Placeline Hamilton

Dave Bennett and his wife, Jane Wilcox, were at the airport on their way home from a lovely vacation in the Dominican Republic when he was pulled into a small room, accused of being a drug smuggler, arrested and thrown into a series of increasingly horrible jail cells. The next 71 days - until charges were dropped and he was able to return home to Burlington - were hell.

They pick up the story from there.

When Krispy Kreme opened a new location in Hamilton, some celebrated the arrival. Others took a stand against an American chain setting up shop in a town that has more than a few much-celebrated local dougnut shops at a time of tariffs and elbows up. Will the current political situation affect sales of a tasty treat? Host Scott Radley also explores how someone learns how to be an MP and wonders if this area's sports fans are truly cursed.

Hamilton Tiger-Cats' new general manager, Ted Goveia - the man entrusted with building a team that'll finally give this city a championship after more than a quarter century of waiting - has an intriguing story of how he found football and then how he worked his way through the system to get where he is today.

Detroit Red Wings defenceman (and Hamilton guy) Ben Chiarot talks about what it really feels like to block a shot in the Stanley Cup playoffs and explains the toll players pay to win. With Mother's Day approaching, renowned obstetrician Dr. Jean Chamberlain compares giving birth in Canada to doing so in many parts of the developing world. And West-End Home Builders' Association CEO Mike Collins-Williams breaks down why Hamilton is so slow in the development process to build desperately needed new homes.

As patriotism is surging and people are gravitating to anything red and white, we chat to Dave Thomas who created one of the endearing symbols of Canada (Doug McKenzie of Bob and Doug fame). But the chat isn't just about comedy. The Dundas legend is heading to Ukraine on a humanitarian mission this week. Also in this episode, the recent trial of the murder of an OPP officer raises important questions about bail reform within the Canadian justice system. Defence lawyer Jeffrey Manishen explains.

The 2025 federal election has given us a minority Liberal government. It also delivered some huge surprises - especially in Hamilton Centre - and a whole lot of questions about what comes next here and across the country.

Hamilton's John C. Munro International Airport is a massive success story for cargo but turning it into a top hub for pasenger travel has been a challenge. Can that change? Also, we talk about the idea of turning vacant office space into residences and explore whether Hamilton has a signature food.

Who would you put on the Mount Rushmore of Hamilton music? We get into that in our first episode of Placeline Hamilton. Also joining host Scott Radley is new speaker of the legislature, Donna Skelly, Spectator election editor Matthew Van Dongen and former councillor Judi Partridge talking about trust - or a lack of it - at city hall.

Placeline Hamilton explores issues about the city and stories of interest to those who call it home. Every week, Spectator columnist Scott Radley will dive into hot-button topics with newsmakers, explore stories with the reporters covering them, and chat with those who add to the fabric of this community. Whether it's serious or lighthearted, Placeline Hamilton will keep you informed and engaged.

The first episode drops April 16, with new episodes every Wednesday. Listen to the trailer here and follow or subscribe at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music or wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.