In many ways, personal devices like smartphones, tablets and smartwatches feel less like tools… and more like constant companions. Stephen Monteiro says that’s by design. The assistant professor of communications studies at Concordia University joins David Common to discuss his book Needy Media, in which he breaks down how our devices evolved – from the way they feel in our hands, to how they light up when we look at them – to make us more dependent on them.

Guest host David Common speaks with The Atlantic staff writer Toluse "Tolu" Olorunnipa and New York Times White House correspondent Luke Broadwater about the enduring effects of Donald Trump's whirlwind summer, assistant professor of communications studies at Concordia University Stephen Monteiro breaks down how our devices evolved to make us more dependent on them, science journalist Peter Brannen enriches our understanding of carbon dioxide, and activist Loretta Ross reflects on her social justice journey.

Discover more at https://www.cbc.ca/sunday

Four months since Mark Carney was elected prime minister, journalist Justin Ling is examining the forces that drove – and divided – Canadians during the federal election campaign in his new book, The 51st State Votes. David Common speaks with Ling about the existential crisis Canadians faced at the ballot box in the form of Donald Trump, how it fundamentally shifted the fortunes of Conservative leader Pierre Poilieve, and how all federal parties need to adapt to meet this moment as Parliament gets ready to return.

Guest host David Common speaks with global affairs experts Janice Stein and Roland Paris about how much merit there may be behind the momentum of Russia-Ukraine peace prospects, famine expert Alex de Waal discusses the confirmation of famine in Gaza City, journalist Justin Ling explores how the forces behind the federal election are shaping Canadian politics now, Dr. Chika Stacy Oriuwa shares her journey to becoming a doctor and finding her voice, and music historian Steve Waksman walks through how stadium shows evolved and changed live music.

Discover more at https://www.cbc.ca/sunday

As record temperatures scorch Canada, you may find yourself walking on the shady side of the street, or ducking under a tree. But in many cities, keeping public spaces sunny has long been a key priority. The Globe and Mail's architecture critic Alex Bozikovic explains how sun and shade wars have broader implications on critical city infrastructure. Then, Saroja Coelho speaks with environmental journalist Sam Bloch about how prizing sun over shade has cast a long shadow on urban design and public health in our warming world.

Guest host Saroja Coelho speaks with New York Times White House correspondent Katie Rogers and McGill University political science associate professor Maria Popova about Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin's meeting in Alaska, The Globe and Mail's architecture critic Alex Bozikovic and environmental journalist Sam Bloch make the case for city shade, aviation expert John Gradek discusses the the Air Canada flight attendant contract dispute, Canadian history professor Alan MacEachern reflects on the evolution of Canada's parks, and Canadian author Vinh Nguyen retraces his family’s journey 50 years after the end of the Vietnam War.

Discover more at https://www.cbc.ca/sunday

If you've ever been told to stop saying "like" so much, or caught yourself cringing when someone else does it... you might want to reconsider. Journalist Megan Reynolds says the much-maligned word is actually a linguistic powerhouse. In the latest edition of Word Processing, our ongoing look at language, Reynolds speaks with Saroja Coelho about the history, gender politics and surprising functionality of "like", as she explores in her book Like: A History of the World’s Most Hated (and Misunderstood) Word.

Guest Host Saroja Coelho speaks with The Globe and Mail's Shannon Proudfoot, Angus Reid Institute's Shachi Kurl and Joël-Denis Bellavance from La Presse about Prime Minister Mark Carney's first 100 days since being elected, journalist Megan Reynolds unpacks our love-hate relationship with the word "like," CBC News senior correspondent Susan Ormiston brings us the latest on Israel's plan to take over Gaza City, Foreign Policy's Ravi Agrawal and Eurasia Group's Graeme Thompson discuss how U.S. tariffs will affect developing countries, and writer Roland Allen shares why physical notebooks still endure in our digital age.

Discover more at https://www.cbc.ca/sunday

August marks 80 years since the United States dropped two atomic bombs on the Japanese cities Hiroshima and Nagasaki, killing an estimated 210,000 people. Setsuko Thurlow, who survived that day, shares her experience and her message for us all amid today's nuclear tensions. Then, Megan Williams speaks with historian and journalist Garrett Graff and national security analyst Joe Cirincione about how this event paved the path to our current nuclear world, and where things may go next.

Guest host Megan Williams speaks with senior economics lecturer Moshe Lander and Canadian Global Affairs Institute vice president Colin Robertson about Canada's options without a Trump trade deal in place, we reflect on the legacy of the atomic bombings of Japan with survivor and nuclear disarmament advocate Setsuko Thurlow, historian Garrett Graff and national security analyst Joe Cirincione, Canada's former ambassador to Israel Jon Allen and former adviser to the Palestine Liberation Organization Diana Buttu discuss Canada's plan to recognize Palestinian statehood, and automotive journalist Mark Richardson uncovers the stories that paved the Trans-Canada Highway.

Discover more at https://www.cbc.ca/sunday