your questions about the movies, music and online trends that broke through in 2025. Richie Assaly is a culture writer who covers music, books and politics. And Kate Lindsay is a culture writer and co-host of “In Case You Missed It" – a podcast from Slate that explores internet culture.

Do you have a question you want Just Asking to explore? Send us a text or voice note at 226-758-8924. You can also e-mail us at justasking@cbc.ca

2025 has been quite the year on Parliament Hill. The Liberals kicked off the year with Justin Trudeau stepping down, and now Prime Minister Carney is ending the year hoping for another floor-crosser for Christmas. It's also been a year of soul-searching for the opposition parties as Pierre Polileve looks forward toward a leadership review in the new year, and the NDP are in the middle of their own leadership race. 

On this episode of Just Asking, our guests take all your Canadian politics questions about the non-stop news out of Ottawa. Stephanie Taylor is a parliamentary reporter with The National Post. And Phillipe Fournier is the Editor in Chief of polling website 388Canada.

Do you have a question you want Just Asking to explore? Send us a text or voice note at 226-758-8924. You can also e-mail us at justasking@cbc.ca

When OCD is depicted in pop culture, it often becomes the butt of the joke like on TV shows like Friends or The Big Bang Theory. But According to the International OCD Foundation, over two-thirds of the public cannot accurately identify OCD symptoms and it takes over 7 years on average before a person suffering with OCD starts to get treatment. 

On this episode of Just Asking, our guests take all your questions about OCD-myth busting and how to support friends and family who have it. Justine De Jaegher is an advocate who has OCD herself. And Dr. Marlene Taube-Schiff is a clinical psychologist who works with patients who struggle with OCD.

Do you have a question you want Just Asking to explore? Send us a text or voice note at 226-758-8924. You can also e-mail us at justasking@cbc.ca

Justice Minister Sean Fraser wants to eradicate violence against women, and he says the Liberals’ new legislation will help. In the wake of the Diddy trial, Just Asking explored the push to recognize "coercive control" in the law. Ottawa’s new bill seeks to do that, along with changes to how the courts deal with femicide, and delays in the justice system.

On this episode of Just Asking, we take your questions about how to prevent intimate partner violence, and what solutions survivors are looking for. Kirsten Mercer is a lawyer and gender-based violence advocate. And Nneka MacGregor is a survivor of intimate partner violence and the co-founder and executive director of the Women’s Centre for Social Justice, also known as the WomenatthecentrE.

If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual assault, help is available through: https://endingviolencecanada.org/

Canadian Resource Centre for Victims of Crime: 1-877-232-2610 or text 613-208-0747

Just Asking episode on Coercive Control

Canada has one of the highest rates of pet ownership in the world. Humans develop deep connections with the animals in their lives. But how much do we really understand about them? And why have some animals evolved to become domesticated social media stars on Instagram while others run wild? 

On this episode of Just Asking, longtime science broadcaster and former Quirks and Quarks host Jay Ingram takes your questions about his new book “The Science of Pets.”

Do you have a question you want Just Asking to explore? Send us a text or voice note at 226-758-8924. You can also e-mail us at justasking@cbc.ca

Jay Ingram’s “The Science of Pets”

After a renewed push from Trump, the future of peace talks to end the war in Ukraine remains unclear. US special envoy Steve Witkoff held separate meetings this week with Russian President Vladimir Putin, and the head of Ukraine's national security council, Rustem Umerov. Putin continues to ramp up his rhetoric, threatening that Ukrainian troops must withdraw from the eastern Donbas region or it will be seized by force. 

On this week’s episode of Just Asking, we dig into your questions about the ongoing push for peace between Russia and Ukraine. Paul Goode is a Professor and the McMillan Chair of Russian Studies at the Institute of European, Russian and Eurasian Studies at Carleton University. And Robert English is a Professor and Director of Central European Studies at the University of Southern California. 

Do you have a question you want Just Asking to explore? Send us a text or voice note at 226-758-8924. You can also e-mail us at justasking@cbc.ca

A new report found influencers reached more people during Canada’s federal election than news outlets or politicians. So what role do influencers play in how we navigate the media landscape, and how can you tell the difference between reliable sources and misinformation?

On this week’s episode of Just Asking, we take your questions about getting news through social media. Ashley Fraser is a senior reporter for CBC's The National who helped launch CBC News’ TikTok account in 2022. And Jaigris Hodson is the Canada Research Chair in Digital Misinformation, Polarization, and Anti-Social Media at Royal Roads University.

We'll also hear from Cole Benett, a Canadian news influencer who posts about politics and current affairs on TikTok and Instagram.

Do you have a question you want Just Asking to explore? Send us a text or voice note at 226-758-8924. You can also e-mail us at justasking@cbc.ca

MP Steven Guilbeault resigned from cabinet, claiming the Ottawa-Alberta energy deal signals a major step backwards on climate commitments. The agreement lays the political groundwork for a potential pipeline to the B.C. coast. By designating this possible pipeline as a project of "national interest," it could be exempt from environmental protection laws. The deal will also see Ottawa suspend the proposed federal oil and gas emissions cap, and Alberta's requirements under the Clean Electricity Regulations. 

On this week’s episode of Just Asking, we take your questions about what this deal could mean for Canada's climate future. Our guests are Rick Smith, the President of the Canadian Climate Institute. And Hadrian Mertins-Kirkwood is senior researcher at the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, who focuses on the shift towards a zero-carbon future, including energy workers.

Do you have a question you want Just Asking to explore? Send us a text or voice note at 226-758-8924. You can also e-mail us at justasking@cbc.ca

The holidays are around the corner. What does that look like if your partner has a different cultural background? How do you navigate those differences and bring your two identities together? How do you navigate potential conflicts with both sides of the family, or questions from your kids?

On this week’s episode of Just Asking, we take all your questions about dating and relationships for couples from different cultural background. Whether you’re a part of an interracial couple, or your partner has a different faith or ethnic background, this week’s guests have plenty of advice for you. Yasmeen Rafiq is a therapist and owner of the private therapy practice, Meaningful Connections, where she works with intercultural couples. And Maya Yampolsky is an associate professor of social and cultural psychology at Laval University, where she researches intercultural and interracial relationships. 

We'll also hear from Rabbi Denise Handlarski who is in an interfaith marriage herself and marries interfaith couples. She's also a professor at Trent University and has a LOT of opinions about Netflix’s Nobody Wants This.

Marjorie Taylor Greene says Trump “ripped MAGA apart” with the Epstein case. The uproar may have pushed the President to reverse his previous stance, signing a bill late Wednesday to order the release of the Epstein files. But beyond this week's political drama, how will these fractures within the Republican party affect the MAGA movement moving forward?

On this episode of Just Asking, we take all your questions about what’s happening with the MAGA movement right now, and how things could change one year out before the Midterm elections. Matt Dallek is a professor of Political Management and historian at George Washington University, who’s written multiple books chronicling the rise of the modern conservative movement. (Confirming second guest) Paul Waldman is a columnist with MS NOW (formerly MSNBC). 

Do you have a question you want Just Asking to explore? Send us a text or voice note at 226-758-8924. You can also e-mail us at justasking@cbc.ca

Like it or not....Winter is coming. Are you ready to bust out the Mariah Carey, or are you bracing yourself for darker, colder days ahead? For a country that spends a significant portion of the year in winter weather, our cities are not always well-equipped to be livable spaces through all seasons. 

On this episode of Just Asking, we take all your questions on how to prepare ourselves, and our communities for the change in seasons. Ana Hidalgo is a lecturer in the Department of Geography and Planning at the University of Saskatchewan who researches urban design for winter cities. Kari Leibowitz is a health psychologist and author of the book "How to Winter: Harness Your Mindset to Thrive on Cold, Dark, or Difficult Days." 

Do you have a question you want Just Asking to explore? Send us a text or voice note at 226-758-8924. You can also e-mail us at justasking@cbc.ca

With the COP30 climate summit in Belém, Brazil this week, Canada wants to be seen as a leader in climate action. But are we on the right track? Reports are warning that fossil fuel emissions have hit a record high. The world is still on track for a catastrophic 2.6C increase in temperature. That is surpassing the thresholds set out in the Paris agreement. At COP30 this week, Canada highlighted $392 million in funding for global climate action projects. Here at home, Prime Minister Carney unveiled his list of major projects to fast-track. Carney's plan is for Canada to become an energy superpower and a leader in responsible mining for critical minerals. 

On this episode of Just Asking, we take your questions on Canada’s climate change commitments, and our role on the world stage. Sarah Elizabeth Sharma is an Assistant Professor in the School of Political Studies at the University of Ottawa, focusing on climate policy. David Smith is the Coordinator of the Institute for Sustainable Development and Director of the Centre for Environmental Management at The University of the West Indies.

Do you have a question you want Just Asking to explore? Send us a text or voice note at 226-758-8924. You can also e-mail us at justasking@cbc.ca

How many texts, memes and video calls does it take to make a relationship last? We all have partners, friends and family in different cities to keep up with. How often do you get to have face to face time with those loved ones? As our lives get busier, traveling gets expensive, and technology makes communication both easier and more fleeting, what does it take to make a relationship last from afar? 

On this episode of Just Asking, we take your questions on long-distance relationships and friendships. Dr. Alexandra Solomon is a clinical psychologist, adjunct professor at Northwestern University and host of the podcast "Reimagining Love." Anabel Quan-Hasse is a Professor of Sociology and Media Studies at Western University. 

Do you have a question you want Just Asking to explore? Send us a text or voice note at 226-758-8924. You can also e-mail us at justasking@cbc.ca

Coffee prices are skyrocketing. Statistics Canada says the price of your morning cup of coffee is officially 41% higher than it was in Fall 2024. So what’s behind those numbers?

On this episode of Just Asking, we take all your questions about coffee production and where those costs are coming from - from supply chains to climate change. We get the facts straight from the roastmasters themselves. Nick Brown is the founder and editor of Daily Coffee News by Roast magazine. And Gavin Fridell is a Professor in Political Science and Global Development Studies at Saint Mary's University where he focuses on trade policy, supply chains and coffee production.

Do you have a question you want Just Asking to explore? Send us a text or voice note at 226-758-8924. You can also e-mail us at justasking@cbc.ca

It's been just over six months since Prime Minister Mark Carney got elected. So how is the Carney era treating Canadians so far? And with his first federal budget tabled this week, how will he deliver on what was promised during the campaign?

On this episode of Just Asking, we take all your questions about Prime Minister Carney, his policies, and how much he’s accomplished so far. To dig into all this we’re joined by two guests. CBC's Janyce McGregor is a Senior Reporter in our Parliamentary Bureau. And Vandana Kattar is a political consultant and was an advisor to former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Do you have a question you want Just Asking to explore? Send us a text or voice note at 226-758-8924. You can also e-mail us at justasking@cbc.ca

As Canadians celebrate the Blue Jays epic world series run, every player statistic is being dissected by an analytics team behind the plate. So what is it about the Blue Jays that helped them get this far? The 4-billion dollar sports analytics industry has become a major part of how teams scout talent, and how the game is played. 

On this episode of Just Asking, we take all your burning baseball questions. Jane Leavy is a sportswriter, biographer, and author of the new book, "Make Me Commissioner: I Know What's Wrong with Baseball and How to Fix It." And Joe Baker is the Tanenbaum Research Chair in Sport Science, Data Modelling and Sport Analytics at the University of Toronto, where he specializes in talent development. 

Do you have a question you want Just Asking to explore? Send us a text or voice note at 226-758-8924. You can also e-mail us at justasking@cbc.ca

Four young Canadians are suing the Canadian Pension Plan who claim that CPP Investments is failing to manage climate-related financial risk. With the fund's investment in fossil fuels, the lawsuit alleges that CPP is being grossly underestimating the market impact of a warming climate. So if you want to be a climate-conscious investor, where do you start?

On this episode of Just Asking, we take all your questions about climate change and your finances. Tim Nash is the Founder of Good Investing, a certified financial planner, and an expert in socially responsible investing and sustainability. Anshula Chowdhury is an entrepreneur and expert in social impact measurement and how organizations report on their environmental and sustainability goals.

Do you have a question you want Just Asking to explore? Send us a text or voice note at 226-758-8924. You can also e-mail us at justasking@cbc.ca

Divorce can turn your life upside down. From money, to housing, to how your kids are going to cope. Prenups are getting more popular, as Gen Z and millennials try to plan ahead, according to recent polling. 

On this episode of Just Asking, we take your questions about how to make social media safer for kids, and what parents and policymakers need to prioritize. Vikki Stark is a psychotherapist and divorce counsellor. She's also the author of several books including, "The Divorce Talk: How to Tell the Kids." Justin Lee is a family lawyer based in Toronto who specializes in divorce. You can also find him answering divorce questions on TikTok and Instagram @jleejd.

We’ll also hear from Melissa Bourgeois, the founder of One Family Law, which has developed a first-of-its kind approach in Canada for more amicable divorces. 

Do you have a question you want Just Asking to explore? Send us a text or voice note at 226-758-8924. You can also e-mail us at justasking@cbc.ca

This week, the Liberals unveiled part of their plan to crack down on violent crime in Canada with Bill-C14. But will it make people safer? 

The Canadian Police Association and politicians, including Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, have long been calling for bail reform. The new legislation makes dozens of changes to the criminal code – targeted at Canada’s bail and sentencing frameworks. But critics wonder how much these changes will actually help. 

On this episode of Just Asking, we take your questions about how to tackle violent crime in Canadian communities. Danardo Jones is an Associate Professor of Law at the University of Windsor. He’s also a former criminal lawyer and former Director of Legal Services at the African Canadian Legal Clinic. Nicole Myers is a Criminologist and Associate Professor in the Department of Sociology at Queen's University.

We’ll also hear from Jeff Fawcett, the mayor of Brandon, Manitoba who has been pushing for bail reform to address crime in his own city.

Do you have a question you want Just Asking to explore? Send us a text or voice note at 226-758-8924. You can also e-mail us at justasking@cbc.ca

This week, Meta announced its new "PG-13 guidelines" for teen account settings on Instagram. The push to make the app safer for kids comes as countries like Australia have moved to ban social media for children under 16, with jurisdictions like Nova Scotia, Quebec, France and Denmark considering similar legislation. 

On this episode of Just Asking, we take your questions about how to make social media safer for kids, and what parents and policymakers need to prioritize. Suzie Dunn is an Assistant Professor of Law and director of the Law and Technology Institute at Dalhousie University. Dr. Shimi Kang is a psychiatrist with Future Ready Minds, a counselling service for teens and families. She's also the author of "The Tech Solution: Creating Healthy Habits for Kids Growing Up in a Digital World." 

The cost of living spills over into every aspect of our lives - including our romantic relationships. Do you and your partner have the same attitude towards money and how much you spend? What red flags should you look for before you tie your finances to someone? And what if one person makes more money than the other? 

On this episode of Just Asking, we take all your questions about dealing with the messy money talk that comes up in relationships - from dating, to joint accounts, to who makes more money. Jessica Moorehouse is a Certified Financial Counsellor, host of the More Money Podcast, and author of "Everything but Money." Lambers Fisher is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist 

Are you filled with excitement or dread about cooking a big meal for family and friends? Maybe you aren't a fan of the traditional Thanksgiving dinner, and are looking for more creative ideas to impress your guests. Or maybe you're just shifting into soup mode as leaves change, and want to take advantage of all the seasonal vegetables in your fridge. 

On this episode of Just Asking, we take your questions about Thanksgiving cooking and put it to the pros. Jennifer Crawford is a food enthusiast, cook and the 2019 winner of MasterChef Canada. And Joshna Maharaj is a chef, author and activist. 

On Friday, Israel’s cabinet approved Donald Trump's plan for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, paving the way for the release of all hostages and hundreds of Palestinian prisoners and detainees. But beyond those initial steps, the future for Israelis and Palestinians is anything but clear. 

On this episode of Just Asking, we take your questions about the ceasefire plan and what happens next. Ian Lustick is a Professor Emeritus of Political Science at the University of Pennsylvania who specializes in the Arab-Israeli conflict. Omar Dajani is a law professor at the University of Pacific who served as an advisor during the Camp David and Taba talks from 1999 to 2001. We'll also hear from freelance Israeli journalist Rachel Fink who's been reporting from Hostage square in Tel Aviv.

It's been two years since the war between Israel and Hamas began. But as time goes, talking about the conflict hasn't gotten any easier. Whether it's with family and friends, at school or at work, these conversations are fraught with emotional baggage, and decades of historical trauma. 

On this episode of Just Asking, we take your questions about how to engage in these conversations meaningfully. Our guests are Raja Khouri and Jeffrey Wilikinson, friends and co-authors of the book, "The Wall Between: What Jews and Palestinians Don't Want to Know about Each Other". As the war continues, these two friends have been trying to foster dialogue between the two communities and will share their advice on how to talk to each other.