The Big Story

With two weeks to go before America votes, it may seem that nothing at all can possibly move the polls. But what about a story about the size of a dead golfer's genitals? No? How about appearances on popular podcasts from Barstool to Call Her Daddy? Still nothing? Can I offer you some McDonald's served up by a candidate who refuses to promise to raise the minimum wage?

As the US election enters its final stages, all signs point to a nail-biter. But how accurate are polls at this stage anyway? Is there anything left out there that could actually swing this race? What should America, and the world, expect from these final weeks and the ones to follow?

GUEST: Aaron Rupar, political commentator, creator of Public Notice

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The stories of crimes committed by people out on bail are horrific. And they hit close to home. So of course they get outsized attention. But they're also perfect fuel for a political fire that has been burning hotter and hotter in Canada for years.

Bail reform is complicated. It's not as simple as locking up the "thugs" that commit these crimes. Nor is it as simple as ensuring nobody is held in custody before a guilty verdict. So...what is it, then? Let us explain.

GUEST: Nicole Myers, Associate Professor, Department of Sociology, Queens University, researcher focused on the Canadian bail system

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Two years ago, the host and creator of Island Crime, Laura Palmer, appeared on The Big Story to detail the case of a missing young woman named Amber Manthorne, from Port Alberni, BC. This week, the police held a press conference that explained the end of the mystery. Mostly.

Laura was there, and has all the details. Here's the end of the story.

You can listen to Island Crime right here, or wherever you get your podcasts. Amber's case is season four.

We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:

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This episode first aired on October 17, 2024 over at In This Economy?!, our sister show at the Frequency Podcast Network. The show helps Canadians understand the systems behind their money problems so they can make informed decisions about their personal finances. If you like what you hear, please consider giving us a follow! 

Credit card debt has been skyrocketing among many Canadians, basically since the pandemic began. And while it would be nice to be able to go without it, that's not a reality for many of us. So how do you sort through the hundreds of cards out there—and their various rewards, annual fees and interest rates—and choose one that actually works for you? We speak to Shannon Terrell, who's sifted through every card out there for NerdWallet, to find out how you can end up in a better financial place. 

We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:

Through email at [email protected]

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At this point, so many facets of old science fiction have become reality, from AI to robots and gene editing technologies. But one classic sci-fi signifier of technological advancement has remained stubbornly elusive — where are all the flying cars? 

As it turns out, they are out there. In fact, if you have the money, you can buy one right now. What you can do with that flying car, however, is another story. And what happens if you crash your flying car? That's where it gets really complicated. 

GUEST: Jeff Wise, Science Journalist, writing in New York Magazine, host of Finding MH370

We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:

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We all watched in horror as America was pummelled by two massive storms in the span of ten days, the second of which gained intensity incredibly quickly before making landfall. Many experts have said this is the future of storms in the climate era—regardless of whether you believe climate change influences individual storms.

In Atlantic Canada, it's hurricane season now, and our meteorologists watched Helene and Milton closely, trying to determine if the factors that created two storms so close together and so destructive might apply to our own Eastern coast. So what did they learn from what Americans suffered through? How do you separate hyperbole and conspiracy from calm, rational science? And is Canada ready for the storms of the future, whatever they might look like?

GUEST: Chris Fogarty, Meteorologist, program manager at the Canadian Hurricane Center

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Millions of Canadians don't have a family doctor. Walk-ins and ERs are packed. Access to primary care can be almost impossible for many of us. In an attempt to ease some of that burden on the system, a handful of provinces have allowed pharmacists to diagnose and prescribe medications for so-called "minor ailments". And in some provinces the list of those ailments is growing.

For those without access to care, it can be a huge help. But it also raises questions about everything from training and privacy to conflicts of interest and misdiagnoses. So, is the potential cost worth the benefit of easing some of the strain on the system? And if not, what else are we supposed to do?

GUEST: Natalie Mehra, Executive Director of the Ontario Health Coalition

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At the time it was implemented, there was nothing at all remarkable about Policy 713. It was an update to previous guidance, based on research, and very similar to policies in place at school boards across the country. But then the angry phone calls started coming, the premier got on board with repealing it ... and all hell broke loose.

The fight over "parental rights" that started in New Brunswick last year has now spread to much of the rest of the country. And in the province where it began, it's currently an election issue. How did a simple policy become such a Canada-wide chasm?

GUEST: Simon Lewsen, writing in Maclean's

We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:

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It's a long weekend, and that means it's time to go back into the bag of listener feedback and pull out some of the most thought provoking responses we've received to recent episodes. We hope you enjoy! 

Depending on what holiday you're celebrating this weekend, happy thanksgiving or chag sameach! 

We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:

Through email at [email protected]

Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

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Saint Leonards, Newfoundland, is a community with more than its fair share of ghost stories. Headless dogs are said to wander the abandoned churchyard at night. A phantom ship was seen gliding through the eastern reach. And some believe long ago, an unearthed skull taught the town a powerful lesson about honouring the past, and respecting the dead. Tonight, we unpack the myths, legends and lore of this once-thriving coastal town. 

This is Part One in a four-part series called Ghost Town Ghosts which explores the phantoms and spirits once said to haunt Canadian communities that no longer exist.

Fireside Canada is a podcast about Canadian legends, lies and lore. Focused on both the storytelling and the historical aspects of folklore, each episode includes a creative retelling or story inspired by the folklore as well as an exploration and analysis of its history and cultural significance: the story behind the story. You can learn more at FiresideCanada.ca. 

David Williams is the host, writer and researcher behind the show. You can find him on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter). 

We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:

Through email at [email protected]

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