The Rundown

How did the universe start? What's a black hole? Our focus on the cosmos continues as astronomer Bryan Gaensler, astrophysicist Nathalie Ouellette, theoretical physicist Matthew Johnson, and aerospace engineer Walter Stoddard discuss some of the theories behind how our universe functions, gravitational waves, and even dark energy.

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How big is our galaxy? And how do we know that? In this instalment of our focus on the cosmos, astronomer Bryan Gaensler, astrophysicist Nathalie Ouellette, theoretical physicist Matthew Johnson, and aerospace engineer Walter Stoddard discuss the mysteries of the Milky Way.

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Is there really a greatest movie of all time? Is there an agreed upon roster of the best of the best? In the final episode of movies week, film critics Thom Ernst and Alicia Fletcher; Toronto International Film Festival CEO Cameron Bailey; and filmmaker Clement Virgo discuss what makes a great film and whether there should be a canon.

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It seems like every movie is either a blockbuster or independent film. Are action films the only way to turn a profit? In the fourth instalment of movies week, film critics Thom Ernst and Alicia Fletcher; Toronto International Film Festival CEO Cameron Bailey; and filmmaker Clement Virgo discuss if there's room for more genres in the "missing middle."

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The movie industry has seen its share of obstacles in recent years, from pandemic shutdowns to AI nipping at writers' heels. In the third instalment of movies week, film critics Thom Ernst and Alicia Fletcher; Toronto International Film Festival CEO Cameron Bailey; and filmmaker Clement Virgo discuss how the industry is changing and whether it will be able to weather the storm.

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How do you watch movies? Are movie theatres the best way to watch a film? We ask whether it's better to watch a movie in theatres, in the comfort of your living room, or on the go with a handheld device. With guests: film critics Thom Ernst and Alicia Fletcher; Toronto International Film Festival CEO Cameron Bailey; and filmmaker Clement Virgo.

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What is so captivating about movies? Why are some people drawn to film? This week, we welcome film critics Thom Ernst and Alicia Fletcher; Toronto International Film Festival CEO Cameron Bailey and filmmaker Clement Virgo. Tonight, they discuss what makes movies magical.

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Have you ever wondered what makes food appealing? What senses are activated when we taste something? This week we welcome, Marie Fitrion, food writer and program manager at Foodpreneur Lab; Ann Hui, Globe and Mail food writer and author of "Chop Suey Nation;" Joshna Maharaj, chef and author of "Take Back the Tray;" and Joseph Shawana, chef at ddcx Indigenous Kitchen on Manitoulin Island. Tonight, they discuss what goes into developing a palate and why people prefer the taste of some things more than others.

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Should there be one literary canon? And, if so, whose works should be included. On the final episode of our focus on the art and craft of writing, George Elliott Clarke ("Where Beauty Survived"), Elizabeth Hay ("Snow Road Station"), Vincent Lam ("On the Ravine"), and Thea Lim ("An Ocean of Minutes") talk to Nam Kiwanuka about whether the classics are still relevant and whether some works have been excluded from certain canons.

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What happens when a writer fails? Or when a publisher drops an author? What if a book is banned? Canadian writers George Elliott Clarke ("Where Beauty Survived"), Elizabeth Hay ("Snow Road Station"), Vincent Lam ("On the Ravine"), and Thea Lim ("An Ocean of Minutes") talk to Nam Kiwanuka about challenges that most writers face.

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