Could preventing the virus behind the “kissing disease” someday help prevent multiple sclerosis? Brian Crombie is joined by vaccine researcher Dr. Craig LaFerriere for a fascinating look at Epstein-Barr virus, vaccine development, biotechnology, and the extraordinary journey from scientific discovery to a potential new medicine. 🦠 EBV & Multiple Sclerosis — Why does a virus carried by most adults have such a strong association with MS? 💉 The Search for an EBV Vaccine — How are researchers trying to prevent EBV from establishing infection, and could a vaccine potentially reduce the risk of future disease? 💊 Why an Oral Vaccine? — Could delivering a vaccine through the mouth offer unique advantages for generating immunity? 💰 The $100-Million Challenge — Why can taking a promising vaccine from the laboratory through clinical trials require tens or even hundreds of millions of dollars? ⚕️ Vaccines, Risk & Public Trust — How should we balance the enormous benefits of vaccines with honest discussions about risk, uncertainty, and public confidence in science? The bigger question is profound: What if one day we could prevent a disease like MS rather than simply treat it after it develops?

Where do great ideas come from? Why do some people see possibilities that others miss? And why do institutions so often resist the very ideas that later transform the world? Brian Crombie is joined by psychiatrist, author, and The Globe and Mail columnist Dr. Thomas Verny to discuss his thought-provoking article, "In Search of the Eureka Factor."
💡 Part 1 — What Creates Creativity?
Dr. Verny explains why creativity grows from curiosity, knowledge, persistence, and the courage to ask questions others avoid. We also discuss why encouraging children's curiosity may be one of the most important investments parents and educators can make.
🧱 Part 2 — Why New Ideas Face Resistance
From Ignaz Semmelweis and handwashing to the pioneers of epigenetics, we explore why groundbreaking ideas are often dismissed before they're embraced—and why challenging conventional thinking has always been difficult.
🧬 Part 3 — Genes Are Not Destiny
How do environment, stress, lifestyle, and behaviour influence the way our genes are expressed? Dr. Verny explains the science of epigenetics and why our biology may be more adaptable than we once believed.
🧠 Part 4 — Intelligence Isn't Enough
Creativity isn't just about being smart. Dr. Verny argues that imagination, resilience, openness, and the willingness to risk criticism often matter far more than IQ.

🎨 The Bigger Question The greatest breakthroughs often begin with a simple question: Is there a better way? Whether in science, business, medicine, education, or everyday life, creativity flourishes when we're willing to stay curious, think boldly, and challenge the status quo.

Why has Homer's The Odyssey captivated audiences for nearly 3,000 years? And why is Christopher Nolan's new adaptation generating so much excitement? Brian Crombie is joined by Dr. John Walsh, Associate Professor at the University of Guelph, Director of Defence Industrial Strategy, and classical scholar, for a fascinating discussion about one of history's greatest epics. They explore the enduring legacy of Homer, the acclaimed Emily Wilson translation, Nolan's cinematic vision, and the timeless themes of courage, leadership, family, homecoming, sacrifice, and resilience. The conversation also examines how ancient Greek ideas about democracy, citizenship, governance, and leadership continue to influence the modern world, proving that The Odyssey remains as relevant today as it was nearly three millennia ago.

On The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian Crombie examines the choices that will shape Canada's economic future in an era of geopolitical uncertainty and shifting global alliances.Brian is joined by Jeff Mahon, Director of Geopolitical and International Business Advisory at StrategyCorp and former Deputy Director at Global Affairs Canada, to discuss how Canada can remain prosperous while protecting its sovereignty in a rapidly changing world.🇨🇦 Part 1 — Canada's Trade Strategy in a New Global EconomyBrian and Jeff explore how rising tariffs, geopolitical tensions, and changing trade relationships are reshaping Canada's economy. They discuss Canada's relationship with the United States, trade diversification, critical minerals, digital sovereignty, and the need for a more strategic approach to economic growth and international competitiveness.🎙️ Closing Commentary — Canada's Moment of ChoiceInspired by the conversation, Brian reflects on Canada's strengths—and the challenges holding the country back. From productivity and housing to infrastructure and leadership, he argues that the decisions made today will determine Canada's prosperity and place in the world for generations to come.The Brian Crombie Hour delivers thoughtful conversations on leadership, public policy, economics, and the issues shaping Canada's future.

Title:
Beyond Good Enough: Rethinking Toronto’s Future and the Pursuit of ExcellenceDescription:
On The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian Crombie explores a question that extends far beyond Toronto: Have we become too comfortable accepting mediocrity?Brian is joined by Karen Stintz, former Toronto City Councillor, former Chair of the TTC, and author of Beyond Good Enough: Toronto and the Crisis of Urban Complacency, for a thoughtful conversation about housing, transit, governance, and why Canada's largest city needs to think bigger.

🏙️ Part 1 — Beyond Good Enough Karen argues that Toronto's challenges didn't appear overnight—they developed gradually through years of complacency and incremental decline.Together, Brian and Karen discuss:

• Why housing has become increasingly unaffordable.
• How homes shifted from places to live into investment assets.
• Why transit projects have become slower, more expensive, and more politicized.
• Whether Toronto's current system of municipal government is equipped to solve city-wide challenges.
• How as-of-right zoning, improved transit delivery, and governance reform could help build a more affordable, competitive, and livable city.

While focused on Toronto, the discussion raises broader questions facing cities across Canada.🎙️ Closing Commentary — When Did "Good Enough" Become Good Enough?Inspired by Karen's book title, Brian reflects on how complacency can quietly shape institutions, communities, and even our personal lives.He explores why excellence isn't about perfection, but about maintaining high standards, embracing continuous improvement, and refusing to accept avoidable decline.Whether rebuilding a city, strengthening public institutions, or pursuing personal growth, Brian argues that meaningful progress begins when we decide that "good enough" is no longer enough.🎙️ The Brian Crombie Hour features thoughtful conversations on leadership, public policy, urban planning, and the ideas shaping Canada's future.

On The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian Crombie explores how growing a simple plant can teach profound lessons about resilience, purpose, and personal growth.Brian is joined by Randy Hendricks, Managing Director of Social Impact Enterprises and founder of Grow, Build, Learn, for a wide-ranging conversation about food security, education, entrepreneurship, faith, and overcoming life's greatest challenges.
🌿 Part 1 — Growing Food, Growing MindsRandy explains how Grow, Build, Learn is bringing hydroponic growing systems into Ontario classrooms, giving students hands-on experience with agriculture, STEM education, and food security.The conversation explores:

• Why children should understand where their food comes from.
• How hydroponics can transform learning in the classroom.
• Canada's food security challenges.
• Using experiential learning to inspire curiosity and problem-solving.
• How Groby, an AI-powered learning companion, helps students monitor plant growth while developing scientific thinking.

🙏 Part 2 — A Journey of Faith and CallingRandy also shares his deeply personal journey from serving as a Catholic priest with the Companions of the Cross to making the difficult decision to leave the priesthood in pursuit of marriage and family life.Brian and Randy discuss faith, discernment, vocation, and the courage required to change direction when life calls for a different path.
❤️ Part 3 — Cancer, Courage, and ResilienceAfter surviving both malignant melanoma and colon cancer, Randy reflects on the lessons he and his wife learned through fear, vulnerability, and hope.Together, they explore why adversity often develops the strength needed to face life's greatest storms—and how the growth of a plant offers a powerful metaphor for human resilience.
🌱 Part 4 — Rhythm, Relationships, and Lasting ImpactRandy concludes by sharing the three principles that now guide his life:Rhythm. Relationships. Impact.By creating healthy rhythms, investing in meaningful relationships, and using our gifts to serve others, he believes we can build lives rooted in purpose and resilience.From classrooms to communities, faith to entrepreneurship, and gardening to personal transformation, this episode is ultimately about one central idea:Growing healthy plants is important—but growing resilient people may matter even more.🎙️ The Brian Crombie Hour features thoughtful conversations on leadership, education, public policy, and the people shaping a stronger, more resilient future.

On The Brian Crombie Hour — Are we spending too much time thinking about life instead of actually living it? When was the last time you moved simply because it felt good? Danced without worrying how you looked? Or enjoyed a moment without feeling the need to capture it, analyze it, or share it? Brian Crombie is joined by Julia Juhas, founder of Live With Ease: The Juhas Approach, embodied movement coach, yoga teacher, and performer, for a thoughtful conversation about movement, creativity, mindfulness, and reconnecting with ourselves. 🌿 Part 1 — The Power of Somatic Movement Julia introduces the concept of somatic dance — movement without choreography, judgment, or the pressure to perform perfectly. Brian and Julia explore: • Why many adults lose their natural connection to movement and play.
• How dance, yoga, and breathwork can help release physical and emotional tension.
• How movement can build confidence, creativity, and self-expression.
• Why giving ourselves permission to play can improve our overall well-being. 🎭 Part 2 — From Performing on Stage to Helping Others Connect Julia also shares her journey as an actor and performer, including her experiences with the Shaw Festival, musical theatre, and her work as an intimacy coordinator helping actors navigate challenging scenes through communication, trust, and respect. 🧘 Closing Commentary — Get Out of Your Head and Into Your Life Inspired by his conversation with Julia, Brian reflects on how modern life often keeps us trapped in our thoughts. We record instead of experience. Analyze instead of enjoy. Worry about tomorrow instead of appreciating today. This episode explores a simple but powerful idea: Sometimes life doesn’t need more planning. Sometimes it needs more presence. More movement. More joy. And more moments where we allow ourselves to simply be alive. 🎙️ The Brian Crombie Hour

On The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian Crombie explores one of the biggest financial questions facing Canadians today: Is the dream of homeownership slipping out of reach?With housing affordability under pressure and mortgage costs remaining a major concern, Brian is joined by two leading experts to discuss where Canada's housing market is headed—and how Canadians can make smarter financial decisions.🏘️ Part 1 — Ron Butler: Is Canada Becoming a Nation of Renters?Brian speaks with Ron Butler, founder of Butler Mortgages and one of Canada's best-known mortgage experts, about the changing realities of the housing market.Drawing on more than three decades of industry experience, Butler explains why he believes Canada is building too many investor-focused condominiums, too few family homes, and creating barriers that are pricing younger generations out of homeownership.The conversation explores:

• Why Ontario may be evolving into a nation of renters.
• Whether condo prices still have room to decline.
• If now is the right time to buy—or if waiting could pay off.
• Why fixed mortgage rates may rise from today's levels.
• The challenges posed by ultra-small "dog crate" condominiums.
• Whether expanding land available for housing could improve affordability for families.

💰 Part 2 — Camilo Rodriguez: The Fastest Path to Becoming Mortgage-FreeBrian is also joined by Camilo Rodriguez, author of From Debt to Zero, for a practical discussion on reducing the true cost of homeownership.Rather than focusing solely on interest rates, Rodriguez explains why Canadians should pay closer attention to the total amount they pay over the life of a mortgage.He shares practical strategies to:

• Pay off a mortgage years ahead of schedule.
• Reduce lifetime interest costs.
• Make effective use of prepayment privileges.
• Avoid expensive mortgage penalties.
• Understand when debt consolidation makes financial sense.
• Structure mortgages for greater long-term flexibility and financial security.

Whether you're purchasing your first home, renewing a mortgage, or simply trying to better understand today's housing market, this episode offers practical insights into one of the most important financial decisions Canadians will ever make.🎙️ The Brian Crombie Hour features thoughtful conversations on housing, public policy, economics, and leadership, helping Canadians better understand the issues shaping their future.

On The Brian Crombie Hour — Who decides what our communities become? How do we build more housing while protecting the character of the places we love? How do we balance growth, affordability, transparency, and the voices of residents? And why do municipal elections—despite having such a direct impact on our daily lives—continue to see some of the lowest voter turnout? In this episode, Brian Crombie explores the future of municipal government through the lens of Niagara-on-the-Lake and a broader reflection on why local democracy matters.

🍇 Part 1 — Andrea Kaiser: The Future of Niagara-on-the-Lake Brian is joined by Andrea Kaiser, candidate for Lord Mayor of Niagara-on-the-Lake, for a wide-ranging conversation about growth, development, and preserving community identity. With deep roots in Niagara’s wine industry and 15 years of municipal and regional political experience, Kaiser discusses the challenges facing one of Ontario’s most distinctive communities.

They explore:
• How Niagara-on-the-Lake can build needed housing while protecting agricultural land, heritage, and its unique character.
• Whether residents have enough transparency and influence over major planning decisions.
• The changing role of municipalities and the growing power of mayors.
• Housing affordability and responsible intensification.
• Transportation, tourism, economic development, and the future of the wine industry.
• What Niagara-on-the-Lake should look like over the next two decades. The central question: How can a community grow without losing the qualities that make it special?

🗳️ Closing Commentary — If You Care About Your Community, Vote In his closing commentary, Brian Crombie reflects on why municipal politics deserves far more attention. After conversations with municipal leaders, candidates, planners, and urban thinkers across Ontario, Brian examines why decisions made at City Hall often affect our lives more directly than those made in Ottawa or provincial capitals.

From:
• Property taxes
• Housing
• Transit and traffic
• Public safety
• Roads and infrastructure
• Parks and neighbourhood development

Municipal decisions shape the communities where we live, work, and raise our families. As Ontario gives mayors greater authority, Brian argues that citizens have an even greater responsibility to stay informed, ask questions, and participate. Because better government requires more than better leaders. It requires engaged citizens.

On The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian speaks with Mississauga Ward 2 Councillor and mayoral candidate Alvin Tedjo about the future direction of one of Canada’s fastest-growing cities.Mississauga voters elected Mayor Carolyn Parrish just two years ago—but now, as the next municipal election approaches, Alvin Tedjo explains why he believes the city needs a new approach to leadership, growth, and governance.Can Mississauga freeze property taxes while continuing to improve services?Is the city building enough housing for families, workers, and future generations?Is public safety keeping pace with rapid growth?And what should Mississauga’s biggest transit priority be?Brian and Alvin discuss the key issues shaping the city’s future, including:🏗️ Housing affordability and smart growth
💰 Property taxes, spending, and municipal finances
🚔 Crime, policing, and public safety
🚆 Transit expansion, including the push for all-day, two-way GO Train service on the Milton line
🏙️ What Alvin Tedjo would do differently as mayorThe conversation explores competing visions for Mississauga’s future and the choices voters will face in deciding who should lead the city forward.Whether you are closely following the municipal election or simply want to understand where Mississauga is headed, this is an important conversation about leadership, growth, and the future of the community.