The Bits

In the latest episode, hosts Quinn and Paulina discuss the "panic meter" with the rising concerns surrounding the Edmonton Oilers as they navigate a challenging start to their season. Are we in a goaltending crisis? We have some totally sane theories. Then we talk Jack Hughes/Tate Mcrae dating rumours and how Quinn ties into it all.

This week on The Bits, we’re joined by Cara Cotter, founder of So Pretty, to chat about her brand’s new So Pretty × NHL jewelry collection. Cara breaks down how the collaboration came to life, the design inspiration behind the pieces, and what it means to bring a feminine, fashion-forward touch to the hockey world. A fun deep-dive into creativity, sport, and an unexpected crossover.

Goalie trade rumours - the ladies discuss whether the rumour is legitimate and if we have concerns. A heated debate in the objectification of 29 and 74. Plus, how is Nintendo 64 connected to the PWHL?

The Blue Jays are flying high, and so is the bandwagon. This week on The Bits, we’re joined by guest host and die-hard Jays fan, CBC AM host Tara McCarthy, to talk all things Jays World Series run: Vlad, team vibes and fun facts, the bandwagon, and why Canada can’t help but fall for the Birds again. Not sure if you're a baseball fan? You will be after this episode.

This week, we’re joined by Kady Risby from Kaden Ave Communications for a spicy round of “Red Flag / Green Flag: Oilers Edition.” We dive into Colts owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon’s unexpected sideline actions, debate Taylor Swift vs. Charli XCX, which leads into the online trend of “golden retriever boyfriend” — looking at you, Travis Kelce. This naturally begs the question: where do the Oilers fall on the “Black Cat vs. Golden Retriever” scale? Plus, Kady tells us which athlete's social she'd love to run.

Canadian rugby great Jen Kish joins us to talk about Alberta’s Bill 29 and what it means for girls’ and women’s sport, youth participation, and inclusion. Kish is known for her ongoing LGBTQ2S+ advocacy and for never shying away from the heat when it comes to making sure everyone has a place in sport. She’s joined by Leah, a parent of teen daughters and a nonbinary kid who wants to play. Together we dig into the new eligibility rules for girls 12+, the ripple effects for kids, parents, coaches, and teachers, and the risks of ‘eligibility policing’ that can unfairly target tomboys, gender-nonconforming athletes, and even girls who are simply taller, stronger, or don’t fit narrow expectations of what a girl should look like. We also explore the government’s fairness and safety arguments, how consent and notification policies in schools intersect with sport, and what this all means for team culture.

Disclaimer We’re not experts, but we’re trying to process this too.

References:

One in three girls drop out by late adolescence

Women and Sport and several allied reports (e.g. Alberta Women’s Health Foundation’s Practice More Parity) report that about 1 in 3 girls quit sports during adolescence.

REF: Alberta Women's Health Foundation (https://www.albertawomenshealthfoundation.org/our-impact/practice-more-parity)

Girls leave at twice the rate of boys

The drop-out rate for teenage girls (ages roughly 16–18) is around 33%, versus only about 10% for boys in the same age range.

REF: Alberta Women's Health Foundation (https://www.albertawomenshealthfoundation.org/our-impact/practice-more-parity)

Participation falls sharply after age 16

According to the 2024 Rally Report from Canadian Women & Sport, nearly four in ten girls are missing out on organized sport overall, and this rises to five in ten (50%) by age 16.

REF: Beyond Sport (https://beyondsport.org/2024/11/22/canadian-women-sport-release-report-to-ensure-all-girls-benefit-from-sports/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

It also notes dropout rates increase at age 16 and accelerate through the late teenage years.

REF: Beyond Sport (https://beyondsport.org/2024/11/22/canadian-women-sport-release-report-to-ensure-all-girls-benefit-from-sports/)

The Hockey Canada sexual assault trial left many people confused, frustrated, or unsure of what the verdict really meant. What does “reasonable doubt” actually mean? How do courts assess credibility? And do morality or emotion play a role in a legal outcome? Criminal defence lawyer Laura Matalas joins us to unpack the Hockey Canada court case—and explain why objectivity guides the Canadian justice system.

The Bits are back just in time to talk about one of the Oilers recent additions… rookie Isaac Howard, who certainly knows how to cause a stir! When this kid was drafted in 2022, he proudly announced he was the "best-dressed at the draft". While we don’t know if he in fact WAS the best dressed, we dive into that kind of energy from a player. We also chat Oilers new coaching staff, plus a new segment "Things That Are Better Than The Edmonton Elks Right Now" to offer CFL fans a little perspective.

This week on The Bits, we’re wrapping up Pride Month with a powerhouse couple who’ve redefined what it means to win, on and off the field.

Olympic athletes and married duo Diana Matheson and Anastasia Bucsis join us for a candid, funny, and inspiring conversation about their romantic origin story, life in the spotlight, the rise of women’s sports, and the launch of Canada’s first pro women’s soccer league, the Northern Super League co-founded by Diana.

Our Pride Month feature interviews continue with former broadcaster and sports reporter, Kevin Jesus, who tells us about his experience coming out while working in the industry.

But before we get to the interview, we do a quick feels check following the game 6 loss to the Florida Panthers. Are we worried about the future of the Oilers? The Bits have some thoughts.