Promoting a cause or issue is a lot trickier than many people think. It's one thing to get attention, but maintaining that attention, and converting interest into action, takes a refined strategy with clearly defined goals and objectives. Yet, even with all the "right" ingredients, timing -- and sometimes even luck -- often make a measurable impact. Learn more about advocacy and issue promotion in this episode.

On Monday November 30, Canada's Minister of Finance presented a "mini budget" designed to give an economic update as well as outline spending proposals over the next several months. The numbers are big, and the details are slim. Does it respond sufficiently to how the pandemic is affecting Canadians? Is it enough to keep the country from plunging into an unprecedented economic spiral? Will this spending plan get the support of enough opposition MPs to avoid a federal election? This episode gives you the key take-aways of Minister Freeland's 2020 Fiscal Update. 

One of the greatest benefits of a cluster of small businesses is the character it gives to a neighbourhood or community. Small businesses are vital to creating that "main street" feel, giving your community one of its central draws. We need those small businesses, and we need the big ones, too. This episode discusses how The Walmarts and Amazons of the world make their contributions, despite popular criticism against them -- and why some of that popular criticism is a little contradictory and lacking a consistent logic. In fact, without these "big guys", this episode argues, our communities would likely not be as economically robust.  

The ever-changing global political geography shows no sign of slowing. Anywhere you look, countries change names, sometimes even borders. Others have reduced or expanded in size. New countries are created ever ten years or so. This process has certainly not been relegated to history. As the brief survey in the episode points out, if you're a fan of world maps and flags, the ongoing momentum of change will keep you occupied.

The Fan Controlled Football League begins its six-week season in February. Unlike anything that's preceded it, the FCFL is completely fan-based: fans choose and decide on a range of issues, from team names, to draft selections and even play calls during the games. Similar to some other social media platforms, the app will reward fans based on the worthiness of their decisions, which then translates into a stronger value per vote for the fan.   Whatever the impact or longevity of this league, the FCFL should appeal to a certain type of fan by offering a real alternative to conventional-styled pro football.   

Death and celebrity together create a profound effect among people. Death is hard enough, but when we add "celebrity" to the mix, the result is often deeper than is the case with family members. This year, like most, has a large roster of celebrities who have passed. However, this year, unlike most, also features the enormous death toll that has affected many, many ordinary people and families around the globe. Which forces us to ask the question: what is it about death and celebrity that so profoundly touches us?

Halloween is around the corner. This year is going to be different, we know. But two ways in which Halloween season will remain the same is through the decorations -- which have already begun adorning neighbourhood houses and lawns -- and, of course, the movies we binge on throughout the month of October. This Halloween Season episode talks what a horror film actually is, and throws into the mix a few interesting titles for you to consider watching. 

Canada's Speech from the Throne is a ceremony and document that commences a new governing session of Parliament. Will this plan be enough to steer Canada through the global pandemic? Will it be enough to keep the government afloat? This episode breaks down the main policy thrusts of this year's Throne Speech, and talks about what happens if it doesn't receive the support the government hopes it will.

Star Trek: The First Frontier is a fan-made production that explores the very first commander of the USS Enterprise NCC-1701, Captain Robert April, and his crew on their maiden voyage. This episode talks about what went into putting this labour of love together, and how you can watch the film online. Star Trek: The First Frontier was released on the most recent Star Trek Day, September 8, 2020.