Zoomer Week in Review

May 18 2025 - How Our Siblings Impact Us & The Cost of For-Profit Nursing Agencies for Ontario Hospitals

New research suggests siblings have a profound impact on each other's lives. In her book, The Family Dynamic: a Journey into the mystery of sibling success, author Susan Dominus explores some high-achieving kids and how their brothers and sisters helped them get there.

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A new report, authored by Simon Fraser University political economist Andrew Longhurst and commissioned by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, examined the increased use of nursing agencies in Ontario hospitals. It found that over the last decade, the costs have skyrocketed to 9.2-billion dollars. Dr. Doris Grinspun, CEO of the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario, calls it the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the myriad of problems associated with the use of agencies.

May 11 2025 – Sue Hincenbergs' Debut Novel "The Retirement Plan" & Alberta's Separatism Movement

Many Zoomers dream of writing a novel, but making that dream a reality is no simple task. And if you’re not famous, selling the book and finding an audience is even harder. But ZoomerMedia alumnus Sue Hincenbergs is celebrating the perfect debut with her new book “The Retirement Plan.”

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It’s been a factor for a long time but many of us Central Canadians are hearing about it for the first time. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says she will undertake a referendum on separating from Canada if enough Albertans say they want it. How serious is the threat and what’s behind it? I reached author Michael Wagner in Edmonton.

May 4 2025-The Link Between CT Scans and Cancer & A History of Attempts to Reform English Spelling

CT scans are a popular diagnostic tool but a recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found a link between the scans and cancer. Dr. Derek Tsang, Radiation Oncologist at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, explains the benefits and possible risks.

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The English language is said to be one of the hardest to grasp with its quirky letters and “exceptions to the rule”. The new book “Enough is Enuf” takes a humorous look at the history of the spelling reform movement. Guest host Kathy Hyde reached author Gabe Henry at his home in New York City.

April 27 2025-How a Papal Conclave Works & What's Hot in Ontario Cottage Real Estate?

More than 200 Cardinals from around the world--including five from Canada--have gathered in Rome preparing for the Conclave to elect the successor to Pope Francis. We’ll take a look at what may happen behind closed doors. Guest host Kathy Hyde speaks with Father Robert O’Brien of St. Paul’s Minor Basilica in Toronto.

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With warmer temperatures, cottage country may be calling. Phil Soper, President and CEO of Royal Lepage, takes a look at what’s hot when it comes to buying/selling waterfront property and whether US President Donald Trump’s tariffs may affect those summer plans.

Cancer Research in Jeopardy and the Rising Tide of Book Bans

Canadian cancer researchers received over 40 million in US funding last year for their life-saving work. Now, amid Donald Trump’s tariff war, seven-in-ten Canadian cancer researchers are concerned about the impact on both this year’s funding, and the future of collaborative projects with US colleagues. So this year’s April daffodil month to raise funds and support for Canadians living with the disease carries more urgency for the one-in-two Canadians will face a cancer diagnosis in their lifetime. We reached Dr. Stuart Edmonds, Head of Research with the Canadian Cancer Society.

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Author Ira Wells, an associate professor at the University of Toronto, makes the strong argument against book banning and censorship in his latest called ON BOOK BANNING. Censorship dates back through the ages, but Wells claims there are now more efforts to ban books from libraries than ever before.

April 13 2025-Discovery of Hormone Used in Obesity Medications & The Revival of Vinyl Records

It may not be a household name yet but a Toronto-based doctor has just won this year’s prestigious Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences, considered the Oscars of the scientific community. Dr. Daniel Drucker, along with his colleagues, have been recognized for discovering the hormone used in diabetes and obesity medications — including Ozempic — that have changed the lives of millions around the world. He shares the $3 million US prize with four colleagues from the United States and Denmark. We reached Dr. Daniel Drucker, an endocrinologist and a clinician-scientist at the University of Toronto and the Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute at Sinai Health

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What’s old is new again. There’s been a revival of vinyl records. Christine Ross spoke with Carleton University Communication and Media Studies Professor Josh Greenberg who’s been researching this comeback story.

April 6 2025-Navigating The Threat of President Trump's Tariffs & Spring Cleaning Tips for Zoomers

For many people, Spring is the perfect time to do a purge of all that “stuff” you’ve acquired over the last year. Kristen Wall, Owner and Lead Organizer of Miss Kris & Co gives tips for Zoomers navigating the process.

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Tariffs and counter-tariffs continue to dominate the news. Guest host Kathy Hyde recently spoke with Dennis Darby, President of the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters for his take about the most recent moves by President Trump and what they mean for Canada.

March 30 2025-How, Where and When to Vote this Federal Election & Michael Kovrig on Execution of Canadians by China

It will cost $570 million and create 200,000 short-term jobs. We will head to the polls on April 28 after the shortest federal campaign allowed under Canadian law. And there are more options on when, where and how to vote this time. I talked with Natalie de Montigny of Elections Canada.

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China’s recent execution of four Canadian citizens put the focus back on the trouble between our two nations. And with about another 100 Canadians in Chinese jails, it is raising alarms. I talked with former diplomat Michael Kovrig who spent 1019 days imprisoned in China on trumped up charges.

March 23 2025-Amb. John Bolton on US President Trump's Tariffs & Fighting Noise Pollution in Toronto

Libby speaks with John Bolton, former US Ambassador to the UN and National Security Adviser during President Donald Trump’s first term. Bolton offers some words of advice to Prime Minister Carney on dealing with President Trump. He also reacts to the US trade war with Canada and the state of national security. He spoke with Libby Znaimer earlier this week.

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We’ve been told for years that noise is just a part of “city life” but a grassroots organization in Toronto wants noise pollution recognized as a health hazard and for the City to take action to address the problem. Guest host Kathy Hyde speaks with Ingrid Buday of No More Noise Toronto. Ingrid tells us about the meeting taking place on April 1st where Toronto Public Health will be reporting to the Toronto Board of Health about the Noise Action Plan that came out in 2019.

March 16 2025-The History Of America Wanting To Annex Canada & Be Aware of These Scams

Most Canadians are shocked about US President Donald Trump’s designs on annexing Canada. But there is a long history of those expansionist ideas and a record of both political and military failures in that effort. I reached Dr. Patrick O’brien, an expert in early US-Canada relations at the University of Tampa.

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Are you feeling fraud fatigue? As the scams get more sophisticated and personalized, most Canadians are feeling increasingly vulnerable. I spoke with Detective David Coffey of the Toronto Police Service's Financial Crimes Unit about the latest schemes to separate you from your hard-earned money.