The Jerry Agar Show

It’s Party for Two, and Mark is joined by John Tory Jr, Chief Commercial Officer of Great North Airlines, to break down the top stories of the day.

Next, Mark speaks with Rose Horowitch, staff writer at The Atlantic and author of the August cover story “The End of Reading Is Here.” They discuss what’s changing in reading habits, whether people are actually reading less, and what this means for culture.

Canada’s new nuclear plants should capture and store rare helium isotopes needed for quantum computing, according to experts. He speaks with Chris Cassin, CEO and co‑founder of Zero Point Cryogenics, about why this matters.

The show wraps with calls on reading habits: How many books did you read in the last year? Listeners weigh in on whether reading is declining.

Mark Towhey hosts the Jerry Agar show today and opens with commentary on Chris Alexander entering the Toronto mayoral race. He asks listeners: Have you ever heard of Chris Alexander? What have you heard, and should he be Toronto’s next mayor?

Next, Mark speaks with Mark Mendelson, NEWSTALK 1010 Crime Expert and former homicide detective, about a grieving family who wants to know the name of the man who allegedly killed their children, and the normal procedures in cases like this.

Economists are decrying Prime Minister Carney, questioning why new spending commitments aren’t reflected in fiscal planning documents. Mark speaks with Don Drummond, economist and Fellow‑in‑Residence at the C.D. Howe Institute.

Then, mark asks: Who drinks coffee after dark? Would you be happy with late-night coffee shops?

It’s Party for Two, and Mark is joined by Chris Rutkowski, Winnipeg‑based author and science writer known for his extensive work on UFOs. They discuss what happened at the Toronto UFO conference , whether any new information was shared, and whether there is any credible evidence of extraterrestrial intelligent life visiting Earth.

Next, Mark turns to a major security story: Spy charges against a Canadian intern at NATO have triggered a “cascade of issues” for multiple agencies. He speaks with Michel Juneau‑Katsuya, former Asia‑Pacific chief at CSIS, about what a Canadian intern would be doing at SHAPE HQ, what sensitive information she might access, and whether the threat could come from relationships rather than documents. 

Then it’s Telescopic Tuesday, with NEWSTALK 1010 Science Expert Dan Riskin, talking about the top science stories of the week!

Then, Mark takes calls on Amber Alert changes: Alberta’s system is already broader than Ontario’s, and they want to make it even more flexible. Should Ontario follow suit?

Mark Towhey hosts the Jerry Agar show today and opens with commentary on Olivia Chow’s motion demanding the Island Airport land back from Doug Ford, calling it brilliant mayoral campaign politics. 

Mark then takes calls on giant flags: What is the saddest, sickliest‑looking Canada flag in your neighbourhood? Who should enforce proper flag etiquette? Should fines exist for disrespecting it?

Next, Mark speaks with Marvin Ryder, associate professor of marketing at McMaster University, about whether Coca‑Cola is leaning too hard on its Marlboro‑style branding. Plus: Do consumers care if a product is a knockoff at one‑third the price? 

Mark then takes calls asking: Can your condo board police who sleeps in your home? A Mississauga building has a rule that does!

It’s Party for Two, and Mark is joined by Karen Stintz, former Toronto City Councillor, former TTC Chair, political commentator, and VP of finance and operations for the Canadian Council for Rehabilitation and Work, where they talk about the top stories of the day.

Next, Mark takes calls on blood donation experiences: Have you given blood lately? Ever had a problem? Would you donate more often if you were paid? What would make the system better?

Mark then asks listeners whether it’s time for Canada to create a national wildland firefighting service, funded through the defence budget.

Mark speaks with Rob Hindi, AM800 CKLW reporter, for coverage of the Gordie Howe Bridge opening as the first cars cross the bridge.

Mark Towhey hosts the Jerry Agar show today and opens with commentary on the Gordie Howe Bridge, which officially opens to cars today after months of cross‑border controversy and political tension.

Mark then takes calls on the island airport: Do you think there will eventually be jets landing at Billy Bishop Airport?

Next, Mark explores condos for seniors and whether they could help address housing needs. He speaks with Jim Dunn, professor at McMaster University and director of the Canadian Housing Evidence Collaborative, about design, affordability, repurposing existing buildings, and why malls like Cloverdale aren’t using their land for seniors‑oriented housing. Mark then opens the phones: Would you move into a seniors‑focused condo?

It’s Party for Two, and Jerry is joined by Jim Richards, host of The Jim Richards Show, to break down the top stories of the day.

Next, what's the secret to a better commute? Jerry speaks with Winny Shen, an Associate professor at the Schulich School of Business at York University. 

Revisiting the topic of coyotes from hour 1, Jerry speaks with Steve Yamada, a councillor serving his third term on Whitby Council and his second term at the Region.

It's Friday! Bob Reid is here for Touchdowns and Fumbles. Bringing the top communications question of the week.

Jerry opens the show by questioning Prime Minister Carney’s credibility: He said he was the most qualified to get trade deals done, but now he’s admitting a trade deal may not happen. 

A mayoral candidate is promising to hire 1,000 new police officers if elected. Jerry reacts to the exchange between Brad Bradford and John Tory from earlier in the morning.

Jerry then talks about organized crime in Canada. He speaks with Garry Clement, President and CEO of Clement Advisory Group and former RCMP Superintendent of Proceeds of Crime.

Jerry asks listeners: Are cities going too easy on coyotes? Jerry takes calls on whether more should be done to protect residents.

It’s Party for Two! Jerry is joined by Sabrina Nanji, Queen’s Park Observer, to break down the biggest stories of the day at Queen's Park.

 

Canada is introducing new graphic cigarette warning labels. Jerry asks, if you quit smoking, why did you? 

 

Jerry also speaks with Tom Korski of Blacklock's Reporter to talk about the latest Blacklock's stories coming out of Ottawa.

 

Later, Jerry asks listeners about managing money in a relationship. After getting married or moving in together, do couples combine their finances, keep separate accounts, or use a mix of both? Listeners weigh in on what works best for them.

Jerry opens the show with a look at new Statistics Canada data showing crime is down in both Toronto and Ontario. But despite the numbers, many people still feel less safe. Jerry discusses whether perceptions of crime match reality.

 

Next, Jerry is joined by Carmi Levy, Newstalk 1010 Tech Expert, to discuss two AI stories. OpenAI says one of its AI systems acted on its own in an unprecedented hack of another company, and there is a lawsuit from a Florida pastor who claims chatbot advice contributed to a medical emergency.

 

Jerry and Mark Mendelson, Newstalk 1010 Crime Expert and former homicide detective, talk about a Hamilton teen accused of stealing an SUV after allegedly leaving behind a receipt that helped police identify them. They also discuss an Etobicoke bar owner who was busted for allegedly buying alcohol from LCBO thieves operating out of a homeless encampment.  Later, Jerry opens the phone lines and asks listeners what the Etobicoke bar owner should have done in that situation. Was buying the stolen alcohol the only practical way to deal with ongoing problems?