The Social Podcast

Today on The Social, Ben Affleck wanted his ex-wife Jennifer Garner to play his love interest in a new movie, but ultimately recast her to avoid baggage for viewers.  And, an official report says it could cost Alberta up to $170B to separate from Canada.  Will this sway referendum voters?  Then, is hockey still “Canada’s sport”?  Plus, Oprah Winfrey’s bringing a music and arts show to the Las Vegas Sphere.  And, Netflix is turning an infamous Stanford prison experiment into a reality show.  Then, four cheap and easy recipes that use what you have at home.  Plus, how to navigate losing a pet.

Featuring executive director of 'The Walrus' Jennifer Hollett, creator and cookbook author Alex MacLaren, and pet loss bereavement specialist Koryn Greenspan.

Today on The Social, are you concerned about Prime Minister Mark Carney’s plan to open up some Canadian airports to private investment?  And, do men have enough friends?  Then, Tom Cruise admits that he is “intense” on film sets – but is that a bad thing?  Plus, is brunch officially dead?  And, is gossip inherently bad?  Then, a writer for Vox suggests planning for the holidays now.  Plus, the winners of ‘The Amazing Race Canada’ open up about their twin telepathy that helped them win!  And, chef and chocolatier Brandon Olsen shares easy and showstopping chocolate desserts. 

Featuring actor and comedian Miguel Rivas, ‘The Amazing Race Canada’ winners Tina and Liz Liao, and chef Brandon Olsen.

 

Today on The Social, the standout fashion and memorable moments from the 2026 Emmy Awards.  Then, Macklemore gets dropped from Ed Sheeran’s tour following pro-Palestine comments.  And, Travis Kelce confirms he wore a white top hat at his wedding.  Plus, Scott Speedman tells Jess about season two of ‘R.J. Decker.’  And, we sit down with the stars and director of ‘Bleeding Hearts’ – a TIFF music documentary.  Then, author Phyllis Webstad opens up about getting pregnant at thirteen in her new memoir, ‘We Are Still Here.’ 

Featuring stylist Erica Wark, musician Jann Arden, musicians Jesse Woods and Zella Day, and founder of ‘Orange Shirt Day; Every Child Matters’ and author Phyllis Webstad.

Today on The Social, Sydney Sweeney is under fire for appearing naked in a sports betting ad.  And, Céline Dion returns to the stage for her first live show in six years.  Then, was it wrong for the Toronto International Film Festival to open with an American film?  Plus, is it rude to ignore group texts?  And, is it now embarrassing to be in an influencer?  Then, feel-good beauty rituals you can integrate into your routine this fall.  Plus, the new TIFF documentary, ‘Turtle Island Rap.’

Featuring actor and comedian Jana Schmieding, beauty editor Ingrie Williams, director Alexandra Lazarowich and artist A$h Da Hunter.

 

Today on The Social, we sit down with former Spice Girl Melanie C!  She weighs in on Meta’s decision to ban beauty filters for minors, shares what it was like living with the Spice Girls, and reacts to the news that women are leaving their husbands after watching ‘Heated Rivalry’!  Plus, we dive into her new marriage and her new album ‘Sweat,’ and reflect on the 30th anniversary of the Spice Girls.  Then, Apple Watch’s new AI features are always listening.  Is this helpful, or an invasion of privacy?  Plus, the non-fiction book market is collapsing.  And, actors Ruby Stokes and Rohan Campbell talk about their new show, ‘Below’.

Featuring musician Melanie C, actor Anna Lambe, and actors Rohan Campbell and Ruby Stokes.

Today on The Social, it’s the 25th anniversary of 9/11.  We reflect on our memories of that day.  And, before her death, Dolly Parton opened up about neglecting her own health when she cared for her ailing husband.  Then, Phoebe Bridgers shows off her unshaven legs at the Venice Film Festival.  Plus, what constitutes micro-cheating?  And, Jennifer Lawrence officially joins Instagram with a warning to her followers.  Then, should you buy your family breakfast if they knowingly sleep through a free one at your hotel?  Plus, restaurateur and author Jen Agg joins us to talk about her new book, ‘Table Boss.’  And, Canadian Guinness World Record holder Saul Hafting breaks another record on a pogo stick. 

Featuring comedian Julie Kim, restaurateur and author Jen Agg, and Canadian Guinness World Record holder Saul Hafting.

Today on The Social, Apple Watch’s new AI features are always listening.  Is this helpful, or an invasion of privacy?  And, the nonfiction book market is collapsing.  Then, Gen Z is beating burnout by joining rest clubs.  Plus, actors Ruby Stokes and Rohan Campbell talk about their new show, ‘Below’.  And, we drink witchy cocktails inspired by ‘Practical Magic 2’.  Then, how much can we actually communicate with animals? 

Featuring actors Anna Lambe, Rohan Campbell and Ruby Stokes, beverage expert Monica Carbonell, and author Amelia Thomas.

 

Today on The Social, Meta says it will ban beauty filters for minors.  And, how prepared were you to live on your own?  Then, women are leaving their husbands after watching ‘Heated Rivalry’.  Plus, Melanie C talks about her new album, ‘Sweat’ and the 30th anniversary of the Spice Girls.  Then, why are we obsessed with Justin Trudeau and Katy Perry?  Journalist Kathy Chow joins the show to discuss.  And, food influencer and cookbook author Jamie Milne shares four delicious recipes you can make at home.

Featuring “Spice Girl” Melanie C, journalist Kathy Chow, and food influencer and cookbook author Jamie Milne.

Today on The Social, the RCMP spent over half a million dollars providing security for Prince Harry when he visited Canada for work and personal reasons.  Then, Shania Twain says fear fuels her, but does it influence your decisions?  And, should you think about how your child’s name will impact their future when naming them?  Plus, Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes’ daughter is dropping Tom’s last name.  And, should guests pay to attend a kid’s birthday party?  Then, the Pentagon’s latest release of eerie, unexplained encounters and why advocates want more government transparency! 

 

Featuring award-winning filmmaker and showrunner Sasha-Leigh Henry, and scholar and writer Riley Yesno.

Today on The Social, the ‘Barbie’ movie sequel could be in jeopardy over high salary demands.  And, should you confront a co-worker who walks around the office barefoot?  Then, how should you tell your anxious family that you’re a motorcyclist?  Plus, is a black-tie wedding acceptable in this economy?  And, should you split the cost of your engagement ring with your partner?  Then, Nicole Kidman makes a rare comment about her marriage to Tom Cruise.  And, have people forgotten how to behave at the movies?  Plus, actor Ben McKenzie takes on cryptocurrency in his new documentary.

 

Featuring actor and comedian Tom Hearn, and TV host and writer Teddy Wilson.